cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of individual reserve trees on nearby reproduction in two-aged Appalachian hardwood stands

Abstract In the 1970s, public opposition to clearcut harvesting in hardwood forests of the eastern United States led forest managers and scientists to consider alternative practices that retain a low-density overstory forest cover. From 1979 to 1984, a form of clearcut-with-reserves harvesting was applied in 80-year-old Appalachian mixed-hardwoods to create four experimental stands with two-aged structures. The residual stand basal area averaged 5.3 m 2 /ha, comprising an average of 36 reserve trees/ha. The reserve trees were evenly distributed throughout the stand, initially with considerable space between their crowns, thus providing the sunlight and seedbed conditions needed to recruit desirable shade-intolerant reproduction after harvest. This study examined the response of the 100-year-old reserve trees and the development of the 20-year-old natural reproduction located in their immediate vicinity. Diameter at breast height (Dbh), height, and relative position were recorded for all reproduction ≥2.5 cm within transects adjacent to northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) and yellow-poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.) reserve trees. Each transect was divided into five zones, which represented positions relative to the reserve tree crown edge, and basal area was computed for each of three shade tolerance classes within each zone. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare basal area of reproduction by tolerance classes and zone. In general, basal area of reproduction, particularly that of shade-intolerant species, increased with distance from the reserve tree. Regression analyses also indicated that dbh and height of reproduction was positively related to distance from the reserve trees. Although height growth of reserve trees was similar for both species, northern red oak exhibited significantly greater dbh and crown radial growth than yellow-poplar. The results indicated that reserve trees influence the growth rate and species composition of reproduction in their immediate vicinity. Basal area of reproduction increased from 10.1 to 17.7 m 2 /ha with increasing distance from the reserve trees. Basal area of intolerant species more than doubled along the same gradient. Basal area of reproduction in the two-age stands was 30–40% less than that observed in even-aged stands on similar growing sites, but the reduction was offset by growth of the reserve trees. The surface area covered by the reserve tree crowns increased approximately 88% for northern red oak and 44% for yellow-poplar. Since the sphere of influence of reserve trees increases over time, forest managers must consider their long-term impact on reproduction when prescribing clearcut-with-reserves harvests and other practices that involve retaining trees for many years.
The slow-neutron absorption cross-section of 9·2-H Xe135 by the method of negative activation☆

Abstract The absorption cross-section of 9·2-h Xe 135 for thermal (pile) neutrons has been measured in three experiments, using two variants of the method of negative activation. The value obtained is 2·58 ± 0·20 × 10 −18 cm 2 /atom for a mean neutron temperature of 400°K in a reactor moderated by heavy water.
Design of a laboratory for multineuron studies

The authors describe a number of procedures necessary for the conduct of a multineuron experiment. They have identified three problem areas that are expected to be particularly noticeable as larger assemblies are studied for long periods under conditions where the subject brain is engaged in a behavioral or learning task. The first concerns monitoring a moving animal. It is necessary to develop better multielectrode systems as well as appropriate manipulators for the high degree of stability that is required. Multichannel amplification (perhaps multiplexing with telemetry) must be developed in sizes that can be carried on the head. Second, meaningful feedback must be given to the experiments in time to help modify the conditions of the experiment. Full cross correlation analysis of simultaneously recorded neurons takes a large amount of capacity and time, which slows experimentation. New reduction or abstraction measurement that is practical for rapid feedback is needed. Finally, a better description of a neuronal assembly is needed. A series of new tools deployed to carry out multineuron experiments are described, including electrodes and computer analysis techniques.
Adolescent-Parent conflict in Hong Kong and Shenzhen: A comparison of youth in two cultural contexts:

This study examined adolescent–parent conflict among 188 5th-, 7th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade Chinese adolescents, 93 from Hong Kong and 95 from Shenzhen, PRC. Individually interviewed Chinese adolescents reported disagreements with parents over everyday issues, primarily choice of activities, schoolwork, interpersonal relationships, and chores. Conflicts were relatively few in number, moderate in frequency, and mild in intensity, and across contexts, conflicts were more intense in early adolescence (5th and 7th grades) than in late adolescence (12th grade). There were more conflicts over chores and interpersonal relationships in Hong Kong than in Shenzhen and more conflicts over schoolwork in Shenzhen than in Hong Kong, particularly among 7th and 12th graders. As expected, adolescents primarily justified conflicts, particularly conflicts over choice of activities and homework, by appealing to personal jurisdiction, and across contexts, personal reasoning increased with age. Conflicts were resolved primarily...
Chromosomal Instability Induced by Pim-1 Is Passage-dependent and Associated with Dysregulation of Cyclin B1

