cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Student perceptions and motivation in the classroom: exploring relatedness and value

According to Self-Determination Theory, feelings of relatedness and value of a behavior are critical factors that affect internalization and integration. The purpose of the current study was to identify factors that influence relatedness and value in an academic setting. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of autonomy, mastery goals, performance-approach goals, and performance-avoidance goals, on two dependent variables: relatedness to the professor and value of the course. Participants were 222 undergraduate students (90 males) enrolled in introductory psychology classes. Linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant effect of mastery goals and autonomy on relatedness such that higher scores were associated with greater relatedness. A similar pattern emerged for value. Neither performance-approach nor performance-avoidance goals were significantly associated with relatedness or value. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.
Just in Time Recommendations: Modeling the Dynamics of Boredom in Activity Streams

Recommendation methods have mainly dealt with the problem of recommending new items to the user while user visitation behavior to the familiar items (items which have been consumed before) are little understood. In this paper, we analyze user activity streams and show that user's temporal consumption of familiar items is driven by boredom. Specifically, users move on to a different item when bored and return to the same item when their interest is restored. To model this behavior we include two latent psychological states of preference for items - sensitization and boredom. In the sensitization state the user is highly engaged with the item, while in the boredom state the user is disinterested. We model this behavior using a Hidden Semi-Markov Model for the gaps between user consumption activities. We show that our model performs much better than the state-of-the-art temporal recommendation models at predicting the revisit time to the item. Moreover, we attribute two main reasons for this: (1) recommending items that are not in the bored state for the user, (2) recommending items where user has restored her interests.
Comparison of internet attitudes between industrial employees and college students.

Most studies of attitudes toward the Internet have been focused on a single entity. There is a gap when it comes to comparative study of Internet attitudes between college students and employees in the workforce. This study explored Internet attitudes between two different samples—employees in the work force and college students on campus. Four Internet attitude subscales—namely, enjoyment, usefulness, anxiety, and self-efficacy—from 296 college students were compared with a sample from 680 industrial employees. Age differences were found in the enjoyment and self-efficacy subscales, where younger people expressed more enjoyment than older people with the exception of female college students. Younger people expressed more self-efficacy than the older people. Factorial ANOVA analyses detected statistically significant differences between two samples among all subscales. In general, industrial employees reported more positive attitudes than college students. The employees reported more enjoyable Internet ex...
Δ9 -THC and 17-β-estradiol in hippocampus ☆

Electrophysiological field potentials recorded from in vitro hippocampal slice preparations show dose-dependent differences in response to 17-beta-estradiol (E2) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) added to the incubation medium. Using a wide range of doses (1 pM-10 nM), it was found that mid-range concentrations of estradiol (100 pM) and THC (10 pM) tended to increase field potentials in CA1 of rodents. Higher dose levels of each agent were found to depress neuronal activity. In the context of prior findings, these results suggest that the two compounds share a common mechanism of action in the hippocampus.
Alternative arrangements of telomeric recognition sites regulate the binding mode of the DNA-binding domain of yeast Rap1

The function of yeast Rap1 as an activator in transcription, a repressor at silencer elements, and as a major component of the shelterin-like complex at telomeres requires the known high-affinity and specific interaction of the DNA-binding domain (DBD) with its recognition sequences. In addition to a high-affinity one-to-one complex with its DNA recognition site, Rap1DBD also forms lower affinity complexes with higher stoichiometries on DNA. We proposed that this originates from the ability of Rap1DBD to access at least two DNA-binding modes. In this work, we show that Rap1DBD binds in multiple binding modes to recognition sequences that contain different spacer lengths between the hemi-sites. We also provide evidence that in the singly-ligated complex Rap1DBD binds quite differently to these sequences. Rap1DBD also binds to a single half-site but does so using the alternative DNA-binding mode where only a single Myb-like domain interacts with DNA. We found that all arrangements of Rap1 sites tested are represented within the telomeric sequence and our data suggest that at telomeres Rap1 might form a nucleoprotein complex with a heterogeneous distribution of bound states.
Neogenesis of pancreatic endocrine cells in copper-deprived rat models.

