cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell growth and homeostasis are disrupted in arabidopsis rns2-2 mutants missing the main vacuolar RNase activity.

Background and Aims Enzymes belonging to the RNase T2 family are essential for normal rRNA turnover in eukaryotes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, this function is performed by RNS2. The null mutant rns2-2 has increased rRNA half-life and constitutive autophagy. The aim of this work was to determine the molecular changes that take place in the rns2-2 mutant that may lead to altered cellular homeostasis, manifested by the observed cellular phenotype. Methods To determine the effect of defective rRNA turnover on cellular homeostasis, comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses of 10-day-old wild-type and rns2-2 seedlings were used to identify molecular processes affected in the mutant. Bioinformatics analyses suggested additional phenotypes that were confirmed through direct plant size measurements and microscopy. Key Results Few genes were differentially expressed in the rns2-2 mutant, indicating that control of autophagy in this genotype is mainly achieved at the post-transcriptional level. Among differentially expressed genes, transcripts related to carbon flux processes, particularly the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), were identified. Metabolite analyses confirmed changes in the levels of PPP intermediates. Genes related to cell wall loosening were also differentially expressed in the mutant, and a decrease in monosaccharide components of cell wall hemicellulose were found. As a potential effect of weaker cell walls, rns2-2 plants are larger than wild-type controls, due to larger cells and increased water content. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also measured in rns2-2, and the constitutive autophagy phenotype was blocked by preventing ROS production via NADPH oxidase. Conclusions Lack of rRNA recycling in rns2-2 cells triggers a change in carbon flux, which is redirected through the PPP to produce ribose-5-phosphate for de novo nucleoside synthesis. rRNA or ribosome turnover is thus essential for cellular homeostasis, probably through maintenance of nucleoside levels as part of the salvage pathway.
El Programa OIDD, la plataforma de Innovación Abierta de Lilly

Resumen: El proceso de descubrimiento de farmacos evoluciona constantemente y las companias han ido cambiando las estrategias cola- borativas en investigacion. La tendencia actual se centra en buscar la innovacion externa y se han incrementado las interacciones entre los sectores academico y privado. Muchas empresas han implementado estrategias de Innovacion Abierta para atraer el talento externo, com- partir el conocimiento y articular sinergias que generen valor. En este ecosistema, el programa OIDD (Open Innovation Drug Discovery) de Lilly ofrece un amplio abanico de herramientas a los investigadores a liados y ha tenido una excelente acogida global con 800 participantes y 53.000 compuestos probados. Palabras clave: Innovacion abierta, Colaboracion, Descubrimiento de farmacos, Industria farmaceutica, Diversidad estructural. Abstract: The drug discovery process is continuously evolving and pharmaceutical companies have changed the strategies for effecti- ve collaboration in research. The current trend is focused on external innovation and the interactions between academic and public sectors have been gradually increased. Many companies have implemented Open Innovation strategies to attract external talent, share knowledge and leverage synergies creating value. In this ecosystem, the Lilly OIDD (Open Innovation Drug Discovery) program offers a variety of engagement modes to the af liated investigators and has had an excellent acceptance globally with 800 participants and 53.000 compounds tested. Keywords: Open innovation, Collaboration, Drug discovery, Pharmaceutical industry, Chemical diversity.
In vitro synthesis of the iron-molybdenum cofactor and its analogs: Requirement of a non-nif gene product for the synthesis, and altered properties of dinitrogenase

Nitrogenase catalyzes the ATP- and reductant-dependent reduction of N2 to ammonia and the reduction of other substrates (i.e. acetylene, cyanide). In the absence of any reducible substrate, nitrogenase catalyzes the reduction of protons to H2. Nitrogenase consists of two proteins, dinitrogenase (MoFe protein, component I) and dinitrogenase reductase (Fe protein, component II) (1,5). Dinitrogenase reductase donates electrons one at a time to dinitrogenase with the concomitant hydrolysis of ATP. Electrons passed to dinitrogenase are channelled to a unique prosthetic group called the iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMo-co) which is composed of Fe, Mo, S, (27) and homocitrate (10). FeMo-co has been proposed as the site for substrate reduction (6, 28). In Klebsiella pneumoniae, at least six nif (nitrogen fixation) gene products (NIF Q, NIF B, NIF V, NIF N, NIF E, and dinitrogenase reductase) are involved in the synthesis of active FeMo-co. The NIF Q is required for early steps in the processing of Mo for FeMo-co biosynthesis (11). Mutations in nif B, nif N, or nif E result in formation of an apo-dinitrogenase (lacking FeMo-co), that can be activated in vitro with purified FeMo-co (24,27,31). Certain strains of K. pneumoniae and Azotobacter vinelandii with mutations in nif H (the structural gene for dinitrogenase reductase) fail to synthesize FeMo-co (4,25).
Predictors of low-income parent child care selections

