cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oligotyping reveals stronger relationship of organic soil bacterial community structure with N-amendments and soil chemistry in comparison to that of mineral soil at Harvard Forest, MA, USA

The impact of chronic nitrogen amendments on bacterial communities was evaluated at Harvard Forest, Petersham MA. Thirty soil samples (3 treatments x 2 soil horizons x 5 subplots) were collected in 2009 from untreated (control), low nitrogen-amended (LN; 50 kg NH4NO3 ha-1 yr-1) and high nitrogen-amended (HN; 150 kg NH4NO3 ha-1 yr-1) plots. PCR-amplified partial 16S rDNA sequences made from soil DNA were subjected to pyrosequencing (Turlapati et al., 2013) and analyses using oligotyping. The parameters M (the minimum count of the most abundant unique sequence in an oligotype) and s (minimum number of samples in which an oligotype is expected to be present) had to be optimized for forest soils because of high diversity and the presence of rare organisms. Comparative analyses of the pyrosequencing data by oligotyping and OTU (Operational Taxonomic Unit) clustering tools indicated that the former yields more refined units of taxonomy with sequence similarity of ≥99.5%. Sequences affiliated with 4 new phyla and 73 genera were identified in the present study as compared to 27 genera reported earlier from the same data (Turlapati et al., 2013). Significant rearrangements in the bacterial community structure were observed with N-amendments revealing the presence of additional genera in N-amended plots with the absence of some that were present in the control plots. Permutational MANOVA analyses indicated significant variation associated with soil horizon and N treatment for a majority of the phyla. In most cases soil horizon partitioned more variation relative to treatment and treatment effects were more evident for the organic horizon. Mantel test results for organic soil showed significant positive correlations between bacterial communities and most soil parameters including NH4 and NO3. In mineral soil, correlations were seen only with pH, NH4 and NO3. Regardless of the pipeline used, a major hindrance for such a study remains to be the lack of reference databases for fo
The geometry of the Routh problem

In this paper the motion without sliding of a homogeneous ball on a surface of revolution is studied. It is shown that the necessary condition for stability of stationary periodic motions of the ball obtained by Routh is also a sufficient one. We prove that the nondegenerate invariant manifolds are diffeomorphic to unions of invariant tori filled with quasiperiodic motions.
Relating early child adjustment to infant and parent temperament

The central question at issue was the role of both infant and parent temperament in determining child adjustment at age 4. Within the conceptual framework of the New York Longitudinal Study (NYLS), both infant and parent temperament were assessed. Factor analyses yielded three comparable infant and parent temperament factors: Mood, Energy, and Consistency. Correlations with teacher ratings of child adjustment indicated the most significant relationship to be with the infant girls' Mood factor (comparable to the NYLS high-risk “difficult” infant factor). No infant factors were found to relate to boys' adjustment, while maternal Mood was significant across sexes. Indices of the temperamental similarity within families also revealed sex differences relative to adjustment, with similarity across all family members significantly related to adjustment for girls and boy-father dissimilarity significant for boys. Discussion centered around continuity-discontinuity issues relevant to sex differences.
Thermokarst lakes increased atmospheric methane levels

Ice cores taken from Greenland indicate that during the last deglaciation, approximately 10,000 years ago, increases in temperature occurred at the same times as increases in atmospheric methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The source of the increase in atmospheric methane is still debated, but it has been suggested that thermokarst lakes, which form from thawing permafrost, contributed to the increased atmospheric methane. By establishing pathways of regionally varying hydrogen isotopes found in permafrost ground ice to methane produced in thermokarst lakes, Brosius et al. reconciled bottom-up estimates of emission of methane from thermokarst lakes in various Arctic regions with isotope constraints from ice core records; they show that thermokarst lakes were indeed an important source of atmospheric methane during the deglacial period. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Biogeosciences, doi:10.1029/2011JG001810, 2012)
The influence of atomic mixing on SIMS depth profiling of thin buried layers

Al/Si multilayers deposited on an Si substrate have been profiled with 3–7 keV Kr+, Ar+, Ar+ and Ne+ ions. The measured marker broadening agrees with the predictions of Littmark and Hofer for 5 keV Ar+ sputtering of Si. Comparisons with the cascade mixing theory of Carter, Collins and Thompson produces a reasonable fit, but further refinement of the theoretical treatment is necessary for better agreement. A root mean square recoil range, 〈d2〉12 was calculated to be between 13 and 21 A depending on the choice of diffusion parameters.
BINDING OF BASIC PROTEINS TO DNA.

