cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcareous Nannoplankton of Salt Mountain Limestone (Jackson, Alabama): ABSTRACT

A sample of the Salt Mountain Limestone (Paleocene) from Jackson, Alabama, has yielded a diverse nannoplankton flora. Preservation differs greatly between species. Some forms are well preserved whereas others have been subjected to extensive dissolution and/or recrystallization. Placoliths generally are well preserved, but the centers of many specimens are obscured by pelatoid overgrowths. Many specimens also bear sparry extensions of isolated shield elements. The presence of Discoaster gemmeus, and the absence of recognizable specimens of Discoaster nobilis and Heliolithus riedeli, places the Salt Mountain Limestone within the Discoaster gemmeus Zone. This suggests that the Salt Mountain Limestone is older than the Nanafalia Formation which has been placed in the Heliolithus riedeli Zone. Toulmin suggested that the Salt Mountain Limestone was an offshore facies equivalent of the Ostrea thirsae beds of the Nanafalia Formation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2214------------
Lithium iron phosphates as cathode materials in lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles

Olivine-structured lithium iron phosphates are promising cathode materials in the development of high power lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles. However, the low electronic conductivity and ionic conductivity of lithium iron phosphates hinder their commercialization pace. This work aims to verify the approaches for improving the electrochemical properties of lithium iron phosphates. In this work, sol-gel method was used to synthesize carbon coated lithium iron phosphates and nickel doped lithium iron phosphates, and their particle sizes were controlled in the nanometer to sub-micrometer range. The crystalline structures of the synthesized lithium iron phosphates were characterized by X-ray diffraction, and their morphologies were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. To study their electrochemical properties, prototype lithium ion batteries were assembled with the synthesized lithium iron phosphates as cathode active materials, and with lithium metal discs as the anodes, and the discharge / charge properties and cycling behaviors of the prototype batteries were tested at different rates. The synthesized lithium iron phosphate materials exhibited high capacity and high cycling stability. It was confirmed that particle size reduction, carbon coating and metal doping are three effective approaches for increasing the conductivity of lithium iron phosphates, and thus improving their electrochemical properties. Experimental results show that by combing the three approaches for improving the electrochemical properties, lithium iron phosphate composites with characteristics favorable for their applications in lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles can be developed, including high specific capacity, high rate capacity, flat discharge voltage plateau and high retention ratio.
Growth Curves of Deviant Behavior in Early Adolescence: A Multilevel Analysis

Multilevel growth curve models provide a means of analyzing individual differences in the growth of deviance, allow a number of theories to be integrated in a single model, and can help to unify research on deviant/delinquent/criminal careers at different stages of the life cycle. Building on the distinction between “population heterogeneity” and “state dependence” as alternative explanations of persistent individual differences in deviance (Heckman, 1981; Nagin and Paternoster, 1991), we show that models with two levels can be used to represent and analyze a variety of criminological theories. The first level (level 1) uses repeated measurements on individuals to estimate individual-level growth curves. The second level treats the level 1 growth curve parameters (e.g., slope, intercept) as outcome variables and uses time-invariant factors to explain variation in these parameters across individuals. We illustrate this approach by estimating a model of growth in deviance drawn from Gottfredson and Hirschi's deviant propensity theory. An innovative feature is the assumption that adolescents' expected growth curves of deviance follow a classical Pearl-Verhulst logistic growth model (Pearl, 1930). The results suggest that five risk factors—parental psychiatric problems, lack of parental support, living arrangements with zero or one parent in residence, low family income, and male gender—have strongly positive effects on deviant propensity. For example, adolescents with no supportive parents, and no other risk factors, have expected asymptotic levels of deviance (peak levels attained at about age 18) that are about twice as high as those of adolescents with no risk factors. Yet more than two-thirds of the individual-level variability in growth curves is unexplained by the five risk factors. This unobserved heterogeneity would remain hidden in analyses using conventional structural equations models and the same explanatory variables.
Electroretinographic evidence for a photopic system in the rat.

It was found that the rat generates a bimodal b-wave amplitude by wavelength function and a bimodal luminosity curve with maxima at 510 and 570–600 nm. The secondary maximum is relatively unaffected by green and blue adaptation, but it is suppressed with red adaptation. It was also learned that b-wave implicit time varies as a function of wavelength with minima at 480 nm and 540 nm, and as a function of intensity with an apparent rod-cone break at 500 nm but not at 600 nm. A prominent x-wave, isolated from the b-wave, was observed at short wavelengths with a maximum amplitude at 480 nm. It was hypothesized that the rat possesses a photopic system, perhaps mediated by rhodopsin. Also, the presence of a long wavelength sensitive receptor pigment, which mediates the “red response”, was postulated and the nature of such a receptor was discussed.
MSE walls as bridge abutments: Optimal reinforcement density

