cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resonance Raman spectroscopy of cytochrome c oxidase and electron transport particles with excitation near the Soret band.

Abstract We report the resonance Raman spectra of cytochrome c oxidase, both solubilized and in electron transport particles using laser excitation near the Soret band. As in the spectra of other hemoproteins, such as cytochrome c , the shape and intensity of a number of bands change when the oxidation state is varied. However, one of the hemes of solubilized cytochrome c oxidase shows redox behavior which is anomalous. Spectra of electron transport particles are dominated by cytochrome c oxidase. There are, however, definite differences between spectra of solubilized cytochrome c oxidase and electron transport particles in the oxidized states.
New metric for 3D optical pattern recognition system

In this paper, a novel metric is defined that will allow one to compare the performance of 3-D pattern recognition systems. Any real object is inherently, three-dimensional. Therefore, any input object for an automated target recognition system should be ideally compared to the 3-D information about the object. The proposed metric captures the essence of such comparisons.
Mutations in the arginine-rich protein gene (ARP) in pancreatic cancer

The ARP gene encodes a highly conserved arginine-rich protein from chromosomal band 3p21.1. At the cytogenetic level this region is frequently deleted in a variety of different solid tumors, although not in pancreatic cancer. We have reported the presence of a specific mutation (ATG50-->AGG) or deletion of codon 50 of the ARP gene in different tumor types (Shridhar et al., 1996, 1996a). In the present study, we have observed mutations involving codon 50 in 11 of 37 pancreatic tumors. The frequency of codon 50 mutation is roughly the same in pancreatic tumors as in the other types of tumors previously examined. In addition, we have detected mutations at codon 51 in multiple PCR subclones in two other pancreatic tumors. Mutations in the ARP gene are thus commonly observed in pancreatic cancer, as well as many other cancers.
The effect of potassium soil amendments, trenching and foliar sprays on the mineral content, growth, yield and fruit quality of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and prune (Prunus domestica L.) 1

Abstract Potassium sulfate was applied to established, non‐irrigated, K deficient trees on fine textured soil by banding, placing in augered holes and injecting into the soil. Additional trees received a heavy compost mulch in early fall. Trenches were dug in the fall beside trees to break roots and then were backfilled with K2SO4, dolomite lime or a combination of the two. One percent K solutions of KNO3 or K2SO4 were sprayed on trees four times during the growth season. Sweet cherry trees only responded to compost mulch applications within two years. August midshoot leaf K, leaf N and fruit size were increased within one year however tree growth and yield were not affected. Fruit size and shoot growth were partially dependent on August leaf K level. August midshoot leaf K of prune trees was increased within one growing season by all treatments except trench plus lime. Trees receiving compost also had increased levels of leaf N, P, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and B. Yield and shoot growth were increased only by compo...
Determinants of helper T cell-dependent antibody production

Multiple factors regulate the development and maintenance of humoral immune responses. The cytokines produced by helper T cells are major determinants of the magnitude and phenotype of antibody responses to protein antigens. Th2-derived cytokines are most effective at initiating primary B cell responses, whereas Th1 cells are effective helpers for B cells exposed to multivalent antigens and for previously activated B cells. In addition, different cytokines stimulate B cell switching to particular antibody isotypes. Cytokine production can be regulated in vivo by the conditions of antigen exposure, and by the nature of antigens. Tolerogenic antigens alter the phenotypes of antibody responses by preferentially inactivating selected subsets of helper T cells. Morphologic techniques provide potentially valuable approaches for studying T/B cell interactions and the nature and consequences of local cytokine production in situ, in lymphoid tissues.
Real or Imagined Confusion in Ethnohistorical Research? A Rejoinder to Thurman

Recently, Melburn D. Thurman has argued that my handling of the James Mackay manuscript, an early 19th-century account of Plains native groups, is unsound. Many of Thurman's criticisms, specificall...
Diminished maternal responsiveness during pregnancy in multiparous female common marmosets

Common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) live in small groups in which, usually, only a single female breeds and all group members provide infant care. When two females breed concurrently, however, they may commonly kill one another's infants, especially during the peripartum period. To investigate the mechanisms underlying infanticide by breeding females, we characterized responses of multiparous females to infants and determined circulating hormone levels in adult females during early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and the early postpartum period. Additionally, we compared the responses of postpartum females to their own infants and infants of other females (unfamiliar infants). Postpartum females were highly maternal toward both their own and unfamiliar infants, and showed no differences in their behavioral or hormonal responses to the two. During both early and late pregnancy, however, these females exhibited longer latencies to initially approach unfamiliar infants and spent less time carrying unfamiliar infants. Moreover, females spent less time carrying unfamiliar infants during late pregnancy than early pregnancy. Most late pregnant females never carried infants, and those that did rejected them quickly. Prolactin concentrations were higher and progesterone concentrations lower postpartum than in early or late pregnancy, while estradiol concentrations, the estradiol-to-progesterone ratio, and cortisol levels were higher during late pregnancy. Within reproductive conditions, however, maternal behaviors were not correlated with hormone levels. These results suggest that maternal responsiveness in marmosets may be attenuated during pregnancy, especially late pregnancy, and this may contribute to infanticide by breeding females.
Networked unattended ground sensors: the road ahead