Overexpression of the oncogenic serine/threonine kinase Pim-1 has been shown to induce chromosomal missegregation and polyploidy in prostate epithelial cell lines (1). Here we demonstrated that Pim-1-induced polyploidy develops in a passage-dependent manner in culture consistent with a stochastic mode of progression. Induction of chromosomal instability by Pim-1 was not restricted to prostate cells as it was also observed in telomerase-immortalized normal human mammary epithelial cells. Elevated levels of cyclin B1 protein, but not its messenger RNA, were evident in early passage Pim-1 overexpressing cells, suggesting that increased cyclin B1 levels contribute to the development of polyploidy. Furthermore, regulation of cyclin B1 protein and cyclin B1/CDK1 activity after treatment with anti-microtubule agents was impaired. Small interfering RNA targeting cyclin B1 reversed the cytokinesis delay but not the mitotic checkpoint defect in Pim-1 overexpressing cells. These results indicated that chronic Pim-1 overexpression dysregulates cyclin B1 protein expression, which contributes to the development of polyploidy by delaying cytokinesis.
Computerized Career Information Systems on the College Campus: A Low‐Cost, Do‐It‐Yourself Approach

For a variety of reasons, computerized career information systems have not made any significant impact on college or university campuses. This article attempts to describe an economically feasible approach to designing computerized systems. The actual design and development of such a system on the campus of Virginia Tech University is outlined. We include a discussion of development rationale, cost, program offerings, and potential applications.
Sub-kilohertz optical linewidths of the 7F0 ↔ 5D0 transition in Y2O3:Eu3+

Abstract Homogeneous optical linewidths as small as 760 Hz (fwhm) have been observed in Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ using delayed heterodyne photon echoes. Hyperfine and lifetime contributions to dephasing are estimated to contribute ⪕ 300 Hz to this width, and the remainder is attributed to quasi-resonant energy transfer.
Lymphocyte agglutination with paramyxovirus antigens in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Patients with multiple sclerosis show a decreased lymphocyte agglutination (LA) titer to measles antigen but not to parainfluenza type 1 or mumps antigens. LA titer to measles antigen is not correlated with age and is highly reproducible. There is no correlation between LA titer and direct migration inhibition with measles antigen.
Cobalt Corrin Catalyzed Photoreduction of CO2

Cobalt corrins (B12) are found to act as homogeneous catalysts for photoreduction of CO2 to CO and formic acid. Photoreduction is carried out in acetonitrile/methanol solutions containing p-terphenyl as a photosensitizer and triethylamine as a reductive quencher. Photolysis (λ ≥ 300 nm) leads to production of CO and formic acid as well as H2. The rate of production of all three products is considerably higher with the corrins (hydroxocobalamin, cyanocobalamin, and cobinamide) than with cobalt tetra-m-tolylporphyrin. The mechanism of CO2 reduction in all cases is via a species formed by one-electron reduction of the Co(I) complex. Radiolytic studies of the Co(I) complex formed from hydroxocobalamin in aqueous solutions show that this compound reacts very rapidly with solvated electrons and more slowly [k = (1.2 ± 0.3) × 108 L mol-1 s-1] with CO2•- radicals to produce different products. The initial reduction product is suggested to be mainly the hydride formed by protonation of a Co(0) corrin, (HCoB12)-. T...
SEPARATION OF URINARY 17-KETOSTEROIDS BY GLASS PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY.

A chromatographic method for fractionation of urinary 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) on glass fiber paper is described. The first chromatogram of the hydrolyzed 17-KS conjugates separates the total 11-oxy and 11-desoxy groups. Quantitative separation of the individual 11-desoxy-17-KS is achieved with 3 additional chromatographic systems, each of which requires only 50–60 min. Epiandrosterone has been quantitatively separated from the closely related steroid, dehydroeptandrosterone, and excretion rates for this steroid are presented. The first stage chromatographic procedure provides a rapid technique for routine clinical assessment of total 11-oxyand 11-desoxy-17-KS excretion. The 4-stage chromatographic technique has proved of value in defining the pattern of individual urinary 11-desoxy-17-KS excretion in a variety of clinical conditions.
Integrated precursor architecture as a framework for molecular computer design

Abstract Molecular computers are natural and artificial information processing systems in which individual macromolecules play a critical role. Multiple architectural possibilities can be contemplated, including conventional serial systems, parallel architectures, tactilizing processors, neural and neuromolecular networks, optomolecular electronic memory media, and hybrid silicon-carbon interfaces. The computational capabilities of these systems are governed by a tradeoff principle that links programmability, computational efficiency and evolutionary plasticity in a complementary fashion. Embedding this principle in the formalism of adaptability theory yields a framework for cost-benefit analysis of molecular computers and computational systems generally. The framework utilizes a stagewise approach to molecular computer development, beginning with a simulated integrated precursor architecture and proceeding to a bonafide integrated realization. The analysis highlights powerful computational synergies that emerge from the domain complementarities of programmable and nonprogrammable modes of computing and from the fabrication complementarities of conventional and carbon-based technologies.
Structure of a TLR4-interacting SPA4 peptide

