cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quasigroups and tactical systems

A quasigroupQ is a set together with a binary operation which satisfies the condition that any two elements of the equationxy =z uniquely determines the third. A quasigroup is in indempotent when any elementx satisfies the indentityxx =x. Several types of Tactical Systems are defined as arrangement of points into “blocks” in such a way as to balance the incidence of (ordered or unordered) pairs of points, and shown to be coexistent with idempotent quasigroups satisfying certain identifies. In particular the correspondences given are: 1. totally symmetric idempotent quasigroups and Steiner triple systems, 2. semi-symmetric idempotent quasigroups and directed triple systems, 3. idempotent quasigroups satisfying Schroder's Second Law, namely (xy)(yx)=x, and triple tourna-ments, and 4. idempotent quasigroups satisfying Stein's Third Law, namely (xy)(yx)=y, and directed tournaments. These correspondences are used to obtain corollaries on the existence of such quasig-roups from constructions of the Tactical Systems. In particular this provides a counterexample to an ”almost conjecture“ of Norton and Stein (1956) concerning the existence of those quasigroups in 3 and 4 above. Indeed no idempotent qnasigroups satisfying Stein's Third Law and with order divisible by four were known to N. S. Mendelsohn when he wrote a paper on such quasigroups for the Third Waterloo Conference on Combinatorics (May, 1968). Finally, a construction for triple tournaments is interpreted as a Generalized Semi-Direct Product of idempotent quasigroups.
Receptors, ion channels and synaptic potentials underlying the integrative actions of excitatory amino acids

Abstract Excitatory amino acid (EAA) transmitters have multiple effects on CNS neurons by interacting with at least two categories of pharmacologically distinguishable postsynaptic receptors: N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors. Activation of non-NMDA receptors can indirectly activate voltage-dependent processes, whereas activation of NMDA-receptors can result in both direct and indirect activation of responses that are voltage sensitive and involve an increase in the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration. Synaptic potentials mediated by non-NMDA receptors are fast, while those mediated by NMDA receptors are longer in duration. These temporal properties, taken in conjunction with the voltage sensitivity and permeability to Ca 2+ of the NMDA receptor channel, suggest that synaptic inputs mediated by a combination of non-NMDA and NMDA receptors could have diverse effects on the activity of neurons and neuronal circuits.
The (Nb6Cl122+ ion: Tracer studies and the nature of decomposition in aqueous solution

Abstract Tracer studies conducted on aqueous solutions of (Nb 6 Cl 12 )Cl 2 ·8H 2 O with Cl-36 at 90 °C have indicated the (Nb 6 Cl 12 ) 2+ ion to be highly inert toward isotopic exchange of the chloride ligands. During the tracer studies at 90 °C aqueous solutions of Nb 6 Cl 14 ·8H 2 O were noted to undergo slow decomposition. Such decomposition was observed to occur in the presence of an oxygen, nitrogen or argon atmosphere. Hydrogen gas and hydrated niobium pentoxide were found to be the final products of decomposition which is consistent with the following reaction: Nb 6 Cl 14 ·8 H 2 0 + 7 H 2 O → 3 Nb 2 O 5 + 14 HCl + 8 H 2 .
Isotype-specific regulation of the IgE response by IgE-binding factors

The IgE response is regulated by antigen-speck helper and suppressor T cells. Here Kimishige Ishizaka and his colleagues discuss recent work which indicates that soluble IgE-binding T-cell factors provide an additional, isotypespecific level of control on the antibody response.
Theory, modeling and analysis of turbulent supercritical mixing

Previous studies of supercritical three-dimensional mixing layers are reviewed to derive a unified understanding of supercritical turbulence and mixing. These studies consisted of Direct Numerical Simulations of mixing layers having initially a single chemical species in each of the two free streams. Each mixing layer was initially perturbed, which led to a double pairing of four initial spanwise vortices. These pairings yielded in each case an ultimate vortex within which small scales proliferated, resulting in a state having turbulence characteristics, called a transitional state. The evolution of the layer to this transitional state and the state itself were previously analyzed to elucidate the features of supercritical turbulence and mixing. This analysis is here used to classify those supercritical turbulent mixing characteristics that are species-system independent or species-system dependent. Finally, comments are offered on future prospects of developing small-scale models particularly suited for Large Eddy Simulations of supercritical turbulent mixing.
Schadenfreude as a mate-value-tracking mechanism

This study proposed a new theoretical formulation of schadenfreude as a psychological mechanism that responds to misfortunes that lower competitors' mate value. In Study 1, participants reported schadenfreude in response to their friends' naturally occurring and hypothetical misfortunes. In Study 2, participants reported schadenfreude in response to an envied friend experiencing a hypothetical misfortune linked with female or male mate value. As predicted, females in both studies reported more schadenfreude when a same-gender friend experienced a misfortune that lowered her physical attractiveness versus social status. Less consistent support was found for the prediction that males would report more schadenfreude when a same-gender friend experienced a misfortune that lowered his social status versus physical attractiveness. This study suggests several directions for future research.
The carotenoid biosynthetic pathway: Thinking in all dimensions

