cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demographic Imperatives and Religious Markets: Considering the Individual and Interactive Roles of Fertility and Switching in Group Growth

Two models seeking to explain the growth and decline of religious groups are prevalent in the literature. The religious market approach emphasizes the role of intergroup competition and in doing so focuses on religious switching. Another perspective emphasizes demographic mechanisms, particularly fertility. Research to date has not considered how switching and fertility interact as mechanisms of growth. Switching and fertility share a significant role in the growth trajectory of a religious group. Early success in gaining members through switching has an important long-term impact which fertility alone cannot produce. The age of those switching into a group can also have significant consequences for the effects of fertility.
Ascorbic acid enables reversible dopamine receptor 3H-agonist binding.

Abstract The effects of ascorbic acid on dopaminergic 3 H-agonist receptor binding were studied in membrane homogenates of bovine anterior pituitary and caudate, and rat striatum. In all tissues virtually no stereospecific binding (defined using luM (+)butaclamol) of the 3 H-agonists N-propylnorapomorphine (NPA), apomorphine, or dopamine could be demonstrated in the absence of ascorbic acid. Although levels of total 3 H-agonist binding were three to five times greater in the absence than in the presence of 0.1% ascorbic acid, the increased binding was entirely non-stereospecific. Greater amounts of dopamine-inhibitable 3 H-NPA binding could be demonstrated in the absence of 0.1% ascorbic acid, but this measure of “specific binding” was demonstrated not to represent dopamine receptor binding since several other catecholamines and catechol were equipotent with dopamine and more potent than the dopamine agonist (±)amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapthalene (ADTN) in inhibiting this binding. High levels of dopamine-displaceable 3 H-agonist binding were detected in fresh and boiled homogenates of cerebellum, an area of brain which receives no dopaminergic innervation, further demonstrating the non-specific nature of 3 H-agonist binding in the absence of ascorbic acid. These studies emphasize that under typical assay conditions ascorbic acid is required in order to demonstrate reversible and specific 3 H-agonist binding to dopamine receptors.
Phylogeny of the American Amaryllidaceae based on nrDNA ITS sequences

Abstract Analysis of three plastid DNA sequences for a broad sampling of Amaryllidaceae resolve the American genera of the Amaryllidaceae as a clade that is sister to the Eurasian genera of the family, but base substitution rates for these genes are too low to resolve much of the intergeneric relationships within the American clade. We obtained ITS rDNA sequences for 76 species of American Amaryllidaceae and analyzed the aligned matrix cladistically, both with and without gaps included, using two species of Pancratium as outgroup taxa. ITS resolves two moderately to strongly supported groups, an Andean tetraploid clade, and a primarily extra-Andean “hippeastroid” clade. Within the hippeastroid clade, the tribe Griffineae is resolved as sister to the rest of Hippeastreae. The genera Rhodophiala and Zephyranthes are resolved as polyphyletic, but the possibility of reticulation within this clade argues against any re-arrangement of these genera without further investigation. Within the Andean subclade, Euste...
Early developments in logical reasoning: Considering alternative possibilities

Abstract Three experiments showed that starting at about 4 years of age children take into account alternative possibilities in reasoning about the location of a hidden object. The children had to infer from event sequences they observed which of several locations might contain a hidden toy and which locations definitely could not. In Experiment 1, there were always two possible places (in an array of four), and 4- and 6-year-old children were quite successful in identifying the two possible locations. In Experiment 2, the number of possibilities varied from one to three (in an array of six), and 4- and 6-year-olds appropriately adjusted the number of locations they chose as the number of possibilities varied, indicating that they could determine how many possibilities were compatible with information they had. In addition, they chose the correct locations (which were always ones the experimenter had visited) over incorrect locations that the experimenter had also visited and over incorrect locations that she had not visited at all. Experiment 3 extended the research to 2 1 2 -, 3-, and 4-year-old children, using an analog of Sperling's partial report technique to evaluate knowledge of alternative possibilities from single searches. Even the 2 1 2 - year-olds showed some logical reasoning, but only the 4-year-olds gave evidence of considering more than one possibility.
Properties of one-zero scores in observational studies of primate social behavior: The effect of assumptions on empirical analyses

Empirical analyses of techniques for observing spontaneous social behavior have been guided by implicit assumptions about the techniques’ validity, reliability, and comparability. The actual duration and actual frequency of a behavior have been used as intuitive standards of validity. Noncorrespondence among absolute values obtained from these measures and from one-zero scores has been taken to mean that one-zero scores are invalid. An analysis of macaque and gelada grooming relationships demonstrated how unjustified assumptions about absolute values can affect conclusions. A statistical comparison of four types of observation scores, and a multiple-regression analysis of one-zero scores, contradicted assumptions made previously about reliability and validity. The four methods were comparable and all were reasonably accurate.
A Simulated Clinical Skills Scenario to Teach Interprofessional Teamwork to Health Profession Students

