cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Saving power without compromising disk drive reliability

We present a robust framework that aims at harvesting future idle intervals for power savings within strict constraints: first, it is imperative to contain the delays in service of IO requests that occur during power savings since the time to bring up the disk is not negligible and second, ensure that the power saving mechanism is triggered few times only, such that the disk wear out due to powering up and down does not compromise its lifetime. Extensive experimentation on a set of enterprise storage traces illustrates frameworks effectiveness.
Renal Fibrin Deposition Associated with Isoimmune Haemolysis in Monkeys: Observation by Light, Electron and Immunofluorescence Microscropy

Summary. Following control renal biopsies, five cynomolgus monkeys received an infusion of incompatible isoimmune plasma. Renal biopsies were obtained at 2 or 4 hr, 24 hr, and 7 days after infusion and were examined by light and electron microscopy, as well as immunofluorescence microscopy for platelet antigens and fibrinogen related antigen(s) (FRA). Test animals receiving incompatible plasma showed evidence of haemolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Renal tissue changes varied according to the severity of the transfusion reaction and the time of biopsy. Light microscopy revealed mild glomerular and tubular changes. In early biopsies, immunofluorescence studies showed deposition of FRA in glomerular capillaries and tubule cells. By day 7, glomerular FRA was no longer present, and tubule cell FRA had been displaced into the renal interstitium. Platelet antigen was not seen in any biopsy. Electron microscopy demonstrated proximal tubule cell damage with phosphotungstic acid positive staining granules, intravascular clot formation, and foot process fusion. Two control monkeys received compatible plasma and showed no evidence of renal injury. It appears that renal fibrin deposition and tubule cell damage occur even during mild haemolytic transfusion reactions. This study provides evidence for local fibrinolysis of glomerular fibrin and the transfer of FRA from tubular lumens to the interstitium. In addition, tubule cell FRA appears to be associated with structural damage.
The Bengal Depositional System: From rift to orogeny

Abstract The Bengal Depositional System is defined as the surface depositional environments and the underlying sediment accumulation extending from the alluvial, lacustrine and paludal sediments of the lower Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers, across the Bengal Delta, the Bangladesh continental shelf and slope to and including the Bengal Fan. Together it is one of the greatest sediment accumulations in the modern world, and is comparable in volume to the great sediment accumulations of the geological past. The history of formation started with the Mesozoic breakup of Eastern Gondwanaland, the northward drift of India, its collision with the southern margin of Asia, rotation and bending of the western Sunda Arc, and the penetration of the Indian continental mass into southern Asia. During this history, the regional tectonics evolved and sources and provenance of the sediments changed with the ultimate uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas.
Mesoscale wind direction shifts in the stable boundary-layer

The observed mesoscale variability of wind direction near the surface is examined in stable boundary layers. Such direction changes are often perceived as gentle meandering of the wind direction back and forth. However, with weak winds on the order of 1 m s −1 , large sudden shifts of wind direction are found to be common, as are a wide variety of more complex variations of wind direction. This study focuses on frequent abrupt changes of wind direction. Various statistics of wind direction variation are interpreted and their dependence on scale is noted. The wind shifts are embedded within a wide variety of complex flow signatures, without emergence of a dominant type of structure. The physics of such variations remain generally unknown.
Absence of Isomerism in Gallium-65

The formation of ${\mathrm{Ga}}^{65}$ has been investigated in the decay of ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{65}$ and in the following reactions over a wide range of bombarding energies: ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{63}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, 2n)$, ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{64}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, p2n)$, ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{64}(d, n)$, and ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{64}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma})$. In no case was a previously reported 8-minute isomer detected.
Molecular dynamics calculation of the infrared and Raman spectra of ice IX in the translational mode region

Abstract The infrared and Raman spectra of ice IX, in the translational mode region, are calculated by molecular dynamics assuming an interaction-induced dipole mechanism and using a simple point-charge effective pair potential for the intermolecular interactions. The results indicate that the dipole-induced-dipole model is able to reproduce the main features of the observed spectra. Although the calculated and observed lattice mode frequencies are in reasonable agreement, the intensities are less satisfactory.
Contextualizing Falk's Identity-Related Visitor Motivation Model

ABSTRACT This article represents a companion to an article critiquing Falk's identity-related visitor motivations model. Provided here are a summary of the theory and assumptions that underlie the identity-related visitor motivations model and the empirical approaches that were used to develop the model. Particular attention is directed to clarifying the ways in which the identity-related visitor motivations model has and can be used as a segmentation tool, and the growing body of data from a wide range of institutions that support the basic validity and reliability of using the model for this purpose. The paradigmatic foundation of the model, pragmatism, is described. Pragmatism is an approach that emphasizes that knowledge is best gained through, and directed toward action; an approach that gives preference to practicality over theoretical discourses. Finally, thoughts on both the strengths and limitations of the identity-related visitor motivations model as a mechanism for better understanding museum v...
Green roof vegetation type affects germination and initial survival of colonizing woody species

