cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Best Practices in Predicting and Encouraging Student Persistence and Achievement Online

Four research studies of students and faculty engaged in fully online undergraduate courses are analyzed to generate best practices for teaching and learning online. These studies investigated the ...
Influence of climate and disturbance on the growth of Tsuga canadensis at its southern limit in eastern North America

It has long been hypothesized that trees growing at range limits likely also occur near the limit of their ecological amplitude and thus, should be more sensitive to climate variability than individuals growing nearer the range core. We developed a tree-ring chronology using Tsuga canadensis individuals from three disjunct stands at the species’ southern limit to quantify the influence of climate and disturbance on radial growth patterns. The tree-ring record extended 158 years from 1850 to 2007. Significant negative relationships were found between the STANDARD chronology and monthly mean temperature, monthly maximum temperature, and monthly minimum temperature during the previous and current summer, while significant positive relationships were documented between the STANDARD chronology and monthly minimum temperature for September and October of the current year. Also, significant positive relationships were documented between the STANDARD chronology and monthly total precipitation for September of the previous year and May of the current year. Response function analysis showed that monthly climate variables (r 2 = 0.22) and prior growth (r 2 = 0.40) explained 62% of the variance in the T. canadensis tree-ring chronology. A time series plot for the T. canadensis chronology showed that actual tree growth agreed relatively well with the predicted growth based on significant climate variables. However, positive departures from the predicted growth were noted. Dendroecological analysis revealed these departures were likely related to disturbance events. Our results indicated that T. canadensis individuals at its southernmost extent are sensitive to regional climate, but not more so than trees nearer the range core. We hypothesize that microenvironmental conditions of T. canadensis stands at its southern limit are similar to conditions within the contiguous distribution of the species, which may explain this pattern.
The contemporary Ainu : a people in search of society

The Ainu of Japan are a sub-group whose cultural continuity appears to be rapidly coming to an end. The accompanying phenomenon of alienation is partly explained by a century-old Japanese colonial policy which completely transformed the Ainu's economic and political institutions. The symbolisms formerly attaching to group boundary-maintaining mechanisms became ineffective as instruments for the definition of an ethnic community. Consequently, the Ainu have been unable to articulate systemic elements with those of the host society in order to achieve viability either on a symbiotic or conflict model of sub-cultural pluralism.
The role of the informal organization in decision making on research and development

While an increasing amount of effort is going into the study of the administration of research and development, several facets of the process appear to have gone unnoticed. In particular, we argue that a study of the informal organizations of researchers may offer insights in the administration of such personnel that can lead to improvements in the formal organization. The possibilities explored are presented in the form of four testable hypotheses, which, if shown to be true, have definite implications for the management of research and development. For example, one tentative conclusion indicates a net value in the practice of rotating scientific personnel in and out of administrative positions, appointments being temporary for a fixed duration rather than permanent.
Random Walk and the Theory of Brownian Motion

(1947). Random Walk and the Theory of Brownian Motion. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 54, No. 7P1, pp. 369-391.
Synthesis of Poly(dialkylphosphazenes) from N-Silylphosphinimines

Abstract Many N-silylphosphinimines Me3SiN[dbnd]P(X) RR′ undergo facile thermal decomposition with elimination of substituted silanes Me3SiX and formation of cyclic or polymeric phosphazenes (RR′PN). The process which is a new, general synthesis of phosphazenes has been used to prepare poly(dimethylphosphazene), (Me2PN), in nearly quantitative yield from Me3SiN[dbnd]P(OCH2CF3)Me2. Convenient synthetic routes to the necessary silicon-nitrogen-phosphorus precursors are described and the results of their decomposition reactions are reported.
Self-consistent Monte Carlo simulations of the positive column of gas discharges

Self-consistent Monte Carlo simulations of the positive column of gas discharges with a range of gas densities and currents are described. These simulations are performed using highly efficient Monte Carlo codes for electron transport in cylindrical geometry and using a realistic particle model of ion transport. No internal boundary conditions or assumptions about the plasma-sheath boundary are used in the simulations. Techniques to speed up the convergence are discussed. The self-consistent radial potential for each plasma is presented as a Taylor series expansion in radius squared terms. The 16 converged simulations presented here were checked using two independent codes, written by different authors, in different languages and executed on different computers. These positive column results are useful in comparisons with other types of fluid and kinetic theory simulations.
An on-line interactive creation and updating tool for counsellors

Perhaps the biggest problem preventing more widespread use of computers in guidance is the effort required to collect, update and maintain the occupational data base. This paper critically reviews the process of transferring the data from source to computer, and describes an on-line interactive method whose design aims include ease-of-use, generation of error-free information, and independence for the counsellor.
Interphase kinematics and the roles of structure and composition in solid-state transformations

