cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small object recognition with trainable lens

Lenses are used to form images of objects. They follow a parabolic profile, as dictated by the physics of imaging optics. The clarity of images is essential for object recognition. However, challenging image conditions limit the capability of forming clear images. This happens when objects are very small or far away. Such images make it difficult to apply neural networks for object recognition. Here, we overcome this challenge by replacing the parabolic lens with a trainable lens, which lets us extend the learning process from the digital into the physical world. The lens profile is parameterized by over 10 000 trainable parameters. When used for recognizing small objects with low resolution, the profile adapts to maximize the accuracy of the recognition. The resulting profile could be significantly different from a typical parabolic lens. We show that the object recognition accuracy is improved by more than 25% when the objects are 16 times smaller than their original size. Besides, incorporating the trainable lens before digital computing adds minimal computational time. Our method has potential application in biology, such as cell detection, in the semiconductor industry, such as detecting defects, and in salvage.
The costs and benefits associated with inventor CEOs

Abstract This paper examines various firm policies that highlight the potential tradeoffs associated with hiring CEOs with hands-on innovation experience. In addition to generating more patents, innovative CEOs also convert those patents into new services and products, as proxied by new trademark registrations. On the other hand, innovative CEOs do not receive higher pay compared to non-innovative CEOs, suggesting that innovative CEOs may receive other nonpecuniary benefits. Furthermore, innovative CEOs invest more in R&D leading to lower efficiency, hold more cash, and utilize less debt. In spite of these costs, it appears that hiring innovative CEO is still optimal for firms. We find that the improvements in corporate governance do not lead to changes in firm policies, suggesting that shareholders are willing to tolerate the potential costs associated with innovative CEOs.
Lawyer Heal Thy Self: Incorporating Mindfulness into Legal Education & Profession

Law students seem more stressed today than ever! The current perception of the “overpriced” law degree and uncertainty of future employment status leave many in a challenging state. Research has shown that law students suffer from higher levels of stress compared to other graduate students and tend to turn to alcohol, drugs, and other unhealthy habits to alleviate the pressures of law school. High levels of anxiety and stress can distract students from their studies, disrupt the processing of information and leave them unable to connect and empathize with others and, in turn, hinder personal and professional relationships. In the end, the tremendous demands of legal studies and the profession often take away from the lawyer’s mission and personal satisfaction and thus it is often forgotten that the practice of law is a privilege and all involved should appreciate it. The Article argues that in order to improve the experience, law schools should arm students with the ability to care for their mind and wellbeing and reduce stress so they can obtain practice-ready legal skills while maintaining a healthy, or at least a semi-healthy, emotional balance.
Cytosolic processing of proteasomal cleavage products can enhance the presentation efficiency of MHC-1 epitopes.

h04442fv@rz.hu-berlin.de hergo@charite.deMedical School (Charite), Institute of Biochemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin,Monbijoustr. 2, D-10117 BerlinAbstractThe vertebrate immune system is able to detect abnormal body cells by the speci c repertoireof 8 12 residues long peptides (= epitopes or peptide antigens) presented at the cell surfaceby the MHC-1 molecule complex. The generation of an epitope starts with the degradation ofendogenous proteins into primary oligomeric fragments by cytosolic proteases, predominantly theproteasome. These primary fragments may be further attacked by various amino peptidases res-ident in the cytosol or, alternatively, may escape from this attack by entering the endoplasmicreticulum (ER) by the transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP). To study the pos-sible consequences of this scenario for the eciency of antigen presentation we have applied kineticmodelling. The mathematical model comprises the generation of primary oligomeric fragmentscontaining the de nitive epitope, the successive N-terminal shortening of these primary fragmentsby cytosolic amino peptidases and the TAP-mediated transport of cytosolic peptides into the ER.Because the number of peptide molecules may become very small we have performed deterministicand stochastic simulations of the kinetic model. Our simulations show that cytosolic N-terminaltrimming of primary fragments may drastically increase loading epitope precursors into the ER.In particular, a primary fragment generated with a low rate of TAP transport into the ER maynevertheless become a potent epitope precursor if at least one of its N-terminal trimming productswill be eciently transported.
It Takes Two to Tango, and to Mediate: Legal Cultural and Other Factors Influencing United States and Latin American Lawyers’ Resistance to Mediating Commercial Disputes

This article examines legal cultural and other factors influencing the resistance to mediating commercial disputes displayed by U.S. and Latin American lawyers. After surveying current contexts in which commercial mediation occurs in the United States and in Latin American countries and summarizing data regarding commercial actors’ knowledge of the benefits of mediating, it analyzes the relatively infrequent use of mediation despite its potential advantages over adjudicating. Focusing on lawyers, the article next explores factors that influence U.S. and Latin American lawyers when they converse with commercial clients about selecting dispute resolution methods. Analyzing similarities arising from universal decision-making biases and shared legal cultural traditions, and differences flowing from common law and civil system influences, this article argues that all of these factors strongly influence U.S. and Latin American lawyers toward adjudicating and explains why mediation is not used more often to resolve commercial disputes. This article concludes by presenting reasons why carefully assessing mediation as a pre-adjudication option helps lawyers counter perceptual, decision-making, and legal cultural biases while allowing commercial clients to avoid the risks and substantial transaction costs inherent in adjudicating disputes.
Nonstimulant Psychotropic Medication

