cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of P-wave Hybrid Theory to the Scattering of Electrons from He+ and Resonances in He and H ion

The P-wave hybrid theory of electron-hydrogen elastic scattering [Phys. Rev. A 85, 052708 (2012)] is applied to the P-wave scattering from He ion. In this method, both short-range and long-range correlations are included in the Schroedinger equation at the same time, by using a combination of a modified method of polarized orbitals and the optical potential formalism. The short-correlation functions are of Hylleraas type. It is found that the phase shifts are not significantly affected by the modification of the target function by a method similar to the method of polarized orbitals and they are close to the phase shifts calculated earlier by Bhatia [Phys. Rev. A 69, 032714 (2004)]. This indicates that the correlation function is general enough to include the target distortion (polarization) in the presence of the incident electron. The important fact is that in the present calculation, to obtain similar results only a 20-term correlation function is needed in the wave function compared to the 220- term wave function required in the above-mentioned calculation. Results for the phase shifts, obtained in the present hybrid formalism, are rigorous lower bounds to the exact phase shifts. The lowest P-wave resonances in He atom and hydrogen ion have been calculated and compared with the results obtained using the Feshbach projection operator formalism [Phys. Rev. A, 11, 2018 (1975)]. It is concluded that accurate resonance parameters can be obtained by the present method, which has the advantage of including corrections due to neighboring resonances, bound states and the continuum in which these resonance are embedded.
Structure of the bacterial respiratory-chain system. Respiration of Bacillus subtilis spheroplasts as a function of the osmotic pressure of the medium.

Abstract The respiration of Bacillus subtilis spheroplasts was measured in varying concentrations of sucrose where the spheroplasts swell and finally burst. The respiration with endogenous substrates or with added substrates or DPNH was observed to increase as the sucrose concentration was decreased from 0.8 to 0.4 M. A further decrease in sucrose concentration resulted in a decrease of oxygen uptake with substrates and a marked increase in the rate of respiration with DPNH. The presence of added Mg2+ ions prevents to some extent the decrease of respiration rate with substrates at low osmotic pressures. In 0.1 M or lower concentrations of sucrose, where the spheroplasts swell and rupture, only DPNH is oxidized. The rapid oxidation of DPNH observed when the rupture first occurs decreases during several minutes to a rate only about half as great. The data indicate that stretching of the membrane containing the respiratory-chain system does not inhibit electron transport. The attachment of the dehydrogenases to the electron-transport system, if any, is very easily broken. Respiratory particles derived from rupture of the cytoplasmic membranes may not contain the respiratory-chain system in an entirely unchanged form.
Infrared visibility and thermal radiation noise in the atmosphere

Abstract Infrared contrast transmission was investigated in connection with the passive infrared imaging techniques. Although there is a basic analogy between infrared and light visibility in the atmosphere, the modes of contrast extinction are very different. In the case of a static atmosphere, the infrared visibility was found to be governed by the same transmission function as the radiation flux calculation. Further, in this study, we are concerned with the field of the radiation noise in the atmosphere due to temperature fluctuation. Because of the transfer effect, the scale of the disturbance relative to the mean free path of the photons is important in determining the noise power spectrum. In the simplest case of an isothermal and uniform atmosphere a few examples of the variance evaluation are shown for an atmosphere with absorbing water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Penetrative convection: Its role in vulcanism

This paper considers some possible heat and mass transfer mechanisms in the earth’s upper mantle and crust that could play a role in vulcanism. Geological and geophysical observations, largely from the Taupo area of New Zealand, will be compared with laboratory and numerical experiments suggesting that vulcanism is produced by penetrative convection arising from thermal instability of the upper mantle. The argument is a development of ideas recently presented by the author (1965). The key idea is that of alithothermal system, a system analogous to a hydrothermal system but in which the transported material is the rock matrix or the rock melt. The paper suggests that the sporadic and intermittent nature of volcanism arises from the extreme variation of the properties of the mantle with temperature and the amplification of small temperature fluctuations in the mantle by the extremely unstable lithothermal system.
On the molecular basis of adsorbed solution behaviour

Abstract A theoretical study, based on statistical thermodynamics, of the adsorbed solution behaviour of binary gas monolayers on a homogeneous solid surface is presented. The adsorbate—solid interactions are modelled via the summed 10-4 potential and the adsorbate—adsorbate interactions as those of a two-dimensional fluid mixture in which the molecules interact via Lennard-Jones 12-6 potentials. The thermodynamic properties of the two-dimensional mixture are obtained from the van der Waals one-fluid model. We present results from Monte Carlo computer simulations of two-dimensional fluid mixtures which support the accuracy of this procedure. The model can be used to study the relative importance of adsorbate—solid and adsorbate—adsorbate interactions in determining the adsorbed solution behaviour. Comparisons with experimental adsorption equilibria data for ethane—propane mixtures adsorbed on graphitized carbon black show that the theory gives excellent predictions of the adsorption equilibria, without adjustable parameters. For this system at 298 K and 700 Torr the adsorption selectivity is dominated by the difference in the Henry's law constants. However, it is shown that the adsorbate—adsorbate interactions and nonideal adsorbed solution behaviour become more or less important depending on the conditions in relation to the two-dimensional phase diagram.
Butanol effects on γ-amino butyric acid concentration-responses in human α1β2γ2L γ-amino butyric acid type A receptors with a mutation at α1S270