Abstract The general solid-state phase transformation involves a change of both structure and composition. The theory of diffusional solid-state transformations has largely evolved from adaptation of the theory of compositional transformations in fluids, with only minor consideration of the structural issues which define the solid state. The structural aspects of phase transformations have been developed to a high degree of sophistication in the case of diffusionless martensitic transformations, but the application of the principles involved to other transformations has been hampered by a lack of appreciation of their generality. After examining the general structure-based features of solid-state transformations, we will consider the case of a coupled transformation in which the processes of structural and compositional change play equally important roles in the kinetics of the reaction.
Pertussis toxin modulates microglia and T cell profile to protect experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Abstract Pertussis toxin (PTx) has various effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study was designed to explore the protective effects of PTx of different doses and subunits. EAE model was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55, 200 ug) plus complete Freund's adjuvant in 6–7 week-old female C57BL/6 mice. PTx reduced clinical deficits of EAE by 91.3%. This reduction in clinical deficits was achieved by attenuating demyelination by 75.5%. Furthermore, PTx reduced the lymphocyte infiltration, deactivated microglia activation and changed T cell profile by increasing T helper (type 1 and 2) and T regulatory cells.
The organization of the dorsal root entry zone in cats and monkeys.

In five adult cats and three adult monkeys the dorsal rootlets at cervical and various lumbar levels were examined by both light and electron microscopy. In both species, the rootlets could be divided into three anatomically distinct parts: a peripheral, a transitional, and a central zone. The anatomy of the peripheral and transitional parts of the cat were identical with those of the monkey. The peripheral part of the rootlet in both these species had many of the ultrastructural characteristics of a peripheral nerve: and, as in the peripheral nerve, the small caliber axons were randomly distributed throughout the rootlet. In the transitional part of the rootlet, where the anatomical characteristics change to those typifying the tracts of the central nervous system, the unmyelinated axons and small caliber myelinated axons become organized into bundles at the periphery of the fascicles of large myelinated axons. In the central part there were differences between the two species in the distribution of the unmyelinated axons. In the cat no reorganization of the fibers of the central part of the rootlet could be found: the rootlets entered the cord and passed through the dorsal part of Lissauer's tract, and the bundles of unmyelinated axons simply merged with the tract as they came into contact with it. In the monkey, however, the dorsal root enters dorsal to Lissauer's tract and as each part of the rootlet passed from transitional to central, the small caliber axons took a ventrolateral course within the rootlet. As the rootlet merged with the dorsal columns, these axons formed a single bundle on the ventral and lateral surface of the rootlet which then merged with Lissauer's tract. These results indicate that a “lateral division” of the dorsal root is present in the monkey, but not the cat.
Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Reactions at a Heme-Propionate in an Iron-Protoporphyrin-IX Model Compound

A heme model system has been developed in which the heme-propionate is the only proton donating/accepting site, using protoporphyrin IX-monomethyl esters (PPIX_MME) and N-methylimidazole (MeIm). Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions of these model compounds have been examined in acetonitrile solvent. (PPIX_MME)Fe^(III_(MeIm)_(2)-propionate (Fe^(III)~CO_2) is readily reduced by the ascorbate derivative 5,6-isopropylidine ascorbate to give (PPIX_MME)Fe^(II)(MeIm)_(2)-propionic acid (Fe^(II)~CO_(2)H). An excess of the hydroxylamine TEMPOH or of hydroquinone similarly reduces Fe^(III)CO_2, and TEMPO and benzoquinone oxidize Fe^(II)~CO_(2)H to return to Fe^(III)~CO_2. The measured equilibrium constants, and the determined pKa and E1/2 values, indicate that Fe^(II)~CO_(2)H has an effective bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of 67.8 ± 0.6 kcal mol^(–1). In these PPIX models, electron transfer occurs at the iron center and proton transfer occurs at the remote heme propionate. According to thermochemical and other arguments, the TEMPOH reaction occurs by concerted proton–electron transfer (CPET), and a similar pathway is indicated for the ascorbate derivative. Based on these results, heme propionates should be considered as potential key components of PCET/CPET active sites in heme proteins.
A sequential-decision strategy for abating climate change

CURRENT debate on policies for limiting climate change due to greenhouse-gas emissions focuses on whether to take action now or later, and on how stringent any emissions reductions should be in the near and long term. Any reductions policies implemented now will need to be revised later as scientific understanding of climate change improves. Here we consider the effects of a sequential-decision strategy (Fig. 1) consisting of a near-term period (1992–2002) during which either moderate emissions reductions (achieved by energy conservation only) or aggressive reductions (energy conservation coupled with switching to other fuel sources) are begun, and a subsequent long-term period during which a least-cost abatement policy is followed to limit global mean temperature change to an optimal target ΔT*. For each policy we calculate the global mean surface temperature change ΔT(t) using a simple climate/ocean model for climate sensitivities ΔT2x. (the response to doubled CO2, concentrations) of 4.5,2.5,1.5 and 0.5 °C. The policy beginning with moderate reductions is less expensive than that with aggressive reductions if ΔT*>2.9, 2.1, 1.5 and 0.9 °C respectively; otherwise, the aggressive-reductions policy is cheaper. We suggest that this approach should assist in choosing realistic targets and in determining how best to implement emissions reductions in the short and long term.
Incorporating a vascular term into a reference region model for the analysis of DCE-MRI data: a simulation study

