cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Christian Gentleman to Bewildered Seeker: The Transformation of American Higher Education.

In this carefully documented essay, Russell K. Nieli outlines the major transformation in American higher education that began at the end of the nineteenth century. Today’s research- and vocation-driven private universities began as Christian institutions founded by zealous evangelizers, while public colleges embraced a watered-down version of the earnest and forward-thinking Protestant gentleman’s worldview, which saw no conflict between theological and secular knowledge. Science and religion remained friendly until the advent of the industrial revolution brought the model of the German research university to the attention of American academic reformers. Unity of knowledge was eventually supplanted by a secular, elective system. While the great “multiversity” had arrived, critics mourned the loss of educational coherence and abandonment of the civilizing mission to which moral and classical training were essential. In the 1920’s, the Great Books approach was reborn, despite the seemingly unstoppable march of progress, science, and the subdiscipline. Vietnam-era upheavals led to the American academy’s transformation into a politically correct mutlicultural smorgasboard seasoned to please the modern student palate. When today’s students demand to be entertained and scholars continue to narrowly train, is there still room on the plate for the best that has been said, thought, and written about the human experience?
Direct construction of the perspective projection aspect graph of convex polyhedra

The aspect graph concept was first described by Koenderink and van Doorn as a possible mechanism in human vision and has subsequently become an active research topic in computer vision. This paper describes an algorithm for constructing the perspective projection aspect graph of convex polyhedra. In the perspective projection aspect graph, viewpoint space is modeled as all of 3D space surrounding the object. This makes the perspective projection aspect graph a more realistic representation than the orthographic projection aspect graph , in which viewpoint space is modeled by the Gaussian sphere. The algorithm uses an intermediate data structure which represents a complete parcellation of 3D space derived from the geometric definition of the object. All information necessary for identifying object aspects and corresponding viewing cells is obtained as a result of this parcellation. The resulting aspect graph structure has a node for each distinct aspect/viewing cell. The upper bounds on the time complexity of the algorithm and the space complexity of the resulting data structure are Θ( N 4 ), where N is the number of faces of the polyhedron. The algorithm has been implemented in C, runs on a SUN workstation, and can use PADL-2 files for its input description of objects.
Structure and interfacial properties of nanocrystalline aluminum/mullite composites

Abstract Using the mechanical attrition method, nanocrystalline aluminum powder with grain size of 27 nm, and submicrometer-sized mullite particles with grain size of 67 nm were obtained. The ultrafine mullite particle reinforced nanocrystalline aluminum composite samples were fabricated by consolidation using hot isostatic pressing at pressures up to 1.5 GPa, and temperatures ranging from 300 to 450 °C. The density of the nanocomposite sample with 20% mullite by weight was 96.5% of the theoretical value. The microstructure of the nanocrystalline aluminum/mullite composite samples was investigated using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The atomic components in the interface between mullite particle and aluminum matrix were determined using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The microscopy investigations showed that the mullite particles tended to agglomerate, resulting in significant voids mainly existing around the large mullite particles and a lower-than theoretical density. The components of Al, O and Si changed nearly linearly over the interface range, indicating that the interface was formed by atomic diffusion. Atomic diffusion played an important role in the aluminum wetting the mullite particles.
Light and number: ordering principles in the world of an autistic child.

This study describes part of a complex system of ideas in which a 12-year-old autistic girl unites concepts of number with elements of sunlight and weather, and seeks to explain some of her reasoning. Certain prime numbers are endowed with positive or negative affect, which persists even when they are multiplied to form composite numbers. The numbers are associated with 29 kinds of weather, real and fictitious, which also have strong affect attached to them. It is conjectured that the system is an ingenious and laborious attempt by the child to compensate for her failure to endow events and emotions with ordinary social and emotional meaning by the invention of an entirely personal kind of meaning in whose terms at least some elements of daily experience can be ordered and understood.
Apodeictic syllogisms: Deductions and decision procedures

One semantic and two syntactic decision procedures are given for determining the validity of Aristotelian assertoric and apodeictic syllogisms.Results are obtained by using the Aristotelian deductions that necessarily have an even number of premises
Learning in Action: Academic Communities and First-Year Interest Groups.

