cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trace Fossils of Alabama: Life in the Coal Age

Fossils are rocks which have naturally-preserved evidence of ancient plants and animals. Body fossils of ancient animals, especially vertebrates, are considered extremely important for what they can tell us about anatomical structure. Trace fossils, on the other hand, are the preserved traces of animals that were engaged in a daily activity, such as walking, swimming, jumping, burrowing, or resting. Trace fossils were originally impressed in wet mud or sand and then preserved in solid rock. Coal mining or construction can sometimes expose the preserved traces. Trace fossils are important for what they can tell us about how ancient animals behaved.
A position sensitive surface barrier array type detector

Abstract A position sensitive array type surface barrier detector system has been constructed and mounted in the focal surface of the Argonne double focussing magnetic alpha particle spectrometer. The array is 9″ long, and consists of 224 detector elements, each 0.040″ wide by 1″ high. The elements are made in blocks of 16 on single silicon crystals 0.640″ wide and 1″ long by evaporating the gold through a grid of parallel wires. The energy of the detected alpha particles is uniquely determined by the position of the detecting element in the array, and background rejection is accomplished by pulse height selection. The immediate availability of the data pulse makes possible coincidence counting experiments, thus enhancing the versatility of the instrument. The details of the fabrication and the analysis of the performance of the detector system are discussed.
Percentage timing reinforcement schedules

A percentage timing schedule is one where reinforcement is set up during a given percentage of a fixed temporal cycle (15 sec. in the present case). Seven rats were run in a two-bar operant situation to determine the discrimination threshold of differential pay-off probabilities between the two bars. The threshold was found to be just less than the difference between reinforcement 23% and 37% of the time cycle. Other features of percentage timing schedules, particularly the behavioral effects of using different pay-off probabilities, were investigated and are discussed.
Emerging therapies for multiple myeloma: Application in older adults

Tremendous advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma have yielded improvements in survival in patients with multiple myeloma. A number of pivotal phase III trials have established the benefit of these newer agents in individuals with relapsed multiple myeloma. Because older adults are under-enrolled in clinical trials, clinical trial data may not be categorically generalizable to more vulnerable older adults. In this review, the applicability to older adults of recent clinical trials of newer agents in older adults with myeloma are examined, with attention to eligibility criteria, dosing of therapy, characteristics of the population, and subgroup analyses of older adults.
Theoretical Study of Structures and Ring-Puckering Potential Energy Functions of Bicylo[3.1.0]hexane and Related Molecules

Ab initio computations using the MP2/cc-pVTZ method have been carried out to calculate the structures and relative energies of the different conformations of five bicyclic molecules including bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, 3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, 6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, 3,6-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, and bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one. Theoretical ring-puckering potential energy functions (PEFs) in terms of the ring-puckering coordinate have been calculated for each of the molecules and these were compared to those determined experimentally from spectroscopic data. Each potential function is asymmetric and has an energy minimum corresponding to where the five-membered ring is puckered in the same direction as the attached three-membered ring. In contrast to the experimental result, the calculations predict that bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane has a second shallow energy minimum. All of the other molecules have a single conformational minimum and their experimental and theoretical PEFs agree very well. The wave functions for t...
Market Evidence in Corporate Law

Market prices are frequently given little or no weight in resolving valuation disputes in corporate law. Under Delaware corporate law, for example, market prices can never be the sole determinant of value in appraisal proceedings and, at most, are one factor to be considered.1 Similarly, corporate managers who negotiate corporate control transactions at significant premiums under Delaware law face significant potential liability for damages because courts dismiss the premium received as irrelevant. Other jurisdictions, with rare exceptions, have followed the same approach.3 I argue here that courts should rely more heavily on market prices when resolving valuation disputes than has occurred to date. Part I of this Article discusses why market prices are superior to other methods of valuation when market prices are available and addresses the various justifications that have been advanced for limiting reliance on market prices. Part I also briefly discusses other types of market evidence. Part II surveys some of the leading cases in corporate law to illustrate how adjudication of these cases would have been improved and simplified had courts interpreted the relevant market evidence properly. Part II also extends the analysis outside corporate law to the Winstar litigation-the damage claims filed by over one hundred sav-
THE WEDGE - A CONTROLLER DESIGN EXPERIMENT

This is a report of an undergraduate research project. In this project, a wedge is designed and constructed to demonstrate the concept of feedback control. The goal of this project is to balance this wedge on its edge. Various mechanisms of generating balancing torque are first studied and one of them is adopted in our final design. A LQ with observer control law is implemented in an Intel 8088 based computer. The wedge is completely self-contained. All of its components (computer, batteries, etc.) arc housed inside the wedge.
Lipid Modulation of Membrane Protein Function

