cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Library of Fokker‐Planck Coefficients for Coulomb Scattering

The time evolution of electron distribution functions in hot, ionized gases can be described in terms of a Fokker‐Planck equation. We have previously developed and described a coupled Monte Carlo/Fokker‐Planck code for astrophysical problems of time‐dependent photon and electron transport, which made use of extensive libraries of energy exchange and dispersion coefficients for electron‐electron (Moller) and electron‐proton Coulomb scattering. We have made those libraries publicly available to the scientific community for use in numerical codes dealing with similar physical problems. Here we briefly describe the libraries and present the Web address where they can be accessed.
Content of variable message signs and on-line driver behavior

Variable message signs (VMS) are programmable traffic control devices that convey nonpersonalized real-time information on network traffic conditions to drivers encountering them. Especially useful under incidents, VMS aim to influence driver routing decisions to enhance network performance. This study investigates the effect of different message contents on driver response under VMS. Presumably, if the message content is a significant factor in driver response, the traffic controller can use it as a control variable to influence network traffic conditions positively without compromising the integrity of information. This issue is addressed through an on-site stated preference user survey. Logit models are developed for drivers' diversion decisions. The analysis suggests that content in terms of the level of detail of relevant information significantly affects drivers' willingness to divert. Other significant factors include socioeconomic characteristics, network spatial knowledge, and confidence in the displayed information. Results also indicate differences in the response attitudes of semitrailer truck drivers compared to other travelers. They provide substantive insights for the design and operation of VMS-based information systems.
Mother-to-Child Transmission in the United States of Subtypes D and A/G Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

In the United States and Western Europe, most human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections are caused by subtype B. We analyzed the nucleotide sequence of HIV-1 RNA in plasma samples from 141 children enrolled into PACTG 377, a comparative study of several antiretroviral therapy regimens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that two children, both born in the United States, were infected with non-B subtypes that are most commonly found in Africa: one with subtype D and the other with circulating recombinant form CRF02, an A/G recombinant lineage. Viral load assays performed to monitor treatment response underestimated the levels of HIV-1 RNA in the child with the A/G recombinant. These cases demonstrate mother-to-child transmission of non-B subtypes of HIV-1 in the United States. Non-B subtypes should be considered in the management of HIV-1-infected pregnant women and children to optimize strategies to prevent and treat pediatric HIV-1 infection.
The Laguerre inequalities with applications to a problem associated with the Riemann hypothesis

We investigate here a new numerical method, base on the Laguerre inequalities, for determining lower bounds for the de Bruijn-Newman constant ∧, which is related to the Riemann Hypothesis. (Specifically, the truth of the Riemann Hypothesis would imply that ∧≦0.) Unlike previous methods which involved either finding nonreal zeros of associated Jensen polynomials or finding nonreal zeros of a certain real entire function, this new method depends only on evaluating, in real arithmetic, the Laguerre difference $$L_1 (H_\lambda (x))\begin{array}{*{20}c} {\text{.}} \\ {\text{.}} \\ \end{array} = (H'_\lambda (x))^2 - H_\lambda (x) \cdot H''_{_\lambda } (x){\text{ (}}x,{\text{ }}\lambda \in \mathbb{R}{\text{)}}$$ where\((H_\lambda (z)\begin{array}{*{20}c} {\text{.}} \\ {\text{.}} \\ \end{array} = \int_0^\infty {e^{\lambda t^2 } \Phi (t)}\) cos(tz)dt is a real entire function. We apply this method to obtain the new lower bound for ∧, -0.0991 < ∧ which improves all previously published lower bounds for ∧.
Principles of Seismology

Principles of Seismology is targeted for upper-level undergraduate and beginning graduate students in seismology. It is quite good as an intermediate-level theoretical seismology text, and it may also serve as a general reference book for seismologists. The author intended to make this book “student-friendly,” and to a large degree he has accomplished this purpose. Compared to other recent seismology texts at a similar level, this text explains the fundamental aspects of theoretical seismology more thoroughly, and the traditional core topics are well presented.
Clover root curculio: estimates of larval injury to alfalfa tap roots.

Medicago introductions and an alfalfa cultivar were used to develop methods of screening for sources of alfalfa germ plasm resistant to root feeding by larvae of Sitona hispidula (F.). During the 3rd season of plant growth, cumulative feeding injury to tap roots was sufficient to permit evaluations of differences in number of feeding lesions and damaged root surface area. Percentage tap root surface area damaged was a positive linear function of the number of lesions at a near 1:1 ratio. Resistance or susceptibility can be evaluated best during the middle or end of the 3rd season of plant growth by making direct measurements of injury in 2.54-cm sections of the upper 15.24 cm of tap roots and using a maximum subsample of 24 plants/introduction.
Public relations aspects of brand attitudes and customer activity

Abstract Featuring the role of public relations in brand equity research and best practices, this study investigates how product, non-product, and customer–business relationship attributes affect customer-based brand equity (i.e., brand attitudes and customer activity). Analysis reveals customer–business relationships are central to a causal model linking evaluation (brand attitudes) and activation/motivations (customer activity). Findings demonstrate that for service businesses (e.g., banks), customer–business relationships are the primary, rather than minor, predictor of brand equity. These findings demonstrate how public relations scholarship and practice plays a central rather than peripheral role in customer satisfaction.
Field-dependence-independence as "sensitivity" of the nervous system: supportive evidence with color and weight discrimination.