A vascular term was incorporated into a reference region (RR) model analysis of DCE-MRI data, and its effect on the accuracy of the model in estimating tissue kinetic parameters in a tissue of interest (TOI) was systematically investigated through computer simulations. Errors in the TOI volume transfer constant (K(trans,TOI)) and TOI extravascular extracellular volume (v(e,TOI)) that result when the fractional plasma volume (v(p)) was included in (1) neither region, (2) TOI only (3) both regions were investigated. For nominal values of tumor kinetic parameters (v(e,TOI) = 0.40 and K(trans,TOI) = 0.25 min(-1)), if the vascular term was included in neither region or the TOI only, K(trans,TOI) error was within 20% for 0.03 < v(p,TOI) < 0.10, and v(e,TOI) error was within 20% for the range of v(p,TOI) studied (0.01-0.10). The effects of temporal resolution were shown to be complex, and in some cases errors increased with increasing temporal resolution.
Microbial alteration of the acidic and neutral polar NSO compounds revealed by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Abstract A suite of six genetically related oils that had experienced varying degrees of subsurface, anaerobic biodegradation was analyzed by ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. By use of electrospray ionization of whole oil samples, all neutral nitrogen compounds and acid NSO compounds, from ∼300 to 900 Da, are selectively characterized and assigned unambiguous molecular formulae. Several methods of data visualization reveal changes in the relative abundances of these compounds with increasing degradation. Evidence for selective biodegradation is observed in all compound classes. NSO compounds associated with long alkyl side chains are removed, regardless of the NSO core, under conditions associated with moderate (saturated biomarkers unaffected) to severe biodegradation. Some compound series, such as O1, O3, and SO3–9, are mineralized under conditions of mild biodegradation (n-alkanes, isoprenoids altered but still present). Changes in the Z-series (hydrogen deficiency) and alkyl distributions of the O2 species result from simultaneous microbial degradation and generation. Acyclic fatty acids decrease, whereas Z = −10 O2 species, which correspond to five-ring naphthenic (hopanoic) acids, increase in relative abundance during early stages of biodegradation. Monocyclic (Z = −2) O2 are enriched initially, and then decrease during advanced stages of biodegradation. O2 species corresponding to di-, tri-, and tetra-cyclic naphthenic acids (Z = −4, −6 and −8) are preferentially produced during these advanced stages. The ratio of acyclic to 2–4 ring cyclic O2-species provides a new parameter to define the degree of biodegradation.
Inverse relationship between onset and duration of EEG effects of six peripherally administered peptides.

Electrical activity in the rat brain after the peripheral injection of equimolar (0.1 mM) doses of Metenkephalin, Le Leu-enkephalin, β-endorphin, γ-endorphin, DSIP, and α-MSH was assessed by power spectral analysis. The mean onset of EEG activity for each peptide varied between 13.7 and 20.7 minutes and lasted between 27.8 and 40.8 minutes. The significant (p<0.001) interaction between duration and latency revealed that the longer the latency, the shorter the duration. Similar findings were observed after injection of the same peptides at a fixed dose of 80 μg/kg body weight. Thus, the results demonstrate that peripherally injected peptides can exert EEG effects that last longer the sooner they start.
Gut Stasis in Chickens Infected with Eimeria

Abstract The duration and locations of gut stasis were examined in chickens infected with either Eimeria acervulina or E. maxima. Gut passage time (GPT) was used to determine gut stasis. The location of feed retention was determined qualitatively and quantitatively. Infections with both species were associated with increased GPT from Days 5 to 13 postinoculation. Feed appeared to be retained in the crop and gizzard of infected birds when judged visually. However, measurements of total dry matter retained in various regions of the gastrointestinal tract did not differ significantly from each other.
Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients attending a hospital dermatology clinic in Taiwan

Background Recent studies have indicated that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been gaining popularity around the world. Previous studies showed that CAM use was common among dermatology patients in Western nations. This study presents the prevalence and types of CAM use among a group of patients in a dermatology clinic in Taiwan. Methods A convenient sample of 198 patients was recruited from the dermatology clinic of Show Chwan Memorial Hospital in Changhua City, Taiwan. Each patient completed a standardized questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to compare the demographic characteristics of those who did and did not use CAM. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the strength of association between correlate variables and CAM use. Results Forty-one per cent of subjects had used CAM to treat their dermatological conditions. Subjects in the younger ( 50 years) age groups were more likely to use CAM than those in the 30–50-year age group. Those that participated in religious or social groups were more likely to use CAM. CAM users felt a more negative impact of their dermatological conditions on daily living, relationships, emotional well-being and physical health. Conclusions As in Western nations, CAM use is prevalent among dermatology patients in Taiwan: not only the traditionally popular Chinese CAM, but also Western CAM. With CAM being popular in the younger age group, dermatologists will likely encounter more CAM users in the future. Because some CAM may produce serious side-effects, dermatologists need to help and guide patients to assess the benefits and dangers of using CAM to treat dermatological conditions.
Hemostatic analysis of a 13 year old with antiphospholipid syndrome and restrictive pericarditis

