cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate path analysis of cognitive ability measures in reading-disabled and control nuclear families and twins.

Matrix notation is used to formulate a multivariate path model of familial resemblance in nuclear families, monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs, and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. The model incorporates multivariate genetic and environmental influences, cultural transmission, assortative mating, and environmental influences shared by offspring, and it permits the estimation of genetic and environmental correlations. The model is applied to data from nuclear families, MZ twin pairs, and DZ twin pairs in which at least one child was diagnosed as being reading disabled and to data from control families and twins. Three cognitive ability measures (Reading, Coding Speed, and Spatial Ability) were analyzed simultaneously. Results indicate that genetic influences are moderate, with significant genetic correlations among characters. Cultural transmission is negligible, as are the environmental correlations. Assortative mating is significant only for the Reading measure. There is no evidence for sibling shared environmental influences; however, there are significant twin shared environmental effects for each measure but not between measures.
The impact of feeding condensed distillers byproducts on rumen microbiology and metabolism

In vitro fermentation experiments and a feeding trial were conducted to determine how distillers byproducts impact rumen microbiology and metabolism. The in vitro rate of lactic acid disappearance was not stimulated by direct addition of distillers byproducts to mixed rumen contents collected from a steer adapted to a high concentrate diet. However, if animals were fed condensed distillers byproducts for several weeks, rumen microbiology and metabolism were affected. Culturable counts of starch-degrading and lactic acid utilizing bacteria increased, and this coincided with a two-fold increase in the in vitro rate of lactic acid fermentation. These data suggest distillers byproducts could be used to selectively manipulate the rumen microbial population and improve the capacity of the rumen microorganisms to utilize lactic acid, the causative agent of acute ruminal acidosis and morbidity in cattle.
Host factors in amniotic fluid and breast milk that contribute to gut maturation

The gut represents a complex organ system with regional differences, which reflect selective digestive and absorptive functions that change constantly in response to bodily requirements and the outside milieu. As a barrier to the external environment, gut epithelium must be renewed rapidly and repeatedly. Growth and renewal of gut epithelial cells is dependent on controlled cell stimulation and proliferation by a number of signaling processes and agents, including gut peptides-both endogenous and exogenous sources. This cascade of events begins during fetal development; with the ingestion of amniotic fluid, this process is enhanced and continued during infancy and early childhood through the ingestion of human milk. Events influenced by amniotic fluid during fetal development and those influenced by human milk that unfold after birth and early childhood to render the gut mature are presented.
Preparation of anhydrous lanthanon acetates by desolvation

Abstract Anhydrous acetates of Y, La, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu were prepared by desolvation of the acetates in vacuum at 150°C after dissolution of the oxides in 50 per cent acetic acid and evaporation to dryness. Acetates of Pr and Nd did not reach constant composition before decomposition occurred. A hemihydrate of Sm acetate was formed which decomposed at temperatures above 150°C without converting to the anhydrous acetate. Hemihydrates of Tb and Ho were formed at about 75°C.
Grouped incoherent measurements for compressive sensing

Compressive sensing (CS) allows for acquisition of sparse signals at sampling rates significantly lower than the Nyquist rate required for bandlimited signals. Recovery guarantees for CS are generally derived based on the assumption that measurement projections are selected independently at random. However, for many practical signal acquisition applications, this assumption is violated as the projections must be taken in groups. In this paper, we consider such applications and derive requirements on the number of measurements needed for successful recovery of signals when groups of dependent projections are taken at random. We find a penalty factor on the number of required measurements with respect to the standard CS scheme that employs conventional independent measurement selection and verify the predicted penalty through simulations.
The Impact of the Introduction of an Expert System on a Public Accounting Organization

Little research has addressed the effects of the introduction of an expert system on an organization. This study uses an embedded, multiple case study design to investigate the changes that occurred in the technology, structure, and culture of a public accounting organization when an expert system was introduced. The system of interest was Coopers & Lybrand's ExperTAX and three Coopers & Lybrand field offices served as case sites. Evidence was gathered from two departments (audit and tax) and three levels (staff, manager, and partner) at each site. The major source of evidence was personal interviews with Coopers & Lybrand personnel. Analysis of the evidence included a comparison of each site pre- and post-system introduction and comparisons of the impacts across sites. The analysis of the evidence indicated that changes related to the introduction of ExperTAX did occur. However, the majority of the changes were associated not only with the design features of the system but also with the scope of the system and the guidelines issued for its use. © 1996 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the Onset of Intercourse among Urban American Adolescents: A Cultural Process Framework Using Qualitative and Quantitative Data

In the United States, most researchers studying ways to prevent risky sexual behavior among adolescents limit their inquiries and analyses to antecedent factors such as individual skills, family re...
The application of the dorsal light reaction for orientation in water currents by Daphnia magna Straus

