cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of milling intensity on the formation of LiMgN from the dehydrogenation of LiNH2–MgH2 (1:1) mixture

Abstract Metal–N–H systems have recently attracted considerable attention as alternative hydrogen storage materials to traditional metal hydrides. In this work, the reactions of the mixture LiNH 2 –MgH 2 (1:1) during different mechanical milling processes and the subsequent dehydrogenation reaction were investigated by using TGA, XRD and FT-IR in order to determine an optimal condition for the formation of pure LiMgN. High-energy milling (SPEX mill) and low-energy milling (rolling jar) techniques were used in this work. The results demonstrated that monolithic LiMgN can be produced using the low-energy ball milling technique. The hydrogenation properties of the as-prepared LiMgN were investigated by a Sieverts’ type instrument. In contrast, multiple reactions including the metathesis reaction between LiNH 2 and MgH 2 and release of H 2 and/or NH 3 took place during high-energy milling using the SPEX mill, which resulted in complicated and unexpected reactions during the subsequent dehydrogenation experiments. Consequently, the dehydrogenated products from the high-energy milled samples consisted of multi-phase mixtures.
Simulation of phase transitions via spatial updating and tempering

In spatial updating grand canonical Monte Carlo, the elementary moves are implemented either by selecting points in space at random (random updating) or in a predetermined order (sequential updating). Previous work indicates that spatial updating is more efficient than standard updating and is ideal for parallel processing via domain decomposition. In this work, it is shown that the combination of spatial updating grand canonical Monte Carlo with tempering techniques can increase the simulation efficiency of phase transitions by several orders of magnitude. In simulated tempering, several macrostates are coupled together to form a super-ensemble or an expanded ensemble. Each macrostate comprises a grand canonical system at a given value of the chemical potential and the temperature. The elementary steps consist of particle transfers as well as switches between different macrostates. The switches can be implemented according to a Metropolis or a heat-bath algorithm. The combination of spatial updating with...
Starch hydrolysis kinetics of Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase

The reaction kinetics for thermostable Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase was determined under two sets of conditions: an initial rate study over a range of low starch concentrations (1–8%, w/w) in a batch reactor, and a continuous rate study at a high starch concentration of 40% during which a twin-screw extruder was used as a bioreactor for the first 600 s and the reaction was continued to equilibrium in a batch reactor. The Michaelis–Menten model was found to be sufficient for describing the kinetics at low starch concentrations; however, a modified first-order model was required at high concentration. There was no evidence of substrate inhibition at the high starch concentration. The rate of product formation, calculated in terms of dextrose equivalent (DE) values, was found to be proportional to the square root of the rate of starch consumption.
Integrating physical and digital interactions

Reports on the research at UC Berkeley and Stanford University, into user interfaces that bind physical and electronic representations of artifacts for integrated interaction: manipulation in one medium effects a corresponding change in the artifact's dual medium. Based on fieldwork with designers, office workers, scientists, and engineers, they have created and evaluated integrated interfaces ranging from whiteboards to oral history transcripts to field notebooks.
Universal enveloping algebras of Toda field theories and the light-cone asymmetry parameter

Abstract The generators of the universal enveloping algebras in Toda field theories associated with Lie algebras are constructed. These form spectrum-generating algebras of the system which survive the constraints acting on the larger current algebra structure. It is found that the same generators fail to be a symmetry in the case of affine Toda field theory despite their close relationship with Mandelstam's soliton operators. We introduce the light-cone asymmetry parameter; its significance and utility are demostrated.
The physiological response to group formation in adult male squirrel monkeys.

Abstract (1) Formation of bisexual groups during the nonbreeding season has been shown to induce breeding in primates. The hormonal response to group formation affects adult males differentially depending on the relative dominance status of the individual. (2) In this study, testosterone and cortisol levels in adult male squirrel monkeys were assessed in three conditions: prior to group formation, following formation of male groups and following introduction of females to the male groups. (3) Hormonal levels prior to group formation could not be used to predict subsequent dominance status, but following formation of male groups hormonal levels and dominance status were found to be correlated. (4) Formation of bisexual groups did induce breeding and further differentiated the males' hormonal state depending on the relative dominance status of each male. (5) The results indicate that the formation of social relationships influences each individual's physiological state and that existing relationships further determine the individual's hormonal response to the introduction of new group members.
Application of statistical monitoring using latent-variable techniques for detection of faults in sensor networks:

The ability of using measurements collected through a sensor network for detecting and locating damage via structural health monitoring algorithms relies on accurate sensor measurements from the deployed sensor network, and therefore, it can be affected by the presence of malfunctioning and/or faulty sensors. In this article, three sensor fault detection and identification techniques based on statistical monitoring, using latent-variable techniques, were implemented, evaluated, and compared with respect to their capability to detect and identify faulty sensors using case studies from an analytical three-dimensional truss and from an actual cable-supported bridge in the metropolitan Los Angeles, California region. It is shown that the leading sensor fault detection algorithms are effective in detecting certain classes of sensor failure mechanisms but are of limited utility when dealing with representative types of sensor faults encountered in typical structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure sys...
Sound Moves: iPod Culture and Urban Experience

Michael Bull, London: Routledge, 2007, ISBN: 978-0-415-25752-7, 173 pp, $53.95 (pb) Long forgotten by consumers, MPMan, PJB-100, and the Rio are the abbreviations which represent the first personal...
Using the Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Array (NAPPA) for Identifying Protein-Protein Interactions. Protocol 1: Coexpression of Query Protein on NAPPA Slides.

