cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CN stretching vibration of 5-cyanotryptophan as an infrared probe of protein local environment: what determines its frequency?

Recently it has been suggested that the CN stretching vibration of a tryptophan analog, 5-cyanotryptophan, could be used as an infrared probe of the local environment, especially the hydration status, of tryptophan residues in proteins. However, the factors that influence the frequency of this vibrational mode are not understood. To determine these factors, herein we carried out linear and nonlinear infrared measurements on the CN stretching vibration of the sidechain of 5-cyanotryptophan, 3-methyl-5-cyanoindole, in a series of protic and aprotic solvents. We found that while the CN stretching frequencies obtained in these solvents do not correlate well with any individual Kamlet–Taft solvent parameter, i.e., π* (polarizability), β (hydrogen bond accepting ability), and α (hydrogen bond donating ability), they do however, collapse on a straight line when plotted against σ = π* + β − α. This linear relationship provides a firm indication that both specific interactions, i.e., hydrogen-bonding interactions with the CN (through α) and indole N–H (through β) groups, and non-specific interactions with the molecule (through π*) work together to determine the CN stretching frequency, thus laying a quantitative framework for applying 5-cyanotryptophan to investigate the microscopic environment of proteins in a site-specific manner. Furthermore, two-dimensional and pump–probe infrared measurements revealed that a significant portion (∼31%) of the ground state bleach signal has a decay time constant of ∼12.3 ps, due to an additional vibrational relaxation channel, making it possible to use 5-cyanotryptophan to probe dynamics occurring on a timescale on the order of tens of picoseconds.
Implications of a 125 GeV Higgs scalar for the LHC supersymmetry and neutralino dark matter searches

The ATLAS and CMS collaborations have reported an excess of events in the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$, $Z{Z}^{*}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4\ensuremath{\ell}$ and $W{W}^{*}$ search channels at an invariant mass $m\ensuremath{\simeq}125\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, which could be the first evidence for the long-awaited Higgs boson. We investigate the consequences of requiring ${m}_{h}\ensuremath{\simeq}125\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ in both the minimal supergravity and 2-parameter nonuniversal Higgs supersymmetric models. In minimal supergravity, large values of trilinear soft breaking parameter $|{A}_{0}|$ are required, and universal scalar ${m}_{0}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.8\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ is favored so that we expect squark and slepton masses typically in the multi-TeV range. This typically gives rise to an ``effective supersymmetric'' type of sparticle mass spectrum. In this case, we expect gluino pair production as the dominant sparticle creation reaction at LHC. For ${m}_{0}\ensuremath{\lesssim}5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$, the superpotential parameter $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}2\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ and ${m}_{A}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.8\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$, greatly restricting neutralino annihilation mechanisms. These latter conclusions are softened if ${m}_{0}\ensuremath{\sim}10--20\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ or if one proceeds to the 2-parameter nonuniversal Higgs model. The standard neutralino abundance tends to be far above WMAP-measured values unless the neutralino is Higgsino-like. We remark upon possible nonstandard (but perhaps more attractive) cosmological scenarios which can bring the predicted dark matter abundance into accord with the measured value, and discuss the implications for direct and indirect detection of neutralino cold dark matter.
6 Monumentality, Territoriality, and Networks during the Middle Preclassic in Northwest Honduras

We propose that relations among hierarchy, political centralization, monumentality, and territoriality are mediated through the actions of people organized in social networks. The ways in which conceptual and tangible assets are continually mobilized within these overlapping webs shape and challenge political formations operating on multiple spatial scales. This network approach to the study of political form and change is used to disentangle the complex relations among power and place that characterized political relations in two adjoining portions of northwest Honduras during the Middle Preclassic (1200–200 B.C.E.). Attention is particularly directed to the variable success enjoyed by would-be magnates as they sought to mobilize local assets in the form of arable land, perennial water sources, labor, and material styles to fashion hierarchically structured webs focused on specific monumental centers. The implications of this study for understanding ancient political geography are reviewed. [social networks, power contests, Mesoamerica, Middle Preclassic, monumental architecture]
Early Versus Late Gold Weight Implantation for Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed Eyelid

Objectives/Hypothesis The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with early gold weight implantation for management of the paralyzed eyelid. Study Design A retrospective review of clinical charts was conducted to analyze results and complications in patients who underwent gold weight implantation within 30 days of onset of facial nerve paralysis and to compare these outcomes with those of patients who received gold weights after a traditional waiting period. Methods The charts of 67 patients who underwent gold weight implantation during the time period of this study were reviewed. Patients were categorized into “early” or “late” groups based on whether gold weights were implanted before or after 30 days following onset of facial nerve paralysis. Etiology of facial nerve paralysis, degree of paralysis, timing of surgery, and outcomes of the procedure, including degree of lid closure and complication rates, were compared between the two groups. Results Of the 67 patients, 49.3% underwent gold weight implantation within 30 days of onset of paralysis and 50.7% received gold weights after 30 days. A total of 89.2% of all patients who underwent implantation in this study achieved satisfactory lid closure after the initial procedure. Both early and late implantation groups had statistically similar lid closure and complication rates. Conclusions Implantation of gold weights within 30 days of paralysis is as effective for the management of paralytic lagophthalmos as delayed implantation and is not associated with higher complication rates. Early implantation of gold weights should be considered in all patients with paralytic lagophthalmos.
Formulation of two-photon and two-gluon decays of pseudoscalar eta mesons in a relativistic bound-state calculation.

