cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in transition dairy cattle in the northeastern United States: critical thresholds for prediction of clinical diseases.

The objectives of this study were to 1) establish cow-level critical thresholds for serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) to predict periparturient diseases [displaced abomasa (DA), clinical ketosis (CK), metritis and retained placenta, or any of these three], and 2) investigate the magnitude of the metabolites' association with these diseases within 30 d in milk. In a prospective cohort study of 100 freestall, total mixed ration-fed herds in the northeastern United States, blood samples were collected from approximately 15 prepartum and 15 different postpartum transition animals in each herd, for a total of 2,758 samples. Serum NEFA concentrations were measured in the prepartum group, and both NEFA and BHBA were measured in the postpartum group. The critical thresholds for NEFA or BHBA were evaluated with receiver operator characteristic analysis for all diseases in both cohorts. The risk ratios (RR) of a disease outcome given NEFA or BHBA concentrations and other covariates were modeled with multivariable regression techniques, accounting for clustering of cows within herds. The NEFA critical threshold that predicted any of the 3 diseases in the prepartum cohort was 0.29mEq/L and in the postpartum cohort was 0.57mEq/L. The critical threshold for serum BHBA in the postpartum cohort was 10mg/dL, which predicted any of the 3 diseases. All RR with NEFA as a predictor of disease were >1.8; however, RR were greatest in animals sampled postpartum (e.g., RR for DA=9.7; 95% CI=4.2 to 22.4. All RR with BHBA as the predictor of disease were >2.3 (e.g., RR for DA=6.9; 95% CI=3.7 to 12.9). Although prepartum NEFA and postpartum BHBA were both significantly associated with development of clinical disease, postpartum serum NEFA concentration was most associated with the risk of developing DA, CK, metritis, or retained placenta during the first 30 d in milk.
Light/dark labeling differences in chloroplast membrane polypeptides associated with chloroplast coupling factor 0

Abstract The fluorogenic reagent fluorescamine has been used to determine the labeling patterns of Type C spinach chloroplast membrane polypeptides. Membrane polypeptides labeled with fluorescamine were detected by scanning high resolution sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gradient slab gels for fluorescence emission. Three membrane polypeptides show a decrease in the extent of labeling when chloroplast membranes are labeled in the light compared to when they are labeled in the dark. These polypeptides have apparent molecular weights of 32 000, 23 000 and 15 000. The decrease in labeling observed in the light is abolished or reduced by treatments which inactivate the light-generated transmembrane pH gradient. CF 1 -depleted chloroplasts show neither a light-activated pH gradient nor a light/dark difference in labeling of these three polypeptides. Both a light-activated pH gradient and light/dark differences in labeling are observed in CF 1 -depleted chloroplasts which have been treated with N , N ′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The same ammonium sulfate fractions of a 2% sodium cholate extract, which are believed to be enriched in the membrane-bound sector of the chloroplast ATPase (CF o ) are also found to be enriched in the 32 000, 23 000 and 15 000 molecular weight polypeptides. The three polypeptides are believed to be components of CF o , and the light/dark labeling differences may indicate conformational changes within CF o . Such conformational changes may reflect a mechanism which couples light-generated proton gradients to ATP synthesis.
Exact boundary condition perturbation for eigensolutions of the wave equation

Abstract A perturbation method is presented to analytically calculate eigensolutions of the two dimensional wave equation when asymmetric perturbations are present in the boundary conditions. The unique feature of the method is that the sequence of boundary value problems governing the eigensolution perturbations are solved exactly through fifth order perturbation. Two classes of asymmetry are considered: irregular domain shapes that cannot be treated by analytical means, and variation of the boundary condition along the boundary. The unperturbed eigensolutions are those for an annular domain with axisymmetric boundary conditions. Irregularly shaped domains are studied in detail to demonstrate the method and the accuracy of the results, which are compared with exact values for the elliptical and rectangular domain cases. The results show excellent agreement with these known solutions for large shape distortions, an achievement resulting from the extension to higher order perturbation. Fourier representation of the boundary asymmetries allows analysis of arbitrary distributions of asymmetry. Additionally, the exact perturbation solution retains the explicit parameter dependence of continuous system analysis, generates simple expressions for the perturbed eigensolutions, addresses all distinct and degenerate axisymmetric system eigensolutions, and requires minimal computation and programming.
Cytokine and cytokine-like inflammation markers, endothelial dysfunction, and imbalanced coagulation in development of diabetes and its complications.

Context: Recent developments indicate that pathophysiological mechanisms leading to β-cell damage, insulin resistance, and the vascular complications of diabetes include an activation of the inflammation cascade, endothelial dysfunction, and procoagulant imbalance. Their circulating biomarkers may therefore provide opportunities for early diagnosis and targets for novel treatments. Evidence: Circulating biomarkers of these pathways such as TNFα, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) (inflammation), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, interstitial cellular adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, von Willebrand factor (endothelial dysfunction), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibrinogen, P-selectin (procoagulant state), and adiponectin (antiinflammation) may be associated with development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and some studies, particularly in type 2 diabetes, have demonstrated that certain biomarkers may have independent predictive value. Similarly studies have shown that these biomarkers may be assoc...
De novo production of antigen-specific suppressor cells in vivo.

Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg) play an essential role in maintaining tolerance to self antigens and are generated under physiological conditions when developing T cells encounter antigens expressed by thymic epithelial cells. We have addressed the possibility that Treg can be exploited to prevent or even suppress ongoing immune responses to foreign antigens. To this end, one must develop methods that permit the de novo generation of Treg specific for foreign antigens in peripheral lymphoid tissue. This report describes the methodology of generating Treg by delivering minute doses of peptide contained in fusion Abs directed against the DEC-205 endocytic receptor on steady-state dendritic cells. The process, from cloning and production of fusion Abs to antigen-specific Treg induction in vivo, takes ∼2 months. The results show that delivery of T-cell receptor agonist ligands under subimmunogenic conditions represents a suitable approach for converting naive T cells into Treg.
Polyribosomes from L cells.

Abstract High yields of polyribosomes from suspensions of L cells and other types of cell rich in intracellular hydrolases have been obtained after disruption of the cells by nitrogen cavitation. Such polyribosome preparations have been used for in vitro amino acid incorporation into polypeptides.
Characterization and physiological validation of a radioimmunoassay for plasma testosterone in the male rat.

Abstract A radioimmunoassay (RIA) to measure testosterone concentration in the plasma of male rats was formalized, tested and physiologically validated. The procedure measured testosterone equally well, whether or not estimation of recovery and chromatographic purification preceded the RIA. The results were equivalent to those achieved by the method of competitive protein binding. No 17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan- 3-one was found in the plasma of male rats. Adrenalectomy did not significantly decrease plasma testosterone in either male or female rats. The simplified protocol met all requirements of precision, sensitivity, accuracy and specificity. A single investigator can analyze 1, 000 plasma samples for testosterone in one week if necessary.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Premature Infants Treated with Inhaled Nitric Oxide

Background Chronic lung disease and severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia in premature infants are associated with abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes. In a previous randomized, controlled, single-center trial of premature infants with the respiratory distress syndrome, inhaled nitric oxide decreased the risk of death or chronic lung disease as well as severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia. We hypothesized that infants treated with inhaled nitric oxide would also have improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods We conducted a prospective, longitudinal follow-up study of premature infants who had received inhaled nitric oxide or placebo to investigate neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of corrected age. Neurologic examination, neurodevelopmental assessment, and anthropometric measurements were made by examiners who were unaware of the children's original treatment assignment. Results A total of 138 children (82 percent of survivors) were e...
A tilting ballistocardiograph

Abstract A ballistocardiograph was combined with a tilting table to allow ballistocardiograms to be made readily in any position of the subject.
Adequate Response of Plasma 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D to Parturition in Paretic (Milk Fever) Dairy Cows

The concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was measured by means of a radioactive receptor assay in the plasma of cows during the period immediately prior to, during, and following parturition. Nonparetic cows showed initially a slight decrease in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D which was followed by a significant increase during parturition and 2 days postpartum. The highest concentration achieved in the control or nonparetic cows was 100 picograms per milliliter. In the paretic animals the plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration increased sharply during the day preceding calving and reached a maximum of 200 picograms per milliliter at parturition. This level was maintained during the ensuing 2.5 days. These results demonstrate that parturient paresis cannot be the result of insufficient synthesis or secretion of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
Quinoline alkaloids as intercalative topoisomerase inhibitors

Quinoline alkaloids are abundant in the Rutaceae, and many have exhibited cytotoxic activity. Because structurally related antitumor alkaloids such as camptothecin and fagaronine are known to function as intercalative topoisomerase poisons, it is hypothesized that cytotoxic Stauranthus alkaloids may also serve as intercalative topoisomerase inhibitors. To test this hypothesis theoretically, ten Stauranthus quinoline alkaloids were examined for potential intercalation into DNA using a molecular docking approach. Four of the alkaloids (stauranthine, skimmianine, 3′,6′-dihydroxy-3′,6′-dihydrostauranthine, and trans-3′,4′-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dihydrostauranthine) were able to intercalatively dock consistently into DNA. In order to probe the intermolecular interactions that may be responsible for intercalation of these quinoline alkaloids, density functional calculations have been carried out using both the B3LYP and M06 functionals. M06 calculations indicated favorable π–π interactions between either skimmianine or stauranthine and the guanine–cytosine base pair. Furthermore, the lowest-energy face-to-face orientation of stauranthine with guanine is consistent with favorable dipole–dipole orientations, favorable electrostatic interactions, and favorable frontier molecular orbital interactions. Likewise, the lowest-energy face-to-face orientation of stauranthine with the guanine–cytosine base pair reveals favorable electrostatic interactions as well as frontier molecular orbital interactions. Thus, not only can quinoline alkaloids dock intercalatively into DNA, but the docked orientations are also electronically favorable.
Family Involvement in the Gynecologic Care of Adolescents

