cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paleoelevation Estimated from Tertiary Floras

One method of estimating the elevation of Tertiary flora involves the difference in elevation indicated by a flora in the uplands that is similar to vegetation in the lowlands, shown by examples from Tibet-Himalayas and the Andes. A second method relies on the difference in estimated paleotemperature between a paleoflora now in the uplands and that of similar vegetation in the lowlands, assuming a normal lapse rate in most cases. The former method provides only a general indication of the amount of uplift. The latter can suggest not only the amount of uplift, but the decrease in length of the growing season (Warmth: days), the frequency of freezing (% hrs/yr), and the degree of temperateness as illustrated by examples from the Sierra Nevada. The latter method also suggests that in the Sierra Nevada, the condition for treeline (W 10°C, 0 days warmer) increased 100 m in 10 m.y. between two superposed floras. Following 7 to 5 Ma, the range added 637 m to reach its present level of 2775 m. Regionally, Miocene...
Assessment of Current Health of Hard Disk Drives

Prognostics and health management of computer hard disk drives is beneficial from two different angles: it can help computer users plan for timely replacement of HDDs before they catastrophically fail and cause serious data loss; it can also help product recover facilities reuse hard disks recovered from the end-of-life computers for building refurbished computers. This paper presents a HDD health assessment method using Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) attributes. It also presents the state-of-the art results in monitoring the condition of hard disks and offers future directions for distributed hard disk monitoring.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Oxidative Protein Folding Is Driven by the Electron Transport System

Disulfide bond formation is catalyzed in vivo by DsbA and DsbB. Here we reconstitute this oxidative folding system using purified components. We have found the sources of oxidative power for protein folding and show how disulfide bond formation is linked to cellular metabolism. We find that disulfide bond formation and the electron transport chain are directly coupled. DsbB uses quinones as electron acceptors, allowing various choices for electron transport to support disulfide bond formation. Electrons flow via cytochrome bo oxidase to oxygen under aerobic conditions or via cytochrome bd oxidase under partially anaerobic conditions. Under truly anaerobic conditions, menaquinone shuttles electrons to alternate final electron acceptors such as fumarate. This flexibility reflects the vital nature of the disulfide catalytic system.
Stationary and cyclostationary random process models

Cyclostationary random process modeling is an area of signal processing that has been the subject of numerous journal papers. W.A. Gardner (1988) devoted half of a book to cyclic spectral analysis. Cyclostationarity, however, has not received very much attention at regional conferences in the recent past, which implies that it is not being utilized by many practising engineers. Therefore, this paper reviews both stationary and cyclostationary random process models. It will be seen that cyclostationary models are more complete than stationary random process models for many manmade signals. Since these signals are best modeled as cyclostationary random processes, signal processors that exploit cyclostationarity can, in principle, have performance superior to traditional processors that utilize only stationary statistical models. >
Rate regulation with feedback controller in ATM networks-a neural network approach

We propose the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) technique for a rate-based feedback controller in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks. A leaky bucket (LB) mechanism is used for cell discarding, when the traffic violates a predefined threshold. Since the network cannot rely on the user's compliance with its declared parameters, it is extremely difficult to select the best threshold value and depletion rate for the LB. We propose an ANN model which monitors the status of the LB and predicts the possible cell discarding at the LB in the near future. The source rate is regulated to a certain amount depending on the feedback signal "strength" when possible cell discarding is detected. The lower the value carried in the feedback cell, the higher the possibility of cell discarding and, subsequently, the higher the probability that the traffic is regulated to a lower rate. Our model considers the propagation delay time of the feedback signal making our approach more realistic. This mechanism is transparent to the source if the LB is correctly set up and the traffic follows its declared parameters. We use the same trained ANN for different MPEG traces and the results of a simulation study suggest that our mechanisms provide simple and effective traffic management for ATM networks. Cell loss rate due to the congestion shows a two to five times improvement compared with the static approach, while transmission delays introduced by our ANN controller are also smaller than in the static approach. Channel utilization is also improved, showing that our mechanisms provides a better alternative to static feedback controllers.
FPGA-Based 1.2 GHz Bandwidth Digital Instantaneous Frequency Measurement Receiver

Digital wideband receivers are essential elements used in electronic warfare applications. Instantaneous Frequency Measurement (IFM) receivers are suitable for use in EW systems due to the ultra-wideband instantaneous radio- frequency (RF) bandwidth, fine-frequency resolution, and moderately high sensitivity and dynamic range. Conventional IFM receivers use analog components such as power dividers, crystal video detectors, and hybrids. This paper presents the architecture and design implementation of a patented "digital IFM receiver" algorithm. The invention is capable of detecting short wave pulse or CW signal of 1.2 GHz bandwidth with a major error within 2 MHz for every 100 nsec.
Presidential Address 2014: The more-or-less interrupting effects of the startle response

