cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COTIPMO: a constructive team improvement process model

Team synchronization and stabilization are essential -- especially for large software projects. However, often little is done to assess and reduce the uncertainties and knowledge gaps that exist within the project. As the project progresses through its life cycle, the team can gain more information about the project and team's capabilities. These necessary data can be obtained through performing assessments on the team and project. As these assessments procedures are often complex, discouraging, and difficult to analyze, an effective framework and tool support can greatly enhance the process. Hence, with improved assessment methods, software project teams can quickly gather the necessary data, determine the actions to improve performance, and result in an improved project outcome in the end. The COnstructive Team Improvement Process MOdel (COTIPMO) is a framework developed to effectively improve team synchronization and stabilization as well as project effort estimation and scoping by enabling software development teams to quickly track project progress, continuously assess team performance, and make adjustments to the project estimates as necessary.
Vitamin d deficiency in a multiethnic healthy control cohort and altered immune response in vitamin D deficient European-American healthy controls.

Objective In recent years, vitamin D has been shown to possess a wide range of immunomodulatory effects. Although there is extensive amount of research on vitamin D, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or the mechanism by which vitamin D regulates the human immune system. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency and the relationship between vitamin D and the immune system in healthy individuals. Methods Healthy individuals (n = 774) comprised of European-Americans (EA, n = 470), African–Americans (AA, n = 125), and Native Americans (NA, n = 179) were screened for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels by ELISA. To identify the most noticeable effects of vitamin D on the immune system, 20 EA individuals with severely deficient ( 24.8 ng/mL) vitamin D levels were matched and selected for further analysis. Serum cytokine level measurement, immune cell phenotyping, and phosphoflow cytometry were performed. Results Vitamin D sufficiency was observed in 37.5% of the study cohort. By multivariate analysis, AA, NA, and females with a high body mass index (BMI, >30) demonstrate higher rates of vitamin D deficiency (p<0.05). Individuals with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher levels of serum GM-CSF (p = 0.04), decreased circulating activated CD4+ (p = 0.04) and CD8+ T (p = 0.04) cell frequencies than individuals with sufficient vitamin D levels. Conclusion A large portion of healthy individuals have vitamin D deficiency. These individuals have altered T and B cell responses, indicating that the absence of sufficient vitamin D levels could result in undesirable cellular and molecular alterations ultimately contributing to immune dysregulation.
Mulch effect on soil properties and tomato growth using micro-irrigation

Although use of micro-irrigation has risen steadily in Georgia, few studies have been reported describing its effect on yield or rooting distribution of tomato (Licopersicon esculentum). The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of mulch type (plastic mesh and straw) and micro-irrigation on soil physical properties and growth of Celebrity' tomato. In 1986, and experiment was initiated on a Cecil standy loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Typic Kanhapludult) at Griffin, GA. Tomato yield and root growth, soil temperature, and water potential in 1987 and 1988 were compared using black plastic mesh and straw mulches and three micro-irrigation frequencies : control (no irrigation), daily, and twice weekly (...)
Long-term effects of continuous exposure to p-chloroamphetamine on central serotonergic mechanisms in mice☆

Consistent with its effects in rats, the i.p. administration of 45 mg/kg of p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) to mice produced decreases in brain levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and tryptophan hydroxylase activity at early times after its administration. However, in contrast to the long-lasting nature of these reductions in rats, substantial recovery was evident within 2 weeks in mice. Regional analyses indicated that the hippocampus and remaining telencephalon were most sensitive to the PCA-induced decrease in 5-HT levels; however, complete recovery was observed 1 month after the administration of 45 mg/kg of PCA even in these relatively sensitive areas. These data are consistent with previous results indicating that PCA does not produce long-term, neurotoxic effects on serotonergic neurons in mice. However, the continuous release of PCA from subcutaneously implanted ALZET Osmotic Minipumps for a period of 3 days produced decreases in brain levels of 5-HT which lasted for at least 4 weeks. This finding suggests that the insensitivity of mice to the neurotoxic effects of PCA is related to its relatively short half-life in this species.
New Negative Feedback Regulators of Egfr Signaling in Drosophila