With its focus on the Future Combat Systems (FCS), the U.S. Army has embarked on an important campaign to field a lighter force, capable of being deployed in a fraction of the time currently required. The survivability of this force, however, will be based more heavily on the use of integrated command and control capabilities with unsurpassed situational understanding for all levels of commanders. Arrays of small, low cost, low power sensors will play a key role in detecting, locating, tracking and identifying targets, particularly in areas where the terrain or other circumstances prevent traditional high performance sensors from providing critical information. There has been, and continues to be, a number of DoD programs aimed at fielding Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS). While much of the underpinning technology exists to field such systems, many technology and operational barriers still remain. This paper will attempt to discuss the challenges to overcoming these barriers.
Synthesis and characterization of scintillating cerium-doped lanthanum fluoride nanocrystals

Colloidal synthesis of cerium-doped lanthanum fluoride nanocrystals is reported. The nanocrystals were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, steady-state UV-VIS optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and by PL lifetime measurements. Cerium doping concentration was optimized for the maximum PL intensity. Radiation hardness of the synthesized nanocrystals was tested using a 137 Cs 662-keV gamma source. Finally, scintillation was observed from the cerium-doped lanthanum fluoride nanocrystals exposed to low-level gamma radiation.
Underdevelopment, demographic change, and health care on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Abstract Employing an historical approach, the Navajo Indian Reservation is understood as an under-developed nation. The consequences are examined in terms of demographic response, organization and utilization of health services, and employment patterns within the service sector generally and in health care specifically. In some respects, the health and other services come to serve as a misplaced target for the Indians' anger and frustration which might be better directed toward more fundamental concerns such as control of natural resource extraction, control of local business and industry, etc. The focus on health may also teach people that their problems are personal, which they are not.
Antiepileptic Drug Clearance and Seizure Frequency during Pregnancy in Women with Epilepsy

The aims of the study were to characterize the magnitude of clearance changes during pregnancy for multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and to assess seizure frequency and factors increasing seizure risk in pregnant women with epilepsy. A retrospective analysis was performed for 115 pregnancies in 95 women with epilepsy followed at the Emory Epilepsy Center between 1999 and 2012. Antiepileptic drug blood levels (ABLs) obtained during routine clinical practice were used to calculate AED clearance at multiple points during pregnancy. Antiepileptic drug doses and seizure activity were also recorded. The data were analyzed for changes in clearance and dose across pregnancy and for an association between ABL and changes in seizure frequency. Significant changes in clearance during pregnancy were observed for lamotrigine (p 35% from preconception baseline, seizures worsened significantly during the second trimester when controlling for seizure occurrence in the year prior to conception. Substantial pharmacokinetic changes during pregnancy occur with multiple AEDs and may increase seizure risk. Monitoring of AED serum concentrations with dose adjustment is recommended in pregnant women with epilepsy. Further studies are needed for many AEDs.
Patient age: A neglected factor when considering disease management in adults with type 2 diabetes

Objective The average age at diagnosis for type 2 diabetes is decreasing. However, because age is most often controlled for in clinical research, little is known regarding how adult age is associated with diabetes disease-related variables.
Cancellous bone analysis with modified least squares Prony’s method and chirp filter: Phantom experiments and simulation

The presence of two longitudinal waves in porous media is predicted by Biot’s theory and has been confirmed experimentally in cancellous bone. When cancellous bone samples are interrogated in through-transmission, these two waves can overlap in time. Previously, the Modified Least-Squares Prony’s (MLSP) method was validated for estimation of amplitudes, attenuation coefficients, and phase velocities of fast and slow waves, but tended to overestimate phase velocities by up to about 5%. In the present paper, a pre-processing chirp filter to mitigate the phase velocity bias is derived. The MLSP/chirp filter (MLSPCF) method was tested for decomposition of a 500 kHz-center-frequency signal containing two overlapping components: one passing through a low-density-polyethylene plate (fast wave) and another passing through a cancellous-bone-mimicking phantom material (slow wave). The chirp filter reduced phase velocity bias from 100 m/s (5.1%) to 69 m/s (3.5%) (fast wave) and from 29 m/s (1.9%) to 10 m/s (0.7%) (slow wave). Similar improvements were found for 1) measurements in polycarbonate (fast wave) and a cancellous-bone-mimicking phantom (slow wave), and 2) a simulation based on parameters mimicking bovine cancellous bone. The MLSPCF method did not offer consistent improvement in estimates of attenuation coefficient or amplitude.
Phase Separation of Excimer-Forming Fluorescent Dyes and Amorphous Polymers: A Versatile Mechanism for Sensor Applications