Summasy.--Consistent with a conceptualization of field-dependence as a partially genetically based "sensitivity" of the nervous system, it was hypothesized that field-independenr Ss would perform better than field-dependent Ss on tests of color and weight discrimination. 56 Ss selected as extreme on tests of both field-dependence-independence and introversion--extraversion performed color and weight discrimination tasks. The color discrimination results very strongly support the hypothesis. The weight data provide additional support, but weight discrimination appears to interact with introversion~xtraversion in addition to being related to field-dependence. In a recent paper (Fine, 1972), evidence was presented of a strong, nonlinear relationship between the concepts of field-dependence-independence (Witkin, 1965; Witkin, et al., 1962 ) , intr~version-extraversion (Eysenck, 1967), and neuroticism (Eysenck, 1967). It was suggested that differences between individuals along the field-dependence-independence dimension might profitably be conceptualized as at least paitially genetically based differences in "sensitivity" of the nervous system [as contrasted with "strength" of the nervous system (Eysenck, 1967)l. Differences in "sensitivity" are assumed to be dependent upon the extent to which the nervous system becomes "differentiated as the individual develops, development here including not only that which is "programmed genetically but also that which occurs as a result of interaction with environment, e.g., environmentally induced physical changes in components of the nervous system (Rosenzweig, et al., 1972). "Differentiation," in turn, is speculated as being referable to physical characteristics of components of the nervous system or of the nervous system as a whole, e.g., size, number and/or distribution of nerve endings or cells, elaborateness or complexity of neural networks, quality or quantity of neural transmitter substances, etc. It was suggested, in the earlier paper, that research into the basis or meaning of field-dependence and extraversion might be more rewarding ultimately if it proceeded from these assumptions (of very basic underlying structural differences between individuals) to predictions about behavior rather than focusing on intervening processes which are characteristically very labile, elusive, and dependent upon momentary states of the organism.
Advancing the Post-Genomic Era Agenda: Contributions from Public Health

As the science and practice of genomics increasingly turns attention to its role in common chronic illness prevention and treatment, contributions from public health become more visible. Integration of genomics into health care and public health is often framed by principles such as equity and utility, and the accompanying need to translate findings into interventions. This paper will discuss the ways the discipline of public health is in position to lead the way in promoting these principles. This can only occur with the support of an educated workforce and informed consumer base. Recommendations from the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society address the issues of education and training these groups, and are summarized.
Nonmuscle Myosin IIB Links Cytoskeleton to IRE1α Signaling during ER Stress

Here we identify and characterize a cytoskeletal myosin protein required for IRE1α oligomerization, activation, and signaling. Proteomic screening identified nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIB (NMHCIIB), a subunit of nonmuscle myosin IIB (NMIIB), as an ER stress-dependent interacting protein specific to IRE1α. Loss of NMIIB compromises XBP1s and UPR target gene expression with no effect on the PERK pathway. Mechanistically, NMIIB is required for IRE1α aggregation and foci formation under ER stress. The NMIIB-mediated effect on IRE1α signaling is in part dependent on the phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain and the actomyosin contractility of NMIIB. Biologically, the function of NMIIB in ER stress response is conserved as both mammalian cells and C. elegans lacking NMIIB exhibit hypersensitivity to ER stress. Thus, optimal IRE1α activation and signaling require concerted coordination between the ER and cytoskeleton.
Assessing the suitability of community-based management for the Nyungwe Forest Reserve, Rwanda

Abstract This study assesses the perceptions of representatives from three stakeholder groups—local communities, a government agency, and an environmental organization—towards the suitability of community-based management (CBM) approach to the Nyungwe Forest Reserve (NFR), Rwanda. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) technique in combination with an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to achieve the task. Results show that representatives of local communities perceive positive aspects of CBM outweigh its negative aspects. However, representatives of a government agency and a nongovernmental organization anticipate that weaknesses associated with CBM approach outweigh its strengths. Our analyses show that stakeholder groups view CBM differently, suggesting a need for better understanding about this approach. Implementation of CBM in small scales first along with outreach activities might bring stakeholders together and will ensure conservation and rural community stability.
Euploidy in Ricinus. I. Euploidy and gene dosage effects on cellular proteins.