We formulate a relativistic bound-state calculation of the decay of eta (0/sup -+/) mesons into two gluons or two photons. The decays of eta/sub c/, eta/sub c//sup '/, eta/sub b/, and eta/sub b//sup '/ are calculated and a value of ..cap alpha../sub s/ deduced from the total width of eta/sub c/. The calculated value for eta/sub c/..-->..2..gamma.. is in agreement with experiment. The decays of eta..-->..2..gamma.. and eta'..-->..2..gamma.. are calculated and by comparison with experiment and the bound on iota..-->..2..gamma.., restrictions are placed on the X/sub eta/, Y/sub eta/, X/sub eta//sub '/, and Y/sub eta//sub '/ mixing coefficients of Rosner. The comparison with the Schroedinger-equation calculations shows that the inclusion of relativistic propagators spreads out the annihilations so that they do not occur at r = 0. This suppresses the 2S and higher-level decays, with the greatest suppression for the lightest quarks.
Interatomic potentials calculated from equations of state: Limitation of finite strain to moderate K′

Conditions under which equations of state (EOS) are valid are investigated by calculating implicit interatomic potentials for fixed structures. Third-order Eularian finite strain yields physically realistic potentials only for ∼3.8 < K′o < B. The upper limit B depends on the size of the long range attractive potential relative to that of the repulsive potential, and is ∼6 for neutral solids or incompressible materials (e.g., argon or MgO), or ∼8 for ionic or soft solids (e.g., NaCl). Thus, 3rd order yields reasonable interatomic potentials for the range K′o commonly occupies. Potentials for 4th order are unrealistic if K″o varies by more than a few % from the 3rd order value. Vinet, Ferrante, Rose and Smith's EOS should be used instead for materials with high K′o (e.g., gases or liquids) because it yields valid potentials for all values of the elastic parameters.
Convention and conflict in the child's interaction with others

Abstract A conceptual framework is outlined for describing the child's convention-based interaction with others. Conventions generate a set of strong sequential regularities in participants' actions while providing for meaningful variability. The framework is intended to differentiate some major components of convention-based interaction, and to indicate the manner in which these components are related to each other and to the whole. This framework is then applied to the examination of a significant aspect of the child's interaction with others: conflict. The complex relationship between convention and conflict is considered.
Cognitive moral development and legal socialization

The article presents an investigation of the effect of situational mitigators on moral evaluations of and advocated sanctions for hypothetical behaviors involving criminal, civil, and constitutional law issues and the relationship between cognitive moral development and the impact of the situational mitigators. We found that situational mitigators did have an impact on moral evaluations, particularly for the civil and constitutional law items. Respondents operating at the Principled Level of cognitive moral development consistently were the least likely to have their moral evaluations and advocated sanctions changed by the situational mitigators. Respondents operating at the Preconventional and Conventional Level were not markedly different in the propensity to alter their moral evaluations but the Conventional Respondents were more likely to change their advocated sanctions.
Poster abstract: bandwidth management in wireless sensor networks

The development of a new routing metric that uses hop-count, path load and wireless path loss rate as the basis for selecting paths to SAPs is discussed. The synchronous link-layer NACKs were send when the instantaneous queue size at a node exceeded a high-water threshold. The network used hop-by-hop flow control to reduce congestion-related packet losses proactively avoiding paths that had higher traffic load. Analysis shows that each node propagates the three different quantities in distance-vector fashion corresponding to the path to the node's estimate of the 'best' SAP.
The amount of tin in the gamma 1 phase of dental amalgam.

Spherical-particle Ag-Sn alloy powders containing 4.3, 8.3, 12.0, 15.4, 18.5, 21.4, and 24.1 atomic per cent Sn were obtained. Amalgams from these alloys were examined by x-ray diffraction and metallography for the presence of the γ2 phase and the γ1 β1 phase transformation. A single amalgam of the approximate composition of dental amalgam was prepared from a melt at high temperature and pressure and likewise examined. Results showed that the solubility of Sn in Ag-Hg is about 7 atoms of Sn per unit cell of the γ phase. As clinically prepared, the γ1 phase of dental amalgam contains, however, only about 5 atoms of Sn per unit cell. These 5 atoms, nevertheless, result in a very considerable stabilization of this phase due to the increase in its electron concentration.
Playing on the Mother-Ground: Cultural Routines for Children's Development