Most behavioral adverse effects of medications do not differ in quality from similar behaviors that may be present when a child is free of medication. Cognitive adverse effects that are demonstrated with specialized testing may not be apparent in the classroom or when testing with routine educational batteries. Some impairments demonstrated in the laboratory cannot be corroborated during real-life activities, such as operating a motor vehicle. The literature may report adverse events that occur following the administration of a single dose of medication to a healthy volunteer during a drug trial study. The same adverse event may not occur during long-term administration of the same drug to a patient. The medical literature does not always clarify whether problems are life-threatening major medical events, transient effects that will dissipate rather quickly, or “nuisance” effects limited to subjective somatic complaints that are of no demonstrable consequence.
Intrinsic and Adsorbate-Modified Vibrations of the Copper (110) Surface

Abstract High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) has been used to study a surface phonon of a clean and adsorbate covered Cu(110) surface. The clean surface phonon has an energy of 20 meV with an intrinsic width of 2.4 ± 1.5 meV FWHM. Some ordered adsorbates enhanced the phonon intensity and shifted the phonon energy. A c(2×2) sulfur overlayer lowers the phonon energy to 18 meV. Upon oxygen exposure, the phonon energy varies continuously from 20 to 29 meV as the p(2×1) and ultimately the c(6×2) reconstruction occur. This shift causes the phonon energy to pass through two regions of the high bulk phonon density of states during which no loss of intensity or linewidth broadening is observed. The phonon is quenched for the disordered adsorbates studied here. In addition, an ordered (1×2) reconstruction caused by hydrogen adsorption quenches the phonon.
Design of tapered serial chains for reduced delay and power dissipation

In this paper, the design issues relating to channel width tapered serially connected MOSFET chains are discussed. Channel width tapering is a method which is used to reduce the delay, area, and power dissipation of serial MOSFET chains. A design system for determining when tapering is appropriate, selecting the amount of tapering, and synthesizing the physical layout is presented. Physical layout issues unique to tapering are discussed, and fabricated test structures are described.
An investigation of the neural correlates of attention and effector switching using ERPs

Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were used to examine the neural correlates of attention and effector switching when one or both types of switches were performed on a given trial. The response time data revealed that switch costs tended to increase from attention switches to effector switches to attention1effector switches. For right-hand responses, attention switching was associated with a parietal slow wave and effector switching was associated with a central readiness potential. For left-hand responses, attention switching was associated with a parietal slow wave, and effector switching was associated with a parietal slow wave and a readiness potential. These data suggest that the independence of the neural systems supporting attention and effector switching may be limited to instances where the dominant hemisphere controls the response.
Why buyers pay a premium for hotels

This exploratory study focuses on explaining the price premium paid in hotel mergers and acquisitions by examining the operating structures of the buyers as well as other financial and market characteristics of both the buyers and target hotels. It considers 22 hotel-sale transactions from 1995 to 1999 in which both the buyer and the target are publicly held companies. Statistical tests found that the price-to-earnings ratio of the target and the size of the acquirer relative to that of the target each are significant factors in explaining the premium paid. That is, as the price-to-earnings ratio of the target hotel or as the size of the buyer relative to that of the target increases, the premium paid also increases. The following factors were not statistically significant in predicting premiums paid: the ownership structure of the buyer, the profitability of the target hotel or hotel firm, or the relative market value of the buyer. The strategic intent of the buyer or the anticipation that post-purchase ...
Durability of DeVega Tricuspid Valve Annuloplasty for Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation at the Time of Continuous-Flow LVAD Implantation

Purpose Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is common in advanced heart failure patients who undergo LVAD implant. Recent studies suggest that tricuspid valve (TV) repair may have a positive impact on long-term right ventricular function and survival. The objective of this study is to evaluate the intermediate-term durability of DeVega TV annuloplasty (TVA) for severe TR when performed at the time of continuous-flow (CF) LVAD implant. Methods and Materials This is a retrospective study of 35 consecutive patients who underwent CF LVAD implant and DeVega TVA for severe TR and were alive at one year follow-up. Pre-operative, pre-discharge, and one year post-implant transthoracic echocardiograms were obtained for all patients. TR was graded as insignificant (none, trivial, or mild) or significant (moderate or severe). Results The HeartMate II LVAD was implanted in 30 patients and 5 underwent Heartware HVAD implant. Thirty-two of 35 (91.4%, Group A) improved from severe TR preoperatively to insignificant TR at the time of discharge following DeVega TVA and 3 (8.6%, Group B) had moderate residual TR. At one year follow-up, 29 of 32 (90.6%) in Group A had insignificant TR, 2 (6.3%) had moderate TR and 1 (3.1%) had severe TR. In Group B, 2 of 3 had no progression of their moderate TR at one year and 1 had severe TR. Overall, 2 of 35 (5.7%) had severe TR at one year following DeVega TVA and LVAD implant. Conclusions DeVega TVA appears to be an effective and durable repair for severe TR at the time of CF LVAD implant at one year follow-up. This technique requires less operative time than a formal annuloplasty ring and is also less costly. Although previous studies have shown that DeVega TVA for severe TR in conventional cardiac surgery may not be a durable procedure, unloading of the left ventricle and pulmonary circulation may contribute to the durability seen in this patient population.
Low Mass Companions to Nearby Stars: Spectral Classification and its Relation to the Stellar/Substellar Break

