cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Telomes, theory change, and the evolution of vascular plants

Abstract Evolutionary theory has been dominated by the so-called “modern synthesis” since its inception in the 1930's. Zimmermann's telome theory incorporates the same gradualistic assumptions as the modern synthesis and has nurtured and molded thought patterns of paleobotanists and students of plant evolution. Telome theory, like the modern synthesis, should not be faulted for what it includes so much as for what it excludes. Telome theory emphasizes evolution by terminal additions to successive ontogenies but is usually employed descriptively as if mature organs have undergone webbing, fusion, recurvation and the like. Thought patterns of this sort are necessarily gradualistic and do not recognize internal factors controlling development that might affect non-terminal stages. Interpretation of vascular plant phylogeny has been overly constrained by assumptions and mechanisms that occupy the core of the modern synthesis. Certain nongradualistic explanations for the evolution of selected organisms are reviewed and attention focused on the role of internal constraints controlling ontogenetic pathways and their macroevolutionary consequences.
Charge-Site Effects on the Radical Reactivity of Distonic Ions†

The perturbation on the intrinsic reactivity of a radical moiety by the presence of a nearby charged moiety was probed by comparing the reactivity of analogous positively and negatively charged distonic ions. The possible contributions of various factors (collisional encounter probability, ion−molecule solvation effects, reaction exothermicity, polar effects) to the overall perturbation are discussed. The N-(3-dehydrophenyl)pyridinium and 3-dehydrobenzoate ions were chosen as distonic ion models of the phenyl radical for this study. The significant differences in their reaction rates are examined and the origins of these rate differences are explored. Observations that nucleophilic radicals react more rapidly with electron-deficient reagents and electrophilic radicals react more rapidly with electron-rich reagents can be made slightly more quantitative by comparing certain thermochemical values of each distonic ion (radical moiety IE and EA) with those of each neutral reagent. The smaller the relevant IE−...
Efficacy of a solution-based approach for making sodalite waste forms for an oxide reduction salt utilized in the reprocessing of used uranium oxide fuel

Abstract This paper describes the various approaches evaluated for making solution-derived sodalite with a LiCl–Li2O oxide reduction salt selected to dissolve used uranium oxide fuel so the uranium can be recovered and recycled. The approaches include modified sol–gel and solution-based synthesis processes. As-made products were mixed with 5 and 10 mass% of a Na2O–B2O3–SiO2 glass binder and these, along with product without a binder, were heated using either a cold-press-and-sinter method or hot uniaxial pressing. The results demonstrate the limitation of sodalite yield due to the fast intermediate reactions between Na+ and Cl− to form halite in solution and Li2O and SiO2 to form lithium silicates (e.g., Li2SiO3 or Li2Si2O5) in the calcined and sintered pellets. The results show that pellets can be made with high sodalite fractions in the crystalline product (∼92 mass%) and low porosities using a solution-based approach and this LiCl–Li2O salt but that the incorporation of Li into the sodalite is low.
Parasite-induced change in host behavior of a freshwater snail: parasitic manipulation or byproduct of infection?

Host behavioral changes due to parasitism are often assumed to be adaptations of the parasite. However, behavioral effects of parasites may be a generalized response to parasitism and only coincidentally beneficial for parasite transmission. For this reason, alternatives to the manipulation hypothesis should be tested. Previous work demonstrated that the trematode parasite Microphallus sp. influences the behavior of the snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum in a way that may increase the probability of transmission. Here I report work conducted to test alternatives to the manipulation hypothesis. In a field study, the effect of Microphallus on behavior was compared to that of two other castrating parasite groups to determine if the behavioral change is simply a byproduct of parasitism. Also, the foraging behaviors of infected and uninfected snails were examined in the presence and absence of food resources to determine if the hunger level of Microphallus-infected snails could account for the parasite-induced behavioral change. First, Microphallus-infected snails were found on top of rocks during the day less often than the two other parasite groups. This evidence suggests that the behavioral change caused by Microphallus is specific to Microphallus-infected snails. Second, Microphallusinfected snails responded to the lack of food differently from uninfected snails. Uninfected snails retreated to safer positions under rocks when the food source was removed from the top of the rocks, while Microphallus-infected snails remained on top of the rocks where the risk of consumption by the final host is greater. Taken together with previous studies, these results suggest that infection by Microphallus results in behavior that enhances parasite transmission. Key words: foraging, host behavior, Microphallus, parasitism, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, snails, trematodes. [Behav Ecol 10:234‐241 (1999)]
A Demonstration of Measurement Error and Reliability

The related concepts of reliability and measurement error are often difficult for students to understand. This article describes a simple and inexpensive demonstration of several underlying notions necessary to understanding these concepts: chance score, true score, error variance, true score variance, and their relation to each other and to reliability.
Institutional Investors and Executive Compensation

