cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathways from childhood abuse and neglect to HIV-risk sexual behavior in middle adulthood.

Objective This study examines the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect and sexual risk behavior in middle adulthood and whether psychosocial factors (risky romantic relationships, affective symptoms, drug and alcohol use, and delinquent and criminal behavior) mediate this relationship. Method Children with documented cases of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect (ages 0-11) processed during 1967-1971 were matched with nonmaltreated children and followed into middle adulthood (approximate age 41). Mediators were assessed in young adulthood (approximate age 29) through in-person interviews between 1989 and 1995 and official arrest records through 1994 (N = 1,196). Past year HIV-risk sexual behavior was assessed via self-reports during 2003-2004 (N = 800). Logistic regression was used to examine differences in sexual risk behavior between the abuse and neglect and control groups, and latent variable structural equation modeling was used to test mediator models. Results Child abuse and neglect was associated with increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior in middle adulthood, odds ratio = 2.84, 95% CI [1.74, 4.64], p ≤ .001, and this relationship was mediated by risky romantic relationships in young adulthood. Conclusions Results of this study draw attention to the potential long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect for physical health, in particular sexual risk, and point to romantic relationships as an important focus of intervention and prevention efforts.
The synaptonemal complexes of Caenorhabditis elegans: duplication mutants sDp1 and mnDp1, disjunction regulator regions and aneuploidy.

The duplication mutants sDp1 and mnDp1 in Caenorhabditis elegans differ in their size and recombination/pairing strategies within the pachytene nucleus. mnDp1 is a duplication of approximately 18% of the X chromosome with the duplicated segment transposed and inserted into linkage group V. sDp1 is a free duplication which covers 30 map units of linkage group I and crossing-over has been determined genetically with its homologue. Analysis of the synaptonemal complexes (SC) and pachytene karyotypes of both duplication mutants reveal that there is an extension of one of the SCs in mnDp1 while the sDp1 free duplication partially pairs with its homologue along a small portion of its length. The remaining region exists as a univalent in the pachytene nucleus. This indicates that there is at least one SC initiation site on the sDp1 free duplication. Only bivalent pairing is permitted and there are no trivalents. To some extent, the autosomes preferentially pair at the exclusion of the sDp1 duplication. Switching of pairing partners was evident between the duplication and the homologue, probably because of the size of the duplication. Thus, the mechanism of chromosome segregation in the two duplications is different. The number of Disjunction Regulator Regions, which are associated with X-chromosome nondisjunction, was three in both mutants compared to six in wild-type. The number of males produced in mnDp1 was 1.0%, in sDp1 it was 2.0%, while in wild-type it is 0.3%. Recombination nodules were not observed in any nuclei. The ultimate goal of these studies is to correlate the physical and genetic maps and in this study linkage group I has been identified in the pachytene nucleus.
Abundance and distribution of water, carbon and sulfur in the glassy rims of submarine pillow basalts

Mass spectrometric analyses of phenocrysts, containing glass-vapor inclusions quenched in glassy rims of tholeiitic submarine pillow basalts from spreading centers and Hawaii, indicate that water released from the inclusions upon thermal decrepitation is much less than is released from equivalent volumes of the matrix glass enclosing the same phenocrysts. If water released represents water quenched in the two types of glass (inclusion and matrix) at the time of eruption, then the inclusions contained far less water than the magma surrounding the phenocrysts. Such a condition is consistent with a water depleted source mass for the basalts and an influx of water into the melt after inclusion formation but before quenching at the ocean floor. Glass-vapor inclusions within phenocrysts in tholeiitic pillow basalts from the Marianas Interarc Basin released abundant water even though the adjacent matrix glasses contain only 50% more water than Hawaiian matrix glasses. Water contents of matrix glasses from the Marianas pillow rims are very close to experimental saturation values. In contrast, matrix glasses from MORs and Hawaii are distinctly below water saturation. Vesicles in these glasses are most reasonably accounted for by a CO2-dominated vapor phase, because CO2 contents of those basalt glasses closely approximate experimental solubility limits. Glass-vapor inclusions in phenocrysts from the same pillows appear to contain more CO2 than adjacent matrix glasses, implying that a CO2-dominated vapor developed and outgassed prior to eruption and after inclusion formation. Water influx and CO2 degassing combine to make the CO2(CO2 + H2O) ratio of seafloor basalt glasses a minimum value for the magma source mass. The sulfur content of the inclusion glasses is normally very similar to that of the enclosing matrix glass.
Self-reguiating isnssultn delivery systems II. In vitro studies

