cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noise analysis of a class of oscillators

This paper presents noise analysis of a class of oscillators, which can be modeled by a positive feedback system with a frequency-selective Mth-order filter, an ideal comparator, and a white noise source. An explicit analytical expression for the output power spectral density is derived. A simplified expression is obtained for a special case when the Mth-order filter is replaced by a second-order bandpass filter. The general expression is shown to reduce to a well-known result if a high and-factor filter is further assumed. Theoretical results presented here are verified by experiment.
Isolation of acetolactate synthase homologs in common sunflower

Abstract A common sunflower population from Howard, SD (HSD) was previously determined to be cross-resistant to imazethapyr and chlorimuron-ethyl, both acetolactate synthase–inhibiting (ALS) herbicides. Experiments were conducted to determine if target-site polymorphisms could act as a mechanism of ALS-inhibitor herbicide resistance in the HSD common sunflower. Approximately 1,600 nucleotides were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced from putative ALS gene(s) in common sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke. In sunflower, two different amplification products were detected that differed by a nine-basepair deletion. This suggested the presence of at least two ALS genes in common sunflower that could contribute to the herbicide resistance phenotype. In addition, an Ala205 to Val205 substitution was observed in several clones from resistant common sunflower (amino acid position is relative to the full-length mouse-ear cress ALS protein). Previously documented mutations at this position in other spe...
DECOMPOSITION OF NITROGENOUS COMPOUNDS BY INTESTINAL BACTERIA IN HUMMINGBIRDS

Abstract Degradation of urinary nitrogen-containing compounds by bacteria in the ceca of birds occurs in a number of herbivorous and omnivorous species, and cecal absorption of the products of that degradation has been reported in chickens. This recycling of nitrogen may play an important role in nitrogen balance, especially in those species with low dietary nitrogen intake. We report, for the first time, degradation of nitrogenous compounds by intestinal bacteria in a bird that is nectarivorous and lacks ceca, Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna). Hummingbirds subsist year-round on a liquid diet with an exceptionally low-nitrogen content. Ureteral urine containing ammonia, urea, and uric acid has been observed in the lower intestinal tract of Anna's Hummingbird. Bacteria obtained from intestinal contents and homogenates of the anterior and posterior intestine of this species were able to break down uric acid, urea, and potassium urate, but not sodium urate. This degradation is the necessary first step in th...
Accelerating the Theory and Practice of Sustainability-Oriented Innovation

The purpose of this paper is to provide a broad understanding of the concept and process of sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI). It provides a useful starting point for people aiming to invest human, financial, and other resources in innovations that improve the world. While we build on the best available scholarship, our academic contribution is primarily one of synthesis and simplification. Academic and practitioner readers who are savvy either in innovation and entrepreneurship or in sustainability will find it most useful, as a bridge between these two fields.Our ideal readers might include:• An entrepreneur wanting to understand sustainability as a business opportunity• A financier aiming to invest in an SOI to diversify the portfolio• A corporate R&D group seeking to integrate sustainability into its innovation process• A corporate strategy or venture capital group considering strategic investments in SOI• A corporate sustainability group looking to support top-line growth through innovation• A public agency willing to craft regulations and policies to spur SOI• Graduate students considering entry into any of these rolesOur goal is to provide the basis for a common language and understanding of the intersection between sustainability, technology and innovation, business, and regulation.The paper is divided in four parts. The first two parts give the reader an overview of the territory and characteristics of SOI, and the process through which it happens. Having identified both the stakes and challenges associated with SOI, the third part makes the case for building Centers of Excellence dedicated to increasing the success rate of SOI. Finally, the fourth part reflects on what dimensions and questions might be considered to evaluate SOIs in their early stages in order to guide improvements or select among different SOI proposals. Ultimately, we propose a high-level decision framework that can be the starting point for further research and refinement.
Dynamics of the Streptococcus gordonii Transcriptome in Response to Medium, Salivary α-Amylase, and Starch

Streptococcus gordonii, a primary colonizer of the tooth surface, interacts with salivary α-amylase via amylase-binding protein A (AbpA). This enzyme hydrolyzes starch to glucose, maltose, and maltodextrins that can be utilized by various oral bacteria for nutrition. Microarray studies demonstrated that AbpA modulates gene expression in response to amylase, suggesting that the amylase-streptococcal interaction may function in ways other than nutrition. The goal of this study was to explore the role of AbpA in gene regulation through comparative transcriptional profiling of wild-type KS1 and AbpA(-) mutant KS1ΩabpA under various environmental conditions. A portion of the total RNA isolated from mid-log-phase cells grown in 5% CO2 in (i) complex medium with or without amylase, (ii) defined medium (DM) containing 0.8% glucose with/without amylase, and (iii) DM containing 0.2% glucose and amylase with or without starch was reverse transcribed to cDNA and the rest used for RNA sequencing. Changes in the expression of selected genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Maltodextrin-associated genes, fatty acid synthesis genes and competence genes were differentially expressed in a medium-dependent manner. Genes in another cluster containing a putative histidine kinase/response regulator, peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase, thioredoxin protein, lipoprotein, and cytochrome c-type protein were downregulated in KS1ΩabpA under all of the environmental conditions tested. Thus, AbpA appears to modulate genes associated with maltodextrin utilization/transport and fatty acid synthesis. Importantly, in all growth conditions AbpA was associated with increased expression of a potential two-component signaling system associated with genes involved in reducing oxidative stress, suggesting a role in signal transduction and stress tolerance.
Localization of angiotensin peptide-forming enzymes of 3T3-F442A adipocytes