2,3 The latter exploits that mechanical deformation of a material containing nano-scale aggregates of cyano-OPVs leads to shear-induced mixing, which transforms the nanophase-separated systems into molecular mixtures, concomitant with a pronounced shift from excimer- to monomer-dominated emission. We show here that the inverse mechanism, i.e. the phase separation of initially molecularly mixed blends of cyano-OPVs (or other suitable excimer-forming dyes) and appropriate host polymers represents another versatile sensing mechanism, which may be useful for the fabrication of time-temperature indicators (TTIs). The general scheme relies on kinetically trapping molecular mixtures of cyano-OPVs and amorphous host materials in a thermodynamically unstable glassy state via rapid quenching of melt processed blends. Subjecting these blends to temperatures above their glass transition temperature (Tg) leads to permanent and pronounced changes of their PL emission spectra as a result of phase separation and excimer formation. Experimental
Fostering Literal and Inferential Language Skills in Head Start Preschoolers With Language Impairment Using Scripted Book-Sharing Discussions

Purpose Preschoolers with language impairment have difficulties with both literal and inferential language, both of which are critical to later reading comprehension. Because these children are kno...
Protestant Ethic Attitudes Among College Students

The six scales of the Survey of Work Values (Wollack, Goodale, Wijting, and Smith, 1971), the Blood (1969) pro-Protestant Ethic scale, and the Protestant Ethic scale of Mirels and Garrett (1971) were intercorrelated, and each scale was correlated with Rotter's I/E scale, SAT total score, and cumulative grade point average for 170 college students. A factor analysis of the Protestant Ethic scales yielded two factors which were interpreted, on the basis of the loadings of the Survey of Work Values scales, as representing intrinsic (work-related) and extrinsic (reward-related) aspect of Protestant Ethic. The Blood and the Mirels and Garrett scales loaded substantially on both factors. Generally, the Protestant Ethic scales were negatively related to external orientation on the I/E scale, and were unrelated to SAT scores and academic performance.
Neutron production by cosmic-ray particles at sea level and underground

Further measurements are reported of disintegration neutrons produced in Pb by charged cosmic-ray particles that stop in the Pb ((AB−C:N) events) or that penetrate the Pb ((ABC:N) events). In order to disentangle the different mechanisms producing these events, the same apparatus was used at two different sites, one near sea-level and the other in the sub-basement of a skyscraper, at an equivalent depth below sea-level of 1200 g cm−2 air. At this depth the star-producing radiation should be attenuated at least 60-fold, the penetrating shower producing radiation at least 9-fold. Both the (AB−C:N) and the (ABC:N) rates, are however, only reduced by a factor of about 6. It is concluded that with the 158 g cm−2 Pb filter in place above the telescope all of the underground (AB−C:N) rate and about half of the sea-level (AB−C:N) rate is due to the capture of negative μ-mesons that stop in the Pb absorber below the telescope. The average neutron multiplicity per stopped negative meson comes out to be about 2. The persistence of the (ABC:N) rate underground speaks for neutron production by fast μ-mesons though the depth of the site is not sufficient to make this conclusion certain. Comparison withW. B. Fowler's counter data shows that practically none of the sea-level (ABC:N) rate can be ascribed to fast μ-mesons; underground, the mesonic contribution is appreciable. At both sites, removal of the Pb filter from above the telescope increases the (AB−C:N) rate; it is probable that part of this soft neutron-producing radiation consists of electron-photon showers secondary to the fast mesons.
Sulfhydryl Modification Of Cysteine Substitutions In The Second Hairpin Loop (HP2) Alters The Ion Permeation Properties Of The Glutamate Transporter, EAAT1