Abstract Geosynthetics have become a common means of soil reinforcement in earth retention structures; however, the efficacy of its application can be enhanced dependent on use. Geosynthetic design often involves uniform spacing of reinforcements throughout a retaining structure. However, optimization of reinforcement spacing can have a significant impact on stability, especially when subjected to a finite surcharge, as demonstrated by a series of numerical simulations using Limit Analysis (LA). Use of a rigorous LA tool that employs an algorithm to computationally determine the critical collapse state allows for the determination of optimal reinforcement placement in Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls based on both spacing and concentration – specifically at the toe or crest of the structure. The effects on stability are evaluated for two scenarios: (1) a “top-down” approach where reinforcement spacing density is progressively increased from the top of the wall downwards and (2) a “bottom-up” approach where the spacing density is progressively increased from the toe of the wall upwards. Presented within this study are the results of comprehensive parametric analysis varying reinforcement spacing, reinforcement strength and footing location, highlighting the stability benefits of top-down and bottom-up reinforcement density approaches. Placement of dense reinforcements near the crest of surcharge-supporting walls had a notable benefit for stability, while placement of dense reinforcements at the toe improved stability for walls without a surcharge. Hence, reinforcement spacing tailored to specific wall functions may provide significant economic benefits when considering reduced reinforcement needs, lessened tensile strength requirements, or shortened bridge deck length based on surcharge placement – all by concentrating reinforcement density at a specific height of a structure.
What Goes Where? An Activity to Teach the Organization of Journal Articles

Writing APA-style journal articles or research reports is a complicated task for undergraduates because they are creating and organizing the prose while trying to follow format conventions. The homework assignment described in this article is used to teach one component of the task: organizing the information within major headings. I distribute the contents of a short journal article in scrambled order, with instructions to unscramble the order of paragraphs and to determine the location of headings under which the paragraphs belong. Diagnosis of errors allows instructors to determine where additional teaching is needed and highlights for students some writing conventions.
Backgating studies in In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As/In/sub 0.52/Al/sub 0.48/As modulation-doped field-effect transistors

A study is presented of the backgating effects in normal and inverted modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFETs) grown by molecular-beam epitaxy and their dependence on material properties and device geometry. The experiments were performed on devices with 2- mu m gate lengths. The effects of both positive and negative (with respect to the source of the experimental devices) voltages applied to both ohmic and Schottky side contacts were investigated. The inverted MODFET structures, which have a very-high-resistance InAlAs buffer layer, showed negligible backgating characteristics up to side-contact voltages as high as 50 V. The normal structures, on the other hand, were very sensitive to the side-contact voltages with essentially a zero threshold voltage. >
Learning about Microcomputers and Research.

This article describes (a) student we of the microcomputer before, during, and after an experiment; and (b) the benefits that students derive from learning about microcomputers, in particular, and from conducting research, in general.
Environmental rearing conditions produce forebrain differences in wild Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Recent studies suggest that hatchery-reared fish can have smaller brain-to-body size ratios than wild fish. It is unclear, however, whether these differences are due to artificial selection or instead reflect differences in rearing environment during development. Here we explore how rearing conditions influence the development of two forebrain structures, the olfactory bulb and the telencephalon, in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) spawned from wild-caught adults. First, we compared the sizes of the olfactory bulb and telencephalon between salmon reared in a wild stream vs. a conventional hatchery. We next compared the sizes of forebrain structures between fish reared in an enriched NATURES hatchery and fish reared in a conventional hatchery. All fish were size-matched and from the same genetic cohort. We found that olfactory bulb and telencephalon volumes relative to body size were significantly larger in wild fish compared to hatchery-reared fish. However, we found no differences between fish reared in enriched and conventional hatchery treatments. Our results suggest that significant differences in the volume of the olfactory bulb and telencephalon between hatchery and wild-reared fish can occur within a single generation.
Integrating commuter information needs in the design of a motorist information system

Abstract This paper presents the results of a large sample survey designed to investigate the response of commuters to the delivery of traffic information. The main purpose of the survey was to investigate the impact of traffic information on commuters route choices, mode choices, and departure times in order to provide functional requirements for the design of a real-time motorist information system. The surveyed population consisted of 3,893 freeway motorists who routinely commuted to a central business district. The results of the survey indicated that four distinct commuter subgroups existed with respect to their traffic information needs: These groups were: (1) route changers, those willing to change route, or mode before entering the freeway (20.6%), (2) nonchangers, those unwilling to change time, route, or mode (23.4%), (3) time and route changers, (40.1%), and (4) pretrip changers, those willing to change time, mode, or route before leaving the house (15.9%). In terms of receiving traffic information, commercial radio was rated as the most useful and preferred medium both before and while driving. However, only a small, discrete group of commuters were likely to be influenced to change transportation mode. Implication of the survey results for the design of a real-time motorist information system are discussed.
Multifrequency electrical impedance imaging: preliminary in vivo experience in breast