We have demonstrated that angiotensinogen is synthesized by 3T3-F442A cells and is hydrolyzed to angiotensins I and II (ANG I and II) by this model adipocyte system. This study was designed to dete...
A VCO-based spatial averaging stochastic ADC

This paper proposes a spatial averaging stochastic oversampling ADC. By implementing VCO-based quantizers in parallel, the stochastic spatial averaging is inherently obtained along with 1st-order noise shaping. In an open-loop oversampling configuration which eliminates power- and speed-constrained active components, the proposed ADC only requires digital components which are easily synthesizable. Both uncorrelation conditions and spatial averaging characteristics are verified in a behavioral model. Some critical design insights are examined using design parameters from a 65nm technology.
Signal or noise: brain network interactions underlying the experience and training of mindfulness

A broad set of brain regions has been associated with the experience and training of mindfulness. Many of these regions lie within key intrinsic brain networks, including the executive control, salience, and default networks. In this paper, we review the existing literature on the cognitive neuroscience of mindfulness through the lens of network science. We describe the characteristics of the intrinsic brain networks implicated in mindfulness and summarize the relevant findings pertaining to changes in functional connectivity (FC) within and between these networks. Convergence across these findings suggests that mindfulness may be associated with increased FC between two regions within the default network: the posterior cingulate cortex and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Additionally, extensive meditation experience may be associated with increased FC between the insula and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. However, little consensus has emerged within the existing literature owing to the diversity of operational definitions of mindfulness, neuroimaging methods, and network characterizations. We describe several challenges to develop a coherent cognitive neuroscience of mindfulness and to provide detailed recommendations for future research.
The AASM scoring manual: a critical appraisal

Purpose of reviewSummarize recently published studies and critiques evaluating the effects of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Sleep Scoring Manual.Recent findingsOnly a few retrospective studies have been published evaluating the new AASM Scoring Manual. These have shown that when scor
Applications of AC Impedance Spectroscopy as Characterization and Diagnostic Tool in Li-Metal Battery Cells

Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an exceptionally powerful and rapidly evolving technique for investigating electrical properties of materials and electrochemical interfacial kinetic processes in a wide variety of practical systems and applications. The method offers the most powerful on-line and off-line analysis of the status of investigated media, electrodes, and probes in many different complex time‐ and space-resolved processes that occur in electrochemical laboratory experiments or over a lifetime of monitored samples, devices, or materials. EIS is useful as an empirical quality control procedure that can also be employed to interpret fundamental electrochemical processes (1, 2). At NASA Glenn Research Center the EIS technique is being widely and effectively employed in characterization and performance monitoring of rechargeable energy storage devices, such as states of electrodes during charging / discharging cycles in secondary batteries and fuel cells. The technical objective for batteries is to improve the performance of rechargeable cells to meet the energy storage requirements of human missions. The approach is to develop advanced battery components to safely provide substantially higher specific energy for relatively few charge/discharge cycles. In the presented work, impedance spectroscopy and other electrochemical and surface science techniques have been widely applied to monitoring developed lithium-metal battery (LMB) cells, including investigation of the impact of novel ionic liquid electrolytes on cycle life and dendrite growth/suppression on Li anodes. Applications of EIS method allowed for efficient in situ performance monitoring of various types of electrodes and electrolytes used in experimental battery cells. The studies were focused initially on evaluating performance of separate battery components in symmetric lithium coin cells, with a purpose of future complete impedance analysis of full cells with Li anode and dedicated cathode.
Plant Viruses as Gene Expression and Silencing Vectors

Plant viruses have been modified to express heterologous proteins in plants and to downregulate the expression of genes of host plants through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Many viruses have been adopted as vectors for either or both purposes, with varying effectiveness and popularity. Key Concepts Plant-infecting viruses can be engineered to express heterologous proteins or impart silencing of host genes. Gene expression vectors can be used to produce stand-alone proteins or proteins/peptides fused to viral proteins. Gene-specific silencing can be achieved by incorporating partial fragments of target genes in VIGS vectors. For most VIGS vectors, delivery remains a bottleneck in need of further improvements. Keywords: plant virus vector; gene expression; virus-induced gene silencing; plant virus genome organization; (+) ssRNA virus
Results of HIV voluntary counseling and testing in Qian'an city during 2009-2013

