cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Microwave and Conventional Baking of Potatoes in Relation to Nitrogenous Constituents and Mineral Composition

The effect of conventional and microwave baking on the contents of total and nonprotein nitrogen, amino acids, and minerals of potato tuber cortex and pith tissues were investigated. Conventional baking reduced the cortical contents of total nitrogen by 4%, the summation of total amino acids by 3%, the summation of free amino acids by 15%, and potassium and iron contents by 15% and 12%. Conventional baking increased the pith contents of total nitrogen by 11%, nonprotein nitrogen by 20%, the summation of total amino acids by 9%, the summation of free amino acids by 8%, and potassium and iron contents by 22% and 23%. Microwave baking increased the cortical contents of total amino acids by 2% and free amino acids by 8%, yet reduced the pith contents of total nitrogen by 16%, nonprotein nitrogen by 18%, total amino acids by 4%, and free amino acids by 17%. Microwave baking had only slight effects on mineral composition. Individual amino acids demonstrated different trends as a result of both cooking methods.
Conditioned responses of monkey locus coeruleus neurons anticipate acquisition of discriminative behavior in a vigilance task

Impulse activity was recorded extracellularly from noradrenergic neurons in the nucleus locus coeruleus of three cynomolgus monkeys performing a visual discrimination (vigilance) task. For juice reward, the subjects were required to release a lever rapidly in response to an improbable target stimulus (20% of trials) that was randomly intermixed with non-target stimuli presented on a video display. All locus coeruleus neurons examined were phasically and selectively activated by target stimuli in this task. Other task events elicited no consistent response from these neurons (juice reward, lever release, fix spot stimuli, non-target stimuli). With reversal of the task contingency, locus coeruleus neurons ceased responding to the former target stimuli, and began responding instead to the new target (old non-target) stimuli. In addition, the latency of locus coeruleus response to target stimuli increased after reversal (by about 140 ms) in parallel with a similar increase in the latency of the behavioral response. These results indicate that the conditioned locus coeruleus responses reflect stimulus meaning and cognitive processing, and are not driven by physical sensors attributes. Notably, the reversal in locus coeruleus response to stimuli after task reversal occurred rapidly, hundreds of trials before reversal was expressed in behavioral responses. These findings indicate that conditioned responses of locus coeruleus neurons are plastic and easily altered by changes in stimulus meaning, and that the locus coeruleus may play an active role in learning the significance of behaviorally important stimuli.
The Impact of Group Economic Interests On Political Evaluations

In recent work dealing with the impact of economic conditions on political behavior, a key point of controversy has concerned the type of information that people use to evaluate economic performance: Do they base their evaluations on personal economic well-being or the state of the nation's economy? In this debate, information about the economic well-being of social reference groups has generally been ignored. Therefore, in this article we explore the role of group economic interests in performance evaluations. Basically, our findings indicate that (1) group economic interests are perceived to overlap relatively little with personal, and especially national, interests; and (2) group economic interests have a significant independent effect on performance evaluations. Possible explanations for such group influence are discussed.
Byron, Blake, and Heaven

Romantic discussions of labor and leisure are often tied to descriptions of the afterlife. In the depictions of heavenly leisure and labor with which this essay is concerned—Blake's "The Little Black Boy" and "The Chimney Sweeper" of Innocence, Byron's Don Juan Canto II and Cain, and The Ghost of Abel, which is Blake's response to Cain—Blake derives his visions of the afterlife partially from the work of Emanuel Swedenborg, while Byron draws on Lucretius' version of Epicureanism. Despite their irreconcilable sources, however, the poets converge on a single idea. If heaven is to relieve us of the distinction between labor and leisure, thus lifting Adam's curse while overcoming a merely conventional division of human activity, it will also have to erase the boundary between physical and mental work. In these poems, Byron and Blake each stage acts of phronesis, of moral judgment unregulated by statute or decree, in order to bring their theories of heaven in contact with the facts of life.
Curve motion inducing modified Korteweg-de Vries systems

Abstract A straightforward vector generalization of the modified Korteweg-deVries equation is shown to be intimately related to the geometry of curves in n-dimensional Euclidean spaces and spheres. This mKdV system, which is coupled in a particularly a simple way, describes the dynamics of the natural curvature vector of a unit speed curve subject to an elementary geometric evolution equation. The underlying structure of these equations is related to generalizations of the nonlinear Schrodinger and localized induction equations in the context of Hermitian symmetric Lie algebras.
Historical patterns in presentations at the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO): using a searchable database of the ASPO Program to show the trends of an otolaryngology subspecialty.

