cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solvents for Soluble Nitrogen Measurements in Feedstuffs

Abstract An improved procedure and a new extraction apparatus for determining soluble nitrogen in feedstuffs are presented. This equipment was used to compare the quantity of nitrogen extracted from seven feedstuffs by several mineral solvents and autoclaved rumen fluid. The quantity of nitrogen extracted by either a modified Burroughs mineral mixture of McDougal's artificial saliva differed from that extracted by autoclaved rumen fluid, whereas that extracted by either Burroughs mineral mixture or by sodium chloride solutions did not. Within solvents, the effects of ionic strength (.11, .15, and .19) and ionic species were studied. Changing the ionic strength of the solvents had no significant effect on the quantity of nitrogen extracted. There were several feed-solvent interactions, suggesting that ionic species contained in the solvent have an important effect on nitrogen extractions. Soluble nitrogen values of six feedstuffs obtained with each mineral solvent were correlated with free ammonia values from incubating each feedstuff with an 80% viable rumen fluid-20% McDougal's artificial saliva solution. Relationships were not consistent.
Highly Tissue Specific Expression of Sphinx Supports Its Male Courtship Related Role in Drosophila melanogaster

Sphinx is a lineage-specific non-coding RNA gene involved in regulating courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. The 5′ flanking region of the gene is conserved across Drosophila species, with the proximal 300 bp being conserved out to D. virilis and a further 600 bp region being conserved amongst the melanogaster subgroup (D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia, D. yakuba, and D. erecta). Using a green fluorescence protein transformation system, we demonstrated that a 253 bp region of the highly conserved segment was sufficient to drive sphinx expression in male accessory gland. GFP signals were also observed in brain, wing hairs and leg bristles. An additional ∼800 bp upstream region was able to enhance expression specifically in proboscis, suggesting the existence of enhancer elements. Using anti-GFP staining, we identified putative sphinx expression signal in the brain antennal lobe and inner antennocerebral tract, suggesting that sphinx might be involved in olfactory neuron mediated regulation of male courtship behavior. Whole genome expression profiling of the sphinx knockout mutation identified significant up-regulated gene categories related to accessory gland protein function and odor perception, suggesting sphinx might be a negative regulator of its target genes.
Uplift Performance of Multi-Helix Anchors in Desiccated Clay

AbstractHelical anchors provide an accepted means for the support of compressive and tensile foundation loading. Despite their prevalence, the load-displacement and capacity of multi-helix anchors has not been adequately documented. Full-scale uplift loading tests on square shaft multi-helix anchors installed in desiccated Beaumont clay were performed at a well characterized test site. The stiffness and strength of the anchors is characterized, and compared against the variability in undrained shear strength determined in consideration of inherent variability, measurement error, and transformation error. The large-displacement softening behavior exhibited by the test anchors was shown to reflect the in-situ stress-strain behavior of the high plasticity clay, and the amount of softening with post-peak displacement was characterized. The prediction accuracy of design models was assessed using the bias and its statistical characterization, and indicated that the variability in model accuracy lies within the ...
Numerical models and intercomparisons of beach profile evolution

Abstract A modified non-linear cross-shore sediment transport relationship is developed based on equilibrium beach profile concepts and scaling relationships. This non-linear relationship provides a reasonable explanation for the significantly different time scales of beach evolution evident in various laboratory experiments. The proposed non-linear model called “CROSS” is calibrated and compared with the commonly employed linear transport relationship using laboratory data. A total of seven large scale wave tank experiments from three different facilities are examined. The results demonstrate that the non-linear transport model provides better overall predictions than the linear transport equations. The CROSS model and three other commonly used models are applied to predict beach erosion at Ocean City, Maryland during the November 11, 1991 and January 4, 1992 storms. Seven survey lines are available for comparison with the numerical simulations. Overall, CROSS, EDUNE and SBEACH (version 3.0) provide reasonable predictions for both dune erosion and the entire profiles. The sensitivity of CROSS to the transport coefficient, active water depth, storm surge levels and the storm wave heights are examined for the storm erosion at Ocean City. It appears that CROSS is quite insensitive to the transport coefficient. The subaqueous part of a profile is quite sensitive to the wave height and the subaerial part is less affected. The CROSS model provides better predictions with the ratio of active water depth to incoming wave height of 1 than with the ratio of 1.28, and the 20% increased storm surge yields a better simulation.
Characterization of Monoclonal Antibody HTA125 with Specificity for Human TLR4

