cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neutron resonance parameters of /sup 68//sub 30/Zn+n and statistical distributions of level spacings and widths

Discrete values of the parameters (E/sub 0/, gGAMMA/sub n/, J/sup ..pi../, GAMMA/sub ..gamma../, etc.) of the resonances in the reaction /sup 68//sub 30/Zn+n have been determined from total cross section measurements from a few keV to 380 keV with a nominal resolution of 0.07 ns/m for the highest energy and from capture cross section measurements up to 130 keV using the pulsed neutron time-of-flight technique with a neutron burst width of 5 ns. The cross section data were analyzed to determine the parameters of the resonances using R-matrix multilevel codes. These results have provided values of average quantities as follows: S/sub 0/ = (2.01 +- 0.34), S/sub 1/ = (0.56 +- 0.05), S/sub 2/ = (0.2 +- 0.1) in units of 10/sup -4/, D/sub 0/ = (5.56 +- 0.43) keV and D/sub 1/ = (1.63 +- 0.14) keV. From these measurements we have also determined the following average radiation widths: (Gamma-bar/sub ..gamma../)/sub l/ = 0 = (302 +- 60) meV and (Gamma-bar/sub ..gamma../)/sub l/ = 1 = (157 +- 7) meV. The investigation of the statistical properties of neutron reduced widths and level spacings showed excellent agreement of the data with the Porter-Thomas distribution for s- and p-wave neutron widthsmore » and with the Dyson-Mehta ..delta../sub 3/ statistic and the Wigner distribution for the s-wave level spacing distribution. In addition, a correlation coefficient of rho = 0.50 +- 0.10 between GAMMA/sup 0//sub n/ and GAMMA/sub ..gamma../ has been observed for s-wave resonances. The value of at (30 +- 10) keV is 19.2 mb.« less
3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Isomerase and Aromatase Activity in Primary Cultures of Developing Zebra Finch Telencephalon: Dehydroepiandrosterone as Substrate for Synthesis of Androstenedione and Estrogens

Abstract 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ 5 −Δ 4 isomerase (3β-HSD) activity was measured in primary dissociated cell cultures prepared from telencephalons of developing zebra finches. 3β-HSD activity was confirmed after cultures were incubated with [7- 3 H]pregneno- lone (Preg) or (1,2,6,7- 3 H-) dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 3 H-progesterone (Prog) and 3 H-androstenedione (AE) were detected in the medium. Product identity was confirmed by recrystallizations and by HPLC analysis. When DHEA was used as substrate, 3 H-estradiol and 3 H-estrone were also detected in the culture medium, presumably derived from the aromatization of 3 H-AE or 3 H-T produced from 3 H-DHEA. To test this idea, cultures were incubated with 3 H-DHEA together with radioinert AE or with fadrozole HCl, a potent and specific aromatase inhibitor. In the presence of radioinert AE, 3 H-AE increased but metabolites of 3 H-AE decreased in the media; in the presence of fadrozole, 3 H-estrogens decreased but 3 H-AE and its androgenic metabolite 3 H-5β-androstanedione increased. These data demonstrate 3β-HSD activity in the songbird brain. The presence of Prog and estradiol in these cultures suggest that Preg and DHEA can potentially serve as substrates for the ultimate formation of active sex steroids in the songbird telencephalon.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ESCULENTAMIN, A PROTEINACEOUS ALPHA‐AMYLASE INHIBITOR FROM THE TARO ROOT, COLOCASIA ESCULENTA

A proteinaceous alpha-amylase inhibitor from the cormel of taro (Colocasia esculenta) was purified by extraction, heat treatment, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and column chromatography on Sephadex G-100, BioGel P-30, and DE-53 cellulose. This protein (aptly named esculentamin) was shown to be an acidic (pI = 4.4) glycoprotein with a carbohydrate content of 3.64% and a molecular weight of 11,800 daltons. Esculentamin activity was essentially stable to boiling for 3 h (pH 7.0), to a pH range of 2.0 to 12.0 (at 4°C), and to 6 M guanidine hydrochloride and 8 M Urea. Amino acid analysis indicated a predominance of acidic over basic amino acids, while side-by-side neutral and alkaline absorption spectra strongly suggested a lack of tryptophan. “Bifunctional” inhibitory activity towards both α-amylase and proteases was not observed with esculentamin (i. e., it did not inhibit the several proteases tested, viz. trypsin and subtilisin).
Renewable resource management with environmental prediction: the importance of structural specification

