cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EnerGyan: A Portable Platform for Microgrid Education, Research, and Development

Energy management for microgrids is becoming an increasingly important topic for effective integration of diverse electricity sources and loads. Real-world deployment of microgrids requires hands-on experience in three key areas: education, research, and development. Most undergraduate and graduate classes on microgrids today take a theoretical learning approach, and the few that offer laboratory sessions often use analog based systems. In the microgrid research community, advanced control and optimization are often validated using numerical simulations or very specific and expensive lab hardware. This area of study also lacks a development platform for users to do rapid prototyping of microgrid solutions, making real-world implementation challenging. This paper introduces EnerGyan [1], a low-cost platform for education, research, and development for energy management in microgrids. It is a portable endto-end platform which integrates energy infrastructure (energy sources, converters, storage, loads), communication and computing infrastructure (on-board computer, communication modules, user interfaces), and an energy management system, making it a programmable electricity-grid-in-a-box. EnerGyan also provides a software toolkit called EnerGyanToolKit, allowing users to develop and deploy energy applications. EnerGyan has been used for microgrid research, in teaching (workshops, lab course, hackathons), and as development tool (for managing a building microgrid).
‘And Rome is Rome’: Ronald Knox’s Virgilian Catholic conversion narrative

In 1918, Monsignor Ronald Knox (1888–1957) – English priest, author, theologian and translator – published a spiritual autobiography entitled A Spiritual Aeneid. The immediate fruit of his conversi...
Parenting correlates of victimization depend on adolescents' internalizing behavior

Abstract Guided by theory stressing person-environment interactions, we tested whether parenting correlates of peer victimization would be stronger for adolescents with internalizing difficulties than those without. Participants (N = 362, 56.4% girls, M age = 16.11, 56% Latino) in the 9th to 11th grades responded to questionnaires about their parents' behavior and nominated their peers on items tapping internalizing behaviors and victimization experiences. Both positive (i.e., warmth) and negative dimensions of parenting (overprotectiveness, threat of rejection, coercion) were more strongly associated with victimization at high levels of internalizing and minimized at low levels of internalizing. Girls and older adolescents with internalizing were particularly sensitive to overprotectiveness. Adolescents became increasingly sensitive to coercion as they got older. Discussion addresses individuals' differential susceptibility which may elucidate why some adolescents might be more affected than others by what parents do.
Speech segment durations in sentence recitations by children and adults

Abstract Spectrograms were used to study speech segment durations in recitations of three simple sentences by 10 adults and by 10 children in each of three age groups; 4, 6 and 12 years. The 4-year-olds typically had longer segment durations and greater variability of segment durations than adults and the older children. The degree to which segments are lengthened by young children appears to depend on various segmental, suprasegmental, and linguistic factors which have not yet been explored. In addition, it is possible that greater variances in segment duration are concomitant with lengthening of segments; that is, there seems to be some truth to the assertion that slow speakers are more variable than fast speakers in timing control.
A Qualitative Meta-analytic Review of the Therapist Responsiveness Literature: Guidelines for Practice and Training

Psychotherapy researchers have developed a body of research on the construct of therapist responsiveness. This literature seeks a clearer picture of how therapists adapt their relational and intervention strategies to their individual clients. The goal of this review was to summarize this literature and generate clinical recommendations. We used the PsycINFO database to identify theoretical papers, case studies, quantitative research, and qualitative research focused upon therapist responsiveness. After exclusion criteria were applied, 75 articles were included in the final thematic analysis. A thematic analysis organized the findings into categories that identified the contextual cues for responsiveness and summarized the clinical recommendations being made. These initial categories then were grouped into three overarching categories that describe responsiveness within the therapeutic relational context, within psychotherapy interventions, and in response to client characteristics. Within the presentation of findings, the methodological forms of support for each claim were examined to provide direction to the field. Based upon the findings, guiding principles were developed to identify contextual markers to guide responsiveness and enhance clinical practice. In addition, suggestions for future therapist training and directions for research are provided.
Surgical correction of Stahl ear using cartilage-cutting and -sparing techniques

Abstract Stahl ear deformity is a benign congenital malformation of the auricle characterized by an abnormal third crus. While there is no functional hearing deficit related to this deformity, they have been described as “elf like" or "satyr like” and can have social anesthetic ramifications. If recognized in the newborn period this deformity can be corrected noninvasively through the use of ear molds. However for those requiring surgical correction there is no standardized technique for repair. We present a case of a unilateral Stahl ear that was corrected using a combination of cartilage-cutting and -sparing techniques.
The Role of Reason in Cultural Interpretation: Some Talmudic Distinctions for Indigenous and Cultural Psychology

