cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Light Environment During the Adolescent Period on Subsequent Semen Volume and Concentration of Male Turkeys

Abstract One hundred eighty males were utilized in two field-type experiments. In one experiment, light was restricted to 6 or 12 hr of light per day at a light intensity of 10.76 lx from 12 through 28 weeks of age. In the second experiment, one flock was maintained under natural light while the other was maintained under 12-hr lights and 10.76 lx of light intensity from 12 to 31 weeks of age. All flocks were placed under a 14-hr light day and alight intensity of 32.3 lx in light-controlled houses during the breeding season. Results obtained in the first experiment showed an increase in semen volume from the first to the fourth observation period and then a decline in both flocks during the last period. Average semen volume over the entire experimental period was unaffected by light treatment during the adolescent period. Semen concentration was highest during the early part of the breeding season and gradually declined as the season progressed. Males under a 6-hr restricted light regimen during the rearing period produced an average of .6 billion more sperm cells per milliliter than did those reared under 12 hr of light per day (P≤.01). Results obtained in the second experiment showed an average semen volume throughout the breeding season of .24 and .19 ml and a semen concentration of 7.0 and 6.4 billion sperm cells per milliliter for males reared under natural light compared to those reared under 12-hr lights, respectively. These differences were significant (P≤.01). Data were subjected to polynomial analyses. Semen concentration over the breeding season showed a significant quadratic trend on semen volume in all flocks. The low R2 values obtained suggested that semen volume may not be a useful measure for predicting semen concentration.
Localization due to damage in fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract Fiber pull-out is one of the fracture features of fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites. The onset of this mechanism is predicted by using Continuum Damage Mechanics, and corresponds to a localization of the deformations. Alter deriving two damage models from a uniaxial bundle approach, different configurations are analysed through analytical and numerical (F.E. calculations) methods. For one model some very simple criteria can be derived, whereas for the second one none of these criteria can be derived and the general criterion of localization has to be used.
Structural and biophysical insights into the role of the insert region in Rac1 function

A 13 amino acid insertion that forms a short 3(10) helix between beta-strand 5 and alpha-helix 4 is a distinguishing feature among most members of the Rho family of GTPases, yet the precise role of this region in signal transduction is poorly understood. Previous in vivo functional studies have implicated the insert region of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 to be important for cell transformation, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, controlling DNA synthesis, and in the activation of downstream targets. In Rac1, our recent biological studies have suggested that the insert is important for SRF activation and the formation of lamellipodia but is dispensable for all other cellular functions of this protein. In the studies reported herein, we have characterized the effect of the insert deletion on Rac1 structure, thermodynamic stability, and the kinetics of nucleotide association. These in vitro studies help clarify biological data and provide further insights as to the role of this 13 amino acid region in modulating Rac1 function. The studies reveal that deletion of the insert has no effect on Rac1 structure and causes only a marginal (approximately 0.8 kcal/mol) decrease in the DeltaG(fold) of Rac1*GDP*Mg2+. The intrinsic rate of nucleotide dissociation of Rac1*Delta(ins) is decreased by about 1.5-fold compared to that of wild type, and a 3-fold increase in the GEF (Vav2)-mediated exchange rate is observed. In addition, deletion of the insert does not change the K(D) for the interaction of Rac1 with GDI, and similar to that previously observed for Cdc42, no inhibition of GDP dissociation is observed for the deletion mutant relative to that for the native protein. Taken together, the structural and biochemical studies reported here are consistent with our biological data reported previously and suggest that the most likely role of the insert region must be to serve as a binding interface for downstream effectors, particularly those important for actin regulation.
Plasma thyroxine and gill NA+-K+ ATPase changes during seawater acclimation of coho salmon, Onchorynchus kisutch

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma thyroxine (T-4) and gill sodium-potassium activated adenosinetriphosphatase (Na+-K+ ATPase) were measured by radioimmunoassay and colorimetric enzyme assay in yearling coho salmon, Onchorynchus kisutch, smolts. Gill and plasma samples were collected from fish in fresh water and then on a daily basis for 8 days following transfer to seawater net pens. 2. 2. Plasma T-4 levels fluctuated in a complex pattern with transient peaks at 24 hr and then again on the fourth or fifth day. 3. 3. Gill ATPase activity remained at freshwater levels until the fifth day in seawater, then increased and remained elevated. 4. 4. These correlative data suggest possible T-4 involvement in the adaptation of coho salmon to seawater.
Windmill-Shaped Subwavelength Apertures Operating in the Mid-IR Regime

