cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cold tolerance of the overwintering larval instars of light brown apple moth Epiphyas postvittana

The light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana, a leafroller native to southeastern Australia was discovered in California in 2006. The highly polyphagous nature of this pest adds to the importance of being able to predict the potential distribution of this invader across the North American continent. The spread of ectothermic species that lack winter diapause, such as E. postvittana, can be limited by their ability to tolerate cold temperature extremes. In this study we examined the cold hardiness of 4th to 6th instar E. postvittana, the only life stages known to overwinter in California, through a combination of supercooling point (SCP) and mortality at low temperatures. Our results showed that the mean SCP for E. postvittana ranged from -14.1 degrees C for 6th instars to -16.0 degrees C for 4th instars. Lethal time leading to 50% mortality (LT(50)) for the three instars combined were 2.5 h at -10.5 degrees C, 41 h at -6.5 degrees C and 198 h at -0.9 degrees C. At 3 degrees C, the LT(50) of 4th instars was significantly lower at 775 h than that for 5th and 6th instars combined at 1029 h. The cold hardiness characteristics of later-instar E. postvittana larvae were comparable to those of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, a diapausing invasive with a geographic distribution restricted to southern California. Slightly greater cold hardiness is shown by the indigenous non-diapausing leafroller Argyrotaenia franciscana, which is restricted to the Pacific Coast of North America. We therefore conclude that the moderate cold hardiness of E. postvittana will substantially limit its spread into northern temperate regions of North America.
Decay of 85Br

Abstract Gamma-ray transitions following β − decay of 85 Br have been identified through analysis of the γ-ray spectrum of fission product bromine isotopes. Of the forty-four transitions identified, twenty-six have been incorporated in a level scheme which includes the majority of levels observed in the reaction 82 Se(α, nγ) 85 Kr and a number of levels not previously defined. The proposed scheme is compared with 85 Kr levels observed in neutron stripping and pickup reactions.
Laparoscopic stapled left lateral segment liver resection--technique and results.

Abstract Because of the favorable anatomy of the left lateral segment of the liver, a totally laparoscopic approach to resection is feasible. Herein we describe a technique for laparoscopic stapled resection of the left lateral segment of the liver, including the necessary anatomic criteria for a safe operation and data on clinical outcome. Five patients at our center underwent laparoscopic exploration, ultrasound examination, and resection of segments II and III. After complete mobilization of the left lateral segment and minimal portal dissection, the totally laparoscopic resections were performed with two endoscopic staple loads (4.5 mm×60 mm) applied sequentially across the portal pedicle and the left hepatic vein. The mean operative time was 182 minutes (range 130 to 240 minutes), blood loss was 41 ml (range 25 to 50 ml), and length of hospital stay was 2.2 days (range 1 to 3 days). All three patients with malignancy had negative surgical margins. All five patients returned to normal activity or work by 1 week postoperatively. There were no complications. Patients with isolated malignant and benign diseases of the left lateral segment of the liver are candidates for totally laparoscopic resection, if evaluation demonstrates a normal liver character and hepatic parenchymal thickness less than 3 cm overlying the ligamentum venosum groove. Such patients benefit from the minimally invasive approach, with no compromise in the surgical result as compared to the open approach.
Correlations in a one-dimensional lattice fluid on Si(111)5×2-Au

The Si(111)5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2 Au surface forms a chain structure with a quarter-filled lattice fluid of additional Si atoms on top of the chains. The pair distribution function $g(r)$ of these extra atoms is determined from an extensive set of scanning tunneling microscopy data covering (\ensuremath{\sim}4500 adatoms) and is used to estimate the adatom-adatom interactions. A small probability of simultaneous occupation of nearest-neighbor sites reflects a repulsion of 220 meV ${(3.6k}_{B}T).$ Persistent oscillations in $g(r)$ are fit by a periodic potential of amplitude 1.2 meV ${(0.02k}_{B}T),$ which might arise from an incipient charge density wave. The interchain correlations are very small. A good fit is obtained by a repulsive energy between interchain nearest neighbors of less than 12 meV ${(0.2k}_{B}T),$ demonstrating the one-dimensional character of the lattice fluid. In addition to providing microscopic data on a one-dimensional lattice fluid the results help explain the limits of data storage density due to interactions between adjacent bits.
Chemical synthesis of graphite bis(perfluoropinacolato)borate and graphite bis(hexafluorohydroxyisobutyrato)borate intercalation compounds

Abstract Graphite chelate borate intercalation compounds, C x B[OC(CF 3 ) 2 C(CF 3 ) 2 O] 2 · δ F and C x B[OC(CF 3 ) 2 C(O)O] 2 · δ F, are prepared for the first time by chemical oxidation of flaky graphite with fluorine gas in the presence of a solution of the intercalate anion in anhydrous hydrofluoric acid. Powder XRD data indicate that products up to stage 1 with gallery heights, d i = 1.43–1.45 nm are formed. The compositions of C x B[OC(CF 3 ) 2 C(CF 3 ) 2 O] 2 · δ F and C x B[OC(CF 3 ) 2 C(O)O] 2 · δ F are determined using B and F elemental analyses. Thermogravimetric analyses indicate the graphene sheets begin to decompose before intercalate thermolysis is complete.
Synthesis of truss structures with specified fundamental natural frequency

Abstract Efficient synthesis procedures for minimum weight design of a statically determinate truss structure with fundamental natural frequency are developed. When the truss structural mass is ignored, the synthesis procedure involves the solution of one eigenvalue problem and two systems of linear equations. The synthesis procedure becomes iterative when the effect of structural mass is considered. In this case two sets of linear equations are to be solved during each iteration. It is shown that these linear equations can be solved by decomposing a single matrix. Thus the proposed procedures are very efficient. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is demonstrated by a plane truss example.
Potential new urinary markers in the early detection of bladder cancer.

