cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenanthrene sorption by aliphatic-rich natural organic matter.

Contaminant sorption, an important process that may limit bioavailability, hinder remediation, encourage environmental persistence, and control mobility in the environment, has been the focus of numerous studies. Despite these efforts, the fundamental understanding of sorptive processes in soil and sedimentary environments has not been resolved. For instance, many have suggested that contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), solely interact with aromatic domains of organic matter. Until now, studies have neglected the aliphatic components that are known to be a recalcitrant and significant part of soil and sedimentary organic matter (SOM). In this investigation, the sorption of phenanthrene to several aliphatic-rich SOM samples was measured. The samples included the following: SOM precursors (algae, degraded algae, cellulose, collagen, cuticle, and lignin), two kerogen samples, and a highly aromatic humic acid. All samples were characterized by cross polarization magic angle spinning...
Hemangioblastoma-associated mast cells in von Hippel-Lindau disease are tumor derived

To the editor: von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a tumor syndrome resulting from an inherited mutation in the VHL gene. The primary neoplastic manifestation in VHL are CNS hemangioblastomas[1][1] that develop after loss of the second wild-type VHL allele (loss of heterozygosity [LOH]).
Mobile Robot Dynamic Path Planning Based on Artificial Potential Field Approach

Artificial potential field based mobile robot path planning approaches have been widely used. However, most methods are applied in the static environment where the target and the obstacles are stationary. In this paper, a potential field approach used in dynamic situation is proposed. Its major characteristics include a new attractive potential function as well as a repulsive potential function. The former takes the relative position and velocity between the robot and the target into consideration; the latter takes into account the relative position and velocity between the robot and the obstacles. The proposed approach guarantees the robot can track the moving target while escape from moving obstacles. Simulation experiments are carried out and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the new potential field method.
Relationship of Egg Size During First Year Production to Percentage Increase in Second Year

Abstract It is well established that maximum egg size of the laying hen is attained during the second year of production. Hadley and Caldwell (1920) reported some of the earliest work on the inheritance of egg weight and found that maximum egg size occurred during the second year of production. The results of one year’s work in which 19 hens were divided into a large egg group (over 60 grams per egg) and a small egg group (under 60 grams per egg) showed that the average percentage increase of egg size during the second year over the first year was 1.44 and 0.97 for the two groups respectively. They concluded from this that the mean egg weight from year one to year two is not related in any way to the mean egg weight of the individual hens for the first laying year. Subsequent data compiled by these workers from a . . .
On the Relationship Between Fertility and Geographic Latitude: A Cross-National Study:

Mammalian reproduction is strongly affected by photoperiod and ambient temperature. Although human fertility is seasonal, there has been little systematic investigation of cross-national variation ...
Seed treatments for biological control of plant disease

Abstract Biological control has the potential to become an important, environmentally sound method of pest control. However, before this can occur, biological control systems that are effective, reliable and economical must be developed. Useful biological control must consist of a superior biocontrol strain, a fermentation method that economically produces propagules of high quality, and delivery systems that give the bioprotectant a competitive advantage. Protoplast fusion to produce a highly effective, rhizosphere-competent strain of T. harzianum , methods and a conceptual basis for seed treatment enhancing activity of this bioprotectant, and fermentation methods to produce propagules of high quality, have all been developed. The biocontrol strain is being registered, and this biocontrol system should be marketed soon.
TOWARDS A POETICS OF THEOLOGICAL CREATIVITY: ROWAN WILLIAMS READS AUGUSTINE'S DE DOCTRINA AFTER DERRIDA

Rejecting both a conservative theological method seeking retrieval and reiteration of theological claims from the Christian tradition and a liberal theological method of seeking the translation of theological claims into a modern idiom, Rowan Williams pursues a theological poetics of “traditioned creativity.” By viewing the texts of the Christian tradition less as deposits of truth to be plumbed and more as scripts to be performed in ways inflected by contemporary concerns, Williams can write theology that is both profoundly “traditioned” and innovative. This article shows how Williams pursues this distinctive program of theological poesis by attending to his reading of Augustine's De Doctrina Christiana in light of Derrida's reflections on the place of the economy of difference and deferral in all reading and interpretation.
Sensitivity to Formation Porosity of Contaminant Transport from Nevada Test Site to Yucca Mountain