We have recently identified a toll-like receptor (TLR4)-interacting SPA4 peptide encoding amino acids: GDFRYSDGTPVNYTNWYRGE, a shorter region of human surfactant protein-A (SP-A). The SPA4 peptide suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation (JPET 2011, Innate Immun 2013). In this report, we examined the structure of synthetic SPA4 peptide in solution by circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The CD analysis revealed that the SPA4 peptide is composed of ∼35% beta sheet and <5% alpha helix. We used solution NMR to solve the structure of the SPA4 peptide. We calculated NMR structures using Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE) distance restraints. The superposition of the low energy structures indicated that the central 6–14 amino acids “SDGTPVNYT” of the 20-mer SPA4 peptide form a turn, and amino acids on either side (GDFRY and NWYRGE) conform to flexible arms. Furthermore, thermal denaturation experiments demonstrated the structural flexibility of the peptide. The NMR structures of the SPA4 peptide align well with the homologous region within the available structure of rat SP-A and a computationally-docked model of SP-A–TLR4–MD2 protein complex. Together, our results support the structural adaptability of SPA4 peptide for binding to TLR4.
On the H2/D2 isotopic exchange rate of proton conducting barium cerates and zirconates

H2/D2 pulse isotope exchange experiments were employed for the first time to gain insight into the hydrogen oxidation mechanism of proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell electrode materials. Phase pure perovskites, BaCeO3 (BC), BaCe0.9Y0.1O3−δ (BCY), BaZrO3 (BZ) and BaZr0.9Y0.1O3−δ (BZY) were synthesized. The experiment was performed in both dry and wet H2, isotopic exchange was clearly observed over all samples between 250 and 525 °C in dry H2, 425 and 725 °C in wet H2. The conversion of D2 reached above 88% at 375 °C in BC and BCY, 550 and 425 °C in BZ and BZY respectively; however, no significant difference in rate was observed between the materials. Surface composition analysis via High Sensitivity-Low Energy Ion Scattering (HS-LEIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed significant Ba enrichment on the outermost surface (71.1–87.1%, fractional surface coverage of Ba). It is suggested that this similar surface composition leads to similar catalytic activity. Significant rate enhancement was observed upon 1 wt% surface doping with active transition metal catalysts, Ni, Pt and Co. We suggest that hydrogen dissociation occurs primarily on the metallic component of H+-SOFC cermet anodes.
Homeomorphisms of the pseudo-arc are essentially small☆

Abstract We prove that every homeomorphism of the pseudo-arc is conjugate to an e-homeomorphism.
Thyroid Hormones Inhibit Type 2 Iodothyronine Deiodinase in the Rat Cerebral Cortex by Both Pre- and Posttranslational Mechanisms

The type 2 5'-deiodinase (D2) appears to play an important role in maintaining the intracerebral T3 content relatively constant during changes in thyroidal state. Previous studies have demonstrated that the regulation of this enzyme by thyroid hormone and its analogs occurs at a posttranslational level. The availability of the rat D2 complementary DNA now allows an assessment of whether pretranslational regulation of this enzyme also occurs in the cerebral cortex. In rats rendered hypothyroid by the addition of methimazole to the drinking water, D2 messenger RNA (mRNA) is increased 70% (P = 0.03). Treatment with L-T3 (50 microg/100 g BW) for 4 days results in an 80% decrease in D2 mRNA compared with that in euthyroid controls (P < 0.001). Administration of lower doses of L-T3 (0.25-3 microg/100 g BW x day) is associated with a dose-dependent decrease in cortical D2 mRNA, but little or no change in D2 activity. The decrease in D2 mRNA in response to T3 treatment can be demonstrated within 4 h. Treatment of hypothyroid rats for 2 weeks with graded doses of L-T4 (0.1-1.5 microg/100 g BW x day) results in a significant decrease in cortical D2 activity, but not mRNA. The association between D2 activity and D2 mRNA in euthyroid, hypothyroid, and hormone-treated rats across a full range of thyroidal states suggests that L-T4 treatment is associated with greater changes in cortical D2 activity (via posttranslational effects) than mRNA, whereas L-T3 treatment has a greater effect on decreasing D2 mRNA (i.e. pretranslational effects). In conclusion, these studies demonstrate both pre- and posttranslational regulation of cortical D2 expression. The relative contribution of each mechanism depends on the ambient thyroid hormone concentration.
Personal knowledge, belief systems, and educational innovators

Abstract The role of early socialization is examined to determine the relationship of this prior experience to teachers' belief systems. A brief analysis of belief systems is undertaken, followed by a narrative drawn from the life history of one reform-minded teacher from an innovative school. A constructivist position represented by George Kelly and Jerome Bruner is used to explicate the analysis. Implications are drawn for the importance of considering the early experience of teachers in developing teacher education programs. In particular, the recent reform literature in teacher education is critiqued and faulted for ignoring the important role of teacher belief systems, which in turn are argued to be strongly influenced by early socialization.
Depolarized Raman spectroscopy of Optically Trapped Cells for Rapid Identification of Microorganisms

