cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
β-Lapachone-Induced Apoptosis in Human Prostate Cancer Cells: Involvement of NQO1/xip3

beta-Lapachone (beta-lap) induces apoptosis in various cancer cells, and its intracellular target has recently been elucidated in breast cancer cells. Here we show that NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1/xip3) expression in human prostate cancer cells is a key determinant for apoptosis and lethality after beta-lap exposures. beta-Lap-treated, NQO1-deficient LNCaP cells were significantly more resistant to apoptosis than NQO1-expressing DU-145 or PC-3 cells after drug exposures. Formation of an atypical 60-kDa PARP cleavage fragment in DU-145 or PC-3 cells was observed after 10 microM beta-lap treatment and correlated with apoptosis. In contrast, LNCaP cells required 25 microM beta-lap to induce similar responses. Atypical PARP cleavage in beta-lap-treated cells was not affected by 100 microM zVAD-fmk; however, coadministration of dicoumarol, a specific inhibitor of NQO1, reduced beta-lap-mediated cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and atypical PARP cleavage in NQO1-expressing cells. Dicoumarol did not affect the more beta-lap-resistant LNCaP cells. Stable transfection of LNCaP cells with NQO1 increased their sensitivity to beta-lap, enhancing apoptosis compared to parental LNCaP cells or vector-alone transfectants. Dicoumarol increased survival of beta-lap-treated NQO1-expressing LNCaP transfectants. NQO1 activity, therefore, is a key determinant of beta-lap-mediated apoptosis and cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells.
The Physical and Psychological Well-Being of Immigrant Children

Summary Poor childhood health contributes to lower socioeconomic status in adulthood. Subsequently, low socioeconomic status among parents contributes to poor childhood health outcomes in the next generation. This cycle can be particularly pernicious for vulnerable and low-income minority populations, including many children of immigrants. And because of the rapid growth in the numbers of immigrant children, this cycle also has implications for the nation as a whole. By promoting the physical well-being and emotional health of children of immigrants, health professionals and policy makers can ultimately improve the long-term economic prospects of the next generation. Despite their poorer socioeconomic circumstances and the stress associated with migration and acculturation, foreign-born children who immigrate to the United States typically have lower mortality and morbidity risks than U.S. children born to immigrant parents. Over time, however, and across generations, the health advantage of immigrant children fades. For example, researchers have found that the share of adolescents who are overweight or obese, a key indicator of physical health, is lowest for foreign-born youth, but these shares grow larger for each generation and increase rapidly as youth transition into adulthood.
Recolonizing wolves trigger a trophic cascade in Wisconsin (USA)

Summary 1. We tested the hypothesis that wolves are reducing local browse intensity by white-tailed deer, thus indirectly mitigating the biotic impoverishment of understorey plant communities in northern Wisconsin. 2. To assess the potential for such a top-down trophic cascade response, we developed a spatially and temporally explicit model of wolf territory occupancy based on three decades of wolf monitoring data. Using a nested multiscale vegetation survey protocol, we compared the understorey plant communities of northern white cedar wetlands found in high wolf areas with control sites found in low wolf areas. 3. We fit species–area curves for plant species grouped by vegetation growth form (based on their predicted response to release from herbivory, i.e. tree, seedling, shrub, forb, grass, sedge or fern) and duration of wolf territory occupancy. 4. As predicted for a trophic cascade response, forb species richness at local scales (10 m 2 ) was significantly higher in high wolf areas (high wolf areas: 10.7 � 0.9, N = 16, low wolf areas: 7.5 � 0.9, N = 16, P < 0.001), as was shrub species richness (high wolf areas: 4.4 � 0.4, N = 16, low wolf areas: 3.2 � 0.5, N = 16, P < 0.001). Also as predicted, percentage cover of ferns was lower in high wolf areas (high wolf areas: 6.2 � 2.1, N = 16, low wolf areas: 11.6 � 5.3, N = 16, P < 0.05). 5. Beta richness was similar between high and low wolf areas, supporting earlier assumptions that deer herbivory impacts plant species richness primarily at local scales. Sampling at multiple spatial scales revealed that changes in species richness were not consistent across scales nor among vegetation growth forms: forbs showed a stronger response at finer scales (1–100 m 2 ), while shrubs showed a response across relatively broader scales (10–1000 m 2 ). 6. Synthesis. Our results are consistent with hypothesized trophic effects on understorey plant communities triggered by a keystone predator recovering from regional extinction. In addition, we identified the response variables and spatial scales appropriate for detecting such differences in plant species composition. This study represents the first published evidence of a trophic cascade triggered by wolf recovery in the Great Lakes region.
Tunneling from electronic bubble states through the liquid-vapor interface of HeII

Abstract A model is presented which shows that electrons escape through the free surface of HeII by tunneling from elevtronic bubble states. The results give a bubble radius of 12.9 A and a binding energy of 0.72 eV for the electronic bubble.
A time-efficient modeling and simulation strategy for aggregated multiple microinverters in large-scale PV systems