The purpose of this paper is to address the issues of family involvement in gynecologic care for adolescent girls. This is accomplished by reviewing pertinent literature and its implication for health-care delivery. Specific aspects of adolescent development including changes in cognitive development and relationships are reviewed. In addition, the implications of communication between parent and adolescent, degree of parental monitoring, and the type of parenting style are discussed. Using this information as a background, recommendations for family involvement in gynecologic care are given. Methods for handling appointments are addressed; including the structure and content of the appointment and also the follow-up appointment, especially for high-risk families. Issues of confidentiality for both adolescent and parent are discussed. This information should aid clinicians in supporting those features of families that promote positive growth in adolescent girls.
Basin Evolution of Late Paleozoic Taos Trough, Northern New Mexico: ABSTRACT

The Taos trough (Rowe-Mora basin of earlier workers) of northern New Mexico was one of several tectonically active cratonic basins associated with the late Paleozoic Ancestral Rockies. The basin was an asymmetric, fault-bounded feature flanking the Uncompahgre uplift. The basin fill was controlled primarily by local tectonics. As the basin and adjacent uplift evolved structurally, the depositional systems likewise evolved in conjunction with changing tectonic stability, fluctuating sediment input, evolution and integration of sediment dispersal systems, and varying water depth. The onset of the first mild structural deformation and encroachment of the sea during Morrowan time was marked by deposition of a complex sequence of fine-grained sandstone, shale, coal, and limestone. These sediments were deposited in a variety of environments including mud flats, marshes, strand plains, and shallow-water carbonate banks. During Atokan time, tectonic activity of the Uncompahgre uplift increased, and subsidence of the basin accelerated. During this time, coarse alluvial-fan, braided-stream, and fan-delta complexes began to fill the basin along its western margin. By middle Desmoinesian time, an extensive coastal plain and a more continuous sediment supply had developed. Meandering rivers with coarse-grained bed-loads fed lobate and wave-dominated deltas. Associated wi h this delta platform were local algal-mound and cross-bedded shelf-edge carbonate accumulations. Basinward, a mixed carbonate and terrigenous slope system developed in conjunction with continued subsidence of the basin. End_of_Article - Last_Page 824------------
National Rehabilitation Hospital Limb Classification for Exercise, Research, and Clinical Trials in Post‐Polio Patients

A need exists for an objective classification of polio patients for clinical and research purposes that takes into account the focal, asymmetric, and frequent subclinical nature of polio lesions. In order to prescribe a safe, effective exercise program, we developed a five-level (Classes I-V) limb-specific classification system based on remote and recent history, physical examination, and a four-extremity electrodiagnostic study (EMG/NCS). Class I limbs have no history of remote or recent weakness, normal strength, and a normal EMG. Class II limbs have no history of remote or recent weakness (or if remote history of weakness, full recovery occurred), normal strength and EMG evidence of prior anterior horn cell disease (AHCD). Class III limbs have a history of remote weakness with variable recovery, no new weakness, decreased strength, and EMG evidence of prior AHCD. Class IV limbs have a history of remote weakness with variable recovery, new clinical weakness, decreased strength, and EMG evidence of AHCD. Class V limbs have a history of severe weakness with little-to-no recovery, severely decreased strength and atrophy, and few-to-no motor units on EMG. In a prospective study of 400 limbs in 100 consecutive post-polio patients attending our clinic, 94 (23%) limbs were Class I, 88 (22%) were Class II, 95 (24%) were Class III, 75 (19%) were Class IV, and 48 (12%) were Class V. Guidelines for the use of this classification in a clinical/research setting are presented along with sample case histories and class-specific exercise recommendations.
Investigation of bladder dose and volume factors influencing late urinary toxicity after external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Background: We sought to identify the bladder dose–volume factors associated with an increased risk of late urinary toxicity among prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: This retrospective analysis included data from 128 prostate cancer patients treated on protocol with 2 Gy/fraction to 46 Gy followed by a boost to 78 Gy. The endpoint for this analysis was Grade 1 or greater late genitourinary (GU) toxicity occurring within two years of treatment. The Lyman-Kutcher-Burman, mean dose, threshold dose, and hottest volume models were fitted to the toxicity data using the maximum likelihood method. Results: Model fits based on dose–volume histograms tended to fit the toxicity data better than models based on dose–wall histograms. The hottest volume (hotspot) model was found to be the best-fitting model investigated. The best fit was for the hottest 2.9% of bladder (95% CI, 1.1–6.8%). This model has an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74. The hotspot model separated the patients into clinically meaningful subgroups with ∼25% of the patients who received p = 0.002). Conclusion: This provides the first evidence supporting that bladder "hotspots" are related to GU toxicity within two years after external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Confirming data are needed from other investigators. Particular attention should be given to hotspots higher than 78 Gy in bladder in radiation treatment planning.
Low temperature selective epitaxy of III V compounds by laser assisted chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Laser Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (LCVD) is a new approach for low temperature selective epitaxy of III-V compounds with great potential for maskless multicomponent device integration on the same wafer. GaAs substrates were thermally biased to temperatures as low as 250°C and exposed simultaneously to fluxes of trimethylgallium (TMG) and arsine (AsH 3 ). Ar ion laser scanning of the substrate, at carefully selected growth conditions, resulted in epitaxial selective deposition at rates as low as a few A/s per scan. The LCVD growth rates as a function of deposition temperatures are reported for different laser powers and seem to follow an Arrhenius type relation. Activation energies in the range 10–13 kcal/mol were estimated for growth temperatures in the range 250–400°C. X-ray diffraction topography is demonstrated as a powerful nondestructive tool for structural characterization. We have utilized this technique to optimize the LCVD growth conditions in order to achieve device quality films that are free from lattice distortion. Low temperature photoluminescence shows the presence of impurity peaks that can be related to carbon.
Lysine-Directed Conjugation of Ethidium Homodimer to B72.3 Antibody: Retention of Immunoreactivity but Altered Tumor Targeting