Alcohol enhancement of gamma-amino butyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)R) gating at low GABA is reduced by a serine-to-isoleucine mutation at residue alphaS270, suggesting that alphaS270 forms an enhancement site. However, whether the alphaS270I mutation strengthens alcohol inhibition of GABA(A)Rs remains unexplored. Furthermore, alphaS270 mutations have not been studied in the most prevalent form of mammalian GABA(A)Rs consisting of alpha1, beta2, and gamma2 subunits. In voltage-clamped Xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant alpha1beta2gamma2L GABA(A)Rs, electrophysiological analysis of GABA concentration-responses demonstrates that the alpha1(S270I) mutation increases apparent GABA affinity and significantly reduces the Hill coefficient of GABA(A)R activation. Butanol-induced leftward-shifts in GABA concentration-responses for both wild-type alpha1beta2gamma2L and alpha1(S270I)beta2gamma2L GABA(A)Rs are equal. At high GABA, butanol neither enhances nor inhibits alpha1(S270I)beta2gamma2L responses. Thus, in the dominant mammalian GABA(A)R isoform, the alphaS270I mutation affects neither enhancement nor inhibition by butanol, but alters the gating mechanism by reducing cooperativity, producing an apparent reduction in alcohol enhancement at low GABA.
Hedgehog and Patched in Neural Development and Disease

We would like to thank Drs B. Barres, R. Nusse, T. Oro, J. Weiss, X. Sun, T. Jessell, and E. Kandel and Ms. D. Goldman for comments on the manuscript; Drs. R. Wechsler-Reya and A. Oro, and other members of the Scott lab, for helpful discussions; and Kaye Suyama for the picture of the fly imaginal disc. L. V. G. was supported by a predoctoral fellowship from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Part of the research described was supported by a grant from the Ara Parseghian Research Foundation. M. P. S. is an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
MODIFICATION OF INTERACTIVE BEHAVIORS IN CHRONIC MENTAL PATIENTS1

Four chronic mental patients, residents of a token economy treatment unit, were randomly assigned to an experimental or control condition and attended 10 thirty-minute treatment sessions. For the two experimental subjects, contingent reinforcement was received for interacting with each other according to instructions in four distinct phases of interpersonal behavior: talking to another person, attending and talking to another person, asking and answering questions in a dyad, and working cooperatively in the dyad to solve problems. The two control subjects were instructed to perform the same behaviors but received non-contingent reinforcement. The results indicated a strong contingent reinforcement effect on the performance of the treatment sessions' target behaviors. Several baseline, treatment, and post-treatment response measures indicated that the treatment effects had generalized to other areas of social behavior away from the treatment setting.
Showups versus lineups: An evaluation using ROC analysis

Abstract Showups (a one-person identification) were compared to both simultaneous and sequential lineups that varied in lineup fairness and the position of the suspect in the lineup. We reanalyzed data from a study by Gronlund, Carlson, Dailey, and Goodsell (2009) , which included simultaneous and sequential lineups, and using the same stimuli and procedures, collected new data using showup identifications. Performance was compared using ROC analysis, which is superior to traditional measures such as correct and false identification rates, and probative value measures. ROC analysis showed that simultaneous lineups consistently produced more accurate identification evidence than showups, but sequential lineups were sometimes no more accurate than showups, and were never more accurate than simultaneous lineups. These results supported prior suppositions regarding the suggestiveness of showups, revealed a misconception about the superiority of sequential lineups, and demonstrated why eyewitness identification procedures need to be evaluated using ROC analyses.
Natural Immunomodulators and their Stimulation of Immune Reaction: True or False?

