cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The LovK-LovR Two-Component System Is a Regulator of the General Stress Pathway in Caulobacter crescentus

A conserved set of regulators control the general stress response in Caulobacter crescentus, including σT, its anti-σ factor NepR, the anti-anti-σ factor PhyR, and the transmembrane sensor kinase PhyK. We report that the soluble histidine kinase LovK and the single-domain response regulator LovR also function within the C. crescentus general stress pathway. Our genetic data support a model in which LovK-LovR functions upstream of σT by controlling the phosphorylation state and thus anti-anti-σ activity of PhyR. Transcription of lovK and lovR is independently activated by stress through a mechanism that requires sigT and phyR. Conversely, lovK and lovR function together to repress transcription of the general stress regulon. Concordant with a functional role of the LovK-LovR two-component system as a negative regulator of the general stress pathway, lovK-lovR-null mutants exhibit increased cell survival after osmotic stress, while coordinate overexpression of lovK and lovR attenuates cell survival relative to that of the wild type. Notably, lovK can complement the transcriptional and cell survival defects of a phyK-null mutant when lovR is deleted. Moreover, in this same genetic background, σT-dependent transcription is activated in response to osmotic stress. This result suggests that flavin-binding LOV (light, oxygen, or voltage) histidine kinases are competent to perceive cytoplasmic signals in addition to the environmental signal blue light. We conclude that the PhyK-PhyR and LovK-LovR two-component signaling systems coordinately regulate stress physiology in C. crescentus.
Optimal operation of energy storage for arbitrage and ancillary service capacity: The infinite horizon approach

This paper considers the co-optimization of the operations of a grid scale energy storage resource (ESR) for both energy price arbitrage and sales of secondary frequency regulation capacity. We investigate the application of the infinite horizon Markov decision problem (MDP) framework to this problem. We formulate the ESR's decision optimization problem as an infinite horizon, average reward MDP. This problem is a proof-of-principle which considers the automatic generation control signal as the only random parameter. Example MDPs are solved using the policy iteration algorithm. The optimal operating policies and gains are described. Results show that the value of an ESR can be increased substantially by using it for more than one purpose simultaneously.
Inductively loaded wide-gap designs for relativistic klystrons

As the power and the frequency of a relativistic klystron increase, design of both modulation and extraction cavities becomes increasingly difficult. If the gap is narrow, the rf electric field begins to exceed limits for electron emission or breakdown. On the other hand, if the gap width exceeds a small fraction of a wavelength, typical extraction modes do not couple well, and space charge potential energy reduces efficiency and limits the current that can cross the gap. We present theoretical investigations of a novel gap design that incorporates an inductively loaded return-current structure. This structure serves to neutralize the dc space charge of the beam, while sustaining the longitudinal rf field that extracts the microwave energy. With appropriate choice of resonant modes, it appears that gap widths exceeding a half wavelength can be used for modulation of high-current beams, as well as extraction of rf energy with high efficiency.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Endogenous signaling complexity in neuropeptides- leucine- and methionine-enkephalin.

1. In addition to his many fine contributions in furthering our understanding of the neurochemical action of ecosanoids, catchelomines, steroids, anandamines, cannabinoids, endorphins, and the many modifications made to these neural factors, twenty years ago Julius Axelrod published a noteworthy paper concerning the nature of neuropeptides and their potential for multiple neurophysiological effects (Redgate et al., 1986). 2. In that report, Axelrod and coworkers described the neurological actions of the then recently discovered leucine- and methionine-enkephalins, and their biological functions which were novel, atypical, and in possession of neurological effects that were significantly “much more than additive.” 3. In this short communication I would like to expand on this observation concerning the “additive effects” contained within the amino acid sequence of the atypical neurotransmitter peptides leucine- and methonine-enkephalin.
Analysis of ultrasonic velocity measurements on sintering zinc oxide

Abstract A technique is presented for accurate measurement of the longitudinal wave velocity up to 1050 °C in sintering powder compacts. The technique uses laser generation and contact detection of the ultrasonic signal. Representative results are presented for heating cycles performed upon sintering ZnO powder compacts, and upon a pre-sintered dense ZnO sample. The data demonstrate the capability for performing in-situ longitudinal wave velocity measurements at high temperatures, and in attenuative materials such as sintering ceramic powder compacts. In addition, the data demonstrate the sensitivity of ultrasonic velocity measurements to changes within the sintering compact which are not detectable by dimension measurement alone. A novel application of ultrasonic velocity measurements performed in-situ on sintering ZnO is presented. This application is based upon interpretation of longitudinal wave velocity measurements in the context of existing models treating surface area reduction during sintering. A previously observed correlation between the longitudinal wave ultrasonic velocity and the specific surface area facilitates this interpretation. The analysis yields an activation energy for surface area reduction in sintering ZnO which compares well with values reported in the literature.
Why is the Mirror Cracked