Depolarized Raman spectroscopy of single optically trapped cells is used for rapid identification of microorganisms in aqueous solution. Depolarization ratios provide new parameters for better discrimination of bacterial species, comparing with the normal Raman spectroscopy.
Estimating building consumption breakdowns using ON/OFF state sensing and incremental sub-meter deployment

This paper considers the problem of estimating the power breakdowns for the main appliances inside a building using a small number of power meters and the knowledge of the ON/OFF states of individual appliances. First we solve the breakdown estimation problem within a tree configuration using a single power meter and the knowledge of ON/OFF states and use the solution to derive an estimation quality metric. Using this metric, we then propose an algorithm for optimally placing additional power meters to increase the estimation certainty for individual appliances to the required level. The proposed solution is evaluated using real measurements, numerical simulations and by constructing a scaled down proof-of-concept prototype using binary sensors.
El Sueño de sor Juana: apuntes a tres versos

Empecemos con la cita obligada de la Respuesta de sor Juana:lnes de la Cruz donde nos patentiza el caracter especial de ese poema al decirnos que es, entre sus obras, la unica que escribio por su gusto, ese "papelillo que llaman El Sueno ".
Northeast Asian Climatic Change over the Last 140,000 Years Inferred from Pollen in Marine Cores Taken off the Pacific Coast of Japan

Pollen analyses from deep-sea sediment cores V28-304, RC14-99, and RC12-401 provide continuous chronostratigraphic records of the regional vegetation of the Pacific coast of the Japanese archipelago over the last 140,000 years. These detailed pollen time series (with samples at ~2000-year intervals) monitor the changing composition of temperate and boreal montane forests prior to and through the last full glacial cycle. Except for brief intervals, as in the Holocene, conifers were more abundant than deciduous taxa; nonarboreal elements were even less significant in the vegetation of Japan. Pinus and Picea characterize glacial intervals, and Cryptomeria, along with Sciadopitys, dominates warm temperate forests of the central and southern coast between ~ 120,000 and ~70,000yr B.P. Precipitation and temperature indices derived from these pollen/vegetation assemblages show fluctuations related to changes in the northeast Asian summer and winter monsoon.
Stuffing more learning into the computer engineering curriculum bag: capstone course preparation

Today's university computer engineering curriculum is typically of a broad range of diverse topics. Often a student's first opportunity to link their diverse topics together to a common goal occurs during their last semester in their senior capstone course. Also, the curriculum requires common engineering and liberal arts courses which further strain the typical student's ability to cover computer engineering topics in much depth. A short elective summer course was offered for rising juniors. This course provided an introduction to embedded computer systems and exposed students to other computer engineering topics. It also served as a "capstone project dry run.".
Control of a kneeless biped through gain scheduling

This paper focuses on feasibility study of applying a state feedback gain scheduling technique to the control of a kneeless biped. Based on the linearized biped model around chosen operating points, a state feedback is used to partially decouple the body motion from the leg motions. The feedback gains found at these operating points are then interpolated to obtain gains between operating points not previously selected. Finally, a global feedback gain which varies with a scheduling parameter is used for the control of the biped. A preliminary simulation study is also given.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of DLC-TiC Microlaminate Coatings

Microlaminate coatings are made of many alternating layers of two hard materials that, when combined in very thin layer on the nanometer scale, produce coatings with hardness that approaches diamond. In this report, we address these properties, from our investigations on the multilayer structures of titanium carbide (TIC) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposited on Si (100) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used for the structural studies and the mechanical properties were analysed by the nano-indention technique. Microlaminate coatings of TiC/DLC and DLC/TiC coatings with varying layers were deposited on Si(100) substrates. Analysis of mechanical properties revealed that the hardness and modulus values of the multi-layers lie between those of monolithic coatings of TIC and DLC.
Management of migraine headaches.

With 17% to 18% of women suffering from migraine headaches, clinicians will often be asked by their patients to prescribe medication. Migraine is an episodic chronic disease that is best managed with an overall treatment plan, rather than treated as an acute illness that is managed with sporadic medications. Realistic goals for the long-term management of migraine are based on patient education and an ongoing discussion between patient and provider. This article reviews the clinical presentation of migraine and recommendations for both acute and preventive treatment, including complementary therapies. “Red flags” that could be signs of more serious neurologic illness are presented. The management of migraine in pregnancy is also reviewed.
Chronic lymphoid leukemias: recent advances in biology and therapy.