1. The dorsal light reaction has been observed in Daphnia magna Straus with infra-red macrophotography. The body axis (antero-posterior axis) of the Daphnia assumes orientations of 0° to ±40° (median values) from the direction of a light source rather the 90° reported for other arthropods. 2. When Daphnia magna are exposed to a water current moving perpendicularly to the light axis, the body axis orientations are biased toward the current direction. At a current velocity of 0.6 cm/s, half of the median orientations do not differ significantly from a sector of the dorsal light reaction orientations facing the current. The remaining median orientations do differ significantly (p<0.05) and tend to conform more to the direction of the current. At a current velocity of 1.3 cm/s the, body axis orientations tend to conform even more to the direction of current flow (Fig. 6). 3. Biasing of the angular orientations toward the direction of the water current does not happen in total darkness nor at light intensities below 70 erg/cm2/s (the reported threshold for the dorsal light reaction in Daphnia magna). 4. The above facts yield the conclusion that the dorsal light reaction is responsible for the ability of Daphnia magna to orientate into water currents.
The Protection of British Heritage: Woburn Abbey and The Three Graces

This article describes the removal of Canova's sculpture, The Three Graces, from Woburn Abbey and the British laws that determined its subsequent treatment and ownership. In this case, the group of laws intended to protect the integrity of Woburn Abbey's Sculpture Gallery was deemed to be less important than the goal of retaining the sculpture within the country. It is therefore necessary to examine the relationship between the object and the building and the effectiveness of the laws designed to preserve objects and buildings for the benefit of the public. This article examines the implications of the laws regulating the preservation of historic buildings and the export of works of art for definitions of cultural property and national patrimony.
Requirements of transcription factor Smad-dependent and -independent TGF-β signaling to control discrete T-cell functions

TGF-β modulates immune response by suppressing non-regulatory T (Treg) function and promoting Treg function. The question of whether TGF-β achieves distinct effects on non-Treg and Treg cells through discrete signaling pathways remains outstanding. In this study, we investigated the requirements of Smad-dependent and -independent TGF-β signaling for T-cell function. Smad2 and Smad3 double deficiency in T cells led to lethal inflammatory disorder in mice. Non-Treg cells were spontaneously activated and produced effector cytokines in vivo on deletion of both Smad2 and Smad3. In addition, TGF-β failed to suppress T helper differentiation efficiently and to promote induced Treg generation of non-Treg cells lacking both Smad2 and Smad3, suggesting that Smad-dependent signaling is obligatory to mediate TGF-β function in non-Treg cells. Unexpectedly, however, the development, homeostasis, and function of Treg cells remained intact in the absence of Smad2 and Smad3, suggesting that the Smad-independent pathway is important for Treg function. Indeed, Treg-specific deletion of TGF-β–activated kinase 1 led to failed Treg homeostasis and lethal immune disorder in mice. Therefore, Smad-dependent and -independent TGF-β signaling discretely controls non-Treg and Treg function to modulate immune tolerance and immune homeostasis.
Association of Helical β-Peptides and their Aggregation Behavior from the Potential of Mean Force in Explicit Solvent

Helical β-peptides have been shown to fold into well-defined structures. In aqueous solution, some β-peptides self-assemble into nanoscale fibers, aggregates, and liquid crystalline phases. Molecular simulations, at an atomistic level, are used to examine, in a systematic manner, the interactions between distinct β-peptide molecules. The relationship between side-chain chemistry (and position along the backbone) and, in particular, aggregation behaviors, is assessed by calculating the potential of mean force or dimerization free energy of two peptides in explicit water. The free energy profiles as a function of separation for helical, amphiphilic β-peptides are consistent with experimental observations, and help explain the origins of aggregate or fiber formation in solution. Close examination of the energetic and entropic contributions to the free energy reveals that, depending on the position of certain side groups along the molecule, the tendency of two peptides to aggregate can be driven by entropy or by energy, respectively. In contrast to findings from previous works that employed a coarse representation of the solvent, it is shown that water-peptide interactions play key roles in the association behavior of β-peptides.
Aspects of jamming in two-dimensional athermal frictionless systems

In this work we provide an overview of jamming transitions in two dimensional systems focusing on the limit of frictionless particle interactions in the absence of thermal fluctuations. We first discuss jamming in systems with short range repulsive interactions, where the onset of jamming occurs at a critical packing density and where certain quantities show a divergence indicative of critical behavior. We describe how aspects of the dynamics change as the jamming density is approached and how these dynamics can be explored using externally driven probes. Different particle shapes can produce jamming densities much lower than those observed for disk-shaped particles, and we show how jamming exhibits fragility for some shapes while for other shapes this is absent. Next we describe the effects of long range interactions and jamming behavior in systems such as charged colloids, vortices in type-II superconductors, and dislocations. We consider the effect of adding obstacles to frictionless jamming systems and discuss connections between this type of jamming and systems that exhibit depinning transitions. Finally, we discuss open questions such as whether the jamming transition in all these different systems can be described by the same or a small subset of universal behaviors, as well as future directions for studies of jamming transitions in two dimensional systems, such as jamming in self-driven or active matter systems.
A Zebrafish Model for the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS)

The Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, neutrophil defect, and skeletal abnormalities. The molecular basis for this syndrome was recently identified as a defect in a novel nucleolar protein termed the Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome (SBDS) protein. Beyond human pathologic descriptions, there are little data addressing the role of SBDS during pancreas and granulocytes development. We hypothesize that sbds gene function is essential for pancreas and myeloid development in the zebrafish. By homology searching, we identified the zebrafish sbds ortholog and then analyzed its expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. We found that the sbds gene is expressed dynamically during development. To study the function of sbds during development, we induced loss of gene function by morpholino-mediated gene knockdown. The knockdown induced a morphogenetic defect in the pancreas, altering the spatial relationship between exocrine and endocrine components. We also noted granulopoiesis defect using myeloperoxidase as a marker. We conclude that sbds function is essential for normal pancreas and myeloid development in zebrafish. These data provide novel insight into the role of the sbds gene and support using zebrafish as a model system to study sbds gene function and for evaluation of novel therapies.
A self-assembled light-harvesting array of seven porphyrins in a wheel and spoke architecture.

A shape-persistent cyclic array of six zinc porphyrins provides an effective host for a dipyridyl-substituted free base porphyrin, yielding a self-assembled structure for studies of light harvesting. Energy transfer occurs essentially quantitatively from uncoordinated to pyridyl-coordinated zinc porphyrins in the cyclic array. Energy transfer from the coordinated zinc porphyrin to the guest free base porphyrin is less efficient (Φtrans ∼40%) and is attributed to a Forster through-space process.
Cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G promotes oligodendrocyte progenitor cell migration

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by demyelination of the CNS with associated neurological deficits. Remyelination can occur but is often incomplete. The process of myelin repair requires the proliferation and migration of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) into the lesion from the neighboring areas. OPC migration is altered by several factors, including antibodies that bind to OPC surface proteins. We have previously reported elevated anti-OSP/claudin-11 antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients and that anti-OSP/claudin-11 antibodies generated in rabbits can inhibit OPC migration. In the study presented here, we investigated the effect of CSF IgG from MS patients and controls on OPC migration in culture. Rat OPC cultured with CSF from MS patients tended to migrate more than those cultured with control CSF, but this did not reach statistical significance. To determine whether the IgG fraction in the CSF influenced migration, we removed it using protein-A sepharose. A dramatic decrease in OPC migration was found in both MS (45 ± 24 vs.16 ± 9) and control (40 ± 19 vs. 22 ± 13) samples after IgG was removed (P < .05). Anti-OSP/claudin-11 antibody concentration did not significantly correlate with OPC migration. These data demonstrate that CSF IgG promotes OPC migration. Identification of the specific IgG fraction responsible for this effect could lead to novel therapies to promote recovery in MS. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Plasma gut hormone levels in 37 patients with pheochromocytomas.

Pheochromocytomas are usually recognized by the effects of overproduction of catecholamines, but there are clinical features that cannot be ascribed to catecholamine excess that may be due to vasoactive peptides. We, therefore, measured blood levels of vasoactive intestinal peptides (VIP), substance P, somatostatin (SS), and motilin in 50 instances in 37 patients with pheochromocytomas-21 malignant, 10 benign intra-adrenal, and 6 ectopic (5 paracardial and 1 perirenal). Hormone levels were considered raised if the level was more than 3 S.D. above the mean value found in 52 healthy subjects. Of the 37 patients, 20 (54%) had an abnormality in 1 or more gut hormone levels. The most common abnormality was a raised SS in 9/37 (24%). In addition to these, however, 3 (8%) others had raised VIP, 5 (13.5%) raised motilin, and 3 (8%) raised substance P. Patients with benign adrenal adenomas had raised levels of SS and substance P. Ectopic pheochromocytomas produced only SS in addition to catecholamines, but malignant pheochromocytomas could secrete all 4 peptides, and more than 1 in the same patient. We conclude that pheochromocytomas may secrete multiple vasoactive peptides, and they are more likely to do so if malignant. Somatostatin is the most commonly secreted peptide and is found with benign adrenal and ectopic (paracardiac) tumors. If the level of more than 1 peptide is elevated, the likelihood of malignancy is significantly increased.
Childhood environment of women having panic disorder with agoraphobia