Abstract Ethidium homodimer (EHD) was conjugated to B72.3 monoclonal antibody using a method whereby 85–90% of the conjugated EHD remains available for DNA intercalation. Antibody was thiopropionylated by reaction with N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate and reduction of pyridyldithio groups with dithiothreitol. EHD was maleimido-functionalized with succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidoethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate and treated with thiopropionylated antibody to obtain a conjugate containing ∼3.4 EHD per antibody molecule. For biologic studies, 14C-labeled EHD was synthesized by reductive amination and conjugated as above. In vitro the conjugate maintained chemical integrity and immunoreactivity, while in vivo its targeting of LS174T tumors was reduced compared with that of iodinated antibody. A decrease in isoelectric point of the immunoconjugate was also observed.
When first‐generation students go to graduate school

The author argues that first-generation college students (FGS) have compounded challenges when they pursue graduate education. As a first-generation college student, he was not able to gather advice from family or his job supervisor, who had no experience with graduate school. Drawing from his experience and the existing FGS-related research, the author details practical advice for making a successful transition from college to graduate school. He concludes with a list of essential questions that prospective graduate students should ask themselves and their mentors when considering graduate study.
Centripetal movement of corneal epithelial cells in the normal adult mouse.

Purpose To study the natural movement of corneal epithelial cells in the normal adult mouse with histology and in vivo microscopy. Methods A transgenic mouse line that was engineered to ubiquitously express green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to visualize corneal epithelial cells. For histology, epithelial GFP was imaged in a wholemounted cornea en face, and also in frozen cross-sections, under a fluorescence microscope. For in vivo studies, the anesthetized mouse was placed on a custom-made observation platform under a fluorescence microscope. Epithelial fluorescence was digitally recorded two to three times a week, and a rate of cell movement was determined from the time-lapse sequences. Results The GFP expression in the corneal epithelium was nearly ubiquitous up to about 1 week after birth, and thereafter it gradually became sporadic, resulting in a mosaic pattern of GFP positive cells, with the brightest cells present in the basal and suprabasal layer of the epithelium. Both high- and low GFP-cells formed radial streaks toward the central cornea, frequently displaying vortex patterns at the center. Clusters of several high-GFP cells were tracked in living mice for up to 7 weeks, and an analysis of time-lapse sequences revealed that they moved centripetally at an average rate of 26 micro m/d. Conclusions Corneal epithelium of adult GFP mice exhibits a pattern of GFP expression that is suitable for studying cell movement in the normal cornea. Epithelial cells at the basal or suprabasal layers move centripetally in these mice at an average rate of 26 micro m/d.
Scale Overlap, a Directional Sign Stimulus for Prey Ingestion by Ophiophagous Snakes1

