cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Project Financial Distress: Early Signs and Ways to Overcome

Financial distress is a hot topic these days in finance and the project’s health is very important for investors as well as management. Investors posit money in those projects which are financially healthy as the risk of default is minimized for them, while management must be able to identify causes of distress which can be controlled by taking different measures (Khurshid, 2013). However, the fact that many projects encounter financial distress requires further investigation. This paper deals with the elements of project financial distress as its major signs and sources as well as it suggests ways to eliminate the consequences. The results provide an effective way to resolve financial distress by restructuring it. Apparently, this option should be preferred as long as it is considered to be more advantageous than liquidation. The report also shows that restructuring can be looked at in four broad categories: managerial, operational, asset, and financial one. The paper describes each category; it determines the right time to use each of them; it explains their benefits and last; it provides guidelines to consult when implementing them.
How Mixed-Effects Modeling Can Advance Our Understanding of Learning and Memory and Improve Clinical and Educational Practice.

Purpose A key goal of researchers, clinicians, and educators within the fields of speech, language, and hearing sciences is to support the learning and memory of others. To do so, they consider factors relevant to the individual, the material to be learned, and the training strategy that can maximize learning and retention. Statistical methods typically used within these fields are inadequate for identifying the complex relationships between these factors and are ill equipped to account for variability across individuals when identifying these relationships. Specifically, traditional statistical methods are often inadequate for answering questions about special populations because samples drawn from these populations are usually small, highly variable, and skewed in distribution. Mixed-effects modeling provides advantages over traditional statistical techniques to answer complex questions while taking into account these common characteristics of special populations. Method and Results Through two examples...
Studying the Effects of Plug-In Electric Vehicles on the Real Power Markets Demand Considering the Technical and Social Aspects

In this chapter, the impacts of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) on the demand profile of some of the real power markets are modelled and studied considering the technical and social aspects of problem. The power markets under study include Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), Pennsylvania-Jersey-Maryland (PJM), and Independent System Operator New England (ISO-NE). Herein, the objective function of each independent system operator (ISO) is to maximize the load factor of market demand by optimal fleet management (FM) of PEVs considering low, moderate, and high PEV penetration levels. In this study, the drivers are categorized in three different social classes based on their income level including low-income (LI), moderate-income (MI), and high-income (HI) social classes. The behavior of each social class of drivers is modelled based on the reaction of drivers with respect to the value of incentive suggested by the ISO to them to transfer their charging demand from the peak period to the off-peak one. The sensitivity analysis is performed for the load factor of market with respect to the value of incentive and social class of drivers. In addition, the value of error in the optimal value of incentive and maximum value of load factor, due to the unrealistic modelling of drivers’ social class, are investigated in each power market.
Phase behavior of binary mixtures of hard convex polyhedra

Shape anisotropy of colloidal nanoparticles has emerged as an important design variable for engineering assemblies with targeted structures and properties. In particular, a number of polyhedral nanoparticles have been shown to exhibit a rich phase behavior [Agarwal et al., Nat. Mater., 2011, 10, 230]. Since real synthesized particles have polydispersity not only in size but also in shape, we explore here the phase behavior of binary mixtures of hard convex polyhedra having similar sizes but different shapes. Choosing representative particle shapes from those readily synthesizable, we study in particular four mixtures: (i) cubes and spheres (with spheres providing a non-polyhedral reference case), (ii) cubes and truncated octahedra, (iii) cubes and cuboctahedra, and (iv) cuboctahedra and truncated octahedra. The phase behavior of such mixtures is dependent on the interplay of mixing and packing entropy, which can give rise to miscible or phase-separated states. The extent of mixing of two such particle types is expected to depend on the degree of shape similarity, relative sizes, composition, and compatibility of the crystal structures formed by the pure components. While expectedly the binary systems studied exhibit phase separation at high pressures due to the incompatible pure-component crystal structures, our study shows that the essential qualitative trends in miscibility and phase separation can be correlated with properties of the pure components, such as the relative values of the order–disorder transition pressure (ODP) of each component. Specifically, if for a mixture A + B we have ODPB < ODPA and ΔODP = ODPA − ODPB, then for any particular pressure at which phase separation occurs, the larger the ΔODP the lower the solubility of A in the B-rich ordered phase and the higher the solubility of B in the A-rich ordered phase.
Vitamin K-dependent carboxylation with ribosomes from Escherichiacoli

Abstract A vitamin K-dependent carboxylation reaction has been demonstrated in vitro with crude ribosomal preparation from Escherichia coli . The vitamin K-dependent carboxylation was found to require NADH and an ATP generating system and was inhibited by warfarin. Irradiation (360 nm) of this facultative microorganism during growth has been shown to destroy the natural menaquinone, and thus is unable to synthesize a protein(s) containing γ-carboxyglutamic acid residues. Growth in the presence of light provides a natural substrate for studying the vitamin K-dependent carboxylation. The extent of vitamin K-dependent carboxylation was two-to three-fold in preparations obtained from irradiated cells as compared to those from non-irradiated cells.
Spark plasma sintering (SPS) densified U3Si2 pellets: Microstructure control and enhanced mechanical and oxidation properties