Objective To understand the results of HIV voluntary counseling and testing(VCT)in Qian'an City, in orderto provide a scientific basis for working out control measure. Methods Data of HIV VCT clients from three VCT clinics inQian'an City during 2009-2013 were collected and statistically analyzed. Results From 2009 to 2013,totally 5 317 personsreceived HIV VCT services and 94.88% of them were conselled and tested by Qian'an Municipal Center for Disease Controland Prevention. The ratio of male clients to female clients was 0.92:1; Most of the VCT clients were married(47.49%), with theeducation background of junior high school(61.12%)A majority of them distributed among the age group of 21-50 years,accounting for 97.57%. Non- commercial and non- fixed heterosexual behavior history was the main cause of inquiries,accounting for 46.36%; 60.13% of VCT clients received the services actively.The total positive rate of antibody to HIV was0.09%. Conclusion The number of outpstients for HIV VCT increased year by year and positive rate of the antibody to HIVwas highest among MSM. Thus prevention and control measure against AIDS should be strengthened among high-risk group.
Borderline syndromes: a consideration of subtypes and an overview, directions for research.

Borderline disorders, it is hypothesized, arise out of the interaction of inborn vulnerability to one of the classical psychoses and developmental traumata. The apparent etiologic heterogeneity of this clinically homogeneous group of disorders has stimulated a search for a new subtypology grounded in distal causes. It is the depressive component, more than any other factor, which makes the task of subtyping both challenging and essential, because of the important implications for treatment, specifically the variable roles of psychotherapy and medication.
Differentiation of individual selves facilitates group-level benefits of ultrasociality

Gowdy & Krall's target article complements our recent theorizing on group behavior. In our comment, we elucidate complementary aspects of the two theories and highlight the importance of differentiation of selves for human groups to reap the benefits of ultrasociality. We propose that achieving optimal group outcomes depends on the differentiation of individual selves.
Kinetics on Model Systems

In this chapter, an overview is provided on our understanding of chemical kinetics on solid surfaces. Key experimental techniques used to acquire kinetic data on surface reactions are surveyed, including temperature-programmed desorption, molecular beams, and time-resolved surface-sensitive spectroscopies. The use of isotopes for molecular labeling and for kinetic modifications as well as free energy relationships are mentioned. Theoretical studies on the energetics of elementary steps as well as on kinetic modeling are discussed. Finally, several phenomena affecting surface kinetics, including the nature of the surface sites, the effect of surface coverage, nonlinear kinetic behavior, and bimolecular steps, are addressed.
Representing Support Verbs in FrameNet

This paper presents FrameNet’s approach to the representation of Support Verbs, as but one type of multiword expression (MWE) included in the database. In addition to motivating and illustrating FrameNet’s newly consistent annotation practice for Support Verb constructions, the present work advocates adopting a broad view of what constitutes a multiword expression.
Internet Scale Research Studies using SDL-RX.

Medical research is one area where collecting data is usually hard and expensive. With the launch of ResearchKit, Apple and Sage Bionetworks made large-scale personal data collection increasingly popular via simple text-based survey apps running on mobile phones. But such surveys can be a barrier in terms of usability and richness of the data being collected. In this paper, we present SDL-R X , a powerful software library designed for ResearchKit that enables study-specific, personalized, and rich visual surveys, for both iOS and Android platforms.
Mutations in the BCR/ABL Kinase Encoding the Resistance to Imatinib Mesylate Do Not Modify the Sensitivity to Genotoxic Treatment.