There exists a wide variety of lymphoid leukemias derived from B and T lymphocytes. These diseases have distinct immunologic and biologic features as well as varied responses to therapeutics. The most common lymphoid leukemia is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) which is a clonal proliferation of a subset of B cells expressing the CD5 antigen. Prolymphocytic leukemia is usually derived from B cells and shares some features with CLL but is clearly a distinct entity. Hairy-cell leukemia is a B cell malignancy that is uniquely responsive to a variety of biologic and chemotherapeutic agents. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a B cell malignancy that secretes immunoglobulin M (IgM) and may present with the hyperviscosity syndrome. Other B cell malignancies that less commonly present as leukemias include non-Hodgkin's lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma or mantle zone lymphoma. Multiple myeloma may rarely present or evolve into a plasma cell leukemia, typically in far advanced disease. T cell malignancies that may present as chronic lymphoid leukemias, and in the past have often been referred to as T cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, are large granular lymphocytic leukemia, adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma, Sezary cell leukemia and rare cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that are T cell derived and may present or evolve into a leukemic phase. There is also a rare T cell counterpart of prolymphocytic leukemia. Distinguishing these diseases is critical for optimal care of these patients.
Fifty years of Shannon theory

A brief chronicle is given of the historical development of the central problems in the theory of fundamental limits of data compression and reliable communication.
Mycophenolate mofetil in solid-organ transplantation.

This review focuses on the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an immunosuppressive agent in solid-organ transplantation. MMF, a non-competitive inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, blocks de novo purine synthesis in T and B lymphocytes, resulting in the selective inhibition of proliferation of these cells in response to antigenic stimuli. MMF may also promote apoptosis of these cells. The immunosuppressive ability of MMF is thought to derive mainly from the inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. The other effects of MMF include suppression of antibody synthesis by B lymphocytes, inhibition of proliferation of smooth muscle cells in culture and impaired glycosylation of adhesion molecules. MMF may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects resulting from decreased activity of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase, a consequence of depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin, which leads to decreased generation of peroxynitrite, a pro-inflammatory molecule. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynami...
Utilization of median filters in power electronics: Traction drive applications

This paper presents three different applications of median filters in power electronic systems, specifically, in traction motor drives. While median filters are commonly used in signal processing, literature regarding their utilization in power electronics is very limited. The theory behind median filters is first introduced and then three example applications are discussed: speed estimation for an induction motor drive, current sensing in a three-phase inverter, and dc bus voltage sensing in a half-bridge inverter. Simulation and experimental results verify the simplicity and applicability of median filters for control and sensing in power electronics applications. Results show significant improvement in the filter output quality for all three applications compared to the filter input where numerical errors, data acquisition glitches, and noise are significantly reduced or eliminated in the output.
Acquisition of back channel listener responses to adequate messages

Back channel listener responses could be among the last conversational skills acquired. Listener responses (i.e., headnods, umhums) were observed in 36 normal children (12 each at ages 7.5, 9.5, and 11.9 years) in an instructional situation. The frequency of back channel responses increased significantly with age. Additionally, children who provided more listener response demonstrated a significant relationship between back channel responses and a variety of speaker cue combinations. The finding that older children provided more back channel responses associated with a variety of speaker signals was interpreted to mean that older children understood the listener role of providing collaborative feedback.
Quality Indicators for Hospitalization and Surgery in Vulnerable Elders

Hospitalization presents unique challenges in older people. Older patients may be more likely to suffer from comorbid illness or have diminished physiological reserves that impair their ability to maintain homeostasis in the context of acute illness. A variety of geriatric syndromes, such as dementia, delirium, and gait disturbance, are more common in older patients admitted to the hospital than in younger patients. In addition, vulnerable elders (VEs) may develop nosocomial or hospital-acquired pneumonia as an iatrogenic complication of hospitalization. Likewise, the risks of complications after surgery are also generally greater for elderly patients, primarily because of the frequency and severity of comorbid illnesses. In this article, quality indicators (QIs) for the general medical care of hospitalized VEs are presented, with a focus on elderly patients with pneumonia and those undergoing major surgery. For each indicator, the available supporting data are reviewed.
Integrated Practice and Architecture Education: The Evolution of a Pedagogy

Integrated Practice and Integrated Project Delivery are becoming the norm in architectural practice and therefore must be addressed in architecture education. Architecture programs are also continuously facing pressure from the profession and the collaborative architectural organizations to integrate the profession into education. This has been encouraged through programs such as the various NCARB awards. However, if architecture programs do not take the lead and begin to create programs that address professional education issues, such as integrated practice, the decisions will start to be made for them.This paper is about nascent research on integrated practice being conducted in an architecture program through the design studio. A three-week charette consisting of teams of architecture, interior design, and building construction students has been conducted for the past two years as an experiment in integrated practice and its impact on learning in architecture education. Data was collected through surveys completed by the students through five surveys conducted throughout the three week time period. The first survey was a combination of quantitative data collection in the form of demographic information and qualitative data collection in the form of open-ended questions. The next three surveys were spaced out at certain intervals along the length of the charette and were specifically openended questions. The final survey was a reiteration of the qualitative questions from the original survey to gauge any changes in perceptions and knowledge since the administration of the first survey. This paper will discuss the final results of the data and how that will affect the formation of the integrated practice charette for the next three years of the project. The paper will also propose best practices for using this type of project for a full semester studio, as well as for use by other architecture programs.
Learning early lifecycle IV & V quality indicators

