cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of Spectrally Selective Patterned Thin-Film Cells

This paper outlines several techniques for systematic and efficient optimization as well as sensitivity assessment to fabrication tolerances of surface texturing patterns in thin film amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells. The aim is to achieve maximum absorption enhancement. The joint optimization of several geometrical parameters of a three-dimensional lattice of periodic square silver nanoparticles, and an absorbing thin layer of a-Si, using constrained optimization tools and numerical FDTD simulations is reported. Global and local optimization methods, such as the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno quasi-Newton method and simulated annealing, are employed concurrently for solving the inverse near-field radiation problem. The design of the silver-patterned solar panel is optimized to yield maximum average enhancement in photon absorption over the solar spectrum. The optimization techniques are expedited and improved using a novel nonuniform adaptive spectral sampling technique. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the optimally designed parameters of the solar structure is analyzed by postulating a probabilistic model for the errors introduced in the fabrication process. Monte Carlo simulations and unscented transform techniques are used for this purpose.
The role of mentor type and timing in predicting educational attainment.

Having an adult mentor during adolescence has been found to predict academic success. Building on previous work, the present study examined interactions between the type of mentor (i.e., kin, teacher, friend, or community), the time that mentor became important (i.e., before, during, or after high school), and the ethnicity of the protege in predicting educational attainment in young adulthood. Analyses used Waves III and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 2,409). Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 27 (M = 21.75, SD = 1.79). The sample was 56.7 % female and nationally representative of ethnic diversity. Analyses showed that having a teacher-mentor was more predictive of educational attainment than having other types of mentors and that overall, having a mentor after high school predicts the most educational attainment. Kin- and community-mentors appeared to be more important to educational attainment during and before high school, respectively. Findings were consistent across ethnic groups. Overall, results highlight the value of teacher-mentors throughout childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood and our study further suggests that different types of mentors may be particularly useful at specific points in development.
Argot: a system overview

Abstract We are engaged in a long-term research project that has the ultimate aim of describing a mechanism that can partake in an extended English dialogue on some reasonably well specified range of topics. The fundamental assumption in this project is that conversants in a dialogue are constantly recognizing and monitoring the goals of the other participants. To do this, they must have a rich body of knowledge about the topic, about the goals and beliefs of the other participants, and about the structure of dialogues in general. This paper described progress made towards these goals and outlines the current research areas in which the project is focused. It describes the basic theory underlying our work and an initial system built according to this theory. It then considers some deficiencies in this system built according to this theory. It then considers some deficiencies in this system and describes the new system, called ARGOT, currently under development. Finally, various specific research efforts within the group are described.
Loss of Free Formaldehyde from Cotton Fabrics

Cotton fabrics with known free formaldehyde contents were prepared. Free form aldehyde contents of the fabrics were monitored after applying the formaldehyde and after subjecting samples to various experimental conditions that afforded opportunity for loss of the free formaldehyde. In this manner, it was possible to observe changes in formaldehyde contents from exposure of the fabrics to air, to water, and to other fabrics. The influence of time, temperature, moisture, and level of formaldehyde on these changes, and the effect of cellulose crosslinking were determined. The results are discussed with a view to enlarging and extending our fundamental understanding of formaldehyde release from finished cottons and, in particular, the role of free form aldehyde in the fabrics.
Defective oxytocin function: a clue to understanding the cause of autism?

The autism spectrum disorders are a group of conditions with neurobehavioral impairment affecting approximately 0.6% of children. The clinical presentation is complex and the etiology is largely unknown, although a major role of genetic factors is widely accepted. A number of genetic studies led to the identification of genes and/or copy number variants whose alterations are associated with autism, but no specific factor has been found so far to be responsible for a substantial proportion of cases. Epigenetic modifications may also play a role, as demonstrated by the occurrence of autism in genetic conditions caused by mutations in imprinted genes or regions.
A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Attitudes toward HIV Testing in the Dental Setting

An estimated 1.1 million people in the USA are living with HIV/AIDS. Nearly 200,000 of these individuals do not know that they are infected. In 2006, the CDC recommended that all healthcare providers routinely offer HIV screening to adolescent and adult patients. Nurse-dentist collaborations present unique opportunities to provide rapid oral HIV screening to patients in dental clinic settings and reach the many adults who lack primary medical providers. However, little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of this type of innovative practice. Thus, elicitation research was undertaken with dental providers, students, and patients. This paper reports the results of qualitative interviews with 19 adults attending a university-based dental clinic in New York City. Overall, patients held very positive attitudes and beliefs toward HIV screening in dental sites and identified important factors that should be incorporated into the design of nurse-dentist collaborative HIV screening programs.
A CONSERVED 19-KDA EIMERIA TENELLA ANTIGEN IS A PROFILIN-LIKE PROTEIN

