cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emotional Appeals in HIV Prevention Campaigns: Unintended Stigma Effects.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether HIV/AIDS public service announcements (PSAs) that use emotional appeals have unintended effects of creating stigmatizing attitudes in their viewers. Methods We analyzed data for 240 respondents located in the United States who were recruited online. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of 3 conditions, where they viewed a PSA with hope appeals, fear appeals, or non-emotional appeals. Respondents then answered a series of questions about their attitudes about HIV/AIDS; testing behavior; engagement with HIV/AIDS-related people, organizations, and issues; and HIV/AIDS knowledge. We then performed MANOVA analyses and Pearson correlations. Results There were no significant differences in stigmatizing attitudes and behavior across the 3 conditions. However, once the data were split by sex, men exposed to the hope condition had significantly higher stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS than men in the other 2 conditions. Conclusions This result was unexpected and suggests that further research needs to be conducted with a more robust sample size to account for any moderating influences that might explain why a hopeful message that communicates togetherness would have a negative attitudinal impact on male viewers.
Political Selection of Federal Reserve Bank Cities

The Federal Reserve Act (1913) established the Reserve Board Organization Committee (RBOC) to determine the number and location of Federal Reserve districts and Reserve banks. Some scholars argue that the decisions were politically motivated but direct econometric evidence is lacking. A regression model utilizing solely political variables correctly predicts 11 of the 12 selected cities; the exception being Cleveland’s selection over Cincinnati. Our results present direct evidence of the importance of political determinants for RBOC selection.
The Strength of Nonperturbative Effects in String Theory

We argue that the leading weak coupling nonperturbative effects in closed string theories should be of order exp(— C/κ) where κ 2 is the closed string coupling constant. This is the case in the exactly soluble matrix models. These effects are in principle much larger than the exp(—C/κ 2 ) effects typical of the low energy field theory. We argue that this behavior should be generic in string theory because string perturbation theory generically behaves like (2g)! at genus g.
Memory consolidation, the diurnal rhythm of cortisol, and the nature of dreams: a new hypothesis.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that converging evidence suggests cortisol's impact on the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex can account for many formal features of dreaming, including dream fragmentation and bizarreness, the emotional nature of dreams, the lack of episodic memory replay in dreams, and the tendency for dreams to be forgotten upon awakening. Memory consolidation, a process that includes activation and reprocessing of memory traces, as well as their integration with pre-existing knowledge and experience, appears to play a critical role in dreaming. It discusses that when high levels of stress impact memory during wakefulness, fragmentation and the resulting reconstruction may be truly disruptive, as when reconstruction produces memories that are flagrantly “false.” Many people think of such memory inaccuracies as strictly negative events that lead to false recollections at best and devastating confabulations at worst. Finally, the chapter concludes that dreams are a reflection of the memory consolidation process, which serves not only to strengthen the neural traces of recent events and integrate them with older memories and previously stored knowledge, but also to recombine and restructure features of experience. All new ideas are based upon previously stored information, and nearly every definition of creativity includes combining this information in novel and useful ways.
RAB with Time, Three Dimensions, and Minimums

Chapter 2 introduced LP and provided the reader with a graphic explanation of how LP arrives at the optimal solution to a resource-allocation problem when there are two constraints and two ways to allocate resources. More complex LP problems with n constraints and m variables are solved not by the Graphical Method presented in Chapter 2, but by the Simplex Method, which mathematically solves the problem and almost always is executed on a computer.
Systolic arrays for eigenvalues

In this paper we consider the highly parallel computation, by systolic arrays, of matrix eigensystems. Systolic arrays are arrays (usually two-dimensional) of simple processing elements with a uniform nearby-neighbor connection structure. They are especially well suited for VLSI implementation. Special purpose, high performance devices using systolic arrays may, in the near future, become commonplace in numerical computing systems. Indeed, in special applications of numerical linear algebra to digital signal processing, their practical use has now begun [1].
Zwischen „Hartz IV“ und „Unternehmertum“

Aus dem Arbeitslosengeld II-Bezug heraus eine selbststandige Existenz aufzubauen, ist eine hurdenreiche Aufgabe. Stereotype Zuschreibungen wie die „fauler Hartz IV-Bezieher*innen“ und „erfolgreicher Unternehmer*innen“ spiegeln das Spannungsfeld wider, in dem sich Grundende bewegen. Die Analysen narrativ-biographischer Interviews mit leistungsbeziehenden Grunder*innen zeigen, dass der Arbeitslosengeld II-Bezug als eine Position sozialer Ortlosigkeit wahrgenommen wird und die Selbststandigkeit dazu dient, sich als Erwerbstatige*r zu positionieren und damit sozial zu verorten. In diesen Positionierungen steht zunachst die Herstellung von Adressierbarkeit im Mittelpunkt. Unter Bezugnahmen auf Narrative, Diskurse und Institutionen werden Selbst-Erzahlungen hervorgebracht. Diese (Selbst)Positionierungen, die der Beitrag systematisch in den Blick nimmt, sind prozesshafte und kontextuell bedingte Formen, sich zu diskursiven Erwartungen ins Verhaltnis zu setzen.
Using correlation based adaptive LASSO algorithm to develop QSPR of antitumour agents for DNA–drug binding prediction

