cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Support-Aided Peptide Synthesis — Regenerable Polymeric Reagents, Recent Developments

The support-aided synthesis of peptides can be classified under one of the three categories illustrated below: Type A P + AA1 → P-AA1 + AA2 → P-AA1 − AA2 Type B P + AA1 → P AA1 + AA2 P + AA1 − AA2 Type C P → P* + AA1 + AA2 → P + AA1 − AA2
Career Callings and Career Development

The construct of “calling” has become a topic of growing interest in the career development literature, and also among educators, career counseling professionals and organisations seeking to help others foster a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in work and life. While there are some measurement and conceptualisation differences in the literature, researchers generally agree that perceiving a calling involves feeling drawn to a meaningful career for transcendent and prosocial reasons (Dik and Duffy, Couns Psychol 37(3):424–450, 2009). There is also a key distinction between perceiving a calling, and finding or creating opportunities to live out one’s calling, although both are associated with a plethora of positive career-related and well-being outcomes. The purpose of this chapter is to review the diverse research on calling, highlight important conceptualisation differences, and articulate a theoretical framework for understanding how perceiving and living a calling relate to career and well-being outcomes. We also explore future directions for research on calling and offer recommendations for readers seeking to apply the construct in their personal lives and in their work with students, career counseling clients, or employees within organisations.
Modeling and Characterization of a Pull-in Free MEMS Microphone

In this study, we examine the feasibility of designing a MEMS microphone employing a levitation based electrode configuration. This electrode scheme enables capacitive MEMS sensors that could work for large bias voltages without pull-in failure. Our experiments and simulations indicate that it is possible to create robust sensors properly working at high DC voltages, which is not feasible for most of the conventional parallel plate electrode-based-microscale devices. In addition, the use of larger bias voltages will improve signal-to-noise ratios in MEMS sensors because it increases the signal relative to the noise in read-out circuits. This study presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a capacitive microphone, which is made of approximately 2 μm thick highly-doped polysilicon as a diaphragm. It has approximately 1 mm 2 surface area and incorporates interdigitated sensing electrodes on three of its sides. Right underneath these moving electrodes, there are fixed fingers being held at the same voltage potential as the moving electrodes and separated from them with a 2 μm thick air gap. The electronic output is obtained using a charge amplifier. Measured results obtained on three different microphone chips using bias voltages up to 200 volts indicate that pull-in failure is completely avoided. The sensitivity of this initial design was measured to be 16.1 mV/Pa at 200 V bias voltage, and the bandwidth was from 100 Hz to 4.9 kHz.
The Case of Black Millennials

Sociologists have queried over the utility and effectiveness of generational analysis for some time. Here, the authors contend that intragenerational analyses are needed to critically and comprehen...
The Individual Aspect of Interorganizational Cooperation: Favor-Based Cooperation

Interorganizational (IO) cooperation has been examined primarily as a role-based concept. This research seeks to extend this concept by examining a distinct mode of IO cooperation: favor-based coop...
Two-year follow-up of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in severe infra-popliteal arterial disease:

ObjectivesTo assess the safety, efficacy, and durability of the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold in predominantly complex, infra-popliteal lesions for the management of chronic limb ischemia ...
Trazodone Treatment of Bruxism in a Patient With Severe Dementia.

Objectives The objective of this study was to report the effectiveness of trazodone for treatment of bruxism in dementia. Methods A single case study of a 66-year-old man with severe vascular dementia and awake bruxism was performed. Results The patient's bruxism responded robustly to titration of trazodone. He tolerated the medication with no untoward sedation or other adverse effects. Conclusions Bruxism is occasionally encountered in patients with advanced dementia and raises concerns about nutritional compromise and about potential need for poorly tolerated dental treatment. Trazodone may potentially be effective for bruxism in some patients.
Past-year discrimination and cigarette smoking among sexual minority women: investigating racial/ethnic and sexual identity differences.

Although findings are mixed, discrimination has been identified as a risk factor for smoking in sexual minority women (SMW; e.g., lesbian and bisexual). We examined associations between past-year discrimination and cigarette smoking among SMW. Using regression analyses we examined associations of past-year discrimination including count of types of discriminatory experiences and attributions of the main reason for discrimination (i.e., sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender) with smoking outcomes (e.g., current smoking, nicotine dependence, smoking more cigarettes now than 12 months ago). We conducted exploratory analyses to examine whether race/ethnicity and sexual identity moderated the associations of past-year discrimination with smoking outcomes. The sample included 619 SMW. Most identified as lesbian (74.3%) and non-White (61.1%). SMW who reported a higher count of types of discriminatory experiences (AOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12–2.12) and any gender-based discrimination in the past year (AOR 4.79, 95% CI 1.39–16.45) reported smoking more cigarettes now than 12 months ago. Associations of other past-year discrimination measures with other smoking outcomes were not significant. Compared to White SMW, any discrimination [B (SD) = 2.56 (0.83)] and a higher count of types of discriminatory experiences in the past year [B (SD) = 0.88 (0.31)] were associated with higher nicotine dependence scores in Black/African American SMW. Past-year discrimination are associated with smoking outcomes in SMW. Black/African American race moderated the associations of any past-year discrimination and a higher count of types of discriminatory experiences with nicotine dependence scores in SMW. Targeted interventions to mitigate the influence of discrimination on smoking among SMW are needed.
The price of schedulability in cyclic workloads: The history-vs.-response-time-vs.-accuracy trade-off