Abstract Observations on captives and stomach analyses of museum specimens demonstrate that king cobras and several species of coral snakes usually swallow prey snakes head-first. Three king cobras and two coral snakes were given pieces of dead snakes and lizards, and dead snakes with reversed skins. These experiments and observations on feeding behavior suggest that ventral scale overlap is used to locate the prey's head prior to ingestion. Advantages of head-first prey ingestion, some exceptions to this behavior, the hypothetical antiquity of head-first prey ingestion in reptiles and mammals, and possibilities for future research are discussed. Zusammenfassung Korallenottern (Micrurus fulvius) und Konigskobras (Ophiophagus hannah) fressen andere Schlangen und lassen in der Regel ihre Beute nicht los, ehe sie den Kopf erfast und verschlungen haben. Experimente mit Stucken toter Schlangen und Eidechsen sowie toten Schlangen, deren Haut abgezogen und in Gegenrichtung gewendet wurde, bestatigen die Vermutung, das das Uberlappen der Bauchschuppen den orientierenden Reiz darstellt. Diese Arten umgehen drei Schwierigkeiten, wenn sie ihre Beute mit dem Kopf voraus verschlingen: den Widerstand der uberlappenden Bauchschuppen mit freiem Hinterende; die scharfen, nach hinten gebogenen Zahne einer Beuteschlange; schlieslich das Erfassen des dunnen Schwanzes beim Beginn des Schlingaktes. Einige Ausnahmefalle, bei denen die Beute mit dem Schwanz voraus verschlungen wurde, lassen vermuten, das die genannten Schwierigkeiten nicht allzu gros sind, wenn die Beute relativ klein ist, wenn sie einen relativ kurzen und stumpfen Schwanz hat, oder wenn die schlangenfressende Art (z. B. Erythrolamprus aesculapii, Colubridae) einen beweglicheren Kieferapparat besitzt als Micrurus oder Ophiophagus (beides Elapidae).
Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoprotein in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Objectives This study examined the functionality of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in individuals with end-stage renal disease on dialysis (ESRD-HD). Background The high rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in chronic kidney disease is not explained by standard risk factors, especially in patients with ESRD-HD who appear resistant to benefits of statin therapy. HDL is antiatherogenic because it extracts tissue cholesterol and reduces inflammation. Methods Cellular cholesterol efflux and inflammatory response were assessed in macrophages exposed to HDL of patients with ESRD-HD or controls. Results HDL from patients with ESRD-HD was dramatically less effective than normal HDL in accepting cholesterol from macrophages (median 6.9%; interquartile range [IQR]: 1.4% to 10.2%) versus control (median 14.9%; IQR: 9.8% to 17.8%; p Conclusions These findings suggest that abnormal HDL capacity to mediate cholesterol efflux is a key driver of excess CVD in patients on chronic hemodialysis and may explain why statins have limited effect to decrease CV events. The findings also suggest cellular cholesterol transporters as potential therapeutic targets to decrease CV risk in this population.
Hypoxia and AMP independently regulate AMP-activated protein kinase activity in heart

The hypothesis was tested that hypoxia increases AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity independently of AMP concentration ([AMP]) in heart. In isolated perfused rat hearts, cytosolic [AMP] was changed from 0.2 to 16 μM using metabolic inhibitors during both normal oxygenation (95% O2-5% CO2, normoxia) and limited oxygenation (95% N2-5% CO2, hypoxia). Total AMPK activity measured in vitro ranged from 2 to 40 pmol·min−1·mg protein−1 in normoxic hearts and from 5 to 55 pmol·min−1·mg protein−1 in hypoxic hearts. The dependence of the in vitro total AMPK activity on the in vivo cytosolic [AMP] was determined by fitting the measurements from individual hearts to a hyperbolic equation. The [AMP] resulting in half-maximal total AMPK activity (A0.5) was 3 ± 1 μM for hypoxic hearts and 28 ± 13 μM for normoxic hearts. The A0.5 for α2-isoform AMPK activity was 2 ± 1 μM for hypoxic hearts and 13 ± 8 μM for normoxic hearts. Total AMPK activity correlated with the phosphorylation of the Thr172 residue of the AMPK...
INVESTOR EXPERIENCE IN CORPORATE SECURITIES: A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR MEASUREMENT*

THIS ARTICLE SUMMARIZES the results of a recently completed pilot study of realized yields on corporate securities. The primary purpose of the study was to demonstrate the applicability of a simple computer program to the problem of calculating yields for highly variable income streams, but a secondary aim was to compare the realized yields with some widely accepted measure of expected yield. The basic need for such a study is discussed in Section I. A description of the sample and its limitations follows in Section II. The major findings are presented in Section III, with emphasis on the significance of various yield performances, and Section IV points the direction to future research on this very important topic.
Decomposition algorithms with parametric Gomory cuts for two-stage stochastic integer programs

We consider a class of two-stage stochastic integer programs with binary variables in the rst stage and general integer variables in the second stage. We develop decomposition algorithms akin to the L-shaped or Benders’ methods by utilizing Gomory cuts to obtain iteratively tighter approximations of the second-stage integer programs. We show that the proposed methodology is exible in that it allows several modes of implementation, all of which lead to nitely convergent algorithms. We illustrate our algorithms using examples from the literature. We report computational results using the stochastic server location problem instances which suggest that our decomposition-based approach scales better with increases in the number of scenarios than a state-of-the art solver which was used to solve the deterministic equivalent formulation.
Laboratory study of fine structure of the short surface waves due to breaking: two-directional wave propagation

