cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender Bias in the Prediction of College Course Performance

Is the relationship of college grades to the traditional predictors of aptitude test scores and high school grades different for men and women? The usual gender bias of underpredicting the grade point averages of women may result from gender-related course selection effects. This study controlled course selection effects by predicting single course grades rather than a composite grade from several courses. In most of the large introductory courses studied, no gender bias was found that would hold up on cross-validation in a subsequent semester. Usually, it was counterproductive to adjust grade predictions according to gender. Grade point average was predicted more accurately than single course grades
Some remarks on compound nonhomogeneous Poisson processes

Abstract The notion of a compound nonhomogeneous Poisson process is introduced and its properties investigated. Various closure properties are then considered including superposition, thinning and discounting.
Attitudes about marijuana and political views.

Beliefs about the legalization of marijuana were compared with political views for a Boston sample of 1350 high school and college students users and nonusers of the drug. Conservatives more likely...
Measuring and Improving Ambulatory Surgery Patients' Satisfaction

The pressure on perioperative services to improve quality for health care consumers creates both challenges and opportunities. To make positive changes, many health care organizations contract with Press Ganey (PG), which processes an extensive database of more than 9.5 million surveys annually and provides benchmark reports to same-type organizations. To measure and improve ambulatory surgery patient satisfaction at one health care network in northeastern Pennsylvania, the nursing leaders in the ambulatory surgery center and OR undertook a quality improvement project focused on educating perioperative nurses on the use of PG reports. After we reviewed the PG reports and implemented changes with nursing staff members in perioperative areas, PG patient satisfaction scores improved regarding information about delays (4.1%) and center attractiveness (0.2%).
Incremental value of color coding in 3D volume rendered CT images for interpretation of complex cardiothoracic vascular malformations.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the benefit of color coding of CT angiography images for the assessment of complex cardiovascular malformations by comparing the quality of 3D (dimensional) volume rendered (VR) images before and after vessel color coding. Methods Cardiothoracic CT images of 34 patients with complex vascular malformations were retrospectively selected for post processing. 3D VR images were created without and after color coding of the target vessels. Source images as well as selected 3D VR images without and with color coding were reviewed independently by 4 observers and scores were recorded on a 4-point scale for overall image quality, visualization conspicuity of target vessels, and final interpretation of target structures. Results Overall diagnostic advantages of color coded VR images compared with non-color coded VR images included; improved visualization of the anatomical course of vessels, improved visualization of the extent of abnormality, better understanding of the spatial relationship of structures (i.e. to right ventricle outflow tract), and improved overall quality of the images. For all comparisons the color coded score was statistically significantly better than the non-color coded score (p Conclusion Color coded 3D VR images can optimize visualization of vascular structures and improve interpretation of complex vascular malformation in cardiothoracic CT studies.
Human dental reduction: natural selection or the probable mutation effect.

Dental reduction has been sufficiently widespread among human populations to render the phenomenon of reduced tooth size worthy of scientific explanation. One of the most controversial models invoked to explain structural reduction in organisms is referred to as the “probable mutation effect” (PME). According to this model, structures no longer functional owing to ecological or cultural changes will experience a relaxation of selection pressure, permitting an accumulation of mutations in the population that inevitably will result in the reduction in size or the loss of the concerned structure. Although the PME continues to be offered as a viable explanation of human dental reduction, it is based upon several premises that modern dental clinical experience fails to support. Known enzyme defects resulting from mutations, factors predisposing to dental infections, and the deleterious effects of teeth that are too large or too small reveal that the PME does not logically account for the reduction of tooth size. Given such information, this paper proposes models of dental reduction based upon natural selection, which, unlike the PME, are testable in both modern and archaeological populations. The integration of clinical and skeletal data permits a more thorough understanding of dental reduction in the hominid fossil record.
Single gene influences on radiologically-detectable malformations of the inner ear

Inner ear malformations associated with hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction are discussed from the viewpoint of the etiologies of the malformation. Symptoms of classification of inner ear malformations are discussed. The significance of malformations of the cochlea and vestibular aqueduct to auditory function are discussed. Genetics features and characteristics of Branchio-oto-renal, Waardenburg's, Pendred's, DiGeorge's, Wildervanck, Fountain, and Treacher Collins syndromes are discussed in relation to ear abnormalities and hearing. Similar attention is given to genetic studies of nonsyndromic hearing loss.
Density functional Gaussian-type orbital approach in theoretical study of S2F2 isomerization