This essay honors the life and work of Professor Kuo-shu Yang by addressing three questions: (1) What are the differences, if any, between cultural psychology and indigenous psychology?; (2) What is the role of reason in cultural interpretation?; and (3) Do the indigenous psychologies of different peoples have psychological relevance and applications beyond their points of origin; or, in other words, might an indigenous psychology with a “Chinese soul” illuminate the “soul” (and “mentalities”) of members of non-Chinese populations, and vice versa?
Shorter arithmetization of nondeterministic computations

Arithmetizing computation is a crucial component of many fundamental results in complexity theory, including results that gave insight into the power of interactive proofs, multi-prover interactive proofs, and probabilistically-checkable proofs. Informally, an arithmetization is a way to encode a machine's computation so that its correctness can be easily verified via few probabilistic algebraic checks.We study the problem of arithmetizing nondeterministic computations for the purpose of constructing short probabilistically-checkable proofs (PCPs) with polylogarithmic query complexity. In such a setting, a PCP's proof length depends (at least!) linearly on the length, in bits, of the encoded computation. Thus, minimizing the number of bits in the encoding is crucial for minimizing PCP proof length.In this paper we show how to arithmetize any T-step computation on a nondeterministic Turing machine by using a polynomial encoding of length O ( T ? ( log ? T ) 2 ) . Previously, the best known length was ? ( T ? ( log ? T ) 4 ) . For nondeterministic random-access machines, our length is O ( T ? ( log ? T ) 2 + o ( 1 ) ) , while prior work only achieved ? ( T ? ( log ? T ) 5 ) .The polynomial encoding that we use is the Reed-Solomon code. When combined with the best PCPs of proximity for this code, our result yields quasilinear-size PCPs with polylogarithmic query complexity that are shorter, by at least two logarithmic factors, than in all prior work.Our arithmetization also enjoys additional properties. First, it is succinct, i.e., the encoding of the computation can be probabilistically checked in ( log ? T ) O ( 1 ) time; this property is necessary for constructing short PCPs with a polylogarithmic-time verifier. Furthermore, our techniques extend, in a certain well-defined sense, to the arithmetization of yet other NEXP-complete languages.
Controlled release strategies for modulating immune responses to promote tissue regeneration

Advances in the field of tissue engineering have enhanced the potential of regenerative medicine, yet the efficacy of these strategies remains incomplete, and is limited by the innate and adaptive immune responses. The immune response associated with injury or disease combined with that mounted to biomaterials, transplanted cells, proteins, and gene therapies vectors can contribute to the inability to fully restore tissue function. Blocking immune responses such as with anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agents are either ineffective, as the immune response contributes significantly to regeneration, or have significant side effects. This review describes targeted strategies to modulate the immune response in order to limit tissue damage following injury, promote an anti-inflammatory environment that leads to regeneration, and induce antigen (Ag)-specific tolerance that can target degenerative diseases that destroy tissues and promote engraftment of transplanted cells. Focusing on targeted immuno-modulation, we describe local delivery techniques to sites of inflammation as well as systemic approaches that preferentially target subsets of immune populations.
Finding a way out: Why developmental science does not need another "ism"

Neoconstructivism is a new approach in developmental science that sheds light on the processes underlying change over time. The present commentary evaluates this new approach in the context of existing theories of development and nine central tenets of neoconstructivism proposed by Newcombe (2011). For inspiration, Hull’s evaluation of psychological theory in 1935 is discussed. Hull noted a proliferation of theories that he attributed to poorly specified concepts and a lack of rigorous theoretical work. Noting a similar proliferation of “isms” in developmental science, the commentary concludes that existing theories have much to offer and suggests that what is needed is not a new “ism” but a rigorous evaluation and integration of modern developmental concepts.
Enhancement-mode InAlAs/InGaAs/InP HEMTs with Ir-based gate metallization

The reliability of high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) significantly depends on the stability of the gate Schottky contact to the semiconductor. Gate sinking during the fabrication and device operation alters transconductance, gate capacitance, and threshold voltage, which are crucial device parameters for modeling HEMT devices and designing circuits. In particular for enhancement-mode InAlAs/InGaAs/InP HEMTs (eHEMTs) where thermally-treated Pt is utilized as the gate metallization, thermal stability has always constituted a problem due to the diffusion of Pt. Although aspects of this diffusion are utilized to enhance e-mode behavior, no quantitative measurements have been conducted to estimate the diffusion depth of Pt in InAlAs. Further, it would be preferable to develop a metallization scheme where the Schottky contact barrier height is similar to that of Pt but with a much lower diffusivity. To this end, we have developed a gate metal structure based on Ir for InAlAs/InGaAs/InP HEMTs and investigated its thermal stability in comparison to the conventional Pt-based contact. A 0.15 um-gatelength eHEMT utilizing Ir/Ti/Pt/Au gate was fabricated to demonstrate the potential of Ir-based gate technology
Tyrosine hydroxylase activity and tyrosine titers during cockroach metamorphosis