Abstract In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Worldwide too, cancer is a major health problem. Hence, treatment of cancerous tumors remains a matter of very high concern. Apart from surgical treatment, the most commonly employed treatment is chemotherapy. But, due to long-term side effects such as organ damage and loss of teeth, doctors and patients are interested in treatments with reduced side effects. So far, a reasonably acceptable alternative to chemotherapy has not emerged. Recently, 9-anilinoacridines were evaluated as potential antitumor agents due to their enhanced tendency of DNA binding. For an initial evaluation of the drug performance, the association constant, K, is considered to be the key DNA drug binding property. In our work, to reduce experimental efforts and the associated chemical footprint, we develop a QSPR to model K. In our work, to model K, we utilized descriptors requiring representation of molecular structures in two dimensions or less. To establish a relationship between the descriptors and K, we have developed a correlation based adaptive LASSO algorithm (CorrLASSO). CorrLASSO, like LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator), incorporates feature selection as part of the learning procedure. Also, it is useful for dealing with high-dimensional data. As an improvement, CorrLASSO evaluates correlation between descriptors/features and the dependent property to generate a model with high performance metrics. In our work, R2, Q2 and MSE (mean square error) were utilized as performance metrics.
Nutrition and feeding of dairy cattle

Abstract Feeding dairy cattle utilize the sciences of nutrition, biochemistry, and microbiology and combine them with animal husbandry. In this chapter, we will discuss the nutrients and how they are integral for dairy cattle performance (growth and milk production). We will evaluate the feeding of calves and heifers along with some brief practical feeding recommendations for dry and prepartum cows.
Affine controller synthesis for stochastic reachability via difference of convex programming

We propose an affine controller synthesis technique that maximizes the probability of the state lying in a time-varying collection of safe sets for a Gaussian-perturbed linear time-varying system under bounded control authority. Specifically, we solve a chance constrained optimization problem obtained by relaxing the hard control bounds to a probabilistic constraint with a user-specified threshold. We also construct a lower bound for the true maximal reach probability, when the proposed affine controller is saturated to satisfy hard control bounds. For tractability, we formulate the optimization problem into an equivalent difference of convex program with second-order cone constraints, using risk allocation techniques and piecewise affine overapproximations. We then solve this program to a local optimum using a well-studied successive convexification procedure. We also show that the proposed chance constraint formulation has a tractable linear program-based restriction when the feedback gain matrix is known or when only open-loop controllers are considered. We compare the performance of our approach with existing approaches on a spacecraft rendezvous problem.
Analysis of means approach in advanced designs

Analysis of means (ANOM), similar to Shewhart control chart that exhibits individual mean effects on a graphical display, is an attractive alternative mean testing procedure for the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The procedure is primarily used to analyze experimental data from designs with only fixed effects. Recently introduced, the ANOM procedure based on the q‐distribution (ANOMQ procedure) generalizes the ANOM approach to random effects models. This article reveals that the application of ANOM and ANOMQ procedures in advanced designs such as hierarchically nested and split‐plot designs with fixed, random, and mixed effects enhances the data visualization aspect in graphical testing. Data from two real‐world experiments are used to illustrate the proposed procedure; furthermore, these experiments exhibit the ANOM procedures' visualization ability compared with ANOVA from the point of view of the practitioner.
Functional Outcomes are Comparable Between Posterior Stabilized and Cruciate-Substituting Total Knee Arthroplasty Designs at Short-Term Follow-up.

BACKGROUND Posterior stabilized (PS) polyethylene inserts have been shown to have excellent long-term functional results following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A cruciate-substituting (CS) design has been introduced to minimize bony resection and eliminate concerns regarding wear on the PS post. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent TKA using either a PS or CS insert. METHODS We reviewed a consecutive series of 5970 patients who underwent a cruciate-sacrificing TKA and received either a PS (3,314) or CS (2,656) polyethylene liner. We compared demographics, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Jr (KOOS Jr), Short-Form 12 (SF-12) scores, and revision rates between the groups at a minimum 2 years followup. A multivariate regression was performed to identify the independent effect of design on functional outcomes. RESULTS Revision rates between the groups were comparably low (0.35% for PS vs 0.51% for CS, P = .466) at an overall mean follow-up of 43 months. Patients in the PS cohort had statistically higher KOOS Jr scores at 2 years (69.8 vs 72.9, P < .001). Multivariate regression analysis found CS patients to have lower postoperative KOOS Jr scores (estimate -2.26, P = .003), and less overall improvement in KOOS Jr scores (estimate -2.42, P = .024) than PS patients, but neither was a clinically significant difference. CONCLUSION Patients who undergo TKA with a CS polyethylene insert have comparable functional outcomes and revision rates to those with a PS design at short-term follow-up. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether CS can match the outstanding track record of PS TKA.
Does Money Matter More in the Country? Education Funding Reductions and Achievement in Kansas, 2010-2018

