cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral convergence of graph Laplacian and heat kernel reconstruction in L∞ from random samples

Abstract In the manifold setting, we provide a series of spectral convergence results quantifying how the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the graph Laplacian converge to the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the Laplace-Beltrami operator in the L ∞ sense. Based on these results, convergence of the proposed heat kernel approximation algorithm, as well as the convergence rate, to the exact heat kernel is guaranteed. To our knowledge, this is the first work exploring the spectral convergence in the L ∞ sense and providing a numerical heat kernel reconstruction from the point cloud with theoretical guarantees.
Who's Your Daddy? Or: Using Semiotic Tools to Deconstruct Legal Determinations of Who Holds Parenthood Obligations and Privileges

This paper provides a brief explanation and illustration of the phenomenon of semiotics. It then describes the conceptual tools of semiotics and how lawyers can use semiotics in law to create compelling arguments. Last, the paper applies the tools of semiotics to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court case Ferguson v. McKiernan, 940 A.2d 1236 (Pa. 2008), to reveal the shift in social context that made the lines of legal reasoning behind the outcome appear "self-evident."
Temporal phenomic predictions from unoccupied aerial systems can outperform genomic predictions

Abstract A major challenge of genetic improvement and selection is to accurately predict individuals with the highest fitness in a population without direct measurement. Over the last decade genomic predictions (GP) based on genome-wide markers have become reliable and routine. Now phenotyping technologies, including unoccupied aerial systems (UAS also known as drones), can characterize individuals with a data depth comparable to genomics when used throughout growth. This study, for the first time, demonstrated that the prediction power of temporal UAS phenomic data can achieve or exceed that of genomic data. UAS data containing red-green-blue (RGB) bands over fifteen growth time points and multispectral (RGB, red-edge and near infrared) bands over twelve time points were compared across 280 unique maize hybrids. Through cross validation of untested genotypes in tested environments (CV2), temporal phenomic prediction (TPP) outperformed GP (0.80 vs 0.71); TPP and GP performed similarly in three other cross validation scenarios. Genome wide association mapping using area under temporal curves of vegetation indices (VIs) revealed 24.5 percent of a total of 241 discovered loci (59 loci) had associations with multiple VIs, explaining up to 51 percent of grain yield variation, less than GP and TPP predicted. This suggests TPP, like GP, integrates small effect loci well improving plant fitness predictions. More importantly, temporal phenomic prediction appeared to work successfully on unrelated individuals unlike genomic prediction.
Sin stock returns and investor sentiment

Abstract This paper studies the impact of investor sentiment on a portfolio formed of sin stocks—publicly traded companies in the alcohol, tobacco, and gaming industries. Using a variety of sentiments-augmented asset pricing models, this research examines whether investor sentiment is a risk factor for sin stock returns. It also studies if the abnormal returns – found in the literature – for sin stocks persist after controlling for investor sentiment. Furthermore, we utilize a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity-in-mean (GARCH) model to study the relationship between investor sentiment and the sin portfolio's conditional volatility. Our findings show that both individual and institutional investor sentiment are priced factors in sin stock returns. Furthermore, after controlling for the role of investor sentiment, the asset-pricing results suggest that the abnormal returns for sin stocks found in previous studies disappear. The results from the GARCH models indicate that investor sentiment has a significant impact on sin stocks’ conditional volatility.
Does Periacetabular Osteotomy Have Depth-related Effects on the Articular Cartilage of the Hip?

Background Osteoarthritis may result from abnormal mechanics leading to biochemically mediated degradation of cartilage. In a dysplastic hip, the periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is designed to normalize the mechanics and our initial analysis suggests that it may also alter the cartilage biochemical composition. Articular cartilage structure and biology vary with the depth from the articular surface including the concentration of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which are the charge macromolecules that are rapidly turned over and are lost in early osteoarthritis. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) enables noninvasive measurement of cartilage GAG content. The dGEMRIC index represents an indirect measure of GAG concentration with lower values indicating less GAG content. GAG content can normally vary with mechanical loading; however, progressive loss of GAG is associated with osteoarthritis. By looking at the changes in amounts of GAG in response to a PAO at different depths of cartilage, we may gain further insights into the types of biologic events that are occurring in the joint after a PAO.
Association of Characteristics, Deficits, and Outcomes of Residents Placed on Probation at One Institution, 2002-2012.

