cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary overlap of invertivorous fishes and macroinvertebrates in the Gila River, New Mexico

The diets of stoneflies (Perlodidae) and hellgrammites (Corydalidae) from the Gila River, New Mexico, were quantified and compared to diets of three native fishes that also occupy riffle habitats along with stoneflies and hellgrammites: speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus); longfin dace (Agosia chrysogaster); desert sucker (Catostomus clarkii). The highest overlap occurred among corydalids, desert sucker, and longfin dace, which had diets dominated by amorphous detritus. Speckled dace and perlodids consumed less amorphous detritus, with nymphs of mayflies and larval black flies dominating their respective diets. Our results suggest moderate to high overlap of resources among invertivorous fishes and invertebrates. Although we found high dietary overlap between corydalids and two fishes, it is unclear whether amorphous detritus is a limiting resource that drives competitive interactions.
Mencius on human nature and courage

Etude de la conception de la vertu comme harmonie entre l'action et le sentiment chez Mencius. Soulevant le pardoxe du courage defini en termes de controle de soi et de la vertu confuceenne definie sans reference a la notion de controle de soi, l'A. examine le debat entre Mencius et son contemporain Kao Tzu sur la question de la nature humaine, du desir et de l'inclination. Unissant l'action droite a la passion droite, l'ethique de Mencius cultive l'amour de la droiture et le desir du courage par l'intermediaire de la volonte et la force vitale
“It’s 10 O’Clock: Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” Recent Advances in Understanding Parental Monitoring and Adolescents’ Information Management

ABSTRACT—Recent research has challenged the established conclusion that vigilant parental monitoring is associated with less externalizing behavior among adolescents. Measures of parental monitoring typically have focused on parents’ knowledge of their children’s whereabouts, not on parents’ active surveillance. Recent research, which controls for parent–adolescent relationships, finds that adolescents’ voluntary disclosure to parents about their activities, associates, and whereabouts is more important than previously recognized in predicting parental knowledge and, in turn, reducing teens’ involvement in risky behavior. This article reviews recent research on how parents obtain knowledge of their adolescents’ activities and how adolescents manage that information. The article also highlights the importance of reciprocal parent–adolescent processes. Directions for future research are discussed.
The Effects Of Stimulation Frequency And Fatigue On The Force-Intensity Relationship For Human Skeletal Muscle

Objective Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has not gained widespread application for a number of factors; two of which are rapid muscle fatigue and imprecise control in force. Stimulation intensity is adjusted during FES to overcome the decline in muscle force due to fatigue and precisely control muscle force output. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between muscle force output and stimulation intensity and to see how this relationship changes with fatigue.
The edges of understanding

A culture's icons are a window onto its soul. Few would disagree that, in the culture of molecular biology that dominated much of the life sciences for the last third of the 20th century, the dominant icon was the double helix. In the present, post-modern, 'systems biology' era, however, it is, arguably, the hairball.
Hepatoma derived growth factor binds DNA through the N-terminal PWWP domain

Hepatoma Derived Growth Factor (HDGF) is a nuclear protein with nuclear targeting required for mitogenic activity. Recently we demonstrated that HDGF is a transcriptional repressor, but whether HDGF binds DNA, the specificity of DNA binding and what protein domain is required are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify if HDGF is a DNA binding protein, map the functional DNA binding domain and DNA binding element for HDGF. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of human DNA, we isolated 10 DNA sequences sharing a conserved ~200 bp element. Homology analysis identified the binding sequences as a motif within the promoter of the SMYD1 gene, a HDGF target gene. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA) confirmed the binding of HDGF to this conserved sequence. As a result, an 80 bp conserved sequence located in the SMYD1 promoter bound GST-HDGF tightly. The binding core sequence for HDGF was narrowed down to 37 bp using a deletion mapping strategy from both the 5' and 3' ends. Moreover, ChIP and DNase I footprinting analysis revealed that HDGF binds this 80 bp DNA fragment specifically. Functionally overexpression of HDGF represses a reporter gene which is controlled by an SV-40 promoter containing the 80 bp DNA element. Using serial truncations of GST-HDGF, we mapped the DNA binding domain of HDGF to the N-terminal PWWP domain. HDGF is a DNA binding protein, binds DNA specifically, and prefers a minimum of 37 bp long DNA fragment. The N-terminal PWWP domain of HDGF is required for DNA binding. HDGF exerts its transcription repressive effect through binding to a conserved DNA element in the promoter of target genes.
Role of the Morphology and Surface Planes on the Catalytic Activity of Spinel LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The electrocatalytic activity of the spinel oxide LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 with different morphologies (cubic, spherical, octahedral, and truncated octahedral) has been investigated for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solutions that is of interest for metal–air batteries. The OER activity increases in the order truncated octahedral < cubic < spherical < octahedral, despite a larger surface area (2.9 m2 g–1) for the spherical sample compared to nearly similar surface areas (0.3–0.7 m2 g–1) for the other three samples. The high activity of the octahedral sample is attributed to the regular octahedral shape with low-energy {111} surface planes, whereas the lowest activity of the truncated octahedral sample is attributed to the high-energy {001} surface planes. The octahedral sample also exhibits the lowest Tafel slope of 70 mV dec–1 with the highest durability whereas the truncated octahedral sample exhibits the highest Tafel slope of 120 mV dec–1 with durability similar to the cubic and spherical samp...
A causal model of organizational commitment in a military training environment