Binding of monoclonal antibody HTA125 to human toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was characterized by flow cytometry using MonoMac6 human monocytic cells. Data were obtained using direct binding to cell surface TLR4 by labeled HTA125, as well as inhibition of direct binding using purified reagents, and by two-step binding. HTA125 bound weakly to human TLR4, and could be inhibited by mouse Ig, mouse IgG Fc, and mouse IgG2a. In addition, purified human IgG Fc and purified human immunoglobulin of isotypes IgG1 and IgG4 could block binding of HTA125 to MonoMac6 cells. Furthermore, a mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody possessing specificity for human CD64, which is a high affinity IgG Fc receptor, partially inhibited binding of HTA125 to MonoMac6 cells. Finally, co-stimulation via TLR4 and Fc receptor, resulted in cytokine production by MonoMac6 cells different than that induced via TLR4 alone. Therefore, the utility of HTA125 remains as a weak detector of human TLR4, and as an agent to block TLR4 ligands with an understanding that Fc receptor may be engaged also.
Molecular weight and size distribution of bovine milk casein micelles

We have characterized the distribution of hydrodynamic radii, sedimentation coefficients, and molecular weights of native bovine casein micelles, using samples fractionated by rate-zone centrifugation in sucrose density gradients. Diffusion coefficients were measured by inelastic laser light scattering, and were combined with sedimentation coefficients to yield molecular weights. The distribution of molecular weights is quite broad, with a ratio of weight-average to number average of about 3. The weight-average molecular weight is about 2.5·108, corresponding to about 104 casein monomers per micelle. The micelle radii obtained by these solution measurements are somewhat larger than those obtained in most earlier electron microscopic studies, but agree quite closely with those found by Carroll and coworkers. The mean radius on a weight basis is about 800 A. The relation between sedimentation coefficient and molecular weight is s20,w = 1.79·10−3M0,665, indicating that casein micelles behave like highly hydrated spheres.
Approaches to Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion.

om Atrial fibrillation is currently the most prevalent arrhythmia in the United States, and its prevalence is projected to increase significantly. The most severe consequence of atrial fibrillation is cardioembolic stroke. The mainstay of the prevention of stroke has been warfarin therapy. However, due to the difficulty of maintaining adequate anticoagulation levels, multiple interactions with food and other medications, and the risk of bleeding events, alternative therapies have been established. Despite the development of newer oral anticoagulation agents, problems with side effects, compliance, and bleeding still occur. The left atrial appendage is a prominent source of cardioembolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. This issue of Interventional Cardiology Clinics is dedicated to the role of catheter-based left atrial closure for the treatment of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are at risk for cardioembolic events. Articles in this issue provide an overview of the magnitude of the problem of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, the role of the left atrial appendage in thrombus formation, and the rationale for exclusion of the left atrial appendage with devices. Different approaches for excluding the left atrial appendage, tips and tricks for successful left atrial
Unique spinel‐rich lithology in lunar meteorite ALHA 81005: Origin and possible connection to M3 observations of the farside highlands

[1] A new lunar rock type, rich in (Mg, Fe)Al spinel and lacking abundant olivine and pyroxene, was recently detected by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy by the M3 instrument on the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft. No such material has been described from lunar rocks, either returned samples or meteorites. Here we describe a fragment of rock containing ∼30% (Mg, Fe)Al spinel from the lunar meteorite ALHA 81005. Although the fragment is not identical to the material detected by M3 (it contains ∼20% olivine + pyroxene), both share the defining feature of an unusual enrichment in spinel. The fragment, 350 × 150 μm, is so fine grained that it reasonably could represent a larger rock body; it is not spinel-rich merely by chance incorporation of a few spinel grains. The fragment is so rich in spinel (and consequently in Al2O3) that it could not have formed by melting a peridotitic mantle or a basaltic lunar crust. The clast's small grain size and its apparent disequilibrium between spinel and pyroxene suggest fairly rapid crystallization at low pressure. It could have formed as a spinel cumulate from an impact melt of troctolitic composition or from a picritic magma body that assimilated crustal anorthosite on its margins. The latter mechanism is preferred because it not only explains the petrographic and chemical features of our clast but is also consistent with the regional setting of the Moscoviense spinel deposit. In that area, M3 spectra have defined areas rich in olivine and in orthopyroxene; these could represent igneous cumulate rocks formed during crystallization and differentiation of a picritic magma body and thus suggests a possible link between the analyzed clast and the observed spinels at Moscoviense.
Sleep is undisturbed in elderly, depressed individuals who have not sought health care.