We find that institutional ownership concentration is positively related to the pay-for-performance sensitivity of executive compensation and negatively related to the level of compensation, even after controlling for firm size, industry, investment opportunities and performance. These results suggest that the institutions serve a monitoring role in mitigating the agency problem between shareholders and managers. Additionally, we find that clientele effects exist among institutions for firms with certain compensation structures, suggesting that institutions also influence compensation structures through their preferences.
Hybrid model for intent estimation

Real-time data acquired 'trnder combat conditions will have different types of imperfection; two representative classes of imperfection are vngueness and ambiguity in the data. A motivational example is created in this paper to explore the prototyping of a hybrid processing model that can formally process both vague fizzy) and ambiguous (probabilistic) data types. The issue is to integrate fhe heterogeneous models, which have dflerent domains. probability and possibiliy. This research provides a hybrid model by exploring and adopting a transformation method between probability andpassibility.
Optically pumped AlGaN quantum‐well lasers at sub‐250 nm grown by MOCVD on AlN substrates

In this study, we employed bulk (0001) AlN substrates for the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition growth of AlGaN multi-quantum-well heterostructures in an Aixtron 6 × 2″ close-coupled showerhead reactor. The wafers were fabricated into cleaved bars with a cavity length of ∼1 mm. Two different layer structure designs are presented in this work. Both laser bars were optically pumped by a pulsed 193 nm ArF excimer laser at room temperature. The lasing wavelengths are 243.5 nm and 245.3 nm with threshold power density 427 kW/cm2 and 297 kW/cm2, respectively. Both laser bars showed transverse electric-polarization-dominated optical emission when operating above threshold. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Connectionist modelling of skill dynamics

This paper discusses a method for modelling skilled action for synthetic actors in a virtual environment. The method guides lower-level motor skills from a connectionist model of skill memory, implemented as collections of trained neural networks. The relationship between this work and that of other projects in task-level animation is discussed, the principles of connectionist learning are explained, and a series of experiments testing the concept of connectionist skill modelling are reviewed.
The Problem with Neurolaw

This article describes and critiques the increasingly popular program of reductive neuroLaw. Law has irrevocably entered the age of neuroscience. Various institutes and conferences are devoted to questions about the relation between neuroscience and legal procedures and doctrines. Most of the new “neuroLaw” scholarship focuses on evidentiary and related issues, and is important and beneficial. But some versions of reductive NeuroLaw are, to put it bluntly, redolent of fascism. Although they claim to liberate us from false conceptions of ourselves and to open new spaces for more scientific applications of the law, they end up stripping away all notions of “selves” and of “law.” This article argues that a revitalized sense of transcendent causation is required to avoid the violent metaphysics of reductive neuroLaw and to maintain the integrity of both “law” and “science.”
No-fault system of compensation for obstetric injury: winners and losers.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether Florida's implementation of a no-fault system for birth-related neurologic injuries reduced lawsuits and total spending associated with such injuries, and whether no-fault was more efficient than tort in distributing compensation. Methods: We compared claims and payments before and after implementation of a no-fault system in 1989. Data came from the Department of Insurance's medical malpractice closed claim files and no-fault records. Descriptive statistics were compiled for tort claims before 1989 and for tort and no-fault claims for 1989–1991. We developed two projection approaches to estimate claims and payments after 1989, with and without no-fault. We assessed the program's performance on the basis of comparisons of actual and projected values for 1989–1991. Results: The number of tort claims for permanent labor-delivery injury and death fell 16–32%. However, when no-fault claims were added to tort claims, total claims frequency rose by 11–38%. Annually, an estimated 479 children suffered birth-related injuries; however, only 13 were compensated under no-fault. Total combined payments to patients and all lawyers did not decrease, but of the total, a much larger portion went to patients. Compensation of patients after plaintiff lawyers' fees rose 4% or 44%, depending on the projection method used. Less than 3% of total payments went to lawyers under no-fault versus 39% under tort. Conclusion: Some claimants with birth-related injuries were winners, taking home a larger percentage of their awards than their tort counterparts. Lawyers clearly lost under no-fault. Because of the narrow statutory definition, many children with birth-related neurologic injuries did not qualify for coverage.
Hypertonia-Associated Protein Trak1 Is a Novel Regulator of Endosome-to-Lysosome Trafficking

Hypertonia, which is characterized by stiff gait, abnormal posture, jerky movements, and tremor, is associated with a number of neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy, dystonia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Recently, a spontaneous mutation in the gene encoding trafficking protein, kinesin-binding 1 (Trak1), was identified as the genetic defect that causes hypertonia in mice. The subcellular localization and biological function of Trak1 remain unclear. Here we report that Trak1 interacts with hepatocyte-growth-factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs), an essential component of the endosomal sorting and trafficking machinery. Double-label immunofluorescence confocal studies show that the endogenous Trak1 protein partially colocalizes with Hrs on early endosomes. Like Hrs, both overexpression and small-interfering-RNA-mediated knockdown of Trak1 inhibit degradation of internalized epidermal growth factor receptors through a block in endosome-to-lysosome trafficking. Our findings support a role for Trak1 in the regulation of Hrs-mediated endosomal sorting and have important implications for understanding hypertonia associated with neurological disorders.
The Truly Disadvantaged, Public Assistance, and Crime