In the mammalian CNS, excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) limit glutamatergic signalling and regulate extracellular glutamate concentrations. EAATs have been shown to function not only as secondary active transporters, but also as anion-selective channels that regulate excitability. Under some conditions, EAATs have also been shown to mediate cation-selective conductances. The C-terminal portion of the protein contains two membrane spanning domains (TM7, TM8) and two hairpin loops (HP1, HP2), which are critical for substrate translocation, however, the anion permeation pathway has been linked to additional domains within the N-terminus of the protein (TM2). Application of bulky MTS-reagents to several cysteine substitution mutants in HP2 abolishes glutamate translocation, but preserves the anion conductance, suggesting that the anion permeation and substrate transport pathways are physically separated. Interestingly, MTS-modification of some of these mutants results in substantially greater macroscopic current amplitude. We have used two-electrode voltage clamp in Xenopus oocytes and whole-cell patch-clamp in mammalian cells to determine the basis for the change in ion permeation properties for a series of mutants that exhibit this phenotype. We examined the substrate-gated anion currents associated with one mutant, M451C EAAT1, in Xenopus oocytes and observed a profound time- and voltage-dependent deactivation of the macroscopic current at depolarizing potentials, suggesting that MTS-modification increases channel open probability. After modification, extracellular substitution with the impermeant anion gluconate, resulted in an outward current at positive potentials, suggesting that the current includes a major cation component. We are currently exploring the relationships between the substrate translocation pathway with this novel cation current and the enhanced anion current induced by modification, with the aim of better understanding the molecular determinants involved in EAAT-associated channel gating and permeation.
Schizophrenia and potentially preventable hospitalizations in the United States: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Persons with schizophrenia may face barriers to high quality primary care due to communication difficulties, cognitive impairment, lack of social support, and fragmentation of healthcare delivery services. As a result, this group may be at high risk for ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) hospitalizations, defined as hospitalizations potentially preventable by timely primary care. The goal of this study was to determine if schizophrenia is associated with overall, acute, and chronic ACS hospitalizations in the United States (US). We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. Hospitalization data for the US were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for years 2003–2008. We examined 15,275,337 medical and surgical discharges for adults aged 18–64, 182,423 of which had a secondary diagnosis of schizophrenia. ACS hospitalizations were measured using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Prevention Quality Indicators (PQIs). We developed logistic regression models to obtain nationally-weighted odds ratios (OR) for ACS hospitalizations, comparing those with and without a secondary diagnosis of schizophrenia after adjusting for patient, hospitalization, and hospital characteristics. Schizophrenia was associated with increased odds of hospitalization for acute ACS conditions (OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.38), as well as for chronic ACS conditions characterized by short-term exacerbations. Schizophrenia was associated with decreased odds of hospitalization for diabetes mellitus long-term complications and diabetes-related lower extremity amputation, conditions characterized by long-term deterioration. Additional research is needed to determine which individual and health systems factors contribute to the increased odds of hospitalization for acute PQIs in schizophrenia.
Transcriptional and genomic mayhem due to aging- induced nucleosome loss in budding yeast

All eukaryotic genomes are assembled into a nucleoprotein structure termed chromatin, which is comprised of regular arrays of nucleosomes. Each nucleosome consists of eight core histone protein molecules around which the DNA is wrapped 1.75 times. The ultimate consequence of packaging the genome into chromatin is that the DNA sequences are relatively inaccessible. This allows the cell to use a comprehensive toolbox of chromatin-altering machineries to reveal access to the DNA sequence at the right time and right place in order to allow genomic processes, such as DNA repair, transcription and replication, to occur in a tightly-regulated manner. In other words, chromatin provides the framework that allows the regulation of all genomic processes, because the machineries that mediate transcription, repair and DNA replication themselves are relatively non-sequence specific and if the genome were naked, they would presumably perform their tasks in a random and unregulated manner. We recently provided support for this prediction in Zheng et al., [Genes and Development (2014) 28: 396-408] by investigating a physiologically relevant scenario in which we had found that cells lose half of the core histone proteins, that is, during the mitotic aging (also called replicative aging) of budding yeast. Using new spike-in normalization techniques, we found that the occupancy of nucleosomes at most DNA sequences is reduced by 50%, leading to transcriptional induction of every single gene. This loss of histones during aging was also accompanied by a significantly-increased frequency of genomic instability including DNA breaks, chromosomal translocations, retrotransposition, and transfer of mitochondrial DNA into the nuclear genome (Figure 1).
The Impact Of Tourism Development On Residents' Perceptions Of Community Life

Thepurpose of this study was to determine whether residents' perceptions of community life satisfaction vary with the levels of tourism development in theircommunity. Thestudy was conducted in 20 rural communities as part of the 1985 Colorado Rural Recreation Development Project administered by the University of Colorado-Boulder. A comprehen sive questionnaire investigating residents'perceptions of the importance of and their satis faction with seven dimensions of community life was distributed to one adult member of randomly selected households in each community. The seven dimensions ofcommunity life were public services, economics, environment, medical services, citizen involvement, for mal education, and recreation services. In order to determine which dimensions were most sensitive to changes in the level of tourism development, canonical analysis was conducted using tourism development ratings and community population as the set of independent variables and the seven importance and seven satisfaction...
Migrants, civil society and the New Europe: The challenge for planners

Abstract International migration into European cities has stirred a great deal of debate about appropriate national policies. But the planning literature has been remarkably silent on the issues involved, particularly as immigration affects urban conditions. This paper is a first attempt to delineate the problems and to suggest ways that planners can contribute to the economic, socio‐cultural and political integration of international migrants at the local level.
Hurricane Katrina's carbon footprint on U.S. Gulf Coast forests.

dead vegetation, and surface litter), soil, and shade for seasonally matched Landsat 5 images captured before and after the storm. The fractional change in NPV (∆NPV) from 2003 to 2006 provided a quantitative measure of the change in dead vegetation associated with Katrina. A subset for the Pearl River basin was stratified by DNPV to generate disturbance classes, and forest inventory plots were randomly established across the entire DNPV disturbance gradient (Fig. 1A). In each plot, tree mortality and damage, species composition, and biomass loss were quantified. A strong correlation between Landsat-derived DNPVand field-measured tree mortality and damage (fig. S1) enabled development of tree mortality and damagemaps from the Landsat imagery. Next, a second scaling function was generated by comparing Landsat- and MODIS-derived DNPV. With the high temporal frequency and large spatial dimension of MODIS imagery, the Landsat-MODIS scaling provided an assessment of hurricane disturbance across the entire impact region (Fig. 1B). To carry out this scaling, we generated distribution functions for stem density and tree biomass from our forest inventory plots and additional U.S. Forest Service data. A Monte Carlo model was devel
Absence of anomaly in the compactified superstring theory in every even dimension.

