cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of speaker eye gaze and mutual exclusivity in novel word learning by monolingual and bilingual children.

Abstract The current study examined the combined effect of a speaker’s eye gaze and mutual exclusivity (ME) on novel word retention in monolingual and bilingual children. A novel object was presented with a familiar object, and children were taught new labels for objects under two conditions. In the Align condition, the speaker’s gaze and the ME cue provided the same information (the speaker looked at the novel object while labeling it with a novel name). In the Conflict condition, the speaker’s gaze and the ME cue provided competing information (the speaker looked at the familiar object while labeling it with a novel name). Using a visual world eye-tracking paradigm, children’s retention was assessed by testing novel objects with novel labels and by testing the familiar objects with novel labels. We found that all children successfully retained the novel labels for novel objects when both eye gaze and ME provided the same information. However, when the cues conflicted, bilingual children did not perform above chance for either novel objects or familiar objects. In contrast, monolingual children demonstrated retention of novel labels for familiar objects but not for novel objects. Together, the findings suggest that redundant cues benefit word retention in all children regardless of linguistic background. Furthermore, when speaker gaze and ME conflict, bilingual children appear to disregard both cues during retention, whereas monolingual children may be more willing to retain novel labels for familiar words, suggesting that they prioritize a speaker’s eye gaze over ME.
Trivariate Theory of Mind Data Analysis with a Conditional Joint Modeling Approach

Theory of mind (ToM) is an essential social-cognitive ability to understand one's own and other people's mental states. Neural data as well as behavior data have been utilized in ToM research, but the two types of data have rarely been analyzed together, creating a large gap in the literature. In this paper, we propose and apply a novel joint modeling approach to analyze brain activations with two types of behavioral data, response times and response accuracy, obtained from a multi-item ToM assessment, with the intention to shed new light on the nature of the underlying process of ToM reasoning. Our trivariate data analysis suggested that different levels or kinds of processes might be involved during the ToM assessment, which seem to differ in terms of cognitive efficiency and sensitivity to ToM items and the correctness of item responses. Additional details on the trivariate data analysis results are provided with discussions on their implications for ToM research.
Small and Seasoned - The Capacity of Firms to Build Upon their Inventive Breakthroughs

Breakthrough inventions are a key driver of growth in many industries. However, the inventing firm does not always benefit from their discovery. Building upon the knowledge-based view of the firm, ...
The Role of the PRMT5-SND1 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Arginine methylation is an essential post-translational modification (PTM) deposited by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) and recognized by Tudor domain-containing proteins. Of the nine mammalian PRMTs, PRMT5 is the primary enzyme responsible for the deposition of symmetric arginine methylation marks in cells. The staphylococcal nuclease and Tudor domain-containing 1 (SND1) effector protein is a key reader of the marks deposited by PRMT5. Both PRMT5 and SND1 are broadly expressed and their deregulation is reported to be associated with a range of disease phenotypes, including cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an example of a cancer type that often displays elevated PRMT5 and SND1 levels, and there is evidence that hyperactivation of this axis is oncogenic. Importantly, this pathway can be tempered with small-molecule inhibitors that target PRMT5, offering a therapeutic node for cancer, such as HCC, that display high PRMT5–SND1 axis activity. Here we summarize the known activities of this writer–reader pair, with a focus on their biological roles in HCC. This will help establish a foundation for treating HCC with PRMT5 inhibitors and also identify potential biomarkers that could predict sensitivity to this type of therapy.
Regulation of Protein Kinase C

Protein kinase C has emerged as a key element in the transduction of the effects of growth factors, hormones, and neurotransmitters (1). The enzyme was initially discovered by Nishizuka and coworkers who defined a proteolytically activated kinase from rat brain. A number of discoveries by that group led to the recognition of the significance of protein kinase C as an important regulator of tumor promotion, cell regulation, and cell differentiation. Initial characterization of the enzyme by Nishizuka and coworkers led to the identification that the proenzyme could be activated in the presence of membranes and calcium. Further studies led to the identification that the neutral lipid, diacylglycerol (DAG), caused potent activation of the enzyme and significantly reduced its calcium requirement to the low micromolar and high nanomolar range, rendering the enzyme active at physiologic concentrations of calcium in the presence of DAG. This finding led Nishizuka and coworkers to implicate protein kinase C in the pathways mediating the effects of “calcium-mobilizing” agents in what had been termed as the “phosphatidylinositol (PI) cycle” (1). In this cycle, the action of a number of extracellular agents leads to the activation of phospholipase C which results in the cleavage of inositolphospholipids yielding inositol trisphosphate and DAG. Inositol trisphosphate mobilizes intracellular calcium while DAG activates protein kinase C. Another major discovery by Nishizuka’s group related to the finding that phorbol esters, potent tumor promoters, could directly activate protein kinase C with a mechanism similar to that of DAG. This finding again implicated protein kinase C in mediating the effects of phorbol esters on tumor promotion, cell differentiation, and a variety of other biological responses such as granule secretion and hormone release (1).
Counseling and Social Support: Perspectives and Practice

