cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic transport properties of PbTe and AgPb m SbTe 2+m systems

Transport calculations using the Boltzmann equation within energy-dependent relaxation time approximations were performed for $\mathrm{PbTe}$ and ${\mathrm{AgPb}}_{m}{\mathrm{SbTe}}_{2+m}$ (LAST-m) systems. We have used both the nonparabolic Kane model for the energy dispersion and the energy dispersion given by ab initio electronic structure calculations. For $\mathrm{PbTe}$ we find that the temperature dependence of the density of states effective mass ${m}_{d}$ is very important in order to have good agreement with experiment for electrical conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ and thermopower $S$. Transport calculations in $n$-type $\mathrm{PbTe}$ using the energy dispersion given by the ab initio electronic structure results in overestimation of $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ and underestimation of $S$ because the temperature dependence of ${m}_{d}$ cannot be incorporated in the calculation of the chemical potential. Transport calculations in $n$-type LAST-m systems using the nonparabolic Kane model for the energy dispersion show a small enhancement of the power factor $(\ensuremath{\sigma}{S}^{2})$ in $0--500\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ temperature range relative to $\mathrm{PbTe}$. The observed large ZT values of the LAST-12 and LAST-18 systems are a combination of a small enhancement of the power factor and a strong reduction in the thermal conductivity due to the formation of $\mathrm{Ag}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Sb}$ microstructures.
A process control approach to tactical inventory management in production-inventory systems

Abstract Supply chain management (SCM) is concerned with the efficient movement of goods through a network of suppliers and retailers. As delayed and uncertain dynamical systems, supply chains provide an excellent opportunity for demonstrating the benefits of control engineering principles to what is traditionally perceived as a “business” problem. This paper presents a fundamental yet practical approach for applying control-theoretic principles to tactical inventory management problem in a production-inventory system, the basic unit in a supply chain. Beginning with the use of a fluid analogy, we present internal model control (IMC) and model predictive control (MPC) as means for generating a series of increasingly sophisticated decision policies for inventory management. A combined feedback-feedforward multi-degree-of-freedom IMC policy is shown to properly adjust factory starts in the presence of inventory target changes, forecasted shifts in customer demand, and stochastic changes in demand. The MPC policy displays equivalent performance, but incorporates the added functionality of managing inventory in the presence of constraints, an important practical consideration. The MPC policy shows improved performance, greater flexibility, and higher functionality relative to an advanced order-up-to policy based on control engineering principles found in the literature.
Effect of chemical composition upon the radiation and electron beam resist behaviors of vinyl polymers

Chemical composition effects upon polymer electron energy absorption and radiation chemistry have been identified to develop resist design criteria. By use of Bethe's theory for electron scattering in solids, chemical incorporation of higher atomic-numbered substituents is predicted to decrease energy absorption and increase scattering. Incorporation of chlorine or fluorine into vinyl polymers at the possible substituent sites is empirically found to have a large effect upon radiation G (scission) and G (crosslink) values. G (scission) values determined for several copolymers over a large range of compositions are found to vary linearly with composition. In contrast, G (crosslink) values are found to be generally less than those predicted from a linear extrapolation between the homopolymer values. Electron beam resist behavior is found to correlate well with the Gs/Gx ratio.
The interaction of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides with cholinesterases in the terrestrial pulmonate, Limax maximus

Abstract 1. The interaction of cholinesterases from L. maximus muscular foot and hemolymph with several toxicologically relevant carbamates and organophosphates was explored. 2. Biomolecular rate constants of inhibition indicate that, among the carbamates, those of low toxicity such as dioxacarb and carbaryl exhibit a differential pattern of inhibition in the supernatant of a 110,000 g preparation of the muscular foot when compared to whole hemolymph cholinesterase. 3. This is in contrast to the inhibition exhibited by more molluscicidal carbamates such as methiocarb which shows similar rate constants of inhibition in both tissues. 4. Quantitation of the behavioral response to intoxication is presented and the possible contribution of differential inhibition of cholinesterases in L. maximus is discussed.
Limiter effects on scrape-off layer fluctuations and transport

