cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing competencies for human resource management: examining e-government scorecard and Federal Human Capital Survey evidence

As of this writing, effective human capital management is one of the key provisions of the President's Management Agenda (PMA), which is committed to improving management processes on the US federal level to achieve results. While US federal organisations have made significant strides in improving human capital management, a connected component of the PMA, e-government, lags behind for several large federal organisations. The connection between human capital management and e-government is a recent one. This manuscript seeks to investigate the connection between these two key components of the President's Management Agenda to answer the question: 'how are human resource management competencies evolving to reflect changing technology and knowledge management needs?' Using data from the President's Management Scorecard (between 2002 and 2006), and two Federal Human Capital Surveys (2004, 2006), this manuscript gives special attention to the association between leading and lagging federal e-government agencies and IT and knowledge competence.
Conditional, Tissue-specific Expression of Q205L Gαi2 in Vivo Mimics Insulin Activation of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase and p38 Kinase

Deficiency of the G-protein subunit Gαi2 impairs insulin action (Moxham, C. M., and Malbon, C. C. (1996) Nature 379, 840–844). By using the promoter for the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene, conditional, tissue-specific expression of the constitutively active mutant form (Q205L) of Gαi2 was achieved in mice harboring the transgene. Expression of Q205L Gαi2 was detected in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue of transgenic mice. Whereas the Gαi2-deficient mice displayed blunted insulin action, the Q205L Gαi2-expressing mice displayed enhanced insulin-like effects. Glycogen synthase in skeletal muscle was found to be activated in Q205L Gαi2-expressing mice, in the absence of the administration of insulin. Analysis of members of mitogen-activated protein kinase family revealed that both c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 are constitutively activated in vivo in the mice that express the Q205L Gαi2. ERK1,2, in contrast, are unaffected in the Q205L Gαi2-expressing mice. Insulin, like expression of Q205L Gαi2, activates both p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases as well as glycogen synthase. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal and p38 kinases in vivo with anisomycin, however, was insufficient to activate glycogen synthase. Much like Gαi2 deficiency provokes insulin resistance, expression of Q205L constitutively active Gαi2 mimics insulin action in vivo, sharing with insulin the activation of two mitogen-activated protein kinase members, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases.
Induction of Sirt1 by mechanical stretch of skeletal muscle through the early response factor EGR1 triggers an antioxidative response.

Mechanical loading of muscles by intrinsic muscle activity or passive stretch leads to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (1, 2). The NAD-dependent protein deacetylase SIRT1 is involved in the protection against oxidative stress by enhancing FOXO-driven Sod2 transcription (3–5). In this report, we unravel a mechanism triggered by mechanical stretch of skeletal muscle cells that leads to an EGR1-dependent transcriptional activation of the Sirt1 gene. The resulting transient increase in SIRT1 expression generates an antioxidative response that contributes to reactive oxygen species scavenging.
Verification of intermediate hosts in the life cycles of microsporidia by small subunit rDNA sequencing

Small subunit rDNA sequences were obtained from field-collected Amblyospora connecticus (Microsporida: Amblyosporidae) spores isolated from the mosquito, Aedes cantator (Diptera: Culicidae), and from field collected spores isolated from the putative intermediate host, Acanthocyclops vernalis (Copepoda: Cyclopidae). The ribosomal DNA sequences of the spores isolated from the two hosts were identical. These findings corroborate previous laboratory transmission studies and validate the intermediary role of A. vernalis in the life cycle of this microsporidium. These data represent the first comparative sequence analysis of a microsporidium isolated from its definitive and intermediate hosts. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of using rDNA sequence data for screening potential intermediate hosts. Unlike laboratory transmission tests, which can take months or years to complete, this technique can be completed in days and can be performed on a single infected organism.
On the performance of pure and impure parallel functional programs

Abstract This paper reports on the memory performance of parallel scientific algorithms, written in both pure and impure functional styles. The Id programming language is used, since it allows both pure and impure parallel functional programs to be expressed. The non-strict storage model of Id is introduced. The study focuses on two algorithms: the Dongarra Sorensen Eignensolver and the NAS FT three dimensional heat equation solver, based on FFTs. This study verifies the claim that functional languages allow a composition of programs from modules, exploiting the inter- and intra-module parallelism without the need for rewrinting these modules. But it also shows that memory use of pure functional programs can be excessive, and theat impure functional programs can be as memory-efficient as imperative implementations.
Simultaneous-equations bias of animal production systems

