cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Physical Activity, TV/Video Watching/Gaming, and Usage of a Portable Electronic Devices by Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in less physical activity (PA) and more sedentary behavior than their peers without ASD. The study employed Chi-square analyses of the NSCH 2016–2017 data to compare PA, TV/video watching/gaming, and usage of portable electronic devices by children with and without ASD by age and ASD severity. Results suggest more than two and a half times as many children 6–11 and 12–17 years old with ASD failed to engage in 60 min of PA during the past week compared to peers without ASD. As children aged, their PA time decreased, with a larger percentage drop for children with ASD. For children ages 6–11 years, an inverse relationship was found between PA and ASD severity that was not found for older children. As the children got older, children with ASD spent more time watching TV/video watching/gaming than peers without ASD, with differing results by ASD severity. More children Birth to 5 years ASD used portable electronic devices than their peers without ASD and more young children with ASD used devices for 3 or more hours a day. Roughly the same proportions of children 12–17 years old used devices for more than 3 h a day but differential results were found between children with and without ASD for less than 1 h of device use. These data can be used to advocate for individualized PA interventions and services to increase PA and decrease sedentary behaviors of children with ASD.
Functorial transfer between relative trace formulas in rank 1

According to the Langlands functoriality conjecture, broadened to the setting of spherical varieties (of which reductive groups are special cases), a map between L -groups of spherical varieties should give rise to a functorial transfer of their local and automorphic spectra. The “beyond endoscopy” proposal predicts that this transfer will be realized as a comparison between limiting forms of the (relative) trace formulas of these spaces. In this paper, we establish the local transfer for the identity map between L -groups, for spherical affine homogeneous spaces X = H \ G whose dual group is SL 2 or PGL 2 (with G and H split). More precisely, we construct a transfer operator between orbital integrals for the ( X × X ) / G -relative trace formula, and orbital integrals for the Kuznetsov formula of PGL 2 or SL 2 . Besides the L -group, another invariant attached to X is a certain L -value, and the space of test measures for the Kuznetsov formula is enlarged to accommodate the given L -value. The transfer operator is given explicitly in terms of Fourier convolutions, making it suitable for a global comparison of trace formulas by the Poisson summation formula, hence for a uniform proof, in rank 1 , of the relations between periods of automorphic forms and special values of L -functions.
Rapid optimization of processes for the integrated purification of biopharmaceuticals.

Straight-through chromatography, wherein the eluate from one column passes directly onto another column without adjustment, is one strategy to integrate and intensify manufacturing processes for biologics. Development and optimization of such straight-through chromatographic processes is a challenge, however. Conventional high-throughput screening methods optimize each chromatographic step independently, with limited consideration for the connectivity of steps. Here, we demonstrate a method for the development and optimization of fully integrated, multi-column processes for straight-through purification. Selection of resins was performed using an in-silico tool for the prediction of processes for straight-through purification based on a one-time characterization of host-cell proteins combined with the chromatographic behavior of the product. A two-step optimization was then conducted to determine the buffer conditions that maximized yield while minimizing process- and product-related impurities. This optimization of buffer conditions included a series of range-finding experiments on each individual column, similar to conventional screening, followed by the development of a statistical model for the fully integrated, multi-column process using design of experiments (DoE). We used this methodology to develop and optimize integrated purification processes for a single-domain antibody and a cytokine, obtaining yields of 88% and 86%, respectively, with process- and product-related variants reduced to phase-appropriate levels for nonclinical material. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Clinical Named Entity Recognition using Contextualized Token Representations.

The clinical named entity recognition (CNER) task seeks to locate and classify clinical terminologies into predefined categories, such as diagnostic procedure, disease disorder, severity, medication, medication dosage, and sign symptom. CNER facilitates the study of side-effect on medications including identification of novel phenomena and human-focused information extraction. Existing approaches in extracting the entities of interests focus on using static word embeddings to represent each word. However, one word can have different interpretations that depend on the context of the sentences. Evidently, static word embeddings are insufficient to integrate the diverse interpretation of a word. To overcome this challenge, the technique of contextualized word embedding has been introduced to better capture the semantic meaning of each word based on its context. Two of these language models, ELMo and Flair, have been widely used in the field of Natural Language Processing to generate the contextualized word embeddings on domain-generic documents. However, these embeddings are usually too general to capture the proximity among vocabularies of specific domains. To facilitate various downstream applications using clinical case reports (CCRs), we pre-train two deep contextualized language models, Clinical Embeddings from Language Model (C-ELMo) and Clinical Contextual String Embeddings (C-Flair) using the clinical-related corpus from the PubMed Central. Explicit experiments show that our models gain dramatic improvements compared to both static word embeddings and domain-generic language models.
An Externalist Theory of Social Understanding: Interaction, Psychological Models, and the Frame Problem