This study quantified the sensitivity of advective contaminant arrival time to the porosity of hydrogeologic units (HGUs) for groundwater transport from the Nevada Test Site (NTS) to the Yucca Mountain (YM) area in the United States. Advective arrival time of contaminants associated with underground nuclear detonations was obtained by using particle tracking on the basis of flow velocities from the Death Valley Regional Groundwater Flow System (DVRFS) model and porosity information for the HGUs along the flowpaths. The objectives were to (1) determine which HGU’s porosity is influential in contaminant advective arrival time from the NTS to the YM, and (2) apportion uncertainties in contaminant advective arrival time to the uncertainty contributions from individual HGU porosity. Over 90% of the uncertainty in advective transport arrival time from the NTS to YM could be described by uncertainties in porosity values of two of the 27 HGUs present in the DVRFS model. The study was significant for optimizing re...
Vitamin D status and community-acquired pneumonia: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Objective To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level and history of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Patients and Methods We identified 16,975 individuals (≥17 years) from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) with documented 25(OH)D levels. To investigate the association of 25(OH)D with history of CAP in these participants, we developed a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for demographic factors (age, sex, race, poverty-to-income ratio, and geographic location), clinical data (body mass index, smoking status, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, stroke, chronic kidney disease, neutropenia, and alcohol consumption), and season. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) was used to depict the relationship between increasing 25(OH)D levels and the cumulative frequency of CAP in the study cohort. Results The median [interquartile range (IQR)] serum 25(OH)D level was 24 (IQR 18–32) ng/mL. 2.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9–2.3] of participants reported experiencing a CAP within one year of their participation in the national survey. After adjusting for demographic factors, clinical data, and season, 25(OH)D levels <30 ng/mL were associated with 56% higher odds of CAP [odds ratio 1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.17–2.07] compared to levels ≥30 ng/mL. LOWESS analysis revealed a near linear relationship between vitamin D status and the cumulative frequency of CAP up to 25(OH)D levels around 30 ng/mL. Conclusion Among 16,975 participants in NHANES III, 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with history of CAP. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine the effect of optimizing vitamin D status on the risk of CAP.
Intercollegiate Athletes and Sexual Violence A Review of Literature and Recommendations for Future Study

The 1990s saw the development of research on violence against women perpetrated by intercollegiate student-athletes. Research in this field stagnated during the last 15 years, despite the fact that this time period has evidenced multiple high-profile, even fatal, cases of violence against women at the hands of male student-athletes. These events prompted the Office of Civil Rights to call upon universities to more appropriately investigate and sanction perpetrators of sexual assault. The ensuing actions by universities are expected to bring a renewed focus on male student-athletes, requiring further research to explore student-athletes sexually abusing women. This article outlines the pertinent literature on violence against women by male student-athletes, and suggests future research using new institutionalism as a theoretical framework.
The targeting of effector molecules in the immune system.

The immune system has evolved to detect and remove foreign or non-self molecules from the body. To perform this task, the system has coupled together specific recognition with non-specific effector mechanisms in at least two distinct fashions, as outlined in this review.
Less than Picture Perfect: The Legal Relationship between Photographers' Rights and Law Enforcement

Threats to national security and public safety, whether real or perceived, result in an atmosphere conducive to the abuse of civil liberties. History is littered with examples: The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, the suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War, the Palmer Raids during World War I, and McCarthyism in the aftermath of World War II.Unfortunately, the post-9/11 world represents no departure from this age-old trend. Evidence of post-9/11 tension between national security and civil liberties is seen in the heightened regulation of photography; scholars have labeled it the "War on Photography" - a conflict between law enforcement officials and photographers over the right to take pictures in public places. A simple Google search reveals countless incidents of overzealous law enforcement officials detaining or arresting photographers and, in many cases, confiscating their cameras and memory cards, despite the fact that these individuals were in lawful places, at lawful times, partaking in lawful activities. This article examines the so-called War on Photography and the remedies available to those who have been unlawfully detained, arrested, or have had their property seized for taking pictures in public places or private places open to the public. It discusses recent incidents that highlight the growing infringement of photography rights and the magnitude of the harm that law enforcement officials have inflicted, paying particular attention to the themes these events have in common. It explores the existing legal framework surrounding photography rights and the federal and state remedies available to those whose rights have been violated. It examines the adequacy of each remedy including: (1) declaratory and injunctive relief, (2) Section 1983 and Bivens actions, and (3) state tort remedies. It discusses the obstacles associated with each remedy and the reasons why these obstacles are particularly hard to overcome in the context of photography. It then argues that most, if not all, of the remedies discussed are either inadequate or altogether impractical considering the costs of litigation. Lastly, this article will discuss the reasons why people should be concerned about the War on Photography and possible ways to reverse the erosion of photography rights.
Stereotypic behavior in wild marine carnivores

Stereotypic behavior is observed in many species within zoological institutions. Attempts to reduce such behavior typically involve some form of environmental enrichment that provides opportunities for species appropriate behavior or some degree of control within the environment. However, environmental enrichment has never been completely successful in eliminating stereotypic behavior for an entire group of animals within a zoological facility. In the wild, stereotypic behavior is rarely observed. Documenting the occurrence of stereotypic behavior in the wild, and circumstances in which it occurs, could help provide insight into the causes of such behavior within zoological institutions. The following commentary details the observations of wild lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) engaging in a stereotyped swimming pattern behind a research vessel north of Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. We consider a possible explanation for the sharks' behavior and hope to stimulate conversation as well as increase examination of animal management routines in zoological facilities. Zoo Biol 30:365–370, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High Frequency Loss From Neutral Wire-Shield Interaction of Shielded Power Cable