Abstract The problem of simultaneous equations and their ensuing bias when examining animal production is the result of either: (1) true biological interactions; (2) aggregated observation periods; or/and (3) the fact that in multiple-output production processes, economic theory of production predicts a simultaneous determination of the optimum output levels. The simultaneous-equations bias should be considered if the conceptual analysis of the biological system suggests the presence of the bias. A standard linear model (such as the ordinary least-squares regression model) which ignores this simultaneity might produce biased and inconsistent regression coefficients. In the present study of milk production, the different estimates and significance levels of the regression coefficients of a simultaneous-equations model compared with an ordinary least-squares regression model indicated the presence of simultaneous-equations bias. A practical consequence of ignoring this bias is the flawed estimation of herd health benefits, e.g. seven times larger benefits from improved reproduction were indicated if the simultaneous-equations bias was accounted for. The population studied was the 1913 dairy herds participating in the Norwegian farm efficiency program during 1987.
The Lipophilicity of Phorbol Esters as a Critical Factor in Determining the Pattern of Translocation of Protein Kinase C δ Fused to Green Fluorescent Protein

Abstract Our previous study showed differential subcellular localization of protein kinase C (PKC) δ by phorbol esters and related ligands, using a green fluorescent protein-tagged construct in living cells. Here we compared the abilities of a series of symmetrically substituted phorbol 12,13-diesters to translocate PKC δ. In vitro, the derivatives bound to PKC with similar potencies but differed in rate of equilibration. In vivo, the phorbol diesters with short, intermediate, and long chain fatty acids induced distinct patterns of translocation. Phorbol 12,13–dioctanoate and phorbol 12,13-nonanoate, the intermediate derivatives and most potent tumor promoters, showed patterns of translocation typical of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, with plasma membrane and subsequent nuclear membrane translocation. The more hydrophilic compounds (phorbol 12,13–dibutyrate and phorbol 12,13–dihexanoate) induced a patchy distribution in the cytoplasm, more prominent nuclear membrane translocation, and little plasma membrane localization at all concentrations examined (100 nm to 10 μm). The highly lipophilic derivatives, phorbol 12,13–didecanoate and phorbol 12,13-diundecanoate, at 1 μm caused either plasma membrane translocation only or no translocation at incubation times up to 60 min. Our results indicate that lipophilicity of phorbol esters is a critical factor contributing to differential PKC δ localization and thereby potentially to their different biological activities.
Anthesis and seed production in Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) from the chesepeak by

Anthesis and seed production in Zostera marina L. were studied in three areas of the Chesapeake Bay from January to June 1980. Inflorescence primordia with distinguishable anthers and pistils were first observed in February when water temperature was 3°C. Development of the reproductive shoots in the field continued after February as water temperature rose, with the first evidence of pollen release in mid-April (water temperature 14.3°C). Stigmata loss was first observed in samples taken in late April at all locations by as water temperatures averaged above 16°C. Pollination was complete at all locations by 19 May and anthers were no longer present. Few reproduction shoots were found on 3–5 June and seed release was assumed to be complete by this time (water temperature 25°C). The density of flowering shoots ranged from 11 to 19% of the total number of shoots, producing an estimated 8127 seeds m−2. Comparison of flowering events with other areas along a latitudinal gradient from North Carolina to Canada indicated that reproductive events occurred earlier in the most southern locations and at successively later dates with increasing latitude.
Chip morphology and hole surface texture in the drilling of cast Aluminum alloys

Abstract The effects of cutting fluid and other process variables on chip morphology when drilling cast aluminium alloys are investigated. The effects of workpiece material, speed, feed, hole depth, cutting-fluid presence and percentage oil concentration, workpiece temperature, drill type and drill overhang are studied using statistically-designed experiments. The measured responses of the experiments are the size and the shape of the generated chips. The effect of chip size on hole surface finish is also examined. The results show that the significant variables affecting chip size include the feed, material, drill type and to a lesser extent, cutting-fluid presence and drill speed. The drilled hole surface is shown to be correlated to chip size.
An application of array grammars to clustering analysis for syntactic patterns

Abstract A new syntactic approach for clustering analysis using array grammars is introduced. The distance between an array and a core grammar characterizing a class of patterns is defined. It turns out this definition of distance is more satisfactory than a direct measurement between two arrays through error transformations. A 2-pass clustering procedure is proposed. This procedure does not require 2-dimensional arrays to be encoded into 1-dimensional strings and it can obtain less confusion and more accurate results than some other methods in the literature. An example of classifying a set of English handwritten characters is illustrated. Finally, several interesting future research topics and open problems are discussed.
Selective fluorescence detection of nitroxyl over nitric oxide in buffered aqueous solution using a conjugated metallopolymer

Abstract A bithiophene-substituted poly( p -phenyleneethynylene) derivative ( CP1 ) having water-solubilizing side chains was prepared and characterized. Copper(II)-induced quenching of CP1 emission was quantified in H 2 O, MeCN/H 2 O (90:10), and pH 7.4, 50 mM HEPES, 100 mM KCl buffer. In buffer, treatment of CP1 -Cu(II) with nitroxyl (HNO) produces an immediate 2.1-fold increase in emission, whereas exposure to NO(g) effects no fluorescence restoration. The ability to distinguish HNO from NO chemically at physiological pH represents a productive step towards the development of selective, fluorescence-based biosensors for HNO.
Discussion Panel Recommendations for Fostering a Successful Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Student Chapter