PurposeTo describe the population of residents placed on probation, identify learner characteristics associated with being placed on probation, and describe immediate and long-term career outcomes for those placed on probation as compared with matched controls.MethodThe authors collected data for re
Glucose and Lactate Absorption and Metabolic Interrelationships in Lambs Switched from Low to High Concentrate Diets

Cannulas were surgically implanted in the portal and mesenteric veins and femoral artery of eight crossbred steers averaging 270 kg. They were given primed, continuous 3-hour infusions of U-[14C]-L-lactate and 2-[3H]- or 6-[3H]-glucose into the jugular vein and para-aminohippuric acid (portal blood flow indicator) into the mesenteric vein before and after being changed from a pelleted alfalfa hay to a pelleted 85% concentrate diet. Blood samples were collected at 20-minute intervals during infusions. Reliable blood flow data were obtained on four of the eight steers during the first infusion; the other four were not infused the second time. Dry matter intake, portal blood flow, net portal D-lactate absorption (P less than 0.10), net portal glucose absorption and L-lactate turnover rate (P less than 0.10) increased as a result of increased concentrate (energy) intake. Glucose turnover rate (P less than 0.10), L-lactate absorbed as a percentage of turnover rate, L-lactate converted to glucose and glucose derived from L-lactate concomitantly decreased. Net portal L-lactate absorption was not affected. The direction of the response for portal blood flow, net portal D-lactate absorption, net portal glucose absorption, L-lactate turnover and L-lactate absorbed as a percentage of turnover was the same as that previously observed in lambs under similar experimental protocol. Differences in responses between lambs and steers for glucose turnover and L-lactate converted to glucose may be attributable to differences in dry matter or energy intake or both.
Therapeutic and research implications.

Investigations into the relationship between the cerebellum and nonmotor processing have produced a substantial body of evidence which seems to require a revision of accepted notions about the functional role of the cerebellum. This chapter presents a perspective on the contemporary and possible future therapeutic and research implications of these findings. These include the need for patients and their families to know of the behavioral consequences of cerebellar disease processes; potential a p proaches for improvement through rehabilitation therapies; and future treatment strategies, such as electrical stimulation of the cerebellum and psychosurgical approaches applied to the cerebellum. In addition, some areas of basic science investigation that could prove informative in understanding this relationship are addressed. It will be important to obtain a more complete characterization of the anatomy, physiology, and functional topography of the cerebellum in humans and in animal models, and a greater understanding of the clinical consequences of cerebellar lesions.
Laser treatment of macular retinoschisis due to acquired optic nerve pit from glaucoma

Macular retinoschisis can be caused by acquired optic nerve pit from glaucoma. This study evaluated the efficacy of laser treatment for this disorder. We report on five eyes from three patients with macular retinoschisis and a history of glaucoma. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was used for diagnosis and follow-up. Treatment was performed with barrier laser on the temporal margin of the optic nerve. Following treatment, patients’ average vision improved by 1 line on the Snellen chart at average follow-up of 12.3 months. All five eyes showed significant improvement in macular retinoschisis. The tracts connecting the optic pit to the retinoschisis completely closed in three eyes and nearly closed in two eyes. These cases demonstrate that laser photocoagulation is an effective treatment of macular retinoschisis from acquired optic nerve pit. It can serve as first-line treatment before more invasive options such as vitrectomy are considered.
Is That a Finger in My Chili? Using Affective Advertising for Postcrisis Brand Repair

A study of the effects of reconstructive memory points the way to dealing with the damage to a business’s reputation that follows an instance of negative publicity. The study contradicts the commonly held myth that it is best to avoid communicating for a time and let consumers “forget” an unfortunate incident. Instead, given what is now known about reconstructive memory processes, the crisis situation can be used as a means to reestablish a relationship with consumers. This research investigation proposes that postcrisis communication efforts should be focused on emotionally connecting with consumers via autobiographical-referencing advertising. Moreover, although the study focuses on crisis management, the lessons of reconstructive memory can be applied to all phases of brand management.
Las generaciones de inmigrantes y sus descendientes y el riesgo de diabetes en la población de los Estados Unidos de origen o ascendencia mexicana: el Estudio sobre Envejecimiento en Latinos del Área de Sacramento (estudio SALSA)*

OBJETIVO: Se investigo si la aculturacion de los inmigrantes y sus descendientes y la generacion a la que pertenecen, un marcador de la asimilacion, se relacionan con el riesgo de diabetes en una poblacion de adultos mayores de ascendencia u origen mexicano. METODOS: Se analizaron los datos sobre 1 789 adultos de 60 a 101 anos de edad del Estudio sobre Envejecimiento en Latinos del Area de Sacramento (estudio SALSA). Se determino la presencia de diabetes tipo 2 con base en el uso de medicamentos antidiabeticos, la mencion por el paciente del diagnostico de un medico, o una glucosa en ayunas de 126 mg/dl o mayor. Se aplico un modelo de regresion logistica para la prevalencia de diabetes. RESULTADOS: Tras ajustar por edad y sexo, se observaron asociaciones significativas pero divergentes entre las generaciones de inmigrantes y sus descendientes, la aculturacion y el riesgo de diabetes. En relacion con los adultos de la primera generacion, los de la segunda tuvieron una razon de posibilidades (odds ratio, OR) de padecer diabetes de 1,8 (intervalo de confianza [IC] de 95% = 1,4, 2,4) y los adultos de la tercera generacion tuvieron una OR de 2,1 (IC de 95% = 1,4, 3,1). Sin embargo, una mayor aculturacion a los Estados Unidos se relaciono con una tasa ligeramente menor de diabetes. En el modelo completo, tras la incorporacion de ajustes para tener en cuenta los factores socioeconomicos y del modo de vida, la relacion entre la generacion y la diabetes seguia siendo significativa, no asi la relacion de esta ultima con la aculturacion. CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio respalda la idea, anteriormente cuestionada, de que la asimilacion se relaciona con un mayor riesgo de diabetes entre los inmigrantes de origen mexicano. Los investigadores deben analizar mas detalladamente la presencia de una relacion causal entre la asimilacion y la salud.
As French as Anyone Else: Islam and the North African Second Generation in France

