cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression during Growth and Maturation

The expression of cab and rbcS gene families were measured in RNA extracted from needles from larch trees ranging in age from 1 y to 75 y. Steady state cab mRNA levels are relatively higher (~40%) in newly expanding short shoot foliage from juvenile plants compared with mature plants. Later in the season no consistent difference in cab expression between juvenile and mature plants was detected. Unlike cab gene expression, the expression of the rbcS gene family did not seem to vary with age. These data show that the maturation-related changes in morphological and physiological phenotypes are associated with changes in gene expression. No causal relationship has been established, however. Indeed, we conclude that the faster growth of juvenile scions is not due to increased net photosynthesis or cab expression.
Effects of Fluids on Polymeric Composites—A Review

Abstract : This report presents a review of the effects of fluids on the response of polymeric composites. It contains a comprehensive listing of data regarding sorption processes, which are divided among several categories. Some categories are noted to be associated with reversible benign effects while others are correlated with irreversible phenomena that lead to property degradation and failure. In addition, the report contains several chapters that deal with specific aspects of fluid effects on mechanical properties. These aspects include creep, durability, strength and fatigue. (MM)
Methodological Guidelines in the Study of Male Reproductive Organs

In man and in animals with scrotal testes andrological examination of the gonad begins with gross inspection. Testicular size, consistency and the degree of firmness are assessed by palpation or application of orchidometers and tonometers; the latter type of instrument is sometimes used by veterinary practitioners in bulls, to predict semen quality and general fertility (Hahn et al. 1969a; Leidl and Schefels 1971). Ultrasonography also provides a means for assessing testicular size and consistency, especially when scrotal swelling precludes direct physical examination; occasionally it can be helpful in the clinical diagnosis and evaluation of testicular tumours and haematoma, abscesses, varicocele, spermatocele and hydrocele (Miskin and Bain 1978).
Behavioral Assessment of Self-Injury

This is an update of a chapter from a prior version of this volume (Matson, 2009). Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a behavior disorder that can range in severity from self-inflicted mild bruising and abrasions to life-threatening tissue damage (Carr Psychol Bull 84:800–816, 1977). The focus of this chapter is on SIB displayed by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including autism. Although SIB occurs in psychiatric patients (e.g., self-mutilation) and in some otherwise typically developing adolescents and adults (e.g., self-cutting), these variations of SIB will not be the focus here. In addition, this chapter will focus on assessment rather than treatment. Finally, the specific focus is behavioral assessment rather than medical, biological, or psychiatric (diagnostic) assessment.
Who Will Show? Predicting Missed Visits Among Patients in Routine HIV Primary Care in the United States

Missed HIV medical visits predict poor clinical outcomes. We sought to identify patients at high risk of missing visits. We analyzed 2002–2014 data from six large US HIV clinics. At each visit, we predicted the likelihood of missing the next scheduled visit using demographic, clinical, and patient-reported psychosocial variables. Overall, 10,374 participants contributed 105,628 HIV visits. For 17% of visits, the next scheduled appointment was missed. The strongest predictor of a future missed visit was past-year missed visits. A model with only this predictor had area under the receiver operator curve = 0.65; defining “high risk” as those with any past-year missed visits had 73% sensitivity and 51% specificity in correctly identifying a future missed visit. Inclusion of other clinical and psychosocial predictors only slightly improved performance. Past visit attendance can identify those at increased risk for future missed visits, allowing for proactive allocation of resources to those at greatest risk.
Genes, behavior, and next-generation sequencing: The first 10 years

Abstract The first RNA sequence or “transcriptome” from brain was published in 2008 (Mortazavi et al., 2008); they compared the data with microarray results from the same sample and found good concordance ( r = 0.83). As sequencing the brain transcriptome (RNA-Seq) approaches its 10th year, it is appropriate to revisit the literature, to focus on the progress that has been made and to speculate on what the future will hold. Although the adoption of RNA-Seq in the brain-behavior context was initially slow, in 2017 alone, we expect to see >200 publications. Of course, there are thousands more RNA-Seq publications, e.g., in cancer research, that have helped refine the technique, provided new analysis tools, and have helped set the parameters for experimental design. However, the brain is unique, given that for a particular behavior or condition, multiple brain regions and cell types are likely to be involved. Additionally, the brain transcriptome is highly enriched in alternative transcripts and noncoding RNAs that require deep sequencing for adequate analyses. Although our emphasis here is on four species (mouse, rat, macaque, and human), RNA-Seq is also being implemented in a wide range of species, e.g., flies, worms, fish, and bees, each of which may require a special sequencing perspective.
Outcome of endoscopic mucosal resection in Barrett's esophagus determined by systematic quantification of epithelial glands using volumetric laser endomicroscopy.