INTRODUCTIONThe Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Array (NAPPA) approach for producing protein microarrays uses cell-free extracts to transcribe and translate cDNAs encoding target proteins directly onto glass slides. Identification of protein interactions can be accomplished either by probing an expressed NAPPA slide with a purified protein of interest (the query protein) or by coexpressing the query protein on the NAPPA slide at the same time that the target proteins are expressed. This protocol describes detection of query protein following coexpression of the query protein on the NAPPA array.
Technical Note: The use of mirrors during an assembly task: a study of ergonomics and productivity

Industrial assembly tasks often require awkward, sustained neck and/or shoulder postures that can lead to increased musculoskeletal discomfort and reduced productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mirror and periscope visual aids as ergonomic interventions designed to eliminate awkward postures of the cervicobrachial region during assembly tasks. Participants simulated a simple assembly task by using a cordless screwdriver to drive screws into a pre-tapped aluminium block. Trials of 15 min were run for each of four distinct assembly workstation configurations: industry standard (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, no visual aid); pistol grip (pistol grip screwdriver, work at shoulder height, no visual aid); mirror (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, single mirror visual aid); and periscope (in-line screwdriver, work at elbow height, two-mirror visual aid system). Muscular activity, discomfort, body posture, productivity and operator subjective assessment were recorded to determine the effects of the visual aid interventions. The results show that when comparing the interventions to the industry standard condition, there was a 45% reduction in average cervical erector spinae activity, a 90% reduction in average neck flexion angle and a 72% reduction in neck discomfort with the interventions. When comparing these interventions to the pistol grip condition there was an 80% reduction in activity of the dominant side deltoid, a 92% reduction in shoulder flexion angle and an 81% decrease in shoulder discomfort with the interventions. Productivity was greatest in the industry standard configuration followed by the pistol grip (9% lower), the periscope (13% lower) and the mirror (23% lower) configurations. A follow-up study that compared the productivity of the periscope configuration with that of the industry standard configuration showed that within a 4-h work period this productivity differential decreased by over 33%.
Sulfaguanidine and Sulfamethazine in the Control of Experimental Avian Coccidiosis Caused by Eimeria tenella

Abstract A NUMBER of recent reports have shown the value of certain sulfonamides in the prevention and control of avian coccidiosis caused by Eimeria tenella. The experimental plans followed in this work have varied widely. Not only was there a wide range in the percent of the compounds incorporated in the mash or in the drinking water, but the time of the first medication in relation to the time of the first exposures varied from several days prior to exposure to five days afterward. Differences were also reported in the duration and continuity of medication. A study of the several reports suggests that there was a marked variation in the virulence or pathogenicity of the coccidial cultures used for the production of the experimental tenella infections. These differences in techniques and conditions of study make it difficult to compare the relative effectiveness of the several sulfonamides that have been tested. This . . .
Emerging multimedia communication for industry applications

Affordable communication networks and emerging multimedia communication and multimedia processing technologies enable many industrial applications; however, it is challenging to design, manage, and upgrade networks as well as to utilize the multimedia technologies for distributed applications because of fast changes in this area. Enabling technologies and standards for the industrial environment are described in this plenary talk. Emerging video, audio and data communication, as well as multimedia processing technologies involving distributed processing in local area networks and the Internet, are discussed. Examples are provided for various industry applications that must operate with today's rapidly evolving network and multimedia technologies,.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Atmospherically Relevant Aqueous Phase Reactions of α‑Pinene Oxide

Recent work has demonstrated that isoprene-derived epoxide intermediates are responsible for a wide variety of chemical species found in ambient secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Since the second most abundant biogenic hydrocarbon, α-pinene, is also known to form an epoxide intermediate, nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were used to study products, kinetics, and equilibria of the aqueous phase reactions of that epoxide, α-pinene oxide. The present results indicate that α-pinene oxide will react very quickly with aqueous atmospheric particles, even under low acidity conditions. Depending on the acid concentration of the aqueous solutions, a number of new products are observed from the reaction of α-pinene oxide, some of which are expected to partition back to the gas phase. In contrast to some previous results, no long-lived organosulfate or organonitrate species are observed, and no species which retain the α- pinene bicyclic carbon backbone are observed. Rather, the overall product distribution can be explained by various rearrangements of the initial carbocation intermediate formed in the ring opening of α-pinene oxide, all of which can be rationalized by the thermodynamically driven relief of the bicyclic ring strain in the α-pinene carbon backbone.
Using a bacteriocin structure to engineer a phage lysin that targets Yersinia pestis.