The Eastern Pennsylvania Delaware Geriatric Education Center developed an Interprofessional Clinical Skills Scenario (CSS) to facilitate development of teamwork skills, specifically decision making, communication and collaboration, in health professions students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational and physical therapy programs. The case scenario provides students with the opportunity to practice communication and collaboration with a team and standardized patient and caregiver in a simulated clinical setting. The CSS was integrated into an existing occupational therapy course in 2011. Students were recruited by faculty from various schools (health professions, pharmacy, nursing, medicine) throughout the university to participate in the CSS. The program evaluation included demographic assessment, process, and outcome measures. 166 students have participated in the CSS. Pre- and post-tests measured students’ attitude toward healthcare teams. A Team Observation Tool was used by faculty and standardized patients/caregivers to evaluate student teams on communication, information sharing, and team interaction. A satisfaction survey was completed by the learners at the end of the CSS. This simulated Clinical Skills Scenario is a practical, interactive exercise that allows teams of interprofessional students to practice teamwork skills and patient-centered care with standardized patients and caregivers. Following a review of the learning activity and evaluation tools, the authors reflect on the effectiveness of the evaluation process for this CSS.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy with Simultaneous Independent Topography

4Corrosion Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota,Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USAbDepartment of Physics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, USAABSTRACTA new method to perform scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and topography simultaneously is described here. The newmethod uses a conventional scanning microelectrode to sense species released by local electrochemical reactions on the surface of asample, combined with shear-force feedback to maintain the probe at a constant distance from the surface of the material. By using shear-force feedback, larger electrochemical currents can be detected at the microelectrode because the probe is scanned at a closer distancefrom the surface of the sample. The new method has yielded high lateral resolution topography and SECM images are reported here.
Reprints from Computing Reviews

As a service to our readers, SIGACT News has an agreement with Computing Reviews to reprint reviews of books and articles of interest to the theoretical computer science community. Computing Reviews is a monthly journal that publishes critical reviews on a broad range of computing subjects, including models of computation, formal languages, computational complexity theory, analysis of algorithms, and logics and semantics of programs. ACM members can receive a subscription to Computing Reviews for $43 per year by writing to ACM headquarters.
Boundary integral equation methods for two-dimensional models of crack-field interactions

An introduction to the application of surface integral equation methods to the calculation of eddy current-flaw interactions is presented. Two two-dimensional problems are presented which are solved by the boundary integral equation method. Application of collocation methods reduces the problems to systems of linear algebraic equations. The first problem is that of a closed surface crack in a flat slab with an AC magnetic field parallel to the plane of the crack. The second is that of av-groove crack in the AC field of a pair of parallel wires placed parallel to the vertex of the crack. In both cases, maps of the current densities at the surface are displayed, as well as the impedance changes due to the cracks.
Cosmological bounds on the lifetime of a fourth generation charged lepton

Abstract If a fourth generation of leptons exists, both the neutrino and the charged lepton must have masses in excess of 45 GeV. It is certainly possible that the neutrino will be the heavier of the two. In this case, the charged lepton can only decay through mixing with lighter generations, and might thus be extremely long-lived. We calculate the bounds on the mass and lifetime of long-lived charged particles which arise from terrestrial experiments, from astrophysical searches for the decay products and from cosmology. The strongest bounds come from the requirement that the decay products not unacceptably distort the cosmic microwave background. Phenomenological implications are also briefly discussed.
Interactive effects of senescence and natural disturbance on the annual survival probabilities of snail kites

Individuals in wild populations face risks associated with both intrinsic (i.e. aging) and external (i.e. environmental) sources of mortality. Condition-dependent mortality occurs when there is an interaction between such factors; however, few studies have clearly demonstrated condition-dependent mortality and some have even argued that condition-dependent mortality does not occur in wild avian populations. Using large sample sizes (2084 individuals, 3746 re-sights) of individual-based longitudinal data collected over a 33 year period (1976–2008) on multiple cohorts, we used a capture–mark–recapture framework to model age-dependent survival in the snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus population in Florida. Adding to the growing amount of evidence for actuarial senescence in wild populations, we found evidence of senescent declines in survival probabilities in adult kites. We also tested the hypothesis that older kites experienced condition-dependent mortality during a range-wide drought event (2000–2002). The results provide convincing evidence that the annual survival probability of senescent kites was disproportionately affected by the drought relative to the survival probability of prime-aged adults. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of condition-dependent mortality to be demonstrated in a wild avian population, a finding which challenges recent conclusions drawn in the literature. Our study suggests that senescence and condition-dependent mortality can affect the demography of wild avian populations. Accounting for these sources of variation may be particularly important to appropriately compute estimates of population growth rate, and probabilities of quasi-extinctions.
Diophantine Definability and Decidability in Large Subrings of Totally Real Number Fields and Their Totally Complex Extensions of Degree 2