In this paper, windmill-shaped subwavelength apertures are proposed for the mid-IR regime. Spectral response of windmill-shaped subwavelength aperture with multiple sharp corners and small gap that gives rise to extreme EM field enhancements is investigated both numerically and experimentally. An equivalent circuit model for the resonant characteristic of the windmill-shaped subwavelength aperture is also presented. Electromagnetic field distributions and transmission characteristics of windmill-shaped subwavelength aperture arrays are obtained by finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The dependence of resonance characteristics on the polarization direction of the illumination source and the geometrical parameters of the windmill-shaped apertures are analyzed in detail. The windmill-shaped subwavelength aperture arrays exhibit extremely high near-field optical resolution and enhanced transmission compared to the bowtie-, cross, and x-shaped aperture arrays. Due to their electromagnetic properties, the proposed windmill-shaped subwavelength aperture array can be used in a wide range of applications, including biochemical sensors, optical filters, and modulators.
Synthesis and Excited-State Photodynamics of a Molecular Square Containing Four Mutually Coplanar Porphyrins

To examine the effect of restricted porphyrin−porphyrin rotation on energy transfer in diphenylethyne-linked porphyrin arrays, a square macrocyclic array of four porphyrins has been prepared that locks the porphyrins in a mutually coplanar architecture. The palladium-mediated coupling of Zn(II) 5,10-dimesityl-15,20-bis(4-ethynylphenyl)porphyrin and 5,10-dimesityl-15,20-bis(4-iodophenyl)porphyrin afforded the molecular square (cyclo-Zn2Fb2U) with zinc (Zn) and free base (Fb) porphyrins on alternating corners. The yield of cyclo-Zn2Fb2U is relatively insensitive to concentration with reactants at 5−0.5 mM but declines significantly at ≤0.05 mM. Transient absorption data from cyclo-Zn2Fb2U in toluene at room temperature indicate that the rate of energy transfer from the photoexcited Zn porphyrin to a neighboring Fb porphyrin is (26 ps)-1. A ZnFb porphyrin (ZnFbU) with an identical diphenylethyne linker but no constraints on rotation exhibits an identical energy-transfer rate. Resonance Raman spectroscopy sho...
In support and extension of the mechanism of densification, strengthening and deformation behaviour of YBa2Cu3O7-x-Ag2O superconducting composites prepared by the powder metallurgy route

In the evolution of potential shape-forming processes for high-temperature superconducting ceramics, the powder metallurgy route, using YBa2Cu3O7−x and Ag2O powders to fabricate flexible superconducting composite wires by extrusion, occupies a unique status. The processing route is novel, particularly with respect to the strength and deformability of the product at various stages. The extruded wires display a sharp resistive transition upon oxygen annealing. A phenomenological model of the mechanism explaining the microstructural behaviour of this composite had been proposed earlier by the authors. In this communication a processing-microstructure-property correlative approach has been adopted with a view to establishing experimental support for, as well as to effect an extension of, the mechanism of strengthening, densification and deformation behaviour of YBa2Cu3O7−x-Ag2O superconducting composites prepared by the powder metallurgy route. The results of mechanical testing and microscopic investigation are used in conjunction to complete the understanding of the mechanism.
Local Form-Motion Interactions Influence Global Form Perception

Object motion perception depends on the integration of form and motion information into a unified neural representation. Historically, form and motion perception are thought to be independent processes; however, research has demonstrated that these processes interact in numerous and complex ways. For example, an object’s orientation relative to its direction of motion will influence its perceived speed (Georges, Series, Fregnac, & Lorenceau, Vision Research 42:2757–2772, 2002). Here, we investigated whether this local form–motion interaction influences global form processing. In Experiment 1, we replicated the effect of orientation-dependent modulation of speed. In Experiment 2, we investigated whether the perceived speed of local elements could influence the perceived shape of a global object constructed from grouping of those elements. The results indicated that the orientation of local elements indeed influenced the perceived shape of a global object. We propose that inputs from local form–motion processes are one of perhaps many neural mechanisms underlying global form integration.
Intrinsic stress and structural properties of mixed composition thin films

Intrinsic stress and microstructure of mixed composition films were investigated for several binary systems of IR optical materials. These properties were measured for the entire range of compositions and for mixing obtained by codeposition and by layering of alternate pure components. The variation of stress with composition was observed to be significantly different, depending on the method of mixing. Microstructural analysis revealed a corresponding difference in the grain structure of the films. Low compressive stress films were obtained by coevaporation of high tensile stress materials. These can be used to produce thick and mechanically stable gradient-index optical coatings.
Effects of historical lead–zinc mining on riffle-dwelling benthic fish and crayfish in the Big River of southeastern Missouri, USA