This study examines the conditioning effect of welfare benefits on the relationship between resource deprivation and metropolitan crime rates. We analyzed aggregate data for a sample of large metropolitan counties in 1990 (N = 406). Our welfare measure combined the cost-of-living-adjusted public assistance payment per poor person and the public assistance participation rate among the poor. Our measure of resource deprivation included three highly correlated factors: family poverty rate, percent black, and percent of female-headed families. Regression analyses indicated that the prevalence of resource deprivation had significantly less effect on crime rates in areas with higher levels of welfare assistance. The results suggest that the amelioration of economic distress remains a viable strategy for reducing serious crime.
A Comparison of Interaction in AV-based and Internet-based Distance Courses.

At the center of the debate over the viability of distance education is whether the newer electronic technologies can offer enough interaction to maintain quality learner outcomes and critical mass. Two of the most commonly used forms of distance education are 1) two -way, fully interactive audio-video classrooms and 2) on-line instruction through the Internet or Worldwide Web. This study used qualitative methods to compare and contrast the interaction that occurred in distance learning courses offered via each medium. The research process confirmed findings that there were fundamental differences in the interaction that occurred in the two environments. On-line interaction is so profoundly different than interaction in the traditional and AV-based class room that it appears instructors and students will need a substantial period of adjustment to feel comfortable with it and to fully appreciate its value. It appears that, as distance teaching and learning moves to a “mixed media” approach to teaching and learning, how interaction is handled with each of the media may be important to the success of a distance program.
Neutrinos with Z_3 symmetry and new charged-lepton interactions

An approximate Z_3 family symmetry is proposed for leptons which results in a neutrino mass matrix with sin^2 2 theta_atm = 1 and tan^2 theta_sol = 0.5, but the latter value could easily be smaller. A generic requirement of this approach is the appearance of three Higgs doublets at the electroweak scale, resulting in possibly observable flavor violating leptonic decays, such as mu -> eee and mu -> e gamma.
Statistical analysis of differences in the Raman spectra of polymorphs.

ABSTRACT: Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for identifying polymorphs of pharmaceutical compounds. One limitation of the technique is that the small differences in Raman spectra require confirmation of polymorphs by other methods. Fourteen compounds, both commercial and proprietary pharmaceutical compounds and their polymorphs, were analyzed by Raman microscopy. By using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA), several methods are proposed that provide an approach for comparing the spectra of suspected polymorphs. Because it is difficult to determine the exact amount that a peak may shift before two forms should be considered different; a guideline of a shift greater than 1.6/cm −1 is proposed. A standard ANOVA analysis is used to compare individual peaks both within and between polymorphs, as well as an alternative method that proposes the use of a total ANOVA table that considers the entire spectrum. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but they provide a starting point for the comparison of a large number of spectra, and effectively differentiate between polymorphs of a given compound. The method accurately identified true polymorphs in all cases, but showed a bias towards misidentifying some samples as polymorphs when they were in fact the same form. This bias was not significant and even in these situations, the magnitude of the calculated F values was a useful indicator of whether the result was a false positive or not. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association
TCRs Used in Cancer Gene Therapy Cross-React with MART-1/Melan-A Tumor Antigens via Distinct Mechanisms.

T cells engineered to express TCRs specific for tumor Ags can drive cancer regression. The first TCRs used in cancer gene therapy, DMF4 and DMF5, recognize two structurally distinct peptide epitopes of the melanoma-associated MART-1/Melan-A protein, both presented by the class I MHC protein HLA-A*0201. To help understand the mechanisms of TCR cross-reactivity and provide a foundation for the further development of immunotherapy, we determined the crystallographic structures of DMF4 and DMF5 in complex with both of the MART-1/Melan-A epitopes. The two TCRs use different mechanisms to accommodate the two ligands. Although DMF4 binds the two with a different orientation, altering its position over the peptide/MHC, DMF5 binds them both identically. The simpler mode of cross-reactivity by DMF5 is associated with higher affinity toward both ligands, consistent with the superior functional avidity of DMF5. More generally, the observation of two diverging mechanisms of cross-reactivity with the same Ags and the finding that TCR-binding orientation can be determined by peptide alone extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying TCR cross-reactivity.
Collaborative Composing in High School String Chamber Music Ensembles.

