cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A note on the relationship between barometric pressure and calving incidence

The relationship between barometric pressure and the incidence of calving was studied by evaluating 672 calvings that extended over an 11-year period. Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn females ranging in age from 2 to 15 years were used in the study. The atmospheric pressure pattern for all calvings (without regard to breed differences) was that of a decline (P < 0.05) in the 19.00-h readings between day 3 and day 1 pre-partum, followed by a rise in pressure. It was suggested that the changing pressure may have stressed the dam sufficiently to stimulate corticoid secretion at a level that triggered the initiation of parturition. Pressure readings for Angus dams were lower (P < 0.05) than the means for Hereford and Shorthorn dams; differences between Herefords and Shorthorns were not apparent. Likewise, barometric pressure patterns were not dissimilar when tested for differences associated with age of dam and sex of calf.
A note on total domination

For a graph G, let @c(G), @c"1(G), i(G) and ir(G) denote the domination, total domination, independent domination and irredundance numbers of G, respectively. The following conjectures due to Robyn Dawes are proved: 1.(i) @c(G) + @c"1(G) @? p and 2.(ii) i(G) + @c"1(G) @? p, where |V(G)| = p > 2. It is also shown that 1.(iii) @c"1(G) @? 2ir(G) and 2.(iv) @c(G) @? 2ir(G) - (k + 1). where k is the maximum number of isolates in an ir(G) set. This last result improves the result, obtained independently by Bollobas and Cockayne [6], Allan and Laskar [2].
The male voice in women’s magazines

All social groups live according to a variety of rules or social norms. In many societies, many of these norms govern female sexual behavior. This article explores the male voice and the potential governance of female sexuality in women's magazines. A ten-year textual analysis of two women's magazines targeted to different racial readerships revealed the strong presence of male authors in these magazines. Some of these male authors helped women to better understand men and build stronger relationships, but others attempted to govern the sexuality of women in a variety of ways.
Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Total elbow arthroplasty has continued to evolve over time. Elbow implants may be linked or unlinked. Unlinked implants are attractive for patients with relatively well preserved bone stock and ligaments, but many favor linked implants, since they prevent instability and allow replacement for a wider spectrum of indications. Inflammatory arthropathies such as rheumatoid arthritis represent the classic indication for elbow arthroplasty. Indications have been expanded to include posttraumatic osteoarthritis, acute distal humerus fractures, distal humerus nonunions and reconstruction after tumor resection. Elbow arthroplasty is very successful in terms of pain relief, motion and function. However, its complication rate remains higher than arthroplasty of other joints. The overall success rate is best for patients with inflammatory arthritis and elderly patients with acute distal humerus fractures, worse for patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The most common complications of elbow arthroplasty include infection, loosening, wear, triceps weakness and ulnar neuropathy. When revision surgery becomes necessary, bone augmentation techniques provide a reasonable outcome.
Identity, Symbolism, and the Politics of Language in Central Asia

This article is devoted to the symbolic aspects of language and power in the four Turkic-speaking republics of Central Asia—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Much of the discussi...
Promoter mutation in vitro.

A promoter mutation, lambda c17, changes the rate of reading of lambda phage DNA by the RNA polymerase in vitro.
Situational leadership and teacher education

Abstract Teacher educators providing instruction in methodology to students from teacher-centred educational systems often complain that such students are reluctant to learn about innovative methodologies or are reluctant to study methodology at all. However, if teacher educators consider methodology essential, they must continue to teach it and find ways to make the idea of studying methodology acceptable and relevant to their students. This paper discusses Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership theory as a teacher education tool and shows how it can be used to induce students to appreciate the study of methodology and to carry it out effectively.
Clustering of disfluency in nonstuttering childrens' early utterances

Abstract The clustering of disfluency within early utterances in the speech of four nonstuttering children was examined. During the developmental period their mean length of utterance was between 2.25 and 3.0 morphemes. The frequency and characteristics of the clustered disfluencies are described and compared with single disfluent moments. Clusters of two disfluencies were analyzed for interactive effects of positional preference and type. Results were similar to those found in older preschool nonstuttering speakers, demonstrating the normal developmental nature of clustering in early sentences. Implications for using this temporal measure to differentially diagnose normal from abnormal disfluency are discussed.
Comparison of the sequence of fibrinopeptide a cleavage from fibrinogen fragment e by thrombin, atroxin, or batroxobin