The Big River (BGR) drains much of the Old Lead Belt mining district (OLB) in southeastern Missouri, USA, which was historically among the largest producers of lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) ore in the world. We sampled benthic fish and crayfish in riffle habitats at eight sites in the BGR and conducted 56-day in situ exposures to the woodland crayfish (Orconectes hylas) and golden crayfish (Orco- nectes luteus) in cages at four sites affected to differing degrees by mining. Densities of fish and crayfish, physical habitat and water quality, and the survival and growth of caged crayfish were examined at sites with no known upstream mining activities (i.e., reference sites) and at sites downstream of mining areas (i.e., mining and downstream sites). Lead, zinc, and cadmium were analyzed in surface and pore water, sediment, detritus, fish, crayfish, and other benthic macro-invertebrates. Metals concentrations in all materials analyzed were greater at mining and downstream sites than at reference sites. Ten species of fish and four species of crayfish were collected. Fish and crayfish den- sities were significantly greater at reference than mining or downstream sites, and densities were greater at down- stream than mining sites. Survival of caged crayfish was significantly lower at mining sites than reference sites; downstream sites were not tested. Chronic toxic-unit scores and sediment probable effects quotients indicated signifi- cant risk of toxicity to fish and crayfish, and metals con- centrations in crayfish were sufficiently high to represent a risk to wildlife at mining and downstream sites. Collec- tively, the results provided direct evidence that metals associated with historical mining activities in the OLB continue to affect aquatic life in the BGR.
Multilobular tumour of bone at an unusual location in the axilla of a dog

Multilobular tumour of bone is a rare neoplasm of cartilage, bone and connective tissue that is seen almost exclusively in association with the skull of veterinary patients. A four-year-old, spayed Jack Russell terrier was presented to the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of a progressive swelling in the right axilla. Radiographs of the region showed the mass to be caudal to the scapula, unattached to bone and to have numerous punctate calcific opacities throughout its substance. Excisional biopsy of the mass was carried out under general anaesthesia and histopathological examination showed it to be multilobular tumour of bone. This case report documents the occurrence of multilobular tumour of bone at a site other than the head. This tumour should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses with calcific opacities.
Neurologic Disorders Among Pediatric Deaths Associated With the 2009 Pandemic Influenza

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe reported influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus (pH1N1)-associated deaths in children with underlying neurologic disorders. METHODS: The study compared demographic characteristics, clinical course, and location of death of pH1N1-associated deaths among children with and without underlying neurologic disorders reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Of 336 pH1N1-associated pediatric deaths with information on underlying conditions, 227 (68%) children had at least 1 underlying condition that conferred an increased risk of complications of influenza. Neurologic disorders were most frequently reported (146 of 227 [64%]), and, of those disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disability were most common. Children with neurologic disorders were older ( P = .02), had a significantly longer duration of illness from onset to death ( P < .01), and were more likely to die in the hospital versus at home or in the emergency department ( P < .01) compared with children without underlying medical conditions. Many children with neurologic disorders had additional risk factors for influenza-related complications, especially pulmonary disorders (48%). Children without underlying conditions were significantly more likely to have a positive result from a sterile-site bacterial culture than were those with an underlying neurologic disorder ( P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic disorders were reported in nearly two-thirds of pH1N1-associated pediatric deaths with an underlying medical condition. Because of the potential for severe outcomes, children with underlying neurologic disorders should receive influenza vaccine and be treated early and aggressively if they develop influenza-like illness. * Abbreviations: ACIP — : Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ARDS — : acute respiratory distress syndrome CDC — : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pH1N1 — : influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus RIDT — : rapid influenza diagnostic test RT-PCR — : reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
Computational investigation of DNA packing in confinement

Background High-density packing of DNA in nature, for example in mutant P4 bacteriophage viruses and the resulting entanglement (= knots) of the packaged DNA has been a focus of recent research across several disciplines [1]. Published data allows the conclusion that the ends of the DNA packaged in P4 meet in the capsid creating a circular molecule and that a high percentage of knots is formed due to the effect of the capsid’s confinement. This report describes a computational investigation of packing DNA in confinement.
Incorporation in Vitro of Precursor Into Protein and RNA of Rat Adrenal Glands

Incorporation of precursors into rat adrenal protein and RNA was inhibited in vitro by ACTH. No inhibition occurred in the presence of agents which interfered with steroidogenesis. Corticosterone, at concentrations comparable to those produced in response to ACTH, likewise caused inhibition of precursor incorporation into RNA and protein of rat adrenal glands. It is thought that the inhibitory effects of ACTH are mediated by the corticosterone it produces. (Endocrinology 80: 521, 1967)
Soil water dynamics in row and interrow positions in soybean (Glycine max L.)

Quantitative knowledge of infiltration processes and the mechanisms that control water movement in soil is necessary to properly manage water and chemical use in agricultural fields. The objective of this study was to compare the soil water content dynamics in row and interrow positions in a soybean crop (Glycine max L.) under conventional (plow) tillage. Two field plots (Beltsville silt loam soil, Fine-loamy mixed mesic Typic Fragiudult) were instrumented with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) probes at 0–10 cm, 0–25 cm and 0–40 cm depths. TDR probes were installed in the row and interrow positions. Soil water content was continuously monitored at 1 hour intervals. The distribution of infiltrated water and evapotranspiration showed strong row-interrow patterns. The row positions received significantly more water during precipitation than the interrow positions. Water loss, due to evapotranspiration, was also significantly greater in the row position than in the interrow position. Both plant and soil characteristics appeared to be important factors for infiltration and redistribution. The results of this study suggested that the presence of the crop canopy altered the surface boundary conditions of the soil and, hence, the volume of infiltrating water. Results of this study suggest that in order to model water movement in row crops, the ability to simulate canopy architecture and flow processes in two dimensions is necessary.
Gene Targeting in Human Somatic Cells