This paper presents a time-efficient modeling and simulation strategy for aggregated microinverters in large-scale simulations, with a 20-panel system used as an example. As the microinverter configuration emerges to overcome reliability and loss mismatch issues in centralized PV inverters, a model that can be used for rapid prototyping is required. This model is also helpful in predicting behaviors of individual microinverters in a large-scale system, e.g., power generation under partial shading conditions and harmonic interaction. Dynamic microinverter models that include switching action may not be suitable for simulating multiple microinverters as they yield a significant computational burden and long simulation time compared to simplified but accurate average models. This paper introduces the average model of a basic microinverter composed of a boost stage and an H-bridge represented by a single matrix form aggregation of multiple microinverters in a larger system to achieve faster simulation times with accurate transient and steady-state results. A 200W prototype microinverter board is tested to verify the proposed average and dynamic models. Furthermore, MATLAB/Simulink is used to show the improved simulation speed and accuracy in the multiple-microinverter configuration.
Policy Watch: Medicaid and Uninsured Women and Children

This paper focuses on the role of Medicaid, the public health insurance program for low income populations, as a means of reducing uninsurance among uninsured women and children. The author discusses the structure of the Medicaid program and recent findings of its effects on insurance status, medical utilization, and health. He concludes that public insurance can be a cost-effective tool for reducing uninsurance and improving health, but only if eligibility is targeted to populations in need of insurance; expansions up the income scale should be accompanied by other program features that minimize substitution of private insurance, such as cost-sharing.
Hierarchical Geostatistical Analysis of an Experimental Stratigraphy

A hierarchical geostatistical analysis is conducted on a high-resolution, multiscale hydraulic conductivity (ln K) map, created by scaling up an experimental stratigraphy. Unlike a previous study which evaluates ln K variograms within indi- vidual depositional environments, this study analyzes deposits (or samples) that in- corporate multiple depositional environments. Based on conductivity cutoffs selected from a global ln K histogram, an indicator map is created to divide the deposits into 4 categories: sand, silty sand, clayey silt, and clay (Hierarchy-I). Based on facies and facies assemblage types selected using geological criteria, two more indicator maps are created at a higher hierarchy (Hierarchy-II) to divide the deposits into 14 units and 2 units, respectively. For each sample, its experimental ln K variogram is decom- posed into 4 auto- and cross-transition component variograms. The decomposition characteristics are then evaluated against the underlying heterogeneity and specific division rule. The analysis reveals that: (1) ln K cutoffs (sand contents of the physi- cal stratigraphy) can be used to distinguish the shifts in dominant deposition mode; (2) sample univariate modes depend on the choice of hierarchical division; (3) sam- ple variograms exhibit smooth-varying correlation structures (exponential-like vari- ograms are observed in samples with a large variance in mean facies length); (4) the decomposition characteristics are sensitive to the division based on conductivity cut- offs, but not sensitive to the division based on depositional environment (For all sam- ples, with appropriate division, the sample variogram is closely approximated by the sum of the cross-transition component variograms.); and (5) at the Hierarchy-II level, the 2-unit division gives similar decomposition characteristics as the 14-unit division. For the select samples, parsimony in hierarchical division is achieved at the facies as- semblage scale.
Evaluation of 3D road geometry based heavy truck fuel optimisation

This paper investigates the benefit of using a 3D road geometry based optimal powertrain control system in reducing the fuel consumption of heavy trucks. The Optimal Control (OC) system, using constrained Nonlinear Programming (NLP), is designed to predict the optimal throttle, gear shifting and velocity trajectory, to minimise the fuel consumption and travel time. Experimental tests of a Class 8 truck are conducted with GIS 3D road geometries. Test results show that the OC system is able to significantly reduce the fuel consumption with small travel time increasing on level and rolling terrains, and gain small fuel saving on mountainous terrain, when compared to the defined baseline.
An evaluation of chlorothiazide in the treatment of edema in pregnant women