Abstract This paper uses a mixed methods research design that combines qualitative and quantitative data from low-income parents to increase understanding of the dynamics of their child care decision-making. The paper relies on a graphically depicted conceptual model of the decision-making process. In the model, individual characteristics found in prior research to affect child care decisions are clustered into constructs: family, community, child care preferences, constraints and barriers, and financial assistance. Findings demonstrate that when controlling for other characteristics, most of the characteristics captured in the conceptual model predict type of child care selected. Study data include measures of employment constraints and a verified measure of subsidy receipt, both of which are important to understanding child care decisions of low-income parents and on which research is limited. We find both to be strong predictors of child care selection decisions. Parents' child care selection preferences emerge as the strongest predictors of the type of care selected. Parents' prioritization of support for learning and trust in the provider were the most likely to predict a specific type of care. Findings from this study have direct implications for policy and practice, especially as states implement the changes associated with the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 with its emphasis on helping parents select arrangements that support the child's development.
High responsivity and bias-free graphene photodetector with nano-grating contact electrodes

We present a high responsivity and bias-free graphene photodetector with responsivity levels as high as 225 mA/W at 800 nm wavelength, which uses nano-grating contact electrodes to enhance optical absorption and photocarrier extraction.
Broadband integrated networks

Growth in broadband integrated network technologies like ATM, ISDN, and frame relay has been phenomenal in recent years. This book focuses on the quantitative methods, such as modeling and performance analysis in the high-speed ATM networking environment, as opposed to qualitative overviews. Covers the types of services provided over ATM networks, the ATM protocol model, Broadband ISDN and ATM, traffic characterization, access control in broadband networks, ATM switches, effective capacity, and feedback congestion control. For communication specialists, especially those working in the telecommunications industry.
The response of the Somali Current to the southwest monsoon of 1970

Abstract The response of the Somali Current to the onset of the southwest monsoon was determined by parachute drogue and GEK (geomagnetic electrokinetograph) measurements at 2°S during March–May, 1970. Wind observations from shore, island, and open-ocean stations indicated that the monsoon commenced during mid-April along the East African coast, but that it did not begin until mid-May or later over the interior of the north Indian Ocean. The current reversal appears to be caused by the effects of local winds and a switching action on the East African Coast Current. By mid-May the surface current was faster and broader than it was observed to be in 1964 during the southwest monsoon in the same area.
Ring enhancing brain lesions in a patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): a diagnostic dilemma.

A 65-year-old female former smoker with a medical history of HIV infection, cerebrovascular accident and hypertension presented with headache in the bilateral frontal and occipital region. Headache started 2 weeks ago, was moderate in intensity and dull in nature. She had associated nausea and
Management of intertrochanteric fracture in a bilateral below knee amputee

Intertrochanteric fracture in a patient with bilateral below knee amputation is rare and the management is challenging. The major difficulty is in applying optimal amount of traction for reduction of the fracture due to absence of foot. We present the case of an elderly female with bilateral below knee amputation presenting with a minimally displaced right intertrochanteric fracture. The patient was managed using reverse boot technique for applying traction, obtaining reduction and fixed with right proximal femoral nail. The patient was able to return to her pre-injury mobility status on the third postoperative day. We highlight a method of traction application using this simple modification of the fracture table so that adequate amount of traction can be applied safely.
Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety Improvements on Water Street Corridor

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has identified the West Water Street corridor in downtown Charlottesville as an area of focus for bicyclist safety due to a high rate of pedestrian crashes between 2012 and 2016. Water Street hosts one of the main bicycle routes in the city; however, there is a high level of traffic stress for bicyclists. Therefore, it is critical to determine pedestrian and bicyclist safety countermeasures. Ideally, Water Street would be able to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists in a safe and efficient manner. The focus of this project is to research, create, and test alternative roadway designs to improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety in the Water Street corridor. The design team analyzes best practices from other bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly cities to inspire design ideas for the specific Water Street corridor. Multi-criteria decision analysis is used to choose the best design concept. This one concept is then extrapolated to other similar designs in which one aspect of the main design alternative is changed. The team tests those designs using a virtual reality (VR) environment and biometric data collection. The team is currently (February 2020) starting to conduct experiments in the VR environment. A user testing plan is being created and reviewed that will then be executed in March 2020 to conduct experiments. User comfort and safety will be evaluated across four different design alternatives. From this evaluation, a recommendation will be proposed to the City of Charlottesville as to what design should be implemented.
Consumer Perceptions on Organic Food in Cyprus