Abstract A design for a self-regulating insulin delivery system based on the competitive binding of glucose and glycosylated insulin to the lectin Concanavalin A is proposed. A different approach to diabetes therapy is the attempt to effect a permanent cure of the disease by supplementing the patient's defective pancreas with a normally functioning transplant. However, pancreatic transplantation in humans is stilt in its early stage, and the major problems including rejection of the transplants still remain unsolved. In phase one of this investigation, described in a companion paper, eight glycosylated insulin derivatives were synthesized. In the experiments described here it was found that the glycosylated insulins all show biological activity; several are also more stable against aggregation than commercial insulin. Of various hydrogel membranes studied, porous poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) membranes showed optimum diffusvity for glucose and insulin ; p- HEMA was therefore selected as being most suitable for further investigation. The exchange release of two glycosylated insulin derivatives , p- (succinylamido)phenyl-α-D-mannopyranoside—insulin and p- (succinylamido)phenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside—insulin, through porous p- HEMA shows considerable promise for use in a self-regulating insulin delivery system .
HYPOSMIA IN ACUTE VIRAL HEPATITIS

Abstract 19 patients with acute viral hepatitis have been found to have decreased olfactory acuity (hyposmia) which is associated with dysosmia and dysgeusia. Olfactory acuity was measured with three vapours—pyridine in water and nitrobenzene and thiophene in mineral oil. Hyposmia, called type-II hyposmia, lessened as the illness subsided. Improvement in olfactory acuity was inversely related to the plasma-bilirubin and directly related to the plasma-retinol-binding-protein level. Abnormalities of olfaction and taste may be major factors in the anorexia of hepatitis. Measurement of olfactory acuity is a rapid, simple means of assessing and monitoring hepatic function.
Teach For America and Teach For All: Creating an Intermediary Organization Network for Global Education Reform

Locally and globally among policymakers and edupreneurs, what constitutes “good teaching and learning” is highly contested, and prototypes that seem to embody “what works” are highly valued. In the United States, many accept Teach For America (TFA) as an exemplar of “what works.” As its U.S. operations continue to grow, TFA has recalibrated and expanded into Teach for All, an international organization with extensive reach. Teach For All not only finds historic roots in TFA, but it reflects TFA’s intentional expansion of its theory of change and implementation on a global scale. This exploratory essay investigates the linkages between TFA and TFAll, focusing on theory and implementation of education reform by comparing domestic TFA ideology and practices with those of TFAll. Also, we conceptualize the dimensions and anatomy of a global network of IOs engaged in global education reform. In addition to providing insight on TFAll, our broader goal is to build the knowledge base around what we are calling global Intermediary Organization Networks (IONs).
Description and kinematics of the SE Loreto basin fault array, Baja California Sur, Mexico: A positive field test of oblique-rift models

Abstract We present the results of mapping and kinematic analysis on an ∼ 18 km2 array of normal and oblique-slip faults in the SE Loreto basin, near Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The fault array developed on the western margin of the Gulf of California in late Pliocene time, during the early part of the modern stage of oblique rifting of the gulf. The SE Loreto fault array is an antithetic transfer zone between two large, E-dipping normal faults. The fault array is coherent and formed in one episode. The dominant N- to NNE-striking faults primarily dip W and display nearly pure normal slip. More NE-striking faults show normal-sinistral slip and NW-striking faults have dextral-normal to dextral slip. N- to NW-striking faults have steeper dips and a greater component of dextral slip with more northwesterly strike. Bulk extension, based on strain analysis of faults with striae, is oriented nearly E-W with little plunge and consistent throughout the fault array. The kinematic analysis of the SE Loreto fault array provides a well-constrained test of oblique-rift models. Our results support previous modeling of homogeneous extension in oblique-rifted margins when both instantaneous and finite strain are considered. Positive field tests of analytical and experimental models, such as this one, indicate that such models may be robust predictors of the obliquity of rifting in ancient mountain belts where brittle fault arrays are preserved, but plate motions are unknown.
The estimation of ecosystem services' value in the region of Misi Rural Development Project: Results from a contingent valuation survey

Abstract Stated and revealed methods are widely used in the estimation of non-use benefits of ecosystem services and public goods. This paper presents an application of survey based on contingent valuation method for valuation of the non-use benefits of improvement in ecosystem services through Misi Rural Development Project (MRDP), which is integrated with environmental considerations, in Bursa–Turkey. MRDP objects to improve various non-use benefits such as forest and river ecosystems, which residents do not directly purchase in any markets for goods and services. The estimated value of MRDP was per head annually 67.94 USD. Generalizing this value to the households living around the Misi yields 2,306,474 USD/Year. The present value willingness to pay for 20 years is 19,636,313.00 and 461,294.80 USD using discount rates of 10% and 5%. Although this analysis supports the ensuring sustainability of ecosystem service in Misi settlement, multi-agency management systems have caused some issues in rural settlements based on natural resources' productivity in Turkey. Therefore, rural development projects, integrated with environmental considerations like MRDP will be a good chance to provide the sustainability of ecosystem services especially in developing countries.
TIRFing out Studies on Glut4 Trafficking

Docking and fusion of Glut4 vesicles with the plasma membrane are essential but poorly understood steps during insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Recent studies utilizing TIRF microscopy shed light on these processes and map the sites of possible intervention by insulin from just underneath the plasma membrane.
The effects of insecticide dose and herbivore density on tri-trophic effects of thiamethoxam in a system involving wheat, aphids, and ladybeetles