Investigation of an euploid series of castor bean, Ricinus communis L., consisting of haploid, diploid, and tetraploid individuals, was performed to determine the value of such a series in studying the biochemical consequences of genome multiplication. The effects of euploidization of the nuclear genome on the biosynthesis of cellular proteins were examined. Extracts of total soluble proteins from 10-day-old leaves of all three ploidy levels examined by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels revealed no difference in the complement of proteins present; however, differences in intensity of several protein bands were detected. Analysis of esterase isozyme activity by isoelectric focusing revealed both increases and decreases in the activity levels of individual isozyme variants in response to changes in ploidy levels. Results from this analysis are discussed in terms of possible regulatory mechanisms active in the regulation of duplicated genes.
Cytomegalovirus: time for a requiem?

In this issue of Blood , Winston and colleagues show that the prophylactic administration of maribavir, an oral inhibitor of the CMV UL97 kinase, reduces CMV infection (reactivation or viremia) by more than 50% after allogeneic HSCT. I remember cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a scourge that competed with
ATRMec1 Phosphorylation-independent Activation of Chk1 in Vivo

The conserved protein kinase Chk1 is a player in the defense against DNA damage and replication blocks. The current model is that after DNA damage or replication blocks, ATRMec1 phosphorylates Chk1 on the non-catalytic C-terminal domain. However, the mechanism of activation of Chk1 and the function of the Chk1 C terminus in vivo remains largely unknown. In this study we used an in vivo assay to examine the role of the C terminus of Chk1 in the response to DNA damage and replication blocks. The conserved ATRMec1 phosphorylation sites were essential for the checkpoint response to DNA damage and replication blocks in vivo; that is, that mutation of the sites caused lethality when DNA replication was stalled by hydroxyurea. Despite this, loss of the ATRMec1 phosphorylation sites did not change the kinase activity of Chk1 in vitro. Furthermore, a single amino acid substitution at an invariant leucine in a conserved domain of the non-catalytic C terminus restored viability to cells expressing the ATRMec1 phosphorylation site-mutated protein and relieved the requirement of an upstream mediator for Chk1 activation. Our findings show that a single amino acid substitution in the C terminus, which could lead to an allosteric change in Chk1, allows it to bypass the requirement of the conserved ATRMec1 phosphorylation sites for checkpoint function.
A combat robotics course: programming meets computer-aided design and fabrication (abstract only)

I report on experiences teaching a Senior-level Special Topics course in Combat Robotics during the Fall 2012 semester. The surface goal of the course was for student teams to design and build a three-pound remote-control combat robot conforming to the Robot Battles rules (http://robotbattles.com/rules) and then to compete against their peer teams at semester's end. The higher-level goal was to expose students to physical design and fabrication techniques -- topics well outside our regular Computer Science curriculum -- and integrate those techniques with software development. Students were required to:Design their robot using 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. The CAD model allowed students to experiment with design trade-offs, ensure proper fit and placement of parts, and to estimate the weight of the robot prior to build to ensure their design was under the limit.Fabricate parts for their robot using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine (similar to that used by machinists and product designers in industry).Understand tool, machine, and workshop safety.Build and program a custom remote-control system using Arduino microcontrollers and Xbee wireless modules. This included soldering, obeying voltage and current limitations, serial communication, servo and motor control, and interfacing with other hardware (such as a Wii Nunchuck video game controller).
Second generation, orally active, antimalarial, artemisinin-derived trioxane dimers with high stability, efficacy, and anticancer activity.

In only two steps and in 63% overall yield, naturally occurring 1,2,4-trioxane artemisinin (1) was converted into C-10-carba trioxane conjugated diene dimer 4. This new dimer was then transformed easily in one additional 4 + 2-cycloaddition step into phthalate dimer 5, and further modification led to bis-benzyl alcohol dimer 7 and its phosphorylated analogues 8 and 9. Bis-benzyl alcohol dimer 7 is the most antimalarially active in vitro, 10 times more potent than artemisinin (1). Bis-benzyl alcohol dimer 7 is approximately 1.5 times more orally efficacious in rodents than the antimalarial drug sodium artesunate and is about 37 times more efficacious than sodium artesunate via subcutaneous administration. Both dimers 5 and 7 are thermally stable neat even at 60 °C for 24 h. Phthalate dimer 5 is very highly growth inhibitory but not cytotoxic toward several human cancer cell lines; both dimers 5 and 7 very efficiently and selectively kill human cervical cancer cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner with ...
Vitamin profiles in elderly persons living at home or in nursing homes, versus profile in healthy young subjects.