In most European countries, consumer demand for organic is increasing. In Northern Europe, the state and professional bodies provide financial support to producers and information campaigns. So, is Cyprus on offer for organic crops? Is there a consumer response? Is the farmer aware of organic farming? The current study collects primary data to determine the perception of consumers regarding organic products in Cyprus at on hand, and secondly to examine if consumers in Cyprus are satisfied using organic food. For the purposes of this research, a structured questionnaire was used collecting 100 consumer responses from the Nicosia area of Cyprus. Results show that Cypriot consumer have favorable opinion and attitude towards organic food products, though there is much to be done to increase the consumption of organic food.
Persistent innovations and historical conspiracies as reanalysis and extension

Abstract This article explores temporally extended innovations as a form of phonological reanalysis and extension. Polabian (West Slavic) exhibits multiple dissimilatory innovations that target the reflexes of Late Common Slavic (LCS) *v/w. In this paper, I propose that the outputs of syllable structure changes in early West Slavic were reinterpreted as restrictions on the distribution of [w], thus introducing dissimilation to the language. The new grammar was not able to stop other innovations from occurring (prophylaxis) and instead restructured intermediate outputs from subsequent innovations into an acceptable phonetic form (repair) thereby extending dissimilation to new items. I demonstrate that (a) outputs of an earlier onset epenthesis grammar conform to the surface-true generalizations enforced by the reanalyzed dissimilation grammar and (b) a single grammar can account for both the dissimilation which developed during the West Slavic period and subsequent extensions which occurred after Polabian was fully differentiated from its relatives.
Kentuckia: A 4-,6-,8-Connected Tetragonal Structural Pattern in Space Group P4/Nmm

This paper describes the crystal structure of a novel, hypothetical 4-,6-,8- connected tetragonal structural pattern with the ternary stoichiometry ABC. The novel pattern lies in space group P4/nmm, number 129. It possesses the Wells point symbol (4)(46)(4) and has the Wellsean Schlafli index (4.4615, 6). The structure-type could be representative of a ternary bimetallic oxide in which the 2 oxygens within the unit cell adopt octahedral coordination with respect to two different metal atoms. The square planar vertices in Kentuckia’s structure could likely represent Ni group atoms (such as formally Pt cations). The octahedral vertices could represent O atoms, as formally O anions, in which both of the lone pairs on the O atom are used in dative bonds with the other metal centers (counterions). And the 8-connected cube centered vertices could represent alkaline earth metals with the 2+ oxidation state, such as Ca Such a bimetallic oxide would contain metal to non-metal bonds between the 4 octahedral sites and the 2 cube-centered sites, and the 4 octahedral sites and the 2 square planar sites. A probable phase might be CaPtO. For a configuration of this lattice in which / is equal to 1/2, the structure has no angle strain.
Bittersweet Destiny: The Stormy Evolution of Human Behavior

Bittersweet Destiny combines discourse on the evolution of human behavior with a philosophical perspective. It explores evolutionary theory aimed at determining human behavior. Del Thiessen presents this material against the broad background of everyday life, allowing the reader to see the theory of evolution as it has shaped his or her own behavior. However, he points out that when evolutionary theory is aimed at human behavior, the critics object, and controversy results. Thiessen argues that nothing in our lives makes sense unless we look at it through a biological lens. We can thereby understand our origin, our affiliation with all animals and plants, and our cultural destination. However, we can also discover a dark side to our destiny--our favoritism to those who share our own genes, our ability to deceive, and our capacity for abuse, rape, and murder. Good, bad, and indifferent, we serve the replication of our DNA. Critics extrapolate evolutionary theory to a wide range of animal species, and even human morphology and physiology, but when the same perspective is applied to human behavior there is strong dissent. What these critics fear, according to Thiessen, is that accepting evolutionary notions about human behavior strikes at the heart of free will, self-determination, and social equality. Bittersweet Destiny describes the heroic efforts of naturalists Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace to unlock the secrets of evolution. It continues with a vivid description of our fossil history and our chance beginnings. From there the story implicates disease processes in evolution, highlights our rational and irrational nature, focuses on those characteristics of brain evolution and language that make us distinctive, and illustrates our most basic survival and reproductive mechanisms. Thiessen warns the reader that things are as they are no matter what we might wish; we ignore facts and controversy at our own risk. This book will be significant to anthropologists, psychologists, biologists, and sociologists.
P50: A candidate ERP biomarker of prodromal Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Introduction Reductions of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-beta (Aβ42) and elevated phosphorylated-tau (p-Tau) reflect in vivo Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) pathology and show utility in predicting conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. We investigated the P50 event-related potential component as a noninvasive biomarker of AD pathology in non-demented elderly. Methods 36 MCI patients were stratified into amyloid positive (MCI-AD, n =17) and negative (MCI-Other, n =19) groups using CSF levels of Aβ42. All amyloid positive patients were also p-Tau positive. P50s were elicited with an auditory oddball paradigm. Results MCI-AD patients yielded larger P50s than MCI-Other. The best amyloid-status predictor model showed 94.7% sensitivity, 94.1% specificity and 94.4% total accuracy. Discussion P50 predicted amyloid status in MCI patients, thereby showing a relationship with AD pathology versus MCI from another etiology. The P50 may have clinical utility for inexpensive pre-screening and assessment of Alzheimer׳s pathology.
The Bogeyman of Three (or More) Parents