Background Dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE) lesions ≤2 cm in size can be targeted for en-bloc endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). White-light endoscopy can underestimate the size of a lesion, limiting complete resection. Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) provides high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of BE. Epithelial glands are a VLE feature associated with BE dysplasia. We study the association between VLE gland quantification and outcome of resection. Methods EMR specimens of BE lesions targeted for en-bloc resection were imaged with VLE using an established protocol. Manual and automated quantification of epithelial glands was performed blinded to resection outcome. The presence of epithelial glands at the resection margins was recorded. Histologic en-bloc (R0) resection of the targeted lesion was defined by the absence and incomplete (R1) resection by the presence of dysplasia/neoplasia at specimen margins. Results Thirty-seven EMRs with a mean (standard deviation) size of 1.04 (0.37) cm were imaged with VLE. The highest grade of dysplasia found was low-grade dysplasia (n = 12), high-grade dysplasia (n = 19), and intramucosal cancer (n = 6). The en-bloc resection rate was 37.8% (R0, n = 14; R1, n = 23). The mean (standard deviation) number of epithelial glands quantified with VLE was 13.0 (6.7) and 28.8 (23.9) for R0 and R1 specimens, respectively, with a significant mean difference of 15.8 glands (95% confidence interval, 2-29; P = .02). The presence of glands at the specimen margin was associated with incomplete resection (P Conclusion Systematic quantification of BE epithelial glands using VLE can determine the outcome of endoscopic resection. VLE may have a potential role in assessment of lesion margins.
Editor’s overview: exploring mentoring relationships of various populations

This issue of Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning includes research from scholars representing Virginia, Montana, Ohio, New York, and Texas in the United States as well as Norway and th...
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Maltreated Children Grown Up: The Influence of Neighborhood

In this study, we examined the effects of childhood neighborhood characteristics on the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of abused and neglected individuals and matched controls followed into adulthood (N = 1,132). Using generalized linear models (GLM), the results indicated that growing up in more advantaged neighborhoods (middle- and upper-class) was associated with the development of fewer PTSD symptoms, R2 = .09, p < .001. In contrast, growing up in more economically disadvantaged areas was associated with more PTSD symptoms, but only for nonmaltreated controls, R2 = .09, p < .001. We did not find that neighborhood characteristics were associated with PTSD in terms of the number of traumatic events reported, R2 = .60, p < .001, or being the victim of more than one type of maltreatment, pseudo R2 = .11, p < .001. The results generally supported the premise that characteristics of one's residential environment in childhood, especially factors reflecting social and economic advantage and disadvantage, have an influence on mental health functioning later in life. Future research should examine the mechanisms that might explain the impact of childhood neighborhood on PTSD outcomes and the aggravating effects of pretrauma vulnerabilities associated with neighborhood disadvantage.
Promoting Self-Determination for Students with Visual Impairments: A Review of the Literature:

Introduction:Self-determination is a highly valued but under-researched component of the expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairments. In this study, the authors present results of...
Mapping harmspots: an exploration of the spatial distribution of crime harm

Abstract Recent attention to the use of harm indices to weight crime counts in mapping analysis has led to the development of “harm spot” maps. Early studies have shown that harm spots (i.e., clusters of harm-weighted crimes) follow geographic patterns similar to (unweighted crime) hot spots, although harm spots have been found to be moderately more spatially concentrated than hot spots. This research explores how the spatial distribution of harm spots using police-recorded crime data for Washington, DC differs from raw unweighted crime. The results suggest harm spots are diffused away from the city center into more residential areas. However, this is largely an effect of the distribution of violent crime, rather than the distribution of property crime. This implies opportunities for more serious offenses could be higher in residential areas, or areas further from where most crime typically occurs, and that different social ecological processes underlie the spatial distribution of more – versus less – serious crime. Implications for theory, policy, and research are discussed.
Analysis of Early Intervention Services on Adult Judicial Outcomes.

This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial assesses the association of specialty team-based services for first-episode psychosis with criminal justice outcomes compared with usual treatment.
The role of affect in feelings of obligation

Tomasello offers a compelling account of the emergence of humans' sense of obligation. We suggest that more needs to be said about the role of affect in the creation of obligations. We also argue that positive emotions such as gratitude evolved to encourage individuals to fulfill cooperative obligations without the negative quality that Tomasello proposes is inherent in obligations.
Ice retreat in the eastern Antarctic Peninsula region: the application of diatoms for understanding climate change

Abstract Climate-driven retreat of ice shelves on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula has opened up new coastal marine environments, enabling the development of primary productivity. Diatom assemblages in surface sediment samples from the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula were analyzed to investigate the use of diatoms as paleoenvironmental indicators of changes in glacial and sea ice extent. Here we present surface sediment diatom assemblage data from samples taken on 5 cruises between 2000-2012 from the northeastern-most tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, Prince Gustav Channel, Larsen A and Larsen B embayments, and a single sample from just east of Larsen C Ice Shelf. Absolute diatom abundance increases to the northeast reflecting greater contribution of diatom valves originating from surface waters that are ice free for a longer period of time. This trend is mirrored by the relative abundance of Chaetoceros subg. Hyalochaete, a spring bloom indicator group. The genus Fragilariopsis is dominated by sea ice-associated species, including Fragilariopsis curta, Fragilariopsis cylindrus, Fragilariopsis obliquecostata, Fragilariopsis sublinearis and Fragilariopsis vanheurckii. Fragilariopsis spp. relative abundance varies inversely with Chaetoceros subg. Hyalochaete. Distributions of Thalassiosira antarctica T1 and Thalassiosira antarctica T2, interpreted as a cooler and warmer forms, respectively, while generally inverse to one another with the T. antarctica T2 more common to the northeast, are not straightforward, with a pocket of high relative abundance in Larsen B embayment. These diatom data and their comparison to modern oceanography of the eastern Antarctic Peninsula provide a basis for further paleoceanographic work in the region.
E-105 Learning curve for diagnostic cerebral angiography: transradial access versus transfemoral access