The carotenoid biosynthetic pathway serves manifold roles in plants related to photosynthesis, photoprotection, development, stress hormones, and various volatiles and signaling apocarotenoids. The pathway also produces compounds that impact human nutrition and metabolic products that contribute to fragrance and flavor of food and non-food crops. It is no surprise that the pathway has been a target of metabolic engineering, most prominently in the case of Golden Rice. The future success and predictability of metabolic engineering of carotenoids rests in the ability to target carotenoids for specific physiological purposes as well as to simultaneously modify carotenoids along with other desired traits. Here, we ask whether predictive metabolic engineering of the carotenoid pathway is indeed possible. Despite a long history of research on the pathway, at this point in time we can only describe the pathway as a parts list and have almost no knowledge of the location of the complete pathway, how it is assembled, and whether there exists any trafficking of the enzymes or the carotenoids themselves. We discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the "complete" pathway and make the argument that predictive metabolic engineering of the carotenoid pathway (and other pathways) will require investigation of the three dimensional state of the pathway as it may exist in plastids of different ultrastructures. Along with this message we point out the need to develop new types of visualization tools and resources that better reflect the dynamic nature of biosynthetic pathways.
The mineralogical composition of the calcareous corpuscles of Taenia taeniaeformis.

Abstract 1. 1. The mineral content of calcareous corpuscles of cestodes is amorphous in vivo and consists primarily of Ca, Mg, P, and CO2. 2. 2. The results of a series of heat and chemical transformations of isolated Taenia taeniaeformis corpuscles and synthetic mixtures suggest that the major inorganic components of the native corpuscles are in the form of an amorphous calcium phosphate and an amorphous MgCaCO2 complex. 3. 3. The fact that still other inorganic constituents must be present is demonstrable not only from the analytical data but also from the isolation of a thermolabile fraction.
Finite Element Analysis of Controlled-source Electromagnetic Induction For Near-surface Geophysical Prospecting

A three-dimensional finite element solution to the coupled-potential (A,Ψ) formulation of Maxwell’s diffusive equations has been developed for controlled-source electromagnetic prospecting in the near-surface region. The solution is formulated in terms of the secondary (As,Ψs) potentials, and is calculated over a simple rectangular tetrahedral mesh. Electric and magnetic fields are recovered with a simple finite difference. The results have been tested against known analytic solutions with very promising results, and is currently being tested against other available solutions for more complex conductivity distributions.
PHOTOMETRY OF TYPE II CEPHEIDS. I. THE LONG-PERIOD STARS

We present 1256 new photometric observations of 36 Cepheids with periods longer than 8 days. The majority are likely type II Cepheids, but we have included about a dozen classical Cepheids for comparison purposes, a few stars of uncertain type, and one putative RV Tauri star. We discuss the appearance of the light curves, the Fourier parameters, and the light-curve stability in terms of differentiation between type I and type II Cepheids. Although we encounter the same difficulties as previous investigators in using these parameters for this purpose, we are able to identify some stars of particular interest, including several likely type I Cepheids at large distances from the Galactic plane. Six stars with especially large period changes are identified and discussed.
An inductive fuzzy damage classification approach for structural health monitoring

Structural health monitoring (SHM) research gained momentum in the last two decades. Early damage detection in infrastructure is the main goal of SHM to enhance structural reliability and safety. SHM has a broader impact by extending service life of structures. A critical part of damage detection is to quantify damage severity in structures. In this article, fuzzy set theory is used in the damage classification process. Using principles of inductive reasoning, fuzzy sets are established to describe damage states in the structure. The proposed method does not rely on a specific damage feature and is applicable to different SHM systems. To demonstrate the ability of the proposed method in damage classification, two case studies are demonstrated. The two cases examine damage detection in a multi-story structure and in a pipeline structure. We establish fuzzy sets based on SHM inducted knowledge and then we implement fuzzy pattern recognition means to identify the unknown states of damage. The efficiency of the proposed method in damage detection is presented.
Relationship of Class Participation to Personality, Ability, and Achievement Variables

(1971). Relationship of Class Participation to Personality, Ability, and Achievement Variables. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 193-198.
“Big, Middle-Class Modernism”*