The relationship between mass and spectral class for main-sequence stars has never been obtained for dwarfs cooler than M6; currently, the true nature of objects classified as M7, M8, M9, or later (be they stellar or substellar) is not known. In this paper, spectral types for the components in five low mass binary systems are estimated based on previously published infrared speckle measurements, red/infrared photometry, and parallax data, together with newly acquired high signal-to-noise composite spectra of the systems and revised magnitude difference relations for M dwarfs. For two of these binaries, the secondary has a smaller mass (less than 0.09 solar mass) than any object having a dynamically measured mass and a known spectral type, thus extending the spectral class/mass relation to lower masses than has previously been possible. Data from the higher mass components (0.09 solar mass less than M less than 0.40 solar mass) are consistent with earlier results; the two lowest mass objects -- though having mass errors which could place them on either side of the M dwarf/brown dwarf dividing line (Mass is about 0.08 solar mass) -- are found to have spectral types no cooler than M6.5 V. An extrapolation of the updated spectral class/mass relation to the hydrogen-burning limit suggests that objects of type M7 and later may be substellar. Direct confirmation of this awaits the discovery of a close, very late-type binary for which dynamical masses can be measured.
The radiation pattern of an array of dipoles in a dielectric slab

By using the reciprocity theorem, simple expressions are derived for the far-field patterns of normal and parallel dipoles in a plane dielectric slab. The dielectric slab may have a conducting ground plane on one surface. Numerical results are presented in a graphical form to show the effects of the dielectric on the antenna pattern. A dipole array embedded in a radome occupies less space than a conventional parabolic antenna, and the ground plane offers structural support for the radome.
Checkpoint modulation in melanoma: an update on ipilimumab and future directions.

Ipilimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 antibody, was the first therapy demonstrated to improve overall survival in melanoma. Since ipilimumab’s approval by the FDA in 2011, a wealth of data has amassed, helping clinicians to optimize its use. We have learned how to mitigate the adverse effects of ipilimumab, identified its effects in melanoma subpopulations such as those with brain metastases, uveal melanoma, and mucosal melanoma, discovered potential biomarkers of activity, and investigated its use in combination with other therapeutic modalities. These discoveries have paved the way for rapid development of second-generation immunomodulatory antibodies such as inhibitors of the programmed cell death 1 receptor axis. These new agents hold promise as monotherapy, but perhaps the greatest allure lies in the possibility of combining these agents in synergistic multidrug regimens.
Linking Optimal Design Decisions to the Theory of the Firm: The Case of Resource Allocation

Resource allocation is a core business milestone in a firm's product development process: Maximize the final value derived from allocating resources into an appropriate product mix. Optimal engineering design typically deals with determining the best product based on technological (and, occasionally, cost) requirements. Linking technological with business decisions allows the firm to follow a resource allocation process that directly considers not only the resources to invest in different products but also the appropriate physical properties of these products. Thus, optimal designs are determined within an enterprise context that maximizes the firm's value. The article demonstrates how this integration can be accomplished analytically using a simple example in automotive product development.
Utilizing effective group models for prostate cancer patients and their families