Abstract Objectives • To describe the development of American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO). • To utilize a searchable database of meeting programs to demonstrate content presented at a major meeting since its inception. • To utilize a searchable database of meeting programs to show trends of pediatric otolaryngology. Methods Programs of ASPO meetings from 1986 to 2011 were reviewed using a searchable database. Number of podium presentations and length of podium presentations per meeting were collected. Podium presentations were placed into broad categories from reviewing presentation title. Broad categories included tonsils and adenoid, otology, airway, head and neck masses, and sinus disease. First author, location of first author, length of presentation, and publication status were collected for each podium presentation. Results An average of 49 (range 31–76) podium presentations were presented at each meeting. The average length of podium presentation was 8.3 min (range of 5–20 min). Tonsil and adenoids made up 9% (range 0–22%) of the program, otology made up 26% (range 15–44%) of the program, airway made up 34% (18–48%) the program, head and neck masses made up 8.7% (0–18.5%) of the program, sinus disease made up 6.2% (0–23%) of the program. Fifty-four percent (54%) of podium presentations were published. Conclusion This is a unique example of utilizing searchable databases constructed from published programs of a major otolaryngology meeting to assess topics presented and areas of emphasis. The areas of emphasis at ASPO over its 26 years are airway, otology, tonsil and adenoid issues, head and neck masses, and sinus disease in the pediatric population. Percent of time given to each topic has changed from ASPO's beginning to today.
Human photoreceptor topography

We have measured the spatial density of cones and rods in eight whole-mounted human retinas, obtained from seven individuals between 27 and 44 years of age, and constructed maps of photoreceptor density and between-individual variability. The average human retina contains 4.6 million cones (4.08-5.29 million). Peak foveal cone density averages 199,000 cones/mm2 and is highly variable between individuals (100,000-324,000 cones/mm2). The point of highest density may be found in an area as large as 0.032 deg2. Cone density falls steeply with increasing eccentricity and is an order of magnitude lower 1 mm away from the foveal center. Superimposed on this gradient is a streak of high cone density along the horizontal meridian. At equivalent eccentricities, cone density is 40-45% higher in nasal compared to temporal retina and slightly higher in midperipheral inferior compared to superior retina. Cone density also increases slightly in far nasal retina. The average human retina contains 92 million rods (77.9-107.3 million). In the fovea, the average horizontal diameter of the rod-free zone is 0.350 mm (1.25 degrees). Foveal rod density increases most rapidly superiorly and least rapidly nasally. The highest rod densities are located along an elliptical ring at the eccentricity of the optic disk and extending into nasal retina with the point of highest density typically in superior retina (5/6 eyes). Rod densities decrease by 15-25% where the ring crosses the horizontal meridian. Rod density declines slowly from the rod ring to the far periphery and is highest in nasal and superior retina. Individual variability in photoreceptor density differs with retinal region and is similar for both cones and rods. Variability is highest near the fovea, reaches a minimum in the midperiphery, and then increases with eccentricity to the ora serrata. The total number of foveal cones is similar for eyes with widely varying peak cone density, consistent with the idea that the variability reflects differences in the lateral migration of photoreceptors during development. Two fellow eyes had cone and rod numbers within 8% and similar but not identical photoreceptor topography.
Magnetopause characteristics inferred from three-dimensional energetic particle distributions

Three-dimensional distributions for 24- to 44.5 KeV protons (ions) are presented from the ISEE 1 medium-energy particles instrument during a magnetopause traversal at about 0145:00 hours UT on November 20, 1977. The use of these data and simple particle orbit geometry makes it possible to infer magnetopause boundary location, orientation, and velocity. The results are consistent with both overall boundary motions toward and away from the earth at velocities of 10-20 km/s and the presence of a surface wave on the boundary. For the case analyzed, the boundary appears stable and well defined, being capable of supporting trapped type distributions (conservation of the first and second adiabatic invariants) within a fraction of a gyroradius from the magnetosheath field where no trapping is observed.
Libraries as publishers: a winning combination

Purpose – This paper aims to present a case study of the Kansas State University Libraries open access publishing endeavor, New Prairie Press (NPP). The library as publisher is a growing worldwide movement. Many academic and research libraries see it as their strategic mission to highlight and disseminate the research and creative work being done by faculty and students at their institutions. Topics covered include current activities, business plan development, needed technology and skill sets and migration from an open source platform to a hosted solution. Design/methodology/approach – The article presents a case study of one library’s experience of establishing a publishing press – libraries as publishers. Findings – This article finds that during the years of operation, NPP staff members have learned much about the role that libraries can play in the evolving scholarly communications landscape. Originality/value – This article finds that the continual assessment of value, alignment with strategic goals...
The HI Environment of Nearby Lyman-Alpha Absorbers