OCTOBER 131, Winter 2010, pp. 69–115. © 2010 October Magazine, Ltd. and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While organizing a small exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art some years ago, it occurred to me that curatorial display might be understood as a glorified form of interior decoration. Once the loans were secured, the artworks received, the condition reports completed, and the exhibition essay written, what remained was the task of arranging objects and effects—paintings, placards, display cases, lighting fixtures, wall colors, and, in this case, a single piece of furniture: a bench—to look their best in a particular room. To liken curatorial practice to interior decoration is to demean its art-historical rigor and professional stature. But why should this necessarily be the case? Why should interior decoration be seen as embarrassing, discrediting, or otherwise trivializing in relation to modern art and museum exhibition? The practice of interior decoration connotes ornamental rather than structural alteration, a reworking of surfaces, textures, fabrics, and finishes, rather than a construction or substantial reshaping of space. Where the word “design” suggests both conceptual and practical expertise (“to plan and execute
Guinea Pig Striatum as a Model of Human Dopamine Deamination: The Role of Monoamine Oxidase Isozyme Ratio, Localization, and Affinity for Substrate in Synaptic Dopamine Metabolism

: The kinetic properties of type A and type B monoamine oxidase (MAO) were examined in guinea pig striatum, rat striatum, and autopsied human caudate nucleus using 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine, DA) as the substrate. MAO isozyme ratio in guinea pig striatum (28% type A/72% type B) was similar to that in human caudate nucleus (25% type A/75% type B) but different from that in rat striatum (76% type A/24% type B). Additional similarities between guinea pig striatum and human caudate nucleus were demonstrated for the affinity constants (Km) of each MAO isozyme toward DA. Endogenous concentrations of DA, 3-methoxytyramine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid were also measured in guinea pig and rat striatum following selective type A (clorgyline-treated) and type B (deprenyl-treated) MAO inhibition. In guinea pig, DA metabolism was equally but only partially affected by clorgyline or deprenyl alone. Combined treatment with clorgyline and deprenyl was required for maximal alterations in DA metabolism. By contrast, DA metabolism in rat striatum was extensively altered by clorgyline but unaffected by deprenyl alone. Finally, the deamination of DA in synaptosomes from guinea pig striatum was examined following selective MAO isozyme inhibition. Neither clorgyline nor deprenyl alone reduced synaptosomal DA deamination. However, clorgyline and deprenyl together reduced DA deamination by 94%. These results suggest that the isozyme localization and/or isozyme affinity for DA, rather than the absolute isozyme content, determines the relative importance of type A and type B MAO in synaptic DA deamination. Moreover, based on the enzyme kinetic properties of each MAO isozyme, guinea pig striatum may serve as a suitable model of human DA deamination.
Numerical Simulation of Two-Phase Water Behavior in the Cathode of an Interdigitated Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

As an alternative to traditional reactant flow field design, interdigitated flow field configuration is also of interest to fuel cell design engineers and academic researchers. In this work, the two-phase flow behavior inside the cathode of an interdigitated proton exchange membrane fuel cell, including both gas flow channel and porous gas diffusion layer, is numerically studied. The effects of variable design and operational parameters, including channel surface wettability and operating pressure, on water behavior are investigated. A Darcy's law based porous media model is used for the simulation of the two-phase transport inside the cathode gas diffusion layer, and some interesting two-phase behaviors, such as liquid water distribution under different operating condition, are observed. Compared with the water transport characteristics of a serpentine flow field, the current study shows significant difference for an interdigitated configuration, in terms of two-phase water transport. Although the interdigitated design is generally not considered viable for practical applications in fuel cell, it does provide a convenient platform for fundamental studies of multiphase transport and valuable insights in fuel cell design and optimization.
Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 on Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Communities in a Mojave Desert Ecosystem

The effects of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide [CO2] on microbial communities in arid rhizosphere soils beneath Larrea tridentata were examined. Roots of Larrea were harvested from plots fumigated with elevated or ambient levels of [CO2] using Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) technology. Twelve bacterial and fungal rRNA gene libraries were constructed, sequenced and categorized into operational taxonomical units (OTUs). There was a significant decrease in OTUs within the Firmicutes (bacteria) in elevated [CO2], and increase in Basiomycota (fungi) in rhizosphere soils of plots exposed to ambient [CO2]. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that OTUs belonged to a wide range of bacterial and fungal taxa. To further study changes in bacterial communities, Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (QPCR) was used to quantify populations of bacteria in rhizosphere soil. The concentration of total bacteria 16S rDNA was similar in conditions of enriched and ambient [CO2]. However, QPCR of Gram-positive microorganisms showed a 43% decrease in the population in elevated [CO2]. The decrease in representation of Gram positives and the similar values for total bacterial DNA suggest that the representation of other bacterial taxa was promoted by elevated [CO2]. These results indicate that elevated [CO2] changes structure and representation of microorganisms associated with roots of desert plants.
The Russian State in the Time of Putin

As Putin's second term ends, the tone of Western opinion toward the president has turned increasingly rancorous. Those who feel embittered by the emergence of semi-authoritarianism and crony capitalism out of the communist collapse might consider blaming the theory as well as the man. This article characterizes the post-communist Russian state and Putin's legacy as state builder. Drawing on the Russian studies literature, the article looks at the underlying mechanisms that have long shaped state—society relations in Russia. Using the concept of power resources as an analytical tool, the article attempts to illuminate these mechanisms and, in so doing, examines what is new and what is familiar in the post-communist Russian state.
Analysis of chlorophyll diagenesis—I. Kinetics of the phorbide to porphyrin transition