The conductor and ground shield layers of shielded distribution cable provide a smooth interface between conductors and insulation. Their semiconducting nature causes attenuation of high frequencies which propagate down the cable, as the high frequency displacement current flows through the shield layers and, in the case of concentric neutral cable, in a circumferential direction through the ground shield to a neutral wire. Such attenuation is relevant to partial discharge detection and the use of shielded power cable for wideband communications. This paper discusses the high frequency attenuation in concentric neutral shielded power cable and develops an analytic approximation for predicting high frequency attenuation which is compared with finite element computations and experimental data.
Failure Analysis, Condition Assessment Technologies, and Performance Prediction of Prestressed-Concrete Cylinder Pipe: State-of-the-Art Literature Review

AbstractPrestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) is a large-diameter and high-strength pipe used in water or wastewater transmission mains. It has been widely used in North America because of its good performance, large capacity, and cost-effective price. However, some PCCPs fail after a certain time of service because of deterioration. PCCP failures can be very significant considering the pipe size and high internal pressure. To mitigate the serious results of PCCP failures, many condition assessment technologies have been developed to inspect the pipe condition, and many models have been developed to predict the performance of the pipe. These technologies and performance prediction methods have been used as reference for decision-making in PCCP pipeline management. However, because of their limitations, there is still a strong need to improve them for better application in the future. This paper, by using three databases, presents a state-of-the-art literature review of the most commonly used condition...
Wigner distribution for finite duration or band-limited signals and limiting cases

Explicit expressions are given for the evaluation of the Wigner distribution for the case where the signal is of finite duration (or finite bandwidth), and where the functional form of the signal is given by two different expressions. Furthermore, the case where the signal is zero for a time (or frequency band) between the two regions is considered. This general case encompasses many particular cases. We specialize to limiting cases including infinite endpoints. Similar equations are given for the evaluation for the ambiguity function, which is the characteristic function of the Wigner distribution. The cataloging of explicit formulas should be of practical utility for the calculation of the Wigner distribution for signals of the type considered.
The structure of human experience: expectancy and affect: the case of humor

Abstract Human experience is structured experience. The nature of this structure is briefly discussed and unique properties of human experience structuring are suggested. Specifically, the impact of socially-imposed and symbolically-mediated idealized expectancies on human experience is considered. The relationship of affect to expectancy structuring is sketched with the help of a review of early smiling and laughter theory. With this background, the adaptive significance of humor (defined as the non-serious violation of salient expectations) is outlined. Humor is described as a ‘cognitive contrast effect’ which serves to enhance and fine-tune human expectancy structuring.
A low-fat liquid diet increases protein accretion and alters cellular signaling for protein synthesis in 10-day-old pigs.

Previous research showed that neona- tal pigs respond to decreases in energy density of liq- uid diets with increased feed intake, resulting in similar performance to pigs fed a more energy-dense diet. The objective of this experiment was to determine wheth- er a high- (25%, HF) or low-fat (2%, LF) liquid diet would affect nutrient accretion rate and select proteins involved in energy homeostasis and protein synthesis in early weaned pigs. Ninety-six pigs, with an initial BW of 3,637 ± 85 g, were weaned from the sow at 10 d of age and utilized in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were blocked by BW and then assigned to pens (8 pigs/pen). Diets were formulated to provide a constant AA:ME ratio and were fed for 10 d. Pigs were killed at 10, 15, and 20 d of age, at which time blood and LM were collected, and carcasses were prepared for body composition analysis. Blood was analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and NEFA. Longissimus dorsi was analyzed via western immunoblot for mam- malian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and adenosine 5' monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Pigs gained 347 ± 11 g/d, which re- sulted in an ending BW of 6,858 ± 135 g, regardless of dietary treatment (P > 0.49). Pigs fed the LF diet consumed 25% more milk than pigs fed the HF diet (2,853 ± 86 vs. 2,269 ± 79 g dry feed·pen −1 ·d −1 ; P 0.5). Feed conversion (G:F) was 24% greater in HF-fed compared with LF-fed pigs (P < 0.01). Circulating NEFA (40 ± 14 vs. 138 ± 21 µ Eq/L; P < 0.01) and PUN (3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 17.7 ± 0.8 mM; P < 0.01) concentrations were less in LF pigs compared with HF pigs after 10 d of dietary treatments. Pigs consuming the LF diet had a 21% increase in protein accretion (50.5 ± 2.8 vs. 61.2 ± 2.8 g/d; P < 0.04) and a 71% reduced lipid accretion rate (28.8 ± 2.0 vs. 8.3 ± 2.3 g/d; P < 0.001). Phosphorylation of AMPK was 29% less (P < 0.03) in LF pigs compared with HF pigs, whereas mTOR phosphorylation was increased by 37% in LF pigs (P < 0.01). We conclude that feeding a LF liquid diet to pigs weaned from the sow at 10 d of age increases feed intake to regulate energy intake while maintaining growth performance. In addition, 10-d-old pigs consuming a liquid LF diet have increased protein deposition by a mechanism mediated through AMPK and mTOR.
Outcomes following quadriceps tendon ruptures.