Purpose of review Bladder cancer remains a highly prevalent and lethal malignancy. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment have been shown to improve survival at both initial diagnosis and recurrence. A vast number of tumor markers have been identified and rigorously evaluated in attempts to improve noninvasive diagnostic accuracy of bladder cancer. Hematuria was the first tumor marker in a field that has grown to include soluble markers, cell-surface antigens, cell-cycle-related proteins, and genetic alterations. We aim to provide a critical appraisal of newer markers and the current state of research. Recent findings The number of tumor markers identified has been exponentially increasing. For a variety of reasons, many are unsuitable for clinical practice. More promising recent markers include those discovered in the fields of genomics, proteomics, and epigenetics. Much of the recent work is focused on molecular genetic pathways in bladder cancer. Summary The field of bladder cancer tumor markers remains a rapidly evolving area in which newer markers are constantly identified, evaluated, and often discarded if they do not add significantly to the urologists' armamentarium. Newer markers rely on genetic rearrangements, molecular changes, and cell-cycle-related proteins. Work is currently being done to identify the most promising markers.
A feeder replenishment policy for a turret-head placement machine

In this paper, a feeder replenishment strategy for a turret-head placement machine is proposed. The proposed method decreases the production time in a high volume electronics-manufacturing environment by using multiple allocations of components to feeder slots. The related reduction in production time is achieved by reducing the total number of replenishments through feeder exhaust synchronization. In our approach, we first solve a 0–1 linear programming model to reduce the downtime due to the replenishments by utilizing the unused feeder slots for multiple assignments. Since any small variation in the reel sizes will disrupt the synchronization among feeder exhausts, we propose a procedure called ‘Fixed Replenishment Policy’ to reduce this effect. The approach has been tested with data obtained from a high-volume electronics manufacturer and the results are examined.
Measurement of the Rb ( 5 D 5 / 2 ) photoionization cross section using trapped atoms

We report on measurements of the cross section for photoionization of Rb atoms in the highly excited ${5D}_{5/2}$ level at wavelengths ranging from 1064 to 532 nm (photoelectron energies of 0.175 to 1.34 eV). We efficiently populate the ${5D}_{5/2}$ level using coherent two-photon excitation of trapped atoms with pulses in the counterintuitive order. The absolute photoionization cross sections are then measured via the increased loss of atoms from the magneto-optical trap when it is illuminated by the photoionizing light. Our results are in good agreement with new calculations based on the valence-electron parametric potential method.
Educating the Democratic Heart: Pluralism, Traditions and the Humanities

Though Dewey is frequently recalled primarily as an educational theorist, it would be better to remember him as a philosopher who located every aspect of his thought within the general problematic of the nature and purpose of the democratic life. Dewey’s theory of education is guided by his conception of what a democratic culture must be. Every political and educational theory reflects fundamental commitments about human nature and what constitutes a well-lived or meaningful life. In this essay, I intend to sketch a portrait of Dewey’s ideal of democratic culture in light of recent debates on the role of the humanities and the need for cultural traditions, the place of “pluralistic” education within this debate, and ultimately the character of the cultural imagination which is at the heart of democratic civilization. Contrary to the scientistic interpretations of Dewey, I will argue that the humanistic and aesthetic values are central. We cannot dismiss the importance of traditions in the name of pluralism; nor can we dismiss pluralism for a monolithic tradition. Democracy requires a tradition of pluralism that goes beyond mere toleration of diversity or knowing a smattering of superficial details about various subcultures. Pluralism involves a rigorous, deep and wide exposure to the dimension of human symbolization and the ultimate aim of civilization.
Rapid response of tidal channel networks to sea-level variations (Venice Lagoon, Italy)

Abstract The aim of the present paper is to examine the effects of long- and short-term sea-level fluctuations (i.e. relative sea-level rise and tides) on the geomorphologic evolution of modern tidal channels through the joint interpretation of channel modifications, the 1938–2010 yearly time series of relative sea-level rise, and the variations of strength and frequency of high tides which occurred in the same period. We analyzed a salt marsh area not particularly modified by human interventions, located in the northern Venice Lagoon, Italy. The availability of a long historical record of high-resolution aerial photographs provided us the opportunity to reconstruct in detail the evolution of the drainage patterns from 1938 to the present. Results from our analyses gave us information about the degree of control of long- and short-term sea-level fluctuations on planimetric development of tidal channels and provided demonstration of the rapid response of the drainage network to these oscillations. We found that both relative sea-level rise and high tide frequency greatly influenced salt marsh margin shift and meander evolution of tidal channels in the long term, but short-term sinuosity changes of creeks were often also closely related to tide variations. Channels nearer the marsh margin were more exposed to the action of the increasing tides.
GLC Determination of Doxepin Plasma Levels

