cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing revenue from auctions and posted prices

I analyze the market for compact discs using an original data set of items listed for sale online. Over 5000 listings of both new and used compact discs were collected from eBay (which provides sellers a choice between two mechanisms: auction or posted price) and its subsidiary, Half.com (which features only posted prices). Despite the often cited revenue-dominance property of auctions, many sellers choose to post a fixed price. To explain this anomaly, I examine empirically the determinants of the revenue earned by sellers in this market. I find that posted-price goods sell for higher prices, while auctioned goods sell with a higher probability. Further results suggest that the size of a seller's inventory is the key factor in the choice between selling in an auction and posting a fixed price. In particular, sellers with large inventories are more likely to use the posted-price mechanism.
The Evolutionary Origin of Somatic Cells under the Dirty Work Hypothesis

Reproductive division of labor is a hallmark of multicellular organisms. However, the evolutionary pressures that give rise to delineated germ and somatic cells remain unclear. Here we propose a hypothesis that the mutagenic consequences associated with performing metabolic work favor such differentiation. We present evidence in support of this hypothesis gathered using a computational form of experimental evolution. Our digital organisms begin each experiment as undifferentiated multicellular individuals, and can evolve computational functions that improve their rate of reproduction. When such functions are associated with moderate mutagenic effects, we observe the evolution of reproductive division of labor within our multicellular organisms. Specifically, a fraction of the cells remove themselves from consideration as propagules for multicellular offspring, while simultaneously performing a disproportionately large amount of mutagenic work, and are thus classified as soma. As a consequence, other cells are able to take on the role of germ, remaining quiescent and thus protecting their genetic information. We analyze the lineages of multicellular organisms that successfully differentiate and discover that they display unforeseen evolutionary trajectories: cells first exhibit developmental patterns that concentrate metabolic work into a subset of germ cells (which we call “pseudo-somatic cells”) and later evolve to eliminate the reproductive potential of these cells and thus convert them to actual soma. We also demonstrate that the evolution of somatic cells enables phenotypic strategies that are otherwise not easily accessible to undifferentiated organisms, though expression of these new phenotypic traits typically includes negative side effects such as aging.
Perturbed Equilibria and Statistical Energy Redistribution in a Gas-Phase SN2 Reaction

The relative translational energy of one set of reactants in the gas-phase equilibrium between chloride ion and chloroacetonitrile35Cl− + 37ClCH2CN ⇌37Cl− + 35ClCH2CN is varied without affecting the energy distribution of the other set. The steady-state ratio of ionic isotopes changes so that there is an increase in the concentration of energized reactants. The ratio provides a measure of the translational energy dependence of the rate constant for the bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) reaction. The observed energy dependence is indistinguishable from that predicted by Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus theory, suggesting that the increased translational energy redistributes statistically in the collision complex.
On a multi-product model of lot-sizing with quality costs

Abstract In this note we consider a multi-product environment where production lot-sizing and investing for quality improvement in several production processes are desired. We develop a mathematical model for addressing this important problem. We use our model to calculate the optimal lot-sizes and the optimal allocation of investment across products in the presence of a budget constraint. We quantify quality loss costs more effectively than the traditionally used Taguchi loss function, in the context of production lot-sizing, by using a modified form of the reflected normal loss function and develop several insights into the nature of the optimal solution. Finally, we show that our model and overall method can be readily adapted to a spreadsheet-based environment and consequently have practical and managerial relevance.
Radiation pressure and the linear momentum of light

We present a direct approach to solving the problems of radiation pressure, using a rigorous method that makes no assumptions beyond the Maxwell equations and the Lorentz law of force. We arrive at the results in several different ways, and show that all approaches lead consistently to the same answers.
Optimum two-stage selection procedures for Weibull populations

Abstract Let π 1 ,…, π k be Weibull populations with a common known shape parameter, and with unknown scale parameters. The goal is to find the population with the largest scale parameter. From each population, Type II-censored observations are available at two stages, where censoring at stage 1 (2) occurs at the q -th ( r -th) failure. Two-stage procedures with screening at the first stage are considered which are optimum permutation invariant in terms of the risk with respect to a large class of loss functions. For the procedure with a fixed subset size at stage 1, the least favorable parameter configuration under the indifference zone approach is of the slip-page type, which makes it feasible to control the infimum of the probability of a correct selection. Some extensions of the results are discussed at the end.
The Significance of Changes in Adrenal Size After Periods of Anoxia in Rats.