Transplantation of progenitor cells for regeneration of islet cells could prove invaluable in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This study provides evidence that in rats maintained on a copper-deficient diet containing the copper-chelating agent tetraethylenepentamine pentahydrochloride, regeneration of single a and β endocrine cells in the ductules and acinar tissue of the adult rat pancreata occurred. These regenerated cells both in the ductules and acinar tissue stained positive for glucagon and insulin similar to cells within the islets and in addition to being reactive to proliferative cellular nuclear antigen, an intracellular marker of active proliferation. In contrast, the control group pancreata did not show any evidence of islet regeneration, proliferation, or proliferative cellular nuclear antigen reactivity pre- or posttransplantation. Transplantation of digested pancreatic tissues from the copper-deficient group into the spleen of syngeneic diabetic rats reversed diabetes, and this was confirmed histologically by demonstrating cells within ductules that stained positively for insulin. This study concludes that copper deprivation contributes to the neogenesis of pancreatic a and β cells in the ductules and acinar tissue of adult pancreas in rat model and that transplanted stem cells maintain their functional capacity in the recipient after transplantation.
EFFECT OF VARIOUS AMIDE ADDITIVES ON THE TETRAMETHOXYSILANE SOL-GEL PROCESS

Abstract The effects of various amides, including formamide, N-methylformamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, acetamide, N-methylacetamide and N,N-dimethylacetamide, on the pore morphology of resulting xerogels prepared from tetramethoxysilane are studied by the BET pore analysis method. Shear viscosity and NMR line width measurements provide additional information about the effects of additives on the sol-gel process.
A computational and combinatorial exposé of plethystic calculus

In recent years, plethystic calculus has emerged as a powerful technical tool for studying symmetric polynomials. In particular, some striking recent advances in the theory of Macdonald polynomials have relied heavily on plethystic computations. The main purpose of this article is to give a detailed explanation of a method for finding combinatorial interpretations of many commonly occurring plethystic expressions, which utilizes expansions in terms of quasisymmetric functions. To aid newcomers to plethysm, we also provide a self-contained exposition of the fundamental computational rules underlying plethystic calculus. Although these rules are well-known, their proofs can be difficult to extract from the literature. Our treatment emphasizes concrete calculations and the central role played by evaluation homomorphisms arising from the universal mapping property for polynomial rings.
Multiscale enrichment based on partition of unity for nonperiodic fields and nonlinear problems

We present a generalization of the Multiscale Enrichment based on Partition of Unity (MEPU) formulation originally reported in Fish and Yuan (Int J Numer Methods Eng 62:1341–1359, 2005) to account for boundary layers, nonperiodic fields and nonlinear systems. MEPU is aimed at extending the range of applicability of the mathematical homogenization theory to nonlinear nonperiodic systems with inseparable fine and coarse scales. Performance studies for both continuum and coarse grained discrete systems are conducted to validate the formulation.
The United States cooperative climate-observing systems: reflections and recommendations

The system for the collection and archiving of climatic data from approximately 7000 cooperative observing stations across the United States is in need of improvement. Despite the efforts of many dedicated volunteers and professionals, suspect or incomplete data continue to enter the national climate archive. Cooperative observers need further education regarding the importance of collecting complete and accurate data. The transition to the Maximum/Minimum Temperature Systems (MMTS) from the former liquid-in-glass thermometers mounted in Cotton Region shelters needs to be better coordinated, particularly with respect to the continuity of temperature data. The role of the Cooperative Program Managers in overseeing the physical well being of the network and the quality of data emanating from its needs to be strengthened. A continuation of efforts recently begun at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) to improve the digitization and quality-control procedures employed in data archiving is required. These...
Conserved F84 and P86 residues in αB-crystallin are essential to effectively prevent the aggregation of substrate proteins

Previously, we have shown that residues 73–92 (sequence DRFSVNLDVKHFSPEELKVK) in αB-crystallin are involved in preventing the formation of light scattering aggregates by substrate proteins. In this study, we made single substitutions of three conserved amino acid residues (H83 → A, F84 → G, and P86 → A) and a nonconserved amino acid residue (K90 → C) in the functional region of αB-crystallin and evaluated their role in anti-aggregation activity. Mutation of conserved residues led to changes in intrinsic tryptophan intensity, bis-ANS binding, and in the secondary and tertiary structures. The H83A mutation led to a twofold increase in molar mass, while the other mutants did not produce significant changes in the molar mass when compared to that of wild-type protein. The chaperone-like activity of the H83A mutant was enhanced by 15%–20%, and the chaperone-like activity of F84G and P86A mutants was reduced by 50%–65% when compared to the chaperone-like activity of wild-type αB-crystallin. The substitution of the nonconserved residue (K90 → C) did not induce an appreciable change in the structure and function of the mutant protein. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay demonstrated that destabilized ADH interacted near the K90 region in αB-crystallin. The data show that F84 and P86 residues are essential for αB-crystallin to effectively prevent the aggregation of substrate proteins. This study further supports the involvement of the residues in the 73–92 region of αB-crystallin in substrate protein binding and chaperone-like action.
Strain and fracture induced changes in bone mineral crystals

