cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulent Odor Dispersal, Receptor Cell Filters, and Chemotactic Behavior

Odor dispersal in the environment is driven by advection (air or water flow) and molecular diffusion. Diffusion is the only process that allows odor to penetrate the boundary layers that surround chemoreceptor organs and to reach the receptor cell surface. Understanding diffusion is therefore a critical component of understanding receptor cell function. For animals and olfactory organs larger than a few millimeters, however, diffusion distances become so large that they result in diffusion times exceeding several seconds, too slow to make the quick behavioral decisions necessary to compete successfully for food. This makes it imperative to understand advective flow as the basis of odor dispersal [1–4].
Soil Microorganisms and Plant Roots

Publisher Summary The diversity of interests in rhizosphere microbiology has led to a profusion of experimental techniques and to differences in the expression and interpretation of results. The relationships between microorganisms and plant roots can be classified into three categories: symbiotism, parasitism, and commensalism. These relationships are variable, depending upon environmental and physiological conditions. Soil microorganisms have been considered capable of affecting the growth of higher plank in numerous ways. They may act as general agents of decomposition of the organic constituents of the soil leading to the formation of water, carbon dioxide, ammonia, sulfates, and phosphates; act as transformers of such mineral constituents of soil as ammonia and sulfur, thereby oxidizing them to nitrate and sulfate, respectively; act as agents of the assimilation of nutrients that are thus removed at least temporarily from the zone of absorption of plants; act as agents lowering the oxygen concentration in the soil system, thereby creating conditions unfavorable to root growth; produce toxic substances or reduce such substances as nitrates and sulfates to gaseous nitrogen and sulfides; act as solvent agents through the organic and inorganic acids that are produced in various transformations; and act as nitrogen-fixing organisms, the nitrogen sooner or later becoming available to higher plants. The increased microbial flora within the rhizosphere is predominantly bacterial. Some fungi are also found in the rhizosphere. Modification of the root surface microflora can be achieved by seed or soil inoculations, soil treatments, plant treatments, and the application of herbicides and insecticides.
Enantiomeric separation of hydroxy and hydroperoxy eicosanoids by chiral column chromatography.

Abstract We describe high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for the enantiomeric resolution of hydroxy and hydroperoxy fatty acids/eicosanoids using a Chiralpak AD or AD‐RH chiral stationary phase. These columns achieve baseline resolution of all six positional/conjugated isomers of the hydroxy as well as of the hydroperoxy derivatives of arachidonic acid in chromatographic runs of less than 20 min. Hydro(pero)xy derivatives of linoleic and linolenic acids can be resolved with similar efficiencies. The individual hydroperoxy isomers are best resolved using the reversed‐phase Chiralpak AD‐RH column. For the synthesis of milligram quantities of enantiomerically pure hydro(pero)xy arachidonic acids, a simple scheme is presented starting with the autoxidation of the fatty acid methyl ester in the presence of 10% α‐tocopherol followed by chromatographic purification of the positional isomers using a combination of reversed‐ and straight‐phase HPLC columns. Mild alkaline hydrolysis of the methyl ester derivatives affords the free acids suitable for biological testing. The Chiralpak AD column appears to be efficient for the chiral resolution of prostaglandins and isoprostanes although a comprehensive evaluation is yet to be reported. For chiral analysis of endogenous hydroxy eicosanoids the availability of novel microflow Chiralpak capillary columns (0.3 mm i.d.) will be of great advantage, because sample sizes of a few nanograms can be analyzed using simple UV detection.
Constitutive Activity of Somatostatin Receptor Subtypes

The five somatostatin receptors (SSTR1–5) are G-protein-coupled receptors, coupling to Gαi/0 subunits to regulate pathways including inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity and reduce intracellular cAMP levels and decrease intracellular calcium levels. In the pituitary gland, somatostatin actions, mediated through SSTR1, 2, 3, and 5, are inhibition of growth hormone, thyrotropin hormone, and adrenocorticotropin hormone release and to a lesser extent, inhibition of cell growth. Establishment of constitutive SSTRs action suggests that abundant pituitary SSTR expression contributes to pituitary function in maintaining homeostasis, aside from the SSTR response to episodic hypothalamic somatostatin release. In this chapter, we describe an experimental approach to directly and indirectly demonstrate constitutive SSTR activity by altering receptor density in AtT20 mouse pituitary corticotroph tumor cells, utilizing small interference RNA to knock receptor expression down or stable SSTRs transfection to overexpress selective receptor levels. We describe methodical validation for each of the approaches and the use of a sensitive cAMP assay to analyze consequences of changing membrane receptor number in the absence of an added ligand.
Visual Data Mining In Atmospheric Science Data

This paper discusses the use of simple visual tools to explore multivariate spatially-referenced data. It describes interactive approaches such as linked brushing, and dynamic methods such as the grand tour, applied to studying the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS). This visual approach provides an alternative way to gain understanding of high-dimensional data. It also provides cross-validation and visual adjuncts to the more computationally intensive data mining techniques.
The star formation history of resolved galaxies: Composite H-R diagram