Abstract Dense U3Si2 pellets with controlled grain structure and enhanced thermal-mechanical and oxidation properties are synthesized with spark plasma sintering (SPS). Microstructure and phase composition of the SPS densified pellets are characterized systematically using SEM, EDS, and XRD. Thermal-mechanical properties and oxidation behavior of the sintered silicide fuel pellets are analyzed by laser flash, indentation, and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis. Dense U3Si2 pellets are consolidated by combining high energy ball milling and rapid sintering by SPS, and the microstructure structures are controlled from micron-sized (∼5.7 μm grain size) for conventional silicide to a nanocrystalline matrix with an average grain size of ∼280 nm. A dominant phase of distorted U3Si2 was identified with lattice expansion due to residual thermal stress upon SPS consolidation and rapid cooling processes. Both micron-sized and nano-sized pellets show exceptional thermal transport properties, consistent with monolithic silicides reported in literature. The SPS-densified pellets possess simultaneously high hardness and fracture toughness. The SPS-densified silicide pellets also demonstrate exceptional oxidation performance with extended onset oxidation temperature above 500 °C and reduced oxidation kinetics, particularly for nano-sized pellets. A strong strain effect was proposed in which compressive stress in nano-sized pellets enhances the oxidation resistance of silicide fuels, as evidenced by the degradation of oxidation performance upon strain relaxation by isothermal annealing. The correlation among the sintering process – microstructure control – physical properties and fuel behavior is established. A new concept of strain engineering is proposed further properties optimization, enabling the development of potential oxidation and corrosion-resistant silicides with extended performance, the key technological challenge of U3Si2 as the leading concept of accident tolerant fuels.
Needle in a Haystack: Antibacterial Activity-Guided Fractionation of a Potato Wound Tissue Extract

Abstract Erwinia carotovora is a major cause of potato tuber infection, which results in disastrous failures of this important food crop. There is currently no effective antibiotic treatment against E. carotovora. Recently we reported antibacterial assays of wound tissue extracts from four potato cultivars that exhibit a gradient of russeting character, finding the highest potency against this pathogen for a polar extract from the tissue formed immediately after wounding by an Atlantic cultivar. In the current investigation, antibacterial activity-guided fractions of this extract were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) utilizing a quadrupole-time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer. The most active chemical compounds identified against E. carotovora were: 6-O-nonyl glucitol, Lyratol C, n-[2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)] ethyldecanamide, α-chaconine and α-solanine. Interactions among the three compounds, ferulic acid, feruloyl putrescine, and α-chaconine, representing metabolite classes upregulated during initial stages of wound healing, were also evaluated, offering possible explanations for the burst in antibacterial activity after tuber wounding and a chemical rationale for the temporal resistance phenomenon.
Expressions of Resilience: Social Media Responses to a Flooding Event

Concerns over the resilience of individuals within communities impacted by extreme weather events have heightened in recent years due to the increasing frequency and intensity of these events. Individuals' participation in communicative activities is an integral part of how they prepare for and respond to natural disasters. This study focuses on how individuals express resilience in social media posts from Twitter before, during, and after a regional flooding event in Colorado in 2013 (N = 210,303). Findings show that both negative and positive emotional responses spike at the start of the event, with positive emotions remaining high in the weeks following the event. Uses of language related to social connections, as well as references to home and work, increased during and after the event. Tweets used pronouns focused on the self during the event but shifted to pronouns focused on the collective after the event. This study points the importance of language for understanding the lasting impact extreme weather events can have on individuals, as well as when and how to reach individuals with information about recovery. The increased focus on collective language after the event provides an opportunity for calls to action in collecting and distributing shared resources.
Creatine transport and pathological changes in creatine transporter deficient mice

The severe impact on brain function and lack of effective therapy for patients with creatine (Cr) transporter deficiency motivated the generation of three ubiquitous Slc6a8 deficient mice (-/y). While each mouse knock-out line has similar behavioral effects at 2 to 3 months of age, other features critical to the efficient use of these mice in drug discovery are unclear or lacking: the concentration of Cr in brain and heart differ widely between mouse lines, there are limited data on histopathologic changes, and no data on Cr uptake. Here, we determined survival, measured endogenous Cr and uptake of its deuterium-labeled analogue Cr-d3 using a liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry assay, and performed comprehensive histopathologic examination on the Slc6a8-/y mouse developed by Skelton et. al. Our results show that Slc6a8-/y mice have widely varying organ-specific uptake of Cr-d3, significantly diminished growth with the exception of brain, progressive vacuolar myopathy, and markedly shortened lifespan. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Response of bitter and sweet Chenopodium quinoa varieties to cucumber mosaic virus: Transcriptome and small RNASeq perspective