Support groups for patients with cancer have been shown to be an effective modality in helping patients and families cope with the stresses inherent in diagnosis and treatment. All groups seek to foster an increased sense of control and mastery, although they may vary in style and content. They may be psychological, educational, or psychoeducational. They can be professionally led, peer led, or cofacilitated. Groups may also be open ended or time limited. An informal peer-oriented format or group psychotherapy model may be followed. The various formats are useful, because patients and family members have specific needs based on unique styles of coping. These various group formats as well as their objectives, goals, and usefulness are explored. The effect that group support has on quality of life, including reduction of anxiety and depression, is discussed. Primary focus is on the Us Too program. The authors have coordinated a very successful chapter of this professionally cofacilitated psychoeducational peer support program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Cancer 1995 ;75 : 1892-6.
Comparison of Trees and Grasses for Rhizoremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Rhizoremediation of petroleum contaminants is a phytoremediation process that depends on interactions among plants, microbes, and soils. Trees and grasses are commonly used for phytoremediation, with trees typically being chosen for remediation of BTEX while grasses are more commonly used for remediation of PAHs and total petroleum hydrocarbons. The objective of this review was to compare the effectiveness of trees and grasses for rhizoremediation of hydrocarbons and address the advantages of each vegetation type. Grasses were more heavily represented in the literature and therefore demonstrated a wider range of effectiveness. However, the greater biomass and depth of tree roots may have greater potential for promoting environmental conditions that can improve rhizoremediation, such as increased metabolizable organic carbon, oxygen, and water. Overall, we found little difference between grasses and trees with respect to average reduction of hydrocarbons for studies that compared planted treatments with a control. Additional detailed investigations into plant attributes that most influence hydrocarbon degradation rates should provide data needed to determine the potential for rhizoremediation with trees or grasses for a given site and identify which plant characteristics are most important.
Neuroinflammatory pathways in binge alcohol-induced neuronal degeneration: oxidative stress cascade involving aquaporin, brain edema, and phospholipase A2 activation.

Chronic binge alcohol exposure in adult rat models causes neuronal degeneration in the cortex and hippocampus that is not reduced by excitotoxic receptor antagonists, but is prevented by antioxidants. Neuroinflammatory (glial–neuronal) signaling pathways are believed to underlie the oxidative stress and brain damage. Based on our experimental results as well as increased knowledge about the pro-neuroinflammatory potential of glial water channels, we propose that induction of aquaporin-4 can be a critical initiating factor in alcohol’s neurotoxic effects, through the instigation of cellular edema-based neuroinflammatory cascades involving increased phospholipase A2 activities, polyunsaturated fatty acid release/membrane depletion, decreased prosurvival signaling, and oxidative stress. A testable scheme for this pathway is presented that incorporates recent findings in the alcohol–brain literature indicating a role for neuroimmune activation (upregulation of NF-kappaB, proinflammatory cytokines, and toll-like receptors). We present the argument that such neuroimmune activation could be associated with or even dependent on increased aquaporin-4 and glial swelling as well.
Yeast culture collections of the world: meeting the needs of industrial researchers

The importance of selecting optimal yeast strains for research or industrial applications is often underestimated. For example, utilizing a strain background that already provides the desired stress tolerance or nutrient utilization profile can eliminate costly strain optimization. Yeast culture collections can provide not only the yeast strains but also data and curator expertise to help narrow the search for the optimal strain. While some collections are known for a broad range of cultures and services, other “boutique” collections can provide a broader selection of strains of certain categories, a surprising amount of characterization data, and assistance in selecting strains. This article provides information on dozens of yeast collections of the world, profiles of selected yeast culture collections, and the services that they provide: e.g., strain preservation for patent or safe deposit purposes, species identification service, training workshops, and consulting on yeast identification and physiology. Utilization of these services can save industrial researchers valuable time and resources.
Quantitative information about the hydrogen bond strength in dilute aqueous solutions of methanol from the temperature dependence of the Raman spectra of the decoupled OD stretch.

We have obtained quantitative information about the hydrogen bond strength in pure water and in dilute aqueous solutions of methanol by analyzing the temperature dependence of Raman spectra of the ...
The effect of riparian land use on transport hydraulics in agricultural headwater streams located in northeast Ohio, USA.

This study examined if riparian land use (forested vs agricultural) affects hydraulic transport in headwater streams located in an agriculturally fragmented watershed. We identified paired 50-m reaches (one reach in agricultural land use and the other in forested land use) along three headwater streams in the Upper Sugar Creek Watershed in northeast Ohio, USA (40° 51′42″N, 81° 50′29″W). Using breakthrough curves obtained by Rhodamine WT slug injections and the one-dimensional transport with inflow and storage model (OTIS), hydraulic transport parameters were obtained for each reach on six different occasions (n = 36). Relative transient storage (AS:A) was similar between both reach types (As: A = 0·3 ± 0·1 for both agricultural and forested reaches). Comparing values of Fmed200 to those in the literature indicates that the effect of transient storage was moderately high in the study streams in the Upper Sugar Creek Watershed. Examining travel times revealed that overall residence time (HRT) and residence time in transient storage (TSTO) were both longer in forested reaches (forested HRT = 19·1 ± 11·5 min and TSTO = 4·0 ± 3·8 min; agricultural HRT = 9·3 ± 5·3 min and TSTO = 1·7 ± 1·4 min). We concluded that the effect of transient storage on solute transport was similar between the forested and agricultural reaches but the forested reaches had a greater potential to retain solutes as a result of longer travel times. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Daylighting Efficiency of an Atrium: Part 1-The Four-Sided Type