SummaryEvidence is presented to show that the weight increase of the adrenals of rats exposed to a pressure of 225 mm Hg for 7 hr is due to hyperemia, indicating hyperactivity of the gland in response to the stress af anoxia. At this reduced pressure, the gland is unable to respond to the body's requirements and undergoes exhaustion atrophy as evidenced by histological examination and wet and dry weight determinations at the end of 24 hr decompression.
Understanding the multiple functions of Gr-1+ cell subpopulations during microbial infection

The murine cell surface determinant Gr-1 is expressed at high level on neutrophils. Depletion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with anti-Gr-1(+) monoclonal antibody results in increased susceptibility and dysregulated immunity to many microbial pathogens, a finding widely interpreted to indicate the importance of neutrophils during infection. Yet, in recent years it has become clear that additional cell types express the Gr-1 determinant, including dendritic cell and monocyte subpopulations. In this review, we evaluate current knowledge on the functional aspects of Gr-1(+) cell populations. We focus on infection with the opportunistic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, a case where host survival depends on an intact Gr-1(+) cell population.
Flattop mode shaping of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser using an external-cavity aspheric mirror

A square-shaped flattop mode was experimentally demonstrated in a broad-area circular-aperture VCSEL using an external-cavity aspheric mirror. The mirror was fabricated by electron-beam lithography on a curved substrate. Excellent single-mode operation was observed.
Directed formation of deletions and duplications using Mud(Ap, lac).

ABSTRACT A genetic procedure is directed for the isolation of chromosomal deletions and duplications with predetermined endpoints. These rearrangements are generated in transduction crosses using a mixture of P22-transducing phage lysates grown on two strains, each carrying a Mu d-lac insertion. The formation of duplications and deletions was demonstrated in the his operon using insertions of Mu d1-8 (a transposition-defectiveMu d-lac phage). This technique was also used to make larger chromosomal duplications between Mu d1-8 insertions in the thr and leu biosynthetic operons and between Mu d insertions in the thr and pyrB operons. Genetic evidence is presented that strongly suggests that inheritance of a single Mu d prophage by P22-mediated crosses requires two transduced fragments; each carrying part of the Mu d prophage. The two fragments must be involved in three recombinational exchanges; one exchange joins the donor Mu d fragments and two exchanges occur between the composite fragment and the recipient chromosome, one on either side of the complete donor Mu d element. Since duplications only occur between Mu d insertions in the same orientation on the chromosome, the method of duplication formation provides a simple means of determining the orientation of Mu d1-8 on the chromosome and, therefore, the direction of transcription of the gene into which Mu d is inserted. This method was also used to construct recombinants between a Mu d1-8 prophage and Casadaban9s protein fusion vector Mu d 2 and, thereby, isolate Mu d2-8 , a Mu d derivative containing the protein fusion ability of Mu d 2 and the defective transposition functions of Mu d1-8 .
Voices from the Silent World of Doctor and Patient

Joann Starr, a Roman Catholic nun, and Bruce Zawacki, a burn surgeon, met 22 years ago in the Los Angeles County, University of Southern California Burn Center in the roles of a patient and her physician struggling over issues of autonomy and informed consent. After recovery, she remained a nun and has become a patient advocate and doctoral candidate in bioethics. He remained a burn surgeon and has become a bioethics teacher and author. Although they live in distant locations, they maintain their friendship and frequently discuss their shared experience. Recently they met to reflect on the events, lessons, and meanings of their original encounter.
Ibrutinib enhances IL-17 response by modulating the function of bone marrow derived dendritic cells

Ibrutinib (PCI-32765) is an irreversible dual Btk/Itk inhibitor shown to be effective in treating several B cell malignancies. However, limited studies have been conducted to study the effect of this drug on myeloid cell function. Hence, we studied the effect of ibrutinib treatment on TLR-4 mediated activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cell culture (DCs). Upon ibrutinib treatment, LPS-treated DCs displayed lower synthesis of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) and higher induction of IL-6, TGF-β, IL-10 and IL-18. While ibrutinib dampened MHC-II and CD86 expression on DCs, CD80 expression was upregulated. Further, ibrutinib-treated DCs promoted T cell proliferation and enhanced IL-17 production upon co-culture with nylon wool enriched T cells. Taken together, our results indicate that ibrutinib modulates TLR-4 mediated DC activation to promote an IL-17 response. We describe a novel mode of action for ibrutinib on DCs which should be explored to treat other forms of cancer besides B cell malignancies.
Webpage Importance Analysis Using Conditional Markov Random Walk

In this paper, we propose a novel method to calculate the Web page importance based on a conditional Markov random walk model. The main assumption in this model is that given the hyperlinks in a Web page, users are not really randomly clicking one of them. Instead, many factors may bias their behaviors, for example, the anchor text, the content relevance and the previous experiences when visiting the Web site that a destination page belongs to. As one of the results, the user might tend to visit those pages in high-quality Web sites with higher probability. To implement this idea, we reformulate the Web graph to be a two-layer structure, and the Web page importance is calculated by conditional random walk in this new Web graph. Experiments on the topic distillation task of TREC 2003 Web track showed that our new method can achieve about 18% improvement on mean average precision (MAP) and 16% on precision at 10 (P@10) over the PageRank algorithm.
Endocrinology of shock