: The vitamin profile of 473 elderly persons was compared with that of 204 healthy volunteers (controls). Of the 473 elderly, 327 (mean age 87) lived in nursing homes, and 146 (mean age 77) lived at home. The 204 controls were in the 20–50 year age group. The circulating levels of biotin, pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, folate, thiamine, nicotinate, and carotenes were determined in all groups. Hypovitaminemia was not obvious for biotin, pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamins A, E, and carotenes in either the institutional or non-institutional elderly. Thiamine, vitamin C and vitamin B12 levels were strikingly depressed in the non-institutional elderly as compared with the institutional population or the controls. Over 30 percent of the institutional elderly had vitamin B6 and nicotinate hypovitaminemia compared to the controls. Both the institutional and the non-institutional elderly showed depressed levels of folate and vitamin B12. Vitamin supplementation reduced the percentage of folate and B12 deficits. The marked vitamin deficits in the institutional population, in descending order of incidence were: vitamin B6, nicotinate, vitamin B12, folate, thiamine, and ascorbate, whereas the pattern for the non-institutional elderly was: vitamin B12, thiamine, ascorbate, vitamin B6, nicotinate, and folate. In the 473 elderly studied, vitamin B6, nicotinate, and vitamin B12, in that order, were the most common deficits; folate, thiamine and ascorbate deficits comprised a lesser percentage. The role of vitamin deficits and the effects upon the aging population are discussed.
Does a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the FGFR Explain the Connection between Diabetes and Cancer

A polymorphism in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 gene has been associated with cancer progression and treatment resistance and is now reported to increase insulin secretion, providing a possible genetic link between hyperinsulinemia and cancer (Ezzat et al., 2013).
Some investigations on the influence of defects/grain boundaries on photovoltaic mechanisms in polycrystalline silicon films

Abstract Several non-destructive techniques for characterizing polycrystalline silicon films for photovoltaic applications are described. These include the surface photovoltage, current phase shift, multiple wavelength focused laser scanner and electron-beam-induced current methods. The results of some investigations of the influence of defects and grain boundaries on photovoltaic mechanisms are discussed. It is shown that polycrystalline silicon films can be characterized by an “average” minority carrier diffusion length.
Superconducting transition temperatures of ZrMo2, HfV2 and PbAu2

Abstract Three cubic C15-type compounds ZrMo2, HfV2 and PbAu2 were found to be superconductors with transition temperatures 4.75°, 9.57° and 7.12°K, respectively.
Effect of thioltransferase (glutaredoxin) deletion on cellular sensitivity to oxidative stress and cell proliferation in lens epithelial cells of thioltransferase knockout mouse.

PURPOSE. To examine the physiological function of the thioltransferase (TTase)/glutathione (GSH) system in the lens using TTase knockout mouse (TTase -/- ) lens epithelial cells (LECs) as a model. METHODS. Primary LEC cultures were obtained from wild-type (TTase +/+ ) and TTase -/- mice. Characterization and validation of the cells were determined by immunoblotting for TTase and α-crystallin proteins and by immunohistochemistry for glutathionylated proteins. Cell proliferation was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-yl)5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl>2-(4-sulfophenyl>2H-tetrazolium and BrdU analysis, and cell apoptosis after H 2 O 2 stress was assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Reloading of TTase protein into the TTase -/- cells was achieved with reagent. RESULTS. Primary LEC cultures obtained from wild-type (TTase +/+ ) and TTase -/- mice were characterized and found to contain lens-specific α-crystallin protein. Western blot analysis confirmed the absence of TTase protein in the TTase -/- cells and its presence in the wild-type cells. TTase -/- LECs had significantly lower levels of glutathione (GSH) and protein thiols with extensive elevation of glutathionylated proteins, and they exhibited less resistance to oxidative stress than did TTase +/+ cells. These cells were less viable and more apoptotic, and they had a reduced ability to remove H 2 O 2 after challenge with low levels of H 2 O 2 . Reloading of purified TTase into the TTase -/- cells restored the antioxidant function in TTase -/- cells to a near normal state. CONCLUSIONS. These findings confirm the importance of TTase in regulating redox homeostasis and suggest a new physiological function in controlling cell proliferation in the lens epithelial cells.
Acetabular reduction techniques viathe anterior approach

Abstract The anterior approach to the acetabulum is preferred by many acetabular fracture surgeons, and it is the easiestapproach for the patient to rehabilitate from. Special techniques are required for the reduction through this approach. This article reviews some of the techniques used in reduction of acetabular fractures via the anterior approach.
Oral Zidovudine, Continuous–Infusion Fluorouracil, and Oral Leucovorin Calcium: A Phase I Study

A phase I clinical, pharmacologic, and biochemical evaluation of escalating oral zidovudine (AZT) given over 2 days with a fixed dose of continuous-infusion fluorouracil (800 mg/m2 per day X 3 days) and oral leucovorin calcium was performed. Eighteen patients were treated with doses of AZT ranging from 1.0 to 9.0 g/m2 per day. Nausea and vomiting were dose limiting, with a maximally tolerated dose of 7.5 g/m2 per day. Rash and mucositis occurred but were not dose limiting. A dose-related increase in peak plasma levels of AZT was observed, and the alpha half-life of AZT in plasma (75 min) was unaffected by these high doses. At doses above 4.0 g/m2 per day, trough levels significantly increased, perhaps reflecting prolonged absorption from the gut. No responses were observed; however, a significant increase in DNA single-strand breaks was observed in peripheral blood cells after a threshold dose of 4.0 g/m2 per day, confirming a biological effect of AZT in this regimen. Further trials with an intravenous formulation capable of maintaining plasma levels and circumventing dose-limiting toxicity are warranted.
Rydberg atom spectroscopy enabled by blackbody radiation ionization