Tyrosine hydroxylation (TH) to dopa in vivo in nymphs and pharate adults ofPeriplaneta americana was very low, but increased over 30-fold beginning at ecdysis. Free tyrosine increased in pharate, adults and peaked at ecdysis, whereas TH activity peaked 6 h later. Both TH activity and tyrosine titers declined the next 24 h as the cuticle tanned. TH appears to regulate tanning substrate biosynthesis in cockroaches.
The time of our lives: the experience of temporality in occupation.

Background. This paper synthesizes research and theory on aspects of activities producing variations in perceived temporality and subjective experience. Synthesis. A proposed continuum of variations of six temporal experience are described: 1) protracted duration - elapsed time feels greater than actual elapsed clock time;2) synchronicity - match of clock and perceived time; 3) compression - perceived time feels shorter than clock time; 4) flow - a sense of timelessness; 5) interstitial - perceived stoppage of clock time; and 6) temporal rupture - disruption of synchronicity of clock time. Five contextually situated steps that generate each of these temporal variations explain how these variations unfold in the experience of occupation. This synthesis is the basis for the Dynamic Occupation in Time (DOiT) Model which also incorporates the key occupational therapy concepts of human agency, personal engagement, context, and culture. Practice Implications. Investigating how occupations produce various tempor...
Factors Affecting the Outcomes of Community-Based Behavioral Support II. Factor Category Importance

This study was conducted to identify relative priorities among variables mediating the outcomes of community-based behavioral support for individuals with severe disabilities. Data were obtained th...
Palmtop waveguide-mode sensor: Comparison of sensitivity and subtyping of influenza viruses with SPR, ELISA and Immunochromatography

We developed a highly sensitive waveguide-mode sensor of size 5 cm×10 cm×15 cm (Fig.1). The first topic discussed in this paper is that the discrimination of the H3N2 and H5N1 strains of influenza viruses has been clearly achieved with the waveguide-mode sensor. We found that glycan-based detection using the waveguide sensor system analysis is very useful to distinguish between H3N2 and H5N1 viruses. The second topic concerns sensitivity comparison among the waveguide-mode sensor, immuno-chromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The highest sensitivity for H1N1 and H3N2 viruses was found in ELISA and the waveguide-mode sensor.
Coordinate system for hexagonal pixels

A coordinate system is described which provides a natural means for representing hexagonally-organized pixels. The coordinate system has the unusual property that its basis vectors are not orthogonal. Vector-space properties and operations are described in this coordinate system, and shown to be straightforward computations. Some image processing algorithms, including calculations of image gradients and variable-conductance diffusion, are expressed and analyzed.
Abstract 2250: Role of single strand binding protein 1 in TERT recruitment to telomeres and in maintaining telomere G-overhangs

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Telomeres cap the ends of all eukaryotic chromosomes from degradation or end-to-end fusions. Mammalian telomeres are maintained by telomerase which is a ribonucleoprotein complex that includes a reverse transcriptase catalytic unit called TERT and a functional telomerase RNA (TR or TERC), which acts as a template to maintain telomere length. Telomerase maintains telomere length, by overcoming incomplete lagging strand synthesis known as the “end replication problem” during DNA replication. Mammalian stem and cancer cells utilize telomerase to extend telomeric G-overhangs to partially (stem cells) or completely (tumor cells) maintain telomere ends. Cells expressing telomerase also have higher levels of single strand binding 1 (SSB1) protein, which has a known critical role in the DNA damage responses and double strand break repair specifically by homologous recombination. We have established that SSB1 binds specifically to G-strand telomeric DNA in vitro, and associates in vivo with telomeres both in human and mouse cell lines. Interestingly, SSB1 interacts with the TERT protein, and determines the amount of TERT interaction with telomeres. Deletion/depletion of SSB1 reduces TERT interaction with telomeres and leads to G-overhang loss, but has no effect on in vitro telomerase activity. We will discuss, how SSB1 is required for telomerase recruitment to telomeres to facilitate G-strand DNA extension and to maintain telomeres. Citation Format: Tej K. Pandita, Raj Pandita. Role of single strand binding protein 1 in TERT recruitment to telomeres and in maintaining telomere G-overhangs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2250. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2250
In-Plane Ordering of a Genetically Engineered Viral Protein Cage