Abstract A causal model of organizational commitment is developed from previous theory and research. The model is tested using survey responses from 202 Army and Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets. Using path-analysis, substantial support was found for the hypothesized model. The original model was then revised to achieve an even better fit with the observed correlations. Variables from each of the four categories of antecedents specified by previous authors (i.e., personal characteristics, role states, job characteristics, and work experiences) exhibited significant direct relationships with commitment. In addition, the interrelationships among the various antecedents were identified. The results are discussed in terms of an integration of processes related to commitment. Limitations of the study and areas for future research are identified.
A review of the interactions between multiple insecticide resistance loci

Insecticide resistance is an ever escalating problem worldwide in many pest populations and numerous cases of insecticide resistance are polygenic. Therefore, it is important to investigate the types of interactions that occur between insecticide resistance loci as this will dictate the level of resistance (and effectiveness of a chemical control strategy). Interactions also play a role in the evolution and/or maintenance of multigenic resistance in the field. Given that a limited number of mechanisms confer resistance, it might be possible to establish general rules for interactions between mechanisms. Several variables might dictate the type of interaction, such as the nature of the resistance mechanisms, genotype, etc. Interactions can be synergistic, antagonistic or additive. Based on this literature review, the most common interaction of multiple homozygous resistance loci is synergistic and additive when loci are heterozygous. When one locus is homozygous and the other locus is heterozygous the most common interaction was synergistic, although very few studies have examined this type of interaction. Possible factors that drive these interactions, exceptions to the trends, and future research needs are discussed.
Electric field effects associated with the backside Ge profile in SiGe HBTs

Abstract A comprehensive investigation of electric field effects associated with the backside Ge profile in SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) is conducted using calibrated simulations. We show for the first time that the backside Ge retrograde can alter the local electric field distribution in the base–collector space-charge region near the SiGe to Si heterojunction, thereby affecting the impact ionization and the apparent neutral base recombination (NBR) ( I B ( V CB )/ I B ( V CB =0)) of SiGe HBTs. The changes in the electric field induced by the Ge-induced band offsets contributes to a decrease of the observed impact ionization between comparably doped SiGe HBTs and Si bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), as well as an improved V CB dependence of I B (apparent decrease in NBR). Experimental data on SiGe HBTs with various Ge profiles and a Si BJT control are used to support our claims.
Texture changes during superplastic deformation of mechanically alloyed aluminium IN90211

Superplastic deformation of mechanically alloyed aluminium IN90211 was studied by texture analysis. The textures in three deformed specimens were investigated as a function of strain using the three-dimensional crystal orientation distribution functions (CODFs). The results for the two superplastically deformed specimens (425 °C, strain rate of 1 s−1, stress near 50 MPa, and 475 °C, initial strain rate of 77 s−1, about 110 MPa) indicate that at strains below about 2.0, the specimen deforms by grain-boundary sliding and single (or double) slip, and at larger strains the deformation is dominated by grain-boundary sliding, multiple slip and some recrystallization. At 475°C, 330s−1, and stress near 160 MPa, the specimen was above the superplastic regime, and the resulting texture changes with deformation were markedly different from superplastic results, and quite unusual.
Surface reflectance measurements in the ultraviolet from an airborne platform. Part 2.

The spectral and broadband reflectance of naturally occurring desert sand, black lava, gypsum sand, and snow cover is measured from a twin engine Cessna 402-series aircraft. The measurement system is computer controlled and electrically isolated from the aircraft. It consists of upward and downward looking hemispheric diffusers, filters, a rotating 90 degree mirror, a focusing lens, and a double monochromator/PMT or a UV enhanced photodiode. Measurements are made at several altitudes enabling the empirical determination of the backscatter and attenuation effects on the reflectance. These reflectance results along with those reported earlier for a pine forest, green farmland, the open ocean, and brown farmland are represented analytically.
Stereotyped behavior correlates better than ataxia with phencyclidine-receptor interactions

