cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitability and irritability in preschoolers predicts later psychopathology: The importance of positive and negative emotion dysregulation.

Emotion dysregulation is a risk factor for the development of a variety of psychopathologic outcomes. In children, irritability, or dysregulated negative affect, has been the primary focus, as it predicts later negative outcomes even in very young children. However, dysregulation of positive emotion is increasingly recognized as a contributor to psychopathology. Here we used an exploratory factor analysis and defined four factors of emotion dysregulation: irritability, excitability, sadness, and anhedonia, in the preschool-age psychiatric assessment collected in a sample of 302 children ages 3–5 years enriched for early onset depression. The irritability and excitability factor scores defined in preschoolers predicted later diagnosis of mood and externalizing disorders when controlling for other factor scores, social adversity, maternal history of mood disorders, and externalizing diagnoses at baseline. The preschool excitability factor score predicted emotion lability in late childhood and early adolescence when controlling for other factor scores, social adversity, and maternal history. Both excitability and irritability factor scores in preschoolers predicted global functioning into the teen years and early adolescence, respectively. These findings underscore the importance of positive, as well as negative, affect dysregulation as early as the preschool years in predicting later psychopathology, which deserves both further study and clinical consideration.
School environment, physical activity, and sleep as predictors of suicidal ideation in adolescents: evidence from a national survey

Abstract Introduction Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between 10 and 34 years of age and suicidal ideation substantially increases during adolescence. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations among physical activity, sleep, and factors relating to the school environment with adolescent self-reported rates of suicidal ideation on the 2017 National Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Methods A multi-stage cluster sampling procedure was employed to yield a representative sample of US adolescents recruited from the 9th through 12th grade. The number of sampled adolescents was 18,324 with 10,125 students submitting questionnaires with useable data for this study. Weighted logistic regression models were employed to examine the predictive utility of physical activity, sleep, and factors related to the school environment with suicidal ideation, adjusting for age, sex, and BMI percentile. Results Meeting physical activity guidelines every day of the week (OR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.51–0.76), hours of sleep (OR 5.46, 95% CI: 4.21–7.09), and factors relating to the school environment including bringing weapons to school (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.24–3.41), perceived school safety (OR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.27–2.00), and being bullied (OR 3.23, 95% CI: 2.71–3.87) and buying illegal drugs at school (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.63–2.27) all significantly independently predicted suicidal ideation. Conclusions Physical activity, sleep, and the school environment significantly predict suicidal ideation among this national sample of adolescents. These factors should be considered when designing interventions or programs to reduce the risk of suicidal ideation among adolescents.
Hydrogeology Basics—Aquifer Types and Hydraulics

The design, operation, and evaluation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) and other anthropogenic aquifer recharge (AAR) systems should be based on a sound understanding of hydrogeological principles, local hydrogeological conditions, and how hydrogeology impacts system performance. A review of the historical performance of MAR systems revealed that system performance is dependent on local hydrogeological conditions and that there may not be an engineered solution to compensate for adverse local hydrogeological conditions. Hydrogeology basics most applicable to AAR are reviewed.
Spectrum of p -wave hidden-charm exotic mesons in the diquark model

We study the fine structure in the spectrum of known and predicted negative-parity hidden-charm exotic meson states, which comprise the lowest $P$-wave multiplet in the dynamical diquark model. Starting with a form previously shown to successfully describe the $S$-wave states, we develop a 5-parameter Hamiltonian that includes spin-orbit and tensor terms. After discussing the experimental status of the observed ${J}^{PC}={1}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{-}}$ states $Y$ with respect to masses and decay modes (classified by eigenvalues of heavy-quark spin), we note a number of inconsistencies between measurements from different experiments that complicate a unique determination of the spectrum. Outlining a variety of scenarios for interpreting the $Y$ data, we perform fits to each one, obtaining results that demonstrate differing possibilities for the $P$-wave spectra. Choosing one of these fits for illustration, we predict masses for all 28 isomultiplets in this $1P$ multiplet, compare the results to tantalizing hints in the data, and discuss the rich discovery potential for new states.
Prehistoric Stone Tools of Eastern Africa: A Guide

Stone tools are the least familiar objects that archaeologists recover from their excavations, and predictably, they struggle to understand them. Eastern Africa alone boasts a 3.4 million-year-long archaeological record but its stone tool evidence still remains disorganized, unsynthesized, and all-but-impenetrable to non-experts, and especially so to students from Eastern African countries. In this book, John J. Shea offers a simple, straightforward, and richly illustrated introduction in how to read stone tools. An experienced stone tool analyst and an expert stoneworker, he synthesizes the Eastern African stone tool evidence for the first time. Shea presents the EAST Typology, a new framework for describing stone tools specifically designed to allow archaeologists to do what they currently cannot: compare stone tool evidence across the full sweep of Eastern African prehistory. He also includes a series of short, fictional, and humorous vignettes set on an Eastern African archaeological excavation, which illustrate the major issues and controversies in research about stone tools.
Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging, and Theranostics: The Future Is Bright.