Playing on the Mother-Ground: Cultural Routines for Children's Development. DAVID F. LANCY. New York: The Guilford Press, 1996. xii. 240 pp., references, index.
Factors Affecting the Apparent Chain Transfer Rate Constants of Chromium Metalloradicals: Mechanistic Implications

When a high concentration of (C5Ph5)Cr(CO)3• (1) is present during the initiator-induced oligomerization of MMA, UV−vis spectra show that the concentration of the metalloradical decreases sharply at the beginning of the reaction (an “induction period”) and remains constant subsequently (a “stable period”). With dimethyl 2,2‘-azobis(isobutyrate) (AIBMe) as the initiator the decrease is due to the transfer of H• from the methyl isobutyryl radical and the chain-carrying radicals to 1, forming the corresponding hydride 2. When the catalysis of chain transfer during a polymerization reaction is studied by the Mayo method, it is assumed that all the added 1 remains active. In truth the chain transfer constant (CS) and chain transfer rate constant (ktr) from the Mayo method are only “apparent” values; the true [1] during the polymerization is lower, and the true values of CS and ktr for this Cr catalyst are larger than those obtained from a Mayo plot. Simulations based on a simplified kinetic model reproduce our...
Antiangiogenic gene therapy

The authors (1) laid the foundation for this experiment by previously showing that a single injection of soluble Tie2 receptor protein into a rat cutaneous window reduced tumor vascular length by 40% …
Contact Lenses for Drug Delivery

The majority of ocular medications are delivered to the eye topically, often in the form of a solution, or eye drop. Contact lenses could potentially also be used to deliver medications to the eye. Recently, progress has been made in developing a drug-eluting contact lens. Different designs have been proposed and several offer the hope of expanding the therapeutic armamentarium for eye care providers.
Observation of nonlinear phase shift in CW harmonic generation

An intensity dependent phase shift is observed for fundamental wave in CW intracavity second harmonic generation with KNbO3 crystal. At large phase mismatch (Δk), the nonlinear phase shift is proportional to the intensity of the fundamental and is inversely proportional to Δk, as predicted from a simple theory of harmonic generation. However, when Δk → 0 the phase shift experiences an unexpected increase before it drops back to zero at Δk = 0, and at some values of Δk, the behavior of the harmonic field cannot be explained by the simple theory, either.
DYNAMICS OF INTERTIDAL FORAGING BY COASTAL BROWN BEARS IN SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA

Abstract Shoreline areas provide early season foraging opportunities for coastal bears in Alaska. We investigated use by brown bears (Ursus arctos) of soft-shelled (Mya arenaria) and Pacific razor (Siliqua patula) clams at Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA, to identify the potential importance of these clams to bears. We used direct observations of bear foraging behavior in the summers of 1998, 1999, and 2001 to model the nutritional importance of clamming behavior. We also used previously described models to estimate the relative importance of clamming and vegetative foraging in meeting the maintenance requirements of bears. At the harvest rate that we observed (0.69 ± 0.46 clams/min), bears achieved higher rates of digestible energy intake than those foraging on vegetation. Although clams are available for only a few hours per day, bears could significantly reduce their total daily foraging time by utilizing clams. Smaller single bears and females with dependent young were the most represented groups of...
Econometric estimation with spatial dependence

Abstract The paper treats the econometric problems involved by spatial links between observed variables. The linear model is adapted in various ways to take these interrelations into account. The results obtained are compared with more classic estimation procedures.
Fast reconstruction with uniform noise properties in halfscan computed tomography.

The hybrid algorithms developed recently for the reconstruction of fan-beam images possess computational and noise properties superior to those of the fan-beam filtered backprojection (FFBP) algorithm. However, the hybrid algorithms cannot be applied directly to a halfscan fan-beam sinogram because they require knowledge of a fullscan fan-beam sinogram. In this work, we developed halfscan-hybrid algorithms for image reconstruction in halfscan computed tomography(CT). Numerical evaluation indicates that the proposed halfscan-hybrid algorithms are computationally more efficient than are the widely used halfscan-FFBP algorithms. Also, the results of quantitative studies demonstrated clearly that the noise levels in imagesreconstructed by use of the halfscan-hybrid algorithm are generally lower and spatially more uniform than are those in imagesreconstructed by use of the halfscan-FFBP algorithm. Such reduced and uniform imagenoise levels may be translated into improvement of the accuracy and precision of lesion detection and parameter estimation in noisy CTimages without increasing the radiation dose to the patient. Therefore, the halfscan-hybrid algorithms may have significant implication for image reconstruction in conventional and helical CT.
Biosynthesis and processing of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor in mammalian cells.