Carroll Community College connects students to their peers and to educators who share similar academic, personal, and career interests. Students get involved in hands-on experiences inside and outside of the classroom. The results include higher retention, reduced student anonymity, and an institutional commitment to student success.
Chromatography of β-adrenergic blocking agents

Abstract The determination of β-blockers has posed pharmaceutical analysts with a variety of problems arising from the essential characteristics of these compounds as bases and the variability of physicochemical properties of individual drugs. Liquid chromatography has become the favoured method of analysis and to a certain extent there is a standardised approach to analysis based on either solvent or solid-phase extraction and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detection. The analyst must be aware of interactions occurring during extraction stages. All manipulations should be fully evaluated for individual drugs and metabolites prior to use. Other analytical options are chosen for specific or more demanding applications. The use of unmodified silicas for the liquid chromatography of β-blockers (and other basic drugs) is an example of a potential alternative mode of chromatography. The stereoselectivity of the pharmacology of β-blockers has spawned a great deal of literature describing the resolution of enantiomers by chromatographic methods. It is envisaged that this area will achieve greater prominence in the future as drug development pursues optical purity. The demand for the availability of enantiomerically pure pharmaceutical preparations will certainly see developments for preparative-scale separations as well as analytical methods and will surely promote developments in new and established methods of chromatography.
Nonlinear effects in solids

Abstract The current response of Bloch electrons is calculated to second order in the external electromagnetic field by operator perturbation theory. Using a simple energy band transition scheme, the results are applied to the production of second harmonic radiation. The dependence of the intensity of the second harmonic light on energy band parameters is found and an estimate of the second harmonic power is made.
Comparison of optimization strategy and similarity metric in atlas-to-subject registration using statistical deformation model

A robust atlas-to-subject registration using a statistical deformation model (SDM) is presented. The SDM uses statistics of voxel-wise displacement learned from pre-computed deformation vectors of a training dataset. This allows an atlas instance to be directly translated into an intensity volume and compared with a patient’s intensity volume. Rigid and nonrigid transformation parameters were simultaneously optimized via the Covariance Matrix Adaptation – Evolutionary Strategy (CMA-ES), with image similarity used as the objective function. The algorithm was tested on CT volumes of the pelvis from 55 female subjects. A performance comparison of the CMA-ES and Nelder-Mead downhill simplex optimization algorithms with the mutual information and normalized cross correlation similarity metrics was conducted. Simulation studies using synthetic subjects were performed, as well as leave-one-out cross validation studies. Both studies suggested that mutual information and CMA-ES achieved the best performance. The leave-one-out test demonstrated 4.13 mm error with respect to the true displacement field, and 26,102 function evaluations in 180 seconds, on average.
Analog & hybrid computers in education: a panel session

Since the analog computer is ideally suited to solving differential equations, its use in teaching that subject is well established. With the advent of inexpensive, reliable, and accurate function generators and multipliers the analog computer can also be effectively used to teach other topics in mathematics.
Species richness in some Neotropical (Costa Rica) and afrotropical (West Africa) lotic communities of Chironomidae (Diptera)

Drift collections of pupal exuviae from 2nd–5th order streams of the Guanacaste National Park in Northwest Costa Rica and from 3rd–6th order streams of the West African countries of Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Togo have revealed high community (alpha) and regional (beta) levels of species diversity.
Chemically mediated ovipositional behaviors of the european corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The volatile plant sesquiterpenoids farnesene, nerolidol, and farnesol were tested to determine their effect on European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis, oviposition during the first six nights of the adult stage. Adult European corn borers were released into cages designed to encourage oviposition on eight glass plates randomly arranged on top of the cage: four coated with either 80µg/cm2 farnesene, nerolidol, or farnesol, and four coated with the solvent methylene chloride. The setup was used as a binary choice test. Farnesene was preferred by females because they deposited significantly more egg masses on plates coated with the compound. Nerolidol had no effect. Farnesol, by contrast, deterred oviposition: the number of egg masses was significantly lower on plates covered with that compound. These data show that structural modification at a single terminal functional group in these compounds affects the ovipositional behavior of European corn borer females.
Domestic Responses to International Pressure: Human Rights in Authoritarian Chile

International pressures on authoritarian regimes to respect human rights are increasingly common yet their impact is relatively unknown and hotly debated. Recent studies suggest that international pressures can have a limited yet important effect when they strengthen and reinforce favorable domestic processes. I identify three domestic conditions conducive to a limited impact — low costs of easing repression; responsive regime factions; and relatively strong societal human rights norms. In a case study of Chile from 1973 to 1980, I find that extensive international pressures and a soft-line faction combined to alter the political strategy of the authoritarian regime in ways not foreseen or intended by international actors. The research suggests that scholars should more carefully consider the normative dimensions of international pressures and their role in undermining the legitimacy of domestic regimes.
Effects of changes in osmolality on the stability and function of cultured chromaffin cells and the possible role of osmotic forces in exocytosis