This panel is comprised of current and prior student chapter officers, who will be discussing five selected themes influencing the success of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) student chapters. These themes include: 1) administrative support, 2) chapter branding and funds, 3) chapter collaboration, 4) social activities, and 5) educational activities for chapters. We believe that these five pillars are necessary in providing a solid foundation for a successful and engaged chapter. Within each section, we discuss challenges and successes that our chapters have experienced. Additionally, we end with recommendations and suggestions that we hope other student chapters – HFES and otherwise – can use to bolster their group. We hope that these recommendations can foster the future success of aspiring Human Factors and Ergonomics Society student chapters.
Systematic classification of non-coding RNAs by epigenomic similarity

Even though only 1.5% of the human genome is translated into proteins, recent reports indicate that most of it is transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are becoming the subject of increased scientific interest. We hypothesized that examining how different classes of ncRNAs co-localized with annotated epigenomic elements could help understand the functions, regulatory mechanisms, and relationships among ncRNA families. We examined 15 different ncRNA classes for statistically significant genomic co-localizations with cell type-specific chromatin segmentation states, transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), and histone modification marks using GenomeRunner ( http://www.genomerunner.org ). P-values were obtained using a Chi-square test and corrected for multiple testing using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. We clustered and visualized the ncRNA classes by the strength of their statistical enrichments and depletions. We found piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) to be depleted in regions containing activating histone modification marks, such as H3K4 mono-, di- and trimethylation, H3K27 acetylation, as well as certain TFBSs. piRNAs were further depleted in active promoters, weak transcription, and transcription elongation regions, and enriched in repressed and heterochromatic regions. Conversely, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) were depleted in heterochromatin regions and strongly enriched in regions containing activating H3K4 di- and trimethylation marks, H2az histone variant, and a variety of TFBSs. Interestingly, regions containing CTCF insulator protein binding sites were associated with tRNAs. tRNAs were also enriched in the active, weak and poised promoters and, surprisingly, in regions with repetitive/copy number variations. Searching for statistically significant associations between ncRNA classes and epigenomic elements permits detection of potential functional and/or regulatory relationships among ncRNA classes, and suggests cell type-specific biological roles of ncRNAs.
A different laboratory tale: Fifty years of Mössbauer spectroscopy

I explore the fifty-year development of Mossbauer spectroscopy by focusing on three episodes in its development at Argonne National Laboratory: work by nuclear physicists using radioactive sources in the early 1960s, work by solid-state physicists using radioactive resources from the mid- 1960s through the 1970s,and work by solid-state physicists using the Advanced Photon Source from the 1980s to 2005. These episodes show how knowledge about the properties of matter was produced in a national-laboratory context and highlights the web of connections that allow nationallaboratory scientists working at a variety of scales to produce both technological and scientific innovations.
Parenting stress and child physical health among a low-income sample: The moderating role of child anxiety:

This study examined child anxiety as a potential moderator of the relationship between parenting stress and child physical health. Low-income youth (N = 109, M = 9.51 years old) and their parents completed measures of anxiety, health-related quality of life, and parenting stress in an outpatient clinic. As an objective measure of physical health, medical service utilization was extracted from medical records. Parenting stress was associated significantly with worse health-related quality of life and higher service utilization. Child anxiety moderated the relationship between stress and health. Health psychologists should target both family stress and child anxiety in promoting better health outcomes among low-income families.
Magnetic resonance imaging of defects in DeLancey's vaginal support levels I, II, and III.

Abstract Objective: The air was to demonstrate paravaginal defects at DeLancey's levels I, II, and III by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scanning in patients with symptomatic pelvice relaxation preoperatively and to demonstrate the disappearance of such defects after surgical repair. Study design: Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the pelvis were performed in 12 patients exhibiting cystourethroceles and symptomatic urinary stress incontinence. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging scans of bilateral fascial defects at the upper third of the vagina (level 1) were unremarkable except for the constant "chevron sign," whereas the middle third of the vagina (level II) displayed the "saddlebags sign," and the lower third of the vagina (level III) displayed the "mustache sign." These defects disappeared postoperatively. Conclusions: Bilateral defects in the paracolpium at vaginal support levels I, II, and III may be found by magnetic resonance imaging scans before surgery in certain patients with symptomatic pelvic relaxation. Postoperative scans after paravaginal repair demonstrate the disappearance of these defects.
Leptin regulation of neuroendocrine systems.

