cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Naucorid Genus and Species from Nevada (Hemiptera)

Generic characteristics.—Head narrowly and briefly foveate on either side near anterior margins; antennae very short, not reaching inner anterior angles of eyes. Pronotum very short and broad, four times broader than long, posterolateral angles prominent, expanded and narrowly rounded. Scutellum with lateral margins elevated, sinuate at middle, the disc feebly depressed. Hemelytra possessing the most obviously distinct characteristics of the genus: claval suture wanting; claval and corial veins thickened and elevated; embolium prolonged into a single, sharp, long, curved spine at its posterolateral angle; membrane thickened, greatly reduced, merely a thin inverted “V,” terminal width distinctly less than 50% of length. Hindwings greatly reduced, usually extending just slightly caudad of middle of second visible abdominal segment. Abdominal segmentation obsolescent in mid-dorsum.
Phosphorylation and functions of inhibitor-2 family of proteins.

Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) is an essential protein Ser/Thr phosphatase that is extraordinarily conserved from yeast to human, and Inhibitor-2 (I-2) is the most ancient of the heat-stable proteins specific for PP1. We identified novel I-2 homologues in Caenorhabditis elegans (Ce) and Xenopus laevis (Xe) and compared them to the I-2 proteins from Homo sapiens (Hs), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (GLC8), and Drosophila melanogaster (Dm). The Ce I-2 and Dm I-2 showed the highest potency inhibition of rabbit PP1 with IC50 near 5 nM compared to Hs I-2 and Xe I-2 with IC50 between 10 and 50 nM and GLC8 with >100-fold lower activity. Inhibition of PP1 bound to Nek2 kinase activated the kinase to phosphorylate a C-Nap1 domain substrate. All the species of I-2 except GLC8 activated the Nek2::PP1 to the same extent as microcystin-LR. Only Hs I-2 and Xe I-2, not the I-2 proteins more divergent in sequence, directly activated human Aurora-A kinase. Various species of I-2 have a common PxTP phosphorylation site that showed ...
Use Impairments and Ecosystem Impacts of the New York Bight

Abstract The New York Bight is perhaps one of the most used and abused coastal areas in the world as a consequence of urbanization and the disposal of the waste of some 20 million people who reside by its shores and surrounding bays and estuaries. A variety of sources, including those associated with sewage wastes, industrial wastes, contaminated dredged material, urban runoff, and atmospheric fallout contaminate these coastal waters. Many of the stresses of excess population and industrialization as measured by pollutant loadings and ecosystem impacts can be crudely quantified in terms of use impairments-use impairments that have measurable social and economic relevance. Five broad categories of impairment attributed to pollution in the Bight that are causing significant losses of ecological, economic, or social values are: beach closures, unsafe seafoods, hazards to commercial and recreational navigation, loss of commercial and recreational fisheries, and declines in birds, mammals and turtles. These im...
Molecular Self-Assembly of Aliphatic Thiols on Gold Colloids

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were formed on gold colloids in 50% aqueous ethanol in the presence of alkanethiols, HS(CH2)nR, where R represents a series of neutral and acidic functional groups. Chemiadsorption of alkanethiols onto the gold colloids significantly changed the rates of flocculation of the gold dispersions; the magnitudes of these pH-dependent changes were a function of chain length, n, and the terminal functionality, R, in a manner consistent with formation of SAMs on the colloid surface. The reduced rate of dissolution of alkanethiol-treated colloids by wet chemical etchants, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data further support the formation of SAMs.
The inhibition of adsorption of Corynebacterium diphtheriae phage by tween 80.

Abstract The ability of Tween 80 to inhibit the adsorption of phage B to its host, strain C4 of Corynebacterium diphtheriae , has been demonstrated. The amount of inhibition was found to be directly related to the Tween concentration. The concentrations employed did not appreciably inactivate the phage or affect the viability of the host cells. Free oleic acid present in Tween as an impurity is not the agent responsible for the inhibitory effect. The action of Tween is apparently restricted to the initial adsorption step of phage infection, for phage already adsorbed is not affected by exposure to Tween. The results presented indicate that inhibition of phage adsorption is due to the action of Tween on the surface of the bacterial cells rather than on the phage. This is supported by the observations that preincubation of phage with Tween did not affect either the subsequent adsorption rate or the plaqueproducing ability of the phage. In contrast, a temporary exposure of bacterial cells to Tween caused an apparent alteration of the cell surface which was only partially reversed by repeated washings.
Cognitive organization of favorable and unfavorable beliefs about performing a behavior.