We present the results of a VLA and WSRT search for H I emission from the vicinity of seven nearby clouds, which were observed in Ly-alpha absorption with HST toward Mrk 335, Mrk 501, and PKS 2155-304. Around the absorbers, we searched a volume of 4O' x 40' x 1000 km/s; for one of the absorbers we probed a velocity range of only 600 km/s. The H I mass sensitivity (5 sigma) very close to the lines of sight varies from 5 x 10(exp 6) solar mass at best to 5 x 10(exp 8) solar mass at worst. We detected H I emission in the vicinity of four out of seven absorbers. The closest galaxy we find to the absorbers is a small dwarf galaxy at a projected distance of 68 h(exp -1) kpc from the sight line toward Mrk 335. This optically uncataloged galaxy has the same velocity (V = 1970 km/s) as one of the absorbers, is fainter than the SMC, and has an H I mass of only 4 x 10(exp 7) solar mass. We found a somewhat more luminous galaxy at exactly the velocity (V = 5100 km/s) of one of the absorbers toward PKS 2155-304 at a projected distance of 230 h(exp -1) kpc from the sight line. Two other, stronger absorbers toward PKS 2155-304 at V approx. 17,000 km/s appear to be associated with a loose group of three bright spiral galaxies, at projected distances of 300 to 600 h(exp -1) kpc. These results support the conclusions emerging from optical searches that most nearby Ly-alpha forest clouds trace the large-scale structures outlined by the optically luminous galaxies, although this is still based on small-number statistics. We do not find any evidence from the H I distribution or kinematics that there is a physical association between an absorber and its closest galaxy. While the absorbing clouds are at the systemic velocity of the galaxies, the H I extent of the galaxies is fairly typical, and at least an order of magnitude smaller than the projected distance to the sight line at which the absorbers are seen. On the other hand, we also do not find evidence against such a connection. In total, we detected H I emission from five galaxies, of which two were previously uncataloged and one did not have a known redshift. No H I emission was detected from the vicinity of the two absorbers, which are located in a void and a region of very low galaxy density; but the limits are somewhat less stringent than for the other sight lines. These results are similar to what has been found in optically unbiased H I surveys. Thus, presence of Ly-alpha absorbers does not significantly alter the H I detection rate in their environment.
Pregancy Diagnosis in Dairy Cattle by Progesterone Concentration in Milk

Abstract Concentration of progesterone in whole milk was used to diagnose pregnancy in lactating diary cows. Milk samples were taken 21 to 22 days postbreeding and analyzed for progesterone by radioimmunoassay. Progesterone in milk greater than 11 ng/ml, 8 to 11 ng/ml, and less than 8 ng/ml was used to classify anaimals as pregnant, questionable, and not pregnant. In this classification for 123 cows, 67 were classified pregnant, 7 questionable, and 49 not pregnant. A comparison of progesterone diagnosis with actual calving results showed agreement of 73 and 98% for the cows classified as pregnant and not pregnant. Thirteen of 19 animals, in which there were discrepancies between diagnoses by milk progesterone and calving results, were not detected in estrus within 30 days after breeding. One animal classified not pregnant by milk progesterone was pregnant.
Modifying the doping in a pn junction to achieve specified current-voltage characteristics

A single pn-junction can be used as a switch, rectifier, light detector, solar cell or microwave diode. When two pn-junctions are fabricated in close proximity, they will interact causing transistor action to be realized. In this paper we propose an algorithm to solve the inverse problem of determining how to modify the doping concentration in a pn-junction to achieve specified current-voltage I-V characteristics. The solution algorithm of this inverse problem consists of two nested iteration procedures. The inner iteration is Gummels Method and is used to compute the potential and the carrier concentrations from which the I-V characteristics may be obtained. Corrections to the doping function are then computed by the outer iteration. This iteration solves an ill-conditioned system and thus requires the use of regularization techniques. We give two numerical examples to illustrate its effectiveness.
Hardware Lighting and Shading: a Survey.

Traditionally, hardware rasterizers only support the Phong lighting model in combination with Gouraud shading using point light sources. However, the Phong lighting model is strictly empirical and physically implausible. Gouraud shading also tends to undersample the highlight unless a highly tesselated surface is used. Hence, higher-quality hardware accelerated lighting and shading has gained much interest in the recent five years. The research on hardware lighting and shading is two-fold. On the one hand, better lighting models for local illumination (assuming point light sources but evaluated per pixel) were demonstrated to be amenable to hardware implementation. On the other hand, recent research has demonstrated that even area lights, represented as environment maps, can be combined with complex lighting models. In both areas, many articles have been published, making it hard to decide which algorithm is well-suited for which application. This state-of-the-art report will review all relevent articles in both areas, and list advantages and disadvantages of each algorithm.
Anxiety and Reading Comprehension in Spanish as a Foreign Language

