cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A human nuclease specific for G4 DNA.

We have identified a human nuclease that specifically cleaves four-stranded DNA stabilized by G quartets (G4 DNA). This nuclease, GQN1 (G quartet nuclease 1), cuts within the single-stranded region 5′ of the barrel formed by stacked G quartets. GQN1 does not cleave duplex or single-stranded DNA, Holliday junctions, or G4 RNA. Cleavage depends on DNA structure and not on flanking sequence. Activity is elevated in but not restricted to B cells, making GQN1 a strong candidate for function in immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch recombination. Identification of a mammalian nuclease that specifically cleaves G4 DNA provides further support for the notion that DNA structures stabilized by G quartets form in vivo and function in regulated recombination and genomic evolution.
Phonon dispersion curves and normal coordinate analysis of -poly-L-alanine.

The vibrational frequencies of α-helical poly-L-alanine and its N-deuterated analog have been assigned by normal coordinate analyses. The phonon dispersion curves and frequency distribution of α-poly-L-alanine have been calculated by using a model which includes hydrogen bonding. The frequency distribution was used to interpret the inelastic neutron scattering data and to calculate the heat capacity. The low-frequency chain modes involving accordian-like motions of the whole helix have been calculated and their dispersion investigated by means of a simplified model.
Once More unto the Breaching Experiment Reconsidering a Popular Pedagogical Tool

Instructors frequently utilize breaching experiments in an attempt to “bring sociology to life.” However, an uncritical embrace of breaching experiments obscures the complexity of their possible effects on participants and subjects. These experiments have real potential to inflict deleterious consequences on individuals and groups. Additionally, the presence of videos of breaching experiments on the Internet raises questions about activities students are carrying out and publicly touting as sociological practice. By giving greater consideration to the embeddedness of the breaching experiment and its practitioners in the broader social world, students and instructors can create breaching experiments that are enlightening while still manifesting an appreciation of their effects on the experiments’ “subjects” and perhaps even making a contribution to the amelioration or transformation of the structures within which they take place.
Intrachannel four-wave mixing in dispersion managed RZ systems

We model the interaction of three consecutive pulses in a dispersion managed transmission system, and obtain an analytical expression for the energy exchange. The results show that interaction can be suppressed using unequally spaced pulses, which has been verified by the computer simulations. The central pulse pumps energy to the adjacent pulses if the phase shift is zero, and the energy exchange process is reversed if the central pulse has a phase shift of /spl pi//2.
Alterations in nitrogen assimilation and partitioning in nitrogen stressed plants

Although nutrient stress is known to alter partitioning between shoots and roots, the physiological basis for the phenomenon is unresolved. Experiments were conducted to examine assimilation of 15NO3 by N-stressed plants and to determine whether apparent changes in assimilation in the root contributed to alterations in whole-plant partitioning of reduced-N. Tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. NC 2326) were exposed to a low concentration of NO3− in solution (80 μM) for 9 days to effect a N-stress response. Exposure of plants to 1000 μM15NO3− for 12 h on selected days revealed that roots of N-stressed plants developed an increased capacity to absorb NO3−, and accumulation of reduced-15N in the root increased to an even greater extent. When plants were exposed to 80 or 1000 μM15NO3− in steady-state, 15NO3− uptake over a 12 h period was noticeably restricted at the lower concentration, but a larger proportion of the absorbed 15N still accumulated as reduced-15N in the root. The alteration in reduced-15N partitioning was maintained in N-stressed plants during the subsequent 3-day “chase” period when formation of insoluble reduced-15N in the root was quantitatively related to the disappearance of 15NO3− and soluble reduced-15N. The results indicate that increased assimilation of absorbed NO3−, in the root may contribute significantly to the altered reduced-N partitioning which occurs in N-stressed plants.
Relation of three mechanisms of working memory to children’s complex span performance

There is a paucity of research examining the relative contribution of the different mechanisms of working memory (short-term storage [STM], processing speed) to children’s complex memory span. This study served to replicate and extend the few extant studies that have examined the issue. In this study, the relative contribution of three mechanisms of working memory — STM storage, processing speed, attentional resource allocation — to children’s complex span was examined. Children (6—12) completed a digit span task, an auditory-visual reaction time task, a task of attentional allocation, and a complex (listening) span task. Correlation analyses revealed that, after controlling for age, storage, processing speed, and attentional allocation significantly correlated with complex span. Regression analyses showed that, after partialling out age, storage accounted for 12.1% of unique variance in complex span and processing speed accounted for another 6.6% of unique variance; allocation contributed no unique varia...
A developer's survey of polygonal simplification algorithms