Computer modeling of daylight distribution in the top-lit, four-sided atrium are carried out to further our understanding of the behaviour of daylight inside different atrium spaces and to provide quick and user friendly tools to evaluate the daylighting performance of the atrium during early design stages when most of the attributes of the atrium boundaries are not yet determined. In this study a systematic evaluation of the daylighting efficiency of atrium buildings is undertaken and the affect of the main design parameters most susceptible to impact the daylighting performance is examined. These parameters are the wall reflectance and the geometric proportions of the atrium, described by the Plane Aspect Ratio (PAR) and the Section Aspect Ratio(SAR). The results of our simulations are compiled into tables where Daylighting Efficiency Factors(DEFs) are given for some critical locations inside the atrium.
Efficiency of chip-level versus external power combining [microwave power amplifiers]

In this paper, we compare two X-band high-efficiency switched-mode amplifiers designed around two commercially available packaged MESFET's, one having a four times larger gate periphery than the other. The amplifiers using the larger and smaller devices are designed to operate in classes E and F, respectively. The smaller device gives 685 mW output power with 7.4 dB gain and 64% overall efficiency. The larger device gives 1.70 W output power with 5.3 dB gain and 57% overall efficiency. This gives an internal (or chip-level) power-combining efficiency for the larger device of 89% in terms of overall efficiency. This is compared to the combining efficiency of circuit and spatial power combining using high-efficiency amplifiers, with the goal of assessing which architecture is the most efficient in terms of total dissipated power (DC and RF).
Criminal Law against Human Trafficking within the EU: A Comparison of an Approximated Legislation?

The article compares criminal legislations against trafficking in human beings (THB) in various member states of the European Union. It discusses evolution of anti-trafficking laws internationally and in EU, impact of these laws on preventing THB. It has been informed that THB is a transnational organised crime involving recruiting, transporting, transferring, harboring or receiving a person for exploiting them within the sex industry and labor market or through other slavery-like practices. Keywords: Human trafficking Language: en
Transient and Steady-State Stochastic Analysis of Nonlinear Oscillators Using the Fokker-Planck-Kolmonogrov Equation

An efficient technique to calculate the transient and stationary probability distribution functions (PDF) of the response of SDOF oscillators with piecewise continuous nonlinearities is presented. The method compares favorably with previous methods in reproducing stationary distributions and chaotic attractors, but further work is needed in calculating Lyapunov exponents to the desired accuracy.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Comparison of Hydride, Hydrogen Atom, and Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer Reactions

A comparison of hydride, hydrogen atom, and proton-coupled electron transfer reactions is presented. Herein, hydride and hydrogen atom transfer refer to reactions in which the electrons and protons transfer between the same donor and acceptor, while proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) refers to reactions in which the electrons and protons transfer between different centers. Within these definitions, hydride and hydrogen atom transfer reactions are typically electronically adiabatic, hence evolving on a single electronic surface. In contrast, PCET reactions are often electronically nonadiabatic since the electron transfers a longer distance through a proton transfer interface. For all three types of reactions, solute reorganization is important, particularly the hydrogen donor ± acceptor mode. Solvent reorganization is critical for hydride transfer and PCET, which involve significant solute charge redistribution, but not for hydrogen atom transfer. Theoretical descriptions and simulation methodology for all three types of reactions are presented, as well as experimentally relevant applications to hydride transfer in enzymes and PCET in solution.
On block designs for symmetrical parallel line assays with even number of doses

Abstract A new approach is developed for the construction of block designs for symmetrical parallel line assays with even number of doses. A wide class of designs which includes many of the existing designs is obtained using the approach presented.
Randomized evaluations of treatment of pediatric cardiovascular disease: a surgeon's perspective

Abstract Surgical research has been characterized by a disappointing lack of carefully organized prospective randomized trials. This review examines the history of surgical trials and attempts to identify reasons why surgeons have been unenthusiastic about enrolling patients in trials. Analyses of the quality of surgical trials published in the recent past are also presented. Specifically within the field of surgery for congenital heart disease, the important role of multicenter data collection as practiced by the Congenital Heart Surgeons Society is discussed. Finally, some of the specific design issues relevant to trials within the field of congenital heart surgery are reviewed in the framework of the Boston circulatory arrest study.
Comparative viability of unirradiated and gamma irradiated bacterial cells

Gamma radiation injured Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Moraxella sp. were studied under various environmental stresses to determine their fate relative to the parent population. Irradiated cultures formed smaller colonies on surface plates with fewer cells per colony. Unirradiated cultures had a shorter lag phase than irradiated cultures in broth and duration of lag increased as a result of increasing the radiation dose. Repeated irradiation and subculture progressively retarded growth rate. Multiple radiation of highly resistant Moraxella sp. showed radiation injured cells to be more sensitive than uninjured cells. With the three species studied, irradiation raised the lower limits of growth temperature, increased the sensitivity to freezing and thawing, and increased the susceptibility to lowered water activity. This work indicated that the production of a bizarre, resistant strain of bacteria through recycling in a food processing operation is highly unlikely.
Adsorption of Potassium on MoS2(100) Surface: A First-Principles Investigation