Social science theory, the concepts and argumentative architecture through which scholars make sense of the vast processes of modernity—industrialization, etatisation, secularity, individuation—generated the first wave of theoretical concepts in the crucible of European history. Social science inquiry in India had no way of avoiding these concepts, Kaviraj argues, but it could not escape a sense of unease at the misfit between the assumptions built into these theories and concepts and the historical world it investigated. In the last decade, a serious discussion about these theoretical questions has emerged: one moving from dissatisfaction with individual primary concepts—like secularity, the state, citizenship, industrialization, labor—to a more generalized discontent regarding the nature of theorizing itself. Gopal Guru and Sunder Sarukkai’s book The Cracked Mirror contributes centrally to this discussion at two levels: it questions the way in which social scientists have taken for granted the way they have thought about untouchability; at the same time, it raises with an undeniable sharpness the question of theory itself. What is the activity called theorizing? What is it meant to do? What are the criteria of success in this activity—besides the fluent and repeated use of concepts taken from the latest Western intellectual debates?
Differentiating Communication Disorders and Autism in Children.

Abstract The diagnosis of autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), particularly in young children has become a top priority in the fields of mental health and education. Core symptoms include rituals and stereotypies, social skills deficits, and problems in communication. Considerable overlap exists in symptoms for autism spectrum disorders and communication disorders. As a result, distinguishing between these two conditions is one of the most difficult aspects of the assessment enterprise. However, being able to differentially diagnose these two disorders has important implications for the treatment and management of these conditions. This paper provides an overview and critical analysis of these disorders, how they are differentiated, and the specific impact correct diagnosis can have on the selection and efficacy of interventions.
Accentuate the positive: Social dominance orientation and the influence of ingroup members who support versus challenge group status

We examined the influence of ingroup member opinions on individual evaluations of a novel ingroup. Participants were assigned to either a low-status or high-status group, and were exposed to ingroup members who either supported or criticized that status. Social dominance orientation (SDO) was also measured. When members of a high-status group were exposed to an ingroup member who supported the group's status, they evaluated the ingroup more positively than when they were exposed to a critical group member. The opposite pattern emerged for members of the low-status group. Group differences in identification and evaluations of the target ingroup member were moderated by individual differences in SDO.
Trade and Peace

theoretical innovations, the empirical findings and problems, and the most promising methodological tools for moving the frontiers of knowledge in this area forward over the next several years. One central research question that emerges from the existing literature is the strength and causal nature of the relationship between international commerce and conflict. John Oneal's contribution to the book provides new estimates, updating earlier studies by himself and Bruce Russett (Oneal and Russett 1999; Russett and Oneal 2001) with new trade and GDP (gross domestic product) data compiled by Kristian Gleditsch (2002), and using statistical techniques that control for temporal dependence in time series data. Oneal continues to find a significant and strong relationship between trade and peace. By contrast, other contributors find that the trade-peace relationship is a contingent one. Christopher Gelpi and Joseph Grieco, for example, provide new empirical findings that the trade-peace relationship is stronger for jointly democratic pairs of states than for other dyads, and in fact that the relationship is inverted for pairs of autocracies. Mansfield's chapter summarizes his collaborative work with Jon Pevehouse and David Bearce on the pacifying effects of preferential trading arrangements. They find a strong association between trade and peace among states that are members of common trading arrangements, but relatively little association for states that are not. Both these chapters offer well thought-out theoretical explanations for these effects. Several chapters address the recent bargaining theory critique of the standard liberal-trade-causes-peace argument (Morrow 1999; Gartzke, Li, and Boehmer 2001). Strategic bargaining theory sees war as a consequence of asymmetric information about states' interests and capabilities rather than as a result of the costliness of war itself. Accordingly, economic interdependence should affect the likelihood of conflict not by raising the costs of war, as the conventional liberal argument holds, but by promoting transparency and facilitating costly signaling. Erik Gartzke hypothesizes that the reaction of free capital markets to looming conflict with trading partners provides a credible signal to foreign audiences about their own state's bargaining resolve. James Morrow suggests using events data to look for evidence of signaling through the use of trade sanctions--for example, are certain patterns of trade disputes more common for highly interdependent states than for states with lower levels of trade? Arthur Stein's contribution, on the other
A survey of some distributed processing models from a computational perspective