The development of shock initiates a cascade of responses in an effort to reestablish homeostasis. Three of the most important hormonal and neurohumoral changes are the secretion of glucocorticoids, catecholamines, and vasopressin. Regulation of adrenal function is much more complex than originally thought. Hemorrhage is a potent stimulus for cortisol release, and both ACTH and ACTH-independent mechanisms have been described. The ACTH response to its releasing hormone, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRF), is itself amplified by vasopressin, which appears to have intrinsic CRF properties. Because ACTH is synthesized as part of a large precursor molecule (pro-opiomelanocortin) containing the amino acid sequences for several important proteins, stimulation of ACTH release has far-ranging effects, the specifics of which are just being clarified. Norepinephrine and epinephrine levels increase manyfold above baseline within minutes of the onset of hemorrhagic shock. Only patients experiencing cardiac arrest or the rare patient with a very active pheochromocytoma have higher concentrations. The levels reached are far in excess of those required to cause both cardiovascular and metabolic alterations. Because of the presence of the endogenous opiates leucine and methionine enkephalin in the neurosecretory granule, it is very likely that the enkephalins are coreleased with the catecholamines, modifying their cardiovascular effects and producing analgesia. Hypovolemia is also a potent stimulus for vasopressin secretion, which overrides hypotonicity, presenting a clinical picture quite compatible with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, from which it must be differentiated. Vasopressin also is released by pain, nausea, and hypoxia, all of which are likely to be present in the patient with shock. In short, the hormonal responses to shock are complex, often interacting with one another to stimulate or partially counteract their individual actions.
A new computational approach to real-time trajectory generation for constrained mechanical systems

Preliminary results of a new computational approach to generate aggressive trajectories in real-time for constrained mechanical systems are presented. The algorithm is based on a combination of the nonlinear control theory, spline theory, and sequential quadratic programming. It is demonstrated that real-time trajectory generation for constrained mechanical systems is possible by mapping the problem to one of finding trajectory curves in a lower dimensional space. Performance of the algorithm is compared with existing optimal trajectory generation techniques. Numerical results are reported using the nonlinear trajectory generation software package.
Stability of adiabatic packed bed reactors. Effect of flow variations and coupling between the particles

A simple cell model is used for the determination of necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability of an adiabatic fixed bed reactor. These conditions are stronger than those obtained by considering only a perturbation of a single particle. Because of the nonuniqueness of the steady state profiles certain pathological effects can occur when the flow rate of the reactant is changed. Geometric coupling between the particles and heat transfer by radiation give rise to further complexities. Examples are given in which the trends predicted by the models have been observed experimentally by Wicke and Frank-Kamenetskii.
Altering Cortical Connectivity: Remediation-Induced Changes in the White Matter of Poor Readers

SUMMARY Neuroimaging studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have revealed regions of cerebral white matter with decreased microstructural organization (lowerfractional anisotropy or FA) among poor readers. We examined whether 100 hr of intensive remedial instruction affected the white matter of 8- to 10-year-old poor readers. Prior to instruction, poor readers had significantly lower FA than good readers in a region of the left anterior centrum semiovale. The instruction resulted in a change in white matter (significantly increased FA), and in the very same region. The FA increase was correlated with a decrease in radial diffusivity (but not with a change in axial diffusivity), suggesting that myelination had increased. Furthermore, the FA increase was correlated with improvement in phonological decoding ability, clarifying the cognitive locus of the effect. Theresultsdemonstratethecapabilityofabehavioral intervention to bring about a positive change in cortico-cortical white matter tracts.
Alteration of early-formed dolomite during shallow to deep burial: Mississippian Mission Canyon Formation, central to southwestern Montana

Dolomite in the Mississippian Mission Canyon Formation (Osagean to middle Meramecian) of central and southwestern Montana precipitated during multiple episodes of dolomitization and/or recrystallization. The earliest generation of dolomite most likely precipitated from evaporated sea water in near-surface diagenetic environments when the Mission Canyon platform intermittently aggraded to sea level. This dolomite has relatively positive [delta][sup 18]O values ([minus]1.5% to +7.5%) and typically is nonstoichiometric and trace-element enriched. A second generation of dolomite has very negative [delta][sup 18]O values ([minus]11.2% to [minus]1.5%) and always is stoichiometric and trace-element depleted. Dolomite with [delta][sup 18]O values < [minus]6.8% is in the upper 100-180 m of the Mission Canyon Formation, beneath a regional post-Mission Canyon unconformity and karst surface that extends across the entire study area. Dolomite depleted in [sup 18]O may have (1) precipitated initially in a regional mixing zone during post-Mission Canyon subaerial exposure and karstification, (2) precipitated at elevated temperatures during later diagenesis, or (3) recrystallized from an earlier generation of dolomite during later shallow to deep burial diagenesis. Very negative [delta][sup 18]O values and low trace-element contents for the second generation of dolomite suggest that diagenetic solutions were dominated by meteoric water, whereas [delta][sup 13]C values indicate that diageneticmore » fluids were buffered by Osagean carbonate rocks. 54 refs., 10 figs.« less
Missing markets and crop diversity: evidence from Mexico

