cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractions, Decimals, and the Common Core

At grade 7, Common Core’s content standards call for the use of long division to find the decimal representation of a rational number. With an eye to reconciling this requirement with Common Core’s call for “a balanced combination of procedure and understanding,” a more transparent form of long division is developed. This leads to the formulation of long division as a “recursive relation” and to more incisive insights into fractions and decimals than are typically developed as part of the school curriculum. The role of technology and some modern applications are explored.
Year 2000 — a Sytems Integration challenge

BT, along with virtually every other IT-dependent business worldwide, is tackling a problem which is quite unique and if not corrected could be disastrous. The problem, sometimes known as the ‘Year 2000 bug‘ or ‘millennium time bomb‘, has been caused by the use of two digits to represent the year in the majority of our systems and applications. The problem is technically not difficult to fix but the volume of changes occurring, and the need to potentially test every system to ensure that it is ‘year 2000 proof‘, presents unique and challenging difficulties for integration and testing. Why this is the case, what problems need to be addressed, and an overview of some of the proposed integration and test strategies to tackle these problems, is the subject of this paper.
Automatic detection of excessively oscillatory feedback control loops

A statistically-based approach is proposed to detect excessively oscillatory feedback control loops. The technique is simple and requires only normal operating data. The effectiveness and widespread applicability of the new approach are demonstrated in several experimental applications, including an industrial distillation column.
The controversy surrounding bone morphogenetic proteins in the spine: a review of current research

Bone morphogenetic proteins have been in use in spinal surgery since 2002. These proteins are members of the TGF-beta superfamily and guide mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts to form bone in targeted tissues. Since the first commercial BMP became available in 2002, a host of research has supported BMPs and they have been rapidly incorporated in spinal surgeries in the United States. However, recent controversy has arisen surrounding the ethical conduct of the research supporting the use of BMPs. Yale University Open Data Access (YODA) recently teamed up with Medtronic to offer a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of BMPs in spinal surgery. This review focuses on the history of BMPs and examines the YODA research to guide spine surgeons in their use of BMP in spinal surgery.
Dividing Indivisible Territories: Northern Ireland and Israel

Indivisible Territory and the Politics of Legitimacy: Jerusalem and Northern Ireland. By E. Goddard Stacie. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. 294 pp., $85.00 hardcover (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-43985-5). This is a fascinating and insightful book explaining how territories come to be seen as indivisible, unable to be negotiated away or subject to meaningful compromise. Focusing on Northern Ireland and Jerusalem, Stacie Goddard argues that clashing religious belief and claims based on identities tell only part of the story of why settlements cannot be reached. Instead, she focuses on how the political rhetoric of politicians lock negotiators into situations that make settlements of territorial disputes impossible. Territories become indivisible then not so much because of the intractable interests of the parties involved, but because of the negotiating tactics of the principal actors. Seeing these disputes as more of a political construct than a clash of interests explains their persistence, but also (especially in the case of Northern Ireland) holds out hope for their eventual solution. Although flawed, the argument she presents is a valuable addition to the literature on conflict resolution. Central to Goddard's argument is the ways political leaders legitimate their positions. Goddard speaks of “legitimating strategies” which are the means that negotiators justify their positions. Actors adopt these strategies, according to Goddard, not so much because they believe in what they say, but rather because they are politically useful. A legitimating strategy may garner a political leader support among domestic groups or it may increase her negotiating position vis a vis one's adversaries. Although they are designed to gain the negotiators an advantage, they also have unintended effects. Some of these effects can be helpful to resolving disputes, as when a legitimizing strategy creates ties with opposing groups and allows an adversary to make concessions of its own. At other times, legitimizing strategies can lock actors into positions that they would like to shed but are unable to do so because they have become vital to the …
Stability of the Neurotensin Receptor NTS1 Free in Detergent Solution and Immobilized to Affinity Resin

Background Purification of recombinant membrane receptors is commonly achieved by use of an affinity tag followed by an additional chromatography step if required. This second step may exploit specific receptor properties such as ligand binding. However, the effects of multiple purification steps on protein yield and integrity are often poorly documented. We have previously reported a robust two-step purification procedure for the recombinant rat neurotensin receptor NTS1 to give milligram quantities of functional receptor protein. First, histidine-tagged receptors are enriched by immobilized metal affinity chromatography using Ni-NTA resin. Second, remaining contaminants in the Ni-NTA column eluate are removed by use of a subsequent neurotensin column yielding pure NTS1. Whilst the neurotensin column eluate contained functional receptor protein, we observed in the neurotensin column flow-through misfolded NTS1. Methods and Findings To investigate the origin of the misfolded receptors, we estimated the amount of functional and misfolded NTS1 at each purification step by radio-ligand binding, densitometry of Coomassie stained SDS-gels, and protein content determination. First, we observed that correctly folded NTS1 suffers damage by exposure to detergent and various buffer compositions as seen by the loss of [3H]neurotensin binding over time. Second, exposure to the neurotensin affinity resin generated additional misfolded receptor protein. Conclusion Our data point towards two ways by which misfolded NTS1 may be generated: Damage by exposure to buffer components and by close contact of the receptor to the neurotensin affinity resin. Because NTS1 in detergent solution is stabilized by neurotensin, we speculate that the occurrence of aggregated receptor after contact with the neurotensin resin is the consequence of perturbations in the detergent belt surrounding the NTS1 transmembrane core. Both effects reduce the yield of functional receptor protein.
Dynamic Nonparametric Bayesian Models for Analysis of Music