Summary form only given, as follows. Many distributed models of computation have been proposed over the years. On the surface they seem to be quite different from more traditional models, and often from each other. But do they offer a fundamentally different type of computation? Some of the more prominent models are investigated from this computational perspective. A brief description is given of each model, followed by a discussion of their capability both with respect to each other and in relation to classical models of computation. >
Dynamic interplay between femtosecond laser ionization mechanisms in solid dielectrics

Dominating ionization mechanisms are revealed for bulk dielectrics irradiated by ultrashort (femtosecond) laser pulses, analyzing reported in literature well-established and consistent experimental data dealing with dependences of electron-hole plasma density on laser intensity, damage thresholds and bulk damage (surface crater) size on dielectric bandgaps. Multi-photon ionization was found to be predominant at low laser intensities (I las I break - ionization processes are strongly damped by unknown non-linear mechanisms, one of those could be Auger recombination, and are followed by microscopic damage of dielectric materials. In the latter range of I las the most accurate source of experimental information on ionization processes is scaling relationships between damage thresholds for corresponding dielectrics and their dielectric bandgaps, fs-laser pulsewidth, wavelength and polarization, as well as spatial size of damage (surface crater) on bandgap width or laser pulse energy. Theoretical analysis of these experimental data and some experimental scaling relationships provides an important insight into interplay of various ionization mechanisms and Auger recombination, supported by results of our numerical calculations of EHP density vs. I las , and enables to explain other separate important experimental facts on high-intensity ionization in bulk dielectrics.
How to not only survive but thrive during recession: a multi‐wave, discovery‐oriented study

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the marketing actions that companies performed during the Great Recession, and the resulting effect on firms' performance. The purpose is to discover what marketing actions companies performed, what was the impact to the firm, and why the actions taken either helped them to excel, simply survive, or cease to exist.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a discovery‐oriented approach, consisting of a pilot study, a survey, field interviews and a focus group interview.Findings – The findings suggest that successful companies invest in current customer relationships by strengthening their key account teams and by working with their clients who are suffering financial difficulties. Successful firms also began implementing new marketing techniques such as social media and crowd‐sourcing.Originality/value – This study contributes to previous research in marketing that focuses on marketing activities during recessions.
How I Got My Head in the Cloud … But Forgot to Bring an Umbrella

I am taking a different approach to this edition of the Electronic Roundup. This column is a direct follow-up to the previous column, “Get Your Head in the Clouds,” vol. 30, issue 1, where I explai...
The Relation of Baseline Skills to Psychotherapy Outcome Across Diverse Psychotherapies

Objective We explored whether patients with varied levels of baseline deficits in compensatory skills and self-understanding had different outcomes across cognitive and dynamic therapies.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy With Physically Abusive Parents: Efficacy for Reducing Future Abuse Reports.

A randomized trial was conducted to test the efficacy and sufficiency of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) in preventing re-reports of physical abuse among abusive parents. Physically abusive parents (N=110) were randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions: (a) PCIT, (b) PCIT plus individualized enhanced services, or (c) a standard community-based parenting group. Participants had multiple past child welfare reports, severe parent-to-child violence, low household income, and significant levels of depression, substance abuse, and antisocial behavior. At a median follow-up of 850 days, 19% of parents assigned to PCIT had a re-report for physical abuse compared with 49% of parents assigned to the standard community group. Additional enhanced services did not improve the efficacy of PCIT. The relative superiority of PCIT was mediated by greater reduction in negative parent-child interactions, consistent with the PCIT change model.
Planning as a Heterosexist Project

The author argues that a key to understanding interactions between urban planning and lesbian and gay communities is to recognize that urban planning developed as a heterosexist project. Based on works in lesbian and gay history, he notes how the development of modern planning arose at the same time as modern conceptions of sexual orientation. Early planners were cognizant of lesbians and gays. Analyzing key texts of urban planning, the author shows how the heterosexist project works through unquestioned acceptance of Katz’s key assumptions of heterosexuality. He builds the argument by examining three dualisms within planning discourse: order/disorder, family/household, and public/private. While much of the analysis is historical, the author finds that planning continues to reinforce repression of lesbians and gays through laws, ordinances, and regulations. Analysis of emerging lesbian and gay enclaves must start with this background of repression. He concludes by suggesting several starting points for in...
Stenaspidiotus microptilus n. gen., n. sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae) in Dominican amber, with evidence of tachinid (Diptera: Tachinidae) oviposition