Abstract Autonomous vehicles often employ computer-vision (CV) algorithms that track the movements of pedestrians and other vehicles to maintain safe distances from them. These algorithms are usually expressed as real-time processing graphs that have cycles due to back edges that provide history information. If immediate back history is required, then such a cycle must execute sequentially. Due to this requirement, any graph that contains a cycle with utilization exceeding 1.0 is categorically unschedulable, i.e., bounded graph response times cannot be guaranteed. Unfortunately, such cycles can occur in practice, particularly if conservative execution-time assumptions are made, as befits a safety-critical system. This dilemma can be obviated by allowing older back history, which enables parallelism in cycle execution at the expense of possibly affecting the accuracy of tracking. However, the efficacy of this solution hinges on the resulting history-vs.-response-time-vs.-accuracy trade-off that it exposes. In this paper, this trade-off is explored in depth through both a study of response-time bounds of synthetic task systems and an experimental study conducted using the open-source CARLA autonomous-driving simulator. Somewhat surprisingly, easing away from always requiring immediate back history proved to have only a marginal impact on accuracy, while greatly reducing analytical response-time bounds.
Government policies and firm performance in the COVID-19 pandemic era: a sectoral analysis

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been severely detrimental to most firms. Preliminary estimates from Italy, which experienced the worst devastation from the virus during the early days of the pandemic, predicted that the country could lose at least $8.3 bn in the service and manufacturing sectors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although there has been a series of ongoing government policies to mitigate the economic effect of the pandemic, we do not know to what extent these policies have been effective. Using two-period panel data (before and during the pandemic) on 419 Italian firms, this study examines the impact of government policies on firms using first difference estimation. The results show that firms that received a government grant in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic saw on average an 11% increase in sales revenue by the end of June 2020 compared to those yet to receive grants. A sectoral decomposition of the analysis indicates government policy to be effective in the services sector if performance is measured by sales revenue.
Evidence-Based Rationale for Ankle Cartilage Allograft Replacement: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes

The treatment of ankle arthritis remains controversial. Ankle cartilage allograft replacement is a novel and complex procedure. Many clinical studies have shown some level of promise, as well complications. We performed a systematic review of the clinical outcomes to describe and assess the different techniques and clinical outcomes for ankle cartilage allograft replacement. We performed a review of the published studies using MEDLINE(®) by way of PubMed(®) and Google Scholar(®) from January 2000 through October 2014, ranging from case reports to clinical studies. The inclusion criteria consisted of ankle cartilage allograft procedures with objective findings and clinical outcome scoring and complication and fusion rates and excluded nonallograft synthetic graft techniques, bone substitutes or expanders, review reports, and technique instructional manuals. Evidence with the combination of objective findings and clinical outcomes for all 3 type of allograft replacement (osteochondral, unipolar, and bipolar) is lacking. Several techniques for cartilage fixation have been described, including absorbable and metallic fixation. Most of the studies reported many occurrences and a variety of complications. A myriad of techniques for ankle cartilage allograft replacement exists. The results from the present systematic review of the published studies appear promising; however, the lack of statistical power and inconsistent documentation made it difficult to determine the superiority of any one intervention compared with another for the treatment of ankle arthritis.
Languages and Interactive Software Development

Most software is developed using interactive computing systems and substantial compute-power. Considerable assistance can be given to the developer by providing language-based support that takes advantage of analysis of software artifacts and the languages in which they are written. In this paper, some of the technical challenges and new opportunities for realizing that support are discussed. Some language design issues that affect the implementation of language-based services are summarized. The paper concludes with some proposals for assisting user understanding of language documents.
On the irreducibility of the iterates of x^n - b

Let K be a field and suppose that f(x) = x n - b is irreducible in K[x]. We discuss the following question: under what conditions are all iterates of f irreducible over K?.
On the Complexity of Dependent And-Parallelism in Logic Programming

We present results concerning the computational complexity of the key execution mechanisms required to handle Dependent And-Parallel executions in logic programming. We develop formal abstractions of the problems in terms of dynamic trees, design efficient data structures, and present some lower bound results. This work is part of a larger effort to understand, formalize, and study the complexity-theoretic and algorithmic issues in parallel implementations of logic programming.
Interworking between wireless LAN and CDMA2000