A wide range of recombinant proteins from Eimeria species have been reported to offer some degree of protection against infection and disease, but the specific biological function of these proteins is largely unknown. Previous studies have demonstrated a 19-kDa protein of unknown function designated SZ-1 in sporozoites and merozoites of Eimeria acervulina that can be used to confer partial protection against coccidiosis. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction indicated that the gene for SZ-1 is expressed by all the asexual stages of Eimeria tenella. Rabbit antisera to recombinant SZ-1 recognized an approximately 19-kDa protein from extracts of E. tenella sporozoites, merozoites, sporulated oocysts, and oocysts in various stages of sporulation. Immunofluorescence antibody staining indicated specific staining of E. tenella sporozoites and merozoites. Staining was most intense in the cytoplasm of the posterior end of the parasite. The primary amino acid sequence of the gene for E. tenella SZ-1 deduced from the E. tenella genome indicated a conserved domain for the actin-regulatory protein profilin. A conserved binding site for poly- L-proline (PLP), characteristic of profilin was also observed. SZ-1 was separated from soluble extract of E. tenella proteins by affinity chromatography using a PLP ligand, confirming the ability of SZ-1 to bind PLP. SZ-1 also partially inhibited the polymerization of actin. The current results are consistent with the classification of SZ-1 as a profilin- related protein. acervulina sporozoites and E. tenella sporozoites and merozo- ites. This study also demonstrated that 3-1E/SZ-1 is an immu- nologically relevant antigen with a potential role in a vaccine development because it stimulated cell-mediated immunity and provided protection to a challenge infection. In this study, it was found that SZ-1 is present and synthe- sized in all asexual stages of E. tenella. The SZ-1 gene in E. tenella was identified and characterized from the genome da- tabase and a putative conserved domain in SZ-1, for profilin, an actin regulatory protein, was observed in the amino acid sequence deduced from the gene structure. Based on the bio- chemical properties of SZ-1 including binding to a poly- L-pro- line column and inhibition of actin binding, the function of SZ- 1 is consistent with the family of profilin molecules.
Quantitative technique for robust and noise-tolerant speed measurements based on speckle decorrelation in optical coherence tomography

Intensity-based techniques in optical coherence tomography (OCT), such as those based on speckle decorrelation, have attracted great interest for biomedical and industrial applications requiring speed or flow information. In this work we present a rigorous analysis of the effects of noise on speckle decorrelation, demonstrate that these effects frustrate accurate speed quantitation, and propose new techniques that achieve quantitative and repeatable measurements. First, we derive the effect of background noise on the speckle autocorrelation function, finding two detrimental effects of noise. We propose a new autocorrelation function that is immune to the main effect of background noise and permits quantitative measurements at high and moderate signal-to-noise ratios. At the same time, this autocorrelation function is able to provide motion contrast information that accurately identifies areas with movement, similar to speckle variance techniques. In order to extend the SNR range, we quantify and model the second effect of background noise on the autocorrelation function through a calibration. By obtaining an explicit expression for the decorrelation time as a function of speed and diffusion, we show how to use our autocorrelation function and noise calibration to measure a flowing liquid. We obtain accurate results, which are validated by Doppler OCT, and demonstrate a very high dynamic range (> 600 mm/s) compared to that of Doppler OCT (±25 mm/s). We also derive the behavior for low flows, and show that there is an inherent non-linearity in speed measurements in the presence of diffusion due to statistical fluctuations of speckle. Our technique allows quantitative and robust measurements of speeds using OCT, and this work delimits precisely the conditions in which it is accurate.
Upper-level eddy angular momentum fluxes and tropical cyclone intensity change

The eddy flux convergence of relative angular momentum (EFC) at 200 mb was calculated for the named tropical cyclones during the 1989-1991 Atlantic hurricane seasons. A period of enhanced EFC within 1500 km of the storm center occurred about every five days due to the interaction with upper-level troughs in the midlatitude westerlies or upper-level, cold lows in low latitudes. Twenty-six of the 32 storms had at least one period of enhanced EFC. In about one-third of the cases, the storm intensified just after the period of enhanced EFC. In most of the cases in which the storm did not intensify the vertical shear increased, the storm moved over cold water, or the storm became extratropical just after the period of enhanced EFC. A statistically significant relationship was found between the EFC within 600 km of the storm center and the intensity change during the next 48 h. The EFC was also examined for the ten storms from the 1989-1991 sample that had the largest intensification rates. Six of the ten periods of rapid intensification were associated with enhanced EFC. In the remaining four cases the storms were intensifying rapidly in a low shear environment without any obvious interaction with upper-level troughs.
Dilated cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block associated with ingestion of colloidal gold and silver is reversed by British antiLewisite and vitamin E: The potential toxicity of metals used as health supplements