Amid growing Islamophobia throughout Europe, Muslims in France have been described as “ethnoracial outsiders” (Bleich 2006, 3–7) and framed as a cultural challenge to the identity of the French republic. Based on ethnographic research of 45 middle class adult children of North African, or Maghrebin, immigrants, I focus on the actual religious practices of this segment of the French Muslim population, the symbolic boundaries around those practices, and the relationship between how middle class, North African second-generation immigrants understand their marginalization within mainstream society and how they frame their religiosity to respond to this marginalization. How respondents frame their practices reveals their allegiance with the tenets of French Republicanism and laicite as well as shows how Muslim religious practices are being accommodated to the French context. This religiosity is not a barrier to asserting a French identity. Individuals frame their religious practices in ways that suggest they see themselves as just as French as anyone else.
Surgical treatment of major vascular malformations localized to the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle: report of 3 cases

Three cases of congenital arteriovenous malformations localized to the flexor digitorum superficialis presented to a single surgeon. In all three cases, the tumours were resectable with negligible morbidity to the upper extremity.
1,5-Naphthyridine As a New Linker for the Construction of Bridging Ligands and Their Corresponding Ru(II) Complexes

The 1,5-naphthyridine (1,5-nap) molecule has been elaborated into a series of new bidentate and tridentate ligands using Stille coupling or Friedlander condensation methodologies. Thus 2-(tri-n-butylstannyl)pyridine was coupled with 2-chloro, 4-chloro, or 2,6-dichloro 1,5-nap to prepare the analogous bidentate ligands. The condensation of 2-aminonicotinaldehyde or 8-amino-7-quinolinecarbaldehyde with a variety of acetyl derivatives of 1,5-nap produced ligands incorporating 1,8-naphthyrid-2-yl or 1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl groups, respectively. These ligands were treated with either [Ru(bpy-d8)2Cl2] or [Ru(tpy)Cl3] to prepare the corresponding heteroleptic mono- and dinuclear Ru(II) complexes. The NMR spectra of these complexes were simplified by the use of bpy-d8 as an auxiliary ligand, allowing straightforward product identification. The long wavelength absorption of both the ligands and the complexes are shifted to lower energy with increasing delocalization or the incorporation of a second metal. Protonat...
Palisades sill: Origin of the olivine zone by separate magmatic injection rather than gravity settling

The still widely cited view of the Palisades sill, northeastern United States, being differentiated largely by vertically directed, olivine-dominated fractionation is not supported by available structural, petrographic, and geochemical data. Rather, the sill can be viewed as a sheetlike composite intrusion, possibly made up of multiple magma types common to the Mesozoic eastern North America magmatic province. The famous olivine zone of the Palisades sill may have resulted from a separate late intrusion of olivine-normative magma and not from gravity-controlled, olivine-accumulation processes. Pyroxene-dominated fractionation accounts for much of the vertical and lateral compositional variations in the Palisades sill and other related intrusions from the province.
A Third Abnormal Hemoglobin Associated with Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia.

Previous work from these Laboratories has established the existence of an abnormal hemoglobin in sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia and has provided the basis for a theory relating the presence of the abnormal hemoglobin to the clinical pictures in sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia [1]. It was shown in this work that the electrophoretic picture in these conditions is compatible with the usual genetic picture that both parents of an individual suffering from sickle cell anemia have the sickle cell trait [2]. There are in the literature, however, a number of reports in which one of the parents of a sickle cell anemia victim possesses non-sickling erythrocytes. In some cases of this type the parent whose cells do not sickle has been shown to have thalassemia minor (Cooley's trait), and hematologic studies on the erythrocytes of the anemic individual have revealed the presence of properties which are present in the erythrocytes both of sickle cell disease and of thalassemia [3,4]. In other cases the hemoglobin of the parent having the non-sickling cells has a greater electrophoretic mobility on the acid side of the isoelectric point than either normal hemoglobin or sickle cell hemoglobin, and the hemoglobin of the anemic child contains both this new hemoglobin and sickle cell hemoglobin [5]. The present report deals with the identification of still another form of human hemoglobin in five members of a family in which the genetic picture is not typical of sickle cell anemia, although two of the members have in the past been diagnosed as having sickle cell anemia. An earlier study of this family disclosed that the two anemic children and the father, who was not anemic, had sickling erythrocytes while the mother, two sisters and two brothers of the anemic children had non-sickling erythrocytes and were not anemic [6]. The father, one brother and one sister were not available for the present study.
Past and future ozone trends in California's South Coast Air Basin: Reconciliation of ambient measurements with past and projected emission inventories