Intentions to perform behaviors are influenced by beliefs about their consequences, but researchers have not addressed how such beliefs are cognitively organized. In 3 experiments, the authors tested the hypothesis that beliefs are organized according to whether they are favorable or unfavorable in regard to performing a behavior. In Experiment 1, a group of U.S. students first read a list of beliefs favorable and unfavorable to going to a vacation resort and then listed their beliefs about condom use. In Experiment 2, another group of U.S. students listed their beliefs about condom use. In Experiment 3, a 3rd group of U.S. students listed their beliefs about a novel behavior (asking the experimenter for candy). The results of all 3 experiments were consistent with the hypothesis that people cognitively organize their beliefs according to whether they are favorable or unfavorable to the behavior in question.
Minimum Thermal Conductivity of Superlattices

The phonon thermal conductivity of a multilayer is calculated for transport perpendicular to the layers. There is a crossover between particle transport for thick layers to wave transport for thin layers. The calculations show that the conductivity has a minimum value for a layer thickness somewhat smaller then the mean free path of the phonons.
Possibility of high-pressure transformation during nanoindentation of SiC

High-pressure transformation to the rocksalt structure has been proposed as a mechanism that underlies the ductile wear observed during nanomachining of SiC. However, in contrast to other brittle materials (e.g. Si), no such transformation has been directly observed either during machining or during nanoindentation of SiC. Here, we performed large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation with spherical indenters of various sizes and surface roughness to determine whether SiC can undergo a nanoindentation-induced transformation from the zincblende to the rocksalt structure. The calculations of possible states of stresses under the indenter have been combined with a thermodynamic analysis to estimate the effects of dislocation density, shear stresses and temperature on the phase transformation pressure in SiC. Our analysis shows that the high-pressure transformation is highly unlikely under the conditions of nanomachining. We conclude that the primary response of SiC to nanoindentation is dislocation nucleation and propagation in the low-pressure (zincblende) phase.
HSP70-2 is part of the synaptonemal complex in mouse and hamster spermatocytes.

Mouse spermatogenic cells are known to express HSP70-2, a member of the HSP70 family of heatshock proteins. The purpose of the present study was to characterize further the expression and localization of HSP70-2 in meiotic cells of mice and hamsters. After separating mouse spermatogenic cells into cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions, proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and detected with HSP-specific antibodies. Of several HSP70 proteins identified in the cytoplasm, only HSC70 and HSP70-2 were also detected in the nucleus. Immunocytological analyses of spermatocyte prophase cells revealed that HSP70-2 was associated with the synaptonemal complex. Surfacespread synaptonemal complexes at pachytene and diplotene stages labeled distinctly with the antiserum to HSP70-2. Synaptonemal complexes from fetal mouse oocytes failed to show any evidence of HSP70-2. Reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses of gene expression confirmed this sex specificity; Hsp70-2 mRNA was detected in mouse testes, but not ovaries. These findings are suggestive of a previously unsuspected sexual dimorphism in structure and/or function of the synaptonemal complex.
National and International Wheat Improvement Research in the Post-Green Revolution Period: Evolution and Impacts

The role of IARC-generated technology in the global system of spring wheat improvement is examined for the period, 1977–90. Nine of the thirty–eight developing countries that produce spring wheat demonstrate the capacity to develop varieties from their own crosses; the other countries focus on screening CIMMYT germplasm for direct release. Over 40% of spring wheat area is sown to "direct transfer" CIMMYT varieties, indicating that CIMMYT research remains an important complement to NARS research. An ex post rate of return above 50% is estimated for wheat research investments in developing countries, with the highest returns occurring in the South Asia region and in irrigated and high-rainfall environments. Future returns above 35% are projected.
Extinction responding by septal and normal rats following acquisition under four schedules of reinforcement

Abstract Extinction responding of animals with septal lesions was compared to that of normal animals following acquisition training under either DRL, FI, VI or FR reinforcement schedules (Part 1). During both acquisition and extinction, septals bar pressed more than normals. However, regardless of response levels, a given schedule changed behavior in the same direction for both septals and normals. Thus, if a given schedule led to a decrease in bar pressing by normals, it also led to a decrease by septals, although the absolute level of responding at which this occurred might be different for the two groups. Similarly, if a schedule led to an increase in responding by normals, it also led to an increase by septals. In Part 2 of the experiment operant levels of septals were not found to be different from those of normals, and noncontingent food delivery generated no more nor less bar pressing in septals than in normals. It was proposed that the septal area may be of importance in the initiation of behavior which competes with the required or reinforced response.
A CLASSIC FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEIL: Du Bois's Souls of Black Folk

Why has W.E.B. Du Bois not mattered more in sociology? In addition to being on the short list of the 20th century's most influential public intellectuals, Du Bois made substantial, if under recogni...
An Electrothermomechanical Lumped Element Model of an Electrothermal Bimorph Actuator

This paper reports a simple electrothermomechanical lumped element model (ETM-LEM) that describes the behavior of an electrothermal bimorph actuator. The ETM-LEM is developed by integrating an electrothermal LEM of a heater with a thermomechanical LEM of a bimorph actuator. This new LEM uses only one power source in both the electrical and thermal domains. The LEM provides a simple and accurate way of relating the output mechanical response of a bimorph actuator to the electrical inputs. The model shows that the tip angular rotation of the bimorph actuator is linearly proportional to its average temperature change. The LEM predicts a linear relationship between both the average temperature change and bimorph tip angular rotation versus voltage when operated above a certain voltage. The LEM is used to predict the rotation angle of a fabricated electrothermal bimorph micromirror in response to the electrical inputs and produces results that agree with finite element model simulations and experimental data within 15% for all measured parameters.
RED-NECKED GREBES BECOME SEMICOLONIAL WHEN PRIME NESTING SUBSTRATE IS AVAILABLE