I discuss the information provided by color-magnitude diagrams of different absolute magnitude limits in the study of the star formation histories of nearby galaxies. I review the recent progress made in the field, with emphasis on the results for Local Group dwarf galaxies.
A quadratic inverse model for RF tomography

The linear model provided by the Born approximation is frequently exploited in inverse scattering problems. Anyway, the limits of validity of the Born model can be extended by a quadratic approximation of the non-linear operator relating the scattered field data to the unknown object function. The aim of this contribution is to present a quadratic approach and describe its experimental validation regarding laboratory tests carried out in the case of dielectric objects. The results of the quadratic inverse approach are compared to the ones of the linear Born model; such a comparison highlights that the quadratic model yields superior reconstruction performance in terms of image focusing and artifact mitigation.
Autonomic image sequence processing

Implementing image-processing systems can require significant effort and resources due to information volume and algorithm complexity. Autonomic behavior is required for many image processing systems to perform consistently under real-world conditions. Model Integrated Computing (MIC) based image processing systems show promise in supporting solutions of these complex problems. While MIC has contributed to the advancement of performing complex image processing tasks on parallel-embedded systems, it has not addressed a challenging class of algorithms that adapt the image-processing algorithm based on the information or state of the image processing system. This paper addresses creating an autonomically grounded image-processing structure and environment based on MIC that allows solutions of complex image processing problems to be built and executed rapidly. The framework involves creating a new modeling representation for image processing adaptation mechanisms within a structure that allows growth in complexity and integration of autonomic constraints. The proposed MIC-based autonomically grounded image-processing environment will generate a solution given the modeling constraints and execute it on a number of hardware architectures.
Blood constituents of normal newborn rats and those exposed to low oxygen tension during gestation; weight of newborn and litter size also considered.

Blood removed from the heart of newborn rats from mothers exposed during gestation to 18,000 feet altitude showed significantly marked increases in red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit as compared to newborn rats held at ground level, 750 feet elevation. The peripheral blood from newborn rats similarly treated was found to have greater significant increases in white blood cells, red blood cells, amount of hemoglobin and higher hematocrit readings than the heart blood. Percentagewise the white blood cells from the periphery increased far more than the other blood constituents. Under these experimental conditions the number of live births, litter size and weight of the newborn were greatly reduced.
Electrical Properties of n‐Type (111) Si in Aqueous K 4Fe ( CN ) 6 Solution I. Interface States and Recombination Impedance

The properties of n-type (111) Si surfaces in aqueous 0.1 M K 4 Fe(CN) 6 + 0.5 M KCl at pH 9 were studied both in the dark and under illumination. In this solution, oxide passivation of the surface gives rise to a variety of electrically active interface states. Both in the dark and under illumination, interface states interacting with the conduction band are present at an energy of about 0.36 eV below the conduction bandedge, giving rise to a characteristic impedance at potentials close to the flatband potential. Furthermore, interface states which act as recombination centers are observed when the surface is illuminated. The density of recombination centers was found to be a function of the light intensity, ranging from 1 x 10 12 to 3 x 10 12 cm -2 , indicating that these states are related to oxidation intermediates. The rate constant for recombination was determined to be about 3 x 10 -9 cm 3 s -1 .
The Use of a Checklist in a Pediatric Oncology Clinic

Background Errors and near misses are common in medicine. Checklists and similar interventions are feasible and can reduce the incidence of errors and improve patient outcomes. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of a checklist in a pediatric oncology clinic. Procedure Errors and near misses of all types were systematically tracked for 1 month in a pediatric oncology clinic. Following the initial 1 month time period (baseline), a 10-item checklist was implemented for each patient encounter during a 4-month period. During month 5 of the study while the checklist was being used, errors and near misses were again systematically tracked for 1 month. Results The use of a checklist was associated with a significant reduction of errors in our clinic. The total number of errors (including documentation errors) decreased from 133 in month 1 to 39 in month 5 (P < 0.0001). In addition, checklist use decreased the rate of encounters with at least one error from 34% to 15% (P < 0.001). The reduction in errors occurred despite the checklist not being used for each encounter. The majority of practitioners were satisfied with the use of a checklist and think that the use of a checklist is a good way to reduce errors. Conclusions A checklist is potentially a feasible, safe, inexpensive, and simple method to lower the rate of medical errors in a pediatric oncology clinic. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1855–1859. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fifteen years of change: What a comparison of the two Flora Conservanda lists can tell us about rare plant species in the New England landscape