Prospects for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging were bleak in the United States until fairly recently ([1][1]). The number of training programs declined, and the professional outlook and career opportunities were dismal for physicians. At the same, time nuclear medicine has been in high demand
Clinical Utility and User Perceptions of a Digital System for Electronic Patient-Reported Symptom Monitoring During Routine Cancer Care: Findings From the PRO-TECT Trial.

PURPOSEThere is increasing interest in implementing digital systems for remote monitoring of patients’ symptoms during routine oncology practice. Information is limited about the clinical utility a...
Band alignments and doping strategies in orthorhombic and monoclinic AlGO alloys

Gallium oxide has emerged as a promising ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor for electronic applications. Part of the attraction of Ga2O3 is its ability to be alloyed with other materials (such as Al2O3) for band-gap engineering or doped with other elements (such as silicon) for modifying its electrical conductivity. But what is still unknown is how these alloying capabilities extend into the orthorhombic phases, or how well the ultrawide-bandgap AlGO alloys can be n-type doped. Here hybrid density functional theory calculations are used to determine the electronic structure of AlGO alloys. Conduction-band offsets of AlGO alloys in the orthorhombic phase are calculated, as are donor ionization energies as a function of Al content. In light of these results, we discuss band engineering and doping strategies in AlGO alloys for electronic device applications.
Synchronous Online Learning: Tips and Tricks from 9 Years of Experience

At 4:30pm, several times a week, Dr. Wills puts on a pair of headphones and welcomes students as they enter the virtual classroom door to her synchronous online course. Students engage in hands on problem solving and group discussions. Dr. Wills uses various strategies to ensure that the student’s thinking is visible and that students can voice their ideas through audio or chat box. Leave with several slide templates as well as tips and tricks from this 9 year veteran on how to take your Face-2-face course or asynchronous course to synchronous! ***This workshop is presented in synchronous form. No technology experience is needed. Please make sure that you can hear and that you are in a location to speak out loud.**** Link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/6dc5e17f78d34bf795af78e0cd0cb139 Tiny URL link: https://tinyurl.com/y2vt4y7r
A 25–40 GHz Wideband Tunable Silicon Photonic Reconfigurable Receiver Front-End for mm-wave Channel Selection/Jammer Rejection

This paper presents a photonically-assisted reconfigurable receiver front-end (RXFE) for mm-wave applications performing both dynamic channel selection and jammer rejection. Demonstrating 25–40 GHz channel selection, it can also reduce RX IM3 by rejecting out-of-band jammers and hence improving overall RX linearity. The reconfigurable RXFE is implemented as a silicon photonic integrated circuit (Si-PIC) with a selective interface to either a CMOS RX or some other photonic/PIC system/chip. The PIC is implemented using silicon-over-insulator (SOI) process and measured across 25–40 GHz ranges showing 20 dB IM3 reduction at 30 GHz.
Introduction to In Vitro Cytotoxicology: Mechanisms and Methods

Cell Culture Methodology and Its Application to In Vitro Cytotoxicology Mechanisms of Cytotoxicology Cellular Methods of General Toxicity Cellular Methods of Target-Organ Toxicity Cellular Methods of Local Toxicity Cellular Methods of Teratogenicity Cellular Methods of Immune Function Pharmacokinetic Studies in Cellular Systems Cellular Methods of Genotoxicity and Carcinogenicity, T.W. Sawyer Experimental Design and Statistics Standardization and Validation, B. Ekwall, F.A. Barile Cell Culture or Animal Toxicity Tests? Or Both? Index.
Event-Based Movie Skimming

In the last chapter, a content-based video summarization and navigation system was proposed for feature films. Although promising results have been achieved, a sophisticated user study shows that this summarization system is still far from perfection. One shortcoming of the system is that the static storyboard is not able to well represent the movie content due to the lack of audio and motion information. In fact, a majority of test viewers, who participated in the survey, said that they would prefer a short video clip rather than a set of still images for the content browsing purpose. Apparently, continuous video flow will be more appealing to users than a handful of still images.
Children with first episode of fever with seizure: is lumbar puncture necessary?