Abstract Sleep deficits are commonly found in geriatric depressed patients, particularly shortened rapid eye movements (REM) latency, disturbed sleep continuity, and decreased slow wave sleep (SWS). Here we report the sleep patterns of community volunteers responding to ads about memory loss and depression. The two groups, 24 geriatric-onset major depressive disorder (MDD) subjects with a minimal history of seeking treatment for depression and 24 gender- and age-matched control subjects, significantly differed from each other on only one measure of sleep-sleep latency; the MDD group showed a modest but significant shortening of latency to fall asleep. All other sleep/wake measures, including REM latency, temporal distribution of REM sleep across the night, SWS, and measures of nighttime wakefulness did not differ between groups. This lack of significant sleep disturbance suggests that the sleep deficits reported in many studies of major depression may be related to factors underlying treatment-seeking behaviors, physical health status, severity of the depression, or heterogeneity within the MDD population with some types seeking treatment and other not seeking it, rather than depressive state per se. The data indicate that community-dwelling healthy elderly individuals who have a diagnosed major depression but who have not actively sought health care do not necessarily manifest the sleep disturbances thought to be characteristic of major depressive illness.
The First Order Properties Of (Almost) General Optical Systems

A first order theory has been developed which describes properties of almost general optical systems. It predicts the shape of the image surface and the shape of a square when it is imaged onto a plane which is tangent to the first order image surface at the center of the field. The application of the theory to realistic design problems is discussed.
Effect of birth on fetal mouse peritoneal fluid cellular composition.

SummaryPeritoneal fluid was aspirated from 18-day-old fetuses as well as Day 1 newborn CF-1 mice and was placed on an albumin-coated slide, fixed in 95% alcohol and stained by histologic buffered Wright's stain. The % distribution of lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and mast cells increased in mouse fetuses possibly as the result of delivery and birth but no causal relationship was established. More fluid was obtained before birth than after in the newborn. Other mononuclear cells and eosinophils were less in peritoneal fluid of newborn mice.
Support for industrial development: the role of anticipated benefits to the local area

Abstract Research has shown that the relationship between background characteristics of rural residents and their attitudes toward proposed industrial developments is to some degree mediated by anticipated benefits. In this study, based on a telephone survey of 368 residents of a county in West Virginia, attitudes toward four proposed energy developments were combined into an additive index of industrial support. The correlations between industrial support and environmentalism, education, and unemployment were mediated by anticipated benefits, but the correlations between industrial support and sex and occupation in the energy industry were not mediated by anticipated benefits. Income and age were not related to industrial support. The findings suggest that anticipated benefits of development and attitudes toward development itself may be more complex than previously conceptualized.
Two morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct cell populations within a composite lymphoma arise from a common precursor

The term composite lymphoma defines a lymphoma consisting of two or more morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct lymphomas within the same lymph node or other organ. Recently, several molecular studies have shown that different components within a composite lymphoma may arise from a common clone. In contrast, there are also reports of biclonal cases of composite lymphoma. For this study, we identified five cases of composite lymphoma and analyzed them by various techniques to determine the clonality of the components. In four cases (1–4), a laser capture microdissection technique was used to collect separately each of the component lymphoma types. These were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess the rearrangement of the J segment of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (JH). In all cases, gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the JH amplicons from each component were identical in size. DNA sequencing of the amplified JH region was successful in three of these four cases (1, 3, and 4), and the sequences of the JH regions of both components of each composite lymphoma were identical. Three of the composite lymphomas (2, 4, and 5) were also tested by a related approach: PCR of the variable region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene using primers that bind to framework regions 1, 2, and 3, followed by capillary electrophoresis. The PCR amplicons from tissue containing a mixture of both components of the composite lymphomas gave one major peak in each of the three electropherograms for each lymphoma, indicating that only one clone of rearranged immunoglobulin was present despite the two distinct cellular morphologies. Additionally, fluorescence in situ hybridization in case one showed identical results in the two different cell types. Our results suggest that the two different components within each composite lymphoma represent a morphologically and immunophenotypically divergent differentiation of a common clone.
CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE WITH INCREASED PULMONARY BLOOD FLOW

Pediatricians daily encounter children with systemic cyanosis. The numerous reasons for cyanosis in neonates and infants include pulmonary, hematologic, toxic, and cardiac causes. Congenital heart defects may cause cyanosis. Often, an obvious cardiac reason for cyanosis is decreased PBF; however, several congenital heart defects cause systemic cyanosis with increased PBF, such as TGA, truncus arteriosus, and TAPVR. Because neonates are discharged from the hospital soon after birth, this magnifies the importance of each physical examination. Pediatricians need to remain alert for children who have symptoms of increased PBF with or without cyanosis. With advances in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CHD, corrective procedures can be performed at many ages.
Abstract Hilbert Schemes

In analogy with classical projective algebraic geometry, Hilbert functors can be defined for objects in any Abelian category. We study the moduli problem for such objects. Using Grothendieck's general framework. We show that with suitable hypotheses the Hilbert functor is representable by an algebraic space locally of finite type over the base field. For the category of the graded modules over a strongly Noetherian graded ring, the Hilbert functor of graded modules with a fixed Hilbert series is represented by a commutative projective scheme. For the projective scheme corresponding to a suitable noncommutative graded algebra, the Hilbert functor is represented by a countable union of commutative projective schemes.
A universal plate format for increased throughput of assays that monitor multiple aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetase activities