Saponins are secondary metabolites with antiviral properties. Low saponin (sweet) varieties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) have been developed because seeds high in saponins taste bitter. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of saponin in resistance of quinoa to Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Differential gene expression was studied in time-series study of CMV infection. High-throughput transcriptome sequence data were obtained from 36 samples (3 varieties × +/- CMV × 1 or 4 days after inoculation × 3 replicates). Translation, lipid, nitrogen, amino acid metabolism, and mono- and sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis genes were upregulated in CMV infections. In ‘Red Head’ (bitter), CMV-induced systemic symptoms were concurrent with downregulation of a key saponin biosynthesis gene, TSARL1, four days after inoculation. In local lesion responses (sweet and semi-sweet), TSARL1 levels remained up-regulated. Known microRNAs (miRNA) (81) from 11 miR families and 876 predicted novel miRNAs were identified. Differentially expressed miRNA and short interfering RNA clusters (24nt) induced by CMV infection are predicted to target genomic and intergenic regions enriched in repetitive elements. This is the first report of integrated RNASeq and sRNASeq data in quinoa-virus interactions and provides comprehensive understanding of involved genes, non-coding regions, and biological pathways in virus resistance.
An Efficient Decision-Making Approach for Short Term Indoor Room Temperature Forecasting in Smart Environment: Evidence from India

“Smart cities” start with “Smart Buildings” that improve the quality of urban services while ensuring sustainability. The current scenario in India reveals that the corporate and residential buildi...
Improved Causal Models of Alzheimer's Disease

A Causal Bayesian Network (CBN) is a popular analytical framework for causal inference. Currently, there are many methods and algorithms available for analyzing and learning causal networks from various datasets. However, the accuracy and fit of the causal network learned from data relies on the accuracy of the algorithm and the completeness of the data. These models do not consider prior expertise from clinicians or other authoritative sources. Biomedical ontologies represent the collective knowledge of the experts who created them. By codifying and standardizing symptom variables, diagnostic information and other clinical information, the biomedical ontologies are sources of prior causal knowledge. This expert knowledge can be used to orient arcs in a CBN, thereby improving their accuracy. This paper proposes a novel method of collecting prior causal knowledge from International Classification of Diseases Version 10 Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), which will be used to orient the arcs of a CBN learned from diagnosed patient data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS). To demonstrate the effectiveness of our method, we will first generate a baseline CBN model from the data using the unmodified Max-Min Hill-Climbing (MMHC) algorithm. Then, we will obtain prior knowledge in the form of ordered variable pairs from ICD-10-CM and use these ordered variable pairs to inform the MMHC algorithm. The resulting modified CBN will then be compared to the baseline, and both models will then be analyzed in the context of existing scientific and epidemiological research of Alzheimer's Disease to show the significant impact of prior ontological knowledge in improving CBNs learned from data.
Rare case of multifocal extradural and intramedullary neurosarcoidosis without pulmonary involvement: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized histologically by noncaseating granulomas. Localization of sarcoidosis to the CNS is termed neurosarcoidosis, a complex and rare neuroinflammatory form of sarcoidosis. When the spinal cord is involved, lesions are often intradural. Here, we present a rare case of progressive myelopathy secondary to multifocal spinal extradural neurosarcoidosis with spinal cord compression and without pulmonary involvement. CASE PRESENTATION A 29-year-old African American female presented to the emergency department with numbness and paresthesia of 2-month duration in her left lower extremity and 2-week duration in her right lower extremity. The patient reported difficulty ambulating, paresthesia below the umbilicus, and back pain radiating to bilateral lower extremities. She endorsed 9-month history of cough, subjective fevers, night sweats, and unintentional 15 kg weight loss. Examination revealed 4/5 strength in the left lower extremity. MRI of the brain and spinal cord revealed enhancing extradural lesions, with spinal cord compression at T8 measuring 1.3 × 1.9 cm. Lumbar puncture demonstrated oligoclonal bands and increased CSF neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and protein. T8 laminectomy with resection of the epidural lesion was performed. Histology showed granulomas, consistent with neurosarcoidosis. At follow-up, repeat spinal MRI revealed disease progression with intramedullary involvement. Long-term immunosuppressive treatment was eventually initiated with satisfactory response. DISCUSSION This is a rare case of myelopathy secondary to spinal extradural neurosarcoidosis. Spinal neurosarcoidosis is predominantly an intradural process. Our review of the literature identified only seven cases of extradural neurosarcoidosis presenting with compressive myelopathy. Additional insight into management and rehabilitation following pathological diagnosis is of clinical significance.
Assessment of Detectable Serum Tobramycin Concentrations in Patients Receiving Inhaled Tobramycin for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled tobramycin can be used for empiric or definitive therapy of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated patients. This is believed to minimize systemic exposure and potential adverse drug toxicities including acute kidney injury (AKI). However, detectable serum tobramycin concentrations have been reported after inhaled tobramycin therapy with AKI. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study evaluated mechanically ventilated adult subjects admitted to ICUs at a large, urban academic medical center that received empiric inhaled tobramycin for VAP. Subjects were separated into detectable (ie, ≥ 0.6 mg/L) or undetectable serum tobramycin concentration groups, and characteristics were compared. Independent predictors for detectable serum tobramycin concentration and new onset AKI during or within 48 h of therapy discontinuation were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-nine inhaled tobramycin courses in 53 subjects were included in the analysis, of which 39 (66.1%) courses administered to 35 (66.0%) subjects had detectable serum tobramycin concentrations. Subjects with detectable serum tobramycin concentrations were older (57.1 y ± 11.4 vs 45.9 ±15.0, P = .004), had higher PEEP (9.2 cm H2O [7.0–11.0] vs 8.0 [5.6–8.9], P = .049), chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 2 (10 [29.4%] vs 0 [0%], P = .009), and higher serum creatinine before inhaled tobramycin therapy (1.26 mg/dL [0.84–2.18] vs 0.76 [0.47–1.28], P = .004). Age (odds ratio 1.09 [95% CI 1.02–1.16], P = .009) and PEEP (odds ratio 1.47 [95% CI 1.08–2.0], P =.01) were independent predictors for detectable serum tobramycin concentration. Thirty-seven subjects had no previous renal disease or injury, of which 9 (24.3%) developed an AKI. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (odds ratio 1.72 [95% CI 1.07–2.76], P = .03) was the only independent predictor for AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Detectable serum tobramycin concentrations were frequently observed in critically ill, mechanically ventilated subjects receiving empiric inhaled tobramycin for VAP. Subject age and PEEP were independent predictors for detectable serum tobramycin concentration. Serum monitoring and empiric dose reductions should be considered in older patients and those requiring higher PEEP.
Effect of DNA cytosine methylation upon deamination-induced mutagenesis in a natural target sequence in duplex DNA.