Abstract During 1995–1998 we studied the dynamics of nesting dispersion in a population of 160–200 Red-necked Grebes (Podiceps grisegena) on Lake Osakis, a large, windblown lake in central Minnesota. Breeding grebe pairs arriving on the lake were highly attracted to several large floating cattail (Typha angustifolia) mats that had broken off and drifted away from the mainland to become “islands” snagged within rooted emergent beds. These mats provided prime nesting habitat protected from waves and predators that was chosen by nearly 40% of the breeding population. Most pairs establishing nests on the islands averaged 5–10 simultaneously active neighbors within 50 m, compared to pairs that established territories along the shoreline, most of which had no neighbors within 50 m. The overall success of the two strategies varied widely from year to year, depending on the water levels, nesting habitat availability, timing of windstorms, and predator activity. During most years, however, pairs that established n...
Fabrication and Characterization of Small Unit-Cell Molecular Beam Epitaxy Grown HgCdTe-on-Si Mid-Wavelength Infrared Detectors

Small 15 μm unit-cell mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) detectors have been fabricated and characterized at Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) to enable the development of high resolution, large format, infrared imaging systems. The detectors are fabricated using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown 4-in. HgCdTe-on-Si wafers with a p-on-n double layer heterojunction (DLHJ) device architecture. Advanced fabrication processes, such as inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching, developed for large format MBE-on-Si wafers and 20 μm unit-cell two-color triple layer heterojunction (TLHJ) focal plane arrays (FPAs) have been successfully extended and applied to yield high performance 15 μm unit-cell single color detectors that compare favorably with state-of-the-art detectors with larger pitch. The measured 78 K MWIR cut-off wavelength for the fabricated detectors is near 5.5 μm, and the current–voltage characteristics of these devices exhibit strong reverse breakdown and RoA performance as a function of temperature with diffusion limited performance extending to temperatures down to 120 K.
A knowledge-based approach to the detection, tracking and classification of target formations in infrared image sequences

A knowledge-based approach to the detection, tracking, and classification of ground-based formations of point targets in sequences of digitized forward-looking infrared (FLIR) image sequences is presented. The system has two components: a point target detector and tracker (PTD) which processes the image sequences and supplies candidate point targets to the knowledge-based target formation detector for clustering into formations, which are then classified as linear, V, and the like. The system has been implemented in software written in C and Common Lisp and evaluated on a variety of FLIR image sequences. The results indicate that, in all cases, the knowledge base improves system performance over that attained by the PTD alone. >
Complications Following Renal Trauma

nephrectomy, 25 (11.0%) underwent partial nephrectomy, and 8 (3.5%) underwent nephrorrhaphy. The overall incidence of kidney-related complications excluding renal failure was 5.2%. The kidney repair group was significantly more likely to develop local kidney-related complications than the total nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, and no kidney exploration groups, even though the nephrorrhaphy group had less severe kidney injuries. Patients with minor or moderate kidney injuries who underwent kidney exploration had more than twice the local complication rate than patients with no kidney exploration (7.1% vs 3.3%, P=.05). Conclusions:Selectivenonoperativemanagementissafe for blunt and penetrating kidney injuries. Patients managed with nephrorrhaphy are at higher risk for local kidney-related complications than other therapeutic modalities. Patients with minor or moderate kidney injuries treated with exploration of the kidney are more likely to develop local complications than those treated without exploration.
Theoretical Study of Alpha Case Formation during Titanium Casting

Scale analyses indicate that three distinct contaminant mass-transfer processes, occurring on distinct time scales, underlie formation of the alpha case on small titanium castings. High rates of mold-to-liquid metal mass transfer occur during an extremely short induction period, the length of which is determined by the time required for heterogeneously nucleated solidification fronts to cover mold surface asperities. Following the induction period, but prior to complete cast solidification, mold contaminants diffuse through a rapidly growing solidification layer, where the solid-phase mass-diffusion boundary layer grows at a rate approximately an order of magnitude slower than the solidification front. Finally, following complete solidification and until the part is removed from the mold, contaminant mass transfer continues via solid diffusion. Based on the scale analyses, an analytical model that incorporates an empirical relation between titanium solid phase oxygen concentration and titanium microhardness is developed and compared against representative experimental near-surface microhardness measurements.
US Intergroup Anal Carcinoma Trial: Tumor Diameter Predicts for Colostomy