Abstract In order to investigate the sequence of fibrinopeptide release from the amino terminal end of a dimeric fibrinogen-derived substrate by thrombin or batroxobins, we studied their effects on plasmic fragment E 1 , a core fragment from the central domain of fibrinogen containing both Aα chain fibrinopeptide A (FPA) sequences. Isoelectric focussing (IEF) was employed as a means of resolving des A-fragment E 1 , from which one FPA had been cleaved, from des AA-fragment E 1 resulting from the loss of both FPA's. Using densitometric gel scanning for quantification of the levels of intact fragment E 1 , des A-fragment E 1 , and des AA-fragment E 1 , in mixtures incubated with enzyme for various periods of time, we found similar catalytic rate constants (k 1 , k 2 ) for release of the first fibrinopeptide A, (FPA 1 ) or the second, (FPA 2 ) from fragment E 1 , with either thrombin or batroxobin (k 2 : k 1 ratios of 1.10 ± 0.42, 1.34 ± 0.26 respectively). Atroxin released FPA 2 more slowly than FPA 1 with a k 2 : k 1 ratio of 0.34 ± 0.1. Th finding that the cleavage of FPA 2 by Atroxin is three-fold slower than thrombin and almost four-fold slower than batroxobin, suggest that batroxobin and thrombin cleavage of FPA 2 may be cooperative in nature. However, the cooperativity in the cleavage sequence is insufficient to markedly suppress the evolution of intermediate des A fragment E species during early and intermediate phases of FPA cleavage from fragment E.
Is the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis a reliable predictor of coinfection with Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae in female ED patients?

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to determine if the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is associated with an increased risk of coinfection with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in female patients presenting to the ED with symptoms consistent with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Methods This was a retrospective observational study of female patients tested for the presence of TV by wet mount preparation in the ED from January 1998 through January 2001. Only patients that had the complete results of the wet preparation for TV, DNA probe for CT, and culture for NG were included. Results A total of 690 patients were enrolled in the study. Four hundred twenty (61%) patients tested positive for TV by wet mount preparation and 270 (39%) tested negative. Of the 420 TV-positive patients, 41 (9.8%) tested positive for NG, 35 (8.3%) tested positive for CT, and 16 (3.8%) for both. For the 270 TV-negative patients, 16 (5.9%) tested positive for NG, 91 (33.7%) tested positive for CT, and 16 (5.9%) for both. By χ 2 testing, there was a strong negative association between the presence of TV and coinfection with CT and/or NG. The presence of TV made it 2.9 times less likely to have coinfection with NG and/or CT. Conclusion The presence of TV in female patients presenting to the ED with symptoms consistent with an STD is not associated with an increased risk of coinfection with NG and/or CT.
Growth response of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) to dietary ω3 and ω6 fatty acids

Abstract Different levels of trilinolenin (ω3) and trilinolein (ω6) fatty acids were incorporated in 16 trout diets. Results from feeding experiments showed inferior fish growth on diets (a) deficient in ω3 fatty acid (FA), (b) high in ω6 and low in ω3 FAs, and (c) high in both ω3 and ω6 FAs. Diets supporting rapid fish growth were those containing (a) high levels of ω3 FA and (b) high ω3 and low ω6 FAs. Fish lipid fatty acid composition, feed conversion efficiency and fish mortality are discussed.
SU-GG-T-71: Dosimetric Comparison of Bone Marrow-Sparing Intensity Modulated Radiation Theraphy Versus Conventional Techniques for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Purpose: To compare bone marrow‐sparing intensity modulated pelvic radiation therapy (BMS‐IMRT) to conventional (AP/PA and 4‐field box) techniques in the treatment of cervical cancer.Method and Materials: Seven cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and IMRT were analyzed. We compared BMS‐IMRT to AP/PA and 4‐field box plans. All plans were normalized to cover PTV with the 99% isodose line. The clinical target volume (CTV) consisted of the pelvic and presacral lymph nodes, uterus and cervix, upper vagina, and parametrial tissue. A 1.0 cm uniform margin was added to create the PTV. Normal tissues included bowel, bladder, and pelvic bone marrow (PBM), which comprised the lumbosacral spine (LSBM), ilium (IBM), and ischium, pubis, and proximal femora (lower pelvis bone marrow — LPBM). Dose volume histograms for PTV and normal tissues were compared for BMS‐IMRT vs. 4‐field box and AP/PA plans. Results: BMS‐IMRT was superior to 4‐field box in reducing the dose to PBM, small bowel, rectum and bladder. Compared to AP/PA, BMS‐IMRT reduced the PBM volume receiving a dose above 16.4 Gy, however, that receiving below this threshold dose was increased. BMS‐IMRT reduced IBM, LPBM and bowel radiation above 27.7 Gy, 18.7 Gy, and 21.1 Gy, respectively, but increased dose below these thresholds, compared to AP/PA plans. BMS‐IMRT reduced the volume of LSBM, rectum, small bowel, and bladder at all dose levels in all 7 patients. Conclusion: BMS‐IMRT reduced irradiation of PBM compared to 4‐field box techniques. Compared to AP/PA, BMS‐IMRT reduced LSBM irradiation and reduced the volume of PBM irradiated to high doses, but increased that irradiated to low doses. BMS‐IMRT may reduce acute HT compared to conventional techniques.
Expert systems in industrial practice: advantages and drawbacks

Abstract: On the basis of experience gained in the engineering industry, the present paper describes advantages and drawbacks encountered using the expert system technique. The constraints which real programs are subject to are explained using a configuration system as an example. The criteria which influence the choice of software and hardware are presented. Finally, aspects of the knowledge elicitation task as well as implementation topics are discussed.
Integrated Tsunami Data for Better Hazard Assessments