Recent evidence indicates that osmotic forces may play a role in exocytosis. To examine this possibility and to investigate the osmotic properties of storage granules within cells, we investigated the effects of changes of osmolality on stability and function of cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Cell volume measurements indicated that the cells behaved as osmometers and that the intracellular osmolality rapidly equilibrated with the osmolality of the extracellular medium. Hyperosmotic solutions strongly inhibited nicotinic agonist-stimulated secretion but did not alter nicotinic agonist-stimulated Ca(2+) uptake. Hyperosmotic solutions also strongly inhibited elevated potassium- stimulated secretion but only weakly inhibited elevated K(+)-stimulated Ca(2+) uptake. Thus, hyperosmotic solutions inhibited secretion at a step after calcium entry. Cells exposed to 165 mOs(1) solutions did not lyse and retained their capacity to store and secrete catecholamine upon stimulation. Significant intracellular lysis of chromaffin granules occurred within cells exposed to lower osmolalities. In contrast, 75 percent of the catecholamine was released from granules from cultured cells or from fresh adrenal medulla incubated in vitro at 210 mOs. The data provide evidence for a role for osmotic forces in exocytosis and suggest that if osmotic stress of the granule occurs during exocytosis, then water influx into chromaffin granules increases granule volume by at least 70 percent. The results also indicate that the osmotic properties of the granules are altered upon homogenization and subcellular fractionation of the cells.
The novel curcumin analog FLLL32 decreases STAT3 DNA binding activity and expression, and induces apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines

Curcumin is a naturally occurring phenolic compound shown to have a wide variety of antitumor activities; however, it does not attain sufficient blood levels to do so when ingested. Using structure-based design, a novel compound, FLLL32, was generated from curcumin. FLLL32 possesses superior biochemical properties and more specifically targets STAT3, a transcription factor important in tumor cell survival, proliferation, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. In our previous work, we found that several canine and human osteosarcoma (OSA) cell lines, but not normal osteoblasts, exhibit constitutive phosphorylation of STAT3. Compared to curcumin, we hypothesized that FLLL32 would be more efficient at inhibiting STAT3 function in OSA cells and that this would result in enhanced downregulation of STAT3 transcriptional targets and subsequent death of OSA cells. Human and canine OSA cells were treated with vehicle, curcumin, or FLLL32 and the effects on proliferation (CyQUANT®), apoptosis (SensoLyte® Homogeneous AMC Caspase- 3/7 Assay kit, western blotting), STAT3 DNA binding (EMSA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), survivin, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) expression (RT-PCR, western blotting) were measured. STAT3 expression was measured by RT-PCR, qRT- PCR, and western blotting. Our data showed that FLLL32 decreased STAT3 DNA binding by EMSA. FLLL32 promoted loss of cell proliferation at lower concentrations than curcumin leading to caspase-3- dependent apoptosis, as evidenced by PARP cleavage and increased caspase 3/7 activity; this could be inhibited by treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Treatment of OSA cells with FLLL32 decreased expression of survivin, VEGF, and MMP2 at both mRNA and protein levels with concurrent decreases in phosphorylated and total STAT3; this loss of total STAT3 occurred, in part, via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These data demonstrate that the novel curcumin analog FLLL32 has biologic activity against OSA cell lines through inhibition of STAT3 function and expression. Future work with FLLL32 will define the therapeutic potential of this compound in vivo.
Régulation de la masse osseuse par la leptine : un contrôle hypothalamique de la formation osseuse

Bone mass is maintained constant between puberty and menopause by the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts activity. The existence of a hormonal control of osteoblast activity has been speculated for years by analogy to osteoclast biology. Through the search for such humoral signal(s) regulating bone formation, leptin has been identified as a powerful inhibitor of bone formation. Furthermore, by means of intracerebroventricular infusion of leptin, it has been shown that the effect of this adipocyte-derived hormone on bone is mediated via a brain relay, like all its other functions. Subsequent studies have led to the identification of hypothalamic neurons involved in leptin's antiosteogenic function. In addition, it has been shown that those neurons or neuronal pathways are distinct from neurons responsible for the regulation of energy metabolism. Finally, the peripheral mediator of leptin's antiosteogenic function has been identified as being the sympathetic nervous system. Catecholamine-deficient mice have a high bone mass and sympathomimetics administered to mice decreased bone formation and bone mass. Conversely, beta-blockers increased bone formation and bone mass and blunt the bone loss induced by ovariectomy.
Estimation of Low Resolution Visible Spectra from RGB Imagery

While able to measure the red, green, and blue channels, color imagers are not true spectral imagers capable of spectral measurements. In this paper we present a processing technique for estimating low resolution visible spectra from (RGB) imagery components. Such a methodology will find application in separating reflectivity components from source illumination as performed in Retinex or Linear Models. Numerical processing is discussed and formulated within non-regulated iterative restoration methodology. Numerical stability and convergence are considered relative to speed and accuracy as well as calibration data effects on overall results. Implementation is demonstrated together with several suggestions for real time processing. Imager calibration methodology is presented together with several results. Limitations of the method are discussed as well as directions for further investigations.
Extracting mathematical expressions from postscript documents