This study was stimulated by the need to identify the influence of breaking on the evolution on the short surface wave field, responsible for microwave scattering. Laboratory measurements of the fine space-time structure of short gravity-capillary waves and Ku-band scattering at grazing and moderate incidence by spilling and plunging breaking waves in a laboratory wave channel are presented. Unsteady breaking waves are generated by focusing wave groups in space-time domains. A line-scanning laser slope gauge was used for measuring capillary-gravity waves from 2 mm to 20 cm wavelengths and frequency ranges up to 150 Hz. A dual polarized (VV, HH) coherent pulsed Ku-band scatterometer with temporal resolution of 3 ns was used to obtain simultaneously Doppler spectra of the scattered signals from the breaking area for grazing angles from 6 to 25 degrees. Two-dimensional filtering in the wave number-frequency plane, as well as plus/minus Doppler spectra was used to separate the direction of propagation of the surface waves within the breaking region. It was found that the breaking splash is the main source of the surface wave generation. The short surface wave slope fields field produced by breaking could be separated into short (4-8 mm wavelength) fast waves, having a phase velocity equal to the velocity of the crest of the breaking dominant 1 Hz waves, and free gravity-capillary waves. Both types of waves were found to co-and counter-propagate relative to the dominant wave propagation direction. The Doppler spectrograms reveal the presence of high frequency waves at the moment of breaking that can be associated with short fast waves. The low frequency part of the Doppler spectrogram is consistent with the appearance of free gravity waves.
Effects of aniline and three derivatives on laboratory microecosystems

Generic mixed-flask microcosms were used to evaluate ecosystem responses to aniline and three closely related compounds—2,6-diisopropylaniline, 4-hexyloxyaniline and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroaniline. Toxicity was determined on both an acute and chronic basis using changes in ecosystem-level variables (pH and dissolved oxygen levels) as indicators of effect. These calculated toxicity values were then compared with reported toxicity data on bacteria, algae, protozoa and Cladocera to evaluate the relative sensitivity of the method. The relative toxicities of the tested compounds were the same in microcosm tests as in the available single-species tests, but the range between the most and least toxic as determined by the microcosm test was smaller by an order of magnitude. Aniline was the least toxic, followed, in order of increasing toxicity, by 2,6-diisopropylaniline, 4-hexyloxyaniline and 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroaniline. The minimum effect concentrations determined for these compounds were generally lower than reported literature values, suggesting that the method does not sacrifice sensitivity in providing an integrated picture of ecosystem-level effects.
Success for All at 27: New Developments in Whole-School Reform

This article presents recent developments in Success for All, a whole-school reform approach for high-poverty schools. These include incorporation of Common Core standards, technology-enhanced methods for teaching and tutoring, and extensive use of video for students and teachers. The strong evidence base and success at scale give the program additional importance in policy.
Crossing the Water's Edge: Elite Rhetoric, Media Coverage and the Rally-Round-the-Flag Phenomenon, 1979-2003

The most widely accepted explanation for the rally-round-the-flag phenomenon is a relative absence of elite criticism during the initial stages of foreign crises. In this study we argue that the nature and extent of elite debate may matter less than media coverage of any such debate, and that such coverage is heavily influenced by commonly held professional incentives and norms that lead journalists to strongly prefer certain stories over others. We also argue that not all messages in this debate matter equally for public opinion. Rather, the persuasiveness of elite messages depends on their credibility, which, in turn, arises out of an interaction between the sender, receiver, and message. Hence, only by understanding the interactions between elites, the public, and the press can we account for variations in public responses to presidential foreign policy initiatives. We test our theory by examining public opinion data and network news coverage of all major U.S. uses of military force from 1979 to 2003. We content analyze all congressional evaluations of the president and the executive branch of government from the three network evening newscasts within 60-day time periods centered on the start date of each use of force. Our results offer strong support for the theory.
Wireless network capacity versus Ollivier-Ricci curvature under Heat-Diffusion (HD) protocol

Negative curvature in the relatively new Ollivier-Ricci sense of a wireless network graph is shown to be the culprit behind large queue occupancy, large routing energy, and restricted capacity region under any throughput optimal protocol. This is the wireless counterpart of the congestion phenomenon occurring in a Gromov negatively curved wired network under least cost path routing. Significantly different protocols call for significantly different curvature concepts to explain the “congestion” phenomenon. The rationale for the Ollivier-Ricci curvature is that it is defined in terms of a transportation cost-formalized by the Wasserstein distance-under a diffusion process. The Heat-Diffusion protocol used in this paper is driven by the queue differential, so that interpreting packets as calories, it lends itself to a genuine heat diffusion, yet retaining the 3-stage process of weighting-scheduling-forwarding of well-known Back-Pressure protocol. The main result is that the transportation definition of the Ollivier-Ricci curvature allows for the direct connection-without resorting to the Laplacian operator of heat calculus-between curvature and queue occupancy, routing energy, and capacity region.
A study of the autofluorescence of parylene materials for μTAS applications

Parylene-C has been widely used as a biocompatible material for microfluidics and micro total analysis system (μTAS) applications in recent decades. However, its autofluorescence can be a major obstacle for parylene-C based devices used in applications requiring sensitive fluorescence detection. In this paper, Parylene-C was compared with other commonly used polymer and plastic materials in μTAS devices for their autofluorescence. We also report here an in-depth study of the behaviors and mechanisms of the autofluorescence of parylene-C, as well as several other commercialized members in the parylene family, including parylene-D, parylene-N and parylene-HT, using epifluorescence microscopy, fluorimeter and infrared spectroscopy. Strong autofluorescence was induced in parylene-C during short-wavelength excitation (i.e. UV excitation). Variation of autofluorescence intensity of parylene-C film was found to be related to both dehydrogenation and photo-oxidation. Moreover, the influence of microfabrication process on parylene-C autofluorescence was also evaluated. Parylene-HT, which exhibits low initial autofluorescence, decreasing autofluorescence behavior under UV excitation and higher UV stability, can be a promising alternative for μTAS applications with fluorescence detection.
Restaurant Franchising In The Western U.S.