Abstract Flora Conservanda is a list of native plant taxa considered to be most rare in New England. Originally published in 1996, the list was updated in 2012. The updated list includes 593 taxa in five divisions: 62 in Division 1 (Globally Rare), 325 in Divisions 2 and 2(a) (Regionally Rare), 57 in Division 3 (Locally Rare), 96 in Division 4 (Regionally Historic), and 53 in Division IND. (Presumed Rare, but confirmation required). Since the first publication of the list, substantial changes have occurred both in the landscape and in our understanding of the taxa. Here, we compare the 2012 update to the original list, noting changes in the species assigned to each division and recording the reported number of extant populations (Element Occurences) in each state. We assessed trends in rarity during the intervening 15 years among 676 taxa in one or both lists, and identified further data collection that would be beneficial. One hundred and thirty-seven taxa were new to the list in 2012. The numbers of rep...
Structure–activity relationship study of [1,2,3]thiadiazole necroptosis inhibitors

Abstract Necroptosis is a regulated caspase-independent cell death mechanism that results in morphological features resembling non-regulated necrosis. This form of cell death can be induced in an array of cell types in apoptotic deficient conditions with death receptor family ligands. A series of [1,2,3]thiadiazole benzylamides was found to be potent necroptosis inhibitors (called necrostatins). A structure–activity relationship study revealed that small cyclic alkyl groups (i.e. cyclopropyl) and 2,6-dihalobenzylamides at the 4- and 5-positions of the [1,2,3]thiadiazole, respectively, were optimal. In addition, when a small alkyl group (i.e. methyl) was present on the benzylic position all the necroptosis inhibitory activity resided with the (S)-enantiomer. Finally, replacement of the [1,2,3]thiadiazole with a variety of thiophene derivatives was tolerated, although some erosion of potency was observed.
From the Altar to the Internet: Married Men and their Online Sexual Behavior

The Internet has drastically changed the ways in which individuals interact sexually. Although research on online sexual behaviors has increased, there remains a lack of inquiry into the behaviors of married men. In this article, results from an online investigation with 508 heterosexually-married male participants are presented. In particular, sample sociodemographics are provided, types of online sexual behaviors are discussed, the relationship between marital satisfaction and number of extramarital sexual partners is explored, and patterns of self-disclosure to wife are reviewed. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Progestins’ effects on sexual behaviour of female rats and hamsters involving D1 and GABAA receptors in the ventral tegmental area may be G-protein-dependent

Abstract In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), progestins have actions involving dopamine type 1-like receptors (D 1 ) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A /benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs) for lordosis. Evidence suggests that D 1 and GBRs can have G-protein-mediated effects. We investigated if, in the VTA, inhibiting G-proteins prevents D 1 - and/or GBR-mediated increases in progestin-facilitated lordosis. Hamsters, with bilateral guide cannulae to the VTA, received systemic E 2 (10 μg) at hour 0 and progesterone (P, 250 μg) at hour 45. At hour 48, hamsters were pre-tested for lordosis and infused with the G-protein inhibitor, guanosine 5′- O -(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-β-S, 50 μM/side), or 10% DMSO saline vehicle. Thirty minutes after initial infusions, hamsters were re-tested and then immediately infused with the D 1 agonist, SKF38393 (100 ng/side), the GBR agonist, muscimol (100 ng/side), or saline vehicle. Hamsters were post-tested for lordosis 30 min later. For rats, E 2 (10 μg) priming at hour 0 was followed by lordosis pre-testing at hour 44. After pre-testing, rats received infusions of GDP-β-S or vehicle, followed by infusions of SKF38393, muscimol, or vehicle and then infusions of the neurosteroid, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP, 100 or 200 ng/side), or β-cyclodextrin vehicle. Rats were tested immediately after each infusion of SKF38393, muscimol or vehicle, as well as 10 and 60 min after 3α,5α-THP or vehicle infusions. Inhibiting G-proteins, in the VTA, reduced the ability of systemic P or intra-VTA SKF38393 or muscimol to facilitate lordosis of E 2 -primed hamsters. Blocking G-proteins, in the VTA, prevented SKF38393-, muscimol- and/or 3α,5α-THP-mediated increases in lordosis of E 2 -primed rats. Thus, progestins’ actions in the VTA for lordosis that involve D 1 and/or GBRs may also include recruitment of G-proteins.
Temporal quality assessment for mobile videos

Video quality assessment in mobile devices, for instances smart phones and tablets, raises unique challenges such as unavailability of original videos, the limited computation power of mobile devices and inherent characteristics of wireless networks (packet loss and delay). In this paper, we present a metric, Temporal Variation Metric (TVM), to measure the temporal information of videos. Despite its simplicity, it shows a high correlation coefficient of 0.875 to optical flow which captures all motion information in a video. We use the TVM values to derive a reduced-reference temporal quality assessment metric, Temporal Variation Index (TVI), which quantifies the quality degradation incurred in network transmission. Subjective assessments demonstrate that TVI is a very good predictor of users' Quality of Experience (QoE). Its prediction shows a 92.5% of correlation to subjective Mean Opinion Score (MOS) ratings. Through video streaming experiments, we show that TVI can also estimate the network conditions such as packet loss and delay. It depicts an accuracy of almost 95% in extensive tests on 183 video traces.
Competence, reflective equilibrium, and dual-system theories