The binding of a protamine, of individual purified histone fractions and of poly- L -lysine to DNA has been studied by the method of equilibrium dialysis. At low salt concentration (0·05 to 0·2 M ) all of the proteins studied exhibit greater affinity for native than for denatured DNA. The affinity of protamine for native DNA is greater than that of histones and among the latter, the affinity of arginine-rich (Arg: Lys ratio of 1·4) histone is greater than that of lysine-rich (Arg: Lys ratio of 0·1) histone. Binding of protein to DNA decreases sharply over the salt concentration range 0·3 to 0·7 M and the characteristically steep slopes of the binding versus salt concentration profile suggest that the binding may be highly co-operative. The persistence of affinity of both protamine and histone for DNA in solutions of high ionic strength (1·0 M ) indicates the contribution to such binding of interactions other than the major electrostatic one.
Groundwater Ages and Mixing in the Piceance Basin Natural Gas Province, Colorado

Reliably identifying the effects of energy development on groundwater quality can be difficult because baseline assessments of water quality completed before the onset of energy development are rare and because interactions between hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers can be complex, involving both natural and human processes. Groundwater age and mixing data can strengthen interpretations of monitoring data from those areas by providing better understanding of the groundwater flow systems. Chemical, isotopic, and age tracers were used to characterize groundwater ages and mixing with deeper saline water in three areas of the Piceance Basin natural gas province. The data revealed a complex array of groundwater ages ( 50,000 years) and mixing patterns in the basin that helped explain concentrations and sources of methane in groundwater. Age and mixing data also can strengthen the design of monitoring programs by providing information on time scales at which water quality changes in aquifers might be ex...
Giving up Twitter for Lent: how and why we take breaks from social media

Social media use is widespread, but many people worry about overuse. This paper explores how and why people take breaks from social media. Using a mixed methods approach, we pair data from users who tweeted about giving up Twitter for Lent with an interview study of social media users. We find that 64% of users who proclaim that they are giving up Twitter for Lent successfully do so. Among those who fail, 31% acknowledge their failure; the other 69% simply return. We observe hedging patterns (e.g. "I thought about giving up Twitter for Lent but"?) that surfaced uncertainty about social media behavior. Interview participants were concerned about the tradeoffs of spending time on social media versus doing other things and of spending time on social media rather than in "real life." We discuss gaps in related theory that might help reduce users' anxieties and open design problems related to designing systems and services that can help users manage their own social media use.
Comparative immunocytochemical demonstration of ACTH-, LH- and FSH-containing cells in the pituitary of neonatal, immature and adult rats.

By means of immunocytochemistry, the development of ACTH-, LH- and FSH cells was examined in the anterior pituitary of 5-day-old neonatal, 15-day-old immature and adult rats. ACTH-positive cells are angular and the periphery of these cells is strongly reactive with anti-ACTH serum. In contrast, LH- and FSH-immunopositive cells are ovoid elements, ranging in cell size and intensity of staining. Angular cells, in which only the cell periphery reacted with anti-LHβ serum, were observed in neonatal and immature rats; however, these cells were not stained with either anti-FSHβ serum or anti-ACTH serum. Observation of serial semithin sections revealed that ACTH-immunopositive cells do not react with either anti-LHβ or anti-FSHβ serum. Finally, it was observed that ACTH cells and LH cells are both functionally differentiated already in 5-day-old neonatal rats.
Thermal and Fire Studies on Polystyrene-Clay Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of polystyrene and several organophilic clays have been prepared by a bulk polymerization technique. The resulting polymers have an intercalated structure and show enhanced thermal stability, as measured by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry, relative to virgin polystyrene, even when as little as 0.1% of clay has been added.
Child characteristics which impact accuracy of recall and suggestibility in preschoolers: is age the best predictor? ☆

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether individual difference factors of metamemory, intelligence, and temperament can improve the ability to predict accuracy of recall and suggestibility in preschoolers. Method: Fifty-six children ranging in age from 43 months to 83 months (M = 61, SD = 9) were recruited from 13 child care centers in a rural southeastern town. Children participated in a “Circus Day” event conducted by two female undergraduate psychology students dressed as clowns. Approximately 10 days (M = 10; SD = 2) after the event, children were interviewed regarding their experiences. Results and Conclusions: Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed in order to determine which factors were related and unique contributors to accuracy of recall and suggestibility. Of principal importance is the finding that child characteristics such as metamemory ability, intellectual functioning, and temperament may indeed be helpful in determining a child’s capacity to accurately recall information in an interview, although for the most part age is the best predictor. Findings also underscore the importance of considering a child’s SES and race when planning and conducting interviews with young children. Possible explanations for these findings as well as implications for future research and clinical application are discussed.
Biological activity of the beta nerve growth factor: the effects of various added proteins.