Are 5-methylcytosine residues in DNA hot spots for transition mutagenesis? Numerous studies identify 1) structural changes induced by DNA methylation, 2) high percentages of human mutations that result from GC to AT transition pathways, and 3) differences between G.C and G.mC base pairs in susceptibility to nonenzymatic deamination. However, investigations of chemical stability necessarily involve non-physiological conditions for chemical analysis of deamination. Here we describe an experiment that compares rates of deamination-induced mutagenesis between a G.C and G.mC base pair, when both are present in duplex DNA, incubated at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4, within identical sequence contexts, in a natural mutational target (the Escherichia coli lacZ alpha gene) that selects for mutagenesis at the specific site under investigation. Under these conditions the rate of spontaneous deamination at G.mC exceeds that at G.C by more than 21-fold. Our data implicate differences in chemical stability toward deamination as a major causal factor releasing DNA cytosine methylation to spontaneous mutagenesis.
Chapter 22 Infusing sustainability in small- and medium-sized enterprises

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the challenges in infusing green engineering, environmental management, and sustainability in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs form an important sector of the global economy that has a major impact on the environment. Improved environmental management within SMEs is required, but major issues exist that affect the adoption and implementation of environmentally conscious tools and practices in SMEs. The vast majority of impediments that affect an SME's ability to adopt innovations stems from the fact that they suffer from a severe lack of resources (manpower, money, expertise, information, and time), which in turn makes them apprehensive toward adopting new innovations. The implication is that environmental considerations are not a priority for an SME that is struggling to meet its financial goals and obligations. In addition, SMEs are rather unique. They are very different from larger companies in that they typically exhibit slower technical development, lower level of awareness, heavy dependency on top managers, short-term and ad hoc decision-making processes, fewer external knowledge sources, and greater dependency on external agents. But they are more flexible and responsive to changes than larger firms. This makes it inappropriate to assume that a SME is a little big company, and researchers caution against attempting to translate findings and solutions that may have been effective in large companies, to smaller firms.
Nonlinear supporting prices: The superadditive case

Abstract Assumptions on allocations and preferences sufficient to allow superadditive price support are considered for an exchange economy with a finite number of traders when the commodity space is an ordered topological vector space. The main requirements are a uniformmonotonicity assumption on preferences and that no permutation of the allocation among agents yields a Pareto improvement. No convexity assumption on preferences is used, the positive orthant need not have interior, while the proof is constructive. Applications to finite and infinite dimensional commodity spaces are discussed.
Attentional Selection for Object Recognition A Gentle Way

Attentional selection of an object for recognition is often modeled using all-or-nothing switching of neuronal connection pathways from the attended region of the retinal input to the recognition units. However, there is little physiological evidence for such all-or-none modulation in early areas. We present a combined model for spatial attention and object recognition in which the recognition system monitors the entire visual field, but attentional modulation by as little as 20% at a high level is sufficient to recognize multiple objects. To determine the size and shape of the region to be modulated, a rough segmentation is performed, based on pre-attentive features already computed to guide attention. Testing with synthetic and natural stimuli demonstrates that our new approach to attentional selection for recognition yields encouraging results in addition to being biologically plausible.
THE PATH TO U.S. SHIPBUILDING EXCELLENCE -- REMAKING THE U.S. INTO A WORLD-CLASS COMPETITIVE SHIPBUILDING NATION.