In the last decade, native mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful tool for studying the interactions of lipids and other small molecules with integral membrane proteins and their complexes. In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Pyle et al. (2018) establishes the role of phosphatidyl-inositol in dimerization and activity of a eukaryotic purine transporter (UapA).
7.05 – Numerical Methods for Mantle Convection

This chapter discusses the commonly used numerical methods in modeling mantle convection. While the general principles of finite-difference, finite-volume, and spectral methods are presented, the focus is on finite-element methods and their implementation. Additionally, the chapter also discusses general strategies in modeling geophysical processes including solid-phase transitions, thermal convection of multiple chemical components, and thermal convection with a power-law rheology.
A High-Power-Density Power Factor Correction Front End Based on Seven-Level Flying Capacitor Multilevel Converter

This paper presents a power factor correction (PFC) front end based on a seven-level flying capacitor multilevel (FCML) boost converter. Compared to the conventional two-level boost converter, the proposed seven-level FCML converter features the use of low-voltage-rated transistors, reduced voltage stress, and high effective switching frequency on the filter inductor. These characteristics of the FCML converter lead to drastic reduction in the filter inductor size while maintaining high efficiency and, therefore, significantly improve the power density of the PFC front end compared to conventional solutions. On the other hand, the small inductance imposes challenges on the PFC control. The dynamics of the seven-level FCML converter has been analyzed, and a feedforward control has been implemented to overcome these challenges. A hardware prototype is designed for universal ac input (90 to 265 Vac), 400-V dc output, and 1.5-kW power rating. Compared to existing solutions, the hardware prototype demonstrates improved efficiency and power density while maintaining high power factor and low THD. A power density of 219 W/in3 (490 W/in3 for the power stage) has been achieved, and a peak efficiency of 99.07% has been experimentally verified.
Community Resource Mapping: An Interactive Health Education Lesson

This article outlines a health education lesson that tasks students with identifying and advocating for resources in their community and is aligned with the National Health Education Standards.
Treatment of myotonia congenita with retigabine in mice.

Abstract Patients with myotonia congenita suffer from muscle stiffness caused by muscle hyperexcitability. Although loss-of-function mutations in the ClC-1 muscle chloride channel have been known for 25 years to cause myotonia congenita, this discovery has led to little progress on development of therapy. Currently, treatment is primarily focused on reducing hyperexcitability by blocking Na+ current. However, other approaches such as increasing K+ currents might also be effective. For example, the K+ channel activator retigabine, which opens KCNQ channels, is effective in treating epilepsy because it causes hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential in neurons. In this study, we found that retigabine greatly reduced the duration of myotonia in vitro. Detailed study of its mechanism of action revealed that retigabine had no effect on any of the traditional measures of muscle excitability such as resting potential, input resistance or the properties of single action potentials. Instead it appears to shorten myotonia by activating K+ current during trains of action potentials. Retigabine also greatly reduced the severity of myotonia in vivo, which was measured using a muscle force transducer. Despite its efficacy in vivo, retigabine did not improve motor performance of mice with myotonia congenita. There are a number of potential explanations for the lack of motor improvement in vivo including central nervous system side effects. Nonetheless, the striking effectiveness of retigabine on muscle itself suggests that activating potassium currents is an effective method to treat disorders of muscle hyperexcitability.
Mathematical Foundations of Cellular Automata and Complexity Theory

This chapter covers the mathematical foundations of cellular automata (CA) and complexity theory as the basis for models of urban forms and processes. CA have been used for both urban growth models and for more general simulation of land use changes, especially those driven by urban expansion. The chapter covers the origins of CA in the work on von Neumann and others, of complexity and emergence, some theory of CA behavior, and of the general form of CA models of urban systems. Particularly, research has paid attention to the methods for calibration of urban models using real data and of using such data to extract the rules governing state changes in CA. CA models have been shown to be a good combination of being light in data demands, yet accurate and robust in modeling and forecasting.
The Role of Catheter-Based and Surgical Treatments in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension

This manuscript is intended to provide a brief overview of the indications for and outcomes of surgical and transcatheter interventions for congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH)....
Abstract A52: Systemic anti-PD-1 immunotherapy results in PD-1 blockade on T cells in the cerebrospinal fluid

