cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli gene transfer to unrelated bacteria by a histidine operon — RP1 drug resistance plasmid complex

Summary Genetic and physical evidence indicates that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa drug resistance factor, RP1, may promote the transfer of Escherichia coli histidine genes. The RP1 mobilized histidine genes are functionally expressed in diverse Salmonella typhimurium and P . aeruginosa histidine auxotrophs. The histidine operon — RP1 complex may be transferred back to E. coli strains from Pseudomonas .
Uncertainty analysis for common Seebeck and electrical resistivity measurement systems.

This work establishes the level of uncertainty for electrical measurements commonly made on thermoelectric samples. The analysis targets measurement systems based on the four probe method. Sources of uncertainty for both electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient were identified and evaluated. Included are reasonable estimates on the magnitude of each source, and cumulative propagation of error. Uncertainty for the Seebeck coefficient includes the cold-finger effect which has been quantified with thermal finite element analysis. The cold-finger effect, which is a result of parasitic heat transfer down the thermocouple probes, leads to an asymmetric over-estimation of the Seebeck coefficient. A silicon germanium thermoelectric sample has been characterized to provide an understanding of the total measurement uncertainty. The electrical resistivity was determined to contain uncertainty of ±7.0% across any measurement temperature. The Seebeck coefficient of the system is +1.0%/−13.1% at high temperature and ±1.0% near room temperature. The power factor has a combined uncertainty of +7.3%/−27.0% at high temperature and ±7.5% near room temperature. These ranges are calculated to be typical values for a general four probe Seebeck and resistivity measurement configuration.
Niveles de la Identidad: Múltiples Sentidos Psicológicos de Comunidad en un Entorno Comunitario

El presente articulo explora el sentido psicologico de comunidad (PSOC), un sentimiento de pertenencia, importancia e identificacion con la comunidad. Gran parte de la investigacion realizada sobre el PSOC se ha focalizado en identificar un unico sentido de comunidad para un individuo en un contexto determinado. Datos cualitativos y cuantitativos son usados aqui para investigar la presencia de multiples sentidos psicologicos de comunidad para los individuos. Estos multiples PSOCs son explorados en dos contextos territoriales a nivel macro, y en una subcomunidad de uno de estos contextos: un centro de capacitacion laboral y educacion para mujeres de escasos recursos en la ciudad de Baltimore. La exploracion de multiples PSOCs en los niveles macro y subcomunitario expande nuestra conceptualizacion del funcionamiento del PSOC y tiene implicancias en la vida real, para promover resultados positivos en comunidades multiculturales.
Parameter Variation and the Leading-Edge Vortex of a Rotating Flat Plate

Particle image velocimetry was used to characterize the flowfield on flat plates of aspect ratios 2 and 4 undergoing a starting rotation motion at Reynolds numbers, based on tip velocity, of 4,000, 8,000, and 16,000. The starting motion was performed in a tank of quiescent water. For both aspect ratios, a leading-edge vortex was observed on the suction surface of the plate, and its evolution and circulation were characterized with variations in angle of attack, Reynolds number, and azimuthal and spanwise positions. A region of strong counter-rotating vorticity was also observed between the leading-edge vortex and the plate surface, which becomes entrained by the leading-edge vortex. The circulation of the leading-edge vortex, when rendered dimensionless by the plate chord length and tip speed, was found to be relatively insensitive to Reynolds number and the azimuthal position of the plate within the ranges of the measurements; however, a strong (approximately linear) dependence on angle of attack was obs...
On finite dimensional approximations to a class of games

Differential games with open or closed loop strategies, giving theory of sequences of approximation games defined on finite dimensional spaces
The thermally-induced prototropic isomerization of η4-1,3-, η4-1,4-, η4-1,5-dialkenes complexed to (η5-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt

Abstract This study reports a series of facile, thermally-induced, prototropic isomerizations of η4-1,4- and η4-1,5-dienes of (η5-cyclopenta-dienyl)cobalt to their corresponding η4-1,3-complexes. The data indicate the E-isomers to be thermodynamically favored over the Z-isomers. Furthermore, in the case of η4-hexadiene complexes, the η4-2,4-EE-isomer is observed to be thermodynamically preferred relative to either then η4-2,4-E,Z- or η4-1,3-E-isomers.
What Are Applied Linguistics

This paper articulates (and evaluates) several different conceptualizations of applied linguistics, ranging from “applications of linguistic theory” to alternative paradigms for studying language that extend and complement generative grammar as a theory of language. It is shown that these different conceptualizations imply substantive, fundamental differences in goals, methods, and priorities of language study, leading to a dynamic tension between the formally-oriented linguistic theory and other paradigms for the study of language.
Effects of a nanoscopic filler on the structure and dynamics of a simulated polymer melt and the relationship to ultrathin films.