Introductory Perspectives When Are Social Support Related Issues Important? Assessment of Social Support Resources Client-Based Barriers Client-Focused Interventions Other- and Context-Based Barriers Externally Focused Support Interventions Ansel A Case Study Other Directions
Object categorization for affordance prediction

A fundamental requirement of any autonomous robot system is the ability to predict the affordances of its environment. In this dissertation, we develop a computational model of affordance learning with object categorization where a robot explicitly learns the object categories in a partially supervised manner and conducts experiments on its enviorment to both refine its model of categories and affordances. We demonstrate that compared with the conventional direct perception approach, categories make the affordance learning problem scalable, especially with scare training data and in incremental learning of new affordances. Another key aspect of our approach is to leverage the ability of a robot to perform experiements on its environment and gather information independent of human trainer. We validate our theory on experiements with physically-situated robots. Finally, we refocus the object categorization problem of computer vision back to the robotics workd and extend the Gluck-Corter category utility for the task of affordance prediciton.
Design as a fusion problem

Statistical mechanics has proven to be a useful model for drawing inferences about the collective behavior of individual objects that interact according to a known force law (which for a more general usage is referred to as interacting units.). Collective behavior is determined not by computing F = ma for each interacting unit because the problem is mathematically intractable. Instead, one computes the partition function for the collection of interacting units and predicts statistical behavior from the partition function. Statistical mechanics was unified with Bayesian inference by Jaynes who demonstrated that the partition function assignment of probabilities via the interaction Hamiltonian is the solution to a Bayesian assignment of probabilities based on the maximum entropy method with known means and standard deviations. Once this technique has been applied to a variety of problems and obtained a solution, one can, of course, solve the inverse problem to determine what interaction model gives rise to a given probability assignment. Probabilistic networks are important modeling tools in a variety of applications including social networks. We explore the usage of statistical mechanics as a mechanism to solve the inverse problem to determine the underlying interaction model that gives rise to the probabilistic network.
A sub-nanosecond 0.5 /spl mu/m 64 b adder design

A sub-nanosecond 64 b adder in 0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS forms the basis for the integer and floating point execution units. Integrating dual-rail dynamic CMOS and use of Ling's equations, the adder is composed of 7k FETs in 0.246 mm/sup 2/ and performs a full 64 b add, operands to result in <1 ns (7 fanout of 4 inverter delays) under nominal conditions.
Pseudohypertension masquerading as malignant hypertension. Case report and review of the literature.

Abstract An elderly man with chronic renal failure and radiologic evidence of vascular calcification was found to have severe pseudohypertension mimicking hypertensive crisis. Pathologic examination of his artery revealed severe medial calcification. The syndrome of pseudohypertension is reviewed.
The effect of reductant in inorganic phosphate release from adenosine 5'-triphosphate by purified nitrogenase of Clostridium pasteurianum.

The two components of nitrogenase of Clostridium pasteurianum, azoferredoxin and molybdoferredoxin, together with an electron donor, and energy source, and Mg++ are required for ATP-dependent H2 evolution and reductant-dependent ATP utilization. ATP is also utilized by this N2-fixing system without H2 evolution and without the need for an electron donor. For this activity there is still an absolute requirement for both azoferredoxin and molybdoferredoxin. The ratio of ATP utilized in the absence of reductant to that in the presence of reductant was approximately 1:3 at pH 6.6, whereas at pH 5.2 there was little difference between the two ATP-consuming activities. The ratio of ATP consumed to H2 evolved by the N2-fixing system at pH values between 6.0 and 7.6 varied between 3 and 8. At pH 6.6 a minimum ratio of 3 was obtained. No H2 was evolved in the absence of an electron donor even though ATP was consumed. When the amount of ATP used for each H2 evolved at all pH conditions was corrected for the amount of ATP used in the absence of the reductant, a constant ratio of 2 ATP per H2 evolved was obtained. The visible spectrum of molybdoferredoxin between 300 to 400 nm also changes with pH, suggesting that a certain form of the chromophore of molybdoferredoxin may be required for the reductant-dependent utilization of ATP.
Site-specific Oxidative DNA Damage at Polyguanosines Produced by Copper Plus Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract Oxidative DNA damage has been implicated in diverse biological processes including mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, aging, radiation effects, and chemotherapy. We examined the in vitro effect of low concentrations of Cu(II) or H2O2 alone and in combination on supercoiled plasmid DNA. As much as 10(-2) M Cu(II) or 10(-2) M H2O2 alone did not break the DNA. However, a mixture of 10(-6) M Cu(II) plus 10(-5) M H2O2 produced strand breaks and inactivated transforming ability. Strand breakage was proportional to incubation time, temperature, and Cu(II) and H2O2 concentrations. Abasic sites were not detected. Strand breakage was inhibited by metal chelators, catalase, and by high levels of free radical scavengers implying that Cu(II), Cu(I), H2O2, and .OH were involved in the reaction. The extent of DNA strand breakage was not affected by superoxide dismutase indicating that superoxide was not a major contributor to the DNA damage. DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that hot piperidine-sensitive DNA lesions were produced preferentially at sites of 2 or more adjacent guanosine residues. This sequence specificity was observed with Cu(II) plus H2O2 but not with Cu(I) alone. Polyguanosine sequence specificity for DNA damage induction appears to be unique among simple chemical systems. This reaction may be important in mechanisms of oxidative damage in vivo.
The Sibling Empty Nest Syndrome: The Experience of Sadness as Siblings Leave the Family Home