Complete rupture of the quadriceps femoris tendon is a well-described injury. There is a scarcity of literature relating to the outcome of patients with this injury after surgery. We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients who had surgical repair of their ruptured quadriceps tendon at our institution over a seven year period-totalling 27 patients. Males were more commonly affected with a M:F ratio of 8:1. The peak incidence was in the sixth decade of life. The non-dominant limb was twice as likely to be affected. Assessment consisted of completion of a functional knee questionnaire, clinical examination and isokinetic testing on a Biodex dynanometer. Symptomatic outcome following surgical repair was excellent with a mean symptom score generated of 22.7 out of a maximum of 25. 18/19 patients returned to their premorbid level of activity on average 18.1 weeks following injury. There was no difference in quadriceps girth comparing affected and unaffected limbs. Less than 5° deficit in range of motion existed between affected and unaffected limbs. Approximately two-thirds of patients were the same or better when comparing peak torque/body weight, average power, maximum average peak torque and total work/body weight in affected and unaffected limbs.
Mammalian Nicotinic Receptors with α7 Subunits That Slowly Desensitize and Rapidly Recover from α-Bungarotoxin Blockade

One of the most abundant nicotinic receptors in the nervous system is a species that contains the α7 gene product, rapidly desensitizes, and binds α-bungarotoxin with great affinity. The receptor has a high relative permeability to calcium and performs a variety of functions including presynaptic modulation of transmitter release and postsynaptic generation of synaptic currents. Fast excitatory transmission in mammalian intracardiac ganglia is mediated primarily by nicotinic receptors, and although intracardiac ganglion neurons express the α7 gene, no toxin-sensitive response has been detected previously in them. We report here that whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from freshly dissociated intracardiac ganglion neurons reveal a nicotinic response that desensitizes slowly and is blocked by α-bungarotoxin in a rapidly reversible manner. The only rat gene previously thought capable of forming such receptors was α9, but no evidence suggests that the α9 gene is expressed in neurons. We find that reverse transcription (RT)–PCR detects α7 but not α9 mRNA in the ganglia. In addition, the pharmacology of the nicotinic response is typical of α7-containing receptors but differs in several respects from that expected for α9. Binding experiments with immunotethered receptors identifies a ganglionic species that contains the α7 gene product. Moreover, intracellular perfusion of the cells with an anti-α7 monoclonal antibody specifically reduces the amplitude of the toxin-sensitive response. The results indicate that α7-containing receptors are responsible for the slowly desensitizing, toxin-reversible response and suggest that the receptors are modified in cell-specific ways to influence their functional properties.
Blockade of CD86 Ameliorates Leishmania major Infection by Down-Regulating the Th2 Response

The costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 affect the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 subsets in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an autoimmune disorder. It is reported that the CD86 costimulator significantly affects disease outcome in Leishmania major infection, a classic model of Th subset polarization. Treatment of both L. major-resistant (C57BL/6) and susceptible (BALB/c) strains of mice with anti-CD86 substantially decreased parasite burden. This was accompanied, in BALB/c mice, by a decrease in Th2 cytokines. In contrast, anti-CD80 treatment did not affect parasite burden or cytokine levels in either strain. These data illustrate that in L. major infection, anti-CD86 can abrogate Th2 differentiation in a Th2-dominated susceptible mouse and can ameliorate disease in a Th1-dominated resistant strain, although the mechanism involved in the latter is not clear. It is concluded that in L. major infection, Th2 subset differentiation is critically dependent on interaction with the CD86 costimulatory molecule.
Proteomic Analysis of Urine Exosomes by Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT)

Exosomes are membrane vesicles that are secreted by cells upon fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. Exosomal proteomics has emerged as a powerful approach to understand the molecular composition of exosomes and has potential to accelerate biomarker discovery. Different proteomic analysis methods have been previously employed to establish several exosome protein databases. In this study, TFE solution phase digestion was compared with in-gel digestion and found to yield similar results. Proteomic analysis of urinary exosomes was performed by multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) after TFE digestion. 3280 proteins were identified from nine human urine samples with 31% overlap among nine samples. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, coupled with detection of all of the members of ESCRT machinery complex, supports the multivesicular origin of these particles. These results significantly expand the existing database of urinary exosome proteins. Our results also indicate that more than 1000 proteins can be detected from exosomes prepared from as little as 25 mL of urine. This study provides the largest set of proteins present in human urinary exosome proteomes, provides a valuable reference for future studies, and provides methods that can be applied to exosomal proteomic analysis from other tissue sources.
Non-specific, on-probe cleanup methods for MALDI-MS samples