Full-text indexing of documents containing mathematics cannot be considered a complete success unless the mathematics symbolism is extracted and represented in a standardized form permitting both searching for formulas, and re-use of this information in (for example) computer algebra systems. Most documents produced in the past and subsequently digitally encoded, and even most of those potentially "born digital" in current journal production are---at best---encoded in a printer form such as Adobe Postscript [1], in which mathematics is not explicitly marked or easily identifiable. While one might look forward in the future to other document encodings such as MathML, the common journal or textbook product is essentially without semantic content: a jumble of odd characters. Sometimes it is just a jumble of black and white dots! In this paper we demonstrate an approach to decoding, to recognizing and extracting mathematical expressions, from a Postscript document. We can produce a syntactic representation of the extracted expressions which can then be used to generate various forms. For example, if we extract TeX or Presentation MathML, we can re-typeset the expression, but perhaps in a different size or font family. More significantly, if we start from this presentation information, we can hope to combine it with additional contextual processing of the surrounding text and meta-data associated with the document, to assign semantics,(e.g. content MathML), or provide versions in computer algebra system languages such as Maple or Mathematica. Finally, it is possible to use this material to present audio or braille versions of mathematics for the visually disabled. We have previously addressed some aspects of the higher level of processing (parsing TeX for example). In this paper we address the only first stage and concentrate on what may seem to be overly simple, but is in fact difficult to do precisely: extracting the mathematics parts from text.
Prediction of Differential Time-e-Delay Errors in HF Hyperbolic Position-Fixing Systems

Differential time-delay errors in HF hyperbolic position-fixing systems arising from ionospheric propagation time delays are estimated by employing a propagation prediction model for several path-pairs. A comparison of the prediction model results with experimental observations indicates that the differential time-delay errors can be reduced significantly by the use of the prediction model.
Trapezial tilt: A radiographic correlation with advanced trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis

Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis is a common and debilitating condition of the hand. We defined a radiographic measure of trapezial inclination (trapezial tilt) and found a positive correlation between an increased trapezial tilt and severity of TMC joint arthritis. Radiographs (Robert's views) were obtained from 50 pairs of normal hands to evaluate the trapezial tilt to assess radial inclination of the trapezium with respect to the second metacarpal. The trapezial tilt was also measured in 65 hands from 43 patients with various stages of TMC joint arthritis and compared with the normal value. The trapezial tilt for hands without arthritis was 42 degrees +/- 4 degrees, Eaton stages I and II was 42 degrees +/- 4 degrees, and Eaton stages III and IV was 50 degrees +/- 4 degrees. Trapezial tilt angles from the Eaton III and IV group were significantly greater than those of the normal and Eaton I and II groups. Advanced TMC joint arthritis (Eaton III and IV) is associated with an increased trapezial tilt. Mild TMC joint arthritis with an increased trapezial tilt may be treated surgically. We speculate that a trapezio-trapezoid and trapezio-II metacarpal arthrodesis, or an opening wedge osteotomy of the trapezium might arrest the progression of TMC joint arthritis by resetting the slope of the trapezium and decreasing the shear stress within the TMC joint.
Dirac phenomenology in nuclear structure and reactions

A recently developed relativistic theory of nuclear matter and of finite nuclei is extended to allow for consideration of the nucleon-nucleus interaction at positive energy. A new method of reducing the Dirac equation to a nonrelativistic Schroedinger equation is presented. This scheme is used, along with the results of calculations performed earlier for nuclear matter, to determine the parameters of the nuclear optical model. The results are in good agreement with the phenomenological local potentials conventionally used to analyze nucleon-nucleus scattering.
Ways of knowing beyond facts and laws of science: An ethnographic investigation of student engagement in scientific practices

In this study, an anthropological perspective informed by sociolinguistic discourse analysis was used to examine how teachers, students, and scientists constructed ways of investigating and knowing in science. Events in a combined fourth- and fifth-grade elementary class were studied to document how the participating teacher provided opportunities for students to diverge from the intended curriculum to pursue their questions concerning the behavior of sea animals in a marine science observation tank. Analysis of the classroom discourse identified ways that particular teaching strategies provided opportunities for student engagement in scientific practices. Implications of this study for the teaching of science in elementary classrooms include the value of student-initiated science explorations under the conditions of uncertainty and for topics in which the teacher lacked relevant disciplinary knowledge. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 237–258, 2000.
On the nature of winter cooling and the recent temperature shift on the northern Gulf of Alaska shelf