We have deployed a recently completed spectroscopic electrical impedance tomography (EITS) imaging system in a small series of women (13 participants accrued to date) in order to investigate the feasibility of delivering EITS breast examinations on a routine basis. Hardware is driven with sinusoidally varying spatial patterns of applied voltage delivered to 16 electrodes over the 10 kHz to 1 MHz spectral range using a radially translating interface which couples the electrodes to the breast through direct contact. Imaging examinations have consisted of the acquisition of multi-channel measurements at ten frequencies on both breasts. Participants lie prone on an examination table with the breast to be imaged pendant in the electrode array that is located below the table. Examinations were comfortable and easy to deliver (about 10 minutes per breast including electrode-positioning time). Although localized near-surface electrode artefacts are evident in the acquired images, several findings have emerged. Permittivity images have generally been more informative than their conductivity counterparts, except in the case of fluid-filled cysts. Specifically, the mammographically normal breast appears to have characteristic absolute EITS permittivity and conductivity images that emerge across subjects. Structural features in the EITS images have correlated with limited clinical information available on participants with benign and malignant abnormality, cysts and scarring from previous lumpectomy and follow-up radiation therapy. Several cases from this preliminary experience are described.
Causes, effects and treatment of long‐term benzodiazepine use: A review of psychological perspectives

Psychological mechanisms underlying addictive behaviour are described with particular reference to the role of learning and cognition in long-term benzodiazepine use. The effects of long-term tranquillizer use on cognitive functioning are then discussed, and it is suggested that the long-term use of benzodiazepines is associated with impairment in two areas of cognitive functioning; visual-spatial ability and the ability to sustain attention on a repetitive task under time pressure. Psychological approaches to the management of long-term benzodiazepine users have focused on tailoring cognitive and behavioural therapeutic techniques to the needs of tranquillizer-dependent patients. A follow-up study of patients treated for benzodiazepine dependence is described. It is argued that a gradual withdrawal regimen alone is inadequate for permanent withdrawal for many patients, and that psychological adjuncts should be included in treatment to provide patients with alternative coping strategies.
Reaction times for a same-different discrimination of vowel-consonant syllables

Reaction times (RTs) were measured for decisions in a same-different discrimination of successive vowel-consonant nonsense syllables. Averaged data showed that “same” RTs were faster than “different” RTs and that the “different” RT decreased as the number of features (Wickelgren, 1966) by which a pair contrasted increased. For individual phonemic comparisons, two of the dependent variables, P(S I d), or probability of responding “same” to a different trial and the mean correct “different” RT, were related in that the RT increased as P(S I d) increased. The size of the difference between “same” and “different” RTs for a given phonemic contrast was directly related to P(S | d). The difficulty of a comparison, as described by P(S I d) and by the difference between correct “same” and “different” RTs, was explained through a markedness classification of phonemes.
Changing Delivery Systems for Agricultural Extension: Discussion

The three papers presented accurately describe (a) extension's philosophy and goals, (b) extension's staffing and expertise needs, and (c) Indiana's FACTS computerized delivery system. Although the papers presented by Hildreth and Armbruster, Brown, and Diesslin address different issues, they all perceive problems which impair the flow of research information to our clientele. The purpose of my discussion is to probe further into these problems and to suggest possible means for improving information delivery systems for extension.
DPOAEs and contralateral acoustic stimulation and their link to sound hypersensitivity in children with autism.

AbstractObjective: The hypersensitivity of children with autism to sound is a relatively unexplained behavior. The goal of the current study was to investigate the DPOAE characteristics of children with autism compared to a control group. Design: DPOAEs with and without contralateral stimuli were measured in two groups in three different conditions. Study sample: The study employed 14 children with autism and a control group with 28 age-matched participants. Results: In the without-contralateral stimulus condition, the overall S/N of DPOAEs was greater for the control group compared to the autism group (p < 0.0005). For both groups, the DPOAE S/N increased as a function of frequency in both ears. In the with contralateral stimulus condition, group and ear effects were noticed, however, no age, frequency, or contralateral stimulus type (BBN vs. 1000 Hz) effect could be detected. Conclusions: Presence of reduced DPOAEs in the autism group does not support the hypothesis that sound hypersensitivity in childr...
Parent-research as a process of inquiry: an ethnographic perspective