We assess how herbivore density and insecticide dose affects the tri-trophic interactions among thiamethoxam-treated wheat (Triticum sp.), Rhophalosiphum padi and the predatory Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer. In the first experiment 2nd and 4th instar C. maculata were fed aphids reared for 24 h on wheat plants treated with sub-lethal thiamethoxam soil drenches to assess the effect of insecticidal dose on the predator. In the second experiment a constant, sub-lethal thiamethoxam soil drench was used on wheat plants, but the plants were infested with different densities of aphids. Aphids from each density treatment were then fed to C. maculata 2nd instars. Insecticide levels within wheat and aphid tissues were quantified using a competitive ELISA. In experiment one, 4th instars of C. maculata displayed no negative effects after consuming aphids from treated plants. However, 2nd instars of C. maculata ate more treated aphids than untreated aphids and larval development times varied between the untreated larvae and those receiving the low dose of the insecticide. In experiment two, the 2nd instar C. maculata displayed slower walking speeds after consuming aphids from low aphid density plants. Thiamethoxam within wheat tissue was found at higher levels with increasing dose. This insecticide was also found at higher levels in wheat plants with the lowest aphid density. Clothianidin, a toxic metabolite of thiamethoxam, was found in aphids that had fed on thiamethoxam-treated wheat, but no differences between treatments were observed. The neonicotinoid treatment altered the quality of R. padi as prey for 2nd instar C. maculata, but this depended on the aphid infestation level on the plants. In addition to revealing a potential deleterious effect of thiamethoxam systemic insecticides in wheat, our assays provide insight into the design and interpretation of toxicity assays involving systemic neonicotinoids and herbivores.
a 〈100〉 Dislocation loops in magnesium oxide

Transmission electron microscopic studies show the presence of dislocation loops with α 〈100〉 Burgers vectors in {100} planes in magnesium oxide crystals which had undergone electrical conduction for long periods of time at high temperatures. The vacancy or interstitial nature of these loops is analyzed and all the loops examined are found to be of vacancy type. Transmissions-elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zeigen, das in Magnesiumoxyd-Kristallen, die lange Zeit bei hohen Temperaturen elektrischen Strom gefuhrt haben, Versetzungsringe mit α 〈100〉-Burgersvektoren in {100}-Ebenen auftreten. Die Versetzungsringe werden auf Leerstellen- oder Zwischengitter-Typ hin untersucht, und es wird gefunden, das alle Ringe vom Leerstellentyp sind.
Some Influences of Stilbestrol, Estrone, and Testosterone Propionate on the Genital Tract of Young Female Fowls

Abstract ALTHOUGH the estrogenic influence of stilbestrol in mammals is well known, its effect in birds has not been so extensively determined. That it has activity in birds in one manner or another has, however, been demonstrated (Flock and Bollman, 1941; Gaarenstroom, 1939; Muhlbock, 1939; Witschi and Fugo, 1940; Wolff, 1939; and Zondek and Marx, 1939). Experiments were carried out to determine some influences of stilbestrol and other estrogenic and androgenic substances on the genital tracts of young fowls. Single Comb White Leghorn female chicks were used and injections begun when they were 18 days of age. Eleven intramuscular injections were made on alternate days, and all birds were killed on the second clay following the last injection, at which time they were 40 days of age. Upon killing, the genital tracts were severed at the cloaca and removed. The whole genital tracts were weighed, fixed, and the uterine portions sectioned . . .
It is Time to Bury the Spearman-Brown “Prophecy” Formula for Some Common Applications:

The restrictive assumption of classical parallelism for the Spearman-Brown formulas makes them obsolete when the two-part alpha and coefficient alpha formulas can be used. The alpha coefficients require the less restrictive assumption of essential tau-equivalence. Even small reliability differences produced by the Spearman-Brown and alpha coefficient formulas on the same data can result in large applied differences.
Emotional intelligence provides indicators for team performance in an engineering course

As the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry embraces new ideas and new technologies, there is an escalated need for integration. Unfortunately, the incorporation of highly functional collaborative skills within a team-like framework is not often a specific focus in collegiate engineering classes. This contrasts with industry, where an increased awareness of the advantages of teams and collaboration skills is well appreciated. This paper provides an introduction to emotional intelligence (EI) and the importance of EI to the AEC community. Here, we describe an exploratory study, which was undertaken to identify which EI traits of students were linked to success in a team-based undergraduate construction engineering course. Ninety-five students were randomly divided into teams to complete projects during the Spring 2008 semester. Individual exam scores, project scores, and team member evaluations were compared with individual trait assessments, using the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Invento...
Oxidation-resistant boron- and germanium-doped silicide coatings for refractory metals at high temperature