Polygonal models currently dominate interactive computer graphics. This is chiefly because of their mathematical simplicity: polygonal models lend themselves to simple, regular rendering algorithms that embed well in hardware, which has in turn led to widely available polygon rendering accelerators for every platform. Unfortunately, the complexity of these models, which is measured by the number of polygons, seems to grow faster than the ability of our graphics hardware to render them interactively. Put another way, the number of polygons we want always seems to exceed the number of polygons we can afford. Polygonal simplification techniques offer one solution for developers grappling with complex models. These methods simplify the polygonal geometry of small, distant, or otherwise unimportant portions of the model, seeking to reduce the rendering cost without a significant loss in the scene's visual content. The article surveys polygonal simplification algorithms, identifies the issues in picking an algorithm, relates the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, and describes several published algorithms.
Collective control of networked microgrids with high penetration of variable resources part I: Theory

This paper will present the design of collective feedback controllers for the integration of renewable energy into networked DC bus microgrids. These feedback controllers are based on a single DC bus microgrid because the networked DC bus microgrids are self-similar. As a result, these feedback controllers are divided into two types. Type 1 is based on a feedback guidance command to determine the boost converter duty cycle. Type 2 is based on Hamiltonian Surface Shaping and Power Flow Control (HSSPFC) [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6] to determine the required distributed energy storage systems to ensure stability and performance. Two DC bus microgrids coupled with a transmission line is used as an example. This model architecture can vary from 0% energy storage with transient renewable energy supplies to 100% energy storage with fossil fuel energy supplies which will be useful in the future to demonstrate the benefits and costs of networked microgrids.
Effect of hemodilution on RBC velocity, supply rate, and hematocrit in the cerebral capillary network.

The effect of isovolemic hemodilution on the circulation of red blood cells (RBCs) in the cerebrocortical capillary network was studied by intravital videomicroscopy with use of a closed-cranial-wi...
Preserving computational topology by subdivision of quadratic and cubic Bézier curves

Non-self-intersection is both a topological and a geometric property. It is known that non-self-intersecting regular Bezier curves have non-self-intersecting control polygons, after sufficiently many uniform subdivisions. Here a sufficient condition is given within ℝ3 for a non-self-intersecting, regular C 2 cubic Bezier curve to be ambient isotopic to its control polygon formed after sufficiently many subdivisions. The benefit of using the control polygon as an approximant for scientific visualization is presented in this paper.
Differences by Sex in Support for Nuclear Power

One of the most consistent findings reported in the public opinion literature is that uvomen are more opposed to nuclear power than men. This research uses data from two widely cited Harris surveys on nuclear power which were conducted in 1975 and 1976 to test a number of hypotheses based on competing explanations for the sex difference. The results support the position that it is a greater concern about safety which explains uvomen's lesser support for nuclear power. Compared with men, women are found to believe that nuclear plants are less safe and to evaluate a number of problems of nuclear power as more serious, particularly those involving danger to health and human life. These differences are found to account for the sex difference in support for nuclear power both in general and in the respondents' local communities. Public opinion surveys dealing with nuclear energy have consistently noted pronounced sex differences. Women are less supportive, and more opposed and uncertain than men concerning the further development of the technology. Melber et al., who compiled the results from over 100 local, state, and national surveys on the nuclear power issue, reported that the sex differences were "more clear-cut and consistent than those associated with any of the other demographic classifications" (74). In the 27 surveys they examined that were based on U.S. national probability samples, the mean levels of support for nuclear power were 65 percent for men and 46 percent for women, the mean opposition levels were 21 percent for men and 28 percent for women, and the mean levels of unsure
Neural signatures of the response to emotional distraction: a review of evidence from brain imaging investigations

Prompt responses to emotional, potentially threatening, stimuli are supported by neural mechanisms that allow for privileged access of emotional information to processing resources. The existence of these mechanisms can also make emotional stimuli potent distracters, particularly when task-irrelevant. The ability to deploy cognitive control in order to cope with emotional distraction is essential for adaptive behavior, while reduced control may lead to enhanced emotional distractibility, which is often a hallmark of affective disorders. Evidence suggests that increased susceptibility to emotional distraction is linked to changes in the processing of emotional information that affect both the basic response to and coping with emotional distraction, but the neural correlates of these phenomena are not clear. The present review discusses emerging evidence from brain imaging studies addressing these issues, and highlights the following three aspects. First, the response to emotional distraction is associated with opposing patterns of activity in a ventral ‘hot’ affective system (HotEmo, showing increased activity) and a dorsal ‘cold’ executive system (ColdEx, showing decreased activity). Second, coping with emotional distraction involves top-down control in order to counteract the bottom-up influence of emotional distraction, and involves interactions between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. Third, both the response to and coping with emotional distraction are influenced by individual differences affecting emotional sensitivity and distractibility, which are linked to alterations of both HotEmo and ColdEx neural systems. Collectively, the available evidence identifies specific neural signatures of the response to emotional challenge, which are fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of emotion-cognition interactions in healthy functioning, and the changes linked to individual variation in emotional distractibility and susceptibility to affective disorders.
The NAL Booster Synchrotron Magnet Power Supply Servo