I put forward an externalist theory of social understanding. On this view, psychological sense making takes place in environments that contain both agent and interpreter. The spatial structure of such environments is social, in the sense that its occupants locate its objects by an exercise in triangulation relative to each of their standpoints. This triangulation is achieved in intersubjective interaction and gives rise to a triadic model of the social mind. This model can then be used to make sense of others’ observed actions. Its possession plays a vital role in the development of the capacity for false belief reasoning. The view offers an integrated account of the development of social cognition from primary intersubjectivity to level-2 perspective taking. It incorporates insights from interactionism and mindreading theories of social cognition and thus offers a way out of the stalemate between defenders of the two views. Because psychological sense making is perspectival, the frame problem does not arise for social reasoners: the perspective they bring to bear on the action that is to be interpreted constrains the information they can select to make sense of what others do.
Dissociation of heart rate and somatomotor orienting responses to novel stimuli in preweanling rats

Changes in heart rate (HR) and somatomotor behavior elicited by the presentation of novel olfactory, visual, or auditory stimuli were examined in preweanling rat pups, 20–21 days of age. Pups exposed to an amyl acetate odor, a pulsating tone, or a flashing light showed the marked cardiac deceleration characteristic of the orienting response. In contrast, the three stimuli elicited distinct somatomotor behavioral patterns. Pups exposed to a novel amyl acetate odor or pulsating light raised their heads and reared, whereas animals exposed to a novel pulsating tone (16 kHz, 85 dB) performed a lateral head jerk and then maintained a relatively fixed posture. Both HR and gross motor activity to the novel stimulus displayed rapid habituation. This report provides clear evidence for a dissociation between somatomotor activity and HR as components of the orienting response in the developing rat.
Bilirubin inhibits the up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase by scavenging reactive oxygen species generated by the toll-like receptor 4-dependent activation of NADPH oxidase

It has been previously shown that bilirubin prevents the up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in response to LPS. The present study examines whether this effect is exerted through modulation of Toll-Like Receptor-4 (TLR4) signaling. LPS-stimulated iNOS and NADPH oxidase (Nox) activity in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was assessed by measuring cellular nitrate and superoxide ( [Formula: see text] ) production, respectively. The generation of both nitrate and [Formula: see text] in response to LPS was suppressed by TLR4 inhibitors, indicating that activation of iNOS and Nox is TLR4-dependent. While treatment with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and bilirubin effectively abolished LPS-mediated [Formula: see text] production, hydrogen peroxide and nitrate release were inhibited by bilirubin and PEG-catalase, but not SOD, supporting that iNOS activation is primarily dependent upon intracellular H2O2. LPS treatment increased nuclear translocation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α), an effect that was abolished by bilirubin. Cells transfected with murine iNOS reporter constructs in which the HIF-1α-specific hypoxia response element was disrupted exhibited a blunted response to LPS, supporting that HIF-1α mediates Nox-dependent iNOS expression. Bilirubin, but not SOD, blocked the cellular production of interferon-β, while interleukin-6 production remained unaffected. These data support that bilirubin inhibits the TLR4-mediated up-regulation of iNOS by preventing activation of HIF-1α through scavenging of Nox-derived reactive oxygen species. Bilirubin also suppresses interferon-β release via a ROS-independent mechanism. These findings characterize potential mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory effects of bilirubin.
The SHU Research Logs: Student Online Search Behaviors Trans-scripted

Abstract This paper examines students' online research behaviors as well as emotive and affective responses as they conducted online research for their undergraduate courses. It looks at data obtained during the 2011–2012 academic year, drawn from over 42 hours of recordings and includes a brief questionnaire that measured students' research history and feelings about their own research competence.
Residential Land Prices Prior to Development

This paper tests various hypotheses related to expectations and the value of undeveloped land. Evidence is found to support the hypothesis by Capozza and Helsley (1989) that the price of land in rapidly growing cities reflects a significant premium based upon expectations about future growth. There is also evidence that this premium varies from less than 40% of land value during down times to over 70% during boom times. Additional hypotheses tested related to development expectations for smaller geographic areas within the market. Land values reflect forecasts of employment up to five or six years into the future for nine square mile planning areas. The level of residential development activity from two to three miles around individual parcels is also capitalized into value. Much of the value of urban land may be explained by the growth rate of the metropolitan area and micro-geographic factors related to individual parcels.
Analyzing the effects of conductive and permeable soil on the EMI response for UXO discrimination