This article illustrates how an ethnographic perspective can provide a descriptive methodological approach to parent-research as a process of inquiry within the field of education. By juxtaposing data and illuminating reflexive accounts from a longitudinal parent-research study, I suggest that such a perspective provides critical insights into the roles of subjectivities, reflexivity, and positionality as mutually constitutive of each other as they relate to the process and product of parent-research. In addition, I suggest how the field of educational ethnography would benefit from viewing parents as co-researchers.
Inside the dutch garden: Prince Frederick Hendrik and Honselaarsdijk

Abstract Introduction The gardens of Honselaarsdijk constructed by Prince of Orange Frederik Hendrik (1584–1647) enjoy an unusual position in the history ofDutch garden architecture (figure I). Although generally acknowledged to be a key environment of the period, most accounts of Dutch garden history relegate the Honselaarsdijk gardens to a sideline position. They are perceived as being early, marginal precursors to the magnificent grounds built later in Holland, such as those constructed under William III at Paleis het Loo. As evidence, the ‘rigidity’ of their design is compared unfavourably with grand and exciting Baroque trends in the seventeenth century.1 Despite the presence of famed French designer Andre Mollet at Honselaarsdijk between 1633 and 1635, these gardens remain peripheral to the historical narrative of European gardens.
Influence of Fuel Sulfur on Diesel Particulate Emissions

An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the contribution of fuel sulfur to brake specific particulate emissions. Analysis of test results concluded that, among the factors investigated, fuel sulfur was the most important factor contributing to brake specific particulate sulfate variation. Combustion system, engine type, cycle loading, particulate makeup, had only a weak contribution to the brake specific sulfate variation
Decreased segregation of brain systems across the healthy adult lifespan

Healthy aging has been associated with decreased specialization in brain function. This characterization has focused largely on describing age-accompanied differences in specialization at the level of neurons and brain areas. We expand this work to describe systems-level differences in specialization in a healthy adult lifespan sample (n = 210; 20–89 y). A graph-theoretic framework is used to guide analysis of functional MRI resting-state data and describe systems-level differences in connectivity of individual brain networks. Young adults’ brain systems exhibit a balance of within- and between-system correlations that is characteristic of segregated and specialized organization. Increasing age is accompanied by decreasing segregation of brain systems. Compared with systems involved in the processing of sensory input and motor output, systems mediating “associative” operations exhibit a distinct pattern of reductions in segregation across the adult lifespan. Of particular importance, the magnitude of association system segregation is predictive of long-term memory function, independent of an individual’s age.
The action of procaine amide on the heart

Abstract Procaine amide hydrochloride has been studied in the turtle heart and in man and found to have a pronounced quinidine-like action. In the cold-blooded heart its chief effect was to raise the threshold for electrical stimulation and in consequence to lengthen conduction time in ventricular muscle. In contrast to quinidine, contractility was not depressed even by high concentrations. Rhythmicity and refractory period were not altered. In patients with normal rhythm single oral doses produced no changes. Blood pressure was not significantly influenced. Patients with auricular fibrillation showed slowing of the auricular rate ranging from 12 to 25 per cent. Comparative observations in the same patients showed that procaine amide produced its maximal effect earlier and left the heart more rapidly than quinidine. In one case the drug caused complete heart block, bundle branch block, and severe depression of the ventricular pacemaker. Experimental and clinical observations indicate that this drug may be particularly dangerous when there is disease in the junctional tissues. Instances of termination of ventricular tachycardia after previous slowing of rate were also cited.
Interdisciplinary Vertical Integration: The Future of Biomechanics

The field of biomechanics has grown rapidly in the past 30 years in both size and complexity. As a result, the term might mean different things to different people. This article addresses the issues facing the field in the form of challenges biomechanists face in the future. Because the field is so diverse, strength within the different areas of biomechanics also varies. Although the term might not always appear in the curriculum, principles in biomechanics are felt to be highly integrated into the broader fields of kinesiology, exercise science, etc. The major challenges facing the field, as suggested in this paper, include the development of significant hypotheses, integration with other disciplines such as psychology and motor control, “cross training” our graduate students so they might bring a richer perspective to collaborations with colleagues in other subdisciplines, and the development of funded postdoctoral experiences to support this aspect of student development. Because of the integrative nat...
Atomic Data and Emission-Line Intensities for Ca VII