CDMA2000 and WLAN have different capabilities in distance range, data rate, and in other features. Combining CDMA2000 and WLAN will enable these WAN and LAN technologies to complement each other to enhance the available wireless network services. A possible architecture of interworking between CDMA2000 and wireless LAN is presented. The interworking architecture includes access control requirements and principles, and also authentication methods and charging requirements.
Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks are arachnids which are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of human disease agents. They are many tick-borne diseases worldwide such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, relapsing fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. This chapter explores the biology, ecology, and disease relationships of ticks, including discussion of the various tick species, where each one occurs, their seasonal activity, what animal hosts they feed on, and the like. Lastly, each of the major tick-borne diseases is presented and discussed, including their geographic distributions, tick vectors, and comments about their treatment, prevention, and control.
Methods for (generally unsteady) flows with shocks: A brief survey

The flow is described by certain flow functions, such as the pressure, p, the density, p, and the velocity components, u,v,w, which depend on the space variable, x,y,z, and the time, t. In all problems except the problem of turbulence (which is not being considered here), these functions are assumed to be piecewise smooth, in some sense. This establishes a distinction between (i) the smooth parts of the flow, where the functions are usually assumed to be continuously differentiable as many times as may be desired in any particular connection (for example, for the discussion of the accuracy of difference equations by Taylor's series expansions of the flow functions) and (2) discontinuities, such as shocks and interfaces, in the form of simple jumps across smooth surfaces. Singularities of lower dimensionality, such as shock intersections and explosion and implosion centers, are often permitted, but the exact class of admissible functions is seldom stated. The initial data are the functions of x,y,z obtained by setting t ~ t (a constant) in the flow o functions.
Heterogeneity testing for Alzheimer's disease within and between data sets.

We examined the three Alzheimer's disease (AD) family data sets for heterogeneity. Four markers that were represented in all three data sets were selected for analysis. Markers BCL3/EcoR-Mlu and D19S13/TaqI were chosen for chromosome 19 and D21S13/TaqI and D21S16/XbaI for chromosome 21. Homogeneity testing was performed on the data by use of Morton's pre-divided samples test (PS-test) and Smith's admixture test (A-test). The C-test of MacLean et al. [1992] was also used to test for linkage in the presence of heterogeneity. Assuming homogeneity, there was significant evidence of linkage to AD for BCL3, D19S13, D21S16 in the Duke data set and D19S13, D21S16 in the Boston data set
Factors affecting Volterra kernel estimation: emphasis on lung tissue viscoelasticity.

The goal of this study is to quantitatively investigate how the memory length, order of nonlinearity, type of input, and measurement noise can affect the identification of the Volterra kernels of a nonlinear viscoelastic system, and hence the inference on system structure. We explored these aspects with emphasis on nonlinear lung tissue mechanics around breathing frequencies, where the memory length issue can be critical and a ventilatory input is clinically demanded. We adopted and examined Korenberg's fast orthogonal algorithm since it is a least-squares technique that does not demand white Gaussian noise input and makes no presumptions on the kernel shape and system structure. We then propose a memory autosearch method, which incorporates Akaike's final production error criterion into Korenberg's fast orthogonal algorithm to identify the memory length simultaneously with the kernels. Finally, we designed a special ventilatory flow input and evaluated its potential for the kernel identification of the nonlinear systems requiring oscillatory forcing. We found that the long memory associated with soft tissue viscoelasticity may prohibit correct identification of the higher-order kernels of the lung. However, the key characteristics of the first-order kernel may be revealed through averaging over multiple experiments and estimations. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Familiarity, application, and performance of sales forecasting techniques

This article presents the results of a survey to determine the degree of familiarity and usage, accuracy obtained, and evaluation of different forecasting techniques. It was found that regression analysis, subjective techniques, exponential smoothing, and moving average were well known and used for specific situations. Accuracy was relatively high for aggregate short range forecasts, but decreased for longer range and product level forecasts.
High-speed optical detectors for monolithic millimeter wave integrated circuits

Metal-semiconductor-metal photo-diodes with interdigitated Schottky barrier fingers have been developed for applications in monolithic optical receiver circuits with the purpose of detecting millimeter wave modulation signals being transmitted via an optical carrier. The devices are planar and incorporated submicron finger spacings and a thin absorption region for speed with a buried stack of tuned Bragg reflectors for enhanced sensitivity at the carrier wavelength. These devices have been integrated with short-gate MODFET amplifiers to form the complete monolithic integrated optical receiver circuit. The circuits comprise of the active devices and coplanar waveguide matching/filter networks for optimal MMW performance. DC bias networks have also been integrated with the circuits.
Cerebrospinal fluid lactic acid levels in meningitis