Protein cages architectures can be used as nanoscale building blocks to fabricate higher order structures. We show here that in-plane ordering can be induced in films of a genetically engineered viral protein cage bound electrostatically to a planar surface. Surface pressure measurements were used to follow the kinetics of adsorption of the virus nanoparticle at the air-water interface for a range of sucrose and nanoparticle subphase concentrations. Atomic force microscope (AFM) images indicated that with optimal subphase conditions films transferred to solid supports exhibited regions of hexagonal packed 2-D arrays. Potential applications of these monolayer assemblies of protein cage architectures include their use as scaffolds to immobilize functional groups at a surface or as templates for building multilayer films.
Comparing the rate of regression after conductive keratoplasty with or without prior laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose: To assess the regression rate of conductive keratoplasty (CK) in patients with or without previous laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Setting: University of Utah, Medical School, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, age-matched chart review identified records of 6 patients who underwent CK after refractive surgery and 12 patients who underwent CK without prior refractive surgery. The main outcome measures were postoperative uncorrected and corrected visual acuities and refraction changes over time. Results: Preoperatively, the mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) of the 15 eyes (12 patients) that underwent CK without refractive surgery was 0.83 diopters (D) and the 7 eyes (6 patients) that underwent CK after refractive surgery had an average MRSE of 0.27 D. Postoperatively, the mean MRSE of the refractive surgery patients was -0.86 D at 6 months, regressing to -0.67 D at 12 months. The postoperative MRSE in the eyes without refractive surgery was -0.58 D. at 6 months, regressing to -0.38 D at 12 months. The rate of regression was linear in both groups, calculated at 0.033 D per month in all patients. Conclusions: Patients with previous LASIK or PRK showed a greater treatment response to CK but regressed at a similar rate as those eyes without prior LASIK or PRK. Overall CK is a safe procedure that inevitably regresses.
Comparison of soft-tissue enhanced and conventional cephalometric radiographs

Pretreatment evaluation of the orthognathic surgery patient includes hardtissue and soft-tissue analysis. Although the soft-tissue analysis can be made easier by the use of a Quint intensifying screen (Quint X-Ray Co, Inc, Los Angeles) which enhances the soft-tissue image, when the enhanced cephalometric radiograph was compared with a standard, nonenhanced radiograph, it was found to have the same level of diagnostic accuracy.
Model for cold dark matter

We present a model for cold dark matter based upon continuum bound states of thee + e − system. These continuum bound states, referred to as photonium states to distinguish them from the well-known bound states of positronium, are shown to have cross sections and lifetime properties consistent with abundant production in the early universe and survival to the present time. Thus photonium can easily account for more than 90% of the total mass of the universe.
Pain in Neuromyelitis Optica Is More Common, Disabling, and Refractory Compared to MS (P07.070)

Objective: Determine whether pain frequency, use of pain-relief medications, and pain level control differed between subjects with NMO versus MS. Background Pain is a frequent and disabling symptom among demyelinating diseases. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is associated with severe inflammatory lesions of the spinal cord and optic nerve, with potential for chronic pain. Design/Methods: Cross-sectional study (NMO=29, MS=66) included McGill Pain Score (MPS), Short Form 36 Scale (SF36), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC). Involved T2 spinal segments were counted. CNS pain medications use was quantified. Results: Current pain was noted in 86% in NMO subjects, compared to 41% in MS. Severe current pain was present in 52% with NMO vs. 11% with MS. Painful tonic spasms were present in 90% with NMO vs. 39% with MS. McGill Pain Score had a positive correlation with involved spinal cord segments for NMO (r=0.45, p=0.02). Current pain on a 10 point scale was correlated with the physical component of the SF36 (r= -0.49, p Conclusions: Pain is very common in NMO, and is severe in the majority. Pain magnitude has a deleterious effect on quality of life. Although medications are often used to help relieve pain, many patients continue to suffer. Our pain medications may be contributing to side effects such as slowed cognition and fatigue. Supported by: NIH funding T32NS007205 to PQ. NIH funding K23NS052430 to RTN. Disclosure: Dr. Qian has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience as an employee. Dr. Cross has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer Healthcare, Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Eli Lilly & Company, Hoffman-La Roche, and Genentech, Inc. Dr. Naismith has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and Biogen Idec as a consultant and/or speaker. Dr. Naismith has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Journal Watch Neurology. Dr. Naismith has received research from Acorda Therapeutics.
The Second World War resettlement of the Bukovina‐Germans