Abstract Many researchers have investigated the phenomenon of the “empty nest syndrome” which describes the experience of loss and identity crisis that parents encounter when all of the children are launched from the home. Although we know that sibling relationships create significant bonds, few researchers have applied this experience to the last remaining sibling when all other siblings have left home. This study demonstrated that the last remaining siblings do experience feelings of sadness when all other siblings leave home, or an “empty nest experience.” Greater degrees of closeness of the relationship seem to increase this effect.
Gene transfer to skeletal muscle

Muscle tissue is an important target for gene therapy applications due to the large number of disorders of skeletal and cardiac muscle. These include inherited disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and acquired disorders such as heart failure and age-associated muscle weakness (sarcopenia). A potentially powerful approach to treating these various conditions involves delivery of a gene or genes to the affected muscles. In the case of a genetic disorder, the goal may be to deliver a normal version of the defective gene. In other cases, benefit might result from delivery of a gene that could augment normal muscle function, such as a growth factor gene. Other applications include delivery of DNA fragments that could modulate gene expression or lead to correction of a genetic mutation. Since muscle tissue represents nearly 40% of the total body mass, gene transfer to muscle is an enormously challenging proposition. Consequently, numerous types of gene or DNA vectors and delivery strategies are being explored for gene therapy of muscle disorders. No single gene vector or delivery method is likely to be universally applicable for all conditions, but some have been developed to greater degrees than others. This article briefly reviews the major vectors and delivery methods currently being developed for gene therapy of muscle diseases. Keywords: muscular dystrophy; plasmids; oligonucleotides; chimeroplasts; adenovirus; adeno-associated virus; gene therapy
Yuichiro Hiraizumi and forty years of segregation distortion.

ONE cannot help but admire a gene as fiendishly clever as Segregation distorter ( Sd ). Not only has it figured out a way to cheat the system, but it is extraordinarily good at what it does. It violates the fundamental principle of Mendelian inheritance regularly and with remarkable potency by
Parallel and distributed evolutionary computations for multimodal function optimization

A number of evolutionary computations (ECs) have been developed for solving multimodal function optimization problems (MFOPs). Some of the well-known ones are: fitness sharing, sequential niching, simple subpopulation schemes and co-evolutionary shared niching. These ECs have shown the capability of solving MFOPs, but have introduced one or more parameters that cannot be easily set without prior knowledge of the fitness landscape. Moreover, a priori knowledge of a particular MFOP may not always be readily available. In this work, we describe a set of parallel and distributed ECs that are capable of locating all the peaks in a MFOP without using parameters that require specific topological information. This paper also provides a performance comparison between three approaches to solving MFOPs: fitness sharing, parallel EC and distributed EC.
Investment Returns on an Islamic-Principled Mutual Fund in the United States: Further Evidence for the Cost-of-Discipleship Hypothesis

Etude des rentabilites des fonds de placements Amana, un fonds mutuel aux Etats-Unis suivant les principes islamiques. Sa principale restriction est d'eviter d'accepter les paiements d'interets de toute sorte. Sur une periode de six ans, sa rentabilite annuelle etait de 4.2% inferieure a la moyenne pour un fonds de revenu similaire : indice supplementaire en faveur de l'hypothese du «cost-of-discipleship» (Mueller 1991)
GaAlAs p-i-n junction waveguide modulator

Optical communications systems often require modulating elements which change the intensity, phase, or polarization of the light. A waveguide modulator has been fabricated in the form of a GaAlAs p-i-n heterostrueture grown on the
Redundancy resolution of serial manipulators based on robot dynamics

Abstract Based on the minimization of the joint driving forces/torques, the classical Lagrangian technique is used to develop the governing equations for the computation ofthe joint accelerations in an N degree of freedom serial manipulator. Explicit equations for the computation of the joint accelerations are developed and used instead of numerical based solutions for pseudo inverses (e.g. singular value decompostion method). The developed solution is computationally three times more efficient than the comparable solutions in the literature. The problems of reliability and stability are discussed. Several modifications are introduced to make the algorithm rerliable and stable. An eleven degrees of freedom, three-dimensional robotic manipulator is used in a numerical example to test the developed algorithms.
Identification of a Novel Hemoglobin Adduct in Sprague Dawley Rats Exposed to Atrazine