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising clinical efficacy in many types of cancers, including some with metastasis into the central neural system (CNS). However, little is known about the CNS penetration of immune checkpoint inhibitors and their bioactivity on the locoregional T cells. Here, we analyzed the CNS and systemic concentration of pembrolizumab (Pembro) in high-grade glioma patients, who were concurrently treated with intravenously administered Pembro and locoregionally delivered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. A total of 99 paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples were collected from 10 patients during multicycle treatment of CAR T cell and Pembro. We discovered that after the first Pembro infusion, CSF antibody concentrations were increased slower than serum concentrations. However, CSF antibody concentrations reached steady-state 24 hours after Pembro infusion and were maintained stable over the 21-day infusion cycles. Although average CSF Pembro concentrations (3.2nM) were only 1% of serum levels (329nM), we observed effective PD-1 blockade on the T cells in CSF samples of all analyzed patients. The blocking effect was found on both endogenous T cells and locoregionally administered CAR T cells. Further, PD-1 on CD3/CD28 beads-activated T cells was completely blocked after incubation with cell-depleted CSF samples, suggesting the bioactivity of Pembro that penetrated into the CSF. Using a dose-titration assay, we also confirmed that CSF Pembro concentrations were sufficient to ameliorate the cytotoxic activity of CAR T cells against repetitive tumor challenges. Together, for the first time, we showed the dynamic Pembro levels in the CSF throughout multiple treatment cycles and confirmed that systemically administered immune checkpoint inhibitors can penetrate into the CNS and elicit blocking effect on T cells. Our findings add strength to the rationale for combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with locoregionally delivered CAR T cells and other types of immunotherapy for the treatment of brain tumors. Citation Format: Dongrui Wang, Jana Portnow, Vivi Tran, Vivian Chiu, Alfonso Brito, Darya Alizadeh, Renate Starr, Julie Kilpatrick, Paige McNamara, Stephen J. Forman, Behnam Badie, Timothy W. Synold, Christine E. Brown. Systemic anti-PD-1 immunotherapy results in PD-1 blockade on T cells in the cerebrospinal fluid [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A52.
Start-Up Financing 2.0

Entrepreneurs raise money for start-ups by acquiring debt, selling stock, mixing the two, and crowdfunding. This chapter explains the pros and cons of those start-up ﬁnancing options. Start-ups must repay debt on time, which is hard for them to do before they start making proﬁts. Stock investors collect repayment only when the start-up is acquired or goes public, but entrepreneurs cede some control of the start-up to stockholders. Hybrid options like convertible debt provide a temporary solution to some of ﬁnancing problems. Crowdfunding is a new way to fundraise through peer-to-peer networks, but it works well only for a few types of start-ups. Entrepreneurs should perform careful analysis before choosing a fundraising option because fundraising has long-term consequences for start-ups.
A simple and practical representation of compatibility condition derived using a QR decomposition of the deformation gradient

This paper examines a condition for the existence and uniqueness of a finite deformation field whenever a Gram–Schmidt (QR) factorization of the deformation gradient $${\mathbf {F}}$$ is used. First, a compatibility condition is derived, provided that a right Cauchy–Green tensor $${\mathbf {C}} = {\mathbf {F}}^T {\mathbf {F}}$$ is prescribed. It is well-known that under this condition a vanishing of the Riemann curvature tensor $${\mathbb {R}}$$ ensures compatibility of a finite deformation field. We derive a restriction imposed on Laplace stretch $$\varvec{{\mathcal {U}}}$$ , arising from a QR decomposition of the deformation gradient, through this compatibility condition. The derived condition on Laplace stretch is unambiguous, because a Cholesky factorization of the right Cauchy–Green tensor ensures the existence of a unique Laplace stretch. Although a vanishing of the Riemann curvature tensor provides a necessary and sufficient compatibility condition from a purely geometric point of view, this condition lacks a direct physical interpretation in a sense that one cannot identify the restrictions imposed by this condition on a quantity that can be readily measured from experiments. On the other hand, our compatibility condition restricts dependence of components of a Laplace stretch on certain spatial variables in a reference configuration. Unlike the symmetric right Cauchy–Green stretch tensor $${\mathbf {U}}$$ obtained from a traditional polar decomposition of $${\mathbf {F}}$$ , the components of Laplace stretch can be measured from experiments. Thus, this newly derived compatibility condition provides a physical meaning to the somewhat abstract idea of the traditionally used compatibility condition, viz., a vanishing of the Riemann curvature tensor. Couplings between certain components of the Laplace stretch representing shear and elongation play a crucial role in deriving this condition. Finally, implications of this compatibility condition are discussed.
Principles of Effective Data Visualization.