Recent micro-economic studies of in situ conservation of crop diversity focus on competition between modern and traditional varieties of major food crops. Our paper offers a different, crop system, approach and a limited-dependent variable econometric technique to model in situ conservation of both intra- and infra-species crop diversity in a context of heterogeneous ecological and market environments, using unique household-farm data from Mexico. Our findings reject separability and indicate that market integration significantly reduces crop diversity. They underline the importance of studying diversity in the context of larger cropping systems and economic environments.
ELF3 Encodes a Circadian Clock–Regulated Nuclear Protein That Functions in an Arabidopsis PHYB Signal Transduction Pathway

Many aspects of plant development are regulated by photoreceptor function and the circadian clock. Loss-of-function mutations in the Arabidopsis EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3) and PHYTOCHROME B (PHYB) genes cause early flowering and influence the activity of circadian clock-regulated processes. We demonstrate here that the relative abundance of the ELF3 protein, which is a novel nucleus-localized protein, displays circadian regulation that follows the pattern of circadian accumulation of ELF3 transcript. Furthermore, the ELF3 protein interacts with PHYB in the yeast two-hybrid assay and in vitro. Genetic analyses show that ELF3 requires PHYB function in early morphogenesis but not for the regulation of flowering time. This suggests that ELF3 is a component of a PHYB signaling complex that controls early events in plant development but that ELF3 and PHYB control flowering via independent signal transduction pathways.
Heavy metals and metalloids in egg contents and eggshells of passerine birds from Arizona.

Abstract Concentrations of inorganic elements were determined in eggs of passerine birds including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus ) from four regions in Arizona. The main aim of the study was to determine the distribution of metals in egg contents and eggshells, with emphasis on the deposition of Sr in eggshells. Seventy eggs of 11 passerine species were collected at four nesting locations during 2000. Aluminum, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Se, Sr, and Zn, were detected primarily in egg contents of all bird species. Arsenic, Ni, Pb, and V were detected primarily in eggshells. A proportion of most inorganic elements accumulated in the eggshell. Concentrations of Ba, Cu, Mn, Se, Sr, and Zn in egg contents and As, Ba, Cu, and V in eggshells of yellow-breasted chats ( Icteria virens ) were similar among locations. However, concentrations of Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn in eggshells were significant different among locations. Except for Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn, concentrations of inorganic elements were 2–35 times greater in eggshells than in eggs. Most concentrations of metals and metalloids in eggs and eggshells of all the bird species were below levels known to affect reproduction or that have other deleterious effects. However, I found somewhat elevated concentrations of Sr in eggshells (highest mean=1505 μg/g dw, n =3) of yellow-breasted chats and willow flycatchers, and in egg contents of yellow warblers ( Dendroica petechia) and song sparrows ( Melospiza melodia ). Whether current observed concentrations of Sr in eggshells are affecting nesting birds in Arizona remains to be determined. Strontium and other metals could be associated with lower hatching success in some areas. This study shows that a proportion of many inorganic elements accumulates in the eggshell and that the potential effects on the proper structure and functioning of the eggshell should not be ignored.
Understanding the cost of conflict and an approach to conflict-management design.

INTRODUCTION Conflict is inevitable in human interactions. Its Latin stem, conflictus, means “the act of striking together.” It is defined as “competitive or opposing action of incompatibles: antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interests, or persons)” [1]. More than simple disagreement, features of conflict include intense negative feelings, poor communication, and active efforts to hinder the other side. Although not always apparent, the cost of conflict within organizations can be massive. Hidden costs include lost productivity from job dissatisfaction and stress, employee or faculty turnover, and time spent on conflict management. One study found that in 2008 in the United States, workers spent 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflict-related issues, which translated to a $359 billion loss [2]. Additional hidden costs are the lost collaboration due to failed relationships, weakened organizational effectiveness due to inadequate conflict management, and an increase in patient-care errors [3]. Considering the high costs, it would
Directional scholte wave generation and detection using interdigital capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers

Directional generation and detection of Scholte waves and other guided modes in liquids and microfluidic channels by capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (cMUTs) is reported. An interdigital transducer structure along with a phased-excitation scheme is used to enhance the directionality of Scholte interface waves in microfluidic environments. Finite element models are developed to predict the performance of the devices in both fluid half-spaces and microchannels. Experiments on the interdigital cMUTs show that a five-finger-pair device in a water half-space has 12 dB of directionality in generating Scholte waves at the design frequency of 10 MHz. A 10-finger device operating at 10 MHz in a water-filled microchannel has 13.4 dB of directionality. These directionality figures agree well with the modeling results. Using the results of the finite element model of a cMUT in a fluid half-space, it was determined that 41% of the acoustic power radiated into the fluid is contained in the Scholte wave propagating in the desired lateral direction. Transducers are demonstrated to perform bidirectional pumping in fluid channels with input power levels in the milliwatt range. Interdigital cMUTs fabricated using low temperature processes can be used as compact ultrasonic transducers with integrated electronics for sensing and actuation in fluidic environments.
Permutation on the mesh with reconfigurable bus: algorithms and practical considerations

Permutation is a common problem in both computation and communication. The authors add the buses to the mesh-connected multiprocessors and introduce the tokens to control the buses. They propose to use the mesh with segmented reconfigurable bus to increase performance of data routing. Segmented reconfigurable bus can not only use the bus-token more efficiently than the traditional bus, but also reduce interconnection delay. The authors choose the segment length to balance latency and throughput of the system to get better performance. In the simulation, the mesh with segmented reconfigurable bus can finish N*N permutation in .6065 N steps in average. >
Correcting scientific knowledge in a general-purpose ontology

General-purpose ontologies (e.g WordNet) are convenient, but they are not always scientifically valid We draw on techniques from semantic class learning to improve the scientific validity of WordNet's physics forces hyponym (IS-A) hierarchy for use in an intelligent tutoring system We demonstrate the promise of a web-based approach which gathers web statistics used to relabel the forces as scientifically valid or scientifically invalid Our results greatly improve the F1 for predicting scientific invalidity, with small improvements in F1 for predicting scientific validity and in overall accuracy compared to the WordNet baseline.
On the Thermoelectricity of W. Thomson: Towards a Theory of Thermoelastic Conductors

Thomson’s classical analysis (1851, 1854a, 1854b) of thermoelectricity is cast into a modern form by means of contemporary thermodynamic methods based on the introduction of a free energy depending on strain, electrical charge and temperature. The present analysis identifies the phenomenological coefficients in Thomson’s theory in terms of standard thermodynamic functions derivable from the free energy, lending support to the interpretation of his relations as authentic thermostatic relations. As an extension of Thomson’s theory, the present work provides an analysis of the effect of tensile stress or pressure on thermoelectricity.
Nanocomposite with Very Large Electro-optic Effect and Widely Tunable Refractive Index

Very large electro-optic effect has been observed in relaxor ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) ( P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) ) terpolymer. By adding small amount of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles, the refractive index of the nanocomposites can be tuned between about 1.4 and 1.5 while retaining large electro-optic effect and high transparency. Tunable long-period fiber gratings have been fabricated with the nanocomposite as the second cladding, and over 50nm of resonant wavelength shift has been achieved under a change of electric field of 30V/μm, which is much larger than other reported E-O tuning ranges. This corresponds to a pure refractive index change of the nanocomposite of Δn/n ∼ 0.4%.
Dynamically allocating expediting funds in projects with schedule uncertainty

When large-scale projects have tasks with uncertain durations, it is often necessary to expedite tasks in order to improve the probability of completing the project before a fixed deadline. Whereas traditional project scheduling tools focus managerial attention on tasks that comprise the longest path(s) through a project network, tasks with uncertain durations on other paths may ultimately delay the completion of the project. In addition, the status of a project schedule can vary over time as tasks are completed (early or late) and new information concerning future tasks becomes available. This research introduces and evaluates a matrix-based procedure for allocating expediting funds relative to the traditional deterministic approach and a method based on task Criticality Indices (CIs). The results from a large simulation experiment show this new matrix-based procedure to be the preferred method for allocating expediting funds in order to manage schedule risks over the life of a project. [Received 15 August 2008; Revised 15 February 2009; Accepted 18 February 2009]
Evidence for Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

This article reviews some important studies regarding canine physical rehabilitation. Bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons undergo atrophy if loading is decreased. Knowledge of the changes that occur with immobilization and the time course of events helps in the development of a rehabilitation program to improve tissue integrity. Outcome assessment instruments are clinically useful indicators of patient progress and the success of rehabilitation programs. A number of physical modalities are used in canine rehabilitation, although there are relatively few canine-specific studies. Rehabilitation has specific benefits in the treatment of various orthopedic and neurologic conditions.
Preparing pharmacy graduates for interviews: A collaborative statewide mock interview session to improve confidence

Abstract Objective Present a statewide collaborative mock interview session for students and assess the impact in building confidence. Methods Students participating in a mock interview session were surveyed to assess for changes in their interview-facing confidence. Results In all, 33 of 54 mock interview participants responded to the survey. Of the 33 students, 17 students (51.5%) strongly agreed or agreed that they felt confident in their ability to face interview prior to their mock interview sessions compared with 33 of 33 (100%) after their sessions. Conclusions All students who participated in the survey found the mock interview sessions and CV review beneficial. Arming graduates with an array of professional and technical skills is important, and acquiring strong interview skills can increase their self-confidence. Collaboration between state organizations and other colleges of pharmacy can create powerful opportunities to unite student pharmacists with interviewers.
Isothermal Reactivating Whiplash PCR for Locally Programmable Molecular Computation