Responding to the denationalizing measures of the Bucharest government during the interwar period and Soviet expansionism after the outbreak of war, Bukovina's German population opted for voluntary transfer to the Reich in 1940. Their resettlement in the western provinces of Poland annexed by Germany proved only a temporary interlude, since with the advance of the Soviet armies they joined the countless number of refugees streaming westward. Their assimilation into West German society has been hastened by the Bonn government which has provided a legal basis for the economic and political integration of its millions of displaced persons and expellees. Despite their wartime losses and postwar hardships, there is no reason to believe that the Bukovina‐Germans would have fared better had they remained in their homeland.
Hurricane effects on a shallow lake ecosystem, Lake Okeechobee, Florida (USA)

This unique case study of Lake Okeechobee - a large, shallow and culturally eutrophic lake in south Florida - documents the effects of hurricanes on its water quality, sediment, phytoplankton and submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV). Three hurricanes (Frances and Jeanne in 2004 and Wilma in 2005) that swept directly over the lake led to a number of expected changes throughout the system: 1) high winds produced large seiches, strong waves and currents that redistributed bottom sediments and uprooted SAV and emergent macrophytes; 2) sediment disturbance resulted in increased suspended solids and nutrients in the water column, reduced Secchi transparency and affected SAV recovery, phytoplankton biomass and phytoplankton species dominance; and 3) heavy rainfall increased flows, nutrient loads and lake water levels. Changes in suspended solids, most nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton and SAV persisted for two years after the hurricanes. This persistence was attributed to unconsolidated surface sediment that increased in thickness because of the storms and was more easily resuspended during subsequent wind events. Drought conditions and low lake levels in the second year after the hurricanes led to some recovery of SAV, primarily in the form of the non-vascular musk grass (Chara spp.). The absence of high-intensity hurricanes in the near future should aid in SAV recovery and return the nearshore region to a macrophyte-dominated clear-water state. Our results demonstrate the importance of sediment disturbance and water levels in shallow lakes that are vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Relation of interest and self-efficacy occupational congruence and career choice certainty

Abstract A sample of 2145 adults completed the Personal Globe Inventory (PGI) as well as indicating their occupational choice and the certainty of this choice. The PGI yielded interest and self-efficacy scores and these were used with the occupational choice to calculate a congruence score for interests and one for efficacy. The prediction of career certainty by each congruence measure and their interaction was examined using hierarchical regression. The results indicated that while both interest and efficacy congruence were related to career certainty, efficacy congruence did not add to prediction above that obtained using interests congruence alone, however there was a substantial interaction. The agreement of interest congruence and efficacy congruence was related to a strong positive relation between congruence and certainty; whereas low agreement between interest and efficacy congruence was related to a non-significant relation between congruence and certainty. The results demonstrate the need to focus on both interest and efficacy and their agreement in our assessments and interventions.
The importance of geographical attributes in the decision to attend college

Abstract Studies of educational achievement have focused primarily on individual, family, and school-level influences. Yet, economic theory suggests that the expected economic returns to obtaining an education are also important. Two key determinants of these returns, the costs of obtaining an education and the employment opportunities available after receiving education, are often shaped at the local and regional levels. This paper examines the socio-economic correlates with the decision to attend college in Sweden in 1995. Data obtained from a unique geographically descriptive micro-database called TOtal Population of SWeden, INdividual and Geographical database (TOPSWING) make it possible to conduct analyses of the decision to attend college using numerous individual, family, neighborhood, and labor market region variables. This paper shows that few geographical variables are associated with college attendance. However, the proportion of college educated residents at both the neighborhood and labor market levels, as well as proximity to a college, increase the likelihood of attending college.
The ERLIN1-CHUK-CWF19L1 gene cluster influences liver fat deposition and hepatic inflammation in the NHLBI Family Heart Study

Objectives Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from simple steatosis to hepatic inflammation to cirrhosis. We sought to identify common genetic variants contributing to NAFLD, using CT measured fatty liver (FL), and alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT), as a biochemical marker of hepatic inflammation.
Numerical modeling of electromagnetics via a wavelet-collocation method

A wavelet-collocation scheme, constructed from the discrete singular convolution (DSC) is presented for computational electromagnetics. To illustrate the usefulness, test the accuracy and explore the limitations of the wavelet algorithm, four test problems are considered: waveguide analysis in both regular and irregular domains; electromagnetic wave scattering; electrostatic field estimation via potential functions; electromagnetic wave propagation in 3D. The computational accuracy of the wavelet algorithm is shown to be controllable and is compared with a standard approach. Numerical experiments indicate that the proposed wavelet algorithm could be a promising approach for solving problems in electromagnetics.
Satellite laser ranging: scientific and technological challenges for the new millennium