Abstract Green roofs provide a number of valuable ecosystem services compared to conventional roofs, but may require yearly maintenance. Trees and other woody plants that persist on the roof may damage or overload shallow-substrate green roofs and their removal is a standard maintenance procedure. The germination potential of colonizing species may differ depending on the vegetation surrounding them. The aim of this study was to determine whether the germination of colonizing tree species (Picea glauca and Ulmus glabra) will vary depending on which plant species form the established vegetation seeds land in. To determine germination success, survival, and seed capture ability of the plant canopy, tree seeds were added either directly to the growing medium or atop the plant canopy, in replicated monocultures of 14 species native to Nova Scotia. When seeds were added directly to the soil, no significant difference was detected between the monocultures for germination success or survival for U. glabra or P. glauca. However, when the seeds were added atop the plant canopy, percent germination of U. glabra was significantly higher in Carex argyrantha green roof modules. Overall, sod forming graminoids showed higher germination of U. glabra. The number of seeds reaching the soil was typically lower in vegetation with a denser canopy. This study demonstrates that some vegetation repels colonizing tree species by reducing ground contact. Although these effects differed according to tree species, non-vegetated substrates enhanced seedling persistence. Additionally, the majority of tree seeds that germinated failed to survive a single growing-season on shallow-substrate green roofs.
How blind is blind review

BACKGROUND: No representative surveys of scientific opinion about blind review have been published, and there is very little information on the success of the blinding process. The American Journal of Public Health has practiced blind review since 1977. METHODS: In 1989 to 1990 312 of its reviewers were asked to identify author and institution in the manuscript they reviewed, to provide clues to such identification, to express their opinion concerning blind review, and to offer reasons for their opinion. RESULTS: Reviewers claimed to be able to identify author and/or institution in 47% of the 614 chances offered; identification was incorrect 16% of the time, overall identification correct 39% of the time. Self-referencing was the clue to identification in 62%, personal knowledge in 38% of the cases. If only personal knowledge cases are considered, blinding was successful 83% of the time. Blinding was favored by 75% of the reviewers with most asserting it eliminated bias. Reasons given for opposing blind r...
High Performance Heavy-Ion Source for Cyclotrons

A cold cathode Penning discharge ion source, power supply, and its performance in the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron (ORIC) are described. The ion source has operated at power levels as high as 8 kW and has produced a variety of particle beams, ranging from deuterium to xenon and with charge states up to +12. In particular, 20 e?A (electrical microampere) of 05+, 5 × 104 p/sec (particle per second) of 40Ar10+, and 107 p/sec of 132Xe12+ have been extracted from ORIC. From the known intensities of accelerated ions and the calculated total ionization potential, a means of predicting particle intensity for a given charge state has been developed.
SU‐E‐T‐518: Dose Perturbation at Air‐Tissue Interface in Proton Beam Therapy

Purpose: The loss of transverse equilibrium along the central axis of the proton beam in the presence of the air/tissue interface creates dose perturbation that has not been fully quantified. This gets magnified in small fields that are used for lung and patch up fields. Air‐tissue dose perturbation is studied in a phantom and verified with Monte Carlo simulation.Methods: Air channel of variable thickness that could be found in trachea, larynx and small lesions in lung were studied. To mimic air/tissue interface a simple phantom geometry was used with EBT films. The results confirmed the presence of dose perturbations which were investigating using water phantom in reference condition (10×10 cm2 field, 16 cm range and 10 cm SOBP). A variable air column was created in the front of the phantom. A small volume ion chamber was used to collect high resolution profile data in water. The simulation was performed with 3×107 particles with the Monte Carlo particle transport code FLUKA version 2011.2.10 with cut off energy of 100keV. Results: The dose perturbations were visible on film and quantified by ion chamber measurements in water. Dose perturbations at air‐tissue interfaces are shown to be significant (−20 to +30%). The measured profiles show significant discontinuities in dose up to +30% in low density medium. The magnitude is dependence on the location and width of the air gap. Under and over dose perturbation pattern is not predicted by treatment planning system (TPS) due to proton transport algorithm and calculation bin. The Monte Carlo simulation confirmed our measured data. Conclusions: Significant dose perturbation exists with high‐dose region in low density medium that is not predicated by TPS. The magnitude and shape is position and gap size dependent. This study provides the presence of dosimetric discontinuities that should be evaluated clinically at interfaces.
Improved spectrophotometric determination of cyanide with organic disulfides using dimethylformamide

Abstract The rate of reaction of cyanide ion with the dissulfide 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) is increased considerably with N,N -Dimethylformamide present. The time required for the spectrophotometric determination of cyanide using this procedure is decreased from 2 hours to 30 minutes or less.
The green vote in presidential elections: Past performance and future promise