Abstract The objective of this project is to quantify selected transitions in the diagenetic pathways of chlorophyll in deep ocean sediments, initially the aromatization from phorbides (unstable) to porphyrins (stable), using a model system which closely resembles the compounds identified in oceanic sediments. We determined the kinetic parameters for the aromatization of deoxomesopyropheophorbide a methyl ester (DOMPP) to deoxophylloerythrin methyl ester (DPE) in the presence of Cu(II) in a series of solvents ranging from highly polar and protic to nonpolar and aprotic, representing varying sedimentary environments. With Cu(II) in ethanol, the aromatization occurs through a pathway which involves a relatively slow initial formation of CuDOMPP, rapid aromatization to CuDPE, and finally an equilibrium reaction in the presence of clay which induces demetalation to form the free base DPE. Based on our model studies, only DOMPP, CuDPE and some DPE would be detected in significant quantities in more polar, protic sedimentary environments on a geologic time scale, although the story might be different with changed environment polarity. Our model studies may ultimately reconcile laboratory observations with those based on DSDP cores which appear to indicate that the diagenetic sequence proceeds from phorbide to free base porphyrin, followed by metalation of the porphyrin.
Research‐oriented data base for rock and paleomagnetism to be developed

Plans for constructing a second-generation paleomagnetic data base incorporating paleosecular variation, paleo-intensity, paleopole positions, and reversal records are expanding to include fundamental and applied rock magnetic data. The Institute for Rock Magnetism (IRM) at the University of Minnesota held an initial planning meeting in early September to discuss design considerations for a new rock magnetic data base, and whether it should be subsumed under the new paleomagnetic umbrella. Technical aspects of modern data base design and how to deal with the particular difficulties of storing, searching, and retrieving multi-variable rock magnetic data were the focus of the meeting.
Applied plaster impressions for maxillary complete dentures.

Abstract A technique has been described for making maxillary impressions using fast-setting plaster that is applied directly to the soft tissues without a tray. The technique produces an accurate impression of movable soft tissues without distortion.
Perceptual assessment of resonance distortion in unoperated clefts of the secondary palate.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency with which five speech-language pathologists made judgments of hypernasality during the clinical assessment of young children with unoperated and repaired clefts of the secondary palate. Among the 293 nonsyndromic patients with secondary palate clefts included in this study, 219 were between 1 and 2 years of age. Of those, 83 had undergone primary palatoplasty whereas 136 had not. The remaining 74 children were between the ages of 4 and 5 years and presented with repaired secondary palatal clefts. The results showed that the clinicians were unable or unwilling to assess hypernasality in 31% of the 1 to 2 year old children with unoperated clefts. The same clinicians failed to evaluate oral-nasal resonance balance in only 12% of the children in the 1- to 2-year age group who had undergone palate repair. Only 1 of the 74 older children (1.4%) was not evaluated for hypernasality. Possible explanations for these findings are presented and discussed.
Representing Ethnographic Data Through the Epistolary Form A Correspondence Between a Breastmilk Donor and Recipient

This article experiments with the dialogic epistolary form as a non-traditional representation of ethnographic research on the topic of breastmilk donation. The epistolary genre was chosen because its structure, purpose, and history embodies the key findings of this research, for example, the gulf between milk donors and recipients and the curiosity held by each for the other. The article argues that the dialogic epistolary form provides a more engaging, expansive, and expressive account of the researcher’s role in the ethnographic research process than that offered by traditional academic genres. The article presents research findings in the epistolary form, which provides an accessible and novel presentation of research by inviting readers to occupy the position of both the milk donor and the donor milk recipient. The letters can be used as a resource by health professionals and communities involved in human milk donation or the use of donor milk. The letters are accompanied by an exegesis which offers ...
The Joy of Sampling

A standard method for handling Bayesian models is to use Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to draw samples from the posterior. We demonstrate this method on two core problems in computer vision—structure from motion and colour constancy. These examples illustrate a samplers producing useful representations for very large problems. We demonstrate that the sampled representations are trustworthy, using consistency checks in the experimental design. The sampling solution to structure from motion is strictly better than the factorisation approach, because: it reports uncertainty on structure and position measurements in a direct ways it can identify tracking errorss and its estimates of covariance in marginal point position are reliable. Our colour constancy solution is strictly better than competing approaches, because: it reports uncertainty on surface colour and illuminant measurements in a direct ways it incorporates all available constraints on surface reflectance and on illumination in a direct ways and it integrates a spatial model of reflectance and illumination distribution with a rendering model in a natural way. One advantage of a sampled representation is that it can be resampled to take into account other information. We demonstrate the effect of knowing that, in our colour constancy example, a surface viewed in two different images is in fact the same object. We conclude with a general discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the sampling paradigm as a tool for computer vision.
On the reliability of PCA for complex hyperspectral data