The discovery of leptin has enhanced understanding of the interrelationship between adipose energy stores and neuronal circuits in the brain involved in energy balance and regulation of the neuroendocrine axis. Leptin levels are dependent on the status of fat stores as well as changes in energy balance as a result of fasting and overfeeding. Although leptin was initially thought to serve mainly as an anti-satiety hormone, recent studies have shown that it mediates the adaptation to fasting. Furthermore, leptin has been implicated in the regulation of the reproductive, thyroid, growth hormone, and adrenal axes, independent of its role in energy balance. Although it is widely known that leptin acts on hypothalamic neuronal targets to regulate energy balance and neuroendocrine function, the specific neuronal populations mediating leptin action on feeding behavior and autonomic and neuroendocrine function are not well understood. In this review, we have discussed how leptin engages arcuate hypothalamic neurons expressing putative orexigenic peptides, e.g., neuropeptide Y and agouti-regulated peptide, and anorexigenic peptides, e.g., pro-opiomelanocortin (precursor of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript. We show that leptin's effects on energy balance and the neuroendocrine axis are mediated by projections to other hypothalamic nuclei, e.g., paraventricular, lateral, and perifornical areas, as well as other sites in the brainstem, spinal cord, and cortical and subcortical regions.
Feedback on Job Performance and Expected Career Advancement

The relation among four sources of job performance feedback and expected frequency of promotion showed employees focused almost exclusively on feedback from the supervisor, even though feedback from the task was more closely associated with employees' evaluations of their own performance. Employees both received and used information the organization was sending, but they used it to predict the organization's behavior not to interpret the quality of their own performance.
A method to describe corneal topography.

Most commercially available corneal topographers produce color-coded maps of the cornea. Although these maps are clinically useful, more precise quantitative methods for the analysis of corneal topographic data are needed. The purpose of this work is to apply a method, known as an expansion in a complete set of functions, to this problem. This method leads to a set of parameters which are a direct extension of the common clinical method of describing corneal topography in terms of the corneal sphere power, cylinder power, and cylinder axis. To illustrate this approach, data were gathered on three subjects with the TMS corneal topographer and the parameters were estimated using linear regression procedures
High dose folic acid supplementation in women with epilepsy: Are we sure it is safe?

Most experts agree that folic acid supplementation is a key preconception intervention, particularly in women with epilepsy who take anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Primary prevention of neural tube defect through folic acid supplementation results in reduction of risk in an otherwise healthy population. The current folic acid supplementation recommendation is that all women of childbearing potential be supplemented with at least 0.4 mg of folic acid daily prior to conception and during pregnancy. It is recommended that all women with epilepsy and of childbearing potential be supplemented with folic acid daily prior to conception and during pregnancy. However, considering the potential significant drug-drug interactions between high doses of folic acid and some AEDs in patients with epilepsy and also with the emerging evidence from animal studies that high levels of folic acid throughout gestation may have adverse effects on fetal brain development, it is not suggested to advocate high dose folic acid supplementation in women with epilepsy until more information is available about its appropriate, safe and optimal dosing.
Elimination of Requirement for Exogenous Insulin Therapy in Diabetic Renal Failure

Four insulin-dependent diabetics became insulin-independent sometime after beginning maintenance dialysis for renal failure. Spontaneous hypoglycemia occurred after insulin was discontinued in two individuals treated with peritoneal dialysis. Although weight loss was significant in each, three of the four maintained ideal body weight. By diminishing the insulin resistance of uremia, dialysis may play an active role in promoting the metabolic effect of endogenous insulin even in diabetics with multiple complications of hyperglycemia.
Cleavage at the α1β1 contact and its effect on the oxygen equilibrium of human haemoglobin

The molecular weight of human oxyhaemoglobin in 1.0 m-potassium iodide is reduced to between 34,000 and 36,700 at protein concentrations between 0.15 and 0.73 per cent, which shows that the haemoglobin is almost wholly dimeric in this solvent. However, deoxygenation causes the molecular weight to return to about 60,000, which shows that re-association from dimer to tetramer occurs. Hybridization between human and canine oxyhaemoglobins in 1.0 m-KI occurs readily to produce new hybrid species. No hybrid molecules are produced when the haemoglobins are deoxygenated. The association-dissociation equilibria in 1.0 m-KI are therefore believed to be tetramer ⇌ dimer ⇌ monomer in the liganded form, and to be tetramer ⇌ dimer in the non.liganded form. The initial dissociation into dimer appears to be symmetric. The value of n in Hill's equation decreases by 1 in 1.0 to 1.5 m-KI. This decrease in n parallels the decrease in molecular weight and the increase in hybrid formation; in contrast, the n value in 2.0 m-NaCl does not decrease. Therefore, it seems probable that the decrease in co-operativity by 1 in 1.0 to 1.5 m-KI results from weakened subunit interactions at the α1β1 contact during oxygenation. This means that for the expression of full co.operativity both the contact surfaces, α1β1 and α1β2, are important. The oxygen affinity is reduced to a minimum at 0.3 m-KI, and increased at the lower and higher concentrations of KI. The acid and alkaline Bohr effects are 0.45 and −0.34, respectively, at 16 °C in 1.0 m-KI in the ranges of pH from 6.2 to 6.4 and 7.2 to 8.0. These values are not changed by temperature. The apparent enthalpy change for the oxygenation reaction is 11.4 kcal/mol in both the presence and absence of KI.
Reinventing Religions: Syncretism and Transformation in Africa and the Americas.