The highly conserved epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) pathway is required in all animals for normal development and homeostasis; consequently, aberrant Egfr signaling is implicated in a number of diseases. Genetic analysis of Drosophila melanogaster Egfr has contributed significantly to understanding this conserved pathway and led to the discovery of new components and targets. Here we used microarray analysis of third instar wing discs, in which Egfr signaling was perturbed, to identify new Egfr-responsive genes. Upregulated transcripts included five known targets, suggesting the approach was valid. We investigated the function of 29 previously uncharacterized genes, which had pronounced responses. The Egfr pathway is important for wing-vein patterning and using reverse genetic analysis we identified five genes that showed venation defects. Three of these genes are expressed in vein primordia and all showed transcriptional changes in response to altered Egfr activity consistent with being targets of the pathway. Genetic interactions with Egfr further linked two of the genes, Sulfated (Sulf1), an endosulfatase gene, and CG4096, an A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin motifs (ADAMTS) gene, to the pathway. Sulf1 showed a strong genetic interaction with the neuregulin-like ligand vein (vn) and may influence binding of Vn to heparan-sulfated proteoglycans (HSPGs). How Drosophila Egfr activity is modulated by CG4096 is unknown, but interestingly vertebrate EGF ligands are regulated by a related ADAMTS protein. We suggest Sulf1 and CG4096 are negative feedback regulators of Egfr signaling that function in the extracellular space to influence ligand activity.
The role of quench back in quench protection of a superconducting solenoid

This report demonstrates the role of quench back in the quench protection of high current density superconducting solenoid magnets with well-coupled shorted secondary circuits. The phenomenon of ‘quench back’ can be used to greatly reduce the size of an external quench protection resistor or even to eliminate the need for an external quench protection system altogether. A comparison is made with conventional magnet quench protection systems with and without a closely coupled secondary circuit.
Atomic origin of ultrafast resistance switching in nanoscale electrometallization cells

Nanoscale resistance-switching cells that operate by means of electrochemical modification of metallic filaments are promising devices for post-CMOS electronics. Simulations of operating conductive cells are now used to describe electrochemical reactions.
Iodotyrosylation of peptides using tertiary-butyloxycarbonyl-l-[125I]iodotyrosine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester☆

Abstract A rapid method for the iodotyrosylation of peptides using tertiary-butyloxycarbonyl- l -[125I]-iodotyrosine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester is described. The method, like that of Bolton and Hunter (1973, Biochem. J.133, 529–539), uses nonoxidizing conditions, is applicable to tyrosine-free peptides, and results in an easily isolated product with decreased cationic charge. The present method has the additional advantage that the derivatized peptide is readily deblocked to form a radiolabeled product with the same net charge as the starting material.
Nonroutine Transactions in Controller-Pilot Communication.

People use a variety of strategies and devices to make themselves understood, partly in response to different communication constraints. The present study examined how communication during routine Air Traffic Control operations is shaped by accuracy and efficiency constraints. Controllers and pilots use a combination of English and special conventions that have developed in response to these constraints. One convention is the collaborative scheme, in which the speaker initiates a transaction, presents new information, and collaborates with the addressee to accept the information as mutually understood and appropriate (Clark & Schaefer, 1987). We examined how this scheme is used to balance the demands of accuracy and efficiency during routine pilot‐controller communication. This scheme also organizes nonroutine communication, where pilots and controllers interrupt routine communication in order to resolve communication problems. Findings suggest that several communication problems can be traced to nonstand...
Aluminum Effects on Operant Performance and Food Motivation of Mice

Previous studies demonstrated better performance of operant tasks in mice fed excess aluminum (Al) in the diet. The current study examined whether (a) Al leads to impairment of spatial alternation after extended practice, (b) Al enhances performance of an operant task that emphasizes motor learning and ability (differential reinforcement of high rates, DRH), and (c) Al enhances food motivation as reflected in progressive ratio (PR) performance. Male Swiss Webster mice were fed purified diets containing 7 (control), 500, or 1000 μg Al/g diet. Subgroups were fed excess Al diets during development (conception to 35 days postnatal) or as adults (35 days postnatal through the end of testing). Operant training and testing were conducted at 50 days postnatal. Data indicated that extended training of developmentally exposed mice did not lead to performance deficits, that DRH performance of both developmentally and adult-exposed mice was enhanced, and that food motivation (PR task) was significantly greater in the adult-exposed group with a similar trend in the developmentally exposed group. Aluminum may bias performance of food-motivated tasks by influencing food motivation.
Electric Dipole Interactions Among Polar Defects in Alkali Halides

The influence of electric dipole interactions among substitutional polar molecules and atoms in the alkali halides is studied in the systems KCl: Li, KCl: OH, RbCl: OH, NaBr: F, and KCl: CN. A maximum is observed in the dc dielectric constant at a temperature ${T}_{max}$ which is shown to be proportional to the average interaction energy. It is also shown that this is not a relaxation effect. A remanent polarization is observed at low temperatures, which is caused by parallel-aligned pairs of dipoles experiencing a reorientation barrier. Specific-heat and thermal-conductivity measurements are also analyzed for the influence of interactions. Owing to the finite zero-field tunnel splitting of the impurity states, there is a threshold concentration, below which interaction effects are vanishingly small. The experimental results are compared to recent theoretical investigations and to results obtained on dilute magnetic alloys. In KCl: OH, the specific heat at high O${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ concentrations $N$ is proportional to ${N}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}}{T}^{\frac{3}{2}}$. An unsuccessful search for direct evidence of polarization waves analogous to spin waves is reported and they are presumed heavily damped. It is conjectured that the above specific-heat result may be due to these modes.
2-Aminopurine/cytosine base pair containing oligonucleotides: fluorescence spectroscopy studies on DNA-polyamide binding.