Background Diagnostic cerebral angiography (DSA) and neurointerventions have traditionally been performed via transfemoral access (TFA). The perception of a steep learning curve associated with transradial access (TRA) has limited adoption in neurointervention. This study compares the learning curves of transradial vs. transfemoral DSA in a cohort of neurointerventional fellows. Methods The first 150 consecutive radial and femoral DSA were identified for each fellow from a prospective neurointerventional registry from July 2017 to March 2020. Total fluoroscopy time and number of intracranial arteries injected were recorded. Mean fluoroscopy time per intracranial artery injected (termed angiographic efficiency) was calculated and was used as a surrogate measure of technical proficiency. Mean angiographic efficiencies were compared across partitions of 25 consecutive DSAs (e.g. 1–25, 26–50, 51–75, etc.). Results There were 607 radial DSA and 635 femoral DSA identified among 5 fellows. The overall angiographic efficiencies were not significantly different based on access site (radial mean 3.2 min, femoral mean 3.7 min, p>0.05). For 3 fellows without prior endovascular experience, technical proficiency was obtained between 25–50 femoral DSA procedures. Among these same fellows, one fellow achieved technical proficiency after 25–50 radial DSA procedures, while the other 2 fellows had flattened learning curves. There were 2 fellows that had no significant learning curve for either access type, but both had extensive experience with endovascular procedures prior to starting fellowship. Two patients (2/1342 = 0.1%) experienced transient neurologic symptoms post-procedure. Among 635 femoral DSA, there were 22 (3.5%) minor adverse events (14 small groin hematomas not requiring transfusion, 1 pseudoaneurysm, 7 non-flow-limiting dissections). Among 607 radial DSA, there were 3 (0.5%) minor adverse events (2 small forearm hematomas, 1 intraluminal wire removed with radial cut-down), which was significantly less than femoral DSA minor adverse events (p=0.0001). Radial to femoral conversion rate was 1.2% (7/607, 2 radial spasm, 2 unsuccessful radial artery access, 3 aberrant right subclavian artery). Femoral to radial conversion rate was 0.3% (2/635). From March 2019 to February 2020, the proportion of DSA performed via transradial access increased from 36% to 78% at our institution. Conclusion This study demonstrates the learning curves for both TRA and TFA diagnostic cerebral angiograms. Proficiency improves significantly with either type of access, typically requiring between 25–50 procedures. TRA DSA have significantly less access site complications than TFA DSA. Disclosures M. Tso: None. G. Rajah: None. R. Dossani: None. M. Meyer: None. M. McPheeters: None. K. Vakharia: None. M. Waqas: None. K. Snyder: None. E. Levy: None. A. Siddiqui: None. J. Davies: None.
Gunn threshold voltage characterization in GaAs devices with wedge-shaped tapering

We fabricate gallium arsenide-based devices with a wedge-shaped tapering region connected to a rectangular-shaped region and measure the threshold voltage required to trigger the Gunn effect. The threshold voltage reduction is attributed to the focusing of the electric field toward the narrower end of the device and is effective when the device has a steep enough tapering. We also model the electric field profile for the tapered devices using an intuitive graphical approach and the finite element method and provide estimates for the threshold voltages of tapered devices. Finally, we compare the estimates to the measured values and provide possible reasons for the discrepancies. We believe the capability of threshold voltage reduction with the wedge-shaped tapering design could be useful in device applications.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for Back and Leg Pain in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Objective While visual analogue score (VAS) metrics are among the most universally adopted patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), there is limited research on the influence of back and leg pain on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) scores. Here we assess the association of VAS back and VAS leg scores with PROMIS PF in the setting of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). Secondarily, we determine if PROMIS PF is more influenced by back or leg pain. Methods A prospective surgical registry was reviewed from May 2015 to November 2018. Inclusion criteria were primary, single-level MIS TLIFs. We excluded multilevel procedures and patients without preoperative PROMs. Pre- and postoperative PROMIS PF, VAS back, and VAS leg scores were recorded at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. A Pearson correlation evaluated PROMIS PF association with VAS back and VAS leg scores. A Fisher z-test compared correlations. Linear regression evaluated PROMIS with VAS back and VAS leg scores. Results Our cohort was comprised of 146 subjects. 40.4% were female and the average age of 51 years. VAS back demonstrated a stronger correlation than VAS leg with PROMIS PF at all timepoints. PROMIS PF scores were negatively associated with both VAS back and VAS leg at all timepoints. Fisher z-test revealed VAS back to have a stronger correlation with PROMIS PF (p = 0.025) than VAS leg. Conclusion In the setting of MIS TLIF, physical function as evaluated by PROMIS PF, had a stronger correlation with VAS back than VAS leg at 6 months. This suggests that postoperative PROMIS PF scores may be more influenced by back pain than with leg pain.
Telomeric TART elements target the piRNA machinery in Drosophila