Unexploded ordinances (UXO) are buried typically in the top 1 m of soil. Low frequency (from tens of Hertz up to several hundreds of kHertz) electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensing has been identified as one of most promising technology for UXO detection as well for discrimination. They use the principle of EM1 in which unseen object are detected by sensing eddy current induced in metal by a primary magnetic field. It is known that the EMI sensors are sensitive to the scatters electromagnetic parameters (conductivity and permeability). Therefore, in this paper, low frequency scattering from a highly conducting and permeable metallic objects buried in geological soil are exposed and analyzed from the unexploded ordnances (UXO) detection and discrimination point of new. The method of auxiliary sources (MAS) in conjunction with thin skin approximation (TSA) is used for understanding physics of electromagnetic induction (EMI) scattering phenomena. Several numerical examples are designed to show how the geological soil's electromagnetic parameters (conductivity and permeability) affect object's EMI response.
Dynamics and mode competition in wave-chaotic dielectric cavity lasers

The interacting mode problem for 10-100 micron-scale lasers based on dielectric resonators, both cylindrical and deformed cylinders or the asymmetric resonant cavity lasers (ARCs). A non-linear lasing theory is studied with many modes interacting. An improved treatment is presented in which the modal expansion is in terms of linear amplifying states, which are solutions of the wave equation for piecewise constant (in space) complex (amplifying) index of refraction with real k, and satisfy somewhat more complicated orthogonality relations. Mode selection, shape sensitivity and power output in the many mode regime for circular as well as deformed lasers are studied. It is found that spatially selective pumping plays a key role in the selection of bow-tie modes but may not be crucial for obtaining a large power increase with deformation. Finally, the mode-locking aspects and the time-dynamics are discussed and is related to the point-group symmetries and the ray dynamics of the cavity.
Planar Techniques for Fabricating X-Ray Diffraction Gratings and Zone Plates

Planar techniques employed in fabricating Fresnel zone plates and diffraction gratings are reviewed briefly, with emphasis on recent developments.
Nicotiana Roots Recruit Rare Rhizosphere Taxa as Major Root-Inhabiting Microbes

Root-associated microbes have a profound impact on plant health, yet little is known about the distribution of root-associated microbes among different root morphologies or between rhizosphere and root environments. We explore these issues here with two commercial varieties of burley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from rhizosphere soil, as well as from primary, secondary, and fine roots. While rhizosphere soils exhibited a fairly rich and even distribution, root samples were dominated by Proteobacteria. A comparison of abundant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) between rhizosphere and root samples indicated that Nicotiana roots select for rare taxa (predominantly Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria) from their corresponding rhizosphere environments. The majority of root-inhabiting OTUs (~80 %) exhibited habitat generalism across the different root morphological habitats, although habitat specialists were noted. These results suggest a specific process whereby roots select rare taxa from a larger community.
Semi-synthetic aequorins with improved sensitivity to Ca2+ ions

Thirty-seven coelenterazine analogues were synthesized and incorporated into apo-aequorin, yielding 30 semi-synthetic aequorins that have the capacity to emit a significant amount of light in the presence of Ca2+. The properties of resultant photoproteins were investigated. The most prominent feature of those photoproteins was the wide range in their sensitivities to Ca2+ concentration. The relative intensity of Ca2+-triggered luminescence of the photoproteins ranged from 0.01 to 190 when compared with natural aequorin (relative intensity 1.0) at pCa 6 for the cases where the relative intensity is less than 1 and at pCa 7 for the cases where the relative intensity is higher than 1. Eight of the semi-synthetic aequorins belonged to the class of e-aequorin. With two of those photoproteins, the degree of dependence of the luminescence intensity ratio I400/I465 on pCa was greater than that with e-aequorin, suggesting that these two photoproteins are possibly superior to e-aequorin in measuring Ca2+ concentration by the ratio method.
Management of cognitive radio ad hoc networks using a congestion-based metric

SUMMARY In this paper, we propose a new network management protocol to address the unique challenges of managing cognitive radio ad hoc networks that have distributed, multihop architectures with dynamic spectrum availability. We focus on performance management for these networks, and address the problem of network congestion for secondary users, because of its significant impact on data throughput. Specifically, we define a performance metric, the average congestion level of the network, and derive it analytically as a function of the primary users’ activities and the secondary users’ strategy. For practical implementation, we further propose a cluster-based management architecture that utilizes a designated central manager and cluster heads that function as distributed managers. The cluster heads collect information from multiple layers of the protocol stack using new MIB (management information base) variables to capture the characteristics of cognitive radio ad hoc networks, such as the location-dependent spectrum availability. The objective of the management action is to utilize a network-level view of the congestion situation in the network by directing the secondary users to select the highest-quality links available and avoid congested clusters. This hierarchical networkmanagement design allows us to take advantage of its scalability to achieve near-real-time management. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel execution of Lanczos algorithm in a CAM systolic ring