The booster magnet power system operates 48 magnet modules for equilibrium orbit field control. The power system consists of four high current power supplies having a common thyristor firing control chassis. The power supplies were manufactured by Brentford Electric Ltd. The mangent energizing current waveform is I(t) = Idc - Iaccos2?ft where f is the 15 Hz series resonant frequency of the high Q circuit. The dc and ac components are generated with one power source, not two as in eariler designs for rapid-cycling synchrotrons (e.g., NINA, DESY, CEA, PPA, and Cornell) Magnet power system parameters are summerized as follows: Operation Energy BMag IMag ESource Injection 200 MeV 488 G 74 A 64 V Extraction 8GeV 6.7KG 1023 A 890 V
Taxometric and related methods in relationships research

Research on personal relationships inescapably uses taxonomies for classifying people, relationships, and interpersonal processes and events, and often develops new ones. However, constructing a good taxonomy is no simple matter. Many existing classification methods have serious weaknesses, and they carry the risk of drawing taxonomic distinctions that are spurious. In addition, researchers frequently make unwarranted assumptions about the nature of the taxonomic categories that they employ in their work. This article introduces a family of quantitative methods for testing and generating taxonomies. Although they have seen little use to date outside of psychopathology, personality psychology, and behavioral genetics, these methods are versatile and readily adapted to the domain of personal relationships, where they offer many research possibilities. Three of the methods are illustrated in a study of elementary forms of relationships. Copyright © 1999 ISSPR.
Optimal PNNI complex node representations for restrictive costs

The Private Network-to-Network Interface (PNNI) is a scalable hierarchical protocol that allows ATM switches to be aggregated into clusters called peer groups. To provide good accuracy in choosing optimal paths in a PNNI network, the PNNI standard provides a way to represent a peer group with a structure called the complex node representation. It allows the cost of traversing the peer group between any ingress and egress to be advertised in a compact form. Complex node representations using a small number of links result in a correspondingly short path computation time and therefore in good performance. It is, accordingly, desirable that the complex node representation contains as few links as possible. In earlier work, a method was presented for constructing the set of the optimal complex node representations in the restrictive and symmetric cost case, under the assumption of a restricted set of optimal paths and a corresponding minimal path computation time. Here this method is extended to constructing the set of the optimal complex node representations appropriate for deployment in a heterogeneous environment where no uniform policy is used to derive them. These representations are not confined by a reduced optimal path constraint, and consequently use the absolute minimum possible number of links, resulting in a minimum path computation time.
Nonlinear estimation comparison for ballistic missile tracking

Nonlinear filtering for state estimation has been recently advanced to include more accurate and stable alternatives. The extended Kalman filter (EKF), the first and most widely used approach (applied as early as the late 1960s and developed into the early 1980s), uses potentially unstable derivative-based linearization of nonlinear process and/or measurement dynamics. The unscented Kalman filter (UKF), developed after around 1994, approximates a distribution about the mean using a set of calculated sigma points. The central difference filter (CDF), or divided difference filter (DDF), developed after around 1997, uses divided difference approximations of derivatives based on Stirling's interpolation formula and results in a similar mean, but a different covariance from the EKF and using techniques based on similar principles to those of the UKF. We compare the performance of these three approaches to the coordinate conversion problem within the larger problem of ballistic missile tracking under various sensor configurations, target dynamics, measurement update/sensor communication rates, and measurement noise. The coordinate conversion problem here specifically deals with conversion of spherical measurements to Cartesian estimates and vice versa. The importance of filter stability in some cases is emphasized as the EKF shows possible divergence due to linearization errors and overconfident state covariance, while the UKF shows possibly slow convergence due to overly large state covariance approximations. The CDF demonstrates relatively consistent stability, despite its similarities to the UKF. The requirement that the CDF and UKF expected state covariances be positive definite is demonstrated to be unrealistic in a case involving multisensor fusion, indicating the necessity for the reportedly more robust and efficient square-root implementation. Strategies for taking advantage of the strengths (and avoiding the weaknesses) of each filter are proposed.
Signal Detection in Optical Communications through the Atmospheric Turbulence Channel