The structures of two isomers, difluorodisulfane (FSSF) and thiothionylfluoride (SSF2), and the corresponding transition structure were generated with density functional theory (DFT) methods. Three groups of DFT methods were used: local (Local Spin Density Approximation, LSDA), nonlocal (local with gradient corrections; BLYP and BP86), and hybrid methods that include a mixture of Hartree-Fock (HF) exchange with nonlocal correlation (Becke3BLYP, Becke3P86). An extended basis set [6-311 + + G(3df)] was used for all calculations, although satisfactory results can be obtained with the 6-311G(d) basis set. The geometries obtained were compared with both restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF) calculated and experimentally obtained values. The energy outcome and the activation barrier for the isomerization were evaluated. It was determined that excellent geometries can be obtained with the Becke3B86 hybrid method, whereas for reasonable energies MP2 single-point calculations on these geometries are necessary. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Bright Urban Children A Critique of Standardized Testing in Kindergarten

Patterns of individual scores are used to critique citywide testing of urban children at the beginning of their schooling. Of the 47 children identified as gifted in a citywide assessment, 25 exhibited substantial intra individual differences between skill subscales on a standardized intelligence test. Eighty percent of the children had a perceptual-performance(P) area of strength, and for half of these children, it was the greatest area of strength. Discussion focuses on implications for the education of bright urban children.
Grain-size dependence of microcrack initiation in brittle materials

In this paper, the energy criterion is extended to predict the relationship between the temperature of microcrack initiation (TMB) caused by thermal stressing in brittle materials and the grain size. The relation can be extrapolated to room temperature to provide an estimate of the critical grain size. When the relation was compared to literature data, it was found that: (1) the predicted inverse square root relation of TMB to grain size is satisfied; (2) the room temperature intercept on the grain-size axis agrees well with the measured critical grain sizes. Also presented is a graphical method, based on the proposed relation, by which an engineering estimate of the critical grain size may be made from a minimal set of data.
A new criterion for the location of phase transitions for spin systems on recursive lattices

Abstract Lattice spin systems on Bethe lattices or Husimi trees can be studied recursively. We present a new criterion for the location of phase transitions for such systems. We then apply the criterion to three different systems with complex phase diagrams, in particular with transitions at non-zero magnetic fields resulting from multi-site interactions.
A collaborative environment for engaging novices in scientific inquiry

We describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of GreenTouch, a collaborative environment that enables novice users to engage in authentic scientific inquiry. GreenTouch consists of a mobile user interface for capturing data in the field, a web application for data curation in the cloud, and a tabletop interface for exploratory analysis of heterogeneous data. This paper contributes: 1) the design, implementation, and validation of a collaborative environment which allows novices to engage in scientific data capture, curation, and analysis; 2) empirical evidence for the feasibility and value of integrating interactive surfaces in college-level education based on an in situ study with 54 undergraduate students; and 3) insights collected through iterative design, providing concrete lessons and guidelines for designing multi-touch interfaces for collaborative inquiry of complex domains.
Drama in the Classroom

The performance of live drama by teachers in the classroom is advocated as a way of promoting immediacy and involvement. Our experiences with one such performance and the responses of our students are described.
Octreotide inhibits increases in short-circuit current induced in rat colon by VIP, substance P, serotonin and aminophylline.

Abstract We investigated the effect of octreotide (OCT), a stable somatostatin analog, (OCT) on changes in short-circuit current (Isc) induced by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), aminophylline, serotonin (5-HT) and substance P. OCT significantly decreased basal Isc at a concentration of 10−9 M; the maximum decrease in Isc was observed at 10−6 M. OCT (10−7 M) significantly inhibited the intestinal secretory response to all the secretagogues studied. The maximum Isc response was reduced when tissues were stimulated with VIP (184.9 ± 18.0 vs. 119.7 ± 14.1, P
Bifunctional Role of Protein Tyrosine Kinases in Late Preconditioning Against Myocardial Stunning in Conscious Rabbits

Abstract —Although protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) have been implicated in late preconditioning (PC) against infarction, their role in late PC against stunning is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown whether PTK signaling is necessary only to trigger late PC on day 1 or also to mediate it on day 2. Thus, conscious rabbits underwent a sequence of six 4-minute coronary occlusion/4-minute reperfusion cycles for 3 consecutive days (days 1, 2, and 3). In the control group (group I, n=7), the recovery of systolic wall thickening after the 6 occlusion/reperfusion cycles was markedly improved on days 2 and 3 compared with day 1, indicating the development of late PC against stunning. Administration of the PTK inhibitor lavendustin-A (LD-A, 1 mg/kg IV) before the first occlusion on day 1 (group II, n=7) completely prevented the late PC effect against stunning on day 2. Late PC against stunning was also abrogated when LD-A was given before the first occlusion on day 2 (group III, n=7); however, in these rabbits, the late PC effect became apparent on day 3, indicating that LD-A itself did not have any delayed deleterious actions on myocardial stunning. In group V (n=5), the sequence of 6 occlusion/reperfusion cycles resulted in a robust increase in the activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS [assessed as Ca 2+ -independent l-citrulline formation]) and nitrite+nitrate (NO x ) tissue levels 24 hours later (on day 2), with no concomitant change in Ca 2+ -dependent NO synthase (endothelial NO synthase and/or neuronal NO synthase) activity. Similar results were obtained on day 3 (group VIII, n=6), indicating sustained upregulation of iNOS. Administration of LD-A either on day 1 (group VI, n=5) or on day 2 (group VII, n=6) abrogated the increase in iNOS activity and NO x levels on day 2. LD-A had no effect on iNOS activity or NO x levels in the absence of PC (group X, n=5). This study demonstrates that in conscious rabbits, PTK activity is necessary not only to trigger late PC against stunning on day 1 but also to mediate the protection on day 2. This investigation also provides the first direct evidence that cardiac iNOS activity is upregulated during the late phase of ischemic PC in rabbits. Furthermore, the data indicate that PTK signaling is essential for the augmentation of iNOS activity and that PTKs modulate this enzyme at two distinct levels: at an early stage on day 1 and at a late stage on day 2. This bifunctional role of PTKs in late PC has broad implications for the signaling mechanisms that underlie the response of the heart to ischemic stress and, possibly, other stresses.
Interlaboratory variability in fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis

Reliable interpretation of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) data, especially data that have been generated in more than one laboratory, requires knowledge of the sources of variability inherent in FISH analysis. Possible sources of variation may derive from differences in sample preparation, probes used, intrasample heterogeneity, hybridization protocols, counting criteria within and between scorers, fluorescence microscopes, and filters. This study characterized the relative weight of some of these factors in order to determine the degree to which FISH results are comparable between laboratories. We used a hierarchical partitioned chi 2 analysis to measure sources of variation. We found that replicate counts varied no more than expected based on counting statistics (i.e., multinomial variation). However, with replicate hybridizations done in two separate laboratories, the variability increased significantly. Thus, care must be taken when interpreting FISH data that are derived from more than one institution. Previously agreed upon counting criteria as well as standardized FISH hybridization protocols may decrease this variability.
Broadband acoustic transmission measurements in surface ship wakes

This paper describes as series of experiments designed to obtain estimates of the spatial bubble characteristics within a surface ship wake. By using measurements of the across the wake time dependent transmission loss at a single depth, estimates of the excess absorption due to the bubbles in the wake were obtained as a function of wake age and frequency. Using the theory of absorption in a bubbly medium, estimates of the bubble number densities as function of wake age, and acoustic transmission frequency were then obtained. In the future, the authors will use the data from the towed array to obtain estimates of the signal correlation functions.
Formal foundations for object-oriented data modeling

Class dictionary graphs, axiomatic definitions of basic structures used by object-oriented designers and programmers during the software development process, are discussed. An axiomatic foundation for object-oriented data modeling and efficient algorithms for checking whether a given data model satisfies the axioms are presented. The data model is the foundation for a number of techniques for developing object-oriented systems, including adaptive software, schema abstraction from object examples, schema optimization, planning techniques for system development, and the Law of Demeter, among others. >
Differential mechanisms of morphine antinociceptive tolerance revealed in (beta)arrestin-2 knock-out mice.

Morphine induces antinociception by activating μ opioid receptors (μORs) in spinal and supraspinal regions of the CNS. βarrestin-2 (βarr2), a G-protein-coupled receptor-regulating protein, regulates the μOR in vivo . We have shown previously that mice lacking βarr2 experience enhanced morphine-induced analgesia and do not become tolerant to morphine as determined in the hot-plate test, a paradigm that primarily assesses supraspinal pain responsiveness. To determine the general applicability of the βarr2-μOR interaction in other neuronal systems, we have, in the present study, tested βarr2 knock-out (βarr2-KO) mice using the warm water tail-immersion paradigm, which primarily assesses spinal reflexes to painful thermal stimuli. In this test, the βarr2-KO mice have greater basal nociceptive thresholds and markedly enhanced sensitivity to morphine. Interestingly, however, after a delayed onset, they do ultimately develop morphine tolerance, although to a lesser degree than the wild-type (WT) controls. In the βarr2-KO but not WT mice, morphine tolerance can be completely reversed with a low dose of the classical protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine. These findings provide in vivo evidence that the μOR is differentially regulated in diverse regions of the CNS. Furthermore, although βarr2 appears to be the most prominent and proximal determinant of μOR desensitization and morphine tolerance, in the absence of this mechanism, the contributions of a PKC-dependent regulatory system become readily apparent.
Thermodynamic aspects of solid-state amorphization: Polymorphous melting Clapeyron diagram