Abstract In pregnant edematous women, bed rest and dietary sodium restriction alone have a good diuretic effect. Negative sodium balances are maintained for several days (10 days in the 2 patients followed that long). Chlorothiazide stimulates sodium and chloride excretion in pregnant edematous women, after the major effect of bed rest and a low-sodium diet has occurred. Resistance to chlorothiazide develops progressively from day to day. It seems to disappear after a rest period of 3 days (possibly less)
Autonomic nervous system responses during sedative infusions of dexmedetomidine.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine on systemic and cardiac autonomic reflex responses during rest and during thermal stress. Methods Volunteers received either placebo or low- or high-dose dexmedetomidine (target plasma concentrations 0.3 or 0.6 ng/ml, respectively) infusions in a prospectively randomized, double-blinded crossover study design. After 1 h, baroreflex sensitivity was assessed, and then core body temperature was raised to the sweating threshold and then lowered to the shivering threshold. Plasma catecholamines and blood pressure were measured, and cardiac autonomic responses were assessed by analysis of heart rate variability. Results Compared with placebo, plasma norepinephrine concentrations, blood pressure, heart rate, and some heart rate variability measures were lower after 1-h infusion of dexmedetomidine, but baroreflex responses did not differ significantly. Dexmedetomidine blunted the systemic and cardiac sympathetic effects of sweating observed during placebo infusion but had no effect on parasympathetic measures. Increases in blood pressure, and systemic catecholamines due to shivering were observed during placebo and dexmedetomidine, but these responses were less with dexmedetomidine. During shivering, dexmedetomidine infusion was associated with higher low-frequency and high-frequency heart rate variability power but lower heart rate compared with the sweating threshold and with the control period, suggesting nonreciprocal cardiac autonomic responses. Conclusions Infusion of dexmedetomidine results in compensated reductions in systemic sympathetic tone without changes in baroreflex sensitivity. Dexmedetomidine blunts heart rate and the systemic sympathetic activation due to sweating, but it is less effective in blunting cardiac sympathetic responses to shivering. During dexmedetomidine infusion, cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic tone may have nonreciprocal changes during shivering.
Driven to Win: Rivalry, Motivation, and Performance

This article investigates the phenomenon of interindividual rivalry and its consequences for motivation and task performance. Two studies of adults from the general population found that rivalry, a...
Competence for Genetic Transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae: Termination of Activity of the Alternative Sigma Factor ComX Is Independent of Proteolysis of ComX and ComW

Competence for genetic transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a transient physiological state whose development is coordinated by a peptide pheromone (CSP) and its receptor, which activates transcription of two downstream genes, comX and comW, and 15 other "early" genes. ComX, a transient alternative sigma factor, drives transcription of "late" genes, many of which are essential for transformation. In vivo, ComW both stabilizes ComX against proteolysis by the ClpE-ClpP protease and stimulates its activity. Interestingly, stabilization of ComX by deletion of the gene encoding the ClpP protease did not extend the period of competence. We considered the hypothesis that the rapid decay of competence arises from a rapid loss of ComW and thus of its ComX stimulating activity, so that ComX might persist but lose its transcriptional activity. Western analysis revealed that ComW is indeed a transient protein, which is also stabilized by deletion of the gene encoding the ClpP protease. However, stabilizing both ComX and ComW did not prolong either ComX activity or the period of transformation, indicating that termination of the transcriptional activity of ComX is not dependent on proteolysis of ComW.
Multiple Experts vs. Multiple Methods: Combining Correlation Assessments

Averaging forecasts from several experts has been shown to lead to improved forecasting accuracy and reduced risk of bad forecasts. Similarly, it is accepted knowledge in decision analysis that an expert can benefit from using more than one assessment method to look at a situation from different viewpoints. In this paper, we investigate gains in accuracy in assessing correlations by averaging different assessments from a single expert and/or from multiple experts. Adding experts and adding methods can both improve accuracy, with diminishing returns to extra experts or methods. The gains are generally much greater from adding experts than from adding methods, and restricting the set of experts to those who do particularly well individually leads to the greatest improvements in the averaged assessments. The variability of assessment accuracy decreases considerably as the number of experts or methods increases, implying a large risk reduction. We discuss conditions under which the general pattern of results obtained here might be expected to be similar or different in other situations with multiple experts and/or multiple methods.
Innovative laser based approaches to laryngeal cancer: what an engineer and physicist need to know

Innovative laser-based approaches to laryngeal cancer include the clinical applications of two new technologies, photoangiolysis using a 532nm wavelength pulsed-KTP laser and fiber-based cutting using a 2μm wavelength thulium laser. Photoangiolysis is well-suited for treatment of minimally invasive glottic cancer and allows maximum preservation of phonatory surfaces needed for optimal voicing. The thulium laser offers an alternative to the carbon dioxide laser as an endolaryngeal cutting tool due to its enhanced hemostatic properties and fiber-based delivery. Clinical examples of pulsed-KTP laser involution of early glottic cancer will be presented in order to highlight the concept of targeting tumor angiogenesis in treating laryngeal cancer. The surgical experience using the thulium laser for complex endoscopic endolaryngeal excisions of large laryngeal cancers is presented to demonstrate the expanded clinical applications of endolaryngeal cutting offered by this laser. The laryngeal tissue effects of various laser power and pulse width (PW) settings, mode of delivery, active cooling to reduce thermal trauma, and wavelength selection have been extensively studied for the KTP and thulium lasers in both ex-vivo and live-perfusing models. The results from these studies, included herein, determine the clinical efficacy and safety of these innovative laser-based approaches to laryngeal cancer.
Refrigerant flow boiling heat transfer in parallel microchannels as a function of local vapor quality