We show that the anomaly-free superstring theory, when compactified correctly, remains consistent in every even dimension.
Adaptation of Cotton Shoot Apex Culture to Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation

A protocol is presented for rapid genotype-independent transformation and regeneration of cotton (Gossypium spp.) from shoots isolated from germinating seedlings. Isolated shoots are inoculated with a super-virulent strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, subjected to a mild antibiotic selection, and directly regenerated as shoots in vitro. Shoots do not dedifferentiate and mutation rates are low. Rooted shoots can be obtained within 6–10 weeks of isolation and inoculation depending on the cotton cultivar.
Online Learning in Thoracic Surgical Training: Promising Results of Multi-Institutional Pilot Study

Background Cardiothoracic surgical education faces numerous challenges, including reduced duty hours and diminishing prioritization of teaching, in the setting of rapidly advancing knowledge, skills, and case complexity. Pass rates on the American Board of Thoracic Surgery exam remain suboptimal, and new training formats are being evaluated. We hypothesize that Internet-based courses can be developed and implemented to supplement learning of basic topics in cardiothoracic surgery. Methods After a needs assessment, 4 online self-study courses were developed by content experts using a Moodle [modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment] platform. As a pilot cohort, students from 4 thoracic surgery training programs participated, accessing courses at their own pace. Each course included general and detailed readings, multimedia content, discussion forum, and a question-bank supported quiz (90% required to pass, multiple attempts allowed). Utilization and exam data were tracked electronically. The t tests were used to compare first versus final-year traditional track trainees. Post-course surveys collected data on trainee attitudes. Results Nineteen students completed 4 courses on tracheal disease. Mean time spent per course and quiz attempts to pass were 1.35 hours and 2.86, respectively. Scores improved with successive attempts. Senior trainees showed a trend toward less time per course and fewer quiz attempts. Post-course surveys uniformly demonstrated perceived benefits from the content and quizzes in an easy-to-navigate format. Conclusions Online courses can be developed and integrated within cardiothoracic training programs. This pilot demonstrates evidence of active learning as shown through the embedded assessments. Internet-based courses may serve as a means of supplementing modern thoracic surgical training. Further development and evaluation are warranted.
ADVANCED MODELS FOR STRENGTH PREDICTION OF QUASI-RANDOM FIBER COMPOSITES

A reassessment of existing theories for calculating the stiffness and strength of random and quasi-random fiber composites is presented Fundamental aspects of physical modeling, macro-mechanics analysis, random and quasirandom fiber distribution functions, and a generalized failure criterion are presented. Progressive ductile failure, progressive brittle failure, and sudden brittle failure of random and quasi-random fiber composites are treated in a consistent mathematical formulation. Tensor notations are used to extend the analysis to 3-dimensional composites with random and quasi-random fiber orientation. The variation of equivalent stiffness coefficient in the loading direction is derived in closed form as a function of the distribution density parameters. The strength of 3dimensional random and quasi-random composites is formulated in terms of integrals involving the variation of the stiffness coefficient with fiber angle distribution, and the strain-based failure function. Comparison with existing experimental data is given. Good reproduction of the experimental results, and of the stress-strain response, are illustrated. Nomenclature
Blood and gastrointestinal parasites of eastern wild turkeys from Kentucky and Tennessee.

Fifty-nine gastrointestinal tracts and 52 blood samples were collected from eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris Vieillot) during the spring turkey hunts of 1979–1980 from two areas in western Kentucky and Tennessee. Eight species of parasites were recovered, and included (combined prevalence): Haemoproteus meleagridis Levine, 1961 (25%), Hymenolepis carioca (Magalhaes, 1898) (44%), Metroliasthes lucida Ransom, 1900 (25%), Raillietina georgiensis (Reid and Nugara, 1961) (15%), R. williamsi Fuhrmann, 1932 (64%), Ascaridia dissimilis Perez Vigueras, 1931 (83%), Capillaria caudinflata (Molin, 1858) (2%), and Heterakis gallinarum (Schrank, 1788) (27%). A significant difference existed between the intensities of A. dissimilis from the two states. Twenty-two subinoculations of collected blood were made in 1979, but no Plasmodium infections were recovered. Helminths of wild turkeys from 11 southeastern states were compared using similarity and diversity indices. High similarities were observed in...
Avian Malaria Parasites Share Congeneric Mosquito Vectors