Abstract Many T cell surface proteins are attached to the cell membrane by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors, which may be involved in cell signaling, protein targeting or protein release. Proteins destined to be GPI-anchored have both N- and C-terminal signal peptides, which permit the nascent polypeptides to transverse the endoplasmic reticulum and to be transferred to preformed GPI anchors in a transamidase reaction. The biosynthetic pathway of the GPI anchor in mammalian cells has been elucidated using a panel of T cell mutants that cannot express GPI-anchored proteins on their cell surfaces. The first step in anchor biosynthesis is the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc to a phosphoinositol (PI) acceptor to form GlcNAc-PI, which is then deacetylated to form GlcN-PI. Subsequently, a fatty acid is added to the inositol ring and three mannose residues are transferred to the elongating GPI core. Finally, ethanolamine phosphates are transferred to the mannose residues. Three human cDNAs encoding for GPI synthases (Classes A, F and H) have been identified using expression cloning technique. Mutation in the X-linked class A gene was shown to be the cause of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, an acquired disease affecting hematopoietic stem cells in which the abnormal cells are deficient in GlcNAc-PI formation. The potential involvement of GPI-anchored proteins or GPIs in T cell activation is also discussed.
A new method for measuring permeability of bio‐impregnated textile grafts

Traditional water permeability evaluation procedures developed for measurement of gross leakage rates of textile prostheses are not adequate for testing the permeability of low-porosity bio-impregnated vascular prostheses. Obtaining reliable water permeability data for these low porosity grafts requires a technique that can accurately assess minor water leakage under the applied pressure. This study proposes an automated method for graft permeability assessment which measures the pressure change inside the graft sample as a function of water loss. The new unit of water permeability defines the pressure gradient at the given initial conditions. The proposed method for evaluating the water permeability of bio-impregnated vascular prostheses provides highly reliable data, is accurate, and excludes human error.
Detection of high molecular weight forms of platelet-derived growth factor by sequence-specific antisera

Antisera to synthetic peptides representing sequences of both chains of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were used to structurally analyze PDGF isolated from outdated human platelets and PDGF-like proteins in normal and transformed cells. Most PDGF isolated from platelets did not contain the carboxyl portion of PDGF-2 in contrast to p20sis, the major form of p28sis detected in simian sarcoma virus-transformed cells. In addition, higher molecular weight forms of molecules containing PDGF-1 and PDGF-2 sequences were detected in all cell lines tested. These lines were heterogeneous with respect to species, cell type, and transforming agent.
New vectors for rapid sequencing of DNA fragments by chemical degradation

Abstract Nucleotide sequencing by the chemical degradation method requires the labeling of a single nucleotide at the 3′ or 5′ terminus of the fragment to be sequenced. In the present report, I described the construction of two new sequencing plasmids, pSP64CS and pSP65CS, which are ideally suited for use when sequencing a nested set of deletion fragments by the chemical degradation method. Plasmids pSP64CS and pSP65CS contain the sequencing element derived from pGV403 required for specific labeling of individual 3′ ends, and the polylinker site derived from pSP64 or pSP65, respectively. The plasmids also retain the SP6 promoter element which allows for the efficient in vitro synthesis of complementary RNA. Any DNA fragment having a blunt end and a second end which is any of the following restriction sites, Hin dIII, Pst I, Sal I, Acc I, Xba I, Bam HI, Sac I, Bst EII or Eco RI, can be directionally sequenced in these plasmids. Fragments having two blunt ends can also be sequenced. pSP64CS and pSP65CS differ only in the orientation of the polylinker/sequencing element relative to the SP6 promoter.
Evaluation of radiative spin polarization in an electron storage ring

Abstract We have developed a matrix formalism that provides an accurate way of evaluating the degree of spin polarization built up through the process of synchrotron radiation under a wide variety of storage ring operation conditions.
New Vitals After Injury: Shock Index for the Young and Age Shock Index for the Old

Background The traditional view that tachycardia and hypotension accompany hemorrhagic shock following injury has been challenged. This is particularly true at extremes of age. Shock index (SI) may be an alternative indicator of life-threatening bleeding after injury. Because age negatively impacts physiological reserve, we hypothesized that age multiplied by SI (Age × SI) would be a better predictor of 48 h mortality (48 MORT) compared to heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), or SI. Methods A Level I trauma center registry was used to identify victims of blunt injury, aged 18-84 (YOUNG ≤55 and OLD >55) admitted from 1996-2005. Patients with head and spinal cord injury injuries were excluded. The main outcome was 48 MORT. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for each predictor were determined. Results Sixteen thousand seventy-seven patients were identified. Forty-eight MORT was 1.27% (0.93% in YOUNG and 3.17% in OLD; P Conclusion SI and Age × SI are better predictors of 48 MORT in injured patients than HR or SBP alone. SI and Age × SI should be used to identify patients at risk for early mortality following injury.
DREMS ML