Traditional methods of generating quality code indicators (e.g. linear regression, decision tree induction) can be demonstrated to be inappropriate for IV&V purposes. IV&V is a unique aspect of the software lifecycle, and different methods are necessary to produce quick and accurate results. If quality code indicators could be produced on a per-project basis, then IV&V could proceed in a more straight-forward fashion, saving time and money. We present one case study on just such a project, showing that by using the proper metrics and machine learning algorithms, quality indicators can be found as early as 3 months into the IV&V process.
Financial Flexibility and the Cost of External Finance for U.S. Bank Holding Companies

This paper models a bank with access to two segmented capital markets, the market for insured deposits and the market for uninsured claims. We illustrate how higher costs of accessing either market leads to lower firm values and a greater incentive to carry liquid assets. We test our model on a sample of large banking firms, and label banks with relatively lower costs of accessing the two markets as more "financially flexible." Our two key findings are (1) banks with greater financial flexibility have greater value, and (2) banks with greater financial flexibility devote a smaller percentage of assets to cash and marketable securities, consistent with the notion that financial flexibility reduces the sensitivity of firm profits to internal wealth shocks, thus reducing the firm's need to carry financial slack.
Activation of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 inhibits acid secretion in rats.

Somatostatin is a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. Recently, at least five distinct somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR) have been characterized and evaluated using relatively selective peptide analogues of somatostatin. We sought to determine which somatostatin receptor subtypes are involved in peripheral regulation of gastric acid secretion. Fasted, male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and were implanted with a double-lumen cannula in the stomach. Acid secretion was measured in gastric samples collected every 10 min by backtitration to pH 7. After a 30-min basal period, a 2-h intravenous infusion of pentagastrin (24 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 i.v.) was started. During the second pentagastrin hour, a 1-h intravenous infusion of either vehicle (0.1% canine serum albumin in 0.9% saline) or somatostatin receptor agonists was begun. The somatostatin receptor agonists included peptides with relative specificity for SSTR1-5 (somatostatin-14; 10 nmol.kg-1.h-1); SSTR2, SSTR3, and SSTR5 [SMS-(201-995); 10 nmol.kg-1.h-1]; SSTR2 (1-1,000 nmol.kg-1.h-1); SSTR3 (10-1,000 nmol.kg-1.h-1); and SSTR5 (10-1,000 nmol.kg-1.h-1). The SSTR2 agonist decreased pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion dose dependently, from 82 +/- 7% of maximum acid output at 1 nmol.kg-1.h-1 to 4 +/- 7% of maximum at 100 nmol.kg-1.h-1. At 10 nmol.kg-1.h-1, the SSTR2 agonist inhibited acid secretion (40 +/- 7% of maximum) similarly to somatostatin (37 +/- 4% of maximum) and SMS-(201-995) (31 +/- 4% of maximum). The SSTR2 agonist inhibited acid secretion approximately 10- to 100-fold more potently than either the SSTR3 or the SSTR5 agonist. These results indicate that somatostatin regulates gastric acid secretion by activation of SSTR2 receptors.
An effective low-grazing reflection coefficient for modeling groundwave propagation over randomly rough terrain

For propagation over a rough terrain, the physical statistical properties of the ground surface have a direct impact on the statistics of the propagating signal. When the transmitter and receiver are close, the LOS (line-of-sight) space wave from the transmitting antenna, when it exists, provides the primary contribution to the total received signal, as the coherent reflection from the underlying rough surface is reduced by the random scattering effects. However, over a long distance, as the propagation path approaches the grazing condition, in accordance with the Rayleigh criterion, the surface appears electrically smooth again and coherent cancellation between the direct and ground scattered signals is re-established. These qualitative observations are consistent with numerical simulation results presented in previous works [1, 2]; specifically, as it has been shown in [1], for fixed transmitter and receiver locations, the far field propagation loss increases with the surface rms height as expected but also shows considerable dependence on the two-point surface correlation length. Furthermore, at grazing propagation, it is no longer proper to calculate coherent signal statistics by a complete replacement of the rough surface with a smooth surface positioned at the original surface's physical mean height, for now the effective height is a function of both rms height and correlation length. Although numerical models such as those prescribed in [1, 2] have proven to be efficient simulators in dealing with the near-ground channel, it is also convenient to quantitatively capture the aforementioned observations—which have not been sufficiently addressed and explained in existing literature—in analytical formulations.
The Q510E mutation in Shp2 perturbs heart valve development by increasing cell migration