In the present work we calculate energy levels, transition probabilities and electron-ion collisional excitation rates for the 3s(sup 2)3p(sup 2), 3s3p(sup 3) and 3s(sup 2)3p3d configurations of the silicon-like ion Ca VII. The total number of intermediate coupling levels considered is 27. Collision strengths are calculated at seven incident electron energies: 8, 10, 15, 20, 30,40 and 60 Ry, using the Distorted Wave approximation and a 5-configuration model. Excitation rate coefficients are calculated by assuming a Maxwellian distribution of velocities and are used to calculate level populations and line emissivities under the assumption of statistical equilibrium. Line intensity ratios are calculated and compared with observed values measured from SERTS and SOHO/CDS spectra. The diagnostic potential of Ca VII is demonstrated, with particular emphasis on the possibility to measure the Ne/Ca relative abundance through simultaneous observations of Ca VII and N VI lines. Ca VII proves to be an excellent tool for the study of the FIP effect in the solar transition region.
Group sequential test strategies for superiority and non-inferiority hypotheses in active controlled clinical trials†

In a group sequential active controlled clinical trial, the study hypothesis may be a superiority hypothesis that an experimental treatment is more effective than the active control therapy or a non-inferiority hypothesis that the treatment is no worse than the active control within some non-inferiority range. When it is necessary to plan for testing the superiority and the non-inferiority hypotheses, we propose an adaptive group sequential closed test strategy by which the sample size is planned for testing superiority and is to be increased for showing non-inferiority given that it is deemed more plausible than superiority based on the observed sample path during the course of the trial. The proposed adaptive test strategy is valid in terms of having the type I error probability maintained at the targeted α level for both superiority and non-inferiority. It has power advantage or sample size saving over the traditional group sequential test designed for testing either superiority only or non-inferiority only. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab Initio Calculations on the Use of Helium and Neon as Probes of the van der Waals Surfaces of Molecules

Interaction energies and geometries for van der Waals (vdW) complexes from ab initio calculations must take into account limitations associated with basis set flexibility, electron correlation, and basis set superposition error (BSSE). Presented are a variety of ab initio calculations on the helium, neon, and methane homodimers and the helium−methane and neon−methane dimers. Systematic changes in polarization and diffuse functions, the treatment of electron correlation, and the influence of BSSE correction were undertaken as a function of interaction distance. Calculations on the helium and neon homodimers were compared with available empirical data. Analysis of the contribution of the BSSE correction using the function counterpoise method indicates increases in minimum energy interaction distance when BSSE corrections are included. The presence of diffuse functions minimize the magnitude of the BSSE. The present calculations lead to the selection of the MP3/6-311++G(3d,3p) without BSSE correction as an a...
Transient weak protein-protein complexes transfer heme across the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus.

Iron is an essential nutrient for the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Heme in hemoglobin (Hb) is the most abundant source of iron in the human body and during infections is captured by S....
A Deeper Durkheimian Society for Haidt’s Righteous Minds

Jonathan Haidt’s The Righteous Mind is an advance in the empirical study of morality. He argues that liberals lose elections because they only appeal to the moral foundations of Care and Fairness, whereas conservatives can appeal to additional things that most people value - Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity. Haidt’s argument gets a bit muddled when he tries to incorporate the libertarians’ concern with Liberty into his scheme of moral foundations. This muddle can be resolved by seeing that all groups need Loyalty, Authority, and Fairness (re-described). Politics today is a debate about what is truly Sacred for society - the conservatives’ traditional sacred realm of family, religion, and nation-state, the libertarians’ sacred individual liberty, or the liberals’ sacred care for those who are harmed by society.
Origin of a tidal structure in the thermospheric O/N2 ratio

One recently recognized way of studying the ionospheric and thermospheric structure is through measurements of the column number density ratio of atomic oxygen to molecular nitrogen (O/N2). Data from the Global Ultraviolet Imager on board the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite show that this ratio exhibits a tidal structure. Kil and Paxton found that the 135.6-nanometer emission produced by the radiative recombination of the oxygen ion contributes to the retrieved O/N2 ratio, and therefore the tidal structure in the O/N2 ratio originates in the ionosphere, not the thermosphere. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL049432, 2011)
The Impact Of Specialty Pharmaceuticals As Drivers Of Health Care Costs

The pharmaceutical industry is shifting its focus from blockbuster small molecules to specialty pharmaceuticals. Specialty pharmaceuticals are novel drugs and biologic agents that require special handling and ongoing monitoring, are administered by injection or infusion, and are sold in the marketplace by a small number of distributors. They are frequently identified by having a cost to payers and patients of $600 or more per treatment. The total costs of the new agents are likely to have a substantial impact on overall health care costs and on patients during the next decade, unless steps are taken to align competing interests. We examine the economic and policy issues related to specialty pharmaceuticals, taking care to consider the impact on patients. We assess the role of cost-sharing provisions, legislation that is promoting realignment within the market, the role of biosimilars in price competition, and the potential for novel drug development paradigms to help bend the cost curve. The economic aspe...
Factors Influencing the Implementation of an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in a Diverse Urban High School