Abstract This study characterizes the childhood environment of adult women having panic disorder with agoraphobia, with particular emphasis placed on parental rearing practices, family conflict resolution, experiences of sexual mistreatment, problematic childhood indicators, and childhood separation experiences. The retrospective research design included attitudinal and behavioral indicators for 80 female patients diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia, and a control group of 100 female volunteers with no history of psychiatric illness. Study findings did not support evidence of parental overprotection, parental death, devorce, or sexual mistreatment as risk factors. Results did suggest the significance of childhood separation anxiety, a conflicted family environment, lack of parental warmth and support, and the presence of chronic physical illness and substance abuse in the chilhood home of patients, as well as more emotional, family, alcohol, and school problems as children and adolescents.
Torsional oscillations and the solar cycle

Both the net torsional pattern and its derivative, the shear oscillation, are studied in relation to the solar activity cycle using data collected at Mount Wilson from 1967–1986. The shear is seen as the better quantity for study, since it is both more fully determinable with these data and has straighter ties to the zones of activity. The shear zones run from pole to equator, clearly indicating that the cycle begins at the poles. Total transit, roughly at constant speed, takes roughly 18 years, and the active zones emerge to span the zones of shear enhancement after the latter have reached sunspot latitudes. This 18-yr transit time is seen as the proper duration of the cycle: successive cycles begin roughly 11 years apart and thus overlap. The polar origin of the torsional pattern is found to be phenomenologically connected with variations in the polar field amplitude. It is also noted in both the magnetic and torsional patterns that, for the past few cycles, the activity portion begins earlier and thus lasts longer in the northern hemisphere. In a general discussion of torsional oscillations and their role in the solar cycle, the ‘net pattern’ and ‘k = 2 wave’ interpretations of the torsional phenomenon are contrasted and reasons for preferring the net pattern are presented. A model is proposed in which the torsional oscillations are the surface signature of an azimuthal convective-roll pattern. This model could provide the original Babcock model with a mechanism for trapping and further amplifying the toroidal field.
mCHOIS: An Application of Mobile Technology for Childhood Obesity Surveillance

Abstract New mobile computing devices including smartphones and tablet computers have emerged to facilitate data collection in realtime at the point-of-care. Earlier, we developed a web based Childhood Obesity Informatics System (CHOIS) and deployed it for obesity surveillance by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). In the process, a school nurse collects data on an individual's height and weight for determining Body-Mass-Index (BMI), which is conventionally used for determining at-risk and obese patients. However, this process is often limited by the internet access at the site. This paper describes a solution by demonstrating a smartphone-based mobile application, mCHOIS. The application developed in this project enables a field worker to input or modify the data and store it locally in the phone. Once internet connection is available either through the broadband or through the built-in wifi, data can be sent to the remote database of CHOIS. Updating the data and visualization of the report are also available through the phone's browser. This application has been successfully field tested and is now under deployment for use by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) for its School Health Program.
An interactive DSS tool for physical database design

The design of efficient physical databases is a complex activity involving the consideration of a large number of factors. Because of the complexity, mathematical programming approaches seeking to optimize the physical database have to make many simplifying assumptions; therefore, their applicability is limited. Further, the database designer may want to experiment with design preferences and features not considered by the mathematical optimization approaches. In order to effectively design the physical database, this article describes an interactive DSS tool, which aides the database designer in this task. The database design is accomplished in the context of a high-level abstract model which is capable of being implemented in a variety of DBMSs and file systems. Because of this generic nature of the abstract model, the utility of the DSS tool is enhanced. The interactive tool not only lets the designer experiment with his own designs, but also provides several heuristic optimization procedures to enable the generation of many good designs. The heuristic designs may be used for final physical database design as well as for further experimentation. The paper also includes examples of how the physical design selected using the abstract model and the interactive tool may be implemented on several DBMSs and file systems.
Acoustic scattering from simple and complex submerged objects

The amplitude of sound scattered from submerged elastic objects is dominated by resonance phenomena corresponding to the mechanical eigenvibrations of the object. It is often difficult to predict the resonance frequencies of bounded elastic targets using exact methods. It has been shown, however, that resonances arise due to phase matching of circumferential waves traveling over the object surface. This leads to a standing-wave picture for the resonances, and a phase matching condition can be established that can lead to accurate predictions of resonances for objects of simple or complex shapes. In order to use this method, it is necessary to obtain the phase velocity of the surface waves. This is illustrated for spheroids and cylinders with hemispherical endcaps. The water loading of the object is of importance since it leads, in addition to the elastic surface waves, to the appearance of a fluid-borne «Scholte» or «Stoneley» wave which interacts with the lowest-order elastic wave, giving rise (for thin shells) to a repulsion phenomenon in the phase-velocity dispersion curves of the corresponding waves analogous to that known for energy levels in atomic or molecular systems. Of further importance is the effect of internal attachments to shell-type objects which also leads to the interaction of different wave types. For multilayered structures, it is finally shown that one may isolate and identify the resonances arising from individual layers using the method of Gerard
Gender differences in prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 synthesis by human endothelial cells