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune thrombophilic disorder that is uncommon in adults and remarkably rare in children. Thrombotic etiological factors are variable in antiphospholipid syndrome, including antibody-antigen complex-mediated platelet activation, inhibition of anticoagulants, or attenuation of fibrinolysis. We present the case of a child with antiphospholipid syndrome presenting with syncope, constrictive pericarditis and hepatic enlargement that was found to have platelet-mediated hypercoagulability and marked clot lysis via thrombelastography in the preoperative period. Restoration of circulation following pericardectomy and inotropic support was associated with attenuation of hypercoagulability and fibrinolysis. It is concluded that the etiological factors responsible for antiphospholipid syndrome-mediated hemostatic abnormalities and the probable effects of hepatic hypoperfusion on clot lysis in this patient were detected with thrombelastography, and similar thrombelastographic analyses are recommended to compliment standard coagulation assessments of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.
Using Internet resources in an introductory geology course

Abstract Internet resources have been used in an introductory physical and historical geology lecture course at the University of Cincinnati since 1995. Construction of a Web page has been, and continues to be, an evolutionary process with trial and error testing based on student performance and evaluation. The principal advantages of the Web site seem to be: the increased access to diverse information sources; decreased amount of information-providing during class time, providing the instructor with an opportunity to pay more attention to methods of evaluation and analysis; and increased opportunity for student–professor interaction through e-mail. Preliminary data suggest student attrition rate has decreased from a yearly average of 7.5% to 3.3% since the Web site was introduced. The principal problems center around the lack of computer skills in some students, reasonable and timely access by students to adequate computer facilities, and the time commitment required to build and monitor the Web site.
Comparative Study of 17O and 18O Isotope Effects As a Probe for Dioxygen Activation: Application to the Soybean Lipoxygenase Reaction#

We present the first comparative study of 17O and 18O isotope effects in a dioxygen-dependent enzymatic reaction. The binding of dioxygen to soybean lipoxygenase is expected to be near the diffusive limit, introducing the possibility of a magnetic isotope effect with 17O reacting faster than 16O. However, the experimental data indicate a purely mass effect among the 16O, 17O, and 18O isotopes. A reaction mechanism for soybean lipoxygenase is proposed in which dioxygen undergoes reversible reaction with a substrate derived radical, followed by a slow release of the bound lipid hydroperoxide.
Exploring Privacy Management on Facebook: Motivations and Perceived Consequences of Voluntary Disclosure

This study examined the perceived motivations and consequences of voluntary disclosure of Facebook active users using a survey administered to college students in a public-speaking course. College-age students who took the survey were motivated to use Facebook because they perceived their relationships improved with friends and family, although using Facebook could become negatively habit forming. The research suggests that users of Facebook use it more for disclosing to distant friends rather than to close friends, which is divergent from most early disclosure research that equates disclosure with intimacy. This research utilizes Communication Privacy Management Theory for the theoretical framework.
Flowsheet Modeling and Testing of Pseudohydroxide Extraction from Aqueous Sodium Hydroxide Solutions with 3,5‐di‐tert‐Butylphenol in Isopar® L Modified with Exxal® 8

Abstract A conceptual counter‐current process flowsheet was developed for sodium hydroxide recovery from alkaline solutions via pseudohydroxide extraction (PHE). PHE relies on a simple sodium ion/proton exchange mechanism at elevated pH using a weak organic acid extractant. The contact of the sodium‐loaded organic phase with water results in the reconstitution of the extractant in the organic phase and sodium hydroxide in the aqueous phase. In this work, the 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (35‐DTBP) cation exchanger was used in the Isopar® L diluent modified with isooctyl alcohol Exxal® 8. Equilibrium isotherms determined for PHE from pure sodium hydroxide solutions and simulated radioactive waste leachate were used to develop a semi‐empirical model that could be used for designing PHE process flowsheets. Using this model, a conceptual PHE flowsheet was developed for recovering NaOH from solutions generated by caustic leaching of radioactive tank sludges. The flowsheet consists of the extraction, scrub, and strip...
Least-squares determination of the inversion of Laplace transforms via Taylor series

Since the numerical inversion of Laplace transforms using Taylor series causes numerical instability owing to inversion of the Hilbert matrix, Unnikrishnan and Mathew recently proposed a technique to avoid the inversion of this ill-conditioned matrix. In the letter we show that improper use of their method could lead to very unreliable results. An implementation of their algorithm based on weighted least squares is also suggested.
Operations analysis of behavioral observation procedures: a taxonomy for modeling in an expert training system