Aminoacyl transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases are intensely studied enzymes because of their importance in the establishment of the genetic code and their connection to disease and medicine. During the advancement of this field, several assays were developed. Despite many innovations, the sensitivity, simplicity, and reliability of the radiometric assays (which were among the first to be developed) have ensured their continued use. Four activities are measured by these assays: active site titration, amino acid activation, aminoacylation, and posttransfer editing (deacylation). In an effort to maintain the advantage of these assays while enhancing throughput, reducing waste, and improving data quality, a universal 96-well filter plate format was developed. This format facilitates the assays for all four of the widely studied activities.
Photoresponse of undoped and iodine-doped iron oxide thin film electrodes

Abstract Undoped and iodine doped iron oxide thin films were prepared spray pyrolytically and their photoresponse towards the water splitting reaction in alkaline medium (pH 13) was studied. The optimum spray time and the corresponding film thickness for maximum photoresponse were determined. An undoped iron oxide film approximately 50 nm thick gave rise to a maximum photocurrent density and its wavelength-dependent absorption coefficients of light were also measured. Raman spectroscopic analysis indicates the formation of α-Fe2O3 film by the spray pyrolytic method. The band gap of this undoped film was found to be 1.97 eV. A theoretical expression of photocurrent density at the thin film electrode-solution interface was developed. A good correlation was found between theoretical and experimental photocurrent densities. Importantly, such an iodine-doped iron oxide film approximately 100 nm thick gave rise to a fivefold increase in maximum photocurrent density compared with an undoped optimum thick film of approximately 50 nm. These observations were attributed to increased mobility of carriers and an increase in the absorption of light in the iodine-doped film. Model calculations show that five undoped iron oxide thin film electrodes of optimum thickness in stacks generate a photocurrent density of 5 mA cm−2 whereas an optimized stack of iodine-doped film produced a photocurrent density of 15 mA cm−2 at 0.82 V vs. SHE.
Endopyelotomy for Pediatric Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: A Review of our 25-Year Experience

Purpose: We elucidate the role of endopyelotomy as a primary and secondary intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 79 pediatric patients who underwent endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction between 1986 and 2011. Eleven patients were lost to followup and were excluded from analysis. Patient demographics, operative information, complications and success rates were reviewed for the remaining 68 patients. Treatment success was defined as the absence of symptom recurrence and improved radiographic features on ultrasound, computerized tomography, diuretic renogram or excretory urogram at most recent followup.Results: Primary endopyelotomy data were analyzed in 37 patients with a median age of 11.1 years. The success rate was 65% at a median followup of 34 months (range 1.5 to 242). Treatment failure occurred in 13 patients with a median time to failure of 8 months (range 1.5 to 131). There were 8 cases of failure during ...
LINEAR ELECTRO-OPTICAL EFFECT ON DPS-DNG LAYERED STRUCTURE

In this letter, the influence of an applied electric field on a periodic structure composed of alternating layers of DPS (Double Positive index of refraction) and DNG (Double Negative index of refraction) has been studied. We present theoretical and numerical results of our investigation of the reflection spectra of the visible waves on this structure in the presence of an electric field which will cause redistribution of charges and will modify the index of refraction of materials and enable us to control the phase and/or intensity of propagating electromagnetic waves.
Pluralism, federalism and the protection of civil liberties:

One of the most vexing problems of democratic government' is the protection of civil liberties. In a system in which majority preferences dominate, how can the minority be protected from the ill-conceived schemes of the majority? Striking a balance between majority rule and minority rights has been a recurrent problem in the politics of the U.S. and other polities that aspire toward democracy. This problem of majority tyranny is all the more significant in light of the deep-seated propensity toward political intolerance that seems to exist in the United States. The American political culture has long harbored substantial strains of intolerance of unpopular political minorities.2 Benign majorities hatch few oppressive schemes; intolerant majorities, when threatened, often become malevolent. In the context of this widespread political intolerance, structural and institutional means of protecting political minorities are essential. Governmental architectssuch as those who wrote the
Exchange integral for a variety of tetranuclear ferredoxins.