Each generation of law scholars, policy analysts, and politicians comes up with bogeymen: outcomes so scary that the mere hint that a policy, rule, or case decision might lead to that outcome is treated as a strong argument for a contrary view. This paper consders, briefly, a recent bogeyman of parental rights cases: the recognition of three (or more) legal parents. Two recent cases recognizing three legal parents, in the context of same-sex parenting and the use of new reproductive technologies, evoked outrage from some commentators. This paper considers the reasons behind the strong reaction, and whether the response was justifed. The paper notes that three parents is ever more common as a social fact, and also occasionally pesent as a legal reality, even (or especially) in the sort of cases that do not evoke strong responses.
The Effect of Salesforce Behavior on Customer Satisfaction: An Interactive Framework

Salesforce behavior can have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. This paper presents a conceptual framework examining the impact of the salesforce policy on customer satisfaction. Within the context of the framework, it is suggested that salespeople and sales managers can increase customer satisfaction through adaptive selling behavior and by developing customer feed-back systems respectively. Testable propositions are suggested for future research, and potential managerial implications of the research are discussed. The paper emphasizes that the determination and improvement of customer satisfaction should be essential goals of salesforce management.
A Round Robin on Apparent Thermal Conductivity of Several Loose-Fill Insulations

The primary means of establishing the thermal performance of loose-fill insulation is ASTM Standard Practice C 687. To provide information for the development of a statement of precision and bias for this Standard Practice, a round robin was carried out by eleven laboratories measuring apparent thermal conductivity of four common loose-fill insulation products (cellulose, rock/slag wool, and bonded and unbonded glass fiber) and a glass fiber blanket. The test results on the glass fiber blanket indicate that the measurement capability of the participants can be characterized by an imprecision of 3.0%, as measured by two standard deviations, and a negligible bias of the mean. The measurements on the loose-fill materials are characterized by an imprecision ranging from 21% for cellulose to 10% for the rock/slag wool. The increase in imprecision for the loose-fill materials is attributed primarily to inadequately defined procedures for preparing and conditioning the specimens.
Minimally invasive mitral surgery through right mini-thoracotomy under direct vision.

In the 1990s, the success of ‘minimally invasive’ laparoscopic operations in other surgical subspecialties sparked an interest in minimally-invasive approaches for cardiac surgery, specifically for mitral valve repair. In 1996 at New York University (NYU) we began our experience with minimally invasive mitral valve repair performed through a small right anterior mini-thoracotomy incision using the Port-Access system in a phase I clinical trial. This was the beginning of our extensive right mini-thoracotomy experience for mitral valve repair at NYU. Currently at our institution the preferred approach for the right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve surgery is through the 3rd or 4th interspace mini-thoracotomy incision. Perfusion is accomplished with direct aortic or femoral cannulation, long femoral venous cannula drainage, and a retrograde cardioplegia catheter placed trans-atrialy in the coronary sinus under TEE guidance. An antegrade cardioplegia and venting needle is placed in the ascending aorta and direct external aortic clamping is achieved with one of several specialized crossclamps. With over four decades of experience, more than 4,000 patients have undergone mitral valve repair at NYU including 1,922 performed through a right mini-thoracotomy. We have reported an overall operative mortality of 1.3%, 8-year freedom from reoperation of 95%, freedom from reoperation or severe recurrent mitral regurgitation of 93%, and freedom from all valve-related complications of 90% for our initial series of 1,071 right mini-thoracotomy mitral valve repair. Based on our extensive experience we believe that mitral valve repair through a right mini-thoracotomy provides a durable and safe alternative to a traditional sternotomy with the benefits of improved cosmesis, reduced post-operative pain, less blood loss with fewer blood transfusions, fewer infections, shorter length of stay, and faster return to activity. It is our standard of care approach for mitral valve surgery.
Object Recognition in the Geometric Era: A Retrospective

Recent advances in object recognition have emphasized the integration of intensity-derived features such as affine patches with associated geometric constraints leading to impressive performance in complex scenes. Over the four previous decades, the central paradigm of recognition was based on formal geometric object descriptions with a focus on the properties of such descriptions under perspective image formation. This paper will review the key advances of the geometric era and investigate the underlying causes of the movement away from formal geometry and prior models towards the use of statistical learning methods based on appearance features.
A Note on the Equivalence of Two Test Criteria for Hypotheses in Categorical Data

Abstract It is shown in this note that for testing linear hypotheses in categorical data Wald's statistic [1943] is equivalent (i.e., algebraically-identical) to the χ2 1 statistic of Neyman [1949], and for testing nonlinear hypotheses it is equivalent to the χ2 1 statistic using Neyman's linearization technique, whenever these χ2 1 statistics are defined.
Scientific misrepresentation and guides to ontology: the need for representational code and contents