Atrazine (2-chloro-4-[ethylamino]-6-[isopropylamino]-1,3,5-triazine) is one of the most commonly used herbicides in North America and is frequently detected in ground and surface waters. This research investigated possible covalent modifications of hemoglobin following in vivo exposures to atrazine in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and in vitro incubations with diaminochlorotriazine. SD rats were exposed to 0, 10, 30, 100, and 300 (mg atrazine/kg)/day for 3 days via oral gavages, and blood was drawn at 0 h, 24 h, 72 h, 20 days, 1 month, and 2 months for globin analysis. Globin was purified from red blood cells, separated with high-performance liquid chromatography, and analyzed with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). An additional β globin peak was seen in exposed animals during the HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS analysis with a mass 110 Da greater than the normal β subunits. Tryptic digests of this β peak contained a peptide of 1449.9 m/z that corresponded to a ...
Some global properties of closed spatially homogeneous space-times

We consider some properties of the space-times which contain a spatially homogeneous domain of dependenceD(V), whereF is acompact achronal spatial hypersurface of homogeneity. For example, it is shown that ifV has a nonempty future Cauchy horizon then the timelike geodesies orthogonal toV are future incomplete and there is strong causality failure onH +(V). Also, conditions for the global hyperbolicity of such space-times are obtained.
Social manipulation of preference in the human brain.

Our preferences are influenced by what other people like, but depend critically on how we feel about those people, a classical psychological effect called “cognitive balance.” Here, we manipulated preferences for goods by telling participants the preferences of strongly liked or disliked groups of other people. Participants’ preferences converged to those of the liked group, but diverged from the disliked group. Activation of dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) tracked the discrepancy between one’s own preference and its social ideal and was associated with subsequent preference change (toward the liked and away from the disliked group), even several months later. A follow-up study found overlapping activation in this same region of dmPFC with negative monetary outcomes, but no overlap with nearby activations induced by response conflict. A single social encounter can thus result in long-lasting preference change, a mechanism that recruits dmPFC and that may reflect the aversive nature of cognitive imbalance.
Mechanochemical coupling of the motion of molecular motors to ATP hydrolysis

The typical biochemical paradigm for coupling between hydrolysis of ATP and the performance of chemical or mechanical work involves a well-defined sequence of events (a kinetic mechanism) with a fixed stoichiometry between the number of ATP molecules hydrolyzed and the turnover of the output reaction. Recent experiments show, however, that such a deterministic picture of coupling may not be adequate to explain observed behavior of molecular motor proteins in the presence of applied forces. Here we present a general model in which the binding of ATP and release of ADP serve to modulate the binding energy of a motor protein as it travels along a biopolymer backbone. The mechanism is loosely coupled--the average number of ATPs hydrolyzed to cause a single step from one binding site to the next depends strongly on the magnitude of an applied force and on the effective viscous drag force. The statistical mechanical perspective described here offers insight into how local anisotrophy along the "track" for a molecular motor, combined with an energy-releasing chemical reaction to provide a source of nonequilibrium fluctuations, can lead to macroscopic motion.
Langmuir adsorption study of the interaction of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with model substrates: influence of substrate surface chemistry and pH.

We investigate the utility of Langmuir adsorption measurements for characterizing nanoparticle−substrate interactions. Spherical CdSe/ZnS core−shell nanoparticles were chosen as representative particles because of their widespread use in biological labeling measurements and their relatively monodisperse dimensions. In particular, the quantum dots were functionalized with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, and we utilized an amine-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) as a model substrate. SAMs with different end-groups (−CH3 and −COOH) were also considered to contrast with the adsorption behavior on the amine-terminated SAM substrates. We followed the kinetics of nanoparticle adsorption on the aminosilane layer by quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM) over a range of particle concentrations and determined the corresponding Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Analysis of both equilibrium adsorption and kinetic adsorption data allowed us to determine a consistent value of the Langmuir adsorption equilibrium constant...
What do we learn from strangeness at RHIC

I discuss strangeness as a tool for studying the reaction and hadronization dynamics of relativistic heavy-ion collisions at RHIC. In particular, I focus on quark-number scaling of elliptic flow as a tool to determine the nature of hadronization as well as to quantify the amount of collective flow the strange quarks carry and discuss the use of (multi-)strange hadron radial flow and interferometry for characterizing the collective expansion and emitting source dimensions of a hadronizing quark-gluon-plasma.
Errors in laboratory measurements resulting from atmospheric absorption near 1380 nm

Errors can occur in laboratory measurements when the response of a bandpass-filtered radiometer extends into an atmospheric absorption region. Atmospheric models, such as MODTRAN3, can be valuable tools that allow optical measurement in these regions to be accurately analyzed. Comparisons of MODTRAN3-predicted and laboratory-measured atmospheric transmittance have been made to help establish the validity of MODTRAN3 for use in modeling short-path length, low resolution, optical effects over the absorption band near 1380 nm. MODTRAN3-predicted transmittance is shown to be within 4 percent of the measured data and well within 2 percent foremost of the water band. The spectroradiometric measurement of the water-vapor absorption band, its description, and its comparison to the MODTRAN3 prediction are presented. Also presented are examples of errors that can occur when an instrument response extends into this region.
Developmental histology, segmental expression, and nutritional regulation of somatotropic axis genes in small intestine of preweaned dairy heifers.