The dynamic hierarchical Dirichlet process (dHDP) is developed to model complex sequential data, with a focus on audio signals from music. The music is represented in terms of a sequence of discrete observations, and the sequence is modeled using a hidden Markov model (HMM) with time-evolving parameters. The dHDP imposes the belief that observations that are temporally proximate are more likely to be drawn from HMMs with similar parameters, while also allowing for “innovation” associated with abrupt changes in the music texture. The sharing mechanisms of the time-evolving model are derived, and for inference a relatively simple Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler is developed. Segmentation of a given musical piece is constituted via the model inference. Detailed examples are presented on several pieces, with comparisons to other models. The dHDP results are also compared with a conventional music-theoretic analysis. All the supplemental materials used by this paper are available online.
The drug treatment of mild hypertension in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. A review.

The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial was a long term study on the benefit of lowering risk factors for coronary heart disease mortality in middle-aged men. Study participants were randomised to either ‘special intervention’ or ‘usual care’. Intensive intervention for special intervention men involved cholesterol lowering dietary advice, behaviour modification for cigarette smoking and a stepped care pharmacological approach to lower blood pressure.
Millimeter Wave Surface Impedance Measurements Of Highly Oriented YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-8 Thin Films

We have measured the surface impedance of two different orientations of thin films of YBa 2 Cu 3 0 7-8 (YBCO) at 100 and 150 GHz. The surface resistance drops rapidly below the transition temperature, but the loss at low temperatures is in disagreement with the convential BCS theory. The measured temperature, frequency, and orientation dependence are presented and discussed.
Biomarkers in systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by pronounced fibroproliferative alterations in the microvasculature, and frequent cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities, culminating in a severe and often progressive fibrotic process. Numerous biomarkers reflecting the three main pathogenetic mechanisms in systemic sclerosis have been described; however, aside from several disease-specific autoantibodies, other biomarkers have not been thoroughly validated and require further study. Thus, there is an unmet need for validated biomarkers for diagnosis, disease classification, and evaluation of organ involvement and therapeutic response in systemic sclerosis.
Understanding the First-Generation Student Experience in Higher Education through a Relational Dialectic Perspective.

The authors use relational dialectics theory to argue that first-generation college students (FGS) often struggle with a give-and-take tension between getting involved in campus life and losing their familial and working-class identity. They suggest that because FGS straddle two different cultures of academia and home, institutions must address these tensions to improve the students' retention and graduate rates.
Exploring the Relationship between Adolescent Activities and Choice of Graduate School Discipline: Implications for Creativity Development.

The relationship between adolescent extra-curricular activities and choice of grad-uate-education ﬁeld was examined among students from three ﬁelds of study, sci-ence (n = 12), art (n = 12), and education (n = 14), using qualitative andquantitative methods. Results of proﬁle analysis indicated that the different majorsparticipated in stereotypically varying activities when they were adolescents. Sciencemajors generally participated in mathematics and science activities during adoles-cence. Art majors generally participated in theater and music activities, and educa-tion majors tended to have participated in social leadership and educationalactivities. Interviews with the participants supported these ﬁndings and provided amore comprehensive discussion of these tendencies. While in high school, the par-ticipants had many inﬂuences when determining a ﬁeld of study. Using personalhappiness as a guide, the participants chose activities and ultimately graduate-levelmajors that reﬂected their interests. It was concluded that adolescent extra-curricularactivities are important in the development of interest in creatively talented individ-uals and may lead to graduate ﬁeld selection.Keywords: extra-curricular activities, graduate students, choice of graduate ﬁeld,creativity, talent development, creative activities.To understand the development of creative potential it is important to recognizenot only the stage at which an individual begins a productive creative career, butalso the enrichment that the individual received throughout their younger years thatmight have led them to the phase where creativity in their work begins to show.This enrichment often comes in the form of extra-curricular activities (Olszewski-Kubilius & Lee, 2004). Further, participation in extra-curricular activities duringadolescence has been shown to predict future accomplishments (Park, Lubinski B Wai, Lubinski & Benbow, 2005). The years of intense practiceassociated with extra-curricular activities can lead to the growth of superior skills
A theoretical analysis of the effects of amygdalectomy and of organismic motivation