Coevolution between transposable elements (TEs) and their hosts can be antagonistic, where TEs evolve to avoid silencing and the host responds by reestablishing TE suppression, or mutualistic, where TEs are co-opted to benefit their host. The TART-A TE functions as an important component of Drosophila telomeres but has also reportedly inserted into the Drosophila melanogaster nuclear export factor gene nxf2. We find that, rather than inserting into nxf2, TART-A has actually captured a portion of nxf2 sequence. We show that TART-A produces abundant Piwi-interacting small RNAs (piRNAs), some of which are antisense to the nxf2 transcript, and that the TART-like region of nxf2 is evolving rapidly. Furthermore, in D. melanogaster, TART-A is present at higher copy numbers, and nxf2 shows reduced expression, compared to the closely related species Drosophila simulans. We propose that capturing nxf2 sequence allowed TART-A to target the nxf2 gene for piRNA-mediated repression and that these 2 elements are engaged in antagonistic coevolution despite the fact that TART-A is serving a critical role for its host genome.
The Prevalence of Using Pornography for Information About How to Have Sex: Findings from a Nationally Representative Survey of U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults

We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from a U.S. nationally representative survey of individuals ages 14–24 years old on what sources of information from the past year they considered to be the most helpful about how to have sex (n = 600 adolescents ages 14–17 years old, and n = 666 young adults ages 18–24 years old). Among the 324 adolescents who indicated that they had been helped by at least one source of information, helpful information was most likely to have come from parents (31.0%) and friends (21.6%). Only 8.4% of adolescents said pornography was helpful. However, for those in the 18–24-year-old age group, pornography was the most commonly endorsed helpful source (24.5%), as compared to other possible options such as sexual partners, friends, media, and health care professionals. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that indicating that pornography was the most helpful source of information about how to have sex, compared to the other sources, was inversely associated with being female (OR = 0.32, p = .001), inversely associated with identifying as bisexual compared to heterosexual (OR = 0.15, p = .038), positively associated with being Black compared to being white non-Hispanic (OR = 4.26, p = .021), inversely associated with reporting a household income of either $25 K to $49,999 (OR = 0.31, p = .010) or $50 K to $74,999 (OR = 0.36, p = .019) compared to more than $75 K, and positively associated with having masturbated (OR = 13.20, p = .005). Subsequent research should investigate the role of pornography in both adolescent and adult sexual development, including why one-quarter of U.S. young adults say that pornography is a helpful source of information about how to have sex and what they think that they are learning from it.
Occupancy, oil prices, and stock returns: Evidence from the U.S. airline industry

Abstract This paper examines whether occupancy of seats affects stock returns of airline companies and how this relationship is affected by WTI oil prices. Our approach combines revenues (occupancy) and costs (oil prices) for 33 U.S. airline companies from 1990 to 2019. Using travel capacity utilization data from U.S. carriers at monthly frequency and exploiting fixed-effects regression models, we document a positive relation between occupancy and stock returns, which is attenuated by oil prices. The role of oil becomes larger with asymmetries: the effects of oil prices are higher when moving up than down. Airline stocks always respond by more than the overall stock market.
Sufficient Conditions for the Optimal Control of a Class of Systems with Continuous Lags

Sufficient conditions in the form of a maximum principle are obtained for the optimal control of a system described by integro-differential equations and subject to some specified path constraints. The conditions are relaxed to allow for jumps in the adjoint variables at the junction points, provided a certain convexity hypothesis is satisfied for the constraint set at these points.
BECOMING DOMESTIC IN HESIOD'S WORKS AND DAYS

The work of Gilles Deleuze is populated by literary and artistic figures who become stuck, confined, and exhausted: he has written about the characters of Samuel Beckett, for instance, who are incapacitated by a compulsion to count and sort; Sacher-Masoch's protagonists, who share their author's eponymous desire to defer endlessly the sexual act; and the notorious figures in the paintings of Francis Bacon, determined but unable to escape the confines of their own bodies. What accounts for Deleuze's interest in scenes of stasis and immobility? These figures, and others like them, seem to appeal to Deleuze precisely because their corporeal limitations coincide with intense and inscrutable affects, as if Spinoza's maxim, ‘we do not even know what the body can do’, is true especially when the body's capacities appear most restricted. This is an aspect of Deleuze's thought that complicates his reputation as a philosopher of limitless becoming, movement, and synthesis.
Current Practice for Gastroschisis Delayed Cord Clamping versus Umbilical Cord Milking and In-Hospital Outcomes among Extremely Premature Infants in the Neonatal Research Network.