Abstract Edge turbulence experiments indicate that radial particle flux increases as a function of radius up to the scrape-off layer (SOL), and that the Boltzman relation is violated. Resistivity gradient driven turbulence (RGDT) theory has been shown to track the radial dependence of the particle flux in the plasma edge closer than dissipative density gradient driven turbulence (DDGDT) theory. Also, the Boltzman relation is not invoked for RGDT while it is usually assumed for DDGDT. Consequently, RGDT is a more likely candidate for an edge turbulence model. However, Langmuir probe experiments indicate that the particle flux is reduced by as much as 50% in the SOL. Thus, since basic turbulence theories do not account for limiter effects, the primary focus of this study is to include such effects in a RGDT theory of the SOL. We present an analysis of SOL fluctuations using a rippling mode or RGDT calculation which incorporates the essential limiter boundary condition. The line-tying effects caused by a simple conducting poloidal limiter can lead to an order of magnitude reduction of the growth rate in the SOL region when parallel thermal conductivity is neglected. The basic effect of the limiter boundary condition can be understood by exploiting the conjugate relation between the parallel and radial mode widths, a consequence of magnetic shear. A reduction of the connection length, due to the limiter, implies an increase in the radial mode width. Assuming a conducting poloidal limiter with a large radial extent, the increased radial mode width causes an increase in thermal conduction damping which is sufficiently large enough so that the rippling mode is rendered stable for typical parallel thermal conductivities. We have also included the destabilizing effect of impurity radiative cooling in the RGDT analysis which leads to an increase of the growth rate, the saturation potential, and the diffusion coefficient by approximately 30% for typical parameters. Additionally, DDGDT is reconsidered as a viable model of SOL turbulence since it exhibits shorter toroidal mode widths than RGDT; thus, it is less sensitive to the limiter line-tying effect. Saturation level estimates for DDGDT with limiter effects are presented.
Coronary-subclavian steal syndrome: anesthetic implications and management in the perioperative period.

Complication de la chirurgie coronaire a l'aide du greffon mammaire interne et due a une stenose serree de l'artere sousclaviere. La chirurgie consiste en une derivation carotidosousclaviere
Activation of monocytes by cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) in a CysLT2 receptor-dependent fashion☆

Abstract Rationale Two classes of CysLT receptor have been identified and can be distinguished by their relative affinities for LTC4 (CysLT1R=CysLT2R) and LTD4 (CysLT1R>CysLT2R). In addition, they are distinguished by their antagonism by the selective CysLT1 receptor antagonist (MK571) and the non-selective antagonist Bay-u9773. These receptors are widely expressed on immune cells; however, their functions have not been characterized. The current studies investigated the expression and function of each class of CysLT receptor on mononuclear phagocytic cells. Methods Monocytes were enriched from human peripheral blood via negative selection using Miltenyi Biotech beads. Expression of receptors was evaluated by flow cytometry using rabbit anti-human CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor antibodies (Cayman) and Zenon® PE rabbit IgG labeling kit (Molecular Probe). LPS-activated monocytes were exposed to a range of concentrations of LTC4 and LTD4 and evaluated for cytokine production and surface expression of CD80 (B7.1), MHC class II, and CD11b (CR3) without or with MK571 or Bay-u9773. Results Monocytes demonstrated high levels of expression of both CysLT1 and CysLT2R although CysLT2R expression was consistently greater. Exposure of monocytes to CysLT stimulated cytokine synthesis in a dose-dependent fashion, however, LTC4 was more potent than LTD4. For IL-10, LPS produced 29.1 ± 6.2 pg/ml, which increased to 49.4 ± 19.6 and 60.8 ± 17.8 in the presence of LTC4and LTD4, respectively. Cytokine production was significantly inhibited by Bay-u9773 but not by MK571. Finally, CysLTs were shown to stimulate expression of CD80, MHC class II, and CD11b on monocytes. Conclusions CysLTs potentiate pro-inflammatory functions of monocytes through a CysLT2 receptor-dependent mechanism.
An Improved Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm Based Handover Decision Scheme with Always-Best-Connected Supported

Oriented to the actual requirements of roaming among heterogeneous networks, a handover decision scheme with ABC (Always Best Connected) supported was proposed in this paper. Network application types, access network and mobile terminal models were described. Plenty of factors such as access network conditions, application requirements, users preference in coding systems and providers, mobile terminals condition etc were considered comprehensively, an optimal handover scheme of N terminals among M access networks was designed based on improved artificial fish swarm algorithm. By gaming analysis, Pareto optimum under Nash equilibrium of user utility and network utility was achieved or approached to the found solution. Simulation results showed that the proposed scheme has better performance than existed schemes.
Mechanism by which Alcohol and Wine Polyphenols Affect Coronary Heart Disease Risk

The reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) from moderate alcohol intake may be mediated, in part, by increased fibrinolysis; endothelial cell (EC)-mediated fibrinolysis should decrease acute atherothrombotic consequences (eg, plaque rupture) of myocardial infarction (MI). We have shown that alcohol and individual polyphenols modulate EC fibrinolytic protein (t-PA, u-PA, PAI-1, u-PAR and Annexin-II) expression at the cellular, molecular, and gene levels to sustain increased fibrinolytic activity. Herein we describe the sequence of molecular events by which EC t-PA expression is increased through common activation of p38 MAPK signaling. Up-regulation of t-PA gene transcription, through specific alcohol and polyphenol transcription factor binding sites in the t-PA promoter, results in increased in vitro fibrinolysis and in vivo clot lytic activity (using real-time fluorescence [Fl] imaging of Cy5.5-labeled fibrin clot lysis in a mouse model). Fl-labeled fibrin clots injected into untreated C56Bl/6 wild-type control mice are lysed in approximately 2 hours and clot lytic rates significantly increased in mice treated with either alcohol, catechins, or quercetin (4-6 weeks). Fl-labeled clot lysis in ApoE knock-out mice (atherosclerosis model) showed impaired in vivo clot lysis that was "normalized" to wild-type control levels by treatment with alcohol, catechin, or quercetin for 6 to 8 weeks.
The spin of the proton