Assessing parasite specificity to vector is crucial to understanding the emergence of vector-borne diseases and the evolution of parasite diversity. Avian malaria parasites have a cosmopolitan distribution and broad avian host range, which together predict they are vector generalists, but little is known about parasite-vector associations in the wild. We tested this prediction by asking if 5 different mosquito species, known to feed on birds and abundant in the northeastern United States, were naturally infected in the field with identical avian Plasmodium spp. lineages. Mosquitoes were not pooled but rather analyzed individually, and, possibly as a result, lineage diversity was higher than reported in previous avian malaria vector studies. Plasmodium spp. lineages were rare in Aedes canadensis and absent in Aedes aurifer and Culiseta melanura. We sequenced a standard Plasmodium cytochrome b marker from Culex pipiens pipiens, Culex restuans, and Ae. canadensis. Most Plasmodium clades were shared by Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans. In addition, 4 individual lineages were shared by both mosquito species, including the most common lineage. One Plasmodium clade, however, was only found in Cx. restuans. We therefore found limited support for our prediction that avian Plasmodium spp. vector breadth accompanies host breadth. The association of both Culex species with most Plasmodium clades, and the presence of a single parasite lineage in 3 mosquito species representing 2 genera, suggests that avian Plasmodium species are not tightly coevolved with vector species.
Exposure-disease continuum for 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine, a prototype ocular teratogen. 3. Intervention with PK11195.

BACKGROUND Treatment of pregnant mice with 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine (2CdA) on Day 8 of gestation induces microphthalmia through a mechanism linked to the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. The present study defines the response of Day 8 mouse embryos through time with respect to pharmacologic intervention with PK11195, a ligand of the mitochondrial peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (Bzrp). METHODS Pregnant CD-1 mice dosed with 2CdA with or without PK11195 on gestation Day 8 provided fetuses for teratologic evaluation on Day 14 and Day 17; HPLC measured pyridine nucleotides (NADH/NAD+) at 1.5 hr, RT-PCR measured mitochondrial 16S rRNA abundance at 3.0 hr, and p53 protein induction was assessed with immunostaining at 4.5 hr postexposure. RESULTS The mean incidences of malformed fetuses were significantly higher in the 7.5 mg/kg 2CdA treatment group (50.2% malformed) vs. the 2CdA + 4.0 mg/kg PK11195 co-treatment group (4.4% malformed). Malformed fetuses displayed a range of ocular defects that included microphthalmia and keratolenticular dysgenesis (Peters anomaly). No malformations were observed in the control or PK11195 alone groups. PK11195 also protected litters from increased resorption rates and fetal weight reduction. It did not rescue early effects on NADH balance (1.5 hr) or 16S rRNA expression (3.0 hr); however, the p53 response (4.5 hr) was downgraded in 2CdA + PK11195 embryos vs. 2CdA alone. By delaying the administration of PK11195 in 1.5 hr intervals it was determined that the window for protection closed between 4.5 to 6.0 hr after 2CdA. CONCLUSIONS The capacity of PK11195 to suppress the pathogenesis of microphthalmia implies a critical role for mitochondrial peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in the p53-dependent mode of action of 2CdA on ocular development. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 67:108–115, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Educational System and Resistance to Reform: The Limits of Policy

I suggest some reasons why education has proved so resistant to reform. That the educational system is a system is, in some respects, more significant to this question than the fact that it deals with education; that it is a system militates against certain sorts of reforms being successfully adopted. I will also argue that policymakers' efforts to reform education are made more difficult because of lack of clarity of purpose. Though all agree that "excellence" is the goal to be pursued, there is little attention to the meaning of excellence, nor how we would recognize it if we saw it. Often, "excellence" is used synonymously with "competitiveness." I explore the limits of policy, and suggest that these limits are inescapable. Recognition of these limits may allow us to attend to those policy areas where success may be more likely.
A non-homogeneous binomial model for thalamic oscillations

The thalamic ventral posterior lateral neurons (VPL) respond to somatosensory stimulation with a burst of action potentials followed by a periodic oscillation at the spindle frequency. This study aims to build a statistical model to quantify the multi-unit behavior and explain putative underlying mechanisms. Multi-unit data, comprising 4 or 5 different neurons, were collected from anesthetized adult rats (n=2) by positioning a microelectrode in the ventral posterior lateral (VPL) nuclei of the thalamus. Using an observation window of 1 ms and assuming that neuronal firing is uncorrelated Within this window, the firing rate of the neurons can be successfully modeled by using a nonhomogeneous binomial model with N=1 (with 99.5% confidence). Using maximum likelihood estimator (MILE) of the parameter p, statistically consistent prediction of the parameters of non-homogeneous binomial model was made using a minimum of 50 stimulus-response pairs. The interstimulus interval histograms of the individual neuronal firing indicate a possible stochastic resonance behavior that will model the spindles in thalamus. Our model offers a statistically elegant description of oscillations in neuronal action potential data and can in general, be used to track changes in the neuronal dynamics with function or dysfunction.
Test vehicle options for ceramic surface mount arrays