Complex sensing, processing and control applications running on distributed platforms are difficult to design, develop, analyze, integrate, deploy and operate, especially if resource constraints, fault tolerance and security issues are to be addressed. While technology exists today for engineering distributed, real-time component-based applications, many problems remain unsolved by existing tools. Model-driven development techniques are powerful, but there are very few existing and complete tool chains that offer an end-to-end solution to developers, from design to deployment. There is a need for an integrated model-driven development environment that addresses all phases of application lifecycle including design, development, verification, analysis, integration, deployment, operation and maintenance, with supporting automation in every phase. Arguably, a centerpiece of such a model-driven environment is the modeling language. To that end, this paper presents a wide-spectrum architecture design language called DREMS ML that itself is an integrated collection of individual domain-specific sub-languages. We claim that the language promotes "correct-by-construction" software development and integration by supporting each individual phase of the application lifecycle. Using a case study, we demonstrate how the design of DREMS ML impacts the development of embedded systems. We describe an architecture design language for distributed platforms.We describe a software component model for complex, distributed applications.We describe how all implementation and deployment artifacts can be generated.Our language supports design, development, analysis, deployment and maintenance.
Timing of surgical intervention in necrotizing enterocolitis can be determined by trajectory of metabolic derangement

Abstract Purpose Seven metrics of metabolic derangement were evaluated as contributors to clinical decision support for operative intervention in infants with suspected necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods Records of infants with suspected NEC without radiologic evidence of free air were queried for presence of 7 components of metabolic derangement (CMD), consisting of positive blood culture, acidosis, bandemia, thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, hypotension, or neutropenia. Cases were stratified by clinical decision after each surgical evaluation as observation (OBS) or intervention (INT). Good outcome was defined as full enteric feeding by discharge and bad outcome as death or ongoing parenteral alimentation. Eleven infants undergoing operative intervention after an initial decision to observe were evaluated as matched pairs. Components of metabolic derangement/case and frequency of each CMD were determined for OBS and INT. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare proportions of CMD in each group. Outcome was compared using χ 2 . Observation was then stratified by outcome to determine whether 3 or more metabolic derangements warranting operative intervention would have changed initial clinical decision. The 11 matched cases were similarly analyzed using Wilcoxon-matched pairs. Results Between March 2005 and July 2008, 35 infants with NEC received 53 surgical evaluations. A median of 1 CMD/case was defined in 32 instances of OBS. Surgical intervention was carried out in 19 infants with a median of 3 CMD/case. Mann-Whitney U test indicated significant difference in the frequencies of each CMD component in OBS vs INT ( P = .04). Good outcome was achieved in 75% of OBS and 63% of INT (non-significant, NS). Analysis of OBS by outcome demonstrated a median 1 CMD/case of 25 with good outcome and 3 CMD/case in infants with bad outcome. Frequency of CMD was significantly higher in infants with bad outcome ( P = .02). Wilcoxon-matched pair analysis of the 11 infants with paired evaluations demonstrated a similar distribution and frequency of CMD. Conclusion Progressive metabolic derangement of infants with NEC can be clinically tracked. The appearance of any 3 of these 7 metrics indicates timely operative intervention. Application of CMD trajectory to timing of surgical intervention may improve outcome and define the relationship between specific CMD and operative risk.
Synthesis, structure, and photochemistry of a rhenium(I) enolate complex

Abstract The rhenium(I) enolate complex fac-(CO)3(P(CH3)3)2Re(OC(CH3)C5H4) (4 was prepared from the reaction of (η5-C5H4C(O)CH3)Re(CO)3 (3) with P(CH3)3. Compound 4 was characterized structurally in the solid state by X-ray crystallography and in solution by IR and 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. Photolysis of 4 at 337 nm in CH2Cl2 solution cleaves the ReO bond: smooth conversionto fac-(CO)3(P(CH3)3)2ReCl (5) is observed with a quantum yield of 0.04.
Effect of Low Salt, Sodium, and Chloride Levels in Poult Rations on Growth, Bone Development, and Related Factors

Two 4-week trials were conducted to determine the role of sodium chloride (salt) on field rickets in poults. A comparison of added dietary salt at 0, .075, .10, .25, and .45% to a corn-soy basal with .103% salt showed significant differences (P less than .05) in body weight gains, blood calcium, magnesium and sodium, feed conversion, and adrenal gland weights among the treatments. Mortality and abnormal bone scores decreased with increasing salt. When sodium was added to the basal diet as a single element for the poults at either 0, .09, .10, .11, and .12%, or chloride at 0, .009, .01, .02, and .03% in comparison to a control group with .20% sodium and .30% chloride, significant differences were found in weekly gain, bone ash, bone breaking strength, tibia weight/body weight, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels between the sodium, chloride, and the combined element groups. Bone abnormality scores decreased with increasing levels of both sodium and chloride in diets.
PECAn: workflow management for data assimilation and forecasting