Abstract Studies on the binding of a triamide f-IPI ( 1 ) to its cognate sequence labeled with a 2-aminopurine (2AP or G ∗ ) group are described. ITC studies showed that f-IPI ( 1 ) bound to the cognate site (ACG ∗ CGT) with only 3.5-fold lower affinity than binding to the unlabeled DNA (ACGCGT) ( K eq = 2 × 10 7 and 7 × 10 7 M −1 , respectively). Titration of f-IPI ( 1 ) to both sequences gave strong induced bands at 330 nm via circular dichroism studies. The compound also gave comparable Δ T m values of 5.0 and 7.8 °C, respectively. These techniques also proved that the sequence selectivity of f-IPI ( 1 ) was uncompromised, as only limited binding to the non-cognate sequence ACCG ∗ GT was observed. Fluorescence studies demonstrated a 2:1 ligand:DNA binding motif as anticipated, and indicated that the limit of detection for this technique was 20 μM DNA concentration. The results demonstrate that 2-aminopurine is a sufficient substitute for guanine in a G·C base pair useful in DNA binding studies.
Multilayer Graphene Oxide/Cadmium Selenide Quantum-Dot-Coated Titanium Dioxide Heterojunction Solar Cell

We demonstrate a heterojunction solar cell employing multilayer graphene oxide (ML-GO) as the hole-conducting layer and cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum-dot-coated titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the photoactive material. Multilayer graphene, synthesized by a chemical-vapor-deposition technique, is treated with low-power (25-W) oxygen plasma (~100 sccm) to convert into ML-GO, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The ML-GO exhibits an optical bandgap of 3.6 eV extracted from UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The heterojunction solar cell is implemented with a stacked heterostructure of ITO/TiO2/CdSe/ML-GO/Pt, yielding a short-circuit current density of 11.2 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 652 mV, and a photoconversion efficiency of 4.1% under a standard AM 1.5 illumination condition.
Analyzing and Assigning Carbon-13 Chemical-Shift Tensors in Fructose, Sorbose, and Xylose Single Crystals

Abstract Complete carbon-13 chemical-shift tensors are measured in single crystals of the monosaccharides β- D -fructopyranose [57-48-7], α- L -sorbopyranose [87-79-6], and α- D -xylopyranose [58-86-6] using the two-dimensional chemical-shift correlation technique with a multiple-axis sample-reorientation mechanism. Symmetry-constrained fitting of the experimental data extracts the tensors for the four equivalent molecules in theP212121unit cells and the directions of the three twofold axes in the orthorhombic crystals. The standard deviations of the symmetry fits to the data are 0.30, 0.40, and 0.29 ppm for the three monosaccharide molecules, respectively. Gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) computations using the D-95 double-zeta basis set are then used to assign the experimental tensors to the carbons in the molecules and to the molecules in the unit cell. All assignment permutations and combinations are explored, and that which minimizes the RMS deviation between the experimental and computed tensors is accepted as the best assignment. The GIAO results also identify the experimental twofold axes with the crystallographic axes. Because the hydroxymethyl hydroxyl group in sorbose jumps between two positions, it is necessary to compute the tensors for both molecular configurations and then to take a weighted average of the results for comparison with the experimental data. The D-95 GIAO results have RMS deviations from the experimental tensors of 1.90 ppm for fructose, 2.61 ppm for sorbose, and 2.66 ppm for xylose. Similar computations confirm a previous assignment of the carbon-13 tensors in sucrose and yield a 2.85 ppm RMS deviation.
Observations on the implementation of the North American agreement on labor cooperation: Emerging issues and initial impacts on united states‐Mexico labor relations

Abstract The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) casts a series of significant new challenges for labor organizations. If organized labor interests are to respond effectively, these challenges need to be examined critically and addressed in a timely manner during the initial phases of NAFTA's implementation. This research report examines the emerging issues that are pertinent to labor relations and organizing efforts across the United States and Mexican border. Issues concerning litigation of cross‐border disputes, international organizational linkages, independent unionization campaigns, international union strategies, government policies, and other related issues examined in this paper were identified through a literature review as well as through interviews with government officials, labor leaders, and labor relations experts from the United States and Mexico. The implications of the findings for future policy development, labor union strategies, and further research are also discussed.
High Fidelity Vibratory Seismic (HFVS): Robust Inversion Using Generalized Inverse