The incidence of atherosclerosis and thrombosis is higher in males than in females. Gender differences in prostacyclin synthesis by rat aortic rings have been described. In this paper, sex differences in prostacyclin (PGI2, measured as 6-keto PGF1 alpha) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis by human endothelial cells isolated from the vein of umbilical cords are reported. Cells isolated from cords from male babies synthesized more prostacyclin and PGE2 than cells isolated from those from female babies when the cells were stimulated with 0.125 units of thrombin. The difference in PGI2 was eliminated by incubation with 0.5 units of thrombin. PGE2 synthesis was higher in males than in females using both 0.125 and 0.5 units of thrombin. Incubation of the cells with culture medium containing 20% heat inactivated plasma from either male or female subjects did not have an effect upon prostaglandin synthesis. Our results support previous evidence obtained using rat aortas and show a higher response of male cells to thrombin stimulation than that of female cells.
Crystal Structures of the Fak Kinase in Complex with Tae226 and Related Bis-Anilino Pyrimidine Inhibitors Reveal a Helical Dfg Conformation.

Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase required for cell migration, proliferation and survival. FAK overexpression has been documented in diverse human cancers and is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Recently, a novel bis-anilino pyrimidine inhibitor, TAE226, was reported to efficiently inhibit FAK signaling, arrest tumor growth and invasion and prolong the life of mice with glioma or ovarian tumor implants. Here we describe the crystal structures of the FAK kinase bound to TAE226 and three related bis-anilino pyrimidine compounds. TAE226 induces a conformation of the N-terminal portion of the kinase activation loop that is only observed in FAK, but is distinct from the conformation in both the active and inactive states of the kinase. This conformation appears to require a glycine immediately N-terminal to the "DFG motif", which adopts a helical conformation stabilized by interactions with TAE226. The presence of a glycine residue in this position contributes to the specificity of TAE226 and related compounds for FAK. Our work highlights the fact that kinases can access conformational space that is not necessarily utilized for their native catalytic regulation, and that such conformations can explain and be exploited for inhibitor specificity.
Oxy-fuel combustion: The effect of coal rank and the role of char-CO2 reaction

Abstract The role of coal rank during oxy-fuel (O 2 /CO 2 ) combustion is investigated using a suite of four coals. Combustion tests carried out in a drop-tube reactor under air and oxy-fuel atmospheres showed that for the lower rank coals, Beulah (lignite) and Dietz (subbituminous coal), oxy-fuel combustion produced a higher carbon conversion compared to air combustion at both short and long residence times. For Pittsburgh (high volatile) coal, oxy-fuel combustion produced a higher carbon conversion compared to air combustion only at longer residence times. On the other hand, for the Pocahontas coal (highest rank coal used in this study), oxy-fuel combustion produced a lower conversion than air combustion at all residence times. The higher conversion in low-rank coals under oxy-fuel conditions was due to the exponential increase in the char-CO 2 reaction rate occurring at high temperatures (> 1500 K). This was shown by theoretical rate extrapolation to high temperatures, using intrinsic rate parameters generated using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The char particle temperatures were modeled under oxy-fuel atmospheres and the results showed a significant role of the char-CO 2 reaction at high temperatures and high CO 2 partial pressures. The role of ion-exchangeable cations during oxy-fuel combustion in catalyzing the reactions particularly in low rank coals was investigated. Ammonium acetate washed samples indicated a significant reactivity loss in the TGA but the conversion was unaffected in DTR at 1873 K, suggesting that catalytic activity is not significant under practical combustion conditions.
Use of the intraesophageal acid perfusion test in provoking nonspecific chest pain in children

The intraesophageal acid perfusion (Bernstein) test was evaluated as a provocative test for nonspecific chest pain in children with esophagitis. Sixty patients with atypical chest pain were studied. None of the patients had heartburn or other characteristic symptoms of esophagitis. Forty-five patients had esophagitis; in 18 (40%) of these patients, pain replicating their usual symptoms developed during esophageal acid perfusion, whereas in 15 patients without esophagitis, chest pain did not develop during esophageal acid perfusion. In three patients with esophagitis, esophageal manometric abnormalities and chest pain developed as a result of esophageal acid perfusion. Treatment with either ranitidine or antacids had equivalent effectiveness. We conclude that a positive Bernstein test result in childen with nonspecific chest pain indicates that the pain is likely associated with esophageal disease.
Climate change policy's interactions with the tax system☆