We have excited helium atoms from their metastable 2 ${}^{3}\phantom{\rule{-0.16em}{0ex}}S$ state to Rydberg states in the range $13lnl50$ in a two-step process via the 3 ${}^{3}\phantom{\rule{-0.16em}{0ex}}P$ state using light at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=389$ nm and 785--815 nm. Atoms in a thermal beam (100 K) cross partially overlapping laser beams of the appropriate frequencies in the counterintuitive order to exploit the high efficiency of stimulated rapid adiabatic passage. The interaction region is between two plates that can be used for Stark tuning in a few V/cm field or for field ionization. At fields much too low for field ionization, we observe signals attributed to ionization by blackbody radiation. Multiple tests confirm this attribution as the cause of ionization. For example, by heating the plates we observe the expected signal increases. Our experiments reinforce previous work where the interaction between Rydberg atoms and room temperature blackbody radiation is important for experiments.
Ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, and effects of culture conditions on baboon preimplantation embryo development.

Objective To evaluate the effects of ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-induced fertilization and efficacy of various culture systems on in vitro development of baboon embryos. Design In vitro study, animal model. Setting Research laboratory. Animal(s) Baboons in laboratory animal research facility. Intervention(s) Baboons received FSH (75 IU daily) for 7 to 8 days and FSH/LH (75/75 IU daily) for 3 days, followed by hCG (2,000 IU). Oocytes were retrieved laparoscopically 36 hours after hCG. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed on metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Fertilized embryos were placed into different culture conditions and feeder cell coculture. Embryo development was observed through the most advanced stages, including blastocyst formation. Main Outcome Measure(s) Oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, multicell embryo rates, and blastocyst rates. Result(s) Baboon oocytes (n = 1,924, from 49 cycles) were retrieved. Significant heterogeneity was seen in ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins and subsequent oocyte maturation. The percentage of MII oocytes showed no significant difference among individual female baboons and stimulation cycles. Nearly two thirds of MII oocytes were successfully fertilized with ICSI. Blastocyst rates varied significantly among embryos in different treatments. Coculture with feeder cells in P1/Blast, Quinn's Advantage, and Sydney IVF media generated better blastocyst rates. Conclusion(s) We tested multiple media and feeder cell combinations to optimize culture conditions in baboon embryo culture and obtained a high blastocyst rate similar to those reported for rhesus monkey embryos cultured in vitro, but still lower than with assisted reproductive technologies in women.
Increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection in alloxan diabetic mice

Pulmonary infections in diabetics have received little attention clinically or experimentally despite an impression that diabetics are more prone to pulmonary infections and do poorly with these and all infections. In a mouse model, aerosolized pneumococci were used in order to mimic the natural portal of entry of pneumococci, to investigate susceptibility to pneumococcal infection in alloxan diabetic and normal mice, and to test the hypothesis that insulin therapy would have a protective effect. When exposed to an aerosol created from 108 type III Streptococcus pneumoniae (PnIII)/ml, nondiabetic mice had a higher survival rate than uncontrolled diabetic mice (P < 0.001) and insulin-treated diabetic mice (P < 0.001). Insulin-treated diabetic mice had a significantly decreased death rate compared to untreated diabetic mice (P < 0.05). The data show that alloxan diabetic mice are more likely to succumb to infection from aerosolized pneumococci than are normal mice. Insulin therapy appeared to decrease this susceptibility. A possible clinical inference is that insulin therapy is beneficial in diabetic patients with pulmonary infections.
How pollen tubes grow

Sexual reproduction of flowering plants depends on delivery of the sperm to the egg, which occurs through a long, polarized projection of a pollen cell, called the pollen tube. The pollen tube grows exclusively at its tip, and this growth is distinguished by very fast rates and reaches extended lengths. Thus, one of the most fascinating aspects of pollen biology is the question of how enough cell wall material is produced to accommodate such rapid extension of pollen tube, and how the cell wall deposition and structure are regulated to allow for rapid changes in the direction of growth. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism of pollen tube growth, focusing on such basic cellular processes as control of cell shape and growth by a network of cell wall-modifying enzymes, molecular motor-mediated vesicular transport, and intracellular signaling by localized gradients of second messengers.
Evolution of branched regulatory genetic pathways: directional selection on pleiotropic loci accelerates developmental system drift