Environmental variability can substantially influence renewable resource growth, and as the ability to forecast environmental conditions improves, opportunities for adaptive management emerge. Using a stochastic stock-recruitment model, Costello, et al. (2001) show the optimal management response to a prediction of favourable growth conditions is to reduce current harvests. We find this result may be reversed when environmental variability and stock are substitutes in growth, a possibility that has been ignored by resource economists. As an example, we analyze the South Carolina white shrimp fishery, finding the optimal response to a prediction of favourable overwinter conditions is to increase fall harvests. Gestion d'une ressource renouvelable quand il y prevision environnementale : importance des specifications structurelles. La variabilite de l'environnement peut affecter de maniere significative la croissance d'une ressource renouvelable, et, a proportion que l'habilete a prevoir les conditions environnementales, des occasions de gestion qui s'y adaptent emergent. Utilisant un modele stochastique du type stock-recrutement, Costello et al. (2001) montrent que la gestion optimale face a une prediction de conditions de croissance favourables serait de reduire les recoltes presentes. On montre que ce resultat peut etre inverse quand la variabilite de l'environnement et les stocks sont des substituts dans la croissance – une possibilite que les economistes specialises en ressources ont ignore. On examine, en tant qu'exemple, les peches de crevettes blanches de la Caroline du Sud, et on montre que la reponse optimale a une prevision de conditions favourables au cours de l'hiver qui vient est d'accroitre les recoltes d'automne.
Relationships between Machiavellianism, Task Orientation and Team Effectiveness:

In this study 115 graduate business students most of whom were men employed full time in technical-professional and management fields operated in 32 groups to compete in a management-simulation game. Group task orientation and Machiavellianism were significant predictors of the groups' effectiveness. Machiavellianism, task orientation, and their interaction accounted for 46% of the variance in the teams' effectiveness. Earlier studies found high Machs to be more successful than low Machs in face-to-face situations. This study extends the work on Machiavellianism in that the context offered little opportunity for meaningful face-to-face interaction among compering groups, yet groups scoring high in Machiavellianism made strategic and operating decisions which led to substantially more favorable outcomes.
Macro-modeling of non-linear pre-emphasis differential driver circuits

Differential signaling has become important in high speed digital and mixed signal systems because of its numerous advantages over single-ended signaling. Differential signaling reduces effects like simultaneous switching noise (SSN), electro magnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk coupling. Signal integrity (SI) and timing analysis using differential drivers is computationally exhaustive due to increased complexity in design that includes features such as pre-compensation and slew rate control. Therefore, accurate macro-modeling of differential driver circuits for a quality design is a huge challenge. In this paper, a modeling technique based on recurrent neural network (RNN) is proposed to model differential driver circuits with and without pre-emphasis. Good accuracy is obtained in the test cases shown for the proposed modeling methodology at minimum computational cost.
Wavelength sensitivity in directional couplers

Measured and calculated crosstalk ratios as a function of wavelength are compared for proton exchanged and annealed LiNbO/sub 3/ directional couplers at lambda =1550 nm. The analytical technique employed models the experimentally determined wavelength sensitivities reasonably well. The analytical technique is further used to predict comparable functions for titanium indiffused couplers, and these results are compared to other calculations taken from the literature. No significant difference in sensitivity is noted between the two waveguide forming techniques. >
Persistent Infection with Adenovirus Types 5 and 6 in Lymphoid Cells from Humans and Woolly Monkeys

Chronic infection with adenovirus types 5 and 6 was established in primary mononuclear leukocytes from human umbilical cord blood and in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B lymphocytes from human umbilical cord blood and from woolly monkey blood. Adenovirus could be recovered from cultures of primary leukocytes and of EBV-transformed lymphocytes for two and three months, respectively, without visible alteration of cell growth. Infection in cultures of EBV-transformed lymphocytes from woolly monkey blood was obliterated by exposure to antibody, but EBV-transformed lymphocytes from human umbilical cord blood contained small amounts of virus for prolonged periods that restored infection in the culture when antibody was removed. Thus, chronic infection of lymphoid cells by some adenoviruses is maintained by at least two mechanisms: cell-to-cell spread of virus in the absence of antibody and intracellular persistence of infectious virus in the presence of antibody.
On isosets of Brownian motion

Abstract Isosets of two-dimensional systems, comprised of times τ at which the coordinates x(t = τ) or y(t = τ) of diffussing particles equal a constant, are investigated by the molecular dynamics method. Fractal behavior is observed in the probability distribution for gaps between successive values of τ. The probability decays algebraically and the exponent, known as the fractal dimensionality D , is found to be 0.5.
Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase and stimulation of Akt kinase signaling pathways: Two approaches with therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease

The neurodegenerative diseases of adulthood, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), pose an enormous and growing public health burden. Although effective symptomatic treatments exist for PD, and, to a lesser extent, for AD, there is no therapy for these disorders which will forestall their progression. With the rise of the concept of programmed cell death (PCD) came the realization that even in the absence of complete knowledge of proximate causes neuroprotection may nevertheless be possible by targeting the pathways of PCD. One set of signaling pathways that have been implicated in cell death are the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The possibility of blocking these pathways and thereby providing neuroprotection has recently been put to the test in a clinical trial of a mixed lineage kinase inhibitor in the treatment of PD. Unfortunately, this trial failed to demonstrate a protective effect. Based on considerations related to the implementation of the trial, it would be premature to conclude that inhibition of MAPK signaling is a failed strategy. In spite of these negative results, the MAPK and related kinase pathways retain their importance as potential targets in PD. In relation to pathogenesis, the discovery of mutations in the mixed lineage kinase (MLK)-like kinase leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) suggests a role for these kinases in regulating the viability of dopamine neurons. In relation to treatment, the survival signaling kinase Akt has been demonstrated in vivo to mediate striking neurotrophic and antiapoptotic effects. Thus, it is likely that therapeutic targets related to these kinase signaling pathways will emerge.
Distribution Patterns of Invasive Casuarinas (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) Within Beach Environments on San Salvador Island, the Bahamas