Abstract The twenty years since the announcement of the proton spin crisis by the European Muon Collaboration has seen tremendous progress in our knowledge of the distribution of spin within the proton. The problem is reviewed, beginning with the original data and the suggestion that polarized gluons may play a crucial role in resolving the problem through the U ( 1 ) axial anomaly. The discussion continues to the present day where not only have strong limits been placed on the amount of polarized glue in the proton but the experimental determination of the spin content has also become much more precise. It is now clear that the origin of the discrepancy between the experiment and the naive expectation of the fraction of spin carried by the quarks and anti-quarks in the proton lies in the non-perturabtive structure of the proton. We explain how the features expected in a modern, relativistic and chirally symmetric description of nucleon structure naturally explain the current data.
The Impact of Commercial Exploitation on Sawfish and Shark Populations in Lake Nicaragua

Abstract The Lake Nicaragua Rio San Juan System harbors two classical examples of freshwater adaptation by elasmobranchs, the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, and the largetooth sawfish, Pristis perotteti. The bull shark is heavily concentrated around the river mouth and reproduces along the coast. The sparser population in the lake is recruited almost entirely through upstream movements from the lower river. Relatively heavy, year round commercial fishing around the river mouth since the late 1960's has sharply reduced the shark population in the lake. Since the shark fishery is primarily in Costa Rican waters, control and management can be effected only by a cooperative agreement between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, which has not yet been reached. The sawfish lives and reproduces primarily in the lake, where until 1970 a heavy concentration occurred, with relatively few being found in the lower river. Since 1970 heavy commercial fishing for sawfish has been carried on in Lake Nicaragua. A sharp reduction i...
Minimum free energy paths for a nanoparticle crossing the lipid membrane

Within self-consistent field theory, we develop an “on-the-fly” string method to compute the minimum free energy path for several activated processes involving a charged, solvophobic nanoparticle and a lipid membrane. Under tensions well below the mechanical stability limit of the membrane, and in the regime where the event can occur on experimentally relevant time scales, our study suggests that there can be at least three competing pathways for crossing the membrane: (1) particle-assisted membrane rupture, (2) particle insertion into a metastable pore followed by translocation and membrane resealing, and (3) particle insertion into a metastable pore followed by membrane rupture. In the context of polymer-based gene delivery systems, we discuss the implications of these results for the endosomal escape mechanism.
Critical Temperature for Phase Separation of the Solid Solutions of Rare Gases

THE rare gases argon and krypton form a solid solution at 77° K. that shows a positive deviation from Raoult's law1. At this temperature, the tendency toward phase separation may be estimated from the value of the energy of mixing parameter w AB/kT of about 1.3. This value was estimated by the use of the crude treatment of regular solutions2 on data taken in an apparatus not primarily designed for the task.
The Viral MetaGenome Annotation Pipeline (VMGAP): An automated tool for the functional annotation of viral Metagenomic shotgun sequencing data

In the past few years, the field of metagenomics has been growing at an accelerated pace, particularly in response to advancements in new sequencing technologies. The large volume of sequence data from novel organisms generated by metagenomic projects has triggered the development of specialized databases and tools focused on particular groups of organisms or data types. Here we describe a pipeline for the functional annotation of viral metagenomic sequence data. The Viral MetaGenome Annotation Pipeline (VMGAP) pipeline takes advantage of a number of specialized databases, such as collections of mobile genetic elements and environmental metagenomes to improve the classification and functional prediction of viral gene products. The pipeline assigns a functional term to each predicted protein sequence following a suite of comprehensive analyses whose results are ranked according to a priority rules hierarchy. Additional annotation is provided in the form of enzyme commission (EC) numbers, GO/MeGO terms and Hidden Markov Models together with supporting evidence.
Polarized Actin Structural Dynamics in Response to Cyclic Uniaxial Stretch