The startle response can be used to assess differences in a variety of ongoing processes across species, sensory modalities, ages, clinical conditions, and task conditions. Startle serves defensive functions, but it may also interrupt ongoing processes, allowing for a reorientation of resources to potential danger. A wealth of research suggests that prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI) is an indicator of the protection of the processing of the prepulse from interruption by the startle response. However, protection against interruption by suppressing the startle response may extend to many other ongoing processes, including the higher processing of the startle stimulus itself. Proof of protection would require measuring ongoing processing, which has very rarely been reported. The idea that PPI represents the protection of the earliest stages of prepulse processing can be challenged, since those earliest stages are completed by the time the startle response occurs, so they are not threatened by interruption and need not be protected. The conception of low PPI as indicative of a "gating deficit" in schizophrenia should be made with caution, since low PPI is seen in some, but not all studies of schizophrenia, but also in a range of other disorders and conditions. Finally, startle is often used to probe ongoing processes, but the response also modifies those processes, interrupting some processes but perhaps facilitating others. A deeper understanding of the function of startle and PPI might improve the precision of application of these measures in the investigation of a range of research topics.
Postexercise syncope: Wingate syncope test and effective countermeasure

Altered systemic haemodynamics following exercise can compromise cerebral perfusion and result in syncope. As the Wingate anaerobic test often induces presyncope, we hypothesized that a modified Wingate test could form the basis of a novel model for the study of postexercise syncope and a test bed for potential countermeasures. Along these lines, breathing through an impedance threshold device has been shown to increase tolerance to hypovolaemia, and could prove beneficial in the setting of postexercise syncope. Therefore, we hypothesized that a modified Wingate test followed by head-up tilt would produce postexercise syncope, and that breathing through an impedance threshold device (countermeasure) would prevent postexercise syncope in healthy individuals. Nineteen recreationally active men and women underwent a 60 deg head-up tilt during recovery from the Wingate test while arterial pressure, heart rate, end-tidal CO2 and cerebral tissue oxygenation were measured on a control day and a countermeasure day. The duration of tolerable tilt was increased by a median time of 3 min 48 s with countermeasure in comparison to the control (P < 0.05), and completion of the tilt test increased from 42 to 67% with the countermeasure. During the tilt, mean arterial pressure was greater (108.0 ± 4.1 versus 100.4 ± 2.4 mmHg; P < 0.05) with the countermeasure in comparison to the control. These data suggest that the Wingate syncope test produces a high incidence of presyncope, which is sensitive to countermeasures such as inspiratory impedance.
Weight Control Behaviors Among Obese, Overweight, and Nonoverweight Adolescents

Objective: To evaluate weight control behaviors, eating, and physical activity behaviors among obese, overweight, and nonoverweight female and male adolescents. Methods: A representative sample of 8,330 7th, 9th, and 11th grade public school students in Connecticut participated in the study. Adolescents responded to questions about weight control behaviors (dieting, exercise, vomiting, diet pills, and laxatives), healthy eating behaviors, breakfast consumption, and vigorous physical activity. Results: In comparison to nonoverweight youths, overweight adolescents were less likely to eat breakfast and less likely to engage in vigorous physical activity than nonoverweight youths. Higher prevalences of unhealthy weight control behaviors were evident among overweight youths. Conclusions: Overweight adolescents use more unhealthy weight management strategies and are not engaging in healthier strategies, such as increased physical activity or healthier eating. These findings suggest the need to provide consistent messages about healthy weight loss methods to adolescents.
Understanding the Impact of Batch vs. Single Wafer in Thermal Processing Using Cost of Ownership Analysis

Thin film (</= 150A) oxidation and BPSG densification appear to have approximately equivalent CoO values for the two types of systems. Unless oxide films become thinner (</= 40A) or interfacial oxide control or silicon surface conditioning prior to oxidation become parameters of concern, both batch furnaces and single wafer systems are equally capable of the oxidation process. Metal sinter does not have an advantage in either CoO or technical capability in a single wafer system at this time. Both CVD polysilicon and nitride deposition have much higher CoO in RTP systems than in batch systems. Unless enabling technology requirements exist for these films, use of batch processing is recommended. Thin film RTCVD nitride may become comparable to batch processing as throughput, capital cost, and system maintenance issues are resolved. This report does not attempt to address advantages of batch systems or single wafer systems where critical technical requirements exist for that process. Single wafer systems have an advantage over current batch systems in terms of thermal budget, film control, ambient control, temperature ramping, etc. which reduce the impact of CoO on the final decision. As batch systems transition to mini-batch fast ramp capability for 300mm, results of analyses may change. CoO analysis is a useful technique for consideration of single wafer implementation over batch processing where enabling technology is not required.
Magnetic Studies of Photovoltaic Processes in Organic Solar Cells

In this paper, we use magnetic field effects of photocurrent (MFEPC) to study the photovoltaic processes in pristine conjugated polymer, bulk heterojunction, and double-layer solar cells, respectively, based on poly(3-alkylthiophene) (P3HT). The MFEPC reveals that the photocurrent generation undergoes the dissociation in polaron pair states and the charge reaction in excitonic states in pristine conjugated polymers. As for the bulk-heterojunction solar cells consisting of electron donor P3HT and electron acceptor [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), the MFEPC indicates that the dissociated electrons and holes inevitably form the intermolecular charge-transfer (CT) complexes at donor and acceptor interfaces. Essentially, the photocurrent generation relies on the further dissociation of intermolecular CT complexes. Moreover, we use double-layer solar cell to further study the intermolecular CT complexes with well-controlled donor-acceptor interfaces based on double-layer P3HT/TiOx design. We find that the increase in free energies can significantly reduce the density of CT complexes upon thermal annealing.
Pediatric MRI of the brain: a primer.

