cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Skepticism About Search Neutrality

In the last few years, some search-engine critics have suggested that dominant search engines (i.e. Google) should be subject to “search neutrality” regulations. By analogy to network neutrality, search neutrality would require even-handed treatment in search results: It would prevent search engines from playing favorites among websites. Academics, Google competitors, and public-interest groups have all embraced search neutrality.Despite this sudden interest, the case for search neutrality is too muddled to be convincing. While “neutrality” is an appealing-sounding principle, it lacks a clear definition. This essay explores no fewer than eight different meanings that search-neutrality advocates have given the term. None of them would lead to sensible regulation. Some are too ill-defined to measure; others measure the wrong thing.Search is inherently subjective: it always involves guessing the diverse and unknown intentions of users. Regulators, however, need an objective standard to judge search engines against. Most of the common arguments for search neutrality either duck the issue or impose on search users a standard of “right” and “wrong” search results they wouldn’t have chosen for themselves. Search engines help users avoid the websites they don’t want to see; search neutrality would turn that relationship on its head. As currently proposed, search neutrality is likely to make search results spammier, more confusing, and less diverse.
Robust nomenclature and software for enhanced reproducibility in molecular modeling of small molecules

Computational molecular dynamics, energy minimization, and modeling of molecular interactions are widely used in studies involving natural products, metabolites, and drugs. Manually directed computational steps commonly utilize an evolving collection of experimental and computational data, to which new data sources are added or modified as needed. Several software packages capable of incorporating sources of data are available, but the process remains error prone owing to the complexities of preparing and maintaining a consistent set of input files and the proper post-processing of derived data. We have devised a methodology and implemented it using an extensible software pipeline called RUNER (for Robust and Unique Nomenclature for Enhanced Reproducibility) that creates a robust and standardized computational process. The pipeline combines a web service and a graphical user interface (GUI) to enable seamless modifications and verified maintenance of atom force field parameters. The GUI provides an implementation for the widely used molecular modeling software package Xplor-NIH. We describe the RUNER software and demonstrate the rationale for the pipeline through examples of structural studies of small molecules and natural products. The software, pipeline, force field parameters, and file verification data for more than 4,100 compounds (including FDA-approved drugs and natural products) are freely accessible from [http://runer.nmrfam.wisc.edu].
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Floral Traits in Cultivated Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus)

Floral morphology and pigmentation are both charismatic and economically relevant traits associated with cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Recent work has linked floral morphology and pigmentation to pollinator efficiency and seed yield. Understanding the genetic architecture of such traits is essential for crop improvement, and gives insight into the role of genetic constraints in shaping floral diversity. A diversity panel of 288 sunflower genotypes was phenotyped for a variety of morphological, phenological, and color traits in both a greenhouse and a field setting. Association mapping was performed using 5788 SNP markers using a mixed linear model approach. Several dozen markers across 10 linkage groups were significantly associated with variation in morphological and color trait variation. Substantial trait plasticity was observed between greenhouse and field phenotyping, and associations differed between environments. Color traits mapped more strongly than morphology in both settings, with markers together explaining 16% of petal carotenoid content in the greenhouse, and 17% and 24% of variation in disc anthocyanin presence in the field and greenhouse, respectively. Morphological traits like disc size mapped more strongly in the field, with markers together explaining up to 19% of disc size variation. Loci identified here through association mapping within cultivated germplasm differ from those identified through biparental crosses between modern cultivated sunflower and either its wild progenitor or domesticated landraces. Several loci lie within genomic regions involved in domestication. Differences between phenotype expression under greenhouse and field conditions highlight the importance of plasticity in determining floral morphology and pigmentation.
Distinct release strategies are required to modulate macrophage phenotype in young versus aged animals.

Abstract The role of innate immunity and macrophages in the host response to biomaterials has received renewed attention. A context-dependent spectrum of macrophage phenotypes are shown to affect tissue integration and performance of implanted biomaterials and medical devices. Recent studies by our group demonstrated that the host response in aged animals was characterized by delayed macrophage recruitment, differences in marker expression and a shifted pro-inflammatory (M1) response, associated with an unresolved host response in the long-term. The present work sought to study the effects of single and sequential cytokine delivery regimens in aged mice to restore delayed recruitment of macrophages and shift the inflammatory host response towards an M2-like phenotype, using MCP-1 (macrophage chemotactic protein-1) and IL-4 (interleukin-4), respectively. Implantation of cytokine-eluting implants showed a preserved response to MCP-1 in both young and aged animals, restoring delayed macrophage recruitment in aged mice. However, the response elicited by IL-4, sequential delivery of MCP-1/IL-4 and coating components was distinct in young versus aged mice. While single delivery of IL-4 did not counteract the high inflammatory response observed in aged mice, the sequential delivery of MCP-1/IL-4 was capable of restoring both recruitment and shifting the macrophage response towards an M2-like phenotype, associated with decreased implant scarring in the long-term. In young mice, sequential delivery was not as effective as IL-4 alone at promoting an M2-like response, but did result in a reduction of M1 macrophages and capsule deposition downstream. These results demonstrate that a proper understanding of patient/context-dependent biological responses are needed to design biomaterial-based therapies with improved outcomes in the setting of aging.
Dual-band discrimination and imaging of plastic objects