~Received 19 July 2000; revised manuscript received 9 January 2001; published 27 July 2001! We perform molecular dynamics simulations of an idealized polymer melt surrounding a nanoscopic filler particle. We show that the glass transition temperature Tg of the melt can be shifted to either higher or lower temperatures by tuning the interactions between polymer and filler. A gradual change of the polymer dynamics approaching the filler surface causes the change in the glass transition. We also find that polymers close to the surface tend to be elongated and flattened. Our findings show a strong similarity to those obtained for ultrathin polymer films.
Wind Loads and Anchoring for Manufactured Housing

This paper presents a discussion of the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (MHCSS) Part 3280 that were revised in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The emphasis is on wind loading and anchorage of housing units. Anchoring systems used to resist lateral and lift wind forces are described and discussed in the light of previous and recent field and laboratory studies. Research to produce anchoring systems that do not rely on auger anchors is recommended.
Fixpoint Semantics for Logic Programming A Survey

The variety of semantical approaches that have been invented for logic programs is quite broad, drawing on classical and many-valued logic, lattice theory, game theory, and topology. One source of this richness is the inherent non-monotonicity of its negation, something that does not have close parallels with the machinery of other programming paradigms. Nonetheless, much of the work on logic programming semantics seems to exist side by side with similar work done for imperative and functional programming, with relatively minimal contact between communities. In this paper we summarize one variety of approaches to the semantics of logic programs: that based on fixpoint theory. We do not attempt to cover much beyond this single area, which is already remarkably fruitful. We hope readers will see parallels with, and the divergences from the better known fixpoint treatments developed for other programming methodologies.
How Neural Networks Factor Problems of Sensory-Motor Control

Some recent results in neural networks relevant to sensory-motor control problems are discussed. A common finding in biologically-oriented neural networks research is that many networks operate in parallel to ensure desired operating characteristics. Results on trajectory formation, sensory updating, and anticipatory compensation illustrate networks that are applicable in several performance domains (planned arm and speech movements, ballistic eye-movements) and that help explain data on several distinct but cooperative brain regions (frontal cortex, globus pallidus, cerebellum). In these systems whose fast dynamics are governed by slowly changing network transmission weights as well as by rapidly fluctuating external inputs, a major focus of research is how to ensure that short-term dynamics automatically regulate learning (transmission weight modification) in such a way that the system is guaranteed to develop along an adaptive trajectory.
Ultrastructural examination of spermiogenesis within the testis of the ground skink, Scincella laterale (Squamata, Sauria, Scincidae).

Although the events of spermiogenesis are commonly studied in amniotes, the amount of research available for lizards (Sauria) is lacking. Many studies have described the morphological characteristics of mature spermatozoa in lizards, but few detail the ultrastructural changes that occur during spermiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the subcellular events of spermiogenesis within the temperate ground skink (Scincella laterale). The morphological data presented here represent the first complete ultrastructural study of spermiogenesis within the Scincidae clade. Samples of testes from 20 specimens were prepared using standard techniques for transmission electron microscopy. Many of the ultrastructural changes occurring during spermiogenesis within the ground skink are similar to that of other saurians. However, there were a few unique characteristics that to date have not been described during spermiogenesis in other lizards. For example, during early round spermatid development within the ground skink testis, proacrosomal granules begin to form within the acrosomal vesicle before making contact with the apex of the nucleus. Also, a prominent microtubular manchette develops during spermiogenesis; however, the circular component of the manchete is absent in this species of skink. This developmental difference in manchette formation may lead to the more robust and straight mature spermatozoa that are common within the Scincidae family. These anatomical character differences may be valuable nontraditional sources that along with more traditional sources (i.e., mitochondrial DNA) may help elucidate phylogenetic relationships, which are historically considered controversial at best, among species within Scincidae and Sauria. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Applications of Low-Temperature Thermochronometry to Quantification of Recent Exhumation in Mountain Belts

Exhumation is a primary phenomenon used to characterize geomorphic and tectonic histories. The motion of rock with respect to the earth’s surface is produced by erosion and tectonic denudation. Unroofing by erosion redistributes crustal mass and is a major accommodator of shortening in orogenic belts (Brandon et al. 1998; Zeitler et al. 2001; Willett et al. 2003). Tectonic denudation, typically associated with crustal extension, brings rocks to the surface at rapid rates from significant crustal depths (Hodges et al. 1998; Hacker et al. 2003; Vanderhaeghe et al. 2003). Quantifying exhumation using thermochronology is thus an important element in investigations of long-term, crustal-scale geomorphic and tectonic processes. The thermochronometers most appropriate for estimating exhumation related to landscape or neotectonic history are apatite (U-Th)/He and fission-track dating. Given their low closure temperatures and the typical geothermal gradient of the continents, these cooling ages generally record exhumation from ~1–4 km depths (Farley 2002; Ehlers and Farley 2003; Naeser 1979; Gleadow et al. 1986). The accuracy of the exhumation history inferred from these data is limited by how well the spatially and temporally variant geothermal gradient is known or modeled (Mancktelow and Grasemann 1997; Ehlers and Farley 2003). Beyond these limitations, thermochronology is often hindered by what the rocks in a given study area record. Cooling ages may be “too old” and predate the tectonic or erosional history of interest. Or, topography, accessibility, bedrock lithology, and exposure may hinder collection of a robust sample set. In many studies, experimental design is determined by logistics, available funding and time, and prior analytical training of the investigator. Thus, some studies may not obtain the optimal results to address a given question. Although many papers deal with technical aspects of thermochronometry, the purpose of this paper is to explore …
MOCVD Growth of GaBN on 6H-SiC (0001) Substrates