Somatic gene targeting in human cells has two general applications of importance and wide interest. One is the inactivation of genes (“knockouts”), a process utilized to delineate the loss-of-function phenotype(s) of a particular gene. The second application is the process of gene therapy, which involves correcting a pre-existing mutated allele(s) of a gene back to wild-type in order to ameliorate some pathological phenotype associated with the mutation. Both of these processes require a form of DNA double-strand break repair known as homologous recombination. Although bacteria and lower eukaryotes utilize homologous recombination almost exclusively, a competing process, known as nonhomologous end joining, predominates in higher eukaryotes and was presumed to prevent the use of gene targeting in human somatic cells in culture. A series of molecular and technical advances developed in the 1990s disproved this notion, but still resulted in a process that was cumbersome, labor intensive, highly inefficient, and slow. Within the past 5 years, the use of new gene delivery vectors such as recombinant adeno-associated virus and the identification of cell lines such as Nalm-6 that appear to undergo high rates of gene targeting have significantly brightened the outlook for this field and resulted in a gene delivery system that facilitates both gene knockouts and gene therapy modifications at robust levels. Thus, gene targeting in human somatic cells in culture has become not only feasible, but also relatively facile, and it harbingers a golden age for directed mutagenesis.
NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB): list sorting test to measure working memory.

The List Sorting Working Memory Test was designed to assess working memory (WM) as part of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. List Sorting is a sequencing task requiring children and adults to sort and sequence stimuli that are presented visually and auditorily. Validation data are presented for 268 participants ages 20 to 85 years. A subset of participants (N=89) was retested 7 to 21 days later. As expected, the List Sorting Test had moderately high correlations with other measures of working memory and executive functioning (convergent validity) but a low correlation with a test of receptive vocabulary (discriminant validity). Furthermore, List Sorting demonstrates expected changes over the age span and has excellent test–retest reliability. Collectively, these results provide initial support for the construct validity of the List Sorting Working Memory Measure as a measure of working memory. However, the relationship between the List Sorting Test and general executive function has yet to be determined. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–12)
Polypectomy Rate: A Surrogate for Adenoma Detection Rate Varies by Colon Segment, Gender, and Endoscopist

Background & Aims The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important measure of the quality of colonoscopy; it is associated with interval colorectal cancer and varies among sexes and locations. Recommended indicators of competence for colonoscopy include minimal ADRs >25% for average-risk men and >15% for women. These ADRs are rigorous, so polypectomy detection rate (PR) has been suggested as a surrogate. Colonoscopy is less effective in the proximal colon, where interval cancers are more likely to occur. We compared ADRs and PRs in different segments of colon and between sexes. Methods We performed a cross-sectional review of findings from 2167 screening colonoscopies performed by 65 endoscopists on average-risk outpatients at the Cleveland Clinic, 2008–2009. We reviewed colonoscopy and pathology reports of randomly selected procedures (mean, 33 ± 16 procedures per endoscopist). We calculated PRs, ADRs, and correlation between PR and ADR for each colon segment and sex. Results The mean overall PR was 42% ± 16.7%, and ADR was 25% ± 3.3%. The correlation between overall ADR and PR was strong (r = 0.80). PR of 40% in men and 30% in women correlated with the established minimum benchmark ADRs of 25% and 15% for men and women, respectively. PR was more strongly correlated with ADR in the proximal colon (r = 0.92) than the distal colon (r = 0.58). The correlation was stronger in men than in women, as well as in the entire colon (r = 0.88 vs 0.75), the proximal colon (r = 0.91 vs 0.87), and the distal colon (r = 0.75 vs 0.55). The advanced ADR was 4% and did not correlate with PR (r = 0.32). Conclusions On the basis of a review of findings from screening colonoscopies, overall PR correlates with ADR for the entire colon, but PR and ADR correlate most strongly for the proximal colon, where many adenomas can be missed and interval cancers develop. The correlation between PR and ADR is weaker for women than men and for distal colon. If PR is used as a surrogate for ADR, colon location and patient sex should be considered.
Mutational analysis of Cak1p, an essential protein kinase that regulates cell cycle progression

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, entry into S phase requires the activation of the protein kinase Cdc28p through binding with cyclin Clb5p or Clb6p, as well as the destruction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Sic1p. Mutants that are defective in this activation event arrest after START, with unreplicated DNA and multiple, elongated buds. These mutants include cells defective in CDC4, CDC34 or CDC53, as well as cells that have lost all CLB function. Here we describe mutations in another gene, CAK1, that lead to a similar arrest. Cells that are defective in CAK1 are inviable and arrest with a single nucleus and multiple, elongated buds. CAK1 encodes a protein kinase most closely related to the Cdc2p family of protein kinases. Mutations that lead to the production of an inactive kinase that can neither autophosphorylate, nor phosphorylate Cdc28p in vitro are also incapable of rescuing a cell with a deletion of CAK1. These results underscore the importance of the Cak1p protein kinase activity in cell cycle progression.
Aortic dose constraints when reirradiating thoracic tumors.