Purpose The US Gastrointestinal Intergroup Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 98-11 anal carcinoma trial showed that cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy resulted in a significantly higher rate of colostomy compared with mitomycin-based therapy. Established prognostic variables for patients with anal carcinoma include tumor diameter, clinical nodal status, and sex, but pretreatment variables that would predict the likelihood of colostomy are unknown. Methods A secondary analysis was performed by combining patients in the two treatment arms to evaluate whether new predictive and prognostic variables would emerge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to correlate overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, and time to colostomy (TTC) with pretreatment and treatment variables. Results Of 682 patients enrolled, 644 patients were assessable and analyzed. In the multivariate analysis, tumor-related prognosticators for poorer OS included node-positive cancer (P ≤ .0001), large (> 5 cm) t...
Osteoblast connexin43 modulates skeletal architecture by regulating both arms of bone remodeling

Connexin43 (Cx43) has an important role in skeletal homeostasis, and Cx43 gene (Gja1) mutations have been linked to oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), a human disorder characterized by prominent skeletal abnormalities. To determine the function of Cx43 at early steps of osteogenesis and its role in the ODDD skeletal phenotype, we have used the Dermo1 promoter to drive Gja1 ablation or induce an ODDD mutation in the chondro-osteogenic linage. Both Gja1 null and ODDD mutant mice develop age-related osteopenia, primarily due to a progressive enlargement of the medullary cavity and cortical thinning. This phenotype is the consequence of a high bone turnover state, with increased endocortical osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and increased periosteal bone apposition. Increased bone resorption is a noncell autonomous defect, caused by exuberant stimulation of osteoclastogenesis by Cx43-deficient bone marrow stromal cells, via decreased Opg production. The latter is part of a broad defect in osteoblast differentiation and function, which also results in abnormal structural and material properties of bone leading to decreased resistance to mechanical load. Thus Cx43 in osteogenic cells is a critical regulator of both arms of the bone remodeling cycle, its absence causing structural changes remindful of aged or disused bone.
Acceleration of chemical reaction in boiling polymer solutions

This article discusses the effect of boiling inert hydrocarbon solvent on the model second-order transesterification reaction of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer with 3-phenyl 1-propanol. In the presence of boiling, the overall reaction rate increases substantially due to mass-transfer effects in the proximity of the vapor-liquid interface. The present experiments and theory indicate that during the lifetime of a bubble in the boiling medium, the concentrations of reactants and the catalyst increase significantly near the bubble surface due to the rapid diffusion of the inert solvent. After the bubble rupture, the concentration differences persist and continue affecting the chemical reaction rate. The combination of these effects is responsible for the apparent increase in the overall reactivity.
Differential regulation of granule-to-granule and granule-to-plasma membrane fusion during secretion from rat pituitary lactotrophs.

We used fluorescence imaging of individual exocytic events together with electron microscopy to study the regulation of dense core granule-to-plasma membrane fusion and granule-to-granule fusion events that occur during secretion from rat pituitary lactotrophs. Stimulating secretion with elevated extracellular potassium, with the calcium ionophore ionomycin, or with thyrotropin releasing hormone or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide resulted in abundant exocytic structures. Approximately 67% of these structures consisted of multiple granules fused together sharing a single exocytic opening with the plasma membrane, i.e., compound exocytosis. For all of these stimulation conditions there appeared to be a finite number of plasma membrane fusion sites, ∼11 sites around each cellular equator. However, a granule could fuse directly with another granule that had already fused with the plasma membrane even before all plasma membrane sites were occupied. Granule-to-plasma membrane and granule-to-granule fusion events were subject to different regulations. Forskolin, which can elevate cAMP, increased the number of granule-to-granule fusion events without altering the number of granule-to-plasma membrane fusion events. In contrast, the phorbol ester PMA, which activates protein kinase C increased both granule-to-granule and granule-to-plasma membrane fusion events. These results provide a cellular mechanism that can account for the previously demonstrated potentiation of secretion from lactotrophs by cAMP- and PKC-dependent pathways.
T-Cell Lymphoma of the Rectum in a Patient with AIDS and Hepatitis C: A Case Report and Discussion

Primary T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) occurring in the context of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is uncommon. Here, we report and discuss such a case presenting in the rectum, and review relevant literature. Although typical in some respects, the case is, in other ways, somewhat unusual for an AIDS-related NHL (ARL); ARL tends to be B cell and advanced stage and our case was T cell and stage IE. In addition, the patient suffered from concomitant cirrhosis related to hepatitis C. Chemotherapeutic options for ARL were limited early in the AIDS epidemic due to poor tolerability. Although this has largely been mitigated by the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, our patient eventually suffered complications of chemotherapy, apparently related more to his liver disease than to either his lymphoma or AIDS, that ultimately brought about his demise.
Oscillatory Neural Fields for Globally Optimal Path Planning