Potassium- (K-) promoted MoS2 catalyst is a very promising catalyst used for synthesis of mixed higher alcohols from syngas. Herein, periodic density functional theory calculations were performed to investigate the interaction of potassium with the Mo and S edges of the MoS2(100) surface. Both neutral K- and charged “K+”-promoted MoS2(100) systems at different sulfur coverages were studied. Our calculations indicate that the adsorbed K atom readily donates its single 4s valence electron to the MoS2 structure, and the neutral K and charged K+ systems show similar adsorption behavior. Isolated K atom/ion tends to maximize its interactions with the available S atoms on the edge surface, preferring the 4-fold S hollow site on fully sulfided Mo and S edges and the interstitial sites where K atom/ion binds with 2−4 S atoms on the edge surface. The presence of K atoms/ions affects the electronic and magnetic properties of the edge surface. As the K coverage increases, the average adsorption energy of the K atoms...
Evaluation of water potential, fertilizer placement and incubation time on volatilization losses of urea in two northern Idaho soils

Abstract The increased use of urea as a nitrogen (N) fertilizer source in northern Idaho may require precautions to prevent potential losses via volatilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of urea placement, water potential and time on volatilization losses of N in two northern Idaho soils under laboratory conditions maintained at 25°C. A completely randomized block factorial design with repeated measures [2 soils x 2 urea placement treatments x 4 soil water potentials x 3 replications‐measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 d] was utilized in this study. The two soils, a DeVoignes silt loam (fine silty, mixed nonacid, frigid Histic Humaquept) and a Santa silt loam (coarse silty, mixed, frigid Ochreptic Fragixeralf), were maintained at water potentials of ‐0.8, ‐2.0, ‐3.0 or ‐6.0 bars. Urea was either surface applied or incorporated into the soils at the rate of 200 kg/ha. Data were analyzed by SAS‐GLM and Omega squared (ω2) values were used to identify the impact of each main effect and...
Modified Clp Protease Complex in the ClpP3 Null Mutant and Consequences for Chloroplast Development and Function in Arabidopsis

The plastid ClpPRT protease consists of two heptameric rings of ClpP1/ClpR1/ClpR2/ClpR3/ClpR4 (the R-ring) and ClpP3/ClpP4/ClpP5/ClpP6 (the P-ring) and peripherally associated ClpT1/ClpT2 subunits. Here, we address the contributions of ClpP3 and ClpP4 to ClpPRT core organization and function in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). ClpP4 is strictly required for embryogenesis, similar to ClpP5. In contrast, loss of ClpP3 (clpp3-1) leads to arrest at the hypocotyl stage; this developmental arrest can be removed by supplementation with sucrose or glucose. Heterotrophically grown clpp3-1 can be transferred to soil and generate viable seed, which is surprising, since we previously showed that CLPR2 and CLPR4 null alleles are always sterile and die on soil. Based on native gels and mass spectrometry-based quantification, we show that despite the loss of ClpP3, modified ClpPR core(s) could be formed, albeit at strongly reduced levels. A large portion of ClpPR subunits accumulated in heptameric rings, with overaccumulation of ClpP1/ClpP5/ClpP6 and ClpR3. Remarkably, the association of ClpT1 to the modified Clp core was unchanged. Large-scale quantitative proteomics assays of clpp3-1 showed a 50% loss of photosynthetic capacity and the up-regulation of plastoglobules and all chloroplast stromal chaperone systems. Specific chloroplast proteases were significantly up-regulated, whereas the major thylakoid protease (FtsH1/FtsH2/FtsH5/FtsH8) was clearly unchanged, indicating a controlled protease network response. clpp3-1 showed a systematic decrease of chloroplast-encoded proteins that are part of the photosynthetic apparatus but not of chloroplast-encoded proteins with other functions. Candidate substrates and an explanation for the differential phenotypes between the CLPP3, CLPP4, and CLPP5 null mutants are discussed.
Device properties of nanopore PN junction Si for photovoltaic application

Improvement of energy conversion efficiency of solar cells has led to innovative approaches, in particular the introduction of nanopillar photovoltaics [1]. Previous work on nanopillar Si photovoltaic has shown broadband reduction in optical reflection and enhancement of absorption [2]. Radial or axial PN junctions [3, 4] have been of high interest for improved photovoltaic devices. However, with the PN junction incorporated as part of the pillar, the discreteness of individual pillar requires additional conductive layer that would electrically short the top of each pillar for efficient carrier extraction. The fragile structure of the surface pillars would also require a protection layer for possible mechanical scratch to prevent pillars from breaking. Any additional layer that is applied, either for electrical contact or for mechanical properties may introduce additional recombination sites and also reduce the actual light absorption by the photovoltaic material. In this paper, nanopore Si photovoltaics that not only provides the advantages but also addresses the challenges of nanopillers is demonstrated. PN junction substrate of 250 nm thick N-type polycrystalline Si on P-type Si wafer is prepared. The nanopore structure is formed by using anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) as an etching mask against deep reactive ionic etching (DRIE). The device consists of semi-ordered pores of ~70 nm diameter.
Vibrational circular dichroism spectra of three conformationally distinct states and an unordered state of poly(L-lysine) in deuterated aqueous solution