This article introduces a taxonomy based on a procedural operations analysis (Verplanck, 1996) of various method descriptions found in the behavior observation research literature. How these alternative procedures impact the recording and subsequent analysis of behavioral events on the basis of the type of time and behavior recordings made is also discussed. The taxonomy was generated as a foundation for the continuing development of an expert training system called Train-to-Code (TTC; J. M. Ray & Ray, (Behavior Research Methods 40:673–693, 2008)). Presently in its second version, TTC V2.0 is software designed for errorless training (Terrace, (Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior 6:1–27, 1963)) of student accuracy and fluency in the direct observation and coding of behavioral or verbal events depicted via digital video. Two of 16 alternative procedures classified by the taxonomy are presently modeled in TTC’s structural interface and functional services. These two models are presented as illustrations of how the taxonomy guides software user interface and algorithm development. The remaining 14 procedures are described in sufficient operational detail to allow similar model-oriented translation.
Promising cellular therapeutics for prevention or management of graft-versus-host disease (a review).

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) frequently occurs following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The primary treatment for GVHD involves immune suppression by glucocorticoids. If patients become refractory to steroids, they have a poor prognosis. Therefore, there is a pressing need for alternative therapies to treat GVHD. Here, we review clinical data which demonstrate that a cellular therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is safe and effective for GVHD. Since MSCs derived from bone marrow present certain limitations (such as time lag for expansion to clinical dose, expansion failure in vitro, painful and invasive bone marrow MSC isolation procedures), alternative sources of MSCs for cellular therapy are being sought. Here, we review data which support the notion that MSCs derived from Wharton's jelly (WJ) may be a safe and effective cellular therapy for GVHD. Many laboratories have investigated the immune properties of these discarded MSCs with an eye towards their potential use in cellular therapy. We also review data which support the notion that the licensing of MSCs (meaning the activation of MSCs by prior exposure to cytokines such as interferon-γ) may enhance their effectiveness for treatment of GVHD. In conclusion, WJCs can be collected safely and painlessly from individuals at birth, similar to the collection of cord blood, and stored cryogenically for later clinical use. Therefore, WJCs should be tested as a second generation, off-the-shelf cell therapy for the prevention or treatment of immune disorders such as GVHD.
Familial IgE Deficiency Associated with Sinopulmonary Disease

Three generations of relatives of 58-year-old nonidentical twins with chronic bronchitis and fibrotic lung disease were evaluated. Sera of 23 family members, 14 with a history of excessive sinopulmonary infections, were examined for deficiencies of immunoglobulin classes, IgC subclasses, and specific antibody to tetanus toxoid and Hemophilus influenzae type b. Of 14 symptomatic family members, 12 had serum IgE concentrations 10 IU/ml in all nine asymptomatic individuals. Inheritance of low IgE appeared to be autosomal dominant, with variable penetrance. IgA was low normal (70–90 mg/dl) in three individuals. Two of these were IgE deficient. One symptomatic child had immeasurable IgC2 (
Producible GaAs-based MOVPE-grown vertical-cavity top-surface emitting lasers with record performance

The authors present state-of-the-art performance obtained from producible, 850 nm, current-guided GaAs/AlGaAs, top-emitting vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). Record CW room-temperature device performance includes threshold voltages Vth = 1.55 V, submilliamp threshold currents Ith = 0.68 mA, unbonded CW output power Pcw = 59 mW, total wallplug efficiencies of ηwp = 28% and CW lasing to Tcw = 200°C. These results were obtained from the same fabrication processes annd similar epigrowth designs, which exhibited 99.8% device yield across a 3"-diameter metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE)-grown wafer.
Success of Drug Court Programs: Examination of the Perceptions of Drug Court Personnel

Literature indicates that drug courts produce lower recidivism rates, increased retention rates, and lower costs than traditional criminal justice case processing. As drug courts approach their second decade, there is a void in the literature regarding factors that influence the success of drug court programs. This work aimed to fill that void by equipping policy makers with meaningful information regarding (a) drug court success and (b) factors that facilitate and challenge the implementation of drug court programs. This study measured the perceptions of drug court judges and administrators in five states to examine factors identified by respondents as key to program success. Federal, state, and local factors (agencies and actors) influenced the success of drug court programs, with state and local factors consistently identified as most supportive and influential. Findings also indicated that perceived success was higher for drug court personnel (a) without graduate and professional degrees (law) and (b)...
Role of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Transport in Bacillus subtilis CodY Activity