The hierarchical organization of bone entails the tissue level at the nanoscale up to the organ level at the macroscale. In this hierarchical perspective, skeletal fragility is the outcome of a failure cascade that initiates at the molecular level, and propagates to higher levels [1]. This failure cascade is well investigated at the microscale and the macroscale [2] whereas the deformation and fracture mechanisms at the nanoscale are largely unknown. Therefore, our understanding of how mineralized tissues fail is incomplete and requires further investigations so as to formulate the ultrastructural basis of increased fracture susceptibility during disease and aging. In this regard, the first aim of the present study was to experimentally investigate the behavior of bone mineral under mechanical strain. The second aim of this study was to determine whether irreversible changes occur in the mineral crystals following fracture.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Ectopic Prostate Tissue Within the Processus Vaginalis: Insights into Prostate Embryogenesis

We report an 11-year-old boy who presented with a scrotal mass superior to the epididymis in the processus vaginalis. The mass consisted of prostate tissue, including glands and fibromuscular stroma, communicating with a spermatocele. Strong immunostaining for prostate-specific antigen was seen in the glandular epithelium. Immunostaining for peanut agglutinin highlighted the luminal plasma membrane in a subset of epithelial cells, mainly those located around the periphery of the nodule. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of a pediatric patient with ectopic prostate tissue located outside the urinary tract and the first instance altogether of ectopic prostate noted at this location. The young age of the patient, the lesion’s constituents, and its location suggest that the finding represents a disorder of development.
Comments on "Performance of single access classes on the IEEE 802.4 token bus" by M.A. Colvin and A.C. Weaver

In the above correspondence (ibid., vol.COM-34, no.12, p.1253-6, Dec. 1986), throughput bounds are derived for the IEEE 802-4 token passing scheme, in the presence of a single class of messages. It does not consider the fact that even after the token holdtimer expires, a node is allowed to complete its message transmission. Here, the fact is considered, and the upper bounds on throughput are modified. >
New Kids on the Block: The Emerging Role of Apolipoproteins in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Asthma

New treatments are needed for patients with severe asthma. We hypothesized that a clinically relevant experimental model of house dust mite (HDM)-induced murine asthma could be used to discover new pathways that regulate disease severity. In HDM-challenged mice, genome-wide expression profiling of the asthmatic lung transcriptome identified apolipoprotein E (apoE) as a steroid-unresponsive gene with persistently upregulated expression despite dexamethasone treatment. ApoE and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout mice were used to demonstrate that apoE, which is produced by lung macrophages, functions in a paracrine fashion by binding to LDLRs expressed on ciliated airway epithelial cells, to negatively modulate airway hyperreactivity, mucin gene expression, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Furthermore, administration of an apoE mimetic peptide, which corresponded to the LDLR-binding domain of apoE, prevented the induction of airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and goblet cell hyperplasia in HDM-challenged apoE knockout mice. This suggests that therapeutic strategies that activate the apoE-LDLR pathway, such as apoE mimetic peptides, may represent a novel treatment approach for patients with asthma. Similarly, we showed that administration of a 5A apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide attenuated the induction of HDM-mediated asthma in mice. These preclinical data suggest that apoE and apoA-I mimetic peptides might be developed into alternative treatments for patients with severe asthma. Future clinical trials will be required to determine whether inhaled apolipoprotein E or apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptides are effective for the treatment of severe asthma, including patients with phenotypes that lack effective therapeutic options.
I'm Paying Your Salary Here! : Social Inequality, Consumerism, and the Politics of Space in Medical Clinics

Receptionists mediate patient access to physicians. One would anticipate that patients would treat receptionists respectfully, but while many do some are condescending or even aggressive. This paper explores this conundrum in data from ethnographic research in three clinics in Los Angeles. We argue that consumer ideology helps patients construct staff as working for them, an attitude that is reinforced by the occupational segregation within the clinic and that draws on a model of society in which racial categories (African American and Latino) imply a class position (non-managerial or professional worker). In comparing patient complaints across clinics it became clear that clinic structure can increase patient frustration by increasing the spatial and bureaucratic barriers to receiving care. We examine patients' use of local ideologies of social inequality and consumerism to voice frustration and suggest that clinic organization is a factor in how patients will treat receptionists.
On competitive equilibria with common complementarities

Abstract We investigate the connection between equilibrium existence and its attainability through simple market mechanisms in exchange economies with indivisibilities and complementarities. The analysis suggests that attaining efficient outcomes through simple non-combinatorial auctions may be problematic even when market clearing prices exist.
Properties of Type II Inositol Polyphosphate 5-Phosphatase