Measurement of cerebrospinal fluid lactic acid by gas liquid chromatography and by an enzymatic Monotest lactate test was evaluated for the early detection of bacterial meningitis in 396 patients. Spinal fluid specimens from 62/62 patients with a bacterial or mycoplasma etiology yielded lactate levels greater than the upper limits of normal, whereas specimens from 334 patients with no bacterial involvement gave values within the normal range. The duration of elevated CSF lactate values coincided with the clinical response to therapy. When considered along with the history and physical examination of the patient, determination of lactic acid proved to be a rapid and reliable diagnostic test for the early detection of untreated as well as partially treated pyogenic meningitis.
Cytoplasmic domain-mediated dimerizations of toll-like receptor 4 observed by β-lactamase enzyme fragment complementation

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) detect the presence of microbial challenge and initiate innate immune defensive responses. In this work we have explored the mechanism and role of TLR dimerization in signal transduction using the newly developed technique of beta-lactamase protein fragment complementation, among others. We observed that TLR4 interactions with itself, with MyD88, or with TLR2 were accurately reported by the enzyme complementation technique. That technique, as well as co-immunoprecipitation, transfection-initiated cell activation, and site-directed mutagenesis all suggest an important role for TLR intracellular domains in receptor dimerization. These findings broaden our understanding of TLR self-interactions as well as heterodimer formation.
Malignant Natural History of Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis: Benefit of Aortic Valve Replacement

Background Patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) are reported to have a benign prognosis and hence the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines do not recommend aortic valve replacement (AVR) for patients with isolated asymptomatic severe AS. However, symptoms are subjective and would depend upon patient's life style. We examined the natural and unnatural history of initially asymptomatic patients with severe AS. Methods A search of our echocardiographic database between 1993 and 2003 yielded 740 patients with severe AS defined as aortic valve area 0.8 cm 2 or less. Thorough chart reviews were conducted to collect clinical and pharmacologic data. Of these, 338 patients were asymptomatic at the initial encounter forming the study cohort. Results Patient characteristics were the following: age 71 ± 15 years, males 51%, aortic valve area 0.72 ± 0.17 cm 2 , left ventricular ejection fraction 0.59 ± 0.17. Ninety-nine (29%) patients had AVR during a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Survival at 1, 2, and 5 years in the nonoperated patients were 67%, 56%, and 38%, respectively, compared with 94%, 93%, and 90% in those who underwent AVR ( p Conclusions Our observational data indicate that the natural history of asymptomatic AS is not benign and that survival is dramatically improved by AVR. Survival of the asymptomatic unoperated or nonoperable patients may potentially be improved by the use of beta blockers and statins.
Primary pulmonary tuberculosis in infancy: a resurgent disease in the urban United States.

Primary pulmonary tuberculosis in infancy still exists in the urban United States, reflecting new immigrations from less developed areas. The clinical diagnosis may be difficult and routine chest radiographs may be confusing. We found magnification high KV filtered radiography to be very useful in delineating lineating the primary complex and its effect on the tracheobronchial tree. Twelve infants and small children with primary pulmonary tuberculosis were seen in the years 1978–1984.
Development of a Clinical Assessment Scale: Evaluation of the Psychosocial Impact of Childhood Illness on the Family

Current literature indicates that the significance of the impact of serious childhood illness on family dynamics has been recognized by health care providers. Subsequently, there has been increasing emphasis on the prevention of secondary psychosocial problems, as well as on the need for holistic care. This paper reports a validity and reliability study conducted on an assessment tool being developed for use by clinicians to evaluate the psychosocial status of families having children with serious illnesses. It has potential for use as both a clinical and a research instrument. Clinical uses for the scale, in addition to the methods utilized to establish validity and reliability, are discussed.
A low-power oxygen inductively coupled plasma for spectrochemical analysis. I : Computer simulation

Abstract A low-power (2kW) oxygen inductively coupled plasma is simulated by an advanced computer modeling technique. The effects of frequency, gas flow rate, and power are investigated. The results show that a stable low-power oxygen ICP can be sustained in a conventional torch. A temperature as high as 12000 K in ths plasma core is predicted. The plasma shape defined by the temperature region with 5000 K is narrower than an argon plasma as a result of a thermal-pinch effect. The Lorentzian force and outer gas swirl play important roles in the plasma stability.
Host defenses in murine malaria: analysis of plasmodial infection-caused defects in macrophage microbicidal capacities.