[1] In spring 2006 and 2007, northern Gulf of Alaska (GOA) shelf waters were ∼1.5°C below average throughout the ∼250 m deep shelf and the salinity-dependent winter stratification was anomalously weak due to above (below) average surface (bottom) salinities. Spring 2007 and 2008 temperatures were also ∼−1.5°C below average, but the anomalies were confined to the upper 100 m due to moderate salt stratification. Shelf temperatures in these 2 years were among the lowest observed since the early 1970s, thus interrupting an approximately 30-year warming trend. We examined winter cooling processes using historical conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) profiles and mooring data from hydrographic station GAK1. The 2006 and 2007 cooling was associated with anomalously strong atmospheric heat loss in November 2006 and March 2007 and below-average fall runoff, which weakened winter stratification and allowed the late cooling to penetrate throughout the water column. In 2007 and 2008, early winter cooling was weak, fall runoff large, and stratification moderate at 100 m so that spring temperature anomalies were trapped to the upper 100 m. Analysis of the 40 year GAK1 CTD record indicates that winter averaged air-sea heat flux and salinity stratification anomalies explain 81% of the variation in deep (100–250 m) GOA temperatures. Although the timing and magnitude of winter runoff influences the shelf temperature distribution, temperature anomalies are a consequence of three-dimensional circulation and mixing processes. These involve the complex, but poorly understood, interplay among the air-sea heat flux; the ocean heat flux convergences; the stabilizing influence of runoff; and the destabilizing effects of cooling, vertical mixing, and the wind-driven cross-shelf buoyancy flux.
Synthesis of PdII complexes bearing an enantiomerically resolved seven-membered N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and initial studies of their use in asymmetric Wacker-type oxidative cyclization reactions

The development of enantiomerically-resolved, axially-chiral seven-membered N-heterocyclic carbene ((7)NHC) ligands for palladium is described. These (7)NHC ligands are derived from enatiomerically pure 2,2'-diamino-6,6'-dimethylbiphenyl, which is transformed via a synthetic sequence consisting of ortho-arylation, N-alkylation, and cyclization to afford seven-membered-ring amidinium salts. Synthesis of the 7-membered amidinium salts benefits from microwave irradiation, and in-situ metalation of the amidinium salts yields (7)NHC-Pd(II) complexes. The chiral (7)NHC-Pd complexes were examined as chiral catalysts under aerobic conditions in two intramolecular oxidative amination reactions of alkenes. In one case, enantioselectivities up to 63% e.e. were obtained, while the other substrate underwent cyclization to afford essentially racemic products. The catalytic data compare favorably to results obtained with a Pd(II) catalyst bearing a chiral five-membered-ring NHC ligand and, thereby, highlight the potential significance of this new class of chiral NHC ligands.
Synthesis and biological activities of substituted 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(indole-3-)butyric acids, novel fluorinated plant growth regulators

Substituted 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(indole-3-)butyric acids (TFIBAs), novel fluorinated plant growth regulators, were easily synthesized from substituted 2,2,2-trifluoro-l-(indole-3-)ethanols. The synthetic substituted TFIBAs showed marked root growth-promoting activity toward Chinese cabbage, lettuce, and rice plants. 5-MeO-2-Me-TFIBA (2d) had especially strong promoting activity toward Chinese cabbage, while 5-Me- TFIBA (2b) markedly promoted the root growth of all three plants. The promoting activity of TFIBAs halogenated at the 5-position in the indole nucleus of the molecule (5-Br- and 5-C1-TFIBA (2e and 2g)) was also greater than the activity of TFIBA, the original non-substituted compound. 5-N02-TFIBA (2h) with a strong electron-withdrawing group showed only very weak root growth-promoting activity.
Si solar microcells for modules with reduced purity requirements, high voltage outputs and mechanically stretchable designs

We recently reported a strategy, in which modules consist of large-scale arrays of small, interconnected ultrathin (i.e. 1–20 µm) Si microcells (μ-cells) formed by anisotropic etching of bulk wafers and integrated with a soft printing technique. Here we report three new advances in this type of printed, μ-cell technology. First, we show that μ-cells formed with low purity, solar grade wafers (Dow Corning ® 101 SOG Si metal), can achieve efficiencies much higher than those possible with corresponding bulk cells formed with the same material. Second, we demonstrate high voltage mini-modules that incorporate these μ-cells and lead to high voltage outputs. Finally, we demonstrate the fabrication of mechanically stretchable solar cell modules which are non-coplanar (i.e. arch shaped). The results show that these materials and designs yield a stretchable layout that can undergo strains of up to 30 % without failure.
A comparison of solid phantoms with water for dosimetry of 125I brachytherapy sources.

Dosimetry of brachytherapy sources is critically dependent on precise measurement of the source--detector distance. A solid phantom can be precisely machined and hence distances can be accurately determined. In this work LiF thermoluminescent chips are used for absolute dose rate measurements in solid water, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polystyrene. These media are examined for their suitability in the dosimetry of /sup 125/I by comparing depth doses in each phantom. Measurements and Monte Carlo calculations show that solid water is equivalent to water for the dosimetry of /sup 125/I seeds, however, polystyrene and PMMA are not equivalent to water. Also, photon energy spectra for several depths in each phantom material have been calculated and are used to determine average photon energy and mass energy absorption coefficients as a function of depth.
Impact of Interpreters’ Approach on Latinas’ Use of Amniocentesis:

Communication difficulties in multicultural clinical settings can be exacerbated by translators, but their actual impact on medical decisions has not been systematically evaluated. This study sought to determine the influence of translators participating in clinical encounters in which English-speaking clinicians offered amniocentesis to Spanish-speaking women by conducting systematic observations of 61 prenatal genetic consultations and recording translators' training and background characteristics and patients' amniocentesis decisions. Translators' behavioral styles were classified according to 10 inductively determined criteria. Translators' approaches were classified as Distant, Authoritative, or Missionary. Whereas the first category remained emotionally detached, the others sought to build rapport and trust with the patient. Quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant associations between translation styles that sought to engender trust and likelihood the pregnant woman agreed to amniocentesis. The authors conclude that translators' affective approaches can influence whether patients accept or decline amniocentesis.
Biosynthesis of Natural Flavanones in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A four-step flavanone biosynthetic pathway was constructed and introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The recombinant yeast strain was fed with phenylpropanoid acids and produced the flavanones naringenin and pinocembrin 62 and 22 times more efficiently compared to previously reported recombinant prokaryotic strains. Microbial biosynthesis of the flavanone eriodictyol was also achieved.
Importance of Transients in Cytosolic Free Calcium Concentrations on Activation of Na+/H+ Exchange in GH4Ci Pituitary Cells

In GH4C1 cells, TRH and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), have been shown to activate Na+/H+ exchange, probably via stimulation of protein kinase C. In the present study, the dependence of changes in intracellular pH (pHi) on transients in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was investigated using BCECF and fura- 2, respectively. In buffer containing 0.4 mM extracellular Ca2+, both TRH and ionomycin induced rapid cytosolic alkalinization in GH4C1 cells acid loaded with nigericin. The action of ionomycin on pHi was abolished by preincubating the cells with 100 nM amiloride or by replacing extracellular Na+ with choline+, indicating that the change in pHj was probably due to activation of Na+/H+ exchange. The actions of both TRH and ionomycin on pHi were blunted in Ca2+-free buffer. When acid-loaded cells were stimulated first with ionomycin, to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores, and then incubated with TRH, the TRH-induced alkalinization was blunted; thus, an inc...
On-chip micromanipulation and assembly of colloidal particles by electric fields

We overview the ways in which electric fields can be used for on-chip manipulation and assembly of colloidal particles. Particles suspended in water readily respond to alternating (AC) or direct current (DC) electric fields. Charged particles in DC fields are moved towards oppositely charged electrodes by electrophoresis. Dielectrophoresis, particle mobility in AC fields, allows precise manipulation of particles through a range of parameters including field strength and frequency and electrode geometry. Simultaneously, DC or AC electrokinetics may drive liquid flows inside the experimental cells, which also leads to transport and redistribution of the suspended particles. Examples of dielectrophoretic manipulation and assembly of nanoparticles and microparticles by planar on-chip electrodes are presented. The structures assembled include conductive microwires from metallic nanoparticles and switchable two-dimensional crystals from polymer microspheres. We also discuss how dielectrophoresis and AC electrokinetics can be used in droplet-based microfluidic chips, biosensors, and devices for collection of particles from diluted suspensions.
Application of Elastic-Viscoelastic Correspondence Principle to Determine Fatigue Endurance Limit of Hot-Mix Asphalt

The fatigue endurance limit is one of the properties of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) that govern fatigue behavior of flexible pavements. Some approaches for determining the endurance limit of HMA are empirical in nature, such as the phenomenological approach. This often requires a series of tests at different strain levels and subsequent determination of the relationship between strain and number of repetitions for failure. The mechanics-based dissipated energy approach is more fundamental. However, it fails to take viscoelastic effects into account. Both approaches require considerable amounts of time and resources. This paper presents an alternative approach for determining the fatigue endurance limit of asphalt concrete by means of the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle, by separating the effect of viscoelasticity from that of damage development. Three different asphalt concrete mixes, replicates of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) test track mixes, were tested for validation of th...
Solving The High Energy Evolution Equation Including Running Coupling Corrections

We study the solution of the nonlinear Balitsky-Kovchegov evolution equation with the recently calculated running coupling corrections [I. I. Balitsky, Phys. Rev. D 75, 014001 (2007). and Y. Kovchegov and H. Weigert, Nucl. Phys. A784, 188 (2007).]. Performing a numerical solution we confirm the earlier result of Albacete et al. [Phys. Rev. D 71, 014003 (2005).] (obtained by exploring several possible scales for the running coupling) that the high energy evolution with the running coupling leads to a universal scaling behavior for the dipole-nucleus scattering amplitude, which is independent of the initial conditions. It is important to stress that the running coupling corrections calculated recently significantly change the shape of the scaling function as compared to the fixed coupling case, in particular, leading to a considerable increase in the anomalous dimension and to a slow-down of the evolution with rapidity. We then concentrate on elucidating the differences between the two recent calculations of the running coupling corrections. We explain that the difference is due to an extra contribution to the evolution kernel, referred to as the subtraction term, which arises when running coupling corrections are included. These subtraction terms were neglected in both recent calculations. We evaluate numerically the subtractionmore » terms for both calculations, and demonstrate that when the subtraction terms are added back to the evolution kernels obtained in the two works the resulting dipole amplitudes agree with each other. We then use the complete running coupling kernel including the subtraction term to find the numerical solution of the resulting full nonlinear evolution equation with the running coupling corrections. Again the scaling regime is recovered at very large rapidity with the scaling function unaltered by the subtraction term.« less
Soaring Income Gaps: China in Comparative Perspective