Abstract The electoral impact of the environment issue has been debated for years. Thus far, evidence regarding the issue's electoral impact has concentrated on the 1996 presidential election. Two of the three inquiries into that contest found that the environment had a significant impact on voters’ candidate choices. In an effort to clarify the environment's electoral impact, this research expands the inquiry to include five presidential elections, 1984 through 2000. Findings indicate that the environment had a significant impact in four of these five elections—all but in 2000. The research goes on to examine reasons for variability in the environment's impact, concluding that candidates who play the role of environmental villain/adversary have a surprisingly important role in the issue's electoral strength.
Exposure to community violence and upper respiratory illness in older adolescents

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between exposure to chronic community violence and upper respiratory illness (URI) symptoms among urban adolescents of color; and to test the generality of a model of the relationship between social stress and URI. Method The research used a cross-sectional correlational design. The sample was 769 first-semester first-year students in an urban nonresidential 4-year college from the academic years 1999–2002. Data were collected by a group-administered questionnaire in academic classes. The research used three multi-item additive scales (each with high reliability and validity): exposure to community violence, psychological distress, and URI symptoms. Multiple regression procedures were used to analyze the data. Results Positive correlations were obtained between: exposure to community violence and reporting of URI ( r = .19), exposure and psychological distress ( r = .22), and psychological distress and URI ( r = .51). The relationship between exposure to community violence and URI is greatly reduced when level of psychological distress is statistically controlled. Conclusions Exposure to community violence is related to experiencing URI symptoms among older urban adolescents of color; the effect size of the relationship is small-medium. Psychological distress mediates the impact of exposure to community violence on URI. The findings expand the range of social stressors that are empirically related to URI, and populations in which a relationship between social stressors and URI may be found.
Irreversible response in spin-glasses: An experimental study in amorphous Fe-Mn

The equilibrium and nonequilibrium susceptibilities ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{e}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{ne}}$ of the spin-glass ${({\mathrm{Fe}}_{0.64}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{0.36})}_{75}$${\mathrm{P}}_{16}$${\mathrm{B}}_{6}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$ have been measured as functions of temperature ($4.2l~Tl~80$ K) and a cooling field ($8 \mathrm{Oe}l~Hl~2 \mathrm{kOe}$). A phase transition occurs at a temperature ${T}_{c}(H)$ below which the irreversible response $\ensuremath{\Delta}(T)\ensuremath{\propto}T({\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{e}}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathrm{ne}})$ appears. ${T}_{c}(H)$ decreases from the freezing temperature (${T}_{f}=41.6$ K) as ${H}^{0.75\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1}$. For small $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\equiv}1\ensuremath{-}\frac{T}{{T}_{c}(H)}$, $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ behaves as $A\ensuremath{\tau}+B{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{2}$ with field-dependent coefficients $A$ and $B$ and $A(H=0)=0$. The results are compared with the predictions of the mean-field theory of spin-glasses.
Alkylation Damage by Lipid Electrophiles Targets Functional Protein Systems

Protein alkylation by reactive electrophiles contributes to chemical toxicities and oxidative stress, but the functional impact of alkylation damage across proteomes is poorly understood. We used Click chemistry and shotgun proteomics to profile the accumulation of proteome damage in human cells treated with lipid electrophile probes. Protein target profiles revealed three damage susceptibility classes, as well as proteins that were highly resistant to alkylation. Damage occurred selectively across functional protein interaction networks, with the most highly alkylation-susceptible proteins mapping to networks involved in cytoskeletal regulation. Proteins with lower damage susceptibility mapped to networks involved in protein synthesis and turnover and were alkylated only at electrophile concentrations that caused significant toxicity. Hierarchical susceptibility of proteome systems to alkylation may allow cells to survive sublethal damage while protecting critical cell functions.
Assessment of episodic acidification in Sierra Nevada, California

Monte-Carlo simulations were used to assess the extent of shortterm alkalinity depressions occuring in Sierra Nevada lakes due to acidic deposition events. The Episodic Event Model (EEM) was used to simulate spring snowmelt events. Snow course data, precipitation data and lake acidification surveys were used to derive values for the EEM parameters. Spring snowmelt events were shown to have great impacts on the water quality of Sierran lakes. Lakes are likely to be most affected by the early-spring snowmelt event because the epilimnion depth is at a minimum, which indicates minimum dilution. Under annual average loading conditions, no Sierran lake has been reported as acidic although 29% of the lakes have alkalinities less than 40 µeq/L indicating a sensitivity to acidification. In simulations of early-spring snowmelt events, using present-day acidic loading conditions, it was estimated 79% ± 9% of the lakes would experience shortterm lake alkalinity depressions to levels less than 40 µeq/L. The results provided by the model simulations are valuable in establishing upper and lower limits on the extent of possible episodic acidification to lake-resources-at-risk. The most critical parameters controlling the magnitude of lake alkalinity depressions during snowmelt episodic events are a) the lake area to watershed area ratio — a measure of input loading, and b) the epilimnion volume — a measure of dilution and mixing.
Organization of concepts relevant to emotions and their regulation during test taking