Macrophage-dependent killing of facultative intracellular bacteria was markedly impaired by overt erythrocytic Plasmodium yoelii or Plasmodium berghei infection of mice. P. yoelii infection was capable of ablating not only the macrophage microbicidal capacity of "normal" animals but also the bactericidal capacities of "activated" macrophages. The uptake by spleen and liver of an intravenous challenge of Listeria monocytogenes was not altered by plasmodial infection, but within hours of injection markedly enhanced bacterial growth was found in tissues of malarious mice. The evidence gives credence to the view that the uptake of bacteria by macrophages of malarious mice was normal but that malarious mice, unlike normal mice, were unable to kill the bacteria. The plasmodial infection-caused defect in macrophage microbicidal capacity could be partially mimicked by the intravenous injection of large numbers of nonreplicating heterologous particles (i.e., killed bacteria, sheep erythrocytes). This result suggests that the uptake of particles generated during overt erythrocytic malaria may be responsible for the malaria-associated defects in macrophage bactericidal capacity.
Molecular dynamics simulations of electron and ion beam irradiation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes: The effects on failure by inner tube sliding

Irradiation of nanotube structures with electron and ion beams has been used to produce functionalized nanotubes and fundamentally new structures, including junctions. Here, we build on previous studies to investigate the low-energy electron and ion (Ar and $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$) beam irradiation of triple-walled carbon nanotubes that consist entirely of either chiral or armchair tubes. Effective incident energies of $50\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$/ion and $50\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{keV}$/electron are considered. The approach is classical molecular dynamic simulations using reactive empirical bond-order potentials and the primary knock-on atom approach to model the effects of electron irradiation. The results indicate that these various irradiation processes produce local damage to the nanotubes that includes crosslinking, that the degree of damage depends to some degree on the chirality of the nanotubes, and that the radial distribution of crosslinks depends significantly on the irradiating particle. Importantly, the effect of these crosslinks, and their radial distribution along the circumference of the nanotube, on the tendency of multiwalled nanotubes to fail by the sword-in-sheath mechanism is examined.
Safety impacts of signal-warning flashers and speed control at high-speed signalized intersections

For many years, to reduce the crash frequency and severity at high-speed signalized intersections, warning flashers have been used to alert drivers of potential traffic-signal changes. Recently, more aggressive countermeasures at such intersections include a speed-limit reduction in addition to warning flashers. While such speed-control strategies have the potential to further improve the crash-mitigation effectiveness of warning flashers, a rigorous statistical analysis of crash data from such intersections has not been undertaken to date. This paper uses 10-year crash data from 28 intersections in Nebraska (all with intersection approaches having signal-warning flashers; some with no speed-limit reduction, and the others with either 5 mi/h or 10 mi/h reduction in speed limit) to estimate a random parameters negative binomial model of crash frequency and a nested logit model of crash-injury severity. The estimation findings show that, while a wide variety of factors significantly influence the frequency and severity of crashes, the effect of the 5 mi/h speed-limit reduction is ambiguous—decreasing the frequency of crashes on some intersection approaches and increasing it on others, and decreasing some crash-injury severities and increasing others. In contrast, the 10 mi/h reduction in speed limit unambiguously decreased both the frequency and injury-severity of crashes. It is speculated that, in the presence of potentially heterogeneous driver responses to decreased speed limits, the smaller distances covered during reaction time at lower speeds (allowing a higher likelihood of crash avoidance) and the reduced energy of crashes associated with lower speed limits are not necessarily sufficient to unambiguously decrease the frequency and severity of crashes when the speed-limit reduction is just 5 mi/h. However, they are sufficient to unambiguously decrease the frequency and severity of crashes when the speed-limit reduction is 10 mi/h. Based on this research, speed-limit reductions in conjunction with signal-warning flashers appear to be an effective safety countermeasure, but only clearly so if the speed-limit reduction is at least 10 mi/h.
Temperature-regulated 22 GHz water vapor radiometers for CARMA

The Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) have carried out a water vapor radiometer (WVR) project to test the WVR phase correction technique for better observational effciency. We have built two uncooled, but temperature-regulated, 22 GHz WVR prototypes to explore the feasibility of the technique. To better isolate the effects of instrumental and atmospheric instabilities, we have optimized theWVR design for simplicity with less high frequency components. The calibration system is Dicke switch with a single ambient load. The thermal regulation system consists of heaters and multi-stage insulation. We have completed testing of the WVR prototypes in a laboratory and at the CARMA site. The gain stability is about 20-100 mK and the front-end temperature rms is about a few mK to hundreds, depending on weather conditions. Based on the site tests, the sky temperature at 22 GHz usually varies a few K in 15 minutes, which is not necessary due to the atmospheric water vapor. Such short time-scale background temperature variation overwhelms the limit of the WVR dynamic range. Moreover, we have compared the WVR data rms with the phase monitor at the site and obtain a scale factor of the 22 GHz water vapor line, 6-12, which is consistent with the results of other WVR projects. We suggest that expanding the WVR dynamic range with diode detector models and a better thermal regulation system are keys to the success of the CARMA WVR phase correction.
Metropolitan growth and the mobility and immobility of skilled and creative couples across the life course