Abstract This paper presents a range of insights from recent literature on how climate-change policies and other environmental policies interact with the fiscal system. It explores four issues associated with fiscal interactions. First, it examines how these interactions influence the prospects for a “double dividend:” both an environmental improvement and a reduction in the costs of the tax system. Second, it analyzes how the use of revenues from a carbon tax or from a cap-and-trade system involving auctioned emissions allowances influences these policies' economic costs. Third, it addresses the question whether carbon taxes or cap-and-trade programs represent more efficient sources of government revenue than other, more traditional revenue sources such as income, sales, or payroll taxes. Finally, it analyzes how fiscal interactions affect the choice between CO 2 emissions-pricing instruments (carbon taxes and cap and trade) and other climate policy instruments.
Bridging the Entropy Chasm

Typically a Thermodynamics course spend at least half of its allotted teaching schedule introducing the first law in its various guises followed by the more mysterious property entropy and its convoluted ‘birth’ from Carnot engine analyses. The author describes a ‘catch all’ approach that first describes the ‘accounting’ techniques used not only for the first law (energy) and the second law (entropy) but also continuity, momentum etc. This is done with non thermofluid examples not typically associated with these courses but more aligned with a student’s own day to day experiences. Once this accounting framework is in place then the physical properties of energy and entropy are introduced and used within the previously described framework to allow students to confidently tackle a myriad of thermofluid problems. The author is particularly pleased with the explanation of entropy which he believes allows a truer appreciation of the property not normally presented in traditional texts. Overall the approach allows the theory of a thermofluids course to be undertaken much more rapidly than many conventional courses. The formulations are greatly reduced and their generality is increased significantly. Ultimately this allows more time in a course for the practice of application of these tools.
Japanese medaka Hox paralog group 2: insights into the evolution of Hox PG2 gene composition and expression in the Osteichthyes.

Hox paralog group 2 (PG2) genes function to specify the development of the hindbrain and pharyngeal arch-derived structures in the Osteichthyes. In this article, we describe the cDNA cloning and embryonic expression analysis of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) Hox PG2 genes. We show that there are only two functional canonical Hox genes, hoxa2a and b2a ,a nd that a previously identified hoxa2b gene is a transcribed pseudogene, choxa2b. The functional genes ,h oxa2a and b2a, were expressed in developing rhombomeres and pharyngeal arches in a manner that was relatively well conserved compared with zebrafish (Danio rerio) but differed significantly from orthologous striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus )g enes, which, we suggest, may be owing to effects of post-genome duplication loss of a Hox PG2 gene in the medaka and zebrafish lineages. choxa2b was expressed at readily detectable levels in several noncanonical Hox expression domains, including the ventral aspect of the neural tube, the pectoral fin buds and caudal- most region of the embryonic trunk, indicative that regulatory control elements needed for spatio- temporal expression have diverged from their ancestral counterparts. Comparative expression analyses showed medaka hoxa2a and b2a expression in the 2nd pharyngeal arch (PA2) beyond the onset of chondrogenesis, which, according to previous hypotheses, suggests these genes function redundantly as selector genes of PA2 identity. We conclude that Hox PG2 gene composition and expression have diverged significantly during osteichthyan evolution and that this divergence in teleosts may be related to lineage-dependent differential gene loss following an actinopterygian-specific whole genome duplication. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:623-641, 2008. r 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
AP1000 core design with 50% MOX loading

Abstract The European uility requirements (EUR) document states that the next generation European passive plant (EPP) reactor core design shall be optimized for UO 2 fuel assemblies, with provisions made to allow for up to 50% mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel assemblies. The use of MOX in the core design will have significant impacts on key physics parameters and safety analysis assumptions. Furthermore, the MOX fuel rod design must also consider fuel performance criterion important to maintaining the integrity of the fuel rod over its intended lifetime. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the AP1000 is capable of complying with the EUR requirement for MOX utilization without significant changes to the design of the plant. The analyses documented within will compare a 100% UO 2 core design and a mixed MOX/UO 2 core design, discussing relevant results related to reactivity management, power margin and fuel rod performance.
Welfare Analysis and Policy Recommendations for the California Raisin Marketing Order

This empirical study analyzes the economic implications of reorganizing the California raisin marketing order. Welfare changes are examined for several groups when volume control and price discrimination policies are adopted singly and in combination. Results indicate that benefits from combinations of programs are highly sensitive to elasticities of pooled demand.
A Formally Verified Conflict Detection Algorithm for Polynomial Trajectories