Abstract The temperature dependence of EPR spectra of oxidized [4Fe-4S∗] (−1, −2) ferredoxins (previously designated HiPIP) and a reduced [4Fe-4S∗] (−2,−3) ferredoxin have been analyzed so as to determine the energy of a low-lying excited electronic state. The values obtained were: Center S-3 from beef heart, 44 cm −1 ; Center S-3 from mung bean, 53 cm −1 ; the [4Fe-4S∗] (−1,−2) ferredoxin from Thermus thermophilus , 78 cm −1 ; Center N-2 of NADH ubiquinone reductase, 83 cm −1 . Increasing axial distortion in the EPR spectra of the [4Fe-4S∗] (−1,−2) ferredoxins was associated with higher energy differences. Center N-2, a [4Fe-4S∗] (−2,−3) iron-sulfur cluster does not fit this relationship.
Human assisted robotic team campaigns for aquatic monitoring

Large-scale environmental sensing, e.g., understanding microbial processes in an aquatic ecosystem, requires coordination across a multidisciplinary team of experts working closely with a robotic sensing and sampling system. We describe a human-robot team that conducted an aquatic sampling campaign in Lake Fulmor, San Jacinto Mountains Reserve, California during three consecutive site visits (May 9–11, June 19–22, and August 28–31, 2006). The goal of the campaign was to study the behavior of phytoplankton in the lake and their relationship to the underlying physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Phytoplankton form the largest source of oxygen and the foundation of the food web in most aquatic ecosystems. The reported campaign consisted of three system deployments spanning four months. The robotic system consisted of two subsystems—NAMOS (networked aquatic microbial observing systems) comprised of a robotic boat and static buoys, and NIMS-RD (rapidly deployable networked infomechanical systems) comprised of an infrastructure-supported tethered robotic system capable of high-resolution sampling in a two-dimensional cross section (vertical plane) of the lake. The multidisciplinary human team consisted of 25 investigators from robotics, computer science, engineering, biology, and statistics.We describe the lake profiling campaign requirements, the robotic systems assisted by a human team to perform high fidelity sampling, and the sensing devices used during the campaign to observe several environmental parameters. We discuss measures taken to ensure system robustness and quality of the collected data. Finally, we present an analysis of the data collected by iteratively adapting our experiment design to the observations in the sampled environment. We conclude with the plans for future deployments.
Improved photomask metrology through exposure emulation

The ultimate purpose of the photomask in IC manufacture is to define the image to be printed on a silicon wafer. Of the many factors which affect this aerial image in the wafer stepper, some are properties of the stepper projection system and some are properties of the photomask. The purpose of photomask metrology is to help optimize photomask properties to produce the desired aerial image in the stepper. Those factors attributable to the photomask include chrome feature size, phase shifter accuracy (if used), chrome edge roughness and runout, defects, etc. Most of these are usually imaged differently in the exposure tool and the metrology tool because these tools' optical systems are different. Two ways to predict the stepper aerial image from photomask measurements are simulation (modeling) and emulation. In the first, the values of the relevant photomask measurements and properties (if they are known) can be inserted into the models for both tools, and then the stepper aerial image can be predicted from the photomask measurements. Or, the stepper's aerial image of the photomask can be emulated in the metrology tool and magnified for the purpose of measurement. Present mask metrology tools, when used in transmission, duplicate the optical morphology of the projection tool. The projected stepper aerial image can be emulated by adjusting the few major generic optical parameters of the metrology tool to match those of the wafer stepper to be used. Then the measured image in the metrology tool emulates the image in the stepper, and photomask properties affect both images in the same ways. Diverse measurements of photomask characteristics can be made accurately and fast by emulating photomask performance instead of measuring the chrome geometry. All of the significant optical performance parameters of the photomask can be measured with a single tool, at the small expense of shifting to a more appropriate philosophy of mask measurement.
Changes in hydrologic regime by dams

Dams have major impacts on river hydrology, primarily through changes in the timing, magnitude, and frequency of low and high flows, ultimately producing a hydrologic regime differing significantly from the pre-impoundment natural flow regime. This paper presents the analysis of pre- and post-dam hydrologic changes from dams that cover the spectrum of hydrologic and climatic regimes across the United States. Our overall goals are to document the type, magnitude, and direction of hydrologic shifts because of impoundment. Using the entire database for the National Inventory of Dams (NID) for dams possessing longstanding U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gages downstream, we identified 21 gage stations that met length-of-record criteria encompassing an array of types of dams and spanning four orders of magnitude in contributing watershed area. To assess hydrologic changes associated with dams, we applied a hydrologic model, the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA), supplemented with orientation statistics for certain hydrograph parameters. Dams had significant impacts on the entire range of hydrologic characteristics measured by IHA. For many characteristics, the direction and significance of effects were highly consistent across the 21 sites. The most significant changes across these sites occurred in minimum and maximum flows over different durations. For low flows, the 1-day through 90-day minimum flows increased significantly following impoundment. The 1-day through 7-day maximum flows decreased significantly across the sites. At monthly scales, mean flows in April and May tend to decline while mean flows in August and September increase. Other significant adjustments included changes in annual hydrograph conditions, primarily in the number of hydrograph reversals that has generally increased for almost all sites following impoundment. The number of high pulses has increased following impoundment but the average length declines. The mean rate of hydrograph rise and fall has declined significantly. These results indicate that the major pulse of dam construction during the previous century has modified hydrologic regimes on a nationwide scale, for large and small rivers.
Cholesteryl palmitate as a predictor of fetal lung maturity.