Developmental systems are regulated by a web of interacting loci. One common and useful approach in studying the evolution of development is to focus on classes of interacting elements within these systems. Here, we use individual-based simulations to study the evolution of traits controlled by branched developmental pathways involving three loci, where one locus regulates two different traits. We examined the system under a variety of selective regimes. In the case where one branch was under stabilizing selection and the other under directional selection, we observed “developmental system drift”: the trait under stabilizing selection showed little phenotypic change even though the loci underlying that trait showed considerable evolutionary divergence. This occurs because the pleiotropic locus responds to directional selection and compensatory mutants are then favored in the pathway under stabilizing selection. Though developmental system drift may be caused by other mechanisms, it seems likely that it is accelerated by the same underlying genetic mechanism as that producing the Dobzhansky–Muller incompatibilities that lead to speciation in both linear and branched pathways. We also discuss predictions of our model for developmental system drift and how different selective regimes affect probabilities of speciation in the branched pathway system.
Catalytic Activity of Ceria-Based Complex Metal Oxides in Alkaline and Acidic Environments

Pt catalysts are the leading catalysts for use in ORR. However, Pt is an expensive catalyst and with limited supply can not be considered a sustainable material for feasible application that is scalable in the economy. This calls for new solutions for catalyst materials that either mitigate the amount of Pt used in catalysts by developing hybrid catalysts, or to replace Pt altogether with a material with similar or better catalytic activity. Perovskite LSCF and Fluorite GDC materials with proven catalytic activity in solid oxide fuel cells are herein explored for their catalytic reduction of oxygen for use at low temperatures. Since the materials lack electronic conductivity at low temperatures, we have improved their conductivity with graphene. The resulting materials are compared to Pt in their ORR catalytic capabilities and electronic conductivity.
Pollinator visitation patterns strongly influence among-flower variation in selfing rate.

†Background and Aims Adjacent flowers on Mimulus ringens floral displays often vary markedly in selfing rate. We hypothesized that this fine-scale variation in mating system reflects the tendency of bumble-bee pollinators to probe several flowers consecutively on multiflower displays. When a pollinator approaches a display, the first flower probed is likely to receive substantial outcross pollen. However, since pollen carryover in this species is limited, receipt of self pollen should increase rapidly for later flowers. Here the first direct experimental test of this hypothesis is described. †Methods In order to link floral visitation sequences with selfing rates of individual flowers, replicate linear arrays were established, each composed of plants with unique genetic markers. This facilitated unambiguous assignment of paternity to all sampled progeny. A single wild bumble-bee was permitted to forage on each linear array, recording the order of floral visits on each display. Once fruits had matured, 120 fruits were harvested (four flowers from each of five floral displays in each of six arrays). Twenty-five seedlings from each fruit were genotyped and paternity was unambiguously assigned to all 3000 genotyped progeny. †Key Results The order of pollinator probes on Mimulus floral displays strongly and significantly influenced selfing rates of individual fruits. Mean selfing rates increased from 21 % for initial probes to 78 % for the fourth flower probed on each display. †Conclusions Striking among-flower differences in selfing rate result from increased deposition of geitonogamous (among-flower, within-display) self pollen as bumble-bees probe consecutive flowers on each floral display. The resulting heterogeneity in the genetic composition of sibships may influence seedling competition and the expression of inbreeding depression.
BACTERIAL WALL ATTACHMENT IN A FLOW REACTOR

A mathematical model of microbial growth for limiting nutrients in a fully three dimensional flow reactor which accounts for the colonization of the reactor wall surface by the microbes is studied analytically. It can be viewed as a model of the large intestine or of the fouling of a commercial bioreactor or pipe flow. Two steady state regimes are identified, namely, the complete washout of the microbes from the reactor and the successful colonization of both the wall and bulk fluid by the microbes. Only one steady state is stable for any particular set of parameter values. Sharp and explicit conditions are given for the stability of each. The effects of adding an antimicrobial agent to the reactor are examined with and without wall growth.
Foresighted joint resource reciprocation and scheduling strategies for real-time video streaming over peer-to-peer networks

We consider peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, where multiple heterogeneous and self-interested peers are sharing multimedia data. In this paper, we propose a novel scheduling algorithm for real-time video streaming over dynamic P2P networks. The proposed scheduling algorithm is foresighted, since it enables each peer to maximize its long-term video quality by efficiently utilizing its limited resources (e.g., uploading bandwidth) over time, while explicitly considering the time-varying resource reciprocation behaviors of its associated peers. To successfully design the scheduling algorithm, we consider a distinct buffer structure that allows the peers to model the resource reciprocation behavior as a reciprocation game. Then, each peer can determine its foresighted decisions based on a Markov Decision Process (MDP). The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm significantly improves the average video quality, compared to other existing scheduling strategies. Moreover, simulation results also show that the proposed algorithm can flexibly and effectively operate in heterogeneous P2P networks.
Study of Novel AuCu-Pt Trimetallic Multiply Twinned Nanoparticles with High Index Surfaces