We live in a contemporary society surrounded by visuals, which, along with software options and electronic distribution, has created an increased importance on effective scientific visuals. Unfortunately, across scientific disciplines, many figures incorrectly present information or, when not incorrect, still use suboptimal data visualization practices. Presented here are ten principles that serve as guidance for authors who seek to improve their visual message. Some principles are less technical, such as determining the message before starting the visual, while other principles are more technical, such as how different color combinations imply different information. Because figure making is often not formally taught and figure standards are not readily enforced in science, it is incumbent upon scientists to be aware of best practices in order to most effectively tell the story of their data.
Point‐of‐critical‐care diagnostics for sepsis enabled by multiplexed micro and nanosensing technologies

Sepsis is responsible for the highest economic and mortality burden in critical care settings around the world, prompting the World Health Organization in 2018 to designate it as a global health priority. Despite its high universal prevalence and mortality rate, a disproportionately low amount of sponsored research funding is directed toward diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, when early treatment has been shown to significantly improve survival. Additionally, current technologies and methods are inadequate to provide an accurate and timely diagnosis of septic patients in multiple clinical environments. For improved patient outcomes, a comprehensive immunological evaluation is critical which is comprised of both traditional testing and quantifying recently proposed biomarkers for sepsis. There is an urgent need to develop novel point-of-care, low-cost systems which can accurately stratify patients. These point-of-critical-care sensors should adopt a multiplexed approach utilizing multimodal sensing for heterogenous biomarker detection. For effective multiplexing, the sensors must satisfy criteria including rapid sample to result delivery, low sample volumes for clinical sample sparring, and reduced costs per test. A compendium of currently developed multiplexed micro and nano (M/N)-based diagnostic technologies for potential applications toward sepsis are presented. We have also explored the various biomarkers targeted for sepsis including immune cell morphology changes, circulating proteins, small molecules, and presence of infectious pathogens. An overview of different M/N detection mechanisms are also provided, along with recent advances in related nanotechnologies which have shown improved patient outcomes and perspectives on what future successful technologies may encompass. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing.
Effect of the Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Margin Consensus Guideline Implementation on Re-Excision Rates, Satisfaction, and Cost

INTRODUCTION The 2016 consensus guideline on margins for breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with whole-breast irradiation (WBI) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) recommended 2 mm margins to decrease local recurrence rates. We examined re-excision rates, cost, and patient satisfaction before and after guideline implementation. METHODS From an Institutional Review Board-approved database, patients with DCIS who underwent BCS with over 1 year of follow-up at one academic institution and one community cancer center were evaluated. Two groups were compared based on when they received treatment, i.e. before (pre-consensus [PRE]) and after November 2016 (post consensus [POST]), with respect to outcome and cost parameters. RESULTS After consensus guideline implementation, re-excision rate (32.1% vs. 20.0%) and mastectomy conversion (8.3% vs. 2.3%) significantly increased, although total resection volume, operative cost per patient, and satisfaction with breast scores did not differ. Not all patients with <2 mm margins were re-excised, although the re-excision rate among this subset significantly increased (62.4% vs. 31.3%). On multivariable analysis controlling for age, estrogen receptor status, WBI use, and margin status, surgery after consensus guideline publication was independently associated with a higher re-excision rate (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-3.59, p = 0.03) and a higher rate of conversion to mastectomy (OR 6.84, 95% CI 1.67-28.00, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the 2016 margin consensus guideline for DCIS resulted in an increase in re-excisions and mastectomy conversions at two institutions. Research is needed for operative tools and strategies to decrease DCIS re-excision rates.
Chapter 2.2 – NSL Neural Simulation Language

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the basic concepts of neural simulation language (NSL). NSL provides a platform for building and executing neural architectures. It is based on object-oriented technology and provides modularity at all model development levels. NSL is an important research and development area, extending from biological studies to artificial applications. Modeling develops a neural architecture, which can explain and reproduce anatomical and physiological experimental data. As a neural network development platform, it provides a modeling and simulation environment for large scale, general-purpose neural networks by the use of modules that can be hierarchically interconnected to enable the construction of very complex models. NSL incorporates a modeling language, NSLM, to build/code the model, and a scripting language NSLS, to specify how the simulation is to be executed and controlled. The highest level model architectures are described in terms of modules and interconnections. The complete NSL system is composed of three components: the main system, the schematic capture system, and the model/module library. This chapter also illustrates model simulation using maximum selector model. A simple model allows the presentation of a number of key features of the NSL environment.
The emerging college hours premium for men

This paper documents the emerging role of education in the well-known decline in US male working hours. An insignificant hours difference between high school and college graduates becomes a signifi...
Deep learning auto-segmentation and automated treatment planning for trismus risk reduction in head and neck cancer radiotherapy