A neural network solution is proposed for solving path planning problems faced by mobile robots. The proposed network is a two-dimensional sheet of neurons forming a distributed representation of the robot's workspace. Lateral interconnections between neurons are "cooperative", so that the network exhibits oscillatory behaviour. These oscillations are used to generate solutions of Bellman's dynamic programming equation in the context of path planning. Simulation experiments imply that these networks locate global optimal paths even in the presence of substantial levels of circuit nOlse.
Development of a Measure to Assess Patient Trust in Medical Researchers

PURPOSE Many researchers find it difficult to recruit individuals, particularly minorities, for participation in studies. Mistrust of research and researchers may act as a barrier to participation. The purpose of this study was to develop a scale for assessing trust in medical researchers. METHODS We developed a multi-item scale by means of multiple cognitive pretests with 25 African American adults and a random-digit-dialing telephone survey of 512 adults in South Carolina. Psychometric characteristics of the Trust in Medical Researchers Scale was assessed by factor analysis using both orthogonal and oblique rotations and Cronbach’s α. We assessed construct validity as well as a behavioral intention for future participation in a medical research project. RESULTS The results of the orthogonal and oblique rotations in the exploratory factor analysis were similar and suggested 2 distinct factors in the final 12 items included in the scale. Cronbach’s α for the entire scale was 0.84, whereas it was 0.78 for the first factor of Participant Deception and 0.75 for the second factor of Researcher Honesty. White respondents (28.7 ± 5.6) had greater trust than African American respondents (24.1 ± 6.9) (P <.001). Individuals with high trust in medical researchers were more likely to express interest in future participation in medical research. CONCLUSIONS The Trust in Medical Researchers Scale has good psychometric qualities and differentiates African American from white respondents, as well as individuals who indicate that they are likely to participate in medical research from those who are not. More focused investigations in hard-to-recruit populations will help to establish the utility of the Trust in Medical Researchers Scale.
On-Line Velocity Measurements Using Phase Probes at the SuperHILAC

Phase probes have been placed in several external beam lines at the SuperHILAC to provide velocity measurements independent of the type of particle being accelerated. The system uses three probes in each line to obtain accurate velocity measurements at all beam energies. Automatic gain control and signal analysis are performed so that the energy/nucleon along with a representative probe signal are displayed on an oscilloscope every eight seconds. The system is accurate to within about ±0.25%, and has provisions for on-line calibration tests. The phase probes thus provide a velocity measurement independent of the mass defect associated with the use of crystal detectors, which can become significant for heavy elements.
Further Studies on the Interaction of Migrating Keratinocytes with Fibrinogen

If glass implants placed under one edge of a skin wound in the adult newt are coated with fibrinogen (FGN), keratinocytes from the wound periphery migrate onto the implant. To learn more about the site(s) in FGN that permits this migration, we exposed keratinocytes to implants coated with forms of FGN containing modifications or deletions in the 3 most commonly studied cell binding sites; the RGDF sequence at Aa 95–98, RGDS at Aα 572–575 and the carboxy terminal 12 amino acids in the γA chain. Recombinant FGN with either RGD sequence altered to RGE supported migration as well as unmodified FGN did. Replacement of the carboxy terminal 4 amino acids in the γA chain by a 20 amino acid sequence that disrupts the ability of the γ terminus to mediate platelet aggregation (the γ' variant) likewise had no effect. Nor did simultaneous antibody blockade of the RGDS, RGDF, and γA sites have any effect. At its best, Dhem1, a fragment containing the RGDS and γA sites, produced only about half as much migration as the ...
Expected Versus Realized Progeny Differences for Various Beef Cattle Traits1

Abstract Studies were summarized that compared expected with realized progeny differences for birth weight (BBW), weaning weight (WBW), yearling weight (YBW), marbling (MAB), hot carcass weight (CWT), subcutaneous fat (FAT), longissimus muscle area (LEA), percent lean yield (%LY), milk (MLK), total maternal (MAT = 1/2 WBW EPD + MLK EPD) and scrotal circumference (SC). Realized progeny differences agreed well with expected progeny differences (EPD) for BBW and WBW, but for YBW, realized tended to be greater than EPD especially when YBW was the primary sire selection criteria. Relative to sires with low EPD for MAB, CWT, FAT, LEA, and %LY, sires with high EPD sired progeny with higher MAB scores and greater CWT, FAT, LEA and %LY. Also, relative to sires with low EPD for MLK and MAT, sires with high EPD sired daughters that produced more MLK and weaned heavier calves. Lastly, relative to sires with low SC EPD, sires with high SC EPD sired daughters that reached puberty earlier but subsequent daughter pregnancy rates were similar for high and low SC EPD sire groups.
The Nutritive Value of Yeast Grown on Hydrocarbon Fractions for Broiler Chicks