Components of the somatotropic axis and nutrition regulate intestinal development and maturation of enterocytes. We measured gene expression in the mucosal layer of small intestine of preweaned dairy heifers to test the hypothesis that feeding increased amounts of protein and fat alters expression of somatotropic axis genes. Twenty-four newborn Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 milk replacer (MR) diets: (1) 20% CP, 20% fat MR (DM basis) fed at 450 g/d (CON); (2) 28% CP, 20% fat MR fed at 970 g/d (HPLF); (3) 28% CP, 28% fat MR fed at 970 g/d (HPHF); and (4) 28% CP, 28% fat MR fed at 1,460 g/d (HPHF+). Dry calf starter (20% CP, 1.43% fat) was offered free choice. At 64 ± 3 d of age heifers were killed and intestinal tissues were harvested for RNA isolation and histological examination. We measured the mRNA expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR), and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP)-1 to -6 in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Expression of IGFBP-3 mRNA was lowest in the duodenum of HPHF+ and greatest in the ileum of the CON group, whereas expression of IGFBP-4 mRNA was greatest in the jejunum of the HPHF+ group. Expression of IGFBP-5 mRNA was greatest in the CON and lowest in the HPHF+. However, overall diet did not affect expression of GHR, IGF-I, IGF-IR, or IGFBP-1, -2, and -6. Expression of somatotropic axis genes differed among small intestinal locations. The GHR, IGF-IR, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-5 mRNA were greatest in the ileum. Duodenum produced less IGF-IR, IGF-I, and IGFBP-5 mRNA. Villi were shortest in the ileum, but there was no difference in villus height between the duodenum and jejunum. There was no difference in crypt depth or villus circumference between locations. In conclusion, some components of the somatotropic axis in preweaned dairy heifers are differentially expressed in regions of the small intestine, and the gene expression tended to be affected by dietary protein and fat.
Comparisons of Global Heat Transfer Correlations for Conventional and High Efficiency Reciprocating Engines

Cylinder wall heat transfer is known to be an important process for internal combustion engines, and directly affects engine efficiency, performance and emissions. In some cases, up to third of the fuel energy is lost via heat transfer. Better understandings of the cylinder heat transfer should provide opportunities for improvements of engine efficiency and performance. The influence of various heat transfer correlations on engine efficiency and performance, total heat transfer and nitric oxide emissions is determined for conventional and high efficiency engines. These high efficiency engines are often based on “low temperature combustion” — and such engines have inherently lower heat transfer. At least some of the improvements associated with LTC engines are attributed to reduced heat losses. This work uses a thermodynamic engine cycle simulation and studies automotive engines. Both conventional and LTC engines are examined. As expected, engine performance and efficiency increase for reductions in the cylinder wall heat transfer. Although the heat transfer is lower for LTC engines compared to conventional engines, efficiency increases still are obtained as the cylinder wall heat transfer is reduced. In addition to the above, these assessments include the effects of the various heat transfer correlations on nitric oxide emissions and exergy destruction during the combustion process for both engines.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
On the Stability of Certain Heteropolar Crystals

On the basis of the conventional model of heteropolar crystals it is shown that an irregular crystalline behaviour is to be expected in the region of small values of the exponent, p, of the repulsive energy. In the course of this demonstration Madelung's method of obtaining the Coulomb potential for the crystals of the cubical system is justified, and a new, very simple method of calculating the Madelung constant is described. This method is applied to the three crystals of the cubical system and other applications are suggested. The irregular behavior of crystals in the region of small values of the repulsive exponent is shown to be manifested as an instability against various variations by which the geometry of the lattice is altered. In particular, the instability is demonstrated in the case of the "calcite family" of crystals which is evolved by a continuous process from a single parameter φ. The NaCl- and CsCl-types of crystals are members of this family, and a continuous mode of transition from one to the other is thus available. These two types of crystals, in general, are unstable against a variation in which the parameter φ is changed, (φ-variation), and for small values of the exponent, p, all members of the "calcite family" are shown to have a tendency to fall apart into one-dimensional crystals of the Madelung type. Another result of these considerations is that a skew structure, such as that of calcite may be accounted for on the basis of purely central forces. Finally the regions in which respectively one-dimensional and two-dimensional crystals, and the crystals of the cubical system are most stable are calculated. The bearing of these results on the theory of the secondary structure is briefly discussed.
Natural forest disturbances and the design of REDD+ initiatives