ABSTRACT: Casuarinas (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) are a problematic invasive plant within the Bahamas, but very little is known about its population dynamics or spread capabilities. This study monitored casuarinas beach populations on San Salvador Island, the Bahamas, over a 2.5 year period to provide basic background data on distribution patterns and degree of spatial variability over time. Casuarinas had a significant clustered distribution along beach transects (P< 0.05). Numerous gaps in between clusters, 20 m or longer, were not colonized during the duration of the study. These patterns occurred among beaches with differing levels of human visitation. It seems that beach populations of casuarinas had low spatial variability within the spatial and temporal context of this study. These results may help guide future research and may be an initial step in developing effective management strategies in the Bahamas and in other areas where it has invaded.
Shape oscillations of a droplet in an Oldroyd-B fluid

Abstract We present a Navier–Stokes/Oldroyd-B immersed boundary algorithm that captures the interaction of a flexible structure with a viscoelastic fluid. In particular, we study the effects of bulk viscoelasticity on freely decaying shape oscillations of an Oldroyd-B fluid droplet suspended in an Oldroyd-B matrix. Our numerical data indicate that if the fluid viscosity is low, viscoelasticity plays a modulating role in the drop shape relaxation; specifically, it increases the oscillation frequency and decreases the decay rate when the fluid relaxation time is above a critical value. In the high viscosity limit, i.e., when a Newtonian droplet is expected to return to a spherical shape with an aperiodic decay, an increase in the relaxation time eventually results in the reappearance of the oscillations. Both these results are in line with the prediction of small deformation theory for viscoelastic droplet oscillations. The algorithm was also validated by direct comparison with linear asymptotics.
TIME BETWEEN PURCHASES AND CONSUMER BRAND CHOICE

Past research has presented conflicting evidence regarding the effect of time between purchases on consumer brand choice. This study investigates the time effect on brand purchase probabilities after homogenizing the data with respect to store switching, size of purchase, and frequency of the product purchase. Two exponential models have been proposed and their over-all effectiveness compared with a naive model. The contribution of the study is in building a realistic model of consumer purchase choice by incorporating the elements of the marketing environment.
Results of long term testing of tactical miniature crystal oscillators

The results of long-term testing of the tactical miniature crystal oscillator (TMXO) are presented. The TMXO uses high-vacuum thermal insulation, microelectronic packaging, and a precision ceramic-flatpack-enclosed SC-cut crystal. Engineering models and pilot-production models, delivered under a Manufacturing Methods and Technology effort with the Bendix Division of Allied Corporation, were subjected to a variety of tests that included turn-on/turn-off at temperature extremes, input-power aging, and frequency aging. The testing verified the ability of the TMXO to maintain vacuum integrity over a reasonable lifetime (10 years). >
Entry into retirement communities. Process and related problems.

Reports on the process and the problems related to entry into communities, organizations, and groups are both few and sparse in the gerontological literature. The central focus of the article is upon the experiences of the research team in obtaining entry to study 36 retirement communities in Arizona, California, Florida, and New Jersey. Each of the communities was site visited. Among the topics discussed are: sponsorship and the point of entry; access for what purpose; entry as a social process; obtaining additional "approvals"; and the problem of multiple sites. A typology of communities based upon our experiences is offered: the cooperative community; the cautious community; the suspicious community; and the uncooperative community.
Evaluation of adenovirus capsid labeling versus transgene expression

Adenoviral vectors have been utilized for a variety of gene therapy applications. Our group has incorporated bioluminescent, fluorographic reporters, and/or suicide genes within the adenovirus genome for analytical and/or therapeutic purposes. These molecules have also been incorporated as capsid components. Recognizing that incorporations at either locale yield potential advantages and disadvantages, our report evaluates the benefits of transgene incorporation versus capsid incorporation. To this end, we have genetically incorporated firefly luciferase within the early region 3 or at minor capsid protein IX and compared vector functionality by means of reporter readout.
Integrin structure: new twists and turns in dynamic cell adhesion.