Fever with seizure, a common presentation with which a child may present to the emergency is mainly due to febrile seizure, but it may also be due to meningitis. This study was done to find out the incidence of meningitis and to find out whether lumbar puncture is necessary in different age groups of children presenting with first episode of fever with seizure. A prospective study was conducted in the emergency department of Kanti Children's Hospital. Children who presented with first episode of fever and seizure in the age group of 6 months to 5 years were included. Meningitis was diagnosed on the basis of either cytological and biochemical criteria or if a bacterial pathogen was isolated. Of the 175 children included, 17% were diagnosed to have meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid was positive for a bacterial pathogen in 4.5% of the cases. In the age group of 6 months to 12 months, 30% of the children had meningitis as compared to 20 % and 5% in other age groups of 12- 18 months and above 18 months respectively. All children with culture proven bacterial meningitis were in the age group of 6-12 months and had no evidence of meningeal irritation. Signs of meningeal irritation had high specificity in diagnosing meningitis. Organisms grown were Haemophilus influenza in three cases, Streptococcus pneumoniae in two cases and Staphylococcus aureus in three cases. In conclusion, incidence of meningitis was found to be high in children presenting with first episode of fever and seizure. Lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis should especially be considered in children in the younger age group even without evidence of meningeal irritation.JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2008 Jul-Sep;47(171):109-112.
The epidemiology of asthma and hay fever in a total community, Tecumseh, Michigan: II. The relationship between asthma and hay fever

Abstract The clinical experience of allergists suggests that many persons with hay fever may develop asthma if not treated with allergenic extracts. The question has been raised that the experience of specialists may be weighted with the more serious cases of hay fever and therefore lead to a distorted picture of the natural history. While initial epidemiological data from this study of a total community are in keeping with clinical experience in indicating a frequent correlation between asthma and hay fever, they do not suggest that this relationship is dominated by hay fever leading to asthma: 75 per cent of persons having a history of both asthma and hay fever had either asthma alone initially or the two appeared within the same year of age; of all persons with hay fever who were at risk to develop asthma, this subsequently occurred in only 5 to 10 per cent. It is unlikely that injection therapy has appreciably altered the tendency for hay fever to be complicated by asthma in this population. The data also imply that allergists may be exposed to a segment of the hay fever population in which the prevalence of asthma is disproportionately high.
The challenge of modeling pool–riffle morphologies in channels with different densities of large woody debris and boulders

Studies on pool morphologies include reports of over 80% or 90% of pools being associated with structural controls and large obstructions that include boulders, bedrock outcrops and large woody debris (LWD). A Monte Carlo simulation approach and developmental computer model was created to predict pool formation, spacing and the percentage length covered by pools, riffles, scour holes and runs based on input data that include channel slope, width, the number of small and large boulders, and the number of 10–30 cm, 30–60 cm and >60 cm pieces of wood. The statistical-empirical model is founded on the idea that boulders, bedrock outcrops and large woody debris provide a physical framework that then controls local water-surface slopes, velocity patterns and the locations of pools and riffles. The spacing values of individual types and sizes of obstructions are modeled as log-normal distributions with separate distributions for each obstruction type. Pools are assigned different probabilities of development depending on the obstruction type. Pool and riffle lengths used to create the subsequent morphology follow their own slope-dependent, log-normal trends. A minimum distance develops between successive pools because of the backwater and turbulent conditions needed for pool formation. The total number and spacing of pools, riffles and scour holes thus reflects the number and locations of obstructions and characteristics of the pool–riffle couplet. The simulation model accurately captures the number of pools in the modeled data range at 65% of all the verification field sites, and 86% of the verification field sites with a more limited range of width and slope characteristics. Lower levels of prediction capabilities are associated with modeled numbers of scour holes and log jams. The model accurately mimics some statistical attributes of pool spacing, and future versions of the model could be developed to improve overall predictive capabilities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental Justice Through Research-Based Decision-Making

Part I: Research Based Policy and Administrative Decisions for Environmental Justice 1: Background on Environmental Justice Department 2: Policy and Administrative Decisions 3: Major Terms and Concepts in the Discourse 4: A Primer on Empirical Research Methods for Environmental Justice 5: Design and the Validity of Environmental Justice Research Part II: Empirical Foundations of Environmental Justice 6: A Critical Review of the Empirical Research Literature 7: The Impacts of Environmental Hazards: An Overview of Some Ancillary Research Part III: Environmental Justice Policy and Administrative Decisions 8: Uncertainty and Tradeoffs in Effective Decisions 9: Lessons from Research-Based Environmental Justice Policy and Administrative Decision-Making
Reims, Bibliothèque Carnegie, 806: a little‐known manuscript of Benedict of Aniane's Concordia regularum

Benedict of Aniane is usually portrayed as the major instigator of a series of monastic reforms undertaken by Louis the Pious in the early years of his reign, which attempted to impose the Rule of Benedict of Nursia as the sole monastic standard across Francia. Based on information provided by Ardo, Benedict of Aniane's biographer, the Concordia regularum has been seen as Benedict's main instrument in his attempt to convince or compel others to accept the Rule as a superior norm. The Concordia itself is a sort of commentary on the Rule, where almost the whole of St Benedict's Rule is explained by texts drawn from other monastic rules. However, a number of fragments from a copy of the Concordia, apparently written a decade or more before the accession of Louis, contests Ardo's chronology, and challenges our traditional understanding of both Benedict of Aniane's role in monastic reform and of the Aachen reform councils. An edition of these fragments is included in an Appendix.
A Study of Synoptic-Scale Tornado Regimes