With nearly 230,000 fatalities, the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was the deadliest tsunami in history, illustrating the importance of developing basin-wide warning systems. Key to creating these systems is easy access to quality-controlled, verified data on past tsunamis: Warning centers, emergency managers, and modelers need to know if and when similar events have occurred. Following the 2004 tsunami, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) began examining all aspects of the tsunami data archive to help answer questions regarding the frequency and severity of past tsunamis. Historical databases span insufficient time to reveal a region's full tsunami hazard, so a global database of citations to articles on tsunami deposits was added to the archive. NGDC further expanded the archive to include high-resolution tide gauge data, deep-ocean sensor data, and digital elevation models used for propagation and inundation. NGDC continuously reviews data for accuracy, making modifications as new information is obtained.
Thermopower of quantum Hall states in Corbino geometry as a measure of quasiparticle entropy

Using the Onsager relation between electric and heat transport coefficients, and considering the very different roles played by the quantum Hall condensate and quasiparticles in transport, we argue that near the center of a quantum Hall plateau thermopower in a Corbino geometry measures entropy per quasiparticle per quasiparticle charge. This relation indicates that thermopower measurement in a Corbino setup is a more direct measure of quasiparticle entropy than in a Hall bar. Treating disorder within the self-consistent Born approximation, we show through an explicit microscopic calculation that this relation holds on an integer quantum Hall plateau at low temperatures. Applying this to non-Abelian quantum Hall states, we argue that Corbino thermopower at sufficiently low temperature becomes temperature independent and measures the quantum dimension of non-Abelian quasiparticles that determines the topological entropy they carry.
Effect of Raw or Roasted Whole Soybeans on Digestibility of Dietary Nutrients and Milk Production of Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 12-wk trial with a split-plot design to determine the influence of raw or roasted whole soybeans on the performance of lactating cows. Treatments consisted of three isonitrogenous, isocaloric total mixed rations supplemented with soybean meal, raw whole soybeans, or roasted whole soybeans included at 9.4% of the ration DM. Intake of ether extract was greater when cows consumed soybeans and when roasted soybeans were fed compared with raw soybeans. Intake of ADF tended to be higher when soybeans were included in the diet. Intake of NDF tended to be higher with roasted whole soybeans than raw soybeans. Apparent digestibility of DM and CP tended to be higher and ether extract, ADF, and NDF greater when soybeans were fed. Apparent digestibility of DM and ADF tended to be higher and CP greater for diets containing raw soybeans compared with roasted soybeans. Inclusion of soybeans improved ether extract and fiber intake and apparent nutrient digestibility, but did not change milk yield and composition. Roasted soybeans did not provide any additional benefit over raw soybeans.
Effect of crosslinking reactions and order of mixing on properties of compatibilized PBT/ABS blends

Abstract The low-temperature notched Izod impact strength of poly(butylene terephthalate), PBT, blends with acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymers, ABS, can be improved by incorporating methyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate terpolymers, MGE, as a reactive compatibilizer. However, fracture properties depend on the order of mixing of the blend components. When all components of compatibilized blends are melt mixed together in a single-pass extrusion, the low-temperature toughness is improved; however, the room-temperature impact strength is reduced relative to uncompatibilized blends. Using a two-pass extrusion method where PBT and MGE are melt mixed together in a first extrusion prior to incorporating ABS in a second extrusion, the room-temperature impact strength is superior to that of blends prepared by the single-pass method. When a two-pass method is used where ABS and MGE are combined prior to extrusion with PBT, the impact properties at all temperatures are inferior to those of uncompatibilized blends. Evidence is presented which suggests that residual acids present in emulsion-made ABS material may cause a crosslinking reaction involving the epoxide functionality of MGE terpolymers resulting in a deleterious effect on the ABS mechanical properties and its blends with PBT. By changing the order of mixing, the sequence of chemical reactions which occur can be controlled to optimize blend properties.
Naturalization of the Pacific Chameleon Goby Tridentiger trigonocephalus (Perciformes, Gobiidae) in the Black Sea (Crimea, Sevastopol Gulf)

In summer 2008, colonies of the Pacific chameleon goby Tridentiger trigonocephalus were found in the Black Sea in two sites of the Sevastopol Gulf. Data are presented on size-age composition of the caught specimens, morphometric characteristics of females, males, and of immature specimens, and on variants of body coloration depending on physiological state. The number of yolk oocytes of different size and of unfertilized eggs in a clutch is determined. Early ontogenetic stages are described, as well as of behavior of males in the period of care of the egg clutch. Chameleon Goby is naturalized in Sevastopol Gulf and formed a self-reproducing population.
Analysis of Firing Pafferns in Single Neurons

The use of a high-speed digital computer for investigation of neural firing patterns is described. The high sensitivity of the method permits detection of stimulus-response relations buried in a background of spontaneous activity.
Weight loss is associated with increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in overweight or obese women