Abstract The interaction of phencyclidine, dexoxadrol, their analogs and stereoisomers with phencyclidine receptors was compared to their ability to induce stereotyped behavior and ataxia after i.c.v. administration of rats. The order of potency for binding to phencyclidine receptors revealed that among the stereoisomers of phencyclidine derivatives, the (+) isomer was more potent that the (-) isomer. A similar order of potency of phencyclidine derivatives and degree of stereoselectivity was seen in the assays for stereotyped behavior and phencyclidine receptor interactions, which resulted in a good correlation between the relative potencies for binding to phencyclidine receptors and inducing stereotyped behavior. However, the order of potency for induction of ataxia and the stereoselectivity was different than that seen in the assays for phencyclidine receptor interactions and stereotyped behavior. A comparison of relative potencies for binding to phencyclidine receptors to induction of ataxia still resulted in a good fit to a straight line, but the line did not intersect the origin, indicating that a non-phencyclidine receptor component is also involved in mediating ataxia. Dextrorphan and 2-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-3-propylamine were equipotent as phencyclidine in phencyclidine receptor and behavioral assays. The order of potency for interacting with phencyclidine recetors and inducing phencyclidine-like behavior by the isomers of cyclazocine were opposite to that of other phencyclidine analogs. Also, the order of potency for induction of ataxia by the isomers of N-allylnormetazocine was opposite to that for phencyclidine receptor interactions. Ethylketocyclazocine did not induce any stereotyped behavior or ataxia, indicating that it is unlikely that a κ opioid receptor interaction plays a role in mediating ataxia. Furthermore, stereotyped behavior and ataxia were not due to interactions with μ, κ or δ opioid receptors as naloxone did not antagonize the behavioral effects of phencyclidine, (-)cyclazocine or (-)N-allylnormetazocine. These results indicate that stereotyped behavior is mediated by phencyclidine receptors, whereas ataxia is mediated by more than just phencyclidine receptors.
Determination of fractal dimensions of solid carbons from gas and liquid phase adsorption isotherms

The total surface area, micropore volume, and fractal dimensions of five different carbons (Sorbonorite 4, GAC 1240, and three amorphous carbons) were evaluated from analysis of gas (N2) and liquid (phenanthrene) adsorption isotherm data. The modified BET and fractal Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) models were used to estimate surface fractal dimensions. Micropore volumes were estimated from Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) plots and were compared to those calculated from standard N2 adsorption isotherm data using de Boer’s t-method. The estimated surface fractal dimensions using the modified BET and FHH models (DS=3+3h, and P/P0 from 0.0 to 0.4) were (2.7, 2.6, 2.1, 2.4, and 2.1) and (2.5, 2.6, 1.9, 2.4, and 1.9), respectively. The FHH fractal analysis suggested that van der Waals forces are the dominant interaction forces between nitrogen and carbon surfaces. Depending on the method of analysis, the fractal dimensions of the carbons with suggested micropore structure, Sorbonorite 4 and GAC 1240, were 2.5–2.9 and 2.6–2.9, respectively. Analysis of the adsorption–desorption data suggested that amorphous carbons with fractal dimensions of 2.1 (from the modified BET model) have smooth surfaces, with respect to their micropore structure. Further analysis of the adsorption data showed that the slopes of the linear segment of the plots of adsorption potential versus relative amount adsorbed are dependent on the pore size range and surface structure (fractal dimension) of the carbons.
Efficient robust tests in parametric models

Let {P θ :θ∈Θ}, Θ an open subset of R k , be a regular parametric model for a sample of n independent, identically distributed observations. Formulated and solved in this paper is a robust version of the classical multi-sided hypothesis testing problem concerning θ, or a subvector of θ. In the robust testing problem, the usual parametric null hypothesis and alternatives are both replaced with larger, more realistic, sets of possible distributions for each observation. These sets, defined in terms of a Hellinger metric projection of the actual distribution onto a subspace associated with the parametric null hypothesis, are required to shrink as sample size increases, so as to avoid trivial asymptotics. One construction of an asymptotically minimax test for the robust testing problem is based upon the robust estimate of θ developed in Beran (1979); another construction amounts to an adaptively modified C(α) test.
Incidence and subsequent impact of pelvic abscess after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE: This study was designed to measure the impact of pelvic abscess on eventual pouch failure and functional outcome after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcome of 1,508 patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for chronic ulcerative colitis at the Mayo Clinic was determined from a central patient registry; data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients developed a pelvic abscess as a complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Pouch failure occurred in 19 (26 percent). Forty-eight patients (55 percent) required transabdominal salvage surgery, 6 (8 percent) underwent local surgery, and the remaining 27 (37 percent) were treated nonsurgically. Wound infection was more common in patients who experienced pelvic abscess. The majority of pouch failures secondary to pelvic abscess formation occurred within two years of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Daytime incontinence, the use of a protective pad, and the need for constipating or bulking medication were significantly more common among patients who had an abscess but kept their reservoir. Ability to perform work and domestic activities and to undertake recreational activities were significantly more restricted among these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pouch failure occurs in one-fourth of patients who retain their pouch despite pelvic abscess after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Among patients who retain their pouch despite postoperative pelvic abscess, functional outcome and quality of life are significantly poorer than in patients in whom no sepsis occurred.
Generalized semantic Web service composition