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess aspects of college students' organization of concepts related to emotions and their regulation during test taking. The authors also evaluated whether students who report having problems with test anxiety hold a different conceptual organization about test taking compared with students who do not report having such problems. Concepts relevant to emotions and their regulation during test taking were sampled from the emotion and emotional regulation literature. Participants rated how similar these concepts were during test taking. These ratings were then submitted to multidimensional scaling analyses (MDS). The resulting arrangement of concepts provides insight into the underlying organizational conceptions held by low, moderate, and high test-anxious participants. Students' organizational schemes surrounded 2 dimensions: (a) task-focus and (b) pleasantness. High test-anxious participants had differing conceptual organizations about test taking than moderate a...
Multiplicative MJO Forcing of ENSO

AbstractThe Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is parameterized to study the role of the feedback it receives from sea surface temperature (SST) in its influence on El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The parameterization describes MJO surface westerlies in terms of a few basic parameters that include amplitude, zonal propagation extent, propagation speed, and the interval between adjacent events. It is used to drive a coupled ocean–atmosphere model of intermediate complexity tuned to a marginally stable regime. The MJO parameters acquire values either additively (i.e., based on observed estimates of most probable value and stochasticity) or multiplicatively (i.e., modulated by an evolving model ENSO SST, albeit with some stochasticity). Simulations reveal that ENSO variance increases with the stochasticity of MJO amplitude but is insensitive to the stochasticity of zonal extent and speed, except that ENSO vanishes completely when the propagation speed is zero. Likewise, ENSO strengthens linearly with the S...
An historical overview of the literature of dipnoi: Introduction to the bibliography of lungfishes

The 2,200 citations of a bibliography of literature on the dipnoan fishes provide an overview of 150 years of work on lungfishes. Starting with Agassiz's volumes on fossil fishes in the 1830s and extending to papers from 1985, one can document the debate on the systematic position of dipnoans, the successive areas of research interest, and the continuing use of lungfish for comparative and evolutionary studies. The papers from 1837–1860 trace the misidentification and confusion surrounding the early discovery and description of Ceratodus, Lepidosiren, and Protopterus, centering on the uncertainty about whether to place the living genera among the fishes or the amphibians. The papers of the latter half of the 19th century show the influence of evolutionary theory, of the discovery of Neoceratodus, and of interest in embyrology. The trends in the 20th century reflect those of the larger scientific community. The listing will thus be useful both to the historian and to the active research scientist.
Nucleon-nucleon interaction and the quantum numbers of the ζ-meson

It is shown that the assignments isospinT=1, spinJ=0, parityP=+ andG-parityG=− for the ζ-meson are not ruled out by experiment. It is pointed out that with these quantum numbers, the ζ could account qualitatively for certain features of the nucleon-nucleon interaction in a simple way.
Dyck's map (3,7) 8 is a counterexample to a clique covering conjecture

Abstract Let c(G) denote the minimum number of cliques necessary to cover all edges of a graph G. A counterexample is provided to a conjecture communicated by P. Erdős. If c(G − e)
“Zero‐field” dose data for 60Co and other high‐energy photon beams in water

A procedure of separating the primary- and scatter-dose components in therapeutic photon beams is examined. It is based on the observation that the scatter-dose component is proportional to the variable z = rd/(r+d), where r and d are beam radius and depth in phantom, respectively. It is, therefore, possible to express an absorbed dose in the form of a linear equation D(r) = P+Nz, where at a fixed depth d, both primary dose P and coefficient N are constant. A method of linear extrapolation of an absorbed dose D(r) to "zero-field" size, i.e., r = 0, is utilized. Since Monte Carlo technique is capable of scoring separately the primary- and scatter-dose components, it is used to evaluate the accuracy of the linear extrapolation method within the range of 60Co-15-MV nominal photon energies. The results demonstrate that this method is sufficiently accurate to obtain the primary dose component in photon beams. For 60Co gamma radiation in water, tabulated sets of measured depth-dose data are analyzed by the linear extrapolation method to review "zero-field" dose values [percentage depth dose (PDD) and tissue-air ratio (TAR) tables of the British Journal of Radiology, Suppl. 17]. The "zero-field" PDD data are found to be accurate within limits of experimental uncertainties. Inconsistencies in the TAR table are illustrated and discussed. 60Co tables of relative doses, D(r,d)/P(dmax), including "zero-field" values for both fixed SSD and isocentric geometries, are generated. Dose calculation in irregular fields is considered. The linear extrapolation method is recommended as a standard procedure for separating primary dose from depth-dose data in high-energy photon beams.
A comparison of Raman signatures and laser-induced incandescence with direct numerical simulation of soot growth in non-premixed ethylene/air flames