Abstract Flow boiling of refrigerant HFC-134a in a multi-microchannel copper cold plate evaporator is investigated. The heat transfer coefficient is measured locally for the entire range of vapor qualities starting from subcooled liquid to superheated vapor. The test piece contains 17 parallel, rectangular microchannels (0.762 mm wide) of hydraulic diameter 1.09 mm and aspect ratio 2.5. The design of the test facility is validated by a robust energy balance as well as a comparison of single-phase heat transfer coefficients with results from the literature. Results are presented for four different mass fluxes of 20.3, 40.5, 60.8, and 81.0 kg m−2 s−1, which correspond to refrigerant mass flow rates of 0.5–2.0 g s−1, and at three different pressures 400, 550 and 750 kPa corresponding to saturation temperatures of 8.9, 18.7, and 29 °C. The wall heat flux varies from 0 to 20 W/cm2 in the experiments. The heat transfer coefficient is found to vary significantly with refrigerant inlet quality and mass flow rate, but only slightly with saturation pressure for the range of values investigated. The peak heat transfer coefficient is observed for a vapor quality of approximately 20%.
Two-dimensional intact mitochondrial DNA agarose electrophoresis reveals the structural complexity of the mammalian mitochondrial genome

The mitochondrial genome exists in numerous structural conformations, complicating the study of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) metabolism. Here, we describe the development of 2D intact mtDNA agarose gel electrophoresis (2D-IMAGE) for the separation and detection of approximately two-dozen distinct topoisomers. Although the major topoisomers were well conserved across many cell and tissue types, unique differences in certain cells and tissues were also observed. RNase treatment revealed that partially hybridized RNAs associated primarily with covalently closed circular DNA, consistent with this structure being the template for transcription. Circular structures composed of RNA:DNA hybrids contained only heavy-strand DNA sequences, implicating them as lagging-strand replication intermediates. During recovery from replicative arrest, 2D-IMAGE showed changes in both template selection and replication products. These studies suggest that discrete topoisomers are associated with specific mtDNA-directed processes. Because of the increased resolution, 2D-IMAGE has the potential to identify novel mtDNA intermediates involved in replication or transcription, or pathology including oxidative linearization, deletions or depletion.
Statistics of traveltimes and amplitudes in random media

SUMMARY In this study, we build on the results of the study of 3-D wave propagation in weakly heterogeneous media conducted by Baig et al. We measure traveltimes and amplitudes from ‘ground-truth’ seismograms, computed using a numerical wave propagation code, and compare the measurements with approximate finite-frequency and ray-theoretical values for these quantities. Ray-theoretical traveltimes become invalid whenever the scale length of the 3-D heterogeneity is smaller than half the maximum width of the Fresnel zone; in contrast, raytheoretical amplitudes have a much more restricted range of validity: the scale length should not be less than one Fresnel-zone maximum width. Finite-frequency theory gives better results for amplitudes, suffering no observable degradation for small-scale media for the weakest heterogeneity considered, but suffering appreciable misfit in more strongly heterogeneous media. Using these finite-frequency expressions for traveltime, we derive expressions for the expected variances of traveltimes and amplitudes that act, in most cases, as extensions to the ray-theoretical expressions. Finally, we propose using the amplitude variance as a criterion for delineating the validity of these linear approximations. For traveltimes, provided that one rejects waveforms that do not yield a good cross-correlation traveltime, the remaining data are linearly related to the model over the values of theoretical amplitude variance that we probe in this experiment. Amplitudes do not behave as well: when the theoretical amplitude variance rises above 0.1, significant non-linearities start to invalidate our linear approximation.
Pattern and Source of Secretion of Relaxin in the Reproductive Cycle of the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

Female spotted hyenas are highly masculinized at birth and have no external vagina. Copulation with males and birth of young are accomplished through the central urogenital canal of the clitoris. This unusual adaptation requires remarkable changes in the elasticity of the connective tissues of the clitoris, without which neither copulation nor birth would be possible. We hypothesized that relaxin, a hormone that increases the extensibility of the connective tissues of the uterus and cervix of many other mammalian species, plays a role in the clitoral changes observed in hyenas. Serum relaxin was determined by specific RIA. Relaxin was not detected in serum of males, pubertal or nonpregnant adult females, or ovariectomized females. Immunoactive relaxin was detected in serum of juveniles at the time of initial growth of the urogenital meatus. High concentrations of immunoactive relaxin appeared in the serum of pregnant hyenas in the 2 wk preceding parturition. Immunoassays of extracts of hyena tissues and serum obtained from uterine and ovarian veins indicated that the placenta was the predominant source of relaxin, with possible ovarian contributions. Circulating relaxin decreased promptly following cesarean section near term. We conclude that relaxin secretion coincides with changes in extensibility of clitoral connective tissues 1) during growth of the clitoris in juveniles and 2) near the time of parturition in adults.
School Aggression and Dispositional Aggression among Middle School Boys