This paper updates the historic trends (1980–2010) in ambient ozone and ozone precursor concentrations in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) and examines the evolution of the ozone-precursor relationship in the Basin. Whereas reductions in NOx (oxide of nitrogen) emissions have decreased nitrate and PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) concentrations in the Basin during the past decade, ozone levels have increased at the central basin locations since about 2005 following a reversal in the decline of volatile organic compound (VOC)/NOx ratios during the previous two decades. A chemical box model was used to simulate the effects of changes in precursor concentrations on ozone formation using day-of-week–specific initial precursor concentrations that were derived from measurements and projected to 2020 based on expected emission reductions from 2005 (−10% VOC and −50% NOx). Results show that peak ozone formation rates in 2020 will increase on weekdays by a factor of 3 relative to 20...
The resistance of tubificid worms to three common pollutants

Tubificid worms have been shown to be quite tolerant to toxic materials such as lead, phenol, and zinc. Their median tolerance limit (Tlm) for pH levels in modified Knop solution has been shown to be 5.8 to 9.7. Their Tlm for lead was 49.0 pp, at pH 6.5 and 27.5 at a pH of 8.5. For sodium pentochlorophenate (PCP) the Tlm was found to be 0.31 ppm at pH 7.5, 0.67 ppm at pH 8.6 and 1.4 ppm at pH 9.5. The Tlm determined for zinc was 46.0 ppm at pH 7.5. The interactions of pH and these substances has been examined and discussed, and the importance of definition of the solution has been shown. The mechanism of toxicity for lead and zinc probably is the mucousmetal complex which precipitates on the body wall blocking the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is similar to the reaction of these metals observed in the gills of fish. The toxic mechanism of PCP is possibly a biochemical interruption of oxidative phosphorylation. It is not a mucous-effecting mechanism because no mucous precipitate forms as with the metals. In each instance these experiments show tubificids with a quantitative resistance to lead, zinc and phenol greater than similar resistance recorded for various fish species. This provides a basis for quantitative evaluation of the resistant nature of these organisms that may be valuable in future studies of their association to polluted habitats.
Simulation of dynamic beam steering in two-species coupled VCSEL arrays

Closely packed VCSEL arrays phase lock due to active lateral interactions from cross gain and cross hole-burning. Breaking the lattice symmetry either by geometry, or by staggered application of two biases IA, IB creates a "two cavity species" photonic lattice. The relative phase among locked cavities is controlled by the applied bias ratio IA/IB. While uniform arrays allow only in- or out- of phase locking, two-species lattices allows a small but continuous range of phase shifts for the Bragg steering condition, without movable parts.
Stability of the Walker Circulation

Abstract A stability analysis is made for the east-west Walker circulation in the tropics by means of eigenfrequency calculations of a small perturbation. The characteristic equations are formulated based on the assumption that the vertical scale of the perturbation is small compared to the depth of the basic Walker circulation, whereby the perturbation analysis is applied for a middle layer of the Walker circulation using the equatorial β-plane approximation. The analysis result shows that the Walker circulation is unstable against the small perturbation when the basic zonal mean wind is weak easterly, at which the Doppler-shifted frequencies of the mixed Rossby-gravity and the inertial-gravity modes in the wave perturbation both match closely the frequency of inertial gravitational oscillation of the zonal mean perturbation. The e-folding time of the perturbation was found to he ∼1–2 weeks for the typical moan Walker circulation.
Vagus nerve stimulation in drug-resistant epilepsies. Analysis of potential prognostic factors in a cohort of patients with long-term follow-up.

The results of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsies are highly variable due to the lack of defined patient’s selection criteria and a follow-up of published studies being generally too short. Here we report the outcome of VNS in a series with long-term follow-up and try to identify subgroups of patients who could be better candidates for this procedure. We studied 53 patients (33 male, 20 female) with a prospectively recorded follow-up (mean, 55.96 ± 43.53 months). The monthly average seizure frequency for each patient at baseline, 3, 6, 12 months, and each year until the latest follow-up after implant was measured and the percentage of “responders” and response time (RT) were calculated. We investigated the following potential prognostic role of these factors: age of onset of epilepsy, pre-implant epilepsy duration, etiology, and age at implant. Globally, 40 % of patients responded to VNS (mean RT, 14.85 ± 16.85 months). Lesional etiology (p = 0.0179, logrank test), particularly ischemia (p = 0.011, Fisher exact test) and tuberous sclerosis (p = 0.0229, Fisher exact test), and age at implant <18 years (p = 0.0242, logrank test) were associated to better response to VNS. In the lesional subgroup the best results were observed in patients with a pre-implant epilepsy duration <15 years (p = 0.0204, logrank test) and an age at implant <18 years (p = 0.0187 logrank test). The best candidate to VNS seems to be a patient with lesional etiology epilepsy (particularly post-ischemic and tuberous sclerosis) and a short duration of epilepsy who undergo VNS younger than 18 years.
A simple vertebrate collagenase assay using soluble radioactive collagen substrate.