An Amazonian Myth and Its History. Peter Gow. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2001. ix. 338 pp., plates, maps, appendix, references, index.
Fatigue Crack Growth Analyses of Aerospace Threaded Fasteners—Part IV: Numeric Analyses and Synthesis of All Results

The objective of this research was to determine the stress intensity multiplication factor (Y), as a function of the nondimensionalized crack depth (a/d), in the threads of a nut-loaded, aerospace, roll-threaded bolt under tensile fatigue conditions as a/d approaches zero. The proposed Y(a/d) solution can be used to improve fatigue crack growth life estimations. The research objectives were achieved through bolt material/stress state characterization, cyclic testing, and numeric modeling. The fracture analysis code FRANC3D was used because it could predict crack front shape and stress intensity factor (K). The numeric models predicted a changing crack front and stress intensity factors similar to the test data. The numeric studies accounted for the residual stresses measured by X-ray diffraction within the thread root of the test bolts. The FRANC3D model predicted Y(a/d) at shallow crack depths in the range of 0.01<a/d<0.11. By curve fitting the numeric and experimental data, a new Y(a/d) solution was determined: Y(a/d)=3079(a/d)6−6779(a/d)5+5757(a/d)4−2340(a/d)3+478.6(a/d)2−46.94(a/d)+2.506. The use of this Y(a/d) solution produces conservative crack growth life estimates relative to popular/benchmark methods. Based on test bolt fatigue data, greater accuracy may be possible with this Y(a/d) solution.
A family of eigensequences

We construct a family (@n"k)"k">="1 of 'eigensequences' of a certain operator studied previously by Cameron (Discrete Math. 75 (1989) 89) and Bernstein and Sloane (Linear Algebra Appl. 228 (1-3) (1995) 57). Here @n"1 is the sequence of Catalan numbers and @n"2 is the sequence of little Schroder numbers.
Micro and macro anisotropic cyclic damage-plasticity models for MMCS

Abstract Two approaches to modeling the cyclic damage-plasticity behavior of metal matrix composites are presented in this paper, namely: a micro (micromechanical-damage) and a macro (continuum-damage) based approach. Each of these approaches involves a fictitious undamaged ‘effective’ configuration to which the plasticity equations are applied and constitutive equations derived. Using the equations for the transformation of stress from the undamaged to the damaged configuration, the transformation of these equations to the actual damaged configuration is performed. Two new concepts are introduced here: (i) the incorporation of a term ϒ, similar to backstress, in the thermodynamic force Y space in the cyclic damage criterion, and (ii) the concept of cyclic damage under cyclic loading situations. This paper outlines the results from the two models in comparison with experimental results and compares and contrasts the effectiveness of the two models.
Primer on Imaging Technologies for Cancer

Medical images represent maps of the spatial distribution of tissue properties. Each modality probes a specific set of tissue properties such as x-ray attenuation for computed tomography, transmission of sound for ultrasound, and the rate of glucose uptake for fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Understanding the basic principal underlying each modality is important for developing approaches to utilize imaging in cancer research and clinical care. In addition, each modality has specific challenges related to reliable quantitation that are important to appreciate.
Operating parameters and observation modes for individual droplet analysis by inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract Several operating parameters for single-droplet analysis by inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry were investigated and optimized. Two plasma observation modes, both of which measure the plasma side-on, were compared. In the “whole-vertical” mode, the entire vertical emission pattern of the center portion of the central channel was spatially integrated, whereas in the “lateral” mode emission from a thin horizontal slice of the vertical plasma image was measured. The limits of detection (LOD) as well as measurement precision attainable by these two observation modes were found to be practically identical. However, the lateral mode is preferred because emission is then more insensitive to a small drift in carrier-gas flow than in the vertical mode. Precision was found to degrade at carrier-gas flows that yield maximum sensitivities in both observation modes. As a result, the best precision and lowest LODs cannot be achieved under the same plasma operating conditions and a compromise is needed. In this study, precision was given a higher priority than LOD because each individual droplet is regarded as a new sample in single-droplet analysis and each such sample can be measured only once. For best precision, the observation region should be 3 mm downstream of the atomization site to avoid the adverse local plasma cooling effect of the vaporizing particle. Under optimized conditions, the best precision is about 3–4% and the absolute detection limits for eleven elements (Ag, B, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) range from sub-single to hundreds of femtograms, which corresponds to 106 to 109 atoms for single-droplet analysis. In addition, a new synchronization trigger method for droplet analysis was developed. This method is based on Hα emission collected between the first and second lowest turns of the load coil. This trigger signal fires while the droplet is still intact, resides inside the lowest portion of the load coil, and is typically around 1 to 2 ms ahead of the atomization event. Jitter between this trigger signal and analyte emission is typically less than 100 μs, and is precise enough for correct timing for signal acquisition and integration.
Food plant defoliation and larval starvation of Euphydryas editha