Plastics are often used in mine and IEDs. Difficult to detect with traditional approaches, plastics are spectrally active in the shortwave and mid-infrared due to vibrational absorptions from the C-H bonds of which they are composed; bonds and vibrations that are diagnostic of and spectrally vary with composition. Hyperspectral infrared imaging has proven exceedingly capable of detecting and categorizing plastics. Here we pursue a dual-band imaging approach that leverages the ubiquitous presence of the ~1.7-micron harmonic of the ~3.4-micron fundamental absorption feature for a low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) instrument concept. The 1.7-micron band is also in a spectral region free of telluric and almost all geologic absorption features, making its presence in a reflectance spectrum almost a unique marker for plastics. We have developed and tested a two-camera, dual-band sensor, emphasizing imaging over spectroscopy and implementing on-camera processing to achieve near real-time, partially autonomous detection and imaging of plastic objects. The sensor has proven successful in discriminating and imaging plastics such as fiberglass, styrene, and acrylics from background materials such as grass, dirt, rocks, and brush. The sensor is challenged by certain plastics, especially thin, transparent plastics (less relevant to mines and IEDs) even if they are spectrally active near 1.7 microns. Also, photometric variations in the observing conditions can mask weak plastic signatures. We will discuss our current measurement and technical approach, the results and the challenges that remain to implementing an effective low SWaP sensor for the detection and imaging of plastic objects.
Transactive Energy to Guard against a Zero-Day Load Altering Attack on Power Distribution Systems

Zero-day cyber attacks against a system are novel attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in the system not known to the developers of the system. Accordingly, zero-day attacks can cause severe damages to the target system since they are not defended against. In this paper a zero-day load altering attack against power distribution systems is introduced. The zero-day attack exploits the mutual dependency of the price of electricity and the power consumption of the flexible loads in demand response programs. Through numerical simulations, it is shown that the zero-day attack amplifies the negative impact of the compromised electric loads on the power distribution systems by a factor of 86, making a much more devastating impact on the distribution systems. The extreme danger of the zero-day attack is demonstrated by bolding the shortcomings of the conventional attack prevention technique in forestalling the zero-day attack. To avert such dangers, a novel approach is proposed to guard against the zero-day attack in a transactive energy framework. Numerical Simulations on IEEE 33-bus standard system validate the effectiveness of the transactive energy framework in safeguarding power distribution systems.
CodeAttach: Engaging Children in Computational Thinking Through Physical Play Activities

Many toys and kits have been developed to help cultivate computational thinking in young children in the past decade. However, a majority of these kits ask children to move a robot/character around a limited space, constraining what could otherwise be generative and creative learning experiences into pre-defined activities and challenges with uniform outcomes. How can we expand what children can program and how they can create code? In this work, we present CodeAttach, a learning kit designed to engage young children in computational thinking through physical play activities. CodeAttach consists of three parts: (1) an interactive hardware device, (2) a mobile application to program the device, and (3) supporting materials for different play activities. With CodeAttach, children can attach the device to the supporting materials or other everyday objects to create their own props for physical play. The device offers different inputs and outputs and supports children to change the rules of existing physical activities or create new activities by programming this device. We outline the principles guiding the design of CodeAttach, its initial development process, and insights from early playtest with young kids and expert researchers.
Introduction: Wisdom for Common Life (Chung Yong) as a Theological and Pastoral Task in the Korean American Context

Wisdom for common life is the most essential aspect of Chung Yong and that wisdom for common life in Chung Yong should be a theological and pastoral task in the Korean American context. The fact that theological discourse often tends to be speculative in nature and is understood to be in the domain of elitists should be reconsidered. Instead, its commonality, which is manifested in the everyday life of ordinary people, should be brought forward as the focus of the theological and pastoral task in a Korean American context. To this end, each chapter description is provided.
CONSENSUS: a Shiny application of dementia evaluation and reporting for the KU ADC longitudinal Clinical Cohort database.