The author presents an efficient array processing scheme to exploit Lanczos algorithm for solving a large-scale eigenvalue problem. He shows that an array of processing elements with content addressable memories (CAM), connected in a simple ring topology, can solve the problem efficiently. The nonzero elements of a problem matrix are stored in a content addressable memory for an efficient storage and the required operations are executed in a pipeline fashion around the systolic ring. The algorithm consists of two steps: Lanczos triangularisation followed by QR method to obtain full eigenvalues and eigenvectors. It is shown that the speedup obtained in such a system is almost linear with the number of processing elements used when the problem is partitioned to be executed with relatively small number of processing element. >
Studies on schistosomiasis. XIV. Effects of cortisone upon the Schistosoma mansoni burden in mice

Abstract The effects of cortisone acetate administered to mice at different times relative to an initial infection with Schistosoma mansoni was studied. The criterion of hormone influence upon the course of infection was the number of parasites recovered from treated and control mice six to eight weeks after infection. There was a small but statistically significant reduction in worm burden in the majority of cortisone-treated mice. It was found that essentially the same effect upon worm burden was produced whether the hormone was administered up to shortly before exposure to cercariae or commencing on the fifteenth day after infection when the parasites are in the liver or portal system. No significant difference in worm burden was detected in mice that were treated with cortisone in the fourth and fifth weeks.
PS1-37: Caregiving, Mutuality, and Long-Term Cancer Survivorship: The Case of Colorectal Cancer Patients with Ostomies.

Background/Aims The literature on informal caregiving for cancer survivors focuses on the first phases of cancer survivorship, with little evidence on long-term issues. For those whose cancer creates on-going disability, caregiving can continue for decades. Mutuality, the positive quality of the relationship between caregiver and care receiver, can affect acceptance and level of caregiving as well as patient and caregiver outcomes. Because many colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with ostomies have ongoing caregiving needs, understanding mutuality in caregiving relationships in this population is a high priority.
Carrier State of Channel Catfish Infected with Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus that were naturally exposed to Edwardsiella ictaluri were acquired from a catfish farmer and transported to the laboratory. The 6-month-old channel catfish (mean length, 14.9 cm) had a normal appearance without symptoms of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC. For 5 d, one group of channel catfish was given feed containing the antibiotic Romet-30® (8 kg/tonne) at a daily rate of 1% (about 20 g/fish), and the other group received feed without medication. About one-third of the channel catfish in the untreated group developed clinical signs of ESC and died within 3 d after transportation to the laboratory; survivors were killed after 11 d because of their poor condition. The group of channel catfish treated with Romet-30 had no signs of ESC or deaths caused by ESC. The presence of E. ictaluri in the trunk kidney oftreated channel catfish was demonstrated by a microscopic immunofluorescence method and selective enrichment culture at 90 and 270 d. The percentage of t...
Responses of Three Early Maturing Corn Hybrids to Nitrogen Fertilizer

Little information is available on the responses to N fertilizer of adapted, short-season corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids differing in grain N concentration. The influence of three rates of N fertilizer on grain and stover yields, N accumulation, and partitioning of N between stover and grain of three 95- to 100-d relative maturity hybrids AgriPro (AP) 175, Pioneer (P) 3906 and P3737, was studied in two irrigated experiments at Oakes, ND, in 1989 and 1990. The soil was a Maddock sandy loam (sandy, mixed Udorthentic Haploborolls) low in available N. Marked yield responses to N fertilizer were obtained, but the N fertilizer x cultivar interactions were not significant for 11 yield and N characteristics. Hybrid AP175 averaged over N fertilizer rates yielded 9 and 7 bu/acre more than P3906 in 1989 and 1990, respectively. There were no significant differences in grain yields between AP175 and P3737. Grain N concentration of P3906 at maturity in 1989 was 14 and 9% greater than that of AP175 and P3737, respectively. The corresponding increases in 1990 were 15 and 7%, respectively. Differences in grain N concentration due to hybrid did not result entirely from dilution effects. For instance, AP175, the highest grain-yielding hybrid, accumulated 8 Ib/acre less grain N in both years than did P3906, the lowest yielding hybrid. The N use efficiency (NUE) (lb grain/lb N in above-ground plant parts) was relatively constant for indivdiual hybrids, and averaged over N rates ranged from 68 in both years for AP175 to 61 and 60, respectively, for P3906 in 1989 and 1990. Grain of P3906 in both years was a more concentrated N source than grain of P3737, and especially of AP175, grown under similar conditions.
Modeling weight-loss maintenance to help prevent body weight regain