Purified phage lysins present an alternative to traditional antibiotics and work by hydrolysing peptidoglycan. Phage lysins have been developed against Gram-positive pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis and Streptococcus pneumoniae , where the peptidoglycan layer is exposed on the cell surface. Addition of the lysin to a bacterial culture results in rapid death of the organism. Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to phage lysins because they contain an outer membrane that protects the peptidoglycan from degradation. We solved crystal structures of a Yersinia pestis outer-membrane protein and the bacteriocin that targets it, which informed engineering of a bacterial–phage hybrid lysin that can be transported across the outer membrane to kill specific Gram-negative bacteria. This work provides a template for engineering phage lysins against a wide variety of bacterial pathogens.
THE HISTORY OF THE WORD FOR CACAO IN ANCIENT MESOAMERICA

The word *kakaw(a) (‘cacao’, Theobroma cacao) was widely diffused among Mesoamerican languages, and from there to much of lower Central America. This study provides evidence establishing beyond reasonable doubt that this word originated in the Mije-Sokean family; that it spread from the Mije-Sokean languages in or around the Olmec heartland into southeastern Mesoamerican languages; that its diffusion into Mayan languages took place between about 200 B.C. and A.D. 400; and that it spread from a Mije-Sokean language in or near the Basin of Mexico into languages in the region. It shows that each of the arguments presented by Dakin and Wichmann (2000) against a Mije-Sokean origin is either unworkable, is based upon false premises, or is not relevant; and that their proposed alternative — that it originated in and spread from Nawa into other Mesoamerican languages — conflicts with the mass of evidence relevant to the issue.This study also discusses the linguistic details of vocabulary for drinks made from cacao; shows that no proposed etymology for the word chocolate is correct, but agrees with Dakin and Wichmann that its proximate source is a Nawa form chikola:tl; and discusses the history of words for Theobroma bicolor (‘Nicaragua chocolate tree; pataxte’) and their use.The linguistic data are pertinent to issues of intergroup interaction in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, but do not shed light on the nature or the cultural context of the diffusion of cacao in Mesoamerica, nor on its uses.
Tag skipping technique using WTS buffer for optimal low power cache design

In this paper we present a robust technique to reduce the power consumption for a 4-way set-associativity cache. Our algorithm is a modification of the technique proposed by H. Choi et al. (2000) which allows skipping tag look-ups to achieve a better power consumption design. Previous work shows that implementing tag-skipping technique on a Not-Load-on-write-miss architecture, though reduces the overall power consumption, yet still consumes significant power in write miss by frequently accessing main memory. We propose the use of a write tag-skipping (WTS) buffer (WTSB) to reduce the number of write misses by 50-85% therefore reducing accesses to more power consuming devices such as main memory. This results in shifting all tag-skipping operations occurring during a miss to a hit.
Using archaeal genomics to fight global warming and clostridia to fight cancer.

The end of 2006 brought an unusually high number of completely sequenced microbial genomes. The list of new genomes (Table 1) includes three archaea and a large number of environmental, as well as parasitic, bacteria. Two of the newly sequenced genomes represent methanogenic archaea of the Methanosarcinales family that are commonly found in the rice fields. These organisms are key producers of methane whose emission from the rice fields comprises anywhere from 10% to 25% of the total global CH4 emissions into the atmosphere and is a significant source of greenhouse gases (Neue, 1993; West et al., 2006). Reducing methane emission without decreasing the grain yield appears to be feasible and could make an important contribution to the fight against global warming (Denier van der Gon et al., 2002; Sass and Cicerone, 2002). Unfortunately, methane emission appears to be linked to oxygen transport into the root and might be part of the normal functioning of the rice rhizosphere (Nouchi et al., 1990; Inubushi et al., 2001). This makes understanding the physiology of methanogenic archaea inhabiting the rice paddies and their role in rice rhizosphere a particularly urgent task. Methanosaeta thermophila strain PT (previously referred to as Methanosaeta thermoacetophila or Methanothrix thermophila) is an obligately anaerobic moderately thermophilic (optimal temperature 55‐60°C) archaeon that grows exclusively on acetate, metabolizing it into methane. The exclusive reliance of M. thermophila on acetate as the substrate may account for its relatively slow growth and low growth yield. Still, its ability to effectively scavenge low concentrations of acetate allows M. thermophila to compete with faster-growing methanogenic archaea, such as Methanosarcina spp. As a result, at low acetate levels, M. thermophila and other members of the Methanosaeta genus become predominant
Altered thyroid status regulates the adipocyte A1 adenosine receptor-adenylate cyclase system.