This paper studies the effect of both economic and demographic factors on restaurant franchising (RF) in the Western United States. The study utilizes regression analysis of pooled cross-section (6 states) and time series (10 years) data. It is found that among the economic factors, the market size, measured by per capita gross domestic product, is the most significant. Also found important is the cost of raising capital, which is measured by the real rate of interest. On the demographic side, the level of urbanization is found to be positively related to restaurant franchising.
Symmetric Spaces over a Finite Field

Let G be a (connected) reductive group defined over a finite field Fq (q odd) with a given involution θ:G → G defined over Fq. The pair (G, θ) will be called a symmetric space (over Fq), we shall fix a closed subgroup K of the fixed point set Gθ such that K is defined over Fq and K contains the identity component (Gθ)0 of Gθ.
Semisupervised multiattribute seismic facies analysis

AbstractOne of the key components of traditional seismic interpretation is to associate or “label” a specific seismic amplitude package of reflectors with an appropriate seismic or geologic facies. The object of seismic clustering algorithms is to use a computer to accelerate this process, allowing one to generate interpreted facies for large 3D volumes. Determining which attributes best quantify a specific amplitude or morphology component seen by the human interpreter is critical to successful clustering. Unfortunately, many patterns, such as coherence images of salt domes, result in a salt-and-pepper classification. Application of 3D Kuwahara median filters smooths the interior attribute response and sharpens the contrast between neighboring facies, thereby preconditioning the attribute volumes for subsequent clustering. In our workflow, the interpreter manually painted n target facies using traditional interpretation techniques, resulting in attribute training data for each facies. Candidate attribute...
The effects of nutrients and temperature on germination and viability of the ascospores of chaetomium rectopilium.

Ascospores of C. rectopilium germinated poorly (8% or less) on a synthetic agar medium containing all of the major nutrients and on media containing a single nutrient (minerals, nitrogen source, vitamins, glucose). Various concentrations of potassium acetate (optimum concentration was 2.5 g per liter) markedly stimulated germination at 46 C, increasing germination 8-fold and shortening the latent period from 48 to 12 hr. Moderate stimulation was observed at 42 C. At 35 C and below KAc had no stimulating effect. An additive stimulation by a short exposure to a supramaximal temperature to that of KAc stimulation was observed at 55, but not at 60 C. Malt extract agar allowed even better germination (89%) than KAc. A vesicle emerged through the single germ pore and quickly protruded one or two germ tubes. Occasionally, perithecial hairs which had escaped removal by the washing procedure, were observed to protrude a hyaline hypha from the fractured part. Germination was observed at from 16 to 48 C. The cardinal temperatures for ascospore germination (determined on KAc agar) were found to be: minimum, 12-16 C; optimum, 46 C; maximum, 48-50 C. A high percentage of ascospores germinated on malt extract agar at pH 4.9 to 7, but none germinated at pH 3.5. Very low germination was observed on Ionagar with no added nutrients at pH 3.5 to 7.3. Potassium acetate in agar repressed germination at pH levels below 6.1. The optimum pH on the three media was 5.7 to 6.4. The thermal death point was determined to be 60-62 C. The ascosnores are not very thermoduric, surviving 8 hr exposure to 55 C, but not 12 hr; surviving 20 min exposure to 60 C, but not 30 min.
Melting of Size-Selected Gallium Clusters with 60–183 Atoms

Heat capacities have been measured as a function of temperature for size-selected gallium cluster cations with between 60 and 183 atoms. Almost all clusters studied show a single peak in the heat capacity that is attributed to a melting transition. The peaks can be fit by a two-state model incorporating only fully solid-like and fully liquid-like species, and hence no partially melted intermediates. The exceptions are Ga90(+), which does not show a peak, and Ga80(+) and Ga81(+), which show two peaks. For the clusters with two peaks, the lower temperature peak is attributed to a structural transition. The melting temperatures for clusters with less than 50 atoms have previously been shown to be hundreds of degrees above the bulk melting point. For clusters with more than 60 atoms the melting temperatures decrease, approaching the bulk value (303 K) at around 95 atoms, and then show several small upward excursions with increasing cluster size. A plot of the latent heat against the entropy change for melting reveals two groups of clusters: the latent heats and entropy changes for clusters with less than 94 atoms are distinct from those for clusters with more than 93 atoms. This observation suggests that a significant change in the nature of the bonding or the structure of the clusters occurs at 93-94 atoms. Even though the melting temperatures are close to the bulk value for the larger clusters studied here, the latent heats and entropies of melting are still far from the bulk values.
Rapid Electron Dynamics at Fe Atoms in Nanocrystalline Li0.5FePO4 Studied by Mössbauer Spectrometry