—The biological activity of β nerve growth factor varies greatly when other proteins are added to the culture medium. We have found that the biological activity can vary by a factor of 7 in a bioassay using 9 day embryonic chick sensory ganglia by adding bovine serum albumin to the culture medium. Adding the α and γ subunits in the form of 7S nerve growth factor has no effect on the biological activity of the β nerve growth factor. On the other hand, cytochrome c has an intermediate effect. Most of the increase in the biological activity seen on the addition of other proteins seems to be due to the ability of the other proteins to keep β nerve growth factor in solution; i.e. to prevent its adsorption to the culture tubes. However, some of the increase may also be due to an interaction that causes an activation of the β nerve growth factor.
New Rate Constants for Ten OH Alkane Reactions from 300 to 400 K: An Assessment of Accuracy

OH alkane reactions play a central role in atmospheric and combustion chemistry, and accurate modeling requires accurate knowledge of their rate constants over a wide temperature range. We present data for 10 OH radical − alkane reactions over the temperature range 300−400 K and then combine our data with other literature data to find optimally estimated Arrhenius parameters using a modified Arrhenius form consistent with transition state theory. This modified form explicitly accounts for the loose modes in the transition state that cause curvature in Arrhenius plots. It thus fits data over a wide temperature range in a realistic manner, allowing precise comparison of data sets covering different temperature ranges. By comparing our data with other published data, we establish that most of these rate constants are now known to better than 5% accuracy over the 300−400 K temperature range.
The Preference for Gain Frames in Consumer Decision Making.

The way that choices are framed or presented to consumers may exert a significant impact on preferences. With few exceptions, past experiments have always framed choices for decision makers. Six studies examined how people themselves frame ambiguous events. Using a scenario format, Study 1 demonstrated that subjects interpreted paying back a loan as a gain rather than as a loss. Study 2 replicated this finding with a methodology where subjects actually received a loan of real money from the experimenter. Study 3 showed that the tendency to view paying back a loan as a gain was greater when the loan was for oneself rather than another person. Study 4 replicated the initial finding using a choice dilemma similar to those used by Tversky and Kahneman (1981). Studies 5 and 6 showed that people view selling a possession as a gain. However, Study 5 also showed that buyers do not display this tendency. These data suggest that the tendency to frame actions as gains will be moderated by role expectations and the bias to view one's actions in a positive light.
Instrumentation for XUV lithography at SURF-II

Abstract A new beam line for X-ray lithography with photon energies near 100 eV has been installed on the SURF-II storage ring at the National Bureau of Standards. Vacuum isolation of the ring from the exposure chamber is achieved using both a thin carbon window and a baffle cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature. The design and performance of the beam line are described. Initial exposures of two photoresists of intermediate sensitivity show that the beam line will serve for production of test microcircuits.
Current nano/biotechnological approaches in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common late-onset neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons. There is no conclusive etiology of ALS, though approximately 2% of cases have been linked with mutant Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1). A plethora of mechanisms that contribute to ALS disease progression have been discovered in the last two decades, including nonneuronal cell signaling, activation of the apoptotic cascade, and excitotoxicity. Though conclusive diagnosis of ALS remains elusive and though there is still no known effective treatment for this disease, continuously exploring the pathology would provide insight into the creation of novel technologies for the treatment and diagnosis of ALS. In this review, we provide an overview of hypothesized mechanisms and possible biomarkers for ALS pathology, in the first section. In the following section, we introduce recent nano/biotechnological approaches in studying disease mechanism and developing diagno-therapeutic methods for ALS.
An intuitive and simple bounding argument for Quicksort

• A new and very simple argument for bounding the expected running time of Quicksort is presented.
Human IgE+ and IgE- are not equivalent to mouse highly cytokinergic IgE.

Background We have previously defined IgE + as the IgE on basophils from a subset of highly allergic asthmatic subjects that release histamine after stimulation with histamine-releasing factor (HRF). The mechanism of IgE + remains an enigma. Recently, there have been reports of monomeric highly cytokinergic IgEs causing mediator release, cytokine release, and phosphorylation events in cultured rodent and human mast cells in the absence of antigen. Objective We investigated whether human IgE + might exist as highly cytokinergic IgE in the human system. Methods IgE + was defined as causing greater than 10% histamine release by using HRF as a stimulus of human basophils. By definition, IgE − did not support histamine release to HRF. Once defined, serum and various purified human IgEs were used to stimulate purified human basophils or cultured human mast cells. The cells were examined for histamine release, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, and IL-13 secretion. Results We found that neither IgE + nor IgE − induced ERK phosphorylation, histamine release, and IL-13 release from freshly isolated basophils in the absence of a specific antigen. However, human IgE alone did stimulate ERK phosphorylation in cultured human mast cells and IL-3–primed human basophils. Conclusion Human IgE + is not an equivalent of the mouse highly cytokinergic IgE. However, human IgE did have effects on cultured mast cells and basophils. The effect of highly cytokinergic IgE on ERK phosphorylation and cytokine secretion might be due to the priming effect of human basophils and mast cells.
Validity Arguments for Diagnostic Assessment Using Automated Writing Evaluation