We examined the relationship between dispositional (trait) aggression and administrative reports of school aggression among 100 adolescent male participants from an urban middle school. Aggression was fairly common among the sample; 58 boys had a record of school aggression, and many of those were repeat offenders. Our hypothesis that those higher in dispositional aggression would have more records of aggression at school was supported. Dispositional aggression was significantly, positively correlated with verbal and physical aggression at school. Regression analyses indicated that dispositional aggression accounted for a substantial amount of the variance in administrative reports of school aggression. Two other factors, family income and age, accounted for a minimal amount of the variance in school aggression.
Putting the bite back into "Two Dogmas"

Recent Carnap scholarship suggests that the received view of the Carnap-Quine analyticity debate is importantly mistaken. It has been suggested that Carnap’s analyticity distinction is immune from Quine’s criticisms. This is either because Quine did not understand Carnap’s use of analytic-ity, or because Quine did not appreciate that, rather than dispelling dog-mas, he was merely offering an alternate framework for philosophy. It has also been suggested that ultimately nothing of substance turns on this dis-pute. I am sympathetic to these reassessments and their rejection of the re-ceived view, but argue that they fail to pay proper attention to Carnap’s metaphysical deflationism. For it is there that Quine’s arguments ultimately make contact with Carnap, undermining his metaphysical deflationism. Moreover, the viability of deflationism is directly related to the viability of Carnap’s view of philosophy as methodologically distinct from science. Hence, Quine’s criticisms make contact with the deepest aspects of Car-nap’s views.
AN INSTRUMENT FOR NONDESTRUCTIVELY TESTING FUEL CORE TO CLADDING HEAT TRANSFER

An instrument for nondestructively mapping core to cladding heat transfer quality in nuclear fuel elements has been developed. Heat transfer defects down to in. diameter in Zircaloy-2 clad and down...
Measurement schedules for tests of motor performance.

Abstract Five groups of subjects were tested on a variety of physical performance tests. Multiple trials were administered for each test. A measurement schedule which yielded a reliable criterion measure and tended to maximize the mean performance of a group was determined for each test. The results of this study indicated that to maximize the mean performance of a group of subjects and obtain acceptable reliability for a multiple trial physical performance test, more test trials must be used than are presently being administered.
An evaluation of femoral shortening with intramedullary nailing.

1. Between 1938 and 1951, forty patients at the Hospital for Special Surgery have had femoral shortening done by oblique osteotomy with screw fixation. 2. From 1948 through 1951 inclusive, there have been eleven patients with femoral shortening done by transverse osteotomy with intramedullary Kuntscher-nail fixation. 3. In both groups, from 2.5 to 8.1 centimeters of femoral shortening have been accomplished. 4. In the former group, only three secondary operations were needed among forty patients; in the latter group, twelve secondary operative procedures were required for eleven patients. 5. Only one operative complication and four postoperative complications occurred in the much larger group treated by oblique osteotomy and screw fixation, while seven operative and thirteen postoperative complications occurred in the smaller group treated by transverse osteotomy and intramedullary nailing. 6. Postoperative external support by balanced suspension or spica for eight to ten weeks after femoral shortening by oblique osteotomy was followed by more rapid and consistent bone healing than was observed after transverse osteotomy, Kuntscher intramedullary-nail fixation, and early ambulation.
Sidney Blatt's Object Relations Inventory: contributions and future directions

In this article, we provide a historical overview of the Object Relations Inventory (ORI) and related methods for the assessment of object relations constructed by Sidney Blatt and colleagues (e.g., Blatt, Bers, & Schaffer, 1992 ; Blatt, Wein, Chevron, & Quinlan, 1979 ; Diamond, Kaslow, Coonerty, & Blatt, 1990 ). We clarify terminology that has been used inconsistently in the literature, especially by way of differentiating the methods used to collect descriptions of significant figures, such as the ORI and its predecessor, the Parental Description (PD) task, and the rating scales that Blatt and colleagues constructed to rate those descriptions. We provide a tabular summary of empirical studies of the measure and offer a critical review of those aspects of the instrument that require further empirical investigation and methodological rigor.
Tax Planning after the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