Abstract: This study explored the relationship between language anxiety and reading in Spanish. The issues addressed were: (1) the effect of language anxiety on the reading comprehension and recall of university-level language students and (2) the effect of language anxiety on the reading process itself. A total of 89 participants, all students in two different levels of Spanish at a large university, took part in the study. Two inventories assessed two different anxiety levels: the Reading Anxiety Scale and the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale. Also, an instrument called the Cognitive Interference Questionnaire was used to assess the number of off-task thoughts of each participant while reading. The reading comprehension assessment measures consisted of a written recall protocol and a multiple-choice test. The results indicated that more highly anxious students (those with high scores on both anxiety inventories) tended to recall less passage content than did those participants who claimed to experience minimal anxiety. For the type of information recalled, the relationships between anxiety and recall were less systematic. Reading anxiety affected the number of important (“High”) pausal units recalled, whereas foreign language classroom anxiety affected the number of supporting (“Mid”) pausal units recalled. In both cases, highly anxious learners recalled fewer pausal units. In contrast, neither reading anxiety nor foreign language classroom anxiety affected significantly the recall of unimportant (“Low”) pausal units. Results from the analysis of data from the Cognitive Interference Questionnaire indicated that highly anxious students tended to experience more off-task, interfering thoughts than their less-anxious counterparts.
Comparison of relative value of bone marrow aspirates and bone marrow trephine biopsies in the diagnosis of solid tumor metastasis and Hodgkin lymphoma: institutional experience and literature review.

Abstract Context.—Bone marrow aspirates as well as bone marrow trephine biopsies are frequently performed to assess whether there is marrow involvement by a malignancy. Numerous reports differ in the relative value of these 2 procedures and fail to provide concise guidelines that can help choose the appropriate technique in this clinical situation. Objective.—To compare the relative value of aspirates and trephine biopsies in the diagnosis of solid tumor metastasis and Hodgkin lymphoma. In addition, we correlate our findings with those of the literature to provide a concise practice guideline. Design.—Sixty-six cases showing bone marrow involvement by solid tumor and Hodgkin lymphoma in bone marrow aspirates, bone marrow trephine biopsies, or both were included in the study. The diagnosis and findings made on aspirates were compared with those made on trephine biopsies in each case. Results.—In those cases where both aspirate and trephine biopsy were available for evaluation, there was a 22% positive corr...
Synchronized Phasor Data Based Energy Function Analysis of Dominant Power Transfer Paths in Large Power Systems

Many large interconnected power systems such as the U.S. eastern interconnection and the U.S. western power system are characterized by many power transfer paths or interfaces with high loading. Disruptions of these transfer paths frequently lead to increased loading on neighboring transfer paths, which themselves will become less secure and could cause further disruptions. State estimators have limited performance under large system disruptions, because of low sampling rates and potentially poor solution quality due to topology errors. Furthermore, disruptions in external power systems cannot be readily seen by control room operators because most state estimators only use reduced models for external systems. A system of well-placed phasor measurement units (PMUs) that provide voltage and current magnitude and phase at a high sampling rate can provide useful system dynamic security information. In this paper we apply energy function analysis using phasor data to monitor the dynamic status of power transfer paths. The ideas will be illustrated using actual data captured by several PMUs in the U.S. western power system
Classroom Behavior of Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis was used to review the results of 25 studies that compared the classroom behavior of children and adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) to children without learning disabilities. The data were analyzed from several different methodological perspectives. Results showed that both methodologically strong and weak studies demonstrated significant behavioral deficits of children with learning disabilities compared to their nondisabled peers in each of five overall areas: on-task behavior, off-task behavior, conduct disorders, distractibility, and shy/withdrawn behavior. Both observational and teacher rating data demonstrated these differences. Effect sizes for both groups of studies seemed to cluster around 1 standard deviation, suggesting noticeable and educationally significant impairment in the behavior of children with disabilities. Analysis of grade-level effect sizes suggests some explanation for the large number of referrals often witnessed during the elementary school years. Educational implications of these behavioral differences in terms of implications for mainstreaming are discussed.
Plasma discharge properties of methane-argon and acetylene-argon discharges

Summary form only given. The discharge properties of methane-argon and acetylene-argon discharges generated in a microwave ECR plasma reactor are investigated. The discharges are utilized for the deposition of hydrogenated amorphous carbon thin films. The deposition reactor consists of a microwave plasma source with a RF biased substrate located downstream in the processing chamber. The films deposited with the two different gas mixtures have substantially different properties and this investigation is directed at quantifying the discharge composition to better understand the deposition process.
Estrogen Stimulates Estrogen-Related Receptor α Gene Expression through Conserved Hormone Response Elements