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle intervention can successfully induce weight loss in obese persons, at least temporarily. However, there currently is no way to quantitatively estimate the changes of diet or physical activity required to prevent weight regain. Such a tool would be helpful for goal-setting, because obese patients and their physicians could assess at the outset of an intervention whether long-term adherence to the calculated lifestyle change is realistic. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to calculate the expected change of steady-state body weight arising from a given change in dietary energy intake and, conversely, to calculate the modification of energy intake required to maintain a particular body-weight change. DESIGN: We developed a mathematical model using data from 8 longitudinal weight-loss studies representing 157 subjects with initial body weights ranging from 68 to 160 kg and stable weight losses between 7 and 54 kg. RESULTS: Model calculations closely matched the change data (R(2) = 0.83, chi(2) = 2.1, P < 0.01 for weight changes; R(2) = 0.91, chi(2) = 0.87, P < 0.0004 for energy intake changes). Our model performed significantly better than the previous models for which chi(2) values were 10-fold those of our model. The model also accurately predicted the proportion of weight change resulting from the loss of body fat (R(2) = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Our model provides realistic calculations of body-weight change and of the dietary modifications required for weight-loss maintenance. Because the model was implemented by using standard spreadsheet software, it can be widely used by physicians and weight-management professionals.
Protein Phosphatase 3 Differentially Modulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor- and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2-Stimulated Cell Proliferation and Signaling in Ovine Fetoplacental Artery Endothelial Cells

A critical process for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-regulated cellular function is reversible protein phosphorylation, which is tightly controlled by a balance of protein kinases and phosphatases. We have reported that in ovine fetoplacental artery endothelial (OFPAE) cells, VEGF and FGF2 stimulate cell proliferation in part via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MAP2K1/2)/mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) pathways. In the present study, we examined if protein phosphatase 3 (PPP3) mediated VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated OFPAE cell proliferation via modulating activation of MAPK3/1 and AKT1. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting human PPP3 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP3CA) was used to suppress PPP3CA protein expression in OFPAE cells. Compared with the scrambled siRNA, PPP3CA siRNA decreased PPP3CA protein levels by approximately 97% without altering protein levels of protein phosphatase 2 catalytic subunit alpha, total MAPK3/1, total AKT1, or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Knockdown of PPP3CA protein expression enhanced VEGF-stimulated, but not FGF2-stimulated, cell proliferation. Knockdown of PPP3CA protein expression did not significantly affect VEGF-induced MAPK3/1 and AKT1 phosphorylation but attenuated FGF2-induced MAPK3/1 and AKT1 phosphorylation. Thus, to our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate successful knockdown of PPP3CA protein expression in any cell model using a single pair of double-strained siRNA. Moreover, specific knockdown of PPP3CA protein expression enhances VEGF-stimulated, but not FGF2-stimulated, OFPAE cell proliferation and attenuates FGF2-induced, but not VEGF-induced, MAPK3/1 and AKT1 activation. Thus, PPP3CA differentially modulates the VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated cell proliferation and signaling cascades in OFPAE cells. These data also suggest that signaling molecules other than MAPK3/1 and AKT1 play an important role in VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated cell proliferation after knockdown of PPP3CA in OFPAE cells.
Numerical analysis of a railroad bolt hole fracture problem

A finite element beam model was used to study the effects of joint bar looseness, rail height mismatch and train speed on the crack driving force for a crack emanating from a bolt hole in the web of a railroad rail. The model accounts for looseness by simulating gaps of varying sizes between rail and joint bars, while the effects of height mismatch were simulated by imposing an impulse to the end of one rail and using modal analysis to determine rail forces. The analysis shows that the crack driving force increases by about 25% as the joint loosens, primarily due to the increase in dynamic wheel load. The results also indicate that a rail height mismatch of 0.25 in. could cause fracture at train speeds as low as 10 mph, if the toughness of the rail steel is low.
Structural Analysis of All the Nickel 14-Membered Tetraaza Macrocycles in the Cambridge Structural Database