In air traffic management, conflict detection algorithms are used to determine whether or not aircraft are predicted to lose horizontal and vertical separation minima within a time interval assuming a trajectory model. In the case of linear trajectories, conflict detection algorithms have been proposed that are both sound, i.e., they detect all conflicts, and complete, i.e., they do not present false alarms. In general, for arbitrary nonlinear trajectory models, it is possible to define detection algorithms that are either sound or complete, but not both. This paper considers the case of nonlinear aircraft trajectory models based on polynomial functions. In particular, it proposes a conflict detection algorithm that precisely determines whether, given a lookahead time, two aircraft flying polynomial trajectories are in conflict. That is, it has been formally verified that, assuming that the aircraft trajectories are modeled as polynomial functions, the proposed algorithm is both sound and complete.
Field Programmable Processor Array: Reconfigurable Computing for Space

The Field Programmable Processor Array (FPPA) is a reconfigurable processor chip developed for NASA for high-throughput, low-power on-board processing of streaming data. The FPPA implements a synchronous dataflow computational model, with 16 on-board processing elements. Each processing element can perform multiplication simultaneously with addition/subtraction or logic operations, as well as data path formatting and data path switching. An integral microsequencer executes an internally-stored program. The chips are designed to be tiled, effectively extending the dataflow pipeline across multiple chips to accommodate larger data processing problems than a single chip can manage. The architecture has been validated through simulation on several computational challenge problems. In many cases, the processor is able to sustain one output sample per clock cycle. A suite of support software includes a simulator, assemblers, and design entry tools. A prototype has been fabricated in a 0.25mu radiation-hard by design (RHBD) process.
Investigation of LED Light Output Performance Characteristics Under Different Alternating Current Regulation Modes

LED performance characteristics under dc regulation modes have been studied extensively. But limited literatures are dedicated to studies of LED performance characteristics under different ac regulation modes. With direct ac powering LEDs for lighting application being available and more attractive in efficiency due to the elimination of ac-dc converter, investigation of the influence of different ac current regulation modes on LED performance characteristics becomes important and essential. This paper presents an experimental investigation of different current regulation modes on LED light output with different LED connection configurations. It is found certain current regulation mode under which a higher light output with the same absolute average current can be obtained. The result is due to facts that the absolute average current is the measurement of electrons and holes recombination rate inside the LED, and second-order nonlinear effect and thermal issue lead to the different light output for different ac regulation modes.
High Sensitivity and Specificity of Clinical Microscopy in Rural Health Facilities in Western Kenya Under an External Quality Assurance Program

Microscopic diagnosis of malaria is a well-established and inexpensive technique that has the potential to provide accurate diagnosis of malaria infection. However, it requires both training and experience. Although it is considered the gold standard in research settings, the sensitivity and specificity of routine microscopy for clinical care in the primary care setting has been reported to be unacceptably low. We established a monthly external quality assurance program to monitor the performance of clinical microscopy in 17 rural health centers in western Kenya. The average sensitivity over the 12-month period was 96% and the average specificity was 88%. We identified specific contextual factors that contributed to inadequate performance. Maintaining high-quality malaria diagnosis in high-volume, resource-constrained health facilities is possible.
The Transcriptional Regulator BBX19 Promotes Hypocotyl Growth by Facilitating COP1-Mediated EARLY FLOWERING3 Degradation in Arabidopsis

Hypocotyl elongation is a highly coordinated physiological response regulated by myriad internal and external cues. Here, we show that BBX19, a transcriptional regulator with two B-box motifs, is a positive regulator of growth; diminished BBX19 expression by RNA interference reduces hypocotyl length, and its constitutive expression promotes growth. This function of BBX19 is dependent on the E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1), EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3), and PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) and PIF5. BBX19 is nucleus-colocalized and interacts physically with COP1 and ELF3, a component of the evening complex that represses the expression of PIF4 and PIF5. Moreover, ELF3 protein abundance inversely correlates with BBX19 expression levels in a COP1-dependent manner. By contrast, PIF expression, coinciding with the initiation of hypocotyl growth in the early evening, is positively correlated with the BBX19 transcript abundance. These results collectively establish BBX19 as an adaptor that binds to and recruits ELF3 for degradation by COP1 and, as such, dynamically gates the formation of the evening complex, resulting in derepression of PIF4/5. This finding refines our perspective on how plants grow by providing a molecular link between COP1, ELF3, and PIF4/5 as an underlying mechanism of photomorphogenic development in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Protocol of a cluster randomized trial of an educational intervention to increase knowledge of living donor kidney transplant among potential transplant candidates.