The purpose of this study was to examine collaborative composing in high school string chamber music ensembles. Research questions included the following: (a) How do high school string instrumental...
Palatability and Doneness of Right and Left Sides of Turkeys Roasted to Selected End Point Temperatures

Abstract INTRODUCTION CONSIDERABLE research time could be saved in working with whole turkeys if no differences exist between right and left sides of the birds. Test results of only one side could be projected to the whole turkey. Measuring tenderness of chickens, Paul el al. (1959) noted that using right and left sides of the same carcass reduced experimental error more than using maternal half-sibs. Hoffert et al. (1952) reported that the right and left sides of 4–5 lb. roasters had the same composition (particularly fat) and that the muscle proteins reacted similarly to heat. However, they did not report verifying data. In roasting turkeys, the point of optimum doneness is difficult to determine. Subjective tests, such as feeling the flesh, moving a joint or pricking the flesh with a fork have given inconsistent results (Alexander et al., 1951). Doneness of roasted turkeys also has been determined by using time…
A novel HMM-based clustering algorithm for the analysis of gene expression time-course data

A novel hidden Markov model (HMM) and clustering algorithm for the analysis of gene expression time-course data is proposed. The proposed model, called the profile-HMM, is specifically designed to explicitly take into account the dynamic nature of temporal gene expression profiles, which is ignored by many clustering methods existing in the literature. In this model, gene expression dynamics are represented by a special set of paths, with each path characterizing a stochastic pattern. The profile-HMM is trained to contain the most likely set of stochastic patterns given the dynamic microarray data, and the clustering result is obtained by grouping together the time-series that are most likely to be related to the same pattern. The novelty of the method is that the behavior of the whole gene expression dataset is modeled by a single HMM acting as a self-organizing map, so that all the clusters are implicitly and jointly defined in the model during the training phase. An attractive property of the profile-HMM clustering algorithm is its ability to automatically identify the number of clusters. The resulting performance is demonstrated by its application on simulated and biological data.
Use of Malonic Acid in Chemical-Mechanical Polishing ( CMP ) of Tungsten

The use of malonic acid as an additive in alumina slurries used for the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of tungsten has been explored for the reduction of particulate contamination. The principal objective of this work was to delineate conditions under which alumina contamination on polished surfaces could be reduced. The interaction between malonic acid and alumina particles has been investigated through electrokinetic and adsorption measurements. At suitable malonic acid concentrations and pH values, tungsten and alumina surfaces develop a negative zeta potential resulting in conditions conducive to reduced particulate contamination. Small scale polishing experiments have been carried out to relate electrokinetic results to the level of particulate contamination after polishing.
Effects of Relative Levels of the Primary Tones on Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Normal-hearing Subjects

This study investigated the effects of the relative levels of the two primary tones, LI and L2, on the amplitude of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (2F1-F2). Testing was conducted with a commercially available system for measuring DPOAEs (Grason-Stadler, GSI-60). The intensity of the lowest primary tone (LI) remained constant at 75, 65, 55 or 45 dB SPL while L2 varied over a 20 dB range around LI, i.e. LI – L2 was –5, 0, 5, 10 or 15 dB. For example, when LI was 75 dB SPL, L2 was presented at 80, 75, 70, 65 or 60 dB SPL. Thirty normal-hearing women were presented with 11 pairs of primary tones having geometric means ranging from 531 Hz to 5531 Hz. A constant F2:F1 ratio of 1.21 was used. The results revealed that when LI was 75 dB SPL, the largest distortion products were observed across all frequencies for the 0 dB condition (LI =75 dB; L2=75 dB) and -5 dB condition (Ll = 75 dB; L2 = 80 dB). When LI was 65 dB SPL, the largest DPs were obtained across all frequencies for the 5 dB condition (LI =65...
On the frame bounds of iterated filter banks

Abstract We investigate the frame bounds of iterated non-perfect reconstruction filter banks. We provide frame bounds valid for iterated FBs with an arbitrary number of stages using the frame bounds of the underlying frame on the real line. Conversely, given the frame bounds of the iterated FB, we derive bounds for the underlying wavelet frame.
Potential energy curves for electron beam excitation of RbXe+ excimer

Abstract Complete active space self-consistent field followed by configuration interaction and relativistic configuration interaction calculations are carried out on the potential energy curves of (XeRb)+ arising from Xe (1S0) + Rb+ (1S0), Xe+ (2P 3 2 ) + Rb (2S 1 2 ), Xe + (2P 1 2 ) + Rb(1S 1 2 ), and Xe*(3P) + Rb+(1S) electronic states. Spectroscopic constants and potential energy curves thus obtained are used to interpret the fluorescence from ionic (Xe-Rb)+ species excited by an electron beam. The nature of the various electronic states of (XeRb)+ is analyzed.
Students' Roles in Group-Work with Visual Data: A Site of Science Learning