Abstract Let M be a number field. Let W be a set of non-archimedean primes of M. LetOM,W={x∈M∣ordpx⩾0 ∀p∉W}. The author continues her investigation of Diophantine definability and decidability in rings OM,W where W is infinite. In this paper, she improves her previous density estimates and extends the results to the totally complex extensions of degree 2 of the totally real fields. In particular, the following results are proved: (1) Let M be a totally real field or a totally complex extension of degree 2 of a totally real field. Then, for any e>0, there exists a set WM of primes of M whose density is greater than 1−[M: Q ]−1−e and such that Z has a Diophantine definition over OM,WM. (Thus, Hilbert's Tenth Problem is undecidable in OM,WM.) (2) Let M be as above and let e>0 be given. Let S Q be the set of all rational primes splitting in M. (If the extension is Galois but not cyclic, S Q contains all the rational primes.) Then there exists a set of M-primes WM such that the set of rational primes W Q below WM differs from S Q by a set contained in a set of density less than e and such that Z has a Diophantine definition over OM,WM. (Again this will imply that Hilbert's Tenth Problem is undecidable in OM,WM.)
Nerve growth factor.

Publisher Summary Nerve growth factor (NGF) is one of an increasing number of growth factors that has been recognized as being essential for the survival and maintenance of specific types of cells. This chapter discusses the nerve growth factor from mouse submaxillary gland, the high molecular weight form of NGF (7 S NGF), the biosynthesis of NGF, snake venom NGF, and the mechanism of action of NGF. Two types of nerve cells are absolutely dependent on NGF for their normal development; the adrenergic neurons in the sympathetic ganglia and one of the two types of neurons in embryonic sensory ganglia. Several roles have been proposed for the 7 S NGF complex, such as NGF as the critical permissive agent in the growth of certain nerve cells, and as a messenger relaying information from the periphery of the nerve cell to its cell body. However, interaction of NGF with this receptor that leads to neurite outgrowth during ontogenetic development, is not yet understood, nor is the process, which leads to internalization of NGF and increased neurotransmitter synthesis at a later stage of development, or in the mature neuron. The chapter suggests that elucidation of any one of these issues will greatly advance our understanding of this important growth factor.
Whole ecosystem manipulation: A productive avenue for test system research?

Single-species, microcosm and mesocosm toxicity tests frequently have been shown to be inadequate in assessing impacts on whole ecosystems, yet effective environmental management requires attention to such impacts. Whole ecosystem manipulation provides community and ecosystem level assessment, but is expensive and logistically demanding. Thus most whole ecosystem experiments are pseudoreplicated, which gives them limited inferential capability. We present the results of two whole ecosystem experiments — dosing of stream channels with chlorine and ammonia and acidification of a lake — and review several other such experiments from the literature. Most whole ecosystem studies are complex, expensive, involve multiple investigators and have a low degree of true replication. Difficulty in replicating whole system manipulations makes quantifying cause-effect relationships difficult, but this can be partially overcome by carefully developing the inferences from an investigation. In sum, we suggest that such experiments do indeed represent a useful test system, and that they are the only acceptable way of discerning impacts at the community and ecosystem levels.
The Life and Collection of Eberhardt W. Heinrich

All specimen photos by the author of specimens from the Heinrich collection in the A. E. Seaman Mineral MuseumLike all major public mineral collections, that at the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum at M...
Ion implantation, ion beam mixing, and annealing studies of metals in Al2O3, SiC and Si3N4☆

Abstract Ion scattering/channeling, TEM, EPR and optical microscopy are utilized to determine the structural modifications of ion implanted and annealed Al2O3, SiC, and Si3N4, and to correlate these modifications to surface mechanical property measurements. Ion beam mixing is also studied for inducing increased adherence of metal films on these insulators.
Replacement of event-generated memories of nonreinforcement with signal-generated memories of reinforcement during partial reinforcement training : effect on resistance to extinction

Event-generated memory refers to the memory of a reinforcement (R) or nonreinforcement (N) event from an immediately preceding trial;signal-generated memory refers to the memory of a temporally remote R or N, retrieval of which is generated by presentation of a signal with which the memory is associated (Haggbloom, 1988). In each of three experiments, Group Signal-R received runway discrimination training in Phase 1 to establish a stimulus as a signal for R, and partial reinforcement training in Phase 2. An extinction test measured learning about the memory of nonreward (SN)—learning that occurs when SN is retrieved on R trials that follow N trials. In Group Signal-H, those R trials were accompanied by the signal for R, a treatment we hypothesized would generate retrieval of the memory of reinforcement (SR) so that signal-generated SR would replace event-generated SN as the operative memory, thereby eliminating the increased resistance to extinction normally produced by PRF training. In each experiment, Group Signal-R was less resistant to extinction than was a control group conditioned to respond to-event-generated SN. Extinction was as rapid in Group Signal-R as it was in a consistent reinforcement control group (Experiment 1) and in a group given intertrial reinforcements to interfere with learning about SN (Experiment 3). Experiment 2 tested two alternative interpretations of the failure to learn about SN in Group Signal-R. Those alternatives were found to be less viable than the hypothesis that the signal for R actively recruited retrieval of a competing memory.
Cross-site comparison of soil microbial biomass, soil nutrient status, and nematode trophic groups