Natural immunomodulators are getting more and more popular. The popularity, however, often brings over- optimistic claims and mediocre effects. The purpose of the present study was to directly compare eleven most commonly used immunomodulators. Through testing both cellular and humoral branches of immune reactions, we found that most of the immunomodulators tested have limited, if any, effects, with glucan being consistently the most active molecule strongly stimulating every reaction evaluated. These data were also confirmed using a Lewis lung cancer model, where only glucan and resveratrol lowered the number of metastases. Natural immunomodulators which offer strong activity with no side-effects have been sought for centuries. The current market is full of both individual immunomodulators and various combinations all promising the golden fleece-inexpensive and active stimulation of immune reactions. On one hand, some, such as β-glucan, have undergone over 10,000 scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals and are currently the subject of numerous clinical trials. On the other hand, many are simply repeating claims with hardly any substantial scientific background. The resulting mediocre results further lower the satisfaction of the general public and also lower the interest of pharmaceutical companies which is necessary to direct a stimulator toward approval for medicinal use. Thus far, only a few articles have compared individual immunostimulators (1-3). Based on the limited published comparisons, we decided to compare numerous commercially- available immunostimulators. To perform this task, we selected the following stimulations, all claiming the effects on immune reactions: Astragalus, resveratrol, curcumin, pterostilbene, ellagic acid, vitamin C, Chlorella, Cat's claw, Glucan #300, ginseng, and Echinacea. Astragalus stimulates IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ production and cytotoxic lymphocytes (4), vitamin C modulates macrophages (5) and immune parameters (6), Chlorella enhances natural killer cells and inflammatory response (7), Cat's claw (extract of Lopanthus roots) increases antibody formation (8), Pterostilbene stimulates macrophages and keratinocytes (9), Echinacea activates the phagocyte system (10), ellagic acid stimulates apoptosis and inhibits melanoma cell growth (11) curcumin has strong antioxidant activities (12) and cancer growth (13), resveratrol stimulates lymphocytes and NK cells and cytokine production (14), and glucan stimulates macrophages, cytokines, NK cell activity, antibody response, reduces stress and cholesterol levels (for review see 15). Discovering small natural molecules that regulate the immune system will increase our understanding over how diet and nutrition improve immune functions. The objective of the present study was to compare individual natural molecules with demonstrated immunostimulating properties.
LFA-1 on CD4+ T Cells Is Required for Optimal Antigen-Dependent Activation In Vivo

The leukocyte-specific integrin, LFA-1, plays a critical role in trafficking of T cells to both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. However, the role of LFA-1 in T cell activation in vivo has been less well understood. Although there have been reports describing LFA-1-deficient T cell response defects in vivo, due to impaired migration to lymphoid structures and to sites of effector function in the absence of LFA-1, it has been difficult to assess whether T cells also have a specific activation defect in vivo. We examined the role of LFA-1 in CD4(+) T cell activation in vivo by using a system that allows for segregation of the migration and activation defects through the adoptive transfer of LFA-1-deficient (CD18(-/-)) CD4(+) T cells from DO11.10 Ag-specific TCR transgenic mice into wild-type BALB/c mice. We find that in addition to its role in trafficking to peripheral lymph nodes, LFA-1 is required for optimal CD4(+) T cell priming in vivo upon s.c. immunization. CD18(-/-) DO11.10 CD4(+) T cells primed in the lymph nodes demonstrate defects in IL-2 and IFN-gamma production. In addition, recipient mice adoptively transferred with CD18(-/-) DO11.10 CD4(+) T cells demonstrate a defect in OVA-specific IgG2a production after s.c. immunization. The defect in priming of CD18(-/-) CD4(+) T cells persists even in the presence of proliferating CD18(+/-) CD4(+) T cells and in lymphoid structures to which there is no migration defect. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LFA-1 is required for optimal CD4(+) T cell priming in vivo.
A scattering chamber for charged particle work

Abstract This scattering chamber has been designed for experiments using primarily solid state detectors. It offers a great flexibility in the arrangement of counters. Two concentric turntables are mounted at the bottom of the chamber. A 3″ × 4″ NaI(Tl) crystal can be introduced into the chamber for coincidence work. Provisions are made for the use of chemically active targets. The use of a VacIon pump greatly reduces the deposition of impurities onto targets during the experiment.
Relationship of dental status, sociodemographic status, and oral symptoms to perceived need for dental care.

– Objective: Previous studies have noted a discrepancy between clinically determined oral health status (normative need), patients' perceptions, and perceived significance of dental signs and symptoms. Our objective was to quantify the relationships between normative need and self-reports to improve our understanding of the factors that contribute to perceived need for care. Methods: Clinical examination and questionnaire data were derived from the Florida Dental Care Study, a study of oral health and dental care, in a representative sample of community-dwelling adults aged ≥45 years. The questionnaire provided information about presence of signs and symptoms, self-ratings of oral health, perceived need for dental care, and sociodemographic status (SDS). Perceived need was measured on a 4-point nominal scale. Results: Self-reported broken filling, broken denture, cavities, loose tooth, teeth that look bad, and toothache were strongly associated with self-reported perceived need for dental care. Satisfaction with dental health was also associated with perceived need, but self-rated oral health was not. Most measures of SDS were associated with perceived need. However, in a single multiple regression, with self-reported signs and symptoms accounted for, race, age group, sex, and educational attainment were not significantly associated with a currently perceived dental problem. Conclusions: Certain dental signs and symptoms were significantly associated with perceived need for dental care, as were certain aspects of SDS; even once differences in dental signs and symptoms had been taken into account. Disaggregating measurement of perceived need from a single dichotomous (‘yes/no’) scale to a 4-point nominal scale was elucidative.
Mapping of Medical Microbiology Content in a Clinical Presentation Curriculum