The human capital and creative class hypotheses argue that the agglomeration of skilled and creative people is key to economic growth. Migration is assumed to play an important role in forming these agglomerations. However, the results of this study indicate that while younger cohorts of skilled and creative individuals are highly mobile, skilled and creative couples are highly immobile. This research hypothesizes that it is these relatively immobile skilled and creative couples that are behind the link between urban growth and concentrations of skill and creativity. Indeed, this analysis finds a strong empirical link between concentrations of skilled couples, but not creative class couples, and economic growth. Public policies designed to increase the size of the skilled population should be directed at retaining younger cohorts long enough for them to develop the local networks upon which spillover effects rely.
Isolation of ethylene-insensitive soybean mutants that are altered in pathogen susceptibility and gene-for-gene disease resistance

Plants commonly respond to pathogen infection by increasing ethylene production, but it is not clear if this ethylene does more to promote disease susceptibility or disease resistance. Ethylene production and/or responsiveness can be altered by genetic manipulation. The present study used mutagenesis to identify soybean ( Glycine max L. Merr.) lines with reduced sensitivity to ethylene. Two new genetic loci were identified, Etr1 and Etr2 . Mutants were compared with isogenic wild-type parents for their response to different soybean pathogens. Plant lines with reduced ethylene sensitivity developed similar or less-severe disease symptoms in response to virulent Pseudomonas syringae pv glycinea and Phytophthora sojae , but some of the mutants developed similar or more-severe symptoms in response to Septoria glycines and Rhizoctonia solani . Gene-for-gene resistance against P. syringae expressing avrRpt2 remained effective, but Rps1-k -mediated resistance against P. sojae races 4 and 7 was disrupted in the strong ethylene-insensitive etr1-1 mutant. Rps1-k -mediated resistance against P. sojae race 1 remained effective, suggesting that the Rps1-k locus may encode more than one gene for disease resistance. Overall, our results suggest that reduced ethylene sensitivity can be beneficial against some pathogens but deleterious to resistance against other pathogens.
The quasi-elastic scattering of fast particles by atomic nuclei

Abstract The scattering of fast particles by atomic nuclei for large momentum transfers and small energy loss is studied. The cross sections may be expanded in inverse powers of the energy of the incident particle, using methods due to Placzek and Wick. The resulting cross sections, when applied to analysis of experiments, may be used to study short range order in nuclei. An analysis of electron, pion and proton experiments shows consistent results and also shows in a striking way the effects of the “repulsive core” in two body forces.
Capacity constraints and the winner's curse in multi-unit common value auctions

Abstract We explore the role of capacity constraints in establishing efficient pricing in multi-unit common value auctions in a setting relevant to auction-based equity IPOs. The method of inquiry is experimental economics. We find that sufficiently large capacity constraints mitigate the overbidding that plagues single-unit auctions and is one of the most robust laboratory findings. We also uncover a puzzling propensity for most bidders to place a portion of their bids at prices above their signals. This disequilibrium behavior persists with experience and in cases with substantial losses in previous auctions. Our results suggest caution is warranted in promoting auction based IPOs that allow unrestricted access by the non-professional investing public.
Orbital change experiments with a Mars general circulation model

Abstract We use a Mars general circulation model to examine the effect of orbital changes on the planet’s general circulation and climate system. Experiments are performed for obliquities ranging from 0° to 60° for two different longitudes of perihelion. Each experiment simulates a full Mars year assuming a fixed atmospheric dust distribution and fixed amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere/cap system. We find that global mean surface temperatures and pressures decline with increasing obliquity due to the increasing extent of the winter polar caps. The seasonal CO 2 cycle and intensity of the solstice circulation amplify considerably with increasing obliquity such that global dust storms are likely at both solstices. The most significant feature of the high obliquity solstice circulations is the development of an intense low-level jet associated with the return branch of the Hadley circulation. Model surface stresses are used to map regions of preferred dust lifting, which are defined in terms of an annual deflation potential. For the present obliquity, the model-predicted regions of high deflation potential are in good agreement with Cantor et al.’s (2001 , J. Geophys. Res. 106 , 23653–23688) observations, which gives us some confidence in the model’s ability to predict where lifting might occur when Mars’ orbit parameters are different than they are today. In general we find that the dust lifting potential increases sharply with obliquity and is greatest at times of high obliquity when perihelion coincides with northern summer solstice. Over an obliquity cycle, the model global annual deflation potential ranges from several tenths of a millimeter at 0° obliquity to almost 15 mm at 60° obliquity. Much higher values are possible when the atmosphere is very dusty. We find a strong correlation between the deflation potential and surface thermal inertia: regions of high deflation potential correspond to regions of high thermal inertia (high rock abundance), and regions of low deflation potential correspond to regions of low thermal inertia (high dust/sand abundance). Furthermore, while the regions of preferred lifting (high deflation potential) expand somewhat with increasing obliquity and dust loading, the central parts of Tharsis, Arabia, and Elysium show no tendency for significant lifting at any obliquity or longitude of perihelion. These regions may therefore be very old and represent net long-term sinks for atmospheric dust. It is the topography of the planet, through its influence on surface pressure and wind systems, which ultimately determines where dust accumulates. Finally, as was found by Fenton and Richardson (2001 , J. Geophys. Res. 106 , 32885–32909), we find no tendency for the development of east-southeasterly winds at the Pathfinder site for any of our orbital change experiments. This suggests that the ancient wind regime discussed by Greeley et al. (2000 , J. Geophys. Res. 105, 1829–1840) was produced by other factors, such as polar wander.
Resident duty hours: the ACGME perspective.