Ecosystem models use physiological traits and environmental data to model land-air carbon exchange. Such models can integrate heterogeneous ecological and environmental data, but rarely account for the contribution of each input to the overall uncertainty in model output. Quantifying uncertainty in each model input and propagating uncertainty through model ensembles directly estimates overall uncertainty in model output. Identification of data that would most effectively constrain uncertainty can also be directly inferred by processing output. Real-time data assimilation and forecasting benefits from a method that is transparent, scalable, and adaptable. A tool that manages these steps while tracking the provenance of data inputs, model parameters, output, and post-processing would facilitate evaluation, reproducibility, and adaptation of the workflow. We present such a workflow management tool, the Predictive Ecophysiological Carbon flux Analyzer (PECAn). PECAn is an open source utility that encapsulates 1) acquisition of meteorological inputs, 2) synthesis of physiological trait data as the posterior distribution of a Bayesian meta-analysis, 3) sampling trait meta-analysis posterior distributions to parameterize ensembles of an ecophysiological model, Ecosystem Demography, version 2 (ED2), 4) probabilistic forecasts,5) postprocessing to constrain forecasts and model parameters with field, meterological, eddy flux, and spectral data, and 6) provenance tracking. This system provides a detailed analysis of the past and present ecosystem functioning that seamlessly transitions into forecasts. We demonstrate an application of PECAn to an intensively monitored and data-rich plot of a perennial biofuel crop, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). This particular context will be used to highlight PECAn's general utility to support model-data integration, ecological research, and decision support.
cis/trans Gradients in living ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Abstract The chain microstructure ( cis / trans ratio) in ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene and methyltetracyclododecene (MTD) using the Schrock-type initiator Mo(N-2,6- i -Pr 2 C 6 H 3 )( CHCMe 2 Ph)(OCMe 3 ) 2 is shown to be a strong function of monomer concentration, providing a convenient means for tuning the average trans content in the resulting polymers. Moreover, since this is a “living” ROMP initiator, chains formed in batch polymerizations show a continuous gradient of trans content down the chain, with the trans content increasing with conversion. This gradient can be quite substantial; for a typical norbornene polymerization, trans content varies from 30% at one end of the chain to nearly 80% at the other end. The results are explained based on a literature kinetic description for the behavior of this initiator, where cis and trans units are added to the chain by syn and anti rotamers of the active site, respectively. A quantitative mathematical description is developed for the chain microstructure, and associated kinetic parameters are measured for norbornene and MTD at room temperature. The model accurately describes both the variation in average trans content with starting monomer concentration, and the gradients in trans content measured via samples taken at different conversions throughout the polymerization. In contrast, ROMP of MTD using the first-generation Grubbs’ initiator Ru( CHPh)Cl 2 (PCy 3 ) 2 shows no down-chain gradient in trans content.
Habermas, Mead, and Rationality

This paper takes the position that symbolic interaction can become more relevant to the social issues of modernity and postmodernity by overcoming its traditional tendencies to be apolitical and to focus predominantly on micro aspects of social relations. It considers a serious reading of Habermas' Theory of Communicative Action as a contribution to this effort. Specifically it sees Habermas' reconstruction of the conception of the individual actor involved in communicating through significant symbols into one consistent with speech act theory and the concepts of speaker and listener as constructive and helpful. The paper also examines Mead's behav-ioristic theory of attitudes, types of attitudes and taking the attitude of the other(s), and relates it to his logical formulation of rational universals. It suggests that Mead's optimistic image of society and his position on rationality are no longer appropriate for discussing social issues in a global society with multiple rationalities. It sees possibilities for reformulation in Habermas' theory because, like Mead's theory, it construes rationality in communicative terms.
Analog-to-digital converters and their applications in radio receivers

Rapid advances in hardware development of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) have paved the way for development of radio receivers using digitization at the IF, and in some cases, at the RF. The constraints placed on these receivers due to hardware limitations of these devices are discussed and some examples of high-speed, state-of-the-art ADCs are given. >
Hydrated cation speciation at the muscovite (001)-water interface.

Charged materials in aqueous systems interact according to their interfacial properties, typically described by the electrical double layer (EDL). Distributions of divalent metal cations at the muscovite (001)−solution interface observed using resonant anomalous X-ray reflectivity demonstrate an unexpected complexity with respect to the EDL structure. Three forms of adsorbed cations can coexist: the classical inner-sphere and outer-sphere complexes and a third “extended” outer-sphere complex located farther from the surface. Their relative proportions are controlled by the energy balance among cation hydration, interface hydration, and electrostatic attraction. Systematic trends in coverage and position establish the defining role of cation hydration in stabilizing the multiple coexisting species.
Endometrial Endothelial Cells Express Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors and Exhibit a Tissue Specific Response to Angiogenic Growth Factors

Objective:To develop a reliable method for the isolation and longterm culture of microvessel endothelial cells from human endometrium and to evaluate their response to angiogenic growth factors and steroid hormones in comparison to endothelial cells derived from other organs. Methods:Endometrial tissue from hysterectomy specimens were digested sequentially with collagenase and trypsin, cultured for 24 h, then selected by adhesion to anti-CD-34 coated magnetic beads. Alternatively, anti-CD-34-coated beads could also be substituted by Ulex europaeusagglutinin-1, anti-PECAM, or anti-E-selectin-coated beads. Characterization of the isolated cultures included expression of endothelial cell markers, regulation of E-selectin in response to TNF-α, proliferative response to angiogenic growth factors, and expression of progesterone and estrogen receptors. We also analyzed the relative binding affinity of VEGF on endometrial endothelial cells in comparison to other endothelial cell types. Results:Selection on anti-C...
Reliability enhancement by the reversal of token for a basic token ring in the case of a single component failure