Endothelial cell (EC) alignment to directional flow or stretch supports anti-inflammatory functions, but mechanisms controlling polarized structural adaptation in response to physical cues remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether factors associated with early actin edge ruffling implicated in cell polarization are prerequisite for stress fiber (SF) reorientation in response to cyclic uniaxial stretch. Time-lapse analysis of EGFP-actin in confluent ECs showed that onset of either cyclic uniaxial or equibiaxial stretch caused a non-directional increase in edge ruffling. Edge activity was concentrated in a direction perpendicular to the stretch axis after 60 min, consistent with the direction of SF alignment. Rho-kinase inhibition caused reorientation of both stretch-induced edge ruffling and SF alignment parallel to the stretch axis. Arp2/3 inhibition attenuated stretch-induced cell elongation and disrupted polarized edge dynamics and microtubule organizing center reorientation, but it had no effect on the extent of SF reorientation. Disrupting localization of p21-activated kinase (PAK) did not prevent stretch-induced SF reorientation, suggesting that this Rac effector is not critical in regulating stretch-induced cytoskeletal remodeling. Overall, these results suggest that directional edge ruffling is not a primary mechanism that guides SF reorientation in response to stretch; the two events are coincident but not causal.
Short food safety videos promote peer networking and behavior change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to create a series of 30-60-second short videos to promote improved food safety behaviors of middle school youth, determine the feasibility of disseminating the videos through peer networks, and measure their effects on food safety attitudes, perceived social norms, and behaviors of youth. Design/methodology/approach – Food safety content specialists, learning experts, programmers, illustrators, project managers, instructional designers, scriptwriters, and stakeholders were involved in creation of the Don’t Be Gross short videos before evaluation by middle school youth (sixth to eighth grades). The experimental group (n=220) completed the following activities at about one-week intervals: pre-test, viewed videos, post-test, and follow-up test. The control group (n=112) completed the same activities at similar intervals but did not have access to the videos until after the follow-up test. Findings – Controlling for grade and gender, linear mixed-effects models revealed...
Evidence for Micronuclear Function During Vegetative Growth and Reproduction of the Ciliate, Tetrahymena pyrijormis

An amicronucleate clone of Tetrahymena pyriformis has been found among the asexual progency of irradiated cells of strain EU 6000 (variety 6, mating type I). Logphase cells of this clone, designated EU 6525, have a mean generation time (6.0 hr) longer than that of the micronucleate strain, EU 6000 (2.9 hr). Further irradiation studies of strain EU 6000 indicate that the recovery of viable amicronucleate populations is rare although many amicronucleate cells are found among surviving progency. Attempts to introduce micronuclei into amicronucleate cells of strain EU 6525 by conjugation have been made. Micronucleate lines are obtained from amicronucleate pair members only in low frequency. These resuits, considered together wtth those of other workers, suggest some change in the state of the cell, additional to the physical loss (or gain) of the micronucleus, must occur before viable amicronucleate clones can be obtained from micronucleate cells, or before amicronucleate cells can produce viable micronucleate lineuges. An aiteration in mean generation time may be a reflection of this change, or it may simply be a direct consequence of micronuclear removal. The results further imply that the ciliate micronucleus unquestionably contributes information to the cell during asexual growth and reproduction. (auth)
The War of 1870 as a Turning Point in Western History: The View of an Italian Francophile

(1978). The War of 1870 as a Turning Point in Western History: The View of an Italian Francophile. The Historian: Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 668-685.
EXPRESSING AS 'SHOWING WHAT'S WITHIN': ON MITCHELL GREEN'S, SELF-EXPRESSION OUP 2007

The notion of expression is used in a number of seemingly unrelated contexts and ways. Therapists encourage patients to learn to ‘express their feelings’, a piece of music may be said to express great sadness, we speak of the expressionist movement in art, and of expressivism in various areas of philosophy. Nonhuman animals and people alike are said to express affective states (such as fear, anger, wants), we speak of people as also expressing feelings, sentiments, attitudes, intentions, views, even selves. We think of groups of individuals (a corporation, an administration) as capable of expressing sentiments and attitudes. And we also speak of sentences as expressing propositions, words as expressing concepts, essays as expressing ideas. For a notion in such prevalent use, which, moreover, appears to carry so much intuitive and theoretical weight, expression has received surprisingly little theoretical attention; it scores very high on use and usefulness but low on theoretical analysis. Green’s Self-Expression (SE henceforth) is a bold and ambitious attempt to remedy this situation. Green is after no less than a unified view of all the myriad ways we have of expressing ourselves: through wincing or crying, as well as through culturally acquired gestures; by engaging in convention-governed speech-acts, and in works of art or music, as well as in various idiosyncratic ways. It is his aim to portray what he terms ‘self-expression’, wherever it occurs, and however it is carried out, as a matter of the production of a signal that also shows an expresser’s state of mind. The book provides a clear defense and development of this idea. It makes a distinct and significant contribution to our understanding of an important topic that lies at the intersection of philosophy of language, mind, and action, metaethics, linguistics, ethology, biology of communication, and aesthetics.phib_512 212..227
Managing feedback systems to facilitate change in acquisitions: The introduction of a model and explanation of it's application

Abstract While feedback plays a key role in organization effectiveness, it is so oversimplified in the management literature as to become almost useless as a tool for understanding or improving organizations. Much of the current work on feedback is so narrowly focused that it fails to make its potential contributions to organization effectiveness. Using the special case of postacquisition integration as an illustration, the paper develops the concept of feedback in more detail, uses this to explain problems in organization performance from a feedback systems perspective, and suggests ways that feedback systems can serve as the focus for interventions to facilitate managed change.
Enhanced resection and improved survival in murine neuroblastoma (C1300-NB) after preoperative immunotherapy.