BxGa1−xN films were deposited on 6H-SiC (0001) substrates at 1000°C by low pressure MOVPE using diborane, trimethylgallium, and ammonia as precursors. The presence of boron was detected by Auger scanning microprobe, the shift of the (00.2) x-ray diffraction peak, and low-temperature photoluminescence. A single-phase BxGa1−xN alloy with x=1.5% was produced at the gas phase B/Ga ratio of 0.005. Phase separation into wurtzite BGaN and the B-rich phase occurred for a B/Ga ratio in the 0.01–0.2 range. Only BN was formed for B/Ga >0.2. The B-rich phase was identified as h-BN with sp2 bonding based on the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. As the diborane flow exceeds the threshold concentration, the growth rate of BGaN decreases sharply, because the growth of GaN is poisoned by the formation of the slow growing BN phase. The bandedge emission of BxGa1−xN varies from 3.451 eV for x=0% with FWHM of 39.2 meV to 3.465 eV for x=1.5% with FWHM of 35.1 meV. The narrower FWHM indicates that the quality of GaN epilayer is improved with a small amount of boron incorporation. The PL linewidths become broader as more boron is introduced into the solid solution.
Identification of a New Variant of PDE1A Calmodulin-Stimulated Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase Expressed in Mouse Sperm

In mature sperm, cAMP plays an important role as a second messenger regulating functions that include capacitation, the acrosome reaction, motility, and, in some cases, chemosensing. We have cloned from mouse testis a novel calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A isoform, Pde1a_v7 (mmPDE1A7), which arises from an alternative transcription start in the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A gene. The open reading frame is predicted to encode a polypeptide with a molecular mass of 52 kDa. Two further variants of this form, which contain two additional new exons, arise from alternative splicing. Analysis of testis cDNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicates that the Pde1A_v7 transcript variant is the most abundant. The PDE1A_v7 protein uniquely lacks the first amino-terminal calmodulin-binding domain, but does possess an inhibitory domain and a second calmodulin-binding site shared with other variants. In vitro translation of the corresponding Pde1a_v7 cDNA produced a 52-kDa polypeptide having cyclic nucleotide hydrolytic activity, which was stimulated threefold by calcium-bound calmodulin. Immunoprecipitation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1 activity from detergent extracts of mouse sperm revealed a major protein of the size expected for PDE1A_v7, and the immunocytochemical staining for cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A in mouse sperm showed intense immunoreactivity in the tail only. These observations, along with the PCR data, strongly suggest that this new variant PDE1A_v7 is the major form of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A expressed in mature sperm and is therefore likely to play an important role in cyclic nucleotide regulation of mature sperm function.
A CC-SAM, for coiled coil-sterile α motif, domain targets the scaffold KSR-1 to specific sites in the plasma membrane.

Kinase suppressor of Ras-1 (KSR-1) is an essential scaffolding protein that coordinates the assembly of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) module, consisting of the MAPK kinase kinase Raf, the MAPK kinase MEK (mitogen-activated or extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase kinase), and the MAPK ERK (extracellular signal–regulated kinase) to facilitate activation of MEK and thus ERK. Although KSR-1 is targeted to the cell membrane in part by its atypical C1 domain, which binds to phospholipids, other domains may be involved. We identified another domain in KSR-1 that we termed CC-SAM, which is composed of a coiled coil (CC) and a sterile α motif (SAM). The CC-SAM domain targeted KSR-1 to specific signaling sites at the plasma membrane in growth factor–treated cells, and it bound directly to various micelles and bicelles in vitro, indicating that the CC-SAM functioned as a membrane-binding module. By combining nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and experiments in cultured cells, we found that membrane binding was mediated by helix α3 of the CC motif and that mutating residues in α3 abolished targeting of KSR-1 to the plasma membrane. Thus, in addition to the atypical C1 domain, the CC-SAM domain is required to target KSR-1 to the plasma membrane.
Far-red light photoactivatable near-infrared fluorescent proteins engineered from a bacterial phytochrome