Whiplash PCR (WPCR; Hagiya et al., in Rubin H, Woods DH (eds) DNA based computers, vol III, pp 55---72. American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 1999) is a novel technique for autonomous molecular computation where a state machine is implemented with a single stranded DNA molecule and state transition is driven by polymerase and thermal cycles. The primary difference between WPCR computation and other forms of molecular computing is that the former is based on local, rather than global rules. This allows many (potentially distinct) WPCR machines to run in parallel. However, since each state transition requires a thermal cycle, multi-step WPCR machines are laborious and time-consuming, effectively limiting program execution to only a few steps. To date, no WPCR protocol has been developed which is both autocatalytic (self-executing) and isothermal (with no change in temperature). In this paper, we describe some isothermal and autocatalytic protocols that use a combination of strand displacement and DNA polymerization events. Our designs include (1) a protocol where transition rules cannot be reused in subsequent computing (2) a protocol where rules can be reused using an auxiliary strand displacement event but does not prevent back-hybridization (an event responsible for limiting the program execution to only a few state transitions before the machine stalls), (3) a reusable rule protocol that prevents back-hybridization. Furthermore, we show that the third machine which gets rid of thermal cycles and still prevents back-hybridization, is computationally equivalent to the original WPCR machine. We also compute the state transition likelihood and the corresponding rate in this protocol. Finally we present a DNA sequence design of a 3-state isothermal and reactivating WPCR machine along with an experimental verification plan.
Distance learning: teaching a course from a remote site to an on-campus classroom

Most applications of distance learning involve an instructor at a central, technology-rich location delivering a virtual classroom experience to students at one or more remote sites. However, there are many occasions when instructors need to be away from campus to attend conferences, perform on-site research projects, or administer off-campus academic programs, and they may need to remotely teach from a technology-poor environment (such as a hotel room or an apartment) back to a centralized location such as a campus classroom. During the spring semester of 2005, the electrical and computer engineering department at Valparaiso University conducted just such a course, which was taught by a member of the department who was spending the semester in Reutlingen, Germany. The authors describe the technology used to make this connection, appropriate course policies related to examinations, homework, and design projects, and unique challenges and opportunities presented by the nature of such a course
Dynamical theory driven observational analysis of ENSO modes in the equatorial Pacific

The dynamics of tropical Pacific sea surface height changes associated with El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) have been explored using a melding of a simple dynamical model and maximum covariance analysis (MCA). Two dominant MCA modes, which are degenerate and well correlated at a lag of about 4 months, have a combined time series which is strongly correlated with the Nino3.4 ENSO index. The leading Equatorial Mode shows a strong equatorial signature and is associated with Kelvin wave forcing, Ekman pumping, the wind stress curl, and the Recharge Oscillator hypothesis. The lagging East/West Mode shows a less equatorially trapped east/west pattern of variation and is most associated with zonal wind stress and the Delayed Oscillator hypothesis. The net effect of internal equatorial Rossby waves is dissipative and is not confined to the western boundary. The relevant zonal stress and stress curl fields stretch across the basin. Additional analyses show that both the zonal wind stress and the wind stress curl terms are required for the development of classic ENSO events. Removal of either term gives rise to weaker events, which have properties similar to the central Pacific ENSO events. The seasonal phase-locking of ENSO events is shown to be related to a north to south excursion of wind stress anomalies.
Pediatric catatonia: review & new vagal theory

Recent studies support that catatonia may be more common in children and adolescents than previously thought. A boost for the recognition of pediatric catatonia comes from changes in DSM-5 accommodating the diagnosis of catatonia in a wider range of disorders, including developmental and autistic spectrum disorders in addition to schizophrenic, affective, and medical disorders including autoimmune conditions such as lupus or anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor encephalitis. The current status of pediatric catatonia, its assessment and treatment are described. Theories modeling the mechanism of catatonia are reviewed, including a vagal theory implicating the immobilization reflex mediated by the vagal nerve.
Soft X-ray spectroscopy studies of adsorption and reaction of CO in the presence of H2 over 6 nm MnO nanoparticles supported on mesoporous Co3O4