One hundred and thirty-nine nickel complexes containing the 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane backbone were found in the Cambridge Structural Database. Cluster analysis was used to separate the structures according to their macrocyclic configurations, using their conformations as a separation criteria. The most commonly found configuration was the trans III configuration. The amount of trans I macrocycles relative to trans III macrocycles was found to be higher for square-planar complexes than octahedral ones. Molecular mechanical conformational searches were done for select structures found in the Cambridge Structural Database.
The repetition effect: A methodological consideration

The appropriateness of averaging the reaction times (RT) for stimulus events with different probabilities of occurrence in determining the magnitude of the “repetition effect” was examined. Each of five Ss performed under two experimental conditions: (l)a two-choice condition in which the stimulus events were equiprobable and (2) a two-choice condition in which one of the stimulus events appeared with the probability of.70. A detailed analysis of the data clearly demonstrated how the commonly used averaging process can lead to misleading interpretations regarding the nature of the repetition effect.
Bacterial and archeal type I topoisomerases

Bacterial and archeal type I topoisomerases, including topoisomerase I, topoisomerase III and reverse gyrase, have different potential roles in the control of DNA topology including regulation of supercoiling and maintenance of genetic stability. Analysis of their coding sequences in different organisms shows that they belong to the type IA family of DNA topoisomerases, but there is variability in organization of various enzymatic domains necessary for topoisomerase activity. The torus-like structure of the conserved transesterification domain with the active site tyrosine for DNA cleavage/rejoining suggests steps of enzyme conformational change driven by DNA substrate and Mg(II) cofactor binding, that are required for catalysis of change in DNA linking number.
INSTRUMENTATION TECHNIQUES FOR CERAMIC RADIANT TUBES

Techniques for the complete temperature testing of ceramic radiant tubes during transient and steady-state operation are presented. These techniques have been developed during tests conducted on full-size reaction-bonded silicon carbide radiant tubes in simulated industrial conditions with imposed radial and axial temperature gradients. The factors under consideration include the type of thermocouple, placement, and fastening techniques to measure the transient and steady-state temperature distributions experienced by tubular components during typical industrial operation. The use of low-mass low-profile type-s or type-k thermocouples is found to be the most practical means of measuring the external axial temperature profiles on ceramic radial tubes. 14 refs.
Using electrical stimulation to control standing posture

Describes strategies that have been used to control standing posture with electrical stimulation and reviews research efforts aimed at improving the performance of stimulation systems.
2009 Community College Futures Assembly Focus: Leading Change—Leading in an Uncertain Environment

The Community College Futures Assembly has served as a national, independent policy thinktank since 1995. Its purpose is to articulate the critical issues facing American community colleges and recognize innovative programs. Convening annually in January in Orlando, Florida, the Assembly offers a learning environment where tough questions are raised, critical issues are discussed, and policy implications are vetted. The focus for the 2009 Community College Futures Assembly was leading change. This special focus issue of the Community College Journal of Research and Practice highlights the best practices of 30 Bellwether trend-setting institutions, as well as other articles that relate to the conference.
Barrier Properties and Surface Characteristics of Edible, Bilayer Films

Various formulations and methods of fabricating a film consisting of edible hydrocolloids and lipids were investigated. Two formulations consisting of a methylcellulose base layer and a beeswax layer, deposited either from a molten state (Wax-M film) or from an ethanolic solution (Wax-S film), were examined for water vapor permeability (WVP), oxygen permeability and other physical properties. WVP values (g-mil-m−2-day−1-mm Hg−1) for the Wax-M and Wax-S films were 0.5 ± 0.05 and 1.6 ± 0.4, respectively. WVP of the two films did not change significantly after storage for 1 wk at -40°C. Oxygen permeability values (g-cm-cm−2-sec−1-mm Hg−1× 10−12) for the Wax-M and Wax-S films were 0.021 ± 0.002 and 0.007 ± 0.002, respectively. The Wax-M film had a more uniform surface topography than the Wax-S film.
Bulk Gas Separation by Pressure Swing Adsorption

Etude theorique et experimentale de la separation d'un melange H 2 /CO, 50/50 sur charbon actif, en deux produits. Comparaison d'un modele d'equilibre et d'un modele de force motrice lineaire. Dans ces deux modeles on tient compte de l'adsorption a partir des deux composants du melange et du bilan energie
A SELF-CONSISTENT-FIELD STUDY OF THE EXCITED STATE π-ELECTRON CHARGES IN PHENOL

— –The semiempirical self-consistent-field (SCF) method was used to calculate the net π-electron charges for phenol in the first excited singlet and first excited triplet states. These calculations differ from the usual ground state calculations in that (i) recently available static excited state data were used wherever possible as the empirical basis for evaluating SCF parameters and (ii) the theory of density matrices was used to include the effects of all singly-excited configurations in the configuration interaction contributions to the excited state π-electron charge densities.
Spectrum utilization efficiency of cognitive radio systems with limited sampling capability: The impact of spectrum non-contiguity