For more than a decade taxpayers have enjoyed a 15-percent tax rate on long-term capital gains. The 15-percent rate was the lowest maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains since 1954. On January 2, 2013, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA). ATRA permanently increased the top capital gain tax rate to 20 percent (up from 15-percent) for single filers with taxable incomes above $400,000 and married couples filing jointly with taxable incomes exceeding $450,000. In addition as part of the Health Care legislation a new 3.8-percent Medicare surtax applies on net investment income, which includes capital gains.This results in an overall rate for higher-income taxpayers of 23.8 percent — a staggering 58.69-percent increase in 2013 from 2012 tax rates.The real kicker is the application of the capital gains tax rates to trusts. A trust is hit with the increased rate on any income the trust does not distribute over $11,950. This is significantly less than the $400,000/$450,000 taxable incomes from the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 and the $200,000/$250,000 adjusted gross income from the Health Care legislation that is applicable to individuals. Many trusts accumulate capital gains in the trust and pay tax within the trust. Generally in the past the capital gain rate in the trust and the rate that would be applicable to the beneficiary were the same 15-percent. Therefore, generally the tax paid would be the same amount. Under the new rules in 2013 it is possible that the trust may be paying a capital gains tax at a 23.8-percent rate while the individual might be taxed at a 15-percent.With a 58.69-percent increase in 2013 and beyond, high-income taxpayers and trusts might look to ways to defer the recognition of the capital gain in the current tax year. In addition trusts in certain instances might look to have capital gains be part of the distributable net income (DNI). This article examines strategies to defer the recognition of the gain and the ability to monetize the position. Strategies that are examined are as follows:Variable Prepaid Forward ContractCollars Buy a Put and Sell a CallNonrecourse Loan against Publicly Traded StockEstablishing a Short-against-the-box after 1997Use a short-against-the-box to defer taxable gains from 2013 to 2014Charitable Gain Harvesting to offload gain to charitySale to an ESOPCharitable Remainder TrustsCapital Gains in a trust to be included in DNI.
A Marker Dye for the Corn Earworm

The use of marked insects is essential in tests involving release and recapture experiments, but the marked individual must be easily distinguishable, and the marker must not affect its physiology or behavior. Recently (R. L. Jones, E. A. Harrell, and J. Wendell Snow, unpublished) it was shown that the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), was significantly affected physiologically by topical application of several popular dyes. In 1966, Gast and Landin tested dyes by feeding them in the larval diet of boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, and found that the only dye producing long-lasting color was Calco Oil Red N-1700®. Subsequently, Hendricks and Graham (1970) showed that the tobacco budworni, Heliothis virescens (F.), also was marked satisfactorily when they fed Calco Red. Moreover, the females produced red eggs, and the spermatophores from marked males were red. Since we needed a good marker for the corn earworm at the Southern Grain Insects Research Laboratory, Tifton, Ga., we mixed Calco Red in the larval diet of this insect and studied the marking achieved and the physiological effect on the insect.
Reliability Assessment of Mid-Air Collision Avoidance Systems for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) applications include Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions over the battlefield, as well as those military and civilian missions that are too “dull, dirty, or dangerous” for humans piloting manned aircraft. However, to faultlessly integrate UAS vehicles into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires “an equivalent level of safety, comparable to see-and-avoid requirements for manned aircraft.” In other words, an “ownship” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) must be capable of sensing intruder aircraft that are both cooperative (i.e., aircraft equipped with a transponder) and noncooperative [i.e., air traffic that either cannot or choose to not communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and other air traffic, including, crop sprayers, sail planes, gliders, hot air balloons, and flocks of birds], as well as executing autonomous maneuvers to avoid intruder aircraft in mid-air. The University of North Dakota has been actively developing enabling airborne sense and avoid (SAA) technology under a series of projects funded by the Department of Defense (DoD). A Local Airspace Surveillance Terminal (LAST) based on the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) transceiver was designed for recording the flight activities in the Grand Forks regional airspace. Approximately 12710 flight hours of flight data, including both UND Aerospace and non-UND Aerospace flights, was recorded over a span of six weeks. The recorded data was used to characterize the local airspace so that nominal flight paths could be generated for realistic simulations. To prove the robustness of an airborne SAA prototype system also based on the ADS-B transceiver software-in-the-loop (SWIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation environments have been developed, particularly for the reliability assessment of a mid-air collision avoidance algorithm. This paper depicts the ADS-B data gathering, post processing, and aircraft encounter modeling methods along with preliminary simulation results.
Modulation of male song by naloxone in the medial preoptic nucleus

Studies in songbirds implicate opioid neuropeptides in singing behavior, however past results are contradictory. In starlings, the effect of opioid manipulations on sexually-motivated courtship song differed in birds naturally singing at low compared to high rates, and mu-opioid receptors were denser in several regions, including the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) in low singing males. In the present study we found that low singing male starlings also had significantly higher enkephalin (ENK) immunolabeling densities in the POM than high singers. We then blocked opioid receptor activity in the POM with naloxone injections and found that this increased both song rate and song bout length in low singers, suggesting that high densities of mu receptors and ENK in the POM actively suppress song in these males. In contrast to its effects on low singers, naloxone in the POM of high singers dose dependently decreased song rate and tended to reduce song bout length. This suggests that at least some level of opioid activity in POM is necessary for song production. Our results are the first to demonstrate that direct administration of opioids into the POM influences sexually-motivated song and that effects differ depending on an individual’s initial rate of song and associated density of ENK. We suggest that differential effects seen in past studies of opioids and song may in part be explained by differences in the natural song rate of subjects and accompanying differences in enkephalin activity and neural substrate sensitivity to opioids in POM.
Ancestor Worship and the Longevity of Chinese Civilization (祖先崇拜与中华文明的长期延续)