1. Kamakshya P. Patra, MD* 2. Jeffrey D. Lancaster, MD* 3. Jeffery Hogg, MD† 4. Jeffrey S. Carpenter, MD† 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hospital Pediatrics, West Virginia University Children’s Hospital, Morgantown, WV. 2. †Department of Neuroradiology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV. * Abbreviations: ADHD: : attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder CSF: : cerebrospinal fluid CT: : computed tomography DWI: : diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging FLAIR: : fluid-attenuated inversion recovery fMRI: : functional magnetic resonance imaging MRI: : magnetic resonance imaging MRV: : magnetic resonance venography NAA: : N -acetylaspartate SDH: : subdural hematoma Because of recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, pediatricians should be aware of the different modalities and their unique advantages and appropriateness in different clinical situations. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the pros and cons of MRI and computed tomography of the brain. 2. Know the basic principles of MRI and its different image modalities. 3. Be aware of the appropriateness of different modalities in specific clinical situations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is based on the absorption and emission of radiofrequency energy by hydrogen protons whose spin is influenced by changing magnetic fields (0.3 to 1.5 T). Unlike computed tomography (CT), there is no radiation exposure. T1-weighted images cause fat (eg, myelin in white matter) to appear bright and water (eg, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] or edema) to appear dark on this sequence. The gray-white interfaces of the brain are well depicted on these sequences, especially if with the images are thinly sliced. T2-weighted images cause water (eg, CSF and edema) to appear bright and fat to appear dark. The MRI-based intravenous contrast agents (eg, gadolinium) are frequently used in T1-weighted images (Fig 1A and B) to make serum appear bright. The blood-brain barrier typically serves to limit the passage of many molecules out of the blood vessels. If disease processes break down this barrier (such as infection, tumors, or inflammation), intravenous contrast agents can cross into the brain, causing areas of contrast entry to appear very bright. Figure 1. T1-weighted image at the level of midbrain. A. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) appears dark. B. The CSF appears bright. Note the gray and white matter differentiation …
Multiple-layer optical interconnections using through-wafer hollow-dielectric-waveguide vias

We investigate lossy hollow-dielectric-waveguide vias in a dense optical interconnection system as a means by which many 2-D processor layers can communicate simultaneously with minimal signal attenuation. Via-guided multiple-layer signal attenuation and design guidelines are derived for both GaAs and Si substrate materials, and are compared to those for unguided interconnections at 0.85 /spl mu/m and 1.3 /spl mu/m. We find that optical interconnections using hollow-dielectric-waveguide vias can support dense low-loss interconnections at 0.85 /spl mu/m, whereas propagation through the substrate is preferred at 1.3 /spl mu/m. >
On Designing ULM-Based FPGA Logic Modules

In this paper, we give a method to design FPGA logic modules, based on an extension of classical work on designing Universal Logic Modules (ULM). Specifically, we give a technique to design a class of logic modules that specialize to a large number of functions under complementations and permutations of inputs, bridging of inputs and assignment of 0/1 to inputs. Thus, a lot of functions can be implemented using a single logic module. The significance of our work lies in our ability to generate a large set of such logic modules. A choice can be made from this set based on design criteria. We demonstrate the technique by generating a set of 471 8-input functions that have a much higher coverage than the 8-input cells employed by Actel's FP-GAs. Our functions can specialize to up to 23 times the number of functions that Actel functions can. We also show that by carefully optimizing these functions one can obtain multi-level implementations of them that have delays within 10% of the delays of Actel modules. We demonstrates the effectiveness of these modules in mapping benchmark circuits. We observed a 16% reduction in area and a 21% reduction in delay using our logic modules instead of Actel's on these circuits.
Nonviral Gene Delivery for Applications in Regenerative Medicine