In cognitive radio systems, the available frequency bands are usually non-contiguous, which may cause impact on the spectrum utilization efficiency (SUE).When the receiver has a limited sampling capability, the aliasing phenomenon may cause interference among the signals at different frequency points, thus causing the loss of channel capacity. Information theoretic analysis is carried out to quantify the impact of spectrum non-contiguity on the channel capacity by analyzing the SUE. Beginning from the single sampler case, the analysis is also extended to the general case of sampler arrays. Numerical results are provided to answer several important questions on the impact of spectrum non-contiguity.
Diatom evidence for the onset of Pliocene cooling from AND-1B, McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Abstract The late Pliocene, ~ 3.3–3.0 Ma, is the most recent interval of sustained global warmth in the geologic past. This window is the focus of climate reconstruction efforts by the U.S. Geological Survey's Pliocene Research, Interpretation, and Synoptic Mapping (PRISM) Data/Model Cooperative, and may provide a useful climate analog for the coming century. Reconstructions of past surface ocean conditions proximal to the Antarctic continent are essential to understanding the sensitivity of the cryosphere to this key interval in Earth's climate evolution. An exceptional marine sediment core collected from the southwestern Ross Sea (78° S), Antarctica, during ANDRILL's McMurdo Ice Shelf Project preserves evidence of dramatic fluctuations between grounded ice and productive, open ocean conditions during the late Pliocene, reflecting orbitally-paced glacial/interglacial cycling. In this near-shore record, diatom-rich sediments are recovered from interglacial intervals; two of these diatomites, from ~ 3.2 Ma and 3.03 Ma, are within the PRISM chronologic window. The diatom assemblages identified in PRISM-age late Pliocene diatom-rich sediments are distinct from those in mid-Pliocene and later Pliocene/Pleistocene intervals recovered from AND-1B, and comprise both extant taxa with well-constrained ecological preferences and a diverse extinct flora, some members of which are previously undescribed from Antarctic sediments. Both units are dominated by Chaetoceros resting spores, an indicator of high productivity and stratification that is present at much lower abundance in materials both older and younger than the PRISM-age sediments. Newly described species of the genus Fragilariopsis, which first appear in the AND-1B record at 3.2 Ma, are the most abundant extinct members of the PRISM-age assemblages. Other extant species with established environmental affinities, such as Fragilariopsis sublinearis, F. curta, Stellarima microtrias, and Thalassiothrix antarctica, are present at lower abundances. Environmental inferences drawn from extant diatom assemblages are in good agreement with those from Chaetoceros resting spores and the Fragilariopsis radiation. All three lines of evidence indicate the onset of late Pliocene cooling in the Ross Sea near-shore environment at 3.2 Ma, with intensification and possible regional persistence of summer sea ice by 3.03 Ma. An important implication of this research is the indication that the Ross Ice Shelf fluctuated dramatically on orbital timescales at a time when nearshore Antarctic conditions were only modestly warmer than present.
The interaction of methylcobalamin with tetracyanoplatinate(II), tetrathiocyanoplatinate(II) and tetrachloroplatinate(II)

Abstract The interactions of methylcobalamin (CH3-B12) with Pt(CN)42−, PtCl42−, and Pt(SCN)42− in aqueous solution were studied by UV-visible and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Together with earlier results on the mechanism of the Pt(IV)-dependent methyl-transfer reaction from CH3-B12 to Pt(II), these studies suggest at least three Pt binding sites on CH3-B12. One site, which is occupied by all three complexes (K1 = 4 X 103 M−1 for Pt(CN)42− and 3 X 103 M−1 for PtCl42−), is located on the CoCH3 side of the corrin macrocycle, and is involved in the methyl-transfer process in the presence of a Pt(IV) complex. An additional site for Pt(SCN)42− is the N-3 of the benzimidazole group, resulting in dissociation of this group from the cobalt. An additional site for Pt(CN)42− has a binding constant of 16 M1 and 1H NMR changes indicate perturbation but not dissociation of the benzimidazole group. Only the first interaction is discerned for PtCl42−.
Use of a non-linear model in examining growth responses of loblolly pine to ozone and acid precipitation