Abstract The inherent functional property of the unidirectional token movement in a token ring network, is modified in this paper and an algorithm is presented that enables the continuity of operation, in case of a single link component failure, thereby improving the system reliability of a basic conventional token ring network. This phase contributes to the continuity in operation until the maintenance restores the normal ring configuration.
Sound quality measures for speech in noise through a commercial hearing aid implementing digital noise reduction

This brief report discusses the affect of digital noise reduction (DNR) processing on aided speech recognition and sound quality measures in 14 adults fitted with a commercial hearing aid. Measures of speech recognition and sound quality were obtained in two different speech-in-noise conditions (71 dBA speech, +6 dB SNR and 75 dBA speech, +1 dB SNR). The results revealed that the presence or absence of DNR processing did not impact speech recognition in noise (either positively or negatively). Paired comparisons of sound quality for the same speech in noise signals, however, revealed a strong preference for DNR processing. These data suggest that at least one implementation of DNR processing is capable of providing improved sound quality, for speech in noise, in the absence of improved speech recognition.
Body-directed gestures: Pointing to the self and beyond

Abstract The prototypical pointing gesture is directed outward at concrete objects, people, or locations in the world. But in everyday discourse pointing gestures are also commonly directed inward, toward the body. Body-directed gestures are co-produced with a variety of spoken referents, from personal pronouns (I, we) to experiential concepts (belief, instinct), exhibit wide but motivated variation in handshapes and movement patterns, and involve conceptual processes whose prevalence in co-speech gesture has gone largely unexamined. Based on a corpus of 40 one-on-one interviews from the Tavis Smiley Show, three varieties of body-directed gestures—self-points, body-points, and body-anchors—are introduced and the semiotic and morphological characteristics of each variety are investigated. Body-directed gestures present a variegated subset of pointing gestures more generally, affording a novel vantage on pointing and its relation to speech, conceptual processes in everyday real-time behavior, and the role of the body as a foundational site for anchoring meaning of all kinds.
Optimization of front metal contact firing scheme to achieve high fill factors on screen printed silicon solar cells

Abstract For widespread implementation of silicon PV, the module cost must be reduced by a factor of 2–4. This can be accomplished by lowering the cost of solar cell materials and processing without sacrificing cell efficiency. A combination of high throughput belt line processing, SP contacts and mc-Si material offers an opportunity for significant cost reduction. However, most cell manufacturers who use the above combination are only able to achieve fill factors in the range of 0.68–0.75 with cell efficiencies in the range of 10–14%. Thus throughput gains are attained at the expense of device performance. In addition, there is considerable scatter in the fill factor of the SP cells in the literature with no clear guidelines for achieving high fill factors. This paper shows that proper understanding of loss mechanisms and optimization of SP paste and firing cycle can lead to fill factors approaching 0.77 and 0.79 on mc-Si and single crystal silicon, respectively, on a 45 Ω/□ rapidly formed belt line emitter with a shallow junction depth of ∼0.27 μm. It was observed that deep and shallow emitters on mc-Si could lead to the same values of fill factors ∼0.77 when the proper combination of paste and firing cycle is applied. The peak firing temperature for deep emitter is higher than the shallow ones with superior value of junction leakage current.
Policy Regimes and Normative Conceptions of Nationalism in Mass Public Opinion

The effect of policy regimes on immigrant incorporation has been the subject of extensive debate. Despite much theoretical literature on the subject, the relationships between specific national policies in various domains and outcomes broadly related to social solidarity have not been well explored empirically. The present work develops measures tapping the priority of “ascriptive” traits defining membership in the national community. It tests the expectations of the theoretical literature on multiculturalism, citizenship policy, and social welfare redistribution against these measures across 18 immigrant-receiving democracies. Cross-sectional analyses on, 2003 data indicate that both jus soli citizenship regimes and high levels of social spending are related to more immigrant-inclusive definitions of the national community, but the effect of multiculturalism is inconsistent. Examined longitudinally, the effect of a jus soli citizenship regime and social spending remains consistent, but citizens in multic...
The compositae revisited