Two examples demonstrate an argument-based approach to validation of diagnostic assessment using automated writing evaluation (AWE). Criterion®, was developed by Educational Testing Service to analyze students’ papers grammatically, providing sentence-level error feedback. An interpretive argument was developed for its use as part of the diagnostic assessment process in undergraduate university English for academic purposes (EAP) classes. The Intelligent Academic Discourse Evaluator (IADE) was developed for use in graduate EAP university classes, where the goal was to help students improve their discipline-specific writing. The validation for each was designed to support claims about the intended purposes of the assessments. We present the interpretive argument for each and show some of the data that have been gathered as backing for the respective validity arguments, which include the range of inferences that one would make in claiming validity of the interpretations, uses, and consequences of diagnostic...
Light emission from a Ag target bombarded by multiply-charged Ar ions

Abstract Light emitted by Ag atoms following the bombardment of a Ag target with Ar ions has been studied. Light yields that include contributions from both displaced surface and sputtered atoms have been obtained as a function of incident ion beam kinetic energy and with different Ar ion charge states. No change in the light yield was observed as the incident ion charge state was varied. The light yield was found to increase by nearly a factor of 10 as the ion beam kinetic energy changed from 8 to 100 keV.
Isolation of P2 protein--reactive T-cell lines from human blood.

Human T-cell lines reactive with the peripheral nerve myelin protein, P2 protein, were isolated from the peripheral blood of 4 normal persons and 1 patient with Guillain-Barre syndrome. These predominantly helper phenotype T-cell lines were isolated and maintained in vitro by antigen stimulation followed by culture with interleukin 2. Myelin basic protein-reactive T cells were also isolated in parallel from the same subjects as antigen specificity controls. T cells recognizing myelin basic protein did not respond to P2 protein, nor did P2-reactive cells respond to myelin basic protein. These findings suggest that a potential for autoimmune reactivity with peripheral nervous system myelin antigens may exist for both normal persons and some patients with neurological disease.
Calculating the density of states and optical-absorption spectra of large quantum systems by the plane-wave moments method.

The moments method is used to calculate the density of states and optical-absorption spectra of large quantum systems. This method uses random wave functions to calculate 500 Chebyshev moments of the density of states (${500}^{2}$ for the optical-absorption spectra), and transforms these moments back to energy space. The results compare well with direct calculations on a large, 2048 Si-atom bulklike supercell system. To demonstrate its utility, the spectra of a realistic quantum dot with 1035 Si and 452 H atoms are calculated using an empirical pseudopotential Hamiltonian and a plane-wave basis of wave functions.
Isoaccepting transfer RNA species in differing morphogenetic states of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides.

Abstract 1. Benzoylated DEAE-cellulose chromatography was employed to compare isoaccepting tRNA species from aerobic and anaerobic photosynthetic cultures of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides . 2. Variation in isoaccepting species were observed with phenylalanine and tryptophan tRNAs which were independent of the source of aminoacyl synthetase. 3. Tryptophanyl-tRNA formed in vivo was chromatographed and found to show similar variations to those observed with in vitro charged tRNA.
Modelling of Magnetic Targeting of Therapeutic Nanoparticles in a Two Phase Microvessel Flow

Magnetic particle targeting is a new approach in cancer drug administration which aims to reduce side effects, increase healing rate and reduce treatment time. For this purpose a therapeutic agent is equipped with a magnetizable membrane and administered intravenously. A rare earth magnet can then be used to target cancerous tissue in proximity of the blood vessel.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Ocular manifestations of Niemann–Pick disease type B

Abstract Purpose To investigate the ocular manifestations in Niemann–Pick disease type B (NPD-B). Design Observational case series. Participants Forty-five patients (23 male and 22 female) with NPD-B from 37 unrelated families. Methods Serial clinical evaluations were carried out over a 2- to 14-year period, including a complete physical examination, neurologic assessment, and ophthalmologic examination. Genotyping of the specific mutations in the acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) gene was performed when possible for genotype–phenotype correlations. Main outcome measures Fundus photographs to evaluate the retina, ASM genotype, and neurologic examination findings. Results Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed retinal stigmata in 15 of 45 patients, 3 with macular halos and 12 with cherry red maculae. Neurologic examinations did not reveal any evidence of neurodegeneration, and there was no consistent relationship between retinal findings and genotype. Conclusions The presence of macular halos and/or cherry red maculae is not an absolute predictor of neurodegeneration, but should prompt a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying etiology and the precise diagnosis.
Succinate and lactate oxidoreductases of bivalve mollusks.