The U.S. Department of Education made recent technical changes reducing eligibility for the Rural and Low-Income School Program. Given smaller budgets and lower economies of scale, rural districts ...
Ballot spoilage as a response to limitations on choice and influence

Electoral systems vary in terms of the choice and influence they offer voters. Beyond selecting between parties, preferential systems allow for choices within parties. More proportional systems mak...
Asymmetric optic disc edema in a young patient with POEMS: A rare presentation of a rare disease.

Abstract Purpose To describe a case of asymmetric optic disc edema presenting as the initial ocular feature of POEMS (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal gammopathy, Skin changes) syndrome. Observations A 29-year-old female patient presented with 3 weeks history of blurred vision, proptosis, and peripheral neuropathy as well as hypothyroidism. Fundoscopy revealed optic disc edema associated with visual loss in the left eye. Following a computed tomography (CT) scan and a positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) scan which respectively revealed hepatomegaly and multiple osteosclerotic lesions, as well as laboratory findings of monoclonal gammopathy and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, she was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome. After treatment with an autologous stem cell transplant, the optic disc edema and blurred vision resolved. Conclusions and importance The most reported ocular manifestation of POEMS syndrome, a rare and complex multisystem disorder, is bilateral optic disc edema that typically occurs in older males. Therefore, this report presents an uncommon case of asymmetric optic disc edema in a younger, female patient.
Considerations for Electric Utilities to Determine Energy Storage Size for Transmission Deferral to Increase Hosting Capacity

An ageing bulk power system causes increased stress on lines however, upgrading or building a transmission line is a long and arduous process. Recently, non-wire alternatives for transmission deferral have come to the forefront of transmission planning conducted by utilities. This paper presents the application of battery energy storage system (BESS) to mitigate the single branch overload in bulk power system while evaluating the locational impact of the resource. The amount of storage required can vary from system intact to contingency conditions, while also requiring a change in the charge/discharge profile. The Transmission Hosting Capacity (THC) tool developed by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is used to evaluate the size of the BESS required for the purpose. The capability of the THC tool to evaluate BESS size and location is demonstrated using two power systems; IEEE-39 Bus New England System and Synthetic Texas-2000 Bus System. The approach used in the tool as well as the case study results are presented in this paper.
Technical Assistance is Related to Improvements in the Food Pantry Consumer Nutrition Environment.

Abstract Objective To assess changes in food pantries’ consumer nutrition environment (CNE) after the provision of technical assistance. Design Pre-post study with 2 phases. Setting Staff completed observational assessments using the Nutrition Environment Food Pantry Assessment Tool (NEFPAT) at food pantries in an initial pilot phase. Then, staff conducted NEFPAT observations at pantries in Illinois statewide. Participants In the pilot phase, 6 staff assessed 28 pantries. In the statewide phase, 35 staff assessed 119 pantries. Intervention After completing an initial NEFPAT at each pantry, technical assistance was provided by staff to support changes in the pantries’ CNE before another NEFPAT observation was completed. Main Outcome Measure Changes in the CNE, as assessed with the NEFPAT, when comparing preassessment and postassessment. Analysis Score differences were evaluated with paired t tests. Results In the pilot phase, among 23 pantries with preassessment and postassessment data, 2 objectives on the NEFPAT observation increased significantly. In the statewide phase, among 66 pantries with preassessment and postassessment data, most NEFPAT objectives and the overall NEFPAT score (22.12 ± 8.16 vs 28.20 ± 7.14, P Conclusions and Implications Technical assistance provided by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education implementing staff were related to improvements in the CNE of food pantries in Illinois. Future work should evaluate the association of these CNE changes with changes in behavior among pantry patrons.
Balancing crop production and energy harvesting in organic solar-powered greenhouses

Greenhouses are a form of highly productive farming that conserves land and water. However, greenhouses use significantly more energy compared with conventional farming. For greenhouse to become an attractive option for environmentally sustainable agriculture there is a need to reduce their energy footprint. Employing semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) on greenhouse structures has been proposed as a strategy to significantly reduce the systems energy needs. ST-OSCs are particularly attractive given the opportunity to tune spectral transmittance to generate power and also meet the plants lighting needs. In this talk, we experimentally demonstrate that the ST-OSCs result in negligible crop productivity losses when growing red-leaf lettuce, a popular greenhouse crop. We also show through computational modeling that net-zero energy greenhouses can be achieved using ST-OSCs with 10% efficiency. We expand on this model by coupling the energy model to a detailed plant growth model that accounts for light intensity and spectra on crop yield. We modeled over 60 different ST-OSCs that have unique spectral character and performance. We show that integrating ST-OSCs with greenhouse can increase their net present value by nearly 50% thereby revealing that OSCs can assist in achieving environmentally sustainable greenhouse based agriculture.
Seismic Response of a Periodic Array of Structures