Learning science includes learning to argue with inscriptions: images used to symbolize information persuasively. This study examined sixth-graders learning to invest inscriptions with representational status, in a geographic information system (GIS)–based science investigation. Learning to reason with inscriptions was studied in emergent participation patterns in groups, operationalized as roles. Cross-case analyses compared developmental trajectories for two roles in each group: competitive challenger and quiet bystander. Role development mediated learning to reason with inscriptions, including (1) co-assembling “representational states” of data and (2) managing dialectical tensions of argumentation. Role was operationalized as a site of learning, intersecting individual and collective processes, rather than a mechanism of one impacting another. Distributed conceptions of practice support this approach for understanding how students learn to do science.
Substrate Requirements for Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis of Bacillus subtilis Pro-σK

During sporulation of Bacillus subtilis, pro-σK is activated by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) in response to a signal from the forespore. RIP of pro-σK removes its prosequence (amino acids 1 to 20), releasing σK from the outer forespore membrane into the mother cell cytoplasm, in a reaction catalyzed by SpoIVFB, a metalloprotease in the S2P family of intramembrane-cleaving proteases. The requirements for pro-σK to serve as a substrate for RIP were investigated by producing C-terminally truncated pro-σK fused at different points to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) or hexahistidine in sporulating B. subtilis or in Escherichia coli engineered to coexpress SpoIVFB. Nearly half of pro-σK (amino acids 1 to 117), including part of sigma factor region 2.4, was required for RIP of pro-σK-GFP chimeras in sporulating B. subtilis. Likewise, pro-σK-hexahistidine chimeras demonstrated that the N-terminal 117 amino acids of pro-σK are sufficient for RIP, although the N-terminal 126 amino acids, which includes all of region 2.4, allowed much better accumulation of the chimeric protein in sporulating B. subtilis and more efficient processing by SpoIVFB in E. coli. In contrast to the requirements for RIP, a much smaller N-terminal segment (amino acids 1 to 27) was sufficient for membrane localization of a pro-σK-GFP chimera. Addition or deletion of five amino acids near the N terminus allowed accurate processing of pro-σK, ruling out a mechanism in which SpoIVFB measures the distance from the N terminus to the cleavage site. A charge reversal at position 13 (substituting glutamate for lysine) reduced accumulation of pro-σK and prevented detectable RIP by SpoIVFB. These results elucidate substrate requirements for RIP of pro-σK by SpoIVFB and may have implications for substrate recognition by other S2P family members.
Towards verification of hybrid systems in a foundational proof assistant

Unsafe behavior of hybrid systems can have disastrous consequences, motivating the need for formal verification of the software running on these systems. Foundational verification in a proof assistant such as Coq is a promising technique that can provide extremely strong, foundational, guarantees about software systems. In this paper, we show how to apply this technique to hybrid systems. We define a TLA-inspired formalism in Coq for reasoning about hybrid systems and use it to verify two quadcopter modules: the first limits the quadcopter's velocity and the second limits its altitude. We ran both of these modules on an actual quadcopter, and they worked as intended. We also discuss lessons learned from our experience foundationally verifying hybrid systems.
Impact of Deck and Jet Blast Deflector on the Flow and Acoustic Properties of Imperfectly Expanded Supersonic Jets

The impact of a representative Aircraft Carrier Deck and Jet blast deflector (JBD) has been investigated by using a recently developed NAVY finite element based flow solver JENRE (the Jet Engine Noise Reduction) at an underexpanded jet condition. The agreement of the flow and near-field acoustic properties of the baseline configuration (without the Carrier deck and JBD) agree well with the experiment data. It is found that the deck surface, which is 1.6D (nozzle exit diameter) below the jet centerline, and a JBD surface, which is roughly 6.0D downstream of the end of the potential core, have little impact on the shock-cell structure and jet potential core. However, the deck impacts the near-field pressure fluctuations by either reflecting the pressure waves or damping the turbulence when the jet flow collides with the surface. The increase caused by the reflection shows more in the spanwise direction than in the vertical direction, and more increase is observed in the high-frequency range downstream of the potential core. The JBD surface redirects the jet plume, causing Mach waves to propagate towards the upward direction of the JBD surface. Pressure waves are also generated near the trailing edges of the JBD surface. The acoustic pressure level is increased upstream of the JBD location, and this increase is largely in the low-frequency range, indicating that the trailing edge effect should be the main cause of this increase.
Identification of a region of strong discrimination in the pore of CFTR

The variety of methods used to identify the structural determinants of anion selectivity in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl− channel has made it difficult to assemble the...
Inhibit Proliferation of A549 Cell Line by Curcumol Through Degradation ECM and Effect Cell Cycle

Objective:To explore the curcumol on A549 cell line inhibiting the proliferation. Methods:The effects of curcumol on the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 were determined by MTT assay.The cotents of collagen accumulated were determined by the optical density at 540nm of picrosirius red staining.The cells cyclic retardation were examined by using flowcytometry. Results:MTT showed that curcumol had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A549 cells,and had reduced collagen of secretion.The cell cycle analysia showed that curcumol increased the percentage of G0/G1 phase cells and reduced the percentage of S phase cells in 24 hour.In 48 hour,it was turn the G2 phase cells. Conclusion:Curcumol can inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells in dose-time dependent and the mechanism may due to inhibit collagen of secretion,related to its arresting the cell cycle.
Using the cross chart in planning kitchen layouts.