The significant tornado parameter (STP) has been used by severe-thunderstorm forecasters since 2003 to identify environments favoring development of strong to violent tornadoes. The STP and its individual components of mixed-layer (ML) CAPE, 0-6-km bulk wind difference (BWD), 0-1-km storm-relative helicity (SRH), and ML lifted condensation level (LCL) have been calculated here using archived surface objective analysis data, and then examined during the period 2003-2010 over the central and eastern United States. These components then were compared and contrasted in order to distinguish between environmental characteristics analyzed for three different synoptic-cyclone regimes that produced significantly tornadic supercells: cold fronts, warm fronts, and drylines. Results show that MLCAPE contributes strongly to the dryline significant-tornado environment, while it was less pronounced in cold-frontal significant-tornado regimes. The 0-6-km BWD was found to contribute equally to all three significant tornado regimes, while 0-1-km SRH more strongly contributed to the cold-frontal significant-tornado environment than for the warm-frontal and dryline regimes.
JiST: an efficient approach to simulation using virtual machines: Research Articles

Discrete event simulators are important scientific tools and their efficient design and execution is the subject of much research. In this paper, we propose a new approach for constructing simulators that leverages virtual machines and combines advantages from the traditional systems-based and language-based simulator designs. We introduce JiST, a Java-based simulation system that executes discrete event simulations both efficiently and transparently by embedding simulation semantics directly into the Java execution model. The system provides standard benefits that the modern Java runtime affords. In addition, JiST is efficient, out-performing existing highly optimized simulation runtimes. As a case study, we illustrate the practicality of the JiST framework by applying it to the construction of SWANS, a scalable wireless ad hoc network simulator. We simulate million node wireless networks, which represents two orders of magnitude increase in scale over what existing simulators can achieve on equivalent hardware and at the same level of detail. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.As of this writing, the JiST and SWANS software distributions and documentation are available online [1]
Transplanted Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Remyelinate and Enhance Axonal Conduction in the Demyelinated Dorsal Columns of the Rat Spinal Cord

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which have properties of both astrocytes and Schwann cells, can remyelinate axons with a Schwann cell-like pattern of myelin. In this study the pattern and extent of remyelination and the electrophysiological properties of dorsal column axons were characterized after transplantation of OECs into a demyelinated rat spinal cord lesion. Dorsal columns of adult rat spinal cords were demyelinated by x-ray irradiation and focal injections of ethidium bromide. Cell suspensions of acutely dissociated OECs from neonatal rats were injected into the lesion 6 d after x-ray irradiation. At 21–25 d after transplantation of OECs, the spinal cords were maintained in an in vitro recording chamber to study the conduction properties of the axons. The remyelinated axons displayed improved conduction velocity and frequency–response properties, and action potentials were conducted a greater distance into the lesion, suggesting that conduction block was overcome. Quantitative histological analysis revealed remyelinated axons near and remote from the cell injection site, indicating extensive migration of OECs within the lesion. These data support the conclusion that transplantation of neonatal OECs results in quantitatively extensive and functional remyelination of demyelinated dorsal column axons.
The discovery and demonstration of dynamic nuclear polarization--a personal and historical account.

The paper gives some background about prewar studies of paramagnetic relaxation, the author's postwar measurements of paramagnetic relaxation using 3 cm microwaves, the beginning studies of alkali metal NMR at Illinois, Overhauser's arrival and proposal, the discovery of the ESR of conduction electrons, the experiment confirming his idea in Li and Na metals, then in solutions of Na atoms in liquid ammonia, and the realization that a form of Overhauser effect might be seen when several isotopes were present in cases where atoms were mobile. Two other experiments at Illinois inspired by the Overhauser experiments are briefly described: measurement of the spin susceptibility of conduction electrons and measurement of spin–lattice relaxation times in superconductors.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine paraneoplastic optic neuropathy: confirmation with antibody to optic nerve and hepatic metastasis.

A 68-year-old woman presented with bilateral visual loss as the only clinical manifestation of an occult pancreatic nonsecretory neuroendocrine tumor (NET). The suspected diagnosis of paraneoplastic optic neuropathy was confirmed using immunofluorescence assays to demonstrate the presence of antibodies in the patient’s serum that reacted with antigen(s) in the optic nerve and in the pancreatic NET hepatic metastasis. Treatment of the underlying cancer was followed by marked improvement in visual function.
The effect of star formation history on the inferred stellar initial mass function