A critique of inferences from “is” to “ought” plays a central role in Elqayam & Evans' (E&E's) defense of descriptivism. However, the reflective equilibrium strategy described by Goodman and embraced by Rawls, Cohen, and many others poses an important challenge to that critique. Dual-system theories may help respond to that challenge.
Specific effect of dietary saturated fat on rat aortic 6-keto-PGF1α synthesis

Abstract The effect of dietary lard and corn oil-supplementation on rat aortic 6-keto-PGF1α synthesis from both exogenous and endogenous arachidonic acid was investigated. Only lard-supplementation resulted in any change when compared to rats fed normal chow. Lard-supplementation resulted in both a significant increase in the conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to 6-keto-PGF1α and a significant decrease in the ratio of linoleate to arachidonate in aortic phospholipids. Basal aortic synthesis of 6-keto-PGF1α from endogenous arachidonic acid was not different for any group. We conclude that at least for the aortic conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to 6-keto-PGF1α the level of inhibitor linoleic acid in tissue phospholipids may be important.
How Old Are These Bones? Putnam, Wittgenstein and Verification: Steven Gerrard

Hilary Putnam introduced a puzzle about a citizen of the 17th century who speculates that some mysterious bones are over a million years old. I compare this situation, where the speculation is ahead of the method of carbon dating, with speculating about (1) a mathematical theorem before there is a proof, and (2) a riddle before there is an answer. All these cases are helpfully illuminated by Meno’s paradox and, especially, Wittgenstein’s philosophy of mathematics. I draw some conclusions about Wittgenstein’s methodology both in his philosophy of mathematics and his more general philosophy, focusing on the roles of local perspicuity and changing our way of looking at things.
Two New Wolf-Rayet Stars and a Luminous Blue Variable Star in the Quintuplet (AFGL 2004) Near the Galactic Center

As part of an 1800 pc2 survey of the Galactic center region in the lines of He I (2.058 μm), Brγ (2.166 μm), and the He II/C IV complex (3.09 μm), we have found two new Wolf-Rayet stars, a WN9 and a WC9, near the Galactic center. K-band spectra of both stars show broad helium emission lines, and the WC9 shows broad carbon emission lines. A third emission-line star in the region has a spectrum and luminosity similar to a luminous blue variable (LBV). The stars are within 2 pc, in projection, of the Quintuplet cluster (AFGL 2004) and are probably members of this cluster on the basis of their proximity and expected ages. All three stars are evolved descendants of massive main-sequence stars having Minitial 50 M☉ (WC9), 20 M☉ (WN9), and 40 M☉ (LBV candidate). The LBV candidate has a luminosity of L ≈ 106.3 L☉, comparable to that of η Carinae (L = 106.5 L☉), one of the most luminous stars in the local group of galaxies. A total of five emission-line stars are now known to reside in the Quintuplet, and they collectively produce NLyc ≈ 1049 photons s-1. The new LBV candidate generates enough ionizing photons to account for the "Pistol" H II region (G0.15-0.05), while the nearby "Sickle" (G0.18-0.04) may be ionized by a population of O stars accompanying the five emission-line stars.
An analysis of energy consumption for algal biodiesel production: Comparing the literature with current estimates

Abstract Algae have significant potential compared to other biomass feedstocks to supplement current transportation fossil fuel usage. To determine the acceptability of algal biodiesel as a replacement for petroleum, a life cycle analysis (LCA) with parameters of aerial productivity, culturing, CO 2 mitigation, water use, nutrient loading, biomass harvesting, lipid extraction, and energy conversion was explored on algae production in Louisiana. High and low energy estimates found in several published LCAs were compared to current realistic estimates and analyses completed by the authors. Considering a system with an aerial biomass productivity of 15 g/m 2 /day and cell lipid concentration of 20%, the energy inputs exceeded the outputs from biodiesel production by 53% under the most ideal conditions. However, slight increases in biomass productivities and lipid contents are anticipated to tilt the overall energy balance more favorably. Considering the current conservative estimates (for biomass productivity and lipid content), incorporation of value added processes such as wastewater treatment and biogas production from residual biomass, could improve the sustainability of the system, allowing it to potentially achieve a 13.2% energy surplus.
Katherine Dunn's Geek Love and the Vicissitudes of Class

Although critics often overlook its intimations of social class, Katherine Dunn's Geek Love is a working-class novel and, in some ways, an allegory of American class conflict that culminates in Oly Binewski's struggle with Miss Lick. American class experience is reflected in the price the Binewski family pays for class mobility, including bodily mutilation, resentment, and hysteresis, a form of class dysphoria attending class mobility.
Antilipidemic adherence post-coronary artery disease diagnosis among those with and without an ICD-9 diagnosis of depression