Summary Soil microbial biomass, soil nutrient status, and nematode trophic groups were examined at the Coweeta, Harvard Forest, and Hubbard Brook Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. Soils were divided into standardized depths (0–5 cm and 5–10 cm) for all analyses. Microbial biomass, nematode abundance and labile soil phosphorus levels were significantly higher in the 0–5 cm soil than in the 5–10 cm soil. Overall, both Harvard Forest and Hubbard Brook had greater nematode abundance and soil phosphorus than Coweeta, while Harvard Forest had the highest levels of microbial biomass. Bacterial feeders, followed by fungal feeders and Tylenchidae were the dominant nematode trophic groups at all three sites. Soil factors such as organic matter, root biomass and total soil C and N contributed to increased levels of microbial biomass, nematode abundance and soil phosphorus levels. In contrast, litter quality and climatic factors such as temperature and moisture apparently had little effect upon the parameters measured. This study illustrates the complex interrelationships between decomposer communities, climate, litter quantity, litter quality, soil nutrients, and site specific ecosystem processes. Continued long-term, cross-site ecosystem studies remain necessary to better understand the complex and dynamic processes causing variability both within and between ecosystems.
In vitro sensitivity of bacteria to sulfonamide combinations as compared to single sulfonamides.

ConclusionThe use of sulfonamide mixtures in preference to a single effective sulfonamidle is justified only when in vitro sensitivity tests demonstrate for the components of the mixture either an additive or a potentiating effect. Such tests suggest that this is likely to be true in the majority of coccal infections, but not for gram-negative bacillary infections.
THE 80S LOOP OF THE CATALYTIC CHAIN OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ASPARTATE TRANSCARBAMOYLASE IS CRITICAL FOR CATALYSIS AND HOMOTROPIC COOPERATIVITY

The X-ray structure of the Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase with the bisubstrate analog phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA) bound shows that PALA interacts with Lys84 from an adjacent catalytic chain. To probe the function of Lys84, site-specific mutagenesis was used to convert Lys84 to alanine, threonine, and asparagine. The K84N and K84T enzymes exhibited 0.08 and 0.29% of the activity of the wild-type enzyme, respectively. However, the K84A enzyme retained 12% of the activity of the wild-type enzyme. For each of these enzymes, the affinity for aspartate was reduced 5- to 10-fold, and the affinity for carbamoyl phosphate was reduced 10- to 30-fold. The enzymes K84N and K84T exhibited no appreciable cooperativity, whereas the K84A enzyme exhibited a Hill coefficient of 1.8. The residual cooperativity and enhanced activity of the K84A enzyme suggest that in this enzyme another mechanism functions to restore catalytic activity. Modeling studies as well as molecular dynamics simulations suggest that in the case of only the K84A enzyme, the lysine residue at position 83 can reorient into the active site and complement for the loss of Lys84. This hypothesis was tested by the creation and analysis of the K83A enzyme and a double mutant enzyme (DM) that has both Lys83 and Lys84 replaced by alanine. The DM enzyme has no cooperativity and exhibited 0.18% of wild-type activity, while the K83A enzyme exhibited 61% of wild-type activity. These data suggest that Lys84 is not only catalytically important, but is also essential for binding both substrates and creation of the high-activity, high-affinity active site. Since low-angle X-ray scattering demonstrated that the mutant enzymes can be converted to the R-structural state, the loss of cooperativity must be related to the inability of these mutant enzymes to form the high-activity, high-affinity active site characteristic of the R-functional state of the enzyme.
Intracellular K+ activities in Aplysia gut: effects of transport inhibitors on the Na+ pump.

Abstract Na + absorption by the Aplysia californica foregut is affected through an active Na + transport mechanism located in the basolateral membrane of the epithelial absorptive cells. Since Cl − absorption by the Aplysia gut has been shown to be very different from that demonstrated in vertebrate gut, the present study was undertaken to discern if Na + transport was also different from that observed in vertebrate preparations. Utilizing microelectrode technique, it was demonstrated that intracellular K + activity is above electrochemical equilibrium in the Aplysia absorptive cells and that serosal ouabain, Ba 2+ or Cd 2+ abolished this asymmetry in K + electrochemical potential. Neither bumetanide nor furosemide had any effect on intracellular K + activities, mucosal membrane potentials or transepithelial potentials in the Aplysia gut preparation. These results are consistent with the operation of a basolateral Na + /K + pump.
Preliminary Findings on Asian Americans "The Model Minority" in a Small Private East Coast College