Abstract Advanced neuroblastoma treated with standard chemotherapy has a poor prognosis. Combination immunotherapy for murine neuroblastoma with retinyl palmitate, low-dose cyclophosphamide, and interleukin-2 resulted in increased survival, impaired tumor growth, easier surgical resection, and increased class I expression or tumor cells. Preoperative immunotherpay may be useful in treatment of advanced human neuroblastoma.
Speciation and phylogeography of Hawaiian terrestrial arthropods

The Hawaiian archipelago is arguably the world’s finest natural laboratory for the study of evolution and patterns of speciation. Arthropods comprise over 75% of the endemic biota of the Hawaiian Islands and a large proportion belongs to species radiations. We classify patterns of speciation within Hawaiian arthropod lineages into three categories: (i) single representatives of a lineage throughout the islands; (ii) species radiations with either (a) single endemic species on different volcanoes or islands, or (b) multiple species on each volcano or island; and (iii) single widespread species within a radiation of species that exhibits local endemism. A common pattern of phylogeography is that of repeated colonization of new island groups, such that lineages progress down the island chain, with the most ancestral groups (populations or species) on the oldest islands. While great dispersal ability and its subsequent loss are features of many of these taxa, there are a number of mechanisms that underlie diversification. These mechanisms may be genetic, including repeated founder events, hybridization, and sexual selection, or ecological, including shifts in habitat and/or host affiliation. The majority of studies reviewed suggest that natural selection is a primary force of change during the initial diversification of taxa.
The Application of the Fundamental Parameters Approach as Implemented in TOPAS to Divergent Beam Powder Diffraction Data

The fundamental parameters approach (FPA) as implemented in TOPAS is investigated for analyses of conventional X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data. The FPA involves the convolution of a series of models, each one constituting an individual contribution to the geometric portion of the instrument profile function (IPF). Parameters within each model are refined by least squares to yield a presumably accurate description of the experiment. If one wishes to interrogate the functionality of said models, a diffractometer wherein the uncertainties in optical character are minimized is required. To this end, a diffractometer was built at NIST which featured conventional divergent beam optics in conjunction with a well aligned, stiff, and accurate goniometer assembly. Initial results indicated that the detector arm was flexing; this problem has been addressed with the fabrication and installation of a new arm and counterweight assembly. Data collected from NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 660a, lanthanum hexaboride, are analyzed using the FPA method to yield conclusions on the validity of the models with respect to shape and position of the diffraction profiles.
Rate of Rumen Metabolism of C14-Labeled Alfalfa Hay as Determined by Specific Activity of Rumen Volatile Fatty Acids, Blood, Urine, and Feces

Summary Studies were initiated with C 14 -labeled alfalfa hay to determine how the unaltered forage is metabolized in the rumen. Labeled hay was placed in the rumens of three fistulated cows fed unlabeled hay initially and at 12-hr intervals. The specific activity (SA) of rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) was high in the first sample taken (15min). Peak activity occurred at 1 hr, then declined steadily until the last sample was taken (75 hr). The SA curve for urine was similar to that of rumen VFA, but the peak SA of urine lagged behind that of rumen VFA. The SA of jugular vein blood increased during the first 24 hr and remained at this level until the last sample was obtained (80 hr). A small degree of activity appeared in the first fecal sample obtained at 6 hr. Fecal SA increased rapidly and reached maximum values between 20 and 38 hr, thereafter declining until collections were terminated (95 hr). In a second experiment, C 14 -labeled hay was partitioned into a hot water-soluble extract and an insoluble residue and administered separately to a pair of identical-twin cows. The soluble extract was metabolized about four times faster than the insoluble residue. Apparently, certain constituents of the insoluble residue were metabolized to rumen VFA at a rapid rate. Samples taken 5min after feeding had high specific activities. The SA peaks for urine, blood, and feces were similar to those observed in Experiment 1. These results indicate that the rumen metabolism of certain components of alfalfa hay begins a few minutes after feeding and the metabolism of others may continue for several hours.
Prey size selection and distance estimation in foraging adult dragonflies.