A case of left bundle branch block and a dilated, nonhypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with ingestion of colloidal gold and silver as an ‘energy tonic’ is described. The cardiac disease was reversed within two months by a course of dimercaprol (Akorn Inc, USA) (British antiLewisite) and vitamin E. This is the first case of gold and silver cardiomyopathy in humans, and highlights the risks of these colloidal metal ‘health supplements’.
Differential effects of a post-anthesis fertilizer regimen on the wheat flour proteome determined by quantitative 2-DE

Background: Mineral nutrition during wheat grain development has large effects on wheat flour protein content and composition, which in turn affect flour quality and immunogenic potential for a commodity of great economic value. However, it has been difficult to define the precise effects of mineral nutrition on protein composition because of the complexity of the wheat flour proteome. Recent improvements in the identification of flour proteins by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and the availability of a comprehensive proteome map of flour from the US wheat Butte 86 now make it possible to document changes in the proportions of individual flour proteins that result from the application of mineral nutrition. Results: Plants of Triticum aestivum ’Butte 86’ were grown with or without post-anthesis fertilization (PAF) and quantitative 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was used to analyze protein composition of the resulting flour. Significant changes in the proportions of 54 unique proteins were observed as a result of the treatment. Most omegagliadins, high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) and serpins as well as some alpha-gliadins increased in proportion with PAF. In contrast, alpha-amylase/protease inhibitors, farinins, purinins and puroindolines decreased in proportion. Decreases were also observed in several low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS), globulins, defense proteins and enzymes. The ratio of HMW-GS to LMW-GS in the flour increased from 0.61 to 0.95 and the ratio of gliadins to glutenins increased from 1.02 to 1.30 with PAF. Because flour protein content doubled with PAF from 7 to 14%, most protein types actually increased in absolute amount (μg/mg flour protein). Data further suggest that flour proteins change with PAF according to their content of sulfur-containing amino acids Cys + Met. Conclusions: A 2-DE approach revealed changes in the wheat flour proteome due to PAF that are important for flour quality and immunogenic potential. The work forms a baseline for further studies of the effects of environmental variables on flour protein composition and provides clues about the regulation of specific flour protein genes. The study also is important for identifying targets for breeding programs and biotechnology efforts aimed at improving flour quality.
Retrieval of subpixel snow covered area, grain size, and albedo from MODIS

article i nfo We describe and validate a model that retrieves fractional snow-covered area and the grain size and albedo of that snow from surface reflectance data (product MOD09GA) acquired by NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The model analyzes the MODIS visible, near infrared, and shortwave infrared bands with multiple endmember spectral mixtures from a library of snow, vegetation, rock, and soil. We derive snow spectral endmembers of varying grain size from a radiative transfer model specifi ct o a scene's illumination geometry; spectra for vegetation, rock, and soil were collected in the field and laboratory. We validate the model with fractional snow cover estimates from Landsat Thematic Mapper data, at 30 m resolution, for the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, high plains of Colorado, and Himalaya. Grain size measurements are validated with field measurements during the Cold Land Processes Experiment, and albedo retrievals are validated with in situ measurements in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The pixel- weighted average RMS error for snow-covered area across 31 scenes is 5%, ranging from 1% to 13%. The mean absolute error for grain size was 51 µm and the mean absolute error for albedo was 4.2%. Fractional snow cover errors are relatively insensitive to solar zenith angle. Because MODSCAG is a physically based algorithm that accounts for the spatial and temporal variation in surface reflectances of snow and other surfaces, it is capable of global snow cover mapping in its more computationally efficient, operational mode.
The GAA•TTC triplet repeat expanded in Friedreich’s ataxia impedes transcription elongation by T7 RNA polymerase in a length and supercoil dependent manner

Large expansions of the trinucleotide repeat GAA*TTC within the first intron of the X25 (frataxin) gene cause Friedreich's ataxia, the most common inherited ataxia. Expansion leads to reduced levels of frataxin mRNA in affected individuals. Here we show that GAA*TTC tracts, in the absence of any other frataxin gene sequences, can reduce the amount of GAA-containing transcript produced in a defined in vitro transcription system. This effect is due to an impediment to elongation that forms in the GAA*TTC tract during transcription, a phenomenon that is exacerbated by both superhelical stress and increased tract length. On supercoiled templates the major truncations of the GAA-containing transcripts occur in the distal (3') end of the GAA repeat. To account for these observations we present a model in which an RNA polymerase advancing within a long GAA*TTC tract initiates the transient formation of an R*R*Y intramolecular DNA triplex. The non-template (GAA) strand folds back creating a loop in the template strand, and the polymerase is paused at the distal triplex-duplex junction.
HealthPartners Adopts Community Business Model To Deepen Focus On Nonclinical Factors Of Health Outcomes