A simplified two-dimensional model of the dynamic interaction, through the soil, among adjacent structures in a densely built area is presented. The model consists of an infinite number of identical parallel infinitely long shear walls placed on equally spaced rigid semi-cylindrical foundations. The steady-state response of the shear walls to obliquely incident plane SH waves is evaluated and compared with the response of an isolated structure. The results obtained indicate that the presence of adjacent structures has a significant effect on the seismic response, particularly, at low frequencies and in the vicinity of the Rayleigh frequencies for the array. For high frequencies, only the immediately adjacent structures affect the response of the central shear wall.
Shape matching and object recognition

We address comparing related, but not identical shapes in images following a deformable template strategy. At the heart of this is the notion of an alignment between the shapes to be matched. The transformation necessary for alignment and the remaining differences after alignment are then used to make a comparison. A model determines what kind of deformations or alignments are acceptable, and what variation in appearance should remain after alignment. This ties strongly with the idea that the difference in shape is the residual difference, after some family of transformations has been applied for alignment. Finding an alignment of a model to a novel object involves search through the space of possible alignments. In many settings this search is quite difficult. This work shows that the search can be approximated by an easier discrete matching problem between key points on a model and a novel object. This is a departure from traditional approaches to deformable template matching that concentrate on analyzing differential models. This thesis presents theories and experiments on searching for, identifying, and using alignments found via discrete matchings. In particular we present a mathematical and ecological motivation for a medium scale descriptor of shape, geometric blur. Geometric blur is an average over transformations of a sparse signal or feature channel, and can be computed using a spatially varying convolution. The resulting shape descriptors are useful for evaluating local shape similarity. Experiments demonstrate their efficacy for image classification and shape correspondence. Finding alignments between shapes is formulated as an optimization problem over discrete matchings between feature points in images. Similarity between putative correspondences is measured using geometric blur, and the deformation in the configuration of points is measured by summing over deformations in pairwise relationships. The snatching problem is formulated as an integer quadratic programming problem and approximated with a simple technique. Experimental results indicate that this generic model of local shape and deformation is applicable across a wide variety of object categories, providing good (currently the best known) performance for object recognition and localization on a difficult object recognition benchmark. Furthermore this generic object alignment strategy can be used to model variation in images of an object category, identifying the repeated object structures and providing automatic localization of the objects.
Developing a Professional Learning Community among Preservice Teachers.

This action research study examined the development of a professional learning community (PLC) among 20 preservice secondary teachers as they met regularly during a semester-long, field-based education course to share artifacts of learning from their professional portfolios. The PLC model described by Hord and Tobia (2012) served as a framework for the implementation of this collaborative approach. The findings indicated that some aspects of the preservice teachers’ PLCs worked well while others did not. The participants enjoyed meeting with classmates, offering emotional support, and sharing their experiences from the university course and cooperating teachers’ classes. However, they struggled with focusing attention on their high school students’ learning, selecting a PLC leader, managing their time, and offering constructive feedback to other group members. The results suggest that the Hord and Tobia model of PLCs is useful and deserves further consideration from teacher educators working with preservice teachers.
The jamming game for timing channels

This work focuses on covert timing channels, in which information is conveyed in the timing of packets. The usage is covert because by design and common usage, information in packet communication networks is conveyed only by the bits within the packets.
Virtual-topology adaptation with minimal lightpath change for dynamic traffic in WDM mesh networks

In a wavelength-routed network, a lightpath is set up by configuring the optical switches along its route to establish a virtual connection between two edge devices, e.g., IP routers. The set of lightpaths constitutes a virtual topology that carries the packet traffic on the corresponding IP-over WDM network. Our study should be of use to ISPs and enterprises running their own IP-over WDM networks.
Isokinetic Eccentric-to-Concentric Strength Ratios of the Shoulder Rotator Muscles in Throwers and Nonthrowers

BackgroundOne of the possible mechanisms leading to shoulder injury may be a strength imbalance between those muscles that accelerate the upper limb and those responsible for deceleration. Many studies have examined shoulder balance through a concentric strength ratio of external and internal shoulder rotator muscles.HypothesisA functional external eccentric-to-internal concentric ratio may be a better identifier of muscular imbalance in dominant and nondominant shoulders of throwers and nonthrowers.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsEccentric external and concentric internal peak torques were measured bilaterally in 59 men (16 throwers and 43 nonthrowers) at 300 deg/sec. Subjects were tested in the supine position with the shoulder abducted to 90° and the elbow flexed to 90°.ResultsThrowers exhibited significantly lower ratios than nonthrowers in their dominant limb; there was no difference between groups for the nondominant limb.ConclusionsThe lower ratio in the throwers’ dominant limb was a...
Cell Surface α-D-Galactopyranosyl End Groups: Use as Markers in the Isolation of Murine Tumor Cell Lines With Different Cancer-Causing Potentials