Abstract For the thermodynamic description of solid-state amorphization processes in binary alloy systems the T 0 concept has been combined with the isentropic condition for glass formation from the undercooled liquid and extended to the pressure variable. A polymorphous Clapeyron diagram for melting and glass transition is developed which displays a triple point between supersaturated crystal, undercooled liquid and glass. As an example, the polymorphous phase diagram has been calculated for the Ni-Zr alloy system based on available thermodynamic data. A triple point is found at 11·5at, % Ni and 638 K at which the crystal-to-glass transition becomes continuous in entropy.
Electrodeposition of copper: the nucleation mechanisms

Abstract The nucleation mechanisms of copper during electrodeposition of thin films from sulfate solutions were studied by utilizing the electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Near atomically smooth glassy carbon was used as the deposition substrate (electrode). The copper nucleation mechanisms were examined as a function of solution pH, copper concentration, deposition potential, temperature, and background electrolyte. It was found that with pH and copper concentration increase, the nuclei size increased, while the nuclei population density decreased. An increase of deposition potential produced smaller nuclei and higher nuclei population density. Temperature affected the morphology of deposited copper. The presence of background electrolyte also influenced the morphology and population density of copper nuclei. The nucleation mechanisms were examined by fitting the experimental data (chronoamperometry) into the Scharifker–Hills nucleation models. It was found that at pH 1, in the absence of background electrolyte, copper nucleation was instantaneous. At pH 2 and 3, the mechanism was inconclusive. In the presence of background electrolyte, the mechanism at pH 1 and 2 was mixed, while at pH 3, the mechanism was progressive nucleation.
Pokes, sunburn, and hot sauce: Drosophila as an emerging model for the biology of nociception

The word "nociception" is derived from the Latin "nocere," which means "to harm." Nociception refers to the sensory perception of noxious stimuli that have the potential to cause tissue damage. Since the perception of such potentially harmful stimuli often results in behavioral escape responses, nociception provides a protective mechanism that allows an organism to avoid incipient (or further) damage to the tissue. It appears to be universal in metazoans as a variety of escape responses can be observed in both mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates, as well as diverse invertebrates such as leeches, nematodes, and fruit flies (Sneddon [2004] Brain Research Review 46:123-130; Tobin and Bargmann [2004] Journal of Neurobiology 61:161-174; Smith and Lewin [2009] Journal of Comparative Physiology 195:1089-1106). Several types of stimuli can trigger nociceptive sensory transduction, including noxious heat, noxious chemicals, and harsh mechanical stimulation. Such high-threshold stimuli induce the firing of action potentials in peripheral nociceptors, the sensory neurons specialized for their detection (Basbaum et al. [2009] Cell 139:267-284). In vertebrates, these action potentials can either be relayed directly to a spinal motor neuron to provoke escape behavior (the so-called monosynaptic reflex) or can travel via spinal cord interneurons to higher-order processing centers in the brain. This review will cover the establishment of Drosophila as a system to study various aspects of nociceptive sensory perception. We will cover development of the neurons responsible for detecting noxious stimuli in larvae, the assays used to assess the function(s) of these neurons, and the genes that have been found to be required for both thermal and mechanical nociception. Along the way, we will highlight some of the genetic tools that make the fly such a powerful system for studies of nociception. Finally, we will cover recent studies that introduce new assays employing adult Drosophila to study both chemical and thermal nociception and provide an overview of important unanswered questions in the field.
High-level speaker verification with support vector machines

Recently, high-level features such as word idiolect, pronunciation, phone usage, prosody, etc., have been successfully used in speaker verification. The benefit of these features was demonstrated in the NIST extended data task for speaker verification; with enough conversational data, a recognition system can become "familiar" with a speaker and achieve excellent accuracy. Typically, high-level-feature recognition systems produce a sequence of symbols from the acoustic signal and then perform recognition using the frequency and co-occurrence of symbols. We propose the use of support vector machines for performing the speaker verification task from these symbol frequencies. Support vector machines have been applied to text classification problems with much success. A potential difficulty in applying these methods is that standard text classification methods tend to "smooth" frequencies which could potentially degrade speaker verification. We derive a new kernel based upon standard log likelihood ratio scoring to address limitations of text classification methods. We show that our methods achieve significant gains over standard methods for processing high-level features.
Text Advertising Blindness: The New Banner Blindness?

Banner blindness, the phenomenon of website users actively ignoring web banners, was first reported in the late 1990s. This study expands the banner blindness concept to text advertising blindness and examines the effects of search type and advertisement location on the degree of blindness. Performance and eye-tracking analyses show that users tend to miss information in text ads on the right side of the page more often than in text ads at the top of the page. Search type (exact or semantic) was also found to affect performance and eye-tracking measures. Participant search strategies differed depending on search type and whether the top area of the page was perceived to be advertising or relevant content. These results show that text ad blindness occurs, significantly affects search performance on web pages, and is more prevalent on the right side of the page than the top.
Encephalomyocarditis Virus Leader Is Phosphorylated by CK2 and Syk as a Requirement for Subsequent Phosphorylation of Cellular Nucleoporins