Abstract Objectives An association between depression and coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established. Poor adherence to cardiac treatments may be one way depression could contribute to the increased risk of coronary events among depressed patients. We sought to evaluate whether adherence to antilipid medication, a therapy shown to be beneficial in secondary prevention of coronary events, differs among CAD patients with and without an ICD-9 depression diagnosis. Methods Patients were included if, at angiography, they were determined to have CAD (stenosis ≥70%), were discharged on an antilipid medication, and re-filled their prescriptions at a participating pharmacy. A patient was determined to have depression ( ICD-9 codes 296.2–296.36, 311) if the diagnosis occurred prior to angiography or within 6 months of the CAD diagnosis. Adherence and long-term outcomes were evaluated at 6 months, 1 year, 18 months and 2 years. Results A total of 585 patients were included, with 73 (12.5%) having a diagnosis of depression prior to or within 6 months of CAD diagnosis. At all time-points, those with depression had a lower mean adherence compared to those without depression. Differences in adherence rates after adjustment were 7% ( P =.001), 6% ( P =.02), 13% ( P P =.18) at 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years, respectively. Though not statistically significant, there were clinically important associations between adherence and depression on the combined outcome of death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. Conclusion Depression was the strongest predictor of antilipidemic medication adherence after 2 years of follow-up among CAD patients. Such results suggest that poor antilipid adherence may be one mechanism by which depression contributes to CAD events.
SIRT2 Regulates Adipocyte Differentiation through FoxO1 Acetylation/Deacetylation

The family of mammalian Sirtuin proteins comprises seven members homologous to yeast Sir2. Here we show that SIRT2, a cytoplasmic sirtuin, is the most abundant sirtuin in adipocytes. Sirt2 expression is downregulated during preadipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. Overexpression of SIRT2 inhibits differentiation, whereas reducing SIRT2 expression promotes adipogenesis. Both effects are accompanied by corresponding changes in the expression of PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha, and genes marking terminal adipocyte differentiation, including Glut4, aP2, and fatty acid synthase. The mechanism underlying the effects of reduced SIRT2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes includes increased acetylation of FOXO1, with direct interaction between SIRT2 and FOXO1. This interaction enhances insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of FOXO1, which in turn regulates FOXO1 nuclear and cytosolic localization. Thus, Sirt2 acts as an important regulator of adipocyte differentiation through modulation of FOXO1 acetylation/phosphorylation and activity and may play a role in controlling adipose tissue mass and function.
Social Capital, Financial Knowledge, and Hispanic Student College Choices

Hispanic students are significantly over-represented in community colleges compared to White and Black students. This paper uses a powerful but underutilized statistical technique, the Oaxaca decomposition, to explore the impact of social capital, as manifested through college financial information, on Hispanic student enrollment in 4-year and 2-year programs. Background differences between the groups were found to have only a small effect on the gap in attending 4-year schools, while the effect of differential returns to these background characteristics was strong and significant. The analysis revealed that some variables of college financial information contribute significantly to the gap.
Influence of Planting Date, Seeding Rate, and Phosphorus Rate on Wheat Yield

(...) A 3-yr study was conducted to measure the effects of these variables on grain yield and yield components of wheat grown in low-P soils. All soils were Crete silty clay loams (fine Montmorillonitic mesic Pachic Argiustoll) and had Bray & Kurtz no. 1 soil tests of less than 10 mg kg -1 . A randomized complete block designed experiment with a split plot treatment arrangement using three planting dates (each in 1985, 1986, and 1988) as whole plots, and factorial combination of three seeding rates and three P rates as split plots (...)
A numerical investigation on NOX formation in counterflow n-heptane triple flames

The formation of NOX in counterflow n-heptane/air triple flames was investigated by numerical simulation. Detailed chemistry and complex thermal and transport properties were employed. The results indicate that a triple flame produces more NO and NO2 than the corresponding premixed flames due to not only the appearance of the diffusion flame but also the interaction between different flame branches. The relative contributions of different routes to NO formation in the premixed flame branches change with the variation of the equivalence ratio, but the thermal mechanism always dominates in the diffusion flame branch. The interaction between flame branches is enhanced with the decrease of the distance between them. Both heat and radical exchange between flame branches contribute to the interaction. A new feature that does not exist in methane/air triple flame was observed in n-heptane/air triple flames, i.e. when the rich mixture equivalence ratio is higher, there are two peaks of CH concentration on the rich side of the diffusion flame branch, which leads to that some NO is formed beside the diffusion flame branch by the prompt route.
The role of occupational therapy in vision rehabilitation of individuals with glaucoma