Clinically important microbes, and the pathogenesis, symptoms and diagnosis of their corresponding infectious diseases were integrated into clinical schemes within a clinical presentation curriculum. Decisions on microbe placement considered a variety of factors, including spaced reinforcement of major pathogens. We report here the map of our integrated medical microbiology curriculum.
Application of graph theory to the synchronization in an array of coupled nonlinear oscillators

In this letter, we show how algebraic graph theory can be used to derive sufficient conditions for an array of resistively coupled nonlinear oscillators to synchronize. These conditions are derived from the connectivity graph, which describes how the oscillators are connected. In particular, we show how such a sufficient condition is dependent on the algebraic connectivity of the connectivity graph. Intuition tells us that if the oscillators are more "closely connected" to each other, then they are more likely to synchronize. We discuss how to quantify connectedness in graph-theoretical terms and its relation to algebraic connectivity and show that our results are in accordance with this intuition. We also give an upper bound on the coupling conductance required for synchronization for arbitrary graphs, which is in the order of n/sup 2/, where n is the number of oscillators. >
Internet infrastructure security: a taxonomy

The pervasive and ubiquitous nature of the Internet coupled with growing concerns about cyber terrorism demand immediate solutions for securing the Internet infrastructure. So far, the research in Internet security primarily focused on. securing the information rather than securing the infrastructure itself. Given the prevailing threat situation, there is a compelling need to develop architectures, algorithms, and protocols to realize a dependable Internet infrastructure. In order to achieve this goal, the first and foremost step is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the security threats and existing solutions. This article attempts to fulfill this important step by providing a taxonomy of security attacks, which are classified into four main categories: DNS hacking, routing table poisoning, packet mistreatment, and denial-of-service attacks. The article discusses the existing solutions for each of these categories, and also outlines a methodology for developing secure protocols.
High Rate of False-Negative Results of the Rectal Swab Culture Method in Detection of Gastrointestinal Colonization with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci

The diagnostic accuracy of the rectal swab (RS) culture method in identifying gastrointestinal colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is not known. Serial quantitative stool cultures, skin cultures, and RS cultures were performed for patients with VRE infections to assess the false-negative rate of the RS and the prevalence of skin colonization, a prerequisite for cross-transmission, at varying VRE stool densities. A total of 35 stool samples were obtained from 13 patients. The sensitivity of the RS culture was 58%; it ranged from 100%, at VRE densities of > or =7.5 log10 colony forming units (cfu) per gram of stool, to 0%, at densities of < or =4.5 log10 cfu per gram of stool. Skin colonization was detected at these low VRE stool densities, but it was more common at higher VRE densities (P<.001). Antibiotic exposure was significantly associated with higher VRE stool densities (P<.001). The high false-negative rate of the RS may be contributing to the continued increase in the prevalence of VRE.
CULTURAL CHANGE: AN INTEGRATION OF THREE DIFFERENT VIEWS[1]

In this article we integrate three disparate views of culture and cultural change. With each view comes a distinct set of implications about the nature, scope, source(s), and consequences of culture change. Each view also suggests distinct implications for those who wish to manage cultural change in organizations. We argue that to understand how organizations change, in general, it is important to understand these disparate, yet interrelated processes of cultural change. We present these three views of culture and cultural change processes in organizations.
Time-frequency distributions as exploratory tools in the study of biological signals

Biological signals offer a special challenge to signal processing. Usually, a signal is assumed to be composed of complex exponentials which are the solutions to linear time-invariant (LTI) differential equations. Signals of biological origin often do not comply with these simplifying assumptions which are so useful in more conventional engineering application. Newly emerging techniques of time-frequency (t-f) analysis can provide new insights into the nature of biological signals so that new, more effective modeling and analysis techniques can be used. The paper describes some results using reduced interference distributions (RID) as an exploratory tool in biological signal analysis, revealing new insights into the complex structure of these signals. >
Examining a Climatoeconomic Contextualization of Generalized Social Trust Mediated by Uncertainty Avoidance

Social science research has focused on polieconomic factors for generalized social trust. Yet psychological research has shown that ecological factors can influence cognition, mood, and behavior. Following Van de Vliert's climatic demands-resources theory, I proposed the view of a climatoeconomic contextualization of generalized social trust. Specifically, I found that the in- terplay of thermal climates (harshness) and wealth (GDP per capita) was related to generalized social trust, mediated by uncertainty avoidance rather than other cultural dimensions such as individualism-collectivism, masculinity-femininity, and power distance. These findings render di- rect support to Hofstede's hypothesis that societal cultures are first-stage outcomes of climatic factors and second-stage intermediaries between these climatic factors and the sociopsycho- logical functioning of markets, organizations, groups, and individuals. They also provide important implications for trust theory and climatic demands-resources theory.
Novel Methodologies for Performance & Power Efficient Reconfigurable Networks-on-Chip