To promote tissue repair and regeneration, much research in the field of tissue engineering has been aimed at the development of synthetic three-dimensional scaffolds to maintain the space and provide the mechanical support necessary for tissue development. However, to regenerate functional tissue of the same quality as natural tissue, the release of biochemical cues from these synthetic matrices will be necessary. While both bolus injection as well as polymeric encapsulation of proteins has been shown to stimulate regenerative processes, proteins have a fragile three-dimensional structure, which can be costly and difficult to synthesize. Because of the increased stability of DNA in comparison with proteins, plasmids may be used to stimulate gene transfer and localized expression of plasmid-encoded proteins to promote tissue development. However, due to the multiple barriers to gene transfer, a gene delivery vehicle must be carefully designed to impart control over the spatial and temporal release of the DNA. Furthermore, as the cellular processes involved in directing tissue repair are complex, delivery must be well controlled and stimulate gene expression that mimics the natural release processes of target growth factors and other proteins. Thus, this chapter will discuss the delivery control imparted by various mechanisms of gene transfer including bolus, polymeric, and substrate-mediated delivery. Matrix-controlled delivery methods for regenerative medicine applications will be explored in depth. Ultimately, to reform tissue of the necessary quality and functionality, the appropriate spatial and temporal patterning of gene expression profiles within targeted cells will need to be attained by synthetic systems.
Viscoelastic Behavior of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymers in Temperature Range of Glass-Rubber Transition of Styrene Block

Abstract Dynamic mechanical measurements were performed with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers, Kraton D-1101 and D-l 102. Isochronal data were obtained from −130 to 85°C in the tensile mode at 1 Hz and from 60 to 160°C in the shear mode at 1 rad/s. The isothermal measurements were also performed at 60, 90, 120, 140, and 160°C in the frequency range of 0.0316 to 100 rad/s. The results suggest that the two polymers have different morphologies although the styrene content and the diblock content are about the same for both polymers. Kraton D-1101, which has 1.5 times higher molecular weight, has 3–5 times higher rubbery modulus, compared to D-1102. The lower molecular weight polymer, D-1102, appears to have a larger amount of the mixed phase at the boundary. This is suggest by the lower temperature of the “domain disruption”, Tdd and the higher magnitude of tan δ at Tdd. This explains the difference in the rubbery moduli of the two polymers.
A Randomized Trial of Motivational Interviewing: Cessation Induction Among Smokers With Low Desire to Quit

Introduction Despite limitations in evidence, the current Clinical Practice Guideline advocates Motivational Interviewing for smokers not ready to quit. This study evaluated the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing for inducing cessation-related behaviors among smokers with low motivation to quit. Design Randomized clinical trial. Setting/participants Two-hundred fifty-five daily smokers reporting low desire to quit smoking were recruited from an urban community during 2010–2011 and randomly assigned to Motivational Interviewing, health education, or brief advice using a 2:2:1 allocation. Data were analyzed from 2012 to 2014. Intervention Four sessions of Motivational Interviewing utilized a patient-centered communication style that explored patients' own reasons for change. Four sessions of health education provided education related to smoking cessation while excluding elements characteristic of Motivational Interviewing. A single session of brief advice consisted of brief, personalized advice to quit. Main outcomes measures Self-reported quit attempts; smoking abstinence (biochemically verified); use of cessation pharmacotherapies; motivation; and confidence to quit were assessed at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Results Unexpectedly, no significant differences emerged between groups in the proportion who made a quit attempt by 6-month follow-up (Motivational Interviewing, 52.0%; health education, 60.8%; brief advice, 45.1%; p =0.157). Health education had significantly higher biochemically verified abstinence rates at 6 months (7.8%) than brief advice (0.0%) (8% risk difference, 95% CI=3%, 13%, p =0.003), with the Motivational Interviewing group falling in between (2.9% abstinent, 3% risk difference, 95% CI=0%, 6%, p =0.079). Both Motivational Interviewing and health education groups showed greater increases in cessation medication use, motivation, and confidence to quit relative to brief advice (all p d =0.36, 95% CI=0.12, 0.60). Conclusions Although Motivational Interviewing was generally more efficacious than brief advice in inducing cessation behaviors, health education appeared the most efficacious. These results highlight the need to identify the contexts in which Motivational Interviewing may be most efficacious and question recommendations to use Motivational Interviewing rather than other less complex cessation induction interventions. Trial registration This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01188018.
Isolation and Characterization of Pectolytic Nonpathogenic Mutants of ErwiniaCarotovora Subsp. Carotovora (Ecc)

Using Mudl mutagenesis forty seven prototrophic mutants of Erwinia carotovora were obtained which were severely impaired in their pathogenicity. Although most of these mutants were impaired in secretion of either pectate lyase or polygalacturonase, four mutants were not impaired in synthesis or secretion of either of these enzymes. Results indicate that several gene products including those which regulate the synthesis and secretion of pectolytic enzymes are involved in pathogenicity of E. carotovora.
A Birth Father and Adoption in the Perinatal Setting

The role of the birth father in adoption is debated by lawyers, adoption professionals, and members of the adoption triad. At issue is how best to involve the birth father in the adoption plan while respecting the feelings of the birth mother, prospective adoptive couple, and rights of the child. This article examines emotional, legal and practice issues related to a birth father in adoption and implications for the perinatal social worker.
Unsteady Free-Flight Aerodynamics of a Spinning Projectile at a High Transonic Speed