Investigation of larval food plant relationships of populations of Euphydryas editha Boisduval throughout California demonstrated three striking phenomena. First, relationships between butterflies and plants were found to be highly variable among populations utilizing different (but related) food plants. Second, defoliation of food plants was quite common and often extensive; this is contrary to the widely accepted generalization that herbivores rarely defoliate their food plants. Third, larval starvation was the rule, occurring to some extent in most of the populations investigated.
Stress fields and energies of interface curved dislocations

Abstract The stress field in the plane of the interface and the strain energy of an arbitrary interface curved dislocation are obtained by Volterra's point force method. Specific examples include circular, elliptical, rectangular and regular polygonal dislocation loops of arbitrary Burgers vectors. The stability condition of an interface dislocation loop is obtained by comparing its strain energy with that of the same loop in each of the two homogenous phases. Both welded and slipping interfaces are considered.
Shoving aside the politics of respectability: black women, reality TV, and the ratchet performance

This article investigates the performative strategies deployed by black female reality-television stars. Situating their performances in response to black respectability politics, this article recuperates the derogatory term “ratchet” as a performative strategy that secures a liberatory space for black women. The author looks to Tamar Braxton, background singer cum reality-TV star cum pop sensation, as an example of the potential and limitations of a ratchet performance. Her behavior suggests that the ratchet performance becomes viable when the ratchet figure moves incrementally out of cramped cultural spaces like the politics of respectability or black middle-class values. Yet, others' reactions to her behavior imply that the ratchet reaches her limitations within the confines of heterosexuality or after being co-opted by the very community she attempts to flee. I conclude that the ratchet offers an opportunity to move beyond representation as a panacea for black cultural politics. She proves the necessi...
Application and development of numerical simulation for underground horizontal directional drilling

In coalmines of China, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is an increasingly popular method for underground in-seam gas drainage. Numerical simulation, especially finite element analysis, is often used as an effective method to improve HDD operation. These improvements focus on rock-breaking efficiency, directional precision, stability of the borehole wall, and reliability of the drill equipment. On the basis of underground drilling characteristics, typical numerical simulation examples in drilling techniques and equipment are summarized and analyzed. In the end, the future development trends of numerical simulation in underground in-seam drilling are proposed.
A Generalized Recursive Coordinate Reduction Method for Multibody System Dynamics

Th e method of recursive coordinate reduction (RCR) off ers solutions to the forward problem of multibody dynamics at a cost in which the number of operations is linear in both the number of generalized coordinates, n, and the number of independent algebraic constraints, m (e.g., O(n + m)). However, the RCR is presently restricted in applicability (albeit broad) and susceptible to formulation singularities. Th is article develops two methods for avoiding formulation singularities as well as a recursive general coupled loop solution that extends the RCR to the complete set of multibody systems. Application of these techniques are further illustrated with a special fi ve-bar linkage. Th e existing RCR coupled with these developments constitute a generalized recursive coordinate reduction method that should be used in place of the traditional “O(n)” constraint technique (truly O(n + nm² + m³)) for superior O(n + m) computational performance.
Effects of tactile startle on serotonin content of midbrain raphe neurons in rats