Tightly regulated cellular signaling is critical for correct heart valve development, but how and why signaling is dysregulated in congenital heart disease is not very well known. We focused on protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2, because mutations in this signaling modulator frequently cause valve malformations associated with Noonan syndrome or Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML). To model NSML-associated valve disease, we targeted overexpression of Q510E-Shp2 to mouse endocardial cushions (ECs) using a Tie2-Cre-based approach. At midgestation, Q510E-Shp2 expression increased the size of atrioventricular ECs by 80%. To dissect the underlying cellular mechanisms, we explanted ECs from chick embryonic hearts and induced Q510E-Shp2 expression using adenoviral vectors. Valve cell outgrowth from cultured EC explants into surrounding matrix was significantly increased by Q510E-Shp2 expression. Because focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a critical regulator of cell migration, we tested whether FAK inhibition counteracts the Q510E-Shp2-induced effects in explanted ECs. The FAK/src inhibitor PP2 normalized valve cell outgrowth from Q510E-Shp2-expressing ECs. Next, chick ECs were further dissociated to assess cell proliferation and migration. Valve cell proliferation was not increased by Q510E-Shp2 as determined by label incorporation. In contrast, valve cell migration as reflected in a wound-healing assay was increased by Q510E-Shp2 expression, indicating that increased migration is the predominant effect of Q510E-Shp2 expression in ECs. In conclusion, PP2-sensitive signaling mediates the pathogenic effects of Q510E-Shp2 on cell migration in EC explant cultures. This suggests a central role for FAK and provides new mechanistic insight into the molecular basis of valve defects in NSML.
Breaking Down the Evidence for Bevacizumab in Ovarian Cancer

Bevacizumab has been FDA-approved for use in combination with single-agent chemotherapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer; however, its optimal role remains unclear. In this editorial, the timing, efficacy, safety, and rationale for use of bevacizumab in ovarian cancer are discussed.
An efficient methodology for extraction and simulation of transmission lines for application specific electronic modules

Physical interconnect introduces new challenges for parameter extraction and delay calculation for application specific electronic module (ASEM) design automation. Efficiency dictates the precharacterization of extracted electrical parameters in the same manner as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). However, ASEM interconnect is dominated by frequency dependent LC propagation which makes precharacterization difficult for all possible configurations. Moreover, simulating the transient behavior of the ASEM interconnect for noise and delay analysis requires the combined use of a variety of models and techniques for efficiently handling lossy, low-loss, frequency dependent, and coupled transmission lines together with lumped parasitic elements. We propose to use conformal mapping to generate "abstracted" models for the electrical parameters of various RLC interconnect cross-sections, including the frequency dependence caused by ground plane proximity and skin effects. Along with precharacterized lumped parasitic elements and nonlinear driver and load models, these models are simulated using a generalized time-domain macromodeling approach that can combine different types of transmission line analysis in one simulation environment. An automatic selection mechanism is derived for determination of the best time-domain macromodel for a particular distributed segment.
The Role of Field Independence in Foreign Language Instruction

Based on the educational implications of field (in)dependence as described by Witkin et al. (1977), a series of hypotheses are formulated concerning the role of FI in L2-learning with different methods. Most existing L2 research, in contrast, has studied FI, usually assessed with the EFT, as an aptitude for learning with any particular teaching method, and has yielded somewhat inconsistent results, with a tendency to mild positive correlations between FI and L2-achievement. It is argued that FI in L2-learning should be viewed in the aptitude-treatment interaction paradigm and a series of suggestions are made concerning the assessments of FI as well as the design and the outcome measures for such interaction research.
IT Energy Conservation at Work: People Don't Always Act the Way They Feel

Much has been written about green IT, and it's widely accepted that saving energy is a positive move toward climate control. However, many organizations do little to actively engage their employees in energy-conservation efforts at an individual level. Feedback has been shown to be an important motivator for changing behavior. This article presents a test of a simple energy-conservation device attached to individual computer workstations along with measures of actual use and employee attitudes toward the environment in general and the energy-conservation device specifically. Overall, the author's findings show that while highly positive attitudes were reported, overall uptake of the device was somewhat disappointing because people don't always act in line with how they feel.
Arguing From Experience Young Children’s Embodied Knowledge and Writing as Inquiry

As new standards require that teachers and schools move to incorporate argument writing beginning in the earliest grades, young children’s interactions with opportunities to formulate claims require further investigation. This article, part of a yearlong ethnographic study of a first-grade class, examines young children’s practices of argument writing during a 6-week unit that invited them to take a stance on issues in their lives they considered unfair. I utilize feminist epistemologies to understand the ways children drew on their embodied knowledge to make normative claims about the world and investigate social justice concerns. Analysis focuses on the teacher’s and students’ characterizations of writing arguments and the discursive negotiation of what writing comes to mean for differently situated participants, including areas of contestation. This study illuminates the interrelationship between specific features of argument, the premises of the genre, and children’s lived experiences, and proposes a ...
Diode laser analyses of the 3ν 7 1 f + ν 2 ← 2ν 7 0 and 4ν 7 0 + ν 2 0 ← 3ν 7 1 fQ branches of C 3 O 2

Doppler-resolution-limited diode-laser spectra were obtained of two Q branches in the ν2 + ν7 hot-band series of C3O2: the 3ν71f + ν2 ← 2ν70 transition at 849.81 cm−1 and the 4ν70 + ν2 ← 3ν71f transition at 865.85 cm−1. Analysis of the latter of these indicates an anomalous negative centrifugal distortion term for the 4ν70 + ν2 state, leading to a band head in the Q branch.
Power Wheelchair Use in Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Changes Over Time