We have isolated additional cDNA clones encoding type II inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (5-phosphatase II) resulting in a combined cDNA of 3076 nucleotides encoding a protein of 942 amino acids. The 5-phosphatase II hydrolyzed both Ins(1,4,5)P3 to Ins(1,4)P2 and the phospholipid PtdIns(4,5)P2 to PtdIns(4)P both in vitro and in vivo. There are two motifs highly conserved between types I and II 5-phosphatase and several other proteins presumed to be inositol phosphatases suggesting a possible role in catalysis. The type II 5-phosphatase also contains homology to several GTPase activating proteins although no such activity for 5-phosphatase II was found. The predicted protein ends with the sequence CNPL, suggesting that it is isoprenylated as a mechanism for membrane attachment. We found evidence for isoprenylation by demonstrating incorporation of [3H]mevalonate into native but not C939S mutant 5-phosphatase II expressed in Sf9 insect cells. Furthermore, we showed that membrane localization and the activity of 5-phosphatase II toward its lipid substrate PtdIns(4,5)P2 is reduced by eliminating 5-phosphatase II isoprenylation in the mutant C939S relative to the native enzyme.
Physiological normal levels of androgen inhibit proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vitro

For more than 70 years, it has been believed that a severe reduction of serum androgen levels caused regression of prostate cancer (PCa) and that increasing androgen levels enhanced growth of PCa. However, numerous recent studies have questioned this traditional belief. In our study, LNCaP and MDA PCa 2b PCa cells were treated with various levels of androgens for 10 or 20 days, and the cell growth was measured with crystal violet mitogenic assay. The results indicated that the effect of androgens on the proliferation of PCa cells occurs in a biphasic pattern, with the androgen levels promoting optimal cell growth at approximately 0.23 ng ml⁻¹ for LNCaP cells and between 1 and 2 ng ml⁻¹ for MDA PCa 2b cells. Both of the optimal androgen levels are within the adult men's physiological low range (<2.4 ng ml⁻¹). At lower concentrations than the optimal androgen level, increasing androgen concentration promoted the proliferation of PCa cells. However, at the higher concentrations, increasing androgen concentration resulted in a dose-dependent proliferative inhibition. We conclude that physiologically normal levels of androgen inhibit the proliferation of PCa cells in vitro. However, at very low levels androgens are essential for initial growth of PCa cells.
Synthesis and Characterization of Titania Based Stationary Phases Using the Silanization/Hydrosilation Method

The silanization/hydrosilation bonding method is tested on both a laboratory synthesized and commercial titania. The laboratory titania made by the sol-gel process shows evidence of residual organic material that is removed by an initial acid hydolysis followed by bonding of the hydride (triethoxysilane) under acidic conditions. DRIFT and solid state CP-MAS NMR studies are used to confirm the formation of the hydride layer on the titania and the success of the hydrosilation process for attaching an organic moiety (1-octadecene) to the surface. Chromatographic testing, primarily on the commercial titania based C-18 phase, indicates good reverse phase properties and few residual OH groups, either Ti−OH or Si−OH, as determined by the symmetrical peak shapes obtained for anilines and alkylphenylamines using mobile phases with no buffers or masking agents in the aqueous component.
Trends in the use of diagnostic coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery across North Carolina.

Background Although variation in use of invasive coronary procedures has been shown, the relationship between invasive diagnostic cardiac catheterization (Cath) and subsequent revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is not known. We evaluated the temporal trends and variation in invasive Cath, PCI, and CABG across hospital systems in North Carolina. Methods All Cath, PCI, and CABG procedures performed in North Carolina from 2003 to 2009 were identified using data reported in the annual North Carolina State Medical Facilities Plan. Rates and variation in procedure use, relative rates of PCI to Cath, CABG to Cath, and CABG to PCI were compared over the study period between hospitals that performed at least 25 Cath, 25 PCI, and 25 CABG procedures. Results The rates of all invasive procedures per 100,000 population declined: 24% for Cath, 16% for PCI, and 35% for CABG. However, the relative rate of PCI to Cath over the study period increased by 11%, whereas the relative rate of CABG to Cath decreased by 13%. Hospital level analysis showed significant variation in the relative rate of both PCI to Cath (10%-90%, P P Conclusions Although the use of all invasive cardiac procedures declined, the relative rate of PCI to Cath increased over the study period. There was also significant variation in the mode of revascularization (CABG and PCI) across hospital systems in North Carolina. Further research is needed to understand drivers of coronary revascularization.
Responses of inferior colliculus neurons to free field auditory stimuli.

Abstract The cues for auditory localization depend, in the natural state, on the size and shape of an animal's head and pinnae and on the frequency of the acoustic stimulus. This study examined the responses of neurons in the inferior colliculus to sounds presented from various locations in a free field. A group of loudspeakers in an anechoic chamber was arranged in a semicircle around the cat's head with a minimum speaker resolution of 20°. The frequency characteristics of the speakers were compensated for by a computer controlled attnuator. The relation of firing rate to auditory direction was quite varied among inferior colliculus neurons. In many cells the form of functions relating number of stimulus elicited spikes to position in the horizontal plane varied with frequency. These observations suggested that neurons of inferior colliculus did not have the property of acoustic space maps. Many cells could define a median directiton as suggested by marked slope changes. The ease with which the median plane is represented has suggested that the control of various acoustically driven movements of the eyes, pinnae and head may be a primary functional output of neurons at this level. From this perspective, the neurons of the inferior colliculus may drive a center-null device which restores the organism to a region of maximum sensitivity, i.e., the median plane.
White Matter Integrity Determined With Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Older Adults Without Dementia: Influence of Amyloid Load and Neurodegeneration