Abstract A highly sensitive assay for vertebrate collagenase has been developed using [14C]proline- or [3H]proline-labeled collagen as soluble substrate. The substrate was easy to prepare, gave high specific activity (1.4 × 106 cpm/mg collagen), and was stable at −20°C for a long period. The digestion reaction for the assay was done at 21°C to minimize the cleavage of collagen by proteases other than collagenase and to protect the 3 4 and 1 4 cleavage fragments of collagen from being further attacked by proteases. The cleaved products were denatured and then separated from undigested native collagen by precipitation with 1 m NaCl at pH 3.5. The conditions selected for denaturation and separation gave better discrimination between the cleaved products and uncleaved substrate than did conditions used in some other assays. The digestion products can be examined further by gel electrophoresis at the end of the assay to confirm the activity of vertebrate collagenase. This assay can also be adapted to assess telopeptidase activity independently of collagenase activity.
Hydrodynamic fluctuations and two-point correlations

Abstract We examine correlations of energy density induced by initial state fluctuations, which are localized in both transverse and longitudinal extent. The hotspots are evolved according to hydrodynamics in a background which includes radial flow. Two-point energy density correlations from these hotspots are computed as a function of the difference in azimuthal angle and rapidity. Such localized perturbations occur naturally in the theory of hydrodynamic fluctuations and may provide insight into some features of the two-particle correlation data from RHIC and the LHC.
Comparison of beneficial traits among strains of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, for control of Curculio caryae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Our objective was to compare beneficial traits among strains of Steinernema carpocapsae to identify or develop a superior biocontrol candidate for suppression of the pecan weevil, Curculio caryae. Virulence, environmental tolerance to heat and desiccation, and reproductive capacity were compared among eight strains. Fitness (in vitro growth) of the symbiotic bacteria, Xenorhabdus nematophila isolated from six of the nematode strains, was also compared. Significant differences were detected among nematode and bacteria strains for each trait. All nematode strains were more virulent to C. caryae adults than to larvae. No single S. carpocapsae strain was superior for all beneficial traits measured. Overall, Breton, DD136, Italian, and Kapow strains were ranked inferior to other strains. Agriotos, All, and Sal strains were superior when desiccation was a factor. When desiccation tolerance was removed as a factor, the Mexican strain also tended to fall into the superior rankings.
An alternative REML estimation of covariance matrices in linear mixed models

Abstract We propose a data-driven procedure for modeling covariance matrices in linear mixed-effects models with minimal distributional assumption on the random effects. It is based on elimination of the random effects using a transformation of the response variable. The approach makes it possible for the first time to disentangle the covariance matrices and model them separately. The performance of the proposed method is assessed via simulations and real data.
Discrimination of social knowledge and its flexible application from creativity: a multitrait–multimethod approach

The major goals of the present study were to replicate prior findings that social knowledge and the flexible application of that knowledge represent distinct social intelligence constructs and to explore how these two constructs are related to creativity. Data from 239 male and female undergraduates were analyzed in this multitrait–multimethod (verbal, pictorial, self-report) study. All three latent traits showed convergent and discriminant validities. In addition, all three traits were found to be approximately equally correlated with one another (rs between 0.45 and 0.66). These results suggest that the three constructs as assessed in this study may involve similar, or overlapping, mental processes.
Fluctuation-induced conductivity in layered superconductors

The method of Mikeska and Schmidt is employed to calculate the fluctuation-induced conductivity for dirty, layered superconductors with the magnetic field perpendicular to the layers. The frequency dependence of the ac conductivity is found for small frequencies, and a new parameter is introduced which distinguishes between regions of different apparent dimensionality.
Judgment Pitfalls in Estimating Premorbid Intellectual Function

Neuropsychological diagnosis first requires estimation of patients' premorbid cognitive ability. Although a number of methods have been proposed for this purpose, in practice there is little standardization. Often, clinical judgment and expert synthesis of multiple sources of information are prescribed to derive a premorbid estimate. There are, however, a number of systematic biases in human cognition that may lead clinicians to produce inaccurate estimates of premorbid function. This paper reviews the cognitive biases that are most likely to interfere with clinical judgment in this context. Given findings in the human judgment literature, actuarial strategies are recommended to avoid the contamination of cognitive bias.
Design of a matching network for an HF antenna using the real frequency method

The real frequency method (RFM) is used to design a matching network for an electrically short loaded dipole. The RFM is demonstrated to be superior to other analytical and numerical techniques in the sense that it yields the maximum flat transducer power gain possible, and that it does not require any analytical modeling of the load impedance to be matched. For this reason, the RFM is found to be well suited for matching distributed systems such as antennas. >
Solar Tracking by Plants