A new genus and species of chrysomeline, Stenaspidiotus microptilus n. gen., n. sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae), is described from Dominican amber. Diagnostic characters include an elongate, flattened body; small eyes; a narrow, long pronotum with a width/length ratio of 1.6; an irregular pronotal surface with marginated lateral edges; distinct humeral calli; confused elytral speckling; large scutellum; elongated mesosternum; emarginated but non-fissured third tarsomere; and simple claws. On the pronotum of S. microptilus is a macrotype egg characteristic of the family Tachinidae (Diptera). This is the first Chrysomelinae from Dominican amber and the first fossil record of tachinid oviposition.
THE EARLY HISTORY OF HYSTEROSCOPY

The instrument that he described was a vaseshaped lantern made of tin and covered with leather. "Its height was 12 inches and five lines; the width of the anterior and posterior outer surface was 3 inches and two lines; and the width of the outer lateral surfaces was one inch and eight lines." In the center of the lantern was a wax candle that was forced upward by a spring. The lantern had three apertures: two on one side separated by a septum, and one on the opposite side. The flame of the candle was at the left, below the two apertures that served as outlets for specula. The specula were divided by a septum, one canal conducted light into the hollow organ and the other one made observation possible. Bozzini believed that the criteria for a good endoscope "in order to best serve its purpose, must a) have a bright steady light in a fixed position; b) allow the in- and outgoing conductors proper passage and easy mounting; and c) have a suitable shape and size." Bozzini added, "surgical diagnoses would become more certain, since the extent, the character, and the form of the tumors and disease states could be seen. Indeed the trained touch of the obstetrician, now reinforced by the eye or guided by it, will scarcely be capable of mistakes any longer. Uterine hemorrhages which develop from various spots in the uterus, their site of origin and extent can be determined and more
Comparison of least-square equalization and iterative decision feedback in page-oriented optical data storage

We compare bit-error rate in least square adaptive equalization and iterative decision feedback data detection methods for volumetric (3D) page-oriented optical data storage (PODS) systems with extreme intersymbol interference (ISI) in novel hexagonal coordinate systems.
Equol production changes over time in pre-menopausal women

Equol (EQ) is a metabolite produced by gut bacteria through the chemical reduction of the soy isoflavone (IFL) daidzein (DE), but only by 30–60% of the population. EQ is believed to provide benefits derived from soy intake and its production is widely viewed as a relatively stable phenomenon. In a randomized, cross-over intervention with soy foods, 79 premenopausal women were challenged with 6-months each of a high-soy and low-soy diet separated by a 1-month washout. Overnight urine (OU) was collected at three time points during each diet period and analyzed for DE and EQ by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Remaining an EQ producer (EP) or nonproducer (NP) or changing towards an EP or NP was assessed using a ratio of EQ/DE ≥ 0.018 combined with a DE threshold ≥ 2 nmol/mg creatinine as cutoff. We observed 19% and 24% EP during the low-soy and high-soy diet period, respectively, and found that 6–11% of our subjects changed EQ status within each study period (on average of 1.2 times) while 16% changed between the two diet periods. This finding challenges the widely held conviction that EQ production within an individual remains stable over time. The precise factors contributing to changes in EQ status, however, remain elusive and warrant further investigation.
An integrated microfluidic processor for single nucleotide polymorphism-based DNA computing

An integrated microfluidic processor is developed that performs molecular computations using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as binary bits. A complete population of fluorescein-labeled DNA "answers" is synthesized containing three distinct polymorphic bases; the identity of each base (A or T) is used to encode the value of a binary bit (TRUE or FALSE). Computation and readout occur by hybridization to complementary capture DNA oligonucleotides bound to magnetic beads in the microfluidic device. Beads are loaded into sixteen capture chambers in the processor and suspended in place by an external magnetic field. Integrated microfluidic valves and pumps circulate the input DNA population through the bead suspensions. In this example, a program consisting of a series of capture/rinse/release steps is executed and the DNA molecules remaining at the end of the computation provide the solution to a three-variable, four-clause Boolean satisfiability problem. The improved capture kinetics, transfer efficiency, and single-base specificity enabled by microfluidics make our processor well-suited for performing larger-scale DNA computations.
A theoretical and experimental investigation of the effects of horizontal barriers in thermal diffusion columns

A theoretical and experimental investigation of the effects of horizontal barriers on the separation of binary mixtures attained in thermogravitational thermal diffusion columns was undertaken in an attempt to further the understanding of these effects. The presence of horizontal barriers serves to reduce the internal convective flow and to divide tht column into a number of smaller columns with interconnecting end feeds. Equations developed from such a model serve to predict the effect of the number of barriers, temperature difference, barrier diameter, and other parameters on the steady state and transient behavior of a batch column and on the manner in which bulk flow through the column influences the steady state separation in continuous-flow columns. Data were taken in both batch and continuous columns to test the theory. Parameters varied experimentally (with an ethanol-water system) were number of barriers, (N = 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 50), temperature difference, and diameter of the cylindrical barriers. It was found that the theoretical developments were entirely adequate to explain the observed influence of number of barriers for both types of column operation. The slight dependence of steady state batch separation on temperature difference that was observed is consistent with data of other investigations, and the independence of this type of separation on barrier diameter is in agreement with theoretical predictions. The theoretical predictions with respect to changes in temperature difference and a semitheoretical analysis of the effect of barrier diameter making use of isothermal hydrodynamic determinations proved satisfactory in predicting the influence of changes in these two parameters on both the transient batch and steady state continuous-flow column operation.
MAC Support for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