Abstract A theoretical analysis of the effects of amygdalectomy is presented within a general scheme for organismic motivation. By an engineering simulation, a solution for n -person nonzero sum games is outlined; by an automata theory analysis, the effects of amygdalectomy are specifically defined with respect to higher-order learning and the organismic equivalent of “real time” in Turing machines is detailed.
Possibility and necessity in optimization

Abstract We employ possibility and necessity in fuzzy programming and in other optimization problems that traditionally use random variables. The possibility approach to multiobjective programming produces the same results as fuzzy programming. A detailed example is presented to illustrate the use of possibility and necessity in optimization problems that usually employ random variables to describe uncertainty.
Phospholipid metabolism of wheat grains: Enzymes of the CDP-diglyceride phospholipid biosynthetic pathway

Enzymes of the CDP-diglyceride pathway of phospholipid synthesis, CDP-diacylglycerol synthetase, CDP-diacylglycerol: glycerol 3-phosphate phosphatidyl-transferase and enzymes of phosphatidylserine formation were initially of relatively high specific activities in aleurone cells of wheat and declined upon imbibition. Enzyme activity of phosphatidylinositol synthesis was not detected in dry grains but was present upon imbibition. CDP-diacylglycerol: glycerol 3-phosphate phosphatidyltransferase shifted during imbibition from 85% of the activity in the supernatant of aleurone layers from dry seeds to 98% associated with large particle fractions after 36 hours of imbibition. Phosphatidylserine formation shifted from a dominant location in the 1,500 x g fraction in the dry seed to a predominantly “mitochondrial” location after 36 hours of imbibition. The subcellular distribution of CDP-diacylglycerol synthetase did not change appreciably upon imbibition from that of the dry seed, 75 to 80% of the activity was found in the supernatant. Only CDP-diacylglycerol: glycerol 3-phosphate phosphatidyltransferase showed increased specific activity late in the imbibition period. GA3 accelerated the decrease of already declining activities of the CDP-diglyceride enzymes and the changes in their patterns of distribution, augmented the activities of the phosphatidylinositol synthesizing enzyme, and both accelerated and augmented the increase in the activity of the enzyme of phosphatidylglycerol synthesis which occurred late in imbibition.
Effects of minimum monitor unit threshold on spot scanning proton plan quality

Purpose: To investigate the influence of the minimum monitor unit (MU) on the quality of clinical treatment plans for scanned proton therapy. Methods: Delivery system characteristics limit the minimum number of protons that can be delivered per spot, resulting in a min-MU limit. Plan quality can be impacted by the min-MU limit. Two sites were used to investigate the impact of min-MU on treatment plans: pediatric brain tumor at a depth of 5–10 cm; a head and neck tumor at a depth of 1–20 cm. Three-field, intensity modulated spot scanning proton plans were created for each site with the following parameter variations: min-MU limit range of 0.0000–0.0060; and spot spacing range of 2–8 mm. Comparisons were based on target homogeneity and normal tissue sparing. For the pediatric brain, two versions of the treatment planning system were also compared to judge the effects of the min-MU limit based on when it is accounted for in the optimization process (Eclipse v.10 and v.13, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Results: The increase of the min-MU limit with a fixed spot spacing decreases plan quality both in homogeneous target coverage and in the avoidance of critical structures. Both head and neck and pediatric brain plans show a 20% increase in relative dose for the hot spot in the CTV and 10% increase in key critical structures when comparing min-MU limits of 0.0000 and 0.0060 with a fixed spot spacing of 4 mm. The DVHs of CTVs show min-MU limits of 0.0000 and 0.0010 produce similar plan quality and quality decreases as the min-MU limit increases beyond 0.0020. As spot spacing approaches 8 mm, degradation in plan quality is observed when no min-MU limit is imposed. Conclusions: Given a fixed spot spacing of ≤4 mm, plan quality decreases as min-MU increased beyond 0.0020. The effect of min-MU needs to be taken into consideration while planning proton therapy treatments.
The Simplified Captopril Test: An Effective Tool to Diagnose Renovascular Hypertension

There is much variability among reports of the accuracy of the captopril test for renovascular hypertension. Factors that contribute to this variability include a lack of consistency in diagnostic criteria, the preparation of the patient and the performance of the test, and the criterion standard (renal artery stenosis or renovascular hypertension). We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of a simplified version of the test, based on a single postcaptopril value of plasma renin activity, in 36 patients who were undergoing either angioplasty or surgery for renal artery stenosis. The test demonstrated an excellent sensitivity (96%) but a poor specificity (55%). However, the poor specificity was related to certain clinical characteristics; high baseline plasma renin activity measurements, female gender, current smoking, renal dysfunction, and bilateral renal artery stenosis were all associated with false-positive results. This simplified captopril test, when applied to a population with a high prevalence of renovascular hypertension and performed in a standardized manner, can accurately identify those patients unlikely to respond to intervention. However, a positive test, especially in those with the characteristics noted above, does not help clinical decision making because of the limited test specificity.
Charles Holt's report on exponentially weighted moving averages: an introduction and appreciation