Imatinib mesylate (IM), a selective inhibitor of ABL kinase activity, revolutionized the treatment of BCR/ABL-positive leukemias. Unfortunately, clinical and experimental observations reveal that resistance to IM is a rising problem, which obscures an otherwise very successful oncogene-targeted therapy. IM resistance can be achieved by point mutations in the kinase domain of BCR/ABL and have been detected in 50–90% of patients with acquired resistance to IM, including ~23% of the IM-naive patients. Strategies to enhance the effect of IM and eventually overcome the resistance are dose escalation, addition of a growth factor, and combinations with novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors like AMN107 and dasatinib, or with inhibitors targeting downstream BCR/ABL effectors, e.g. PI-3k. Unfortunately, resistance to other small molecule inhibitors is likely to appear, as well. Therefore, we tested the sensitivity of leukemia cells expressing IM-resistant BCR/ABL mutants to genotoxic agents. Baf3 cells expressing similar levels of p210BCR/ABL wild-type (WT) and Y253F, Y253H, E255K, E255V, T315I, M351T, and H396P mutants were established. These mutants were selected since they represent several functionally distinct ABL kinase domain regions, including P-loop (Y253F/H and E255K/V), the site of a hydrogen bond with IM (T315I), the activation loop hinge (M351T), and the activation loop (H396P). In addition, they exhibit altered transformation potency, kinase activity, and substrate utilization, irrespective of sensitivity to IM. Western analysis demonstrated similarity, but also differences in the patterns of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in total cell lysates. As expected, these clones displayed different level of sensitivity to IM: T315I>Y253H>E255V>E255K=Y253F>M251T=H396P>WT. However, leukemia cells expressing the WT and IM-resistant BCR/ABL kinase mutants demonstrated similar sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs such as hydroxyurea (HU), mitomycin C (MMC), and N-Methyl N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Surprisingly, clones expressing IM-resistant BCR/ABL kinase mutants were more sensitive to γ-irradiation than their WT counterparts. γ-H2AX (histone H2AX phosphorylated on S139) nuclear foci, which serve as marker of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), the most lethal DNA lesions, were detected by immunofluorescence. Leukemia cells expressing WT and IM-resistant p210BCR/ABL proteins accumulated similar numbers of DSBs after MMC treatment and γ-irradiation. This observation suggests that leukemia cells expressing IM-resistant p210BCR/ABL mutants may be eliminated by genotoxic treatment, especially γ-irradiation. In addition, IM-resistant BCR/ABL kinase mutants, in contrast to the WT kinase may not be able to modulate the mechanisms protecting from apoptosis induced by γ-irradiation.
Suppression of magnetic order in CaCo 1.86 As 2 with Fe substitution: Magnetization, neutron diffraction, and x-ray diffraction studies of Ca ( Co 1 − x Fe x ) y As 2

Magnetization, neutron diffraction, and high-energy x-ray diffraction results for Sn-flux grown single-crystal samples of $\mathrm{Ca}{({\mathrm{Co}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{x})}_{y}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$, $0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}1$, $1.86\ensuremath{\le}y\ensuremath{\le}2$, are presented and reveal that A-type antiferromagnetic order, with ordered moments lying along the $c$ axis, persists for $x\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.12(1)$. The antiferromagnetic order is smoothly suppressed with increasing $x$, with both the ordered moment and N\'eel temperature linearly decreasing. Stripe-type antiferromagnetic order does not occur for $x\ensuremath{\le}0.25$, nor does ferromagnetic order for $x$ up to at least $x=0.104$, and a smooth crossover from the collapsed-tetragonal (cT) phase of ${\mathrm{CaCo}}_{1.86}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ to the tetragonal (T) phase of ${\mathrm{CaFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ occurs. These results suggest that hole doping ${\mathrm{CaCo}}_{1.86}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ has a less dramatic effect on the magnetism and structure than steric effects due to substituting Sr for Ca.
Mechanisms of input and output synaptic specificity: finding partners, building synapses, and fine-tuning communication.

For most neurons to function properly, they need to develop synaptic specificity. This requires finding specific partner neurons, building the correct types of synapses, and fine-tuning these synapses in response to neural activity. Synaptic specificity is common at both a neuron’s input and output synapses, whereby unique synapses are built depending on the partnering neuron. Neuroscientists have long appreciated the remarkable specificity of neural circuits but identifying molecular mechanisms mediating synaptic specificity has only recently accelerated. Here, we focus on recent progress in understanding input and output synaptic specificity in the mammalian brain. We review newly identified circuit examples for both and the latest research identifying molecular mediators including Kirrel3, FGFs, and DGLα. Lastly, we expect the pace of research on input and output specificity to continue to accelerate with the advent of new technologies in genomics, microscopy, and proteomics.
Chocó Spanish double negation and the genesis of the Afro-Hispanic dialects of the Americas

Choco Spanish is an Afro-Hispanic dialect spoken in the Pacific lowlands of Colombia. This variety is characterized by the presence of double-negative constructions (neg2) (i.e., yo no como no “I do not eat”), which have repeatedly been classified in the literature as the contemporary traces of a previous Afro-Portuguese creole stage for this vernacular. The present paper provides linguistic and sociohistorical evidence offering an alternative explanation. In particular, neg2 is analyzed as an archaic morphosyntactic trait which already existed in 15th–19th century Spanish and which has been preserved in Choco Spanish and other conservative Afro-Hispanic vernaculars of Latin America.
Atmospheric turbulence phase screen modeling method based on sub-bands division and multirate sampling

Abstract The phase screen method is a well-established approach to analyze the effects of atmospheric turbulence in free space optical (FSO) communication and astronomical imaging system. Owning to the variation of atmospheric turbulence, low complexity modeling is required. Meanwhile, low frequency power should be compensated to overcome shortcomings of classical methods. The method based on sub-bands division and multirate sampling is proposed to solve these problems, and analytic formulas of the model is derived correspondingly. Simulation results are provided to show that our method overperforms the existing methods when both computational complexity and power compensation are taken into account. Furthermore, the proposed method is flexibly in operating which could be used to simulate the base phase screen of time-varying atmospheric turbulence.
Quantum angular-momentum selection rules for absorption of twisted light by bound electrons (Conference Presentation)