Fourier transform ir vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra in the amide I′ region of poly(L-lysine) in D2O solutions have confirmed the existence of three distinct conformational states and an unordered conformational state in this homopolypeptide. Characteristic VCD spectra are presented for the right-handed α-helix, the antiparallel β-sheet, an extended helix conformation previously referred to as the so-called “random coil,” and a completely unordered conformation characterized by the absence of any amide I′ VCD. VCD for the antiparallel β-sheet in solution and the unordered chain conformation are presented for the first time. Each of the four different VCD spectra is unique in appearance and lends weight to the view that VCD has the potential to become a sensitive new probe of the secondary structure of proteins in solution.
If your pearls of wisdom fall in a forest

IntroductionThe idea of doing things that can improve something is an extremely popular concept in American culture. For example, I found the phrase, make a difference, in 129 million Web pages in a Yahoo! search in July 2009. The concept typically applies to impacts at local levels because, until recently, few people had opportunities to do things that could positively affect substantial numbers of people throughout the country in which they live or even throughout the world.After dot com bubble burst, many investors found that the slogan that "the Internet changes everything" did not apply to many of the requirements for having a successful business. However the Internet really does provide opportunities for those who create knowledge to share it with more people who can use it to advantage, and share it more quickly than through other means.Of course, this potential capability to share materials is limited by people's abilities to find useful information in the billions of pages on the Internet. Yahoo reported indexing over 19 billion pages in 2005. (Perhaps responding to criticism of the estimates,1 the leading search engine companies no longer publish counts of pages indexed. Although no one really knows how big the "haystack" is, the simile about "finding a needle" is quite applicable to the Internet.)Nevertheless there are two aspects of innovative materials that work in favor of their being found:• The goals of search engine companies.• The nature of knowledge.
Leucine-rich Amelogenin Peptides Regulate Mineralization in vitro

Amelogenin’s capacity to regulate enamel formation is related to its conserved N- and C-terminal domains, its ability to self-assemble, and its ability to stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) – a capacity enhanced by amelogenin phosphorylation. This in vitro study provides further insight into amelogenin function, using variations of the Leucine-Rich Amelogenin Peptide (LRAP), an alternative splice product comprised solely of amelogenin’s N- and C-terminal domains. Peptide self-assembly was studied by dynamic light-scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM, selected area electron diffraction, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy were also used to determine the effect of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated LRAP on calcium phosphate formation. Results show that phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated LRAP can self-assemble into chain-like structures in a fashion dependent on the C-terminal domain. Notably, this capacity was enhanced by added calcium and to a much greater degre...
Design of high performance concrete corbels

Currently, concretes of higher compressive strengths have been produced and increasingly used by designers and contractors for both reinforced and prestressed concrete construction. The design of concrete corbels using the strut-and-tie model considers two failure modes: failure by crushing concrete in the strut and by yielding of the main steel reinforcement. To consider the failure by diagonal tension, a third equation is included in the truss plastic model proposed by Rogowsky and MacGregor. To use the truss plastic model, an efficiency factor is applied to reduce the effective concrete strength. An efficiency factor is proposed in this paper for high performance concrete. The proposed model using the new efficiency factor gives an improved correlation with experimental data. Based on the test results reported from literature review, the design method proposed by AFREM for high stregth concrete corbels is modified in this paper to make design of high strength concrete corbels more reasonable. The comparison with experimental data shows that the modified AFREM model predicts fairly well the shear capacity of the corbels.
Singers of the landscape: song, history, and property rights in the Malaysian rain forest

In the 1930s, British field ethnographer and museum curator H. D. Noone published a map of the Perak/Kelantan watershed, homeland to a number of Orang Asli peoples, including Temiars. With this map their last refuge entered the colonial record. But long before this, the region had been mapped in song by Temiar hunter-gatherers and horticulturalists. The Temiar inscribe crucial forms of knowledge in song: medical, personal, social, historical, geographic. But their carefully cultivated knowledge has been dismissed. This article recuperates the song map as an ethnohistorical document comprising a new way of making claims to land.
Arthur R. Jensen, 1923-2012

Arthur R(obert) Jensen was born August 24, 1923, in San Diego, and died on October 22, 2012, in his home in Kelseyville in northern California at the age of 89. At the time of his death he was Professor Emeritus of the University of California (Berkeley), in whose Department of Educational Psychology he had served since his initial academic appointment in 1958.
Dexamethasone inhibits insulin-stimulated recruitment of GLUt4 to the cell surface in rat skeletal muscle☆