The probability of a miss in the detection of a signal in an optical communications system through the turbulent atmosphere using intensity modulation is studied. The turbulence of the atmosphere causes scintillation of the received signal intensity which is treated as a lognormal random process. The received background radiation and electronic noise in the receiver is treated as additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). A Chernoff bound is derived. For practical values of the signal-to-noise power ratio (SNR), a series solution for the characteristic function of the lognormal random variable is used to find the probability of miss. Simulation results agree with theoretical results. The method developed in this paper can be used by the system designer to choose the proper signal length and meet the system specifications for signal detection.
Effectiveness of international environmental regimes: Existing knowledge, cutting-edge themes, and research strategies

International environmental regimes—especially those regimes articulated in multilateral environmental agreements—have been a subject of intense interest within the scientific community over the last three decades. However, there are substantial differences of opinion regarding the effectiveness of these governance systems or the degree to which they are successful in solving the problems leading to their creation. This article provides a critical review of the literature on this topic. It extracts and summarizes what is known about the effectiveness of environmental regimes in the form of a series of general and specific propositions. It identifies promising topics for consideration in the next phase of research in this field. Additionally, it comments on the research strategies available to pursue this line of analysis. The general conclusions are that international environmental regimes can and do make a difference, although often in conjunction with a number of other factors, and that a strategy of using a number of tools combined can help to improve understanding of the determinants of success.
Greater saphenous vein evaluation from computed tomography angiography as a potential alternative to conventional ultrasonography

Objective Autologous greater saphenous vein (GSV) graft is frequently used as a conduit during arterial bypass. Preoperative vein mapping has been traditionally used to assess conduit adequacy and define GSV anatomy, thereby decreasing operative time and reducing wound complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether GSV mapping using computed tomography angiography (CTA) closely correlated with that of traditional duplex ultrasonography (US). Methods From August 2009 through June 2011, 88 limbs from 51 patients underwent CTA of the lower extremities for the purpose of defining arterial anatomy with concurrent US for preoperative vein mapping. GSV diameters were measured by two blinded reviewers on CTA (both antero-posterior [AP] and lateral dimensions) and compared with US-based measurements at levels of the proximal thigh, mid-thigh, knee, mid-calf, and ankle. CTA and US measurements were compared at each anatomic level using linear regression. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Charge reduction was calculated based on technical and professional fees for each imaging study. Results GSV diameter sequentially decreased from the proximal thigh to the mid-calf and then increased to the ankle as measured by CTA and US. CTA-based measurements of the GSV significantly correlated with US GSV diameters (R = 0.927 [lateral dimension], 0.922 [AP dimension]; P 2.0 mm). Eliminating preoperative US vein mapping for the study patients at our institution would have resulted in charge reductions of $49,316 over the study period. Conclusions Indirect venography by CTA correlates well with US for GSV mapping in the lower extremity and offers significant reduction in imaging-related preoperative charges. CTA is sensitive and accurate for detecting GSVs that are appropriate for bypass. Furthermore, CTA allows AP and lateral evaluation of the GSV throughout its anatomic course. As CTA is often performed prior to arterial bypass, indirect evaluation of the GSV using preoperative CTA should be considered a promising alternative to the use of US.
An efficient feasible directions algorithm for design synthesis

A nonlinear optimization algorithm is described that combines the best features of the method of feasible directions and the generalized reduced gradient method. The algorithm uses the direction-finding subproblem from the method of feasible directions to find a search direction that is equivalent to that of the generalized reduced gradient method, but without the need to add a large number of slack variables associated with inequality constraints. This leads to a core-efficient algorithm for the solution of optimization problems with a large number of inequality constraints. Also, during the one-dimensional search, it is not necessary to separate the design space into dependent and independent variables using the present method. The concept of infrequent gradient calculations is introduced as a means of gaining further optimization efficiency. Finally, it is shown that, using the basic direction-finding algorithm contained in this method, the sensitivity of the optimum design with respect to problem parameters can be obtained without the need for second derivatives or Lagrange multipliers. The optimization algorithm and sensitivity analysis is demonstrated by numerical example.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal: From Bench to Bedside IV. Genetic and animal models of GI motility disorders caused by loss of interstitial cells of Cajal

Several human motility disorders have been shown to be associated with loss or defects in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) networks. Because tissue samples for these studies were taken from patien...
Delta-sigma modulators employing continuous-time circuitry

Delta-sigma (/spl Delta//spl Sigma/) modulators employing continuous-time elements can be transformed to equivalent discrete-time systems. The paper derives this equivalence relation and applies it to the design of a third-order low-pass modulator and a sixth-order band-pass modulator.
INTERLEUKIN-6 AND TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA VALUES IN ELK NEONATES