Abstract Rats selected to exhibit comparable levels of behavioral reactivity to tactile startle stimuli were used to examine the effects of the startle testing itself on the levels of serotonin (5-HT) in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei and in the hippocampus. A series of 240 air puff stimuli given in 1 h immediately before sacrifice decreased the intracellular 5-HT content, as measured by microspectro-fluorimetry, in the median raphe nucleus, without affecting 5-HT levels in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Animals which were housed in the startle chambers but were not given any stimuli were not different from controls. A comparable decrease in 5-HT in the startled animals was found in the hippocampus, which receives its serotonergic innervation from the median raphe nucleus. The results are discussed in the context of the general inverse relationship between startle reactivity and the functional status of the mesolimbic serotonergic pathway, and in the context of the effects of physical stressors on the utilization of brain 5-HT.
The number and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is associated with coronary artery injury. Studies have shown that the endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) participates in the process of arterial repair. Data have been reported that the number of EPC increased significantly in the subacute phase of KD. However, until now, there are no data about the functions of EPC in KD patients. The present study was designed to further investigate the number and functions of EPC in KD. Ten KD patients in the acute phase and ten healthy volunteers were recruited and attributed to the KD group and control group, respectively. The circulating CD34/kinase insert domain-containing receptor double positive cells were evaluated in the two groups using flow cytometry. In vitro assays were used to measure the functions of EPC, including proliferation, adhesion, and migration activities. The plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also assessed in both groups. The number of EPC in the KD group was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.021 ± 0.007% vs. 0.014 ± 0.003%, P < 0.05). The migratory response of EPC was significantly decreased in the KD group, compared with that of the control group (5.50 ± 1.78 vs. 3.40 ± 1.35 cells/high power field, P < 0.01). Similarly, the proliferative and adhesive activities of EPC in the KD group were also decreased (0.47 ± 0.08 vs. 0.66 ± 0.07, P < 0.01; 6.5 ± 2.12 vs. 11.2 ± 2.04 cells/high power field, P < 0.01). The plasma NO, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels in the KD group were higher than those of the control group (54.10 ± 11.78 vs. 38.80 ± 11.10 μmol/l, P < 0.01; 48.20 ± 7.42 vs. 37.00 ± 11.12 pg/ml, P < 0.05; 87.10 ± 30.18 vs. 5.30 ± 3.37 mg/l, P < 0.01). The number of circulating EPC positively correlated with the level of NO (r = 0.92, P < 0.001), and the functions of EPC negatively correlated with the levels of TNF-α and hs-CRP, respectively. In Kawasaki disease, the number of EPC was enhanced and the functions of EPC were attenuated. The two-way regulation of circulating EPC in KD patients may be associated with the disorders of cytokines or messengers in KD patients.
Atmospheric Heating in the Auroral Zones

ALL the data on atmospheric perturbations related to geomagnetic disturbances1–7 have so far been derived from the drag analysis of artificial satellites with perigees located in low or moderate latitudes. The amplitudes of these perturbations can be accounted for4 by assuming that the heating of the atmosphere above the height of 350 km is proportional to the 3-hourly geomagnetic index ap. A study of 46 atmospheric drag perturbations of Explorer IX (Satellite 1961 δ1, inclination 38.8°) during a 283-day interval in the year 1961 has yielded7 for the atmospheric heating the relation c= ΔT/Δap= 1.0° (temperature T in °K). A plot of the observed data is given in Fig. 1. If allowance is made for the limited resolution of the drag determinations, the value of the coefficient c must be increased to 1.2°.
Structural Origin of Landscape Roughness in Protein Folding from Single-Molecule FRET and All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Folding of most single-domain proteins has been successfully described by diffusion on a one-dimensional (1D) free energy surface. Although the 1D surface is smooth, there are many local minima in the underlying energy landscape, giving rise to landscape “roughness”. According to Kramers’ reaction-rate theory, roughness slows folding kinetics by reducing the diffusion coefficient at the top of the free energy barrier that separates folded and unfolded states. By measuring the transition-path time (tTP) from a maximum likelihood analysis of photon trajectories in single molecule FRET experiments, we have recently shown that the Kramers diffusion coefficient for a designed α-helical protein, α3D, is markedly reduced (Chung and Eaton, Nature,2013). To discover the structural origin of this slow diffusion, we have combined additional single-molecule FRET measurements with all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. α3D contains 12 negatively-charged and 10 positively-charged side-chains. Analysis of the transition paths in the MD simulations shows that many non-native salt-bridges form during the folding transition path, suggesting them as the structural origin of long tTP. To test this idea, we lowered the pH to neutralize the carboxylates and eliminate salt-bridges, which increased the folding rate by about 10-fold and significantly reduced tTP. Although it was only possible to determine an upper bound for tTP, even at the highest possible solvent viscosity (15 cP), simulations of photon trajectories suggested that most, if not all, of the increase in folding rate could be accounted for by a decreased tTP and an increased Kramers diffusion coefficient. Neutralizing the carboxylates in MD simulations also increases the folding rate and diffusion coefficient and decreases tTP. These results provide the first quantitative glimpse of the effect of specific intra-molecular interactions on barrier crossing dynamics in protein folding.
Measuring the Second-Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) at The Ohio State University

This case study describes the role of assessment in a program for second-year students at The Ohio State University.
Spin-orbit splittings in nuclei (II)

Abstract The j-doublet splittings of single-particle nuclear levels are calculated in terms of the effective two-body spin-orbit interaction operator - the reaction matrix. The recent result of Brueckner et al. is used for the odd-state KLS−-operator corresponding to Gammel-Thaler potentials. On the same basis the even-state KLS+ is neglected. The exchange amplitudes of the KLS−-operator are taken into account and also the “higher derivative” terms. The self-consistent nuclear density of the Ca40-nucleus and other forms of this density are used to calculate the doublt splittings of Ca41. Satisfactory results are obtained. The doublet splittings of the nuclei Pb209, Bi209, O17 and He5 are discussed. A discussion is presented of the spin-orbit splittings in spheroidally deformed nuclei.
Jasmonate response locus JAR1 and several related Arabidopsis genes encode enzymes of the firefly luciferase superfamily that show activity on jasmonic, salicylic, and indole-3-acetic acids in an assay for adenylation