The ability to modulate the fluorescence of optical probes can be used to enhance signal-to-noise ratios for imaging within highly autofluorescent environments, such as intact tissues and living organisms. Here, we report two bacteriophytochrome-based photoactivatable near-infrared fluorescent proteins, named PAiRFP1 and PAiRFP2. PAiRFPs utilize haem-derived biliverdin, ubiquitous in mammalian tissues, as the chromophore. Initially weakly fluorescent PAiRFPs undergo photoconversion into a highly fluorescent state with excitation/emission at 690/717 nm following a brief irradiation with far-red light. After photoactivation, PAiRFPs slowly revert back to initial state, enabling multiple photoactivation-relaxation cycles. Low-temperature optical spectroscopy reveals several intermediates involved in PAiRFP photocycles, which all differ from that of the bacteriophytochrome precursor. PAiRFPs can be photoactivated in a spatially selective manner in mouse tissues, and optical modulation of their fluorescence allows for substantial contrast enhancement, making PAiRFPs advantageous over permanently fluorescent probes for in vivo imaging conditions of high autofluorescence and low signal levels.
Big data analytics in healthcare: promise and potential

Objective: To describe the promise and potential of big data analytics in healthcare. Methods: The paper describes the nascent field of big data analytics in healthcare, discusses the benefits, outlines an architectural framework and methodology, describes examples reported in the literature, briefly discusses the challenges, and offers conclusions. Results: The paper provides a broad overview of big data analytics for healthcare researchers and practitioners. Conclusions: Big data analytics in healthcare is evolving into a promising field for providing insight from very large data sets and improving outcomes while reducing costs. Its potential is great; however there remain challenges to overcome.
War: Back to the Future

▪ Abstract War is a fraught subject. Those who study it often fight about it. This chapter examines the current state of the study of war, described and analyzed by anthropologists and nonanthropologists who employ concepts like culture in writing about the future of war. Warfare seems bound to keep us revisiting certain aspects of the past. At the same time, nothing induces change quite like conflict. Does war have a future? The preponderance of evidence—biological, archeological, ethnological—suggests that it does. But not all anthropologists agree. This in and of itself represents one of a series of gaps that begs further consideration.
Frequency Specific Characterization of Very Soft Polymeric Materials Using Nanoindentation Testing

Polymer thin films and surfaces play a major role in the functionality of many components in the microelectronic and automotive industries. The characterization of their mechanical properties at a nanometer scale remains a technological challenge. Instrumented indentation testing with frequency-specific dynamic analysis provides access to viscoelastic measurement of near surface properties of polymeric materials. Development of biomaterials for tissue replacement raises the interest for testing polymers with storage modulus of less than 1 MPa. The development of specific testing methodologies with improved accuracy and precision for evaluating very soft polymeric materials are presented in this work. Results at various frequencies for polyurethane and polydimethylsilane using both Berkovich and Flat punch geometries are compared.
Feedback control of packet loss for VPN services

Provisioning QoS enabled VPN services over packet switched networks is increasingly important for service provider. Some prior works adopted a proactive service setup approach such as the measurement based service admission control, but little attention has been given to control the congestion and maintain QoS after the service has been instantiated. Congestion control is a key issue for network service provider to manage QoS assured VPN services. Most studies in congestion control have focused on buffer management and tried to maintain the queue length to a preset value. This paper proposes a rate-based feedback control system that maintains preset packet loss targets for instantiated VPN services in the provider's backbone network. Specifically, the system utilizes the estimation for packet loss probability as the feedback signal, and then applies a PI controller to throttle ingress customers' traffic rates. Through a number of simulation experiments, the transient and steady state performance of the controller is evaluated. The numeric results show that the control system is effective in maintaining the network operation within a prescribed loss range.
A Second Generation Timing System for DIII-D Timing Control

The DIII-D Tokamak relies on a facility wide timing network to synchronize machine operations. The first generation system was designed around cascaded CAMAC delay units feeding a custom timing network encoder. This system has become increasingly difficult to maintain and repair and the needs of DIII-D experiments are beginning to exceed its capabilities. To address these issues, a new second-generation system was designed with a modular architecture in a VME form factor that facilitates the future addition of features and output channels when required, while maintaining backwards compatibility with the original system. As part of the base design, modules for event triggers, multiple programmable sequences, first generation Bi-Phase serial outputs, fiber optic outputs, and event recording are provided. Each module is implemented with a form of programmable logic, either a CPLD or FPGA, which allows for future modification if needed. The system also has the capability of complete remote management, allowing for custom timing chains on a per-experiment basis. The feature set and design of this second-generation timing system is presented.
A Hands-On Freshman Survey Course to Steer Undergraduates Into Microsystems Coursework and Research