Serological indicators of general condition would be helpful for monitoring or assessing ungulate wildlife. Toward that end, we report the 1st reference values for 2 cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), in neonatal elk (Cervus elaphus). We obtained blood samples from 140 calves � 6 days old in Yellowstone National Park during summer 2003–2005. IL-6 values ranged from 0 to 1.21 pg/ml with a median of 0.03 pg/ml. TNF-a values ranged from 0 to 225.43 pg/ml with a median of 1.85 pg/ml. IL-6 and TNF-a concentrations were not significant predictors of elk calf survival through 21 days. Development of ungulate-based IL-6 and TNF-a assays that provide greater sensitivity than cross-reacting human-based assays could be helpful in monitoring ungulate condition and health status comparisons among herds. Such information could provide indirect assessments of range quality or environmental influences among herds.
Diffuse endometritis in the setting of umbilical endometriosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical endometriosis is rare and can be a challenging diagnosis in the absence of classic signs and symptoms. CASE: A case of severe, primary, spontaneous umbilical endometriosis with foci of plasma cell endometritis and diffuse stromal lymphovascular presence occurred. CONCLUSION: Despite a lengthy differential, endometriosis must be considered in the evaluation of an umbilical mass. The presence of plasma cell endometritis and stromal lymphovascular elements in the absence of pelvic endometriosis lends evidence to the theory of lymphovascular transport as an etiology of extrapelvic endometriosis.
Third Harmonic Generation in Multilayer Structures: Oblique Incidence

Under nondepleted pump assumption, third harmonic generation (THG) generated by obliquely incident fundamental frequency (FF) waves in a nonlinear multilayer structure is derived analytically by a recursive transfer matrix method (RTMM). This method is useful for determining THG conversion efficiency inside and outside the structure.
Redeeming American Political Theory

American political theory has been accused of being uniformly liberal; but its history is diverse and is worth studying to understand the development of political science and the institutions it reflects (representative government, federalism, judicial review, and slavery). While modern social science expresses a slow democratization of values, it has been compatible with many ideologies. This can be seen in Jefferson's anthropology, Madison's theory of collective rationality, and Hamilton's empirical political economy. Jacksonian democracy encouraged social history, while its opponents devised an elitist political sociology. Southern defenders of slavery were the earliest to develop a deterministic and authoritarian sociology, but after the Civil War Northern thinkers emulated them with Social Darwinism and quests for causal laws to grasp constant change in industrial society. Though social critics abounded, democratic empirical theory emerged in the universities only in the generation of Merriam and Dewey, who founded contemporary political science.
Anticipating climate change impacts on Mongolian salmonids: bioenergetics models for lenok and Baikal grayling

The Eg–Uur River ecosystem in north-central Mongolia provides an opportunity to study salmonid species in a system that has already experienced significant climate change. These species are currently imperilled in Mongolian waters, with Baikal grayling (Thymallus arcticus baicalensis) listed as near-threatened and lenok (Brachymystax lenok) listed as vulnerable on the Mongolian red list. Air temperature records demonstrate that in the last 40 years Northern Mongolia's rate of warming has been three times greater than the northern hemisphere average. Despite alarming trends in air temperatures, little is known of the thermal ecology of these species. Due to the threat of climate change to these species, the objective of our study was to quantify metabolic costs for these species from streamside routine metabolic measures and derive bioenergetics models that we used to assess potential climate change response. Streamside measurements of metabolism were remarkably consistent with expectations from measures of other salmonids gathered under more closely controlled laboratory conditions. Metabolism increased exponentially with temperature for both species. The resulting preliminary bioenergetics models suggest these species are already experiencing temperatures near their upper levels for growth during summer and conditions are expected to deteriorate with warming. Even a modest 2 °C increase in water temperatures during ice out would result in a 59% reduction in growth of lenok, and an inability of Baikal grayling to grow (if food levels remained unchanged) or a 14–23% increase in consumption in order to maintain current growth rates.
Validate target-oriented VVAZ with formation microimaging logs

Summary Velocity variation with azimuth (VVAZ) has become a standard technique to extract fracture signatures from wide azimuth seismic data (WAZ). Zheng (2006) proposed a target-oriented VVAZ approach to directly invert Thomsen’s HTI delta and fracture strike of an HTI medium, but it requires traveltimes between the top and base of a target horizon. If the target layer becomes thin, the top reflected event interferes with the base event. Little research has been done to fully address the thickness limit. Evaluations of this technique on a number of synthetic HTI models with various scenarios of HTI-layer thickness conclude that this inversion is robust in estimating HTIanisotropic attributes, even for a relatively thin fracture layer. This paper focuses on its application on a highdensity WAZ data set. The HTI anisotropic-magnitude map from the target-oriented VVAZ is more comparable with the map derived from the analysis of amplitude variation with azimuth (AVAZ) than conventional VVAZ. In addition, the HTI anisotropic-orientation map from the target-oriented VVAZ correlates remarkably well with fracture orientations measured from formation microimaging (FMI) logs in areas with high anisotropy, and generally follows the regional-fracture trend.
High Damage Threshold Anti-reflection Surfaces Based on “Motheye” Nano-structures