One of key components of HFVS technology requires separating multiple sweeps and multi-vibrator gathers into a single source gather through a matrix inversion that involves solving a system of equations. Fast directequation solvers, such as LU decomposition, are often used to handle large volumes of 3D prestack data. However, the drawback of the fast direct-equation solvers does not reveal the uniqueness of the inverse problem and may fail to produce a satisfactory solution if the matrix is ill conditioned. Another better alternative is to use single value decomposition (SVD) to obtain a more robust leastsquares solution. But its high computational cost often limits its application to a small or moderate size of data volume. This paper shows that the use of SVD is well suited in the HFVS technology: requires minimum computational cost; provides diagnostic tools to analyze the uniqueness of the inverse problem; and produces a better source separation when the vibrator-sweep matrix is ill conditioned and a comparable result when the vibratorsweep matrix is relatively well conditioned. The synthetic and real data examples further illustrate that SVD is a preferable equation solver to be used in the HFVS system for the similar computational cost as a fast direct-equation solver.
Modal fields: A new method for characterization of random seismic velocity heterogeneity

Geologically and petrophysically constrained synthetic random velocity fields are important tools for exploring (through the application of numerical codes) the seismic response of small-scale lithospheric heterogeneities. Statistical and geophysical analysis of mid- and lower-crustal exposures has demonstrated that the probability density function for some seismic velocity fields is likely to be discrete rather than continuous. We apply the term “modal” fields to describe fields of this sort. This letter details a methodology for generating synthetic modal fields which satisfy the von Karman covariance function. In addition, we explore some of the mathematics of “modality”, and define a modality parameter which quantifies the variation between end members binary and continuous fields.
A correction to a result in linear programming

Abstract We show that Theorem 1 in [1, p.236] about linear programs is incorrect as stated. We provide the correct version of this theorem and an elementary proof of it.
Flux measurements of volatile organic compounds by the relaxed eddy accumulation method combined with a GC-FID system in urban Houston, Texas

Abstract A tall tower flux measurement setup was established in metropolitan Houston, Texas, to measure trace gas fluxes from emission sources in the urban surface layer. We describe a new relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) system combined with a dual-channel GC-FID used for VOC flux measurements, focusing on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) results. Ambient air sampled from 60 m above the ground next to a sonic anemometer was subsampled by a membrane pump and pushed into an REA valve system with two Teflon bag reservoirs, then transferred to two preconcentration units for thermal desorption. We discuss the performance of our system and the selected BTEX measurement results using approximately 8 weeks of data (May 22–July 22, 2008), presenting diurnal variations of concentrations and fluxes of these traffic tracers. The measured values exhibited diurnal cycles with dominant morning and midday peaks during weekdays related to rush hour traffic and additional weekday daytime toluene and xylenes emissions. Local evaporative emissions, likely from solvent usage, significantly contributed to the measured fluxes. We upscaled measured emissions to the county level using a high resolution land cover data set and compared the results with EPA’s National Emission Inventory (NEI).
Imagery values of fear items

The imagery norms published by Paivio, Yuille, and Madigan (1968) have been used in a large number of laboratory experiments. Similarly, the fear norms published by Geer (1965) have been employed in a large number of clinicallyrelated studies. To encourage the integration and convergence of those two relatively independent bodies of knowledge, norms were gathered on the imagery value of Fear Survey Schedule scenes. Data gathered for validation purposes indicate that the ratings of the present subject sample represent the ratings of the samples used by both Geer (1965) and Paivio et al. (1968) . As such, conditions which are necessary for the use of these norms in convergent research have been met.
Event social responsibility: A note to improve outcomes for sponsors and events

Abstract Via a field study (n = 879), the authors introduce the concept of event social responsibility (ESR) and show how it is a catalyst for key outcomes in the business of sport. Specifically, event social responsibility leads to fan attachment to an event, event word-of-mouth, and sponsorship patronage. Fan attachment lifts consumer promotion of an event to others and mediates the relationship between ESR and the extent to which attendees share favorable WOM about the sponsored event. Results also confirm the strong link between ESR and attendees' support for sponsors, via patronage of their products. For corporate sponsors, the results offer evidence for how sponsorship of community-based events provides an opportunity for a company to demonstrate good corporate citizenship while lifting patronage intent of attendees at a professional sporting event.
SACROCOCCYGEAL TERATOMA: THE EXPERIENCE OF FOUR DECADES