Although an impressive body of literature is devoted to the practice of venerating ancestors in China and other places, there is little agreement on what ancestor worship is, where it is practiced, and whether it is an ancient and persistent trait. Ancestor worship, we argue, is an ancient trait that has persisted in China, as in other parts of the world, since prehistoric times. We also discuss its universal aspects, including those associated with teaching it and with encouraging its persistence across generations. We end by discussing the function of ancestor worship in China. Has it been an impediment to progress, as Christian missionaries and communists insisted, or, as Ping-Ti Ho claimed, has it promoted the “longevity of Chinese civilization”? We argue that both claims may be correct, depending on the definition of progress and the characteristics associated with China’s two forms of ancestor worship. 虽然已有大量文献讨论中国和世界其他地区的祖先敬拜，但学界没有对祖先崇拜的性质、地域、历史性和持续性达成一致的认识。本文认为，中国的祖先崇拜，与世界其他地区类似，是一个源自史前时期，持续至今的现象。本文还分析祖先崇拜的普遍性特征，正是这些特征使得其代代相传。本文最后将讨论祖先崇拜的功能。它是像基督教传教士所言阻碍了中国的进步，还是如何炳棣所宣称，促进了“中华文明的长期延续”?我们认为这两种观点正确与否取决于进步的定义以及中国祖先敬拜的具体形式。 (This article is in English.)
Coordinated var and voltage control of doubly-fed wind farm considering reactive power margin

Aiming at the reactive power compensation ability and voltage stability of doubly-fed wind farm,a scheme of coordinated var and voltage control considering the reactive power margin is proposed,which takes the doubly-fed wind turbine as the main compensation device and the static var compensator as the auxiliary one. The wind power forecast is used to calculate the optimal var compensation reference of the following short period. A model of doubly-fed wind farm connected to an infinite system is built with MATLAB / Simulink and the optimal var compensation reference is calculated with the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The simulative result shows that,the wind farm outputting the reactive power according to the optimal reference may maintain a larger reactive power margin,improve the reactive power regulation ability,satisfy the voltage requirement,enhance the voltage stability and avoid the continuous reactive power regulation.
The kleptoplastic sea slug Elysia clarki prolongs photosynthesis by synthesizing chlorophyll a and b

Several species of kleptoplastic, sacoglossan sea slug photosynthesize using chloroplasts sequestered inside their digestive cells from algal food sources. However, sequestered chloroplasts alone are not sufficient for months-long, continuous photosynthesis and maintenance of the chloroplasts in absence of the algal nucleus. Some type of plastid maintenance mechanism must be present to help sustain photosynthetic activity in the long term kleptoplastic species, such as Elysia clarki. We demonstrate that E. clarki starved for 2 weeks are able to synthesize chlorophylls, but that slugs starved for 14 weeks no longer synthesize chlorophyll. The subsidence of chlorophyll synthesis is coincident with the cessation of photosynthesis by the starved slugs, but it is not yet known if the cessation of pigment synthesis is the cause or some other aspect of plastid degradation produces a loss of synthetic ability.
9/11, Terrorismus und die Legalisierung der Folter

Folter ist ausnahmslos verboten. Im internationalen Recht geniest das Folterverbot den Status einer notstandsfesten Norm. Und doch setzen auch Rechtsstaaten die Folter ein, wenn sie mit Terrorismus konfrontiert sind. Frankreich, Grosbritannien, Israel und die USA – vier Lander, die im Kampf gegen den Terrorismus gefoltert haben. Allerdings sind bislang nur die USA soweit gegangen, die Folter auch zu legalisieren. Den Terroranschlagen vom 11. September 2001 kommt hier insofern eine besondere Bedeutung zu, als dass nach 9/11 buchstablich alles moglich wurde. Der Einsatz von Folter ist heute eine offen diskutierte und damit auch unter bestimmten Bedingungen gerechtfertigte Moglichkeit. In meinem Aufsatz untersuche ich die Frage, welche Folgen die selbst nur ausnahmsweise Aufweichung des absoluten Folterverbots fur den Rechtsstaat in seinem Kampf gegen den Terrorismus hatte.
Das Periodensystem wird gebaut

Ich habe Kate uber das Internet kennengelernt, genauer gesagt uber einige Usenet-Foren, in denen uber Science-Fiction- und Fantasy-Bucher diskutiert wurde. Die Foren wurden haufig von Menschen besucht, die eine Menge Bucher besasen, und ziemlich regelmasig gab es Diskussionen daruber, nach welchem System man seine Sammlungen im Regal am besten ordnete. Manche orientierten sich an Thema und Genre, andere mischten verschiedene Genres und stellten Belletristik und Sachbucher bunt nebeneinander.
Acceleration of superlinearly convergent sequences

A method analogous to the Aitken extrapolation is proposed to accelerate the convergence of sequences of real or complex numbers with asymptotic behavior where ei is the error of the ith element of the sequence, dj≥1 for all 1≤j≤r, and ∑dj > 1. The R-order of the resulting sequences is computed using methods which are also of independent interest.
Fast sensitive amplifier for two-probe conductance measurements in single molecule break junctions