Abstract Monthly diameter 2 × height ( d 2 h ) data were measured over two years in open-top chambers at Auburn University, Alabama. This study exposed seedlings from two half-sibling loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) families to ozone and acid precipitation treatments. For these data, the accumulation of d 2 h ) by individual trees over two years was efficiently represented by a six-parameter non-linear model of ln ( d 2 h ) as a function of time. Multivariate analysis of variance using these six estimated parameters for each seedling resulted in greater sensitivity to treatment differences as measured by tests of hypotheses than did analysis of covariance on ln (final d 2 h ). This result illustrates the importance of utilizing appropriate analyses that can bring as much of the data as is possible to bear on the question at hand. A test for additional information indicated that five of the six parameters contributed important information concerning treatment differences for at least one of the two families tested. It may be inferred that the treatments have an important effect on the nature of d 2 h accumulation within a growing season as well as on the d 2 h at the end of the growing season.
Propagation and amplification of gap waves between a piezoelectric half-space and a semiconductor film

We study wave propagation in a piezoelectric ceramic half-space with a thin semiconductor film and an air gap between the film and the half-space. Two-dimensional equations for a thin film are used to model the semiconductor film and the air gap. The half-space is governed by the three-dimensional equations of linear piezoelectricity. It is shown that an anti-plane wave can propagate in such a system. An equation that determines the dispersion relation of the wave is obtained. Solutions to the equation show that the wave has both dispersion and attenuation, and can be amplified by a biasing dc electric field.
Scattering amplitude computations for dielectrics that depend on two spatial variables

A modified method of lines combined with a suitable transformation of the resulting coupled differential equations is developed for solving TM plane waves incident on cylindrical structures with dielectric properties that are function of two spatial directions. Numerical performance of the method is presented and found to be satisfactory. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1496–1499, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26853
Magnetic field effects on float-zone Si crystal growth

Abstract A transverse magnetic field of 1800 G was applied to the float-zone growth of Ga-doped Si to assess its effects on the distribution of Ga in the crystal. The crystals were grown at a constant average growth rate of 4 mm/min and crystal rotation rates of 12, 6 and 0 rpm. Both application of a magnetic field and rotation of the crystal lead to reduction in the frequency of the fine non-rotational striations. The magnetic field also curtails complex structure (“feathering”) in the striations. The application of a magnetic field also reduces the amplitude of axial spreading resistance fluctuations at the center of the crystal for rotation rates of 6 and 12 rpm.
Financial returns, price determinants, and genre effects in American art investment

Past studies on art investment, generally have found that returns are low and risk is high. In this study we find that the return to art investment is more in line with traditional investments and thus the cost for consumption associated with art seems fairly small. Employing a large sample of paintings by 66 American artists sold at auction between 1971–1992, average returns are found to be over 9 per cent and 3 per cent in nominal and real terms, respectively. The model employs a log linear price regression estimated by pooled cross section and time series data, and allows rates of return as well as hedonic values for various painting and auction attributes to be estimated. These include size, media, age of execution, authenticity of the work, and auction month and house. In addition, rates of return are differentiated by artist, time period of investment, price range and genre of the painting. The findings indicate significant sensitivity of rates of return to these data stratifications.
Sperm production and transfer by Heliothis virescens, H. subflexa, and the sterile hybrid males

Sterile hybrids from interspecific crosses between Heliothis virescens (F.) and H. subflexa (Guenee) produced as many sperm bundles in their testes as did the parent species. Also, the ratio of eupyrene to apyrene sperm bundles was similar for the 4 types of males. A main function of the spermatophores was to eject the sperm from the collum into the seminal duct of the female. Although spermatophores from hybrid males contained as many eupyrene sperm bundles as the spermatophores from males of either species, these bundles did not completely break down within the spermatophore. Rather, they formed a plug of eupyrene sperm in the corpus of the spermatophore at the opening of the collum. Thus, when females had mated with hybrid males, the apyrene sperm in the collum were the only ones ejected and the only type that reached the spermatheca.
Enhanced interaction energy shifts in the x-ray spectrum of 163Ho.

A systematic difference between the x-ray energies emitted by the daughter atom produced in electron-capture radioactive decay and the usual ``characteristic'' x-ray energies produced by electron bombardment or photoemission is noted. Particularly, enhanced differences are predicted for certain elements, and some measurements demonstrating this effect are presented.
Reflectance reduction of InP wafers after high-temperature annealing

Broadband reduction of light reflection from the surface of InP wafers after high-temperature annealing in air has been observed. In the transparency region of the material, the reflection drop is accompanied by increasing transmission of light through the wafer. The spectral position of a deep minimum of the reflection coefficient can be tuned, by varying the temperature and the time of annealing, in a wide spectral range from ultraviolet to infrared. The effect is due to formation of thermal oxide layers on the surfaces of the wafer with optical parameters favorable for antireflection.