Low circulating concentrations of vitamin D metabolites have been associated with increased risk for several diseases and clinical conditions. Large observational studies and surveys have shown that obesity is independently associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Few studies have examined the effect of weight loss on serum 25(OH)D concentration. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the effect of weight loss on serum 25(OH)D concentration. Data were collected from 383 overweight or obese women who participated in a 2-year clinical trial of a weight-loss program, in which 51% (N = 195) lost at least 5% of baseline weight by 24 months, 18% (N = 67) lost 5-10%, and 33% (N = 128) lost >10%. Women who did not lose weight at 24 months had an increase in serum 25(OH)D of 1.9 (9.7) ng/ml (mean (SD)); 25(OH)D increased by 2.7 (9.1) ng/ml for those who lost 5-10% of baseline weight; and 25(OH)D increased by 5.0 (9.2) ng/ml for those who lost >10% of baseline weight (P = 0.014). At baseline, 51% (N = 197) of participants met or exceeded the recommended serum concentration of 20 ng/ml. By study end, 64% (N = 230) of overweight or obese women met this goal, as well as 83% (N = 20) of those whose weight loss achieved a normal BMI. These findings suggest that weight loss, presumably associated with a reduction in body fat, is associated with increased serum 25(OH)D concentration in overweight or obese women.
The modal ontological argument

We know more today about the second, or so-called 'modal', version of St. Anselm's ontological argument than we did when Charles Hartshorne and Norman Malcolm brought it to the attention of philosophers some years ago. 1 But there is still much to be learned. Criticisms of the modal ontological argument focus on its premises, namely (i) the claim that perfection, or maximal greatness, implies necessary existence, and (ii) the claim that the existence of a perfect being is logically possible. Less attention has been given by the critics of the argument to the modal principles that allow one to get from these premises to the conclusion that a perfect being exists. The modal ontological argument is valid in some standard systems of alethic modal logic, e.g., S5 (which is assumed by advocates of the argument like Hartshorne and Plantinga), and in at least one weaker system. But it is not valid in all. For example, it is not valid in T (Von Wright's M) or any Lewis system weaker than S5, including S4. What should all this mean for our assessment of the argument? Is choosing a modal system in theological contexts as innocent as choosing hors d'oeuvres? Can it be so with a proof for the existence of God at stake? Reflecting on these questions leads to two important, though often neglected, objections to the modal ontological argument (hereafter the 'modal OA'). The narrower aim of this paper is to explore these two objections; the wider aim, continuous with the narrower one, is to describe the present status quaestionis concerning the argument. As I see it, there are three central, as yet unresolved, problems that stand in the way of accepting the modal OA. Two of these problems are associated with the two objections just mentioned. The third problem will be mentioned here, but not discussed at length, because it is better understood than the two problems I shall discuss and has been widely discussed in the literature. I am not myself sure how to respond to all of these
Myobloc for facial wrinkles

Abstract During the past decade, the injection of neuromuscular blocking agents produced by the anaerobic spore-forming bacterium Clostridium botulinum exotoxin has become one of the most popular therapeutic options for reducing or eliminating facial wrinkles, especially those in the glabellar area, forehead, and lateral orbital regions (crow's feet). In December of 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Botulinum toxin type B (BoNT-B; Myobloc) in the United States for the treatment of cervical dystonia. Off-label use of BoNT-B also has occurred subsequent to Food and Drug Administration approval, with facial wrinkles as the typical indication. There is a dearth of research in the literature assessing the efficacy and safety of BoNT-B for this purpose but, like Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A; Botox), local intradermal injection of BoNT-B appears to enhance dynamic facial wrinkles by inducing chemical dernervation of striated muscle, leading to temporary flaccid paralysis. This article reviews a pilot study involving the use of Botulinum type B for the treatment of facial wrinkles. The efficacy, safety, and duration of Myobloc is discussed.
Downstream of Mutant KRAS, the Transcription Regulator YAP Is Essential for Neoplastic Progression to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with poor survival rates and frequently carries oncogenic KRAS mutation. However, KRAS has thus far not been a viable therapeutic target. We found that the abundance of YAP mRNA, which encodes Yes-associated protein (YAP), a protein regulated by the Hippo pathway during tissue development and homeostasis, was increased in human PDAC tissue compared with that in normal pancreatic epithelia. In genetically engineered Kras(G12D) and Kras(G12D):Trp53(R172H) mouse models, pancreas-specific deletion of Yap halted the progression of early neoplastic lesions to PDAC without affecting normal pancreatic development and endocrine function. Although Yap was dispensable for acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM), an initial step in the progression to PDAC, Yap was critically required for the proliferation of mutant Kras or Kras:Trp53 neoplastic pancreatic ductal cells in culture and for their growth and progression to invasive PDAC in mice. Yap functioned as a critical transcriptional switch downstream of the oncogenic KRAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, promoting the expression of genes encoding secretory factors that cumulatively sustained neoplastic proliferation, a tumorigenic stromal response in the tumor microenvironment, and PDAC progression in Kras and Kras:Trp53 mutant pancreas tissue. Together, our findings identified Yap as a critical oncogenic KRAS effector and a promising therapeutic target for PDAC and possibly other types of KRAS-mutant cancers.
Bi-radical-ion clusters : Interrupted sigma bonds in the gas phase ?