High concentrations of contaminants such as salts and surfactants are often present in biological samples to solubilize or stabilize analytes such as proteins. Unfortunately, the presence of those contaminants often precludes direct analysis by MALDI-MS. Selective adsorption of analytes directly on modified MALDI probes, followed by rinsing to remove contaminants, overcomes this problem. This review focuses on various modifications of MALDI probes to allow the adsorption of proteins and DNA, even in a large excess of salt or surfactant. Interfaces deposited on the MALDI probes to adsorb analytes include films of commercial polymers, thin layers of matrix crystals, self-assembled monolayers, and ultrathin polymer films. Hydrophobic and ionic interactions both effect analyte adsorption on those interfaces, and patterned interfaces allow the concentration and purification of analyte molecules.
Narrow gap a-SiGe:H grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition

Abstract We have improved the quality of our narrow bandgap a-SiGe:H grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) by decreasing our W filament diameter and our substrate temperature. We now grow a-SiGe:H with Tauc bandgaps below 1.5 eV having a photoresponse equal to or better than our plasma enhanced CVD grown alloys. We enhanced the transport properties—as measured by the photoconductivity frequency mixing technique—relative to previous HWCVD results. These improved alloys do not necessarily show an improvement in the degree of structural heterogeneity on the nanometer scale as measured by small-angle X-ray scattering. Decreasing both the filament temperature and substrate temperature produced a film with relatively low structural heterogeneity while photoluminescence showed an order of magnitude increase in defect density for a similar change in the process.
Influence of Added Synthetic Lysine in Low-Protein Diets with the Methionine Plus Cysteine to Lysine Ratio Maintained at 0.75

SUMMARY Two studies were conducted to determine the influence of added synthetic lysine to low-protein diets. The purpose of experiment 1 was to determine the correct Met+Cys/Lys ratio in low-protein diets. The objective of experiment 2 was to determine the influence of added synthetic lysine in low-protein diets with the Met+Cys/Lys ratio maintained at 0.75. In both experiments, there were 8 replicates per treatment with 15 Hy-Line W-36 hens (37 wk old) in each replicate. Experiment 1 had 4 Met+Cys/Lys ratios (0.75, 0.80, 0.85, and 0.90), and experiment 2 was a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 protein levels (14.3 and 13.6%) and 4 added synthetic lysine levels (0.000, 0.025, 0.050, and 0.075%). The results of experiment 1 showed no difference (P > 0.05) in performance among 4 Met+Cys/Lys ratios from 0.75 to 0.90, indicating a Met+Cys/Lys ratio of 0.75 was adequate. The results of experiment 2 showed that beneficial effects (P < 0.05) of added synthetic lysine were obtained for feed consumption, egg production, egg mass and egg weight at 13.6% protein level, and for feed conversion at 14.3% protein level, indicating that the quality of low-protein diet can be improved by added lysine when the Met+Cys/Lys ratio is maintained at 0.75.
Turning Sketches Into Working Geometry

We describe a program called SketchIT that uses a description of desired behavior to transform a sketch of a mechanical device into a \BEP-Model," a parametric model with constraints that ensure the device produces the desired behavior. The program also generates alternative implementations for the design, each of which is represented as a BEP-Model. The program is based on qualitative conguration space, a novel representation for mechanical behavior.
British Imperialism in Decline: Tibet, 1914–21

(1971). British Imperialism in Decline: Tibet, 1914–21. The Historian: Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 100-115.
From local to global: an analysis of nearest neighbor balancing on hypercube

This paper will focus on the issue of load balancing on a hypercube network of N processors. We will investigate a typical nearest neighbor balancing strategy - in which workloads among neighboring processors are averaged at discrete time steps. The computation model allows tasks, described by independent random variables, to be generated and terminated at all times.We assume that the random variables at all nodes have equal expected value and their variances are bounded by a constant d2, and we let the difference DIFF between the actual load on each node and the average load on the system describe the deviation of the load on a node from the global average value. The following analytical results are obtained: The expected value of DIFF, denoted by E(DIFF), is 0.The variance of DIFF, denoted by Var(DIFF), is independent of time t, and Var(DIFF)≤ 1.386d2 + 0.231 logN.
The case of bruce: A teacher’s model of his students’ algebraic thinking about equivalent expressions

The purpose of this article is to describe a middle school mathematics teacher’s model of his students’ responses to algebraic tasks involving equivalent expressions and the distributive property. The teacher engaged in two model-eliciting activities designed for teachers by creating a library of his students’ work and an accompanying “Ways of Thinking”[WOT] sheet (Doerr & Lesh, 2003). These activities were designed to help reveal the teachers’ models of students’ algebraic thinking and to promote the development of that model. Results of the analysis showed that the teacher developed a clearer understanding of the role of a variable in algebraic instruction. The teacher employed visual strategies for the first time and began to perceive their usefulness in helping students understand the equivalence of two expressions.
Quantum well and laser containing InAs quantum dots