Leaves of many desert and agricultural species have the ability to move diurnally, orienting perpendicular or parallel to the sun's direct rays. This phenomenon is widespread in many plant families and occurs in both C(3) and C(4) photosynthetic pathway plants. In the annual flora of desert communities, solar tracking becomes more frequent as the length of the growing season decreases. Leaves that are perpendicular to the sun's direct rays for tracking appear to have high photosynthetic rates throughout the day, whereas leaves parallel to the sun's rays have reduced leaf temperatures and transpirational water losses.
Advances in lattice Boltzmann modeling (LBM) to simulate two-phase dynamics

In this paper, a new lattice Boltzmann model, called the artificial interface lattice Boltzmann model (AILB model), is proposed for the simulation of two-phase dynamics. The model is based on the principle of free energy minimization and invokes the Gibbs-Duhem equation in the formulation of non-ideal forcing function. Bulk regions of the two phases are governed by a non-ideal equation of state (for example, the van der Waals equation of state), whereas an artificial near-critical equation of state is applied in the interfacial region. The interfacial equation of state is described by a double well density dependence of the free energy. The continuity of chemical potential is enforced at the interface boundaries. Using the AILB model, large density and viscosity ratios of the two phases can be simulated. The model is able to quantitatively capture the coexistence curve for the van der Waals equation of state for different temperatures. Moreover, spatially varying viscosities can be simulated by choosing the relaxation time as a function of local density.
Electromechanical tailoring of structure with periodic piezoelectric circuitry

Abstract In this paper, we study the integration of piezoelectric transducers and electrical circuitry onto a mechanical host structure to form an electromechanical periodic system. This scheme enables us to take advantage of the unique wave propagation characteristics of spatially periodic systems and thus manipulate the energy flow/distribution in the host mechanical structure. Different from most previous investigations where spatial periodicity is typically due to the periodic discontinuities in the mechanical structure, in the proposed scheme the mechanical structure can remain to be continuous without being altered. Instead, the electrical circuitry consists of periodic branches which, when coupled to the mechanical structure through the piezoelectric transducers, yields repetitive subsystems in the electromechanical integrated system. The circuitry elements can be online tunable, effectively making the energy manipulation adaptive to excitation variations. A transfer matrix-based approach is adopted in the dynamic analysis of the integrated system, where each subsystem is represented by two state vectors with a transfer matrix relating them. Given the repetitive nature of the subsystems due to periodicity, analysis on the entire system is conducted by focusing on one single subsystem. Systematic analysis is carried out to demonstrate the characteristics of wave propagation and attenuation in terms of propagation constants as well as the mechanical and electrical responses. Effects of circuitry tuning are also discussed through detailed parametric studies. Implications and potential applications of the proposed scheme are illustrated.
The Differential Effect of Ultraviolet Light Exposure on Cataract Rate across Regions of the Lens

Cortical cataract outcomes are evaluated by using retroillumination images that capture the patterns of opacity on the lens cortical surface. These images are commonly used in cataract research and clinical practice to characterize the severity in terms of the area of involvement. Cataracts that cover more lens area are considered more severe and correlate with increased visual impairment. However, additional etiologic information may be contained in the spatial distribution of opacities across the cortical surface of the lens. Several studies have been conducted to examine the location of cortical opacities by using standard cortical grading or classification methodology1–7 in which trained lens image reviewers assign a percentage involvement to a specified number of regions (typically four to eight sections) in the lens image. Percentages are averaged over the study sample to get an approximate spatial distribution by quadrant. The reviewers uniformly found a concentration of cortical cataract in the lower nasal quadrant of the lens. This pattern was more predominant in older individuals, suggesting more accumulated exposure over time to a factor that primarily affected the lower nasal quadrant of the cortical surface. Several investigators have hypothesized that ultraviolet light (UVB) may in part or wholly explain the distinct pattern.1,7–10 The bony configuration of the orbit and the most probable gaze position during peak sunlight hours suggest that the lower nasal lens region receives the greatest dose of UVB.7,11 Optical and computational modeling studies, as well as in vitro experiments, have provided additional evidence and a theoretical basis for a regional effect of UVB.9,10,12 Although other mechanisms have been postulated,3 UVB is an established risk factor for cortical cataract, lending credence to the theory that differential exposure by region could account for spatial variation in cataract severity. However, to our knowledge, this hypothesis has not been tested with individual UVB exposure data. Using a novel methodology, we examined the severity of cortical cataract opacity as a function of location on the cortical surface of the lens in a sample of participants with measurable cataract from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE) Study. Digital images of the lens provided estimates of the severity of cortical opacities within 16 regions of the lens, yielding an estimate of the spatial distribution of cataract on a finer scale than has been achieved with standard lens image-grading methods. The modifying effect of lens region on the association between UVB exposure and cortical cataract severity was assessed with linear mixed-effects models.
Column Dynamics of Ternary Ion Exchange Part II: Solution Mass Transfer Controlling