Summary: The divalent-cation-dependent binding of αβ heterodimeric integrins to their ligands regulates most cellular processes. Integrin–ligand interactions are tightly controlled by inside-out activation signals. Ligand-bound integrins transduce outside-in signals typical of other receptors. Precise information of how ligands bind to integrins is restricted to that of a small vWF A-type domain present in some α-subunits (αA). Both inside-out and outside-in signals elicit tertiary and quaternary changes in integrins, but the precise nature and scope and of these changes are unknown. The recently solved structures of the extracellular segment of integrin αVβ3 in its unliganded and liganded states are generating exciting new insights into the design, wiring, function and regulation of this protein family. The structures reveal a surprising degree of flexibility at defined regions in the structure that is potentially controlled by cations. The quaternary structure of the ligand-binding region bears a striking resemblance to the nucleotide-binding pocket of G-proteins, implying analogous signaling mechanisms. Structural links exist through which ligand-induced tertiary changes may be translated into quaternary changes and vice versa. The structures also raise the tantalizing hypothesis that αA is a regulated endogenous integrin ligand, so that no special regulatory features are needed in this integrin. These findings provide the framework for new investigations of structure–activity relationships in integrins, with important implications for targeting these receptors therapeutically.
Exploiting Covariate Similarity in Sparse Regression via the Pairwise Elastic Net

A new approach to regression regularization called the Pairwise Elastic Net is proposed. Like the Elastic Net, it simultaneously performs automatic variable selection and continuous shrinkage. In addition, the Pairwise Elastic Net encourages the grouping of strongly correlated predictors based on a pairwise similarity measure. We give examples of how the approach can be used to achieve the objectives of Ridge regression, the Lasso, the Elastic Net, and Group Lasso. Finally, we present a coordinate descent algorithm to solve the Pairwise Elastic Net.
Modeling and analysis of flexible queueing systems

We consider queueing systems with multiple classes of customers and heteroge- neous servers where customers have the flexibility of being processed by more than one server and servers possess the capability of processing more than one customer class. We provide a unified framework for the modeling and analysis of these systems under arbitrary customer and server flexibility and for a rich set of control policies that includes customer/server-specific priority schemes for server and customer selection. We use our models to generate several insights into the effect of system configuration and control policies. In particular, we examine the relationship between flexibility, control policies and throughput under varying assumptions for system parameters. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 51: 755-782, 2004. In this paper, we consider the modeling and analysis of flexible queueing systems. We use the term flexible queueing systems to refer to systems with heterogeneous servers and multiple customer classes where customers have the flexibility of being processed by more than one server and servers possess the capability of processing more than one customer class. Customer classes can vary in demand rate and routing flexibility. Servers can vary in service rates and service flexibility. The assignment of customers to servers is determined by a server selection rule, that can be customer-specific, and the selection of the next customer to serve is determined by a queue selection rule, that can be server-specific. An example of a flexible queueing system is shown in Figure 1. Flexible queueing systems arise in a variety of contexts, including manufacturing (Buzacott and Shanthikumar (8)), telecommunication networks (Ross (23)), computer systems (Kleinrock
The effects of significant viscosity variation on convective heat transport in water-saturated porous media

Weakly nonlinear theory and finite-difference calculations are used to describe steadystate and oscillatory convective heat transport in water-saturated porous media. Two-dimensional rolls in a rectangular region are considered when the imposed temperature difference between the horizontal boundaries is as large as 200 K, corresponding to a viscosity ratio of about 6·5. The lowest-order weakly nonlinear results indicate that the variation of the Nusselt number with the ratio of the actual Rayleigh number to the corresponding critical value R/Rc, is independent of the temperature difference for the range considered. Results for the Nusselt number obtained from finite-difference solutions contain a weak dependence on temperature difference which increases with the magnitude of R/Rc. When R/Rc = 8 the constantviscosity convection pattern is steady, while those with temperature differences of 100 and 200 K are found to oscillate.
The Drosophila grapes gene is related to checkpoint gene chk1/rad27 and is required for late syncytial division fidelity

Results: The Drosophila grp gene encodes a predicted serine/threonine kinase and has significant homology to chk1/rad27, a gene required for a DNA damage checkpoint in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Relative to normal embryos, embryos derived from grp-mutant mothers exhibit elevated levels of DNA damage. During nuclear cycles 12 and 13, alignment of the chromosomes on the metaphase plate was disrupted in grp-derived embryos, and the embryos underwent a progression of cytological events that were indistinguishable from those observed in normal syncytial embryos exposed to X-irradiation. The mutant embryos also failed to progress through a regulatory transition in Cdc2 activity that normally occurs during interphase of nuclear cycle 14. Conclusions: We propose that the primary defect in grp-derived embryos is a failure to replicate or repair DNA completely before mitotic entry during the late syncytial divisions. This suggests that wild-type grp functions in a developmentally regulated DNA replication/damage checkpoint operating during the late syncytial divisions. These results are discussed with respect to the proposed function of the chk1/rad27 gene.
Maximally and arbitrarily fast implementation of linear and feedback linear computations

By establishing a relationship between the basic properties of linear computations and eight optimizing transformations (distributivity, associativity, commutativity, inverse and zero element law, common subexpression replication and elimination, constant propagation), a computer-aided design platform is developed to optimally speed-up an arbitrary instance from this large class of computations with respect to those transformations. Furthermore, arbitrarily fast implementation of an arbitrary linear computation is obtained by adding loop unrolling to the transformations set. During this process, a novel Horner pipelining scheme is used so that the area-time (AT) product is maintained constant, regardless of achieved speed-up. We also present a generalization of the new approach so that an important subclass of nonlinear computations, named feedback linear computations, is efficiently, maximally, and arbitrarily sped-up.
Subunit-Specific Effect of the Voltage Sensor Domain on Ca2+ Sensitivity of BK Channels