Abstract To assess the effect of hyperthyroidism on the adenosine receptor-adenylate cyclase system in adipocytes, membranes from hyperthyroid and control rats were prepared. Rats were rendered hyperthyroid by five days of injection with triiodothyronine (T 3 ). Basal as well as isoproterenol-sodium fluoride-, forskolin- and manganese (Mn++)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities are attenuated 20–30% in adipocyte membranes from hyperthyroid animals. There is a greater inhibition of total adenylate cyclase activity in response to R -PIA, A 1 selective inhibitory agonist, in membranes from hyperthyroid animals. However, on a percentage basis, R -PIA is equally effective at inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity in control and treated membranes. Using antagonist radioligands, [ 3 H]XAC (A 1 receptor) and [ 125 I]CYP (β-adrenergic receptor), no significant alteration in receptor number is observed in hyperthyroidism. In addition, no alteration in G i protein-A 1 receptor coupling is noted as exhibited by R -PIA competition curves. These findings suggest hyperthyroidism most likely results in a decrease of the catalytic moiety of adenylate cyclase either quantitatively or functionally.
Preconstructing Suspicion and Recasting Masculinity in Preschool Settings

Although there is literature explaining how female ethnographers negotiate male-dominated research settings, there is a lack of literature explaining how male ethnographers negotiate female-dominated settings. It is, more or less, taken for granted the research settings males choose will be suitable for them. The field of early childhood education, and preschools in particular, would benefit from a basic explanation of male fieldworker practices and why they are necessary for men in early childhood education settings. Drawing on personal experiences from two years of ethnographic research, I turn to a Montessori preschool in the Midwestern United States to address the complexities of being a male fieldworker in a female-dominated setting. I first explicate some dimensions of preconstructing suspicion of males in ECE. I then develop a gender recasting strategy with the goal of recasting masculinity. Recasting masculinity is a reflexive self-presentation strategy using personal characteristics as resources to build trust and rapport with research participants.
Convective–conductive transitions and sensitivity of a convecting ice shell to perturbations in heat flux and tidal-heating rate: Implications for Europa

Abstract We investigate the response of conductive and convective ice shells on Europa to variations of heat flux and interior tidal-heating rate. We present numerical simulations of convection in Europa's ice shell with Newtonian, temperature-dependent viscosity and tidal heating. Modest variations in the heat flux supplied to the base of a convective ice shell, ΔF, can cause large variations of the ice-shell thickness Δδ. In contrast, for a conductive ice shell, large ΔF involves relatively small Δδ. We demonstrate that, for a fluid with temperature-dependent viscosity, the heat flux undergoes a finite-amplitude jump at the critical Rayleigh number Ra cr . This jump implies that, for a range of heat fluxes relevant to Europa, two equilibrium states—corresponding to a thin, conductive shell and a thick, convective shell—exist for a given heat flux. We show that, as a result, modest variations in heat flux near the critical Rayleigh number can force the ice shell to switch between the thin, conductive and thick, convective configurations over a ∼107-year interval, with thickness changes of up to ∼ 10 – 30 km . Depending on the orbital and thermal history, such switches might occur repeatedly. However, existing evolution models based on parameterized-convection schemes have to date not allowed these transitions to occur. Rapid thickening of the ice shell would cause radial expansion of Europa, which could produce extensional tectonic features such as fractures or bands. Furthermore, based on interpretations for how features such as chaos and ridges are formed, several authors have suggested that Europa's ice shell has recently undergone changes in thickness. Our model provides a mechanism for such changes to occur.
Treatment of Coats’ disease with intravitreal bevacizumab

Objective To compare the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab plus ablative therapy with ablative therapy alone for Coats’ disease. Methods A retrospective review of all paediatric patients who received treatment for Coats’ disease from a single surgeon (GBH) from 1 January 2001 to 31 March 2010 was performed. Ten consecutive patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab as part of their treatment were matched to 10 patients treated with ablative therapy alone by macular appearance, quadrants of subretinal fluid, and quadrants of telangiectasias. Outcomes evaluated were number of treatment sessions, time to full treatment, and resolution of disease. Results There was no statistical difference between baseline characteristics when comparing the bevacizumab and control groups. Eyes treated with bevacizumab required more treatments over a longer time period compared to the control group. All patients in the bevacizumab group were successfully treated while two of the patients in the control group failed ablative techniques. Conclusions Intravitreal bevacizumab may play a role as adjuvant therapy in select cases of Coats’ disease, but its use does not reduce the time to full treatment. Resolution of disease was seen in the most severe cases treated with bevacizumab plus thermal ablation whereas their matched controls failed therapy with laser and cryotherapy alone.
Optimization tool for multijunction photovoltaic systems

The choice of individual bandgaps is important for achieving the maximum efficiency of a multijunction photovoltaic system. The optimization tool described in this paper uses a multijunction photovoltaic (PV) model and determines the bandgap energies that yield the highest possible system power efficiency for a given number of PV junctions. The tool has the ability to simulate PV systems with combinations of junctions that are optically split or in series, as well as electrically independent or in series. The peak efficiency, as well as other important parameters is examined for several example multijunction PV systems.
Formation of icosahedral Al(Mn) by pulsed surface melting