*This paper describes a multidisciplinary computational study undertaken to compute the flight trajectories and simultaneously predict the unsteady free flight aerodynamics of a spinning projectile at transonic speeds using an advanced unstructured time-accurate Navier-Stokes computational technique. Actual flight trajectories are computed using an advanced coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD)/rigid body dynamics (RBD) technique. In addition, our goal is to be able to extract the aerodynamic coefficients from these fully coupled time-accurate CFD/RBD computations. Computed positions and orientations of the projectile have been compared with actual data measured from free flight tests and are found to be generally in good agreement. Unsteady numerical results obtained from the coupled method and unstructured grids show the flow field, the extracted aerodynamic forces and moments, and the flight trajectories of the projectile. Aerodynamic coefficients such as the dynamic derivatives have been obtained using a separate unsteady time-accurate CFD approach and have been compared with the extracted aerodynamic coefficients from the fully coupled dynamic simulations.
The Comparative Response of Diabrotica Species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to Volatile Attractants

Field tests conducted in a relict prairie using sticky traps baited with a broad range of adult diabroticine attractants showed Diabrotica cristata (Harris) shares some chemosensory responses with both D. barberi Smith and Lawrence and D. virgifera virgifera LeConte. D. cristata was attracted to estragole, β-ionone, para -methoxycinnamaldehyde, and a mixture of trimethoxybenzene, indole, and cinnamaldehyde (=TIC mixture) (attractants for adults of D. virgifera virgifera in corn tests), as well as eugenol, isoeugenol, and cinnamyl alcohol (attractants for adults of D. barheri in corn tests). Several of the active compounds, such as cinnamyl alcohol and β-ionone, are structurally distinct from the previously described eugenol-type attractants for D. barberi and D. cristata and represent new semiochemicals for the genus. In the prairie trials, D. barberi adults were anomalously attracted to two lures (estragole and the TIC mixture) that were not active in corn evaluations.
Correlation of Southern Pine Beetle Attack Density, Oviposition, and Generation Survival with Host Tree Characteristics and Preceeding Beetle Life Stages Within the Host

Correlations between host characteristics of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) and population parameters for the southern pine beetle ( Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm.) were investigated. Beetle variables studied were attacking adult density (ATTKD), density of eggs laid per female (EGFEM), and generation survival (GENS). Three sets of independent variables were analyzed for each dependent variable. Stepwise regression analysis identified the best model for each dependent variable for each set of independent variables considered. With one exception the diam of the host was found to be the only physical characteristic correlated with the D. frontalis variables. When the ATTKD and EGFEM variables were added to host variables in analysis of EGFEM and GENS, respectively, they became the best correlated variables. Addition of the date of peak attack to the models showed no Iinear effect of season.
Penile Prosthetic Surgery under Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is effective for implantation of the semirigid rod and the inflatable penile prostheses. Pudendal block, and intracorporeal and local infiltration provide excellent opportunities to perform this operation with rare need for general anesthesia supplementation. The technique is described in 141 cases.
Evaluation of allopurinol use in patients with gout

The use of long-term allopurinol therapy in patients with gout was evaluated. A pharmacy computer printout was used to identify all outpatients for whom allopurinol had been prescribed during a six-month period in 1985 at a large Veterans Administration medical center. Medical records were reviewed to (1) classify patients as either having or not having definite indications for allopurinol treatment, (2) determine whether physicians had ordered roentgenographic and laboratory tests for presence of monosodium urate crystals, uric acid excretion, and renal function, and (3) identify gout-associated risk factors and disease entities that could cause hyperuricemia. A pharmacy record of all allopurinol and probenecid prescriptions for the six-month period was obtained, along with cost data. Of the 286 patients who received allopurinol, 32 received the drug for an indication that could not definitely be established as gout. Of the 254 remaining patients, only 45 (17.7%) had a definite indication for allopurinol use as defined by the pharmacy and therapeutics committee. Although pretreatment measurement of serum creatinine was common, only a few patients underwent joint aspiration, a 24-hour urine collection, or roentgenography of affected joints. Large proportions of the patients were found to have gout-associated risk factors. If the 209 patients without definite indications for allopurinol therapy had been treated with probenecid instead of allopurinol, the annual cost savings would have been about $3700. Most of the patients receiving allopurinol for gout could reasonably have been treated with a uricosuric agent such as probenecid at a lower cost. Generally, physicians did not use diagnostic tests optimally before prescribing allopurinol and did not attempt to modify risk factors for gout.
3D Time-Lapse Analysis of Rab11/FIP5 Complex: Spatiotemporal Dynamics During Apical Lumen Formation

Fluorescent imaging of fixed cells grown in two-dimensional (2D) cultures is one of the most widely used techniques for observing protein localization and distribution within cells. Although this technique can also be applied to polarized epithelial cells that form three-dimensional (3D) cysts when grown in a Matrigel matrix suspension, there are still significant limitations in imaging cells fixed at a particular point in time. Here, we describe the use of 3D-time-lapse imaging of live cells to observe the dynamics of apical membrane initiation site (AMIS) formation and lumen expansion in polarized epithelial cells.
Catalytic mechanism of P-glycoprotein