Importance Pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to loss of white matter integrity and the temporal positioning of biomarkers of white matter integrity relative to the biomarkers of gray matter neurodegeneration and amyloid load in the course of Alzheimer disease (AD) are poorly understood. Objective To investigate the effects of AD-related gray matter neurodegeneration and high β-amyloid on white matter microstructure in older adults without dementia. Design, Setting, and Participants A population-based, longitudinal cohort study was conducted. Participants included in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (N = 701) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and positron emission tomography studies with diagnoses of cognitively normal ([CN] n = 570) or mild cognitive impairment ([MCI] n = 131) were included. Both groups were divided into biomarker-negative, amyloid-positive-only, neurodegeneration-positive-only, and amyloid plus neurodegeneration-positive groups based on their amyloid load shown on carbon 11–labeled Pittsburgh Compound B positron emission tomography, AD hypometabolic pattern shown on fludeoxyglucose F 18 positron emission tomography, and/or hippocampal atrophy shown on magnetic resonance imaging. Main Outcomes and Measures Fractional anisotropy (FA) determined using DTI. Results No FA alterations were observed in biomarker-negative MCI and amyloid-positive-only CN and MCI groups compared with biomarker-negative CN participants on voxel-based analysis ( P P P Conclusions and Relevance A high amyloid load does not influence diffusion tensor imaging–based measures of white matter integrity in the absence of coexistent gray matter neurodegeneration in older adults without dementia.
Observation of exciton quenching in GaAs at room temperature using electrolyte electroreflectance

Abstract We have observed pronounced excitonic effects at room temperature near the E0 transition (direct gap at k = 0) of GaAs, using the electrolyte electroreflectance technique. The large changes in the spectral lineshape are interference phenomena due to exciton quenching in the high electric fields of the space charge region. Support for this model is provided by an analysis of the lineshape variation, which is periodic in the width of the space charge region.
A 1.43-competitive online graph edge coloring algorithm in the random order arrival model

A classic theorem by Vizing proves that if the maximum degree of a graph is Δ then it is possible to color its edges, in polynomial time, using at most Δ+1 colors. However, this algorithm is offline, i.e., it assumes the whole graph is known in advance. A natural question then is how well we can do in the online setting, where the edges of the graph are revealed one by one, and we need to color each edge as soon as it is added to the graph. Online edge coloring has an important application in fast switch scheduling. Here, a natural model is that edges arrive online, but in a random permutation. Even in the random permutations model, the best analysis for any algorithm is factor 2, which comes from the simple greedy algorithm (which is factor 2 even in the worst case online model). The algorithm of Aggarwal et al. [1] provides a 1+o(1) factor algorithm, but for the case of multigraphs, when Δ = ω(n2), where n is the number of vertices. In this paper, we show that for graphs with Δ = ω(log n), it is possible to color the graph with 1.43Delta; + o(Δ) colors in the online random order model. Our algorithm is inspired by a 1.6 factor distributed offline algorithm of Panconesi and Srinivasan [9], which we extend by reusing colors online in multiple rounds.
Evaluation of fiber-matrix interphasial toughness in unidirectional composites

Interphasial toughness was evaluated for polyester and epoxy unidirectional glass fiber reinforced composites using single edge-notched specimens. This was accomplished via a calculation of an energy term based on J-integral which accounted for the energy required to form a longitudinal split crack ahead of the original notch. It was found that the fiber-matrix interphasial fracture resistance of the epoxy composite is substantially greater than that of the polyester composite. This technique may be an excellent way of evaluating the interphasial quality in unidirectional composite laminates.
The Impact of Parents, Child Care Providers, Teachers, and Peers on Early Externalizing Trajectories

This study utilized growth mixture modeling to examine the impact of parents, child care providers, teachers, and peers on the prediction of distinct developmental patterns of classroom externalizing behavior in elementary school. Among 241 children, three groups were identified. 84.6% of children exhibited consistently low externalizing behavior. The externalizing behavior of the Chronic High group (5.8%) remained elevated throughout elementary school; it increased over time in the Low Increasing group (9.5%). Negative relationships with teachers and peers in the kindergarten classroom increased the odds of having chronically high externalizing behavior. Teacher–child conflict increased the likelihood of a developmental pattern of escalating externalizing behavior. Boys were overrepresented in the behaviorally risky groups, and no sex differences in trajectory types were found.
Predicting the unpredictable: Value-at-risk, performativity, and the politics of financial uncertainty