Background: Short-term outcomes after delayed cord clamping (DCC) vs. umbilical cord milking (UCM) have not been studied outside of clinical trials. Objective: To compare in-hospital outcomes of DCC vs UCM among infants <29 weeks gestational age (GA). Design/Methods: Retrospective cohort study of infants 22 0/7-28 6/7 weeks GA born in a Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Neonatal Research Network center from 1/1/16-12/31/18 exposed to DCC or UCM. Infants who had severe congenital anomalies, did not receive active treatment at delivery or were exposed to both DCC and UCM were excluded. Primary outcome: mortality or severe intraventricular hemorrhage (grade III or IV IVH) by 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Secondary outcomes: 1) mortality by 36 weeks PMA; 2) severe IVH by 36 weeks PMA; 3) any IVH or mortality by 36 weeks PMA; 4) a composite …
Is VE/VCO2 Slope More Reflective of Isolated Cardiac Performance Compared to Peak VO2: A Comparison of Cardiopulmonary Stress Test Variables before and after Transplantation

Purpose Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) can be influenced by various cardiac, respiratory, pulmonary vascular, and peripheral extraction limitations. The best prognostic marker for isolated cardiac dysfunction remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether VO2 or minute ventilation-carbon dioxide production slope (VE/VCO2) is more reflective of isolated cardiac performance by assessing pre- and post-operative outcomes of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in heart transplant (HT) patients. Methods We conducted a single center, retrospective study of HT patients who underwent pre- and post-operative CPX (N= 16) between 2014 and 2019. CPX after-transplant was part of routine care, and all participants were healthy at the time of assessment. Patients with either discordant (N = 9) or concordant (N= 7) pre-transplant VO2 and VE/VCO2 were categorized. Patients with a ventilatory class (severity of VE/VCO2) that was at least one grade more severe than their Weber class (severity of VO2) were defined as discordant. Pre- and post-operative CPX outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results For the entire cohort, peak VO2, VE/VCO2, VO2/HR, METs, and RER were comparable pre- and post-operatively (p > 0.05 for all). Paired comparison of change in peak predicted VO2 was significant for the entire cohort (p= 0.04). It trended towards significance in the discordant group (p= 0.06) and was not significant for the concordant group (p= 0.54). The discordant group had a near normal peak predicted VO2 after HT on average 79% (68,90) while the concordant group had an abnormally low peak predicted VO2 46% (37-59) p= 0.09. Conclusion Patients with VE/VCO2 values higher and out of proportion to VO2 responded more robustly after transplantation. This difference may be reflective of a more isolated cardiac limitation that is more readily correctible after transplantation.
Interlocking Toy Building Blocks as Modules for Undergraduate Introductory and General Chemistry Classroom Teaching

Interlocking toy building blocks (e.g., Lego) as chemistry teaching modules are presented. Interlocking building blocks were assembled on a baseplate to depict chemistry concepts of Lewis structures, chemical bonding, conjugate acid–base pairs, types of chemical reactions, irregularity in ionization energy trends, and the decay of a radioactive isotope. The modules were presented to visualize these chemical concepts in undergraduate introductory and general chemistry classrooms. Modules were presented on a document camera in an online mode of delivery.
Student Perceptions of Team-based Learning vs Traditional Lecture-based Learning.

Objective. To evaluate pharmacy student perceptions of team-based learning (TBL) vs traditional lecture-based learning formats. Methods. First professional year pharmacy students (N=111) at two universities used TBL in different courses during different semesters (fall vs spring). Students completed a 22-item team perceptions instrument before and after the fall semester. A 14-item teaching style preference instrument was completed at the end of the spring semester. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results. Students who experienced TBL in the fall and went back to traditional format in the spring reported improved perceptions of teams and preferred TBL format over a traditional format more than students who experienced a traditional format followed by TBL. Students at both universities agreed that the TBL format assists with critical-thinking, problem-solving, and examination preparation. Students also agreed that teams should consist of individuals with different personalities and learning styles. Conclusion. When building teams, faculty members should consider ways to diversify teams by considering different views, perspectives, and strengths. Offering TBL early in the curriculum prior to traditional lecture-based formats is better received by students, as evidenced by anecdotal reports from students possibly because it allows students time to realize the benefits and assist them in building teamwork-related skills.
1/f Noise and Fractals in Economic Time Series

Many economic time series such as stock prices $ (t) have spectral densities S$ (f) thatp ] vary as I/f 2 and increments Δ$(t) with SΔ$(f) α constant, indicating they closely follow the efficient market hypothesis and mimic a random walk or Brownian motion. For such quantities, a knowledge of the past is of no help in predicting the future. Measurements of S|Δ$|(f) for the volatility |$(t) |, however, show S|$| (f) oc 1/f indicating long range fractal correlations that may be of some use in forecasting.
The Conflicts of the Former Yugoslavia in the Courts