AbstractPurpose: Specific to individuals with glaucoma: (1) provide an overview of the role of occupational therapists (OTs) as part of the vision rehabilitation team, (2) outline evaluation and intervention approaches provided by OTs, and (3) summarize the evidence to support those intervention approaches. Methods: Literature on vision rehabilitation and the typical practice patterns of OTs working with individuals with glaucoma are reviewed and the occupational therapy process is applied to evaluation and intervention approaches. The evidence which supports intervention approaches for individuals with glaucoma is presented. Results: The strength of the evidence to support common intervention approaches employed by OTs is weak or inconclusive; many studies lack quality methodological rigor. Moderate evidence supports patient education programs and strong evidence supports problem-solving and self-management strategies; this evidence is based on a limited number of studies. Conclusion: The prevalence of e...
Governance Bundles, Firm Performance, and the Substitutability and Complementarity of Governance Mechanisms

Manuscript Type: Conceptual Research Question/Issue: This paper extends the theory of bundles of corporate governance mechanisms to address agency issues within the Anglo-Saxon system of corporate governance. The focus of our study is to detail the role of firm performance as a key determinant of how the governance mechanisms of monitoring and incentive alignment serve as complements or substitutes in addressing agency issues. Previous research has looked at these mechanisms in isolation from each other, with limited regard for the contingencies of firm performance and external monitoring. We propose that it is best to look at these mechanisms as a bundle of mechanisms to protect shareholder interests, and that firm performance is a key determinant of the composition of this bundle. Research Findings/Insights: We introduce firm performance as a critical contingency that heightens shareholders' concerns over governance issues as they seek to retain control over adverse selection and moral hazard problems. We propose that when firms are performing poorly, outside monitoring by institutional investors can complement internal monitoring by boards of directors. Theoretical/Academic Implications: We examine governance bundles under both agency and stewardship theoretical lenses to tie together previous empirical research and advance theory. In specifying the role of firm performance in determining the mix of mechanisms within the governance bundle, we reconcile prior disparate findings as to whether or not these governance mechanisms act in a complementary or substitutable fashion. Practitioner/Policy Implications: The conceptualization of these governance mechanisms has practitioner merit in analyzing the challenges that board members face managing agency conflicts through the mix of governance mechanisms, given different levels of firm performance. Our research also shows that, under conditions of poor performance, shareholders can provide effective external monitoring that can improve the overall governance effectiveness of the firm.
Mechanical Outcomes of a Rolling-Joint Prosthetic Foot and Its Performance in the Dorsiflexion Phase of Transtibial Amputee Gait.

ABSTRACT To most closely simulate the performance of a biological human foot, a prosthetic foot should function similarly to the biological foot: The shock absorption, propulsion, balance and dorsiflexion functions of the prosthesis should closely mirror those of the biological foot. Most prosthetic feet currently available have good absorption and propulsion abilities, and some also have good balance functions. However, most prosthetic feet lack proper imitation of the dorsiflexion phase of normal gait. Dorsiflexion is crucial to the gait pattern since most foot flexors are used during this phase. A new rolling-joint prosthetic foot (RJF) has been developed to simulate a more natural moment of resistance in the dorsiflexion phase. The pilot biome-chanical study of one transtibial amputee presented here indicates improved gait performance with use of the RJF.
Temperature and orientation dependent plastic flow in Pt3Al

Abstract The compressive flow stress of Pt 3 Al single crystals was measured as a function of temperature and orientation of the compression axis to check the predictions of the theory of Tichy et al . [ Phil. Mag. A53 , 485 (1986)] regarding the operative slip systems. It was found that samples oriented near [001] slip predominately on (111) planes while those oriented on the opposite side of the triangle slip on (001) planes. The temperature dependences of the CRSS for (111) and (001) slip are similar, viz. the CRSS increases dramatically with decreasing temperature from an almost constant value at elevated temperatures. The CRSS for cube slip is always less than that for octahedral slip. The transition from octahedral to cube slip occurs over a small range of orientations, as predicted by the Tichy et al . model, but slip on only one system was observed in samples of a given orientation.
Protein screening using cold microwave technology.

Protein detection is a common yet time-intensive task in many laboratories. Here we report a protocol that makes use of cold microwave technology to reduce the total processing time to less than 1 h with dot and Western blot applications while yielding lower background noise at similar signal strength when compared with conventional protocols. With dot blots, the time savings was accompanied by a decrease in reagent use. With Western blots, the visibility of prestained markers was maintained, in stark contrast to conventional procedures. Experiments kept at a constant temperature of 21 °C support the existence of a microwave radiation effect, whereas an additional thermal effect is noted when the temperature is increased to 37 °C from ambient. Microwave-assisted dot blotting is suggested as an effective way of facilitating large-scale screening of expressed proteins.
Improved Fitting of Solution X-ray Scattering Data to Macromolecular Structures and Structural Ensembles by Explicit Water Modeling