Background and purpose: Improved radiation delivery and planning has allowed, in some instances, for the retreatment of thoracic tumors. We investigated the dose limits of the aorta wherein grade 5 aortic toxicity was observed after reirradiation of lung tumors. Material and methods: In a retrospective analysis, 35 patients were identified, between 1993 and 2008, who received two rounds of external beam irradiation that included the aorta in the radiation fields of both the initial and retreatment plans. We determined the maximum cumulative dose to 1 cm 3 of the
FKBP immunophilins and Alzheimer's disease: a chaperoned affair.

The FK506-binding protein (FKBP) family of immunophilins consists of proteins with a variety of protein–protein interaction domains and versatile cellular functions. Analysis of the functions of immunophilins has been the focus of studies in recent years and has led to the identification of various molecular pathways in which FKBPs play an active role. All FKBPs contain a domain with prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. Binding of the immunosuppressant molecule FK506 to this domain inhibits their PPIase activity while mediating immune suppression through inhibition of calcineurin. The larger members, FKBP51 and FKBP52, interact with Hsp90 and exhibit chaperone activity that is shown to regulate steroid hormone signalling. From these studies it is clear that FKBP proteins are expressed ubiquitously but show relatively high levels of expression in the nervous system. Consistent with this expression, FKBPs have been implicated with both neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. This review will focus on recent studies involving FKBP immunophilins in Alzheimer’s-disease-related pathways.
The Influence of Environmental Uncertainty on Lay Perceptions of Risk and Safety

This research investigated how variations in range and likelihood of uncertainty influenced perceptions of risk and willingness to invest in safety measures to protect the environment and human health. A hypothetical risk assessment describing possible health effects resulting from a contaminated water resource was presented to 170 university students. Sixteen versions of the survey, consisting of four different frames with two levels, varied uncertainty (high versus low); endowment (past versus present environmental resource); payment method (individual versus government); and source (expert versus computer). Respondents indicated their preferred degree of safety by selecting the level of monetary resources they were willing to invest in environmental remediation methods.
Modeling the Under Reporting Bias in Panel Survey Data

Panel survey data have been gaining importance in marketing. However, one challenge of estimating econometric models based on panel survey data is how to account for under reporting, that is, respondents do not report behavioral incidences which actually occur. Under reporting is especially likely to occur in a panel survey because the data recording mechanism is often tedious, complex and effortful. The probability of under reporting is likely to vary across respondents and also over the duration of the survey period. In this paper, we propose a model to simultaneously study reported behavioral incidences and partially observed actual behavioral incidences. We propose a Bayesian approach for estimating the proposed model. We treat those unobserved actual behavioral incidences as latent variables, and the Gibbs Sampler makes it convenient to impute the non-reported consumption incidences along with making inferences on other model parameters. Our proposed method has two advantages. First, it offers a model-based approach to remove the under reporting bias in panel survey data, and therefore allows marketing researchers to make accurate inferences about consumers’ actual behavior. Second, the method also offers a natural way to study factors that influence respondents’ propensity to under report. Since we treat those under reported behavioral incidences as non-missing-at-random (NMAR), this under reporting propensity varies across respondents and over time. This understanding can help marketing researchers design the right strategy to intervene and incentivize respondents to authentically report and hence improve the quality of survey data. The proposed model and estimation approach are tested on both synthetic data and an actual panel survey data on consumer reported beverage-drinking behavior. Our analysis suggests that under reporting can significantly mask respondents’ true behavior.
Changing determinants of crying termination in 6‐ to 12‐week‐old human infants

Developmental change in human infant crying termination was studied in 60 infants who were 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age. They qualified by spontaneously crying for at least 30 s during the study's first minute. Infants then received either 0.8 ml sucrose (12% w/v) by syringe or sucked a pacifier dipped in the 12% solution for a total of 3.5 min. Crying was substantially reduced by pacifier-sucking at all three ages tested. Sucrose too was effective at 6 and 9 weeks of age but did not reduce crying in 12-week-olds. These data suggest different schedules in the decline of sweet taste and pacifier sucking as agents of crying termination. These differential rates argue for multiple systems that govern crying reduction and argue against a single central target that changes ontogenetically in sensitivity and control. Whether the continuation of sucking effectiveness is sustained by infant sucking experience or reflects a slower rate of decline cannot be determined at present. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 42: 312–316, 2003.
B→πlν semileptonic form factor from three-flavor lattice QCD: A model-independent determination of |Vub|