We analyze the novel features of high-multipole excitation of quantum systems with twisted light, i.e, by the photons that carry extra orbital angular momentum (OAM) along the propagation direction. It was previously demonstrated experimentally [1] that OAM of the twisted light is passed to the internal degrees of freedom of an atom for electric quadrupole transitions. We extended these results to the analysis of individual S->D transition amplitudes by measuring Rabi frequencies for Ca40+ ions placed in a Paul trap. It is shown that relative strengths transitions into different Zeeman-split levels - most of them forbidden for plane-wave photons - depends on the target atom’s position with respect to the optical vortex center. The data compare favorably with the theoretical predictions. The selection rules also point to circular dichroism and birefringence of the twisted light interacting with non-chiral atomic matter. Collaboration with Carl E. Carlson, Christian T. Schmiegelow, Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler, and Maria Solyanik is gratefully acknowledged. [1] C. T. Schmiegelow, J. Schulz, H. Kaufmann, T. Ruster, U. G. Poschinger, and F. Schmidt-Kaler, Nature communications, 7 (October 2016), DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12998.
Living with Huntington’s Chorea: The Social Perspective

The psychosocial implications of Huntington’s chorea are extremely important and largely unexplored. With no readily available cure, the major task in the management of this disease is to improve the quality of care. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a greater understanding of the social consequences of Huntington’s chorea in the hope that this may highlight the unmet needs of the patient and his family. By so doing, efforts can then be concentrated on the particularly neglected areas in the management of this disorder.
Portable Asset Management in Hospitals

This chapter presents a study on the analysis of portable asset management strategies in hospitals. The problem addressed here is the unavailability of the portable assets when they are needed due to lost or hoarding, which lead to significant amount of staff time for search and underutilization of the assets. A simulation-based decision support tool is constructed to analyze the different processes and the impact of RFID technology on the widely adopted portable asset management models. The results suggest the substantial gain could be realized by implementing RFID systems. The amount of gains changes based on the system models and processes.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol-Dependent Adults With Serious Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Involvement: Effects on Treatment Utilization and Outcomes.

Objective:Adults with serious mental illness and comorbid alcohol dependence are at high risk for both high utilization of crisis-driven health care services and criminal justice involvement. Evide...
The urban injury severity score (UISS) better predicts mortality following penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW).

Abstract Background The Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the New ISS (NISS) underscore injury severity after GSW. This study assesses the Urban ISS (UISS), which incorporates all injuries. Methods Complete trauma program registry (TPR) data and chart analyses were performed on 585 patients (pts) over 28 months. Factors analyzed included age, gender, ISS, NISS, UISS, time of admission, intent of injury, race, number GSW, weapon, and outcome. Results The 585 patients could be categorized within three groups. The first group included 98 pts with low ISS (1–2), no organ injuries, and early discharge; the second group included 47 patients with severe shock who died during operation; the third group of 442 pts were admitted after operation. All injury scores correlated (p Conclusions UISS correlates better than ISS and NISS in victims of inner-city firearm injuries.
Generalizing the Butterfly Structure of the FFT

The structure of the various forms of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is well described by patterns of “butterfly” operations, each involving only an individual pair of inputs or intermediate results, but ultimately yielding one of the most elegant, efficient, and ubiquitous computational algorithms known to mathematics. Here, the structure underlying the FFT is developed in a more general context of a decomposition applicable to any arbitrary complex unitary matrix. By developing this multi-layer decomposition (MLD), it becomes clear that: Any unitary matrix may be decomposed into a butterfly flow graph. Each individual butterfly may be interpreted as an equivalent 2 × 2 standard complex Givens rotation. Identification of the butterfly flow graph for any particular unitary matrix is intimately related to the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the different block sub-matrices of the original unitary matrix. The resulting butterfly flow graph may be interpreted as a prescription of the individual planar coordinate rotations necessary to precisely implement the general multi-dimensional coordinate rotation defined by the unitary matrix. It may also be interpreted as the equivalent polar representation for the matrix. The general form of the butterfly flow graph is not “fast.” The FFT achieves its computational efficiency due to certain specific mathematical symmetries, permitting removal of extraneous butterflies. The form of the butterfly flow graph is sensitive to the order in which the inputs and outputs are specified. A distinct advantage of the MLD is that any approximations or modifications made within this structure continue to result in a full unitary transformation.
Characterizing high-mobility indium zinc oxide for the front transparent conductive oxide layer in silicon heterojunction solar cells