Abstract To determine the extent of progress in the treatment of sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs), we evaluated the experience with 73 patients over 40 years. The medical records of the children were reviewed for demographics, histology, clinical course, and outcome. Therapy differed depending on the type of SCT, histology, and decade of diagnosis. The female:male ratio was 4.2:1 and did not vary significantly with the histology of the tumor. Fifty-seven patients presented with benign disease. There were five recurrences in this group, only one of which did not have an initial coccygectomy. One tumor, originally thought to be benign with immature elements, had a local recurrence at 7 months, 10 months, and 16 months after the original operation and was discovered to have embryonal carcinoma with nodal involvement. This child was treated with chemotherapy and is disease-free at 7 years. Morbidity in the benign group included 3 postoperative wound infections. Three infants died, one before operation with β-hemolytic Streptococcus sepsis. Two neonates died in the earlypostoperative period, one on day 1 with a ruptured subcapsular hematoma of the liver, and the second on day 2 with disseminated intravascular coagulation/sepsis. Benign SCT occurs at a younger age than malignant tumors. The average age of presentation of benign tumors is 20 days versus 468 days in children with malignant disease. The technique of wide resection of benign lesions with coccygectomy is helpful in preventing recurrence and has changed little over the last four decades. Malignant SCT occurred in 16 children (22%). Seven of these children are long-term survivors with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. The average survival was 9.3 months in the nine children who died of disease (range, 1 to 28 months). Long-term survival in the last two decades was achieved more often and may be attributed to modern chemotherapy.
Engineering-Geological Problems in the Moravian Karst, Czech Republic

The Moravian karst belongs to one of the famous karst regions in Central Europe. It is situated in Moravia in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. According to the geology it is of Devonian age and the main rocks are of different types of limestones. The process of karstification is still active. They are many caves with rich stalagmites and stalactites and the Macocha abyss, the depth of which is 138.5 m. The underground Punkva River flows through the main part of the karst, forming beautiful underground lakes. Typical karst phenomena, such as sinkholes and deep canyons, may be observed on the surface of the terrain. Because of the karstification, water erosion and frost weathering, many steep unstable slopes and walls originated. To solve the stability from a geotechnical point of view is not easy. This requests a special engineering-geological knowledge and experience.
The histories of ordinary chondrite parent bodies - U, Th-He age distributions

Age patterns observed in meteorite groups reflect the different thermal or impact histories experienced by their parent bodies. To assess the number of ordinary chondrite (OC) parent bodies, rare-gas data in the Schultz and Kruse (1989) data base were used to calculate U, Th-He gas-retention ages. Most H- and LL-chondrite ages are high; about 81 percent are greater than 2.2 Ga. In contrast, most L-chondrite ages are low; about 69 percent are not greater than 2.2 Ga, and about 35 percent are not greater than 0.9 Ga. The latter fraction is substantially lower than the value of 44 percent given by Heymann (1967). The difference is attributed to the preferential inclusion of shocked L chondrites in early studies. Broad age peaks in the H and LL groups near 3.4 Ga probably reflect thermal loss during metamorphism, but in the H distribution there is a hint of minor outgassing 'events' near 1 Ga. The L/LL chondrites have chemical properties intermediate between and unresolvable from L and LL chondrites. The high ages of most L/LL chondrites are evidence against these originating on the L parent body; the L/LL age distribution is consistent with an origin on the LL parent body or onmore » an independent body. 22 refs.« less
Nonequilibrium fluctuations in metaphase spindles: polarized light microscopy, image registration, and correlation functions

Metaphase spindles are highly dynamic, nonequilibrium, steady-state structures. We study the internal fluctuations of spindles by computing spatio-temporal correlation functions of movies obtained from quantitative polarized light microscopy. These correlation functions are only physically meaningful if corrections are made for the net motion of the spindle. We describe our image registration algorithm in detail and we explore its robustness. Finally, we discuss the expression used for the estimation of the correlation function in terms of the nematic order of the microtubules which make up the spindle. Ultimately, studying the form of these correlation functions will provide a quantitative test of the validity of coarse-grained models of spindle structure inspired from liquid crystal physics.
Neuromotor Outcomes of Infants Exposed Prenatally to Cocaine

The effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on the neuromotor outcome of infants has been investigated through animal research, neurophysiological studies of neonates, and longitudinal follow-up of exposed infants. The inconsistency in reported findings may reflect methodological problems as well as variations among study populations and individual infants. Several studies using the Movement Assessment of Infants (MAI) have reported significant differences in motor performance at four months of age in infants who were cocaine-exposed prenatally, but specific clinical findings vary. A review of relevant work is presented here with a discussion of issues and variables which must be considered in an evaluation of the neuromotor consequences of intrauterine cocaine exposure for the developing infant.
Paget’s disease of bone: rheumatologic complications

Pain is the most common reason people consult a physician when suffering from Paget's disease of bone. The most common reason for patients' pain is osteoarthritis, either directly or indirectly induced by Paget's disease. The physician should make a concerted effort to target the origin of the pain, because effective treatments for the two conditions seem to be different. Back pain is particularly common and one must be careful before attributing back pain to Paget's disease; otherwise, both the physician and patient may be disappointed in the results of therapy.
Simulating Planetary Dynamics in a Laboratory Setting

The technological feats of rovers on planets and the stunning images that these and other space missions return from celestial bodies in the solar system tend to dominate public perception of what it means to be a planetary scientist. However, many planetary scientists are also involved with experimental planetary science research in the laboratory.
The influence of price on school enrollment under Uganda's policy of free primary education