Multiple quantum wells (MQW) and laser-containing InAs quantum dots were grown on GaAs using molecularbeam epitaxy. For the MQW, the wells consisted of monolayers of InAs covered by In0.15Ga0.85As, with the barrier layers being GaAs. The photoluminescence measurements were correlated with the strain in the wells. A continuing strain was observed for the wells containing thin InAs layer, where the photoluminescence wavelength was close to that of In0.15Ga0.85As. For the wells with a thicker InAs layer, with a photoluminescence wavelength of 1.28mm, a discontinuing strain was observed. Doping of the well constituents with Si, individually or collectively, led to a reduced photoluminescence intensity, but an enhanced intensity was observed with the Be doping. Doping the InGaAs layer alone showed the least reduction in intensity using Si and most enhancement using Be. Continuous-wave lasing at room temperature was observed for the laser containing similar quantum wells. # 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Cachectin: A Macrophage Protein that Induces a Catabolic State in Infected Animals

Mammals infected with parasitic, bacterial or viral organisms or bearing tumors characteristically display a catabolic state and weight loss which can if not resolved, advance to cachexia (or wasting), shock and death. Although commonly observed in many parasitic diseases, the mechanism of this phenomenon has not been understood. We have recently identified and isolated a macrophage protein, cachectin, as the molecule that may be responsible for cachexia and shock. Cachectin is produced by macrophages in response to endotoxin or a number of other bacterial or protozoal products. The released cachectin then acts as a hormone where it binds to specific high affinity receptors and elicits a number of biological responses. In the adipocyte, for example, several anabolic enzymes, eg., lipoprotein lipase, are selectively suppressed because of a selective inhibition of mRNA production. One of the more intriguing aspects of cachectin is its pivotal role in the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced shock. Cachectin causes fever, anorexia and can induce a lethal shock state in experimental animals. During the course of the chemical characterization of cachectin it was shown that cachectin was identical to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a macrophage protein that kills tumor cells. This finding has served to emphasize the extensive range of effects that are associated with this protein. Cachectin has many properties in common with IL-1, however, it binds to a different receptor and lacks structural homology.
Cellular FLIP can substitute for the herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript gene to support a wild-type virus reactivation phenotype in mice

Latency-associated transcript (LAT) deletion mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) have reduced reactivation phenotypes. Thus, LAT plays an essential role in the latency-reactivation cycle of HSV-1. We have shown that LAT has antiapoptosis activity and demonstrated that the chimeric virus, dLAT-cpIAP, resulting from replacing LAT with the baculovirus antiapoptosis gene cpIAP, has a wild-type HSV-1 reactivation phenotype in mice and rabbits. Thus, LAT can be replaced by an alternative antiapoptosis gene, confirming that LAT’s antiapoptosis activity plays an important role in the mechanism by which LAT enhances the virus’ reactivation phenotype. However, because cpIAP interferes with both of the major apoptosis pathways, these studies did not address whether LAT’s proreactivation phenotype function was due to blocking the extrinsic (Fas-ligand-, caspase-8-, or caspase-10-dependent pathway) or the intrinsic (mitochondria-, caspase-9-dependent pathway) pathway, or whether both pathways must be blocked. Here we constructed an HSV-1 LAT(-) mutant that expresses cellular FLIP (cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein) under control of the LAT promoter and in place of LAT nucleotides 76 to 1667. Mice were ocularly infected with this mutant, designated dLAT-FLIP, and the reactivation phenotype was determined using the trigeminal ganglia explant model. dLAT-FLIP had a reactivation phenotype similar to wild-type virus and significantly higher than the LAT(-) mutant dLAT2903. Thus, the LAT function responsible for enhancing the reactivation phenotype could be replaced with an antiapoptosis gene that primarily blocks the extrinsic signaling apoptosis pathway.
Assessment of Plasma Concentrations and Potential Adverse Effects of Doxycycline in Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Fed a Medicated Pelleted Diet

Doxycycline hyclate was mixed with soybean oil and then added to a low-fat pelleted diet that contained approximately 2.4% fat, which produced a final diet that contained a calculated 6.4% fat and 300 mg doxycycline per kilogram of diet. The medicated diet was fed to 9 healthy adult cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) for 47 days; a control group of 6 birds received the identical diet without doxycycline. Trough doxycycline plasma concentrations were measured 7 times during treatment and ranged from 0.98 to 3.83 microg/mL with an overall median of 2.09 microg/ mL. The birds were observed daily, weighed, and examined at least weekly, and selected plasma biochemical parameters were measured before treatment and at days 21 and 42. No adverse effects were noted, except one treatment bird became obese. This medicated diet may be suitable for treating spiral bacteria and Chlamydophila psittaci infections in cockatiels that will consume a pelleted diet.
Identification of an Oxygenic Reaction Center psbADC Operon in the Cyanobacterium Gloeobacter violaceus PCC 7421