The synthesis of noble metals nanoparticles with controlled atomic distributions have attracted significant interest due to their size-tunable properties depending up on the variation of composition and structure. Recently, various researchers have been focused on the fabrication of multimetallic nanoparticle catalysts due to their tunable properties implemented in diverse potential applications. The addition of a third metal in to the nanoparticle catalyst is expected to produce a combination of effects such as modification of the electronic structure, change in the d-band center, reduction of the lattice distance and enhances the overall electronic charge shift. The control morphology of the nanostructures can provide a great opportunity to stimulate their possible applications such as catalytic, electronic, sensing, and optical properties and to enhance their reactivity, selectivity and stability. [1-3] AuCu-Pt trimetallic nanocrystals with multiply twinned structures, possessing the penta-twinned morphology with a high high-index surfaces of Pt atoms on the (111) surfaces are expected to be the most active catalysts for their many applications in fuel cells.
Thymidine Phosphorylase Activity in the Optic Tectum of Developing Chick Embryos and the Effects of 3′,5′‐Cyclic Nucleotides and Monosodium Glutamate on Enzyme Activity

: Changes in activities of thymidine phosphorylase (EC 2.4.2.4.) in the optic tectum of developing chick embryos were determined and the effects of the addition of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate or guanosine 3′,5′- monophosphate to the test medium were also determined. In addition, injection of 30 mg of monosodium glutamate onto the chorioallantoic membrane was assessed for effect on thymidine phosphorylase activity in the optic tectum. Thymidine phosphorylase activity was highest at the earliest times studied, peaking at the 10th day of incubation, but decreasing sharply until the 12th day, at which time a new level of activity was maintained until after the 18th day. Between the 18th day and 1 day post-hatching there was a steady decrease in activity. The addition of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) to the test medium resulted in decreased enzyme activity at 10 and 16 days of incubation, but no change at 1 day post-hatching; guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) in the test medium resulted in decreased activity at 16 days, but in no change at 10 days or 1 day post-hatching. The injection of monosodium glutamate into the egg before 10 days of incubation resulted in a decrease in enzyme activity only at 10, 18, and 20 days of incubation. Thymidine phosphorylase activity during optic tectum development has two phases (days 8-10 and days 12-18), each followed by a decrease in enzyme activity. The addition of cAMP to the test medium lowers activity during both phases, and cGMP only affects the second phase. This suggests two mechanisms for control of the enzyme, one present during both phases and one only during the second phase. That a single injection of MSG decreases enzyme activity at 10, 18, and 20 days of incubation, but not days 12-16 or 1 day post-hatching, suggests that MSG has not only immediate but also long-term biochemical effects on prenatal brain development.
Optimal Utility-Lifetime Trade-off in Self-regulating Wireless Sensor Networks: A Distributed Approach

The performance of wireless sensor network applications is typically a function of the amount of data collected by the individual sensors and delivered to a set of sinks through multi-hop routing within the network. However, the energy-constrained nature of the nodes limits the operational lifetime of the network since energy is dissipated both in sensing and in communicating data across the network. There is thus an inherent trade-off in simultaneously maximizing the application performance (characterized here by a network utility function) and the network lifetime. In this paper, we characterize this trade-off by considering a cross-layer design problem in a wireless sensor network with orthogonal link transmissions. We compute an optimal set of source rates, network flows, and radio resources at the transport, network, and radio resource layers respectively, while jointly maximizing the network utility and lifetime. Through the framework of "layering as optimization decomposition", we show that the cross-layer optimization problem decomposes both horizontally (across nodes) and vertically (across different layers in the protocol stack) into simpler subproblems allowing a fully distributed solution.
Dissolution or growth of soluble spherical oscillating bubbles

A new theoretical formulation is presented for mass transport across the dynamic interface associated with a spherical bubble undergoing volume oscillations. As a consequence of the changing internal pressure of the bubble that accompanies volume oscillations, the concentration of the dissolved gas in the liquid at the interface undergoes large-amplitude oscillations. The convection-diffusion equations governing transport of dissolved gas in the liquid are written in Lagrangian coordinates to account for the moving domain. The Henry's law boundary condition is split into a constant and an oscillating part, yielding the smooth and the oscillatory problems respectively. The solution of the oscillatory problem is valid everywhere in the liquid but differs from zero only in a thin layer of the liquid in the neighbourhood of the bubble surface. The solution to the smooth problem is also valid everywhere in the liquid; it evolves via convection-enhanced diffusion on a slow timescale controlled by the Peclet number, assumed to be large. Both the oscillatory and smooth problems are treated by singular perturbation methods: the oscillatory problem by boundary-layer analysis, and the smooth problem by the method of multiple scales in time. Using this new formulation, expressions are developed for the concentration field outside a bubble undergoing arbitrary nonlinear periodic volume oscillations. In addition, the rate of growth or dissolution of the bubble is determined and compared with available experimental results. Finally, a new technique is described for computing periodically driven nonlinear bubble oscillations that depend on one or more physical parameters. This work extends a large body of previous work on rectified diffusion that has been restricted to the assumptions of infinitesimal bubble oscillations or of threshold conditions, or both. The new formulation represents the first self-consistent, analytical treatment of the depletion layer that accompanies nonlinear oscillating bubbles that grow via rectified diffusion.
Food habits of coexisting salmonines above and below Stronach Dam in the Pine River, Michigan