Abstract Basing ecosystem management and conservation on the best available science is essential to meeting intended goals and minimizing surprises. To design effective, efficient, and equitable policies for the REDD+ initiatives, requires that drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are correctly identified, and that the ecological context of those drivers is correctly understood. Contemporary forest ecology and management are based on the recognition that forest ecosystems are dynamic, and that those dynamics are often driven by both anthropogenic- and naturally induced disturbances. Here we examine the degree to which the dynamic view of ecosystems is incorporated into the design of REDD+ initiatives. We conducted content analysis of the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility's 36 REDD+ participating countries’ Readiness Plan Idea Notes and/or Readiness Preparation Proposals. Across the 36 countries, drivers of deforestation and forest degradation could be grouped into categories of institutional policies, political–economic contexts and social settings. The result of our content analysis indicates that there is a lack of discussion of the dynamic character of ecosystems and of the potential influence of natural disturbances on the identified drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. We argue that REDD+ initiatives must take into account knowledge of natural disturbance regimes (including the size, frequency and severity of key disturbances) in their framing of the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in order to better understand the ecological stage on which these projects will be implemented after the piloting phase. This paper proposes four approaches to integrate understanding of natural disturbances with the socio-political and economic drivers of deforestation and forest degradation within REDD+ participating countries.
An Improved Potentiometric pCO2 Microelectrode

The classic Severinghaus pCO2 microelectrodes have been greatly improved. The drift is reduced from ∼10 to 0.4 mV/h, and the lifetime has been extended from hours or days to one month. The detection limit has been lowered to 200 μatm, and the t98 for low pCO2 response is 2 min. Therefore, the microelectrodes can be extended to low pCO2 measurements. In addition, the microelectrodes can be fabricated more easily. The major problems with the classic pCO2 microelectrodes are caused by Pyrex and the reference electrode used for constructing the microelectrodes. Pyrex can release chemicals into the internal bicarbonate solution and cause serious drift and a short lifetime. Pyrex has been replaced by aluminosilicate glass, and appropriate Ag/AgCl reference electrodes have been used. The enzyme carbonic anhydrase has been added to the internal bicarbonate solution to accelerate the hydration reaction, which greatly enhances the response rate and improves the detection limit. The internal pH glass microelectrodes...
An approach to semantic interoperability in federations of systems

A central concern in system of systems engineering is the issue of coordination and interoperability between constituent systems. Special attention has to be given to interoperability with respect to federations of systems, which are coalitions of partner systems with decentralised power and authority. A major challenge in these systems is how to enable large-scale data and service interoperability without centralised management of the system of systems engineering activities. In this paper, we address this challenge by exploring the application of semantic interoperability principles and techniques to system of systems interoperability. Semantic interoperability refers to the ability of systems to share information meaningfully and to engage in meaningful collaborative activities. Subsequently, we propose a service-oriented approach which leverages semantic interoperability techniques to provide capabilities to system of systems constituents, resolve conceptual mismatches between heterogeneous systems, and automate the capability discovery process in a federation of systems.
Theory of Chain Pull-Out and Stability of Weak Polymer Interfaces. 1

Polymer/polymer interfaces reinforced with block copolymers or grafted chains can fail by the pull-out of these chains. A number of constitutive models have been proposed in the literature to describe the pull-out of a single chain. In this paper, we use these models to construct a continuum theory of a weak interface, and we study the stability of such an interface subjected to a homogeneous deformation. We show tht if the perturbation contains a Fourier component with wavelength exceeding a critical value Λc, then the homogeneous deformation is unstable. The dependence of Λc on the geometry, the stiffness of the material outside the interface, and the pull-out models is derived. We also study the stress field near the tip of a preexisting interface crack using the different pull-out models.
The Bertele Arc

UNDER this title, Prof. D. Gabor1 has made some very interesting observations about an unusual type of low-pressure mercury vapour discharge, which was first observed by Dr. H. von Bertele2. The cathode, a water-cooled molybdenum thimble of 1 cm.2 area, dips in a trough of mercury, and the 15-amp. arc appears gradually to spread over its entire surface as a “faintly luminous glow”.
Constraints on the dark energy equation of state from recent supernova data

Measurements suggest that our universe has a substantial dark energy component. The most recent data on type Ia supernovae give a dark energy density which is in good agreement with other measurements if the dark energy is assumed to be a cosmological constant. Here we examine to what extent that data can put constraints on a more general equation of state for the dark energy.
Bone marrow adipose tissue: Response to acute starvation