Cholesteryl palmitate was measured by thin-layer chromatography in 98 amniotic fluid samples obtained from pregnancies ranging from 15 to 40 weeks. Pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus or Rh sensitization were excluded. Cholesteryl palmitate concentration increased with gestational age from values 41 μg/ml (mean + 3 SD). All infants with a concentration below 38 μg/ml developed respiratory distress syndrome. We conclude that measurement of cholesteryl palmitate concentration in amniotic fluid might be another reliable method of assessing fetal lung maturity and may often improve specificity when compared with other tests of fetal lung maturity.
Fractions: Could they really be the gatekeeper’s doorman?

Abstract The National Mathematics Advisory Panel ( NMAP, 2008 ) asserts that a foundational knowledge of fractions is crucial for students’ success in algebra; however, empirical evidence for this claim is relatively nonexistent. In the present study, we examine the impact of middle school students’ fraction and whole number magnitude knowledge on various components of their algebra readiness. Results suggest that fraction knowledge is related to algebra readiness, more so than number magnitude knowledge in general; students’ magnitude knowledge of unit fractions (i.e., those with a numerator of 1) appears particularly important. Findings confirm the intuition of the NMAP (2008) and support the recommendation of the Common Core Standards ( National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), 2010 ) that students’ fraction knowledge should be cultivated using number lines.
Investigation of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Wastewater Treatment Plants Along the U.S.and Mexico Border: a Trans-boundary Study

A comprehensive investigation of polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in wastewater was conducted in the second largest international metroplex area along the U.S. and Mexico (MX) border. Concentrations of PBDEs in wastewater and sludge were measured in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in El Paso, Texas and two WWTPs in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, MX. A green approach in sample preparation technique, called stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled with thermal desorption and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, was used which requires minimum amount of organic solvents and has good sensitivity at nanogram-per-liter levels for wastewater samples and nanograms per gram for waste sludge solids. Concentrations of PBDEs ranged from 30.2 to 342 ng L−1 in wastewater influents, from not detected to 209 ng L−1 in effluents, and from not detected to 1,303 ng g−1 in sludge. Among 27 PBDEs studied, BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100 were the most commonly detected congeners in all samples. Further evaluation showed that secondary and tertiary treatments are highly effective at removing PBDEs from wastewater with percent removals ranging from 84 % to 100 %, while advanced primary treatment only removed 41–73 % of PBDEs. As a complement, the ambient air temperature change on PBDEs concentrations was evaluated finding that this factor did not have an influence on the PBDEs concentrations in WWTPs. The incomplete removal of PBDEs in WWTPs implicates a potential impact on the environmental and public health as a result of the continuous release of PBDEs from the WWTPs to the Rio Grande River and irrigation canals.
VERSATILE SOFTWARE PACKAGE FOR NEAR REAL-TIME ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTAL DATA

This paper provides an overview of a versatile software package developed for time- and frequency-domain analyses of experimental wind-tunnel data. This package, originally developed for analyzing data in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT), is applicable for analyzing any time-domain data. A Matlab-based software package, TDT-analyzer, provides a compendium of commonly-required dynamic analysis functions in a user-friendly interactive and batch processing environment. TDT-analyzer has been used extensively to provide on-line near real-time and post-test examination and reduction of measured data acquired during wind tunnel tests of aeroelastically-scaled models of aircraft and rotorcraft as well as a flight test of the NASA High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) F-18. The package provides near real-time results in an informative and timely manner far exceeding prior methods of data reduction at the TDT.
Outcome following, and impact of, prenatal identification of the candidates for the Norwood procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Our study evaluates hospital survival following prenatal identification of candidates for the Norwood procedure, and the impact of prenatal diagnosis on survival, preoperative stability, and postoperative morbidity. METHODS: We reviewed records of all patients who were identified prenatally as candidates for the Norwood procedure, and compared them to all postnatally diagnosed patients who underwent the Norwood procedure between August 1995 and May 2002. RESULTS: Of the 98 patients studied, 45 (46%) were diagnosed prenatally. Of these, 35 underwent the Norwood procedure, 29 (83%) of who survived. Thus, 29 of 45 (64%) patients survived from prenatal diagnosis to discharge following the Norwood procedure. Of the 53 postnatally diagnosed patients who underwent the Norwood procedure, 42 (79%) survived. Prenatal diagnosis was not associated with improvement in survival, preoperative stability, or postoperative morbidity. By multivariate analysis, ascending aortic diameter equal to or greater than 2 mm (p = 0.01), and gestational age 36 weeks or greater (p = 0.01) independently predicted survival. Based on this, patients were stratified into groups at low risk, consisting of 69 patients, and at high risk, consisting of 19 patients. Prenatal diagnosis was unassociated with improved survival in either group. Results were unchanged when the analysis was restricted to patients with hypoplasia of the left heart. CONCLUSION: From the time of prenatal diagnosis, 64% of patients survived to discharge following the Norwood procedure. Prenatal diagnosis did not affect preoperative stability, survival or postoperative morbidity. This remained the case after stratifying patients by risk, or restricting analysis to patients with hypoplasia of the left heart. Ascending aortic diameter and gestational age independently predicted survival.
The upgraded arecibo observatory.