Since its first successful demonstration in 1964, the precision of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) has improved by three orders of magnitude, i.e., from a few meters to a few mm. Each technological improvement has been rapidly followed by a new scientific capability. To date, centimeter accuracy SLR measurements to the passive LAGEOS satellites by a ground-based network of approximately 40 stations have; (1) helped to define a Terrestrial Reference Frame accurate to a centimeter globally; (2) measured the motions of tectonic plates and detected regional crustal deformations near the plate boundaries; (3) helped define the terrestrial gravity field; and (4) monitored variations in the Earth's gravity field, the orientation of the Earth's spin axis, and its rate of rotation and related them to angular momentum exchanges and/or large mass redistribution within the land, ocean, atmosphere system. By providing few centimeter precision orbits measurement to altimetric satellites such as ERS-1 and 2 and TOPEX/POSEIDON, SLR has enabled precise measurements of global ocean, circulation, wave heights, ice topography, and even mean sea level rises on the order to two mm/yr. In addition to providing useful test of general relativity, centimeter accuracy SLR measurements to five retroreflector packages placed on the lunar surface by US and Soviet landers have helped to define the planetary reference frame, provided ultraprecise lunar ephemerides, defined the lunar librations, and constrained models of the Moon's internal structure.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the importance of relationship quality: the impact of ambivalence in friendships on cardiovascular functioning.

Background: Social relationships are reliably related to rates of morbidity and mortality. One pathway by which social relationships may influence health is via the impact of relationship quality on cardiovascular reactivity during social interactions.Purpose and Method: This study examined the effects of the quality of a friendship on cardiovascular reactivity when speaking about positive or negative life events with an ambivalent or supportive friend. To examine this, 107 healthy male and female adults (and their same-sex friend) were recruited.Results: Results revealed that participants exhibited the greatest levels of systolic blood pressure reactivity when discussing a negative event with an ambivalent friend compared to a supportive friend. We also found higher resting levels of heart rate and lower respiratory sinus arrhythmia among those who brought in ambivalent friends than those who brought in supportive friends.Conclusion: Individuals may not be able to fully relax in the presence of ambivalent friends and may not benefit from support during stress. This research may help clarify the health-related consequences of differing types of social relationships.
Detection of iron ligands in seawater and marine cyanobacteria cultures by high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

Organic ligands dominate the speciation of iron in the ocean. Little is known, however, about the chemical composition and distribution of these compounds. Here, we describe a method to detect low concentrations of organic Fe ligands using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) tandem multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This technique can be used to screen seawater and marine cultures for target compounds that can be isolated and structurally characterized. Sensitive detection (<1 picomole Fe) is achieved using an iron-free HPLC system to reduce background Fe levels, minimizing 40Ar16O+ interferences on 56Fe with a hexapole collision cell, and introducing oxygen into the sample carrier gas to prevent the formation of reduced carbon deposits that decrease sensitivity. This method was tested with a chromatographic separation of five trace metal complexes that represent the polarity range likely found in seawater. Good separation was achieved with a 20 min water/...
Not quite converted: how fuel prices both started and stopped a biomass heating plant project

As the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Charter Street Heating Plant nears completion of its conversion from coal to natural gas, we look back at the missed opportunity to use biofuels in the plant upgrade. The project initially launched as an effort to convert the coal-fired heating plant into the country’s largest campus biofuel project. However, during the 2 years of planning, a new administration was elected, natural gas prices fell by over 67% and federal biomass subsidy programs were revised. This article reviews the history of the proposed biomass conversion project and the decision-making process to start and halt the project.
Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate kinase by its product phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is enzymatically produced when high speed supernatant fraction from bovine retina is incubated with [γ-32P]ATP and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) as substrates. Exogenously added PIP2 inhibits PIP kinase activity 50% at equimolar concentrations of product and substrate. Ca2+-dependent phosphodiesteratic activity, resulting in the loss of PIP2 and PIP and concommitant increase in myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and myo-inositol 1,4-bisphosphate, was observed when soluble retinal fractions were incubated with heat-inactivated 32P-prelabeled guinea pig nerve ending membranes as substrate. It is suggested that polyphosphoinositides are under stringent and complex control and that upon receptor activation-mediated stimulation of phosphodiesteratic degradation release of the feedback inhibition shown here may occur and result in the synthesis and replenishment of PIP2.
Justice and Large Corporations What Do Activist Shareholders Want

Shareholder resolutions filed by socially concerned investors are a rich and underused source of data for research in social issues in the business and society field. This article examines how shareholder activists use the resolution process to advocate for issues related to social justice and corporate activities. After briefly reviewing the justice and shareholder activism literatures, the authors report the results of a study of 1,719 shareholder resolutions filed during the 1999—2005 period by members and affiliates of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a coalition of approximately 275 religious organizations and other partners that seeks to use their investments to achieve social change. Among the findings is that the majority of justice-related resolutions dealt with employment and economic development issues. The authors conclude with a discussion of implications for corporate managers, shareholder activists, and management researchers.
Foreclosures and crime: a city-level analysis in southern California of a dynamic process