The estrogen-related receptor alpha gene encodes a nuclear receptor protein, ERR alpha, whose structure is closely related to the estrogen receptors. ERR alpha modulates estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated signaling pathways both positively and negatively. It is selectively expressed in a variety of cell types during development and in adult tissues. We have previously shown that estrogen stimulates the expression of the ERR alpha gene in mouse uterus. In this study, we found that the ERR alpha gene is stimulated by estrogen in mouse uterus and heart but not in liver. Estrogen also stimulates the expression of ERR alpha in the human breast and endometrial cell lines. The human ERR alpha gene promoter contains multiple Sp1 binding sites, and the Sp1 protein is required for the promoter activity. The major estrogen response is mediated by a 34-bp DNA element that contains multiple steroid hormone response element half-sites (MHREs) that are conserved between the human and mouse ERR alpha gene promoters. Mutations made at a single or multiple sites of the MHREs abolished the ER-mediated transcription of the element in transient transfection experiments. By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated the interaction between ER alpha and MHREs of the endogenous ERR alpha gene promoter in MCF-7 cells. Estrogen treatment further enhanced the association of ER alpha and MHREs in vivo. The present study demonstrated that the ERR alpha gene is a downstream target of ER alpha.
Robust on-line Principal Component Analysis based on a fixed-point approach

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a widely used statistical tool in many signal-processing applications. In this paper we will present a new on-line algorithm for computing the principal components. The new algorithm belongs to a class of fixed-point methods. We mathematically investigate the convergence properties of the method and also verify the robustness of the algorithm with simulations.
Dynamical models for fault detection in squirrel cage induction motors

Induction motors are the dominant components in industrial processes involving electromechanical energy conversion. Safety, reliability and efficiency are major concerns in modern induction motor applications. Since detecting faults on time could avoid costly unscheduled shutdowns, in recent years there has been an increased interest in induction motor fault detection and diagnosis. In this paper, we propose monitoring schemes to solve fault detection problems of induction motors. We begin with a monitoring scheme to detect detuning operation in Indirect Field Oriented Control (IFOC) driven induction motors. Secondly, we present a monitoring scheme to detect broken rotor bars on IFOC-driven induction motors. The proposed monitoring scheme does not rely on spectral methods; instead, it monitors a carefully selected induction motor state, using an online observer. The key to fault detection is the development of a simplified dynamic model of a squirrel cage induction motor with broken rotor bars. Numerical simulations validate both monitoring schemes.
An evolutionary perspective of sex-typed toy preferences: pink, blue, and the brain.

Large sex differences in children's toy preferences are attributed to gender group identification and social learning. The proposal outlined in this paper is that contemporary conceptual categories of “masculine” or “feminine” toys are also influenced by evolved perceptual categories of male-preferred and female-preferred objects. Research on children exposed prenatally to atypical levels of androgens and research on typically developing infants suggest sex-dimorphic preferences exist for object features, such as movement or color/form. The evolution and neurobiology of mammalian visual processing—and recent findings on sex-dimorphic toy preferences in nonhuman primates—suggest further that an innate bias for processing object movement or color/form may contribute to behaviors with differential adaptive significance for males and females. In this way, preferences for objects such as toys may indicate a biological preparedness for a “masculine” or “feminine” gender role—one that develops more fully as early perceptual preferences are coupled with object experiences imposed by contemporary gender socialization.
Performance Evaluation of Time-Based and Hop-Based TTL Schemes in Partially Connected Ad Hoc Networks

We characterize the resource usage of an upload application for partially connected ad hoc networks. Time-based (TB) and hop-based (HB) TTL schemes are proposed and evaluated via both analysis and simulation. A HB(b, 2) scheme is near optimal, where 2 and b denote depth and breadth of the data dissemination tree. b is chosen such that the probability of message delivery approaches one. We also consider feedback schemes to notify mobile nodes to purge message replicas upon successful message delivery. With feedback, we obtain a 100-fold and 5-fold cost reduction for TB and HB schemes, respectively.
Vocational Research for the Liberation of Battered Women

Domestic violence interferes with women’s exploration of career interests, pursuit of career goals, and attainment of economic independence. Vocational research may contribute significantly to preventive-intervention efforts against domestic violence and to the liberation of battered women by increasing their economic stability and strengthening their support network. In this article, the authors’ aim is to inspire vocational research with battered women. We use Prilleltensky’s emancipatory communitarian approach to outline a vocational research agenda with battered women and to describe research practices that facilitate collaboration among researchers and community stake-holders and that increase battered women’s self-determination and contribution to their communities. We discuss general research and specific vocational research practices to assist researchers with building research partnerships, recruiting and retaining participants, and disseminating vocational research results to effect social change.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Patients With Extracutaneous Mycosis Fungoides