We discuss the test vehicle options for the ceramic surface mount technologies. IBM Microelectronics offers a complete technology solution. Ceramic test vehicles are available in both white and dark alumina (9211) formulations. The module and technology options are described. This paper discusses the details of mechanically good and/or electrically good test vehicles which could be used for various technology qualifications or analysis. A wide variety of test vehicles in different sizes and form factors are described. We present three kinds of test vehicles i.e with solder balls, solder columns and mini solder columns which are all on a 50 mil pitch, giving a high I/O density. The bottom side footprints include fully populated arrays in addition to depopulated arrays to simulate the cavity down package. This paper also discusses the interconnection reliability of modules as well as that of the second level board. >
Equation-based languages- A new paradigm for building energy modeling, simulation and optimization

Most of the state-of-the-art building simulation programs implement models in imperative programming languages. This complicates modeling and excludes the use of certain efficient methods for simulation and optimization. In contrast, equation-based modeling languages declare relations among variables, thereby allowing the use of computer algebra to enable much simpler schematic modeling and to generate efficient code for simulation and optimization. We contrast the two approaches in this paper. We explain how such manipulations support new use cases. In the first of two examples, we couple models of the electrical grid, multiple buildings, HVAC systems and controllers to test a controller that adjusts building room temperatures and PV inverter reactive power to maintain power quality. In the second example, we contrast the computing time for solving an optimal control problem for a room-level model predictive controller with and without symbolic manipulations. Exploiting the equation-based language led to 2, 200 times faster solution.
Examining the New Income Measures in the Current Population Survey

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS) is a primary source of income data for those whose ages are associated with being retired. In response to research showing that the survey has misclassified and underreported certain types of income, the 2014 CPS included a redesigned set of questions aimed at better capturing income from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)-type plans, among other goals. This paper provides a comparison of the income levels from the redesigned questions with those from the traditional questions. The focus in this paper is on the income of those ages 65 or older and on the income categories associated with retiree income to see the impact of the changes in the questions on sources of income in retirement. Particular emphasis is given to the income from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)-type plans, as this appears to be the income type with the most underreporting, given the lump-sum nature of the payments typically found from these plans, instead of regular annuity payments traditionally received from pensions. This analysis finds the new measure of income in the CPS identifies significantly more income (and a much larger percentage of income) coming from IRAs and 401(k)-type plans. Compared with the estimated amount under the traditional-income questions for 2013, the redesigned questions have resulted in an estimated total annual income 9.1 percent larger for those ages 65 or older, an aggregate amount of almost an additional $133 billion. Retirement income is 27.9 percent larger, an aggregate difference of almost $71 billion. However, Social Security remains the overwhelmingly predominant source of income for those ages 65 or older. The redesigned CPS still finds that over 60 percent of individuals in the two lowest-income quartiles receive more than 90 percent of their total income from Social Security.
The ν17 band of C2H5D from 770 to 880cm−1

Abstract Atmospheric investigations rely heavily on the availability of accurate spectral information of hydrocarbons. To extend the ethane database we recorded a 0.0028 cm − 1 resolution spectrum of 12 C 2 H 5 D from 650 to 1500 cm − 1 using a Bruker Fourier Transform spectrometer IFS-125HR at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The 98% deuterium-enriched sample was contained in a 0.2038 m absorption cell; one spectrum was obtained with the sample cryogenically cooled to 130.5 K and another at room temperature. From the cold data, we retrieved line positions and intensities of 8704 individual absorption features from 770 to 880 cm − 1 using a least squares curve fitting algorithm. From this set of measurements, we assigned 5035 transitions to the v 17 fundamental at 805.342729(27) cm − 1 ; this band is a c-type vibration, with often-resolved A and E components arising from internal rotation. The positions were modeled to a 22 term torsional Hamiltonian using SPFIT to fit the spectrum to a standard deviation of 7 × 10 − 4 cm − 1 (21 MHz). The prediction of the 5035 line intensities at 130.5 K agreed with observed intensities, but a small centrifugal distortion type correction to the transition dipole was needed to model the intensity of high K a R and P transitions. The integrated band intensities of 3.6628 × 10 − 19 cm − 1 /(molecule cm − 2 ) at 296 K in the 770–880 cm − 1 region was obtained. To predict line intensities at different temperatures, the partition function values were determined at nine temperatures between 9.8 and 300 K by summing individual energy levels up to J = 99 and K a = 99 for the six states up through ν 17 at 805 cm − 1 . We found the energy of A and E are inverted as compared to ground state (with the E state lower than the A state) and the splitting, −241.8(10) MHz, lies between the ground state value of +74.167(18) MHz and the first torsional state (ν 18 = 271.1 cm − 1 ) value of −3382.23(34) MHz. The proximity of the energy splitting to the ground state suggests that the ν 17 state has a similar torsional character. The resulting prediction of singly-deuterated ethane absorption at 12.5 μm enables its detection in planetary atmospheres, including those of Titan and exoplanets.
A Novel Couplant Free Mediator Ultrasonic Rayleigh Wave Technique for Detecting Surface Cracks in Green Parts