Surface melting of alternating Al/Mn layers on Al and Fe substrates by pulsed electron beams and laser is found by TEM to produce icosahedral Al(Mn). Interpreting the observed microstructures in terms of the calculated temperature histories places limits on the melting point of the phase (660C approx. 1 x 10W K/s).
ERCC1 and Thymidylate Synthase mRNA Levels Predict Survival for Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving Combination Oxaliplatin and Fluorouracil Chemotherapy

PURPOSE: To test the hypotheses of whether the relative mRNA expression of the thymidylate synthase (TS) gene and the excision cross-complementing (ERCC1) gene are associated with response to and survival of fluorouracil (5-FU)/oxaliplatin chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients had progressive stage IV disease after unsuccessful 5-FU and irinotecan chemotherapy. All patients were evaluated for eligibility for a compassionate 5-FU/oxaliplatin protocol. cDNA was derived from paraffin-embedded tumor specimens to determine TS and ERCC1 mRNA expression relative to the internal reference gene beta-actin using fluorescence-based, real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The median TS gene expression level from 50 metastasized tumors was 3.4 × 10−3 (minimum expression, 0.18 × 10−3;maximum expression, 11.5 × 10−3), and the median ERCC1 gene expression level was 2.53 × 10−3 (minimum, 0.0; maximum, 14.61 × 10−3). The gene expression cutoff values for c...
Impact of Solder Overflow and ACLV Moisture Absorption of Mold Compound on Package Reliability

Moisture induced die surface metal layer corrosion is a critical reliability problem which may cause eletrical failures. In this paper, the impact of solder overflow and moisture absorption of mold compound on the die surface metal layer are investigated through modeling work. Comprehensive analysis of the modeling and simulation results for die surface metal layer moisture concentration is presented. The assembly process is optimized to reduce solder overflow after the modeling. Practical tests of the solder overflow and moisture absorption factors of mold compound are carried out. Both modeling and testing have confirmed that solder overflow and mold compound's moisture absorption have a significant impact to die surface metal layer's moisture concentration.
Large-scale configuration interaction calculations on the π-electron states of benzene

Abstract Ab initio extensive configuration interaction calculations were carried out on the π-electron states of benzene. Among the three π → π * (e 1g → e 2u ) singlet states, 1 B 2u (S 1 ). 1 B 1u (S 2 ), and 1 E 1u (S 3 ), the π * orbital was found to be velence-like in S 1 and S 2 , but diffuse in S 3 . All three corresponding triplet states, 3 B 1u (T 1 ) and 3 B 2u (T 3 ), were found to be valence-like. The valence-like 1 E 2g (S 4 ) and 3 E 2g (T 4 ) states were found to have significant double-excitation character, and were estimated to lie somewhat above S 3 and T 3 , respectively. No low-lying S 5 and T 5 states were found. Several low-lying Rydberg states were identified.
A direct mapping FPGA architecture for industrial process control applications

Industrial process control is an untapped market for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Programs used for industrial process control are traditionally written in a graphical language called relay ladder logic, and implemented on programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The mapping of ladder logic onto typical FPGAs is a lengthy process, and results are hard to verify. We propose an FPGA architecture implementing relay ladder logic directly. Conversion to Boolean algebra is eliminated. Technology mapping is simple and direct. Placement and routing are also considerably simpler than in the general FPGA case. The architecture scales to devices of differing sizes and resources. This paper describes the FPGA architecture, and its role in high performance industrial process control.
A People of One Book: The Bible and the Victorians – By Timothy Larsen

No observer of Western culture would deny the importance of the Bible in Victorian England, but what has gone unexplored is the remarkable extent of biblical engagement across the religious spectru...
Penta­carbonyl­[di­phenyl­(per­fluoro­vinyl)­phosphine]molybdenum(0)

In the title compound, [Mo{(C2F3)PPh2}(CO)5], the Mo atom occupies the center of a slightly distorted octahedral environment, bound to five carbonyl groups and one phosphine ligand, so that the local symmetry of the Mo(CO)4P portion of the mol­ecule is approximately C4v. The P atom sits in a distorted-tetrahedral environment; the C—P—Mo angles are much larger than the C—P—C angles. The C2F3 group is rotationally disordered by ∼180°.
MIST - A Design Aid for Programmable Pipelined Processors

In this paper, a tool to aid pipelined processor instruction set implementation is described. The purpose of the tool is to choose from among design alternatives a design that minimizes overall processor cost. In the proposed cost model processor cost has two components, the cost of hardware necessary to realize the processor and the cost of degraded performance due to pipeline hazards as compared to an ideal pipelined processor. The tool user provides several alternate hardware implementations of each instruction, the cost of hardware operators used, a trade-off factor representing the relative importance of hardware cost versus degraded performance cost, and a straight line benchmark program which is used by the tool to determine frequency of occurrence of pairs of instructions. Using a linear programming approach, the tool selects an implementation for each instruction which gives an overall cost which is optimal.
Phomopsis alnea, the cause of dieback of black alder in Italy