Although a growing body of research has examined and found a positive relationship between neighborhood crime and home foreclosures, some research suggests this relationship may not hold in all cities. This study uses city-level data to assess the relationship between foreclosures and crime by estimating longitudinal models with lags for monthly foreclosure and crime data in 128 cities from 1996 to 2011 in Southern California. We test whether these effects are stronger in cities with a combination of high economic inequality and high economic segregation; and whether they are stronger in cities with high racial/ethnic heterogeneity and high racial segregation. One month, and cumulative three month, six month, and 12-month lags of foreclosures are found to increase city level crime for all crimes except motor vehicle theft. The effect of foreclosures on these crime types is stronger in cities with simultaneously high levels of inequality but low levels of economic segregation. The effect of foreclosures on aggravated assault, robbery, and burglary is stronger in cities with simultaneously high levels of racial heterogeneity and low levels of racial segregation. On the other hand, foreclosures had a stronger effect on larceny and motor vehicle theft when they occurred in a city with simultaneously high levels of racial heterogeneity and high levels of racial segregation. There is evidence that the foreclosure crisis had large scale impacts on cities, leading to higher crime rates in cities hit harder by foreclosures. Nonetheless, the economic and racial characteristics of the city altered this effect.
Urban wildlife research: Past, present, and future

Despite expanding urban areas and increased awareness of urbanization impacts on wildlife, trends in urban wildlife studies have not been evaluated systematically. We performed a thorough assessment of such research, evaluating urban wildlife publications from 16 leading journals in animal behavior, conservation, ecology, general science, landscape ecology, and wildlife biology from 1971 to 2010. Using a systematic review process, we quantified trends in urban wildlife research over time and in different scientific fields, and also assessed author affiliations, geographic and taxonomic focus, research topics, and study site types. In general, rates of publication for urban wildlife research have been increasing, although still remain low (<2% of publication volume) considering urban growth and its impacts on biodiversity are accelerating globally. Landscape ecology and wildlife biology journals, followed by conservation journals, published the highest percentage of urban wildlife publications, whereas such studies were rare in animal behavior, ecology, and general science journals. Academics were first-authors on ca. 75% of urban wildlife publications, whereas research directed by government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industry were less common, with little evidence of temporal shifts in these patterns. The majority of urban research studied birds or mammals, and nearly all was conducted in North America, Europe, or Australia, as expected given expansive urban development and associated research focus. Animal behavior was the most common scientific topic in urban wildlife research, followed by conservation, landscape ecology, wildlife management, and population ecology. While suburban and exurban development have been recently identified as an important issue, we found no evidence that research in these study systems has increased. Author affiliation, geographic location, taxonomic focus, and research topics of urban wildlife studies were generally similar to those conducted in non-urban systems, although avian studies were more common, and African and community ecology studies less common, in urban compared to non-urban areas. We suggest that the most critical gaps for urban wildlife researchers are in rapidly urbanizing areas in South America, Africa, and Asia, and on understudied taxa such as herpetiles, fish, and arthropods. Research conducted on multiple taxa and across continents is also rare, but will be necessary for global understanding of ecological dynamics of urban systems.
Hotelling's competition with demand location uncertainty

Abstract Firms' product variety choices are examined in a differentiated products model where the range of consumers' preferences is an unknown (strict) subset of the range of potential innovations. It is found that the firms, locating sequentially, will follow the basic pattern of locations found by Neven (International Journal of Industrial Organization, 1987, 5, 419–434). The uncertainty, however, generally causes a greater, more symmetric, amount of differentiation among varieties as firms gamble on finding a market niche with less fierce competition. For a sufficiently large pool of potential entrants, some firms will lose this gamble and will fail.
Metabolism of serotonin by the isolated perfused rat liver—effect of glucuronyl transferase deficiency or monoamine oxidase inhibition☆