To determine whether perching dragonflies visually assess the distance to potential prey items, we presented artificial prey, glass beads suspended from fine wires, to perching dragonflies in the field. We videotaped the responses of freely foraging dragonflies (Libellula luctuosa and Sympetrum vicinum—Odonata, suborder Anisoptera) to beads ranging from 0.5 mm to 8 mm in diameter, recording whether or not the dragonflies took off after the beads, and if so, at what distance. Our results indicated that dragonflies were highly selective for bead size. Furthermore, the smaller Sympetrum preferred beads of smaller size and the larger Libellula preferred larger beads. Each species rejected beads as large or larger than their heads, even when the beads subtended the same visual angles as the smaller, attractive beads. Since bead size cannot be determined without reference to distance, we conclude that dragonflies are able to estimate the distance to potential prey items. The range over which they estimate distance is about 1 m for the larger Libellula and 70 cm for the smaller Sympetrum. The mechanism of distance estimation is unknown, but it probably includes both stereopsis and the motion parallax produced by head movements.
Quantitative trait analysis of fruit quality in cucumber: QTL detection, confirmation, and comparison with mating-design variation.

A cross within C. sativus var. sativus (GY14 x P1432860) and molecular markers were used to determine the number, magnitudes of effect, and overall variation described for genes conditioning the quantitatively inherited traits of length, diameter, seed-cavity size, color, L/D (length/diameter), and S/D (seed-cavity size/diameter). QTL effects were detected with MAPMAKER/QTL using 100 F3 lines evaluated in a replicated field trial of two harvests over 2 years at one location. Multilocus models were constructed by fixing significant intervals and re-scanning using MAPMAKER/ QTL. Marker inclusion in multilocus models was compared to an ANOVA “backward elimination” procedure. Generally the same loci were associated with QTLs among the two methods of model construction. Heritabilities of individual QTLs were confirmed by analysis of related backcrosses (67 BC1P1 lines and 68 BC1 P2 lines). The majority of QTLs were confirmed in at least one backcross population. Pairs of backcrosses allowed overall additive variances and heritabilities to be calculated using a North Carolina Design III (NCIII design) and estimates were compared to overall variances attributable to markers. Heritability estimates using markers were comparable, but generally lower than additive variances estimated by co-variance relationships in the NCIII design. This suggests that neither the number nor the magnitude of QTL effects were overestimated. The utility of backcrosses to confirm individual QTLs and the overall variance described by QTLs is recommended to avoid false positives and over-estimation of effects. The number of QTLs, and/or the proportions of phenotypic variation described by markers and the mating design, agreed with previous reports of heritabilities employing similar germplasm.
Alteration of sensory abilities regulates the spatial scale of nonlethal predator effects

Many studies have shown that nonlethal predator effects such as trait-mediated interactions (TMIs) can have significant impacts on the structure and function of communities, but the role that environmental conditions play in modulating the scale and magnitude of these effects has not been carefully investigated. TMIs occur when prey exhibit behavioral or physiological responses to predators and may be more prevalent when abiotic conditions increase prey reactions to consumers. The purpose of this study was to determine if turbulence would alter the distance over which prey in aquatic systems respond to chemical cues emitted by predators in nature, thus changing the scales over which nonlethal predator effects occur. Using hard clams and blue crabs as a model predator-prey system, we investigated the effects of turbulence on clam reactive distance to predatory blue crabs in the field. Results suggest that turbulence diminishes clam reactions to predators and that the environmental context must be considered when predicting the extent of indirect predator effects in natural systems.
Optimization of an Industrial Friction Material Formulation

A Golden Section optimization approach coupled with relational grade analysis was proposed to optimize friction material formulations. It was applied to enhance friction coefficient (μ)for a commercial friction material formulation (IFC) consisting of copper chips, steel wool, Al2O3, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), graphite, coke, CaCO3, ZrSiO4, BaSO4 and phenolic resin using the Friction Assessment and Screening Test (FAST). The IFC was used in a popular, commercially available car and it has an average μ of 0.372 and a total wear of 5.70 wt. %. All raw materials used were divided into a metals group, a non-metals group and a binder group. The optimization process was performed in three phases. In phase 1, the optimal proportion of the ingredients within the metals group and the non-metals group was searched. In phase 2, the optimal proportion between the metals group and the non-metals group was investigated and in phase 3, the optimal proportion between the binder group and the metals plus non-metals g...
Hardware-accelerated free-form deformation

Hardware-acceleration for geometric deformation is developed in the framework of an extension to the OpenGL specification. The method requires an addition to the front-end of the OpenGL rendering pipeline and an appropriate OpenGL primitive. Our approach is to implement general geometric deformations so the system supports additional layers of abstraction, including physically based simulations. This approach would support a wide range of users with an accelerated implementation of a well-understood deformation method, reducing the need for software deformation engines and the execution time penalty associated with them.
Bifurcation of flame structure in a lean-premixed swirl-stabilized combustor: transition from stable to unstable flame