In this paper I show how certain requirements must be set on any tenable account of scientific representation, such as the requirement allowing for misrepresentation. I then continue to argue that two leading accounts of scientific representation—the inferential account and the interpretational account—are flawed for they do not satisfy such requirements. Through such criticism, and drawing on an analogy from non-scientific representation, I also sketch the outline of a superior account. In particular, I propose to take epistemic representations to be intentional objects that come with reference, semantic contents and a representational code, and I identify faithful representations as representations that act as guides to ontology.
Click Chemistry on Solution-Dispersed Graphene and Monolayer CVD Graphene

Graphene from two different preparative routes was successfully functionalized with 4-propargyloxybenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate in order to study a subsequent attachment by click chemistry (1,3-dipolar azide–alkyne cycloaddition) of a short chain polyethylene glycol with terminal carboxylic end group (PEG-COOH). The reaction steps were studied by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, as well as zeta-potential and surface tension measurements. In the first route, pristine graphene was surfactant dispersed from a stage controlled expanded graphite before reaction, resulting in colloidally stable dispersions after dialysis removal of the surfactant following the two functionalization steps. The chemistry was shown to increase the zeta-potential from −45.3 to −54.6 mV and increase the surface tension from 48.5 to 63.0 mN/m compared to those of the precursor solution. The magnitudes of the zeta-potential and the resulting solution concentration were shown to increase with grafting density up to 14.2 μg/mL. A col...
Geology and geochemistry of mafic to felsic plutonic rocks in the Cretaceous intrusive suite of Yosemite Valley, California

The intrusive suite of Yosemite Valley provides an excellent example of coeval mafic and felsic magmatism in a continental- margin arc. Within the suite, hornblende gabbros and diorites associated with the Cretaceous El Capitan and Taft Granites occur as scattered mafic enclaves, enclave swarms, small pods, synplutonic dikes, and a 2 km 2 mafic complex known as the “diorite of the Rockslides.” Field evidence suggests that most of the mafic rocks are temporally related to the El Capitan Granite and that significantly less mafic magma accompanied the slightly later intrusion of the Taft Granite. Concordant zircon fractions from the diorite of the Rockslides yield an age of 103 ± 0.15 Ma, which is the same age as the El Capitan Granite. Initial isotopic compositions of the mafic and felsic rocks are similar; the mafic rocks exhibit only slightly higher 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, lower 143 Nd/ 144 Nd, and higher 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios than the granites. Because the mafic magmas are only slightly more isotopically evolved than the granites, geochemical variation within the granites is not easily explained in terms of contamination of a depleted-mantle component by partial melts of ancient, high-silica continental crust. Rather, these data are consistent with an interpretation that the El Capitan Granite was derived by partial melting of relatively young mafic sources broadly similar to the mafic rocks of the suite.
Inhibition of microsomal lipid peroxidation by cytosolic protein in presence of ADP and high concentration of Fe2

Abstract Microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by NADPH, but not by ascorbate, was found to be inhibited by liver cytosol. This inhibition was not dependent on glutathione and was enhanced by ADP in presence of Fe2+ at a concentration of 50 μM or higher. ATP was also effective, but not AMP or cyclic AMP. The cytosolic factor appeared to be a protein as it was heat-labile (> 70°C), was non-dialyzable and was precipitated by ammonium sulfate and acetone. It was stable for several months in frozen state and also when heated at 50°C for 10 min. The inhibition by the cytosolic protein was obtained by producing a lag in the activity of lipid peroxidation and was reversed by ceruloplasmin but not by catalase, cytochrome c, hemoglobin or superoxide dismutase. This inhibitory effect by cytosol was limited to formation of lipid peroxides whereas oxygen uptake and NADPH oxidation remained unaffected. Regulation of lipid peroxidation by nucleotide-Fe complexes and cytosolic proteins is indicated by these studies.
Mass Splittings and Ghost Tadpoles

The neutron-proton mass difference is expressed, on the assumption that it is purely electromagnetic in origin, in terms of partial-wave amplitudes for the process NN→γγ at zero total energy, and also in terms of the single n=0, M=0 O(4) amplitude for the same process. This representation allows quite directly a qualitative understanding of the sign of the n-p mass difference, and also allows, with more drastic assumptions, an approximate numerical evaluation of the mass difference based on experimentally determined parameters from the A_2 Regge trajectory. This numerical estimate is in reasonable agreement with experiment. The approach is easily generalized to other electromagnetic mass differences, and is shown to yield the tadpole model.
The acute toxicity of praziquantel to grass carp and golden shiners