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a popular tool for initial investigation of hyperspectral image data. There are many ways in which the estimated eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the covariance matrix are used. Further steps in the analysis or model building for hyperspectral images are often dependent on those estimated quantities. It is therefore important to know how precisely the eigenvalues and eigenvectors are estimated, and how the precision depends on the sampling scheme, the sample size, and the covariance structure of the data. This issue is especially relevant for applications such as difficult target detection, where the precision of further steps in the algorithm may depend on the reliable knowledge of the estimated eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The sampling properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors are known to some extent in statistical literature (mostly in the form of asymptotic results for large sample sizes). Unfortunately, those results usually do not apply in the context of hyperspectral images. In this paper, we investigate the sampling properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors under three scenarios. The first two scenarios consider the type of sampling traditionally used in statistics, and the third scenario considers the variability due to image noise, which is more appropriate for hyperspectral imaging applications. For all three scenarios, we show the precision associated with the estimated eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Combinations of resting RSA and RSA reactivity impact maladaptive mood repair and depression symptoms.

Abstract We examined whether the combined indices of respiratory sinus arrhythmia at rest (resting RSA) and in response to a sad film (RSA reactivity) predict effective and ineffective responses to reduce sadness (adaptive vs. maladaptive mood repair) in women with histories of juvenile-onset depression ( n = 74) and no history of major mental disorders ( n = 75). Structural equation models were used to estimate latent resting RSA, depression, and adaptive and maladaptive mood repair and to test the study hypotheses. Results indicated that combinations of resting RSA + RSA reactivity (RSA patterns) predicted maladaptive mood repair, which in turn, mediated the effects of RSA pattern on depression. Further, RSA patterns moderated the depressogenic effects of maladaptive mood repair. RSA patterns were unrelated to adaptive mood repair. Our findings suggest that mood repair is one mechanism through which physiological vulnerabilities adversely affect mental health.
A Study of I/o in a pArallel Finite Element Groundwater Transport Code

A parallel finite element groundwater transport code is used to compare three different strategies for performing parallel I/O: 1 have a single processor collect data and perform sequential I/O in large blocks, 2 use variations of vendor-specific I/O extensions, or 3 use the extended distributed object network I/O EDONIO library. Each processor performs many writes of 1 to 4 kilobytes to reorganize local data in a global shared file. The findings suggest having a single processor collect data and per form large block-contiguous operations may be quite effi cient and portable for up to 32 processor configurations. This approach does not scale well for a larger number of processors because the single processor becomes a bot tleneck for gathering data. The effective application I/O rate observed, which includes times for opening and clos ing files, is only a fraction of the peak device read/write rates. Some form of data redistribution and buffering in remote memory as performed in EDONIO may yield sig nificant improvements for noncontiguous data I/O access patterns and short requests. Implementors of parallel I/O systems may consider some form of buffering as per formed in EDONIO to speed up such I/O requirements.
Do Ethnic and Nonethnic Civil Wars Have the Same Causes?: A Theoretical and Empirical Inquiry (Part 1)

A booming quantitative literature on large-scale political violence has identified important economic and political determinants of civil war. That literature has treated civil war as an aggregate category and has not considered if identity (ethnic/religious) wars have different causes than nonidentity wars. The author argues that this is an important distinction and that identity wars are due predominantly to political grievance rather than lack of economic opportunity. Ethnic heterogeneity is also associated differently with identity than nonidentity wars. Some systemic variables are also important determinants of civil war, and these have been neglected in the existing literature. An important new result is that living in a bad neighborhood, with undemocratic neighbors or neighbors at war, significantly increases a country’s risk of experiencing ethnic civil war.
Maintaining a Pine Legacy in Itasca State Park

ABSTRACT: Itasca State Park, located in the northern central portion of Minnesota, is challenged with maintaining a pine forest covertype, yet regeneration failures may allow much of the park to succeed to northern hardwoods. Efforts to improve pine regeneration and growth have included deer exclosures and prescribed burning to reduce competing vegetation. We revisited Itasca's Mary Lake deer exclosure 66 years after establishment to compare stand development, structure, and white pine (Pinus strobus L.) regeneration and growth with that of adjacent plots that have been: (1) untreated and (2) recently repeatedly under-burned. Overstory structure and composition was similar among all three treatments, and mid- and understory structures were similar in the treatments subject to deer browse. Sapling and midstory white pine were only present in the exclosure. White pine regeneration was present in all treatments and most abundant in the burned treatment, but was restricted to the smallest height class and con...
Broadening the Genetic Base of Common Bean Cultivars