Abstract The predictions of “soot” concentrations from numerical simulations for nitrogen-diluted, ethylene/air flames are compared with laser-induced incandescence and Raman spectra observed from samples thermophoretically extracted using a rapid insertion technique. In some flame regions, the Raman spectra were obscured by intense, radiation that appeared to peak in the near infrared spectral region. There is a good agreement between spatial profiles of this ex situ laser-induced incandescence (ES-LII) and the “traditional” in situ laser-induced incandescence (IS-LII). Raman signatures were observed from low in the flame and extended into the upper flame regions. The spectra consisted of overlapping bands between 1000 and 2000 cm −1 dominated by the “ G ” band, near ≈1580 cm −1 , and the “ D ” band in the upper 1300 cm −1 range. Several routines are explored to deconvolve the data including 3- and 5-band models, as well as a 2-band Breit–Wigner–Fano (BWF) model. Because the Raman signals were observed at heights below those where in situ LII was observed, we postulate that these signals may be attributable to smaller particles. The results suggest that the observed Raman signals are attributable to particulate with modest (≈1 nm) crystallite sizes. This observation is discussed in the context of current models for nascent particle formation.
Effects of sex on object recognition and spatial navigation in humans

Human tests designed to mirror rodent tests of object recognition and spatial navigation were administered to adult cognitively healthy humans. Facial recognition was also assessed. There was no sex difference in facial recognition, consistent with earlier studies. In the object recognition test, the test-retest NINL total scores during the same visit were highly correlated, comparable to the test-retest correlations obtained in the established facial recognition test. There were no effects of sex on object recognition. However, in the spatial navigation test, there were effects of sex on spatial learning and memory during the session with the hidden, but not visible, target. These tests might be useful to compare assessments of object recognition and spatial learning and memory in humans and animal models.
Physician payment reform: Congress's turn.

Excerpt The Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC), created by law in 1986 to advise Congress on reforming methods for Medicare payments to physicians, issued its third annual report on 28 Apri...
"Coagulation Test" for Cooked Meat Temperature: Effect of Sample Preparation Methods

The “Coagulation Test,” to determine the temperature to which meat had been cooked, was studied relative to the effect of variations in sample preparation methods on the coagulation temperature, biuret protein content and spectrophotometric absorbance value of 0.9% saline OI water filtrates obtained from extracts of samples of rare, medium and well done portions of roast beef. Sample preparation methods were: (1) 5-mm cubes, (2) ground once, (3) ground three times, or (4) homogenized at 12,000 rpm for 30 sec. Sample preparation method had no significant effect on the coagulation temperature, biuret protein content or absorbance values of filtrates from extracts of rare, medium and well done portions of roast beef. No significant differences were found between 0.9% saline and distilled water filtrates.
Toxicity of inorganic selenium salts to chick embryos.

The effects of selenite and selenate treatment by air cell injection on mortality and growth of 14-day chick embryos during a 64–68 hour period were studied. The LD50 for selenite-Se was about 0.5 ppm, based on weight of the egg contents, and that for selenate-Se about 1.8–2.0 ppm. Growth depression was evident from these treatments, but other gross effects were not prominent. The treatment of embryos with selenite and sulfate together caused a greater mortality than treatment with selenite alone.
Two Antagonistic Clock-Regulated Histidine Kinases Time the Activation of Circadian Gene Expression

The cyanobacterial circadian pacemaker consists of a three-protein clock--KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC--that generates oscillations in the phosphorylation state of KaiC. Here we investigate how temporal information encoded in KaiC phosphorylation is transduced to RpaA, a transcription factor required for circadian gene expression. We show that phosphorylation of RpaA is regulated by two antagonistic histidine kinases, SasA and CikA, which are sequentially activated at distinct times by the Kai clock complex. SasA acts as a kinase toward RpaA, whereas CikA, previously implicated in clock input, acts as a phosphatase that dephosphorylates RpaA. CikA and SasA cooperate to generate an oscillation of RpaA activity that is distinct from that generated by either enzyme alone and offset from the rhythm of KaiC phosphorylation. Our observations reveal how circadian clocks can precisely control the timing of output pathways via the concerted action of two oppositely acting enzymes.
Effect of hypoglycemia on extracellular levels of cyclic AMP in man

Abstract This study was designed to assess the response of cyclic AMP to “endogenous” hormonal stimulation resulting from insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Insulin was administered to four normal subjects and four adrenalectomized patients. Hypoglycemia resulted in four-fold increases in plasma cyclic AMP. This response is thought to be secondary to β-adrenergic stimulation for the following reasons: (1) the response was absent in adrenalectomized, cortisol-treated subjects; (2) it was abolished by propranolol; and (3) urinary excretion of cyclic AMP did not reflect the rise in plasma cyclic AMP.
Chromatographic Analysis of the Volatile Components of Papaya Fruit