Abstract The nonequilibrium theory for column dynamics of multicomponent ion exchange has been evaluated using the ternary system Ag-Na-H at a total solution concentration of 0.05 N (0.05 M) so that solution mass transfer controls the exchange. Ternary mass transfer coefficients have been related to binary values by both simple (constant) and improved (concentration-dependent) Fick's law models, as well as by simple and improved Nernst-Planck models. Binary coefficients of all four types were obtained directly from constant-pattern binary breakthroughs and the individual-component Nernst-Planck coefficients were derived from the binary coefficients. Using each of the four models, ternary effluent concentration histories (ECH) were predicted using the method of characteristics. All the models predicted effluent concentration histories that matched closely the experimental ones, indicating that either model may be used satisfactorily for prediction; the simple models are preferred to the improved ones since they contain fewer parameters.
Data management for error compensation and process control

Strategies for managing data flow are described for a system which controls processes to compensate machine tool and process errors. A CAD representation of the part is the basis for generating the data used in the processes and analyses. A process-oriented view of part features is used for tracking data regarding design, part programming, manufacture, error compensation, and inspection. Part ID and file name nomenclature have been developed to facilitate data identification. All data are stored in a database, enabling error trends over time to be studied so that error compensation algorithms may be refined.
Dual E1 activation systems for ubiquitin differentially regulate E2 enzyme charging

Modification of proteins with ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) by means of an E1-E2-E3 cascade controls many signalling networks. Ubiquitin conjugation involves adenylation and thioesterification of the carboxy-terminal carboxylate of ubiquitin by the E1-activating enzyme Ube1 (Uba1 in yeast), followed by ubiquitin transfer to an E2-conjugating enzyme through a transthiolation reaction. Charged E2s function with E3s to ubiquitinate substrates. It is currently thought that Ube1/Uba1 is the sole E1 for charging of E2s with ubiquitin in animals and fungi. Here we identify a divergent E1 in vertebrates and sea urchin, Uba6, which specifically activates ubiquitin but not other UBLs in vitro and in vivo. Human Uba6 and Ube1 have distinct preferences for E2 charging in vitro, and their specificity depends in part on their C-terminal ubiquitin-fold domains, which recruit E2s. In tissue culture cells, Uba6 is required for charging a previously uncharacterized Uba6-specific E2 (Use1), whereas Ube1 is required for charging the cell-cycle E2s Cdc34A and Cdc34B. Our data reveal unexpected complexity in the pathways that control the conjugation of ubiquitin, in which dual E1s orchestrate the charging of distinct cohorts of E2s.
Scanning secondary derived crashes from disabled and abandoned vehicle incidents on uninterrupted flow highways.

INTRODUCTION: Extent of secondary crashes derived from primary incidents involving abandoned and disabled vehicles are presented in this paper. METHOD: Using years 2004 to 2010 incident and crash data on selected Tennessee freeways, the study identified secondary crashes that resulted from disabled and abandoned vehicle primary incidents. The relationship between time and distance gaps before the secondary crash with respect to individual incident characteristics were evaluated through descriptive statistics and linear regression. RESULTS: The time and distance gap analysis indicated that a large portion of secondary crashes occurred within 20 min after the primary incidents and within a distance of 0.5 miles upstream. While 76% of incidents involved shoulder, most secondary crashes were related to the closing of right lanes. Overall, 58% of the secondary crashes occurred within 30 min after the occurrence of the primary incidents. Most of the vehicles in the incidents that involved towing and caused secondary crashes were towed or removed out of the travel way within 60 min from the time of occurrence. The study found that most (95%) secondary crashes were property damage only (PDO), while 49% were rear-end crashes. The negative binomial model was used to evaluate the impact of roadway geometry and traffic factors associated with frequency of these secondary crashes. It was found that the posted speed limit, congested segments, segments with high percentages of trucks, and peak hour volumes increased the likelihood of secondary crash occurrence. Roadway segments with wider medians, shoulders, and multilanes decrease the likelihood of secondary crashes caused by abandoned and disabled vehicles as the primary incidents. Practical applications The paper recommends that wider shoulders be provided on any section of freeway to accommodate abandoned or disabled vehicles to avoid blocking of travel lane(s). Language: en
Reversal of a 30-h fixed deficit with carotid angioplasty and stenting: technical note

We describe the case of an 82-year-old man with a fixed neurological deficit of 30 h duration. A left hemispheric perfusion deficit was found on perfusion/diffusion imaging studies in conjunction with an ipsilateral carotid stenosis documented by cerebral angiography. Carotid angioplasty with stent placement was performed and resulted in dramatic clinical improvement. Carotid stenosis can cause acute hemodynamic hypoperfusion with a symptomatic reversible clinical deficit.
On the correlation of mechanical and physical properties of 7075-T6 Al alloy

Abstract The influence of varying the thermal processing parameters on the physical and mechanical properties of 7075 T6 aluminum alloy was studied. The variables altered were solution treatment temperatures, quenching media and artificial aging conditions. The influence of varying these parameters on the tensile strength, electrical resistivity and hardness of the alloy is discussed and an excellent correlation is found between the tensile strength and hardness.
The dysmenorrhea personality: Actuality or statistical artifact?