A wide range of applications such as disaster management, military, and security have fueled interest in sensor networks in recent years. Since the employed sensor nodes often are significantly constrained in their onboard energy, most of the research work, including that on medium access control (MAC) protocols, has focused on optimizing energy consumptions and cared less about data delivery latency. However, employing advanced video and audio sensing devices needs special attention to quality of service requirements associated with multimedia data. This paper presents MAQ, a novel Medium Arbitration scheme for supporting QoS traffic over a single communication channel. MAQ decentralizes the control of the communication resources and fully integrates TDMA and CSMA/CA schemes for medium access. The main objective of MAQ is to ensure predictable delay and fair access for the nodes while achieving high channel utilization and network throughput. The simulation experiments confirm the effectiveness of MAQ.
Na+ channel regulation by Ca2+/calmodulin and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

Aims Calmodulin (CaM) regulates Na+ channel gating through binding to an IQ-like motif in the C-terminus. Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) regulates Ca2+ handling and chronic over activity of CaMKII is associated left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction, and lethal arrhythmias. However, the acute effects of Ca2+/CaM and CaMKII on cardiac Na+ channels are not fully understood. Methods and Results Purified NaV1.5-GST fusion peptides were phosphorylated in vitro by CaMKII predominantly on the I-II linker. Whole cell voltage-clamp was used to measure Na+ current (INa) in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes in the absence or presence of CaM or CaMKII in the pipette solution. CaMKII shifted the voltage dependence of Na+ channel availability by ≈+5 mV, hastened recovery from inactivation, decreased entry into intermediate or slow inactivation, and increased persistent (late) current, but did not change INa decay. These CaMKII-induced changes of Na+ channel gating were completely abolished by a specific CaMKII inhibitor, autocamtide 2-related inhibitory peptide (AIP). Ca2+/CaM alone reproduced the CaMKII-induced changes of INa availability and the fraction of channels undergoing slow inactivation, but did not alter recovery from inactivation or the magnitude of the late current. Furthermore, the CaM-induced changes were also completely abolished by AIP. On the other hand, cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors did not abolish the CaM/CaMKII-induced alterations of INa function. Conclusion Ca2+/CaM and CaMKII have distinct effects on the inactivation phenotype of cardiac Na+ channels. The differences are consistent with CaM-independent effects of CaMKII on cardiac Na+ channel gating.
Organizational Capabilities and Industrial Restructuring: A Historical Analysis

Abstract This historical analysis argues that the creation and evolution of modern managerial enterprises and the organizational capabilities developed within these enterprises have been a major force in the shaping of economic growth and competitive strength of modern industrial nations. It begins by reviewing the development of such capabilities in three of the first nations to industrialize, Britain, Germany, and the United States, and then in the two major late industrializers, Japan and the USSR, Japan through the mechanism of a market economy and the USSR through that of a planned economy. It thus provides a historical perspective for the examination of current industrial restructuring of the formerly planned economies of the USSR and Eastern Europe. J. Comp. Econom., June 1993, 17 (2) , pp. 309-337. Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02163.
PDF's, confidence regions, and relevant statistics for a class of sample covariance-based array processors

We add to the many results on sample covariance matrix (SCM) dependent array processors by (i) weakening the traditional assumption of Gaussian data and (ii) providing for a class of array processors additional performance measures that are of value in practice. The data matrix is assumed drawn from a class of multivariate elliptically contoured (MEC) distributions. The performance measures include the exact probability density functions (PDFs), confidence regions, and moments of the weight vector (matrix), beam response, and beamformer output of certain SCM-based (SCB) array processors. The array processors considered include the SCB: (i) maximum-likelihood (ML) signal vector estimator, (ii) linearly constrained minimum variance beamformer (LCMV), (iii) minimum variance distortionless response beamformer (MVDR), and (iv) generalized sidelobe canceller (GSC) implementation of the LCMV beamformer. It is shown that the exact joint PDFs for the weight vectors/matrices of the aforementioned SCB array processors are a linear transformation from a complex multivariate extension of the standardized t-distribution. The SCB beam responses are generalized t-distributed, and the PDFs of the SCB beamformer outputs are given by Kummer's function. All but the beamformer outputs are shown to be completely invariant statistics over the class of MECs considered.
Romantic Relationships Trajectories of African American Gay/Bisexual Adolescents