The direct nano-structuring of the surfaces of an optical element is nowadays a well-established technique used primarily to enhance the light transmission through that optical element. Typically periodic or quasi-periodic in nature, these anti-reflective surface structures (ARSS) can be designed to generate strong interference effects over large bandwidths [1,2], to work in various materials [3] and to exhibit additional characteristics such as high laser damage thresholds [4]. The period of the pattern should be on a sub-wavelength scale and the height of the individual features on the wavelength scale to avoid the undesired diffraction effects (as the period becomes close to the wavelength of interest) while providing the required phase change (or optical impedance matching between the air, in the typical case, and the optical element), respectively. Modeling of these structures is typically done using rigorous coupled-wave analysis RCWA methods although the effective-index method can also provide reasonable insight (it cannot however model through the diffraction edge region) [5]. We will present a review of our work on surface nanostructuring of many technologically important optical materials and components and illustrate record-low reflectivity losses, large bandwidth and record-high laser damage thresholds.
Faradaurate Nanomolecules: A Superstable Plasmonic 76.3 kDa Cluster

Information on the emergence of the characteristic plasmonic optical properties of nanoscale noble-metal particles has been limited, due in part to the problem of preparing homogeneous material for ensemble measurements. Here, we report the identification, isolation, and mass spectrometric and optical characterization of a 76.3 kDa thiolate-protected gold nanoparticle. This giant molecule is far larger than any metal-cluster compound, those with direct metal-to-metal bonding, previously known as homogeneous molecular substances, and is the first to exhibit clear plasmonic properties. The observed plasmon emergence phenomena in nanomolecules are of great interest, and the availability of absolutely homogeneous and characterized samples is thus critical to establishing their origin.
Creating an Evidence-Based Admissions Formula for a New Dental School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine

This article reports development of an evidence-based admissions formula that effectively incorporates the admissions criteria most likely to influence dental school performance. This study utilized peer-reviewed literature and analysis of admissions and performance data from the first three classes of students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine (UNLV-SDM). We used Pearson’s correlation, linear regression, and ANOVA to determine the strength and direction of association between admissions variables, both singly and in combination, and performance measures. Our initial results revealed no significant relationship between our previous admissions formula, which was adapted from other dental admissions offices, and student performance for our first class and National Board Dental Examination Part I (NBDE-I) (R=.288) or dental school grade point average (DS-GPA) (R=0.193). After using the combined data from the first three classes of students at UNLV-SDM, we confirmed no significant relationship between our previous admissions formula and DS-GPA (R=0.207) and a slight increase in correlation to NBDE-I (R=0.303). More detailed analysis of the admissions variables within the formula revealed that some Dental Admission Test scores, such as Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Analysis, and Biology, were significantly correlated with dental school performance at UNLV-SDM, allowing for revision of the admissions formula to a formula score that is now significantly correlated with student performance for the first class to NBDE-I (R=0.458) and DS-GPA (R=0.368), as well as the combined data from the first three cohorts at UNLV-SDM (R=0.361, 0.218, respectively). In addition, this reformulation did not significantly impact the overall ranking of females or minorities. Although formulaic data can never perfectly predict student performance, this study demonstrated that constant review and revision of relevant admissions criteria are needed for each school to maintain an evidence-based admissions program that provides for fair and effective comparison of student admissions data.
Teachers' Considerations of Students' Thinking During Mathematics Lesson Design

Teachers' abilities to design mathematics lessons are related to their capability to mobilize resources to meeting intended learning goals based on their noticing. In this process, knowing how teachers consider Students' thinking is important for understanding how they are making decisions to promote student learning. While teaching, what teachers notice influences their decision-making process. This article explores the mathematics lesson planning practices of four 4th-grade teachers at the same school to understand how their consideration of Students' learning influences planning decisions. Case study methodology was used to gain an in-depth perspective of the mathematics planning practices of the teachers. Results indicate the teachers took varying approaches in how they considered students. One teacher adapted instruction based on Students' conceptual understanding, two teachers aimed at producing skill-efficient students, and the final teacher regulated learning with a strict adherence to daily lessons in curriculum materials, with little emphasis on student understanding. These findings highlight the importance of providing professional development support to teachers focused on their noticing and considerations of Students' mathematical understandings as related to learning outcomes. These findings are distinguished from other studies because of the focus on how teachers consider Students' thinking during lesson planning. This article features a Research to Practice Companion Article. Please click on the supporting information link below to access.
Practical Signal Detection Algorithm for TWACS