Silicon heterojunction solar cells have a front transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer serving an optical and electrical role to mitigate free carrier absorption and sheet resistance. A common optimization problem is the trade-off between fill factor and short-circuit current density when adjusting the carrier concentration of the TCO material. One way to circumvent this problem is to find high-mobility TCO materials and we contribute by performing a characterization of indium zinc oxide. We found that an optimum sample has a high-mobility of about 50 cm2/Vs with a sheet resistance of about 30- $40 \Omega /\mathrm {sq}$. For the same sample, absorbance in the infrared wavelength range can be 1–3%.
Salinity and drought

Water deficit (water stress — WS) and excess salt (salt stress — SS) evoke similar plant responses, yet clear differences have been observed. The effect of the two forms of stress applied consecutively to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) was studied in a growth chamber (29/20°C day/night temperature, 50% RH, 12-h photoperiod) in 2.5-liter containers packed with a silt loam soil. Leaf water potential (Ψ) under increasing WS [soil water potential decrease from −0.16 to −1.10 MPa] of transpiring cotton and pepper plants declined to lower levels than under equivalent SS. The decline of leaf solute potential ψ0 on the other hand, was less under WS than under SS, resulting in reduced turgor potential (ψ p ), in contrast with turgor maintenance under SS. Predawn turgor potential of WS plants was maintained at all levels of soil water potential. Transpiration, CO2 assimilation and light period leaf extension rate were higher under low soil water potential produced by salinity than an equivalent value produced by water deficit. The more severe effect of WS was attributed to incomplete osmotic adjustment — the reduction in solute potential did not keep pace with the reduction in leaf water potential, and to increased root interface resistance in the dry soil. The leaf sap of cotton under WS had a higher proportion of sugars (65%) than electrolytes, compared to SS. When WS was converted to SS and plant solute potential decreased, electrolytes were taken up at the expense of a reduction in the sugar concentration. Water stress and salt stress may have an additive effect in depressing growth. But at equivalent levels, the relative magnitude of the effect of low soil matric potential (WS) on plant growth was twice as great as that of low soil solute potential (SS).
Unique Rural District Politics

The politics of rural educational leadership are both intense and concentrated. Rural educational leaders need to be savvy and politically skilled if they are to inspire educational stakeholders and accomplish organizational objectives. The local school system is an organization with a political culture that can be characterized as a competitive environment in which various groups from both within and without are competing for power and limited resources. Local school systems are entrusted with both children and tax dollars, two precious resources. Coupled with such entrustment is political input from all points within the political continuum. Schools and politics are inseparable.
Acquisition and tracking for communications between Lunar South Pole and Earth

In this paper we design and analyze an end-to-end communication system between a lander/rover on the surface of the lunar South Pole and an Earth station. The acquisition and tracking system is discussed in detail. The communication system on the lander or rover could be used for the Earth-to-Moon communication. To communicate to and from the lander/rover on the lunar South Pole, low and/or medium directional antennas onboard the lander/rover will have to be pointed at low elevation angles between 2 to 10 degrees, thus causing multipath fading effects due to reflection of a portion of the transmitted electromagnetic waves from the surface of the Moon that are not commonly encountered in traditional deep space communications between a spacecraft and a ground station. To design and analyze such a communication system, and in particular the acquisition and tracking system, in the presence of multipath fading, first we model the fading channel based on existing and simulated data. In addition to multipath fading, the channel also introduces Doppler frequency up to 11.5 KHz, and Doppler rate up to 0.735 Hz/sec. For coherent reception the Doppler frequency, which is time varying, should be acquired and the incoming carrier phase, which includes the fading phase, should be tracked in the presence of multipath fading. For this communication system in addition to estimating the received carrier phase, the amplitude of the fading signal should also be estimated, in particular to be used in the decoder. In addition to acquisition and tracking, we consider simple modulation and coding schemes. Space diversity using two antennas on Earth to mitigate the effects of fading could also be used. We design phase-locked loops and frequency sweeping schemes robust to the attenuations due to fading. After designing various components of the communication system, we use Simulink models to obtain the end-to-end performance of the communication link under investigation. Based on the available data, the fading channel can be accurately modeled as a Rician fading channel with Rician parameter of 10 dB, and Doppler spread that depends on the Doppler frequency and the transmit/receive antenna patterns. The challenge is how to make such a communication system robust in the presence of the multipath fading where the Doppler spread changes in time and thus produces fading with time-varying durations (short and very long fades). In summary, this paper covers communication system design, performance analysis, and simulations for performance of Doppler frequency acquisition, tracking, uncoded system, and coded system under ideal interleaving assumption with hard decision over communication link between a lander/rover at the Lunar south pole and a DSN Earth station in presence of Rician fading.
Second Language Acquisition in Action: Principles from Practice, by A. Nava and L. Pedrazzini (2018)

Second Language Acquisition in Action: Principles from Practice By A. Nava and L. Pedrazzini (2018) London: Bloomsbury, 225pp.
The power of a play partner: assessing the influence of parent behavior on young children'S playfulness in joint play