Peaks and lulls in the star formation rate (SFR) over the history of the Galaxy produce plateaus and declines in the present-day mass function (PDMF) where the main-sequence lifetime overlaps the age and duration of the SFR variation. These PDMF features can be misinterpreted as the form of the intrinsic stellar initial mass function (IMF) if the star formation rate is assumed to be constant or slowly varying with time. This effect applies to all regions that have formed stars for longer than the age of the most massive stars, including OB associations, star complexes, and especially galactic field stars. Related problems may apply to embedded clusters. Evidence is summarized for temporal SFR variations from parsec scales to entire galaxies, all of which should contribute to inferred IMF distortions. We give examples of various star formation histories to demonstrate the types of false IMF structures that might be seen. These include short-duration bursts, stochastic histories with lognormal amplitude distributions, and oscillating histories with various periods and phases. The inferred IMF should appear steeper than the intrinsic IMF over mass ranges where the stellar lifetimes correspond to times of decreasing SFRs; shallow portions of the inferred IMF correspond to times of increasing SFRs. If field regions are populated by dispersed clusters and defined by their low current SFRs, then they should have steeper inferred IMFs than the clusters. The SFRs required to give the steep field IMFs in the LMC and SMC are determined. Structure observed in several determinations of the Milky Way field star IMF can be accounted for by a stochastic and bursty star formation history.
Transcriptomics in a high throughput world

Sequencing-based approaches are transforming our ability to investigate, interpret and define transcriptomes, which comprise the expressed elements in genomes. This is driven by innovations in all steps in the process, including sample preparation, cDNA library construction, increases in sequencing data yield and development of new computational approaches. I will describe the state of the art in the field as well as new approaches and results from current work in transcriptome analysis at the Broad Institute.
Fluoride ion catalyzed isomerization of 2-aryl-F-butenes [1]

Abstract A kinetic study of the fluoride ion catalyzed isomerization of a series of 2-aryl F 1-butenes shows the reactions to be pseudo first order in olefin at constant fluoride ion concentration. The resultant Hammett plot is non-linear witb a concave downward break near σ =0. A two step mechanism involving formation of a carbanionic intermediate is proposed. A change in the rate limiting step causes the break in the Hammett plot. Carbanion trapping experiments are also reported.
Planning the Process of Improving the Planning Process: A Case Study in Meta-Planning

Most of the published literature on planning is either prescriptive i.e., what ought to be the way planning is done, or descriptive i.e., how it is actually carried out. This paper addresses the problem of moving from a relatively ineffective planning process to one that meets the prescriptive characteristics it theoretically ought to contain. The premise of the paper is that the conversion of a planning system needs as much planning as the process being planned. Hence, the short-hand title of “meta-planning.” The argument is made for more research on meta-planning, some initial hypotheses are developed toward a theory of meta-planning, and an extensive case study is presented to show, the credibility of the hypotheses.
Announcements of Withdrawal From South Africa Revisited: Making Sense of Contradictory Event Study Findings

This research addressed empirical and conceptual issues raised by McWilliams and Siegel (1997) in light of the contradictory findings of several recent event studies dealing with announcements of w...
Long-term follow-up of scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid arthrodesis

A series of 19 consecutive patients who underwent scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid arthrodesis for chronic scapholunate instability or isolated arthrosis was reviewed. The average follow-up of 14 patients was 62 months. Eight of these 14 patients had significant residual symptoms and/or functional limitations at follow-up, and 11 had complications, including radiocarpal arthrosis (six patients), trapeziometacarpal arthrosis (four patients), and nonunion (three patients). Fusion without reduction of the scaphoid to a normal orientation was predictive of a poor result, but normal scaphoid positioning did not preclude development of arthrosis. Development of a painful degenerative thumb carpal-metacarpal joint may occur as an isolated phenomenon after scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid arthrodesis.
Ontogeny of atrial natriuretic factor receptors and cyclic GMP response in rabbit renal glomeruli.

ABSTRACT: Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) has been identified in fetal and newborn mammals, and considerable data regarding fetal ANF metabolism are available. However, there is limited information concerning ANF receptors or receptor ontogenesis in developing mammals. We measured ANF receptor binding capacity, affinity, and ANF-induced cyclic GMP (cGMP) generation in isolated renal glomeruli from fetal (29 d gestation, term = 31 d), newborn (3 d), juvenile (28 d), and adult rabbits. The (mean ± SEM) glomerular receptor binding capacity values for ANF in fetal and newborn animals (10 ± 1 and 12 ± 3 fmol/mg protein) were similar and significantly lower than the values for juvenile and adult animals (30 ± 8 and 74 ± 15 fmol/mg protein, respectively). In contrast, there were no significant differences in ANF receptor affinity values or dose-dependent increases in ANF-stimulated cGMP generation among the age groups studied. In competition studies, we observed effective displacement of 125I-ANF by C-ANF4–23, a ring-deleted ANF analogue, in adult, juvenile, and newborn glomeruli; however, C-ANF displaced only about 50% of the 125I-ANF in fetal tissue. The addition of C-ANF did not elicit cGMP generation, nor did C-ANF affect ANF-induced cGMP generation in fetal, newborn, or adult glomeruli. These results indicate that 1) the ANF receptor-guanylate cyclase system is intact in 29-d fetal rabbit glomeruli, and 2) the ANF-induced cGMP formation is similar in fetal and adult animals, whereas receptor binding capacity is relatively higher in adult glomeruli. These results suggest a higher proportion of nonguanylate cyclase-coupled ANF receptors in the mature rabbit.
Exchangeable Ions Are Responsible for the In Vitro Antibacterial Properties of Natural Clay Mixtures