Abstract : U.S. shipbuilding has a unique opportunity now to re-enter and compete profitably in world commercial shipbuilding. World shipbuilding demand is expanding rapidly and U.S. costs of most factors or inputs of production are today comparable to those of major shipbuilding countries. A path for regaining a U.S. commercial shipbuilding competitiveness is described and formal steps suggested which will be necessary to remake the U.S. into a world class shipbuilding nation. Many of the proposed steps will be painful, but similar steps have been taken by other U.S. industries, such as manufacturers of automobiles, steel, construction, electronics, and appliances. They are deemed necessary if U.S. shipbuilding is to survive as a viable industry under conditions of declining defense budgets, consistent federal budget deficits, and increasing importance of trade to the U.S. economy.
ASSOCIATIONS OF BREEDING BIRDS WITH FIRE-INFLUENCED AND RIPARIAN-UPLAND GRADIENTS IN A LONGLEAF PINE ECOSYSTEM

Abstract We determined the effects of fire history and a riparian-upland gradient on the breeding bird community at Fort Bragg Military Installation in North Carolina, one of the largest remnant areas of the endangered longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem. Study sites were classified into two treatments: fire-intense (areas experiencing growing-season burns) and fire-suppressed (areas lacking fires). Within each treatment, bird and vegetation data were recorded at point-count stations positioned at three distances from streamhead pocosins to characterize the riparian-upland habitat gradient: 0, 75, and ≥150 m. Total bird abundance and species richness varied significantly along the riparian-upland gradient, with pocosins contributing greatly to avian biodiversity. Our data revealed strong effects of fire history and riparian-upland gradient on bird species, which we described in terms of breeding-bird assemblages. Members of the open longleaf assemblage (e.g., Red- cockaded Woodpecker [Picoides borea...
Graphene growth and stability at nickel surfaces

The formation of single-layer graphene by exposure of a Ni(111) surface to ethylene at low pressure has been investigated. Two different growth regimes were found. At temperatures between 480 and 650 °C, graphene grows on a pure Ni(111) surface in the absence of a carbide. Below 480 °C, graphene growth competes with the formation of a surface Ni2C carbide. This Ni2C phase suppresses the nucleation of graphene. Destabilization of the surface carbide by the addition of Cu to the surface layer facilitates the nucleation and growth of graphene at temperatures below 480 °C. In addition to the growth of graphene on Ni substrates, the interaction between graphene and Ni was also studied. This was done both experimentally by Ni deposition on Ni-supported graphene and by density functional theory calculation of the work of adhesion between graphene and Ni. For graphene sandwiched between two Ni-layers, the work of adhesion between graphene and the Ni substrate was found to be four times as large as that for the Ni-supported graphene without a top layer. This stronger interaction may cause the destruction of graphene that is shown experimentally to occur at ~200 °C when Ni is deposited on top of Ni-supported graphene. The destruction of graphene allows the Ni deposits to merge with the substrate Ni. After the completion of this process, the graphene sheet is re-formed on top of the Ni substrate, leaving no Ni at the surface.
Effects of Testosterone on Sexual Behavior and Morphology in Adult Female Leopard Geckos, Eublepharis macularius

Abstract The leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius, is a species in which testosterone (T) is the primary circulating sex hormone in adults of both sexes. There are, however, sex differences in T physiology. Whereas males have prolonged periods with high T levels, T levels cycle in accord with follicular development in females. Specifically, T concentration increases during vitellogenesis, drops after ovulation, and then remains at previtellogenic levels until eggs are laid and the next follicular cycle begins. To determine the function of T in females, we manipulated both the level and the duration of T elevation using Silastic implants in intact, adult female leopard geckos. Females had low (∼1 ng/ml), medium (∼100 ng/ml), or high (∼200 ng/ml) T levels for either a short (8 days) or a long (35 days) duration. Behavior tests with males were conducted on days 1–5 in the short-duration group or on days 29–33 in the long-duration group. For both short- and long-duration groups, T treatment decreased attractivity in females with medium and high T levels compared to females with low T levels. In contrast, females with a medium T level were more receptive than females with a low T level in the short-duration group. Females in the long-duration group were unreceptive regardless of T level. Females treated for a long duration also displayed more aggression toward and evoked more aggression from males than short duration females. Short-duration T treatment had no masculinizing effect on female morphology, whereas medium and high T levels for a long duration induced development of hemipenes. Overall, these results suggest that T can both increase and decrease sexual behaviors in the female leopard gecko.
Conformal Perturbation of Heat Kernels and Their Traces