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa) occurs naturally on moist soils and along streams and rivers throughout most of its range. Groves of this species in north-central Italy were recently found to be attacked by the mitosporic coelomycete Phomopsis alnea, which causes perennial stem cankers and dieback. The fungi Melanconium apiocarpium and a Hymenopsis sp. were also frequently found on necrotic alder tissue, occasionally invading the living bark. All these fungi were tested for pathogenicity in two seasonal inoculation trials on seedlings of black alder, Italian alder (Alnus cordata) and green alder (Alnus viridis) that were either normally watered or water-stressed. Phomopsis alnea actively colonized the seedlings and reproduced the symptoms observed in the field. The other fungi behaved as weak parasites, only occasionally spreading to apparently healthy bark tissue. It appears that these fungi are saprobes, commonly colonizing bark and twigs already killed by P. alnea. Symptoms caused by P. alnea in the field were exacerbated on dry sites and by seasonal drought stress. On artificially inoculated and water-stressed seedlings, both the incidence and severity of P. alnea also increased, causing extensive mortality. The data provide evidence for the belief that P. alnea becomes a factor in the dieback of natural black alder woodlands when trees are first impaired by wounding agents and then subjected to unusual extended drought.
BIFENTHRIN, CLOTHIANIDIN, AND FLUBENDIAMIDE RESIDUES IN FLUE-CURED TOBACCO

As part of an ongoing program at North Carolina State University, research was conducted from 2010 to 2012 to establish the maximum expected pesticide residue on cured tobacco leaf that would result from a maximum labeled application rate and minimum preharvest interval of a specific pesticide. Residues of three insecticides (bifenthrin, clothianidin, and flubendiamide) were measured on flue-cured tobacco over 6 environments in North Carolina during the research cycle. Treatments were applied to flue-cured tobacco grown on research stations near Rocky Mount, NC and Kinston, NC. Tobacco was managed according to North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service recommendations and harvested four times by stalk position. Pesticide residues on cured leaf were determined by Global Laboratory Services, Inc. in Wilson, NC. Data were analyzed and reported by individual year, location, pesticide, and stalk position; with stalk positions one and two represented in the “lower” stalk position, stalk position three represe...
Dissociation of nuclear events on p21 RAS transformation of FDC-P1 myeloid cells: c-jun/AP-1 expression versus c-myc transcription

We have previously reported transformation to growth factor-independent proliferation in the interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent cell line FDC-P1 by high-level expression of the valine 12 Harvey RAS oncogene, following from a nonautocrine mechanism. The present study was undertaken to examine nuclear tertiary messenger, transcriptional response gene expression to deduce the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for this autonomous proliferation. We confirmed other reports that transformed p21RAS-expressing cells constitutively express the transcription factor complex jun/AP-1, in this case resulting from the ongoing expression of the c-jun and c-fos genes in the absence of IL-3. However, the ongoing growth factor independent expression of c-myc by a transcriptional mechanism in FDC-P1 cells expressing p21 RAS cannot be explained by intracellular signaling in the jun/AP-1 (protein kinase C) pathway. This conclusion derives from the observation that c-jun expression mediated via protein kinase C activation with phorbol ester (12–0-tetra decanoylphorbol-13-acetate, TPA) treatment does not lead to c-myc expression in parent FDC-P1 cells. On the contrary, FDC-P1 cells stably transfected with a c-myc gene controlled under the influence of a metallothionein IIA promoter (containing the TPA-responsive element [TRE]) express the transfected MTIIA-c-myc and downregulate the endogenous c-myc in response to protein kinase C activation with TPA. Further, nuclear proteins derived from cells expressing p21 RAS, which bind specifically to the purified c-myc P2 promoter, are not competed in their binding to the motif-rich P2 element by AP-1 oligonucleotide. Therefore, expression of the Harvey RAS oncogene in FDC-P1 myeloid cells leads to at least two pathways of cytoplasmic signaling. One pathway involves protein kinase C and c-jun/AP-1, but another pathway that is protein kinase C-independent appears to mediate c-myc transcription.
A comparison of waveform candidates for 5G millimeter wave systems

Fifth generation wireless systems will heavily rely on available bandwidth in millimeter wave frequencies to achieve the very ambitious data rate targets that have been set forth. Besides overcoming challenging propagation conditions with reasonable implementation complexity and power consumption, careful system design is needed. In this paper we address a fundamental component, the waveform. We first characterize the requirements, and then explore possible multi-carrier and single carrier waveforms. Our analysis shows that design tradeoffs for millimeter wave are different from lower frequency bands, and that DFT-spread waveforms may represent a balanced solution between spectral efficiency and robustness to implementation impairments. Furthermore, we propose a newly introduced waveform, GI-DFT-s-OFDM, as a suitable candidate.
Controlled Apoptosis by a Thermally Toggled Nanoscale Amplifier of Cellular Uptake