Encephalomyocarditis virus and Theilovirus are species in the Cardiovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family. For all cardioviruses, the viral polyprotein is initiated with a short Leader (L) protein unique to this genus. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of LE from encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) has been determined. The protein has an NH2-proximal CHCC zinc finger, a central linker, and a contiguous, highly acidic motif. The theiloviruses encode the same domains, with one or two additional, COOH-proximal domains, characteristic of the human Saffold viruses (SafV) and Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis viruses (TMEV), respectively. The expression of a cardiovirus L, in recombinant form, or during infection/transfection, triggers an extensive, cell-dependent, antihost phosphorylation cascade, targeting nucleoporins (Nups) that form the hydrophobic core of nuclear pore complexes (NPC). The consequent inhibition of active nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is potent and prevents the host from mounting an effective antiviral response. For this inhibition, the L proteins themselves must be phosphorylated. In cells (extracts or recombinant form), LE was shown to be phosphorylated at Thr47 and Tyr41. The first reaction (Thr47), catalyzed by casein kinase 2 (CK2), is an obligatory precedent to the second event (Tyr41), catalyzed by spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). Site mutations in LE, or kinase-specific inhibitors, prevented LE phosphorylation and subsequent Nup phosphorylation. Parallel experiments with LS (SafV-2) and LT (TMEV BeAn) proteins confirmed the general cardiovirus requirement for L phosphorylation, but CK2 was not the culpable kinase. It is likely that LS and LT are both activated by alternative kinases in different cell types, probably reactive within the Theilo-specific domains. IMPORTANCE
Stratigraphy and Structure of Mesozoic and Cenozoic Rocks, Nipomo Quadrangle, Southern Coast Ranges, California

A composite section of more than 30,000 feet of Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks is present in the Nipomo quadrangle, San Luis Obispo County, California, ranging from the characteristic but heterogeneous mixture of Jurassic Franciscan rock types to a few remnant patches of upper Pliocene Careaga Formation. Mudstone and conglomerate of the Lower Cretaceous Jollo Formation with Buchia pacifica Jeletzky and Jurassic Franciscan group locally containing B. piochii (?)(Gabb) are unconformably overlain by Upper Cretaceous Carrie Creek Formation (new name). Acila demessa from this Upper Cretaceous formation dates the sequence of sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate west of the Nacimiento fault as middle Coniacian to uppermost Campanian. The early Tertiary (i.e., Zemorrian to Relizian) marine Vaqueros, Rincon, and Point Sal Formations are thin and discontinuous in most places and display changes in facies from clastic sedimentary rocks to basaltic and andesitic lavas or to tuffs of the Obispo Formation. Middle and upper Miocene rocks of the Monterey (Luisian to upper Mohnian) and Santa Margarita (upper Mohnian to upper Delmontian or “Repettian”?) Formations are characterized by sandy or in places oytser- and echinoid-rich eastern facies and siltstone or silty claystone western facies largely devoid of macro-invertebrate fossils. The Huasna syncline which lies between the East and West Huasna faults and 35 miles west of the San Andreas fault is the dominant structural feature of the area. Many smaller folds are near the bordering faults. Although the major Huasna faults and the Nacimiento fault which occurs in the eastern part of the quadrangle are conspicuous features, evidence is not conclusive as to the history of their movement. Axial traces of folds along the West Huasna fault, different rock types or facies relationships and thicknesses of the Monterey Formation exposed on opposite sides of the fault, and offset contacts within the fault zone suggest strike-slip and probably left slip. The East Huasna fault also has a probable strike-slip component because of the marked differences in stratigraphy and facies on its opposite sides, and drag features suggest right slip. Movement along the Nacimiento fault zone may have begun near the end of or after Upper Cretaceous sedimentation. Owing to its apparently long and complex history, several periods or types of movement may have occurred. The last record of movement in this area is post-late Miocene reverse slip.
Localization of the alpha 1A-Adrenoceptor in the Human Prostate

AbstractPurpose: We determined the tissue localization of the alpha 1a-adrenoceptor in the human prostate.Materials and Methods: Autoradiographic localization of the alpha 1a-adrenoceptor in the human prostate was determined by performing competitive displacement experiments on slide mounted tissue sections using the ligand125 iodine-2-(-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-ethyl-aminomethyl)tetralone (sup 125 I-Heat [dagger]), and the alpha 1-antagonists WB-4101 [double dagger] (4 X 10 sup -8 M.) and 5-carboxamido-2,6-diethyl-1,4-dihydro-3-[N- (3-[4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidin-yl]propyl)]carboxamido-4-(4-nitrophenyl) (SNAP 5272, [Section] 3 X 10 sup -7 M.). Under these experimental conditions, WB-4101 and SNAP 5272 are selective alpha 1a/alpha 1d-adrenoceptor and alpha 1a-adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively. The autoradiographs were quantitatively analyzed using a computer image analysis system.[dagger] New England Nuclear, Boston, Massachusetts.[double dagger] RBI, Natick, Massachusetts.[Section] Synaptic Pharmaceutical ...
Seismic Study of an Oceanic Ridge Earthquake Swarm in the Gulf of California