A cardinal principle of layout planning is that materials in production should be moved minimum distances. This shortens production time; decreases employees' effort and fatigue; lowers labor costs and materials-handling costs; and aids in simplifing supervision. To realize these advantages, back-tracking and by-passing of equipment must be minimized, as such trips increase distance and may also cause traffic congestion and production delays. The minimum distance attained may be a straight line, or it may be a circular path or other design.
Combined effects of stocking rate and supplemental feeding level on adult beef cows grazing native rangeland in Texas.

A grazing study was conducted over 4 yr to determine the effects of stocking rate and supplemental feeding levels on intake, and BW and body condition changes by adult beef cows. Stocking rates were 12.3, 16.5, and 24.7 animal units/(100 ha.yr). Supplemental feed treatments included a negative control (NC) and 300 g/(cow.d) of CP with either 2 (L), 4 (M), or 8 (H) Mcal/(cow.d) of DE from early December to late March. Groups fed supplements (L, M, and H) lost less BW from fall to spring (P < .01) and reciprocally gained less BW from spring to weaning (P < .01) than NC cows. The L cows tended (P = .14) to lose less BW between fall and spring than M and H cows. Treatment effects on condition score were similar to those for BW change. Forage intake, estimated by measurements of fecal output, was greater by supplemented cows (P = .02); L was greater than M and H (P = .004). Increased stocking rate correlated with increased fall-to-spring BW losses (P < .002), spring-to-weaning BW gains (P < .0001), and decreased winter forage intake (P < .005). These data provide quantitative bases for the effects of stocking rate and supplemental feeding on BW and condition dynamics. Low-level feeding of a high-protein supplement can increase intake of dormant range forage, thereby increasing nutrient intake. High-level feeding of low-protein supplements seems to increase nutrient status primarily by providing supplemental nutrients. Increasing stocking rate to the reported extremes decreased forage intake and resulted in unfavorable BW and condition changes.
Foot sensation testing in the patient with diabetes: introduction of the quick & easy assessment tool.

Introduction Sensory testing of patients with diabetes is an integral part of preventing new and recurrent wounds. The Semmes- Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test is considered the gold standard to screen for loss of protective sensation; however, the authors' experience has shown that it is not only time consuming, but is of negligible value for a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Methods This article discusses the shortfalls with regard to the SWM test and reviews other techniques for sensory evaluation. In addition, the Quick & Easy system is introduced, which combines sensory assessment with guidance for anesthesia requirements during wound debridements or other surgical interventions. Results A scale ranging from grade 2 (normal sensation) to grade 0 (absent sensation) reflects the patient's responses to wound manipulation, palpation of an underlying deformity, and/or evaluation of the difference between light touch sensation with the patient's hands compared to the feet. For patients with total loss of sensation (grade 0), no anesthesia is needed for surgical procedures. If there is diminished sensation (grade 1), surgical intervention can be performed following administration of either topical or local anesthesia. For patients with normal sensation (grade 2), complete anesthesia of the surgical site will be required. A preliminary observation was conducted on 50 patients with DFUs using the Quick & Easy system. Anesthetic requirements were accurately predicted in all cases without the need to modify the type of anesthesia during the procedure. Conclusion The Quick & Easy system serves as a simple sensory evaluation for a patient with a DFU and provides valuable anesthesia guidance for wound care procedures.
Results from the Telescope Array Experiment

Abstract The Telescope Array (TA) is the largest ultrahigh energy cosmic ray detector in the northern hemisphere. The experiment consists of three fluorescence stations viewing the air space over a surface array of 507 scintillation counters deployed over 700 square kilometers. TA has been in operation since 2008. The most recent results from TA, including that of composition studies and search for arrival direction anisotropy, will be presented. We will also report on the progress of the new TA low energy extension (TALE).
GERD: Diagnosing and treating the burn

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is chronic, very common, and frequently encountered in internal medicine and subspecialty clinics. It is often diagnosed on clinical grounds, but specialized testing such as endoscopy and pH monitoring may be necessary in certain patients. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment, clinicians should be aware of their short-term and long-term side effects.
The Geometry of Physics: Symmetries, Quarks, and Meson Masses