Clinical care contributes only 20 percent to overall health outcomes, according to a population health model developed at the University of Wisconsin. Factors contributing to the remainder include lifestyle behaviors, the physical environment, and social and economic forces—all generally considered outside the realm of care. In 2010 Minnesota-based HealthPartners decided to target nonclinical community health factors as a formal part of its strategic business plan to improve public health in the Twin Cities area. The strategy included creating partnerships with businesses and institutions that are generally unaccustomed to working together or considering how their actions could help improve community health. This article describes efforts to promote healthy eating in schools, reduce the stigma of mental illness, improve end-of-life decision making, and strengthen an inner-city neighborhood. Although still in their early stages, the partnerships can serve as encouragement for organizations inside and outsi...
Influence of Precipitation on Pronghorn Demography in Texas

Abstract Ungulate populations in desert environments are thought to be regulated by precipitation. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) populations in Trans-Pecos, Texas, USA, experienced a 70% decline between 1977 and 2001. The causative factors associated with the decline are unknown but appear to be related to drought. We evaluated the relationships between pronghorn abundance and productivity and precipitation (i.e., raw precipitation, Palmer Drought indices) for the Trans-Pecos district of Texas from 1977 to 2004. Pronghorn productivity (range = 305–4,407) and abundance (range = 5,061–17,266) showed high variability. Precipitation was also highly variable, ranging from 18 cm to 57 cm. Pronghorn abundance was positively influenced by precipitation indices (R = 0.790, P < 0.001). The relationship between fawn production and raw precipitation (R = 0.869, P < 0.001) suggested that fawn production may be more closely related to immediate moisture conditions, whereas pronghorn abundance was more influenced by...
The effect of side-chain functionality and hydrophobicity on the gene delivery capabilities of cationic helical polypeptides.

Abstract The rational design of effective and safe non-viral gene vectors is largely dependent on the understanding of the structure–property relationship. We herein report the design of a new series of cationic, α-helical polypeptides with different side charged groups (amine and guanidine) and hydrophobicity, and mechanistically unraveled the effect of polypeptide structure on the gene delivery capability. Guanidine-containing polypeptides displayed superior membrane activities to their amine-containing analogues via the pore formation mechanism, and thus possessed notably higher transfection efficiencies. Elongating the hydrophobic side chain also potentiated the membrane activities of the polypeptides, while at the meantime caused higher cytotoxicities. Upon an optimal balance between membrane activity and cytotoxicity, maximal transfection efficiency was achieved which outperformed commercial reagent Lipofectamine™ 2000 (LPF2000) by 3–6 folds. This study thus provides mechanistic insights into the rational design of non-viral gene delivery vectors, and the best-performing materials identified also serve as a promising addition to the existing systems.
Faster than weighted A*: an optimistic approach to bounded suboptimal search

Planning, scheduling, and other applications of heuristic search often demand we tackle problems that are too large to solve optimally. In this paper, we address the problem of solving shortest-path problems as quickly as possible while guaranteeing that solution costs are bounded within a specified factor of optimal. 38 years after its publication, weighted A* remains the best-performing algorithm for general-purpose bounded suboptimal search. However, it typically returns solutions that are better than a given bound requires. We show how to take advantage of this behavior to speed up search while retaining bounded suboptimality. We present an optimistic algorithm that uses a weight higher than the user's bound and then attempts to prove that the resulting solution adheres to the bound. While simple, we demonstrate that this algorithm consistently surpasses weighted A* in four different benchmark domains including temporal planning and gridworld pathfinding.
Microbial Diagnostic Array Workstation (MDAW): a web server for diagnostic array data storage, sharing and analysis

Background: Microarrays are becoming a very popular tool for microbial detection and diagnostics. Although these diagnostic arrays are much simpler when compared to the traditional transcriptome arrays, due to the high throughput nature of the arrays, the data analysis requirements still form a bottle neck for the widespread use of these diagnostic arrays. Hence we developed a new online data sharing and analysis environment customised for diagnostic arrays. Methods: Microbial Diagnostic Array Workstation (MDAW) is a database driven application designed in MS Access and front end designed in ASP.NET. Conclusion: MDAW is a new resource that is customised for the data analysis requirements for microbial diagnostic arrays.
Natural and anthropogenic radionuclide distributions in the Nansen Basin, Artic Ocean: Scavenging rates and circulation timescales