Internalization into cancer cells is a significant challenge in the delivery of many anticancer therapeutics. Drug carriers can address this challenge by facilitating cellular uptake of cytotoxic cargo in the tumor, while preventing cellular uptake in healthy tissues. Here we describe an extrinsically controlled drug carrier, a nanopeptifier, that amplifies cellular uptake by modulating the activity of cell-penetrating peptides with thermally toggled self-assembly of a genetically encoded polypeptide nanoparticle. When appended with a proapoptotic peptide, the nanopeptifier creates a cytotoxic switch, inducing apoptosis only in its self-assembled state. The nanopeptifier provides a new approach to tune the cellular uptake and activity of anticancer therapeutics by an extrinsic thermal trigger.
Will Artificial Intelligence Surpass Human Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a popular topic, has been applied to all areas of modern life and there has been diverse ongoing research focusing on its various aspects. However, the developments of AI in different fields are quite imbalanced. Many experts have predicted that, in time, AI will exceed Human Intelligence (HI); however, there is no solid consensus among them. Moreover, the controversial issue of how to adequately define AI and HI has made it difficult to answer this question. This research collects, summarizes, and analyzes existing research on the theoretical basis of AI/HI and the developments of AI in different areas. Then, we discuss the possibilities that AI eventually replace humans in the job market. Finally, we divide AI into three types and discuss whether machines will ultimately surpass human beings or not.
Divergence of the diapause transcriptome in apple maggot flies: winter regulation and post-winter transcriptional repression.

ABSTRACT The duration of dormancy regulates seasonal timing in many organisms and may be modulated by day length and temperature. Though photoperiodic modulation has been well studied, temperature modulation of dormancy has received less attention. Here, we leverage genetic variation in diapause in the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella , to test whether gene expression during winter or following spring warming regulates diapause duration. We used RNAseq to compare transcript abundance during and after simulated winter between an apple-infesting population and a hawthorn-infesting population where the apple population ends pupal diapause earlier than the hawthorn-infesting population. Marked differences in transcription between the two populations during winter suggests that the ‘early’ apple population is developmentally advanced compared with the ‘late’ hawthorn population prior to spring warming, with transcripts participating in growth and developmental processes relatively up-regulated in apple pupae during the winter cold period. Thus, regulatory differences during winter ultimately drive phenological differences that manifest themselves in the following summer. Expression and polymorphism analysis identify candidate genes in the Wnt and insulin signaling pathways that contribute to population differences in seasonality. Both populations remained in diapause and displayed a pattern of up- and then down-regulation (or vice versa) of growth-related transcripts following warming, consistent with transcriptional repression. The ability to repress growth stimulated by permissive temperatures is likely critical to avoid mismatched phenology and excessive metabolic demand. Compared with diapause studies in other insects, our results suggest some overlap in candidate genes/pathways, though the timing and direction of changes in transcription are likely species specific.
Smoking Cessation Intervention for Pregnant, Minority, Adolescent Smokers

Historically, smoking has presented a serious health risk among Americans. Although the number of adult smokers in the U.S. has decreased in the last 20 years, American teens smoke in increasing numbers. In 1990, an estimated 8.5 million teens, or 42% of the adolescent population, were smokers. Unfortunately, these figures encompass adolescents who are pregnant, a group whose numbers are increasing each year and whose smoking jeopardizes their own health and the health of their infants. Pregnant teenagers who smoke present a double obstetrical risk. In addition to the detrimental effects on the fetus, teen mothers are at risk for toxemia, anemia and uterine dysfunction. Low birth weight and pregnancy-induced hypertension continue to be significant problems for pregnant adolescents who smoke. An additional risk factor for pregnant minority teens (African American) who smoke is a higher neonatal mortality rate which is seen in non-white mothers.
Objectivity, Relativism, and Truth: Philosophical Papers

Richard Rorty's collected papers, written during the 1980s and now published in two volumes, take up some of the issues which divide Anglo-Saxon analytic philosophers and contemporary French and German philosophers and offer something of a compromise - agreeing with the latter in their criticisms of traditional notions of truth and objectivity, but disagreeing with them over the political implications they draw from dropping traditional philosophical doctrines. In this volume Rorty offers a Deweyan account of objectivity as intersubjectivity, one that drops claims about universal validity and instead focuses on utility for the purposes of a community. The sense in which the natural sciences are exemplary for inquiry is explicated in terms of the moral virtues of scientific communities rather than in terms of a special scientific method. The volume concludes with reflections on the relation of social democratic politics to philosophy.
Parenchymal and Nonparenchymal Cell Interactions in Hepatotoxicity