Abstract Background and Purpose Reducing trismus in radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is important. Automated deep learning (DL) segmentation and automated planning was used to introduce new and rarely segmented masticatory structures to study if trismus risk could be decreased. Materials and Methods Auto-segmentation was based on purpose-built DL, and automated planning used our in-house system, ECHO. Treatment plans for ten HNC patients, treated with 2 Gy × 35 fractions, were optimized (ECHO0). Six manually segmented OARs were replaced with DL auto-segmentations and the plans re-optimized (ECHO1). In a third set of plans, mean doses for auto-segmented ipsilateral masseter and medial pterygoid (MIMean, MPIMean), derived from a trismus risk model, were implemented as dose-volume objectives (ECHO2). Clinical dose-volume criteria were compared between the two scenarios (ECHO0 vs. ECHO1; ECHO1 vs. ECHO2; Wilcoxon signed-rank test; significance: p Results Small systematic differences were observed between the doses to the six auto-segmented OARs and their manual counterparts (median: ECHO1 = 6.2 (range: 0.4, 21) Gy vs. ECHO0 = 6.6 (range: 0.3, 22) Gy; p = 0.007), and the ECHO1 plans provided improved normal tissue sparing across a larger dose-volume range. Only in the ECHO2 plans, all patients fulfilled both MIMean and MPIMean criteria. The population median MIMean and MPIMean were considerably lower than those suggested by the trismus model (ECHO0: MIMean = 13 Gy vs. ≤42 Gy; MPIMean = 29 Gy vs. ≤68 Gy). Conclusions Automated treatment planning can efficiently incorporate new structures from DL auto-segmentation, which results in trismus risk sparing without deteriorating treatment plan quality. Auto-planning and deep learning auto-segmentation together provide a powerful platform to further improve treatment planning.
All units are equal in humpback whale songs, but some are more equal than others

Flexible production and perception of vocalizations is linked to an impressive array of cognitive capacities including language acquisition by humans, song learning by birds, biosonar in bats, and vocal imitation by cetaceans. Here, we characterize a portion of the repertoire of one of the most impressive vocalizers in nature: the humpback whale. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of sounds (units) produced by humpback whales revealed that singers gradually morphed streams of units along multiple acoustic dimensions within songs, maintaining the continuity of spectral content across subjectively dissimilar unit "types." Singers consistently produced some unit forms more frequently and intensely than others, suggesting that units are functionally heterogeneous. The precision with which singing humpback whales continuously adjusted the acoustic characteristics of units shows that they possess exquisite vocal control mechanisms and vocal flexibility beyond what is seen in most animals other than humans. The gradual morphing of units within songs that we observed is inconsistent with past claims that humpback whales construct songs from a fixed repertoire of discrete unit types. These findings challenge the results of past studies based on fixed-unit classification methods and argue for the development of new metrics for characterizing the graded structure of units. The specific vocal variations that singers produced suggest that humpback whale songs are unlikely to provide detailed information about a singer's reproductive fitness, but can reveal the precise locations and movements of singers from long distances and may enhance the effectiveness of units as sonar signals.
Pattern Recognition Receptors in Innate Immunity to Obligate Intracellular Bacteria

Host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for sensing pathogenic microorganisms, initiating innate responses, and modulating pathogen-specific adaptive immunity during infection. Rickettsia spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Coxiella burnetii are obligate intracellular bacteria that can replicate only within host cells and must evade immune detection to successfully propagate. These five bacterial species are zoonotic pathogens of clinical or agricultural importance, yet uncovering how immune recognition occurs has remained challenging. Recent evidence from in vitro studies and animal models has yielded new insights into the types and kinetics of PRR activation during infection with Rickettsia spp., A. phagocytophilum, E. chaffeensis, and C. burnetii. However, much less was known about PRR activation in O. tsutsugamushi infection until the recent discovery of the role of the C-type lectin receptor Mincle during lethal infection in mice and in primary macrophage cultures. This review provides a brief summary of the clinical and epidemiologic features of these five bacterial infections, with a focus on the fundamental biologic facets of infection, and recent advances in host recognition. In addition, knowledge gaps regarding the innate recognition of these bacteria in the context of disease pathogenesis are discussed.
The Application and Behavior of Elastomers at Cryogenic Temperatures

Elastomers offer the cryogenic engineer a dramatic demonstration of how the properties of some materials change radically when cooled to cryogenic temperatures. These materials have room-temperature properties of high extensibility and forcible quick retraction but, without exception, become hard and glass-like when sufficiently cooled, and thereafter behave like crystalline solids. Around this so-called glass-transition temperature, the modulus of elasticity may increase by a factor of 400 to 1000, and the coefficient of expansion may decrease by a factor of three or more [1]. Because of these changes, elastomers are not commonly used at cryogenic temperatures to solve problems for which they would be used at room temperature. Where an elastomer O-ring would perform the function of astatic seal at room temperature, countless designs are now being used to seal cryogen transfer lines, fuel and oxidizer missile components, experimental apparatus, and so on. However, none of these alternatives has met with universal approval, and all exhibit at least one of the disadvantages of high cost, poor performance, or complexity.
A Comparison of Methods for Recovering Intra-voxel White Matter Fiber Architecture from Clinical Diffusion Imaging Scans