Abstract Owing to the poor oxidation resistance of titanium alloys at high-temperature, a protective coating is required. Alloying titanium with enough aluminum or silicon to form a protective Al 2 O 3 or SiO 2 scale is not a viable approach. In this study, boron- and germanium-doped silicide coatings were grown on commercially pure (CP) titanium and orthorhombic-base Ti-20Al-22Nb and Ti-22Al-27Nb alloys by a halide-activated, pack cementation method. Isothermal and cyclic oxidation testing in air were used to evaluate the coated substrates at 500–1000 °C. Microhardness profiles were made to test for oxygen contamination of the substrate. These coatings both provided excellent oxidation resistance for CP Ti and the TiAlNb alloys.
Enzymes of carbohydrate-phosphorus metabolism in the bone marrow and spleen after sympathectomy. Effects of neuropeptide PRP-1

We studied the effects of proline-1 rich-1 polypeptide (PRP-1) on the activity of enzymes of carbohydrate-phosphorus metabolism in intact rats and rats subjected to pharmacological sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 40 mg/kg) in the homogenates of bone marrow and spleen. We found that, in the bone marrow, suppression of the sympathetic nervous system, inducing insignificant inhibition of alkaline phosphatase (by 15%), does not affect glycogen phosphorylase and substantially increases the activity of acid phosphatase (by 92%). In the spleen, these enzymes are more resistant to sympathectomy. Administration of PRP-1 causes different changes in the activity of the enzymes studied. In the bone marrow, the activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase remained unaltered. In contrast, glycogen phosphorylase was substantially activated by PRP-1; its activity in the spleen increased by 57%. In the bone marrow, PRP-1 increased the activity of this enzyme from zero (intact and symapthectozimed animals) to 1650 U. Our data support Galoyan’s hypothesis on the existence of a neurohumoral axis between the hypothalamus, the location of PRP-1 synthesis, and bone marrow.
Structural and magnetic characterizations of single-crystal (Na1−xCax)V2O5: charge-ordering and spin-ordering in vanadate systems

Abstract We report the X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements on single-crystal samples of the partially filled spin-ladder system (Na1−xCax)V2O5. X-ray powder diffraction shows a monotonic expansion of the b- and c-axis lattice parameters with increasing x, consistent with the larger atomic radius of Ca2+. Small Ca substitution (x J∼560 K/k B . Analysis of the high-temperature spin susceptibility data suggests that the behavior of the x≥0.04 samples is better explained by a spin-ladder system with coupling J ladder ≈J rung ∼500 K/k B .
Mutations in pncA, a gene encoding pyrazinamidase/nicotinamidase, cause resistance to the antituberculous drug pyrazinamide in tubercle bacillus

Naturally pyrazinamide (PZA)-resistant Mycobacterium bovis and acquired PZA-resistant M. tuberculosis strains lose pyrazinamidase (PZase). To investigate the molecular mechanism of PZA resistance, we have cloned the gene (pncA) encoding M. tuberculosis PZase. Mutations in pncA were identified in both types of PZA-resistant strains, and transformation of these strains with a functional pncA gene restored PZase activity and PZA susceptibility. These findings, besides providing the basis for understanding how PZA works, should have implications for rapid detection of PZA-resistant clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis and also for rapid differentiation of M. bovis from M. tuberculosis strains.
Relations between self-perceived and actual peer acceptance among preschool children

This report describes an exploration of the relations between self-perceived and actual peer acceptance among 31 preschool children, aged 3 to 5 years who were given the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance to measure self-perceived peer acceptance and a sociometric scale to assess actual peer acceptance. Analysis showed a low but significant correlation between perceived peer acceptance and sociometric scores. Children who perceived themselves as well accepted by peers also received higher nomination scores from peers.
Three-dimensional optical image reconstruction from phantom and clinical data

A three-dimensional (3D) finite-element optical tomographic reconstruction algorithm based on a diffusion equation approximation is presented. The algorithm uses a regularized Newton method to update an initial (guess) optical property distribution iteratively in order to minimize an object function composed of a weighted sum of the squared difference between computed and measured data, and reconstructs the spatial distribution of the absorption and scattering coefficients of turbid media/tissues using DC data. Considering the memory requirements and computational cost for 3D reconstruction, the algorithm has been parallelized with Message-Passing Interface. We have conducted both phantom and in vivo clinical experiments to evaluate our parallelized three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm. The results show that 3D volumetric images of turbid media and in vivo tissues can be successfully reconstructed.
Space-time complexity in nonlinear optics

Abstract Traveling wave solutions are found to be the natural nonlinear modes of wide aperture two-level and Raman lasers for frequency detunings to the positive side of the gain peak.
Damage Detection and Localization in Structures: A Statistics Based Algorithm Using a Densely Clustered Sensor Network

Damage prognosis for structural health monitoring is a challenging and complex research topic in civil engineering. Early and accurate damage detection is essential to maximizing the useful life of structures. The use of densely clustered sensor networks provides promising applications in the analysis of structural components and identification of local damage. The proposed localized damage detection method utilizes a linear regression analysis to monitor changes in the linear behavior of a structure with the onset of damage. The structural responses at various sensor locations along a structure are compared to those of other locations and pair-wise influence coefficients are estimated. These coefficients serve as damage indicators when damaged values are compared to healthy-state values. By statistically comparing the change in influence coefficients, structural damage can be accurately and effectively identified. The method is verified using simulations and an experimental prototype of a local beam-column connection, as well as a simulated model of a twospan bridge girder.
Electronic structure, molecular electrostatic potential and hydrogen bonding in DMSO-X complexes (X = ethanol, methanol and water).