The interview study reported here sought to identify the perceived trajectory of romantic relationships of a cohort of Oakland African American gay/bisexual adolescents. Biographical interviews were used to identify cultural models of romantic relationships in the study sample and discovered a trajectory of four phases. In the antecedent to the trajectory, the youth enters the gay/bisexual social environment. In the first phase, the youth meets a male partner. In the second phase, the youth talks to the partner over a period of days or weeks. In the third phase, the couple enters into a boyfriend relationship and initiates sex. In the fourth phase, the couple experiences conflicts over infidelity and breaks up. As a consequence, the gay/bisexual youth experiences an aftermath that includes low self-esteem, trying to get back with the partner, and revenge sex. Each phase is described with informant quotations. Some implications for HIV prevention with these adolescents are discussed.
Endocrine Pathology: Treading Water in a Shark Tank of Uncertain Malignant Potential.

ic s. co m A wonderful thing about endocrine-related diseases is that most of them make sense. Unlike the complicated molalities of the Loop of Henle or the mapping of the complex and vaguely specific geography of the brain, we can logically contemplate the mechanism of action of central to end-organ feedback of hormone regulation. If the body physiologically requires more calcium, calcium sensors tell the parathyroid to facilitate increased calcium absorption and secretion. To maintain homeostasis in body temperature and metabolism, thyrotropin-releasing hormone does a well-rehearsed dance with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; or thyrotropin), which, in turn, greets the transmembrane TSH receptor in the thyroid to facilitate iodine uptake via the sodium iodide symporter and the production of thyroid hormone by thyrocytes. From thyroglobulin stores within thyroid follicles, there is secretion of thyroid hormone in its active form of triiodo-L-thyronine as well as in its primary form of thyroxine to be activated by cells in the body’s periphery, resulting in intracellular modification of gene and protein expression via complexes associated with thyroid hormone receptor isoforms, and subsequently feeding back centrally to cool down additional secretion in times of plenty. For as much as we understand about endocrine physiology, a great deal is left to be discovered about endocrine
A Numerical Investigation of Collision Efficiencies of Simple Ice Plates Colliding With Supercooled Water Drops

Abstract The hydrodynamic interaction between simple ice plates, idealized as oblate spheroids of axis ratio 0.05, and water drops, assumed to be spherical, was numerically investigated for atmospheric conditions of −10C and 700 mb. The ice plates had semi-major axis length between 147 and 404 µm and the water drops had radii up to 53 µm. Since the ratio of the mass of the drop to the mass of the crystal was small, the superposition model was found to be satisfactory. The flow fields around drops were those of LeClair et al., and the flow fields around oblate spheroids were those of Pitter et al. From the trajectories of the water drops relative to the ice crystals, collision efficiencies were determined. The model predicts preferential riming of the drops at the edges of crystals under certain conditions, in agreement with field observations in atmospheric clouds.
Drainage and Pollution from Beef Cattle Feedlots

The paper documents the changes that have taken place in the size of operations producing beef cattle for slaughter and the water contamination problems associated with the drainage from beef cattle feedlots. Data is presented on the quality and quantity of runoff that can occur at a feedlot. The runoff contains high concentrations of pollutants and occurs as a slug load on the resources of a stream. Because of the intermittent nature of the runoff, minimum control using retention ponds is possible. Relationships between rainfall and runoff at a feedlot indicate that after a minimum quantity of rain, the major fraction of the rain becomes runoff. Runoff coefficients of greater than 0.88 are shown. The possibility of ground-water pollution also is explored.
Reduced Ability of Old Male Rats to Release Acth and Corticosterone in Response to CRF Administration

A single injection of oCRF at either 2 or 15 micrograms/kg BW was given to old (19-21 mo) and young (4 mo) male rats, and plasma ACTH and corticosterone (CORT) were measured. Both doses of CRF caused a significant increase in plasma ACTH by 5 min in both age groups (p less than 0.01), but young rats had significantly greater ACTH levels by 25 min after injection (p less than 0.05) compared with old. Plasma CORT in both age groups was significantly elevated (p less than 0.01) above preinjection values by 5 min after either dose of CRF. However at 5, 15, and 25 min, young animals had significantly greater levels of CORT (p less than 0.05) compared with old. These results indicate that old male rats have a diminished capacity to secrete ACTH in response to oCRF; this decreased sensitivity may be responsible for decreased release of ACTH and CORT observed in old rats in response to stress.
A new thermostable endoglucanase, Acidothermus cellulolyticus E1