PURPOSE: To identify prognostic factors predictive of outcome in patients with extracutaneous (stage IV) mycosis fungoides (MF) and to evaluate the risk of progression to extracutaneous disease by initial extent of skin involvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twelve patients with extracutaneous disease at presentation or with progression and 434 patients with initial cutaneous-only disease were identified. Actuarial survival curves were plotted according to the Kaplan-Meier technique. RESULTS: The median survival of all stage IV patients was 13 months from the date of first treatment for stage IV disease. Sex, race, age, extent of skin involvement, and peripheral blood Sezary cell involvement were not significant to survival outcome. Eleven patients (10%) had a complete response to therapy resulting in a significantly improved median survival compared with patients with a partial or no response (1.70 v 0.91 years, P = .047 and 1.70 v 0.57 years, P = .011, respectively). At 20 years from diagnosis, ...
Biased Representation Learning for Domain Adaptation

Representation learning is a promising technique for discovering features that allow supervised classifiers to generalize from a source domain dataset to arbitrary new domains. We present a novel, formal statement of the representation learning task. We argue that because the task is computationally intractable in general, it is important for a representation learner to be able to incorporate expert knowledge during its search for helpful features. Leveraging the Posterior Regularization framework, we develop an architecture for incorporating biases into representation learning. We investigate three types of biases, and experiments on two domain adaptation tasks show that our biased learners identify significantly better sets of features than unbiased learners, resulting in a relative reduction in error of more than 16% for both tasks, with respect to existing state-of-the-art representation learning techniques.
Influence of Silicon and Chlorothalonil on the Suppression of Gray Leaf Spot and Increase Plant Growth in St. Augustinegrass

Silicon, applied as calcium silicate slag (20% Si), was evaluated for its potential to suppress gray leaf spot (Magnaporthe grisea) and increase plant growth in newly planted St. Augustinegrass in the summers of 2000 and 2001. Calcium silicate was applied (1,000 kg Si/ha) to three sites that contained Si-deficient Histosols prior to sprigging St. Augustinegrass, cv. Floratam, in southern Florida. This treatment was compared with foliar sprays of chlorothalonil, calcium silicate plus chlorothalonil, and an untreated control. Immediately after planting, applications of chlorothalonil (720 g/liter) were made every 10 days for a total of seven sprays at a rate of 7.6 kg a.i./ha with a commercial sprayer. Based on area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) values for the treatments calcium silicate alone, chlorothalonil, and calcium silicate plus chlorothalonil, gray leaf spot was reduced by 7, 65, and 68% at site one, 28, 34, and 59% at site two, and 41, 55, and 68% at site three, respectively when compared with the untreated control. The application of calcium silicate alone significantly reduced the final AUDPC of gray leaf spot when compared with the control at site two only. However, when disease severities were analyzed by week, the calcium silicate treatment significantly reduced the percentage of disease at weeks 2, 6, and 8 at site one and weeks 3 to 8 at site three when compared with the control. The final percent bare ground coverage for St. Augustinegrass was increased significantly using calcium silicate by 17 and 34% over the control at sites one and two, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Silicon was the only element to significantly increase in the leaf tissue for treatments amended with calcium silicate. Levels of Si in leaves for treatments amended with calcium silicate were from 1.2 to 1.3%, while those not receiving calcium silicate had only 0.6 to 0.7%. Amendments with calcium silicate slag for St. Augustinegrass sod production on Si-deficient soils may be an option to reduce gray leaf spot development in newly sprigged fields and promote earlier ground coverage of grass when the environment is favorable for disease.
Radio Astronomy and Spectrum Management: The Impact of WARC-79

As a valid use of the radio spectrum and an official radio service, radio astronomy was very much a part of the 1979 World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC-79). The allocation of frequency bands is vitally important for the sustained health of the science. WARC-79 provided first the impetus for astronomers, worldwide, to examine the allocation requirements of radio astronomy and then the opportunity to communicate those needs to the regulatory community. The characteristics of radio astronomy, the criteria for interference-free operation, possibilities for sharing with other radio services, and the need for frequency-band allocations are discussed because all bear directly on an evaluation of the Conference. The Final Acts of WARC-79 are examined from the viewpoint of their impact on radio astronomy.
Themed Review: Clinical Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Youth

and Introduction Abstract National recommendations call for children and adolescents to accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days of the week and for physicians to counsel their patients about physical activity. Physical inactivity tracks from childhood into adulthood, and among youth, it is associated with unfavorable risk factor profiles that promote the development of cardiovascular and metabolic chronic diseases. Few studies of clinical interventions to promote physical activity in children and youth have been published, and the paucity of evidence describing effective interventions and significant barriers limit delivery of counseling. However, existing studies provide evidence about elements of counseling most likely to be effective to guide clinical interventions and inform future research. Based on a literature review, this article offers guidance for incorporating physical activity promotion into clinical care, identifies gaps in current evidence, and suggests methodologic considerations for future research.
Detection of broadband signals in signal-dependent noise