Abstract In the present work, we have studied the electronic structure, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and hydrogen bonding in DMSO–ethanol, DMSO–methanol and DMSO–water complexes by employing the MP2 method. Different conformers were simulated on the basis of possible binding sites guided by molecular electrostatic potential topology. The stronger hydrogen bonded interaction lowers the energy of the conformer. Molecular electron density topology and natural bond orbital analysis were used to explain the strength of interactions. Experimental vibrations are also compared with the calculated normal vibrations. Blue shift is predicted for SC vibration in experimental and theoretical spectra as well. Molecular electrostatic potential and topology are used to understand the interaction strength of the conformer.
The N and C Termini of ZO-1 Are Surrounded by Distinct Proteins and Functional Protein Networks

The proteins and functional protein networks of the tight junction remain incompletely defined. Among the currently known proteins are barrier-forming proteins like occludin and the claudin family; scaffolding proteins like ZO-1; and some cytoskeletal, signaling, and cell polarity proteins. To define a more complete list of proteins and infer their functional implications, we identified the proteins that are within molecular dimensions of ZO-1 by fusing biotin ligase to either its N or C terminus, expressing these fusion proteins in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells, and purifying and identifying the resulting biotinylated proteins by mass spectrometry. Of a predicted proteome of ∼9000, we identified more than 400 proteins tagged by biotin ligase fused to ZO-1, with both identical and distinct proteins near the N- and C-terminal ends. Those proximal to the N terminus were enriched in transmembrane tight junction proteins, and those proximal to the C terminus were enriched in cytoskeletal proteins. We also identified many unexpected but easily rationalized proteins and verified partial colocalization of three of these proteins with ZO-1 as examples. In addition, functional networks of interacting proteins were tagged, such as the basolateral but not apical polarity network. These results provide a rich inventory of proteins and potential novel insights into functions and protein networks that should catalyze further understanding of tight junction biology. Unexpectedly, the technique demonstrates high spatial resolution, which could be generally applied to defining other subcellular protein compartmentalization.
Characterization of the coding sequence of the normal M4 ∝1-antitrypsin gene

Abstract The nucleotide sequences of the common normal “M” family of ∝1-antitrypsin (∝1AT) variants are known, including M1(Val213), M1(Ala213), M2 and M3. Less common, but also migrating with the “M” family on isoelectric focusing gels, is the normal M4 allele. Being relatively rare, the M4 allele is usually found in heterozygous combination with another ∝1AT allele making sequence characterization more difficult. To facilitate analysis of the coding exons of the ∝1AT M4 allele, a method was developed to combine blood monocyte RNA extraction, reverse transcription of the ∝1AT mRNA, amplification with the polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. This analysis demonstrated that the M4 allele differs from the M1(Val213) allele by a single nucleotide substitution G→A, causing the amino acid substitution Arg101 C G T→His101 C A T. This same mutation is also a part of the M2 gene suggesting that this region of the ∝1AT gene may be one of increased mutational activity.
Determining Process Death Based on Censored Activity Data

This article addresses the problem of estimating the time of apparent death in a binary stochastic process. We show that, when only censored data are available, a fitted logistic regression model may estimate the time of death incorrectly. We improve this estimation by utilizing discrete-event simulation to produce simulated complete time series data. The proposed methodology may be applied to situations where time of death cannot be formally determined and has to be estimated based on prolonged inactivity. As an illustration, we use observed monthly activity patterns from 300 real Open Source Software development projects sampled from Sourceforge.net.
Carbon dioxide and water vapour exchange from understory species in boreal forest

Although recent eddy covariance measurements in boreal forests provide CO2 and energy exchange data for the whole ecosystem, very little is known about the role of the understory vegetation. We conducted chamber flux measurements in an Alaskan black spruce forest in order to compare CO2 and water vapour exchange among patches of understory vegetation dominated by feathermoss (Hylocomium), peatmoss (Sphagnum), vascular plants (mainly low shrubs), or lichens. We found large differences among understory vegetation types with respect to midday net CO2 exchange and its seasonal pattern of variation. Sphagnum and vascular-plant plots showed net CO2 uptake, with most uptake on days of high light availability. In contrast, Hylocomium and lichen plots lost CO2 during the middle of the growing season, but showed net uptake at the end of the season when the soil had cooled down. Spatial variation in net CO2 exchange was related more to biotic variables like soil organic matter than to environmental variables. The differences among vegetation types with respect to water vapour fluxes were smaller, because evapotranspiration was more constrained by climatic variables like solar radiation. Net CO2 uptake in Hylocomium plots was negatively related to evapotranspiration, because Hylocomium photosynthesis was very sensitive to evaporative stress, whereas evapotranspiration and net CO2 uptake in Sphagnum were not limited by moisture conditions. These differences suggest that species composition of the understory should be taken into account when discussing understory contributions to CO2 and water vapour exchange. Author Keywords: Climate change; CO2; Evapotranspiration; Hylocomium splendens; Sphagnum capillifolium; Understory vegetation
Pest Externalities from Agricultural Inputs