Arecibo Observatory9s giant spherical reflector antenna has undergone a massive upgrading over the past 3 years. The surface of the reflector has been replaced with aluminum panels to obtain an accuracy of 3.2 mm r.m.s. over the reflector surface. The superstructure has been stabilized and modified to permit operation at S-band frequencies. A high-power S-band radar transmitter has been added to the existing UHF system. These additions and improvements provide the observatory with new and promising research capabilities in the fields of radio and radar astronomy.
The latency model for viscoelastic contact interface in robotics: Theory and experiments

Viscoelasticity is the phenomenon of time-dependent strain and/or stress in elastic solids. Various contact interfaces with anthropomorphic end-effectors and polymeric solids found in robots and manipulators are intrinsically viscoelastic. It is therefore important to model such behavior and to study the effects of such time-dependent strain and stress on the stability and sustainability of grasping and manipulation. Various models have been proposed over the years to describe such behavior of time-dependent strain and stress. Furthermore, viscoelastic solids also display typically nonlinear elastic response. Built upon a variety of literature, a new and practical latency model is proposed in this paper for the application of contact interface involving viscoelasticity in robotics. Latency model can describe various features of viscoelastic materials, such as stress relaxation, creep, and material clock. The theoretical modeling was supported by experiments in which we found two types of relaxation, depending on the loading and unloading of grasping or contact. One type is well documented in existing literature; but the other type has not been, to our best knowledge, presented before. The proposed theory can unify both types of time-dependent relaxation responses.
Pneumatic Kerrison rongeur: technical note

Abstract Background We report our experience with the Aesculap Pneumatic Powered Kerrison Rongeur (Aesculap AG Company) Tuttlingen, Germany. Methods Between February 2007 and January 2008, 125 patients underwent spinal surgery for the treatment of spinal stenosis, spinal tumors, degenerative disk disease, and herniated disks in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar areas using the pneumatic-powered Kerrison rongeur for bone and tissue removal. Results All bone removal for procedures ranging from cervical and lumbar microdiscectomies to extensive multilevel laminectomies was carried out with no complications from instrument design or malfunction. Most importantly, the manual labor required to forcefully squeeze and bite bone was virtually eliminated. The learning curve for instrument application was negligible. Operating room personnel similarly had no difficulty with the simplified tubing connections to an air supply and the Kerrison handle with interchangeable, multisized shafts. Conclusion The new pneumatically powered Kerrison rongeur not only is safe and easy to use but also virtually eliminates the manual fatigue and, at times, pain associated with prolonged bone removal from the use of standard Kerrison rongeurs.
Backbone Mechanics of the Blue Marlin Makaira Nigricans (Pisces, Istiophoridae)

Over most of its length, the backbone of the blue marlin, like that of all other istiophorids, contains enlarged and flattened neural and hemal spines and zygapophyses, all of which span the intervertebral joints. These plates of bone restrict dorso-ventral bending of the backbone but their arrangement permits a high degree of lateral flexion. The spinesand zygapophyses also appear to be important in stabilizing the relatively large intervertebral joints against axial compression and lateral shearing during bending. Although bone is an elastic material, these overlapping structures are not arranged so as to contribute to elastic recoil of the backbone during normal swimming movements.
Timing distribution in VHDL behavioral models

This paper describes a new CAD tool, TIMESPEC, developed for solving the timing distribution problem of allocating realistic delays to the internal primitives (RTL models) of a digital device by using the linear programming approach. The inconsistencies in the manufacturerS specifications are also detected and corrected. TIMESPEC enables the use of imbedded timing in behavioral VHDL models and thus the end-to-end delays for all the paths in the digital device are made available. An interface is provided with an X-windows based graphical tool, the Modeler's Assistant which allows enumeration of all the input-to-output paths in the device. Thus a CAD
High molecular weight and low dispersity polyacrylonitrile by low temperature RAFT polymerization