The present work addresses unsteady flame dynamics in a lean-premixed swirl-stabilized combustor, with attention focused on the transition of flame structure from a stable to an unstable state. It was found that the inlet temperature and equivalence ratio are the two most important variables determining the stability characteristics of the combustor. A slight increase in the inlet mixture temperature across the stability boundary leads to a sudden increase in acoustic flow oscillation. One major factor contributing to this phenomenon is that as the inlet mixture temperature increases, the flame, which is originally anchored in the center recirculation zone, penetrates into the corner recirculation zone and flashes back, due to the increased flame speed. As a consequence, the flame is stabilized by both the corner- and the center-recirculating flows and exhibits a compact enveloped configuration. The flame flaps dynamically and drives flow oscillations through its influence on unsteady heat release. This problem has not previously been studied mechanistically. The results improve our understanding of the mechanisms of initiation and sustenance of combustion instabilities in gas-turbine engines with lean-premixed combustion.
Applying Behavioral Ecology and Behavioral Economics to Conservation and Development Planning: An Example from the Mikea Forest, Madagascar

Governments and non-govermental organizations (NGOs) that plan projects to conserve the environment and alleviate poverty often attempt to modify rural livelihoods by halting activities they judge to be destructive or inefficient and encouraging alternatives. Project planners typically do so without understanding how rural people themselves judge the value of their activities. When the alternatives planners recommend do not replace the value of banned activities, alternatives are unlikely to be adopted, and local people will refuse to participate. Human behavioral ecology and behavioral economics may provide useful tools for generating and evaluating hypotheses for how people value economic activities in their portfolios and potential alternatives. This is demonstrated with a case example from southwestern Madagascar, where plans to create a Mikea Forest National Park began with the elimination of slash-and-burn maize agriculture and the encouragement to plant labor-intensive manioc instead. Future park plans could restrict access to wild tuber patches, hunting small game, and fishing. The value of these activities is considered using observational data informed by optimal foraging theory, and experimental data describing people’s time preference and covariation perception. Analyses suggest that manioc is not a suitable replacement for maize for many Mikea because the two crops differ in terms of labor requirements, delay-to-reward, and covariation with rainfall. Park planners should promote wild tuber foraging and stewardship of tuber patches and the anthropogenic landscapes in which they are found. To conserve small game, planners must provide alternative sources of protein and cash. Little effort should be spent protecting lemurs, as they are rarely eaten and never sold.
The saturation characteristics of high-voltage transisitors

It is shown that the saturation characteristic of high-voltage NPvN transistors can only be explained by a lowering of the v-layer resistance due to conductivity modulation. A semi-quantitative model is developed which explains this modified saturation region. An experimental method of isolating the resistive portion of the external collector-base (CB) voltage is presented. The results verify that the CB junction may be forward-biased even when the characteristic seemingly indicates that the transistor is unsaturated. Data is also presented showing how variations in collector resistivity and thickness alter the saturation region.
Nutlin-3a Induces Cytoskeletal Rearrangement and Inhibits the Migration and Invasion Capacity of p53 Wild-Type Cancer Cells

MDM2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that binds and ubiquitinates the tumor suppressor protein p53, leading to its proteasomal degradation. Nutlin-3a (Nutlin) is a preclinical drug that binds MDM2 and prevents the interaction between MDM2 and p53, leading to p53 stabilization and activation of p53 signaling events. Previous studies have reported that Nutlin promotes growth arrest and/or apoptosis in cancer cells that express wild-type p53. In the current study, Nutlin treatment caused a cytoskeletal rearrangement in p53 wild-type human cancer cells from multiple etiologies. Specifically, Nutlin decreased actin stress fibers and reduced the size and number of focal adhesions in treated cells. This process was dependent on p53 expression but was independent of p21 expression and growth arrest. Consistent with this, Nutlin-treated cells failed to form filamentous actin–based motility structures (lamellipodia) and displayed significantly decreased directional persistence in response to migratory cues. Finally, chemotactic assays showed a p53-dependent/p21-independent decrease in migratory and invasive capacity of Nutlin-treated cells. Taken together, these findings reveal that Nutlin treatment can inhibit the migration and invasion capacity of p53 wild-type cells, adding to the potential therapeutic benefit of Nutlin and other small molecule MDM2 inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(4); 895–905. ©2010 AACR.
Comparison between simulation and analytical methods of UMTS air interface capacity dimensioning

This paper provides a comparison between the UMTS downlink circuit switched capacity results obtained using a comprehensive system level simulator with those obtained using an advanced analytical method. For the scenarios considered, the agreement varies in the range of 0-15%. Considering the approximation used in the analytical model in regard to the network layout (single cell placed on an imaginary uniform grid), the run-time is about 30 times faster than the simulator described here. With this level of accuracy and such speed, quick investigation of capacity sensitivity to various parameters or first pass dimensioning is facilitated using the analytical model. However, simulation tools such as the one described in this paper are the only means of planning, optimising and testing real systems and their features.
Regulation and Characterization of Thermobifida fusca Carbohydrate-Binding Module Proteins E7 and E8