Gloeobacter violaceus, the earliest diverging oxyphotobacterium (cyanobacterium) on the 16S ribosomal RNA tree, has five copies of the photosystem II psbA gene encoding the D1 reaction center protein subunit. These copies are widely distributed throughout the 4.6 Mbp genome with only one copy colocalizing with other PSII subunits, in marked contrast to all other psbA genes in all publicly available sequenced genomes. A clustering of two other psb genes around psbA3 (glr2322) is unique to Gloeobacter. We provide experimental proof for the transcription of a psbA3DC operon, encoding three of the five reaction center core subunits (D1, D2, and CP43). This is the first example of a transcribed gene cluster containing the D1/D2 or D1/D2/CP43 subunits of PSII in an oxygenic phototroph (prokaryotic or eukaryotic). Implications for the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis are discussed.
Enterprise Value Dynamics in Centrally Cleared Markets

We develop a model of banks' asset value dynamics in a centrally cleared market with endogenous trading interactions. We show that banks have a unique equilibrium allocation of funds between their trading capitals and operating assets when they adjust trading positions to hedge against excess risk from their business operations. We analyze the resulting asset value processes and show that asset value concentration has the inherent tendency to increase. Our analysis points to a trade off between diversity in banks' asset values and diversification in banks' asset holdings. We investigate the impact of policies aimed at controlling asset value concentration as well as the effect of capital injections on market collateral demand.
Using Particle Filter to Track and Model Microtubule Dynamics

We propose to use particle filter [1], along with active contour [2] to track and model the plus-end tips of microtubules in confocal microscopy. Microtubules are polymers that change between states of growth, shortening, and pause. These events are critical to many cellular functions and are targets for successful cancer chemotherapy agents like Taxol. However, analyses are performed manually by researchers in most cases. Hence there is a need for a rapid and efficient quantification algorithm. In this paper, we propose to uses particle filter to track microtubule dynamics. While there are other algorithms that track microtubule movements, none of them uses inter-frame information. In our system, we use an open active contour to segment individual microtubule in each frame. Particle filter is used to track microtubule movements using information from previous frame. A simple motion and observation model is used to model the motion of microtubule movement. We show some of the results using MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines captured using fluorescent confocal microscopy and conclude that adding particle filter improves the accuracy of the system.
Potential Effects of Livestock Water‐Trough Modifications on Bats in Northern Arizona

In the southwestern United States, livestock water troughs may be the only water source available to bats during dry seasons or periods of drought. We found that 38% of the 90 livestock water troughs we surveyed in northern Arizona, USA, were modified with either fencing to separate pastures or braces to strengthen the structures. We tested if these modifications could affect bat drinking behavior or increase injury risk by simultaneously videotaping modified and unmodified troughs in a series of crossover experiments performed between 1 March and 26 August 2004. The bats that we observed did not avoid modified troughs but required 3–6 times the number of passes to approach the water surface at both troughs with fences and those with support braces. The number of passes required to drink increased with reduced water surface area, suggesting that modifications of smaller troughs may have a greater effect. Small (e.g., Myotis spp.) and large (e.g., pallid bat [Antrozous pallidus]) bats responded similarly in the experiments. These effects may be energetically expensive for bats, especially during periods of high energy demands, such as pregnancy and lactation. Although we did not document any injuries or mortalities, 16 bats contacted wires at modified troughs with smaller surface area. This suggests that modifications of smaller troughs may pose higher risks of injury. To reduce these risks, we recommend removing modifications on water troughs whenever feasible.
Tribe Coelidiini: new genera and new species of Neotropical leafhoppers with revised key to genera and species, taxonomic fragmentation and new distribution records (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae)