Large conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channels, composed of pore-forming α-subunits and auxiliary β-subunits, play important roles in diverse physiological processes. The differences in BK channel phenotypes are primarily due to the tissue-specific expression of β-subunits (β1–β4) that modulate channel function differently. Yet, the molecular basis of the subunit-specific regulation is not clear. In our study, we demonstrate that perturbation of the voltage sensor in BK channels by mutations selectively disrupts the ability of the β1-subunit—but not that of the β2-subunit—to enhance apparent Ca2+ sensitivity. These mutations change the number of equivalent gating charges, the voltage dependence of voltage sensor movements, the open-close equilibrium of the channel, and the allosteric coupling between voltage sensor movements and channel opening to various degrees, indicating that they alter the conformation and movements of the voltage sensor and the activation gate. Similarly, the ability of the β1-subunit to enhance apparent Ca2+ sensitivity is diminished to various degrees, correlating quantitatively with the shift of voltage dependence of voltage sensor movements. In contrast, none of these mutations significantly reduces the ability of the β2-subunit to enhance Ca2+ sensitivity. These results suggest that the β1-subunit enhances Ca2+ sensitivity by altering the conformation and movements of the voltage sensor, whereas the similar function of the β2-subunit is governed by a distinct mechanism.
A Model For Promoting Active Learning And Information Literacy Skills In Large And Small Classes

Collaboration between Education and Library Instruction faculty resulted in technology being integrated into the Adolescent Development course curriculum taught at SUNY Fredonia’s School of Education, fulfilling information literacy competency requirements. Our paper presents a model for the practical application of implementing information literacy components required for each SUNY campus. Our goal for an Adolescent Development course was to instruct students in the most efficient methods of library research while incorporating active learning strategies within large and small lecture classes. Collaboration between two different disciplines yielded the formulation of student exercises on subject-specific research within ERIC and PsycINFO databases. A Research Integration Project required students to compare resources, identify, and evaluate studies. By utilizing peer-assisted teaching strategies, this method fostered active learning through cooperative groups and promoted critical thinking skills. Workshop effectiveness and the Library Instruction assessment tool are discussed.
A model for the origin of group reproduction during the evolutionary transition to multicellularity.

During the evolution of multicellular organisms, the unit of selection and adaptation, the individual, changes from the single cell to the multicellular group. To become individuals, groups must ev...
AutoTune: Optimizing Execution Concurrency and Resource Usage in MapReduce Workflows

An increasing number of MapReduce applications are written using high-level SQL-like abstractions on top of MapReduce engines. Such programs are translated into MapReduce workflows where the output of one job becomes the input of the next job in a workflow. A user must specify the number of reduce tasks for each MapReduce job in a workflow. The reduce task setting may have a significant impact on the execution concurrency, processing efficiency, and the completion time of the worklflow. In this work, we outline an automated performance evaluation framework, called AutoTune, for guiding the user efforts of tuning the reduce task settings in MapReduce sequential workflows while achieving performance objectives. We evaluate performance benefits of the proposed framework using a set of realistic MapReduce applications: TPC-H queries and custom programs mining a collection of enterprise web proxy logs.
Detection of aspartame via microsphere-patterned and molecularly imprinted polymer arrays

Abstract A colloidal sphere-patterned polyterthiophene thin film sensor with high binding affinity and selectivity toward aspartame was fabricated using a technique combining molecular imprinting and colloidal sphere lithography. The successful imprinting of aspartame into electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymer generated artificial recognition sites capable of rebinding aspartame into the microporous film, which was sensitively detected using quartz crystal microbalance measurements. The resulting sensor exhibited a good linear response after exposure to aspartame concentrations ranging from 12.5 μM to 200 μM and a detection limit of ∼31 μM. It also demonstrated a high selectivity toward aspartame as compared to other peptide-based analogs including alanine–phenylalanine (Ala–Phe), alanine–glutamine (Ala–Gln), glycylglycine (Gly–Gly), and arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD). The formation of the highly ordered and micropatterned surface was induced and monitored in situ by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy. Analyte imprinting and removal were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Based on molecular modeling (semi-empirical AM1 quantum calculations), the formation of a stable pre-polymerization complex due to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the terthiophene monomer and aspartame played a key role in the effective aspartame imprinting and detection.
Fuel Burn and Emissions Reduction Potential of Low Power/Low Drag Approaches

*† ‡ Changing aircraft operational procedures is one strategy that can be used to reduce fuel burn and mitigate environmental impacts of aviation in relatively short timeframes with existing aircraft types. This study quantifies the fuel burn and emissions reduction potential of delayed deceleration approaches, where the aircraft is kept fast and in clean aerodynamic configuration for as long as possible during the approach phase of flight. This reduces the drag and thrust requirements and these procedures are therefore called Low Power/Low Drag approaches. Operational data is used to characterize approach profiles, together with their fuel burn and emissions properties correlated to airspeed and configuration for a selection of aircraft types. Aircraft that were observed to decelerate and configure flaps later in the approach had 30-40% lower fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions below 10,000 ft compared to those that did not. Estimates of US system-wide fuel burn and emissions reduction potential from Low Power/Low Drag approaches are provided: if only 1% of the total operations used these approaches, savings across all operators would amount to 2.9 million US gallons ($5.8-11.6 million at $2-4/US gallon) of fuel and 28,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. A discussion is provided on the implementation barriers which need to be addressed if benefits are to be realized.
Response of mineralocorticoid hypertensive animals to an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor.