Abstract The acute toxicity and highest nonlethal concentration of praziquantel (LC0) were determined in the laboratory for grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas, two cyprinids known to harbor the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi. Praziquantel is an anthelmintic used to treat fish with tapeworms. The 24-h and 96-h LC50 values were 55.1 and 49.7 mg/L for golden shiners (1.3 g) and 63.4 and 60.6 mg/L for grass carp (9.1 g). The 24-h and 96-h LC0 values were 50.0 and 45.0 mg/L for golden shiners and 60.0 and 60.0 mg/L for grass carp.
An algorithm to plot hasses diagrams on microcomputers and calcomp plotters

Abstract A computer algorithm has been developed to plot Hasse diagrams. Hasse diagrams are often used in lattice and graph theory. Hasse diagrams have also been used to display results of ranking exercises, where each level of the diagram represents a ranking level and where each line represents the logical connections between levels. These diagrams have also been used to assess the best structure of simulation models. Hasse diagrams are a useful tool to display lattices and hierarchies in an easy to understand fashion. Hasse diagrams can have a very complex structure with circles on different levels and straight or curved lines connecting some circles on different levels. When Hasse diagrams are used to display large lattices, tens or hundreds of circles and lines might have to be plotted. If a Hasse diagram is plotted by hand, a possibility exists that a line might be drawn between the wrong circles or possibly even left out entirely. The computer program allows the plotting of any-size Hasse diagrams on microcomputer screens and Calcomp plotters. These figures are then ready for publication. This algorithm (a) permits the display of results within minutes on microcomputer screens and within hours on the plotter, (b) is useful to scientists worldwide, (c) prepares publication ready figures, and (d) it saves several man-hours for each Hasse diagram to drafting departments.
Nitrogen doping of polycrystalline 3C-SiC films grown using 1,3-disilabutane in a conventional LPCVD reactor

Abstract The chemical, structural, and electrical characteristics of in situ doped SiC films grown from 1,3-disilabutane and NH 3 at various growth temperatures, 650–850°C, are investigated by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and four-point probe. The nitrogen is successfully incorporated throughout the SiC film. The doped films exhibit lower resistivities than the undoped films deposited at the same temperature, except for the films deposited at 650°C. As the deposition temperature increases, the electrical resistivity is shown to increase and then decrease, peaking at 750°C. The resistivity of the polycrystalline SiC films is further controlled by adjusting the NH 3 flow rate in the reactor. The lowest resistivity of 0.02 Ω cm is achieved for the film deposited at 800°C and the NH 3 flow rate of 5 sccm. The post-deposition annealing is shown to further lower the film resistivity.
Testing Accommodations: Theory and research to inform practice

This article presents a framework for practitioners in education and psychology to select accommodations based on student profiles and testing demands. A brief history of testing accommodations policy in the US and a definition of terms provide context for the discussion. A review of theory and empirical findings related to testing accommodations follow. The key assumption is that testing accommodations are used to obtain test scores from which valid inferences can be drawn. The article introduces a three-step process that involves identifying access skills, selecting accommodations, and considering their impact on target skills or knowledge. The reader is also introduced to tools that are commercially available to help with these decisions.
Demographic and health-related predictors of the incidence of sudden infant death

Abstract This report employs several demographic and health-related variables to predict the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (or SIDS) in 324 census tracts of the city of Philadelphia during the years 1970–1975. Two types of multivariate statistical procedures — multiple regression and classification by linear discriminant function — provide significant and strongly predictive results. While a number of new univariate findings are also presented and some limitations of the use of census tracts are noted, a major emphasis is on the incremental effects that occur when variables are entered into multivariate equations in a predetermined order to remove the influences of confounding demographic predictors. The presence of significant incremental relationships between pregnancy-related health variables and SIDS frequencies and rules provides encouragement for future research into common predictive and etiological strategies across SIDS and other types of infant deaths. Additional applications of the methods and results are indicated.
Tests of an Ensemble Kalman Filter for Mesoscale and Regional-Scale Data Assimilation. Part I: Perfect Model Experiments

Abstract Through observing system simulation experiments, this two-part study exploits the potential of using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) for mesoscale and regional-scale data assimilation. Part I focuses on the performance of the EnKF under the perfect model assumption in which the truth simulation is produced with the same model and same initial uncertainties as those of the ensemble, while Part II explores the impacts of model error and ensemble initiation on the filter performance. In this first part, the EnKF is implemented in a nonhydrostatic mesoscale model [the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5)] to assimilate simulated sounding and surface observations derived from simulations of the “surprise” snowstorm of January 2000. This is an explosive East Coast cyclogenesis event with strong error growth at all scales as a result of interactions between convective-, meso-, and subsynoptic-scale dynamics. It is found that the EnKF is very effective in keeping th...
Regulation of inflammasome activation