Cell lines from 2 3-methylcholanthrene-induced murine tumors were established in culture and examined for reactivity with Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 (GS I-B4), a lectin that has strict specificity for terminal alpha-D-galactopyranosyl residues. Virtually all of the cells in both populations were strongly reactive, indicating the presence of this carbohydrate on the cell surface. Both tumor lines were exposed to human serum with antibodies to the blood group B antigen. More than 99.99% of the exposed cells were killed by this treatment. This is not surprising, because terminal alpha-D-galactopyranosyl residues comprise the blood group B antigen. From the few surviving cells, it was possible to establish cell lines resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the anti-blood group B antibodies. A total of 4 cell lines were independently obtained in this way. The human serum-resistant lines showed no detectable reactivity with GS I-B4, indicating that alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-deficient cell lines had been obtained. The parent and variant cells were compared for reactivity with anti-laminin antibodies. Both parent lines showed strong reactivity by immunofluorescence in the viable state, whereas the alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-deficient lines showed no reactivity. The parent and variant lines were also compared with regard to in vitro and in vivo growth. The alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-deficient lines had reduced in vitro growth capacity relative to the parent lines. More importantly, in contrast to the parent lines, these lines were significantly less tumorigenic than the parent lines when injected into syngeneic mice and did not metastasize spontaneously.
The accountant’s contribution to product development teams — a case study

Abstract The new product development (NPD) literature offers mechanisms and processes that will contribute to the successful launch of new products. It is recognized that ultimately new products fail due to their lack of appeal which may manifest itself in terms of functionality, quality, cost, timing, or other factors. The organization model for NPD appears to attract particular attention in recent years is the project team. Within the project team the contributions of accountancy have not been evaluated in a very detailed way. To assess the utilization of emerging cost accounting practices as well as their perceived desirability, an empirical study was conducted with the collaboration of New England firms affiliated with the technology sector. This case study suggests that accounting and marketing collaboration could substantially contribute toward a focused and effective product development effort. This can be achieved by setting parameters for price, quality, and functionality. It is, therefore, advocated that the inclusion of accountants, who draw from recent trends in cost accounting, can significantly enhance development projects.
Short and long distance translocations: Movement and survival in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Human development represents a serious threat to wildlife populations through continued habitat loss and incidental mortality from construction activities. Resource managers responsible for protecting species with legal status or high public profile are faced with difficult decisions on how to best manage populations located in construction zones. One approach to mitigate mortalities is to relocate individuals. The effectiveness of translocation for reptiles and amphibians has been questioned, with studies often reporting higher mortality and increased movements of translocated individuals. Translocations of reptiles and amphibians have primarily involved moving animals long distances, well beyond an individual’s home range. For reptiles this means finding new nesting, foraging, and overwintering sites, which may be problematic. Moving individuals only short distances, within their home range, may reduce those problems. As part of the mitigation plan for a highway construction project in central Maryland, groups of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) were translocated both short distances (<0.5km), and long distances (~5km). To investigate differences in survival and movement patterns among long distance translocation, short distance translocation, and non-translocation groups, I tracked 94 turtles (31 long distance translocation, 29 short distance translocation, and 34 non-translocation) using radio telemetry. Eleven animals died during the first activity season after translocation (April through November 2008). The mortalities included two long distance translocation, six short distance translocation, and three non-translocation animals. The causes of mortality included road kill, construction activity, and unknown (1, 4, and 6 mortalities respectively). All construction related mortalities were a result inadequate exclusion fencing to keep turtles from trespassing back onto the construction site. All mortalities due to construction were either non-translocation or short distance translocation animals. Eleven other individuals were located at least once within the construction zone, suggesting that without our intervention mortality rates would have been much higher. Preliminary results for movement show that turtles in the non-translocation group had the lowest average movements while long distance translocation animals had the greatest average movements. Long distance translocation turtles also chose overwintering sites farther away from their initial overwintering sites than either short distance translocation or non-translocation turtles (average distance from original site of 261.8m, 155.6m, and 124.3m respectively). This suggests that movement patterns of short distance translocation turtles are more like native turtles.
Quarkonia results from PHENIX