We calculate the form factor ${f}_{+}({q}^{2})$ for $B$-meson semileptonic decay in unquenched lattice QCD with $2+1$ flavors of light sea quarks. We use Asqtad-improved staggered light quarks and a Fermilab bottom quark on gauge configurations generated by the MILC Collaboration. We simulate with several light-quark masses and at two lattice spacings, and extrapolate to the physical quark mass and continuum limit using heavy-light meson staggered chiral perturbation theory. We then fit the lattice result for ${f}_{+}({q}^{2})$ simultaneously with that measured by the BABAR experiment using a parameterization of the form-factor shape in ${q}^{2}$, which relies only on analyticity and unitarity in order to determine the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $|{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}|$. This approach reduces the total uncertainty in $|{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}|$ by combining the lattice and experimental information in an optimal, model-independent manner. We find a value of $|{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}|\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{3}=3.38\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.36$.
Concentrically zoned pattern in the Bouguer gravity anomaly map of northeastern North America

A concentrically zoned circular gravity high about 2,800 km in diameter is recognized in the gravity map of northeastern North America. The high consists of three major zones: a central region of high average gravity encircled by two belts of progressively lower average gravity outward from the high. Changes in surface geology occur across some of the zone boundaries, but these cannot fully explain the changes in background level of gravity between each zone. The major part of the Superior province of the Canadian Shield lies within the inner two zones of the concentric pattern, and the tectonic fabric cuts across the pattern. Rocks older than 3.1 b.y. have not yet been found within the Superior province, but rocks as old as 3.8 b.y. occur around the Superior province in the outer two zones and beyond. Proterozoic foldbelts tend to be parallel to and mimic the concentric pattern. Except for the Cape Smith–Belcher Island part, gravity anomalies associated with the Proterozoic foldbelts are strongly developed where the foldbelts are parallel to the gravity zone boundaries but are weak and discontinuous where they cut across the gravity zones. The parallelism of Proterozoic foldbelts to the boundaries of the gravity zones suggests that the gravity pattern is at least 2.0 b.y. old, but it may be much older. The feature may be the vestige of a large-scale meteorite impact that occurred early in Earth history.
Localization for anisotropic sensor networks

In this paper, we consider the issue of localization in anisotropic sensor networks. Anisotropic networks are differentiated from isotropic networks in that they possess properties that vary according to the direction of measurement. Anisotropic characteristics result from various factors such as the geographic shape of the region (non-convex region), the different node densities, the irregular radio patterns, and the anisotropic terrain conditions. In order to characterize anisotropic features, we devise a linear mapping method that transforms proximity measurements between sensor nodes into a geographic distance embedding space by using the truncated singular value decomposition-based (TSVD-based) pseudo-inverse technique. This transformation retains as much topological information as possible and reduces the effect of measurement noises on the estimates of geographic distances. We show via simulation that the proposed localization method outperforms DV-hop, DV-distance (D. Niculescu, 2001), and MDS-map (Y. Shang et al., 2003), and makes robust and accurate estimates of sensor locations in both isotropic and anisotropic sensor networks.
Compensation of drifts in high-Q MEMS gyroscopes using temperature self-sensing

Abstract We present a long-term bias drift compensation algorithm for high quality factor ( Q -factor) MEMS rate gyroscopes using real-time temperature self-sensing. This approach takes advantage of linear temperature dependence of the drive-mode resonant frequency for self-compensation of temperature-induced output drifts. The approach was validated using a vacuum packaged silicon Quadruple Mass Gyroscope (QMG), with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhanced by isotopic Q -factors of 1.2 million. Owing to the high Q -factors, measured frequency resolution of 0.01 ppm provided a temperature self-sensing precision of 0.0004 °C, on par with the state-of-the-art MEMS resonant thermometers. The real-time self-compensation yielded a total bias error of 2°/h and a scale-factor error of 700 ppm over temperature range of 25–55 °C. The presented approach enabled repeatable long-term rate measurements required for MEMS gyrocompassing applications with a milliradian azimuth precision.
H ∞ 0E Sensitivity Minimization for Delay Systems

Abstract This paper announces results on the problem of feedback compensator design for H ∞ norm weighted sensitivity minimization when the plant contains a delay in the input. A complete solution is presented for the case of one pole/zero weighting function and a single-input/single-output plant for stable minimum-phase rational part. Generalizations and proofs will be published elsewhere.
Effects of diet form and corn particle size on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs

Abstract A total of 960 crossbred pigs, initially 34.3 ± 0.50 kg, were used in a 101-day trial to determine the effects of corn particle size and diet form on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Pens were randomly allotted by initial weight to 1 of 6 experimental treatments with 8 pens per treatment and 20 pigs per pen. The 6 experimental treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of final feed form (meal vs. pellet) and corn particle size (650 μm, 350 μm, or an equal blend of the 650 μm and 350 μm ground corn). The 650 μm corn was ground using a two-high roller mill, and the 350 μm corn was ground using a full circle hammer-mill equipped with a 1.59 mm screen. After all corn was ground, the diet containing the blend of particle sizes was manufactured by adding equal portions of the 2 at the mixer. Overall (day 0–101), linear particle size × diet form interactions were observed (P
Management in Perspective Automation: Our Greatest Asset—Our Greatest Problem?