Agricultural inputs such as water, pesticide, and even time may have the unintended effect of stimulating some pest populations, leading to crop losses. A conceptual model is developed to contrast optimal use of pesticide and nonpesticide inputs with myopic use patterns which ignore pest externalities. Under most conditions, optimal management is found to entail reduced input levels. These issues are illustrated for Imperial Valley cotton using biological simulation. Correct calculation of the relative profitability of conventional and integrated pest management techniques, such as a shortened growing season, are found to depend crucially on whether pest externalities are taken into account.
Mortality, cost, and health outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in Medicare patients.

article i nfo There are little data that quantify the long term costs, mortality, and downstream disease after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study is to compare differences in cost and health outcomes between Medicare patients with OA who undergo TKA and those who avoid the procedure. The Medicare 5% sample was used to identify patients diagnosed with OA during 1997-2009. All OA patients were separated into non- arthroplasty and arthroplasty groups. Differences in costs, mortality, and new disease diagnoses were adjusted using logistic regression for age, sex, race, buy-in status, region, and Charlson score. The 7-year cumulative average Medicare payments for all treatments were $63,940 for the non-TKA group and $83,783 for the TKA group. The risk adjusted mortality hazard ratio (HR) of the TKA group ranged from 0.48 to 0.54 through seven years (all Pb0.001). The risk of heart failure in the TKA group was 40.9% at 7years (HR=0.93, Pb0.001). The results demonstrate the patients in the TKA cohort as having a lower probability of heart failure and mortality, at a total incremental cost of $19,843.
Cutaneous seeding of hepatocellular carcinoma due to percutaneous ethanol injection and masquerading as a pyogenic granuloma.

BACKGROUNDThis investigation reports a 68-year-old man with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed 2 years previously who developed a single, easy-bleeding, pyogenic granuloma (PG)-like lesion on his right upper abdomen, located in the area of previous therapeutic percutaneous ethanol
Nonlinear dynamics of cooperative upconversion

We describe several new aspects of light–matter interactions for solids in which interatomic coupling of impurity atoms plays a dominant role in population dynamics. We explore the implications of spatial coherence in such multiatom interactions by introducing a density-matrix theory of cooperative upconversion, focusing on pair systems for which analytic results can be obtained. We predict population pulsations in coherent cooperative upconversion, enhanced quantum efficiency, enhanced energy transfer, and pair-mediated instabilities, not only in cooperative upconversion media without external cavities but in upconversion lasers and conventional lasers in highly doped solids as well. These predictions are compared with rate equation solutions and observations in lasers with inversions sustained by cooperative processes, particularly the 2.8-μm Er laser. Rate equations fail to predict the observed steady-state instabilities of this laser, which are well reproduced by density-matrix theory, furnishing evidence of weak coherent delocalizations in a rare-earth system.
On structured total least squares for blind identification of multichannel FIR filters

Structured total least-squares (STLS) provides a nice framework for approximating a full-rank affmely-structured matrix with a rank-deficient matrix having the same affine structure. In this paper, we investigate the use of STLS method for blind identification of multiple FIR channels driven by an unknown deterministic input. First, we exploit the block - Hankel affine structure of the data matrix, which motivates the use of STLS-based methods. Then, we derive an iterative non-linear solution to the unknown channel parameters by using a generalized form of singular value decomposition. We carry out extensive numerical simulations to compare the performance of the proposed method against the well-known least-squares (LS) method, where the affine structure of the date matrix is overlooked. These results reveal that the STLS based method outperforms the LS method for ill-conditioned as well as well-conditioned channels over a wide range of SNR.
Interlimb Coordination During Slow Walking in the Cockroach: II. Effects of Cutting Thoracic Connectives

This paper examines changes in interlimb coordination resulting from lesions in the CNS during tethered, ball-walking in the cockroach. After a single connective was cut, between either the first and second or second and third thoracic ganglia, there were shifts in the mean interlimb coordination between legs as a function of time after surgery. During the first day, the mean coordination between legs bordering the cut was altered and contralateral phase changed greatly posterior to the lesion. From 1 to 10 days post-op, the relationship between all leg pairs changed unpredictably, and phase became variable. In general, the gait stabilized between 20 and 36 days after an operation. The new pattern of walking was significantly different from both that of normal individuals and that seen one day after surgery. At 36 days the legs adjacent to the cut remained relatively uncoordinated, and there were distinct changes in the mean coordination of other leg pairs. These results suggest that a neural reorganization of the locomotor system takes place after surgery.
Halo (Spillover) Effects in Social Media: Do Product Recalls of One Brand Hurt or Help Rival Brands?