Detailed seismic investigation of an unusually intense earthquake swarm which occurred in the northern Gulf of California during March 1969 has provided new information about seismic processes which occur on actively spreading oceanic ridges and has placed some constraints on the elastic wave velocities beneath them. Activity during this swarm was similar to that of a foreshock-mainshock-aftershock sequence, but with a ‘mainshock’ composed of over 70 events with magnitudes between 4 and 5.5 occurring in a 6-hr period about a day after swarm activity was initiated. ‘Aftershocks’, including many events greater than magnitude 5, continued for over two weeks. Near-source travel-time data indicate all sources located are within 5–10 km of each other and that hypocentres are confined to the upper crust. Teleseismic P-delays for rays travelling beneath this ridge may be interpreted in terms of an upper mantle with compressional velocities 5–10 per cent less than normal mantle to a depth of 200 km. Average apparent stresses for all swarm events studied are very similar, show no consistent pattern as a function of time, and are close to values obtained from other ridges. The focal mechanism solution shows a large component of normal faulting. An apparent non-orthogonality of nodal planes common to this mechanism solution and to normal faulting events on other ridges disappears when the indicated low upper mantle velocities beneath the source are taken into account. A survey of recent seismicity (post 1962) in the northern Gulf suggests seismic coupling across about 200 km between adjacent inferred spreading ridge segments. Surface waves from these Gulf Swarm earthquakes have amplitudes from one to two orders of magnitude greater than Northern Baja California events with similar short period body wave excitation.
From Dendritic Compartments to Neuronal Networks: A Multilevel Analysis of Motion Vision

Animals typically rely on vision to direct their locomotion through the environment. Flies, who move in three dimensions while in flight, have evolved the fastest visual system in the animal kingdom to help them stabilize their flight posture and trajectories (Autrum, 1958). Partly for this reason, they have been the subject of extensive research on the neuronal basis of motion vision, the component of visual function involved in detecting movement within a scene. Using a variety of techniques, including electrophysiology, genetic manipulation, and behavioral analysis, researchers have started to unravel the earliest stages of motion processing (Clark et al., 2011; Eichner et al., 2011). Visual motion processing in the fly begins with the elementary motion detectors (EMDs), which are units sensitive to one direction of motion over a small receptive field. The identities of the cells involved in this computation are under active research, and a complete picture has yet to emerge. For over four decades, however, the identity of one set of downstream cells that receive input from the EMDs has been known (Braitenberg, 1972). These cells, located in the lobula plate of the optic lobe of the fly, are called the horizontal system (HS) and vertical system (VS) cells.
Competitive effects of native and exotic shrubs on Quercus alba seedlings.

The exotic shrub Lonicera tatarica (Tartarian honeysuckle) has aggres- sively invaded woodlands and forests in central and eastern North America; however, its impacts on native plant species are not well understood. We used a greenhouse seedling experiment to examine the effects of L. tatarica on Quercus alba (white oak), the presettlement dominant tree of many of these forests. Growth- related parameters of Q. alba seedlings (height and basal diameter increases, biom- ass) did not differ between treatments when grown in monoculture or with L. tatarica competitors. In addition, when paired with native Cornus (dogwood) species, Q. alba displayed similar growth as when paired with L. tatarica. Quercus alba also did not respond differently to native and L. tatarica competitors across a range of densities, although greater competitor diversity resulted in somewhat lower height growth than other treatments. Due to the similarity in Q. alba growth across native and exotic shrub combinations, we argue that seedling-to-seedling competition with Q. alba is not a significant impact of L. tatarica invasion.
Oak Park Place: An Investment Opportunity

(1999). Oak Park Place: An Investment Opportunity. Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 121-128.
Bond Rupture during Ozone Cracking of Torsional Loaded Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

Abstract The molecular bond rupture rate during ozone attack of torsionally loaded rubber was determined from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. The rupture rate was successfully correlated by a Griffith-type energy balance to the strain-energy release rate in the samples. These observations substantiate the results from a similar study on tensile loading previously reported. In both cases there is a one-to-one correspondence between the rate of bond rupture (or crack growth) and the rate of energy release from the strain field and external work. A fracture energy, γn, of approximately 5×10−12 (α20 per cent) ergs per free radical formed during the cracking was experimentally determined.
Effect of Sodium Ions on the Dielectric Conductivity of Porous Silica in Humid Environments