Abstract MnO nanoparticles (6 nm) were supported on mesoporous spinel Co3O4 and studied using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) during hydrogenation of CO. The nature and evolution of surface adsorbed species as well as the oxidation states of the metal oxide surfaces were evaluated under oxidizing, reducing, and H2 + CO (2:1) reaction atmospheres. From APXPS, MnO nanoparticle surfaces were found to be progressively reduced in H2 atmospheres with increasing temperature. Surface adsorbed CO was found to be formed at the expense of lattice O under H2 + CO reaction conditions. In situ XAS indicated that the dominant oxide species were Co(OH)2, Co (II) oxides, MnO, and Mn3O4 under reaction conditions. In situ XAS also indicated the formation of gas phase CO2, the disappearance of lattice O, and the further reduction of Mn3O4 to MnO upon prolonged reaction in H2 + CO. Mass spectroscopy measurements showed the formation of CO2 and hydrocarbons. The spent catalyst was investigated using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy; the catalyst grains were found to be homogeneous.
Secondary Students Perceptions of Web-Based Learning

This article presents the results of a survey study of secondary students’ perceptions of useful and challenging characteristics of Web-based learning environments. Data were collected using a modified version of a questionnaire from earlier studies. More specifically, the author focuses on what Web-based learning looks like for secondary students, along with their perceptions of the benefits, challenges, and helpful components of Webbased learning environments. As this study utilized similar instruments to earlier studies that looked at the perceptions of postsecondary students and corporate Web-based trainees, comparisons will be made between the secondary students in this study and the populations in those other studies.
Combined natural and forced convection in a laminar wall jet along a vertical plate with uniform surface heat flux

The steady state flow and heat transfer characteristics of the combined natural and forced convection in a two dimensional, laminar, incompressible wall jet over a vertical wall are obtained for constant wall heat flux boundary condition. The velocity and temperature distribution are assumed to be power series, where the zeroth term corresponds to that for a plane wall jet in the absence of buoyancy effects. Numerical results for the momentum and thermal series functions are presented for a Prandtl number of 0.73. Wall values of the momentum and thermal series functions are presented for Prandtl numbers ranging from 0.01 to 1000.
Pulsed Laser Annealing of Al, Ni, and MgO Containing Nickel Precipitates

We have investigated the generation of point defects and dislocations, and the formation of dislocation loops as a function of pulse energy density in laser annealed Al, Ni, and MgO containing nickel precipitates. In the case of Al where vacancies are mobile above 200 K, mostly vacancy loops were observed at room temperature in laser melted layers. Dislocations are formed below the laser-melted layers as well as in specimens treated with pulses below the melting threshold, due to thermal stresses. In the case of Ni (where vacancies are mobile above 373 K) the microstructure in room temperature laser annealed specimens consists of primarily dislocations and their tangles. In MgO:Ni crystals, enough laser energy was absorbed to melt nickel precipitates. The dislocation structure around the precipitates and the transformation of nickel precipitates from coherent into incoherent, provided information on melting and crystal growth of these precipitates.
Rotational Disorder in Twisted Bilayer Graphene

Conventional means of stacking two-dimensional (2D) crystals inevitably leads to imperfections. To examine the ramifications of these imperfections, rotational disorder and strain are quantified in twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) using a combination of Raman spectroscopic and low-energy electron diffraction imaging. The twist angle between TBG layers varies on the order of 2° within large (50–100 μm) single-crystalline grains, resulting in changes of the emergent Raman response by over an order of magnitude. Rotational disorder does not evolve continuously across the large grains but rather comes about by variations in the local twist angles between differing contiguous subgrains, ∼1 μm in size, that themselves exhibit virtually no twist angle variation (ΔΘ ∼0.1°). Owing to weak out-of-plane van der Waals bonding between azimuthally rotated graphene layers, these subgrains evolve in conjunction with the 0.3% strain variation observed both within and between the atomic layers. Importantly, the emergent Rama...
Proplast as a Pharyngeal Wall Implant to Correct Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Proplast l was used as posterior pharyngeal wall implant to correct velopha-ryngeal insufficiency (VPI) in 26 patients. Specific criteria were followed in patient selection. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 124 months. Postopera-tively, 18 patients had elimination of VPI and three patients had minimal residual VPI. Four patients lost the implants secondary to infection with residual VPI. One patient had significant residual VPl without the loss of the implant. Based on long-term follow-up, no migration of the implant was seen and there was no detectable effect on subsequent facial growth. Predictably better results were achieved with younger patients in whom smaller implants were used. Conclusions from this study indicate that Proplast l is an acceptable pharyngeal wall implant material to correct VPI when the specific criteria are met and good surgical technique is used.
Introduction: theology and truth