We generated Chinese hamster ovary cells which are highly multidrug-resistant by selection in colchicine. Purified plasma membranes from these cells are enriched in P-glycoprotein (Pgp), up to 32% w/w of membrane protein. From plasma membranes we purified Pgp to homogeneity and reconstituted it in proteoliposomes. Both plasma membranes and purified reconstituted Pgp show drug-stimulated ATPase activity (approximately 20 s-1), comparable to other transport ATPases. These materials enable investigation and characterization of the catalytic sites and mechanism. Various approaches have been used, notably enzyme kinetics, photoaffinity and other covalent labelling, use of vanadate as transition-state analog, and inhibition by beryllium and aluminum fluoride. Both Pgp nucleotide sites hydrolyse MgATP and are of relatively low specificity and affinity for nucleotides. Trapping of nucleotide by vanadate in either site blocks catalysis at both sites; covalent inactivation of either site completely blocks turnover. Therefore the catalytic sites interact strongly, and it appears that when one site enters the transition-state conformation the other site is prohibited from doing so. A minimal reaction scheme for ATP hydrolysis has been determined. We have proposed an alternating catalytic sites scheme, in which drug-transport is coupled to relaxation of a high chemical potential conformation of the catalytic site (Pgp.MgADP.Pi) which is generated by the hydrolysis step itself. Photoaffinity labelling of Pgp catalytic sites has revealed equivalent Tyr residues which lie close to the adenine ring of bound MgATP in both sites.
Status and issues of a life-span developmental psychology

Human life-span developmental psychology is concerned with the description and explication of ontogenetic (age-related) behavioral change from birth to death. With this referent, life-span developmental psychology is related to other developmental disciplines which differ in terms of the entity studied, the attributes measured and the antecedent-consequent relationships used to explicate the time continuum. In addition, major objectives and assumptions of a life-span approach to the study of ontogenetic change are elaborated and implications for methodology and theory are derived. Throughout, particular emphasis is accorded to the discussion of experimental strategies in the study of developmental phenomena.
Universal handheld micropipette

The handheld micropipette is the most ubiquitous instrument for precision handling of microliter-milliliter liquid volumes, which is an essential capability in biology and chemistry laboratories. The range of one pipette is typically adjustable up to 10-fold its minimum volume, requiring the use and maintenance of multiple pipettes for liquid handling across larger ranges. Here we propose a design for a single handheld pipette adjustable from 0.1 μl to 1000 μl (i.e., 104-fold) which spans the range of an entire suite of current commercial pipettes. This is accomplished by placing an elastic diaphragm between the existing pipette body and tip, thereby de-amplifying its native volume range while maintaining its simple manual operating procedure. For proof-of-concept, we adapted a commercial pipette (100-1000 μl nominal range) with a selection of rubber sheets to function as the diaphragms and confirmed the accuracy and precision of drawn volumes are within international ISO-8655 standards across the entire 104-fold volume range. The presence of the diaphragms introduces a nonlinear mechanical behavior and a time-dependency due to heat transfer, however, by model and experiment, these are redressed so as to maintain the pipette's accuracy and precision.
COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR ESTIMATING SOMATIC CELL LEVELS IN BULK MILK

Various methods of estimating somatic cell levels in milk were compared with the direct microscopic somatic cell count (DMSCC). The electronic cell count (ECC) using centrifugation to separate cells from milk yielded correlation coefficients of 0.870 to 0.907 when compared to DMSCC. The Wisconsin mastitis test (WMT) yielded correlation coefficients of 0.714 to 0.753 when compared to the DMSCC. The diphenylamine filter-DNA method yielded correlation coefficients of 0.988 to 0.991 when compared to the DMSCC. The filter-DNA method was modified by using indole instead of diphenylamine to obtain color. This method reduced the time for color development from 16 hr to 10 min. The correlation coefficients were 0.987 to 0.990 using this method when compared to the DMSCC.
The Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) comprehensive system: Screening, assessing, planning, and monitoring

The Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) and the DESSA-Mini are intended to be psychometrically sound and practical measures of social-emotional competence for use in school and out-of-school-time (OST) settings. These strength-based behavior rating scales yield a variety of information designed to support the large scale implementation of social and emotional learning programs. This paper discusses 1) the context for the development of measures, 2) the choice to use a nationally-normed, adult-completed behavior rating scale as the format for assessing student social-emotional competence, 3) the psychometric properties of the DESSA and the DESSA-Mini, 4) some challenges to assessing social-emotional competence in applied settings, 5) examples of how the DESSA and DESSA-Mini results have been used to inform practice decisions, and 6) future research and development needs for social-emotional assessment.
Anisotomous dichotomy results from an unequal bifurcation of the original shoot apical meristem in Diphasiastrum digitatum (Lycopodiaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Two types of dichotomy are recognized in Lycopodiaceae: isotomous (equal) and anisotomous (unequal). Anisotomous dichotomy (anisotomy) has been hypothesized to result from unequal growth of an equal bifurcation of the original shoot apical meristem (SAM). Diphasiastrum digitatum (Lycopodiaceae) exhibits anisotomy at various locations. We thus used D. digitatum to test this classic hypothesis about anisotomy. METHODS Transverse areas of original and derived SAMs of anisotomy exhibited by the rhizome and the vertical aerial vegetative stem were measured using scanning electron microscopy. The difference between half of the original SAM and one derived SAM in terms of transverse area were compared using paired t-tests. KEY RESULTS During the anisotomy exhibited by the rhizome SAM, 77.4% of the transverse area of the original rhizome SAM contributed to the derived rhizome SAM. During the first anisotomy exhibited by the vertical aerial vegetative stem SAM, 66.2% of the transverse area of the original vertical aerial vegetative stem SAM contributed to the derived vertical aerial vegetative stem SAM. During the second anisotomy exhibited by the vertical aerial vegetative stem SAM, 49.4% of the transverse area of the original vertical aerial vegetative stem SAM contributed to the derived vertical aerial vegetative stem SAM. Nonetheless, the shape of the two derived SAMs differed though they did not differ in size. CONCLUSIONS In D. digitatum, anisotomy results from an unequal bifurcation of the original SAM. This finding sheds light on plant body architecture evolution as well as plant organ (megaphyllous leaf) evolution.
Exploring Scalability and Time-Sensitiveness in Reliable Social Sensing With Accuracy Assessment

This paper presents a scalable estimation theoretic framework to address the time-sensitive truth discovery problem with accuracy assessment in social sensing applications. Social sensing has emerged as a new application paradigm that provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to collect observations about the physical world from humans or devices on their behalf. A fundamental challenge in social sensing applications lies in ascertaining the correctness of claims and the reliability of data sources without knowing either of them a priori , which is referred to as truth discovery . While significant progress has been made to solve the truth discovery problem, there exists three important limitations: 1) The information of users and claims in time dimension has not been fully exploited in the truth discovery solutions; 2) An analytical framework to rigorously assess the accuracy of the truth discovery results is lacking; and 3) Many current truth discovery schemes perform sequential operations, which are not scalable to large-scale social sensing events. To address the above limitations, we propose a scalable time-sensitive truth discovery (TS-TD) scheme that explicitly incorporates the source responsiveness and the claim lifespan into an estimation theoretical framework. Furthermore, we develop new confidence bounds to rigorously assess the accuracy of the truth discovery results. We also implement a parallel TS-TD algorithm on a graphic processing unit platform with thousands of cores to improve the computational efficiency. Finally, we evaluate the TS-TD scheme through three real-world case studies using Twitter data feeds and a simulation study. The evaluation results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our scheme.
Effect of Light-Curing Exposure Time, Shade, and Thickness on the Depth of Cure of Bulk Fill Composites

Clinical Relevance Bulk fill composites can achieve higher depth of cure than conventional composite, but they do not always achieve a clinically adequate depth of cure. Time exposure and shade inf...
Tracking oil and gas wastewater-derived organic matter in a hybrid biofilter membrane treatment system: A multi-analytical approach.

Abstract Dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in oil and gas (O&G) produced water and fracturing flowback was characterized and quantified by multiple analytical techniques throughout a hybrid biological-physical treatment process. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of DOM by liquid chromatography – organic carbon detection (LC-OCD), liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy, demonstrated increasing removal of all groups of DOM throughout the treatment train, with most removal occurring during biological pretreatment and some subsequent removal achieved during membrane treatment. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) further validated these results and identified five fluorescent components, including DOM described as humic acids, fulvic acids, proteins, and aromatics. Tryptophan-like compounds bound by complexation to humics/fulvics were most difficult to remove biologically, while aromatics (particularly low molecular weight neutrals) were more challenging to remove with membranes. Strong correlation among PARAFAC, LC-OCD, LC-HRMS, and GC–MS suggests that PARAFAC can be a quick, affordable, and accurate tool for evaluating the presence or removal of specific DOM groups in O&G wastewater.
40 Pilot randomised control trial of default technology configurations to block cellphone use while driving among teen drivers