We have identified a natural clay mixture that exhibits in vitro antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens. We collected four samples from the same source and demonstrated through antibacterial susceptibility testing that these clay mixtures have markedly different antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Here, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to characterize the mineralogical and chemical features of the four clay mixture samples. XRD analyses of the clay mixtures revealed minor mineralogical differences between the four samples. However, ICP analyses demonstrated that the concentrations of many elements, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn, in particular, vary greatly across the four clay mixture leachates. Supplementation of a non-antibacterial leachate containing lower concentrations of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn to final ion concentrations and a pH equivalent to that of the antibacterial leachate generated antibacterial activity against E. coli and MRSA, confirming the role of these ions in the antibacterial clay mixture leachates. Speciation modeling revealed increased concentrations of soluble Cu2+ and Fe2+ in the antibacterial leachates, compared to the non-antibacterial leachates, suggesting these ionic species specifically are modulating the antibacterial activity of the leachates. Finally, linear regression analyses comparing the log10 reduction in bacterial viability to the concentration of individual ion species revealed positive correlations with Zn2+ and Cu2+ and antibacterial activity, a negative correlation with Fe3+, and no correlation with pH. Together, these analyses further indicate that the ion concentration of specific species (Fe2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) are responsible for antibacterial activity and that killing activity is not solely attributed to pH.
Evidence against chromospheric evaporation from the 21 May 1980 flare

Antonucci et al. (1985) have presented observations of the large two-ribbon flare of May 21, 1980 and interpreted the Ca XIX X-ray line profiles, hard X-ray observations, and X-ray images to support the standard model of electron-beam-driven chromospheric evaporation. Here it is shown that an active filament which erupted at flare onset can also explain the observations, and that a closer look at the evidence of Antonucci et al. leads to discrepancies with the chromospheric evaporation model.
RENEGING IN QUEUES REVISITED

Parkan and Warren [2] analyze the optimal reneging decision of a customer joining a G/M/1 queue with imperfect information about parameters of the system. Their Bayesian approach to the problem is incomplete and overstates the probability that the customer will renege, which is potentially costly to the server as well as to the customer.
Highly luminescent InxGa1–xN thin films grown over the entire composition range by energetic neutral atom beam lithography & epitaxy (ENABLE)

In-rich alloys of InxGa1–xN are becoming highly sought after because of the significant role they may play in a number of technologies including photovoltaics, solid-state lighting, and high frequency electronics. Unfortunately, these alloys are difficult to produce with high quality by conventional growth technologies. We describe our efforts to create high-quality In-rich InxGa1–xN alloys by a new growth technology called energetic neutral atom beam lithography & epitaxy (ENABLE). ENABLE uses a collimated beam of neutral N atoms (kinetic energies of ∼2.0 eV) as the reactive group V species in InxGa1–xN growth, allowing for a substantial reduction in substrate growth temperatures (typically 450 °C to 750 °C). Directly providing a significant portion of the required reaction energy by the N atoms rather than by high substrate temperatures improves InxGa1–xN film quality across the full stoichiometric range. ENABLE-grown InN on sapphire is shown to be highly crystalline by XRD and RBS. The observed photoluminescence (PL) peak energy is 0.74 eV, and the electron concentrations are between 7x1018 and 7x1019 cm–3 with the highest mobility exceeding 1200 cm2/Vs. ENABLE has been used to produce highly luminescent InxGa1–xN with PL peak energies in the 1.5 to 2.5 eV range, spanning the visible range. ENABLE grown InxGa1–xN films are shown by XRD to be highly crystalline consisting of a uniform single phase. These results establish ENABLE as a new technique uniquely capable of low temperature growth of high-quality InxGa1–xN films over widely varying compositions. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An improved fault analysis algorithm including detailed synchronous machine models and magnetic saturation

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology required to include saturable rotating machine models in fault analysis algorithms. The focus of this paper is on the synchronous machine with the understanding that processes similar to those discussed in this work can be applied to other rotating machinery in a straightforward manner. Various levels of synchronous machine modeling are discussed with regard to fault calculations. The electromagnetic transients program (EMTP) is used as a benchmark for verification of computer software developed specifically for fault analysis purposes. The custom software is capable of significantly outperforming the EMTP from a computational efficiency standpoint. Solution times have been reduced by a factor of at least ten in all example systems considered.
A quantitative duplex PCR technique for measuring amounts of cell-associated Marek's disease virus: differences in two populations of lymphoma cells.