Background The University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center (KU ADC) maintains several large databases to track participant recruitment, enrollment, and capture various research-related activities. It is challenging to manage and coordinate all the research-related activities. One of the crucial activities involves generating a consensus diagnosis and communicating with participants and their primary care providers. Process To effectively manage the cohort, the KU ADC utilizes a combination of open-source electronic data capture (EDC) (i.e. REDCap), along with other homegrown data management and analytic systems developed using R-studio and Shiny. Process evaluation In this article, we describe the method and utility of the user-friendly dashboard that was developed for the rapid reporting of dementia evaluations which allows clinical researchers to summarize recruitment metrics, automatically generate letters to both participants and healthcare providers, which ultimately help optimize workflows. Conclusions We believe this general framework would be beneficial to any institution that build reports and summarizing key metrics of their research from longitudinal databases.
The “Frozen, Darkened Soul” Rises into Space: Travels in Siberia and the Plight of Life on Earth

Starting in 2006, the author joined and then led field expeditions to central Siberia in search of answers to the greatest murder mystery in the history of Earth: the end-Permian extinction. The ro...
The U.S. K–12 Art Education Curricular Landscape: A Nationwide Survey

In the midst of future-oriented dialogues within the field, we turned our attention broadly toward the multiplicity of educational approaches that might characterize U.S. K–12 art education today. ...
Comparison of the Quality of Chronic Disease Management Between Adults With and Without Dementia.

Importance Adults with dementia may experience poorer quality of chronic disease management because of the difficulty in reporting symptoms and engaging in shared decision-making associated with cognitive impairment. Objective To compare the quality of chronic disease management received by adults with and without dementia. Design, setting, and participants For this cross-sectional study, nationally representative data from noninstitutionalized patients 65 years or older were obtained from the 2002-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The control group comprised adults of similarly limited life expectancy without dementia comprised . Data analysis was performed in June 2020. Exposures Dementia diagnosis. Main outcomes and measures Quality of chronic disease management based on 14 individual quality indicators. The association between dementia status and the quality of chronic disease management (3 composite categories: preventive care, diabetes care, and medication treatment) was examined using multivariable linear regression models. Survey weights, sampling strata, and primary sampling unit variables were used to produce national estimates adjusted for nonresponse. Results This study included 2506 adults (mean [SD] age, 81.4 [4.7] years; 1259 [49.3%] female; 1243 [50.7%] male), of whom 1335 (53.3%) had a diagnosis of dementia and 1171 (46.7%) did not have a diagnosis of dementia. After adjusting for potential confounders, adults with dementia received lower-quality preventive care compared with adults of similar life expectancy without dementia (adjusted absolute difference [aAD], -6.1 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, -9.7 to -2.5 pp; P = .001). We found no evidence that the quality of care differed in diabetes care (aAD, 1.7 pp; 95% CI, -4.5 to 7.9 pp; P = .59) and medication treatment (aAD, 1.0 pp; 95% CI, -5.0 to 7.0 pp; P = .75). Conclusions and relevance In this cross-sectional study, the quality of chronic disease management for adults with dementia was not substantially different from that for those without dementia despite potential barriers. Future studies are warranted to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of these findings for preventive care.
Poisoning Attacks via Generative Adversarial Text to Image Synthesis

A poisoning attack is where the adversary can inject a small fraction of poisoning instances into the training data used to train a machine learning model to compromise the performance. Poison attacks can significantly affect the learning process and performance as the model is trained on incorrect data. We have seen many works on data poisoning over the years, but it is limited to few deep learning networks. In this work, we introduce a novel approach by leveraging Generative Adversarial Text to Image Synthesis to create poison attacks against machine learning classifiers. Our approach has three components, which are the generator, discriminator, and the target classifier. We performed an extensive experimental evaluation that proves our attack’s efficiency to compromise machine learning classifiers including deep networks.
Exploring Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Teaching Fractions

The quality of teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) is critical for effective teaching and mathematical learning of students. However, most efforts on measuring MKT tend to focus on ...
Syndromes of the Left Brain

One of my favorite activities in April and May each spring is to stand between the hives in my apiary and to watch the complex “dance of the honeybee.” Although many ascribe “language” strictly to humans, this appears to be a generalization far outstretching the data. The 1973 Nobel laureate, Carl von Frisch, described this dance in his language hypothesis for this seemingly simple creature. This communication system, one bee to the others, appears to be effective in the shared localization of the nectar source. Also, the navigational and orienting skills of the relatively simple honeybee are apparent on exiting the hive where variable size flight loops and flight angles through the sunshine seem sufficient to ensure the accuracy of their path to the nectar source and their return home to the hive. In humans, we attribute similar functions in the first case to the left hemisphere, whereas navigation and orienting in extrapersonal space appear more clearly to be a capability of the right cerebral hemisphere. “Ape language” is also a term used to describe the demonstrations of Washoe, the chimpanzee, and the bonobo Kanzi to access human language through communication devices like signing and lexigrams.
Studies of Ionic Conduction and Diffusion in Solid Silver Halides