The findings of this study support the popular stereotype that the Asian-American college student is a "model minority" who tends to major in the sciences. This study also raises questions about the potential damage this stereotype has on young Asian Americans. Asian-American students compared with non-Asian-American students on intellectual abilities and socioeconomic background were (a) less likely to graduate than their matches, (b) more likely to be placed on academic probation, (c) have a lower grade point average, and (d) withdraw from the university than their non-Asian matches.
Human Community as Holy Rite: An Interpretation of Confucius' Analects

The remarks which follow are aimed at revealing the magic power which Confucius saw, quite correctly, as the very essence of human virtue. And it is finally by way of the magical that we can also arrive at the best vantage point for seeing the holiness in human existence which Confucius saw as central. In the twentieth century, this central role of the holy in Confucius' teaching has been largely ignored because we have failed to grasp the existential point of that teaching.
Peripheral μ-opioid receptors attenuate the augmented exercise pressor reflex in rats with chronic femoral artery occlusion

Recently, opioid receptors have been shown to be expressed on group III and IV afferents, which comprise the sensory arm of the exercise pressor reflex. Although the stimulation of opioid receptors...
High dynamic range thermometry at 5 kHz in hydrogen–air diffusion flame using chirped‐probe‐pulse femtosecond coherent anti‐stokes Raman scattering

Chirped probe pulse femtosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CPP fs-CARS) thermometry was performed at 5 kHz in a hydrogen jet diffusion flame with an air co-flow. Measurements were performed at different heights and radial locations within the jet diffusion flame, up to 16 nozzle exit diameters downstream (x/d = 16). The near-nozzle measurements were characterized by large, organized, buoyancy-driven instabilities that become more chaotic at the downstream locations x/d ≥ 4. The diffusion flame results highlight temperature fluctuations characteristic of the buoyancy-driven Kelvin–Helmholtz-type instability and provide new insights into the transient structure of these flames. At some measurement locations, the time-varying temperatures ranged from 300 K to nearly 2400 K. The CPP fs-CARS signal intensity is a factor of approximately 1000 times lower at 2400 K compared with 300 K. A dual-channel detection system was used to increase the dynamic range of the CARS measurements. The determination of temperature from the single shot spectra is discussed in detail. Laser and detection system parameters were determined from CPP fs-CARS spectra obtained from a near-adiabatic laminar calibration flame apparatus. The temperature precision of the system was determined from these calibration measurements and was found to be better than 2.0% at 2200 K. The influence of an instrument response function on spectral fitting parameters is systematically assessed. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
An infinite element for Maxwell's equations

A new Infinite Element (IE) approximation for steady-state Maxwell's equations is proposed. The IE is compatible with a new class of hp Finite Element (FE) discretizations presented in [13,32]. Following [12], a convergence analysis for the proposed coupled FE/IE approximations is presented.
An exact zero-skew clock routing algorithm

An exact zero-skew clock routing algorithm using the Elmore delay model is presented. The results have been verified with accurate waveform simulation. The authors first review a linear time delay computation method. A recursive bottom-up algorithm is then proposed for interconnecting two zero-skewed subtrees to a new tree with zero skew. The algorithm can be applied to single-staged clock trees, multistaged clock trees, and multi-chip system clock trees. The approach is ideal for hierarchical methods of constructing large systems. All subsystems can be constructed in parallel and independently, then interconnected with exact zero skew. Extensions to the routing of optimum nonzero-skew clock trees (for cycle stealing) and multiphased clock trees are also discussed. >
Speriolin is a novel human and mouse sperm centrosome protein

background: Oocytes in humans, mice and other mammals lack identifiable centrioles. The proximal centriole brought in by the fertilizing sperm in humans and most other mammals appears to gives rise to the centrioles at the spindle poles in the zygote, and is believed to indicate that centrioles are inherited through the paternal lineage. However, both the proximal and distal sperm centrioles degenerate in mice and other rodents. A bipolar mitotic spindle nucleates from multiple centrosome-like structures in the mouse zygote and centrioles are not seen until the blastocyst stage, suggesting that centrioles are inherited through the maternal lineage in mice. We previously identified speriolin as a spermatogenic cell-specific binding partner of Cdc20 that co-localizes with pericentrin in mouse spermatocytes and is present in the centrosome in round spermatids. methods: The nature and localization of speriolin in mouse and human sperm and the fate of speriolin following fertilization in the mouse were determined using immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy and western blotting. results: Speriolin surrounds the intact proximal centriole in human sperm, but is localized at the periphery of the disordered distal centriole in mouse sperm. Human speriolin contains an internal 163-amino acid region not present in mouse that may contribute to localization differences. Speriolin is carried into the mouse oocyte during fertilization and remains associated with the decondensing sperm head in zygotes. The speriolin spot appears to undergo duplication or splitting during the first interphase and is detectable in 2-cell embryos. conclusions: Speriolin is a novel centrosomal protein present in the connecting piece region of mouse and human sperm that is transmitted to the mouse zygote and can be detected throughout the first mitotic division.
FMRP Associates with Polyribosomes as an mRNP, and the I304N Mutation of Severe Fragile X Syndrome Abolishes This Association