Adipose tissue is a major component of normal rabbit marrow. Its physiologic function has not been elucidated, but it is generally believed to be, essentially, a passive space filler. The response of marrow fat cells to lipolytic stimuli was studied by subjecting rabbits to acute starvation. Following 2 weeks of starvation and a weight loss of 28%, the mean marrow fat cell volume was 50.9 ± 9.6 pl (control, 42.8 ± 8.1 pl), and the mean volume of the perinephric fat cell 134.3 ± 87.8 picoliter (pl) (control, 318 ± 89.7 pl). Esterification capacity for labeled palmitate of the marrow fat cells did not change from control; the esterification capacity of the perinephric fat cells fell by about 60%. After 3 weeks of starvation and further weight loss to 34% of initial weight, the perinephric fat cells decreased their mean cell volume to 50.2 ± 33.6 pl. The marrow fat cell volume remained essentially unchanged from control. Esterification capacity of the marrow fat cells again did not differ from that of the control animals, but the esterification capacity of the perinephric fat cells fell further to 19% of that of the marrow fat cells. Despite the urgent energy requirements of the starved animals, the marrow fat cells did not yield their stored fat and continued to esterify free fatty acids at an unaltered rate. Drastic weight loss produced no change in volume, in esterification capacity, or in number of fat cells in the femoral marrow of the rabbit. Marrow adipocytes are metabolically active cells that are involved in the hematopoietic process rather than involved with the total energy needs of the animal.
L-phenylalanine interactions with structurally related substances at the intestinal mucosa.

Abstract Ala, Cys, and Ser inhibited rat intestinal transport of 1 m m Phe in vivo when simultaneously present in concentrations of 10 m m or higher. Thi was a more effective inhibitor even at 5 m m levels. l -DOPA caused no effects under the same conditions. The data in these experiments are indicative that Thi may be a competitor for Phe's specific translocation mechanism, while Ala, Cys, and Ser would interfere on Phe absorption across the intestine through the transport system common for neutral amino acids.
Quagmire: Nation-Building and Nature in the Mekong Delta

DAVID BIGGS. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2010. 320 pp. US$50.00, hardcover; US$24.95, paper. In this book, David Biggs presents an environmental history of the modern Mekong delta in w...
Susceptibility of Anaerobic Bacteria to Carbenicillin

Abstract One hundred and seventy-one strains of anaerobes were tested for susceptibility to carbenicillin by using agar dilution, broth dilution, and two disk diffusion methods. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 67% of 51 strains of Bacteroides fragilis, 7 of 9 strains of Bacteroides melaninogenicus, and all of 8 strains of Eubacterium was 100 μg or less per ml. The MICs of the remaining anaerobes were 50 μg or less per ml. The broth dilution results were felt to be the most accurate of the four methods utilized.
Reactivity of Os(TTP)(NC6H4NO2)2 (TTP=dianion of 5,10,15,20-tetra(p-tolyl)porphyrin) including a kinetic study of imido ligand transfer to phosphines

Abstract Imido ligand transfer occurs when Os(TTP)(NC 6 H 4 NO 2 ) 2 (TTP=dianion of 5,10,15,20-tetra( p -tolyl)porphyrin) is treated with excess phosphine. The rate of transfer to PMe 3− x Ph x ( x =0, 1, 2, 3) and P(OMe) 2 Ph depends on the basicity and the steric properties of the phosphine. No imido ligand transfer is observed when Os(TTP)(NC 6 H 4 NO 2 ) 2 is treated with excess dimethyl fumarate, styrene, cis -cyclooctene, or 2,3-dimethylbutene under a variety of reaction conditions.
You want me to teach what

After receiving input from recruiters and members of our department's Advisory Council during the 2002-03 academic year, our department—part of an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Busin...
Tricritical points for competing interactions

Competing interactions, responsible for two differently ordered phases in the ammonium halides, also cause the coexistence of different short range correlations in the disordered state. Correlations of the nonordering density may be the reason for tricritical behavior or even a discontinuity of the transition. Molecular field theory neglects all correlations and thus is unable to provide an appropriate description of NH4Cl under pressure and of NH4Cl-NH4Br mixtures. In this paper a phase diagram is obtained for the ammonium halides in first Bethe approximation from a simplified model Hamiltonian with competing interactions. A tricritical point is found for the order-disorder transition into the uniform or “ferromagnetic” phase as well as for the transition into the “antiferromagnetic” phase.
A Markovian Goal Programming Approach to Aggregate Manpower Planning

The combination of a manpower supply model (a Markov type model based on historical probabilities of losses, promotions and gains) and goal programming with preemptive priorities provides a useful tool for developing a future year manpower plan under conflicting socio-econo-organizational objectives. Successful utilization requires a close management involvement in adjusting probabilities and specifying goals, priorities and impending policy changes. Such an approach is presented in this paper and illustrated by means of an industrial case study example. The presentation is kept simple, yet detailed and unified, so that is is easily understood by practitioners and students of operational research/management science.
Chaos in The Courtroom Reconsidered: Emotional Bias and Juror Nullification.