Abstract 1. 1. Succinic acid is a major end product of anaerobic glycolysis in mollusks, and lactic acid is a minor product. On the hypothesis that production of these acids is partially controlled by properties of the enzymes catalyzing the final step in each pathway, extracts of the adductor muscle were prepared and used in oxidoreductase assays. 2. 2. The relations between substrate concentration and velocity of reaction were determined for pyruvate reduction (PR), lactate oxidation (LO), fumarate reduction (FR) and succinate oxidation (SO). 3. 3. The animals were Mercenaria mercenaria, Mytilus edulis and Crassostrea virginica, and the assay mixtures included nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) or dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP). 4. 4. The data were summarized as apparent Michaelis constants ( K m ) and maximal velocities ( V ). Reductase properties varied little between species, K m of PR 0·54−0·61 mM, K m of FR 25–30 mM. Oxidase properties were more varied, K m of LO from the clam Mercenaria twice as great as the other two species, 250 and 120 mM; K m of SO from the oyster Crassostrea three to four times as great as the others, 120 vs. 30 and 40 mM. The smallest species, Mytilus, had the greatest V for both reductases, while the species varied little in V of the oxidases. 5. 5. The SO of Mytilus was inactive with NAD until ATP was added, and its activity with DCIP was stimulated fourfold by 2 mM ATP; the FR of Mytilus was stimulated threefold by 8 mM ADP.
Physiological principles in the management of pulmonary emphysema

Summary In emphysema a combination of wide variation in alveolar ventilation: perfusion ratios and an over-all reduction in ventilatory capacity leads to hypox˦mia and hypercapnia. Hypercapnia is a common cause of death; it can be reduced by improving the alveolar ventilation in various ways and in some instances by giving “Diamox.” When congestive heart failure occurs its treatment is basically the same as that of congestive failure from any other cause. There is no cure for this illness and very little that can be offered most patients with mild or moderate emphysema who come complaining of shortness of breath and in whom the blood gases are normal. But within the small area of physiological abnormalities considered here, a certain amount can be done to prolong life and alleviate distress.
Dimensionality and Calcium Dynamics in Pancreatic β-Cell Clusters

The pancreatic islet is a multicellular organ which provides the sole source of insulin for regulating blood glucose levels. Thus, a functional understanding of the islet is of critical importance to effectively treat diabetes. Beta cells within native islets produce large bursts of insulin to meet physiological needs by mounting a coordinated electrophysiological response. However, when removed from their native three dimensional (3D) environment, they lose much of their coordination and responsiveness. This observation draws parallels with the hindered diabetic response and emphasizes the importance of understanding the electrical dynamics that underlie the coordinated pulsatile secretion of insulin.In this work, we use quantitative microscopy to measure intra-cellular free calcium activity ([Ca2+]i) and coordination of β-cells in 1D, 2D and 3D clusters. using a novel method of aggregating β-cells back into 3D systems, we can provide a better model for understanding the effects of dimensionality and coupling on ([Ca2+]i) dynamics. We have found that by re-aggregating β-cells, they return to a native-like oscillatory behavior, which is lost in 2D cultures. In addition, the overall coordination of 2D clusters was found to decrease with cluster size, showing distinct sub-regions of coordination, while the 3D cultures were better coordinated at comparable sizes and cell numbers.Using a percolation-based theory for modeling cell coordination, we show how higher dimensions of coupling lead to better overall synchrony with larger regions of coordination. This model also predicts the distances over which coupled cells can communicate. This has broader implications in that a loss of cell coupling and a reduction in coordination and responsiveness are often seen in islets from models of type2 diabetes. Also, the application of our mathematical model to predict cellular phenomena yields new insight in understanding the coordinated behavior of electrophysiological signaling in general.
Next generation therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease

To date, no truly effective therapy has been developed for Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. In searching for new approaches that may succeed where previous ones have failed, it may be instructive to consider the successful therapeutic developments for other chronic illnesses such as cancer and human immunodeficiency virus.
Integrating AAC instruction into regular education settings: expounding on best practices

This article begins with a brief review of the special communication needs of children with severe disabilities. Next, practices that have been found to optimize these children's interaction skills in their natural settings are elucidated. Implications for the content and delivery of AAC services are discussed relative to our present understanding of best practices for promoting communication skills in typical as well as severely disabled children. The article concludes with a discussion of future research needs.
A Brake Control Algorithm for Emergency Stops (Which may Involve Steering) of Tow-Vehicle/Trailer Combinations