Abstract On a compact n -dimensional Riemannian manifold M we consider self-adjoint operators of type w −1 Δ acting on L 2 ( M , w dx ), where dx is the volume element of M and w >0 smooth. For n =2 this setup arises naturally from a conformal change of metric. We derive perturbation series for the heat kernels of these operators and their traces, in terms of w and of objects in the given background metric. The method involves Gaussian estimates on space and time derivatives of the complex time heat kernel.
Women-animals-machines: A grammar for a Wittgensteinian ecofeminism

L'A. expose les difficultes de l'elaboration d'un feminisme coherent qui puisse pretendre rendre compte, notamment, d'une experience feminine universelle. Puis il analyse ce qu'il appelle le naturalisme de Wittgenstein et il montre que l'on peut tirer de sa philosophie un «ecofeminisme» ou les etres humains aussi bien que les animaux et les machines peuvent acquerir le statut de sujet
Inheritance of Resistance in Sweetclover to the Sweetclover Aphid

The inheritance of resistance in sweetclover, Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam., to the sweetclover aphid, Therioaphis riehmi (Borner), was studied by using mass infestation and confinement of aphids to measure resistance. Classification of F1, F2, and backcross progenies revealed that resistance was a dominant characteristic and that a single pair of alleles was segregating in most of the progenies observed. An additional pair of genes that acted in a complementary manner appeared to be involved in several progenies derived from I resistant parent.
Coping with model-reality differences in industrial process optimisation—a review of integrated system optimisation and parameter estimation (ISOPE)

Abstract The paper reviews the development of Integrated System Optimisation and Parameter Estimation, isope , as a technique for on-line steady-state optimisation of large scale industrial processes. An important property of the technique is that it achieves the correct real process optimum operating point in spite of inevitable errors in the mathematical model employed in the computations. The paper also gives theoretical foundations of a hierarchical steady-state optimising control procedure using isope which has proven to be useful in practical application. Finally, the extension of isope to the solution of dynamic optimal control problems is discussed, giving rise to disope (Dynamic Integrated System Optimisation and Parameter Estimation).
Heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants of substituted tetraphenylporphinatosilver(II) complexes

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry experiments have been performed on a series of p - or m -substituted tetraphenylporphyrin complexes of silver(II) in dichloromethane. Potential separation differences were used to calculate heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constants at a platinum electrode for the Ag II P ⇌ Ag III P + e reaction. The k s values obtained range from 9.06 × 10 −3 cm/sec for Ag II - p -OCH 3 TPP to 1.00 × 10 −3 cm/sec for Ag II TPP complex.
Depression and codependency in women

Seven million American women are depressed, and 40 million Americans, primarily women, have been labeled as codependent. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of codependency in women undergoing treatment for depression, examine the relationship between codependency and depression, and determine which of the symptoms of codependency are most highly predictive of depression scores. Depression and codependency were measured in a sample of 105 depressed women by using the Beck Depression Inventory and the Codependency Assessment Tool. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation, and multiple regression were used for analysis. Of these depressed women, 36% were moderately to severely codependent. Depression and codependency were strongly related, with the significant γ = .92 ( P
Ciliopathies: The central role of cilia in a spectrum of pediatric disorders

Cilia are evolutionarily conserved hair-like structures with key roles in cell locomotion, fluid movement, and sexual reproduction. Recent studies have shown that cilia also sense the extracellular environment and are important signaling organelles, which direct embryonic development and organ function. Abnormal ciliary axonemal structure and function have been linked to the growing class of genetic disorders collectively known as ciliopathies. The prototypical ciliopathy, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), was the first human disorder linked to ciliary dysfunction, described over a century ago, and since then, our understanding of the genetic and molecular abnormalities of this disease have greatly advanced [1-3]. The importance of cilia in other human diseases are just beginning to be elucidated, and defects have been associated with a growing number of pediatric conditions, including obesity, renal disease, hepatic fibrosis, skeletal dysplasias, endocrinopathies, neurodevelopmental defects, central nervous system (CNS) anomalies, laterality defects, and congenital heart disease (CHD) [2-5]. Research into ciliopathies has rapidly expanded, involving multidisciplinary efforts to define the complex genetics and functional phenotypes of cilia. In this review, we will describe ciliary ultrastructure and function, genetics, clinical characteristics, and overlapping features of these diverse diseases.
Neuropsychiatric and seizure outcomes in nonparaneoplastic autoimmune limbic encephalitis.