ABSTRACTStarting from an observation about the high-profile predictive failures of Value-at-Risk (VaR), an internationally instituted financial risk model, this article has attempted to make sense of its continued use by analyzing its productive, rather than predictive, power. This line of inquiry leads me to identify VaR's (counter)performative effects and the way in which it produces banks as authoritative, responsible managers of an uncertain financial future. Viewing financial markets through the lens of Keynesian uncertainty and model performativity helps explain VaR's failures by revealing VaR to be an inherently limited and potentially destabilizing practice. Its use participates in the construction of a financial system that is only temporarily stable and controllable. At the same time, VaR is an important source of authority for banks vis-a-vis regulators and the public because it represents the future as statistically calculable and expert prediction as the optimal, objective mode of preparing f...
Reduction of excretion, reproduction, and survival in Hyperomyzus lactucae fed on plants infected with isolates of sowthistle yellow vein virus.

Abstract A comparison, at 25 C and constant light, was made of survival, larviposition, and excretion of Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.) infected or not infected with one of two isolates of sowthistle yellow vein virus. The aphids were fed on diseased source plants, and transmission was from and to sowthistle, Sonchus oleraceus L. Infection with either isolate was associated with shortened life. Larviposition and excretion also were reduced in the case of one isolate. However, infected aphids lived through the period of maximum larviposition, and the intrinsic rate of population increase remained relatively unchanged by the disease.
Nutrient availability and the algal growth potential (AGP) in a small microcosm

Abstract An aquarium microcosm was used to evaluate nutrient availability, for the algal growth potential (AGP) test, in samples containing varying degrees of particulate material. Samples were collected from a controlled aquatic microcosm before, during and at the end of a simulated algal bloom. Nutrients shifted from the inorganic pool to the organic pool as the culture grew, resulting in nutrients being bound in refractory compounds not liberated by a prescribed autoclaving pretreatment. This, in turn, resulted in greater nutrient limitation in the algal assays as the particulate load (phytoplankton, bacteria, etc.) increased. This study demonstrates that the accepted pretreatment of autoclaving is relatively inefficient in releasing the nutrients from algal cells and converting them to a form useable by the algal assay organism. Since the partitioning of nutrients between available and unavailable pools is highly variable in natural systems, this release problem could have important implications in the interpretation of AGP studies, especially if other limnological parameters are not reported. In order to make the AGP test a more effective tool in characterizing the trophic state at various sampling times during the year, a more effective pretreatment would be most beneficial.
Child advocacy and the adversary system: Round peg in a square hole?

Abstract This article includes a description of a recent adoption/custody decision of serious legal implications, with particular focus on the psychologists’ role highlighted by the appearance of six psychologists as “experts”; in the case. An argument for use of the consultation model, implemented by identifiable child specialists, in child custody determination is presented as an alternative to the multiple expert witness approach.
Megacolon as a manifestation of familial autonomic dysfunction.

Summary A case of familial autonomic dysfunction in a non-Jewish 3-year-old white male child is presented. The clinical manifestation of megacolon in this patients is strikingly absent in previously reported cases. The similarities of this syndrome and others seem to reflect a diffuse disturbance of central nervous system function and perhaps other tissues as well. The relationship of familial autonomic dysfunction to a wide area of pathologic physiology is presented.
Fracture mechanics for a Mode I crack in piezoelectric materials

Using linear piezoelectricity theory, the effect of a Griffith crack on stress and electric fields in an infinite piezoelectric material under electric and tension loading has been studied by using appropriate boundary conditions. A closed-form solution to the Mode I fracture problem is obtained for external loading used to open the crack. By including electrostatic energy in the calculation of crack driving force, the energy release rate is found to be the third power function of the external loading if electric field inside the crack is not zero at the crack tip. The results may be used to explain some nonlinear phenomenon observed in the indentation of piezoelectric ceramics.
X-ray determinations of the liquid-structure factor and pair-correlation function of 4He.

Measurements of the intensity of Cu? alpha--- x rays scattered from liquid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ as a function of temperature and pressure are used to determine the liquid-structure factor and pair-correlation function of the fluid. Data are reported for 1.16\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}3.5 K at the three densities 150.3, 162.5, and 171.0 kg/${\mathrm{m}}^{3}$. Earlier data of Robkoff and Hallock are reanalyzed and found to be in excellent agreement with our new results. The temperature dependence of the structure factor at fixed density is in good agreement with predictions based on the thermal population of rotons due to Reatto and co-workers.
The role of law enforcement in the helping system.