Partially sintered silica gels were immersed in different NaCI solutions to deliberately introduce a small amount of sodium ions ranging from 387 to 9900 ppm. Dielectric measurements were carried out in the frequency range 12 to 107Hz under various relative humidity conditions. Two relaxation processes were observed in the impedance and modulus planes and were assigned to two separate regions in the hydrated silica surface. The top region is expected to be rich in hydrated sodium since its modulus relaxation time depends strongly on the relative humidity as well as the sodium content. The interfacial region is believed to be composed of structured water since its dielectric conductivity is affected mainly by the amount of water adsorbed on the pore surfaces.
Access to Taxicabs for Unbanked Households: An Exploratory Analysis in New York City

Taxicabs are a critical aspect of the public transit system in New York City. The yellow cabs that are ubiquitous in Manhattan are as iconic as the city's subway system, and in recent years green taxicabs were introduced by the city to improve taxi service in areas outside of the central business districts and airports. Approximately 500,000 taxi trips are taken daily, carrying about 800,000 passengers, and not including other livery firms such as Uber, Lyft or Carmel. Since 2008 yellow taxis have been able to process fare payments with credit cards, and credits cards are a growing share of total fare payments. However, the use of credit cards to pay for taxi fares varies widely across neighborhoods, and there are strong correlations between cash payments for taxi fares and the presence of unbanked or underbanked populations. These issues are of concern for policymakers as approximately ten percent of households in the city are unbanked, and in some neighborhoods the share of unbanked households is over 50 percent. In this paper we use multiple datasets to explore taxicab fare payments by neighborhood and examine how access to taxicab services is associated with use of conventional banking services. There is a clear spatial dimension to the propensity of riders to pay cash, and we find that both immigrant status and being 'unbanked' are strong predictors of cash transactions for taxicabs. These results have implications for local regulations of the for-hire vehicle industry, particularly in the context of the rapid growth of services that require credit cards. Without some type of cash-based payment option taxi services will isolate certain neighborhoods. At the very least, existing and new providers of transit services must consider access to mainstream financial products as part of their equity analyses.
Spring Safflower Performance under Growth Stage Based Irrigation in the Southern High Plains

Water stress is the most important environmental factor limiting crop yield in the southern High Plains. Drought tolerant crops along with deficit irrigation strategies may be promising for sustainable agriculture in the region. The objective of this study was to assess water relations, photosynthesis, yield-forming components, and yield of spring safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars under growth stage based irrigation management. A blocked split plot design was used with irrigation treatments (fully irrigated [FI], stress at vegetative stage [VS], stress at reproductive stage [RS], and dryland [DL]) as the main plot and cultivars (PI8311, 99OL and Nutrisaff) as subplot in four replications. Measurements of water potential (Ψₗ) indicated that irrigation treatments imposed water stress on safflower. Safflower responded to stress by regulating stomata and osmotic adjustment. Water stress significantly reduced photosynthesis (Pₙ), leaf area index (LAI) and light interception in all stress treatments, resulting in decreased biomass accumulation. Seed yield of safflower was strongly related to biomass production (R² = 0.61). Among yield-forming traits, heads per plant were more influential in yield formation than seeds per head and 1000-seed weight. Compared to the FI treatment, RS treatment reduced seed yield by 19 and 20% in 2013 and 2014, respectively; while the same reduction in VS treatment was 25 and 22%, respectively. However, seed yield differences between RS and VS treatments were not statistically significant.
Whole-transcriptome analysis of chordoma of the skull base

Fourteen skull base chordoma specimens and three normal specimens were microdissected from paraffin-embedded tissue. Pools of RNA from highly enriched preparations of these cell types were subjected to expression profiling using whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing. Using strict criteria, 294 differentially expressed transcripts were found, with 28 % upregulated and 72 % downregulated. The transcripts were annotated using NCBI Entrez Gene and computationally analyzed with the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis program. From these significantly changed expressions, the analysis identified 222 cancer-related transcripts. These 294 differentially expressed genes and non-coding RNA transcripts provide here a set to specifically define skull base chordomas and to identify novel and potentially important targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of this cancer. Significance Genomic profiling to subtype skull base chordoma reveals potential candidates for specific biomarkers, with validation by IHC for selected candidates. The highly expressed developmental genes T, LMX1A, ZIC4, LHX4, and HOXA1 may be potential drivers of this disease.
Pressure effects on incipiently sooting partially premixed counterflow flames of ethylene