A new thermostable endoglucanase,Acidothermus cellulolyticus E1, and another bacterial endoglucanase, E5 fromThermomonospora fusca, each exhibit striking synergism with a fungal cellobiohydrolase (Trichoderma reesei CBH I) in the saccharification of microcrystalline cellulose. In neither case did the ratio of endoglucanase to exoglucanase that demonstrated maximum synergism coincide exactly with the ratio that actually released the maximum quantity of soluble sugar for a given total cellulase loading. The difference between the two ratios, after significant hydrolysis of the substrate, was considerably larger in the case ofA. cellulolyticus E1. For both endoglucanase pairings with CBH I, the offset between the ratio for maximum synergism and the ratio for maximal soluble sugar production was found to be a function of digestion time.
Production by ewes rearing single or twin lambs: effects of dietary crude protein percentage and supplemental zinc methionine.

Eighty Targhee ewes with single or twin lambs were used to investigate the effects of chelated zinc methionine and level of dietary CP on milk and wool production, DMI, and ewe and lamb BW change. Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial. Dietary treatments started 30 d prepartum and continued until 42 d postpartum. Milk production was estimated at 4, 10, 18, and 28 d postpartum. During gestation, DMI by ewes receiving zinc methionine and the 14.9% CP diet was greater (P < .10) than DMI by ewes not supplemented with zinc methionine and ewes fed the 11.3% CP diet. Ewes fed the 14.9% CP diet tended (P < .14) to gain more BW from 30 d prepartum to 4 d postpartum and lose more BW from 4 to 42 d postpartum than ewes fed the 11.3% CP diet. Ewes fed zinc methionine and the 14.9% CP diet produced more (P < .10) milk on d 28 than their counterparts. Ewes rearing twins produced more (P < .05) milk on d 4, 10, and 18 than ewes rearing single lambs. However, milk production on d 28 was not affected by number of lambs reared (P = .68). Lamb ADG at 28, 42, and 59 d postpartum was greater (P < .05) for both the zinc methionine treatment and the 14.9% CP diet. Zinc methionine (P = .11) and the 14.9% CP diet (P = .02) increased weaning weights by 6 and 9%, respectively. We conclude that both the zinc methionine supplement and the 14.9% CP diet resulted in more persistent milk production. In addition, when ewes and lambs were fed for an average of 42 d during early lactation, a 14.9% CP diet, and to a lesser degree, a chelated zinc methionine supplement, lamb weaning weights were improved.
Research on the Arc Continuity in Arc Fur nace

Mathematics expressions of arc curr en t are deduced considering the circuit resistance of the arc furnace,based on the assumption that electric arc voltage follows rectangle wave,and the elect ric parameters related to continuous and non-continuous electric arc are obta ined.The principle of arc continuity is demonstrated according to the expressi ons and an approximate expression convenient for practical applications is brought forward.Wave variety of the arc current from continuous to non-con tinuous electric arc is described in details with the operation parameter I/ Is changing.
When Average Is Not Good Enough: Students With Learning Disabilities at Selective, Private Colleges

Adolescents with learning disabilities disproportionately come from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds, show normative deficits in academic skills, and attend 2-year, public colleges instead of 4-year institutions. However, students with learning disabilities are well represented at the United States' most expensive and selective postsecondary institutions. We examined the psychoeducational functioning of students receiving accommodations for learning disabilities at a private, selective, liberal arts college. We also determined whether students had objective evidence supporting their disability diagnoses and academic accommodations. Most students showed above-average cognitive abilities, average academic skills, and no evidence of impairment. Although nearly all students reported academic problems, most lacked objective evidence of academic difficulties prior to college as well as relative or normative deficits in broad academic skills or fluency. Results indicate a need for greater reliance on objective, multimethod/multi-informant data in the diagnostic process. Results also highlight limitations in the current professional guidelines for documentation decision making in higher education.
Dynamically formed human-robot teams performing coordinated tasks

In this new era of space exploration where human-robot teams are envisioned maintaining a long-term presence on other planets, effective coordination of these teams is paramount. Three critical research challenges that must be solved to realize this vision are the human-robot team challenge, the pickup-team challenge, and the effective humanrobot communication challenge. In this paper, we address these challenges, propose a novel approach towards solving these challenges, and situate our approach in the newly introduced treasure hunt domain.
The Role of Exercise in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Regular exercise reduces A1C levels, adiposity, and triglyceride levels. However, no research has definitively proved a benefit of exercise on patient-oriented outcomes such as diabetes-related morbidity and mortality.
Crowdsourced Democratic Deliberation in Open Policymaking: Definition, Promises, Challenges