Novel cation-bound bi-radicals are generated in a chemical ionization source from either the stable free radical, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO), or the phenoxyl radical and cations including carbonyl isocyanate, ([OCNCO+]), S+•, CS+• and, in one case, the proton. The dimeric cluster ions, mildly activated under collision-induced dissociation (CID) conditions, dissociate to yield the cationized monomer (e.g. the [OCNCO]+-bound TEMPO radical, [OCNCO]+-bound phenoxyl radical, S +•-bound TEMPO radical or CS +•-bound TEMPO radical). Such facile dissociation suggests a loosely bound structure comparable to that of a proton-bound dimer. Binding of this sort, radical–cation–radical, suggests the possible formation of an ‘interrupted sigma bond’ (electron–electron interactions mediated by the cation). The cluster ion comprised of Cl+ and two TEMPO radicals behaves differently and gives a complex set of lower abundance products under similar activation conditions. This indicates that in this case the dissociating cluster has a conventional covalently bound structure. Analogous behavior is observed in the cases of proton-bound bis-TEMPO clusters and the corresponding mixed phenoxyl–TEMPO species, the Cl+-bound bis-phenoxyl cluster and the Cl+-bound cluster with mixed TEMPO–phenoxyl cluster, as well as the S+•-bound bis-phenoxyl and CS+ •-bound bis-phenoxyl complexes. The CID of the putative proton-bound bis-phenoxyl cluster also suggests a conventional structure and its dissociation shows a strong dependence on collision energy, possibly because of facile rearrangement from the desired weakly bound bi-radical cluster ion. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated formula manipulation supports object-oriented continuous-system modeling

Digital continuous-system simulation languages are discussed. It is demonstrated how sophisticated automated formula manipulation can be used to automatically generate state-space models from an object-oriented description of a physical system. The two major complications, algebraic loops and structural singularities, occur frequently as a consequence of couplings between submodels (objects), and these difficulties can often be dealt with by automated formula manipulation. A software tool, Dymola, in which the various formula manipulation techniques have been implemented, is presented. Dymola is an object-oriented continuous-system modeling language and a model manipulator that can be used to generate models in several simulation languages. >
Existence of resonances in magnetic scattering

The Schrodinger operator with a compactly supported magnetic field is shown to produce infinitely many resonances, in any odd dimension ≥ 3. The proof is based on the Poisson formula for resonances and properties of the magnetic heat invariants.
Arabidopsis ETA2, an apparent ortholog of the human cullin-interacting protein CAND1, is required for auxin responses mediated by the SCF(TIR1) ubiquitin ligase.

Auxin response in Arabidopsis thaliana requires the SCFTIR1 ubiquitin ligase. In response to the hormone, SCFTIR1 targets members of the auxin/indoleacetic acid (Aux/IAA) family of transcriptional regulators for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. To identify additional regulators of SCF TIR1 activity, we conducted a genetic screen to isolate enhancers of the tir1-1 auxin response defect. Here, we report our analysis of the eta2 mutant. Mutations in ETA2 confer several phenotypes consistent with reduced auxin response. ETA2 encodes the Arabidopsis ortholog of human Cullin Associated and NeddylationDissociated (CAND1)/TIP120A, a protein recently identified as a cullin-interacting factor. Previous biochemical studies of CAND1 have suggested that it specifically binds to unmodified CUL1 to negatively regulate SCF assembly. By contrast, we find that ETA2 positively regulates SCF TIR1 because Aux/IAA protein stability is significantly increased in eta2 mutants. Modification of CUL1 by the RUB1/NEDD8 ubiquitin-like protein has been proposed to free CUL1 from CAND1 and promote SCF assembly. We present double mutant analyses of eta2 axr1 plants indicating that liberating CUL1 from ETA2/CAND1 is not the primary role of the RUB modification pathway in the regulation of SCF activity. Our genetic and molecular analysis of SCF TIR1 function in eta2 mutants provides novel insight into the role of CAND1 in the regulation of SCF ubiquitin-ligase
Search decisions for teams of automata

The dynamics of exploration vs exploitation decisions are explored in the context of robotic search problems. Building on prior work on robotic search together with our own work on reactive control laws for potential field mapping, we propose a new set of search protocols for teams of sensor-enabled mobile robots. The focus is on collaborative strategies for the search of potential fields that are possibly time varying. We pose the problem of quickly finding regions where the potential achieves or exceeds a certain threshold. The search protocol has two distinct components. In an ?exploration phase?, agents execute either a randomized or structured search, seeking places where the field achieves or exceeds the prescribed threshold. Once a threshold point is reached, the ?exploitation? component is initialized and the agents deploy so as to rapidly map the evolving isoline associated with the given value of the field. Conservative strategies will emphasize refining the detailed knowledge of the field in a small neighborhood of the isoline, while aggressive strategies will emphasize wide-ranging exploration of neighboring territory. The main decision problem under study involves finding the optimally aggressive exploration strategy. Additionally, the problem of the allocation of the agents between ?exploration? and ?exploitation? is considered. A performance metric is developed to compare the proposed methods with standard approaches such as random search and distributed raster scans.
Impression creep testing and microstructurally adaptive creep modeling of lead free solder interconnects