Abstract We studied the effect of pressure on the flame structure of incipiently sooting partially premixed counterflow ethylene flames. Oxygen was added to the fuel stream of a purely diffusion flame and removed from the oxidizer side to lower the overall equivalence ratio at constant stoichiometric value of the mixture fraction. These rich conditions lead to a two-stage combustion mode, with substantial amounts of CO and H2 in the post-premixed flame region burning in the diffusion flame part. Soot was formed in the region straddling the gas stagnation plane and sandwiched between the two flame components. We quantified profiles of species as large as 3-ring aromatics. Using C6H6 as a qualitative marker of the flame soot load, we observed that under partially premixing an eightfold pressure increase lead to a substantial increase in the concentration of C6H6 despite the fact that the flame peak temperature was deliberately decreased by hundreds of degrees to preserve conditions of incipient sooting compatible with gas microsampling. Part of the increased soot load with pressure was attributed to a diminished back diffusion of oxidizing radicals like OH from the diffusion flame side towards the gas stagnation region where the soot was formed. Benzene mole fraction and visible soot luminosity increased with the lowering of the equivalence ratio regardless of the pressure because of an increase in temperature in the region between the two flame components of the double flame structure, with attending enhancement of pyrolytic growth reactions. A comparison of the experimental results with one-dimensional modeling of the flames, revealed good agreement for major species, some key intermediates and benzene, in the latter case for just one of the two tested chemical kinetic mechanisms. Reaction path analysis revealed an increased role of the C2/C4 path in the formation of C6H6 as the pressure increased.
Modeling and control of an ornithopter for diving

This paper details a method for identifying a set of piece-wise affine linear models that can be used for control design for flapping-winged flight. The paper focuses on diving maneuvers as the application for these models. The flight conditions during the dive are segmented into separate dynamically similar regions, and least-squares is used to estimate affine linear models for each modeling region. These models are used to compute the reachability sets that satisfy recovery conditions for safe diving. The point within the dive to begin recovery was determined by checking the current pose for inclusion in the backward reachable set. Using this control method, 2.2 meter dives were achieved at a success rate of 60 percent. The data-driven automatic modeling techniques and controller design processes can be extended to additional flight maneuvers, provided sufficient previous data have been collected for model generation of those maneuvers.
GPS signal loss in the wide area monitoring system: Prevalence, impact, and solution

The phasor measurement unit (PMUs), equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for precise time synchronization, provides measurements of voltage and current phasors at different nodes of the wide area monitoring system. However, GPS receivers are likely to lose satellite signals due to various unpredictable factors. The prevalence of GPS signal loss (GSL) on PMUs is first investigated using real PMU data. The historical GSL events are extracted from a phasor data concentrator (PDC) and FNET/GridEye server. The correlation between GSL and time, spatial location, solar activity are explored via comprehensive statistical analysis. Furthermore, the impact of GSL on phasor measurement accuracy has been studied via experiments. Finally, several potential solutions to mitigate the impact of GSL on PMUs are discussed and compared.
Enforcement of developmental lineage specificity by transcription factor Oct1

Embryonic stem cells co-express Oct4 and Oct1, a related protein with similar DNA-binding specificity. To study the role of Oct1 in ESC pluripotency and transcriptional control, we constructed germline and inducible-conditional Oct1-deficient ESC lines. ESCs lacking Oct1 show normal appearance, self-renewal and growth but manifest defects upon differentiation. They fail to form beating cardiomyocytes, generate neurons poorly, form small, poorly differentiated teratomas, and cannot generate chimeric mice. Upon RA-mediated differentiation, Oct1-deficient cells induce lineage-appropriate developmentally poised genes poorly while lineage-inappropriate genes, including extra-embryonic genes, are aberrantly expressed. In ESCs, Oct1 co-occupies a specific set of targets with Oct4, but does not occupy differentially expressed developmental targets. Instead, Oct1 occupies these targets as cells differentiate and Oct4 declines. These results identify a dynamic interplay between Oct1 and Oct4, in particular during the critical window immediately after loss of pluripotency when cells make the earliest developmental fate decisions.
Unstable Ground: Unearthing the Realities of Experiential Education in Teacher Education:

Experiential education (EE) leads to positive outcomes for K-12 students; however, such practice remains on the periphery of schools. One key to centering EE in classrooms is to do so in teacher ed...
Revealing the Dynamics of Platinum Nanoparticle Catalysts on Carbon in Oxygen and Water Using Environmental TEM

Deactivation of supported metal nanoparticle catalysts, especially under relevant gas conditions, is a critical challenge for many technological applications, including heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, and fuel cells. It has been commonly realized that deactivation of catalysts stems from surface area loss due to particle coarsening; however, the mechanism for this remains largely unclear. Herein, we use aberration-corrected environmental transmission electron microscopy, at an atomic level, to observe in situ the dynamics of Pt catalysts under fuel cell relevant gas and temperature conditions. Particle migration and coalescence is observed to be the dominant coarsening process. In comparison with the case of H2O, O2 promotes Pt nanoparticle migration on the carbon surface. Surprisingly, coating Pt/carbon with a nanofilm of electrolyte (Nafion ionomer) leads to a faster migration of Pt in H2O than in O2, a consequence of a Nafion–carbon interface water “lubrication” effect. Atomically, the parti...