Two-phase mixtures of Li_(0.5)FePO_4 with crystal sizes as small as 25 nm were prepared by solid-state reaction, ball milling, and chemical delithiation. Mssbauer spectra of nanocrystalline Li_(0.5)FePO_4 found evidence for a thin layer of Fe^(3+) at the crystal surfaces. Spectra acquired at temperatures from 25 to 225 °C showed thermally driven electronic relaxations, where the electric field gradients (EFG) of the main Fe^(3+) and Fe^(2+) spectral components decreased with temperature. The isomer shifts (IS) of Fe^(3+) and Fe^(2+) showed similar thermal trends, indicative of valence fluctuations caused by small polaron hopping. The activation energies obtained from the temperature dependence of the EFG were 410 meV for Fe^(3+) and 330 meV for Fe^(2+), and an activation energy of 400 meV was obtained for the IS of both. The rapid valence electron hopping between Fe sites is intrinsic to electronic conductivity in Li_(x)FePO_4, which is calculated to be higher than most reports for bulk material.
Characterization of real-world vibration sources with a view toward optimal energy harvesting architectures

A tremendous amount of research has been performed on the design and analysis of vibration energy harvester architectures with the goal of optimizing power output; most studies assume idealized input vibrations without paying much attention to whether such idealizations are broadly representative of real sources. These “idealized input signals” are typically derived from the expected nature of the vibrations produced from a given source. Little work has been done on corroborating these expectations by virtue of compiling a comprehensive list of vibration signals organized by detailed classifications. Vibration data representing 333 signals were collected from the NiPS Laboratory “Real Vibration” database, processed, and categorized according to the source of the signal (e.g. animal, machine, etc.), the number of dominant frequencies, the nature of the dominant frequencies (e.g. stationary, band-limited noise, etc.), and other metrics. By categorizing signals in this way, the set of idealized vibration inputs commonly assumed for harvester input can be corroborated and refined, and heretofore overlooked vibration input types have motivation for investigation. An initial qualitative analysis of vibration signals has been undertaken with the goal of determining how often a standard linear oscillator based harvester is likely the optimal architecture, and how often a nonlinear harvester with a cubic stiffness function might provide improvement. Although preliminary, the analysis indicates that in at least 23% of cases, a linear harvester is likely optimal and in no more than 53% of cases would a nonlinear cubic stiffness based harvester provide improvement.
2015 Chinese Entertainment Law Year Review: Is It Converging with the U.S. Practice?

The year of 2015 was a successful year for Chinese film industry. It was also a monumental year for the development of Chinese entertainment law. During the past year, we witnessed a substantial increase of cases before the Chinese courts that are of interest to the entertainment industry, including the substantial similarity test in copyright infringement analysis, protection of movie titles and story characters through trademark and anti-unfair competition law, protection of private rights to privacy and reputation, and the treatment of freedom of speech and the public’s right to information. Many of the courts’ rulings and reasoning began to show characteristics that converge with the U.S. entertainment law practice, and as such, these cases may have far-reaching implications in the future progress of China’s entertainment industry. This paper discusses the trends and implications of Chinese entertainment law between 2014-15, with focuses on copyright law, trademark law, anti-unfair competition law and defamation. Each case starts with a brief summary of facts and legal reasoning, then followed by a comparison with its U.S. counterpart in the U.S. entertainment case law. Here, I show a notable trend in Chinese entertainment law — the surprising convergence of its legal reasoning with that of the long-established U.S. case law and practice, albeit with certain exceptions. In the end, the paper proposes that the continued cooperation between Chinese film industry and Hollywood is expected to create more convergence not only in the industry practices but also in the legal practices, thus have significant implications to the development of Chinese jurisprudence in the long run.
Evaluation of uncertainty in determination of sorbic acid and benzoic acid in food by GC

Objective: Evaluation of the effect on determination of sorbic acid and benzoic acid in food by GC.Methods:According to the measurement to establish a mathematics model and calculate the composed of uncertainty until being a report.Result:When k=2 sorbic acid content in food was 406.8±11.39 mg/kg and benzoic acid in food was 905.2±79.66 mg/kg.Conclusion: This method of evaluation of Sorbic acid and Benzoic acid is of guiding significance to other analytical method.
PURIFICATION OF CONTAMINATED WATER BY ULTRASONIC DEGRADATION

Contaminated water purified by ultrasonic caviation is a hot domain which has attracted much attention abroad in recent years. A review is given of the principle and theory of ultrasonic degradation of contaminated water, the effects of degradation and the major influencing factors. Existing problems and future development directions are discussed.