Abstract Determination of the naturally occurring radionuclides 232 Th, 230 Th, 228 Th and 210 Pb, and the anthropogenic radionuclides 241 Am, 239,240 Pu, 134 Cs and 137 Cs in water samples collected across the Nansen Basin from the Barents Sea slope to the Gakkel Ridge provides tracers with which to characterize both scavenging rates and circulation timescales in this portion of the Arctic Ocean. Large volume water samples (∼ 15001) were filtered in situ to separate particulate (> 0.5 μm) and dissolved Th isotopes and 241 Am. Thorium-230 displays increases in both particulate and dissolved activities with depth, with dissolved 230 Th greater and particulate 230 Th lower in the deep central Nansen Basin than at the Barents Sea slope. Dissolved 228 Th activities also are greater relative to 228 Ra, in the central basin. Residence times for Th relative to removal from solution onto particles are ∼1 year in surface water, ∼10 years in deep water adjacent to the Barents Sea slope, and ∼20 years in the Eurasian Basin Deep Water. Lead-210 in the central basin deep water also has a residence time of ∼20 years with respect to its removal from the water column. This texture of scavenging is reflected in distributions of the particle-reactive anthropogenic radionuclide 241 Am, which shows higher activities relative to Pu in the central Nansen Basin than at the Barents Sea slope. Distributions Of 137 Cs show more rapid mixing at the basin margins (Barents Sea slope in the south, Gakkel Ridge in the north) than in the basin interior. Cesium-137 is mixed throughout the water column adjacent to the Barents Sea slope and is present in low but detectable activities in the Eurasian Basin Deep Water in the central basin. At the time of sampling (1987) the surface water at all stations had been labeled with 134 Cs released in the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. In the ∼1 year since the introduction of Chernobyl 134 Cs to the Nansen Basin, it had been mixed to depths of ∼800 m at the Barents Sea Slope and to ∼300 m in the central basin. “PreChernobyl” inventories of 137 Cs (as well as 239,240 Pu) are 10 times those expected from global atmospheric fallout from nuclear weapons testing and are derived principally from releases from the Sellafield, U.K., nuclear fuel reprocessing facility on the Irish Sea. Based on the sources Of 137 Cs to the Nansen Basin, mixing time scales are 9–18 years for the upper water column (to 1500 m) and ∼40 years for the deep water. These mixing time scales, combined with more rapid scavenging at the basin margin relative to the central basin, produce residence times of particle-reactive radionuclides in the Nansen Basin comparable to other open ocean areas (e.g. north-west Atlantic) despite the presence of permanent ice cover and long periods of low-light levels that limit productivity in the Arctic.
Bariatric Centers of Excellence: Effect of Centralization on Access to Care

Background In 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services restricted coverage for bariatric procedures to designated high-volume Centers of Excellence. The effect of centralization of elective surgical procedures on the ability of patients to access surgery has not been studied previously. Study Design Inpatient claims data from 2008 to 2011 from 2 high-volume surgical states were used. All patients older than 18 years undergoing a bariatric surgical procedure were included. The number of bariatric procedures and characteristics of patients undergoing bariatric surgery were examined in each year. Nonparametric tests for trend were performed to analyze time trends. Difference-in-difference analyses were performed to assess the rate of bariatric surgery in underserved Medicare patients compared with underserved patients with other payers. Results The percentage of procedures performed at Centers of Excellence increased from 60.5% in 2008 to 73.1% in 2011 (p Conclusions Despite the longer travel distance required for Medicare patients, centralization of bariatric surgery to Centers of Excellence did not result in impaired access to care. In fact, in this study, an improvement in access to bariatric surgery was seen and persisted among some underserved populations.
The Lombard effect and other noise-induced vocal modifications: insight from mammalian communication systems

Humans and non-human mammals exhibit fundamentally similar vocal responses to increased noise, including increases in vocalization amplitude (the Lombard effect) and changes to spectral and temporal properties of vocalizations. Different research focuses have resulted in significant discrepancies in study methodologies and hypotheses among fields, leading to particular knowledge gaps and techniques specific to each field. This review compares and contrasts noise-induced vocal modifications observed from human and non-human mammals with reference to experimental design and the history of each field. Topics include the effects of communication motivation and subject-specific characteristics on the acoustic parameters of vocalizations, examination of evidence for a proposed biomechanical linkage between the Lombard effect and other spectral and temporal modifications, and effects of noise on self-communication signals (echolocation). Standardized terminology, cross-taxa tests of hypotheses, and open areas for future research in each field are recommended. Findings indicate that more research is needed to evaluate linkages among vocal modifications, context dependencies, and the finer details of the Lombard effect during natural communication. Studies of non-human mammals could benefit from applying the tightly controlled experimental designs developed in human research, while studies of human speech in noise should be expanded to include natural communicative contexts. The effects of experimental design and behavioural context on vocalizations should not be neglected as they may impact the magnitude and type of noise-induced vocal modifications.
Document Content Inventory and Retrieval