To test the hypothesis that glucocorticoids reduce insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose transport by inhibiting the recruitment of GLUT4 glucose transporters to the cell surface, we determined the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on cell-surface GLUT4 using the impermeant glucose transporter photolabel, 2-N-4-(1-azi-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzoyl-[2-3H]1,3-bis-(D-mann os-4-yloxy)-2-propylamine (ATB-[2-3H]BMPA), and GLUT4 immunoprecipitation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with dexamethasone ([Dex] 0.9 mg/kg for 2 days) and compared against pair-fed controls. 2-[3H]deoxyglucose (2-[3H]DG) uptake in isolated soleus muscles was measured under conditions in which uptake reflects glucose transport activity. In control muscles, 2-[3H]DG uptake was stimulated eightfold by insulin (20 nmol/L). Dex treatment reduced maximal insulin-stimulated 2-[3H]DG uptake by 48% +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM) and decreased cell-surface (ATB-[2-3H]BMPA-photolabeled) GLUT4 by 48% +/- 3%, despite an increase in total muscle GLUT4 content of 26% +/- 7%. These findings indicate that glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose transport in muscle is due to impaired recruitment of GLUT4 to the cell surface.
Small volume of inoculum with an artificial rumen fluid for in vitro digestion of forage

Abstract Evaluation of artificial rumen fluid for in vitro disappearance of dry matter of forage was made with 1 or 10ml of rumen fluid inoculum. An interaction occurred between laboratory procedure and amount of inoculum. In vitro disappearance of dry matter was much lower with 1ml of inoculum rather than 10ml with McDougal's artificial saliva. In vitro disappearance of dry matter was lower with 10ml inoculum compared to 1ml inoculum used with artificial rumen fluid. Eight different forages and two inoculum sources were used to compare artificial rumen fluid with 1ml inoculum and McDougal's artificial saliva with 10ml inoculum. Mean in vitro disappearance of dry matter of forages varied from 35.9% for wheat straw to 74.1% for trudan soilage. This mean tended to be higher when rumen fluid inoculum was obtained from a steer receiving a milo stalk ration (60.2%) than from a steer receiving alfalfa hay (57.8%). There was no interaction between sources of inoculum and laboratory methods. There was no significant difference between artificial rumen fluid and the standard procedure with any forage substrate. Therefore, artificial rumen fluid with 1ml of rumen fluid inoculum should provide an alternative method for in vitro evaluation of forage.
The food-conditioned place preference task in adolescent, adult and aged rats of both sexes

The rat basolateral amygdala shows neuroanatomical sex differences, continuing development after puberty and aging-related alterations. Implications for amygdala-dependent memory processes were explored here by testing male and female hooded rats in adolescence, adulthood and old age on the food-conditioned place preference task. While aged rats were unimpaired, adolescents failed to learn the task. This finding may be related to ongoing development of the basolateral amygdala and related memory systems during the adolescent period.
Teaching symbolic play skills to children with autism using Pivotal Response Training

Used Pivotal Response Training (PRT) to teach 7 children with autism to engage in symbolic play behaviors. Symbolic play, complexity of play behavior, and creativity of play were assessed. In addition, generalization measures were obtained across settings, toys, and play partners. Interaction with the play partners and comparison with typical controls were also examined. Results indicated that children with autism rarely exhibited symbolic play before training or after a control condition. After specific symbolic play training using PRT, all of the children learned to perform complex and creative symbolic play actions at levels similar to that of language-matched typical controls. In most cases the children generalized their play to new toys, environments, and play partners and continued to engage in symbolic play behavior after a 3-month follow-up period. In addition, interaction skills improved after training. Treatment implications for these findings are discussed.
Hollow glass waveguides with three-layer dielectric coating fabricated by chemical vapor deposition

Hollow glass waveguides with three dielectric layers are fabricated with a chemical vapor deposition technique. The waveguides have an inner three-layer stack of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide, with the thickness optimized for the 3-μm wavelength of a Er:YAG laser. The measured attenuation spectra of the waveguides in the mid-infrared region show interference peaks that are due to the multiple dielectric layers and also exhibit a low-loss region at the design wavelength of 3 μm. The theoretical evaluation of the waveguide loss, including the inner surface roughness of the guide, shows that the roughness strongly affects the transmission losses of the multilayer-coated waveguides.
POSITIVE PARENT/ADULT CHILD RELATIONSHIPS: Impact of Severe Mental Illness and Caregiving Burden

Comparison of 222 parents of an adult child who had a psychiatric disability and 434 parents with a nondisabled adult child revealed that parents' positive appraisals of their relationship with the target child was significantly predicted by their perceived caregiving burden, but not by their child's psychiatric status. Implications for interventions that enhance parent/adult child relationships are discussed.
Observation of Two-Port Coherent Perfect Absorber

We realized coherent perfect absorption of laser light in the two-port geometry. The magnitude of absorption is tuned almost two orders of magnitude by changing the phase between two beams incident to a silicon wafer.