The brutality of the conflicts in the States of the former Yugoslavia, especially Bosnia Herzegovina (B H), has aroused the indignation of the civilized world.1 After over three years of atrocities and a pounding of Serbian military sites in B H by NATO war planes and Tomahawk missiles, a peace accord brokered by US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke in Dayton, Ohio finally brought a tentative peace to the region. Behind these headline events are a number of comparatively quiet court proceedings in Europe, the Balkans, and the United States that may have a greater impact on the minds, strategies and aspirations of future political military leaders than all of the weaponry dumped on this afflicted land and tragic people. Judicial events are occurring on two levels: on the international plane at the UN Tribunal in The Hague, and on the domestic plane in numerous national courts. All are applying post World War II humanitarian law created with the hope of curtailing, if not eliminating, the kind of inhumanity we have recently witnessed in too many corners of the world.
Rethinking Class Analysis in Democratization Studies: Turkey and Thailand

The political developments in both Turkey and Thailand in the last few years have separately garnered a lot of media attention, but the uncanny similarities between the democratic trajectories of these two countries have escaped the attention of most observers. Both countries emerged from the coalition fraught 1990s with strong leaders who were remarkable in their ability to attract a majority of the popular vote: Tayyip Erdogan in the case of Turkey and Thaksin Shinawatra in the case of Thailand. In early part of this decade, both countries seemed poised to leave behind a checkered past with military interventions and well on their way to consolidating their democracies. Both Erdogan and Thaksin had gained popularity by playing to the rural poor on the hand and accommodating big business on the other. However, in 2008, the prospects for the deepening of democracy in both contexts seem much dimmer than they did only a few years ago. Both leaders encountered an inconsolably strong opposition from a class usually known for its support for democracy: the urban, educated, middle-class elites. In both Turkey and Thailand, urban elites deliberately polarized the country in order to induce the military to stage another coup. In Thailand, these efforts were successful: Thaksin was deposed in a coup in 2006 and later found guilty of corruption charges. In Turkey, these efforts were semi-successful, culminating not in a coup but a dissolution charge against Erdogan’s majority party. The Turkish Supreme Court ultimately rejected the charge, but Erdogan’s political maneuvering ability was curtailed as a result. While studying these developments in the context of each country’s particular culture and institutional legacy would certainly be helpful, the surprising similarities between these two cases point to new avenues of analysis. One commonality between the democratic quagmires in Turkey and Thailand seems to be the class dynamics present in both struggles. Class analysis has always been important to studies of democratization, but in the context of developing countries outside of Latin America, it often gets second billing to identity variables. That two countries, which share almost nothing culturally, are dealing with the same manifestation of democratic roadblocks is a timely reminder for us to revisit class analysis in these contexts. At the same time, identity variables are not without impact in these cases – they affect how class consciousness is articulated both in Turkey and Thailand. In both cases, the anti-democratic forces are otherwise 'modernized' and proud of it. In fact, what separates the urban middle class from the rural middle class is precisely that orientation.
Coinjection molded pregenerated microcomposites

This work was concerned with the coinjection molding of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) reinforced with pregenerated thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) fibrils, where the TLCP (DuPont, HX1000) had a higher melt processing temperature than PET. A novel dual extrusion process was used to spin strands of PET reinforced with HX1000 fibrils. The strands were compression molded into cartridges and then coinjection molded to form plaques. In comparison to conventionally injection molded pregenerated microcomposites, coinjection molded composites had higher flexural moduli. The coinjection molded composites also had smoother surfaces than glass fiber-filled PET. It was determined that the best mechanical properties were achieved using a core of glass fiber-filled PET.
Smoking cessation interventions for adults aged 50 or older: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background The older population size has increased substantially, and a considerable proportion of older adults are cigarette smokers. Quitting smoking is associated with reduced health risk. This review is among the first to quantitatively assess the relative efficacy of types of cessation interventions for smokers aged ≥50 years. Methods We conducted searches of the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO to identify smoking cessation studies on adults aged ≥50 years. Twenty-nine randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Three main types of interventions were identified. We analyzed relative cessation rates or Risk Ratios (RRs) between the type of intervention groups and the control group by fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses at the study level. We conducted a weighted least squares meta-regression of cessation rates on trial and sample characteristics to determine sources of outcome heterogeneity. Results Fixed-effects analysis showed significant treatment effects for pharmacological (RR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.89–5.36), non-pharmacological (RR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.67–1.94), and multimodal interventions (RR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.41–1.84) compared with control group. Estimations based on meta-regression suggested that pharmacological intervention (mean point prevalence abstinence rate (PPA) = 26.10%, CI: 15.20–37.00) resembled non-pharmacological (27.97%, CI: 24.00–31.94), and multimodal interventions (36.64%, CI: 31.66–41.62); and non-pharmacological and multimodal interventions had higher PPAs than the control group (18.80%, CI: 14.48–23.12), after adjusting for a number of trial and sample characteristics. Conclusions A small number of smoking cessation studies examined smokers aged ≥50 years. Additional research is recommended to determine smoking cessation efficacy for diverse older population groups (e.g., ethnic minorities).
Lane change maneuver of automobiles for the intelligent vehicle and highway system (IVHS)

A lane change maneuver is a part of lateral control of an automated highway system. Assuming no direct measurement of its position during transition from one lane to another, a vehicle is controlled to follow the virtual desired trajectory using only on-board sensors. Linear quadratic (LQ), frequency shaped LQ, and sliding mode control algorithms have been designed. The simulation results show satisfactory tracking performances under extreme driving conditions.
Cell-associated pullulanase from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron: cloning, characterization, and insertional mutagenesis to determine role in pullulan utilization.