The volatile components of two varieties of papaya fruits ( Carica papaya Linn.) were analyzed by gas and thin-layer chromatography. At least 18 components were found in one variety (greenhouse), whereas only 13 were identified in the fruit obtained on the open market. The changes of the relative concentration of the former also were determined at various stages of ripeness.
Host proteins in dental plaques of caries-resistant versus caries-susceptible human groups

Abstract The level of host proteins in 3-day supragingival plaque extracts was compared in caries-resistant (CR) and caries-susceptible (CS) adults with little or no gingival inflammation to minimize the contribution of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Except for IgA, all the host proteins examined were present at similar levels in both groups of subjects. Although the IgA exhibited fragmentation on sodium dodecylsulphate gradient-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and transfer electrophoresis in both groups, the amount of binding to a standard antisecretory IgA antiserum was higher in CR than in CS subjects. This could be a reflection of the trend towards a higher concentration of IgA in saliva of CR subjects or the result of less proteolytic activity in CR plaque. Even in 3-day plaque in the absence of gingival inflammation, GCF contributes a significant share of the host proteins to plaque extracts. Salivary proteins in plaque do not parallel their relative concentration in saliva.
Eliciting Student Explanations of Experimental Results Using an Online Discussion Board

An online discussion is used to engage students in data interpretation and analysis in an introductory organic chemistry laboratory course. Students post an audio or video recording to explain their problem-solving processes and to provide interpretation of laboratory data. The discussion board (VoiceThread) features a drawing tool that also supports the inclusion of images and graphical representations of data. The activities described are broadly applicable to any science discipline and are particularly useful in high-enrollment classes where opportunities for students to practice data interpretation and discussion of lab results may be limited.
Age-Related Changes in Egg Production, Fertility, Embryonic Mortality, and Hatchability in Commercial Turkey Flocks

Abstract Factors affecting production of Large White turkey hens were examined. Six flocks (n = 136 to 149 hens per flock) were housed at commercial facilities in the United States and two flocks (n = 40 hens per flock) were housed at commercial facilities in the United Kingdom (UK). Effects of time-in-lay on egg production and duration of clutches and pauses were determined using all flocks. Also, effects of time-in-lay, molt, and characteristics of individual eggs (size, sequence position, grade, and incubational weight loss) on fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were determined using the UK flocks. Each flock showed a distinctive pattern of production; it increased initially to a peak and decreased thereafter. Average duration of clutches and of pauses were correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with hen-day egg production. As production declined toward the latter half of lay, a greater proportion of short clutches and, therefore, of first-of-clutch eggs were laid. During the course of the first cycle of lay, eggs became larger and a greater proportion were of low grade. Fertility and hatchability increased initially then decreased. Effects of time-in-lay differed after a forced molt. Egg size changed only slightly with time in the second cycle, and fertility and hatchability were greater in the second cycle than in the first cycle. In both cycles, sequence position affected grade (first-of-sequence eggs were of lower grade compared with eggs laid subsequently), and grade influenced percentage weight loss, fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality. The results of this study support selection of hens based on duration of clutches. In addition, the single most significant preincubational variable for predicting hatchability was grade of the egg.
Prediction of products quality parameters of a crude fractionation section of an oil refinery using neural networks

Inferential analysis using neural network technology is proposed for an existing crude fractionation section of an oil refinery. Plant data for a three month operation period is analyzed in order to construct various neural network models using a backpropagation algorithm. The proposed neural networks can predict various properties associated with crude oil productions. The simulation results for modeling Naphtha 95% cut point and Naphtha Reid vapor pressure properties are analyzed. The results of the proposed work can ultimately enhance the online prediction of crude oil product quality parameters for crude fractionation processes.
Supply Chain Risk Management Approaches Under Different Conditions of Risk

A recent Deloitte study of 600 Supply Chain and C-Level executives revealed that 45% felt that their supply chain risk management programs were only somewhat effective or not effective at all, while a mere 33% used risk management approaches to proactively and strategically manage supply chain risk based on conditions in their operating environment. Using a two-method approach, the research summarized in this paper investigates the effectiveness of different supply chain risk management approaches by examining how performance varies when these approaches are applied under different risk conditions. The results counter prevailing knowledge regarding the appropriate use of such widely acknowledged risk management approaches as postponement and speculation, and highlight the dangers of functionally isolated decision making. The results lend credence to increasing calls for interdisciplinary research to address broad-based supply and demand chain problems, and support the need to utilize performance metrics such as net profit to accurately assess supply chain decisions.
An efficient scheme for two-link failure protection/restoration in WDM mesh networks

In this paper, we present a new hybrid protection and restoration scheme to handle two-link failure in WDM mesh networks. Some existing schemes for handling two-link failure use two backup paths to protect each demand or each link. Others reprovision backup paths for affected demands after the first link failure. Our hybrid scheme is more capacity efficient than previous schemes while being able to protect most of the demands upon two-link failure. The protection component of our hybrid scheme reserves backup capacity intelligently to ensure the majority of the affected demands can be restored using pre-planned backup paths upon two-link failure. For the rest of the affected demands, the restoration component of our hybrid scheme dynamically finds new backup paths to quickly restore them. The capacity efficiency and protection/restoration capability of our hybrid scheme are demonstrated through numerical results.
The genus Podocrella and its nematode-killing anamorph Harposporium.