We demonstrate an amplifier based on the Wheatstone bridge designed specifically for use in single molecule break junctions. This amplifier exhibits superior performance due to its large bandwidth, flat frequency response, and high sensitivity. The amplifier is capable of measuring conductance values from 102 to 10−6G0 (G0 = 2e2/h), while maintaining a bandwidth in excess of 20 kHz, and shows remarkable resolution in the molecular conductance regime of 10−2 to 10−5 G0.
A data-driven machine learning approach to predicting stacking faulting energy in austenitic steels

Stacking fault energy (SFE) is an intrinsic material property whose value is crucial in determining different secondary deformation mechanisms in austenitic (face-centered cubic, fcc) steels. Considerable experimental and computational work suggests that the SFE itself is highly dependent—in a complex manner—on chemical composition and temperature. Over the past decades, there have been a large number of efforts focused on determining the composition dependence of SFE in austenitic steel alloys by means of experimental, theoretical or computational methods. Unfortunately, experimental methods suffer from the indirect nature of the methodologies used to estimate the value of SFE, while computational and/or theoretical approaches are either limited by the physics that they can incorporate into the predictions or have more practical limitations associated, for example, to the size of the systems that can be modeled or the assumptions that must be made. In this paper, we review the major experimental and computational approaches to determine SFE in austenitic steel alloys, and we discuss their limitations. We then demonstrate a data-driven machine learning technique to mine the literature of experimental SFE data in steels, while algorithms at the fore-front of machine learning have been used to visualize the SFE data and then construct a three-class classifier. The classifier is used then to predict likely secondary deformation mechanisms of untested compositions, while the classifier itself is presented as a valuable tool for the further development of austenitic steel alloys in which the specific secondary plastic deformation mechanisms are a feature to design for. The data as well as the entire analysis workflow are made available to the wider community through a public github repository.
Microstructure–toughness relationships in calcium aluminate cement–polymer composites using instrumented scratch testing

We investigate the influence of the microstructure on the fracture properties of calcium aluminate cement/polymer composites. We carry out microscopic scratch tests during which a Rockwell C diamond probe pushes across the surface of a polished specimen under a linearly increasing vertical force. We extend the scratch fracture method to heterogeneous materials. The scratch test induces a ductile-to-brittle transition as the penetration depth increases. Scanning electron microscopy imaging shows that the low porosity and the strong cement-binder interphase favor toughening mechanisms such as crack trapping and bridging. Nonlinear fracture mechanics theory yields the fracture toughness in the fracture-driven regime. The fracture toughness of macro-defect-free (MDF) cement is found to decrease as the polymer-to-cement ratio increases. This decrease in the fracture resistance can be explained by the decrease in anhydrous cement content and the increase in the inter-particle distance between cement grains. By evaluating the fracture toughness of the micro-constituents of MDF cement, we show that the high value of the fracture toughness at the composite level stems from tough calcium aluminate phases and a highly packed non-porous granular microstructure.
Investigation of epifauna coverage on seagrass blades using spatial and spectral analysis of hyperspectral images

Seagrasses are critical components of marine food webs, yet negatively impacted by excessive coverage of epiphyte (attached algae or plants) or epifauna (organisms or animals). Since excessive nutrients result in excessive epiphyte/epifauna growth, epiphyte/epifauna coverage on seagrasses may serve as an indicator of nutrient status of local marine systems. In this work, the hyperspectral images obtained from seagrass samples are investigated to quantify percent epifauna coverage. The N-FINDR algorithm is utilized for spectral analysis to identify endmembers. Each test spectrum is then correlated with endmembers for classification. The classification results (epifauna or not epifauna) are mapped on a 2D binary image. In spatial analysis, a single image frame from a series of hyperspectral image frames is selected and analyzed using a 2D image processing chain. We show that independent spectral and spatial analysis results produce comparable results.
"Perception of Gasoline Taxes and Driver Cost: Implications for Highway Finance" 1

This research compares the actual magnitude of fuel taxes to the perceptions of these amounts. The issue is whether misperceptions about fuel taxes are contributing to voter perspectives about transportation finance and investment issues. A survey of likely Michigan voters shows that taxpayers greatly overestimate the amount they pay in fuel taxes. Half of the respondents (voters) overestimate the magnitude by at least a factor of five, and three-quarters overestimate the magnitude by at least a factor of three. Logistic regression analysis shows that voter (mis)perceptions regarding the magnitude of state fuel taxes do affect their views regarding highway revenue and investment proposals.
Flexible Mid-infrared Photonic Chips for Real-time and Label-Free Biomedical Compounds Detection

Chip-scale chemical sensors were demonstrated using mid-Infrared flexible aluminum nitride waveguides. Real-time detection of ethanol and water was conducted by measuring waveguide light at λ=2.7 μm corresponding to characteristic –OH absorption.