This paper presents a control algorithm for controlling the brakes of a tow-vehicle/trailer combination during emergency braking. The control algorithm determines wheel slip levels for the wheels of the tow-vehicle and trailer. These wheel slip levels are chosen to provide the maximum braking force while preserving the stability of the tow-vehicle and trailer and providing the necessary directional control. The algorithm is able to compensate for uneven traction among the wheels and to increase the cornering capability of the tires when the driver attempts to steer. This paper outlines the structure of the control algorithm and presents simulation results to show its effectiveness. The simulation results study a situation where the driver of a mid-size passenger car towing a utility trailer attempts to avoid an obstacle while braking on a surface with checkered traction properties.
Medical and non-medical considerations for the outpatient management of children with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract Outpatient management of children with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) requires unique and practical considerations, especially for those who require prostacyclin therapy. Currently, subcutaneous, inhaled, and intravenous forms of prostacyclin are available. Although intravenous prostacyclin delivery poses risks, such as catheter-related bloodstream infections, this form of therapy may be preferred due to the inherent issues associated with subcutaneous treprostinil therapy (incidence of site pain with delivery) and inhaled iloprost therapy (prescribed 6-9 treatments daily). Management of the child requiring intravenous prostacyclin therapy must include consideration of drug choice (epoprostenol or treprostinil), and patient and caregiver readiness to support and manage this therapy at home. Further management decisions regarding chronic anti-coagulation therapy, exercise recommendations, and school and travel considerations must also be addressed for each child. A dedicated, multi-disciplinary medical team, attuned to the specific needs of children with PAH, is required to provide the safest and most effective medical treatment as well as essential psycho-social support for these children and their families.
Defensiveness in the definition of placebo

Abstract Discussions with various groups about the placebo effect of treatment indicated that physicians and other therapists tended to deny personal use of placebos in treatment, attribute their use to other physicians and specialties, and define the placebo so that their therapies were excluded from the definition. This led to the concept that physicians were defensive about their therapies and the definition of placebo. 1–5
National Profiles of classroom quality and family involvement: A multilevel examination of proximal influences on Head Start children's school readiness

Abstract Guided by a developmental and ecological model, the study employed latent profile analysis to identify a multilevel typology of family involvement and Head Start classroom quality. Using the nationally representative Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES 1997; N = 1870), six multilevel latent profiles were estimated, characterized by distinct patterns of parent school involvement, parent home involvement, and classroom quality. The most prevalent profile (47.5% of children within the national sample) reflected low levels of parent home and school involvement practices, but above average classroom quality. Significant differences were found among the six profiles on (a) child, family, classroom, and program demographic characteristics, and (b) children's literacy, language, mathematics, and social skills at the end of children's first Head Start year. The strongest positive associations between profile membership and child outcomes were seen for children in profiles characterized by high levels of parent involvement and above-average levels of Head Start classroom quality, although there were several nuanced distinctions that emerged. Children within the profile characterized by low parent involvement and low classroom quality exhibited lower academic and social outcomes relative to children in higher quality profiles. Implications for early childhood practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Zero knowledge with efficient provers

We prove that every problem in NP that has a zero-knowledge proof also has a zero-knowledge proof where the prover can be implemented in probabilistic polynomial time given an NP witness. Moreover, if the original proof system is statistical zero knowledge, so is the resulting efficient-prover proof system. An equivalence of zero knowledge and efficient-prover zero knowledge was previously known only under the assumption that one-way functions exist (whereas our result is unconditional), and no such equivalence was known for statistical zero knowledge. Our results allow us to translate the many general results and characterizations known for zero knowledge with inefficient provers to zero knowledge with efficient provers.
Facile Smiles-type rearrangement in radical cations of N-acyl arylsulfonamides and analogs.

RATIONALE N-Alkylation of sulfonylbenzamides was reported recently to cause a dramatic and surprising change in electron ionization mass spectrometry (EIMS), leading to a closed-shell base peak. Only an incomplete, speculative mechanism was available at that time. The fragmentation mechanism is determined in the present work and set in the context of related compounds. METHODS Candidate reaction mechanisms were evaluated theoretically using modest density-functional calculations. The fragmentation mechanism with the lowest barriers was identified and one of its implications tested successfully by experimental 18O-isotopic substitution. RESULTS The amide oxygen atom attacks the arylsulfonyl group at the ipso position (Smiles-type rearrangement), displacing a molecule of SO2. The resulting carboximidate radical cation has a weak C–O bond that breaks easily. The incipient aryloxyl radical abstracts a proton from the amide nitrogen to form the dominant product ion, but if the molecule is N-alkylated this cannot occur. Instead, the neutral aryloxyl radical is lost and a closed-shell, N-alkyl nitrilium ion is the major product. CONCLUSIONS The Smiles-type ion fragmentation mechanism is facile for the title compounds, despite the necessity for carbonyl oxygen to serve as a nucleophile. This rearrangement probably occurs in many of the mass spectra reported for structurally similar compounds, in which the nucleophile may be a thione, arylthio, imine, methylene, or methine moiety. Published in 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Maximum likelihood BPSK and QPSK classifier in fading environment using the EM algorithm