Several genera are described in the liter- ature as having morphology similar to the clavicipi- taceous genus Podocrella, viz. Atricordyceps, Ophiocor- dyceps, Wakefieldiomyces and ''Cordyceps'' peltata. These genera have capitate-stipitate stromata that gradually expand into a horizontally flattened fertile head that is dark, has strongly protruding perithecia and asci containing eight multiseptate filiform asco- spores. These ascospores disarticulate at the middle septum to form two lanceolate multiseptate part-as- cospores. In this study several specimens of the above-mentioned genera, including the types, were examined to determine whether they are congeneric with Podocrella. This study also reveals the connection of Podocrella to its anamorph genus, Harposporium, and its relationship to several other clavicipitaceous genera, based on cultural data and large subunit nu- clear ribosomal DNA (LSU) sequences. Nematode predation of the Harposporium anamorph of P. pel- tata is demonstrated. The results show Podocrella and selected Harposporium LSU sequences form a mono- phyletic group and that this clade is closely related to Aschersonia. A new species of Podocrella from Costa Rica, P. fusca, is described, new combinations made for P. peltata and P. harposporifera, and a key to the known species is presented.
A Spreadsheet Model for Domestic Leveraged Leases

This article analyzes domestic leveraged leases (DLLs), which have been growing in importance as a method of financing numerous types of assets. DLLs are temporarily placed on hold in response to the 2008 collapse of financial markets, but will experience resurgence after the proposed regulatory reforms. Specifically, the author examines the financial and related issues that a lessor needs to evaluate when financing an asset utilizing the DLL. He discusses the intricacies of the DLL attributes and structures, and develops a spreadsheet model from a lessor9s perspective for evaluating a DLL. Finally, the author illustrates the evaluation of a DLL utilizing a spreadsheet model with an example in which he derives cash flows, identifies the critical variables, and evaluates their impact on the rate of return to the lessor as well as the cost to the lessee.
Is group selection necessary? An alternative interpretation of homogeneous Middleman groups: Comments on Janet Landa’s paper

This article critiques the efforts by Janet Landa, David Sloan Wilson and others to use group selection paradigms to explain the success of homogenous middlemen groups (HMGs). It argues that group selection theory cannot explain the conflicts of interests that arise within HMGs or why they dissolve in certain occasions. Landa’s earlier explanations, which stressed the combination of genetic (kinship) and social bonds in the creation of trust and cooperation in the extension of credit and the creation of local public goods, better predicts both the strength and weaknesses of HMGs.
Phenomenology of bubble nucleation in the solid-state nitrogen–polystyrene microcellular foams

Abstract Experimental results on bubble nucleation in the solid-state polystyrene–nitrogen system are presented. It was found that the bubble nucleation occurs over a period of approximately 30 s, and is not instantaneous as previously suggested. Over the range of nitrogen pressures explored, 4–14 MPa, the cell nucleation density increased exponentially. However this increase was many orders of magnitude less than predicted by the homogeneous nucleation model, indicating that the classical theory may not be applicable to nucleation in thermoplastic polymers near the glass transition.
Lower-limb vascular imaging with acoustic radiation force elastography: Demonstration of in vivo feasibility

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging characterizes the mechanical properties of tissue by measuring displacement resulting from applied ultrasonic radiation force. In this paper, we describe the current status of ARFI imaging for lower-limb vascular applications and present results from both tissue-mimicking phantoms and in vivo experiments. Initial experiments were performed on vascular phantoms constructed with polyvinyl alcohol for basic evaluation of the modality. Multilayer vessels and vessels with compliant occlusions of varying plaque load were evaluated with ARFI imaging techniques. Phantom layers and plaque are well resolved in the ARFI images, with higher contrast than B-mode, demonstrating the ability of ARFI imaging to identify regions of different mechanical properties. Healthy human subjects and those with diagnosed lower-limb peripheral arterial disease were imaged. Proximal and distal vascular walls are well visualized in ARFI images, with higher mean contrast than corresponding B-mode images. ARFI images reveal information not observed by conventional ultrasound and lend confidence to the feasibility of using ARFI imaging during lower-limb vascular workup.
PGS: a tool for association study of high-dimensional microRNA expression data with repeated measures