This article identifies factors that promoted the successful implementation of an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in an urban high school. The study draws on data from an in-depth case study at a large high school serving an urban community in a Western state. The study investigates seven implementation mechanisms that research suggests encourage local-level stakeholders to eschew existing practices and adopt practices supported by the model. Data suggest six of the seven research-based best practices were present in the IB program. These were staff selection, preservice training, coaching, staff evaluation, program evaluation, and administrative supports. These practices were instrumental in moderating contextual factors that might have hindered model implementation. It is possible for high-quality academic programs to operate in low-performing schools and for a wide range of students to benefit from this type of program.
Statistical learning in reading: variability in irrelevant letters helps children learn phonics skills

Early reading abilities are widely considered to derive in part from statistical learning of regularities between letters and sounds. Although there is substantial evidence from laboratory work to support this, how it occurs in the classroom setting has not been extensively explored; there are few investigations of how statistics among letters and sounds influence how children actually learn to read or what principles of statistical learning may improve learning. We examined 2 conflicting principles that may apply to learning grapheme-phoneme-correspondence (GPC) regularities for vowels: (a) variability in irrelevant units may help children derive invariant relationships and (b) similarity between words may force children to use a deeper analysis of lexical structure. We trained 224 first-grade students on a small set of GPC regularities for vowels, embedded in words with either high or low consonant similarity, and tested their generalization to novel tasks and words. Variability offered a consistent benefit over similarity for trained and new words in both trained and new tasks.
Global eQTL Mapping Reveals the Complex Genetic Architecture of Transcript-Level Variation in Arabidopsis

The genetic architecture of transcript-level variation is largely unknown. The genetic determinants of transcript-level variation were characterized in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (n = 211) of Arabidopsis thaliana using whole-genome microarray analysis and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping of transcript levels as expression traits (e-traits). Genetic control of transcription was highly complex: one-third of the quantitatively controlled transcripts/e-traits were regulated by cis-eQTL, and many trans-eQTL mapped to hotspots that regulated hundreds to thousands of e-traits. Several thousand eQTL of large phenotypic effect were detected, but almost all (93%) of the 36,871 eQTL were associated with small phenotypic effects (R(2) < 0.3). Many transcripts/e-traits were controlled by multiple eQTL with opposite allelic effects and exhibited higher heritability in the RILs than their parents, suggesting nonadditive genetic variation. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale global eQTL study in a relatively large plant mapping population. It reveals that the genetic control of transcript level is highly variable and multifaceted and that this complexity may be a general characteristic of eukaryotes.
Tryptophan Requirements of Different Broiler Genotypes

Two experiments were conducted with broiler chicks in battery brooders from 1 to 18 d of age to determine Trp requirements and to evaluate the performance of different genotypes (classic vs. high yield and male vs. female). Experiment 1 was a 6 x 2 factorial experiment, with six levels of Trp (0.09, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, 0.21, and 0.24% of the diet) and two broiler chicken strains (male Arbor Acres Classic and Arbor Acres High Yield). Experiment 2 was a 6 x 2 factorial design with the same levels of Trp as in Experiment 1 and two sexes (males and females); Ross x Ross 308 birds were used. Both experiments had four replicate pens of eight birds each per treatment. The basal diet was based on corn (70.79%), corn gluten meal (17.44%), and gelatin by-product and poultry fat (23% of CP and 3.34 kcal/g of ME). At 18 d of age, three birds per replicate were killed, and livers and fat pads were removed. The broken-line linear model was used to estimate the chicks Trp requirement. Liver or liver fat and fat pad weights (as a percentage of body weight) were affected by dietary Trp level. In Experiment 1, the Trp requirements differed little; for gain they were 0.18 +/- 0.002% and 0.17 +/- 0.002%, and for feed conversion they were 0.16 +/- 0.004% and 0.16 +/- 0.002%, for the Classic and High Yield broilers, respectively. In Experiment 2, the Trp requirement of males was 0.17 +/- 0.003% for BW and 0.17 +/- 0.003% for feed conversion, and that of females was 0.17 +/- 0.003% for body weight and 0.16 +/- 0.001% for feed conversion. There was no apparent difference in the Trp requirement of young broilers due to genetic stock or gender (P > 0.05).
A surface micromachined high gain dielectric lens antenna for millimeter wave applications

A surface micromachined high gain dielectric lens antenna (DLA) for millimeter wave applications is designed, fabricated, and characterized. The designed DLA consists of a conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) fed coplanar patch antenna and a lens made of photopatternable epoxy, SU8, and supported by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The antenna has a broad bandwidth of 6 % and a high gain of 7.54 dBi at 77 GHz.
Free Fatty Acids, Insulin Resistance, and Ectopic Fat