CodY is a branched-chain amino acid-responsive transcriptional regulator that controls the expression of several dozen transcription units in Bacillus subtilis. The presence of isoleucine, valine, and leucine in the growth medium is essential for achieving high activity of CodY and for efficient regulation of the target genes. We identified three permeases—BcaP, BraB, and BrnQ—that are responsible for the bulk of isoleucine and valine uptake and are also involved in leucine uptake. At least one more permease is capable of efficient leucine uptake, as well as low-affinity transport of isoleucine and valine. The lack of the first three permeases strongly reduced activity of CodY in an amino acid-containing growth medium. BcaP appears to be the most efficient isoleucine and valine permease responsible for their utilization as nitrogen sources. The previously described strong CodY-mediated repression of BcaP provides a mechanism for fine-tuning CodY activity by reducing the availability of amino acids and for delaying the utilization of isoleucine and valine as nitrogen and carbon sources under conditions of nutrient excess. IMPORTANCE Bacillus subtilis CodY is a global transcriptional regulator that is activated by branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Since the level of BCAA achieved by intracellular synthesis is insufficient to fully activate CodY, transport of BCAA from the environment is critical for CodY activation, but the permeases needed for such activation have not been previously identified. This study identifies three such permeases, reports their amino acid transport specificity, and reveals their impact on CodY activation.
Motion and Force Prediction of a Pushed Object by Maximum Dissipation Method

When an object on a horizontal surface is pushed hard enough to overcome the friction between the object and the surface, the object moves. It was proved by interpreting Kuhn Tucker's optimality condition that when a pusher moves an object, the motion and the friction force of the pushed object corresponding to the pusher motion are those that maximize the power dissipated to friction under Coulomb's friction law. It was applied to the estimation of the necessary clamping force in fixturing for machining
Low Prevalence of the Immunoglobulin-A-Binding β Antigen of the C Protein Among Streptococcus agalactiae Isolates Causing Neonatal Sepsis

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) is the most important pathogen causing neonatal sepsis. The role of bacterial proteins contributing to pathogenicity in GBS infections has not yet been clearly determined, but the C protein complex has been suggested to be involved in both virulence and protective immunity. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of GBS strains bearing the gene encoding for the β antigen of the C protein among clinical isolates from 68 neonates with sepsis, 45 newborns colonized without clinical signs of infection, and 50 isolates from pregnant women. The prevalence of the β antigen gene in all three groups was low (22% vs. 19% vs. 22%), and the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Clinical characteristics and cytokine plasma levels did not differ between septic patients with β antigen-positive and -negative strains. The β-antigen gene was not found among serotype III isolates, which accounted for roughly half of all the strains isolated. Thus, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis based on the β antigen gene seems not helpful for distinguishing invasive from colonizing GBS strains. A vaccine based on peptide antigens from the β antigen of the C protein would most probably not provide protection against the majority of GBS isolates. When analyzing the PCR products of the C protein β antigen gene by DNA sequencing, a genetic heterogeneity was observed, revealing small repetitive genetic elements within the amplified fragment, an observation that should be studied further.
Disclosing genetic research results: examples from practice.

Using examples from my own practice as a genetic counselor, I would like to provide a context for how the points raised by Ravitsky and Wilfond (2006) and other peer commentators can be, and are, p...
Variety Is the Spice of Fall Meeting

In just a few weeks, thousands of Earth and space scientists will gather in San Francisco for AGU's 46th annual Fall Meeting, where they will present their research, participate in workshops and town hall meetings, and network until they drop. With a crowd this large, there's bound to be some variety in the types of attendees. But what makes Fall Meeting such an amazing and inspiring event are the forms that variety takes.
Ureteral Strangulation by Fibrosis: A Cold Case Report of Ormand's Disease

Retroperitoneal fibrosis or Ormand's disease is rare in incidence and clinically elusive to diagnosis until obstructive uropathy clinically manifests by the mechanism of ureteral fibrotic strangulation and acute renal failure. We encountered a 50-year-old woman with months of nonspecific abdominal pain and presented with signs and symptoms of acute renal failure. Laboratory data was significant for blood urea nitrogen 47 mg/dL and creatinine of 8.47 mg/dL. Renal ultrasound revealed bilateral hydronephrosis and an abdominal computed tomogram confirmed an abnormal soft tissue retroperitoneal confluence that encased the pelvic vessels. Urologic consultation was requested and bilateral ureteral stents were placed with relief of her obstructive uropathy. Five days after ureteral stenting her creatinine dropped to 1.64 mg/dL. One month later patient underwent ureterolysis with biopsy showing fibroblast proliferation consistent with acute and chronic inflammation. By ruling out infections and malignancy, the final diagnosis was made to be idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.
Insecticidal Toxins from the Bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens

Transgenic plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are currently being deployed for insect control. In response to concerns about Bt resistance, we investigated a toxin secreted by a different bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens, which lives in the gut of entomophagous nematodes. In insects infected by the nematode, the bacteria are released into the insect hemocoel; the insect dies and the nematodes and bacteria replicate in the cadaver. The toxin consists of a series of four native complexes encoded by toxin complex loci tca, tcb, tcc, and tcd. Both tca and tcd encode complexes with high oral toxicity to Manduca sexta and therefore they represent potential alternatives to Bt for transgenic deployment.
Prostaglandin modulation of early afterdepolarizations and ventricular tachyarrhythmias induced by cesium chloride combined with efferent cardiac sympathetic stimulation in dogs