AgCl and AgBr are simple ionic crystals displaying unusally large conductivity (σ~l0−1 ohm−1 cm−1) and diffusion (D~10−5 cm2 sec−1) near the melting point, values comparable to other superionic conductors. A review is given of the many experimental methods and theoretical concepts used to elucidate the nature of ionic transport processes in these materials. From conductivity in pure and doped samples it is established that Frenkel defects are dominant, with interstitial cations appreciably more mobile than vacancies. Comparison of silver tracer diffusion to theoretical correlation factors shows that interstitial silver ions move by at least two kinds of interstitialcy or knock-on processes, and this picture has been confirmed by isotope effect measurements. More elaborate computer analysis of conductivity results, taking into account short and long range coulomb interactions and using chi square statistical tests, shows a large high temperature anomaly that is only partly accounted for by the Debye-Huckel-Lidiard treatment. The suggestion of a further anomalous rise in defect concentration because of general softening of the lattice is supported by recent results for diffusion of sodium in these crystals.
Estimation of Motion Parameters of a Rigid Body from its Orthogonal Projection

In this paper, we estimate the motion parameters viz. linear and angular velocities of a rigid body rotating and translating in 3-space. We assume that the velocities are constant and that only the orthogonal projection of the motion is observable. In particular if (x, y, z) is the cartesian coordinate of the 3-space, we assume that the projection of the motion on the x-y plane is observed and the information along the z coordinate is lost.
Translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.

Secretory protein biogenesis begins with the insertion of a preprotein into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This insertion event, known as ER protein translocation, can occur either posttranslationally, in which the preprotein is completely synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes before being translocated, or cotranslationally, in which membraneassociated ribosomes direct the nascent polypeptide chain into the ER concomitant with polypeptide elongation. In either case, preproteins are targeted to the ER membrane through specific interactions with cytosolic and/or ER membrane factors. The preprotein is then transferred to a multiprotein translocation machine in the ER membrane that includes a pore through which the preprotein passes into the ER lumen. The energy required to drive protein translocation may derive either from the coupling of translation to translocation (during cotranslational translocation) or from ER lumenal molecular chaperones that may harness the preprotein or regulate the translocation machinery (during posttranslational translocation).
TRANSFORMATION TO PROTOTROPHY AND POLYGLUTAMIC ACID SYNTHESIS IN BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS

Leonard, C. Gomez (U.S. Army Biological Laboratories, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.), D. K. Mattheis, M. J. Mattheis, and R. D. Housewright. Transformation to prototrophy and polyglutamic acid synthesis in Bacillus licheniformis. J. Bacteriol. 88:220-225. 1964.-Growth conditions necessary for transformation to prototrophy of 14 auxotrophs of Bacillus licheniformis were studied. The unexpected finding of different growth requirements by each auxotroph for the development of transformable cells is discussed. Under optimal growth conditions for a serine-deficient mutant transformation frequencies of 0.1% were obtained. A medium for transformation of competent cells in liquid suspensions is described. In addition, this report presents evidence for the transformation of three nonencapsulated mutants of B. licheniformis for the ability to synthesize polyglutamic acid (capsular material).
Improved Overall Quality of Diets Reported by Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Participants in the Mountain Region

Abstract Objective To evaluate the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, a large US Department of Agriculture nutrition education program for low-income people, by comparing the overall quality and cost of diets when entering and exiting the program. Methods Secondary analysis of data collected in 2011 from female participants in the Mountain region. Dietary recalls were collected by paraprofessionals. Outcome measures were the differences between Healthy Eating Index–2005 scores and costs of diets at entry and exit. Significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results At entry the mean total Healthy Eating Index–2005 score was 49.1 (out of a possible 100) and at exit, 55.2 (P Conclusions Participants' overall diet quality improved and was accompanied by an increase in food cost.
Red blood cell transfusions in children awaiting heart transplantation.

Mahle WT, Berg AM, Kanter KR. Red blood cell transfusions in children awaiting heart transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 728–732. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: In children awaiting heart transplantation, the benefits of RBC transfusion must be weighed against the potential risks of allosensitization. We sought to describe the use of RBC transfusion and erythropoietin in children with heart failure, as well as assess the impact of these measures on allosensitization. Hospitalized patients listed for heart transplantation between 1/03 and 12/10 were included in the analysis. We excluded patients supported by mechanical support or those highly sensitized prior to listing. Sixty-seven subjects (median age of 6.2 yr) met inclusion criteria. The mean waitlist time was 19.5 days. The majority of subjects, 50 (75%), received at least one RBC transfusion while listed. For those who were transfused, the median number of RBC transfusion events was 3, range: 1–8. Erythropoietin was given to 37 (55%) of subjects. Erythropoietin administration was not associated with subsequent need for transfusion (p = 0.61). Of the 50 subjects who received RBC transfusion, none developed significant elevation of serum PRA by the time of transplant. RBC transfusion may be commonly undertaken in hospitalized children awaiting transplantation. The likelihood of allosensitization following leukoreduced RBC transfusion is extremely low. The benefits of routine erythropoietin administration to reduce the need for transfusion remain to be determined.
Calculation of Normal Ranges by Methods Used for Resolution of Overlapping Gaussian Distributions