The article discusses the impact of automation on U.S. business enterprises in 1963. There are two divergent schools of thought in the U.S. regarding automation. One group believes that automation ...
Cutaneous clues to systemic disease

PREVIEWScleroderma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and other skin disorders may signal a more serious internal disease. Physicians who recognize such clues can initiate early treatment while disease is in its early stages. The authors of this article describe several of the more common dermatologie conditions linked to systemic disease, including connective tissue, inflammatory, im-munobullous, and infectious diseases.
Approximating Literacy Practices in Tutorials: What is Learned and What Matters for Teacher Preparation

ABSTRACTIn this study, we examined the learning of preservice teachers associated with the features of a literacy tutorial experience. Our qualitative study focused on the close inspection of the experiences of 7 focus cases out of the 19 preservice teachers enrolled in our program across a one-semester tutorial experience. Through our research we identified three preservice teacher learning themes and seven features of the tutorial experience that afforded opportunities for preservice teachers to build these understandings. Overall, our findings support the importance of this tutorial experience to the development of teachers who can adapt their practices to students and contexts. Our findings also resonate with what others have suggested as the importance of authentic contexts to try out practices of literacy teaching within preservice teacher preparation programs.
The Cold War and the United States Information Agency: Getting the Sheep to Speak

The nature of present-day foreign relations makes it essential for the United States to maintain informational activities abroad as an integral part of the conduct of our foreign affairs. Harry S. Truman, 31 August 1945. The engineers at the Voice of America (VOA) loved to tell a story from later in the Truman years. It arose from the U.S. effort to establish a network of high-powered transmitters around the Soviet sphere. When the French gave the VOA the use of transmitters at Tangier, VOA managers decided to allow local farmers to graze their sheep in the antenna field. Sometimes animals rubbed against the supporting structure. One unfortunate animal's curiosity or itch coincided with a “hot spot” of accumulated power in the transmitter's guy wires. To the astonishment of watching shepherds, the sheep attracted a sudden arc of energy. It was neither the flash nor the speed of the animal's demise that impressed the audience but the fact that at the moment of its death the sheep was clearly heard to utter the words “Harry Truman.” VOA engineers could easily explain the quirk of physics that could turn a Moroccan sheep momentarily into a radio receiver. It is harder to explain exactly how the United States, which had historically been so skeptical of the idea of peacetime propaganda, became so committed to overseas propaganda as to set high-powered propaganda signals coursing through cables in distant places. In August 1945 – given feeling in Congress – this would have been unthinkable.
Lowest ( s d ) 2 states in odd- A light nuclei

A simple two-component shell-model calculation has previously been successful in predicting the absolute energies of ${0}^{+}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{(sd)}^{2}$ states in several light nuclei. Here, I apply the same model to such states coupled to odd-A p-shell cores.
Catalothermionic Power Generator Based on Internal Electron Emission in Ni/SiC Heterojunction Nanostructures

We report on the unusual properties of single-faced SiC metal-semiconductor heterojunction nanostructures manifested by the ability to atalyze the hydrogen oxidation reaction, and also maintain internal electron emission over the Schottky barriers. As a result a stationary current has been detected in the preheated nanostructure when exposed to the oxyhydrogen gas mixture flux. The structures maintain both the non-adiabatic and electron-phonon channels of energy transfer, and the results of studies indicate the possibility for a very efficient conversion of chemical energy released in the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen into electricity.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Determination of Caffeine in cola-type Beverages

[Objective]To explore the measurement of caffeine content in cola-type beverages.[Methods]After extraction from samples by chloroform,the absorbance value of caffeine was measured under 276.5 nm wavelength,then comparing with the standard series,the content of caffeine was determined in cola-type beverages.[Results]The recovery of UV spectrophotometry was 97.5%,coefficient of variation was 3.2%,the appropriate extraction temperature was 20~40 ℃,the maximum absorption wavelength of caffeine was 276.5 nm.[Conclusion]The UV spectrophotometry method is simple and rapid in determining caffeine content of cola-type beverages,meeting the needs of general laboratory.
Neurointerventional Management of Intracranial Aneurysms

For many patients with cerebral aneurysms, endovascular therapy offers an acceptable alternative to aneurysm surgery. These neurointerventional methods are broadly classified as deconstructive or reconstructive procedures, depending on whether the parent vessel is preserved in treating the aneurysm. Results to date suggest that appropriately selected patients may be treated successfully with low technical morbidity and mortality. Whereas certain shortcomings are evident, developing technology has expanded the spectrum of aneurysms amenable to endovascular treatment and improved the effectiveness of such management.
Interpreting space-based trends in carbon monoxide with multiple models