Increasing complexity of society has witnessed the assumption of helping-system roles by law enforcement-roles which fail to be acknowledged by the field of law enforcement or by recognized agencies within that system. It is suggested that changes in police organizational structure and significant changes in police training can conduce to police performance which is to the advantage of both society and the individual police officer and is consistent with the objectives of the helping system, A recently concluded demonstration in police family crisis intervention is described which provides a structural model (generalist-specialist) for effectively incorporating helping functions in law enforcement, while in no way compromising the primary function of the police.
Investigation of submillimeter components by heterodyne holographic interferometry and computational methods

Stroboscopic heterodyne holographic interferometry, and computational methods were used to study vibrations of submillimeter size cantilever beams. The holographic method described performs phase measurements on an image which has been magnified up to 20 X. With the ability to measure vibration amplitudes with an accuracy of 1/1000 of one fringe, an effective measurement was made every 50 microns along the surface of the object. Both analytical and finite element method solutions were obtained and comparison to experimental results showed good correlation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Induction of Smooth Muscle α-Actin in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Arginine Vasopressin Is Mediated by c-Jun Amino-terminal Kinases and p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase *

Exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells to arginine vasopressin (AVP) increases smooth muscle α-actin (SM-α-actin) expression through activation of the SM- α-actin promoter. The goal of this study was to determine the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) family in regulation of SM-α-actin expression. AVP activated all three MAP kinase family members: ERKs, JNKs, and p38 MAP kinase. Inhibition of JNKs or p38 decreased AVP-stimulated SM-α-actin promoter activity, whereas inhibition of ERKs had no effect. A 150-base pair region of the promoter containing two CArG boxes was sufficient to mediate regulation by vasoconstrictors. Mutations in either CArG box decreased AVP-stimulated promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using oligonucleotides corresponding to either CArG box resulted in a complex of similar mobility whose intensity was increased by AVP. Antibodies against serum response factor (SRF) completely super-shifted this complex, indicating that SRF binds to both CArG boxes. Overexpression of SRF increased basal promoter activity, but activity was still stimulated by AVP. AVP stimulation rapidly increased SRF phosphorylation. These data indicate that both JNKs and p38 participate in regulation of SM- α-actin expression. SRF, which binds to two critical CArG boxes in the promoter, represents a potential target of these kinases.
Rho-family GTPases require the Arp2/3 complex to stimulate actin polymerizationin Acanthamoeba extracts

Abstract Background: Actin filaments polymerize in vivo primarily from their fast-growing barbed ends. In cells and extracts, GTPγS and Rho-family GTPases, including Cdc42, stimulate barbed-end actin polymerization; however, the mechanism responsible for the initiation of polymerization is unknown. There are three formal possibilities for how free barbed ends may be generated in response to cellular signals: uncapping of existing filaments; severing of existing filaments; or de novo nucleation. The Arp2/3 complex localizes to regions of dynamic actin polymerization, including the leading edges of motile cells and motile actin patchesin yeast, and in vitro it nucleates the formation of actin filaments with free barbed ends. Here, we investigated actin polymerization in soluble extracts of Acanthamoeba . Results: Addition of actin filaments with free barbed ends to Acanthamoeba extracts is sufficient to induce polymerization of endogenous actin. Addition of activated Cdc42 or activation of Rho-family GTPases in these extracts by the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog GTPγS stimulated barbed-end polymerization, whereas immunodepletion of Arp2 or sequestration of Arp2 using solution-binding antibodies blocked Rho-family GTPase-induced actin polymerization. Conclusions: For this system, we conclude that the accessibility of free barbed ends regulates actin polymerization, that Rho-family GTPases stimulate polymerization catalytically by de novo nucleation of free barbed ends and that the primary nucleation factor in this pathway is the Arp2/3 complex.
Treat-before-trick : Free-riding prevention for BitTorrent-like peer-to-peer networks

In P2P file sharing systems, free-riders who use others' resources without sharing their own cause system-wide performance degradation. Existing techniques to counter free-riders are either complex (and thus not widely deployed), or easy to bypass (and therefore not effective). This paper proposes a simple yet highly effective free-rider prevention scheme using (t, n) threshold secret sharing. A peer must upload encrypted file pieces to obtain the subkeys necessary to decrypt a file which has been downloaded, i.e., subkeys are swapped for file pieces. No centralized monitoring or control is required. This scheme is called “treat-before-trick” (TBeT). TBeT penalizes free-riding with increased file completion times (time to download file and necessary subkeys). TBeT counters known free-riding strategies, incentivizes peers to donate more upload bandwidth, and increases the overall system capacity for compliant peers. TBeT has been implemented as an extension to BitTorrent, and results of experimental evaluation are presented.
Do Elderly Patients Fare Worse Following Operative Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures Using Modern Techniques