Creep plays an important role in the reliability of solder joints under thermo-mechanical fatigue conditions encountered by a microelectronic package during service. In addition, the fine intermetallic precipitates (Ag/sub 3/Sn and/or Cu/sub 6/Sn/sub 5/) in the microstructures of the new lead-free solders (Sn-Ag and Sn-Ag-Cu) can undergo significant in situ strain-enhanced coarsening during TMC, resulting in in-service evolution of the creep behavior of the joints. Since there are significant microstructural/compositional differences between bulk solder samples and tiny microelectronic solder joints, it is critical to develop accurate creep testing methodologies on tiny life-sized solder joints and microstructurally adaptive constitutive creep models for the emerging Pb-free solder alloys. In this paper, we present creep data obtained from tests conducted on individual Sn/sub 4/Ag/sub 0.5/Cu ball grid array (BGA) solder balls attached to a packaging substrate, using a newly developed miniaturized impression creep apparatus, which affords high test throughput with minimal sample preparation. Coarsening of intermetallic particles is demonstrated to influence creep behavior in two ways. At low stresses, the creep rate increases proportionately with precipitate size. At high stresses, precipitate coarsening influences creep response by altering the threshold stress for particle-limited creep. Based on the experimental observations, a microstructurally adaptive creep model, which accounts for the effects of coarsening on the creep response of solder joints, and is capable of adjusting itself as solder joint microstructures evolve during service, is presented, along with experimental determination of the relevant coarsening kinetics parameters.
Novel Insights into the Biology of CLL

Significant advancements in the care of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have occurred over the past decade. Nonetheless, CLL remains incurable outside of allogeneic transplantation. CLL is the most common leukemia in the United States and Europe, and new treatments and therapeutic strategies are clearly needed. To address this need, the pathogenesis of CLL has been an area of intense ongoing investigation. These international efforts illuminate a complex biology that is reliant on the interplay of inherited, environmental, and host factors. This broad review will discuss the recent advances in our understanding of CLL biology including the elucidation of inherited and acquired genetic changes; the role of the B-cell receptor and B-cell receptor signaling; CLL cell kinetics; and the interactions in the microenvironment between CLL cells, other immune cells, and stromal elements. This improved understanding of disease pathogenesis is facilitating the development of novel therapeutic treatment strategies.
Sea-level responses to erosion and deposition of sediment in the Indus River basin and the Arabian Sea

Abstract Changes in sea level are of wide interest because they shape the sedimentary geologic record, modulate flood-related hazards, and reflect Earth's climate. One driver of sea-level change is the erosion and deposition of sediment, which induces changes in sea level by perturbing Earth's crust, gravity field, and rotation axis. Here we use a gravitationally self-consistent global model to explore how sediment erosion and deposition affected sea level during the most recent glacial–interglacial cycle in the northeastern Arabian Sea and the Indus River basin, where fluvial sediment fluxes are among the highest on Earth. We drive the model with a widely used reconstruction of ice mass variations over the last glacial cycle and a sediment loading history that we constructed from published erosion and deposition rate measurements. Our modeling suggests that sediment fluxes from the Indus River are large enough to produce meter-scale changes in sea level near the Indus delta in as little as a few thousand years. These sea-level perturbations are largest closest to the center of the Indus delta, and they grow larger over time as sediment deposition increases. This implies that the elevation of sea-level markers near the Indus delta will be significantly altered by sediment transfer over millennial timescales, and that such deformation should be accounted for in studies that use paleo-sea-level markers to infer past ice sheet volume or explore local processes such as sediment compaction. Our analysis highlights the role that massive fluvial sediment fluxes play in driving sea-level changes over >1000-yr timescales from the Indus River, and, by implication, from other rivers with large sediment fluxes.
Quantifying Beauty: The Equation is a Beast: A Review of: “The Psychology of Physical Attraction. By Viren Swami and Adrian Furnham.”

As the title clearly suggests, this book reviews research on what we find attractive, and why. As attraction is a complicated phenomenon, such an agenda proves a challenging task. In early chapters...
Registered nurses’ collective safety organising behaviours: the association with perceptions of patient safety culture

The cultivation of patient safety cultures is critical for the sustainability of positive patient outcomes. At the core of safety cultures are the safety organising behaviours of its workers. Yet, ...
The pattern of actin expression in human fibroblast × mouse muscle heterokaryons suggests that human muscle regulatory factors are produced

Abstract The expression of previously dormant human muscle genes encoding two major components of the contractile apparatus was activated in multinucleated heterokaryons formed by the fusion of mouse muscle cells and human fibroblasts. The accumulation of human and mouse α-cardiac and α-skeletal actin transcripts was compared by Northern blot, slot blot, and S1 nuclease assays. The pattern of human transcript accumulation in heterokaryons was quite distinct from that in the mouse muscle cells that induced it, and strikingly similar in time course and relative amounts to that in human primary muscle cultures. In addition, the usual decline in the level of mouse α-cardiac actin transcripts was not observed; instead, after fusion with human fibroblasts the levels increased. Our findings suggest that the activated human nuclei in heterokaryons produce their own muscle regulatory factors that alter the expression of mouse muscle genes and direct the expression of the human muscle phenotype.
Recovery of Bacteria from Broiler Carcasses after Spray Washing with Acidified Electrolyzed Water or Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions

Abstract A study was conducted to investigate the effects of spray washing broiler carcasses with acidified electrolyzed oxidizing water (EO) or sodium hypochlorite (HOCl) solutions for 5, 10, or 15 s. Commercial broiler carcasses were contaminated with 0.1 g of broiler cecal contents inoculated with 105 cells of Campylobacter and 105 cells of nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella. Numbers of bacteria recovered from unwashed control carcasses were 6.7, 5.9, 6.3, and 3.9 log10 cfu/mL for total aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella, respectively. Washing in either EO (50 mg/L of sodium hypochlorite, pH 2.4, oxidation reduction potential of 1,180 mV) or HOCl (50 mg/L of sodium hypochlorite, pH 8.0) significantly reduced the levels of bacteria recovered from carcasses (P
DESIGN OF A FIFTH-ORDER ACHROMAT

Abstract A repetitive system free of all aberrations up to the fifth order was designed based on a recently developed analytical theory that, in principle, allows the design of such achromats to an arbitrary order (Wan and Berz, Phys. Rev. E, 54 (1996) 2870; Wan, Ph.D. Thesis, Michigan State University, 1995). It serves as an example to show that complete correction of aberrations is possible beyond order three, which is the highest order achieved before (Dragt, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A 258 (1987) 339; F. Neri, in: Berz, McIntyre (Eds.), Proc. Workshop on High Order Effects). Instead of repetition of identical cells, which is widely used in achromat design based on normal form theory, we utilize cells which are obtained from the original ones through mirror imaging about the x – y plane, which corresponds to a reversion. In our design, the second half of the ring is the reversion of the first one, and two turns make a fifth-order achromat. A possible application of repetitive high-order achromats being time-of-flight spectroscopy, the resulting ring was analyzed with respect to dynamic aperture and energy resolution using maps of orders nine and higher.
Biofield Considerations in Cancer Treatment

Objectives To explore the biofield aspect of cancer care; to identify the benefits of energetic approaches in cancer care; and to examine one approach through a case study. Data Sources Current research and national reports on biofield approaches in complementary therapies. Conclusion Caring for the biofield is important in assisting the patient with cancer to enhance vitality, reduce pain, fatigue, and other side effects as a result of cancer treatments. Implications for Nursing Practice Cancer care must be holistic to provide maximal healing opportunities for patients. Consideration of the biofield is an important aspect of this care.
Dynamic Compaction for High Quality Delay Test

Dynamic compaction is an effective way to reduce the number of test patterns while maintaining high fault coverage. This paper proposes a new dynamic compaction algorithm for generating compacted test sets for K longest paths per gate (KLPG) in combinational circuits or scan-based sequential circuits. This algorithm uses a greedy approach to compact paths with non-conflicting assignments together during test generation. Experimental results for ISCAS89 benchmark circuits and two industry circuits show that the pattern count of KLPG can be significantly reduced (up to 3x compared to static compaction) using the proposed method. The pattern count after dynamic compaction is comparable to the number of transition fault tests, while achieving higher test quality.
Voltage-Dependent K+ Channels as Targets of Osmosensing in Guard Cells

Guard cell turgor responds to the osmogradient across the plasma membrane and controls the stomatal aperture. Here, we report that guard cells utilize voltage-dependent K+ channels as targets of the osmosensing pathway, providing a positive feedback mechanism for stomatal regulation. When exposed to a hypotonic condition, the inward K+ current (IKin) was highly activated, whereas the outward K+ current (IKout) was inactivated. In contrast, hypertonic conditions inactivated the IKin while activating IKout. Single-channel recording analyses indicated that an alteration in channel opening frequency was responsible for regulating IKin and IKout under different osmotic conditions. Further studies correlate osmoregulation of IKin with the pattern of organization of actin filaments, which may be a critical component in the osmosensing pathway in plant cells.
Building a transnational fusion bureaucracy? A study of state officials and opinion leaders in Rousse (Bulgaria) and Transcarpathia (Ukraine)

This paper compares how officials in Rousse, Bulgaria, and Transcarpathia, Ukraine, interact with ‘foreigners’: officials from agencies of the European Union (EU), other member states, and foreign consultants. The goals are: a) to compare the extent to which officials in the two communities participate in transnational networks of European bureaucracies, the so-called ‘transnational fusion bureaucracy’; b) to assess the ways in which the bottom-up actions of those officials relate to the broad, top-down policy goals of the EU; and c) to analyse the effects of those interactions on the business environments of the two communities. As a result of comparing the two regions, this paper argues that similar processes of integration in the transnational fusion bureaucracy occur in the internal periphery of the European Union (Rousse) and in areas outside the EU borders (Transcarpathia). In doing so, it questions the extent to which both regions participate in an emerging ‘transnational fusion bureaucracy’ emphas...
Context-Aware Motion Diversification for Crowd Simulation