Abstract. We use a series of chemical transport model and chemistry climate model simulations to investigate the observed negative trends in MOPITT CO over several regions of the world, and to examine the consistency of time-dependent emission inventories with observations. We find that simulations driven by the MACCity inventory, used for the Chemistry Climate Modeling Initiative (CCMI), reproduce the negative trends in the CO column observed by MOPITT for 2000–2010 over the eastern United States and Europe. However, the simulations have positive trends over eastern China, in contrast to the negative trends observed by MOPITT. The model bias in CO, after applying MOPITT averaging kernels, contributes to the model–observation discrepancy in the trend over eastern China. This demonstrates that biases in a model's average concentrations can influence the interpretation of the temporal trend compared to satellite observations. The total ozone column plays a role in determining the simulated tropospheric CO trends. A large positive anomaly in the simulated total ozone column in 2010 leads to a negative anomaly in OH and hence a positive anomaly in CO, contributing to the positive trend in simulated CO. These results demonstrate that accurately simulating variability in the ozone column is important for simulating and interpreting trends in CO.
Endocytosis and Ca2+ are required for endotoxin-stimulated TNF-alpha release by rat Kupffer cells.

Endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] is a cell wall polymer derived from Gram-negative bacteria that stimulates macrophages to produce a variety of inflammatory mediators. In these studies, we examined LPS-stimulated formation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by cultured rat Kupffer cells. Cytochalasin B and methylpalmitate, blockers of endocytosis, decreased LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release by > 92%. Bafilomycin A, monensin, and chloroquine, which prevent endosomal acidification, also blocked LPS-stimulated release of TNF-alpha by > 90%. Cytochalasin B and bafilomycin A decreased TNF-alpha mRNA levels by > 90% after LPS stimulation. Consistent with the requirement for LPS uptake and processing was the observation that Kupffer cells required 30 min of contact with LPS for maximal TNF-alpha release. LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release was unaltered by incubation in Ca(2+)-free ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid medium, and A-23187, a Ca2+ ionophore, failed to stimu...
Potassium and lasalocid effects on performance and digestion in lambs.

Two trials were conducted to evaluate effects of dietary potassium (K) concentration and lasalocid (L) in lamb finishing diets. Treatments were arranged in a 2 X 2 factorial and consisted of a 65% concentrate diet with 1.1% K (C), .9% K + 21.3 mg L/kg (CL), 2.1% K (P) and 2.5% K + 20 mg L/kg (PL). In trial 1, 64 fine-wool lambs (initial wt 35.3 kg) were randomly assigned to the four treatments (two pens of four wethers and four ewes/treatment) for a 56-d feeding trial. Average daily gain was not affected by K, but was increased (P less than .10) by L (.23 vs .26 kg/d). Lasalocid tended (P less than .20) to improve feed:gain ratio (5.6 vs 6.3). A K X L interaction (P less than .06) was noted for feed intake, with values of 1.37, 1.45, 1.49 and 1.51 kg X head-1 X d-1 for the C, CL, P and PL groups, respectively. In trial 2, 16 wether lambs (four/treatment fed at 2% of body weight) were used in a site and extent of digestion and nitrogen (N) balance trial, using the same four diets as in trial 1. Site of digestion was estimated from abomasal samples taken at slaughter, with indigestible acid detergent fiber as a marker. Total tract organic matter digestibility was increased (P less than .05) with added K (80.1 vs 76.4%) and L (80 vs 76.4%). Ruminal starch digestibility was not affected by added K, but was decreased (P less than .10) by added L (71.8 vs 88.2%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Visualization of Magnetic Flux in Magnetic Materials and High Temperature Superconductors Using the Faraday Effect in Ferrimagnetic Garnet Films

Perhaps one of the greatest discoveries of this century was the phenomenon of superconductivity. A Dutch physicist, Haike Kamerlingh Onnes at the University of Leiden first made this discovery in 1911 [1] when examining the current carrying properties of metallic mercury at low temperatures, with the aid of his newly acquired ability to liquify helium. Seventy five years later in 1986, two physicists J. George Bednorz and K. Alex Muller at the IBM research laboratory in Zurich, Switzerland discovered the first of a new class of High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) [2]. They reported the observation of superconductivity in the lanthanum copper oxides with transition temperatures up to 38K. The real excitement began less than one year later with the discovery of YBa2Cu3O7) a superconducting material with a transition temperature of 92K [3], well above the temperature of liquid nitrogen. This indicates the beginning of the era of high-temperature superconductivity. As a snowy ball rolls from the top of a hill, this achievement generated an enormous new interest in superconductivity, and as a result many new compounds have been synthesized since 1988. These include bismuth lead strontium calcium copper oxides with Tc ~ 105K [4], thallium barium calcium copper oxide with Tc=125K [5] and the mercury compounds [6] with an upper Tc=133K.