Abstract YEASTS have been used by man for centuries, primarily in the production of alcoholic drinks and making bread. The use of yeasts grown on carbohydrate substrates as an ingredient in the diet of man or animals dates from before the beginning of this century (Llewelyn, 1967). One of the most recent applications of yeast culture for food materials has been the development of yeast cultures which can utilize hydrocarbon fractions as a substrate. Over 100 bacteria, yeast, actinomycetes and fungi are known to grow at the expense of hydrocarbons (Foster, 1962). The utilization of gaseous hydrocarbons by soil microorganisms has been studied as a means of detecting petroleum gas emanations in prospective areas (Davies, 1956). Mixed cultures of yeast have been grown on gas oil (Miller and Johnson, 1966a) and n-paraffins (Miller and Johnson, 1966b). Generation times of 3 to 8 hours with cell yields of 70–90% of substrate…
Deterministic Numerical Schemes for the Boltzmann Equation

This article describes methods for the deterministic simulation of the collisional Boltzmann equation. It presumes that the transport and collision parts of the equation are to be simulated separately in the time domain. Time stepping schemes to achieve the splitting as well as numerical methods for each part of the operator are reviewed, with an emphasis on clearly exposing the challenges posed by the equation as well as their resolution by various schemes.
Web-Based Certification Courses: The Future of Teacher Preparation in Special Education?

The continuing shortage of special education teachers, the problems they typically encounter, and high levels of stress, burnout, and attrition among these teachers are all well documented conditions. In light of this situation, and notwithstanding the need to change many aspecs of teachers' work environments, we developed and implemented the Western Carolina University Teacher Support Program. This multi-component program offers different forms of assistance with the purpose of reducing stress and burnout, improving retention, developing problem-solving strategies, and improving the effectiveness of teachers. In this paper we descibe the program and provide participation and evaluation results for the first year of the project.
Unique problems, and possible solutions, in fully depleted SOI CMOS VLSI circuits

The authors use a physical model for the fully depleted SOI (silicon-on-insulator) MOSFET, written into SPICE2 source code, to study floating-body problems in SOI CMOS circuits, and to suggest possible solutions. The model is seminumerical, accounting for all thin-film and short-channel effects, LDD (lightly doped drain) and LDS effects, subthreshold current at both the front and back surfaces, and the impact-ionization current and parasitic BJT (bipolar junction transistor). It is shown that optimally designed LDD and LDS regions can effectively suppress the BJT-induced problems. There is, however, a tradeoff involved because of the voltage drops across these regions and the concomitant reduced drive-current capability of the MOSFET. Also, SOISPICE-2 simulations of ring oscillators comprising SOI CMOS inverters show lengthened propagation delay (lower frequency of oscillation) when the LDD/LDS is used, because of the reduced MOSFET drive as well as the suppressed BJT current. >
Silicone-induced Modulation of Natural Killer Cell Activity

Current controversy regarding the effects of silicone gel mammary implants on the immune system has led to increased focus on the potential biological activity of silicone materials. Studies were undertaken in the B6C3F1 mouse to evaluate the immunotoxicological effects of the following components of a mammary gel prosthesis: polydimethylsiloxane fluid, silicone gel, elastomer shell and a Polyurethane implant cover. Material was implanted subcutaneously (s.c.) for either 10 or 180 days. The only toxicological or immunological parameter which differed from control values was the natural killer (NK) cell activity in gel implanted mice. In these animals, basal NK activity was decreased. NK activity was comparably inhibited in female Fischer 344 rats implanted with silicone gel following short term (14 or 30 days) as well as chronic (1 year) exposure. The response was variable in both the rat and mouse. Host resistance to B16F10 melanoma in the mouse is known to be related to NK activity. Despite suppression of NK activity following gel implantation, host resistance was unaltered. Inhibition of NK activity by the administration of anti-asialo GM1 indicated that resistance was not adversely affected until NK activity was decreased by 40 to 50%. As with basal NK activity, augmented NK activity was inhibited in gel implanted rats when compared to controls. Administration of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid to gel implanted rats resulted in an increase of approximately 65% in NK activity compared to gel implanted controls. This level of augmented NK activity was significantly less than the level of augmented NK activity in vehicle implanted animals where 100% enhancement in NK activity was noted. The results of these studies indicate that (1) NK cytolytic activity is altered in two animal models, the mouse and rat, although the results were variable, that (2) the level of suppression noted in the mouse is ineffective when compared to the level of suppression required to alter host resistance to B16F10 melanoma and that (3) the gel implanted animals exhibit a suppressed response to NK augmentation.
Learning Submodular Functions with Applications to Multi-Agent Systems

Machine learning can provide powerful tools for the design and analysis of multi-agent systems, as well as a novel lens on important questions in the area. In this talk I will focus on the use of machine learning for understanding submodular functions, an important class of discrete functions that model laws of diminishing returns and enjoy many important applications in multi-agent settings. For example, submodular functions are commonly used to model valuation functions for bidders in auctions, the influence of various subsets of agents in social networks, and the benefits of performing different actions in a variety of situations. Traditionally it is assumed that these functions are known to the decision maker; however, for large scale systems, in the age of big data, it is often the case they must be learned from observations.In this talk, I will discuss a recent line of work on studying the learnability of submodular functions, and highlight its applications to the analysis of multi-agent systems. I will discuss both general algorithms for learning such functions, as well as even better guarantees that can be achieved for important classes appearing in multi-agent scenarios that exhibit additional structure. These classes include: probabilistic coverage functions that can be used to model the influence function in classic models of information diffusion in networks; functions with bounded complexity used in modeling bidder valuation functions in auctions, including XOS and gross-substitutes; and classes of functions appearing in cooperative game theory for expressing the values of various types of coalitions.I will additionally discuss a large scale application of our algorithms for learning the influence functions in social networks, that significantly outperforms existing approaches empirically in both synthetic and real world data.
Knowledge-Driven Mobility Model