Prostaglandins inhibit efferent cardiac sympathetic nerve effects by acting at presynaptic sites and may act to suppress some arrhythmias. In the present study, the effects of intravenous administration of prostacyclin (PGI2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on early afterdepolarizations and ventricular tachycardia induced by cesium chloride (0.5 mmol/liter per kg body weight intravenously) combined with stimulation of bilateral ansae subclaviae in anesthetized dogs were examined. The right atrium was paced at a constant cycle length of 600 ms. A left ventricular endocardial monophasic action potential catheter was used to detect early afterdepolarizations. Prostacyclin (0.2 microgram/kg per min) reduced the amplitude of the early afterdepolarizations (39.2 +/- 8.4% of the monophasic action potential amplitude during control study to 28.7 +/- 5.5%, n = 10; p less than 0.001) as well as the prevalence of ventricular tachycardia (11 of 14 dogs during control study to 5 of 14 dogs; p = 0.031). Prostaglandin E2 (0.2 to 0.6 microgram/kg per min) did not significantly reduce the early afterdepolarization amplitude (34.7 +/- 8.9% to 25.1 +/- 10.7%, n = 8; p = 0.085) or the prevalence of ventricular tachycardia (8 of 10 versus 6 of 10 dogs; p = 0.50). Alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blockade with combined intravenous administration of propranolol (0.5 mg/kg) and phentolamine (0.3 mg/kg) decreased the amplitude of the early afterdepolarizations induced by cesium chloride and bilateral ansae subclaviae stimulation from 38.6 +/- 11.2% to 18.8 +/- 3.3% (n = 6; p = 0.005). Additional administration of PGI2 further reduced the early afterdepolarization amplitude from 18.8 +/- 3.3% to 9.8 +/- 4.8% (n = 6; p = 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Pediatric ambulatory anesthesia: role of parents.

Abstract Preschool children depend on their parents for support and guidance in dealing with new or stressful situations. When requested, the parents should be allowed to support their children during ambulatory surgical procedures, especially during the induction of anesthesia. With proper understanding on our part, and with proper preparation and counseling, the parents can become our allies and help to smooth the experience for the child, for the staff, and for themselves. Future efforts should be directed at studying the effects of different methods of preoperative preparation and counselling on the parents' attitude and cooperation during induction.
AYUSH: A Technique for Extending Lifetime of SRAM-NVM Hybrid Caches

Recently, researchers have explored way-based hybrid SRAM-NVM (non-volatile memory) last level caches (LLCs) to bring the best of SRAM and NVM together. However, the limited write endurance of NVMs restricts the lifetime of these hybrid caches. We present AYUSH, a technique to enhance the lifetime of hybrid caches, which works by using data-migration to preferentially use SRAM for storing frequently-reused data. Microarchitectural simulations confirm that AYUSH achieves larger improvement in lifetime than a previous technique and also maintains performance and energy efficiency. For single, dual and quad-core workloads, the average increase in cache lifetime with AYUSH is 6.90, 24.06 and 47.62 $\times$ , respectively.
Fluorination with volatile inorganic fluorides in glow discharge

Abstract While solid inorganic fluorides have been used widely for fluorination through halogen exchange reactions, with the exception of halogenfluorides volatile ones have found limited application for the introduction of fluorine into organic molecules. Glow discharge can fission any bond in a gaseous molecule, therefore the formation of fluorine radicals is expected when volatile fluorides are exposed to discharges: XF n XF n−1 · + F· In general, the equation is reversible in the absence of a receptor for the fluorine radical. We have found that in the presence of an organic polymeric surface (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene etc) fluorination occurred. In a radiofrequency discharge, fluorination was detected with such fluorides as BF 3 , NF 3 and SiF 4 . Analysis by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown the presence of CF 2 and CF groups, but no boron nitrogen or silicon was detected. The fluorinated layer was practically resistant to extraction. On the other hand, when CF 4 was used as a fluorinating agent considerable amount of fluorine was detected on the surface which also included CF 3 groups, indicating that both radicals of the dissociation might have reacted with the surface. In addition, some of the fluorinated layers were not extraction resistant. This would point toward possible polymerization in vapor phase followed with deposition to the surface without any chemical bonding. The critical surface tension was approaching the value of polytetrafluoroethylene.
The effect of automobile traffic on american dog tick distribution (Dermacentor variabilis, Say: Acarina, Ixodidae)☆

Abstract The CO2 gradient from automobile traffic has changed the adult population distribution of the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis Say). The effect of the CO2 gradient is to drain the tick population within 30 m to the road edge. This immigration maintains adult activity at the roadside habitat for several weeks longer than in the adjacent open field habitats.
Stimulus Requirements for Face Perception: An Analysis Based on “Totem Poles”