Emerging platform-FPGAs with embedded soft and hard processors cores can be used for system-on-chip (SoC) designs. SoC systems represent a complex interconnection of various functional elements. Existing bus based interconnect architectures do not present a scalable solution to the existing problems in the communication. Networks-on-chip (NoC) has been proposed as a new design paradigm to solve the communication bottlenecks of the bus based system design (Benini and Micheli, 2002 , Dally and Towles, 2001). The basic idea is to interconnect the various intellectual property (IP) cores using on-chip networks (Hemani et al., 2000, Dally and Towles, 2004, Duato et al. 1998). Exploiting the advantages of NoC in FPGAs for implementing SoC designs is an active area of research. Modern FPGAs can support up to 10 million gates to accommodate all logic and the associated routing. Thus, logic area is at a premium in FPGAs. In order to implement a competitive NoC architecture in FPGAs, the area occupied by the network logic should be kept to a minimum. This ensures maximum area utilization by the logic while maintaining the performance of the on-chip network. Area reduction results in increased performance and reduced power consumption of the overall system (Sethuraman et al., 2005, Sethuraman et al., 2004). Firstly an area reduction, by designing a light weight router for FPGAs, was achieved. Then, a novel router architecture designs (Multi Local Port Routers and Multi2 Routers) that provide ample opportunity to optimize the data traffic, thereby achieving improvement in both the power and the performance were proposed. This is primarily because of the reduction in the number of packets flowing in the main networks-on-chip mesh. Also, in this research work, efficient NoC configuration generation strategies were presented
Robust Egress Interdomain Traffic Engineering

BGP is traditionally configured to implement traffic engineering objectives without considering potential network dynamics. This might result in undesirable traffic distribution when network failures occur. In this paper, we present algorithms for interdomain traffic engineering that achieve the interdomain traffic engineering objectives under network failures. That is, we aim to configure routing policies so that traffic is distributed evenly. More importantly, the configuration is robust in the sense that it is able to achieve the specified traffic engineering goals despite network failures. We first investigate the coarse-grained robust configurations. The derived configuration can achieve optimal robust traffic engineering objectives for most network failures. Further, we develop a greedy algorithm to derive robust BGP configuration for any traffic distribution and link capacities. We use simulations to evaluate the robustness of the derived BGP configurations by applying the algorithm to both transit and stub ASs under realistic traffic demands. Our results show that the derived BGP configurations can improve the default configuration significantly in terms of achieving the robust traffic engineering objectives. Furthermore, our algorithm achieves robust traffic engineering goals without diminishing other routing objectives.
Small-Scale Photospheric Fields: Observational Evidence and Numerical Simulations

Observations suggest that magnetic fields at the solar photosphere may be structured below the limit of the present resolution. We argue that numerical simulations could be used in a complementary way to observations in order to study the small-scale structure of photospheric fields. We present a number of illustrative examples.
Mycorrhizal Fungi and Cold-assisted Symbiotic Germination of the Federally Threatened Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid, Platanthera leucophaea (Nuttall) Lindley

Abstract The 70% decline of the Federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid, Platanthera leucophaea (Nuttall) Lindley, has prompted concern for its recovery through artificial propagation. We describe a technique to germinate seeds and cultivate seedlings of P. leucophaea in vitro using cold treatments (=stratification) and mycorrhizal fungi (=symbiotic seed germination). Five fungal isolates were recovered from mature P. leucophaea plants in Illinois and Michigan and were identified as members of the anamorphic genus Ceratorhiza Moore. Stratified seeds inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi germinated within 25 d of sowing. Leaf-bearing seedlings were obtained by chilling young seedlings (protocorms) for 107 d. Our successful culture of leaf-bearing seedlings with a presumed mycotrophic capability may make it possible for this threatened orchid to be propagated in soil ex vitro, followed by reintroduction into suitable habitats.
Optimized breeding strategies for multiple trait integration: III. Parameters for success in version testing