Abstract We have cloned a pullulanase gene from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. The pullulanase expressed from this clone in Escherichia coli was cell associated and soluble and had a molecular mass of 72 kilodaltons by gel filtration. Maxicell analysis of proteins coded by the cloned insert showed that a 71.6- to 73.2-kilodalton doublet was associated with pullulanase activity. Thus, the pullulanase is probably a monomer. The cloned pullulanase produced maltotriose as an end product of pullulan digestion. In B. thetaiotaomicron the pullulanase activity was cell associated. Approximately 80% of the activity was soluble, and 16 to 18% was membrane associated. The molecular mass of the soluble pullulanase was 77 kilodaltons by gel filtration. To determine whether the cloned pullulanase gene was essential for pullulan utilization, we used directed insertional mutagenesis to inactivate the B. thetaiotaomicron pullulanase gene. The pullulanase specific activity of the mutant was approximately 45% of that of wild-type B. thetaiotaomicron. However, the pullulanase-negative insertional mutant 95-1 was still able to grow on pullulan at a rate similar to that of wild-type B. thetaiotaomicron. Thus, there must be a second pullulanase in B. thetaiotaomicron.
A vertebrate model of extreme physiological regulation

Investigation of vertebrate regulatory biology is restricted by the modest response amplitudes in mammalian model species that derive from a lifestyle of frequent small meals. By contrast, ambush-hunting snakes eat huge meals after long intervals. In juvenile pythons during feeding, there are large and rapid increases in metabolism and secretion, in the activation of enzymes and transporter proteins, and in tissue growth. These responses enable an economic hypothesis concerning the evolution of regulation to be tested. Combined with other experimental advantages, these features recommend juvenile pythons as the equivalent of a squid axon in vertebrate regulatory biology.
Accurate 3-D capacitance extractions for advanced nanometer CMOS nodes

During the R&D of advanced nanometer CMOS technologies such as 20nm and beyond, we implemented in-house 3-D capacitance extraction software to provide R&D engineers with an accurate modeling tool to optimize the complex 3-D nanometer dimensions and materials that may be used for competitive CMOS devices in terms of power consumption, performance, and area. Our extractor solves 3-D Laplace's equation and extracts capacitances and resistances targeting accurate on-chip parasitic modeling. In essence, the numerical method we adopted features flexible grids for arbitrary shapes in nanometer CMOS devices. Robust and rigorous algorithms are described that allow the R&D engineers to monitor the convergence and specify the corresponding accuracy level based on the resource and allowed turnaround time.
FEEDING VALUE OF DWARF CORN SILAGE COMPARED WITH CORN AND HYBRID SORGHUM SILAGES.

Abstract Twenty-seven lactating cows were used in a continuous study of 119 days to compare the feeding value of silages made from dwarf corn, hybrid forage sorghum, and corn. No significant differences in dry matter consumption, FCM production, or body weight changes were observed. Four dairy steers were used in 12 observations to determine the coefficients of digestibility and TDN of the three silages. Dwarf corn silage was significantly superior in digestibility to corn and hybrid sorghum silages and corn silage was significantly superior to sorghum silage. Yield of fresh and dry forage per acre was lower for dwarf corn than for either corn or hybrid sorghum. TDN yield per acre was highest for corn silage, followed by dwarf corn silage and hybrid sorghum silage.
748 RELATIVE EXPRESSION OF THE α-GLOBIN GENES IN MAN DURING DEVELOPMENT

The structural genes for α-globin in man are duplicated. They encode identical polypeptides, but differ in sequence in the 3′-untranslated region of the gene. Because this segment is found in all mature mRNAs, detection of this sequence difference in mRNA would provide a means of assessing relative expression of the two α-genes independent of identifiable protein variants. We have devised a sensitive, quantitative assay for the two predicted α-mRNA species based on this principle. Using this approach we have investigated whether the relative expression of the α-genes changes during the transition from fetal to adult erythropoiesis in utero. Normally the mRNA derived from the more 5′ gene (α2) predominates slightly relative to that from the more 3′ (α1) gene: ratio 60/40. In fetal blood of 17-18 weeks gestation and newborn blood samples this ratio is preserved. During hepatic hematopoiesis (10-16 weeks gestation) the α-mRNAs are present in this proportion as well. Therefore, during the transition from γ to β-globin expression, the relative expression of the α-genes is unaltered. Furthermore, the relative expression of the α-genes is similar in hepatic and bone marrow phases of erythropoiesis.
Interpolation for Extension Factors

Abstract A complete table of extension factors for all lengths of part records can be approximated closely from a much smaller table of reciprocals of the factors. The procedure is to use linear interpolation on the reciprocals from the small table. The required extension factor is the reciprocal of the result of interpolation. This procedure is more accurate than interpolation on the factors themselves since the reciprocals are more nearly linearly related to length of part record than are the extension factors themselves.
Laser spectroscopy of the X 1Σ+ and B 1Π states of the LiRb molecule