With the increasing popularity of Web Services and Service-Oriented Architecture, we need infrastructure to discover and compose Web services. In this paper, we present a generalized semantics-based technique for automatic service composition that combines the rigor of process-oriented composition with the descriptiveness of semantics. Our generalized approach presented in this paper introduces the use of a conditional directed acyclic graph where complex interactions, containing control flow, information flow, and pre-/post-conditions are effectively represented. Composition solution obtained is represented semantically as OWL-S documents. Web service composition will gain wider acceptance only when users know that the solutions obtained are comprised of trustworthy services. We present a framework that not only uses functional and non-functional attributes provided by the Web service description document but also filters and ranks solutions based on their trust rating that is computed using Centrality Measure of Social Networks. Our contributions are applied for automatic workflow generation in context of the currently important bioinformatics domain. We evaluate our engine for automatic workflow generation of a phylogenetic inference task. We also evaluate our engine for automated discovery and composition on repositories of different sizes and present the results.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE NUCLEAR LIM DOMAIN INTERACTOR NLI

LIM homeodomain and LIM-only (LMO) transcription factors contain two tandemly arranged Zn2+-binding LIM domains capable of mediating protein-protein interactions. These factors have restricted patterns of expression, are found in invertebrates as well as vertebrates, and are required for cell type specification in a variety of developing tissues. A recently identified, widely expressed protein, NLI, binds with high affinity to the LIM domains of LIM homeodomain and LMO proteins in vitro and in vivo. In this study, a 38-amino-acid fragment of NLI was found to be sufficient for the association of NLI with nuclear LIM domains. In addition, NLI was shown to form high affinity homodimers through the amino-terminal 200 amino acids, but dimerization of NLI was not required for association with the LIM homeodomain protein Lmxl. Chemical cross-linking analysis revealed higher-order complexes containing multiple NLI molecules bound to Lmx1, indicating that dimerization of NLI does not interfere with LIM domain interactions. Additionally, NLI formed complexes with Lmx1 on the rat insulin I promoter and inhibited the LIM domain-dependent synergistic transcriptional activation by Lmx1 and the basic helix-loop-helix protein E47 from the rat insulin I minienhancer. These studies indicate that NLI contains at least two functionally independent domains and may serve as a negative regulator of synergistic transcriptional responses which require direct interaction via LIM domains. Thus, NLI may regulate the transcriptional activity of LIM homeodomain proteins by determining specific partner interactions.
Brief Report: Trajectories of Glycemic Control over Early to Middle Adolescence

Objectives To identify distinct patterns of glycemic control over early to middle adolescence, and to determine whether psychosocial variables predicted those patterns. Methods We used trajectory analysis to examine glycemic control over 5 years among adolescents with type 1 diabetes who were of age 12 on average at study start (n = 132). Well-being, relationships, and self-care behavior were assessed with in-person interviews. Blood glucose testing was determined from blood glucose meters, and missed clinic appointments and glycosolated hemoglobin were obtained from medical records. Results We identified two distinct clusters of individuals, a stable good glycemic control group and a poorer deteriorating glycemic control group. Individuals in the deteriorating control group were characterized by higher peer conflict, more negative diabetes emotions, fewer blood glucose tests, and more missed clinic appointments. Conclusion Psychosocial variables and behavioral markers of self-care may predict the course of glycemic control over early to middle adolescence.
Smoothness Analysis of Nonlinear Subdivision Schemes of Homogeneous and Affine Invariant Type

Nonlinear subdivision schemes arise from, among other applications, non- linear multiscale signal processing and shape preserving interpolation. For the univariate homogeneous subdivision operator S : �( Z) → �( Z) we establish a set of commuta- tion/recurrence relations which can be used to analyze the asymptotic decay rate of � � r S j m� � ∞ , j = 1, 2 ,..., the latter in turn determines the convergence and Holder regularity of S. We apply these results to prove that the critical Holder regularity expo- nent of a nonlinear subdivision scheme based on median-interpolation is equal to that of an approximating linear subdivision scheme, resolving a conjecture by Donoho and Yu (16), (4). We also consider a family of nonlinear but affine invariant subdivision operators based on interpolation-imputation of p-mean (of which median corresponds to the special case p = 1) as well as general continuous M-estimators. We propose a linearization principle which, when applied to p-mean subdivision operators, leads to a family of linear subdivision schemes. Numerical evidence indicates that in at least many cases the critical smoothness of a p-mean subdivision scheme is the same as that of the corresponding linear scheme. This suggests a more coherent view of the result obtained in this paper.
Evidence-Based Management: Origins, Challenges, and Implications for Social Service Administration