Abstract Measuring the production of multiple quarkonia states in different collision systems and over a range of energies is necessary to disentangle the effects of production in a nuclear target from those due to a hot medium. Measurements by PHENIX of J / ψ production in A + A collisions show similar levels of modification over a range of collision systems as well as energies, which might be explained by an interplay between suppression and regeneration in hot nuclear matter. Measurements of J / ψ and ψ ′ production in d + Au collisions at s NN = 200 GeV have presented a number of interesting puzzles. The p T dependence of J / ψ suppression is found to be different at backward (Au-going) rapidities compared to mid and forward (d-going) rapidities. While this is unexplained by models, comparisons to the modification of heavy flavor muons show a similar discrepancy between backward and forward rapidities. The increased suppression of ψ ′ production compared to J / ψ production in central events is incompatible with either nPDF modification or nuclear breakup. However, an approximate scaling of the relative modification of the ψ ′ to the J / ψ with charged particle multiplicity between SPS p + A , PHENIX d + Au and SPS A + A is also observed, perhaps indicating that interactions with final state partons or hadrons may be important.
Theoretical and numerical convergence rates for some conforming finite elements

Abstract One of the major requirements of an approximate solution method is to rapidly converge to the exact solution. This paper is concerned with the rapidity of solution convergence for many conforming finite element models. Convergence rates are determined by theoretical analyses and checked by numerical investigation. Solution error plots are made for each element and in most cases these plots indicate a numerical convergence rate which is in agreement with that predicted by theory. The investigation considers only discretization errors; and the solution quantities referred to are for the system energy quantities which correspond to the eigenvalues for eigenvalue problems. The convergence rates determined are applicable to eigenvalue and static problems devoid of stress singularities.
Engineering the Binding Properties of the T Cell Receptor:Peptide:MHC Ternary Complex that Governs T Cell Activity

The potency of a T cell is determined in large part by two interactions, binding of a cognate peptide to the MHC, and binding of the T cell receptor (TCR) to this pepMHC. Various studies have attempted to assess the relative importance of these interactions, and to correlate the corresponding binding parameters with the level of T cell activity mediated by the peptide. To further examine the properties that govern optimal T cell activity, here we engineered both the peptide:MHC interaction and the TCR:pepMHC interaction to generate improved T cell activity. Using a system involving the 2C TCR and its allogeneic pepMHC ligand, QL9-Ld, we show that a peptide substitution of QL9 (F5R), increased the affinity and stability of the pep-Ld complex (e.g. cell surface t½ values of 13 minutes for QL9-Ld versus 87 minutes for F5R-Ld). However, activity of peptide F5R for 2C T cells was not enhanced because the 2C TCR bound with very low affinity to F5R-Ld compared to QL9-Ld (KD = 300 μM and KD = 1.6 μM, respectively). To improve the affinity, yeast display of the 2C TCR was used to engineer two mutant TCRs that exhibited higher affinity for F5R-Ld (KD = 1.2 and 6.3 μM). T cells that expressed these higher affinity TCRs were stimulated by F5R-Ld in the absence of CD8, and the highest affinity TCR exhibited enhanced activity for F5R compared to QL9. The results provide a guide to designing the explicit binding parameters that govern optimal T cell activities.
Give young scientists a level playing field

As a Ph.D. student who has worked in multiple institutions, I have observed and experienced the disparity in rigor, pedagogy, and professional development in the training of new scientists. Candidacy standards, graduation benchmarks, and preparation for independent scientific careers were markedly different between universities. Public speaking skills preparation, visits from career counseling experts, and presentations on the options available to Ph.D.s besides research professorships also varied. This largely unrecognized disparity, driven by a decreasing funding rate for grants, is not sustainable if the United States is to remain globally competitive in the sciences. Graduate students in the United States receive disparate levels of professional development, networking opportunities, and assessments of basic levels of competency depending on where and with whom they train. For example, industrial scientists may regularly present research and recruit at high-level institutions because a funded seminar series exists. Meanwhile, Ph.D. students at other institutions may never see an industrial scientist on their campus over an entire doctoral degree. This phenomenon is not new, but the standards expected from newly minted Ph.D.s have evolved as research has become increasingly competitive, globally collaborative ([ 1 ][1]), and fast paced. The inequality between institutions places a minority of new Ph.D.s on a track with the best toolbox and a majority to pick up the crumbs. For the U.S. scientific output to sustain its current pace, funding agencies must invest in a strategic plan for the development of younger scientists. These investments should have priorities established by scientists-in-training. A multiregional steering committee should set structured goals and benchmarks to address the heterogeneity in educational and professional development between institutions. 1. [↵][2] Science 346, 47 (2014). [OpenUrl][3][FREE Full Text][4] [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [3]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DScience%26rft.stitle%253DScience%26rft.volume%253D346%26rft.issue%253D6205%26rft.spage%253D47%26rft.epage%253D49%26rft.atitle%253DGlobal%2Bcollaboration%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1126%252Fscience.346.6205.47%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [4]: /lookup/ijlink/YTozOntzOjQ6InBhdGgiO3M6MTQ6Ii9sb29rdXAvaWpsaW5rIjtzOjU6InF1ZXJ5IjthOjQ6e3M6ODoibGlua1R5cGUiO3M6NDoiRlVMTCI7czoxMToiam91cm5hbENvZGUiO3M6Mzoic2NpIjtzOjU6InJlc2lkIjtzOjExOiIzNDYvNjIwNS80NyI7czo0OiJhdG9tIjtzOjI0OiIvc2NpLzM0Ni82MjEwLzcxMS4xLmF0b20iO31zOjg6ImZyYWdtZW50IjtzOjA6IiI7fQ==
Interfacial modification of Nb/MoSi2 composites and its effects on fracture toughness