Power frequency communication technology takes low and medium voltage distribution networks as the transmission channel,and its modulation signals can penetrate through distribution transformer without any repeater so that it has much longer transmission distance and higher communication reliability.However,as the noise of china,power grid is complicated and changeable,and the detection of uplink signal has been restricting practical process of TWACS.First,this article introduces the traditional time-domain differential detection method;and then the signal pre-processing technology used in this paper is discussed in detail,including analogue circuit and FIR digital filtering technology.Finally,the correlation detection algorithm is presented,and the test result demonstrates the effectiveness of this signal detection method.
New approaches to the treatment of scoliosis.

Customary methods of correcting curvature of the spine—surgery for severely afflicted adults and use of the so-called Milwaukee brace for youngsters—have a number of drawbacks. Among the improved approaches now becoming available are lighter, less obtrusive braces such as an orthoplast jacket molded to the individual's torso, electrostimulation of paraspinal muscles, and implantation of a rod to distract the spine.
A Reversibly Photodissociable Split GFP

Photocaged molecules, including split Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), allow for light-activation of in vivo processes or cargo delivery in a minimally invasive manner while offering precise spatial and temporal resolution. GFP has been circularly permuted to have an N-terminal β-strand (strand 7, s7) with a protease cleavage site inserted in a loop added between s7 and the rest of the protein. After cleavage of the loop to create the split protein, the s7 peptide does not dissociate measurably from GFP. In the presence of light, however, s7 photodissociates from the rest of the protein, resulting in a change in UV-Vis absorbance and diminished fluorescence, similar to a previously reported photodissociable split GFP involving β-strand 10 [1]. The rate of photodissociation depends linearly on the number of incident photons until a light-saturated regime is reached, indicating that photodissociation is a single-photon process. In addition, the rate is a function of temperature, indicating that the rate-limiting step is a thermal dissociation step. Re-association with the missing strand occurs spontaneously without the addition of light to form GFP with spectral properties indistinguishable from the original protein. While split GFP has previously been designed for use as a genetically encoded fluorescence reporter of protein-protein interactions [2], this new s7 split GFP represents the next generation of photocaged molecules, creating the opportunity for active control of protein-protein interactions with light.1. Do, K.; Boxer, S. G., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011,133, 18078–18081.2. Cabantous et al., Scientific Reports, 2013, 3, 2854.
SU-F-T-344: Commissioning Constant Dose Rate VMAT in the Raystation Treatment Planning System for a Varian Clinac IX

Purpose: To demonstrate the commissioning of constant dose rate volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in the Raystation treatment planning system for a Varian Clinac iX with Exact couch. Methods: Constant dose rate (CDR) VMAT is an option in the Raystation treatment planning system, enabling VMAT delivery on Varian linacs without a RapidArc upgrade. Raystation 4.7 was used to commission CDR-VMAT for a Varian Clinac iX. Raystation arc model parameters were selected to match machine deliverability characteristics. A Varian Exact couch model was added to Raystation 4.7 and commissioned for use in VMAT optimization. CDR-VMAT commissioning checks were performed on the linac, including patient-specific QA measurements for 10 test patients using both the ArcCHECK from Sun Nuclear Corporation and COMPASS from IBA Dosimetry. Multi-criteria optimization (MCO) in Raystation was used for CDR-VMAT planning. Results: Raystation 4.7 generated clinically acceptable and deliverable CDR-VMAT plans for the Varian Clinac. VMAT plans were optimized including a model of the Exact couch with both rails in the out positions. CDR-VMAT plans generated with MCO in Raystation were dosimetrically comparable to Raystation MCO-generated IMRT plans. Patient-specific QA measurements with the ArcCHECK on the couch showed good agreement with the treatment planning system prediction. Patient-specific, structure-specific, multi-statistical parameter 3D QA measurements with gantry-mounted COMPASS also showed good agreement. Conclusion: Constant dose rate VMAT was successfully modeled in Raystation 4.7 for a Varian Clinac iX, and Raystation's multicriteria optimization generated constant dose rate VMAT plans which were deliverable and dosimetrically comparable to IMRT plans.
Ramapithecus and Pan paniscus