Abstract This study uses household survey data to estimate determinants of schooling in Uganda, with a model that includes the price of school. Uganda's universal education policy offered free tuition, fees, and supplies to up to four children per family, including two daughters. The empirical method includes an estimation of a child-specific price of schooling. Despite widespread subsidies, the cost of primary school remained an obstacle under this policy, but the effects of price were similar for boys and girls. Regressions by wealth quintile estimate nonlinear effects of wealth and price, suggesting that there are opportunities to expand education through targeted cash transfer and subsidy policies.
Work in progress - novelty in a numerical methods course

This paper discusses the development, implementation and preliminary assessment of a new course that integrates an Introduction to Programming course with a Numerical Methods course using discipline specific examples. In the drive to decrease the time to degrees in engineering programs across the country, many are seeking ways to combine subject material in course without losing the resulting technical abilities of the students. This paper describes one such effort regarding a new course Computational Techniques in Mechanical Engineering at Bradley University. The paper examines the course content and specific methods to combine the two subject areas. The location of the course in an engineering curriculum is considered. Preliminary comparison of the studentspsila abilities in both subject matters is presented, based on exam question responses in the separate courses versus those in the combined course.
The impact of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) on lipoprotein metabolism

It has been reported that phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is an independent risk factor for human coronary artery disease. In mouse models, it has been demonstrated that PLTP overexpression induces atherosclerosis, while its deficiency reduces it. PLTP is considered a promising target for pharmacological intervention to treat atherosclerosis. However, we must still answer a number of questions before its pharmaceutical potential can be fully explored. In this review, we summarized the recent progresses made in the PLTP research field and focused on its effect on apoB-containing- triglyceride-rich particle and HDL metabolism.
Abstracts: Natural moisturizing factors in the stratum corneum I. Effects of lipid extraction and soaking

pp. 13–22 Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is essential for appropriate stratum corneum hydration, barrier homeostasis, desquamation, and plasticity. It is formed from filaggrin proteolysis to small, hygroscopic molecules including amino acids. We hypothesized that common lipid extraction and soaking in water would alter the level of NMF in the upper stratum corneum (SC) and its biophysical properties. A novel method of measuring and quantifying the amino acid components of NMF is presented. Adhesive tapes were used to collect samples of the SC and were extracted with 6 mM perchloric acid for analysis by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The HPLC results were standardized to the amount of protein removed by the tapes. An increase in NMF was found with increased SC depth. Also, the combination of extraction and soaking was found to increase NMF loss relative to control or to extraction or soaking alone. Our results indicate that common skin care practices significantly influence the water binding materials in the upper SC. The findings have implications for the evaluation and formulation of skin care products.
Dynamic Chromosome Organization and Protein Localization Coordinate the Regulatory Circuitry that Drives the Bacterial Cell Cycle

The bacterial cell has less internal structure and genetic complexity than cells of eukaryotic organisms, yet it is a highly organized system that uses both temporal and spatial cues to drive its cell cycle. Key insights into bacterial regulatory programs that orchestrate cell cycle progression have come from studies of Caulobacter crescentus, a bacterium that divides asymmetrically. Three global regulatory proteins cycle out of phase with one another and drive cell cycle progression by directly controlling the expression of 200 cell-cycle-regulated genes. Exploration of this system provided insights into the evolution of regulatory circuits and the plasticity of circuit structure. The temporal expression of the modular subsystems that implement the cell cycle and asymmetric cell division is also coordinated by differential DNA methylation, regulated proteolysis, and phosphorylation signaling cascades. This control system structure has parallels to eukaryotic cell cycle control architecture. Remarkably, the transcriptional circuitry is dependent on three-dimensional dynamic deployment of key regulatory and signaling proteins. In addition, dynamically localized DNA-binding proteins ensure that DNA segregation is coupled to the timing and cellular position of the cytokinetic ring. Comparison to other organisms reveals conservation of cell cycle regulatory logic, even if regulatory proteins, themselves, are not conserved.
Faster image template matching in the sum of the absolute value of differences measure