We give an analysis of relationships between expected retrieval performance and classification recognition accuracy in the context of document image content extraction and inventory. By content extraction we mean location and measurement of regions containing handwriting, machine- printed text, photographs, blank space, etc, in documents represented as bilevel, grey-level, or color images. Recent experiments have shown that even modest per-pixel content classification accuracies can support usefully high recall and precision rates (of, e.g., 80-90%) for retrieval queries within document collections seeking pages that contain a given minimum fraction of a certain type of content. In an effort to elucidate this interesting empirical result, we have analyzed the interdependency of classification and retrieval under a variety of assumptions about the distribution of content types in document image collections. We show that under general conditions we cannot derive precision and recall measures from per-pixel classification measures alone, but we can estimate the expected values of these measures. If however the distribution of content and error rates are uniform across the entire collection, our results suggest, it is possible to predict precision and recall measures from classification accuracy and vice versa.
Modeling isometric force response using Fuzzy Set Theory

The analysis of isometric force may provide early detection of certain types of neuropathology such as Parkinson's disease. Our long term goal is to determine if there are detectable differences between model parameters of healthy and unhealthy individuals. In this study we evaluate dynamic system models of isometric force based on fuzzy set theory. The experiments involved subjects exerting isometric force over a range from 5% to 95% of maximal voluntary contraction. The finding suggests that the fuzzy dynamic system model outperforms best fits that were obtained using nonlinear difference equations of higher order.
Knowledge and Attitude Outcomes Related to Different Instructional Techniques in Lead-Based Paint Abatement Training

Abstract Lead poisoning remains the most serious environmental disease affecting American children under the age of 6. Federal regulations for training workers for lead-based paint abatement are designed to institute a primary prevention approach to solving this problem. This research compared knowledge and attitude outcomes for two different methods for this training. Two classes of trainees (n = 46) each participated in a 4-hour lecture format training on the subject areas specified by the regulations. Two additional classes (n = 44) of trainees each participated in an interactive, student-centered training on the same subject areas. A pretest/posttest study design was used. The pretest analysis of knowledge did not show significant differences between groups. Posttest differences, however, were significant, with the participatory group having a higher mean score. Attitude was measured with a dichotomous variable (“concerned” or “not concerned” about lead poisoning prevention). Although the number of tr...
HIV-1 Nef Promotes Survival of TF-1 Macrophages by Inducing Bcl-XL Expression in an Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase-dependent Manner

The Nef protein of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) is essential for the progression from human and simian immunodeficiency virus infection to full-blown AIDS. Recent studies indicate that Nef generates anti-apoptotic signals in HIV-infected T cells, suppressing cell death early in infection to allow productive viral replication. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that Nef also promotes proliferation of myeloid cells through a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-dependent pathway. Here we demonstrate that Nef suppresses cell death induced by cytokine deprivation in the human macrophage precursor cell line, TF-1. Nef selectively induced up-regulation of Bcl-XL, an anti-apoptotic gene that is also regulated by granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor in this cell line. Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway also correlated with the survival of TF-1/Nef cells. Using the selective mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059, we found that Nef-induced Erk signaling is essential for Bcl-XL up-regulation and cell survival. In contrast, expression of Bcl-XL and TF-1 survival was not affected by dominant-negative signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. These data suggest that Nef produces survival signals in myeloid cells through Erk-mediated Bcl-XL induction, a pathway distinct from Nef survival pathways recently reported in T lymphocytes.
Propulsion Airframe Aeroacoustics Technology Evaluation and Selection Using a Multi-Attribute Decision Making Process and Non-Deterministic Design

The Systems Analysis Branch at NASA Langley Research Center has investigated revolutionary Propulsion Airframe Aeroacoustics (PAA) technologies and configurations for a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) type aircraft as part of its research for NASA s Quiet Aircraft Technology (QAT) Project. Within the context of the long-term NASA goal of reducing the perceived aircraft noise level by a factor of 4 relative to 1997 state of the art, major configuration changes in the propulsion airframe integration system were explored with noise as a primary design consideration. An initial down-select and assessment of candidate PAA technologies for the BWB was performed using a Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) process consisting of organized brainstorming and decision-making tools. The assessments focused on what effect the PAA technologies had on both the overall noise level of the BWB and what effect they had on other major design considerations such as weight, performance and cost. A probabilistic systems analysis of the PAA configurations that presented the best noise reductions with the least negative impact on the system was then performed. Detailed results from the MADM study and the probabilistic systems analysis will be published in the near future.
Hardware simulation tools for computer design