SummaryThe effect of the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor, SQ-14,225 on DCA-NaCl hypertension was determined. The inhibitor did not affect the development of DCA-NaCl hypertension. It also did not affect the blood pressure of animals with established DCA-NaCl hypertension. This suggests that the SQ-14,225 exerts it's antihypertensive effect purely by decreasing angiotensin II and not by increasing vasodilator kinins.
USP3 counteracts RNF168 via deubiquitinating H2A and γH2AX at lysine 13 and 15

Histone ubiquitination plays a vital role in DNA damage response (DDR), which is important for maintaining genomic integrity in eukaryotic cells. In DDR, ubiquitination of histone H2A and γH2AX by the concerted action of ubiquitin (Ub) ligases, RNF168 and RNF8, generates a cascade of ubiquitination signaling. However, little is known about deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that may catalyze the removal of Ub from these histones. This study demonstrated that USP3, an apparent DUB for mono-ubiquitinated H2A, is indeed the enzyme for deubiquitinating Ub conjugates of γH2AX and H2A from lysine sites, where the ubiquitination is initiated by RNF168. Here, we showed that ectopic expression of USP3 led to the deubiquitination of both H2A and γH2AX in response to UV-induced DNA damage. Moreover, ectopic USP3 expression abrogated FK2 antibody-reactive Ub-conjugate foci, which co-localize with damage-induced γH2AX foci. In addition, USP3 overexpression impaired the accumulation of downstream repair factors BRCA1 and 53BP1 at the damage sites in response to both UV and γ-irradiation. We further identified that the USP3 removes Ub at lysine 13 and 15 of H2A and γH2AX, as well as lysine 118 and 119 of H2AX in response to DNA damage. Taken together, the results suggested that USP3 is a negative regulator of ubiquitination signaling, counteracting RNF168- and RNF8-mediated ubiquitination.
Sex Differences in Humor

This study examined how 48 men and 88 women at a small southern university differed in their orientation toward and their uses of humor. They completed two self-report scales with reference to their general use of humor. Analysis indicated that the men reported a greater frequency of attempts at humor than women; men perceived these attempts as more effective than did the women; and the men reported using humor for negative affect more often than women.
Effects of amperozide and azaperone on aggression and productivity of growing-finishing pigs.

Levels of aggression, activity and performance were determined in 270 pigs (initial wt 29.8 kg) injected with amperozide (1.0 mg/kg i.m.), azaperone (2.2 mg/kg i.m.) or saline (.1 ml/kg i.m.) immediately prior to mixing. Pigs had ad libitum access to feed in pens of 15, and six pens were allotted to each treatment. Each pen was video-taped for 48 h after injection. Aggression was determined by continuous observation and summarized for each 2-h period. Injuries on the ears and shoulders of each pig were scored prior to injection and 1, 2, 3 and 7 d after treatment. Eating, drinking and lying were determined by scan sampling at 2-min intervals and summarized for each 2-h period. Weight gain, feed consumption and efficiency were determined for periods ending on d 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84. Both drugs reduced total fighting from 309.8 min for saline to 190.7 and 189.6 min for amperozide- and azaperone-treated pens, respectively (P less than .01). Treatment differences in aggression and lying were evident during the initial 6 h only. Amperozide resulted in fewer fights involving two pigs (197.3/pen) than did azaperone (260.2/pen) or saline (298.3/pen) (P less than .05). Injuries to the ears (P less than .01) and total injuries (P less than .05) were less severe in amperozide-treated pigs than in pigs on the other treatments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PRESENT STATUS AND ASPECTS OF RECURRENT SELECTION IN RICE

In this paper,the present status of research on Rice Recurrent Selection Breeding was summarized,after photosensitive genic male sterile rice was discovered and utilized.Its durability was revealed,problems and countermoves of the research were discussed.
Household biomass fuels use and risk of lower respiratory tract symptoms in rural area of Guangzhou