Fragile X mental retardation is caused by the lack of FMRP, a selective RNA-binding protein associated with ribosomes. A missense mutation, I304N, has been found to result in an unusually severe phenotype. We show here that normal FMRP associates with elongating polyribosomes via large mRNP particles. Despite normal expression and cytoplasmic mRNA association, the I304N FMRP is incorporated into abnormal mRNP particles that are not associated with polyribosomes. These data indicate that association of FMRP with polyribosomes must be functionally important and imply that the mechanism of the severe phenotype in the I304N patient lies in the sequestration of bound mRNAs in nontranslatable mRNP particles. In the absence of FMRP, these same mRNAs may be partially translated via alternative mRNPs, although perhaps abnormally localized or regulated, resulting in typical fragile X syndrome.
The Role of Oceanic Mesoscale Features on the Tropical Cyclone-Induced Mixed Layer Response: A Case Study

Abstract Oceanic mixed layer (ML) response to Hurricane Gilbert in the western Gulf of Mexico is investigated in this paper using the Miami Isopycnic Coordinate Ocean Model (MICOM). Three snapshots of oceanic observations indicated that a Loop Current Warm Core Eddy (LCWCE) contributed significantly to the ML heat and mass budgets. To examine the time evolution of different physical processes in the ML, MICOM is initialized with realistic, climatological, and quiescent conditions for the same realistic forcing. The ML evolves differently for the realistic background condition with the LCWCE in the domain; differences between climatological and quiescent conditions remain small. Mixed layer temperature (MLT) and ML depth (MLD) differences of up to 1°C and 30 m are directly attributed to horizontal advective processes in the LCWCE regime due to preexisting velocities. Comparison of simulated temperatures using realistic conditions in the model shows improved agreement with profiler observations. Using four ...
Bad Nature, Bad Nurture, and Testimony Regarding MAOA and SLC6A4 Genotyping at Murder Trials*

Recent research-in which subjects were studied longitudinally from childhood until adulthood-has started to clarify how a child's environment and genetic makeup interact to create a violent adolescent or adult. For example, male subjects who were born with a particular allele of the monoamine oxidase A gene and also were maltreated as children had a much greater likelihood of manifesting violent antisocial behavior as adolescents and adults. Also, individuals who were born with particular alleles of the serotonin transporter gene and also experienced multiple stressful life events were more likely to manifest serious depression and suicidality. This research raises the question of whether testimony regarding a defendant's genotype, exposure to child maltreatment, and experience of unusual stress is appropriate to present during the guilt or penalty phases of criminal trials, especially when capital punishment is a consideration. The authors present their experience in genotyping criminal defendants and presenting genetic information at criminal trials.
Progressive Central Puberty in a Toddler with Partial Androgen Insensitivity

A male infant was diagnosed with partial androgen insensitivity caused by a novel mutation in the androgen receptor. At 3.5 months of age, he received 100 mg of testosterone intramuscularly over the course of 3 months to increase phallic size. He developed pubic hair after 5 months and signs of progressive central precocious puberty when re-examined at 17.5 months, which subsequently was suppressed with depot leuprolide.
Buprenorphine treatment of opiate and cocaine abuse: clinical and preclinical studies.

Buprenorphine, an opioid mixed agonist-antagonist, is a potent analgesic that appears to be effective for the treatment of opiate abuse. Recent preclinical studies have shown that buprenorphine also significantly reduces cocaine self-administration by rhesus monkeys for periods up to 120 days. This unexpected finding has led to clinical trials to evaluate buprenorphine's effectiveness for the treatment of dependence on both cocaine and opiates, as defined by DSM-III-R criteria. Buprenorphine's safety in combination with cocaine and opiates and its effects on electroencephalographic sleep patterns and regional cerebral blood flow were evaluated during inpatient studies. Buprenorphine (4 or 8 mg/day given sublingually) did not accentuate the cardiovascular and respiratory changes induced by an acute challenge dose of cocaine (30 mg given intravenously) or morphine (10 mg given intravenously) alone. In an outpatient open trial, buprenorphine significantly reduced both opiate and cocaine abuse by patients who...
A simulation-based approach to analyze the information diffusion in microblogging online social network

In this paper we propose a stochastic multi-agent based approach to analyze the information diffusion in Microblogging Online Social Networks (OSNs). OSNs, like Twitter and Facebook, became extremely popular and are being used to target marketing campaigns. Key known issues on this targeting is to be able to predict human behavior like posting a message with regard to some topics, and to analyze the emergent behavior of such actions. We explore Barack Obama's Twitter network as an egocentric network to present our simulation-based approach and predictive behavior modeling. Through experimental analysis, we evaluated the impact of inactivating both Obama and the most engaged users, aiming at understanding the influence of those users that are the most likely to disseminate information over the network.
Soil nutrient and plant responses to solarization in an agroecosystem utilizing an organic nutrient source