Surface cracks initiated by handling and production issues in green parts affect the final integrity of a sintered part. The subject of crack detection in green parts has been of significant interest for decades with no real solution being available until recently. Despite the abundance of applicable techniques for inspecting sintered parts, green part inspection techniques are restricted. Some promise has been recently demonstrated with visual and resonance techniques; however the success of these methods is limited. Presented here is a novel surface wave approach based on the use of a couplant free mediator. Surface wave techniques are presented as an economical and reliable alternative to current nondestructive inspection methods. Design of a test setup for analyzing the applicability of surface wave techniques to detect cracks in specific orientations in green parts is provided. Surface wave generation techniques in conjunction with design considerations of such a system will be demonstrated. Surface wave response evaluation theories, such as amplitude and Fourier analysis methods for detecting and characterizing flaws are discussed and demonstrated through physical testing of samples. Specific applications relative to the automotive and other industries are presented to demonstrate the ability of the techniques to characterize surface defects in green parts.
A Love Supreme

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sought to inspire humanity toward a love ethic. To commemorate his legacy, this speech, to later be published, speaks to what it means to love the least of these. It underscores the need for a foundation for love that more than exists and is transformative -- a love based on love of the minority (especially self love), a love of the majority through understanding, a love of country through honest critique, and drawing from a source of love (a higher power). In the end, love must not waver or be clouded by fear. Only then can it be triumphant.
Metallography and fuel cladding chemical interaction in fast flux test facility irradiated metallic U-10Zr MFF-3 and MFF-5 fuel pins

Abstract The Mechanistic Fuel Failure (MFF) series of metal fuel irradiations conducted in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) provides an important comparison between data generated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-II) and that expected in a larger-scale fast reactor. The MFF fuel operated with a peak cladding temperature at the top of the fuel column, but developed peak burnup at the centerline of the core. This places the peak fuel temperature midway between the core center and the top of fuel, lower in the fuel column than in EBR-II experiments. Data from the MFF-3 and MFF-5 assemblies are most comparable to the data obtained from the EBR-II X447 experiment. The two X447 pin breaches were strongly influenced by fuel/cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) at the top of the fuel column. Post irradiation examination data from MFF-3 and MFF-5 are presented and compared to historical EBR-II data.
Scientific Method in Foreign Policy

(1959). Scientific Method in Foreign Policy. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 15, No. 10, pp. 419-421.
Intracavity phase measurement towards sub nanometer resolution

Using intracavity phase measurement technique, we designed a linear laser cavity with two pulses per cavity operation, that provides a sample/reference arm. We demonstrate the conversion of nanometer positioning of a mirror into kHz bandwidth.
Laboratory simulation study on thermal recovery of low permeability light oil reservoir

Laboratory simulation study has been conducted for thermal recovery of low permeability light oil in Zhaoyuan oilfield of Daqing by using cores and oil from the reservoirs.Through experiments,oil displacement efficiencies of hot-water flooding and steam flooding have been analyzed and compared with conventional water flooding.The result shows that,steam flooding is more superior to hot-water flooding,and hot-water flooding is more superior than conventional water flooding;oil displacement efficiency of hot-water flooding increases with the rising of water injection temperature;excessively high steam injection rate will affect oil displacement efficiency,while steam temperature and quality have no obvious impact on oil displacement efficiency.
Effect of carotid artery vulnerable plaques on prognosis of cerebral ischemic stroke patients

Objective To study the relation between carotid artery vulnerable plaques and prognosis of cerebral ischemic stroke(CIS)patients.Methods One hundred and fifty-two brain MRIconfirmed CIS patients were divided into vulnerable plaque group(n=56)and non-vulnerable plaque group(n=96).Their carotid artery plaques were detected by CT angiography and ultrasonography,respectively.The nature and morphology of carotid artery plaques were analyzed.The neurological function impairment was scored according to the national institutes of health strok scale(NIHSS).The prognosis of and risk factors for CIS were assessed according to the mRS. The NIHSS and mRS score,infarction volume and cerebrovascular events were dynamically observed in the patients on days 7,14and 30after admission.Results The NIHSS and mRS scores and infarction volume were significantly higher in vulnerable plaque group than in non-vulnerable plaque group on days 7,14and 30after admission(P0.05,P0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that the carotid artery vulnerable plaques were closely related with the prognosis of CIS patients.The NIHSS score,hs-CRP and age were related with the prognosis of CIS patients. Conclusion The prognosis of severe CIS patients with carotid artery vulnerable plaques is poor. Dynamic observation of carotid artery vulnerable plaques can effectively predict the prognosis of CIS patients.