Given an m/spl times/m image I and a smaller n/spl times/n image P, the computation of an (m-n+1)/spl times/(m-n+1) matrix C where C(i, j) is of the form C(i,j)=/spl Sigma//sub k=0//sup n-1//spl Sigma//sub k'=0//sup n-1/f(I(i+k,j+k'), P(k,k')), 0/spl les/i, j/spl les/m-n for some function f, is often used in template matching. Frequent choices for the function f are f(x,y)=(x-y)/sup 2/ and f(x,y)=|m-y|. For the case when f(x,y)=(x-y)/sup 2/, it is well known that C is computable in O(m/sup 2/ log n) time. For the case f(x,y)=|-y|, on the other hand, the brute force O((m-n+1)/sup 2/n/sup 2/) time algorithm for computing C seems to be the best known. This paper gives an asymptotically faster algorithm for computing C when f(x,y)=|x-y|, one that runs in time O(min{s,n//spl radic/log n}m/sup 2/ log n) time, where s is the size of the alphabet, i.e., the number of distinct symbols that appear in I and P. This is achieved by combining two algorithms, one of which runs in O(sm/sup 2/ log n) time, the other in O(m/sup 2/n/spl radic/log n) time. We also give a simple Monte Carlo algorithm that runs in O(m/sup 2/ log n) time and gives unbiased estimates of C.
The cannabinoid CB1 antagonist AM 251 produces food avoidance and behaviors associated with nausea but does not impair feeding efficiency in rats

Rationale: A growing body of evidence sug- gests that cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists have po- tentialtherapeuticutilityasappetitesuppressants.However, the specific mechanisms underlying the reduction in food intake produced by these drugs are not well understood. Objective: Considering the known antiemetic and motor- suppressive effectsofCB1agonists,the present studies were conducted to determine if the reductions in food intake induced by the CB1 antagonist AM 251 could result from nausea or impairments inintake-related motor control,rather than solely from appetite suppression. Methods: Three ex- periments were conducted to examine the effects of AM 251 (2.0, 4.0, or 8.0 mg/kg or vehicle) on detailed param- eters of food intake, on the development of conditioned taste avoidance, and on taste reactivity. Results: In the first experiment, acute administration of AM 251 dose- dependently decreased food intake; nevertheless, feeding rate (grams consumed per time spent eating) and food handling were unaffected, which suggests that food intake was not reduced because of severe motor impairments. In thesecondexperiment,AM251dose-dependentlyreduced intake of a flavor with which it had previously been as- sociated, indicating that conditioned taste avoidance had developed. Lastly, AM 251 was found to induce condi- tioned rejection reactions in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: The CB1 antagonist AM 251 may reduce food intake in part by inducing nausea or malaise, but not because of incoordination or motor slowing related to feeding.
Neural representation of source direction in reverberant space

Head-related impulse responses measured in a classroom are used to generate realistic "reverberant" inputs to a physiologically-based model of binaural processing in the brainstem. Results show that instantaneous information provides relatively poor source direction information, even though human perception is only slightly affected by reverberation. However, analyses of the distortion of spatial cues caused by real room reverberation demonstrate that appropriate combination of noisy cues over time can increase the reliability of source direction estimates.
Chip-level spray cooling of an LD-MOSFET RF power Amplifier

We report here the application of water spray cooling directly to the top surface of a lateral diffused metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (LD-MOSFET) in a 500-MHz RF power amplifier. With the amplifier running in Class A, spray cooling at a flow of 0.14 l/min increases the output power from 66 W to 84 W, and the power-added efficiency increases from 26% to 34%, all at 34 W input. This improvement is attributed to a large spray-induced reduction in junction temperature and total package thermal resistance. At the point of highest measured RF output and DC power dissipation, the reduction in junction temperature and total thermal resistance were estimated to be from /spl ap/214/spl deg/C to /spl ap/115/spl deg/C and from /spl ap/1.5/spl deg/C/W to /spl ap/0.6/spl deg/C/W, respectively, and the maximum spray-induced heat flux was /spl ap/162W/cm/sup 2/. In Class AB, the increase in output power and power-added efficiency are less, /spl ap/8%, but the amplifier can be driven harder before failure occurs. The maximum output in class AB is 79 W compared to 70 W without spray cooling.
Iso-charts: stretch-driven mesh parameterization using spectral analysis

We describe a fully automatic method, called iso-charts, to create texture atlases on arbitrary meshes. It is the first to consider stretch not only when parameterizing charts, but also when forming charts. The output atlas bounds stretch by a user-specified constant, allowing the user to balance the number of charts against their stretch. Our approach combines two seemingly incompatible techniques: stretch-minimizing parameterization, based on the surface integral of the trace of the local metric tensor, and the "isomap" or MDS (multi-dimensional scaling) parameterization, based on an eigen-analysis of the matrix of squared geodesic distances between pairs of mesh vertices. We show that only a few iterations of nonlinear stretch optimization need be applied to the MDS parameterization to obtain low-stretch atlases. The close relationship we discover between these two parameterizations also allows us to apply spectral clustering based on MDS to partition the mesh into charts having low stretch. We also novelly apply the graph cut algorithm in optimizing chart boundaries to further minimize stretch, follow sharp features, and avoid meandering. Overall, our algorithm creates texture atlases quickly, with fewer charts and lower stretch than previous methods, providing improvement in applications like geometric remeshing. We also describe an extension, signal-specialized atlas creation, to efficiently sample surface signals, and show for the first time that considering signal stretch in chart formation produces better texture maps.
Concepts and Controversies: The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Risk Assessment and Cholesterol Treatment Guidelines