Abstract Introduction Autoimmune limbic encephalitis is an inflammatory condition often associated with an underlying neoplasm. However, a subset of patients does not have an underlying tumor and have a nonparaneoplastic form of this condition. The focus in the literature has been on the acute phase of this illness, but long-term follow-up is lacking. Methods A retrospective chart review, over a period of 15 years, of patients carrying a diagnosis of encephalitis was performed. Inclusion criteria included a clinical presentation consistent with limbic encephalitis (subacute behavioral change, seizures, or anterograde memory decline) and an identifiable autoantibody, inflammatory CSF (> 5 white blood cells/mm3), or limbic hyperintensities on MRI. Readmission rates and long-term psychiatric, psychosocial, and seizure outcomes were evaluated. Results A total of 16 patients were identified. Clinical presentation included new-onset seizures in 14 (88%), behavioral changes in 7 (44%), and memory decline in 5 (31%). Four (25%) patients presented with status epilepticus. Five patients had antibodies against NMDAR (N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor) and four against VGKC (voltage gated potassium channel) complex. An inflammatory CSF was noted in 7 (44%) and MRI changes in 9 (56%). Four were readmitted during the follow-up period. Around half the patients continued to have medically drug/treatment-refractory seizures, while 7 (44%) had a new psychiatric diagnosis (mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or impulse control disorder). The majority of the patients continued to reside at home, while 43% of previously employed patients lost employment. Conclusion Nonparaneoplastic autoimmune limbic encephalitis is a neuropsychiatric condition presenting with a combination of seizures (sometimes status epilepticus), behavioral changes, and memory decline. After the acute phase, patients are at risk of readmissions, medically refractory seizures, chronic mood and anxiety disorders, and loss of employment.
A transmission electron microscopy study of cycled LiCoO2

A sample of LiCoO2 was prepared as a cathode for a lithium battery, and subjected to a large number of charge/discharge cycles that induced an irreversible loss in capacity. A transmission electron microscopy study of this material showed that the initial O3 crystal structure transformed partially to a cubic spinel phase, especially on the surfaces of the particles. We suggest that this spinel phase formation could be responsible in part for the irreversible capacity fade.
Forward simulations of passive microwave observations for the soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission

In this paper, we describe our approach to simulate realistic L-band brightness temperatures to be measured by the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission. These realistic simulated measurements are crucial because they provide a quantitative basis by which we develop and improve our pre-launch retrieval algorithms for soil moisture at 9-km and 36-km spatial scales.
The Confessions of Semen Kanatchikov: A Bolshevik Memoir as Spiritual Autobiography

A mong the more ironic arguments that have been made in the study of Bolshevism is that it constituted a kind of secular religion. Proponents of this notion typically point to Bolshevik practices or symbols that had obvious, if superficial, religious connotationsthe mummified corpse of Lenin permanently displayed on Red Square being perhaps the most famous. Yet when we limit our observations to public ritual or symbolism, the regime's religious trappings remain suggestive only as analogy. Modern states or societies the world over and throughout history have adeptly invented civic rituals and symbols that look and smell like their antecedents in traditional religion, but by themselves such paraphernalia do not certify the religious character of the political regime that uses them. This is especially
Experimental and computational study of the effect of shocks on film cooling effectiveness in scramjet combustors

This paper presents results from a study conducted to investigate the effect of incident oblique shocks on the effectiveness of a coolant film at Mach numbers, typical of those expected in a scramjet combustor at Mach 15 to 20 flight. Computations with a parabolic code are in good agreement with the measured pressures and heat fluxes, after accounting for the influence of the shock upstream of its point of impingement on the plate, and the expansion from the trailing edge of the shock generator. The test data shows that, for the blowing rates tested, the film is rendered largely ineffective by the shock. Computations show that coolant blowing rates five to ten times those tested are required to protect against shock-induced heating. The implications of the results to scramjet combustor design are discussed.
Identifying and Overcoming Threshold Concepts and Conceptions: Introducing a Conception-Focused Curriculum to Course Design

Educators have been challenged to identify threshold concepts and develop transformed students. This stands in stark contrast to many curriculum design and delivery models that currently view stude...
Passive avoidance and strain differences associated with differences in emotionality: A test of Mowrer's theory

In two separate experiments fearful (C3H/HeJ) and non fearful (C58/J) strains of mice were trained in a lid opening response for either food or water. In line with predictions made on the basis of Mowrer’s theory, it was found that C3H mice gave significantly fewer punished responses under relevant food deprivation and under relevant water deprivation.
Microscopic Theory of Network Glasses

A theory of the glass transition of network liquids is developed using self-consistent phonon and liquid state approaches. The dynamical transition and entropy crisis characteristic of random first-order transitions are mapped as a function of the degree of bonding and density. Using a scaling relation for a soft-core model to crudely translate the densities into temperatures, theory predicts that the ratio of the dynamical transition temperature to the laboratory transition temperature rises as the degree of bonding increases, while the Kauzmann temperature falls explaining why highly coordinated liquids are "strong" while van der Waals liquids without coordination are "fragile."
INTEGUMENTARY CHANGES DURING MOULTING OF ARTHROPODS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE SUBCUTICLE AND ECDYSIAL MEMBRANE.