Distribution of a quantity, e.g. , concentration of a serum constituent, in a typical general hospital population is considered. It is assumed that the distribution within any subpopulation is Gaussian and that adjacent subpopulations overlap somewhat, presenting overlapping Gaussian distributions. Bhattacharya’s procedure for resolving such overlapping distributions, based upon differentiation of the Gaussian distribution equation, is applied to the determination of the apparent normal range as well as, in some cases, an abnormal range. Gaussian probability paper is used for estimating the normal range and the conditions discussed under which this method may be expected to give a valid estimate. Use of the chi-square test to evaluate the long-term constancy of clinical laboratory data distribution, normal and abnormal, is also considered.
A state machine approach to dynamic reconfiguration of distributed applications

Many large and complex distributed applications execute for a long period of time and require dynamic reconfiguration that is graceful so as to reduce reduce the cost of downtime and increase the availability of critical operations. To make our reconfiguration facility efficient and general, we have the following design goals. First, processes should be allowed to interact arbitrarily without unnecessary restrictions. We avoid using transactions since they restrict the way processes can synchronize among one another. Second, we should not mandate quiescence of all affected processes before dynamic reconfiguration can begin. Third, a new configuration should be unconstrained by the properties of the old configuration. We model the behavior of each process (or resource) by a finite-state machine (FSM), known as a basic machine. >
Potential of Binary Lithium Magnesium Nitride for Hydrogen Storage Applications

Metal hydrides and amides are potential candidate materials for hydrogen storage. Lithium- and magnesium-based material systems are among the most promising materials owing to their high hydrogen contents. In the present work, we investigated hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions of a binary nitride, LiMgN. LiMgN can be formed by a reaction of MgH2 with LiNH2 in 1:1 ratio. The reaction also releases approximately ∼8.1 wt % H2 (theoretical value is 8.2 wt %) between 160 and 220 °C. The reaction product LiMgN can be rehydrogenated by reacting with H2 under 2000 psi of hydrogen pressure and 160 °C with a small amount of TiCl3 doping. TGA results showed that about 8.0 wt % of hydrogen was stored in TiCl3-doped LiMgN during the hydrogenation process. The reversible hydrogenation and dehydrogenation mechanisms involving LiMgN and H2 are discussed.
Predicting Limit Cycle Oscillation in an Aeroelastic System Using Nonlinear Normal Modes

This paper demonstrates the use of nonlinear normal modes to predict limit cycle oscillation in a pitch-plunge airfoil with cubically nonlinear pitch stiffness. Aeroelastic systems with quasi-steady and unsteady aerodynamics are analyzed with nonlinear normal modes. An alternative derivation of nonlinear normal modes using first-order form is offered for systems that cannot fit the standard second-order form. The effect of the master coordinate chosen to construct the nonlinear normal modes is examined and found to have a significant impact on the accuracy of the results. Based on the results herein the nonlinear normal mode method is found to be a viable approach to studying and predicting limit cycle oscillation in aeroelastic systems. Furthermore, a master coordinate based on the the linear flutter mode was found to lead to the best results.
On isomorphisms of circulant digraphs of bounded degree

C.H. Li recently made the following conjecture: Let @C be a circulant digraph of order n=n"1n"2 and degree m, where gcd(n"1,n"2)=1, n"1 divides 4k, where k is odd and square-free, and every prime divisor of n"2 is greater than m, or, if @C is a circulant graph, every prime divisor of n"2 is greater than 2m. Then @C is a CI-digraph of Z"n. In this paper we verify that this conjecture is true.
Model for tricritical points in distortive structural phase transitions

We show rigorously ($T=0$) that tricritical points in systems exhibiting ferro- or antiferrodistortive structural phase transitions are included in a two-dimensional model system covering the order-disorder and displacive regimes. For $Tg0$, our analysis is based on the mean-field approximation. Antiferroelectric systems turn out to be favorable candidates for investigation of the occurrence of tricritical points among real systems undergoing distortive structural phase transitions.
Peak noise removal by a facet model

Abstract A peak noise removal method based on local gray tone statistics from the facet model is introduced. Each pixel in an image is statistically tested to determine whether it belongs to the same gray tone intensity surface as its neighborhood pixels. If its gray tone is outside the 95 per cent confidence interval estimated from the neighborhood gray tones, it is judged as peak noise and its value is replaced by an average of the gray tone values of the neighborhood pixels. In order to estimate the local gray tone statistics, an assumption is made that the neighborhood region is described by a linear or quadratic facet surface model. It is also shown that this method can be successfully applied to scan line noise removal by using a one-dimensional (horizontal or vertical) neighborhood.
The Mexican Dream? The effect of return migrants on hometown development