Abstract Charles Holt's classic paper on exponentially weighted moving averages appeared as Report ONR 52 from the Office of Naval Research in 1957. Although widely cited, the full version has remained unpublished. This note provides some context for looking back to ONR 52, which then follows in its complete form. We indicate that the paper still has some lessons for modern practice, in terms of both method specification and method choice. The main paper is followed by a “retrospective” written by Professor Holt and reprinted from the Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, with kind permission from the editor of that journal.
Minor parties and strategic voting in recent U.S. presidential elections

Abstract I measure and explain strategic voting in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 U.S. presidential elections. Aggregate polling and election data from the 50 states and District of Columbia indicate whether a minor party candidate's support rose or fell between the final poll and Election Day. A negative vote-poll gap is evidence of classic strategic voting while a positive vote-poll gap is evidence of expressive strategic voting. Expressive voting was widespread in 1992 and 1996, but instrumental voting was dominant in 2000. In 2000 Ralph Nader lost support in most states, particularly those where the major party contest was competitive. In contrast, Ross Perot gained in most states due to expressive strategic voting facilitated by the noncompetitive national race. I also show that the vote-poll gap is a product of changes in voter turnout and, to a lesser extent, elite mobilization.
Some Antecedents of Altruism in Children: Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives:

This paper outlines the manner in which three theories—evolutionary theory, psychoanalysis and social learning theory—account for the development of altruistic behavior. Explanations by such theorists as Wilson, Campbell, Freud, Aronfreed, and Mowrer are presented, and exploration is made of the degree to which these positions are supported by empirical findings.
Frequency of public smiling across the life span.

This study of the frequency of public smiling in a sample of 15,824 children, adolescents, young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults yielded a significant decrease in public smiling across age groups. Females smiled significantly more than males.
Comparative analysis of mass spectral matching-based compound identification in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Compound identification in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is usually achieved by matching query spectra to spectra present in a reference library. Although several spectral similarity measures have been developed and compared using a small reference library, it still remains unknown how the relationship between the spectral similarity measure and the size of reference library affects on the identification accuracy as well as the optimal weight factor. We used three reference libraries to investigate the dependency of the optimal weight factor, spectral similarity measure and the size of reference library. Our study demonstrated that the optimal weight factor depends on not only spectral similarity measure but also the size of reference library. The mixture semi-partial correlation measure outperforms all existing spectral similarity measures in all tested reference libraries, in spite of the computational expense. Furthermore, the accuracy of compound identification using a larger reference library in future is estimated by varying the size of reference library. Simulation study indicates that the mixture semi-partial correlation measure will have the best performance with the increase of reference library in future.
Elevated CO2 did not mitigate the effect of a short-term drought on biological soil crusts

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are critical components of arid and semi-arid ecosystems that contribute significantly to carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fixation, water retention, soil stability, and seedling recruitment. While dry-land ecosystems face a number of environmental changes, our understanding of how biocrusts may respond to such perturbation remains notably poor. To determine the effect that elevated CO2 may have on biocrust composition, cover, and function, we measured percent soil surface cover, effective quantum yield, and pigment concentrations of naturally occurring biocrusts growing in ambient and elevated CO2 at the desert study site in Nevada, USA, from spring 2005 through spring 2007. During the experiment, a year-long drought allowed us to explore the interacting effects that elevated CO2 and water availability may have on biocrust cover and function. We found that, regardless of CO2 treatment, precipitation was the major regulator of biocrust cover. Drought reduced moss and lichen cover to near-zero in both ambient and elevated CO2 plots, suggesting that elevated CO2 did not alleviate water stress or increase C fixation to levels sufficient to mitigate drought-induced reduction in cover. In line with this result, lichen quantum yield and soil cyanobacteria pigment concentrations appeared more strongly dependent upon recent precipitation than CO2 treatment, although we did find evidence that, when hydrated, elevated CO2 increased lichen C fixation potential. Thus, an increase in atmospheric CO2 may only benefit biocrusts if overall climate patterns shift to create a wetter soil environment.
Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum: Arthroscopic-assisted treatment of large, full-thickness defects in young patients

Methods of treatment for mild juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum include activity modification and periods of immobilization, followed by therapy and range of motion exercises. Surgical treatment may be indicated if there are persistent symptoms, a loose body, the child is approaching skeletal maturity, or if magnetic resonance imaging reveals a fracture through the articular cartilage. We describe a technique of arthrotomy, using an arthroscope as a visual aid, for the treatment of large, full-thickness OCD lesions of the capitellum in young patients. The arthroscopic camera allows the surgeon to view difficult-to-see areas, and photographs can be taken throughout the procedure for documentation.
MODELING DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS

Accurate estimates of demand are critical for planning, designing, and operating public transit systems. Previous research has demonstrated that the expected demand in rural areas is a function of both demographic and transit system variables. Numerous models have been proposed to describe the relationship between the aforementioned variables. However, most of them are site specific and their validity over time and space is not reported or perhaps has not been tested. Moreover, input variables in some cases are extremely difficult to quantify. In this article, the estimation of demand using the generalized linear modeling technique is discussed. Two separate models, one for fixed-route and another for demand-responsive services, are presented. These models, calibrated with data from systems in nine different states, are used to demonstrate the appropriateness and validity of generalized linear models compared to the regression models. They explain over 70% of the variation in expected demand for fixed-route services and 60% of the variation in expected demand for demand-responsive services. It was found that the models are spatially transferable and that data for calibration are easily obtainable.
Research on Medical Records Without Informed Consent

Observational research involving access to personally identifiable data in medical records has often been conducted without informed consent, owing to practical barriers to soliciting consent and concerns about selection bias. Nevertheless, medical records research without informed consent appears to conflict with basic ethical norms relating to clinical research and personal privacy. This article analyzes the scope of these norms and provides an ethical justification for research using personally identifiable medical information without consent.
Sense of community and informal social control among lower income households: the role of homeownership and collective efficacy in reducing subjective neighborhood crime and disorder

We examine the link between homeownership, collective efficacy, and subjective neighborhood crime and disorder. Although prior research suggests that homeownership provides social benefits, the housing downturn and foreclosure crisis, coupled with mounting evidence that people self-select into housing, raise questions about the role of homeownership. We adjust for respondents’ decision to own or rent using a nationwide sample of lower-income households. We account for demographic and neighborhood characteristics as well as ratings of individual efficacy. We present a structural equation model that identifies how sense of community and informal social control jointly contribute to collective efficacy. The latent collective efficacy construct mediates the impact of homeownership on resident’s perceptions of neighborhood disorder. Such perceptions matter because they have been linked to resident’s physical and mental health. Our findings demonstrate that when coupled with sustainable mortgages, homeownership exerts a robust yet indirect effect in reducing subjective neighborhood crime and disorder. Our model also links collective efficacy to neighborhood racial homogeneity, a finding which presents challenges for the study of diversity and community. We discuss sense of community research as well as sustainable mortgages and implications of the foreclosure crisis for the future of homeownership opportunities among lower income households and neighborhoods.
Integrating High-Performance Special Purpose Devices Into A System

An emerging belief among many researchers is that a significant portion of the next generation of high performance computers will be based on architectures capable of exploiting very large scale integration (VLSI) modules. In particular, it is desirable to have a compact system that can be plugged in with interchangeable high performance modules to fit various application requirements. The system can be an efficient signal processor when special purpose signal processing modules are used; it can also be an efficient database machine when the modules are replaced with data processing modules. This paper discusses some of the issues in the design of such a system, and describes the framework of a system that is being developed at CMU.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Free Will, Moral Responsibility, and the Problem of “OOMPH”

Thomas Reid developed an important theory of freedom and moral responsibility resting on the concept of agent-causation, by which he meant the power of a rational agent to cause or not cause a volition resulting in an action. He held that this power is limited in that occasions occur when one's emotions or other forces may preclude its exercise. John Martin Fischer has raised an objection – the not enough ‘Oomph’ objection – against any incompatibilist account of freedom and moral responsibility. In this essay I argue that Fischer's not enough ‘Oomph’ objection fails to provide any reasons for rejecting Reid's incompatibilist, agent-causation account of freedom and moral responsibility.
State of Integration: Investigation of Integration in the A/E/C Community

AbstractIntegrated buildings are one goal of the architectural/engineering/construction (A/E/C) community. Integration implies quality work and it is perceived to add value to a project; but, how is integration defined and how is it applied? This paper reflects on the current status of integration and assesses where the industry stands. To do this, integration was evaluated through publicly available documents of the major professional organizations that represent the field. The American Institute of Architects; ASCE; two ASCE institutes (Structural Engineering Institute and Architectural Engineering Institute); the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; and the Associated General Contractors of America were examined for their commitment to and implementation of integration and integrated design. This survey of the resources has found that integration is important to the industry on the whole, but that the effort to include integration into the A/E/C industry varies in ...
Effect of Truck Loads on Bridges