Attempts to explain human origins go back at least several thousand years, but only in the past 100 years or so have scientific methods begun to make headway against mythical and theological versions of creation. In the short time since Darwin’s The Origin of Species provided a coherent framework for the evolution of life on earth, not only has the data base of fossil discoveries increased enormously, but rapid advances in atomic and molecular techniques have provided, even within the last decade, significant new information on the timing of human evolution and the genetic relations of humans to other primates. Traditional paleoanthropology has been slow to admit the existence and validity of the new information, with the result that many current textbooks in anthropology and much of the current literature fail to present views of human evolution that are compatible with the most objective available evidence—namely, the implications of the molecular data showing the very close relationship of humans to African apes.
The Method of Analysis in Mathematics

Analysis is the reduction of an unknown to the known. Analysis in early chemistry, for example, was the process of determining the constituents — i.e. the known elements — of an unknown chemical substance. In this paper, I shall discuss two examples of analysis in mathematics, namely two different attempts to prove the Pythagorean theorem — one enormously successful, the other less successful and eventually discarded. In the more successful example of analysis, Euclid’s proof of the Pythagorean theorem, the unknown is the Pythagorean theorem, the knowns are the Euclidean axioms, and the method of reduction is to deduce the Pythagorean theorem from the axioms. In the earlier and less successful analysis, the unknown is the Pythagorean theorem, the knowns are the whole numbers, and the method of reduction is to show that geometrical figures (in this case right triangles) can be represented by whole numbers. As I shall explain, the Euclidean method of analysis, i.e. of reducing the unknown to the known, was much more successful than the Pythagorean.
Faunal remains and social status in 19th century Sacramento

The usefulness of faunal remains as evidence of socioeconomic differences in historic Euroamerican sites is examined using 19th century cattle bones from Sacramento, California. Historical evidence is used to place four archaeological deposits along a status scale, and bones from the deposits are analyzed in terms of butchering units (major meat cuts) ranked by 19th century price relationships. The bone collections show clear reflections of the social strata from which they derive and, when graphed cumulatively by butchering units, the collections replicate the relative positions determined for the depositing populations.
The Modeling of Pickup Ion or Energetic Particle Mediated Plasmas

Suprathermal energetic particles, such as solar energetic particles (SEPs) in the inner heliosphere and pickup ions (PUIs) in the outer heliosphere and the very local interstellar medium, often form a thermodynamically dominant component in their various environments. In the supersonic solar wind beyond > 10 AU, in the inner heliosheath (IHS), and in the very local interstellar medium (VLISM), PUIs do not equilibrate collisionally with the background plasma. Similarly, SEPs do not equilibrate collisionally with the background solar wind in the inner heliosphere. In the absence of equilibration between plasma components, a separate coupled plasma description for the energetic particles is necessary. Using a collisionless Chapman-Enskog expansion, we derive a closed system of multi-component equations for a plasma comprised of thermal protons and electrons, and suprathermal particles (SEPs, PUIs). The energetic particles contribute an isotropic scalar pressure to leading order, a collisionless heat flux at the next order, and a collisionless stress tensor at the second-order. The collisionless heat conduction and viscosity in the multi-fluid description results from a nonisotropic energetic particle distribution. A simpler single-fluid MHD-like system of equations with distinct equations of state for both the background plasma and the suprathermal particles is derived. We note briefly potential pitfalls that can emerge in the numerical modeling of collisionless plasma flows that contain a dynamically important energetic particle component.
Patterns of late-life depressive symptoms and subsequent declines in cognitive domains.

Background Depression frequently co-occurs with cognitive decline, but the nature of this association is unclear. We examined relations of late-life depressive symptom patterns to subsequent domain-specific cognitive changes. Methods Depressive symptoms were measured at up to 3 timepoints among 11,675 Nurses' Health Study participants prior to cognitive testing. Depressive symptom patterns were categorized as non-depressed, variable or persistent, based on published severity cutpoints. Outcomes were global, verbal, and executive function-attention composite scores. Results Participants with persistent depressive symptoms had worse executive function-attention decline compared with non-depressed participants (multivariable-adjusted mean difference = −0.03 units/year, 95% CI: −0.05, −0.01; p = 0.003); this difference was comparable with 8 years of aging. However, being in the persistent versus non-depressed group was not significantly related to verbal (p = 0.71) or global score (p = 0.09) decline. By contrast, compared with the non-depressed group, those with variable depressive symptoms had worse verbal memory decline (multivariable-adjusted mean difference = −0.01 units/year, 95% CI: −0.02, −0.002; p = 0.03); this group showed no differences for global or executive function-attention decline. Conclusions A variable pattern of depressive symptom severity related to subsequent decline in verbal memory, while a persistent pattern related to decline in executive function-attention. Findings could signal differences in underlying neuropathologic processes among persons with differing depression patterns and late-life cognitive decline. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.