The development of obesity induces resistance to the effect of insulin to stimulate uptake of glucose and suppress release of fatty acids. These metabolic impairments are inter-related and competition between glucose and fatty acids i s a key aspect of the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Another important factor is that fat calories accumulate within muscle and liver and the presence of an increased fat content in these organs correlates with severity of insulin resistance. This chapter reviews recent findings and background concepts regarding “ectopic fat” and substrate competition and how these contribute to obesity induced insulin resistance.
Stewarding a legacy: responsibilities and relationships in the management of post-mortem data

This paper extends research on the giving and inheriting of digital artifacts by examining social network site accounts post-mortem. Given the important role that social network sites play in online bereavement practices, we conducted a series of in-depth qualitative interviews to explore issues around inheritance and post-mortem data management of Facebook accounts. We found that participants focused less on ownership of the data, and instead on the duties and potential conflicts associated with maintaining an account post-mortem. Subsequently, we argue for 'stewardship' as an alternative to inheritance for framing post-mortem data management practices. Analysis of post-mortem data management activities highlights how stewards are accountable and responsible to the deceased and various survivors. However, weighing competing responsibilities is complicated by varied relationships with disparate survivors, as well as the inability to consult with the deceased. Based on our findings, we claim that post-mortem solutions need to account for the needs of stewards in addition to those of the deceased and survivors. We suggest that a model of stewardship better accounts for the interpersonal responsibilities that accompany online data than inheritance alone.
Developing an item bank and short forms that assess the impact of asthma on quality of life

Summary The present work describes the process of developing an item bank and short forms that measure the impact of asthma on quality of life (QoL) that avoids confounding QoL with asthma symptomatology and functional impairment. Using a diverse national sample of adults with asthma ( N = 2032) we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and item response theory and differential item functioning analyses to develop a 65-item unidimensional item bank and separate short form assessments. A psychometric evaluation of the RAND Impact of Asthma on QoL item bank (RAND-IAQL) suggests that though the concept of asthma impact on QoL is multi-faceted, it may be measured as a single underlying construct. The performance of the bank was then evaluated with a real-data simulated computer adaptive test. From the RAND-IAQL item bank we then developed two short forms consisting of 4 and 12 items (reliability = 0.86 and 0.93, respectively). A real-data simulated computer adaptive test suggests that as few as 4–5 items from the bank are needed to obtain highly precise scores. Preliminary validity results indicate that the RAND-IAQL measures distinguish between levels of asthma control. To measure the impact of asthma on QoL, users of these items may choose from two highly reliable short forms, computer adaptive test administration, or content-specific subsets of items from the bank tailored to their specific needs.
Scattering of x-rays by structures containing a random distribution of defects

Abstract Exact expressions are given for the Bragg and diffuse scattering of a structure containing a random distribution of point defects. It is assumed that the displacements of a lattice site produced by a single defect are known parameters and that the displacement of a lattice site in the presence of a number of defects is the superposition of the displacement of each defect. No assumptions are made as to the concentration of defects or as to the magnitude of the displacements they produce. In the expressions for the Bragg scattering the atomic scattering factors are attenuated by a factor not related to the mean square displacements unless the displacements are small. There is also a change in phase associated with the scattering of each atom, and this phase is that associated with a mean lattice dilation. For small concentrations an approximation to the exact expression for the diffuse scattering is given for which it is still not necessary to make assumptions as to the size of the displacements. The diffuse scattering can then be interpreted in terms of the Fourier transform of a defect, the defect consisting of a foreign species at the origin and the difference in scattering amplitude of the displaced and undisplaced positions of all the atoms surrounding the foreign atom. The diffuse scattering is the sum of the scattering from every possible defect site weighed by the concentration. The diffuse scattering does not contain the static attenuation factor associated with the Bragg scattering as in several previous formulations but is self attenuated. The diffuse scattering is expressed in terms of the vectors of the normal structure so that the diffuse intensity is concentrated at the reciprocal lattice points of the normal structure. This prediction seems to fit observations of the diffuse scattering in neutron irradiated diamond and BeO.
Citizenship, Duty and Virtue: A Vision of Jefferson's America

In contemporary American political life, concepts such as duty to country and society often play a role in political discourse, but are often forgotten in the lives of average Americans. The life of the average citizen is focused on issues of economic survival, familial matters, and the diversions that occupy persons. Devotion to country is made an at best secondary concern for Americans. The purpose of this work is to examine the concepts of civic virtue that historically have dominated American political thought, using the writings of Thomas Jefferson and his influences as the primary source material for this effort, as well as the writings of modern western political theorists. Through this work, a conflict emerges between the values of western liberal thought and classic republicanism; to this end, a secondary purpose of this work is to reconcile those differences in an American context. Finally, a third purpose of this work is to offer a theoretical plan for re-connecting the average citizen with concepts of civic virtue through a proposal for public service.
Review: Sustainable Urban Metabolism by Paulo Ferrão and John E. Fernández