Full class loads and inflexible schedules can be a significant obstacle in the implementation of freshman survey courses designed to guide engineering students into emerging research areas such as micro- and nanosystems. A hands-on, interactive course was developed to excite freshmen early in their engineering program to pursue research and careers in microsystems. The course focused on the top-down and bottom-up approaches to building devices, including the metrology tools required for visualization and characterization at the micro- and nanoscales. Modular lab components required students to interact with, build, and characterize microsystems. Macroscale versions were used to teach microscale concepts. An introductory module included dissecting the iPod Mp3 player, understanding its macroscale components and inspecting the microscale components in optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). A summary of the class focus and lab exercise modules is reported.
Mustard and Other Cover Crop Effects Vary on Lettuce Drop Caused by Sclerotinia minor and on Weeds

Mustard cover crops have been suggested as a potential biofumigant for managing soilborne agricultural pests and weeds. We conducted several experiments in commercial lettuce fields in the Salinas Valley, CA, to evaluate the effects of mustard cover crops on lettuce drop caused by Sclerotinia minor and on weed density and seed viability. In a long-term study, we measured the effects of white and Indian mustard cover crops on the density of S. minor sclerotia in soil, lettuce drop incidence, weed densities, weed seed viability, and crop yield in head lettuce. We also tested broccoli and rye cover crop treatments and a fallow control. Across several short-term studies, we evaluated the density of S. minor sclerotia in soil, lettuce drop incidence, weed densities, and weed seed viability following cover cropping with a mustard species blend. Numbers of sclerotia in soil were low in most experimental locations and were not affected by cover cropping. Mustard cover crops did not reduce disease incidence in the long-term experiment but the incidence of lettuce drop was lower in mustard-cover-cropped plots across the short-term experiments. With the exception of common purslane and hairy nightshade, weed densities and weed seed viability were not significantly reduced by cover cropping with mustard. Head lettuce yield was significantly higher in mustard-cover-cropped plots compared with a fallow control. Glucosinolate content in the two mustard species was similar to those measured in other studies but, when converted to an equivalent of a commercial fumigant, the concentrations were much lower than the labeled rate for lettuce production. Although mustard cover cropping resulted in yield benefits in this study, there was little to no disease or weed suppression.
The perceptual acquisition of Thai phonology by English speakers: task and stimulus effects

This paper presents a follow-up to Curtin et. al’s study of the perceptual acquisition of Thai laryngeal contrasts by native speakers of English, which found that subjects performed better on contrasts in voice than aspiration. This finding, surprising in light of earlier cross-linguistic VOT research, was attributed to the fact that the task tapped lexical representations, which are unspecified for aspiration, according to standard assumptions in generative phonology. The present study further investigated possible task effects by examining the discrimination and categorization of the same stimuli in various experimental conditions. Stimulus effects were also investigated by performing token-based analyses of the results, and by comparing them to acoustic properties of the tokens. The outcome of the discrimination experiment was the opposite of the earlier study, with significantly better performance on contrasts in aspiration than voice, even on a lexical task. A second finding of this experiment is that place of articulation interacts with the perception of the laryngeal distinctions; the aspiration distinction is discriminated better on the labials, and voice on alveolars. A parallel effect of place of articulation was also found in a categorization experiment.
Scoring system predictive of survival for patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver tumors.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an emerging treatment option for liver tumors. This study evaluated outcomes after SBRT to identify prognostic variables and to develop a novel scoring system predictive of survival. The medical records of 52 patients with a total of 85 liver lesions treated with SBRT from 2003 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-four patients had 1 lesion; 27 had 2 or more. Thirteen lesions were primary tumors; 72 were metastases. Fiducials were placed in all patients prior to SBRT. The median prescribed dose was 30 Gy (range, 16 – 50 Gy) in a median of 3 fractions (range, 1–5). With median follow-up of 11.3 months, median overall survival (OS) was 12.5 months, and 1 year OS was 50.8%. In 42 patients with radiographic follow up, 1 year local control was 74.8%. On univariate analysis, number of lesions (p = 0.0243) and active extralesional disease (p < 0.0001) were predictive of OS; Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) approached statistical significance (p = 0.0606). A scoring system for predicting survival was developed by allocating 1 point for each of the three following factors: active extralesional disease, 2 or more lesions, and KPS ≤ 80%. Score was associated with OS (p < 0.0001). For scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3, median survival intervals were 34, 12.5, 7.6, and 2.8 months, respectively. SBRT offers a safe and feasible treatment option for liver tumors. A prognostic scoring system based on the number of liver lesions, activity of extralesional disease, and KPS predicts survival following SBRT and can be used as a guide for prospective validation and ultimately for treatment decision-making.
An Anticipatory Geriatric Strategy: To Better Care for Those Americans Not Yet Old

Current US public policy decisions will have impact on national plans to care for the aging American baby boomer population over the next several decades. The recent health care legislative debate has been largely about the structure of health care for those still too young to be covered by Medicare, but the legislation may have important implications for the average rates of accumulating chronic illness and disability in midlife and influence the care needs for that cohort of individuals even after they become elderly.
Maximizing Future Flexibility in Electric Generation Portfolios