Bentham’s treatment of the Compositae in the Genera Plantarum is still, after more than a century, the most important basic reference work on the family. The scholarly challenge to Bentham’s views by Small in 1917–1919 is severely compromised by Small’s reliance on the Age and Area hypothesis. In 1955 I published a comprehensive paper on the phylogeny and taxonomy of the Compositae. My outlook was highly compatible with that of Bentham, as it remains today. A significant change in my views after 20 years is that I now take the woody habit to be primitive within the family, and the herbaceous habit derived, rather than the other way around. Many of the herbs have retained an active cambium, however, and some of these have reverted to a secondarily woody habit. The fossil record does not connect the Compositae to any other group. Recog nizable members of the family can be traced back to the top of the Oligocene epoch. Some of the older fossils that have been referred to the Compositae, such as the Upper CretaceousPalaeanthus problematicus, clearly do not belong, and others are at best doubtful. The ancestry of the Compositae remains in dispute. A long series of extinct forebears must be postulated in order to relate them to anything at all, and the chemical data are not in harmony with the morphological data. The most similar modern family is the Calyceraceae, but these can be no more than collateral rela tives. I still hold to the view that the ancestry of the Compositae probably lies in the vicinity of the Rubiaceae. There is now a ferment about tribal classification in the Compositae, and several new tribes have recently been proposed. The least controversial of these is the Liabeae, which seems likely to become generally accepted. Application of recent chemical data may lead to further restriction of the Senecioneae, with several genera being transferred to the Heliantheae or elsewhere. It now seems to be generally agreed that Bentham’s tribe Helenieae must be dismembered, and that at least some of its components must be included in a more broadly defined tribe Heliantheae. Elevation of the Tagetinae to tribal status can be defended on both morphological and chemical grounds, but may not be necessary, since the rela tionship of the Tagetinae to the Heliantheae is clear. Carlquist’s recent proposal to organize the tribes of Compositae into two sub families of 6 tribes each is interesting but faulty. It has the virtue of putting most of the radiate tribes into one subfamily, but it minimizes the significance of the Arctotideae as a group connecting the radiate tribes to the discoid ones. Furthermore, it ignores the most obvious dichotomy in the family, which separates the Lactuceae from all the remaining tribes.
HNC neutron-matter calculations with the Paris potential

Abstract A formalism is developed for handling momentum-dependent potentials within the framework of hypernetted chain calculations of dense matter. Some new distribution functions are required and appropriate expressions are obtained for calculating them. The formalism is applied to neutron-matter calculations with the Paris potential. As a test, the first application is to the 1 S 0 acting in all partial waves. A more realistic calculation which includes the singlet and triplet potentials in the isospin one channels was used to calculate the equation of state of dense neutron matter and to obtain neutron-star models. LOCV calculations were performed including all partial waves, but attempts to handle state dependence in the correlation function met with complications like those encountered with momentum independent potentials. Significant features of the results with the Paris potential are discussed.
Imaging Of The Electrical Conductivity And Permittivity Inside A Patient: A New Computed Tomography (CT) Technique

A new CT imaging technique is described. It does not employ x rays; instead, weak electrical currents are passed through the patient to map out the electrical properties of the tissues. It is expected that the images will ultimately have sufficient precision and resolution to be of clinical value.
Sensory gating and psychosis vulnerability in cocaine-dependent individuals: preliminary data.

Abstract Background: Factors increasing vulnerability of a cocaine user to develop psychotic symptoms are unknown. Deficits in sensory gating and attention, such as those occurring in idiopathic psychosis, might represent experimentally tractable factors contributing to vulnerability to cocaine-induced paranoia. Methods: Severity of cocaine-induced paranoid symptoms was assessed with the Cocaine Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) in 30 abstinent cocaine-dependent individuals. Sensory gating was assessed in a paired-click auditory evoked potential paradigm (S1 and S2) using the S2/S1 attenuation ratio of the P50 evoked response as the primary outcome measure. The Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS) for attention deficit was also administered. Results: Subjects were divided into those with high CEQ scores ( n = 10) and those with low CEQ scores ( n = 20). The mean P50 ratios were significantly higher for the high CEQ subjects compared with the low CEQ group ( F = 4.6, p r = .432, p Conclusions: The data suggest that deficient P50 sensory gating and attention deficits may be associated with increased proneness to developing psychotic symptoms in the context of cocaine use. Further exploration of these factors seems warranted.
A prospective assessment of myocardial contractility in young African Americans: does ethnicity impact the wall stress-heart rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening relationship?

Background The end-systolic wall stress (ESS)-heart rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (VCFc) relationship provides a load-independent assessment of systolic function. Previously published indices may not be appropriate for studies where ethnicity may introduce bias. Objective We sought to investigate potential differences in the ESS-VCFc relationship between the African American (AA) and Caucasian population. Methods In all, 50 AAs and 72 Caucasians, age 3 months to 17 years, were studied. Arterial pulse tracing, phonocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and M-mode of the left ventricle were recorded. Left ventricular dimensions, functional indices, ESS, and ESS-VCFc relationships were compared between groups. Results AAs had decreased indexed left ventricular end-systolic dimensions and increased septal and posterior wall thickness. AAs had increased percent fractional shortening, VCFc, and decreased ESS. Meridional ESS-VCFc relationships for the groups were similar. Conclusions Young AAs have slightly thicker ventricles with increased VCFc, lower systolic volumes, and diminished ESS compared with control subjects. Despite differences, the meridional ESS-VCFc relationships were similar and correlated closely to previously reported normal indices.