Soil solarization is used to manage nematodes, pathogens and weeds, but relatively few studies have examined solarization effects on soil mineral nutrients, soil properties and plant tissue nutrients. This study was designed to optimize the duration of solarization treatment for the management of soil and plant nutrients and crop biomass in an agroecosystem utilizing an organic nutrient source. The experiment was a split-plot with treatment duration as the main effect and solarization as the sub-effect. Solarization treatments of 2-, 4- and 6-week durations began on sequential dates and concluded in mid-August. Immediately post-treatment, okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) seedlings were transplanted into subplots for tissue nutrient analysis. Freshly chopped cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] hay was applied to the soil surface directly around the okra seedlings as an organic nutrient source. Immediately following solarization treatment, concentrations of soil K and Mn were higher, while Cu and Zn concentrations were lower in solarized soils than in non-solarized soils. Soil pH was slightly lower in solarized plots. Concentrations of K, N, Mg and Mn in okra leaf tissue were higher in solarized plots than in non-solarized plots, but concentrations of P and Zn were lower in plants grown in solarized soil. Okra biomass was three and four times higher in the 4- and 6-week solarization treatments than in non-solarized treatments. Based on data from this experiment, 4- and 6-week durations of solarization were optimal for increasing crop biomass. The data indicate that solarization has significant effects on soil and plant nutrients. Results of the nutrient analyses suggest that the availability of nutrients from an organic source was not limited by solarization.
Imprinted X chromosome inactivation offers up a double dose of epigenetics.

The first disparity between the sexes occurs upon fertilization: the sex chromosome complement is asymmetric in mammals, with females bearing two Xs and males bearing one X and one Y. Because of this, evolutionary forces have selected for one of the most fascinating epigenetic events in chromosome biology—the process of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females. XCI compensates for the presence of the single male X, thus equalizing the dosage of most X-linked gene products (1). In fact, failure to inactivate the X chromosome results in female embryonic lethality. The phenomenon of X inactivation is now under the umbrella of the “Epigenetics” field, but it was really the advances in the molecular studies of the XCI and genomic imprinting that helped build awareness of how epigenetic mechanisms contributed to gene regulation—in fact, some would say genomic imprinting and XCI are among the founding members of the Epigenetics field. Years of intense studies in the mouse have revealed that XCI occurs in two rounds (2): After fertilization, inactivation of the paternally inherited X (Xp) occurs, a process designated as imprinted XCI (3). Subsequently, the Xp is reactivated in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Later in the epiblast, random inactivation of either the maternal or paternal X occurs (Fig. 1). All in all, the X chromosome has a very busy life! Imprinted XCI has been less amenable to mechanistic analyses, but several groups have been steadily peeling back the layers of epigenetic information involved in its regulation. Whether the Xp is primed for preferential XCI during preimplantation, and, if so, when the imprint is laid down, has been …
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Aldehyde Dehydrogenases

Saccharomyces cerevisiae can grow aerobically on ethanol as a sole carbon and energy source. The oxidation of ethanol to acetate is catalyzed by the actions of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). ADH catalyzes the formation of acetaldehyde from ethanol and ALDH oxidizes the acetaldehyde to acetate.
Kinetics of Photosynthetic Carbon Dioxide Assimilation and Oxygen Evolution in a Green Alga

Brief inspection of the empirical summary equation of photosynthesis reveals that one molecule of oxygen is produced for each molecule of carbon dioxide fixed: $$\rm CO_2+2H_2O\ {\mathop{\longrightarrow}\limits_{green\ plant}}\ (CH_2O)+H_2O+O_2$$ The purpose of this experiment is to compare the kinetics of carbon dioxide assimilation and oxygen evolution in the alga Scenedesmus obliquus over a period of steady-state (constant rate) photosynthesis.
Gallium Oxide as a Host for Rare Earth Elements

Pulsed Electron Beam Deposition (PEBD) and Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) were used to grow Gallium Oxide (Ga2O3) thin films on double sided polished sapphire substrates. At 850°C substrate temperature, smooth single crystal β-Ga2O3 films were obtained, which were confirmed with measurements by AFM of RMS surface roughness of about 1 nm. When characterized under electron beam excitation, the films exhibited different responses. For example: Europium doped films emitted intense red emission from 5D0 to 7Fj transitions while exhibiting weak broad emission from 300 to 500 nm. In contrast, Erbium doped films emitted strong emission from 300 to 500 nm peaked at 360 nm that was attributed to defects in the host matrix. Green emission from the Erbium transitions was observed at 528 and 550 nm. Films with different rare earth compositions varying from 0.1 % to 0.4 % were also prepared. High quality natural waveguides were formed with the deposited Ga2O3 films on the lower refractive index substrate sapphire. This was confirmed by measuring the refractive index by prism coupling and sharp coupling spectra.
Heterogeneous Modeling and Design of Control Systems