Abstract Mexican migrants are returning to their homeland at record rates. Along with material goods, these former migrants may bring with them new ways of thinking about the world and envisioning the future. Still, relatively little is known about the degree to which former migrants affect the wellbeing of their local communities over time. This study evaluates the effect of return migrants on health, education, income, and political participation in Guanajuato, Mexico during the period 2000–2010. The findings imply that returnees may have positive effects within local economies, improving not only income, but also education, healthcare, electoral participation, and overall wellbeing. The results of this study have important implications for policy makers operating within emigration-prone regions of the world.
Probing metal oxide surface reactivity with adsorbate organometallic chemistry : Formation of iridium carbonyl clusters on γ-Al2O3

[Ir8(CO)22]2- was formed by surface-mediated synthesis by treatment of [Ir(CO)2(acac)] supported on uncalcined γ-Al2O3 under 1 atm of CO at room temperature. The formation of [Ir8(CO)22]2- completes the synthesis of a family of iridium carbonyl clusters, including [Ir4(CO)12], [HIr4(CO)11]-, [Ir6(CO)15]2-, and [Ir8(CO)22]2-, on the surface of γ-Al2O3. The surface chemistry parallels known solution chemistry of the synthesis of the family of iridium carbonyls. The products formed are controlled largely by the basicity of the solution or surface, and the analogy between the solution and surface chemistry provides a preliminary, qualitative basis for characterizing the basicity of γ-Al2O3 and other metal oxide samples. Decarbonylation of [Ir8(CO)22]2- on γ-Al2O3 led to nearly uniform tetrahedral Ir4 clusters; it is likely that the Ir−Ir single bond linking two iridium tetrahedral moieties in the precursor [Ir8(CO)22]2- on γ-Al2O3 was broken during the decarbonylation.
Are there effective new strategies for the treatment of acute and chronic GvHD

The molecular biology and pathophysiology underlying graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains an area of intensive research. Understanding normal and abnormal developments of both the innate and adaptive immune systems are beginning to provide understanding of the details of relevant pathways. Recent work in gene-expression profiling suggests a critical next step in identifying broader patterns that will stand up to examination in independent data sets and provide a sturdy basis for targeted therapy and preventive measures against GvHD.
Crystals and quasicrystals: a continuum model

We construct the first model of particles in the plane with completely symmetric, short range, two body interactions which has quasiperiodic, but no periodic, ground states.
Cardiovascular effects of pulmonary hypertension.

Right ventricular dysfuction is the most significant cardiovascular effect of pulmonary hypertension. A variety of techniques to evaluate right ventricular dysfuction have been examined. but, due to the complex geometry of the right ventricle, the optimal method has yet to be established. Vasodilator therapy has been shown to be beneficial in improving cardiovascular function in some patients. Echocardiography holds promise in evaluating response to therapy nonivasively.
TRANSIENT FATIGUE-CRACK GROWTH BEHAVIOR FOLLOWING VARIABLE-AMPLITUDE LOADING IN A MONOLITHIC SILICON NITRIDE CERAMIC

Abstract Transient cyclic fatigue-crack growth behavior following variable-amplitude loading sequences has been investigated in a hot-pressed, monolithic Si3N4 ceramic (NTK EC-141), for which fracture toughness (resistance-curve) and cyclic fatigue properties are well characterized. Following rapid changes in the applied stress-intensity range, ΔK, during both low-high and high-low block-loading sequences, transients were observed in the subsequent cyclic crack-growth rates, but only under specific conditions. When Kmin was suddenly varied with Kmax held constant, no transients were observed. However, when the load changes involved both ΔK and Kmax, subtle transients were detected in the form of retardations following high-low, and accelerations following low-high block-loading sequences. The transient growth rates were typically a factor of ∼2 different from the steady-state (baseline) growth rates for load excursions of ∼30–40%, and lasted for several hundred microns of crack extension before a steady-state growth rate was achieved. Such behavior is rationalized in terms of grain-bridging mechanisms active in the crack wake.
Sadness prediction and response: Effects of age and agreeableness

Research has suggested that both age and personality play a role in emotional experience and regulation, but these variables have not been considered together to determine the relative contribution of each. This study simultaneously examined age and agreeableness differences in the experience of sad stimuli. Participants were 46 younger adults (age, M = 22.04 years, SD = 5.41 years) and 48 older adults (age, M = 74.23, SD = 7.82 years). Participants were asked to predict how sad stimuli (i.e., sad photos) would make them feel and were then measured on their actual reaction to the stimuli (reactivity) as well as on their emotional recovery. Agreeableness, but not age, was related to predicted levels of sadness, such that the more agreeable, the higher the predicted sadness (beta = 0.37). In contrast to expectations, prediction accuracy was not related to age or agreeableness. For emotional reactivity, agreeableness (beta = 0.16), but not age, was related to reactivity to sad stimuli (i.e., more agreeable, higher reactivity). Finally, age (beta = 0.14) was significantly related to emotional recovery such that the older adults reported lower levels of sadness at posttest than did the younger adults. Similarly, people who were more agreeable also reported better emotional recovery (beta = 0.15). These relationships were not affected by depression or pretest sadness ratings. Overall, these findings suggest distinct roles for age and agreeableness in predicting different components of the emotion regulation process. An individual with advanced age, high levels of agreeableness, or both may be well-positioned for resilience throughout the emotion regulation process.
Structure and function of cardiac mitochondria in exhausted guinea pigs

The ultrastructure and functional capacity of mitochondria from hearts of exhausted guinea pigs were compared to those from rested animals. Electron micrographs of heart ventricles were examined for ultrastructural alterations, and functional capacity was studied by oxygen polarography.
The accuracy of a voice vote.