Abstract We have studied the X 1Σ+ and B 1Π states of 7Li85Rb using Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Excitation Spectroscopy (FES). We extract molecular constants for levels v″ = 0–2 of the X 1Σ+ state and levels v′ = 0–20 of the B 1Π state. For the B 1Π state, we have observed rotational perturbations in the e-parity component of the v′ = 2 level, and determined the dissociation energy. We discuss implications of our measurements in finding efficient photoassociation pathways for production of ultracold ground state LiRb molecules, and their detection via state selective ionization.
Response enhancement of deeply saturated fiber optic parametric amplifier via inhomogeneous fiber.

Deeply saturated fiber optic parametric amplifiers can have very high performance. While it’s a common practice to model the fiber as a longitudinally homogenous entity, we show that the inhomogeneous nature of the fiber leads to a greater performance level which is neither accessible nor accountable using the homogenous model. This indicates that some experimental results cannot be predicted using the homogenous fiber model, even in principle. Consequently, future studies on the performance limit of the system will have to include an inhomogeneous fiber model.
Gamma radiation from the alpha particle bombardment of C12

Abstract The excitation function of the reaction C 12 ( α , γ )O 16 has been studied over the region E α = 2.8 to 8.3 MeV using a NaI(Tl) detector and enriched C 12 targets. Resonances were observed at E α = 3.24, 3.58, 4.26, 5.81, 7.05, 7.88 and 8.13 MeV, corresponding to O 16 states at E x = 9.59, 9.85, 10.36, 11.52, 12.45, 13.07 and 13.26 MeV. Radiative widths Γ γ for groundstate radiation from the states at 9.59, 9.85, 11.52 and 12.45 MeV were measured to be 0.022±0.005, 0.0059±0.0006, 0.66±0.09 and 7±1 eV. Radiative widths for cascade radiation from the 9.85 and 10.36 MeV states through intermediate states of O 16 were measured to be 0.0012±0.0004 and 0.046±0.006 eV. Interference effects in ground-state radiation from the 13.07 MeV (1 − ) state support evidence for an underlying 2 + state at nearly the same energy. The excitation function for 4.43 MeV gamma radiation from the reaction C 12 ( α , α ′ γ )C 12 has been studied over the region E α = 7.5 to 10.5 MeV. Resonances were observed at E α = 7.96, 8.14, 8.98, 10.08 (broad) and 10.20 MeV, corresponding to O 16 states at E x = 13.13, 13.27, 13.90, 14.72 and 14.81 MeV.
Diaminodiphenylsulfone resistance of Mycobacterium leprae due to mutations in the dihydropteroate synthase gene

The nucleotide sequence analysis of the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene of six diaminodiphenylsulfone-resistant Mycobacterium leprae strains revealed that the mutation was limited at highly conserved amino acid residues 53 or 55. Though the mutation at amino acid residue 55 or its homologous site has been reported in other bacteria, the mutation at residue 53 is the first case in bacteria. This is the first paper which links the mutations in DHPS and sulfonamide resistance in M. leprae. This finding is medically and socially relevant, since leprosy is still a big problem in certain regions.
Insect herbivory on an inland brackish wetland

Standing crop measurements were made in emergent wetland vegetation following acute herbivory by 2 species of leaf-chewing caterpillars,Cisseps fulvicula (Ctenucidae) andAcronicta leporina (Noctuidae). Significant weight differences were found between grazed and ungrazed stands of alkali bulrush, cattail, Olney’s bulrush, and saltgrass, respectively. The greatest absolute removal was 2050 kg/ha (43%) in cattail stands and the smallest was 783 kg/ha (47%) in Olney’s bulrush. Mincral conlent of cattail leaf parts remaining after grazing was greater than that of similar but ungrazed stands, suggesting non-random feeding by these insects. Herbivory removed enough plant material to significantly change the standing crop and alter plant stand architecture of these 4 emergent species.
Toxic releases: An environmental performance index for coal-fired power plants

In order to assess the performance of electric power plants that produce both good and bad outputs, this study uses data from the toxic release inventory to construct an Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Fare, Grosskopf, and Pasurka (2006) demonstrated that for the one good output and one air pollutant case, the EPI simplifies to the ratio of good to bad output. In this paper, we extend the EPI to include an index of multiple bad outputs. After deriving the index as a Malmquist Quantity Index, we assemble data from 1998 to 2005 on releases of selected toxic chemicals and electricity generation for a sample of coal-fired power plants in the United States to demonstrate how the EPI can provide initial perspectives on trends in releases of toxic chemicals by coal-fired power plants.
Unraveling Individual Molecules by Mechanical Forces: Theory Meets Experiment

Unlike computer-generated cartoons of molecules in motion, experiments probing single-molecule dynamics only hint at actual molecular motions. Uncovering maximum information about the underlying dynamics of individual molecules from the time-dependent observables provided by such experiments remains an illusive goal.