Modulation classification is to identify the modulation type of a received signal automatically. It is a promising technique that can increase the throughput of adaptive modulation systems such as IEEE 802.11 and HIPERLAN systems. While a variety of approaches have been proposed for modulation classification, most of them rely on the unrealistic assumption that the channel is additive white Gaussian noise channel. This paper presents an algorithm using hybrid likelihood ratio test for BPSK and QPSK classification in multipath fading environment. The unknown channel coefficients are first estimated blindly using the EM algorithm. The estimates are then used in likelihood ratio test for classification. Simulations show that the proposed classifier has high accuracy and is superior to the classifier that does not take the channel distortion into account. An added advantage of the proposed algorithm is that the maximum likelihood estimate of the channel coefficients can be used in equalization and data demodulation.
Evaluating the Impacts of Real-Time Pricing on the Usage of Wind Generation

One of the impediments to large-scale use of wind generation within power systems is its nondispatchability and variable and uncertain real-time availability. Operating constraints on conventional generators such as minimum generation points, forbidden zones, and ramping limits as well as system constraints such as power flow limits and ancillary service requirements may force a system operator to curtail wind generation in order to ensure feasibility. Furthermore, the pattern of wind availability and electricity demand may not allow wind generation to be fully utilized in all hours. One solution to these issues, which could reduce these inflexibilities, is the use of real-time pricing (RTP) tariffs which can both smooth-out the diurnal load pattern in order to reduce the impact of binding unit operating and system constraints on wind utilization, and allow demand to increase in response to the availability of costless wind generation. We use and analyze a detailed unit commitment model of the Texas power system with different estimates of demand elasticities to demonstrate the potential increases in wind generation from implementing RTP.
Instructional Frameworks and Instructional Choices: Comparisons between Preservice and Inservice Teachers

One hundred and twenty-seven subjects (83 preservice and 44 inservice teachers) were administered identical instruments consisting of (a) an inventory designed to identify beliefs about how reading takes place and how reading ability develops, and (b) a set of three lesson plans each in vocabulary, comprehension and syllabication. Lesson plans were written to reflect different explanations for how reading takes place and develops; subjects chose the plan in each area that they felt was most effective and that they would choose to teach. Results imply that (a) there is little difference between groups in theoretical orientation regarding how reading takes place and how reading ability develops; (b) both preservice and inservice teachers with reader-based/holistic explanations for how reading takes place and develops tend to choose vocabulary and comprehension lessons reflecting their beliefs; and (c) subjects in both groups holding text-based, interactive, mastery of specific skills, and differential acquisition explanations for how reading takes place and develops did not choose lessons consistent with their theoretical orientation. This study investigates belief systems across preservice and inservice teachers. The general areas addressed are whether or not preservice and inservice teachers' beliefs differ, and whether the two groups make instructional choices based on their theoretical orientations. Research comparing the theoretical orientations of preservice and inservice teachers is relatively rare. As Clark & Petersen (1986) note, "research on teachers' implicit theories constitutes the smallest and youngest part of the literature of research on teacher thinking" (p. 285). Stansell, Moss & Robeck (1982) have examined preservice teachers' shift in theoretical perspective as influenced by teacher education courses and tasks, including student teaching. Others (e.g.,
Crystal structure of RIG-I C-terminal domain bound to blunt-ended double-strand RNA without 5′ triphosphate

RIG-I recognizes molecular patterns in viral RNA to regulate the induction of type I interferons. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RIG-I exhibits high affinity for 5' triphosphate (ppp) dsRNA as well as blunt-ended dsRNA. Structures of RIG-I CTD bound to 5'-ppp dsRNA showed that RIG-I recognizes the termini of dsRNA and interacts with the ppp through electrostatic interactions. However, the structural basis for the recognition of non-phosphorylated dsRNA by RIG-I is not fully understood. Here, we show that RIG-I CTD binds blunt-ended dsRNA in a different orientation compared to 5' ppp dsRNA and interacts with both strands of the dsRNA. Overlapping sets of residues are involved in the recognition of blunt-ended dsRNA and 5' ppp dsRNA. Mutations at the RNA-binding surface affect RNA binding and signaling by RIG-I. These results provide the mechanistic basis for how RIG-I recognizes different RNA ligands.
Investigation of PEG crystallization in frozen and freeze‐dried PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone–sucrose systems: Implications on storage stability