Motivation: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded non-coding molecules that usually function as negative regulators to silence or suppress gene expression. Owning to the dynamic nature of miRNA and reduced microarray and sequencing costs, a growing number of researchers are now measuring high-dimensional miRNA expression data using repeated or multiple measures in which each individual has more than one sample collected and measured over time. However, the commonly used univariate association testing or the site-by-site (SBS) testing may underutilize the longitudinal feature of the data, leading to underpowered results and less biologically meaningful results. Results: We propose a penalized regression model incorporating grid search method (PGS), for analyzing associations of high-dimensional miRNA expression data with repeated measures. The development of this analytical framework was motivated by a real-world miRNA dataset. Comparisons between PGS and the SBS testing revealed that PGS provided smaller phenotype prediction errors and higher enrichment of phenotype-related biological pathways than the SBS testing. Our extensive simulations showed that PGS provided more accurate estimates and higher sensitivity than the SBS testing with comparable specificities. Availability and implementation: R source code for PGS algorithm, implementation example and simulation study are available for download at https://github.com/feizhe/PGS. Contact: y-zheng@northwestern.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Collective approach for modeling complex system failures

This paper defines the functional requirements of a computerized decision support system (DSS) necessary to serve as a working tool in assisting the reliability engineer in equipment repair/replacement management of material handling equipment. It incorporates the knowledge required to build analytical models of complex material handling systems using known techniques of system modeling. The system can be used to guide the data analysis and statistical modeling for both repairable and nonrepairable systems. This project aims at bridging the existing gap between the reliability theory and practical applications in the field of reliability engineering. A prototype of this computerized system is being developed (to be tested at research sponsors locations). The nonhomogenous Poisson process (NHPP), renewal process, Prentice, Williams and Peterson (PWP) model and proportional hazards models are implemented accordingly in this project. The complete knowledge base addresses both parametric and nonparametric methods of reliability estimation. An additional focus of this project involves research on the left-truncated power law intensity model for cases where the early lifetime data are missing. The software is being developed to support each of these models. Case studies are conducted based upon the failure data of industrial forklift trucks. These analyses are being utilized to verify the design of the DSS. In the presentation, we present the organization of the DSS and present one of the case studies.
Immune Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharides 4 and 14 in Elderly and Young Adults: Analysis of the Variable Heavy Chain Repertoire

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. The current pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) vaccine is highly effective in young adults; however, vaccine efficacy is dramatically decreased in the elderly population. We hypothesized that the decreased vaccine efficacy in the elderly results from altered variable gene family usage. We have characterized the immunoglobulin G gene usage of the antibody response to PPS4 and PPS14 in 20 young and 20 elderly adults. The variable heavy (VH) gene repertoire of human peripheral B cells was amplified by using PCR. A total of 364 heavy chain sequences with specificity for PPS4 and 305 heavy chain sequences for PPS14 were analyzed from young adults. In addition, a total of 325 sequences for PPS4 and 291 sequences for PPS14 were obtained from elderly adults. Complete sequence identity, somatic mutation frequencies, and VH gene usage was determined in response to PPS4 and PPS14. In all volunteers, the immune response to both polysaccharides consisted predominantly of heavy chains belonging to the VH3 gene family. There were significant differences in the variable gene repertoire between young and elderly adults. Somatic mutation occurred more frequently in sequences derived from young compared to elderly derived sequences. With aging, a loss of oligoclonality was noted in response to PPS4 and PPS14 compared to young adults. The observed differences in VH repertoire, somatic mutation, and loss of oligoclonality may contribute to decreased vaccine efficacy in the elderly.
Unpacking inquiry skills from content knowledge in geoscience: a research and development study with implications for assessment design

Recently there has been expressed need for authentic inquiry assessments that can differentiate students' content knowledge from their inquiry skills. Additionally there has been expressed need for such assessments particularly in the geosciences, given the nature of the visualisations, the datasets and the form of communication (i.e., topographical maps, cross-sectional drawings, etc.) used. In response to these calls, we first designed a supplemental instructional and assessment module for honing middle school students' content knowledge and inquiry skills in the domain of geosciences, namely, plate boundaries. Secondly, we evaluated, using our assessment tasks, six classes of middle school students' content knowledge and inquiry skills in this domain. Thirdly, we used factor analysis to empirically demonstrate that content knowledge and inquiry skills can be assessed as separate forms of knowledge. Five factors were empirically demonstrated: some of these represent content knowledge exclusively, some of these represent inquiry skills exclusively, and some of these include both content and inquiry within the same strand. Results are discussed with regard to instructional implications and assessment design.
Four-element planar Butler matrix using half-wavelength open stubs

A simple design of a four-element planar Butler matrix is presented, comprising half-wavelength open stubs to improve relative-phase characteristics between output ports. Over the frequency range from 0.85 to 0.90 GHz, the experimental matrix exhibits phase errors (in the desired phase differences between output ports) and couplings of within 2/spl deg/ and -6.45/spl plusmn/0.25 dB, respectively.