Multiple trait integration (MTI) is the process by which a target hybrid (or variety) is converted to add value-added traits to the comprehensive performance package represented by that genotype. The goal is to recover all the attributes of the target hybrid, with the addition of the specified value-added traits. In maize, this process utilizes the backcross breeding method to incorporate transgenic events (or genes) of interest. Thus, MTI involves four main steps: single event introgression, event pyramiding, trait fixation, and version testing to ensure recovery of equivalent performance with at least one version of the converted hybrid. Based on a case study involving conversion of a target hybrid for 15 transgenic events (the female inbred parent was converted for 8 events, and the male inbred parent was converted for 7 events), we explored parameters in version testing to facilitate a high likelihood of recovering at least one version of the hybrid conversion with yield performance equivalency within 3 % of unconverted target hybrid. Using computer simulation, we explored the impact of two factors on the success rate of the MTI outcome: (1) the amount of residual NRP (non-recurrent parent) germplasm remaining in the converted hybrid and (2) the number of versions of each parental line conversion created. A range of residual NRP germplasm from 120 to 180 cM (which represents 95.0-96.6 % germplasm recovery of the target hybrid in maize) and up to 5 versions of each parental conversion were considered, with all possible hybrid combinations of each version of female and male RP (recurrent parent) conversion evaluated for yield. With 5 versions of each RP conversion and testing of 25 hybrid versions, a >95 % rate of success was realized when the amount of residual NRP germplasm in the hybrid conversion was ≤180 cM. When hybrid conversions contained ≤120-cM residual NRP germplasm, only 4 versions of one of the parental conversions were needed (rather than 5), requiring 20 versions of the hybrid conversion to be yield tested. These results have implications in the strategic design of an overall conversion program and for the upstream MTI process, especially in setting thresholds for the amount of NRP germplasm remaining in RP conversions. Furthermore, these results validate findings of (Peng et al. in Mol Breed 33:189-104, 2014a. doi:10.1007/s11032-013-9936-7, in Mole Breed 33:105-115, 2014b. doi:10.1007/s11032-013-9937-6) which outline effective breeding strategies to optimize earlier steps in MTI (preceding version testing).
Two Active Site Divalent Ions in the Crystal Structure of the Hammerhead Ribozyme Bound to a Transition State Analogue

The crystal structure of the hammerhead ribozyme bound to the pentavalent transition state analogue vanadate reveals significant rearrangements relative to the previously determined structures. The active site contracts, bringing G10.1 closer to the cleavage site and repositioning a divalent metal ion such that it could, ultimately, interact directly with the scissile phosphate. This ion could also position a water molecule to serve as a general acid in the cleavage reaction. A second divalent ion is observed coordinated to O6 of G12. This metal ion is well-placed to help tune the pKA of G12. On the basis of this crystal structure as well as a wealth of biochemical studies, we propose a mechanism in which G12 serves as the general base and a magnesium-bound water serves as a general acid.
Knowledge First?, by McGlynn, Aidan

Not too often, but from time to time, a game-changer happens in philosophy. A completely new way of investigating and of answering a traditional question appears and makes the players reflect on th...
Evaluating Propensity Score Methods in a Quasi-Experimental Study of the Impact of Menu-Labeling.

Background Quasi-experimental studies of menu labeling have found mixed results for improving diet. Differences between experimental groups can hinder interpretation. Propensity scores are an increasingly common method to improve covariate balance, but multiple methods exist and the improvements associated with each method have rarely been compared. In this re-analysis of the impact of menu labeling, we compare multiple propensity score methods to determine which methods optimize balance between experimental groups.
The Ineffectiveness of “Effective” Management Strategies: First-Year Teachers, Behavior Management, and Identity

ABSTRACTThis article presents a research project that challenges the skills-based approach to classroom management in teacher education, particularly in the domain of responding to student misbehaviors. In 90-minute narrative-based interviews, 16 first-year Chicago Public School (CPS) teachers were prompted for narratives of their experiences responding to student misbehaviors. A thematic analysis of these interviews using a grounded theory methodology revealed three ways in which identity affected teachers’ student behavior management decisions: (1) their desire to be seen as “a certain kind of teacher” by their students, (2) their desire to perceive themselves as a certain kind of person and teacher, and (3) identity concerns superseding effectiveness in teachers’ selection of interventions. Implications of these findings are discussed. An experiential approach to identity development in teacher education is endorsed as a corrective to the predominantly skills-based approach to classroom management. An ...
Photo-Cvd Silicon Nitride for Gaas Mesfet Passivation

Silicon nitride films were deposited using a photochemical vapor deposition method. The defect density in these films was under 100/cm2 and the film adhesion was in excess of 104 psi. No lift-off was observed at power densities of up to 10 A/cm2 at applied voltages of up to 100. The film stress was compressive and under 5x103 psi. Total mobile ion concentration in the films did not exceed 109/cm2. Device analysis was carried out using Motorola dual gate MESFETs. Device degradation was evaluated in terms of surface potential sensitive parameters like source-drain current and resistance, by making comparisons in these parameters before and after passivation. Some degradation (up to 17 %) occurred in some of these parameters subsequent to device passivation. These results are comparable to or better than those encountered in most other low temperature films (like plasma enhanced CVD and polyimide films). The observed device properties are explained in terms of the film composition and the applicability of photo-CVD nitride films for MESFET passivation is discussed.
Measurements and modeling of deposited particle transport by foot traffic indoors.