Complex control systems integrate a variety of functions and capabilities, which will in general rely on different computational mechanisms. The plant model may be represented as a set of ordinary differential equations, the mode switching logic may be expressed as a finite state machine, and dataflow models may be used to capture the architecture of a sensor processing subsystem, for example. Design tools are needed that can support these heterogeneous models of computation—and their integration within a single control system.
Overlearing Reversal Effect on a Conditional Discrimination Task

Overtraining facilitated reversal learning on a conditional discrimination task. Theoretical issues arise from the fact that, in such a problem, it is difficult to classify cues as either relevant or irrelevant.
The Effect of Sevin on Honey Bees

Aerial applications of 1¼pounds of Sevin® (1-naphthyl N methylcarbamate) per acre were made on 73,610 acres in two counties in New York State between May 21 and June 10, 1959, Twenty-one colonies of honey bees were placed in five locations within the treated area, Five check colonies were placed 3; miles outside of the treated area. Gary traps were placed 011 all colonies. During the spray and postspray period of 47 days treated colonies lost a mean of 19,917 bees while check colonies lost a mean of 2,936 bees, Mortalities were above normal for up to tl weeks following the insecticide applications. Colony recovery was rapid. Some cases of European foul brood resulted from weakening of the colonies.
Quantifying Iron Concentration in Local and Synthetic Acid Mine Drainage: A New Technique Using Handheld Field Spectrometers

Pit lakes present a concern for public safety and environmental quality. With continuing advancement of imaging satellites, remote sensing spectroscopy may provide a useful tool for monitoring pit water quality across vast mining districts. Visible to shortwave infrared remote sensing has been widely used to monitor acid mine drainage (AMD) mineralogy at mine sites. However, few studies have examined the spectral signatures of mine-affected waters and open pit water bodies from a remote platform. The motivation for this study was to identify the spectral characteristics of AMD in a controlled laboratory setting in order to better interpret mine water bodies in remote sensing imagery. The spectral response of synthetic and local AMD were measured using a field spectrometer. Solutions with increasing Fe3+ and Fe2+ concentrations were mixed to mimic the chemical properties of local AMD. Synthetic solutions with known Fe concentrations were compared with local AMD for quantitative assessment. The spectral signatures of Fe3+ dominated waters possessed distinct characteristics that may be used for diagnostic identification. Specifically, the region between 0.35 and 0.625 µm was used to approximately quantify Fe3+ concentrations. Subtle changes in Fe concentrations in local AMD were identified using a field spectrometer alone. These findings suggest that subtle changes in open pit water quality may also be qualitatively and quantitatively measured by remote sensing spectroscopy.
Population and Potential PowerISA, 2016

Powerful countries continue to be the critical component by which the international system is created. The paper investigates differing potential and actual power possibilities between the developing and developed world focusing primarily on both the United States and China. It argues that traditional policies of power creation, conflict, economic development, and cross-national corporation are no longer viable to the developed world and that the last remaining policy is immigration and assimilation of new population. This comparative study shows that the United States became the current dominant nation because it benefited from early, effective immigration policy, while increased barriers to immigration introduced in the mid-20th century reduced potential power. China benefited extensively from nearly thirty years of continuous high levels of economic growth but may have undermined their future power potential via the single child policy that distorted cohort structures. China’s astronomical rise in ranking to the point of challenging the global dominance of the United States will be tempered by an aging population and domestic demands generated by the anticipated massive rural to urban migration anticipated in the next half decade.
Research on College Students' Honesty Education in the New Period in China

in the background of constructing socialist harmonious society,the construction of national credit system in China has been launched.The education of honesty and credit consciousness,culture is an important problem can not be ignored the construction of national credit system.Contemporary college students as the future builders and successors of socialism,is one of the main objects of honesty education.At present,discreditable behavior of contemporary college students is more prominent,it is unfavorable to their healthy growth and becoming useful persons.In order to further improve the quality of training the talents,we must face up to the problems,and in-depth analysis of the causes of the problem,and then through targeted measures to resolve the problem.
Reduction of diagnostic fail data volume and tester time using a dynamic N-cover algorithm

This paper presents an algorithm for reducing the test data volume collected by a tester for defect diagnosis of an IC and the tester time. The tester executes the tests and transfers the failing test responses one by one from the tester capture memory to the tester data-logs. While the tester is transferring the fail data, the proposed algorithm analyzes the failing outputs for every test and determines if the test is a potential contributor to the identification of defects. If not, then the test is eliminated from the tester data-logs. Otherwise, the test may replace an existing test or be added as a new test. The addition and replacement of tests continue until the algorithm determines that the fail data transferred to the tester data-logs is sufficient for accurate defect diagnosis. The early termination of the fail data transfer reduces the overall tester time. The effectiveness of the method was verified using real defects in industry fabricated dies. The algorithm was also implemented in a test program library and integrated into a production fail flow for sort data-log optimization. The overhead of the algorithm was minimal, and yielded a 5x reduction in the test data trasfer time.
Introducing Azure and Visual Studio Team Services

DevOps is the union of people, process, and products that enables continuous delivery of value to our end users.