A new procedure, AXES, is introduced for fitting small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data to macromolecular structures and ensembles of structures. By using explicit water models to account for the effect of solvent, and by restricting the adjustable fitting parameters to those that dominate experimental uncertainties, including sample/buffer rescaling, detector dark current, and, within a narrow range, hydration layer density, superior fits between experimental high resolution structures and SAXS data are obtained. AXES results are found to be more discriminating than standard Crysol fitting of SAXS data when evaluating poorly or incorrectly modeled protein structures. AXES results for ensembles of structures previously generated for ubiquitin show improved fits over fitting of the individual members of these ensembles, indicating these ensembles capture the dynamic behavior of proteins in solution.
Crossing shock wave turbulent boundary layer interactions - Variable angle and shock generator length geometry effects at Mach 3

By comparing the detailed wall static pressure distributions for 9 inch and 11 inch long fins generating a crossing shock configuration at M = 2.93, the high resolution results of the 9 inch fins are shown to be free of exit effects. Analysis of the static pressure profiles have delineated the limited regions where the single fin results are valid. The characteristics of the complex interaction, with varying shock wave strength, have been described. The data provide a critical test for computational fluid dynamics which, in its initial phase, has performed poorly in predicting the measured wall static pressure distributions.
A convenient affinity chromatography-based purification of firefly luciferase

Abstract A method is described for purifying luciferase from firefly lanterns in very good yield. The enzyme was extracted from Photinus lanterns, dialyzed, and further purified by affinity chromatography with 6-aminohexanoic acid-Sepharose 4b benzylamine. Fractions containing luciferase activity were pooled, concentrated by ultrafiltration, and crystallized by dialysis against a low-ionic-strength buffer. The crystalline enzyme appears to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. The entire protocol described was conveniently performed in less than 3 days and yielded 6.2 mg of enzyme from 2.2 g of firefly lanterns. Furthermore, the affinity column employed can be reused at least five times without appreciable loss of binding capacity. Luciferase was chromatographed with several other affinity gels and the results are compared. It appears that 6-aminohexanoic acid-Sepharose 4b benzylamine does not function as a true bioaffinity gel, but rather as a hydrophobic interaction support.
A Population Genetic Model of Evolution of Host-Mate Attraction and Nonhost Repulsion in a Bark Beetle Pityogenes bidentatus

Studies have shown that the bark beetle Pityogenes bidentatus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) avoids volatiles of nonhost trees (Norway Spruce, birch, and oak) and healthy host Scotch Pine when orienting to aggregation pheromone. A population genetic model of two behavioral genes was hypothesized where AA, Aa, and aa were allele combinations regulating orientation to host tree and pheromone odors, and BB, Bb, and bb were combinations allowing avoidance of nonhost and unsuitable host odors. The nine possible genotypes were assigned different survival factors that remained constant during simulation. The initial proportion of aabb genotype (little aggregation/host response and little avoidance of nonhosts) was ~1.0 when a mutation was hypothesized that caused better orientation to host/beetle odors (Aabb) and another mutation causing more efficient avoidance of nonhosts (aaBb). After these initial mutations, the model used indiscriminate mating of genotypic proportions and subsequent survival as input for each successive generation. The results indicate that AABB eventually fixates in the populations in some scenarios, while AABB and other genotypes reach stable equilibriums in other models depending on genotypic survival values supported by ecologically sound assumptions. The models indicate how development of insecticide resistance in pest insects may proceed.
Plasma steroid hormones, surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and severe lower urinary tract symptoms.

Plasma steroid hormones, surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and severe lower urinary tract symptoms
MORPHOLOGY-DEPENDENT STIMULATED RAMAN SCATTERING (MDSRS)

Abstract A novel non-linear Raman spectroscopic technique, which can be used to characterize the chemical composition of the interface region of volatile aerosol particles, is described. The technique is morphology-dependent stimulated Raman scattering (MDSRS). We discuss the phenomenology behind this new optical probe, and present experimental results which show that this technique can be used as quantitative spectroscopic tool. We outline the potential application of MDSRS to in situ gas—aerosol kinetics and dynamics studies.
Crack propagation in an elastic solid subjected to general loading— IV. Obliquely incident stress pulse

Abstract T he stress intensity factors of a half-plane crack extending nonuniformly in an isotropic elastic solid subjected to stress wave loading are considered. A plane stress pulse is obliquely incident on the crack, and the wavefront strikes the crack at some initial time. At some arbitrary later time, the crack begins to extend at a nonuniform rate. It is found that the mode I and mode II stress intensity factors each have the form of the product of a universal function of instantaneous cracktip speed with the stress intensity factor for an equivalent stationary crack. An energy-rate balance fracture criterion is applied to obtain an equation of motion for the crack tip and to determine the actual delay time between the arrival of the incident wave and the onset of fracture as a function of angle of incidence of the loading wave.
Randainol: a neolignan from sassafras randaiense

Abstract The novel neolignan randainol was isolated from the roots of Sassafras randaiense. Its identity as 2,2′-dihydroxy-5-allylbiphenyl-5′-propenol was established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence together with correlation with magnolol (2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-diallylbiphenyl).
Peridynamic Simulation of Damage Evolution for Structural Health Monitoring