Purpose Distracted driving is the largest increasing cause of motor vehicle crash deaths in the U.S prompting the need for interventions. Methods/approach We conducted an 8 week pilot randomised control trial of default technology configurations that block cellphone use while driving. We enrolled licensed teens who admitted to texting while driving. Participants installed a windshield-mounted device that could block phone use while driving. Data on cellphone use, vehicle speed, and trip time were collected. Participants completed a 4 week baseline monitoring phase followed by a 4 week intervention phase in one of four arms: 1) monitoring only; 2) ‘opt-in’ blocking; 3) ‘opt-out’ blocking; and 4) ‘opt-out’ blocking with parental notification. Using generalised linear models, we measured the difference in phone unlocks and minutes of phone use per hour of driving between the intervention and baseline periods relative to the monitor only arm. Results We enrolled 32 participants; 8 randomised to each arm. During the baseline period the teen drivers had 3.3 (IQR 1.5–5.4) unlocks per hour and 5.89 min (SD 5.88) of non-call phone use per hour of driving. There were less minutes of phone use per hour in the opt-out blocking arm (−2.06 95%; CI: −4.07,–0.09) and opt-out blocking with notification arm (−1.92; 95%: CI; −3.90, 0.44). The effect on unlocks per hour was less strong with −0.71 (95% CI: −2.24. 1.10) in the opt-out blocking arm and −0.43 (95% CI: −1.96, 1.10) in the opt-out blocking with notification arm. Conclusions Opt-out activation of cellphone blocking appears promising for reducing the amount of time the phone is unlocked while driving, but additional strategies may be needed to reduce handheld engagement among teen drivers. Significance and Contributions to Injury and Violence Prevention Science We demonstrated the feasibility of a novel approach for testing scalable smartphone-based interventions for reducing cellphone use while driving.
A quiet space during rush hour: Quiescence in primordial germ cells.

Abstract Quiescence is a common character in stem cells. Low cellular activity in these cells may function to minimize the potential damaging effects of oxidative stress, reduce the number of cells needed for tissue replenishment, and as a consequence, perhaps occupy unique niches. Quiescent stem cells are found in many adult human tissues, the hematopoietic stem cells are paradigmatic, and more recently it appears that stem cell of the germ line in many animals display quiescence characters. Here we explore the diversity of quiescence phenotypes in primordial germ cells, leveraging the diverse mechanisms of germ cell formation to extract evolutionary significance to common processes.
Causes of low peak bone mass in women

Peak bone mass is the maximum bone mass that accrues during growth and development. Consolidation of peak bone mass normally occurs during early adulthood. Low peak bone mass results from failure to achieve peak bone mass genetic potential, primarily due to bone loss caused by a variety of conditions or processes occurring at younger ages than usual. Recognized causes of low peak bone mass include genetic causes, endocrine disorders, nutritional disorders, chronic diseases of childhood or adolescence, medications, and idiopathic factors.
Endowed Positions: Entrepreneurship and Related Fields:

Just as nations take a small measure of their success in their counts of Olympic medals, academics and the media see counts of professorships and chairs as indicative of the strength of a field. Fo...
IMPACT web portal: oncology database integrating molecular profiles with actionable therapeutics.

With the advancement of next generation sequencing technology, researchers are now able to identify important variants and structural changes in DNA and RNA in cancer patient samples. With this information, we can now correlate specific variants and/or structural changes with actionable therapeutics known to inhibit these variants. We introduce the creation of the IMPACT Web Portal, a new online resource that connects molecular profiles of tumors to approved drugs, investigational therapeutics and pharmacogenetics associated drugs. IMPACT Web Portal contains a total of 776 drugs connected to 1326 target genes and 435 target variants, fusion, and copy number alterations. The online IMPACT Web Portal allows users to search for various genetic alterations and connects them to three levels of actionable therapeutics. The results are categorized into 3 levels: Level 1 contains approved drugs separated into two groups; Level 1A contains approved drugs with variant specific information while Level 1B contains approved drugs with gene level information. Level 2 contains drugs currently in oncology clinical trials. Level 3 provides pharmacogenetic associations between approved drugs and genes. IMPACT Web Portal allows for sequencing data to be linked to actionable therapeutics for translational and drug repurposing research. The IMPACT Web Portal online resource allows users to query genes and variants to approved and investigational drugs. We envision that this resource will be a valuable database for personalized medicine and drug repurposing. IMPACT Web Portal is freely available for non-commercial use at http://tanlab.ucdenver.edu/IMPACT .
I Thought We Agreed! Founder Identity Dynamics and the Structuring of Nascent Ventures

Founder identity is increasingly important to our understanding of entrepreneurship but limited in both empirical and theoretical breadth and depth. Transcending three restrictive assumptions in pr...
Consuming Network Bandwidth with Visapult

Visapult is a visualization application composed of visualization of multiple software components that execute in a pipelined-parallel fashion over wide-area networks. By design, Visapult was tailored for use in a remote and distributed visualization context. Visapult is arguably the world's fastest performing distributed application, consuming approximately 16.8 gigabits per second in sustained network band-width during the SC 2002 Bandwidth Challenge over transcontinental network links. Visapult's performance is a direct result of architecture, careful use of custom network protocols, and application performance tuning. This chapter reveals the secrets used to create the world's highest-performing network application. The chapter begins with presenting an overview of Visapult's fundamental architecture. The chapter also presents three short case studies that reflect the experiences using Visapult to win the SC Bandwidth Challenge in 2000, 2001, and 2002. The chapter concludes with a discussion on future research and development directions in the field of remote and distributed visualization.