Evidence-based management is emerging in the helping professions in response to heightened demands for public accountability and organizational performance. This paper defines evidencebased management and reviews its origins in the health care and business sectors and its recent incorporation into the social work profession. A case study describes the efforts of one social service agency to use evidence-based management to improve the performance of its child welfare and mental health programs. Consideration is given to the similarities between the dominant models of evidence-based management and evidence-based practice, the challenges facing administrators seeking to incorporate evidencebased management processes into social service agencies, and the implications of evidence-based management for social service agency practice and social work management.
How do alignment programs perform on sequencing data with varying qualities and from repetitive regions

Background Next-generation sequencing technologies generate a significant number of short reads that are utilized to address a variety of biological questions. However, quite often, sequencing reads tend to have low quality at the 3’ end and are generated from the repetitive regions of a genome. It is unclear how different alignment programs perform under these different cases. In order to investigate this question, we use both real data and simulated data with the above issues to evaluate the performance of four commonly used algorithms: SOAP2, Bowtie, BWA, and Novoalign.
Localization of nitric oxide synthase type III in the internal thoracic and radial arteries and the great saphenous vein: a comparative immunohistochemical study.

Abstract Background Endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III is the key enzyme of the nitric oxide production in the vessel wall. In this study the localization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III within the wall of the human internal thoracic and radial arteries and the great saphenous vein was investigated. Methods Specimens were harvested from 23 patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization and submitted to light and electron microscope analysis using histochemical stainings and immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies anti-endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III, Factor VIII, and α-smooth muscle actin. Results Endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III was evident in the intima of all conduits and, unexpectedly, in the muscle cells of the media of muscular internal thoracic arteries and radial arteries. No endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III expression was found in the media of great saphenous veins. Semiquantitative analysis revealed a higher endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III expression in the wall of internal thoracic artery, particularly at the level of the media. Conclusion Endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III is expressed in the intima of the internal thoracic and radial artery and the great saphenous vein and in the muscle cells of the media of the internal thoracic and radial arteries. However, the internal thoracic artery shows a higher intensity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III expression, particularly within the media. The present study provides the first demonstration of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase type III expression at the level of the smooth muscle cells of the tunica media of systemic human arteries and can provide an histologic explanation for the better results of the internal thoracic artery when used for coronary artery bypass grafting.
RF-MEMS switches for reconfigurable integrated circuits

This paper deals with a relatively new area of radio-frequency (RF) technology based on microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS). RF MEMS provides a class of new devices and components which display superior high-frequency performance relative to conventional (usually semiconductor) devices, and which enable new system capabilities. In addition, MEMS devices are designed and fabricated by techniques similar to those of very large-scale integration, and can be manufactured by traditional batch-processing methods. In this paper, the only device addressed is the electrostatic microswitch - perhaps the paradigm RF-MEMS device. Through its superior performance characteristics, the microswitch is being developed in a number of existing circuits and systems, including radio front-ends, capacitor banks, and time-delay networks. The superior performance combined with ultra-low-power dissipation and large-scale integration should enable new system functionality as well. Two possibilities addressed here are quasi-optical beam steering and electrically reconfigurable antennas.
The Evolution of Thought on Intermediate Exchange Rate Regimes

This article traces the origins and evolution of proposals for exchange-rate regimes intermediate between fixed and floating rates. The origins are traced to Keynes's interwar writings. Keynes's ideas were revived in the 1960s literature on the (wide) band proposal and crawling peg and developed in the 1970s by the literatures on the reference rate proposal and optimal peg. The target zone proposals of the 1980s combined the band proposal and the crawling peg. Paul Krugman showed that a credible target zone would make speculation stabilizing. In the 1990s, a number of emerging markets employed such regimes until they were swept away in crises. This spawned the bipolar view, which asserts that in a world of capital mobility, countries have to choose between firmly fixed and freely floating rates. The article concludes by arguing that even the most attenuated form of intermediate regime, the reference rate proposal, would carry advantages over a floating regime.
Electrophilic N-acetoxyaminoarenes derived from carcinogenic N-hydroxy-N-acetylaminoarenes by enzymatic deacetylation and transacetylation in liver.