This paper presents a methodology to obtain flexible future capacity expansion plans under diverse types and sources of uncertainty classified as global and local. Planning flexibility is defined as the capability of a long-term planning solution to adapt cost-effectively to any of the conditions of characterizing the identified scenarios. Global (or high-impact) uncertainties allow us to create scenarios that guide the flexibility-based planning model; whereas local uncertainties allow us to create uncertainty sets that model the imperfect knowledge of each global uncertainty (GU). Our methodology, rather than choosing the most flexible plan among a set of candidate solutions, designs a flexible system that is less sensitive to the choice of scenarios. In addition to minimizing the investment and operational cost, the model minimizes its future adaptation cost to the conditions of other identified scenarios via adjustable robust optimization. Results obtained with our methodology in a 5-region US system under a 40-year planning horizon show how a flexible system adapts to future high-impact uncertainties at reasonably low costs with a low number of adaptation actions. A folding horizon process where GUs are guided by Markov chains was performed to assess the degree of flexibility of the system and its cost under multiple operation conditions.
Theory of nonlinear pulse propagation in inhomogeneous waveguides

An approximate treatment of solitons (nonlinear pulses) in inhomogeneous waveguides is presented. We find that, for slowly varying inhomogeneity, both bright and dark solitons are supported by waveguides. These solitons acquire a time-dependent velocity and acceleration but otherwise propagate through the waveguide without changing shape.
Premating Isolation Is Determined by Larval Rearing Substrates in Cactophilic Drosophila mojavensis. III. Epicuticular Hydrocarbon Variation Is Determined by Use of Different Host Plants in Drosophila mojavensis and Drosophila arizonae

Adult epicuticular hydrocarbon profiles of male and femaleDrosophila mojavensis have been implicated as determinants of mate choice leading to premating isolation between geographically isolated populations. Hydrocarbon profiles of a Baja California and a mainland Sonora population ofDrosophila mojavensis, ayellow body mutant strain ofD. mojavensis, and a population ofD. arizonae were compared among flies that had been reared on two cactus substrates and a synthetic laboratory growth medium in order to assess the degree to which natural rearing substrates influence adult hydrocarbon composition. Twenty epicuticular hydrocarbon components, ranging from C29 to C41, were recovered by gas chromatography that represented major classes of alkanes, alkenes, and alkadienes. We found differences in relative amounts of epicuticular hydrocarbons among Baja and mainlandD. mojavensis, and theyellow body mutants. There were few differences betweenD. mojavensis andD. arizonae. The effects of rearing substrates were remarkable: most of the differences were due to the effects of lab food vs. cactus, but there were significant rearing substrate effects due to differences in the two cacti used. Eleven hydrocarbon components differed in abundance between males and females or showed significant sex × rearing substrate interactions from ANOVA. The effects of rearing substrates on epicuticular hydrocarbon composition inD. mojavensis are concordant with changes in the intensity of premating isolation between populations, implicating host ecology as a major determinant in patterns of mate choice in this species.
Closing the drug lag for new drug submission and review in Japan: An industry perspective

Previous publications have focused on drug lag in Japan and the government's initiatives to address the situation.(1) Japan is the third largest pharmaceutical market, and yet has experienced significant drug lag for many years. This article reviews the progress resulting from industry adaptation of new regulatory paradigms that include Japan in global drug development programs.
FISH analyses for alterations in chromosomes 1, 2, 3, and 11 define high-risk groups in neuroblastoma.

Background The prognostic chromosomal markers 1p loss and MYCN amplification (MNA) are only present in a subgroup of approximately 30% of neuroblastomas. To further characterize high and low risk subsets we investigated alterations in chromosome arms 3p and 11q, additional changes in 1p and MYCN as well as the somy-status of chromosome 1 in the same sample. Procedure Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used as an alternative technique to PCR/LOH- or comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses. Alterations in chromosomes 3p and 11q were investigated in 182 unselected tumors, 1p loss and MNA in 174 and 179 of these, respectively. The somy-status of chromosome 1 was determined in 165 tumors as it highly correlates with the tumor ploidy. Results Alterations in the four chromosomal regions were found in the following frequencies: 3p26: 19%, 11q23: 29%, 1p36: 29%, MNA: 19%. Fifty-two percent of all cases displayed structural aberrations in at least one chromosomal region, 83% in stage 4 and 30% in stages 1–3, 4s. All aberrations were thus correlated with stage 4 disease but were also present in a substantial subset of localized and 4s tumors. Trisomy of chromosome 1 was found in 38% of the tumors, disomy or tetrasomy in 62%. Patients with alterations in any of the four chromosomes and di/tetrasomy 1 showed a significantly increased age at diagnosis. Loss in 1p and MNA were closely associated with each other, as well as 3p and 11q aberrations but not the groups 1p/MNA versus 3p/11q. Only a small portion of trisomic tumors showed aberrations in at least one of the four chromosomal regions (14%) in contrast to the majority of the di/tetrasomic cases (74%). As already known the MYCN status discriminated between good and poor outcome in localized and metastatic stage 4 tumors. In addition alterations in 1p or 11q, deletion in 3p and di/tetrasomy 1 were associated with an unfavorable prognosis in MYCN single copy tumors of stages 1–3, 4s. Multivariate analysis revealed 11q alterations and MNA as the most important chromosomal prognostic factors in all stages. Conclusion FISH analyses for chromosomal alterations in 3p and 11q as well as in 1p and MYCN allows to define different groups with an increased risk for disease progression. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:30–35. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vertical diffusion in the lower atmosphere using aircraft measurements of 222Rn