Paulo Ferrao and John E. Fernandez Sustainable Urban Metabolism Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2013, 244 pp., 19 tables, 37 b/w illus. $35, ISBN 9780262019361 ![Formula][1] ![Formula][2] ![Formula][3] What knowledge and analytical framework should inform the actions of policy makers, urban managers, and city dwellers in the Anthropocene, the era in which humans have transformed the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and climate? According to Paulo Ferrao and John E. Fernandez, one strategy for reformatting urban analysis and governance in the Anthropocene is to analyze urban processes using equations like those reproduced above, which describe greenhouse gas emissions for a process (87), the material composition of a product (172), and the material intensity of an economic activity (177). Understanding how cities function and how they can function sustainably, the authors explain, requires analytical tools and categories bearing a delirious array of acronyms: economic input-output methods (EIO), ecological footprint analysis (EO), life-cycle assessment (LCA), and material flow analysis (MFA)—which encompasses DMI, TMR, HF, DPO, DMO, TDO, TMO, DMC, TMC, NAS, and PTB—as well as physical input-output tables (PIOT), not to mention NAMEA and SEEA, MatCat and LU-T. These tools in turn plug into the DPSIR framework for describing the way Drivers of change (such as population growth) exert Pressures on the environment, changing its State, which Impacts ecosystems and human populations, triggering Responses that feed back into the system. These terms, along with the framework that integrates them into a theory of history, may not be familiar to many readers of this journal. Sustainable Urban Metabolism pulls together work done since the 1960s, but particularly over the past decade and a half, in fields beyond the scope of most architectural historians: industrial ecology, ecological economics, and urban metabolism. Taking the metabolic processes of living organisms as metaphors for the resource streams that support human life and economic activity in cities, Ferrao and Fernandez advance a method for pursuing sustainability through cybernetic urban management. In … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/graphic-3.gif
Ambivalent happiness and virtuous suffering

This article advances an analysis of those affective, mooded, and worldly happenings that define the limits, contingencies, and possibilities of happiness. More specifically, drawing from sustained ethnographic research, ambivalent orientations to experiences of happiness are examined in Yapese communities in the Federated States of Micronesia. For many, happiness is experienced as an ambivalent object of concern inasmuch as it stands in tension with local ethical modalities of being that emphasize virtuous forms of suffering.
Private Enforcement of Competition Law and Stand-Alone Actions in Hungary

In this article I evaluate the available case law (16 cases) on the private enforcement of Hungarian and EU competition rules in stand-alone actions. Before 1st of November 2005 it was not clear whether it was possible to initiate stand-alone actions based on Articles 11 (anticompetitive agreements) and 21 (abuse of a dominant position) of the Hungarian Competition Act (HCA). The courts interpreted the law in a way which in their opinion prevented the direct application of competition rules by the courts. The law was therefore amended in November 2005 and the HCA directly allows for private actions.In recent years the number of reported cases grew, but basically all of them were either unfounded or frivolous. In most of the cases the parties were just trying to invoke every legal norm which might aid them and somehow they found that the wording of the HCA might be useful. In most of the cases it turned out that relying on the HCA had no merits at all. Most of the judgements are either not discussing the competition issues at all, or only reflect to the arguments of the parties briefly. Only some cases go into the details and have a meaningful discussion of the provisions of the HCA and whether they are applicable or not. The article depicts a very unsatisfactory situation and provides a thorough overview of the recent case law.
Viewing Myth and History on the Shield of Aeneas

This article analyzes the representational strategies Vergil uses in the description of the shield of Aeneas to shape the reception of his text. Three aspects of the ekphrasis highlight its ambiguous status as a literary representation figuring itself as a material presence that can become part of history as well as depicting it. First, descriptions of rivers frame narrative units within book 8 as though the text were a visual image, while failing to perform such a function in the case of the shield itself. Rivers also symbolize both the linear progression of the narrative and its static visual surface. Second, the presence of multiple levels of internal spectators simultaneously reminds Vergil9s audience of the differences between poem and image and image and reality and provides focalizing perspectives from which each represented image can be perceived as real. Finally, intertextual references to defining features of historiography as a literary genre provide a model for how literary accounts of the past can influence events. But the comparison with historiography also draws attention to what Vergil does differently, particularly his direct representation of divine action and his refashioning of history9s linear order into a circular, spatial image that can be viewed synchronically.