Knowledge, access, and use of diversity available in cultivated and wild relatives are essential for broadening the genetic base of cultivars to sustain improvement. My objectives are to review briefly the origin, domestication, and organization of genetic diversity in Phaseolus beans, highlight production problems and traits deficient in the common bean (P. vulgaris L.) cultivars, cite sources of useful gemplasm, and review progress achieved in broadening the genetic base of cultivars. Phaseolus beans originated in the Americas. Only five species, P. acutifolius A. Gray, P. coccineus L., P. lunatus L., P. polyanthus Greenman, and P. vulgaris L. were domesticated. The interspecies diversity in relation to common bean is organized in primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary gene pools. Intraspecies diversity in common bean is separated into two major gene pools (Andean and Middle American). Cultivars are further divided into races, each with their distinguishing characteristics. Also, cultivars of dry seed and snap bean exist. Abiotic and biotic stresses limit common bean production. The genetic base of cultivars within market classes is narrow and inadequate level of resistance to common bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Smith) Dye] and white mold [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary] exist in cultivars. High levels of resistance to these and other desirable traits exist in the relatives and gene pools of P. vulgaris. Early maturity, adaptation to higher latitude, upright plant type, high pod quality and seed yield, and resistance to Bean common mosaic virus (a potyvirus) andlor rust [caused by Uromyces appendiculatus (Pers.:Pers.) Unger] have been bred into cultivars. However, most of the genetic variability available in the common bean races, gene pools, and wild relatives remains to be utilized. To maximize and sustain bean production, high yielding, high quality cultivars that are less dependent on water, fertilizer, pesticides, and manual labor should be developed. This need warrants sustained, comprehensive, and integrated genetic improvement, in which favorable alleles from cultivated and wild relatives are accumulated in superior cultivars. A three-tiered breeding approach involving:(i) gene introgression from alien germplasm, (ii) pyramiding favorable alleles from different sources, and (iii) simultaneous improvement of multiple traits for common bean cultivars would be the most appropriate strategies to meet theses needs.
The Impact of a Locally Applied Vibrating Device on Outpatient Venipuncture in Children

Objective. To assess the impact of a locally applied vibrating device on outpatient venipuncture in children. Method. A retrospective review of survey data collected prospectively as part of a quality improvement project. Both patients and phlebotomists were surveyed. The sample consisted of 64 children aged 4 to 18 years (29 prior to the implementation of the vibrating device and 35 afterward) and 7 phlebotomists. Results. Prior to the use of the vibrating device, 17 children (59%) indicated that they wished something had been done to decrease venipuncture pain. Eighty percent of the cohort that used the vibrating device indicated that they would like it used for future procedures. Children with previous venipuncture experiences appeared to benefit most from use of the vibrating technique. The phlebotomists reported that vibration made the procedure easier in 81% of the cases; none reported that it complicated the procedure. Conclusions. Locally applied vibration appears to be a well-accepted technique t...
QUALITY VARIATIONS AND MAXIMAL VARIETY DIFFERENTIATION

We allow quality variations in a duopoly of locationally differentiated products a-la-Hotelling (1929). We analyze the impact of quality variations on the choices of the varieties produced. We show that in a sequential game of variety choice and subsequent quality and price choice there exist only maximal variety differentiation equilibria in pure strategies. Maximal variety differentiation is also the perfect pure strategies equilibrium of a sequential game of variety choice followed by quality choice and later by price choice. In both games there is minimal quality differentiation at equilibrium.
Paradoxical Dampening of Anti-Islet Self-Reactivity but Promotion of Diabetes by OX40 Ligand

Costimulatory signals received by diabetogenic T cells during priming by or upon secondary encounter with autoantigen are decisive in determining the outcome of autoimmune attack. The OX40-OX40 ligand (OX40L) costimulatory pathway is known to influence T cell responses, prompting us to examine its role in autoimmune diabetes. A null allele at OX40L completely prevented diabetes development in nonobese diabetic mice and strongly reduced its incidence in a TCR transgenic model (BDC2.5). However, somewhat paradoxically, the initial activation of T cells responsive to islet β cell Ag was slightly faster and more efficient in the absence of OX40L, with an increased degree of cell proliferation and survival in the deficient hosts. Activated T cell migration into and retention within the islets was also slightly accelerated. When challenged in vitro, splenocytes from BDC2.5.OX40Lo/o mice showed no altered reactivity to exogenously added peptide, no bias to the Th1 or Th2 phenotype, and no alteration in T cell survival. Thus, the OX40/OX40L axis has the paradoxical effect of dampening the early activation and migration of autoimmune T cells, but sustains the long-term progression to autoimmune destruction.
Variance scaling in shallow‐cumulus‐topped mixed layers