An objective during the latest offering of our institution's Computer Organization course was to improve student's awareness that a computer is merely an electronic device, and that a simple working example may be constructed by using knowledge they already possess. A hardware simulation tool was used to construct illustrative portions of computer circuits and a complete, functioning computer used during different types of student exercises and assignments. Anecdotal feedback and a post-use survey confirmed my expectation that the simulation would contribute toward student's understanding and confidence.
The effects of rupture and diffusion on the salinity of fault-related fluid inclusions

Abstract The combined effects of fault rupture and diffusive transport on the salinity of fault-related fluids are addressed in the case of both an external solute source and that of rock buffered fluid compositions. The effects of injection of a dilute and a saline fluid into a fault zone, followed by diffusion, are examined in the case of both periodic and random fault rupture events. The models reproduce the large salinity variations characteristic of fault-related secondary fluid inclusions, and suggest that correlation of salinity variations may allow reconstruction of rupture events. In the case of rock buffered fluid compositions, the hydration of periclase to form brucite is used as a simple petrological model for increasing salinity in fault zones. An episodic hydration reaction, both with and without dilution effects, is capable of increasing the salinity of small volumes of fluid along microfractures and also of producing large salinity variations. These considerations suggest that large salinity variations and high fluid concentrations common in secondary fluid inclusions associated with retrograde shear zones may be due to the combined effects of diffusion and rock buffering reactions in the fault zone. The concentration spikes produced during rupture are damped by diffusion with increasing distance from the site of rupture. Concentration peaks and troughs coincide in time at different distances from the source suggesting the possibility of correlating salinity variations in the vicinity of a fault zone.
Geomorphic investigation of the terrebonne marsh, louisiana: Foundation for cultural resource surveys

A geomorphic investigation of Terrebonne Marsh in south-central Louisiana was conducted to establish a framework for subsequent cultural resource investigations. the investigation consisted of an initial phase of detailed geomorphic mapping, subsequent field investigations, sedimentological, biostratigraphical, and chronological analyses of field samples, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the area. the investigation substantiated and refined previous interpretations of the progradation of three Mississippi River deltas through the area. the earliest known Holocene delta, the Maringouin, was probably active in the area from 7000 to 6000 years before present (YBP). the Teche delta prograded through the area from 4500 to 3500 YBP. From approximately 2000 to 1000 YBP the Lafourche delta partially buried the Teche delta. the periods of approximately 6000-4500, 3500-2000, and 1000 YBP to present were characterized by deltaic subsidence and erosion. Distributary natural levees and beach ridges appear to be sites of major cultural focus in Terrebonne Marsh. Due to high rates of subsidence, older cultural components are either buried or disturbed by erosion.
Cdk phosphorylation triggers sequential intramolecular interactions that progressively block Rb functions as cells move through G1

We present evidence that phosphorylation of the C-terminal region of Rb by Cdk4/6 initiates successive intramolecular interactions between the C-terminal region and the central pocket. The initial interaction displaces histone deacetylase from the pocket, blocking active transcriptional repression by Rb. This facilitates a second interaction that leads to phosphorylation of the pocket by Cdk2 and disruption of pocket structure. These intramolecular interactions provide a molecular basis for sequential phosphorylation of Rb by Cdk4/6 and Cdk2. Cdk4/6 is activated early in G1, blocking active repression by Rb. However, it is not until near the end of G1, when cyclin E is expressed and Cdk2 is activated, that Rb is prevented from binding and inactivating E2F.
EFFECTS OF WATER TABLE, CLIPPING, AND SPECIES INTERACTIONS ON CAREX NEBRASCENSIS AND POA PRATENSIS IN RIPARIAN MEADOWS