Inflammasome biology is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas in immunology. Over the past 10 years, inflammasomes have been recognized for their roles in the host defense against invading pathogens and in the development of cancer, autoinflammatory, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Assembly of an inflammasome complex requires cytosolic sensing of pathogen-associated molecular patterns or danger-associated molecular patterns by a nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) or absent in melanoma 2-like receptor (ALR). NLRs and ALRs engage caspase-1, in most cases requiring the adapter protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), to catalyze proteolytic cleavage of pro-interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β) and pro-IL-18 and drive pyroptosis. Recent studies indicate that caspase-8, caspase-11, IL-1R–associated kinases (IRAK), and receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinases contribute to inflammasome functions. In addition, post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, deubiquitination, phosphorylation, and degradation, control almost every aspect of inflammasome activities. Genetic studies indicate that mutations in NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 are linked to the development of autoinflammatory diseases, enterocolitis, and cancer. Overall, these findings transform our understanding of the basic biology and clinical relevance of inflammasomes. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest development of inflammasome research and discuss how inflammasome activities govern health and disease.
Mechanism of hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate catalysed by lobster muscle.

In previous publications1 evidence has been presented for the occurrence of displacement mechanisms in a wide variety of enzymatic reactions to which those of adenosine triphosphate are closely analogous. Assuming that the adenosine triphosphate reactions proceed by the same mechanisms, it can be deduced from the nature of the products that the adenosine triphosphate can undergo nucleophilic attack at any of its three phosphorus atoms. As examples, the Lohmann reaction with creatine2 must involve attack at the terminal phosphorus atom, the coenzyme A reaction of Lipmann et al.3 must involve attack at the middle phosphorus atom and the Kornberg reaction with nicotinamide mononucleotide4 must involve attack at the innermost phosphorus atom. If the adenosine triphosphate is hydrolysed by an adenosine triphosphatase in ordinary water to adenosine diphosphate and inorganic phosphate, the pathway is not obvious, since attack at either the terminal phosphorus atom or the middle phosphorus atom would give the same products. This ambiguity can be avoided, however, by using H218O, in which case the alternatives are clearly distinguishable (cf. reaction 1). The study of the mechanism of adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis in muscle was therefore performed in a medium of H218O and the products were analysed for their content of oxygen-18.
Subglacial environments: Focus for a new U.S. research program

Subglacial Antarctic lake environments (SALE) have attracted great scientific and lay public interest during the last decade. “Subglacial” is broadly defined as those localities under substantial (kilometer-scale) ice overburdens that cause long-term (at least thousands of years) isolation from direct subaerial contact. Subglacial environments are at or below the ice-bed interface of glaciers and ice sheets, including ice-water contacts above subglacial lakes and below ice shelves. For the next decade or more, SALE exploration and research will be a focus of intense interest in Antarctica as one of the last remaining unexplored and difficult to access environments on Earth. SALE is also a primary focus for the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007—2008 scientific theme, “exploring new frontiers.”
DEVELOPMENT OF CRASH REDUCTION FACTORS: METHODS, PROBLEMS, AND RESEARCH NEEDS

Crash reduction factors (CRFs) are used in highway safety studies to predict safety benefits due to reduced numbers of crashes. NCHRP Report 162 identified the need for the development of a national comprehensive set of CRFs for each state to evaluate safety improvements. However, this need has not been met. As a result, many states have developed their own CRFs or have adopted CRFs from other states. A synthesis of the CRF development methods, the associated problems, and the research needs are provided. The emphasis is placed on the before-and-after study method because it has been, and still is, the method of choice for CRF development. Three before-and-after study methods were introduced and reviewed: (a) the simple before-and-after method, (b) the before-and-after study with comparison group method, and (c) the before-and-after study with the empirical Bayes method. The problems associated with the simple before-and-after studies, including regression to the mean, crash migration, maturation, and external causal factor, are discussed. Several research needs related to crash migration and general CRF development are also identified. The information presented in the synthesis will be useful to states that plan to develop or update their CRFs.
The Effect of Various Factors on Standard Setting.

This paper reports two studies of standard setting using Angoff's method. Results of the first study suggest that specialization within broad content areas does not affect an expert's estimates of the performance of the borderline group. This is reassuring because the knowledge base of many professions is so large that no individual can be considered an expert in all aspects of it. Results of the second study support the recommendation that performance data be provided during the standard-setting process. They are frequently used by experts, but will not have an impact on the standard unless the distribution of item difficulties is skewed markedly. It also increases the correspondence between p-values and estimates of borderline group performance, thereby reducing errors in pass/fail decisions. Overall, the results support recommendations often made in standard-setting literature, but they need to be replicated with other groups of experts
Nursing informatics education in the United States: proposed undergraduate curriculum:

Nursing informatics education is undergoing dramatic change as nursing informatics skills and knowledge expand and roles in practice proliferate. In the United States, Federal government initiative...
Hemoglobin May Contribute to Sex Differences in Mortality among HIV-Infected Persons in Care