Abstract Vertical profiles of 222Rn concentrations measured from 3 to 6 September 1995 in the northeastern United States, using a new radon instrument designed for aircraft measurements, are presented. A vertical diffusion model was employed to simulate the distributions of 222Rn concentrations by using time-dependent profiles of vertical eddy diffusivity in the lower atmosphere. To determine these profiles, O’Brien’s simple formulation was applied using the diurnal changes of the boundary layer height and surface fluxes. The model-calculated profiles of the 222Rn concentrations were then compared with the aircraft measurements of 222Rn. Model simulations were also calculated using different values of the vertical eddy diffusivity above the boundary layer. Using the value of kz above the boundary layer equal to 10% of its maximum boundary layer value in the model resulted in the best vertical profiles of the calculated 222Rn compared with the measurements within the boundary layer. From aircraft measureme...
Abstract Algebra for Algebra Teaching: Influencing School Mathematics Instruction

ABSTRACTThis article explores the potential for aspects of abstract algebra to be influential for the teaching of school algebra (and early algebra). Using national standards for analysis, four primary areas common in school mathematics—and their progression across elementary, middle, and secondary mathematics—where teaching may be transformed by teachers' knowledge of abstract algebra are developed. In each of the four content areas (arithmetic properties, inverses, structure of sets, and solving equations), descriptions and examples of the transformational influence on teaching these topics are used to depict and support ways that study of more advanced mathematics can influence teachers' practice. Implications for the mathematical preparation and professional development of teachers are considered.
Tunable optical response of bowtie nanoantenna arrays on thermoplastic substrates

Thermally responsive polymers present an interesting avenue for tuning the optical properties of nanomaterials on their surfaces by varying their periodicity and shape using facile processing methods. Gold bowtie nanoantenna arrays are fabricated using nanosphere lithography on prestressed polyolefin (PO), a thermoplastic polymer, and optical properties are investigated via a combination of spectroscopy and electromagnetic simulations to correlate shape evolution with optical response. Geometric features of bowtie nanoantennas evolve by annealing at temperatures between 105 °C and 135 °C by releasing the degree of prestress in PO. Due to the higher modulus of Au versus PO, compressive stress occurs on Au bowtie regions on PO, which leads to surface buckling at the two highest annealing temperatures; regions with a 5 nm gap between bowtie nanoantennas are observed and the average reduction is 75%. Reflectance spectroscopy and full-wave electromagnetic simulations both demonstrate the ability to tune the plasmon resonance wavelength with a window of approximately 90 nm in the range of annealing temperatures investigated. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurements demonstrate that maximum enhancement is observed as the excitation wavelength approaches the plasmon resonance of Au bowtie nanoantennas. Both the size and morphology tunability offered by PO allows for customizing optical response.
Automated proofs of Lo¨b's theorem and Go¨del's two incompleteness theorems

The modal logic calculus K4, which represents important properties of the provability relation of Peano's Arithmetic, is formalized within the automated reasoning system ITP. Very high level automated proofs are then obtained of Lob's theorem, and of Godel's two incompleteness theorems.
Statistical Analysis of Acoustic-Source Field in Rough-Wall Boundary Layers

Roughness noise generation mechanisms are investigated using data from large-eddy simulations of turbulent boundary layers at Re� = 3065 over arrays of 10 × 4 roughness elements. Three types of roughness elements, including hemispheres, short cylinders and cuboids are considered, which share the same height of 0.124�, the same element-to-element spacing of 0.727� and the same flow blockage area. The streamwise dipole sound spectra share a common peak at fh/U∞ = 0.17. The surface pressure spectra in the roughness fetch are elevated over all frequencies and have smaller correlation length and time scales than those in the unperturbed smooth-wall boundary layer. The correlation coefficients and coherence between acoustic roughness dipoles and the pressure fluctuations on the rough wall are calculated. Analysis of the results confirms the importance of the impingement of upstream turbulence to dipole sound radiations, especially in the streamwise direction. For roughness shapes with sharp frontal edges, the edge-induced unsteady flow separations and vortex shedding also play important roles to sound generation. Large scale structures in the boundary layer have relatively low influence on roughness dipoles, except for the first rows of elements.
Quantitative heat dissipation characteristics in current-carrying GaN nanowires probed by combining scanning thermal microscopy and spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy.