Abstract • Incubation of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene or N-hydroxy-4-acetylaminobiphenyl with N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene or N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl, rat liver cytosol, and N-acetylmethionine yields 3-methylmercapto-2-aminofluorene or 3-methylmercapto-4-aminobiphenyl. The apparent mechanism is a transacetylation from the hydroxamic acid to the hydroxylamine to yield an N-acetoxyaminoarene. The latter compound then reacts with N-acetylmethionine to yield a sulfonium derivative which decomposes to the methylmercaptoaminoarene. This formulation of the mechanism is supported by the finding that the same methylmercaptoaminoarenes are formed on incubation at neutrality of the hydroxylamines with acetic anhydride and N-acetylmethionine. The same reactions, both with the enzymatic system and with acetic anhydride, have been observed with certain other arylhydroxylamines. In each case with the acetic anhydride system and in two cases with the enzymatic system the products have been isolated by thick-layer chromatography and characterized by their mass spectra. Substitution of guanosine as the nucleophilic reactant in the transacetylase system with N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene and N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene resulted in the formation of guanosin-8-yl-2-aminofluorene. • The transacetylase activity of rat liver is localized in the cytosol fraction (105000 × g supernatant) and is eluted at pH 7.4 shortly after the break-through peak upon chromatography on Sephadex G-75. The activity is maximal at pH 6.8 and is inhibited by thiol reagents. The activity is reduced to less than 10% by dialysis, and most of the activity can be restored by addition of pyridine nucleotides or cysteine. The increase in activity on addition of pyridine nucleotides to fresh undialyzed preparations is variable and usually does not exceed 20%. Of the compounds tested, aromatic hydroxamic acids were the only effective sources of acetyl groups; the highest yields of methylmercaptoaminoarenes were obtained with N-hydroxy -4-acetylaminobiphenyl or N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene as the acetyl donor. • This hepatic transacetylase activity was observed in rat, hamster and rabbit liver. Little or no activity was found with mouse, guinea pig, dog or human (post-mortem) liver. The activity in rat liver decreased on administration of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene; the enyzme activity was not affected by the oral administration of phenobarbital to rats. • The possible identity of this enzyme system with that studied by Booth ((1966) Biochem. J. 100, 745–753) and its possible role in the formation of bound 2-amino-fluorene derivatives on administration of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene are discussed.
The Effect of Turbine Steam Impurities on Caustic Stress Corrosion Cracking of NiCrMoV Steels

Abstract The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of NiCrMoV steel in 40% caustic at 100 C was studied using the slow strain rate technique. Controlled potential tests exhibited significant SCC only whe...
Phased array weather / multipurpose radar

The first phased array radar dedicated to weather observation and analysis is now instrumented with eight, simultaneous digital receivers. The addition of these additional channels will enable the use of advanced signal processing to improve signal/clutter in an adaptive mode. Elimination of strong point and ground clutter returns from the low-level, volumetrically distributed weather cell returns is a new application of adaptive processing. The NSF funded 8-channel receiver has been added to the National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) system in Norman, OK to enable operation as a multifunction and/or adaptive processing system. This paper will describe the system concept, system installation and early results from fielded weather data returns.
A system framework for the integration and analysis of multi-modal spatiotemporal data streams: a case study in MS lesion analysis

This paper describes the development of MS-Analyze, a system framework to analyze and detect patterns in brain pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) as the disease progresses over time. We are building the system to collect, analyze and integrate disparate data extracted from observing the behavior of MS lesions and surrounding pathology on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over time. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a brain disease that affects over 250,000 people in the USA alone. Various MRI sequences are used to monitor brain changes during the natural progression of the disease, and as different drug treatments are explored to slow the disease. The outcome is a set of disparate data streams that need to be correlated efficiently to discover patterns of MS pathology and plan treatment. However, MS data analysis faces the same computational problems as many other scientific domains with heterogeneous data streams: the need for integration of and access to large amounts of data, beyond what is normally available to any one given laboratory. MS-Analyze addresses both of these challenges by combining data collection, data fusion, data analysis, and secure data sharing. MS is a good application to demonstrate the system because it offers rich data that challenge the system development.
Multi-institutional experience with the in-office potassium Titanyl phosphate laser for laryngeal lesions

Summary Objective/Hypothesis To determine the efficacy of the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser in lesion reduction, as well as preservation of mucosal wave and glottic closure in a cohort of patients with benign laryngeal pathology across multiple institutions. Study Design Multi-institutional and retrospective. Methods One hundred two patients who underwent in-office KTP procedures at multiple academic laryngology practices with at least a single follow-up visit were included. Image analysis was used to quantify vocal fold lesion size before and after treatment. A subset of images was analyzed by expert reviewers to determine the impact of this treatment on glottic closure and mucosal wave. Results Statistically, when considering all lesions, KTP induced a significant reduction in lesion size. Post hoc analyses revealed some lesion specificity; all lesions decreased in size, with the exception of vocal fold scar. Mucosal wave and glottic closure were improved or unchanged in more than 90% of the patients examined. The inter- and intrarater reliabilities of the lesion quantification method were excellent. Conclusions With great care and insight, the KTP laser appears to be a valuable tool for the treatment of various benign laryngeal lesions. Furthermore, KTP laser therapy appears to preserve or improve mucosal wave and glottic closure. The lesion measurement protocol previously described by our group appears to be reliable.
Fitness conflicts and the costs of sociality in communal egg layers: a theoretical model and empirical tests.