High molecular weight polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with low dispersity has been successfully synthesized utilizing reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. A comprehensive study was performed to understand the influence of reaction temperature, RAFT agent structure, and [M]0:[CTA]0[I]0 on the polymerization kinetics, molecular weight, and dispersity. Enhanced control is attributed to reduction of side reactions by conducting the polymerization at lower temperature, and optimizing the radical exchange between active and dormant states via appropriate selection of RAFT agent and initiator. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015
On test generation for interconnected finite-state machines-the output sequence justification problem

Test generation for synchronous sequential circuits can be facilitated by decomposing the circuit into a cycle free interconnection of submachines, such that all feedback loops are included within the submachines. In this work, we describe a test generation procedure that takes advantage of cycle free circuit decomposition. The paper focuses on one of the subproblems of the test generation problem, the output sequence justification problem. We propose a solution to this problem and show how it can be incorporated into a test generation procedure.
Regulation of GPCR signaling in Hypertension

Hypertension represents a complex, multifactorial disease and contributes to the major causes of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries: ischemic and hypertensive heart disease, stroke, peripheral atherosclerosis and renal failure. Current pharmacological therapy of essential hypertension focuses on the regulation of vascular resistance by inhibition of hormones such as catecholamines and angiotensin II, blocking them from receptor activation. Interaction of G-protein coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins with activated G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) effect the phosphorylation state of the receptor leading to desensitization and can profoundly impair signaling. Defects in GPCR regulation via these modulators have severe consequences affecting GPCR-stimulated biological responses in pathological situations such as hypertension, since they fine-tune and balance the major transmitters of vessel constriction versus dilatation, thus representing valuable new targets for anti-hypertensive therapeutic strategies. Elevated levels of GRKs are associated with human hypertensive disease and are relevant modulators of blood pressure in animal models of hypertension. This implies therapeutic perspective in a disease that has a prevalence of 65million in the United States while being directly correlated with occurrence of major adverse cardiac and vascular events. Therefore, therapeutic approaches using the inhibition of GRKs to regulate GPCRs are intriguing novel targets for treatment of hypertension and heart failure.
Intoxicated Eyewitnesses: Better than Their Reputation?

According to law enforcement, many witnesses are intoxicated either at the time of the crime, the interview, or both (Evans et al., Public Policy Law 15(3):194–221, 2009). However, no study to date has examined whether intoxicated witnesses’ recall is different from sober witnesses’ and whether they are more vulnerable to misinformation using an ecologically valid experimental design. Intoxicated, placebo, and sober witnesses observed a live, staged theft, overheard subsequent misinformation about the theft, and took part in an investigative interview. Participants generally believed they witnessed a real crime and experienced a real interview. Intoxicated witnesses were not different from placebo or sober witnesses in the number of accurate details, inaccurate details, or “don’t know” answers reported. All the participants demonstrated a misinformation effect, but there were no differences between intoxication levels: Intoxicated participants were not more susceptible to misinformation than sober or placebo participants. Results are discussed in the light of their theoretical and applied relevance.
Bi-directional charging topologies for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

The automotive industry is going through a major restructuring, and automakers are looking for new generations of hybrid vehicles called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In the event that PHEVs become more available and the number of PHEVs on the road increases, certain issues will need to be addressed. One vital issue is the method by which these vehicles will be charged and if today's grid can sustain the increased demand due to more PHEVs. Although these vehicles appear to pose a large liability to the grid, if executed properly, they can actually become an even larger asset. The grid can benefit greatly from having reserves that can store or release energy at the appropriate times. Enabling PHEVs to fulfill this niche will require a bi-directional interface between the grid and each vehicle. This bi-directional charger must have the capability to charge a PHEV's battery pack while producing minimal current harmonics and also have the ability to return energy back to the grid in accordance with regulations. This paper will first review some of the power electronic topologies of bi-directional AC-DC and DC-DC converters that fulfill these requirements and then discuss the best choice for combining two topologies to form a bidirectional charger.
Incentivizing education: Seeing schoolwork as an investment, not a chore.

Most American children expect to attend college but because they do not necessarily spend much time on schoolwork, they may fail to reach their imagined ‘‘college-bound” future self. The proposed identitybased motivation model helps explain why this gap occurs: Imagined ‘‘college-bound” identities cue school-focused behavior if they are salient and feel relevant to current choice options, not otherwise. Two studies with predominantly low-income and African American middle school students support this prediction. Almost all of the students expect to attend college, but only half describe education-dependent (e.g., law, medicine) adult identities. Having education-dependent rather than education-independent adult identities (e.g., sports, entertainment) predicts better grades over time, controlling for prior grade point average (Study 1). To demonstrate causality, salience of education-dependent vs. education-independent adult identities was experimentally manipulated. Children who considered education-dependent adult identities (vs. education-independent ones) were eight times more likely to complete a take-home extra-credit assignment (Study 2).