In this study, we hypothesized that the primary variable determining species responses and interactions within wet/mesic riparian meadows in central Nevada, USA was the water table but that the direct and indirect effects of livestock grazing modified both species responses and interactions. We tested this hypothesis for two widespread riparian species, Carex nebrascensis and Poa pratensis ssp. pratensis, that co-occur but have maximum expression at different water tables. Carex nebrascensis has widely spread tillers typical of ‘guerilla’ plant architecture, while P. pratensis has closely spaced and compact tillers typical of ‘phalanx’ plant architecture. Individuals of both species were grown at mid-and low water tables with or without neighbors and were either clipped or not clipped at the end of the first growing season. For the study site with the most complete record, mean water-table depth during the growing season (May through August) on the mid sites was −32 cm in year 1 and −7cm in year 2. Water-table depth on the low sites was −69 cm in year 1 and −31 cm in year 2. Plant survival, tillering, biomass, and seed production over a 2-yr period were used to quantify the species responses. Water table had no effect on tillering or biomass of C. nebrascensis, indicating that it is adapted for growth and persistence over the range of water tables examined. In contrast, growth and tillering of P. pratensis was severely restricted at more shallow water tables. Poa pratensis had about 50% fewer tillers and lower biomass (9.0 vs 46.5 g) for neighbor-removed plots on mid- than low-water-table sites at one of the study meadows. Further, tiller numbers of P. pratensis increased over time on the low-water-table plots, but decreased on the mid-water-table plots. Clipping had no effect on the survival, tillering, or growth of either species. The clipping treatment may not have removed sufficient leaf mass or may have been applied too near the end of the growing season to elicit a response. Neighborhood removal resulted in a 3- to 10-fold increase in tillering and higher plant mass (1.3 vs. 9.5 g) for C. nebrascensis. Poa pratensis showed an even greater response to neighbor removal. Tillering was 6-to 100-fold greater and mass was 15 to 50 times greater on neighbor removed than neighbor-intact plots. Comparisons between single species and mixed species plots indicated that there was an interaction between the species that limited tiller production in C. nebrascensis. These results indicate that P. pratensis, the ‘phalanx’ species, is capable of more rapidly responding to disturbances that remove neighbors and increase available space than C. nebrascensis, the ‘guerilla’ species. Contrary to previous studies, the interactions between the two species do not seem to be related to plant architecture and can be best attributed to generally greater growth rates and increased competitive ability for P. pratensis at lower water tables. Grazing may further alter the relative competitive ability of the two species in favor of P. pratensis.
Applying semi-supervised learning method for cellphone-based travel mode classification

Transportation mode detection is important in understanding traffic conditions, facility performance, and residents' daily movements. Using GPS data collected from personal cellphones, this study analyzed mode classification methods for participants in Moscow, Idaho. Principal component analysis and semi-supervised Gaussian mixture models were implemented as major machine learning techniques applied in the classification task. For the study of two-mode classifiers, the prediction accuracy was found to be 65.71% and 88.00% for motorized and non-motorized trips, respectively. For the four-mode classifiers (bike, bus, drive, and walk), the model correctly predicted 66.67% and 57.14% of the trips for the Drive and Walk modes. The prediction accuracy for Bike and Bus was not as high due to the small number of trips observed in these two modes. Ultimately, the model built with PC scores performed better than model with non-transformed variables.
Preconditioning limits mitochondrial Ca2+ during ischemia in rat hearts: role of KATP channels

Prolonged myocardial ischemia results in an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which is thought to play a critical role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ischemic precondition...
The Law and Economics of Preliminary Agreements

Contract law encourages parties to make relation-specific investments by enforcing the contracts the parties make, and by denying liability when the parties had failed to agree. For decades, the law has had difficulty with cases where parties sink costs in the pursuit of projects under agreements that are too incomplete to enforce, and where one of the parties prefers to exit rather than pursue the contemplated project. The issue whether to award the disappointed party any remedy has divided a large number of courts over many years. The judicial uncertainty arises, we claim, because the questions why parties make such incomplete contracts, then rely before uncertainty is resolved and finally disagree over cost reimbursement when both recognize that their project would be unprofitable have not been satisfactorily answered. We create a model which shows that parties create "preliminary agreements" rather than complete contracts when the project they explore could take a number of forms, and the parties are unsure at the outset which form would maximize profits. A preliminary agreement roughly allocates investment tasks between the parties, specifies investment timing and commits the parties only to pursue a profitable project. Parties sink costs in a project because investment accelerates the realization of returns and illuminates whether any of the possible project types would be profitable. A party to a preliminary agreement "breaches" when it delays its investment beyond the time the agreement specifies. Delay will save costs for this party if no project turns out to be profitable and improves this party's bargaining power in the renegotiation to a complete contract if a project would succeed. Delay often disadvantages the promisee, but the main inefficiency is ex ante: When parties anticipate such strategic behavior, the likelihood that they will make preliminary agreements is materially reduced. This is unfortunate because the performance of a preliminary agreement often is a necessary condition to the creation of a complete contract and the subsequent realization of a socially efficient opportunity. Thus, contract law should encourage relation-specific investment by awarding verifiable reliance costs to a party to a preliminary agreement if its partner has strategically delayed investment. We also study a large sample of appellate cases that deal with reliance prior to the signing of a complete contract. This study reveals that (a) parties appear to make the preliminary agreements we describe and breach for the reasons our model identifies; and (b) courts sometimes protect the disappointed party's reliance interest when they should, but the courts' imperfect understanding of the parties' behavior causes courts to make mistakes.
Characteristics of the Toxoplasma Neutralizing Antibody

SummaryThe toxoplasma neutralizing antibody was found to be so labile even at temperatures of about 5°C, that it could disappear after one to 2 weeks of storage in an ordinary refrigerator. The ant...