Individuals within complex social groups often experience reduced reproduction owing to coercive or suppressive actions of other group members. However, the nature of social and ecological environments that favour individual acceptance of such costs of sociality is not well understood. Taxa with short periods of direct social interaction, such as some communal egg layers, are interesting models for study of the cost of social interaction because opportunities to control reproduction of others are limited to brief periods of reproduction. To understand the conditions under which communal egg layers are in fitness conflict and thus likely to influence each other’s reproduction, we develop an optimality model involving a brood guarding ‘host’ and a nonguarding disperser, or ‘egg dumper’. The model shows that when, where intermediate-sized broods have highest survival, lifetime inclusive fitnesses of hosts and dumpers are often optimized with different numbers of dumped eggs. We hypothesize that resolution of this conflict may involve attempts by one party to manipulate the other’s reproduction. To test model predictions we used a lace bug (Heteroptera: Tingidae) that shows both hosts and egg dumpers as well as increased offspring survival in response to communal egg laying. We found that egg-dumping lace bugs oviposit a number of eggs that very closely matches predicted fitness optimum for hosts rather than predicted optimum of dumpers. This result suggests that dumpers pay a social cost for communal egg laying, a cost that may occur through host suppression of dumper reproduction. Although dumper allocation of eggs is thus sub-optimal for dumpers, previous models show that the decision to egg dump is nevertheless evolutionarily stable, possibly because hosts permit just enough dumper oviposition to encourage commitment to the behaviour.
On spectrum sharing in narrowband cellular wireless networks

We study secondary spectrum sharing in narrowband cellular networks in which calls in neighboring cells need to be assigned different channels. Analysis of such networks are in general difficult due to large state spaces and lack of closed form expressions. Here we consider linear topologies and show that they lend themselves to exact analysis. We analyze four sharing policies where equilibrium distribution of cell occupancies is a Markov random field. For each policy we derive closed form expressions for the equilibrium distributions in the form of a product of certain stochastic matrices. This characterization leads to tractable computation of equilibrium distributions and blocking probabilities. We use the obtained results to compare the policies in terms of (i) maximum revenue, and (ii) secondary price-demand pairs that lead to positive profit for the network service provider.
Neurotransmitter alterations in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by short attention span, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which begins in early childhood. The purpose of this review is threefold: to summarize early research suggesting that ADHD results from frontal-striatal dysfunction and can be ameliorated by medications that increase dopaminergic and noradrenergic transmission: to describe recent functional imaging studies that allow in vivo testing of these hypotheses; and to discuss recent advances in the understanding of neurotransmitter function that may suggest new approaches to elucidating the neurochemical basis of this disorder.
Seasonal and interannual variations of atmospheric CO2 and climate

Interannual variations of atmospheric CO 2 concentrations at Mauna Loa are almost masked by the seasonal cycle and a strong trend; at the South Pole, the seasonal cycle is small and is almost lost in the trend and interannual variations. Singular-spectrum analysis (SSA) is used here to isolate and reconstruct interannual signals at both sites and to visualize recent decadal changes in the amplitude and phase of the seasonal cycle. Analysis of the Mauna Loa CO 2 series illustrates a hastening of the CO 2 seasonal cycle, a close temporal relation between Northern Hemisphere (NH) mean temperature trends and the amplitude of the seasonal CO 2 cycle, and tentative ties between the latter and seasonality changes in temperature over the NH continents. Variations of the seasonal CO 2 cycle at the South Pole differ from those at Mauna Loa: it is phase changes of the seasonal cycle at the South Pole, rather than amplitude changes, that parallel hemispheric and global temperature trends. The seasonal CO 2 cycles exhibit earlier occurrences of the seasons by 7 days at Mauna Loa and 18 days at the South Pole. Interannual CO 2 variations are shared at the two locations, appear to respond to tropical processes, and can be decomposed mostly into two periodicities, around (3 years) −1 and (4 years) −1 , respectively. Joint SSA analyses of CO 2 concentrations and tropical climate indices isolate a shared mode with a quasi-triennial (QT) period in which the CO 2 and sea-surface temperature (SST) participation are in phase opposition. The other shared mode has a quasi-quadrennial (QQ) period and CO 2 variations are in phase with the corresponding tropical SST variations throughout the tropics. Together these interannual modes exhibit a mean lag between tropical SSTs and CO 2 variations of about 6–8 months, with SST leading. Analysis of the QT and QQ signals in global gridded SSTs, joint SSA of CO 2 and δ 13 C isotopic ratios, and SSA of CO 2 and NH-land temperatures indicate that the QT variations in CO 2 mostly reflect upwelling variations in the eastern tropical Pacific. QQ variations are dominated by the CO 2 signature of terrestrial-ecosystem response to global QQ climate variations. Climate variations associated with these two interannual components of tropical variability have very different effects on global climate and, especially, on terrestrial ecosystems and the carbon cycle. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1998.00001.x
Leveraging agent based simulation for rapid course of action development