While crowdsourced democratic deliberation is becoming more common in open policymaking, it remains unclear what its value and role is — and should be, and could be — in policymaking. This paper examines crowdsourced democratic deliberation and its features, comparing it to the traditional mini-publics approach in democratic deliberation and to general online deliberation. The paper shows the promise of crowdsourced democratic deliberation as a method for scaling up deliberation to masses, while also illuminating its challenges, rooted in the self-selected and distributed nature of crowdsourcing. The paper concludes that the value of crowdsourced democratic deliberation remains mainly procedural rather than instrumental in policymaking.
Misalignment study of cylindrical SCMR wireless power transfer system

In this paper, a new misalignment insensitive Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) system is proposed. The efficiency versus azimuth rotation is examined. The analysis is performed by simulation software ANSYS HFSS and the result is validated by measurement. This new topology is proven to be misalignment insensitive throughout 360° azimuth rotation.
Network optimization of food flows in the U.S.

The world food system is a globalized and inter-connected network, and prior research has shown the US is one of the most important countries within this global network. Considering this, any affects on the US food network might have far reaching implications. The objective of this paper is to show how the efficiency of the US food network can be optimized and to examine the tradeoffs between sustainability, efficiency, and resiliency in a network science based approach. To do this we use the 2012 US Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) data focusing on origin-destination flows for 5 categories of food. We interpret these origin-destination flows as a directed weighted network and use a linear programming (LP) based approach to reconfigure the flows in order to minimize the “food miles” in the network. We extend our LP to a multi-objective optimization problem in order to consider partially optimized solutions that are closer to the current food network. Finally, we calculate characteristics of the optimized networks and compare them to the original network. Our results show that the US food network has the potential for more than a 50% reduction in “food miles”, which will result in a food system that is not only more economically efficient but also with a smaller sustainability impact by reducing the corresponding transportation GHG emissions.
The Belle II imaging Time-of-Propagation (iTOP) detector

Abstract High precision flavor physics measurements are an essential complement to the direct searches for new physics at the LHC ATLAS and CMS experiments. Such measurements will be performed using the upgraded Belle II detector that will take data at the SuperKEKB accelerator. With 40x the luminosity of KEKB, the detector systems must operate efficiently at much higher rates than the original Belle detector. A central element of the upgrade is the barrel particle identification system. Belle II has built and installed an imaging-Time-of-Propagation (iTOP) detector. The iTOP uses quartz optics as Cherenkov radiators. The photons are transported down the quartz bars via total internal reflection with a spherical mirror at the forward end to reflect photons to the backward end where they are imaged onto an array of segmented Micro-Channel Plate Photo-Multiplier Tubes (MCP-PMTs). The system is read out using giga-samples per second waveform sampling Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The combined timing and spatial distribution of the photons for each event are used to determine particle species. This paper provides an overview of the iTOP system.
University students’ attributions for abstinence from synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones

Background: Synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones are two increasingly available and potentially dangerous classes of substances. Objective: We designed this study to test whether univers...
Additive manufacturing: Toward holistic design

Abstract Additive manufacturing offers unprecedented opportunities to design complex structures optimized for performance envelopes inaccessible under conventional manufacturing constraints. Additive processes also promote realization of engineered materials with microstructures and properties that are impossible via traditional synthesis techniques. Enthused by these capabilities, optimization design tools have experienced a recent revival. The current capabilities of additive processes and optimization tools are summarized briefly, while an emerging opportunity is discussed to achieve a holistic design paradigm whereby computational tools are integrated with stochastic process and material awareness to enable the concurrent optimization of design topologies, material constructs and fabrication processes.
The Political Economy of Rural Industrialization in China: Village Conglomerates in Shandong Province

While the people's communes were formally dismantled in 1984 with the implementation of the Household Responsibility System (HRS), in Shandong province this dismantling has not resulted in a privatized rural economy. After eighteen years of economic reform, many peasants who have gained autonomy in agricultural production are still largely dependent on rural collective institutions for their income and welfare. Paradoxically, the communal benefits and services that one would normally associate with socialism, which were rarely found in Shandong's countryside before the economic reform, have appeared only after the demise of socialism under the incentives of market pressures. If socialism had originally promised prosperity and mutual benefit, why was the promise not fulfilled under the Maoist model of development from 1958 to 1978, and why is this promise being fulfilled in many villages in Shandong today? This case study of the village conglomerate (VC; cunjituan zonggongsi) provides a partial answer by examining the politics of rural industrialization as it occurred in four villages in Shandong province. It describes in detail the extreme end of the continuum of villages on the local state corporatism scale.'