Objective To study the relationship between household biomass fuels use and lower respiratory tract symptoms in rural area of Guangzhou City. Methods A systematic sampling survey was performed in residents aged over 6 years in rural area in Zengcheng District of Guangzhou,to obtain the information of indoor biomass fuels use and human lower respiratory tract symptoms. A multiple factor logistic analysis was carried out to test the relationship. Status factors of age,gender,smoke,indoor ventilation and kitchens ventilating devices were controlled in the analysis. Results A total of 266 households were investigated and 645 subjects were included in the study. Among the subjects,478( 74. 1%) used biomass fuels and 167( 25. 9%) used clean energy. The prevalence of lower respiratory tract symptoms( containing any one of the symptoms of dry cough,expectoration,asthma,chest tightness or dyspnea) in past half year in biomass fuels group and clean energy group were 51. 5%( 246 /478) and 41. 3%( 69 /167),respectively. In the multiple logistic regression model,the risks of expectoration( OR = 1. 90,95% CI: 1. 23-2. 93),asthma( OR = 6. 71,95% CI: 1. 74- 25. 85),chest congestion( OR = 2. 41,95% CI: 1. 02-5. 72) and dyspnea( OR = 5. 99,95% CI: 1. 23- 29. 28) in biomass fuels group were all higher than those in clean energy group. The risk of lower respiratory tract symptoms was significantly associated with the frequency of biomass fuels use for symptoms experienced( OR = 1. 72,95% CI: 1. 14- 2. 59) and often appearing symptoms( OR = 4. 10,95% CI: 1. 40- 12. 04) in the group of using biomass fuels every day. Conclusion Indoor biomass fuels use may be an important risk factor for respiratory tract symptoms in rural area in Guangzhou.
[Observation on the effect of population-based immunization of influenza A (H1N1)2009 split-virus vaccine].

为有效应对甲型H1N1流感疫情,评价疫苗的人群应用效果,本研究选取广州市自愿接种甲型H1N1流感疫苗的健康成年人,分别检测免前和免后第15天、第30天血清抗体滴度水平,对甲型H1N1流感裂解疫苗的人群免疫效果进行了观察。
Evaluation of the impact of resident work hour restrictions on resident outpatient clinical experience.

Objective To estimate the effect of work hour restrictions on resident outpatient clinical experience. Study design Schedule templates from academic years 1998-1999 (before work hour restrictions), 2002-2003 (when night float rotation was added in anticipation of work hour restrictions), and 2008-2009 (during work hour restrictions) were compared for outpatient clinic experience before and after work hour restrictions were implemented. Actual clinics on specific rotations and estimated patient encounters per scheduled clinic were considered. Results Between academic year (AY) 1998-1999 and AY 2008-2009 there was a generalized downward trend in average outpatient encounters for postgraduate year (PGY)-2, PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents (45%, 34% and 36%, respectively). For obstetrics, gynecology and ambulatory rotations, there was a downward trend in average outpatient encounters for each rotation type (61%, 14% and 63%, respectively). The average number of scheduled clinics per week was slightly decreased when comparing AY 1998-1999 to either AY 2002-2003 or AY 2008-2009. Conclusion Rotation schedules before and after work hour restrictions demonstrated a downward trend in the number of scheduled outpatient encounters. These findings indicate a potential negative impact on preparation for clinical practice.
Digital stories: Bringing multimodal texts to the Spanish writing classroom

Despite the availability and growing use of digital story software for authoring and instructional purposes, little is known about learners’ perceptions on its integration in the foreign language writing class. Following both a social semiotics approach and activity theory, this study focuses on six advanced Spanish learners’ perceptions about the production of a digital story in which they integrated a variety of modes (written, oral, images, sounds) and manipulated the semiotic resources within each mode (size, color, lines in the image mode), to convey meaning. Analyzing participants’ reflections, questionnaires, and online journals, results highlight learners’ (a) interpretation of the tools and artifacts and their effect on their understanding of a final product, (b) connections between short-term goal-oriented actions and the longer-term object-oriented activity of developing a multimodal text, and (c) linguistic reorientations when creating a digital story.
On the energy-efficient multidimensional coded modulation for optical transport networks

Optical transport networks have been affected by the following problems: (i) limited bandwidth of information infrastructure, (ii) high power consumption, (iii) heterogeneity of network segments, and (iv) security issues. As a solution to the first three problems, the multidimensional signaling has been proposed recently by author. In multidimensional signaling, for the conveyance information over spatial domain multiplexing (SDM) based fibers (few-mode fibers, few-core fibers, few-modefew- core fibers), all available degrees of freedoms, be optical or electrical, have been employed. In electrical domain discrete-time basis functions (such as Slepian sequences) have been employed. In optical domain, both polarization states and spatial modes have been employed. Additionally, the orthogonal division multiplexing (ODM) has been employed in optical domain to enable beyond 1 Pb/s serial optical transport over single-mode fibers. With SDM, the serial optical transport over SDM fibers exceeding 10 Pb/s is achievable. Concepts of statistical physics and information theory have been used in energy-efficient multidimensional signal constellation design. To solve for the security issues problem, the use of FBGs with impulse responses derived from mutually orthogonal Slepian sequences has been advocated.
A 24.9-GHz emitter-degenerated SiGe bipolar VCO

A 24.9-GHz emitter-degenerated VCO fabricated in IBM 6HP SiGe BiCMOS process with a -81dBc/Hz phase noise at 1-MHz offset is presented. It consumes 22mW on a 1.9V power supply including output buffers and occupies 435/spl mu/m /spl times/ 225/spl mu/m of silicon area.
Coagulation parameters in copperhead compared to other Crotalinae envenomation: secondary analysis of the F(ab')2 versus Fab antivenom trial.