Despite repeated pledges by China's leaders to reduce the gap between rich and poor, income inequality has continued to rise. China's Gini coefficient, a standard measure of income inequality, was higher in 2007 than in the United States, Russia, or most other societies. Why have China's income gaps increased so fast and so far, despite programs designed to promote greater equality? Standard explanations, such as income gaps inevitably rising with rapid economic development or in a post-socialist transition, cannot explain the Chinese case. Paradoxically, the sharp rise in inequality is driven more by the legacy of China's socialist system than by market forces or the global economy. It will not be possible to bring China's soaring income gaps under control unless the new leaders who took power in 2012–2013 are able to make much more fundamental reforms than have been attempted to date.
Stand dynamics and regeneration patterns of a pinyon pine forest in east central Mexico

Abstract Stand development of a pinyon pine forest (Pinus cembroides subsp. cembroides Zucc.) at the southern edge of its range was analyzed using size and age distributions. Frequencies by size class closely approximate a negative exponential distribution, suggesting a balanced and continuous multi-aged condition. Age distributions, however, showed that trees colonized the stand following discrete disturbance events. Significant differences in the relationship between size (e.g. diameter) and age occurred among individuals in the same stand. Stand structure and regeneration patterns were strongly influenced by natural and human disturbances, particularly a large fire that destroyed most of the forest in 1938. Topographic variations appeared to create differences in microclimates and soils, and caused different patterns of regeneration, growth and disturbance. Gullies with favorable microclimates and productive soils encouraged dense pine regeneration, growth, and fuel build-up following disturbances. Devastating fires, like the one that occurred in 1938, appear to remove most of the vegetation cover and renew the erosion processes in the gullies. On uplands between guillies, slower growth and fuel build-up make fires less frequent and intense, and occasional pines survive fires and reseed the area.
Torsion angle dynamics: reduced variable conformational sampling enhances crystallographic structure refinement

A reduced variable conformational sampling strategy for macromolecules based on molecular dynamics in torsion angle space is evaluated using crystallographic refinement as a prototypical search problem. Bae and Haug's algorithm for constrained dynamics [Bae, D.S., Haug, E.J. A recursive formulation for constrained mechanical system dynamics. Mech. Struct. Mach. 15:359-382, 1987], originally developed for robotics, was used. Their formulation solves the equations of motion exactly for arbitrary holonomic constraints, and hence differs from commonly used approximation algorithms. It uses gradients calculated in Cartesian coordinates, and thus also differs from internal coordinate formulations. Molecular dynamics can be carried out at significantly higher temperatures due to the elimination of the high frequency bond and angle vibrations. The sampling strategy presented here combines high temperature torsion angle dynamics with repeated trajectories using different initial velocities. The best solutions can be identified by the free R value, or the R value if experimental phase information is appropriately included in the refinement. Applications to crystallographic refinement. Applications to crystallographic refinement show a significantly increased radius of convergence over conventional techniques. For a test system with diffraction data to 2 A resolution, slow-cooling protocols fail to converge if the backbone atom root mean square (rms) coordinate deviation from the crystal structure is greater than 1.25 A, but torsion angle refinement can correct backbone atom rms coordinate deviations up to approximately 1.7 A.
Lessons Learned in Participant Recruitment and Retention: The EXCITE Trial

Participant recruitment is considered the most difficult aspect of the research process. Despite the integral role of recruitment in randomized clinical trials, publication of data defining the recruitment effort is not routine in rehabilitation initiatives. The recruitment process for the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) trial illustrates obstacles to and strategies for participant accrual and retention that are inherent in rehabilitation clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of the multiple facets of recruitment necessary for successful clinical trials, thus supporting the continued development of evidence-based practice in physical therapy. The Recruitment Index is presented as a variable to measure recruitment efficacy. In addition, ethical aspects of recruitment are explored, including informed consent and the concept of therapeutic misconception.
Soft-x-ray imaging from an ultrashort-pulse laser-produced plasma using a multilayer coated optic