At the end of Section 20.3b we spoke very briefly about “colored” quarks and the resulting Yang–Mills field with gauge group SU (3). This was not, however, the first appearance of quarks. They appeared in the early 1960s in the form of “flavored” quarks, independently in the work of Gell–Mann and Zweig. Their introduction changed the whole course of particle physics, and we could not pass up the opportunity to present one of the most striking applications to meson physics, the relations among pion, kaon, and eta masses. This application involves only global symmetries, rather than the Yang–Mills feature of the colored quarks. For expositions of particle physics for “the educated general reader” see, e.g., the little books ['t Hooft] and [Nam]. Flavored Quarks The description to follow will be brief and very sketchy; the main goal is to describe the almost magical physical interpretations physicists gave to the matrices that appear. My guide for much of this material is the book [L–S,K], with minor changes being made to harmonize more with the mathematical machinery developed earlier in the present book. As to mass formulas, while there are more refined, technical treatments (see, e.g., [We, Chap. 19]) applying (sometimes with adjustments required) to more mesons and to “baryons,” the presentation given in Section C.f for the “0 - meson octet” seems quite direct.
The role of the green tea in chemoprevention

T is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, second only to water. There are three major tea types, green, oolong and black teas which are all processed from the buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is estimated that 78% of the world’s tea production is black tea and green tea production constitutes about 20%. Green tea is the least processed and contains less caffeine than both oolong and black teas. The major catechins, a group of polyphenols, in green tea include: (-)-epigallocatechin3-gallate (EGCG); (-)-epigallocatecin (EGC); (-)-epicatechin (EC); and (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG). The synthesis of catechins by tea leaves occurs during the day and is temperature dependent. The most abundant catechin component of green tea is (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been the focus of numerous in vitro and in vivo experiments. Cell culture, animal and clinical trials indicate that EGCG possesses antiproliferative, antimutagenic, antioxidant and chemopreventive effects. We will briefly summarize the mechanism of action(s) green tea exerts on cell proliferation. Additionally, we will provide an overview green tea as a chemopreventive agent in mouse cancer models.
The Cooperative Classroom Environment Measure (CCEM): Refining a Measure that Assesses Factors Motivating Student Prosociality

A classroom’s social environment and student dispositions towards social interaction together exert a substantial influence on academic outcomes. The strength of this effect is highlighted by research showing the positive effect of cooperative learning on student achievement, but can also be seen in the contribution that student social dispositions, specifically one’s disposition toward helping others (i.e. prosocial), has on individual achievement. The current study sought to assess the psychometric properties of the original Cooperative Classroom Environment Measure (CCEM) and refine the measure to increase its validity for use in the classroom. The CCEM was developed to provide information to educators about factors in the classroom environment contributing to student prosociality. The original form was answered by 431 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory life science class. Following data collection, both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Rasch analysis were used to remove problematic items and generate a refined form. The psychometric properties of this refined form were examined using Rasch and confirmatory factor analysis, and supported the presence of six (out of eight originally hypothesized) subscale constructs analogous to those influencing prosociality in other contexts. Additional evidence showed the presence of a single prominent underlying latent factor (termed Prosocial) that could account for significant variance in all subscale constructs. These findings provided preliminary evidence for the use of both the CCEM subscales and whole survey measures for investigations into optimizing classroom social environments for prosocial action.
Metal-Organic Frameworks: Examples, Counterexamples, and an Actionable Definition

It is not unusual for advances in science to run ahead of nomenclature for the discovered phenomena. However, in the case of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), research activity has been booming for more than a decade, and yet there is no agreed upon definition for the term. Different structural aspects of these materials are critically analyzed with examples and counterexamples to arrive at a definition of MOF that is both definite and consistent with common usage.
Formed in the Image of God: The Theological Status of Neanderthals

A thorough examination of the various theological interpretations of imago Dei shows that Homo sapiens are not the only species to be created in the image of God. While maintaining their uniqueness in the eyes of the Lord, Homo sapiens also share this gift with another species, Homo neanderthalensis . The archaeological record proves that Neanderthals qualify for imago Dei under each of the four main interpretations of the biblical term. Based on their rationality and adaptive nature, their compassion through use of medicine, their social networking and their symbolic use of art, it can be concluded that Neanderthals were also created in God’s image.
Rapid broad area search and detection of Chinese surface-to-air missile sites using deep convolutional neural networks

We evaluated how deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) could assist in the labor-intensive process of human visual searches for objects of interest in high-resolution imagery over large areas of the Earth’s surface. Various DCNN were trained and tested using fewer than 100 positive training examples (China only) from a worldwide surface-to-air-missile (SAM) site dataset. A ResNet-101 DCNN achieved a 98.2% average accuracy for the China SAM site data. The ResNet-101 DCNN was used to process ∼19.6 M image chips over a large study area in southeastern China. DCNN chip detections (∼9300) were postprocessed with a spatial clustering algorithm to produce a ranked list of ∼2100 candidate SAM site locations. The combination of DCNN processing and spatial clustering effectively reduced the search area by ∼660X (0.15% of the DCNN-processed land area). An efficient web interface was used to facilitate a rapid serial human review of the candidate SAM sites in the China study area. Four novice imagery analysts with no prior imagery analysis experience were able to complete a DCNN-assisted SAM site search in an average time of ∼42 min. This search was ∼81X faster than a traditional visual search over an equivalent land area of ∼88,640 km2 while achieving nearly identical statistical accuracy (∼90% F1).
Hard-to-place kidney offers: Donor- and system-level predictors of discard.