Jasmonic acid (JA) and related cyclopentanones are critical plant signaling molecules, but their mode of action at the molecular level is unclear. A map-based approach was used to identify the defective gene in the Arabidopsis JA response mutant jar1-1. JAR1 is 1 of 19 closely related Arabidopsis genes that are similar to the auxin-induced soybean GH3 gene. Analysis of fold predictions for this protein family suggested that JAR1 might belong to the acyl adenylate-forming firefly luciferase superfamily. These enzymes activate the carboxyl groups of a variety of substrates for their subsequent biochemical modification. An ATP-PPi isotope exchange assay was used to demonstrate adenylation activity in a glutathione S-transferase-JAR1 fusion protein. Activity was specific for JA, suggesting that covalent modification of JA is important for its function. Six other Arabidopsis genes were specifically active on indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and one was active on both IAA and salicylic acid. These findings suggest that the JAR1 gene family is involved in multiple important plant signaling pathways.
Compensation of Dominant Frequency Components of Nonrepeatable Disturbance in Hard Disk Drives

This paper is concerned with the nonrepeatable runout (NRRO) compensation problem for hard disk drives. After standard servo control, several visible frequency components remain in the spectrum of nonrepeatable position error signal (NRPES). The dominant ones among these frequency components contribute a lot to the track mis-registration (TMR). In this paper, we propose an adaptive compensation scheme for the time-varying dominant frequency component of NRRO. The frequency of the dominant component is estimated online by the least mean squares (LMS) algorithm within a short time window. Based on the frequency estimate, the basis function algorithm is applied to adaptively identify the time-varying magnitude and phase of the dominant component. With the identified frequency, magnitude, and phase, an estimate of the dominant component is constructed and then canceled by the control signal. This scheme is further extended to compensating for multiple frequency components. The performance of this compensation scheme is demonstrated by simulation on a realistic hard disk drive model.
Effect of Interpersonal and Cognitive Stressors on Habituation and the Utility of Heart Rate Variability to Measure Habituation.

Habituation is a decrease in responding to a repeated stimulus. Operant responding and salivation measure habituation in eating behaviour research. Stress may increase eating by acting as a distractor, yielding spontaneous recovery and prolonging responding for food. Our research tested differences in the ability of cognitive and interpersonal stressors to recover responding for food. We also tested heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of habituation. Twenty women worked for portions of macaroni and cheese for 15 trials on three separate laboratory visits. Between the 12th and 13th trial, one of three different stressor types (speech, stroop and subtraction) was presented during each visit. HRV was measured continuously throughout the laboratory visits. Responding for food declined across the 12 trials with no difference in rate of habituation by visit (p > 0.8) There was no difference between stressor type in the magnitude of spontaneous recovery after each stressor (p > 0.8). Rates of habituation of HRV variables correlated (p < 0.02) with the rate of operant responding habituation. Cognitive and interpersonal stressors do not differ in their ability to recover reduced responding for food. HRV variables may measure habituation to food similar to operant responding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE FALL OF “AUGUSTINIAN ADAM”: ORIGINAL FRAGILITY AND SUPRALAPSARIAN PURPOSE

This essay is framed by conflict between Christianity and Darwinian science over the history of the world and the nature of original human personhood. Evolutionary science narrates a long prehuman geological and biological history filled with vast amounts, kinds, and distributions of apparently random brutal and pointless suffering. It has also unveiled an original human person with animal psychosomatic heredity. This narrative seems to discredit Christianity's (Augustinian) metanarrative of the Fall—Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. The author contends that the Augustinian story and its character of Adam are implausible, anyway, for reasons of theology and apologetics. He proposes that Christians adopt instead a Supralapsarian metaphysics of original human personhood and existence that grows from the intuitions of Irenaeus. The outcome will be improved Christian theology, more persuasive theodicy, and, above all, peace with Darwinian science
Musca autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae) and the host-specific nematode Paraiotonchium autumnale (Tylenchida: Iotonchiidae) in southern California.

ABSTRACT Musca autumnalis DeGeer were collected in the summer and fall of 2011 and 2012 from a beef cattle herd in southern California. Visual counts of Musca spp. on cattle faces were documented, and sweep net samples of face flies and other Diptera were also collected from cattle faces. Face flies dominated in the net collections, and 5–30 flies per face were common between early July and October 2011. Adult female M. autumnalis were dissected and examined for the presence of the host-specific nematode Paraiotonchium autumnale (Nickle). Overall, 67 of 887 (7.6%) adult face fly females were parasitized. M. autumnalis' ability to survive in such a southerly latitude (34° N) could reflect the rather temperate weather (coastal effects) and frequently irrigated pastures at the experimental site in southern California. Preliminary observations suggest that face flies disappear from cattle during winter, despite generally favorable temperatures for fly activity. This is a possible indication of diapause and sh...