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging is widely used to study the structure of the fiber pathways of brain white matter. However, the diffusion tensor cannot capture complex intra-voxel fiber architecture such as fiber crossings. Consequently, a number of methods have been proposed to recover intra-voxel fiber bundle orientations from high angular-resolution diffusion imaging scans, which are optimized to resolve fiber crossings. In this work we study how multi-tensor, spherical deconvolution, analytical QBall and diffusion basis function methods perform under clinical scanning conditions. Our experiments indicate that it is feasible to apply some of these methods in clinical data sets.
Agronomic and phenotypic responses to 75 years of recurrent selection for yield in the Iowa Stiff Stalk synthetic maize population

The plant density at which Zea mays L. hybrids achieve maximum grain yield has increased throughout the hybrid era while grain yield on a per plant basis has increased little. Changes in plant traits including grain yield, moisture, test weight, and stalk and root lodging have been well characterized in comparisons of commercial hybrids representing different eras of hybrid maize production but have yet to be examined in a recurrent selection program. The objective of this experiment was to determine if direct selection for grain yield and agronomic performance in the Iowa Stiff Stalk synthetic population has indirectly improved adaptation to high plant density. Material from an unselected base population, Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS), was compared to the most advanced cycles of selection from two different recurrent selection programs at seven Iowa locations in 2008 and 2009. Populations were compared at densities of 38,300, 57,400, 77,500, and 95,700 plants ha -1 . Treatments were replicated twice at each location and arranged in a split plot design. Root lodging has remained unchanged. Increasing density in advanced populations led to increased yield unlike the yield decrease seen in less advanced populations at high density, indicating an adaptation to high plant density. Increasing density in advanced populations did
Thinking Strategically: Component skills of strategic thinking

Because strategic thinking is inherently about open-ended, complex problems, it is not possible to apply a “cookbook” approach. Rather, one must have a general approach to problem solving that is effective. For those who are not born strategists, this involves tuning up one's thinking machinery specifically for this type of problem. In particular, there are three steps to creating successful novel products. First, one must be capable of generating novel (but useful) ideas, of overcoming routine ways of functioning, and of putting together information in new ways. Without this capacity, one is limited to solving problems defined by others (my definition of a drone). Second, one must be able to use this creative capacity to discover/invent something new. This can be, for example, a new style of art, a new computer algorithm, a new building design, an improvement to a video recorder, or a new type of restaurant. Third, one must understand how to structure work to bring a new creation to fruition. Without this third step, one is just daydreaming. In this section I show how one enhances the creative process, how one goes about making discoveries, how one puts together the solution to a complex problem, how one tests the solution one obtains, and how one enhances internal mental states for optimal performance. What is most noteworthy is that the conventional wisdom in all of these domains fails in the face of complexity.
Tunneling Spectroscopy of Conventional and Unconventional Superconductors

Tunneling spectroscopy of conventional superconductors [1] such as Pb [2] leads to a complete description of the superconducting state. From the tunneling conductance \(\frac{{dI}}{{dV}}\) vs. V (appropriately normalized), one can obtain the quasiparticle density of states, N(E). This gives an implicit measure of the complex, superconducting gap parameter, Δ(E). Using Migdal-Eliashberg theory [3] the gap parameter can be “inverted” by the iterative McMillan- Rowell procedure (MR) [2] to obtain the microscopic interactions responsible for superconductivity, namely, the electron-phonon spectral function, α2 F(ω), and the renormalized coulomb pseudopotential, μ*. These quantities can then be used to determine the transition temperature, T c, as well as the electron mass enhancement, 1+λ, which enters normal state thermodynamic properties such as the specific heat [4]. In some cases the α2 F(ω), obtained from tunneling has been used to provide a very good fit of the temperature dependent electrical resistivity far above T c [5]. The fact that both superconducting and normal state quantities can be determined demonstrates both the accuracy of strong-coupling superconductivity theory and the power of the tunneling method. The various manifestations of the electron-phonon interaction can be found in the review articles of Carbotte [3] and Allen [4].
Preparation and Properties of Trimethylsulfonium-Tetrahydrofolate Methyltransferase

Abstract An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from trimethylsulfonium chloride to tetrahydrofolate has been isolated from a species of Pseudomonas. This enzyme has been partially purified and several of its properties have been studied. The reaction can be formulated as a simple methyl transfer, with the formation of dimethyl sulfide and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Neither S-adenosylmethionine nor dimethyl-β-propiothetin can replace trimethylsulfonium chloride as methyl donor. 2-Mercaptoethanol is unable to replace tetrahydrofolate as methyl acceptor. The enzyme has a molecular weight of approximately 100,000. There is no vitamin B12 derivative associated with the enzyme.
Capital Gains Tax Overhang and Share Repurchases