The optimum choice of detection nonlinearities for generalized radiometric detection of broadband random signals in noise is considered for the situation in which the signals and noise are individually and mutually dependent random sequences. Explicit solutions to integral equations specifying the optimum nonlinearities are derived, and an analysis of the effects of ignoring dependence structure is provided
How do doctors use information in real‐time? A qualitative study of internal medicine resident precepting

Background Despite the importance of evidence-based medicine in medical education, little observational research exists on how doctors-in-training seek and use evidence from information resources in ambulatory care. Objective To describe information exchange behaviour by internal medicine residents and attendings in ambulatory resident clinic precepting rooms. Design We observed resident behaviour and audiotaped resident‐attending doctor interactions during precepting sessions. Participants Participating residents included 70 of an eligible 89 residents and 28 of 34 eligible attendings from one large academic internal medicine residency programme in the Midwestern USA. Residents were observed during 95 separate precepting interactions at four ambulatory sites. Approach Using a qualitative approach, we analysed transcripts and field notes of observed behaviours and interactions looking for themes of information exchange. Coders discussed themes which were refined using feedback from an interdisciplinary panel. Results Four themes of information exchange behaviour emerged: (i) questioning behaviours that were used as part of the communication process in which the resident and attending doctor could reason together; (ii) searching behaviour of non-human knowledge sources occurred in a minority of precepting interations; (iii) unsolicited knowledge offering and (iv) answering behaviours were important means of exchanging information. Conclusions Most clinic interactions between resident and attending doctors relied heavily on spoken deliberation without resorting to the scientific literature or other published information resources. These observations suggest a range of factors that may moderate information exchange behaviour in the precepting context including relationships, space and efficiency. Future research should aim to more readily adapt information resources to the relationships and practice context of precepting.
A second-site mutation at glutamate-257 that restores the function of the mutant yeast ribosomal protein L5 containing lysine-270,271→arginine

A genetic approach was used to identify interacting regions of yeast ribosomal protein L5 (also known as L1, L1a, or YL3). Previous studies from our laboratory showed that residues K270 and K271 in protein L5 are essential for its function. The mutant L5 protein in which both residues were replaced by arginine residues (K270,271R) exhibited about 80% RNA binding capability compared to the wild-type and the mutant protein was assembled into the 60S ribosomal subunits in vivo. The yeast strain expressing this mutant protein in a homozygous form was lethal (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1308 (1996) 133-141). In the present study, this non-functional mutant was used to select intragenic suppressors. A spontaneous, intragenic suppressor which contained an E257K substitution (in addition to the primary mutations) was identified. The suppressor protein bound about 60% of yeast 5S rRNA in vitro compared to the wild-type. To gain more insight into the nature of the intragenic suppressor, additional mutant proteins in which E257 was substituted by a variety of amino acids were produced by site-directed mutagenesis. The ability of each mutant protein to bind yeast 5S rRNA in vitro and to suppress the lethal effect of the double K270,271 mutation in vivo were examined. Results suggest communication between two non-contiguous domains on protein L5 and that several factors, such as electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding are likely to play a role in this global communication. Mutation studies on E257 alone also reveal that substitutions of this residue in L5 protein could affect cell growth under specified conditions, but a variety of changes could be tolerated without serious deleterious effects. We propose a working model in which E257 is located in a loop and the dynamic as well as the flexibility of this loop is important for L5 function.
Using Building Information Modeling to Improve the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Coordination Process for Buildings

The coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems has become a major challenge for building contractors. Specialty design firms and trade contractors, working independently, provide these systems. The coordination of these systems involves locating equipment and routing Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) duct, pipe, and electrical raceway in a manner that satisfies many different types of constraints. For the past several years MEP coordination has involved sequentially comparing and overlaying drawings from multiple trades, in which representatives from each MEP trade work together to detect, and eliminate spatial and functional interferences between MEP systems. This multi-discipline effort is time-consuming and expensive. With the recent development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) this process is now able to evolve with the software technology. Using examples from several case studies, this paper demonstrates how BIM can improve the MEP coordination process in buildings. The results of this research provide a foundation for a revised work process utilizing modeling software and information technology.
Movement of adult pecan weevils Curculio caryae within pecan orchards

The pecan weevil Curculio caryae (Horn) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an in- digenous pest of pecan Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, in North America. Understanding the movement of this pest from the orchard floor to host trees could lead to pest management practices that exploit weevil behaviour and thus reduce insecticide application to the entire orchard canopy. Furthermore, no information exists on diel periodicity of pecan weevil movement. 2 Movement of adult pecan weevils crawling and flying to the host trunk, flying to the host canopy, crawling within the host canopy and flying between host trees was studied using four types of passive traps over four seasons. Each type of trap was used to capture weevils at different locations on or near the tree and to dis- criminate flying versus crawling behaviour. 3 More pecan weevils crawl to the trunk than fly and a proportion of the popula- tion flies directly from the orchard floor into the pecan canopy. The majority of this movement occurs at dusk. 4 The vertical distribution of weevils was generally uniform throughout the canopy but more weevils were captured in suspended traps nearest tree tops, rather than traps near the ground, when flying between trees and this was significantly so for two of 4 years. 5 The results of the present study are contrary to previous reports suggesting that most adult pecan weevils fly to the pecan trunk after emergence from the soil; however, our results did indicate that a proportion of the population flies directly from the orchard floor into the pecan canopy and thus would circumvent strate- gies that attempt to control weevils moving up the trunk.
Mechanism of Archaeal MCM Helicase Recruitment to DNA Replication Origins