Using an approach combining scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) and spatially revolved Raman spectroscopy, we have investigated quantitatively the heat dissipation characteristics in substrate-supported and suspended (with asymmetric type of contacts) current-carrying GaN nanowires with diameters of ∼40−60 nm, where the phonon confinement is expected to play an important role in thermal transport. In particular, this approach allows direct measurements of nanowire−substrate/electrode interface thermal resistances and the nanowire thermal conductivity. On the basis of these results, the nanowire−substrate thermal transfer was suggested to be the main heat dissipation route, counting for ∼80−93% of the total dissipated heat, whereas the nanowire−electrode interface plays a minor role. The relative significance of nanowire-substrate/electrode interfaces in dissipating heat was further demonstrated in suspended nanowire devices. The measured nanowire thermal conductivity (∼40−60 W/mK) is lower than that in bul...
Direct brain recordings reveal impaired neural function in infants with single-suture craniosynostosis: a future modality for guiding management?

BACKGROUND Patients with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) are at an elevated risk for long-term learning disabilities. Such adverse outcomes indicate that the early development of neural processing in SSC may be abnormal. At present, however, the precise functional derangements of the developing brain remain largely unknown. Event-related potentials (ERPs) are a form of noninvasive neuroimaging that provide direct measurements of cortical activity and have shown value in predicting long-term cognitive functioning. The current study used ERPs to examine auditory processing in infants with SSC to help clarify the developmental onset of delays in this population. METHODS Fifteen infants with untreated SSC and 23 typically developing controls were evaluated. ERPs were recorded during the presentation of speech sounds. Analyses focused on the P150 and N450 components of auditory processing. RESULTS Infants with SSC demonstrated attenuated P150 amplitudes relative to typically developing controls. No differences in the N450 component were identified between untreated SSC and controls. CONCLUSIONS Infants with untreated SSC demonstrate abnormal speech sound processing. Atypicalities are detectable as early as 6 months of age and may represent precursors to long-term language delay. Electrophysiological assessments provide a precise examination of neural processing in SSC and hold potential as a future modality to examine the effects of surgical treatment on brain development.
The value of periodic spirometry for early recognition of long-term excessive lung function decline in individuals.

Objective To establish the value of workplace spirometry monitoring methods for early recognition of long-term excessive lung function decline in individuals. Methods Sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio were calculated to determine the predictive value of the linear regression slope and limits of longitudinal decline for early prediction of long-term excessive forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) decline (> 90 mL/yr established over 9 to 11 years) in ongoing spirometry monitoring programs (firefighters and construction workers) and a historical program (paper-pulp mill workers). The longitudinal limits account for the expected FEV1 within-person variability. Results The longitudinal limits achieved clinical "usefulness" (positive likelihood ratio 10 or higher) from the fourth to fifth year of follow-up, whereas the linear regression slope was less useful. The usefulness depended on data precision and measurement frequency. Conclusion The limits of longitudinal decline are more useful for early recognition of long-term excessive FEV1 decline than the linear regression slope.
Inhibition of Glucose Oxidation and Fatty Acid Synthesis in Liver Slices from Fed, Fasted and Fasted–Refed Rats by Glucagon, Epinephrine and Cyclic Adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate

SummaryGlucagon and cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) markedly decreased glucose-U-14C oxidation and conversion into fatty acids in liver slices from fed and fasted–refed rats. Epinephrine was much less effective. Lipogenesis from fasted rats was not reduced by any of these compounds below the level already produced by 2-day fast. The data suggest that hepatic glucagon levels are important in regulating glucose oxidation and its conversion into fatty acids. This effect appears to be mediated via modification of hepatic tissue cAMP levels.
Separately Continuous Functions are Baire Functions

(1971). Separately Continuous Functions are Baire Functions. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 175-175.
Myotis yumanensis in Interior Southwestern North America, with Comments on Myotis lucifugus

In areas of sympatry with Myotis yumanensis yumanensis, Myotis lucifugus is identifiable by darker ears, more gently sloping forehead, burnished hair tips, and greater mastoid breadth. Of 354 specimens tested by multivariate discriminate analysis, three are intermediate and judged probable hybrids. The area of California draining to Owens Lake supports a distinctive population of bat, herein given subspecific status. All Yuma myotis from the area of concern are considered M. y. yumanensis ; this bat varies in size clinally from small in the southwest (Sonora) to large in northeastern Utah-northwestern Colorado. Direct breeding continuity between the Lower and Upper Colorado River populations is interrupted by the Mogollon Rim and associated highlands; thus gene flow between these areas is by way of the Rio Grande to the east.