This paper determines the truck‐load spectra for highway bridges. The weigh‐in‐motion data was collected at weigh stations located on Highways I‐75 and I‐94. The total number of trucks considered in this study is over 600,000. For each truck, the measured parameters include axle loads and axle spacings. Bridge load is considered in terms of moments and shears. Therefore, maximum moments and shears are calculated for each truck for various span lengths. The results are plotted on the normal‐probability paper to facilitate statistical interpretations. The cumulative distribution functions of moments and shears are used to extrapolate the results to predict the maximum forces in longer time periods, up to 75 years. Truck counts were carried out on U.S.‐23 and I‐94 to determine the number of trucks per lane and multiple presence frequency in lane and side by side.
Hadronic decays of the X ( 3872 ) to χ c J in effective field theory

The decays of the $X(3872)$ to $P$-wave quarkonia are calculated under the assumption that it is a shallow bound state of neutral charmed mesons. The $X(3872)$ is described using an effective theory of nonrelativistic $D$ mesons and pions (X-EFT). We calculate $X(3872)$ decays by first matching heavy hadron chiral perturbation theory ($\mathrm{HH}\ensuremath{\chi}\mathrm{PT}$) amplitudes for ${D}^{0}{\overline{D}}^{*0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{cJ}({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0},\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi})$ onto local operators in X-EFT, and then using these operators to calculate the $X(3872)$ decays. This procedure reproduces the factorization theorems for $X(3872)$ decays to conventional quarkonia previously derived using the operator product expansion. For single pion decays, we find nontrivial dependence on the pion energy from $\mathrm{HH}\ensuremath{\chi}\mathrm{PT}$ diagrams with virtual $D$ mesons. This nontrivial energy dependence can potentially modify heavy-quark symmetry predictions for the relative sizes of decay rates. At leading order, decays to final states with two pions are dominated by the final state ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{c1}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$, with a branching fraction just below that for the decay to ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{c1}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$. Decays to all other final states with two pions are highly suppressed.
Evaluation of the diving reflex in response to nonterminal submersion of White Pekin ducks in water-based foam

The mass depopulation of production birds remains an effective means of controlling fast-moving, highly infectious diseases such as avian influenza and virulent Newcastle disease. Water-based fire-fighting foam is a conditionally approved method of depopulating floor-reared gallinaceous poultry such as chickens and turkeys; however, ducks have physiological mechanisms that may make them more resistant to this method of depopulation. The following experiment was designed to assess the physiological responses of White Pekin ducks to nonterminal submersion in water-based foam compared with water. The hypothesis of this experiment was that submersion of ducks in water or water-based foam would trigger the diving reflex and lead to bradycardia. All treatments led to pronounced bradycardia. Heart rate was not significantly different between treatments during the final 30 s of the 60-s treatment period. Heart rate dropped significantly faster for the water dip and foam dip treatments and rose significantly faster than the foam pour treatment after the termination of the 60-s treatment period. Duration of bradycardia approached significance for the foam pour treatment, leading to a longer duration of bradycardia compared with the water pour, water dip, and foam dip treatments. The results of this experiment demonstrated that apnea and bradycardia as a result of the diving reflex can occur as a result of submersion in foam, which may have an impact on the time it takes White Pekin ducks to reach unconsciousness and death during water-based foam depopulation.
A note on the proof by H. E. Daniels of the asymptotic efficiency of a maximum likelihood estimator

SUMMARY A corrected proof of an important preliminary result of Daniels (1961) is presented. Daniels's work, showing that a well-behaved second derivative of the expected log likelihood function, rather than of the log likelihood function, is the key to asymptotic efficiency, is thus complete. In the standard textbook treatments of asymptotic efficiency it is assumed that the density for the independent and identically distributed observations, f(x, 0), as a function of 0, is smooth enough to permit an expansion of logf(x, 0) as far as the quadratic term and smooth enough to ensure that the resulting error term is well behaved. Daniels has developed an argument showing that it is possible to deduce asymptotic efficiency from a much weaker set of assumptions concerning the behaviour of f(x, 0). His very clever and technically difficult line of reasoning does, however, contain an error. It is the purpose of this note to correct this error. Daniels's notation and equation numbers will be used here. The assumptions made are Conditions 1, 2 and 3 of ? 3 of the present note together with the Wald sufficient conditions for strong consistency, and are the assumptions exploited by Daniels in order to obtain his E{l(X, 0) -I(X, 0O) I 0S} = -(0-_o)2{I(0o) + o(1)}, (3 8) where l(x, 0) = log f (x, 0), 1(0) = EL{ log f (x, 0)} o0j As Daniels points out, (38) holds for f (x, 0) = exp(- x -0 ) and for several other
Identification of a surface glutamine residue (Q64) of Escherichia coli EntA required for interaction with EntE.