AbstractOnline chatter is important because it is spontaneous, passionate, information rich, granular, and live. Thus, it can forewarn and be diagnostic about potential problems with automobile models, known as nameplates. The authors define “perverse halo” (or negative spillover) as the phenomenon whereby negative chatter about one nameplate increases negative chatter for another nameplate. The authors test the existence of such a perverse halo for 48 nameplates from four different brands during a series of automobile recalls. The analysis is by individual and panel vector autoregressive models. The study finds that perverse halo is extensive. It occurs for nameplates within the same brand across segments and across brands within segments. It is strongest between brands of the same country. Perverse halo is asymmetric, being stronger from a dominant brand to a less dominant brand than vice versa. Apology advertising about recalls has harmful effects on both the recalled brand and its rivals. Furthermore,...
Low-IF 90nm CMOS receiver for 2.5G application

In this paper, a pure digital CMOS (90nm) dual-band GSM low IF (100kHz) receiver section is presented. The incoming RF signal is first amplified using two differential LNAs (one for GSM and the other for DCS) and then down converted by two passive mixers to produce the low frequency I and Q signals. The 90 degrees phase shifted local oscillator signals are implemented on chip using two dividers by 4 and by 2 (working at 3.6GHz). The low IF strip will amplify and filter the I and Q signals. It has been built with digitally programmable gain stages including also a Butterworth 2nd order polyphase active filter. The receiver has been designed to be compatible with a standard 10-bits ADC. The RX chain shows state-of-the-art NF performances (<2dB in GSM and <3dB in DCS) with an overall current consumption of 29mA at 1.4V supply (9mA for the LNA, 17mA for the IF strip and 3mA for the divider by 2). The die area is 1.4mm/spl times/2.8mm.
An Analysis of Performance Interference Effects in Virtual Environments

Virtualization is an essential technology in modern datacenters. Despite advantages such as security isolation, fault isolation, and environment isolation, current virtualization techniques do not provide effective performance isolation between virtual machines (VMs). Specifically, hidden contention for physical resources impacts performance differently in different workload configurations, causing significant variance in observed system throughput. To this end, characterizing workloads that generate performance interference is important in order to maximize overall utility. In this paper, we study the effects of performance interference by looking at system-level workload characteristics. In a physical host, we allocate two VMs, each of which runs a sample application chosen from a wide range of benchmark and real-world workloads. For each combination, we collect performance metrics and runtime characteristics using an instrumented Ken hypervisor. Through subsequent analysis of collected data, we identify clusters of applications that generate certain types of performance interference. Furthermore, we develop mathematical models to predict the performance of a new application from its workload characteristics. Our evaluation shows our techniques were able to predict performance with average error of approximately 5%
WiGEM: a learning-based approach for indoor localization

We consider the problem of localizing a wireless client in an indoor environment based on the signal strength of its transmitted packets as received on stationary sniffers or access points. Several state-of-the-art indoor localization techniques have the drawback that they rely extensively on a labor-intensive 'training' phase that does not scale well. Use of unmodeled hardware with heterogeneous power levels further reduces the accuracy of these techniques.We propose a 'learning-based' approach, WiGEM, where the received signal strength is modeled as a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). Expectation Maximization (EM) is used to learn the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters. This approach enables us to localize a transmitting device based on the maximum a posteriori estimate. The key insight is to use the physics of wireless propagation, and exploit the signal strength constraints that exist for different transmit power levels. The learning approach not only avoids the labor-intensive training, but also makes the location estimates considerably robust in the face of heterogeneity and various time varying phenomena. We present evaluations on two different indoor testbeds with multiple WiFi devices. We demonstrate that WiGEM's accuracy is at par with or better than state-of-the-art techniques but without requiring any training.
Adaptive channel estimation for MIMO space-time coded communications

We develop adaptive channel estimation techniques for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels with space-time block-coded (STBC) communications. We describe a unified framework for adaptive channel estimation for multi-user Alamouti STBC transmissions over flat fading channels and over frequency selective fading channels using single-carrier frequency domain (SC-FD) STBC or STBC-OFDM. The structure of the space-time code is exploited to reduce the complexity of block NLMS and RLS receivers.
Protein synthesis in the rat anterior pituitary. II. Solubility studies on total protein, growth hormone and prolactin labeled in an in vitro incubation.