Niobium-reinforced MoSi2 composites have shown a large improvement in fracture toughness over the MoSi2 matrix. However, the chemical incompatibility of niobium with MoSi2 has to be solved for high-temperature structural applications of the composite. In addition, the effects of interfacial coatings on the fracture toughness of ductile-phase-reinforced composites need to be investigated to find the optimum toughening effect of niobium reinforcement. In the present study different oxide coatings, Al2O3 and ZrO2, were applied to niobium reinforcement and effectiveness of the coatings as diffusion barriers was evaluated. The mechanical behavior and the fractographic characteristics of constrained niobium were also examined. Finally, the effect of the coatings on fracture toughness of the composites was studied and compared with predictions based upon tensile tests on a single constrained niobium reinforcement. The results are discussed in terms of the interfacial fracture energy and micromechanical models of ductile-phase-reinforced composites.
Quantum statistics of broadband squeezed light

Photon-emission sequences in nonclassical light beams generated by an optical parametric oscillator are studied. Exact photon-counting and waiting time distributions are derived by using a generating function technique based on the positive-P representation. This approach is used to present a simple physical picture of photon emissions from this nonclassical light source.
A Pilot-Scale Expressed Sequence Tag Analysis of Beauveria bassiana Gene Expression Reveals a Tripeptidyl Peptidase that is Differentially Expressed in vivo

The entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana is a dimorphic fungus that displays an in vivo-specific, yeast-like parasitic phase. In order to study the transcriptome of B. bassiana during this unique developmental phase, we developed a method to harvest in vivo B. bassiana cells from infected Manduca sexta larvae. The infected hemolymph was collected just prior to insect death and subjected to gradient centrifugation, which allowed for separation of the B. bassiana in vivo-produced cells from remaining insect hemocytes. Total RNA was extracted from the harvested fungal cells and used to construct a cDNA library that is representative of B. bassiana gene expression in vivo. Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) were generated and led to the cloning of two protease genes. One of these proteases was identified as a tripeptidyl peptidase (Bb TPP). The Bb TPP protease was shown to be up-regulated during infection, and identification of a signal peptide suggested that the enzyme is secreted in the host hemolymph. Although its activity and role have yet to be characterized, the Bb TPP protease appears as a likely candidate for being involved in B. bassiana pathogenesis. The identification of this novel, up-regulated protease also suggests that random sequencing from our in vivo cDNA library may be a valuable step towards identifying biologically active metabolites produced in vivo by B. bassiana.
Broadening of projectile x-ray lines in solid targets

In this paper high-resolution K x-ray spectra for boron (1 MeV) and neon (90 keV) projectiles moving in solid targets are reported. The x-ray transitions from the moving ions are found to be substantially broadened, compared to gas-target spectral lines. Estimates of the extent of broadening are presented, and physical mechanisms responsible for it are discussed. (AIP)
Real-time spatial relationship based 3D scene composition of unknown objects

Manual scene composition in 3D is a difficult task and existing approaches attempt to construct scenes automatically [Coyne2001][Xu2002]. These methods depend heavily on explicit per object knowledge that is used to determine placement. We present a method for automatically generating 3D scenes composed of unknown objects in real-time. Our method does not require any a priori knowledge of the objects and therefore the objects are considered to be unknown to our system. All necessary information is computed from the object’s geometric representation and is designed to support varying qualities of polygon models. The use of spatial relationships and relative positioning of objects is a natural and effective way for scene composition. Our method composes scenes by computing object placements that satisfy a desired spatial relationship such as on, under, next to, above, below, in front of, behind and to the left or right of. To illustrate our placement algorithm and its ability to be used interactively, a real-time scene composition framework using text and voice natural language input is developed.
Bidentate ligand substitution in PhCCo3(CO)9. Synthesis, molecular structure, and redox reactivity of PhCCo3(CO)7(cis-Ph2PCHCHPPh2

Abstract The synthesis of PhCCo 3 (CO) 7 ( cis -Ph 2 PCHCHPPh 2 ) ( 2 ) from PhCCo 3 (CO) 9 ( 1 ) and the bidentate phosphine cis (9), b = 18.385 (2), c = 15.943 (1) A 3 , β = 98.025 (6)°, V = 3688.0 (5) A 3 , and Z = 4. Full-matrix least-squares refine an irreversible, multi-electron oxidation. The electrochemistry of 2 is compared to the known cluster PhCCo 3 (CO) 7 (dppe).
Energetics and mechanisms of C-H bond activation by a doubly charged metal ion: guided ion beam and theoretical studies of Ta2+ + CH4.

A guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer is used to study the kinetic-energy dependence of doubly charged atomic tantalum cations (Ta2+) reacting with CH4 and CD4. As for the analogous singly charged system, the dehydrogenation reaction to form TaCH22+ + H2 is exothermic. The charge-transfer reaction to form Ta+ + CH4+ and the charge-separation reaction to form TaH+ + CH3+ are also observed at low energies in exothermic processes, as is a secondary reaction of TaCH22+ to form TaCH3+ + CH3+. At higher energies, other doubly charged products, TaC2+ and TaCH32+, are observed, although no formation of TaH2+ was observed. Modeling of the endothermic cross sections provides 0 K bond dissociation energies (in electronvolts) of D0(Ta2+−C) = 5.42 ± 0.19 and D0(Ta2+−CH3) = 3.40 ± 0.16. These experimental bond energies are in poor agreement with density functional calculations at the B3LYP/HW+/6−311++G(3df,3p) level of theory. However, the Ta2+−C bond energy is in good agreement with calculations at the QCISD(T) l...
Urinary diversion after total pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer.

Background: Total cystectomy is indicated for the treatment of bulky primary rectal cancers as well as previously treated, locally recurrent tumors that invade the bladder, prostate, seminal vesicle, or urethra. We review a 10-year Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience with urinary diversion in this setting. Methods: Between April 1988 and June 1998, 47 patients underwent urinary diversion during a total pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer. Charts and operative records were reviewed to determine pathological findings, short-term and long-term urological complications, and survival. Results: Forty-seven patients (25 males and 22 females; median age, 62 years; age range, 27–79 years) were included. Sixteen (34%) patients underwent cystectomy for a primary rectal tumor (including 1 for rectal sarcoma and 1 for synchronous invasive bladder cancer), and 31 (66%) patients underwent surgery for a locally recurrent rectal cancer. Thirty (64%) patients underwent preoperative, 18 (38%) underwent intraoperative, and 11 (23%) underwent postoperative radiotherapy. Twenty-six (55%) patients received preoperative and 16 (34%) underwent postoperative chemotherapy. Two patients had continent ileal cecal reservoirs, 1 a colonic conduit, and the remaining 45 had ileal conduits. The tumor invaded the bladder in 24 (51%) patients, the prostate in 5 (11%) patients, and the seminal vesicle in 5 (11%) patients. Complete resection was achieved in 42 (89%) patients. There were a total of eight complications in eight (17%) patients. There were three early complications, two of which were ileoureteral anastomotic leaks, one managed by reoperation, the second by percutaneous drainage, and one moderate hydronephrosis managed expectantly. There were five late complications; three patients had ureteral stricture/stenosis, leading to nephrectomy in one patient and percutaneous stenting in two patients. Two patients developed late hydronephrosis, so far managed expectantly. There was one perioperative death. After a median follow-up of 16.83 months, 20 patients were dead of the disease, 6 were alive with disease recurrence, 2 were dead of other causes, and 19 had no evidence of disease. Three-year actuarial disease-specific survival was 34%. Conclusions: Complete resection of bulky primary or locally recurrent rectal cancer can be performed with acceptable urological morbidity. Complete resection was obtained in 89% of patients, with 72% having urological organ invasion. Overall urological complications of 17% are acceptably low despite intensive perioperative radiation and chemotherapy. Disease-specific survival in these patients remains limited.
Another Look at Team Contracting

Previous discussions concerning group contracting have been presented from a group leader viewpoint. The need was felt to view the group contracting arrangements from the associate contractor viewpoint. The experiences gained by over two and one-half years association in a group contract arrangement as an associate contractor are described. Areas of concern not normally encountered in a conventional contracting arrangement are described for prospective group contracting participants.
Phased array receiver filtering and demonstration of digital beamforming on measured wideband data

The MCWESS array is a 256-element, 16-channel phased array receiver which was recently built for research purposes in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Sensors Directorate. Current research at AFIT includes signal processing techniques for adaptive wideband digital beamforming. To support the research, with the help of engineers at AFRL, wideband data was collected using the MCWESS array. The signals collected were received from three different, spatially separated, bandlimited, thermal noise sources. The noise sources have the wide bandwidth desired to support wideband digital beamforming (DBF) research. When the resulting data from the receiver did not correlate with the transmitted noise signal as expected, a closer examination of the set hardware processing done on the signal revealed the signal's true nature. This paper outlines the systematic process followed to determine the actual content of the data, shows that direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is possible when using wideband beamforming techniques even on only a partial signal spectrum, and demonstrates wideband beamforming on measured data using a time reversal beamforming algorithm developed by AFRL.