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes and quality of life of older and younger patients with similarly treated distal femur fractures. Methods: We conducted an assessment of 57 patients who sustained distal femur fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association Type 33B, C) and underwent surgical treatment at our academic medical center. Patients were divided into 2 groups for analysis: an elderly cohort of patients aged 65 or older and a comparison cohort of patients younger than age of 65. A retrospective review of demographics, preoperative ambulatory status, radiographic data, and physical examination data was collected from the medical records. Follow-up functional data were collected via telephone at a mean of 2.5 years (range 6 months-8 years) using a Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA). All patients underwent standard operative treatment of either nail or plate fixation. Results: There was no statistical difference in gender, fracture type, surgical technique, surgeon, or institution where the surgery was performed. The percentage of patients with healed fractures at 6-months follow-up was not significantly different between the cohorts. The elderly cohort had slightly worse knee range of motion at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively but there was not a statistically significant difference between the groups. The SMFA Daily Activity, Functional, and Bother indices were significantly worse in the older cohort (P < .01, P ¼ .01, P ¼ .02, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the SMFA Emotional or Mobility indices. Conclusion: Despite lower quality of life and functional scores, this study suggests that relatively good clinical outcomes can be achieved with surgical fixation of distal femoral fractures in the elderly patients. Age should not be used as a determinate in deciding against operative treatment of distal femur fractures in the elderly patients.
Charged particle jet measurements with the ALICE experiment in proton-proton collisions at the LHC

We present preliminary results of measurements of charged particle jet properties in proton-proton collisions at p s = 7 TeV using the ALICE detector. Jets are reconstructed using anti kT, kT and SISCone jet finding algorithms with resolution parameter R = 0.4 in the range of transverse momentum from 20 to 100 GeV/c in the midrapidity region (| � | < 0.5). The uncorrected charged jet spectra obtained using the three different jet finders show good agreement. The data are compared to predictions from PYTHIA-Perugia0, PYTHIA- Perugia2011, and PHOJET. The mean charged particle multiplicity in leading jets increases with increasing jet pT and is consistent with model predictions. The radial distributions of transverse momentum about the jet direction and the distributions of the average radius containing 80% of the total jet pT found in the jet cone (R = 0.4 in this analysis), indicate that high pT jets are more collimated than low pT jets.
Measurement of Turbulence with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers -- Sources of Error and Laboratory Results

Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) provide a promising method for measuring surface-water turbulence because they can provide data from a large spatial range in a relatively short time with relative ease. Some potential sources of errors in turbulence measurements made with ADCPs include inaccuracy of Doppler-shift measurements, poor temporal and spatial measurement resolution, and inaccuracy of multi-dimensional velocities resolved from one-dimensional velocities measured at separate locations. Results from laboratory measurements of mean velocity and turbulence statistics made with two pulse-coherent ADCPs in 0.87 meters of water are used to illustrate several of inherent sources of error in ADCP turbulence measurements. Results show that processing algorithms and beam configurations have important effects on turbulence measurements. ADCPs can provide reasonable estimates of many turbulence parameters; however, the accuracy of turbulence measurements made with commercially available ADCPs is often poor in comparison to standard measurement techniques.
Adaptive visualization pipeline decomposition and mapping onto computer networks

This paper discusses algorithmic and implementation aspects of a remote visualization system, which adoptively decomposes and maps the visualization pipeline onto a wide-area network. Visualization pipeline modules such as filtering, geometry extraction, rendering, and display are dynamically assigned to network nodes to achieve minimal total delay or maximal frame rate. Polynomial-time optimal algorithms using the dynamic programming method to compute the optimal decomposition and mapping are proposed. We implemented an OpenGL-based remote visualization system. We evaluated its performance using a deployment at three geographically distributed nodes.
Application of meta-protocols to improve OS services

User control of the implementation of OS services is the target of many current OS research efforts. The majority of these efforts require the OS to be substantially modified to expose its previously internal interfaces, with applications modified to reference these interfaces. Recent work in languages has centered on the use of meta-protocols to improve application implementations. Meta-protocols are application protocols that specify how an application works, as opposed to what the application does. Meta-protocols permit application implementations to be specialized to their expected operating conditions, eliminating OS provisions for uncommon or impossible cases. We believe these specializations will result in significant performance improvements, transparent to the application. We present a set of tools for realizing this per-application specialization.
Going the Distance in a "Changing" World: Distance Learning and the Foreign Language Classroom.

This article offers a critique of the lack of attention to the place of online course offerings in foreign language departments and/or distance education in general by the MLA’s 2007 report on foreign language departments and their role in the academy. The article responds to how currently accessible technology (course management system platforms like WebCT/BlackboardTM), already in wide use by universities and colleges across the United States, has made great strides towards replicating a classroom environment that can promote language proficiency as well as achieve the committee’s suggestions for encouraging more cross-cultural awareness in foreign language classrooms at all levels.
DAVLL with absolute frequency reference

We report on a simple addition to the standard DAVLL that combines the large frequency capture range of the DAVLL and the precision structure information available from standard saturated absorption. Experimental measurements are presented.