The accuracy of a voice vote was addressed by systematically varying group size, individual voter loudness, and words that are typically used to express agreement or disagreement. Five judges rated the loudness of two competing groups in A-B comparison tasks. Acoustic analysis was performed to determine the sound energy level of each word uttered by each group. Results showed that individual voter differences in energy level can grossly alter group loudness and bias the vote. Unless some control is imposed on the sound level of individual voters, it is difficult to establish even a two-thirds majority, much less a simple majority. There is no symmetry in the bias created by unequal sound production of individuals. Soft voices do not bias the group loudness much, but loud voices do. The phonetic balance of the two words chosen (e.g., “yea” and “nay” as opposed to “aye” and “no”) seems to be less of an issue.
A Review of Eslicarbazepine Acetate for the Adjunctive Treatment of Partial-Onset Epilepsy

Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a novel antiepileptic drug indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures. Structurally, it belongs to the dibenzazepine family and is closely related to carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. Its main mechanism of action is by blocking the voltage-gated sodium channel. ESL is a pro-drug that is rapidly metabolized almost exclusively into S-licarbazepine, the biologically active drug. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-drug interaction profile. However, it may induce the metabolism of oral contraceptives and should be used with caution in females of child-bearing age. In the pre-marketing placebo-controlled clinical trials ESL has proven effective as adjunctive therapy in adult patients with refractory of partial-onset seizures. Best results were observed on a single daily dose between 800 and 1200 mg. In general, ESL was well tolerated, with most common dose-related side effects including dizziness, somnolence, headache, nausea and vomiting. Hyponatremia has been observed (0.6%–1.3%), but the incidence appears to be lower than with the use of oxcarbazepine. There is very limited information on the use of ESL in children or as monotherapy.
Non-Rule Environmental Policy: A Case Study of a Foundry Sand Land Disposal NPD

This historical case study of a non-rule policy document (NPD) adopted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management describes an emerging genre in environmental discourse. The NPD standardizes environmental public policy for land disposal of foundry sand, a solid waste. The collaborative writing process took six months with industry input, and the NPD was presented to two environmental boards. Two contrasts, in process and format, distinguish NPDs from rules. The NPD is an entirely new kind of writing which includes guidance for implementing statutes. The writing process in the case involves government writers and industry representatives, although it does not include other public input such as public hearings. Instead, the staff of the pollution control agency simply presents the NPD to the appropriate environmental policy boards and arranges for its publication. This article adds to the body of knowledge about technical writing in government, specifically environmental policy and non-academic g...
Estimating the effect of computer-aided detection on the sensitivity of screening mammography.

From: William M. Sacks, PhD, MD Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20850 e-mail: wbs@cdrh.fda.gov This letter represents the professional opinion of the author and is not an official document, guidance, or policy of the U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services, or the Food and Drug Administration, nor should any official endorsement be inferred.
TiS2 and TiS3 thin films prepared by MOCVD

Abstract Thin films of TiS 2 and TiS 3 have been prepared by thermal chemical vapor deposition by reacting TiCl 4 and a series of sulfur sources [hexamethyldisilthiane ((CH 3 ) 3 SiSSi(CH 3 ) 3 ), t -butyl sulfide ((CH 3 ) 3 CSC(CH 3 ) 3 ), and t -butyl disulfide ((CH 3 ) 3 CSSC(CH 3 ) 3 )]. Thin films of TiS 3 were prepared by reacting TiCl 4 and TBDS at a deposition temperature less than 260°C. As the deposition temperature was increased, TiS 2 also formed within the deposited film, until at temperatures greater than 400°C only TiS 2 was formed. The use of the other sulfurizing sources resulted in the deposition of only TiS 2 throughout the temperature range studied (200–550°C). The morphology of the TiS 2 films varied remarkably with deposition temperature. At low temperatures the films were very dense and X-ray diffraction indicated that the films were deposited preferentially with the crystallographic “ c ” axis perpendicular to the substrate. As the temperature increased above 300°C, a porous honeycomb structure was deposited with the crystallographic “ c ” axis parallel to the substrate.
Coexpression of B7-1 and viral (“self”) transgenes in pancreatic β cells can break peripheral ignorance and lead to spontaneous autoimmune diabetes