Background: The best treatment option for end-stage renal disease is usually a transplant, preferably a live donor kidney transplant (LDKT). The most effective ways to educate kidney transplant candidates about the risks, benefits, and process of LDKT remain unknown. Methods/design: We report the protocol of the Enhancing Living Donor Kidney Transplant Education (ELITE) Study, a cluster randomized trial of an educational intervention to be implemented during initial transplant evaluation at a large, suburban U.S. transplant center. Five hundred potential transplant candidates are cluster randomized (by date of visit) to receive either: (1) standard-of-care (“usual”) transplant education, or (2) intensive education that is based upon the Explore Transplant series of educational materials. Intensive transplant education includes viewing an educational video about LDKT, receiving print education, and meeting with a transplant educator. The primary outcome consists of knowledge of the benefits, risks, and process of LDKT, assessed one week after the transplant evaluation. As a secondary outcome, knowledge and understanding of LDKT are assessed 3 months after the evaluation. Additional secondary outcomes, assessed one week and 3 months after the evaluation, include readiness, self-efficacy, and decisional balance regarding transplant and LDKT, with differences assessed by race. Although the unit of randomization is the date of the transplant evaluation visit, the unit of analysis will be the individual potential transplant candidate. Discussion: The ELITE Study will help to determine how education in a transplant center can best be designed to help Black and non-Black patients learn about the option of LDKT.
Mapping technological and biophysical capacities of watersheds to regulate floods

Abstract Flood regulation is a widely valued and studied service provided by watersheds. Flood regulation benefits people directly by decreasing the socio-economic costs of flooding and indirectly by its positive impacts on cultural (e.g., fishing) and provisioning (e.g., water supply) ecosystem services. Like other regulating ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, water purification), flood regulation is often enhanced or replaced by technology, but the relative efficacy of natural versus technological features in controlling floods has scarcely been examined. In an effort to assess flood regulation capacity for selected urban watersheds in the southeastern United States, we: (1) used long-term flood records to assess relative influence of technological and biophysical indicators on flood magnitude and duration, (2) compared the widely used runoff curve number (RCN) approach for assessing the biophysical capacity to regulate floods to an alternative approach that acknowledges land cover and soil properties separately, and (3) mapped technological and biophysical flood regulation capacities based on indicator importance-values derived for flood magnitude and duration. We found that watersheds with high biophysical (via the alternative approach) and technological capacities lengthened the duration and lowered the peak of floods. We found the RCN approach yielded results opposite that expected, possibly because it confounds soil and land cover processes, particularly in urban landscapes, while our alternative approach coherently separates these processes. Mapping biophysical (via the alternative approach) and technological capacities revealed great differences among watersheds. Our study improves on previous mapping of flood regulation by (1) incorporating technological capacity, (2) providing high spatial resolution (i.e., 10-m pixel) maps of watershed capacities, and (3) deriving importance-values for selected landscape indicators. By accounting for technology that enhances or replaces natural flood regulation, our approach enables watershed managers to make more informed choices in their flood-control investments.
Robustness via a Tradeoff Between Fisher Information and Relative Entropy

We look at the problem of finding the worst-case distribution in a convex family of distributions defined as those whose relative entropy, relative to a nominal distribution, is less than a threshold. The worst-case distribution is selected as the one whose Fisher information for the mean of the distribution is the lowest. This problem is connected to a penalized maximum likelihood estimation problem. We present a novel algorithm for computing this worst-case (robust) distribution, show implementation results and analyze properties of the robust distribution.
A Mechanism for Calmodulin (CaM) Trapping by CaM-kinase II Defined by a Family of CaM-binding Peptides *

Autophosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-kinase II) induces a striking >1,000-fold increase in its affinity for CaM, which has been called CaM trapping. Two peptides modeled after the CaM binding domain of CaM-kinase II were previously shown to kinetically resemble CaM binding to phosphorylated and dephosphorylated forms of the enzyme, thus providing a model system with which to define the molecular basis of CaM trapping. In this report, the specific contribution of each amino acid to the rates of association and dissociation, and the overall Kd of CaM binding to CaM-kinase II was determined using an overlapping peptide family, and a fluorescently labeled CaM. The association rate constants were similar for the entire family of peptides and ranged from 8 x 10(7) to 32 x 10(7) M-1 s-1. In contrast, the dissociation rate constants for the peptides varied by >3500-fold and ranged from 0.26 to 7 x 10(-5) s-1. These rate constants yield overall Kd values for binding CaM to the peptides that range from 2 x 10(-9) M to 2 x 10(-13) M. Extending the low affinity CaM-binding peptide, CKII(296-312), to include 293Phe-Asn-Ala295 provided the single largest contribution to the decreased dissociation rate constant, 1,300-fold. It was further shown using Ala-substituted peptides that the basic residues 296Arg-Arg-Lys299 were also essential for slow CaM dissociation; however, their contribution was realized only when 293Phe-Asn-Ala295 were present. These results suggest a plausible model in which autophosphorylation of CaM-kinase II leads to a conformational change in the region of 293Phe-Asn-Ala295 which makes these residues accessible for binding to CaM. As a consequence of these changes, further CaM contacts with 296Arg-Arg-Lys299 are established leading to high affinity CaM binding or "CaM trapping."