Abstract The metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine-3'- 14 C (5-HT, serotonin) was studied in isolated perfused rat livers when the monoamine oxidase pathway was inhibited by β-phenylisopropylhydrazine (JB 516) or the glucuronyl transferase pathway was deficient (Gunn rat livers). In all cases, 5-HT was cleared rapidly from the plasma by liver and platelets. In bile and in plasma in control perfusions (Sprague-Dawley livers), monoamine oxidase metabolites [chiefly conjugates of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOH)] accounted for 29 per cent of the dose; conjugates of N -acetyl-hydroxytryptamine accounted for 12 per cent of the dose and 5-hydroxytryptamine glucuronide for 11 per cent. On addition of 2 mg JB 516 to the perfusate, the amounts of conjugates of 5-HT and N -acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine increased and no radioactive 5-HTOH or 5-HIAA could be detected. Gunn rat livers produced less glucuronides, more sulfate conjugates and more free 5-HIAA compared to perfusion of Sprague-Dawley livers without JB516. The total amount of 5-HT metabolized was not reduced when a major metabolic pathway was either deficient or inhibited, because compensatory increases occurred in the amount metabolized by alternate pathways.
Intramammary infections and teat canal colonization with coagulase-negative staphylococci after postmilking teat disinfection: Species-specific responses

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are the most common pathogens associated with intramammary infections (IMI) in dairy cows. We hypothesized that postmilking teat disinfection would reduce microbial colonization of the teat canal and thus reduce the prevalence of IMI caused by certain CNS species. The efficacy of iodine postmilking teat dip was tested against CNS colonization of the teat canal, and incidence of IMI was measured. Using an udder-half model, 43 Holstein cows at the Washington State University Dairy were enrolled in the trial; postmilking teat dip was applied to one udder-half, treatment (TX), and the remaining half was an undipped control (CX). Teat canal swabbing and mammary quarter milk samples were taken in duplicate once a week for 16 wk for microbial culture. Isolates from agar cultures were presumptively identified as CNS and then speciated using PCR-RFLP and agarose gel electrophoresis. Colonization of the teat canal and IMI by CNS were assessed. Thirty CNS IMI were diagnosed and the number of new IMI in CX quarters (21) was significantly greater than that in TX mammary quarters (9). The majority of CNS IMI were caused by Staphylococcus chromogenes (30%) and Staphylococcus xylosus (40%), and the latter were appreciably reduced by teat dip. Except for S. xylosus, an association was observed between teat canal colonization and IMI by all CNS species in this study, in which the majority of IMI were preceded by teat canal colonization. The total number of CNS IMI was greater for CX group cows compared with TX group cows. However, the effect of disinfection on IMI did not appear to be the same for all CNS species.
The Role of Boundary-Layer Convergence Zones and Horizontal Rolls in the Initiation of Thunderstorms: A Case Study

Abstract The initiation of thunderstorms is examined through a combined observational and modeling case study. The study is based on Doppler radar, aircraft, mesonet, balloon sounding, and profiler and photographic data from the Convection Initiation and Downburst Experiment (CINDE) conducted near Denver, Colorado. The study examines the initiation of a line of thunderstorms that developed along a preexisting, quasi-stationary boundary-layer convergence line on 17 July 1987. The storms were triggered at the intersection of the convergence line with horizontal rolls where enhanced updrafts were present. The primary effect of the convergence line was to deepen the moist layer locally and provide a region potentially favorable to deep convection. The critical factor governing the time of storm development was apparently related to the attainment of a balance between horizontal vorticity in the opposing flows on either side of the convergence line. The effect was to cause the updrafts in the convergence line ...
Exciton Dispersion and Electronic Excitations in hcp 4He

We present first measurements of the dispersion of excitons in solid helium, taken on a single hcp ${}^{4}\mathrm{He}$ crystal along the $c$ axis. In agreement with studies on helium clusters, the major energy-loss peak can be interpreted as an intermediate molecular-type exciton, as we do not observe Wannier-like excitations. The measurements are in the (0 0 2) periodic zone, with the exciton energy dispersing along the $c$ axis with a minimum at the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ point. A calculated conduction band minimum at 31.0 eV above the valence band at $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ is supported by our data at energies above the exciton energy, leading to an exciton binding energy of 8.4 eV.
Design of a compact, battery-powered rep-rate charger for an 88-kJ capacitor bank for EML applications

The Materials Testing Facility (MTF) at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is developing a battery-powered, rep-rate charger for an 88-kJ capacitor bank. The goal is to charge a 7000-μF capacitor to 5-kV in four seconds for a fifty shot burst. A bank of LiFePO 4 batteries is used with a full H-bridge converter, a transformer, and a rectifier to transform the 500V battery voltage to a 5-kV secondary voltage. A key parameter is to minimize the converter weight and volume; therefore the switching frequency needs to be as high as possible to reduce the size of filter components and transformers. However, as the frequency increases, switching losses will begin to dominate and a practical limit will be reached before the device switching maximum is reached. In addition to the design of stable battery packs, most of the work has been focused on switch design and driver optimization, utilizing techniques such as resonate switching and active feedback control systems. This paper will present simulation data and results from experiments.