Modal-based methods for structural health monitoring require the identification of characteristic frequencies associated with a structure’s primary modes of failure. A major difficulty is the extraction of damage-related frequency shifts from the large set of often benign frequency shifts observed experimentally. In this study, we apply peridynamics in combination with modal analysis for the prediction of characteristic frequency shifts throughout the damage evolution process. Peridynamics, a nonlocal extension of continuum mechanics, is unique in its ability to capture progressive material damage. The application of modal analysis to peridynamic models enables the tracking of structural modes and characteristic frequencies over the course of a simulation. Shifts in characteristic frequencies resulting from evolving structural damage can then be isolated and utilized in the analysis of frequency responses observed experimentally. We present a methodology for quasi-static peridynamic analyses, including the solution of the eigenvalue problem for identification of structural modes. Repeated solution of the eigenvalue problem over the course of a transient simulation yields a data set from which critical shifts in modal frequencies can be isolated. The application of peridynamics to modal analysis is demonstrated on the benchmark problem of a simply-supported beam. The computed natural frequencies of an undamaged beam are found to agree well with the classical local solution. Analyses in the presence of cracks of various lengths are shown to reveal frequency shifts associated with structural damage.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Psychoeducation as a Response to Community Disaster

Public education is a means of supporting trauma survivors without impeding their natural recovery process by providing accurate information about normal reactions and ways to cope in the aftermath of community disaster. It can also be used to screen for high-risk individuals who could benefit from ongoing care. Normalizing trauma reactions and eliminating the hardship of seeking mental health resources may reduce the stigma associated with obtaining this type of support. One way to accomplish this is by linking psychoeducation with concrete services, a tactic that may also attract greater numbers of participants. This article explores the literature on the subject and reports the results of psychoeducation interventions provided in response to the events of September 11, 2001. The format and outcome of the public education workshops are presented along with case material. Recommendations for implementation, including other potential applications of this methodology, are highlighted. Language: en
Inhibition of calmodulin expression prevents low-pH-induced gap junction uncoupling in Xenopus oocytes.

The relationship among intracellular pH (pHi), −log10 intracellular Ca2+ concentration (pCai) and gap junctional conductance, the participation of Ca2+ stores, and the role of calmodulin in channel regulation have been studied inXenopus oocytes, expressing the native connexin (Cx38), exposed to external solutions bubbled with 100% CO2. The time courses of pHi [measured with 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxylluorscein (BCECF)], (pCai) (measured with the membrane-associated fura-C18) and junctional conductance (measured with a double voltage-clamp protocol) were compared. The data obtained confirm previous evidence for a closer relationship of junctional conductance with (pCai) than with pHi. Evidence for an inhibitory effect of intracellularly injected ruthenium red or 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) on CO2-induced uncoupling, coupled to negative results with Ca2+-free external solutions, point to a low-pHi-induced Ca2+ release from internal stores, likely to be primarily mitochondria. The hypothesis proposing a participation of calmodulin in channel gating was tested by studying the effects of calmodulin expression inhibition by intracellular injection of oligonucleotides antisense to the two calmodulin mRNAs expressed in the oocytes. Calmodulin mRNA was permanently eliminated in 5 h. The oocytes injected with the antisense nucleotides progressively lost the capacity to uncouple with CO2 within 72 h. The effect of CO2 on junctional conductance was reduced by ≈60% in 24 h, by ≈76% in 48 h and by ≈93% in 72 h. Oocytes that had lost gating sensitivity to CO2. partially recovered gating competency following calmodulin injection. The data suggest that lowered pHi uncouples gap junctions by a Ca2+-calmodulin-mediated mechanism.
Anomalous effects of heavy atom salts and temperature dependence of fluorescence in retinylic and tetrapyrrole (phytochrome) polyenes

Abstract Heavy atom salts (e.g., KI, LiBr, KCl) and solvents do not quench fluorescence of diphenyl polyenes and retinol, whereas the fluorescence of all-trans retinal is enhanced by alkali salts. The enhanced fluorescence is attributable to the effect of cation counterions which complex with the retinal carbonyl to enlarge the gap between the π, π* and n, π* states. Retinol and retinal show significant temperature dependence of Φf (14–120 K), suggesting an efficient torsional relaxation. On the other hand, phytochrome shows essentially temperature-independent Φf in 14–200 K. At 298 K, Φf becomes ⩽ 10-4, and the rate constant for the primary radiationless process is ≈ 1012 s-1.
Cortical image density determines the probability of target discovery during active search

Abstract An analysis of target detection as a function of target eccentricity was made on eye movement data collected from three monkey subjects during active visual search. Target detection probability was invariant across array set size and eccentricity conditions when the cortical density of relevant stimuli surrounding the target was held constant. When target color was used to guide search, the effective cortical density was the density of stimuli that shared the target’s color. Thus the passive constraint of cortical magnification in combination with an active selection for a stimulus attribute, in this case color, sets the spatial framework for detection of the target.