Truth as a theological problem Recall for a moment Jesus' confrontation with Pontius Pilate. As the Gospel of John depicts the scene – in striking contrast to the version shared by Matthew, Mark, and Luke – Jesus engages in an argument with Pilate on kingship and truth. The debate takes a form well known to philosophers ancient and modern; it is an exercise in conceptual clarification. Pilate begins by asking Jesus if he is “the King of the Jews” (18:33). Jesus responds by ascribing to himself a sort of kingship which, while not fully defined by him, is “not from this world” (18:36). Whatever else it involves, this sort of kingship entails that its possessor will not fight to preserve his own life (18:36). Pilate finds this puzzling: “So are you a king?” he asks Jesus (18:37). He appears not to be sure that a plausible concept of kingship can embrace such notions as unworldliness and non-violence. Jesus responds: “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice” (18:37). Talk of a sort of kingship which involves not only non-violence but a public commitment to truth only adds to Pilate's confusion. “What is truth?” he asks (18:38). There the debate ends. Some interpreters of this exchange between Jesus and Pilate (Friedrich Nietzsche, for one) have seen Pilate as the clear winner of the debate, the hero of the story.
Principles of Optimal Demodulation

This chapter approaches the theory of modem design starting from well-accepted basic principles of inference. In particular, we will study the maximum-likelihood principle and the maximum-posterior principle. By studying the optimum demodulation of passband sequences, we shall develop an understanding of the maximum-likelihood principle and its application. In Chapter 8, we will also treat the topic of synchronization as applied to both carrier recovery and time recovery by using the maximum-likelihood principle. It is appropriate at this point to develop demodulation methods based on the likelihood function. The maximum-likelihood principle will enable us to derive optimal methods of demodulating in the presence of intersymbol interdependence and, as a side benefit, to establish the optimality of the demodulators already discussed in Chapter 3. The maximum-likelihood principle is a general method of inference applying to many problems of decision and estimation besides those of digital communications. The development will proceed as follows. First we will introduce the maximum-likelihood principle as a general method to form a decision under the criterion of minimum probability of decision error when given a finite set of measurements. Then we will approximate the continuous-time waveform v(t) by a finite set of discrete-time samples to which we apply the maximum-likelihood principle. Finally, we will take the limit as the number of samples of v(t) goes to infinity to obtain the maximum-likelihood principle for the waveform measurement v(t) . The likelihood function We begin with the general decision problem, not necessarily the problem of demodulation, of deciding between M hypotheses when given a measurement.
An Investigation Into Mentoring Practices of Faculty Who Mentor Undergraduate Researchers at a Hispanic Serving Institution

Research has shown the benefits of undergraduate research; however, few studies have examined mentors of undergraduate researchers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of mentors who have successfully mentored Hispanic undergraduate researchers. Findings from this study suggested that mentors should focus on interacting with students, listen to and understand students’ interests, be organized, require students to be responsible, and monitor students’ work. Recommendations for practice and research have been provided.
Investor commitment to serial entrepreneurs: A multilayer network analysis

Abstract Social networks are complex systems composed of interdependent organizations and people with diverse network structures. Understanding network dynamics, such as exchange commitment, requires a methodological toolkit that does not assume away complexity. In this study, we extend a technique for analyzing longitudinal, multilayer network data called network alignment. We introduce a novel metric – intersect proportions – for analyzing similarity between divergent graphs. We demonstrate the application of network alignment and intersect proportions to the context of investor commitment to startups and entrepreneurs. Using this technique, we are able to disentangle exchange commitment across complex networks.
Symptomatic Cerebral Ischemia Associated with Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering Following Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage (I6.012)

Objective: Demonstrate iatrogenic cerebral ischemia as sequelae of intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering following acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Background: Acute BP reduction following ICH may be associated with improved outcomes. Studies of MRI in ICH have reported only asymptomatic small diffusion weighted lesions. Methods: We describe five patients with acute ICH admitted to a tertiary care hospital from July 2014 to June 2015 whose treatment was directed by current guidelines, all developed severe symptomatic cerebral ischemia. Results: The patients ranged from 56-71 years of age; four were male, one was female. All had a history of hypertension but none had atrial fibrillation. All had premorbid modified Rankin Scores of 0, median initial NIHSS was two (1-12). Three patients had parietal lobar ICHs, two were thalamic; all were ultimately attributed to hypertension. The median ICH volume was 7cc (4-40 cc). All had elevated initial systolic BPs (170-244 mm Hg) with goal BPs of less than 140 mmHg. Four patients had early MRIs which did not demonstrate ischemia. All five patients had notable clinical decline to a median NIHSS of 20 (8-29) on hospital day 2.5 (days 1-4) with unchanged ICHs on repeat CTs and unremarkable EEGs. Following clinical decline, all patients had large areas of restricted diffusion on MRI remote from the hemorrhage site: three in bilateral internal watershed territories with normal arteries on noninvasive imaging, one involving bilateral anterior and posterior circulation and one large middle cerebral artery distribution infarction due to an internal carotid artery occlusion. No other source of ischemia or embolism was identified. At discharge two patients died and one required tracheostomy and gastrostomy. Conclusions: Intensive BP lowering in ICH can be associated with catastrophic symptomatic cerebral ischemia. Disclosure: Dr. Organek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Donohue has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gotterer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Uchino has nothing to disclose.