Although dam removal has become an increasingly popular tool for river restoration, there is limited knowledge regarding the ecological effects of dam removal. The purpose of our study was to document feeding habits of coexisting brook charr, brown trout, and rainbow trout above and below a dam that is in the process of a staged removal. Modification of sediment transport caused by Stronach Dam since 1912 has affected stream channel configuration, fish habitat, and many other physical and biological processes. In order to document salmonine feeding habits above and below the dam, we selected zones to represent downstream conditions and areas of river upstream of the dam that encompassed the original reservoir and a stretch of river further upstream that was not hydraulically influenced by the dam. Because physical habitat largely governs aquatic community composition in streams, we expected these effects to be reflected in the fish and macroinvertebrate communities. In particular, we expected limited prey availability and salmonine feeding in the impacted upstream and downstream zones characterized by fine substrate composition and greater macroinvertebrate diversity and salmonine feeding opportunities in the non-impacted zone characterized by coarse substrate. We also expected mean percent wet stomach content weights to be higher downstream, as other studies have documented an increase in piscivory on blocked migratory prey species downstream of dams. Contrary to expectations, the downstream zone of the river contained the highest abundance of drifting invertebrate taxa and, although differences in habitat occurred among the zones, the diversity of drifting macroinvertebrates and stomach contents of salmonines were similar throughout the river. Thus, in this case, the presence of altered habitat caused by a dam did not appear to negatively affect salmonine food habits. Consequently, we expect no major changes in salmonine food habits after the dam removal is completed.
Genomic Sequence of Rhesus Cytomegalovirus 180.92: Insights into the Coding Potential of Rhesus Cytomegalovirus

A pathogenic isolate of rhesus cytomegalovirus (rhCMV 180.92) was cloned, sequenced, and annotated. Comparisons with the published rhCMV 68.1 genome revealed 8 open reading frames (ORFs) in isolate 180.92 that are absent in 68.1, 10 ORFs in 68.1 that are absent in 180.92, and 34 additional ORFs that were not previously annotated. Most of the differences appear to be due to genetic rearrangements in both isolates from a region that is frequently altered in human CMV (hCMV) during in vitro passage. These results indicate that the rhCMV ORF repertoire is larger than previously recognized. Like hCMV, understanding of the complete coding capacity of rhCMV is complicated by genomic instability and may require comparisons with additional isolates in vitro and in vivo.
Pedestrians Injured by Automobiles: Risk Factors for Cervical Spine Injuries

Background Diagnosis of cervical spine injuries (CSI) in multitrauma patients, especially in the presence of head trauma, can be difficult. Identification of risk factors associated with CSI can help avoid missed or delayed diagnosis. Methods Trauma registry study of pedestrian injuries caused by being hit by an automobile. Data abstracted for each patient included age, gender, Glasgow Coma Score on admission, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) for each body area, level of cervical spine injuries, and associated injuries. The incidence of spine injuries was derived for 4 age groups (14 years and younger, 15 to 55 years, 56 to 65 years, and older than 65 years). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with CSI. Results There were 8,401 pedestrian injuries caused by automobiles, and 178 patients (2.1%) had CSI. Incidence of CSI increased with age (0.3% in the age group 14 years and younger, 2.2% in the group 15 to 55 years, 3.7% in the group 56 to 65 years, and 4.4% in the group older than 65 years). Using the youngest age group (14 years and younger) as reference, relative risk of CSI in the other groups was 7.0, 12.1, and 14.2, respectively (p 3) were significantly more likely to have CSI than patients with less severe head injuries (AIS ≤ 3) (1.3% versus 9.0%, p 3), severe chest trauma (AIS > 3), pelvic fracture, and femur fracture as independent risk factors for CSI. Conclusions Incidence of CSI after injuries to pedestrians hit by automobiles increases with age and severity of head trauma. Age, severe head trauma, severe chest trauma, pelvic fracture, and femur fractures are independent predictors of CSI.
Decentralized state feedback and near optimal adaptive neural network control of interconnected nonlinear discrete-time systems

In this paper, first a novel decentralized state feedback stabilization controller is introduced for a class of nonlinear interconnected discrete-time systems in affine form with unknown subsystem dynamics, control gain matrix, and interconnection dynamics by employing neural networks (NNs). Subsequently, the optimal control problem of decentralized nonlinear discrete-time system is considered with unknown internal subsystem and interconnection dynamics while assuming that the control gain matrix is known. For the near optimal controller development, the direct neural dynamic programming technique is utilized to solve the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation forward-in-time. The decentralized optimal controller design for each subsystem utilizes the critic-actor structure by using NNs. All NN parameters are tuned online. By using Lyapunov techniques it is shown that all subsystems signals are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) for stabilization of such systems.