Scaling of thermodynamic variance in shallow-cumulus-topped mixed layers is studied using large-eddy simulation (LES). First, the performance of the top-down scaling (the turbulent flux at mixed-layer top divided by w*) is evaluated for transient shallow-cumulus convection over land. The results indicate that this scaling fails to capture all the variance in the top half of the mixed layer when shallow cumulus clouds are present. A variance-budget analysis is then performed, to derive a new scaling for the variance at mixed-layer top, which differs from the standard top-down scaling by a factor of one Richardson number. The essential new features of the proposed scaling are that the local vertical gradient is retained and that a balance is assumed between gradient production of variance and removal by transport and dissipation, using an adjustment time-scale given by w*/h. Evaluation against LES for a range of different cases, including a dry convective boundary layer as well as steady-state marine and transient continental shallow cumulus, reveals a data-collapse of the newly-scaled variance, for all hours and all cases in the top half of the mixed layer. The corresponding vertical structure is shown to resemble a power-law function. The results suggest that the structure of variance in the dry convective boundary layer is similar to that in the sub-cloud mixed layer. In transient situations, the scaling reproduces the time-development of variance at sub-cloud mixed-layer top. The new cloud-base variance scale is then further interpreted in the context of statistical cloud schemes, which depend on the variance as the second moment of the associated probability density function. The results suggest that the area fraction of the moist convective thermals uniquely depends on the ratio of cloud-base transition-layer depth to sub-cloud mixed-layer depth. This puts ‘valve’- or ventilation-type closures for the cloud-base mass flux in the context of the variance budget for the sub-cloud layer. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Low power 8T SRAM using 32nm independent gate FinFET technology

In this paper, new SRAM cell design methods for FinFET technology are proposed. One of the most important features of FinFET is that the independent front and back gate can be biased differently to control the current and the device threshold voltage. By controlling the back gate of FinFET, SRAM cell can be designed for minimum power consumption. This paper proposes a new 8T (8 transistors) SRAM structure that reduces dynamic power in writing operation and provides wider SNM (static noise margin). Using the new FinFET based 8T SRAM cell, dynamic power consumption is reduced about 48% and the SNM is widened up to 56% compared to the conventional 6T SRAM at the expense of 2% leakage power and 3% write delay increase.
Dual vasoactive effects of tolazoline on rabbit pulmonary arteries

Objective: To determine the vasoactive effects of tolazoline on isolated rabbit pulmonary arteries. Design: Prospective, in vitro, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Experimental laboratory in a university-affiliated hospital. Participants: New Zealand White Rabbits. Interventions: The pulmonary artery rings were obtained via thoracotomy. Their vasoactive responses were assessed in the presence and absence of intact endothelium and with or without precontraction by norepinephrine (NE, 3 × 10−6 M) or potassium chloride (KCl, 3 × 10−2 M). Using a tissue bath preparation, cumulative concentration response curves of tolazoline were obtained at different concentrations (10−9 to 10−4 M) after a period of stabilization. Measurements and Main Results: Tolazoline caused vasoconstriction of isolated pulmonary arteries without any pretreatment. The magnitude of the constriction was dose related and reached 300 g/g wet tissue at a concentration of 10−4 M. On KCl-precontracted pulmonary arteries, tolazoline caused significant dose-related vasoconstriction. On the NE-precontracted vessel rings, it elicited significant dose-dependent vasodilation up to 60% relaxation at 10−5 M. All the above effects were endothelium independent. Conclusions: Tolazoline has dual endothelium-independent vasoactive effects, causing vasoconstriction on isolated rabbit pulmonary arteries, either untreated or precontracted with KCl, and vasodilation on those precontracted with NE. Tolazoline may act as a competitive alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agent.
Differentiating neutrophils using the optical coulter counter

We present an opto-fluidic measurement system that quantifies cell volume, dry mass and nuclear morphology of neutrophils in high-throughput. While current clinical hematology analyzers can differentiate neutrophils from a blood sample, they do not give other quantitative information beyond their count. In order to better understand the distribution of neutrophil phenotypes in a blood sample, we perform two distinct multivariate measurements. In both measurements, white blood cells are driven through a microfluidic channel and imaged while in flow onto a color camera using a single exposure. In the first measurement, we quantify cell volume, scattering strength, and cell dry mass by combining quantitative phase imaging with dye exclusion cell volumetric imaging. In the second measurement, we quantify cell volume and nuclear morphology using a nucleic acid fluorescent stain. In this way, we can correlate cell volume to other cellular characteristics, which would not be possible using an electrical coulter counter. Unlike phase imaging or cell scattering analysis, the optical coulter counter is capable of quantifying cell volume virtually independent of the cell’s refractive index and unlike optical tomography, measurements are possible on quickly flowing cells, enabling high-throughput.
A scan of the horizon indicates conservation is changing, but are conservation-related societies?