A group of 31 women who were experiencing severe dysmenorrhea were matched by age with a group of 31 women who had no dysmenorrhea symptoms. Women in both groups took the 16PF. Some major methodological and statistical flaws found in previous research of this type were corrected. The results convincingly showed that 16PF personality profiles for the two groups were extremely similar. Finally, there were no indications of any personality abnormalities.
Measurement of the flow through the Strait of Gibraltar

Abstract As part of the Gibraltar Experiment, eight subsurface moorings equipped with twenty-eight current meters were installed in the Strait of Gibraltar from October 1985 to April 1986. Another four moorings with fifteen current meters were installed from May 1986 to October 1986. Velocity, temperature, pressure and conductivity were measured at half-hourly intervals. Processing of these measurements and some initial results on the two-layer exchange between the Atlantic and Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar are described in this paper.
Approximate SCF perturbation theory of 13C chemical shifts. Compounds containing nitrogen

Abstract The SCF perturbation theory of 13 C chemical shifts, using a modified INDO framework, has been extended to nitrogen-containing compounds. Qualitative agreement has been observed between calculated and experimental trends among model amine and nitrile compounds. The modified INDO parameters chosen for nitrogen give qualitatively reasonable electronic distributions, but tend to exaggerate the degree of electronic polarization associated with the presence of nitrogen. Results are reported for ethyl amine, acetonitrile, and acrylonitrile.
A mechanistic model to study ozone production in urban areas

Abstract A simple box model for studying the influence of emissions changes and meteorological conditions on ozone production in urban areas is presented. Several calculation examples illustrate how the model can be used to investigate the interrelationships of the primary mechanisms which determine ozone concentration levels in urban areas.
Experimental evaluation of the effect of minimum quantity lubrication in turning AISI-4140 steel

Industry and researchers are constantly looking for ways to reduce the use of cutting fluids because of ecological and economical reasons. This paper investigates machining of AISI 4140 steel with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). The study compares the performance of MQL to completely dry cutting for turning of 4140 steel. The results show that there is a significant reduction of cutting force, as well as improvement in surface finish while machining with MQL compared to dry cutting. Chip morphology study reveals that the cutting temperature is less with MQL cutting compared to dry cutting.
Effect of hypovirulent rhizoctonia solani on rhizoctonia disease, growth, and development of potato plants

Field experiments were conducted to determine whether a hypovirulent, anastomosis group (AG) 3 isolate (Rhs 1A1) of R. solani could control rhizoctonia disease of potato caused by a virulent AG-3 isolate (Rhs 27). A uniform amount of Rhs 1A1, Rhs 27, or both was applied to formaldehyde-disinfected potato seed tubers at planting. In plots inoculated with Rhs 1A1 and Rhs 27, the area of infected stem tissue was significantly (P = 0.05) reduced by 56% as compared with that of plots inoculated with Rhs 27 alone. The number of stolons per plant was decreased by isolate Rhs 27 to one-half that of the uninoculated control, but remained unchanged in plots treated with both Rhs 1A1 and Rhs 27. The type of inoculum did not affect the percentage of infected stems or stolons. Plants inoculated with Rhs 1A1 alone exhibited a significantly (P = 0.05) greater growth response, expressed as a 4-fold increase in the dry weight of stolons, a 1.7-fold increase in the dry weight of stems, and reached full bloom approximately one week earlier than their respective control. Tuber yield increases associated with Rhs 1Al-treated plots were not statistically significant. When untreated seed tubers bearing natural inoculum (sclerotia) of R. solani were used, Rhs 1A1 failed to reduce disease severity or sig-nificantly stimulate plant growth.
Ignition delay associated with a strained fuel strip

Ignition processes associated with two adjacent fuel-oxidizer interferences bounding a strained fuel strip are explored here using single-step activation energy asymptotics. Calculations are made for constant as well as temporally decaying strain fields. There possible models of ignition are determined: one in which the two interfaces ignite independently as diffusion flames; one in which the two interfaces ignite dependently and in which ignition occurs to form a single , premixed flame at very high strain rates before ignition is completely prevented. In contrast to a single, isolated interface in which ignition can be prevented by overmatching heat production with heat convection due to strain, ignition of a strained fuel strip can also be prevented if the finite extend of fuel is diluted by oxidizer more quickly than heat production can cause a positive feedback thermal runaway. These behaviors are dependent on the relative sizes of timescales associated with species and heat diffusion, with convection due to strain, and with the chemical reaction. The result here indicate that adjacent, strained species interfaces may ignite quite differently in nature from ignition of a single, strained intrface and that their interdependence should be considered as the interfaces are brought closer together in complex strain fields. Critical strain rates leading to complete ignition delay are found to be considerably smaller for the fuel strip than those for single interfaces as the fuel strip is made thin in comparison to diffusion and chemical length scales.