Background Some retrospective studies have found that HIV-infected women have a higher mortality risk than men after adjusting for baseline characteristics, while others have not. Anemia is a known predictor of HIV-related mortality. We assessed whether anemia contributed to the sex difference in mortality in our cohort. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among HIV-infected persons in care at the Comprehensive Care Center (Nashville, TN) between 1998 and 2009. Cox proportional hazards models compared time from first clinic visit to death and AIDS-defining events (ADE), adjusted for baseline characteristics with and without baseline hemoglobin. Results Of 3,633 persons, 879 (24%) were women. Women had lower median baseline hemoglobin compared to men: 12.4 g/dL (inter-quartile range (IQR) 11.3–13.4) vs. 14.4 (IQR 13.1–15.5), respectively (P<0.001). In multivariable models without hemoglobin, the risk of death was higher among women: hazard ratio (HR) 1.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17, 1.82; P = 0.001). In multivariable models with hemoglobin, the risk of death in women was diminished and no longer statistically significant: HR 1.2 (95% CI 0.93, 1.55; P = 0.17). The risk of ADE was higher among women in both models, but not statistically significant: HR 1.1 (95% CI 0.85–1.42; P = 0.46) in the model without hemoglobin and 1.11 (95% CI 0.82–1.48; P = 0.50) in the model with hemoglobin. Hemoglobin was a strong predictor of death: HR 0.88 per 1 g/dL increase (95% CI 0.83, 0.93; P<0.001). Conclusion In our study population of HIV-infected persons in care, women had lower baseline hemoglobin, and lower hemoglobin contributed to their higher risk of ADE and death.
Empowering the Content Experts

MERLOT (multimedia educational resources for learning and online teaching) is a consortium that aims to motivate and support the effective use of technology in teaching. Individual MERLOT members contribute links to materials they deem useful in teaching a particular subject, which then enter the repository. Discipline editors review the links for suitability and decide if materials warrant an in-depth peer review. However, MERLOT is expanding its online community thus additional portals are needed. MERLOT management agreed to establish a prototype portal and obtain software that would let the editors create and maintain portal content. Their decision to put content control in the hands of the content experts has had some unexpected benefits and perhaps some lessons for industry intranets
Limiting dilution analysis of alloreactive T-cell status and distribution during allograft rejection

Abstract We have developed limiting dilution analysis techniques that discriminate between precursor T cells and T cells that have responded to prior contact with alloantigens. We used these techiues to monitor the behavior of functional T-lymphocyte subsets in sponge matrix allograft recipients. Thus, we were able to measure at the graft site and/or in the peripheral blood (1) all donor-reactivev cytotoxic T lymphocytes, (2) the subset of donor-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes that has been responded to graft alloantigens in vivo, (3) all donor-reactive helper T lymphocytes, and (4) the subset of donor-reactive helper T lymphocytes that has responded to graft alloantigens in vivo. In this communication, we describe some aspects of the in vivo T-cell response to allograft implantation that were revealed by this study.
Lung volume reduction surgery since the National Emphysema Treatment Trial: study of Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database.

Objectives The National Emphysema Treatment Trial demonstrated that lung volume reduction surgery is an effective treatment for emphysema in select patients. With chronic lower respiratory disease being the third leading cause of death in the United States, this study sought to assess practice patterns and outcomes for lung volume reduction surgery on a national level since the National Emphysema Treatment Trial. Methods Aggregate statistics on lung volume reduction surgery reported in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database from January 2003 to June 2011 were analyzed to assess procedure volume, preoperative and operative characteristics, and outcomes. Comparisons with published data from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial were made using chi-square and 2-sided t tests. Results In 8.5 years, 538 patients underwent lung volume reduction surgery, with 20 to 118 cases reported in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database per year. When compared with subjects in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial, subjects in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database were younger ( P P P P = .005). Conclusions This study demonstrates the importance of patient selection and the need to develop consensus on appropriate benchmarks for mortality rates after lung volume reduction surgery. It underscores the need for dedicated centers to increasingly address the heavy burden of chronic lower respiratory disease in the United States in a multidisciplinary fashion, particularly for preoperative evaluation and postoperative management of emphysema.
Time stepping in discontinuous Galerkin method

The time discretization in the Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) scheme has been traditionally based on the Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) second-order Runge-Kutta (RK2) scheme. Computational efficiency and accuracy with the Euler Forward (EF) and the TVD second-order RK2 time stepping schemes in the DG method are investigated in this work. Numerical tests are conducted with the scalar Burgers equation, 1-D and 2-D shallow water flow equations. The maximum Courant number or time step size required for stability for the EF scheme and RK2 scheme with different slope limiters are compared. Numerical results show that the slope limiters affect the stability requirement in the DG method. The RK2 scheme is generally more diffusive than the EF scheme, and the RK2 scheme allows larger time step sizes. The EF scheme is found to be more efficient and accurate than the RK2 scheme in the DG method in computation.