Anecdotal and empirical evidence suggest that price is an important determinant in firms’ share repurchase decisions. We investigate a factor that could affect a firm’s stock price around a repurchase and thus the number of shares a firm repurchases. Using unique data on the tax-sensitivity of a sample of institutional investors, we find that the tax overhang that results from taxable investors “locking in” their capital gains and demanding compensation for taxes owed upon realization is negatively related to a firm’s decision to repurchase shares and the number of shares repurchased.
Using cellular automata to determine bounds for measuring the efficiency of broadcast algorithms in highly mobile ad hoc networks

The proliferation of mobile computing devices in recent years has produced an increased interest in the development of efficient methods of communication among these devices. As networked mobile devices move, the configurations of the networks of which they are a part change and if the time between these changes is short enough then conventional routing algorithms are no longer useful. This paper describes the use of cellular automata to model message broadcasting among autonomous agents in highly mobile ad hoc networks. The advantages offered by using this method to study the problem are discussed and an upper bound on the time steps required by a “reasonable” broadcast algorithm is derived.
Traumatic coagulopathy-Part 1: Pathophysiology and diagnosis

Objective To review the current literature in reference to the pathophysiology and diagnostic modalities available for acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) in relationship to traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Etiology Posttraumatic hemorrhage is responsible for one of the leading causes of preventable human deaths worldwide. Acute traumatic coagulopathy is an endogenous hypocoagulable condition that has been observed during the immediate (< 1 hour) posttraumatic period. Phenotypically, ATC manifests as a state of systemic hypocoagulability and hyperfibrinolysis. Although different functional mechanisms have been proposed for causing ATC, it is universally thought to be a manifestation of severe tissue injury, shock-induced hypoperfusion, systemic inflammation, and endothelial damage. Excessive activation of the thrombin-thrombomodulin activated Protein C pathway, catecholamine-induced endothelial damage as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with a fibrinolytic phenotype are all hypotheses that have been proposed in attempts to explain the functional mechanism of ATC. Diagnosis An accurate and reliable test remains to be validated for ATC. Traditional coagulation assays (activated partial thromboplastin times and prothrombin times) along with platelet count and fibrinogen concentrations have been used more commonly. Viscoelastic tests (thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry) are currently being investigated as a more predictive modality for identifying and guiding therapy for ATC. Therapy Damage control resuscitation and hemostatic resuscitation are gaining favor as the optimal resuscitative strategies for hemorrhagic shock and ATC. Antifibrinolytics may also play a role when hyperfibrinolysis is present. Prognosis Massive hemorrhage accounts for 30–56% of prehospital posttraumatic deaths in people, with coagulopathic hemorrhage remaining one of the major causes of preventable deaths within the first 24 hours posttrauma. Ten to twenty-five percent of human trauma patients experience ATC, which has been shown to prolong hemorrhage, deter resuscitative efforts, promote sepsis, and increase mortality by at least 4-fold. Prognosis in veterinary patients is not currently known.
The induction and characterisation of cell wall mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardi

Abstract 79 mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardi exhibiting defective cell wall morphogenesis have been induced using N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NNG), UV light and ethyl methanesulphoante (EMS). The kinetics of their induction, and their morphology as revealed by electron microscopy, is described. Genetic analysis of 32 randomly chosen mutants indicates the existence of at least 19 loci concerned with the organisation of the cell wall.
Optical gain at room temperature in PPV-related materials

Recently π-conjugated semiconductor polymers have been proposed as laser-active media. In order to achieve lasing, it is essential to observe optical gain in these materials. By using nanosecond pulses from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and the variable stripe length (VSL) method the steady-state photoluminescence (PL) spectra was measured for various soluble alkoxy derivatives of poly(para-phenylenevinylene) neat films. The PL emission is red-shifted from the absorption and shows an exponential growth characteristic of a net gain coefficient. The results show evidence of stimulated emission (SE) which is largely due to intrachain singlet exciton recombination processes and its spectral shift is sidegroup dependent. The VSL method resolves the optical gain spectra as well as its shape in the visible spectral range.
Arguments within geographies of movement: the theoretical potential of migrants' stories:

In this article, I engage the ways in which migrants' experiences are socially constructed and situated in particular political-economic and cultural contexts in meaningful ways. Drawing on migrants' own stories, I examine the ways in which social relations of gender and ethnicity shape their experiences. The analysis examines the interplay of desires, identities and subjectives in multiple sites in order to understand processes of belonging, exclusion and affiliation that are produced through migration. Secondly, I examine the ways in which migrants' social positionings allow them to question dominant narratives of neoliberal development. Thirdly, I take seriously the idea that questions about mobility only take on meaning in particular political-economic contexts which have produced those migrations and discourses. I suggest that these complex questions about identity, subjectivity and context call for critical ethnographies of migration, and I explore the potential of this approach for a case study of ...
Stapled cholecystojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy for the palliation of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma

This technique of combined gastrojejunostomy and cholecystojejunostomy utilizing gastrointestinal staplers provides a quick, simple, safe, and effective means for palliation of biliary and duodenal obstruction occurring in patients with unresectable carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Use of a common loop of jejunum for both biliary and gastric bypass avoids the complexities of other reported methods.
Peanut and walnut rancidity : Effects of oxygen concentration and relative humidity

Accelerated tests for oxidative rancidity of blanched peanuts, blanched dry-roasted peanuts, blanched oil-roasted peanuts and shelled Persian walnuts were performed at high and low oxygen content at controlled intermediate and low relative humidities. The results confirmed and quantified the importance of oxygen content, relative humidity and roasting process in the oxidative rancidity of peanuts and walnuts. There is a potential to extend shelf-life of roasted peanuts and walnuts by edible coatings with low oxygen permeability or nitrogen-flushing with oxygen barrier packaging. Static headspace chromatography was useful to monitor oxidative rancidity in walnuts and roasted peanuts.
Spectrum analysis in carotid sonography

Numerous Doppler spectral parameters for measurement of carotid obstructive lesions have been developed in recent years. This proliferation of parameters has caused sonologists to wonder which are valid and should be used routinely. This review article surveys the most commonly used Doppler spectral parameters. The physiological basis for each parameter is considered along with clinical applications and limitations. The use of spectral parameters for measuring carotid stenoses is summarized by means of an algorithm.
Experimental tests of generalised newtonian models containing a zero‐shear viscosity and a characteristic time

This paper is a summary of six experiments which have contributed to our understanding of the utility of generalized Newtonian fluid (GNF) models, and particularly those which have a “zero-shear viscosity” and some kind of a “characteristic time”. The accumulated evidence seems to support the use of such models for a wide range of technical applications: steady state flow in complex systems, steady state heat transfer, and slow unsteady-state flow. On resume six experiences qui ont contribue a notre comprehension de l'utilite de modeles de fluides Newtoniens generalises (GNF) et plus particulierement ceux qui ont une viscosite a un taux de cisaillement nul et “un temps caracteristique”. Ces modeles peuvent ětre utilises pour une grande etendue d'applications techniques, telles que: ecoulement en regime permanent dans les systemes complexes, transfert de chaleur en regime permanent et ecoulement lent en regime d'etablissement.
Factorial Validity of the Jungian Type Survey

Analysis of responses of 421 subjects to the Jungian Type Survey indicated strong Introversion/Extraversion and Sensation/Intuition factors and a weak Thinking/Feeling factor. Addition of ten items designed to measure Thinking/Feeling strengthened that factor and yielded a fourth factor, labelled Female/Introversion/Feeling. It is suggested that the JTS be improved by the revision of and addition to items on all scales. While the present study suggest some validity for the JTS, there is need to compare it with instruments measuring similar typologies and with tests of unrelated concepts, to establish discriminant validity. Studies using the JTS on widely varying sub ject populations are also needed.
The use of arm vein conduits during infrageniculate arterial bypass

Abstract To further examine the use of arm vein for bypass to the popliteal or infrapopliteal arteries, we retrospectively reviewed 43 patients undergoing infrageniculate arterial bypass by use of an arm vein as a conduit. Nine grafts were done to the below-knee popliteal artery and 34 to the infrapopliteal arteries. Six grafts were done by use of a single segment of an arm vein, whereas 37 grafts were composites of either multiple segments of arm vein ( n = 19) or segments of saphenous and arm vein ( n = 18). Mean follow-up time was 15½ months. Initial (30-day) graft patency and limb salvage were 95%. Primary graft patency by life-table analysis was 67% at 1 year and 49% at 3 years. Follow-up examination detected graft stenosis before occlusion in six patients (all of whom were given anticoagulant medication) and three failing grafts were salvaged. This increased overall 3-year secondary graft patency to 64% and 3-year secondary patency for infrapopliteal bypasses to 66%. Eleven of 12 graft occlusions resulted in major amputations (eight were above the knee, and three were below the knee) so that limb salvage paralleled secondary graft patency (63% at 3 years). Thus arm veins provide an excellent alternative venous conduit for infrageniculate arterial bypass, even when composite venous grafts must be used. (J Vasc Surg 1992;16:420–7.)