Deposited particles are transported into and within buildings by adhering to and releasing from people’s shoes. To better understand transport of deposited particulate contaminants and exposures to these materials, experimental data on tracking by foot traffic are needed. Laboratory experiments measured uptake and downlay mass transfer efficiencies of particles between shoes and floors in a step-simulation chamber. Equilibrium uptake transfer fractions, the net mass fraction transferred from floors to shoes after several steps, were also measured. Single-step uptake and downlay transfer efficiencies ranged from 0.02 to 0.22 and equilibrium uptake transfer fractions were 0.10–0.40. Particle size, particle loading, shoe type, floor type, step pressure, and step sequence were all investigated. Experiments demonstrated that single-step downlay transfer efficiencies decrease with each successive step onto clean floors. A simple empirical model is proposed to estimate these transfers as a function of step numbe...
Application design and interoperability for managing personal information in the semantic desktop

A number of semantic desktop frameworks have been proposed that address different issues in personal information management, including the organization, manipulation, and visualization of personal data. Our approach comprises a layered multi-ontology based framework, MOSE. In this paper, we describe how the architecture of MOSE supports an application centered semantic approach to personal information management. In particular, we introduce a method based on the Model-View-Controller paradigm for personal information application (PIA) development, as enabled by the underlying semantic data organization and specified by the PIA designer. We also introduce the notion of parameterized channel and describe how it supports the interaction among multiple visualizations in a PIA. We give a definition of desktop service based on the concept of parameterized channel and the benefits provided by the separation of PIA definition and implementation. Finally, we discuss two cases of the execution of desktop services in MOSE that highlight application interoperability.
The Patient Self-Determination Act: implications for physicians.

Practical application of the principles behind the legislation will improve communication among health care providers, patients, and their families, with respect to ethical concerns in the care of the chronically or terminally ill.
A Dielectrophoresis-based Array Cytometer

We present the initial results of a cytometer that uses an array of extruded high-performance dielectrophoretic traps to capture, hold, and selectively release multiple single bioparticles. We have fabricated small arrays of traps and demonstrated single-bead and single-cell trapping, electrically switched bead release from single traps, fluorescence microscopy of trapped viable single cells, and quantitatively predicted trap strength.
Stress-related problems in tokamak fusion reactor first walls

Fracture and deformation problems anticipated for the first wall of a future steady-state fusion power reactor are discussed. The stress sources considered are surface heat flux, irradiation-induced creep and swelling, and coolant pressure. Simple examples, such as a beam or a plate, as well as finite element analyses of more realistic structures from recent design studies, are used to explain the problems that are anticipated. Detailed two- and three-dimensional finite element analyses of a grooved first wall are presented to show that grooving the first wall is a potential solution for high thermal stress.
The significance of underlying cardiac comorbidity on major adverse cardiac events after major liver resection.

Background The risk of postoperative adverse events in patients with underlying cardiac disease undergoing major hepatectomy remains poorly characterized.
Fickle Winds: Ideological Conflict, Political Caricatures of the Poor, and the New Terrorist Threat

During the Great Depression global political and economic circumstances colluded in such a way as to encourage the USA to treat poverty as a social rather than an individual-level problem. In the 1930s, abjuring sympathy for its economically depressed citizens could have invoked a dangerous climate in which Americans might have been motivated to view the USSR’s worker-oriented political system more favorably. Subsequently, poverty definitions and policies have been blown about capriciously with the regular shift of political and economic tides.
On the measurement of turbulence in estuaries

Evaluation of the diffusion characteristics of an estuary requires an understanding of the turbulence structure and a measure of the range and variability of the eddy diffusion coefficients. Such data are of primary importance to investigators seeking to estimate possible environmental changes through predictive numerical or hydraulic models. This paper presents a review of the turbulence problem with particular emphasis on estuaries. Both spectral characteristics and spatial scales are considered and related to experimental procedures. Currently available instrumentation is reviewed and its performance critiqued. Emphasis is placed on long-term reliability. Both Lagrangian and Eulerian methods are discussed.
Abstract P251: Mechanical Stretch Induces Phosphorylation of Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C

Normal hearts increase contractile force in response to mechanical stretch caused by increasing volume. Although this phenomenon has been extensively studied from myofilaments’ spacing perspective, possible coupling of mechanical-sensing signaling to modulation of myofilament function remains unknown. Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (MyBPC3) is a component of heart muscle thick filament. Phosphorylation of MyBPC3 releases its inhibition on cross-bridge cycling to increase cardiac contractility. Thus, we postulate that mechanical stretch of the myocardium causes phosphorylation of MyBPC3 to increase contractility. We tested this hypothesis by performing static stretch of 20% from baseline on cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCM) at durations of 2, 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. NRCM culture provides the advantage of cells living in an environment free of adrenergic stimulation to avoid catecholamine stimulation mediated phosphorylation of MyBPC3. Site-specific phospho-serine antibodies were used to detect phosphorylation of rat equivalent of S282 and S302 of mouse MyBPC3. We used MyBPC3 antibody made from a different species than site-specific phospho-serine antibodies to account for loading. S282P transiently peaked after 5 minutes of stretch, whereas S302P continued to increase with time through 60 minutes (see figure). Consequently, our data show that mechanical stretch alone can cause phosphorylation of MyBPC3 as a mechanism that couples different signaling pathways to myofilament function.
Effects of the Plant Growth Regulator Mepiquat Chloride on Silverleaf Whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Infestations on Cotton

Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., plants were treated with the plant growth regulator mepiquat chloride (Pix) in greenhouse and field plot tests to determine its effect on infestations of the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perring. In the greenhouse, Pix-treated plants were significantly shorter and had thicker leaves than untreated plants by the end of the second week following application. Most of the Pix treatments caused significant reductions in adults, eggs and nymphs on leaves by fourth and final week of the test. In a separate test, leaf water potentials were equal for Pix-treated and well-watered plants which were significantly lower than for water-stressed and control plants. Pix-treated plants in two field plot tests showed the same changes in plant morphology observed in Pix-treated plants in the greenhouse. However, leaf water potentials were the same as in untreated plants and no reductions in whitefly infestations were found during the 6 to 7 wk test periods. Pix-treated plants in a third field plot test showed no changes in plant morphology or in whitefly infestations. The reduced whitefly infestations of Pix-treated plants in the greenhouse, but not in field plots, may have been due to reduced leaf water potentials in Pix-treated greenhouse plants but not in field plants.
Educational Initiative to Standardize Concussion Management in Pediatric Primary Care

Pediatric primary care providers report limited training and tools to manage concussion. We developed a learning community intervention for a large independent pediatric practice association affiliated with a university hospital to standardize concussion management and improve the use of consensus-based guidelines. The learning community included in-person and online didactics, followed by a web-based reinforcement platform to educate and train clinicians on our treatment algorithm and decision support tools. Chart reviews before and after the intervention demonstrated significant increases in the use of standardized symptom rating scales (19.6% to 69.3%; P < .001), balance assessment (2.3% to 37.6%; P < .001), and scheduled follow-up (41.8% to 61.2%; P < .001), with an increase in delivery of our entire best practice bundle from 3.5% to 28.1% ( P < .001). A multimodal educational intervention can effect change among pediatric primary care providers and help align their management practices with consensus-based guidelines.
Aeroelastic Optimization with an Economical Transonic Flutter Constraint Using Navier–Stokes Aerodynamics

Structural optimization with a flutter constraint for a vehicle designed to fly in the transonic regime is a particularly difficult task. In this speed range, the flutter boundary is very sensitive...
On the Observed Relationships between Wintertime Variability in Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension Sea Surface Temperatures and the Atmospheric Circulation over the North Pacific

AbstractObservational analyses reveal that wintertime variations in sea surface temperatures (SST) in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Extension (KOE) region of the North Pacific are associated with two distinct and robust patterns of atmospheric variability: 1) a pattern that peaks in amplitude approximately 2–3 weeks prior to large KOE SST anomalies and is consistent with atmospheric forcing of the SST field and 2) a very different pattern that lags SST anomalies in the KOE region by approximately a month. The latter pattern is dominated by low sea level pressure anomalies and turbulent heat fluxes directed into the atmosphere over warm SST anomalies and is interpreted as the transient atmospheric response to SST anomalies over the KOE region. The results contribute to a growing body of evidence that suggests variations in SSTs in the midlatitude oceans are capable of significantly influencing the large-scale atmospheric circulation, especially near western boundary currents.
Determinants of obesity in Turkey: appetite or disease?

This study examines the factors affecting obesity prevalence among adult individuals in Turkey using data obtained from the National Health Survey of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TSI). Nowadays obesity is one of the world’s major health problems. Although the proportion of young people remains very high in Turkey, the prevalence of obesity is increasing daily. In this study, we used the National Health Survey data collected by the TSI in 2012. The research was carried out on 14,400 households in 12 regions of Turkey. The study covered socio-demographic characteristics of families and household heads, but included only observations made by household heads. We tested a bivariate probit model with sample selection, which was compatible with the data-generating process to exclude the inherent selection problem. We then applied a simple binary probit model to assess the likelihood of being obese among those who reported their body measures (height and weight). The results indicated that living in a city, getting married, being female, being middle-aged, being depressed and having lower education levels increased the probability of obesity prevalence among Turkish subjects, while less obesity prevalence was associated with being male, being well educated, being a regular walker, being a smoker and living in a rural area. When combating obesity in Turkey, social risk groups that are more likely to be obese should be identified and awareness training should be carried out for each group with suitable objectives and programs. The aim of such programs should be to encourage adequate and balanced nutrition and regular physical activity and to teach individuals about the adverse effects of obesity on health (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, hypertension, etc.).