In November 2013, the ACC/AHA issued clinical guidelines on assessment of cardiovascular risk and cholesterol treatment. This commentary highlights core concepts of the guidelines that rest on wide...
ASC: an associative-computing paradigm

Today's increased computing speeds allow conventional sequential machines to effectively emulate associative computing techniques. We present a parallel programming paradigm called ASC (ASsociative Computing), designed for a wide range of computing engines. Our paradigm has an efficient associative-based, dynamic memory-allocation mechanism that does not use pointers. It incorporates data parallelism at the base level, so that programmers do not have to specify low-level sequential tasks such as sorting, looping and parallelization. Our paradigm supports all of the standard data-parallel and massively parallel computing algorithms. It combines numerical computation (such as convolution, matrix multiplication, and graphics) with nonnumerical computing (such as compilation, graph algorithms, rule-based systems, and language interpreters). This article focuses on the nonnumerical aspects of ASC. >
Performance benefits of line coding in the context of direct and coherent detection

Benefits of line-codes in optical transmission are examined in different system scenarios. The tradeoffs between performance improvement and the coding overhead are examined.
Bilateral aberrant jugular bulbs.

A ten-year-old male presented with non-specific head-aches without focal findings. A post-contrast CT incidentally revealed bilaterally superiorly and laterally placed jugular bulbs within the petrous bones, symmetrically
Absolute FKBP binding affinities obtained via nonequilibrium unbinding simulations

We compute the absolute binding affinities for two ligands bound to the FKBP protein using nonequilibrium unbinding simulations. The methodology is straightforward requiring little or no modification to many modern molecular simulation packages. The approach makes use of a physical pathway, eliminating the need for complicated alchemical decoupling schemes. We compare our nonequilibrium results to those obtained via a fully equilibrium approach and to experiment. The results of this study suggest that to obtain accurate results using nonequilibrium approaches one should use the stiff-spring approximation with the second cumulant expansion. From this study we conclude that nonequilibrium simulation could provide a simple means to estimate protein-ligand binding affinities.
A Highly Efficient On-chip 3D Plasmonic Nanofocusing Structure

We demonstrate and analyze a highly efficient on-chip 3D metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanofocusing structure. Here, we show the in-depth theoretical design, analysis and discussion to provide a detailed picture of the highly efficient, on-chip nanofocusing process which is linearly tapered in 3D.
Studies in the synthesis of control structures for chemical processes: Part I: Formulation of the problem. Process decomposition and the classification of the control tasks. Analysis of the optimizing control structures

Part I of this series presents a unified formulation of the problem of synthesizing control structures for chemical processes. The formulation is rigorous and free of engineering heuristics, providing the framework for generalizations and further analytical developments on this important problem. Decomposition is the underlying, guiding principle, leading to the classification of the control objectives (regulation, optimization) and the partitioning of the process for the practical implementation of the control structures. Within the framework of hierarchical control and multi-level optimization theory, mathematical measures have been developed to guide the decomposition of the control tasks and the partitioning of the process. Consequently, the extent and the purpose of the regulatory and optimizing control objectives for a given plant are well defined, and alternative control structures can be generated for the designer's analysis and screening. In addition, in this first part we examine the features of various optimizing control strategies (feedforward, feedback; centralized, decentralized) and develop methods for their generation and selective screening. Application of all these principles is illustrated on an integrated chemical plant that offers enough variety and complexity to allow conclusions about a real-life situation.
Cloning of an Invertebrate GABA Receptor from the Cyclodiene Resistance Locus in Drosophila

For reasons which are unclear the invertebrate GABA receptor has until recently remained uncloned via heterologous probing with vertebrate clones or via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers based on vertebrate consensus sequences. Due to the lack of success with these approaches and in view of the fact that cyclodienes have long been thought to interact with the GABAA receptor/chloride ionophore complex, we chose to clone the gene responsible for conferring cyclodiene resistance as a putative invertebrate GABA receptor locus in the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster. The present paper reviews the cloning of this gene and the identification of a GABA receptor as the gene product. Its implications in the understanding of the molecular basis of insecticide action and resistance are discussed.
Examining the Mediating Effects of Social Learning on the Low Self-Control—Cyberbullying Relationship in a Youth Sample

ABSTRACTOver the last decade, researchers have conducted a significant amount of research to explore the causes and consequences of cyberbullying, where individuals use the Internet in order to send harmful and aggressive messages. Using a sample of middle and high school students in Kentucky, the current study utilized low self-control and social learning theories in an attempt to further understand why adolescents engage in cyberbullying. The binary logistic regression results suggested that components of social learning theory mediated the effect of low-self-control. The implications of this study for both criminological theory and cyberbullying research are discussed in detail.