Cellular DNA replication origins direct the recruitment of replicative helicases via the action of initiator proteins belonging to the AAA+ superfamily of ATPases. Archaea have a simplified subset of the eukaryotic DNA replication machinery proteins and possess initiators that appear ancestral to both eukaryotic Orc1 and Cdc6. We have reconstituted origin-dependent recruitment of the homohexameric archaeal MCM in vitro with purified recombinant proteins. Using this system, we reveal that archaeal Orc1-1 fulfills both Orc1 and Cdc6 functions by binding to a replication origin and directly recruiting MCM helicase. We identify the interaction interface between these proteins and reveal how ATP binding by Orc1-1 modulates recruitment of MCM. Additionally, we provide evidence that an open-ring form of the archaeal MCM homohexamer is loaded at origins.
Acinetobacter baumannii Genes Required for Bacterial Survival during Bloodstream Infection

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii is emerging as a leading global multiple-antibiotic-resistant nosocomial pathogen. The identity of genes essential for pathogenesis in a mammalian host remains largely unknown. Using transposon-directed insertion-site sequencing (TraDIS), we identified A. baumannii genes involved in bacterial survival in a leukopenic mouse model of bloodstream infection. Mice were inoculated with a pooled transposon mutant library derived from 109,000 mutants, and TraDIS was used to map transposon insertion sites in the genomes of bacteria in the inoculum and of bacteria recovered from mouse spleens. Unique transposon insertion sites were mapped and used to calculate a fitness factor for every insertion site based on its relative abundance in the inoculum and postinfection libraries. Eighty-nine transposon insertion mutants that were underrepresented after experimental infection in mice compared to their presence in the inocula were delineated as candidates for further evaluation. Genetically defined mutants lacking feoB (ferrous iron import), ddc (d-ala-d-ala-carboxypeptidase), and pntB (pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase subunit) exhibited a fitness defect during systemic infection resulting from bacteremia. In vitro, these mutants, as well as a fepA (ferric enterobactin receptor) mutant, are defective in survival in human serum and within macrophages and are hypersensitive to killing by antimicrobial peptides compared to the survival of the parental strain under these conditions. Our data demonstrate that FepA is involved in the uptake of exogenous enterobactin in A. baumannii. Genetic complementation rescues the phenotypes of mutants in assays that emulate conditions encountered during infection. In summary, we have determined novel A. baumannii fitness genes involved in the pathogenesis of mammalian infection. IMPORTANCEA. baumannii is a significant cause of bacterial bloodstream infection in humans. Since multiple antibiotic resistance is becoming more common among strains of A. baumannii, there is an urgent need to develop novel tools to treat infections caused by this dangerous pathogen. To develop knowledge-guided treatment approaches for A. baumannii, a thorough understanding of the mechanism by which this pathogen causes bloodstream infection is required. Here, using a mouse model of infection, we report the identification of A. baumannii genes that are critical for the ability of this pathogen to cause bloodstream infections. This study lays the foundation for future research on A. baumannii genes that can be targeted to develop novel therapeutics against this emerging human pathogen.
Initial Neutronics Analyses for HEU to LEU Fuel Conversion of the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at the Idaho National Laboratory

The purpose of the TREAT reactor is to generate large transient neutron pulses in test samples without over-heating the core to simulate fuel assembly accident conditions. The power transients in the present HEU core are inherently self-limiting such that the core prevents itself from overheating even in the event of a reactivity insertion accident. The objective of this study was to support the assessment of the feasibility of the TREAT core conversion based on the present reactor performance metrics and the technical specifications of the HEU core. The LEU fuel assembly studied had the same overall design, materials (UO2 particles finely dispersed in graphite) and impurities content as the HEU fuel assembly. The Monte Carlo N–Particle code (MCNP) and the point kinetics code TREKIN were used in the analyses.
Using Derivative engine technology to achieve maturity goals

The use of "Derivative" aircraft turbine engines is proving to be a surer, faster way of achieving the early engine maturity goals desired by engine producers and engine users alike. In addition, advanced Derivatives offer fuel burn reductions comparable to "new" engines. In fact, only giant steps in engine technology can provide a significant improvement over today's mature Derivative engines.