At or shortly prior to the separation of the cuticle and the epidermis a cuticular layer appears to be added to the inner surface of the old cuticle. The term interzone cuticle is applied to this layer. The interzone cuticle appears to give rise to the ecdysial membrane. Ecdysial membranes are characterized by the fact that they (1) vary in position with respect to the moulting fluid and old cuticle, (2) are generally quite thin, transparent, delicate membranes, (3) contain chitin, (4) vary in their resistance to the action of the moulting fluid, and (5) generally have the same stainng properties as the subcuticle, due primarily to the presence of a mucous material present in the subcuticle which becomes attached to the inner surface of the ecdysial membrane and which is believed to function as a lubricant at ecdysis. The ecdysial membrane and subcuticle are structurally quite different when examined under the electron microscope. No particular evolutionary significance can be ascribed to the existence of an ecdysial membrane — such membranes being found all the way from the primitive Collembola to the advanced Hymenoptera. Any possible function(s) of the ecdysial membrane has yet to be discovered. Various functions are suggested for the subcuticle, all of which are consistent with its reactions to various histochemical reagents. Additional observations were made and discussed concerning (1) the reactions of various portions of the cuticle at various stages to the PAS test, (2) the staining reactions of cuticle undergoing enzymatic degradation by the moulting fluid, and (3) the distinct staining reactions of the intersegmental membranes and basement membranes.
Intramolecular site selectivity in cation radical Diels–Alder cycloadditions of difunctional and trifunctional dienophiles

The cation radical Diels–Alder reactions of several difunctional and trifunctional dienophiles with 1,3-cyclopentadiene, catalyzed by tris(4-bromophenyl)aminium hexachloroantimonate, were determined. When both of the reactive sites are of the 4-methoxystyrene type, reaction occurs smoothly at both styrene moieties to give the bis-adducts. However, when one reactive moiety is of the styrene type and one is of the enol ether type, reaction occurs exclusively at the styrene moiety to give a mono-adduct, even in the presence of a large excess of cyclopentadiene. When three potentially reactive moieties are included, two of them being of the styrene type and one of the 1,2-diaryloxyethene type, the reaction is again specific for the styrene moieties, giving only the bis-adduct. The high site selectivity observed in these reactions is especially noteworthy in view of the observation that monofunctional molecules containing all three of these moieties are found to be reactive toward Diels–Alder adduct formation under the same reaction conditions and that these adducts are relatively stable under the reaction conditions. Copyright ­© 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Special Section: Digital Economy and Information Technology Value

(2006). Special Section: Digital Economy and Information Technology Value. Journal of Management Information Systems: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp. 7-11.
Effect of hypothyroidism on the in-vivo and in-vitro uptake of sugar by rat thymocytes and on the stimulatory response to 3,5,3′-tri-l-iodothyronine

We have previously demonstrated, both in vivo and in vitro, that 3,5,3'-tri-L-iodothyronine (T3) increases the uptake of the glucose analogue 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) in rat thymocytes by acting at the level of the plasma membrane. In the present study, the effect of hypothyroidism on the basal uptake of 2-DG by rat thymocytes and their response to T3 was examined. Rats were rendered hypothyroid by thyroidectomy at 21 days of age, and experiments performed with 31- and 56-day-old animals. Uptake of 2-DG by thymocytes from hypothyroid rats, both in vivo and in vitro, was greater in 31-day-old animals and less in 56-day-old animals than that in euthyroid rats. In both age-groups, hypothyroidism increased cellular responsiveness to T3, shifting the dose-response curve to the left. Similar results were obtained in experiments in which animals were rendered hypothyroid by KCIO4. Injection of thyroid hormones into rats treated with KCIO4 reversed the effects of hypothyroidism on uptake of [3H]2-DG by thymocytes and their response to T3. From these observations it was concluded that hypothyroidism produces a time-dependent change in basal sugar uptake by rat thymocytes, and increases cellular responsiveness to the effect of T3 at the level of the plasma membrane.
Cardiovascular biology. Small cells, big issues.

Identification of a long-sought ADP receptor on platelets explains the effects of two drugs used to prevent strokes and heart attacks. It also points the way to developing other such drugs.
A Pervasive Computing Curriculum for Engineering and Science Students

Today, there's an urgent need for well-trained pervasive computing engineers and scientists. Pervasive computing has evolved into a critical field, influencing a broad range of industries from healthcare to manufacturing to defense. However, most computer engineering and computer science programs pay marginal attention, at best, to the field. In this issue, the authors of the Rochester Institute of Technology describes a set of courses on pervasive computing topics and a supporting laboratory designed for both computer engineering and computer science students