A widespread presumption in the law is that giving jurors nullification instructions would result in "chaos"-jurors guided not by law but by their emotions and personal biases. We propose a model of juror nullification that posits an interaction between the nature of the trial (viz. whether the fairness of the law is at issue), nullification instructions, and emotional biases on juror decision-making. Mock jurors considered a trial online which varied the presence a nullification instructions, whether the trial raised issues of the law's fairness (murder for profit vs. euthanasia), and emotionally biasing information (that affected jurors' liking for the victim). Only when jurors were in receipt of nullification instructions in a nullification-relevant trial were they sensitive to emotionally biasing information. Emotional biases did not affect evidence processing but did affect emotional reactions and verdicts, providing the strongest support to date for the chaos theory.
Surface integrity of biodegradable orthopedic magnesium–calcium alloy by high-speed dry face milling

Biodegradable magnesium–calcium (MgCa) implants have the ability to gradually dissolve and be absorbed in human body after implantation. Since the implant surface is in direct interaction with body fluids, surface integrity of MgCa implants are key factors influencing degradation rate of the biodegradable implants. Machining is often very necessary to make geometric features of implants. The effects of process parameters in dry high-speed face milling of MgCa0.8 (wt%) alloy on surface integrity characteristics, i.e. surface topography, surface roughness, microstructure, microhardness, and residual stresses, are investigated in this study. Polycrystalline diamond inserts are used to avoid material adhesion in milling MgCa alloy. High cutting speeds of up to 2,800 m/min and a broad range of feed and depth-of-cut values are selected to cover the regimes of finish and rough cutting. Average roughness value of 0.4 μm and shallow strain hardened depths are achieved. Little change of grain size can be observed in the near surface even for very slow feed value of 0.05 mm/rev. The surface residual stresses are measured to be highly compressive.
Inpatient length of stay measures: Statistical and conceptual issues

This paper examines the combined use of a prospective view of length of stay (LOS) using life table analysis and examinations of point-in-time data measuring the LOS of individuals hospitalized on a given day. This approach can provide a more detailed and comprehensive view of trends and differences in LOS across facilities over time and can be particularly useful in assessing the impact of changes in policy and service delivery strategies.
The Extrapolation of Experimental Findings (Animal To Man): The Dilemma of the Systemically Administered Contraceptives

In the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers desirous of marketing systemically administered steroidal or nonsteroidal contraceptives must at present perform not only routine chronic toxicity studies but must make a commitment to study these drugs for 7 years in beagles and 10 years in monkeys. To date studies with various compounds have ranged from more than 1 to over 4 years in duration. During the course of these studies several drugs have been removed from the market or clinical investigations have been terminated due to the finding of significant numbers of mammary nodules in beagles. In some cases the nodules have been malignant in situ or have metastasized. Animals with malignant nodules have been found to harbor benign nodules as well demonstrating the hazard of selected biopsies with subsequent signs of relief and pronouncements of lack of concern when malignancy is not observed. The mammary tumors in beagles have been associated with the progestogen component of oral contraceptives having occurred with chlormadinone acetate (alone or in combination with mestranol) medroxyprogesterone acetate (alone or with mestranol) anagestone acetate (with mestranol) and megestrol acetate. These are predominantly progesterone derivatives. Ethinyl estradiol and mestranol administered alone have not produced mammary lesions in beagles to date. Up to the present there have been no significant mammary findings in monkeys administered oral contraceptives. The incidence of spontaneously accurring mammary tumors is thought to be high in the beagle; it is low in the monkey with the human female somewhere in between. Although it is not possible to extrapolate the beagle findings to the human with any scientific validity the regulatory posture with respect to the offending progestogens must take into account the fact that other progestogens most notably the testosterone derivatives have not been associated with mammary nodules. Given the multiplicity of available oral contraceptives removal from human use of those associated with canine mammary tumors seems prudent. The scientific wisdom of this decision may never be known.(Full text)
The measurement of craving in cocaine patients using the Minnesota Cocaine Craving Scale.

Abstract Drug craving is an irresistible urge that compels drug-seeking behavior, and which often accounts for relapse among treated cocaine users. A cocaine craving scale that has proven reliable and practical in clinical treatment research with cocaine-using subjects is presented. It assesses intensity, frequency, and duration of this entirely subjective phenomenon. Data from 234 scales completed by 35 patients in treatment showed that craving for cocaine was of variable intensity, experienced relatively few times per day (zero to two), and of short duration (
A framework for the optimization of integrated energy systems

Abstract This paper introduces an exergy-based objective function for the steady-state optimization and control of integrated energy systems (IESs). The use of exergy destruction as the metric for minimization enables the objective function to be scalable with respect to (1) subsystem configuration and (2) subsystem capacity, thereby rendering the approach generalizable to a wide class of IESs. More specifically, exergy destruction can be used to characterize irreversibilities across multiple energy domains (chemical, electrical, mechanical, thermal) which makes it very suitable for the types of energy subsystems which comprise IESs. The approach presented in this paper couples the exergy-based optimization with a feedforward control framework which uses static models to estimate the control inputs required to achieve the optimal setpoints. It is shown that the physical significance obtained using an objective function derived from first-principles makes the objective modular and therefore easily generalizable to complex IESs.