Abstract We evaluated the role of the costimulatory molecule B7-1 in overcoming peripheral ignorance in transgenic mice, which expressed the glycoprotein (GP) or nucleoprotein (NP) of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) as the self-antigen in pancreatic β cells. The viral transgenes or B7-1 alone did not induce autoimmune diabetes (IDDM). However, in bigenic mice expressing B7-1 and LCMV-GP, anti-self (viral) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were activated without viral infection and spontaneous IDDM occurred. In contrast, bigenic RIP-B7-1 × RIP-NP mice with thymic expression of the self (viral-NP) antigen deleted the majority of their autoreactive CTL and did not develop spontaneous IDDM. However, these mice developed fast-onset IDDM 14 days after LCMV Infection, whereas single-transgenic RIP-NP littermates developed IDDM only within 4–5 months. Rapid IDDM was associated with increased numbers of anti-self CTL and a predominance of IFNγ produced by islet-infiltrating lymphocytes, whereas single transgenic RIP-NP littermates with slow-onset IDDM displayed less anti-self CTL and more IL-4- and IL-10-producing T lymphocytes in pancreatic infiltrates.
Complexes and Vanishing of Cohomology for Group Schemes

Abstract Completely reducible homology complexes were originally introduced in the context of finite groups and used to study the question of vanishing of cohomology. In this paper we study these complexes and the vanishing of cohomology for arbitrary finite-dimensional cocommutative Hopf algebras. Applications are later provided for infinitesimal group schemes of reductive and solvable algebraic groups.
EVOLUTION OF THE PRODUCTIVE SEGMENT AND TRANSPORTATION INNOVATIONS

An evolutionary model of the development of the process segment of a firm is reviewed and the degree to which this model is appropriate for description of the innovation process in transportation firms is evaluated. In a sample of thirty-four transportation innovations it was found that: (1) transportation firms in stage I of the evolution of the productive segment are more likely to adopt service innovations, while firms in stage III are more likely to adopt innovations designed to improve the process (p < .05); (2) no statistically significant results were found to support the hypothesis that stage I transportation firms originate more innovations than stage III firms, although the results were in the predicted direction (.10 < p < .15); (3) stage I transportation firms are more likely to adopt or consider for adoption lower-cost innovations than stage III firms (p < .05), which is contrary to the hypothesized direction of this relationship. It was also found that transportation firms tend to originate new service innovations but adopt new process innovations (p < .05), regardless of stage of development. It was concluded that it would be premature to eliminate the model as a candidate for further empirical testing. Problems and possible revision of the model are discussed.
Investigating the benefits of iterative equalization and decoding of STANAG 4539 HF waveforms

The area of digital communications has undergone a significant transformation in the last twenty years due mostly to the discovery of iterative forward error correction (FEC) codes (such as turbo codes) and iterative demodulation techniques (such as turbo equalization). Waveforms developed for the High Frequency (HF) band typically place an interleaver between the FEC scheme and the transmitted symbols. The purpose of this interleaver is to decorrelate the errors caused by slow fading multipath channels encountered on HF. If no interleaver is used, most standard EEC schemes become ineffective (e.g. convolutional codes). Although HF waveforms were not designed with the notion of iterative demodulation techniques in mind, it turns out that these techniques can be applied to single-carrier HF waveforms which utilize FEC and interleaving by iteratively exchanging soft information between the equalizer and the FEC decoder. This paper will investigate the benefits of applying iterative demodulation techniques to the 3200 and 9600 bit per second waveforms defined in STANAG 4539 as a function of the Doppler spread and multipath spread encountered on HF channels.
PELPIII: the class III pistil-specific extensin-like Nicotiana tabacum proteins are essential for interspecific incompatibility

Summary Pre-zygotic interspecific incompatibility (II) involves an active inhibition mechanism between the pollen of one species and the pistil of another. As a barrier to fertilization, II effectively prevents hybridization and maintains species identity. Transgenic ablation of the mature transmitting tract (TT) in Nicotiana tabacum resulted in the loss of inhibition of pollen tube growth in Nicotiana obtusifolia (synonym Nicotiana trigonophylla) and Nicotiana repanda. The role of the TT in the II interaction between N. tabacum and N. obtusifolia was characterized by evaluating N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth in normal and TT-ablated N. tabacum styles at various post-pollination times and developmental stages. The II activity of the TT slowed and then arrested N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth, and was developmentally synchronized. We hypothesize that proteins produced by the mature TT and secreted into the extracellular matrix inhibit interspecific pollen tubes. When extracts from the mature TT of N. tabacum were injected into the TT-ablated style prior to pollination, the growth of incompatible pollen tubes of N. obtusifolia and N. repanda was inhibited. The class III pistil-specific extensin-like protein (PELPIII) was consistently associated with specific inhibition of pollen tubes, and its requirement for II was confirmed through use of plants with antisense suppression of PELPIII. Inhibition of N. obtusifolia and N. repanda pollen tube growth required accumulation of PELPIII in the TT of N. tabacum, supporting PELPIII function in pre-zygotic II.