Hepatic nonparenchymal cells represent approximately 30–35% of the cells in the liver. The majority of these cells, which include Kupffer cells, endothelial cells, fat storing cells and pit cells reside within the hepatic sinusoids. Because of their small size relative to hepatocytes and the small volume that they occupy in the liver, nonparenchymal liver cells have largely been ignored in studies aimed at elucidating cellular mechanisms of heptotoxicity. However, following exposure to hepatotoxic chemicals, nonparenchymal cells become “activated”. They release large quantities of highly reactive mediators such as superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, eicosinoids and proteolytic enzymes which have the capacity to damage hepatic tissue. Thus these cells may contribute to pathophysiologic processes leading to toxicity.
Laser Sources and Microchannel Plate Detectors for Pulse Fluorometry

In the past several years, technical advances in light sources and detectors have revolutionized pulse fluorometric instrumentation. Commercially available synchronously pumped dye laser systems can now provide highrepetition-rate light flashes with temporal half-widths of a few picoseconds and thus are nearly an ideal light source for fluorescence decay measurements. These sources, when used in conjunction with a frequency doubler, are tunable over wide spectral ranges from the UV to the near infrared. Also, microchannel plate photomultipliers now provide extremely fast response to the fluorescence and can even be used for monophoton discrimination to eliminate the distorting effects of photon pileup. In this chapter, I attempt to shed some light on the functioning of these light sources and detectors. These descriptions are largely intuitive rather than mathematical. Any design details given apply specifically to Spectra-Physics laser systems and Hamamatsu photomultiplier tubes. I have restricted myself to descriptions of these particular components, because they are the ones with which my laboratory has experience. Other components are commercially available and will be mentioned. The main section of this chapter concerns lasers. Beginning in Section 2.2.1, I introduce the basic physical principles behind the laser source and attempt to describe in simple terms what a laser is and how it works. This section begins with a brief description of Einstein’s coefficients and the need for a population inversion. It describes optical resonance, the use of Brewster’s
Development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies for Whitefly ( Bemisia tabaci )-Transmissible Geminiviruses

Worldwide outbreaks of Bemisia tabaci whiteflies, especially biotype B, have facilitated the emergence of whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses (WTG). These viruses cause economically important diseases of vegetable and fiber crops, especially in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Because small populations of whiteflies can efficiently spread WTGs, management of these diseases is more challenging than for whiteflies alone. In this chapter, we discuss (1) why WTGs have emerged worldwide, (2) key aspects of the biology of WTGs and B. tabaci, and (3) how these aspects shape the development of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach for these diseases. The generalized IPM package involves strategies for (1) before the growing season, such as the use of virus- and whitefly-free transplants and propagative stock, and resistant varieties; (2) during the growing season, such as whitefly population suppression, roguing virus-infected plants, floating row covers and reflective mulches; and (3) after the growing season, such as region-wide sanitation, weed management and implementation of a host-free period. Different combinations of strategies will be used depending on the crop, cropping system, and properties of the virus and the whitefly vector. This is illustrated with two case ­studies: IPM for WTGs in an annual (tomato) and a perennial (cassava) crop.
DT_Team at SemEval-2017 Task 1: Semantic Similarity Using Alignments, Sentence-Level Embeddings and Gaussian Mixture Model Output

We describe our system (DT Team) submitted at SemEval-2017 Task 1, Semantic Textual Similarity (STS) challenge for English (Track 5). We developed three different models with various features including similarity scores calculated using word and chunk alignments, word/sentence embeddings, and Gaussian Mixture Model(GMM). The correlation between our system’s output and the human judgments were up to 0.8536, which is more than 10% above baseline, and almost as good as the best performing system which was at 0.8547 correlation (the difference is just about 0.1%). Also, our system produced leading results when evaluated with a separate STS benchmark dataset. The word alignment and sentence embeddings based features were found to be very effective.
GENETIC CONTROL OF RESISTANCE TO VIRAL INFECTION IN MICE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the genetic control of resistance to viral infection in mice. The pathogenic consequences of viral infection are determined by interactions of viral and cellular genes, which affect various phases of the viral life cycle in the organism. Mammalian host genetic control of viral infection is polygenic; inbred mouse strains have provided a useful model in identification of specific genes that affect host response to infection. The immune system has been implicated in resistance of mice to infection with mousepox, ectromelia. A high degree of resistance was found in C57BL mice, in contrast to JBA mice that were susceptible to disease after footpad inoculation of virus. Although hybrid mice were not evaluated in these studies, differences among the two inbred strains imply genetic control. Neutralizing antibody was found at least a day earlier in the resistant than in susceptible mice.
Research Needs Assessment on Nanostructured Catalysts

Nanocrystalline and nanoporous materials with uniquecharacteristics have attracted a great deal of research interest in the pastdecade. This paper discusses the latest advances in nanostructure processingwhich enable us to better control surface area, cluster size, grainmorphology, pore structure, component dispersion, phase distribution, anddefect concentration to engineer advanced catalysts with significantlyimproved reactivity and selectivity. Areas deserving further research toexplore and realize the full potential of nanostructured catalytic materialsare presented.