We describe the knowledge-driven mobility model that exploits the knowledge of mobility of users, nodes, hosts, and services all together and allows communications among the mobile hosts moving in a predictable way for preserving connectivity. The disconnection scheme of the KDM model that can be predicted with the priori knowledge of mobility patterns is explained. The KDM system architecture, mobility algorithm for maintaining connectivity, and simulations results are also provided.
A Randomized Trial Comparing the Effect of Nicotine Versus Placebo Electronic Cigarettes on Smoking Reduction Among Young Adult Smokers

INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarette (EC) use is growing dramatically with use highest among young adults and current smokers. One of the most common reasons for using ECs is interest in quitting or reducing cigarettes per day (CPD); however there are few randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the effect of ECs on smoking abstinence and reduction. METHODS We conducted a two-arm; double-blind RCT. Subjects were randomized to receive 3-weeks of either disposable 4.5% nicotine EC (intervention) or placebo EC. The primary outcome was self-reported reduction of at least 50% in the number of CPDs smoked at week 3 (end of treatment) compared to baseline. Study subjects (n = 99) were young adult (21-35), current smokers (smoked ≥ 10 CPDs) living in NYC. RESULTS Compared with baseline, a significant reduction in CPDs was observed at both study time periods (1 and 3 weeks) for intervention (P < .001) and placebo (P < .001) groups. Between-group analyses showed significantly fewer CPDs in the intervention group compared to the placebo group at week 3 (P = .03), but not at any other follow-up periods. The logistic regression analysis showed that using a greater number of ECs, treatment condition and higher baseline readiness to quit were significantly associated with achieving at least 50% reduction in CPDs at the end of treatment. CONCLUSION A diverse young adult sample of current everyday smokers, who were not ready to quit, was able to reduce smoking with the help of ECs. Further study is needed to establish the role of both placebo and nicotine containing ECs in increasing both reduction and subsequent cessation. IMPLICATIONS Despite the critical need for well-designed clinical trials on the effect of ECs on cessation and cigarette reduction, the majority of studies have been observational or noncomparative intervention designs. Only three RCTs studying ECs as a cessation or reduction intervention have been published, and none were conducted in the United States. The current study adds knowledge to current literature on the feasibility of using ECs to aid smoking reduction among young smokers in US urban populations.
Biology and Control of the Purple-backed Cabbage worm in Newfoundland

The purple-backed cabbage worm (Evergestis pallidata Hufnagel) was first reported in Newfoundland in 1943 and is now considered a major pest of cruciferous crops throughout the province. Only one generation was observed. The insect passes the winter in the prepupal stage in an earthen cocoon at or near the surface of the soil. It pupates in June and the moths emerge during the latter part of July. Eggs are laid in masses on the under surface of the lower leaves of susceptible plants, and hatch in 4 to 8 days. There are four larval instars. The species was found to be unusually free from natural enemies, not a single parasite being reared from field-collected larvae in a 3-year study. Satisfactory control was obtained with DDT either as a spray or as a dust. A spray containing 1 lb. of 50% DDT wettable powder in 50 gal. of water applied to cabbage and turnips at 125 gal. per acre gave 90% reduction; 3% dust at 25 to 35 lb. per acre gave 83%.
Nitration of tyrosine residues 368 and 345 in the β-subunit elicits FoF1-ATPase activity loss

Tyrosine nitration is a covalent post-translational protein modification associated with various diseases related to oxidative/nitrative stress. A role for nitration of tyrosine in protein inactivation has been proposed; however, few studies have established a direct link between this modification and loss of protein function. In the present study, we determined the effect of nitration of Tyr345 and Tyr368 in the β-subunit of the F1-ATPase using site-directed mutagenesis. Nitration of the β-subunit, achieved by using TNM (tetranitromethane), resulted in 66% ATPase activity loss. This treatment resulted in the modification of several asparagine, methionine and tyrosine residues. However, nitrated tyrosine and ATPase inactivation were decreased in reconstituted F1 with Y368F (54%), Y345F (28%) and Y345,368F (1%) β-subunits, indicating a clear link between nitration at these positions and activity loss, regardless of the presence of other modifications. Kinetic studies indicated that an F1 with one nitrated tyrosine residue (Tyr345 or Tyr368) or two Tyr368 residues was sufficient to grant inactivation. Tyr368 was four times more reactive to nitration due to its lower p K a. Inactivation was attributed mainly to steric hindrance caused by adding a bulky residue more than the presence of a charged group or change in the phenolic p K a due to the introduction of a nitro group. Nitration at this residue would be more relevant under conditions of low nitrative stress. Conversely, at high nitrative stress conditions, both tyrosine residues would contribute equally to ATPase inactivation. Abbreviations: IPTG, isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside; LB broth, Luria–Bertani broth; LC-MS/MS, liquid chromatography-tandem MS; MnSOD, manganese-superoxide dismutase; Ni-NTA resin, Ni2+-nitrilotriacetate resin; TFA, trifluoroacetic acid; Tyr, tyrosine; TNM, tetranitromethane; WT, wild-type
Spontaneous Formation of Ag and Au Particles in Alcohols