On July 1, 2003, new program and institutional requirements that regulate the duty hours of residents went into effect. They are the product of changes in the health care system that have challenged three cherished beliefs: that the primary purpose of residency is education; that the type of work performed by residents is appropriate; and that medicine’s credibility is enhanced when physicians work long hours without rest. The amount of work done in caring for hospitalized patients has increased over the last several decades, due to tremendous advances in biomedical science and technology. DRGs and other financial incentives to shorten the length of stay mean that there is less time in which to do the needed work, and the financial pressures on hospitals mean that support staff have been reduced. Doing more in less time with less help results in residents admitting and discharging patients, recognizing disease with great facility, but lacking the time to recognize the patient. The new standards can be found on the ACGME website: www. acgme.org. …
Magnetorheology in viscoplastic media

Suspensions of iron particles in media with yield stresses were investigated to determine the effect of the continuous phase yield stress on the magnetorheological (MR) response. The steady-shear MR response was independent of the continuous phase yield stress for yield stresses in the range 0.9–37 Pa. The field-induced suspension yield stress increased sub-quadratically with the flux density. The small amplitude oscillatory shear response exhibited history dependence. The storage modulus depended not only on the magnitude of the applied magnetic field, but also on its history. This history dependence can be explained in terms of the field-dependent evolution of the suspension microstructure.
Numerical Investigation of Vibrational Nonequilibrium Effects in Hydrogen-Oxygen Rocket Engines

A computational method has been developed to simulate gas nozzle e ows expanding in vibrational nonequilibrium. Comparisons of the effect of nonequilibrium on e owe eld variables are made with available experimental data. Several experimental investigations of expanding nitrogen e owe elds are simulated and compared. Signie cant changes in the properties of e owe elds with a large degree of nonequilibrium are predicted. Nonequilibrium velocities in excess of the equilibrium values are predicted for the initial expansion process. Vibrational nonequilibrium in oxidizer-rich core e ows of hydrogen ‐ oxygen rocket engines is then investigated computationally. Vibrational relaxation rate data of oxygen in combustion product gases are obtained from experimental data, empirical correlations, and extensions of available theory. Nonequilibrium e owe eld effects are computed and shown to be minor in terms of performance losses caused by relatively rapid vibrational relaxation of oxygen in the product gas mix. Temperature measurements based upon vibrational population are subject to signie cant error, however. Uncertainty in the relaxation rate of oxygen in water vapor leads to large ranges in computational results.
Is there a “common law” of responsibility?

Contrary to common expectations and a good deal of legal folk wisdom, several surveys have failed to find group differences in the way people attribute responsibility and assign punishments. These “nonfinding,” suggest that there is a considerable degree of consensus about how to judge wrongdoing. The nature of this consensus is examined using survey data collected in two Japanese and one American cities. We examine the extent of group differences in the evaluation of inputs (here a set of hypothetical vignettes), decision rules, and punishments. The paper concludes with a discussion of the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological issues raised by these and similar findings of small group differences. Collectively, these three issues define, an agenda for future research on the nature and extent of a “common law” of responsibility.
Some hidden relations involving the ten symmetry classes of plane partitions

Let B be a partially ordered product of three finite chains. For any group G of automorphisms of B, let NG(B, q) denote the rank generating function for G-invariant order ideals of B. If we regard B as a rectangular prism, NG(B, q) can be viewed as a generating function for plane partitions that fit inside B. Similarly, define NG′(B, q) to be the rank generating function for order ideals of the quotient poset BG. We prove that NG(B, − 1) and NG′(B, − 1) count the number of plane partitions (i.e., order ideals of B) that are invariant under certain automorphisms and complementation operations on B. Consequently, one discovers that the number of plane partitions belonging to each of the ten symmetry classes identified by Stanley is of the form NG(B, ± 1) or NG′(B, ± 1) for some subgroup G of S3, and conversely. We also discuss the occurrence of this phenomenon in general partially ordered sets, and use the theory of P-partitions to derive a criterion for one aspect of it.
Calmodulin Controls Synaptic Strength via Presynaptic Activation of Calmodulin Kinase II