Understanding risk factors for deceased-donor kidney nontransplantation is important since discard rates remain high. We analyzed DonorNet® data of consecutive deceased-donor nonmandatory share primary kidney-only offers to adult candidates at our center and beyond between July 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016 for donor- and system-level risk factors of discard, defined as nontransplantation at our or subsequent transplant centers. Exclusions were hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B virus core antibody status, blood type AB, and donor 85% (n = 208) donors late in the allocation sequence with prior refusals logged for numerous candidates. On multivariate regression, factors significantly associated with discard were donor cerebrovascular accident (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.32), cancer transmission concern (aOR: 6.5), renal artery luminal compromise (aOR: 3.97), biopsy score ≥3 (aOR: 5.09), 2-hour pump resistive index >0.4 (aOR: 3.27), absence of pump (aOR: 2.58), nonspecific kidney abnormality (aOR: 2.76), increasing offer cold ischemia time category 11-15, 16-20, and >21 hours (aOR: 2.07, 2.33, 2.82), nighttime notification (aOR: 2.19), and neither kidney placed at time of offer (aOR: 2.74). Many traditional determinants of discard lack discriminatory value when granular factors are assessed. System-level factors also influence discard and warrant further study.
Ten Tips Nephrologists Wish the Palliative Care Team Knew About Caring for Patients with Kidney Disease

Abstract Many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease have unmet palliative care (PC) needs. Physical and emotional symptoms are common. Some, like uremia and fluid overload, improve with dialysis, but the increasing age of patients initiating renal replacement therapy leaves many untreatable comorbidities like dementia and frailty to negatively impact quality of life. Written by nephrologists and PC clinicians, this article will help PC providers to have a richer understanding of kidney disease-related symptom burden, disease trajectory, prognosis, and barriers to hospice enrollment for patients with CKD and end-stage renal disease.
An Environmentally Extended Social Accounting Matrix

Although the social accounting matrix(SAM) approach has been widely used in nationalaccounting and development economics, it still neglectsimportant information, among which are theinteractions between an economy and the environment. This paper environmentally extends SAM to capture therelationships among economic activities, pollutionabatement activities, and pollution emissions. Anumerical example of the environmentally extendedsocial accounting matrix (ESAM) using Chinese 1990data is presented. The multiplier and structural pathanalyses are applied to the ESAM for assessingenvironmental impacts of pollution-related economicpolicies. The analysis results show that an ESAM canbe a useful tool for environmental policy analysis.
Brief Report: Safe at Home Base: Working Parents' Reasons for Choice of Home-Based Child Care

The current generation of working parents faces new challenges to the traditional family model. Despite this, they select forms of home-based child care more than any other type of care. Prior data also reveal that parents who use home-based care, center-based care, and family day care all cite “quality” as the primary reason for their choice. Given the similarity of reason and the difference in care actually used, working parents who use home-based care were interviewed on additional reasons for their choice. These parents lacked confidence in center-based care and preferred their children to receive one-to-one attention. Age of child, cost of care, and availability of centers did not affect choice. These adults seem to be selecting home-based care in an attempt to provide care as close as possible to parental care. They are making a statement on the importance of the home environment even as their participation in the workplace increases.
STATIC: a problem-space compiler for PRODIGY

Explanation-Based Learning (EBL) can be used to significantly speed up problem solving. Is there sufficient structure in the definition of a problem space to enable a static analyzer, using EBL-style optimizations, to speed up problem solving without utilizing training examples? If so, will such an analyzer run in reasonable time? This paper demonstrates that for a wide range of problem spaces the answer to both questions is "yes." The STATIC program speeds up problem solving for the PRODIGY problem solver without utilizing training examples. In Minton's problem spaces [1988], STATIC acquires control knowledge from twenty six to seventy seven times faster, and speeds up PRODIGY up to three times as much as PRODIGY/EBL. This paper presents STATIC's algorithms, derives a condition under which STATIC is guaranteed to achieve polynomial-time problem solving, and contrasts STATIC with PRODIGY/EBL.
Eligibility for Special Education in Elementary School: The Role of Diverse Language Experiences

Purpose We examined the association between language experience and elementary students' eligibility for special education in Massachusetts. Method A secondary descriptive data analysis was conduct...