The objectives of this study were to survey persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at 1 and 6 months after receiving power wheelchairs to determine long-term use, comfort, and function as well as the power wheelchair's impact on daily tasks and quality of life. A 33-question survey and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) were sent 1 month after getting a new power wheelchair; a follow-up survey was sent at 6 months. Based on satisfaction and feature use survey results, at 1 month, 81% of users found the power wheelchair overall comfort to be high, 88% found their overall mobility to be improved, and 95% found it easy to use. Their quality of life increased and pain decreased at 1 and 6 months. According to the PIADS, the power wheelchair gave users increased ability to participate and sense of competence. This study has important results for the ALS community, as it is the first to assess power wheelchair users at 1 and 6 months after power wheelchair procurement. The results demonstrate the impact the power wheelchair has on mobility, psychosocial issues, functional abilities, and quality of life for a person with ALS.
Interfacial Dynamic Length Scales in the Glass Transition of a Model Freestanding Polymer Film and Their Connection to Cooperative Motion

Nanoscale confinement alters the dynamics of glass-forming liquids in films of order 100 nm in thickness. A common hypothesis for the origin of this long range posits that interfacial dynamics prop...
Tuning the Selectivity of Gd3N Cluster Endohedral Metallofullerene Reactions with Lewis Acids

We demonstrate the manipulation of the Lewis acid strength to selectively fractionate different types of Gd3N metallofullerenes that are present in complex mixtures. Carbon disulfide is used for all Lewis acid studies. CaCl2 exhibits the lowest reactivity but the highest selectivity by precipitating only those gadolinium metallofullerenes with the lowest first oxidation potentials. ZnCl2 selectively complexes Gd3N@C88 during the first 4 h of reaction. Reaction with ZnCl2 for an additional 7 days permits a selective precipitation of Gd3N@C84 as the dominant endohedral isolated. A third fraction is the filtrate, which possesses Gd3N@C86 and Gd3N@C80 as the two dominant metallofullerenes. The order of increasing reactivity and decreasing selectivity (left to right) is as follows: CaCl2 < ZnCl2 < NiCl2 < MgCl2 < MnCl2 < CuCl2 < WCl4 ≪ WCl6 < ZrCl4 < AlCl3 < FeCl3. As a group, CaCl2, ZnCl2, and NiCl2 are the weakest Lewis acids and have the highest selectivity because of their very low precipitation onsets, wh...
Interaction of Microvortex Generator Flow with Ramp-Induced Shock/Boundary-Layer Interactions

This paper reports the experiments conducted using two di erent micro vortex generator design on a at plate with four con guration at Mach 2.5. Con gurations include a at surface (baseline), 5 degree ramp, 25 degree ramp, and a 1 in. diameter cylinder. Surface ow and schlieren were applied experimentally and high-order LES was applied numerically. Results suggest that MVGs have a practical upper limit to their e ectiveness on ramp-induced shock/boundary-layer interaction which may be design dependent. The results also suggest the existence of vortex ring production and boundary layer growth due to the e ects of micro vortex generators.
Gas Chromatographic Analyses of Complex Hydrocarbon Mixtures Void of n-Paraffin Retention Index Markers Using Joint Mass Spectral and Retention Index Libraries

Des hydrocarbures de reference, purs et dilues au 20000eme et de carbureacteurs dilues au 1500eme dans du fluide R 113 sont analyses a l'aide d'un chromatographe gaz muni d'un detecteur de masse. Un fichier des spectres de masse et des indices de retention permet l'identification des n-paraffines lorsque tous les composes paraffiniques sont dans l'echantillon analyse. Si certains manquent, comme par exemple les composes en C 9 et C 10 , un algorithme est utilise pour calculer les temps de retention de ces composes manquants et etamer l'influence sur les temps de retention des autres composes. L'identification est alors possible par utilisation des fichiers
Comparing laboratory dynamic modulus values with long term pavement performance predictions

AbstractThis study compares laboratory dynamic modulus value of Superpave mixes with the dynamic modulus obtained from Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. The comparison shows that the dynamic modulus from LTPP database, which were determined by using different types of artificial neural network (ANN) models, differs from the laboratory tested dynamic modulus. The dynamic modulus data of five LTPP test sections are considered. Mixes similar to those five sections were collected from the field and tested in the laboratory. Based on the findings of this study, it can be said that dynamic modulus from ANN models are less than the laboratory dynamic modulus for New Mexico Superpave mixes. Therefore, as an important design parameter, the use of dynamic modulus predicted from Neural Network models can result in outcomes different from those using laboratory dynamic modulus.
Band Gap Engineering of MnO via ZnO Alloying: A Potential New Visible-Light Photocatalyst

Practical implementation of solar-powered water splitting and CO2 reduction to fuels requires the discovery of efficient and inexpensive photocatalytic (PC) materials. One possible materials design...