The objectives of the current study were to investigate (i) the phase behavior of a PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH, ∼60 kDa) during freeze-drying and (ii) its storage stability. The phase transitions during freeze-thawing of an aqueous solution containing PEG-rhGH and sucrose were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. Finally, PEG-rhGH and sucrose formulations containing low, medium, and high polyethylene glycol (PEG) to sucrose ratios were freeze-dried in dual-chamber syringes and stored at 4°C and 25°C. Chemical decomposition (methionine oxidation and deamidation) and irreversible aggregation were characterized by size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography, and tryptic mapping. PEG crystallization was facilitated when it was covalently linked with rhGH. When the solutions were frozen, phase separation into PEG-rich and sucrose-rich phases facilitated PEG crystallization and the freeze-dried cake contained crystalline PEG. Annealing caused PEG crystallization and when coupled with higher drying temperatures, the primary drying time decreased by up to 51%. When the freeze-dried cakes were stored at 4°C, while there was no change in the purity of the PEG-rhGH monomer, deamidation was highest in the formulations with the lowest PEG to sucrose ratio. When stored at 25°C, this composition also showed the most pronounced decrease in monomer purity, the highest level of aggregation, and deamidation. Furthermore, an increase in PEG crystallinity during storage was accompanied by a decrease in PEG-rhGH stability. Interestingly, during storage, there was no change in PEG crystallinity in formulations with medium and high PEG to sucrose ratios. Although PEG crystallization during freeze-drying did not cause protein degradation, crystallization during storage might have influenced protein stability.
MPI-Mitten: Enabling Migration Technology in MPI

Group communications are commonly used in parallel and distributed environment. However, existing migration mechanisms do not support group communications. This weakness prevents migrationbased proactive fault tolerance, among others, to be applied to MPI applications. In this study, we propose distributed migration protocols with group membership management to support process migration with group changing. We design and implement a process migration enabling MPI library, named MPIMitten, to verify the protocols and enhance current MPI platforms for reliability and usability. MPI-Mitten is based on MPI standard and can be applied to any MPI-2 implementations. Experimental results show the proposed distributed process migration protocols are solid and the MPI-Mitten system is effective and is uniquely supporting migration-based fault tolerance.
Mechanism and site of action of a dopamine D1 antagonist in the rabbit retina.

Dopamine D1 antagonists have been shown to alter drastically the spontaneous and light-evoked activity of ganglion cells in the rabbit retina (Jensen & Daw, 1984, 1986). A major target of dopaminergic neurons in mammalian retinas appears to be rod AII amacrine cells (Pourcho, 1982; Voigt & Wassle, 1987). In the present study, the following questions were addressed: (1) Do dopamine D1 antagonists alter the activity of ganglion cells through actions primarily on rod AII amacrine cells? (2) Are the effects of dopamine D1 antagonists on ganglion cells due to an inhibition of dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity? Using an isolated, superfused retinal preparation, the ability of several pharmacological agents to counteract the physiological effects of the dopamine D1 antagonist (+)-SCH 23390 on rabbit ganglion cells was examined. The glycine antagonist strychnine abolished the effects of (+)-SCH 23390 on the spontaneous and light-evoked activity of OFF-center ganglion cells, whereas the excitatory amino-acid antagonist kynurenic acid abolished the effects of (+)-SCH 23390 on the spontaneous and light-evoked activity of ON-center ganglion cells. The findings obtained with these antagonists can be explained in terms of the known synaptic connections of AII amacrine cells. Both 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) cyclic AMP, a membrane-permeable cAMP analog, and forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, reversed the effects of (+)-SCH 23390 on the spontaneous and light-evoked activity of OFF-center ganglion cells but not ON-center ganglion cells. These findings suggest that the effects of dopamine D1 antagonists on OFF-center ganglion cells are due to an inhibition of dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase, with the ensuing lowering of cellular cAMP levels. The effects of dopamine D1 antagonists on ON-center ganglion cells appear, however, to be independent of intracellular cAMP levels.
Hidden Markov models estimation via the most informative stopping times for Viterbi algorithm

We propose a sequential approach for studying the Viterbi algorithm via a renewal sequence of the most informative stopping times which allows us in particular to obtain new asymptotic "single-letter" decoding conditions of equivalency between the Baum-Welch, segmental K-means and vector quantization algorithms of the hidden Markov models parameters estimation which have important applications in speech recognition.
Accurate timing but increased impulsivity following excitotoxic lesions of the subthalamic nucleus

Several lines of evidence have implicated the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in behaviors that require precise temporal control. In order to investigate this possibility further, we trained rats to perform a peak-interval (PI) timing task [S. Roberts, Isolation of an internal clock, J. Exp. Psychol. Anim. B 7 (1981) 242-268] with two durations (10 s and 40 s), and then lesioned the STN by microinjection of ibotenic acid. Lesioned animals were able to maintain precise temporal control, yet were unable to inhibit operant responses late in the trial, at times that were unlikely to yield reinforcement. These results indicate the involvement of the STN in impulsive or perseverative response inhibition, but not in temporal processing.