The particulate—associated or “insoluble” nature of a significant proportion of the rat pituitary protein labeled in an in vitro incubation was demonstrated. After incubation, pituitaries were homogenized in media of varying composition, the homogenates made 0.25 M in sucrose and centrifuged at 10,000 g or 105,000 g. The amount of labeled protein in homogenate supernates was determined by acid precipitation and compared to non—centrifuged controls. After homogenization in Krebs–Ringer Bicarbonate or pH 7 0.9% saline, less than half of the total labeled protein was found in homogenate supernates after a 10–min 10,000 g centrifugation. However, after homogenization in lmM EDTA, pH 11 0.9% saline, pH 12 1% Na8P04, 0.1% or 1.0% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 6M guanidine HC1 or 8M urea, more than 88% of the labeled protein was found in the supernates. Of the media tested only 1% SDS was capable of completely dissociating labeled protein from particulates as determined after centrifugation at 105,000 g for 2 hr...
RAD51 paralogs promote homology-directed repair at diversifying immunoglobulin V regions

Gene conversion depends upon the same factors that carry out more general process of homologous recombination, including homologous gene targeting and recombinational repair. Among these are the RAD51 paralogs, conserved factors related to the key recombination factor, RAD51. In chicken and other fowl, gene conversion (templated mutation) diversifies immunoglobulin variable region sequences. This allows gene conversion and recombinational repair to be studied using the chicken DT40 B cell line, which carries out constitutive gene conversion and provides a robust and physiological model for homology-directed repair in vertebrate cells. We show that DT40 contains constitutive nuclear foci of the repair factors RAD51D and XRCC2, consistent with activated homologous recombination. Single-cell imaging of a DT40 derivative in which the rearranged and diversifying immunoglobulin λR light chain gene is tagged with polymerized lactose operator, DT40 PolyLacO-λR, showed that RAD51D and XRCC2 localize to the diversifying λR gene. Colocalizations correlate both functionally and physically with active immunoglobulin gene conversion. Ectopic expression of either RAD51D or XRCC2 accelerated the clonal rate of gene conversion, and conversion tracts were significantly longer in RAD51D than XRCC2 transfectants. These results demonstrate direct functions of RAD51D and XRCC2 in immunoglobulin gene conversion, and also suggest that modulation of levels of repair factors may be a useful strategy to promote gene correction in other cell types.
Unification of Euler and Werner deconvolution in three dimensions via the generalized Hilbert transform

The extended Euler deconvolution algorithm is shown to be a generalization and unification of 2-D Euler deconvolution and Werner deconvolution. After recasting the extended Euler algorithm in a way that suggests a natural generalization to three dimensions, we show that the 3-D extension can be realized using generalized Hilbert transforms. The resulting algorithm is both a generalization of extended Euler deconvolution to three dimensions and a 3-D extension of Werner deconvolution. At a practical level, the new algorithm helps stabilize the Euler algorithm by providing at each point three equations rather than one. We illustrate the algorithm by explicit calculation for the potential of a vertical magnetic dipole.
State Public Opinion, the Death Penalty, and the Practice of Electing Judges

Do state supreme courts act impartially or are they swayed by public opinion? Do judicial elections influence judge behavior? To date these questions have received little direct attention due to the absence of comparable public opinion data in states and obstacles to collecting data necessary for comprehensive analysis of state supreme court outcomes. Advances in measurement, data archiving, and methodology now allow for consideration of the link between public opinion and judicial outcomes in the American states. The analysis presented considers public opinion's influence on the composition of courts (indirect effects) and its influence on judge votes in capital punishment cases (direct effects). In elective state supreme courts, public support for capital punishment influences the ideological composition of those courts and judge willingness to uphold death sentences. Notably, public support for capital punishment has no measurable effect on nonelective state supreme courts. On the highly salient issue of the death penalty, mass opinion and the institution of electing judges systematically influence court composition and judge behavior.
Archeology, deep history, and the human transformation of island ecosystems

A B S T R A C T Island ecosystems and peoples face uncertain futures in the wake of predicted climate change, sea level rise, and habitat alteration in the decades and centuries to come. Archeological and paleoecological records provide important context for understanding modern environmental and sociopolitical developments on islands. We review and analyze human interactions with island ecosystems in Polynesia, the Caribbean, and California during the last several millennia. Our analysis demonstrates that human impacts on island ecosystems and cases of highly managed anthropogenic landscapes extend deep in the past, often beginning at initial settlement. There are important issues of scale and island physical characteristics, however, that make human ecodynamics on islands variable through space and time. These data demonstrate that current environmental problems have their roots in deeper time and suggest that the Anthropocene likely began by the onset of the Holocene, if not earlier. 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
A low-power variable resolution analog-to-digital converter

A method to reduce the power dissipation of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) in wireless digital communications systems is to detect the current channel condition and to dynamically vary the resolution of the ADC according to the given channel condition. In this paper, we present an ADC that can change its resolution dynamically and, consequently, its power dissipation. Our ADC is, a switched-current, redundant signed-digit (RSD) cyclic implementation that easily incorporates variable resolution. Our ADC is implemented in a 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS-technology with a-single-ended 3.3 V power supply. This ADC implementation has a maximum power dissipation of 6.35 mW for a 12-bit resolution and dissipates an average, of 10 percent less power when the resolution-is decreased by two bits.