The stimulus requirements for perceiving a face are not well defined but are presumably simple, for vivid faces can often by seen in random or natural images such as cloud or rock formations. To characterize these requirements, we measured where observers reported the impression of faces in images defined by symmetric 1/f noise. This allowed us to examine the prominence and properties of different features and their necessary configurations. In these stimuli many faces can be perceived along the vertical midline, and appear stacked at multiple scales, reminiscent of “totem poles.” In addition to symmetry, the faces in noise are invariably upright and thus reveal the inversion effects that are thought to be a defining property of configural face processing. To a large extent, seeing a face required seeing eyes, and these were largely restricted to dark regions in the images. Other features were more subordinate and showed relatively little bias in polarity. Moreover, the prominence of eyes depended primarily on their luminance contrast and showed little influence of chromatic contrast. Notably, most faces were rated as clearly defined with highly distinctive attributes, suggesting that once an image area is coded as a face it is perceptually completed consistent with this interpretation. This suggests that the requisite trigger features are sufficient to holistically “capture” the surrounding noise structure to form the facial representation. Yet despite these well articulated percepts, we show in further experiments that while a pair of dark spots added to noise images appears face-like, these impressions fail to elicit other signatures of face processing, and in particular, fail to elicit an N170 or fixation patterns typical for images of actual faces. These results suggest that very simple stimulus configurations are sufficient to invoke many aspects of holistic and configural face perception while nevertheless failing to fully engage the neural machinery of face
Right ventricular myoxoma. Case report and review of phonocardiographic and auscultatory manifestations

Abstract Tumors in the right ventricle are extremely rare. This report concerns the pathogenesis of physical signs resulting from a right ventricular myxoma. In systole a loud midsystolic murmur representing outflow obstruction was present. In diastole a prominent vibration was heard and recorded. By echophonocardiography this noise could be ascribed to sudden halting of the retrograde excursion of the mass into the right ventricle—a mechanism analogus to the tumor “plop” associated with the halting of antegrade movement of a left atrial myxoma in the left ventricle in early diastole.
Use of neural networks in nuclear power plants

Abstract The application of neural networks, alone or in conjunction with other advanced technologies (expert systems, fuzzy logic, and/or genetic algorithms), to nuclear power plants has the potential to enhance the safety, reliability, and operability of these systems. The work described here deals with these power plants or parts of these plants that can be isolated. Typically, the measured variables from the plants are analog variables that must be sampled and normalized to expected peak values before they are introduced into neural networks. Often data must be processed to put it into a form more acceptable to the neural network (e.g., a fast Fourier transformation of the time-series data to produce a spectral plot of data). The neural networks are usually simulated on modern high-speed personal computers or work stations that carry out the calculations serially. However, it is possible to implement neural networks using specially designed microchips where the network calculations are carried out in parallel, thereby providing virtually instantaneous outputs (microsecond response times) for each set of inputs. Specific applications described include: transient identification, plant-wide monitoring, analysis of vibrations, and monitoring of performance and efficiency.
Tensile properties of high- and medium-entropy alloys

Abstract Equiatomic, face-centered-cubic, high- and medium-entropy alloys were arc melted, hot-rolled to produce recrystallized sheets, and tensile tested. The alloys having the compositions CrMnFeCoNi and CrFeCoNi exhibited a strong temperature-dependent decrease in strength with increasing temperature from −196 °C to 1000 °C, and a relatively weak strain-rate dependence (at 10 −3 and 10 −1 s −1 ). Ductility did not vary inversely with yield strength; rather, when strength doubled as the test temperature was decreased from room temperature to −196 °C, elongation to fracture increased by a factor of 1.5 to >60%. A high degree of work hardening, possibly due to deformation-induced nanotwinning, postpones the onset of necking and may be the reason for the ductility increase.
Experimental Characterization and Modeling of Shape Memory Material for Downhole Completion Applications

Shape memory materials have promising applications in the oil and gas industry. A series of downhole completion applications based on this technology are under investigation at the Baker Hughes Center for Technology Innovation (CTI). The characterization of the shape memory materials, especially the time-dependent aspects of the material behavior, is critical for optimized product design, manufacturing and intended long-term applications. During manufacturing stage, rate-dependent hyperelastic behavior may be characterized by a series of potential functions, and shape memory behavior may be modeled through thermal effects or thermoviscoelastic effects. Thus, rate-dependent characterization tests were performed to determine the constants in the potential functions. For temperature- and rate-dependent shape recovery and stress recovery, experimental tests are critical for developing material models. In this paper, a brief review of different potential functions and shape memory models are presented and corresponding characterization results are discussed to facilitate further material modeling. In one of our targeted downhole completion applications, such information may be used for optimized product design and downhole performance prediction.