Abstract A duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to measure Marek's disease virus (MDV) load in two subpopulations of Marek's disease (MD) lymphoma cells from chickens. PCR primers were designed using the sequence of the MDV-ICP4 gene and the chicken IFNγ gene. Each set of primers was present in the same reaction tube so that the 327 bp ICP4 product and the 420 bp IFNγ product were co-amplified. Two different fluorescent dyes were used to 5′-end label one PCR primer of each pair to distinguish the IFNγ and ICP4 products by colour. The IFNγ PCR product was used as an internal standard enabling comparisons of MDV-ICP4 products between different samples. Neither duplex PCR product was preferentially amplified and both reactions were in their exponential phases when stopped. The products could be distinguished by both size and colour. MD lymphoma cells were taken ex vivo and separated on the basis of expressing a novel host surface antigen recognised by the monoclonal antibody AV37. AV37+ lymphoma cells had greater MDV-loads than AV37− lymphoma cells. The principles used here should be applicable to any cell phenotype and/or cell-associated DNA virus.
The emission energies and lifetimes of the F-center

Abstract The emission energies of the F -center in alkali halides are derived. Parametric relations for the emission energies and lifetimes are suggested.
Biologically Inspired Fixed-Wing Configuration Studies

Through the evolution of natural flight systems, it is expected that many have been optimized to provide enhanced efficiency. With this in mind the current study was conducted to determine whether flight configurations found in nature might be appropriately applied to fixed-wing mechanical flight systems to provide performance improvements through energy savings. Four different biologically inspired wings were designed and experimentally tested against a planar elliptic configuration used as a baseline. Two of the configurations show performance improvements over the baseline, using two different comparison techniques. Surface oil flow visualizations at the wingtips highlight differences that provide insight into the flow physics of the improvements.
Children's Self-Concepts and Evaluations of Parents as a Function of Family Structure and Process

Summary The present study examined relationships between children's (N = 132 fifth- through eighth-grade students) self-concepts and their evaluations of parents in families where father loss had occurred either through divorce or death. These correlations were further analyzed in regard to whether children perceived their present family situation as “happy” or “unhappy.” Results indicated significant correlations between self-concepts and evaluations of parents in “unhappy” and “divorced” family units. Nonsignificant relationships were obtained in both “happy” and “father loss through death” configurations. These findings may lend support for the hypothesis of lessened parental ability to provide for children's basic needs in both “unhappy” and “divorced” families resulting in greater dependency on the part of children in these families.
Real-time computation of spatial and flat obstacle avoidance trajectories for UUVs

Abstract This paper elaborates on the previous paper (Horner and Yakimenko, 2007) and develops a framework for planning obstacle avoidance trajectories in real-time. The proposed obstacle avoidance algorithm relies on the relevant situational awareness data provided by forward-looking sonar. Based on this information, current objectives, UUV attitude, vehicle agility and autopilot performance, an onboard computer chooses between avoiding newly discovered obstacles in the vertical plane, horizontal plane, or performing a spatial three-dimensional manoeuvre. Once information about an obstacle, which can be moving, is updated the obstacle-avoiding trajectory should be updated as well. Therefore, an UUV follows the originally determined trajectory only between two consecutive updates. One of the key features of the proposed approach is that a new trajectory should start from the current conditions defined by position, velocity and acceleration. Having the rate of situational awareness data update as fast as 1Hz, puts another severe constraint on the computational effectiveness of the path generation algorithm. These features rule out the usage of all but one known approaches. The advocated approach is the direct method of calculus of variations based on inverse dynamics in the virtual domain. The paper presents a detailed derivation of computational routine and demonstrates the results of some preliminary simulations.
New Cryogenic Method for Raman Studies of Molecular Crystals

A new technique has been developed for growing good quality molecular crystals, suitable for Raman studies at low temperatures. The method utilizes a copper rod, cooled by a suitable refrigerant, which lies axially in the sample tube. The crystal grows radially around the rod from the melt. Liquid nitrogen and helium cryostats, incorporating this method, for use with the Cary 81 spectrophotometer, are described. These can be readily modified to suit other Raman instruments. Low Rayleigh scattering near the exciting line and the very sharp spectral lines of a number of samples so far studied indicate the good quality of such crystals, grown in a relatively short time.
Liquid crystal-directed assembly and phase morphology of a squaraine dye

The squaraine (SQ) dye, 2,4-bis [4-(N,N-di-n-hexylamino)-2-hydroxyphenyl]squaraine was synthesised, and a series of SQ dye/cholesteryl pelargonate binary mixtures with varying dye concentrations (1%, 3%, 7.5%, 10.8%, 15% and 20% w/w) were prepared. Their phase transitions were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, polarised light microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The SQ dye itself exhibited no liquid crystalline behaviour. The concentration of the dye in the cholesteric compound proved to have a significant effect on the dye aggregation behaviour and phase transitions in cholesteryl pelargonate, resulting in the appearance of new mesophases and the formation of J- and H-aggregates. The texture morphology, X-ray diffraction data and UV–vis absorbance spectra provide strong evidence of the viability of liquid crystal-directed assembly of the SQ dye.
Cooperation or chaos: the mental health administrator's dilemma.