Date Presented 04/04/19 An occupation-based assessment tool is needed to support therapists in their assessment of how parents’ behavior impacts how their young children's play. The usefulness of the Parent's Caregiver Support of Young Children's Playfulness (a new assessment tool) for identifying how parents' behavior influences their children's playfulness, was examined through a mixed-methods study. Primary Author and Speaker: Amiya Waldman-Levi Additional Authors and Speakers: Laurette Olson Contributing Authors: Sherraine Grinon
Re-examining Samuelson’s Operationalist Methodology

During the heyday of discussion about Milton Friedman’s 1953 methodology paper, Samuelson’s operationalism was often discussed as the primary competitor to Friedman’s position. Although Friedman’s paper continues to be discussed—albeit at a steadily decreasing rate—Samuelson’s account of economic methodology has all but disappeared from the literature. This paper offers a re-examination of Samuelson’s account. Why a re-examination now? There are many reasons, but I will focus on just two. The first is that the historical research on Samuelson has exploded since his death in 2009, primarily because of the extensive archival material he left behind. The second is Samuelson’s revealed preference theory; it is methodologically relevant because Samuelson insisted it was an exemplar of his operationalist approach.
Algorithm for Local Component-Specific Load

This chapter deals with the basics of the CI algorithm and introduces the new evaluation variables CI, CIT, CITn and MCITn.
Quibus Patet Curia: Livy 23.23.6 and the Mid- Republican Aristocracy of Office

Mid-Republican censors were bound by few formal restrictions in their lectiones of the Senate. So holds the scholarly communis opinio, at any rate, based primarily on Carolus Sigonius’ emendation of Livy 23.23.6. This article shows Sigonius’ emendation to be fatally flawed, however, and popular election to be a legal requirement for senatorial enrollment - and not just a social desideratum. This prerequisite is shown to originate in the fourth-century lex Ovinia, with ramifications for models of aristocratic rule at Rome, mid-Republican political developments, and the curia itself.
Experimental Coupling of a MEMS Gas Chromatograph and a Mass Spectrometer for Organic Analysis in Space Environments

The mass spectrometer for planetary exploration (MASPEX) is a versatile mass spectrometer with unprecedented mass resolution designed for spaceflight. However, the current version of MASPEX is desi...
Abstract PR13: Multilevel pathways of colorectal cancer screening among low-income Vietnamese Americans: A structural equation modeling analysis

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) disproportionately affects Vietnamese Americans, especially those of low economic standing and those who were born outside of the US. CRC screening tests are crucial for CRC prevention and early detection. Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is non-invasive and easier to be done for low-resource settings. Yet screening rates in Vietnamese Americans were suboptimal. The purpose of this community-based study was to evaluate a heuristic model identifying the individual-, interpersonal, and community-level factors contributing to CRC screening among low-income Vietnamese Americans. Methods: This study uses the theoretical framework of the Sociocultural Health Behavior Model (SCHBM), a research-based model that suggests six factors associated with decision-making with health-seeking behaviors that result in health care utilization. For data collection, using the community-based participatory approach, we recruited a total of 801 Vietnamese men and women age 50 or older from community-based organizations. We conducted an assessment among all participants to collect information on their socio-demographic characteristics and health-related factors, as well as CRC screening related factors. We used structural equation modeling to identify direct and indirect predictors of lifetime CRC screening. Results: Bivariate analysis revealed that Vietnamese respondents who were never screened for CRC were significantly more likely to have limited English proficiency, fewer number of years US residency, and lower self-efficacy related to CRC screening. The final SEM model identified self-efficacy (coefficient= 0.092, z=3.00, p Citation Format: Lin Zhu, Timmy R. Lin, Phuong Do, Yin Tan, Grace X. Ma. Multilevel pathways of colorectal cancer screening among low-income Vietnamese Americans: A structural equation modeling analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PR13.
Switchable acoustic metamaterial design through instability-driven microstructure transformations in soft composites

Soft materials can sustain large deformations, and, thus, can be used as a platform for tunable and switchable systems capable of wave manipulations. The fascinating elastic instability phenomenon in soft materials can be used to design new (meta-) materials with switchable microstructures, properties, and functions. Examples include the emergence of tunable band gaps at low-frequency ranges, the appearance of negative group velocity, and extreme wave slowing-down. Here, we investigate the elastic instability phenomenon in soft heterogeneous materials, and the applications of the phenomenon to design of soft acoustic metamaterials. The deformable composites typically combine soft matrix and stiffer phases (such as fibers or inclusions). We will start by considering the effect of experimentally observed wrinkling on elastic waves band-gaps in soft laminates. Next, we will discuss the emergence of the negative group velocity in 3-D fiber composite brought to the “marginally stable” state. Then, we will turn to the so-called auxetic or negative Poisson's ratio materials comprising of soft- matrix-void-stiff-inclusion systems, and illustrate the mechanisms leading to the emergence of low-frequency band gaps. Finally, a new type of instabilities giving rise to anti-symmetric domain formations will be illustrated on the examples of 3-D printed soft composites.
Religious Identity and Morality: Evidence for Religious Residue and Decay in Moral Foundations:

Religion provides a powerful social identity. Building on previous work demonstrating that formerly religious individuals (i.e., religious dones) more closely resemble currently religious individua...
Tribochemical Reactions in Metal-on-Metal Hip Joints Influence Wear and Corrosion

Recent findings indicate the presence of tribochemically generated layers on metal-on-metal (MoM) bearing surfaces. These tribolayers are films of a few-hundred-nanometer thickness and are constituted of carbonaceous material mixed with metal and oxide particles. The purpose of the study was to characterize these tribofilms mechanically and electrochemically. Using a nanoindenter, the local mechanical properties of the tribolayer were measured. On average a hardness of 1.0 GPa was determined, which was softer than the underlying metal. The influence of tribomaterial on the electrochemistry of the cobalt–chromium–molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) was investigated. Bovine calf serum mixture was used as the electrolyte. Highand low-carbon CoCrMo-samples with and without tribolayer were compared using potentiodynamic testing. This corrosive investigation was followed by tribocorrosive tests using a custom made apparatus, where a ceramic ball Manuscript received May 23, 2012; accepted for publication September 5, 2012; published online April 10, 2013. Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush Univ. Medical Center, Orthopedic Building, 1611 W. Harrison St., Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America (Corresponding author), e-mail: markus_a_wimmer@rush.edu Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush Univ. Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America. Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL 60201, United States of America. Materials Science and Engineering, Univ. of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany. Copyright VC 2013 by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Metal-On-Metal Total Hip Replacement Devices STP 1560, 2013 Available online at www.astm.org DOI:10.1520/STP156020120050 oscillated against a flat CoCrMo surface. Potential and coefficient of friction were monitored throughout this 100 K cycle test. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests before and after testing were conducted. Weight loss was determined using planimetric analysis. It was found that the tribolayered surface had better corrosion resistance than the corresponding tribolayer-free (polished) surface. The tribolayered surface also exhibited a more noble potential during tribocorrosive testing and demonstrated less wear. Highcarbon was the superior alloy compared with low carbon for all surface conditions; however, the differences seemed to equalize in the presence of a tribofilm. There were also differences in tribofilm generation, possibly related to the microstructure of the two alloys.
Does mindfulness moderate the relationship between anxiety, uncertainty, and intercultural communication effectiveness of the students in Pakistan?

The current study tests key variables of anxiety uncertainty management (AUM), a well-known theory of interpersonal communication, within the context of Pakistan. Previous research has been more concerned with the extension of AUM rather empirically testing its major components; plus, previous studies were conducted primarily in Western cultural contexts. This study proposes a direct effect of anxiety, uncertainty, and mindfulness on intercultural communication effectiveness (ICE). In addition, interaction (moderating) effects are proposed for mindfulness on the relationships between anxiety, uncertainty, and ICE. This study incorporates a quantitative research design to address the relationships between the variables. Data were collected from a survey technique of students (N = 549) of the capital city of Pakistan through convenient sampling. Findings reveal that anxiety and uncertainty have a negative influence on ICE. However, mindfulness has a positive impact on ICE. Furthermore, mindfulness significantly moderated the relationship between anxiety, uncertainty, and ICE. Even though this study considered a new cultural context (Pakistan), still the findings were in accordance with the predictions of AUM. This study empirically validates the theoretical framework and axioms of AUM within the context of Pakistan. This study is useful for the policy makers of Pakistan to develop new policies regarding internationals. Furthermore, they can train their nationals how to manage anxiety and uncertainty and to be mindful during intercultural interactions to avoid problems and confusions among people.
Exploring Global Fashion Sustainability Practices through Dictionary-Based Text Mining:

Nowadays, more fashion companies have started to adopt various sustainability practices and communicate these practices through their annual public CSR reports. In this study, we aim to provide a h...
Rationalizing and Integrating Strategic Marketing Knowledge: Applying the Resource-Advantage Theory: An Abstract

This paper aims at presenting and discussing the ways the Resource-Advantage (R-A) Theory can help integrate Marketing knowledge after a long period in which marketing has become disentangled and fragmented. The paper trails the evolutionary periods (five eras) proposed by previous authors in the examination of how Marketing has developed as a discipline (Hunt 2018; Wilkie and Moore 2003). ‘Era IV’, in particular, exposes a process of fragmentation of marketing strategy into special fields like marketing orientation, relationship marketing, brand equity, and market segmentation, after 1980. Thus, ‘Era V’ signals the future advancement of strategic marketing after 2020.