E7, a single domain Family 33 cellulose binding module (CBM) protein, and E8, a non-catalytic, three-domain protein consisting of a Family 33 CBM, a FNIII domain, followed by a Family 2 CBM, were cloned, expressed, purified, and characterized. Western blots showed that E7 and E8 were induced and secreted when Thermobifida fusca was grown on cellobiose, Solka floc, switchgrass, or alfalfa as well as on beta-1,3 linked glucose molecules such as laminaribiose or pachyman. E8 bound well to alpha- and beta-chitin and bacterial microcrystalline cellulose (BMCC) at all pHs tested. E7 bound strongly to beta-chitin, less well to alpha-chitin and more weakly to BMCC than E8. Filter paper binding assays showed that E7 was 28% bound, E8 was 39% bound, a purified CBM2 binding domain from Cel6B was 88% bound, and only 5% of the Cel5A catalytic domain was bound. A C-terminal 6xHis tag influenced binding of both E7 and E8 to these substrates. Filter paper activity assays showed enhanced activity of T. fusca cellulases when E7 or E8 was present. This effect was observed at very low concentrations of cellulases or at very long times into the reaction and was mainly independent of the type of cellulase and the number of cellulases in the mixture. E8, and to a lesser extent E7, significantly enhanced the activity of Serratia marscescens Chitinase C on beta-chitin.
Analysis of charge pumps using charge balance

A simple, generalized method for steady-state analysis of charge pumps or switched-capacitor power supplies, which is intuitive yet accurate, is presented. Second order effects that were previously not considered are included. The analysis is compared with simulations and shown to be accurate. The significance of the equations for analyzing charge pumps is also discussed.
Chinese Companies Going Global: The Operational Strategies and Communication Challenges

Based upon the textual analysis of over 2000 Chinese and English web pages, as well as on the author's ethnographic observations with three Chinese multinational corporations, six operational strategies and three communication challenges on the Chinese companies' global outreach and expansion are conceptualised. The operational strategies include Chinese companies establishing overseas production bases, closing global mergers and acquisitions, building up global brand names invested in technology and efficiency, acquiring a Zigzag route of starting from emerging markets, accumulating overseas capital from global stock markets and recruiting global talents. The three communication challenges that threaten the growth of the Chinese companies are their inefficient conflict management style, low proficiency in local cultures and lack of 24/7 communication channels with the customers.
Effect of seed predation on seed bank size and seedling recruitment of bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus).

Whether seed consumers affect plant establishment is an important unresolved question in plant population biology. Seed consumption is ubiquitous; at issue is whether seedling recruitment is limited by safe-sites or seeds. If most seeds inhabit sites unsuitable for germination, post-dispersal seed consumption primarily removes seeds that would otherwise never contribute to the population and granivory has minimal impacts on plant abundance. Alternatively, if most seeds ultimately germinate before they lose viability, there is greater potential for seed consumption to affect plant recruitment. Of the many studies on seed consumption, few ask how seed loss affects seedling recruitment for species with long-lived seed banks. We examined post-dispersal seed predation and seedling emergence in bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus), a woody leguminous shrub of coastal grasslands and dunes in California. We followed the fate of seeds in paired experimental seed plots that were either protected or exposed to rodent granivores in grassland and dune habitats. Significantly more seeds were removed by rodents in dunes than grasslands. In dunes, where rodent granivory was greatest (65% and 86% of seeds removed from plots by rodents in two successive years), there is a sparse seed bank (6.6 seeds m−2), and granivory significantly reduced seedling emergence (in the same two years, 18% and 19.4% fewer seedlings emerged from exposed versus protected plots), suggesting seed rather than safe-site limited seedling recruitment. In contrast, rodents removed an average of 6% and 56% of seeds from grassland plots during the same two years, and the grassland seed bank is 43-fold that of the dunes (288 seeds m−2). Even high seed consumption in the second year of the study only marginally influenced recruitment because seeds that escaped predation remained dormant. Burial of seeds in both habitats significantly reduced the percentage of seeds removed by rodents. Results suggest that granivores exert strong but habitat-dependent effects on lupine seed survival and seedling emergence.
Health Status, Health Insurance, and Health Care Utilization Patterns of Immigrant Black Men

Objectives. This study sought to describe the health status, health insurance, and health care utilization patterns of the growing population of immigrant Black men. Methods. We used data from the 1997–2000 National Health Interview Survey to examine and then compare health variables of foreign-born Black men with those of US-born Black and White men. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine health outcomes. Results. Foreign-born Black men were in better overall health than their US-born Black counterparts and were much less likely than either US-born Black or White men to report adverse health behaviors. Despite these health advantages, foreign-born Black men were more likely than either US-born Black or White men to be uninsured. Conclusions. In the long term, immigrant Black men who are in poor health may be adversely affected by lack of health care coverage.