Abstract The enterobactin biosynthetic enzyme EntA forms a complex with EntE, the next enzyme in the pathway, to enhance activation of the enterobactin precursor 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate. Here we used phage display to identify an EntE-interacting region on the surface of EntA. Upon panning immobilized EntE with a random peptide phage library, we recovered 47 unique EntE-binding dodecamer peptide sequences that aligned to a region of the EntA primary sequence corresponding to helix α4. In order to further investigate this region, we mutagenized EntA Q64, a hydrogen-bonding residue found on the surface-exposed face α4. Far-UV circular dichroism, thermal denaturation experiments, and enzymatic assays showed that mutation of EntA residue Gln 64 to alanine (Q64A) had no deleterious effect on EntA structure or function. By following near-UV CD spectral changes, we found that the spectrum of wild-type EntA was altered in the presence of EntE, indicative of conformational changes in EntA aromatic chromophores upon formation of the EntA–EntE complex. However, EntE did not affect the CD spectrum of EntA variant Q64A, demonstrating that this variant did not interact with EntE in a manner similar to wild-type EntA. Analytical ultracentrifugation of wild-type and variant EntA proteins showed that EntA Q64A was predominantly dimeric at 20 μM, unlike wild-type EntA which was predominantly tetrameric. Taken together, our findings establish that EntA α4 is required for efficient formation of the EntA–EntE as well as for EntA oligomerization.
Initial Plant Size Affects Response to Thinning in Soybean

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can produce compensatory yield following plant stand reduction, but the effect of plant size within a developmental stage on this ability is unknown. We seeded two cultivars at 15, 30, 45, and 60 plants m⁻², and identified large and small plants within each density at V3 (third trifoliate), V6 (sixth trifoliate), R2 (full bloom), and R4 (full pod) developmental stages. Subplots were either thinned to a density of 5.3 plants m⁻² or left at intact densities. The ability for large or small plants to produce compensatory growth and yield was evaluated by the differences between subsequent growth and yield produced in thinned vs. intact stands. We found small plants had equivalent harvest index to large plants across all plant densities and developmental stages, suggesting small plants were as efficient as large plants for compensating seed yield relative to biomass when stands were not thinned. However, when stands were thinned, compensatory growth and yield were different between large and small plants. For example, across all plant densities thinned at V3, large and small plants produced 51 and 37 g plant⁻¹, respectively, and compensatory yield contributed 30 and 24 g plant⁻¹, respectively. Thus, small plants produced 80% as much compensatory yield as large plants when thinned at V3. However, by the same comparison, the contribution of small plants declined to 57% when thinning was delayed to R4 development, suggesting small plants lost more compensatory ability over time. We conclude initial soybean plant size impacts compensatory yield plant⁻¹.
Obesity, insulin resistance, and skeletal muscle nitric oxide synthase.

The molecular mechanisms responsible for impaired insulin action have yet to be fully identified. Rodent models demonstrate a strong relationship between insulin resistance and an elevation in skel...
Evaporation characteristics of fuel droplets with the addition of nanoparticles under natural and forced convections

Abstract Evaporation characteristics of fuel droplets containing suspended aluminum nanoparticles were determined under natural and weak forced convections at varying flow temperatures. The results show that under higher convection temperatures droplet evaporation follows the classical D 2 -law. Under low forced convection temperatures or natural convection, however, a departure from the classical D 2 -law was observed and the evaporation rate gradually slowed. A modeling based on the population balance equation was performed to understand the dynamic particle aggregation process. The modeling results suggest that particle aggregation is likely the cause of the D 2 -law-deviation phenomena.
A Feedback Time Constant Concept

The circuit design for a control system for tracking, pointing, and terminal conlrol which provides high static and dynamic accuracy is presented. The system is based on feedback-balanced time constant RL or RC circuits and provides fail safe operation. The system can also be used for analog to digital conversion. The concept presented is particularly for use with on-board aircraft control instrumentation based on gyro-inertial and aneroidal information sensors. The primary purposes of this paper are 1) to illustrate the circuitry design concept along with its advantages and 2) to give a basic mathematical description of the functioning in terms of dynamic resolution, stability, noise immunity, and functional options.
The binary higher oxides of the rare earths

Previously published thermodynamic and some structural studies of the higher oxides of cerium, praseodymium and terbium have revealed complex systems that include homologous series of ordered intermediate phases between R2O3 and RO3 at lower temperatures, two widely non-stoichiometric phases at higher temperatures, order-disorder transitions and many other somewhat mysterious solid state phenomena. These oxygen-deficient fluorite-related systems are the most elaborate of this structure type. One of the most important requirements for advancement of understanding of these complex binary oxide systems is a knowledge of the structures and structural principles that relate the members. Recently, high resolution neutron diffraction data have been collected from Tb7O12, Pr9O16, Pr10O18, Tb11O20 and Pr12O22 and their structures have been solved by Rietveld analysis. This makes it possible to advance the outlines of the structural principle involved in understanding the relationships among these fluorite-related phases. In addition, some discussion of the disorder-order transition will be given together with a study of the phases formed when the disordered α phase is cooled rapidly.
The Dream Drawing Technique: First Data on Differential Effects of Drawn and Written Reporting of Dream Content:

It has often been asserted that the drawing of one's dreams will aid in producing more vivid, more interpretable, and clearer dream content. However, the literature on using dream drawings to enhan...
Metal-metal communication through carborane cages supporting electroactive [η5-CpFe(CO)2] substituents

A family of η5-CpFe(CO)2-substituted closo-carboranes was synthesized and characterized, including cyclic voltammetry measurements. Like the previously reported bimetallic compound 1,12-[η5-CpFe(CO)2]2-1,12-C2B10H10 (8), 1,10-[η5-CpFe(CO)2]2-1,10-C2B8H8 (9) produces two dissimilar and irreversible one-electron oxidations within the same range, suggesting that it also exhibits through-cage electronic communication between iron centers. Structures determined by X-ray diffraction studies are reported for 1-[η5-CpFe(PPh3)(CO)]-1,12-C2B10H11 (5), 1,12-[η5-CpFe(CO)2]2-1,12-C2B10H10 (8), and 1,10-[η5-CpFe(CO)2]2-1,10-C2B8H8 (9).
Ordering trees by algebraic connectivity

LetG be a graph onn vertices. Denote byL(G) the difference between the diagonal matrix of vertex degrees and the adjacency matrix. It is not hard to see thatL(G) is positive semidefinite symmetric and that its second smallest eigenvalue,a(G) > 0, if and only ifG is connected. This observation led M. Fiedler to calla(G) thealgebraic connectivity ofG. Given two trees,T1 andT2, the authors explore a graph theoretic interpretation for the difference betweena(T1) anda(T2).
Relation between force constant and bond length for carbon−nitrogen bonds

Abstract Using 25 accurately known bond-stretching force constants and bond lengths for 23 molecules, a relation of the form: F = 37.3 r −5.35 has been obtained for carbon—nitrogen bonds. The root-mean-square deviation between the force constant values reported in the literature and those calculated from the equation above is 4.09 %. Fourteen of the molecules studied have a rotational symmetry axis that coincides with the carbon-to-nitrogen bond. The remaining molecules have lower symmetry. The observed force constant—bond length relationship gives quite satisfactory results for both groups of molecules.
Measuring musical responsiveness in autistic children: A comparative analysis of improvised musical tone sequences of autistic, normal, and mentally retarded individuals

This study provided a systematic analysis of improvised tone sequences of autistic children, as compared to musical improvisations by normal and mentally retarded control subjects. The data indicate that autistic children's tone patterns, analyzed and scored for rhythm, restriction, complexity, rule adherence, and originality, almost reached the scores of normal children. The highest individual total score in the study was achieved by an autistic child. Autistic children scored significantly higher than a control group of mentally retarded individuals. The autistic children's tone sequences showed high scores on the rhythm, restriction, and originality scales which support the notion of unusual musical responsiveness and abilities when compared to results in other performance and behavioral areas. In terms of complexity and rule adherence, autistic children's tone sequences resembled those of the mentally retarded by being rather short and repetitive.
Strong Convergence of Semigroups of Nonlinear Contractions in Hilbert Space.

Abstract : The present paper deals with the strong convergence of trajectories S(t)x of a strongly continuous semigroup of contractions S(t), as t approaches infinity. A general sufficient condition for such convergence to occur is introduced and some examples in which the condition is satisfied are provided. Strengthening the general convergence condition, sufficient conditions for certain rates of convergence of S(t)x to its limit are exhibited. In particular a sufficient condition for a trajectory to reach equilibrium in finite time is given. The convergence as t approaches infinity of solutions of certain nonautonomous equations and a discrete version of all the previous results are briefly discussed. (Author)
Acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization using aryloxy tungsten-based classical catalytic systems

The range of ADMET polymerization active catalysts has been expanded to include classical catalytic systems. The acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization of hydrocarbon dienes has been performed using the aryloxy-tungsten complexes WCl 4 (O-2,6-C 6 H 3 Ph 2 ) 2 (4), W(O)Cl 2 (O-2,6-C 6 H 3 Br 2 ). (5), and WCl 4 (O-2,6-C 6 H 3 Br 2 ) 2 (6) as the precatalytic species in combination with tetrabutyltin, tetramethyltin and tri-n-butyltin hydride as the cocatalytic entities. High molecular weight polyoctenylene and polyheptenylene are obtained under bulk polymerization conditions. The scope of these classical metathesis catalysts in the polymerization of other hydrocarbon as well as functionalized dienes is studied, revealing significant reactivity differences with respect to the previously studied well-defined metathesis catalysts and providing insights into the identification of suitable classical systems for ADMET polymerization.