Metal particles are generated via the spontaneous reduction of Ag+ and AuCl4- ions by solvent molecules that takes place in air-saturated alcoholic solutions containing hydroxide ions. Changes in the plasmon band of the Ag particles are observed when the metal particles are in contact with Ag20 particles. The optical changes are explained in terms of surface effects of the metal particles. Larger shifts of the Au plasmon band and light scattering were observed at the initial stages of the particle formation process. These effects are explained in terms of formation of networks consisting of small metal particles. It is proposed that generation of small Au particles occurs mainly on silica surfaces, and that particle-networks are formed when small particles desorb from the surfaces.
Introduction to the Michael J. Holdaway commemorative issue

This special issue of the American Mineralogist is dedicated to Michael J. Holdaway in honor of his nearly 40 years of contributions to the geosciences community. Metamorphic petrology has grown from a discipline based on field observation and interpretation to a quantitative discipline where experimental determinations on mineral stabilities provide a framework for quantitative petrogenetic grids and derivative tectonic interpretations, and theoretical activity modeling of detailed crystal chemistry establishes the link back to the real rocks. Michael J. Holdaway has made fundamental contributions to each of these areas over his academic career. Mike was born down under in Canberra, Australia. He moved to the U.S. where he later undertook his university education. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Yale in 1958, he moved to the University of California at Berkeley. There he studied with Francis Turner, as an NSF fellow, and received his Ph.D. four years later. He was trained in the classical traditions of metamorphic petrology; with a solid background in thermodynamics, a penchant for careful observation of field relations and a facility for detailed analysis of mineral chemistry, all of which he continued to apply throughout his career. His Ph.D. studies, focused on mafic metamorphic rocks in the Klamath Mountains of California, lead to one of his first publications …
IRA Asset Allocation, 2013, and Longitudinal Results, 2010-2013

This paper is the fifth examination of asset allocation from the EBRI IRA Database, an ongoing project that collects data from IRA plan administrators. For 2013, it contained information on 25.8 million accounts with total assets of $2.46 trillion. The number of IRAs in the database with complete asset-allocation data was lower, at 21.1 million accounts with $2.11 trillion in assets. This paper examines asset allocation on a dollar-weighted basis within IRAs by type and account balance, as well as by gender and age of the account owner. In addition to presenting the average asset allocation across the accounts, this study includes a presentation of the percentage of accounts with “extreme” allocations -- either less than 10 percent or more than 90 percent in a particular asset-category. This helps illustrate the distribution of the allocations to the various assets across all of the IRAs. Furthermore, a longitudinal component is added to this study to see how the asset allocations of those in the database have changed. The latest data from the EBRI IRA Database show that more than half of all IRA assets were allocated to equities, although this varied with age, account balance, and IRA type. Gender differences in asset allocations were minimal. Those older or owning a traditional IRA had, on average, lower allocations to equities. Individuals with the largest balances had the lowest combined exposure to equities (including the addition of the equity share of balanced funds to the pure equity funds). This study includes the first look at asset allocation longitudinally from 2010-2013 and finds that equity allocations in 2013 were higher than they were in 2010 and 2012. This result appears to be driven by the nearly 50 percent of accounts that remained at an extreme value (0 percent or 100 percent allocation) in both years and the higher probability of a positive change from 2010 to 2013 in the equity allocation.The PDF for the above title, published in the September 2015 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the full text of another September 2015 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “2015 EBRI/Greenwald & Associates Health and Voluntary Workplace Benefits Survey: Most Workers Continue to Give Low Ratings to Health Care System, but Declining Number Report Health Care Cost Increases.”
Discussion on chip-level maintenance of large medical devices

Objective:To solve the prominent problem of costly maintenance fees of sophisticated medical equipment and instruments in hospitals by exploring the probability of chip-level maintenance of the devices.Methods:The concrete requirements of the chip-level maintenance are stated and various ways of the maintenance were analyzed,by which the probability of the maintenance was described.Results:The maintenance or repairing fees could be reduced much more prominently by chip-level repairing than by replacing circuit boards or cards directly,that is,decreasing maintenance cost by 60% to 90%.Conclusion:It will be a trend towards chip-level repairing for hospitals.