In the spring of 2005 a limited objective experiment was carried out to assess the feasibility of using agent based simulations to enhance co-evolutionary course of action development. In particular, relatively low fidelity simulations were employed to visualize the results of particular courses of action. Over four days multiple courses of action were developed by two opposing teams with similar force structures and then run against one another in an agent based modeling environment to test their ability to achieve the given mission. The results of the experiment indicate that there is significant potential for low fidelity simulations to stimulate objective thinking in course of action development.
HOW MANY BASKETS? CLUTCH SIZES THAT MAXIMIZE ANNUAL FECUNDITY OF MULTIPLE-BROODED BIRDS

Abstract We developed deterministic models on the basis of nest survival rates and renesting behavior capable of predicting annual fecundity in birds. The models calculate probabilities of fledging from one to four nests within a discrete breeding season. We used those models to address theoretical issues related to clutch size. In general, birds require at least one day to lay an egg, and many species delay incubation until their entire clutch is laid. Because it takes longer to complete a larger clutch, and fewer such clutches can fit into a limited breeding season, there exists a clutch size for which annual fecundity is maximized. We asked, for a given amount of reproductive effort (i.e. a set number of eggs), does the age-old maxim “don't put all your eggs in one basket” apply? If so, in how many “baskets” should a nesting bird place its eggs? The answer depends on both likelihood of nest predation and length of the breeding season. Those results are consistent with the observed increase in clutch si...
Medical and pharmacy student concerns about participating on international service-learning trips

International Service Learning Trips (ISLT) provide health professional students the opportunity to provide healthcare, under the direction of trained faculty, to underserved populations in developing countries. Despite recent increases in international service learning trips, there is scant literature addressing concerns students have prior to attending such trips. This study focuses on identifying concerns before and after attending an ISLT and their impact on students. A survey comprised of closed and open-ended questions was developed to elucidate student concerns prior to attending an ISLT and experiences which might influence concerns. A five-point Likert-scale (extremely concerned = 1, minimally concerned = 5) was used to rate apprehension and satisfaction. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-trip concerns; Chi-Square test was used to compare groups. Thirty-five students (27 medical, 8 pharmacy) attended ISLTs in December 2013. All completed pre and post-trip surveys. Significant decreases were seen in concerns related to cultural barriers (4.14 vs 4.46, P = .047), disease/epidemics (3.34 vs 4.60, P < .001), natural disasters (3.94 vs 4.94, P < .001), terrorism (4.34 vs 4.94, P < .001), travel (3.86 vs 4.51, P < .001) monetary issues (3.80 vs 4.60, P < .001), hospitality (3.94 vs 4.74, P = .001) and food (3.83 vs 4.60, P < .001). Language and group dynamics remained concerns post-trip. On open-ended questions, students described benefits of attending an ISLT. Students had multiple concerns prior to attending an ISLT. Most decreased upon return. Addressing concerns has the potential to decrease student apprehension. The results of this study highlight the benefits of providing ISLTs and supporting development of a curriculum incorporating trip-related concerns.
Terahertz dynamics of ferroelectric vortices from first principles

A first-principles-based effective Hamiltonian is used to reveal dynamics of vortices in ferroelectrics. In addition to the ``usual'' dielectric modes that are generated by the fluctuation of the electrical polarization, additional toroidic modes, resulting from the electric toroidal moment fluctuations, are also found in the THz regime. Such latter modes can have their own dynamics, with a resonant frequency that softens via a square-root law when the temperature approaches the critical temperature at which electric vortices form. These dynamics are also found to be governed by the fluctuation of the self-organized azimuthal component of individual electric dipoles. Toroidic modes thus behave as pendulums, in contrast to springs that represent polarization dynamics.
Dielectric Characterization by Microwave Cavity Perturbation Corrected for Nonuniform Fields

Nonuniform fields decrease the accuracy of dielectric characterization by microwave cavity perturbation. These fields are due to the slot in the cavity through which the sample is inserted and the boundary between the sample and the metallic walls inside of the cavity. To address this problem, we measured the natural frequency and damping ratio of a resonant cavity as a sample is inserted into the rectangular cavity. We found that for a range of cavity filling fractions, a linear regression on the natural frequency and damping ratio versus the effective volume fraction of the sample in the cavity could be used to extract the complex permittivity of the sample. We verified our technique by measuring a known quartz substrate and comparing the results to finite-element simulations. When compared to the conventional technique, we found a significant improvement in the accuracy for our samples and measurement setup. We confirmed our technique on two lossy samples: a neat stoichiometric mixture bisphenol A epoxy resin and one containing a mass fraction of 3.5% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). At the TE 103 mode (7.31 GHz), the permittivity and loss tangent of the epoxy were measured to be e r =2.93±0.11 and tanδ = 0.028±0.002, respectively. The epoxy with a mass fraction of 3.5% MWCNTs had a permittivity of e r =8.01±0.48 and loss tangent of tanδ = 0.137±0.010.