Calmodulin regulates multifarious cellular processes via a panoply of target interactions. However, the central role, multiple isoforms, and complex target interactions of calmodulin make it difficult to examine its precise functions. Here, we analyzed calmodulin function in neurons using lentivirally delivered short-hairpin RNAs that suppressed expression of all calmodulin isoforms by approximately 70%. Calmodulin knockdown did not significantly alter neuronal survival or synapse formation but depressed spontaneous neuronal network activity. Strikingly, calmodulin knockdown decreased the presynaptic release probability almost twofold, without altering the presynaptic readily-releasable vesicle pool or postsynaptic neurotransmitter reception. In calmodulin knockdown neurons, presynaptic release was restored to wild-type levels by expression of constitutively active calmodulin-dependent kinase-IIalpha (CaMKIIalpha); in contrast, in control neurons, expression of constitutively active CaMKIIalpha had no effect on presynaptic release. Viewed together, these data suggest that calmodulin performs a major function in boosting synaptic strength via direct activation of presynaptic calmodulin-dependent kinase II.
Response of Sericea Lespedeza Genotypes Low in Tannins to Different Environments

Transfer of the low-tannin trait to otherwise desirable sericea lespedeza high-tannin lines produced genotypes with considerably lowered forage yield. It is not known if low-tannin sericeas are proportionally less productive than high-tannin sericeas in high-yielding environments. If so, low-tannin sericeas would be less desirable to grow in more productive environments. Regression analysis was used to partition GE interactions between regressions and the residuals after regression, and to measure the response to changing environments, Shukla's stability-variance parameters were used to measure genotype stability. Variance and coefficient of variation were calculated across environments for each genotype and rank correlated to the aforementioned parameters of stability to determine their usefulness in the early stages of cultivar testing. Stability analysis was carried out on the dry forage yield of 10 genotypes grown in 10 environments in Alabama. The only low-tannin genotype that consistently responded to environmental fluctuations like ‘Serala’ was 74-100-5. Low-tannin sericeas were found to be proportionally less productive than high-tannin sericeas in high-yielding environments. However, it is possible to select low-tannin lines with an environmental response similar to high-tannin sericeas. Rank correlations among stability parameters indicated that EV is a stability parameter which is easy to calculate and could be used in the early stages of cultivar testing.
Carbide and Nitride Supported Methanol Steam Reforming Catalysts: Parallel Synthesis and High Throughput Screening

A series of Mo2C and Mo2N supported catalysts have been synthesized using a parallel synthesis and high throughput screening approach. The high surface area Mo2C and Mo2N supports were prepared using temperature programmed reaction methods. Metals including Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ru, and Sn were impregnated onto these supports using a synthesis system. Methanol steam reforming (MSR) activities and selectivities for these materials were evaluated using a high throughput-screening reactor. The support type, metal type and concentration, and metal precursor type influenced the activity and selectivity patterns. Of more than 400 materials that were synthesized and evaluated, the Pt/Mo2N, Pt–Ni/Mo2N, Pt–Fe/Mo2N, and Pd–Fe/Mo2C catalysts possessed the highest activities. Some of these formulations were more active than a commercial Cu/Zn/Al2O3 catalyst, however, the CO2 selectivities were typically lower. At similar conversions, materials that were highly active were not selective while the less active materials were very selective. Many of the highly active catalysts included noble metals while the highly selective catalysts included base metals.
China's Global Equity Oil Investments: Economic and Geopolitical Influences

Abstract In this article, we construct and analyze an original database of overseas Chinese equity oil investments (EOI) in order to assess the relative importance of economic and geopolitical factors in determining the type of countries that are most likely to receive those investments. We find that China's national oil companies (NOCs) choose to make considerable investments in certain oil rich countries while ignoring others. We develop and examine ‘economic opportunity’ and ‘geopolitical relevance’ explanations of Chinese EOI. The economic explanation assumes that Chinese oil companies operate autonomously despite the fact that they are state owned, and that they seek international experience in countries offering less competition but more risk. The geopolitical explanation suggests that Chinese equity oil investments are developed and coordinated by the central government as part of a geopolitical strategy that is designed to bypass the so-called ‘Malacca Dilemma’ and deepen security ties with oil-ri...
Scheme for distributing high-speed clock signals in a large digital system

The details of a clock distribution circuit for a large digital system operating at 250 MHz are presented. The arrangement provides pulse compression control and preserves the clock timing at the 100 ps level even when parts of the circuit are replaced.