This paper offers a description of the confrontation between individuals and groups within a newly developing Community mental health center, and between the center and outside groups in the Community. The authors discuss mechanisms for using the inevitable volatile confrontations in a constructive manner.
Photosynthesis in mesophyll protoplasts and bundle sheath cells of various types of C4 plants II. Chlorophyll and hill reaction studies

Summary Mesophyll protoplasts of C4 plants are capable of photochemical oxygen evolution through the Hill reaction up to 400 to 600 μmoles O2 evolved/mg chl/hr when provided with p-benzoquinone as an oxidant. Dichlorophenolindophenol and ferricyanide were less effective as oxidants in comparison to p-benzoquinone. The Hill reaction with p-benzoquinone was more effective with mesophyll protoplasts than with isolated mesophyll chloroplasts while that with ferricyanide was more effective with mesophyll chloroplasts than with mesophyll protoplasts. Although mesophyll protoplasts had a high potential for the Hill reaction, the natural electron acceptor, HCO3-, did not effectively substitute as the oxidant for the Hill reaction. This correlated with a low CO2 fixation capacity with C4 mesophyll protoplasts. Bundle sheath cells showed a varying capacity for the Hill reaction depending on the species. In C4 species having high NADP-malic enzyme in bundle sheath cells, there was little or no activity with bundle sheath cells or chloroplasts of sorghum and sugarcane when using p-benzoquinone, dichlorophenolindophenol, and ferricyanide as the Hill oxidant, while some activity was found with bundle sheath cells or chloroplasts of Digitaria sanguinalis and Setaria lutescens. All C4 plants having low NADP-malic enzyme in bundle sheath cells in all cases were capable of photochemical oxygen evolution. The maximum potential for the Hill reaction in bundle sheath cells as measured with p-benzoquinone correlated with the capacity for endogenous CO2 fixation by the isolated bundle sheath cells. Independent photosynthesis by mesophyll cells of C4 plants may be limited by the level of carbon assimilating enzymes, while independent photosynthesis by bundle sheath cells, at least in some species, may be limited by the photochemical capacity of Photo-system II. The distribution of chlorophyll between mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells of various C4 species was estimated by determining the chlorophyll a/b ratio of the two cell types and whole leaves of C4 plants or by complete enzymatic separation of mesophyll from bundle sheath cell tissue. The percentage of leaf chlorophyll in bundle sheath cells ranged from 37 to 74% with the C4 species examined, which suggests that there is substantial photochemical potential in bundle sheath cells.
The Role of Natural Capital on the Pursuit and Implementation of Economic Development

An increasing amount of research has been dedicated to studying various society-environment relations. Although much research exists that studies the impact of economic development on environmental degradation, there is a paucity of sociological literature that examines the impact that the natural environment has on community-level economic development activities. Using survey data collected from 101 communities in Oregon and Washington, the author examines the relationship of natu- ral capital on the pursuit and implementation of two types of economic development: industrial recruitment and self-development. Results suggest that the pursuit and implementation of economic development are related to several components of natural capital. However, natural capital affects industrial recruitment and self-development in opposite ways, particularly when implementing these two strategies. Moreover, it shows that while the natural surroundings of communities affect the pursuit of economic devel- opment, the impact becomes more important for the implementation of eco- nomic development strategies, net of other social and demographic factors. These findings illustrate the need for researchers, policymakers, and com- munity activists to heavily consider the role that the natural environment plays when looking at social phenomena such as economic development.
Techniques for evaluating fault prediction models

Many statistical techniques have been proposed to predict fault-proneness of program modules in software engineering. Choosing the "best" candidate among many available models involves performance assessment and detailed comparison, but these comparisons are not simple due to the applicability of varying performance measures. Classifying a software module as fault-prone implies the application of some verification activities, thus adding to the development cost. Misclassifying a module as fault free carries the risk of system failure, also associated with cost implications. Methodologies for precise evaluation of fault prediction models should be at the core of empirical software engineering research, but have attracted sporadic attention. In this paper, we overview model evaluation techniques. In addition to many techniques that have been used in software engineering studies before, we introduce and discuss the merits of cost curves. Using the data from a public repository, our study demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of performance evaluation techniques and points to a conclusion that the selection of the "best" model cannot be made without considering project cost characteristics, which are specific in each development environment.