Traditional crowd simulation models typically focus on navigational pathfinding and local collision avoidance. Little research has explored how to optimally control individual agents' detailed motions throughout a crowd. A proposed approach dynamically controls agents' motion styles to increase a crowd's motion variety. The central idea is to maximize both the style variety of local neighbors and global style utilization while maintaining a consistent style for each agent that's as natural as possible. To assist runtime diversity control, an offline preprocessing algorithm extracts primitive motions from a motion capture database and stylizes them. This approach can complement most high-level crowd models to increase realistic variety. Four experiment scenarios and a user evaluation demonstrate this approach's superior flexibility compared to traditional random distribution of motion styles. The Web extra is a video demonstrating a military-march simulation.
Interpretation of the Effect of Mountains on Synoptic-Scale Baroclinic Waves

Abstract Linear and nonlinear simulations of idealized baroclinic waves interacting with topography are examined in the context of quasigeostrophy. The purpose is to provide a simple conceptual interpretation of the transients resulting from this interaction. A perturbation expansion is employed, with the small parameter being proportional to topographic slope, to isolate fundamentally different topographic effects, and show how they enter systematically at each order. First- and second-order corrections appear to capture the essence of the topographic effect for all cases considered, even for values of the “small” parameter as large as 0.5, and are qualitatively useful for a parameter value of unity. Results indicate the importance of surface Rossby wave dynamics at first order near the mountain and downshear from the mountain a distance inversely proportional to the growth rate of the most unstable mode of the system. The second-order correction projects onto the initial baroclinic wave. Being primarily...
Effects of physiologic human brain motion on proton spectroscopy: quantitative analysis and correction with cardiac gating.

Summary: Proton MR spectroscopy is a powerful noninvasive method that enables measurement of certain brain metabolites in healthy subjects and patients with diseases. A major difficulty with clinical and research applications of in vivo proton MR spectroscopy is the variability of metabolite concentrations, especially in regions with substantial physiologic motion. In our preliminary evaluation, we tested the hypothesis that physiologic brain motion leads to lower mean metabolite concentrations and higher SDs for the measured metabolite concentrations.
Opportunistic Feedback Protocol for Achieving Sum-Capacity of the MIMO Broadcast Channel

This paper presents an opportunistic feedback (OF) protocol that achieves the asymptotic sum-capacity of the fading broadcast channel (BC) with a limited amount of feedback. The OF protocol associates a channel value instead of a user to each feedback slot. The users access the slots opportunistically based on their channel state measurement. This allows the base-station to deduce the channel state from the slot index without explicit channel-state feedback. This protocol is then extended to the MIMO BC by using zero-forcing beamforming and random beamforming. The OF protocol is analytically shown to (a) require finite number of feedback slots upper bounded by a small number, (b) be fully distributed, (c) need minimal transmission energy during feedback and (d) asymptotically achieve the sum-capacity of the MIMO BC. Comparison with other opportunistic feedback schemes shows that the proposed scheme has substantially larger sum-rate with a lower feedback overhead.
Radiation damage evolution in ceramics

A review is presented of recent results on radiation damage production, defect accumulation and dynamic annealing in a number of ceramics, such as silicon carbide, zircon and zirconia. Under energetic particle irradiation, ceramics can undergo amorphization by the accumulation of point defects and defect clusters (silicon carbide) or direct impact amorphization (zircon). Ceramics that resist radiation-induced amorphization have mechanisms to dissipate the primary knock-on atom energy, such as replacement collision sequences that leave the lattice undisturbed and low-energy cation site exchange. The presence of engineered mobile defects, such as structural vacancies in stabilized zirconia, can dynamically anneal radiation damage. Thus, defect engineering is a promising strategy to design radiation tolerance for applications such as nuclear waste disposal.
Cassipourea atanganae sp. nov., a new species of Rhizophoraceae from Lower Guinea

ABSTRACT A new species of Cassipourea is described from the banks of the Mana River, in the southeastern boundary of the Korup National Park in Cameroon and placed provisionally within the subgenus Cassipourea. The leaves of the new species are close to those of C. afzelii, but its flowers differ from those of the latter and the rest of the species of the subgenus Cassipourea in having a glabrous ovary and a diplostemonous androceum, with filaments distinctly of two lengths. The illustration of the new species is provided and based on its narrow distribution, the provisional conservation status Vulnerable VU D1 is assigned.
Antecedent Factors Related to Changing Work Expectations Evidence from the Retirement History Study

Work expectations change in later life, especially for those not expecting to retire. But relatively little is known about factors related to this change. Using data from panel members of the Retirement History Study, job and personal characteristics, economic and health statuses, and selected attitudes in 1971 are related to types of work expectation (expected and unexpected retirees, retirement and work planners, proretirement and prowork switchers) from 1971 to 1975. Job-related, attitudinal, and economic items differ most across the six work-expectation types. But, contrary to many previous studies, health status influences change in work expectations only slightly; only in combination with other variables do health items contribute to explaining why respondents appear in one work-expectation type rather than another.