I n societies, organizations, and institutions, we often look backwards to understand the way forward. While this can be important, it can also be detrimental if done too often or becomes an over-relied upon practice. At major international car shows, companies display the make and model for those cars that have done well in the past, but the biggest attraction is the cars of the future (figure 1). At the biggest agricultural trade shows in the country, the equipment that has the biggest audience is the newest or most futuristic (figure 2). When we want to develop new collaborations, do we go to [classmates.com][1] and look up old high school buddies? No, we look for new opportunities through occupations, societies, or programs. So, when it comes to conservation, shouldn't we be doing the same thing—looking forward and not looking in the rearview mirror? Shouldn't we be looking ahead, far ahead to be able to see new challenges and the potential for solutions to current problems? While I am not arguing against the use of sound practices and policies for conservation of agricultural and natural resources, I am advocating for a more in depth look at what might be on the horizon… [1]: http://classmates.com
Hemorrhagic complications and repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernias: Does timing of the repair make a difference? Data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization

The authors reviewed the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) data base of all neonates placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for whom CDH was diagnosed between January 1989 and December 1991. For 483 neonates, there were complete data concerning timing of the hernia repair in relation to ECMO. The overall incidence of hemorrhage was 43% (57% among nonsurvivors, 32% among survivors; P .05). Repair of the hernia defect while on bypass was associated with significantly greater bleeding complications. These data should be useful in the planning of future prospective trials.
HOW PROBABILITIES REFLECT EVIDENCE

Many philosophers think of Bayesianism as a theory of practical rationality. This is not at all surprising given that the view’s most striking successes have come in decision theory. Ramsey (1931), Savage (1972), and De Finetti (1964) showed how to interpret subjective degrees of belief in terms of betting behavior, and how to derive the central probabilistic requirement of coherence from reflections on the nature of rational choice. This focus on decision-making can obscure the fact that Bayesianism is also an epistemology. Indeed, the great statistician Harold Jeffries (1939), who did more than anyone else to further Bayesian methods, paid rather little heed to the work of Ramsey, de Finetti, and Savage. Jeffries, and those who followed him, saw Bayesianism as a theory of inductive evidence, whose primary role was not to help people make wise choices, but to facilitate sound scientific reasoning. This paper seeks to promote a broadly Bayesian approach to epistemology by showing how certain central questions about the nature of evidence can be addressed using the apparatus of subjective probability theory. Epistemic Bayesianism, as understood here, is the view that evidential relationships are best represented probabilistically. It has three central components:
Foraging mechanisms of age-0 lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Abstract Reaction distances under various light intensities (0-19 uE/m2/s), angles of attack, swimming speeds, and percentage of overall foraging success were measured. Extensive efforts have been invested in restoring lean lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) populations in the Laurentian Great Lakes, but successful natural recruitment of lake trout continues to be rare outside of Lake Superior and parts of Lake Huron. There is evidence of high mortality during the first several months after eggs hatch in the spring, but little is known about the foraging mechanisms of this age-0 life stage. We developed a foraging model for age-0 lake trout ( S. namaycush ) in response to amphipods ( Hyalella azteca ) and mysids ( Mysis diluviana ) by simulating underwater environmental conditions in the Great Lakes using a temperature-controlled chamber and spectrally matched lighting. Reaction distances under various light intensities (0–19 uE/m 2 /s), angles of attack, swimming speeds, and percentage of overall foraging success were measured. Intake rates under different light intensities and prey densities were also measured. Age-0 lake trout were non-responsive in the dark, but were equally responsive under all light levels tested. Age-0 lake trout also demonstrated a longer reaction distance in response to moving prey, particularly mysids, which had an escape response that reduced overall foraging success. We determined that prey intake rate (numeric or biomass) could be modeled most accurately as a function of prey density using a Michaelis–Menton equation and that even under low mysid densities (3 individuals/m 2 ), age-0 lake trout could quickly satisfy their energetic demands in a benthic setting.
Ultrastructural and lectin-histochemical differences between the scolex/strobila and bladder teguments of the Taenia taeniaeformis strobilocercus.

The strobilocercus stage of the cat tapeworm Taenia taeniaeformis is surrounded by a single syncytial sheet of cytoplasm called the tegument. The outer membrane of the tegument covers both the scolex/strobila (S/S) and the bladder portions of the strobilocercus, but only the S/S region is resistant to intestinal digestion. It has been suggested that the glycocalyx, the surface-exposed glycoconjugates of the outer membrane, may serve to insulate underlying surface membrane components from digestion. In this study, we used lectin binding to test the hypothesis that the glycocalyx of the S/S is different from that of the bladder and that this may serve as the resistance mechanism of the S/S to digestion. Biotin-labeled lectins and an avidin–glucose oxidase detection system were applied to whole strobilocerci and to 1-µm epon-araldite plastic-embedded sections. Lectins bound to either both regions of the strobilocerci, to the S/S regions only, or did not bind at all. The restriction of some glycoconjugates to...