Fragmentation of the genera Boliviela DeLong and Paralidia Nielson is proposed after several new species assigned to them appeared to alter their original generic concepts. Follow up studies of the taxonomic relationship of these and other closely related genera in a genus group (Boliviela, Dicodia Nielson, Gracilidia Nielson, Tinocripus Nielson and Paralidia) supported recognition of four new genera: Collasuyusana, type-species, Boliviela retrorsa Nielson; Ventrolidia, typespecies, Boliviela ortha Nielson; Carinoscapula, type-species, Boliviela bispinata Nielson; and Armaturolidia, type-species, Paralidia denticulata Nielson. Five species are removed from Boliviela and designated new combinations: Ventrolidia ortha (DeLong), Ventrolidia paraortha (Nielson), Carinoscapula sarcula (Nielson), Carinoscapula bispinosa (Nielson) and Collasuyusana retrorsa (Nielson). Two species are removed from Paralidia and designated new combinations: Armaturolidia spinata (Nielson) and Armaturolidia denticulata (Nielson). Godoyana Nielson, type-species Godoyana laselvensis Nielson is suppressed as a junior synonym of Coelidia Germar. This species is assigned to Coelidia and designated new combination: Coelidia laselvensis (Nielson). A key to 9 genera in the genus group is also presented. A data matrix table of diagnostic generic characters is given for the Boliviela genus group. Thirty-nine new species are described and illustrated with a revised key to species in the following genera: Armaturolidia ordocrista, sp. nov.; Boliviela cucurbita, sp. nov.; B. caverna, sp. nov.; B. biungulata, sp. nov.; Coelidia costaricensis, sp. nov.; C. angulata, sp. nov.; Collasuyusana picea, sp. nov.; C. diversa, sp. nov.; C. collaris, sp. nov.; C. spenceri, sp. nov.; C. recurvata, sp. nov.; C. bifurcata, sp. nov.; C. lanceolata, sp. nov.; Dialodia bispinata, sp. nov., D. longilobata, sp. nov., D. brevilobata, sp. nov., D. aviculobata, sp. nov.; D. brevisetacea, sp. nov.; D. bilongata, sp. nov.; Dicodia recurvata, sp. nov.; Evansolidia setacea, sp. nov.; E. inca, sp. nov.; E. unilamina, sp. nov.; E. episetacea, sp. nov.; E. recurvata, sp. nov.; E. gracilitas, sp. nov.; E. lyrata, sp. nov.; E. inflata, sp. nov.; E. fletcheri, sp. nov.; Gracilidia minuta, sp. nov.; G. longiuscula, sp. nov.; G. biflangata, sp. nov.; G. tubercula, sp. nov.; G. uniflangata, sp. nov.; G. membrana, sp. nov.; Omanolidia inflata, sp. nov.; Spinolidia moweri, sp. nov.; Tinocripus angustus, sp. nov. and T. sinuatus, sp. nov. Taxonomic review and new distribution records are also given.
Learning to Produce Syllabic Speech Sounds via Reward-Modulated Neural Plasticity

At around 7 months of age, human infants begin to reliably produce well-formed syllables containing both consonants and vowels, a behavior called canonical babbling. Over subsequent months, the frequency of canonical babbling continues to increase. How the infant’s nervous system supports the acquisition of this ability is unknown. Here we present a computational model that combines a spiking neural network, reinforcement-modulated spike-timing-dependent plasticity, and a human-like vocal tract to simulate the acquisition of canonical babbling. Like human infants, the model’s frequency of canonical babbling gradually increases. The model is rewarded when it produces a sound that is more auditorily salient than sounds it has previously produced. This is consistent with data from human infants indicating that contingent adult responses shape infant behavior and with data from deaf and tracheostomized infants indicating that hearing, including hearing one’s own vocalizations, is critical for canonical babbling development. Reward receipt increases the level of dopamine in the neural network. The neural network contains a reservoir with recurrent connections and two motor neuron groups, one agonist and one antagonist, which control the masseter and orbicularis oris muscles, promoting or inhibiting mouth closure. The model learns to increase the number of salient, syllabic sounds it produces by adjusting the base level of muscle activation and increasing their range of activity. Our results support the possibility that through dopamine-modulated spike-timing-dependent plasticity, the motor cortex learns to harness its natural oscillations in activity in order to produce syllabic sounds. It thus suggests that learning to produce rhythmic mouth movements for speech production may be supported by general cortical learning mechanisms. The model makes several testable predictions and has implications for our understanding not only of how syllabic vocalizations develop in infancy but also for our understanding of how they may have evolved.
Prepared Statement for European Parliament Launch Event: OSCE Joint Guidelines on the Legal Personality of Religious or Belief Communities

Religious pluralism – the peaceful coexistence of diverse faith traditions – is a hallmark of truly great democracies. Respect for freedom of religion or belief, a human right both universal and inalienable in nature, is indispensable to ensuring such harmony. When the fundamental right to religious freedom is undermined or denied, democratic values, social cohesion and security interests are compromised. Discrimination and intolerance take root and may find fertile ground to flourish.Amid the rubble of World War II, the founders of the international human rights movement recognized this truth and the status of freedom of religion or belief as a human right. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares, “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion...” While religious freedom is commonly understood in the context of individual rights holders, there exists a second dimension to freedom of religion or belief. This additional aspect covers myriad forms of community faith activities, including the collective right to legal personality.Hence our momentous gathering and launch event. The Joint Guidelines on the Legal Personality of Religious or Belief Communities (Joint Guidelines) sets forth the minimum international standards by which OSCE Member States must adhere in this area. By so doing, we hope to enhance and facilitate the non-discriminatory process through which religious or belief communities secure legal personality.
A Comparative Analysis of Real-world Emission Factors and MOBILE6 Predictive Value for a Heavy-duty Diesel Vehicle

Real-time vehicle emission data can be obtained by using the portable emission measurement system(PEMS).This paper presents the research that uses the PEMS to collect emissions of a heavy-duty diesel vehicle.Then,the relationship between emission factors and speed and acceleration is analyzed from the collected data.Subsequently,emission factors are derived by MOBILE6 by adjusting the input parameters.Finally,the real-world emission factors are compared with those from MOBILE6 and EuropeⅡstandards.