AbstractContext: Coagulation derangements in copperhead envenomation are considered less severe than other crotaline envenomations, resulting in recommendations to limit both coagulation testing and antivenom treatment. A prospective, blinded, multicenter, randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of F(ab’)2 versus Fab antivenom in crotaline envenomation patients was completed in 2011. We determined the difference between coagulation parameters in copperhead compared to other crotaline envenomations.Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis comparing the coagulation parameters (platelets and fibrinogen) prospectively obtained in the aforementioned trial. All the patients received antivenom in one of three treatment arms [F(ab’)2 with maintenance, F(ab’)2 with placebo maintenance, or Fab with maintenance]. Coagulation parameters were measured at pretreatment baseline, during acute hospitalization, day 5, day 8, and day 15 post-envenomation. Mean platelet count and fibrinogen levels for the copp...
Early Intervention in Reading From Research to Practice

This study documents the implementation of research-based strategies to minimize the occurrence of reading difficulties in a first-grade population. Three strategies were implemented: (a) A system of progress monitoring was used to assess student progress and skill acquisition; (b) instruction was characterized by high intensity through the use of groups with a low student–teacher ratio; and (c) an explicit instructional approach was used for children who lacked phonemic awareness or an understanding of the alphabetic principle. Furthermore, teachers were supported in working collaboratively with one another and were provided with ongoing support from a literacy coach. Ninety percent of participants met or exceeded grade-level expectations by the end of the year, and 75% of treatment resisters were eligible for special education. Challenges related to implementation are discussed.
Abstract TP329: True Failures Versus Ambiguous Documentation in Core Measures Noncompliance

Introduction: Stroke Core Measures are intended to ensure that patients receive high quality, guideline-concordant acute stroke care. Compliance data is collected and reported to the public and to ...
Securing Web Applications with Predicate Access Control

Web application security is an increasingly important concern as we entrust these applications to handle sensitive user data. Security vulnerabilities in these applications are quite common, however, allowing malicious users to steal other application users’ data. A more reliable mechanism for enforcing application security policies is needed. Most applications rely on a database to store user data, making it a natural point to introduce additional access controls. Unfortunately, existing database access control mechanisms are too coarse-grained to express an application security policy. In this paper we propose and implement a fine-grained access control mechanism for controlling access to user data. Application access control policy is expressed using row-level access predicates, which allow an application’s access control policy to be extended to the database. These predicates are expressed using the SQL syntax familiar to developers, minimizing the developer effort necessary to take advantage of this mechanism. We implement our predicate access control system in the PostgreSQL 9.2 DBMS and evaluate our system by developing an access control policy for the Drupal 7 and Spree Commerce. Our mechanism protected Drupal and Spree against five known security vulnerabilities.
Poster Abstract: Predictable Wireless Networking for Real-Time Cyber-Physical-Human Systems

Predictable wireless networking is a basis for real-time cyber-physical-human (CPH) systems such as those in augmented reality, connected and automated vehicles, and industrial automation, and a fundamental problem in predictable wireless networking is predictable control of intra-network interference in the presence of dynamics and uncertainties. We present the Physical-Ratio-K (PRK) wireless interference model, and we discuss PRK-based scheduling in both mostly immobile and mobile networks. By enabling predictable control of intra-network interference while only requiring local coordination between close-by nodes, PRK-based scheduling enables holistic, multi-scale approaches to predictable wireless networking by enabling effective integration of scheduling with channel assignment, power control, rate control, and advanced communication techniques to address complex dynamics and uncertainties in wireless communication (e.g., fast-varying channel fading and external interference).
Quality-relevant fault detection of nonlinear processes based on kernel concurrent canonical correlation analysis

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) has been used for concurrent quality and process monitoring to extract multidimensional correlation structure between process and quality variables. In this paper, a new kernel concurrent CCA (KCCCA) algorithm is proposed for quality-relevant nonlinear process monitoring, which decomposes the original space into five subspaces, including correlation subspace, quality-principal subspace, quality-residual subspace, process-principal subspace and process-residual subspace. The proposed KCCCA considers the nonlinearity in both process and quality variables, and incorporates a regularization term as well for numerical robustness. In the case studies, the Tennessee Eastman process is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed KCCCA.
Interprofessional Client-Centered Reasoning Processes in Home Modification Practice

ABSTRACTWe investigated the complex reasoning processes of professional home evaluators involved with home safety assessments. Twenty evaluators with varied professional training engaged in in-depth qualitative interviews. Two primary themes emerged: integrating expertise and tailoring interventions. Within these themes, evaluators expressed differences and similarities in how they obtained information, developed interventions, and addressed professional-client interactive reasoning as they identified needs. We propose an adapted ecological model to describe best practices for personalizing home modifications through an interprofessional lens. Differences among professional home evaluators reveal unique, yet overlapping reasoning processes. Interprofessional teams may better meet the holistic needs of home modification consumers.