Measurements are presented of soft-x-ray images from a plasma produced by a high-intensity ultrashort-pulse laser. For the intensity range of 1015–1016 W/cm2 the soft-x-ray source appears to follow the spatial profile of the driving laser. A curved multilayer coated optic is used to collect 13.5-nm light and form a magnified image of the plasma. Knife-edge scans have been performed in the image plane and show a geometrically limited spot size of 280 μm.
Numerical analysis of notch-tip fields in rubber-modified epoxies

In this work, the near-tip fields in notched specimens of pressure-sensitive nonporous and porous materials are investigated by finite element analysis. The specimen geometry and material properties are adopted from the corresponding experiments on rubber-modified epoxies. The Drucker-Prager yield criterion is first used to describe the yielding of nonporous materials. The yielding behavior of porous materials is based on a generalized Gurson yield criterion. The yield criterion for porous materials accounts for both the matrix material pressure sensitivity and the macroscopic pressure sensitivity due to porosity. Modifications are made on the yield criterion under negative mean stresses in order to account for the specific loading and geometry of the specimen. The computational results are compared with observed experimental cavitation zones and intense shear zones near the notch tip in specimens. Moreover, the near-tip fields and crack initiation sites ahead of the notch tip related to the volume fraction of rubber particles are investigated. The computational results suggest that the lowering of the mean stress ahead of the tip in rubber-modified epoxies with higher volume fractions of rubber changes the fracture mode from being controlled by high mean stresses at the elastic-plastic boundary to being controlled by large plastic strains closer to the notch tip.
BAD/BCL-xL heterodimerization leads to bypass of G0/G1 arrest

The pro-apoptotic molecule BAD binds BCL-xL or BCL2 and inactivates their survival function. In addition to their anti-apoptotic function, BCL2 and BCL-xL also delay cell cycle entry from quiescence. We found that the BH3-only molecule BAD also exerted a cell cycle effect. BAD expression resulted in failure to cell cycle block in growth arrest conditions. In low serum and in confluence, fibroblasts constitutively or inducibly expressing BAD persisted in S phase, continued to incorporate BrdU, and exhibited sustained cyclin E/cdk2 activity. Mutation analysis indicated that the cell cycle effect of BAD was not dependent on its phosphorylation status or subcellular localization, but strictly co-segregated with BCL-xL binding. bclx−/− MEFs expressing BAD and bad−/− MEFs both arrested in G0/G1 in low serum similar to wild-type controls, suggesting that the ability to overcome the G0/G1 checkpoint resulted from the presence of BAD/BCL-xL heterodimers, rather than the absence of BCL-xL or BAD. These data provide evidence that in addition to regulating apoptosis, the BAD/BCL-xL heterodimer has a novel cell cycle function.
Intramolecular O-Arylation of Phenols with Phenylboronic Acids: Application to the Synthesis of Macrocyclic Metalloproteinase Inhibitors

The copper acetate mediated intramolecular O-arylation of phenols with phenylboronic acid pseudopeptides is the key step in the preparation of macrocyclic biphenyl ether hydroxamic acid inhibitors of collagenase 1 and gelatinases A and B. The intramolecular macrocyclization was found to be mild and tolerant of common chemical functionality. This methodology should provide a general route to macrocyclic biphenyl ethers.
Evaporation duct estimation from clutter using meteorological statistics

Many of the lower atmospheric maritime radar systems have to operate under ducting conditions. Electromagnetic ducts result in non-standard electromagnetic propagation which can fundamentally change the performance of the system that is designed to operate under standard atmospheric conditions. Therefore, it is essential to know the environment (the atmospheric refractivity) in which the radar is operating. Techniques that estimate the atmospheric refractivity profile from radar clutter returns is called refractivity from clutter (RFC) techniques. A typical RFC inversion would work by finding an environment whose simulated clutter pattern matches the radar measured one. This paper addresses how to incorporate meteorological statistics into evaporative duct estimation within a Bayesian framework.
U-Shaped Dose Response in Behavioral Pharmacology: Historical Foundations

This article assesses the historical foundations of U-shaped dose-responses in behavioral pharmacology and toxicology with particular emphasis on schedules of reinforcement. Quantitative features of the drug dose response, which are consistent with the hormetic dose response model, are detailed along with possible mechanistic foundations to account for low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition responses. The article provides a reinterpretation of the biphasic dose response in the fixed interval (FI) schedule of reinforcement.
Specifying and verifying hardware for tamper-resistant software

We specify a hardware architecture that supports tamper-resistant software by identifying an "idealized" model, which gives the abstracted actions available to a single user program. This idealized model is compared to a concrete "actual" model that includes actions of an adversarial operating system. The architecture is verified by using a finite-state enumeration tool (a model checker) to compare executions of the idealized and actual models. In this approach, software tampering occurs if the system can enter a state where one model is inconsistent with the other in performing the verification, we detected a replay attack scenario and were able to verify the security of our solution to the problem. Our methods were also able to verify that all actions in the architecture are required, as well as come up with a set of constraints on the operating system to guarantee liveness for users.