A procedure is described for extracting doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant, from plasma and subsequently measuring its concentration by GLC. The developed technique permits the resolution and quantitative determination of the cis‐ and trans‐ isomers of doxepin as well as its desmethyl metabolite. The method allows precise, reliable measurement of the drug and one of its metabolites in concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml of plasma.
Simple single-section method for measurement of left and right atrial volumes with electron-beam CT.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors estimated left and right atrial volumes by using a simple method of measurement with nonenhanced electron-beam computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods. One hundred sixty-four contrast material-enhanced electron-beam CT studies were divided into two groups. Group 1, which included 104 studies, was used to develop the measurement method (ie, the formulas) for measuring left and right atrial volumes from a nonenhanced study. Group 2 consisted of 60 studies on which the validity of the method was tested. Measurement of left and right atrial volumes was performed on all section levels by tracing the respective atrial borders for each section, then multiplying the area by section thickness and summing the resultant volumes. Results. Calculated left and right atrial volumes were derived by using the biggest atrial area and cephalic-caudal span. The span was equal to section thickness times the number of sections in which the atria were present. Linear regression analysis formulas were acquired with the biggest atrial area and cephalic-caudal span. Left and right atrial calculated volumes were obtained with these formulas and demonstrated a significant good relation ( r > .95, P P Conclusion. Left and right atrial volumes can be accurately estimated from a single midventricular section by using nonenhanced electron-beam CT.
Solvophobic and steric effects of side groups on polymer folding: molecular modeling studies of amine-functionalized m-poly(phenyleneethynylene) foldamers in aqueous solution.

The folding behavior of five different amine-functionalized m-poly(phenyleneethynylene) (m-PPE) oligomers containing 24 phenyl rings (12 residues, where a residue includes 2 phenyl rings) in water was examined by using a combination of molecular dynamics (MD) and replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulation techniques. The REMD method employed the highly parallelized GROMACS MD software and a modified OPLS-AA force field to simulate 44 replicas of each solvated system in parallel, with temperatures ranging from 300 to 577 K. Our results showed that the REMD method was more effective in predicting the helical conformation of the m-PPE in water, from an extended structure, than canonical MD methods in the same simulation time. Furthermore, we observed from canonical MD simulations of the explicitly solvated helical m-PPEs at 300 K that the radius of gyration, average helix inner diameter, and average helix pitch of the helical structure all pass through a minima when the side group is R = OC2H5 as ...
Constraining crustal emplacement processes from the variation in seismic layer 2A thickness at the East Pacific Rise

Abstract A stochastic model for the emplacement of dikes and lava flows at a fast spreading ridge can generate an upper oceanic crustal structure similar to that observed in seismic data from the East Pacific Rise (EPR), in ocean drill holes, and in ophiolites. In this model the location of successive dike intrusion events relative to the ridge axis is determined by a Gaussian probability function and the cumulative flow lengths of the erupted lavas are chosen to build a Gaussian-shaped lava pile. We interpret wide-angle seismic reflections from the steep velocity gradient at the base of seismic layer 2A to be the extrusive/sheeted dike contact. Seismic data from the northern and southern EPR place constraints on the on-axis extrusive layer thickness (230 ± 50 m), the distance over which the thickening of the extrusive layer occurs (width of the accretion zone = 1–3 km) and its off-axis thickness (300–800 m). Ophiolites and ocean drill holes (DSDP Hole 504B) provide additional estimates of the thickness of the extrusive layer and constrain the thickness of the transition region from extrusives to sheeted dikes (∼ 100–200 m). A simple stochastic emplacement model, where the lavas are described by one mean flow length, fits the thickening of the extrusive layer off-axis inferred from the deepening of seismic layer 2A, but the predicted transition from sheeted dikes to extrusives is too thick. In order to match the dimensions and flat-topped shape of the seismic layer 2A boundary as well as the thickness of the extrusive-sheeted dike transition, a bimodal distribution of lava flows is used. Short flows, confined within the axial summit caldera (ASC), build up approximately half the extrusive volume. Occasional voluminous flows spill out of the ASC, or erupt outside of the ASC, and pond at a considerable distance off-axis to build up the remainder of the extrusive section. The upper part of the final extrusive section will be dominated by the off-axis flows, while the lower portions will be primarily composed of short flows erupted within the ASC. Magnetic transition widths predicted from the overlap of lavas (∼ 2 km) in this model are similar to those measured in deep-tow studies. Assuming a smoothing function which acts over one seismic wavelength, the upper crustal velocity structure predicted by the bimodal lava emplacement model is consistent with the shallow seismic velocity structure measured on the EPR. The ages of seafloor lavas in this model are younger than the tectonic spreading model ages by ∼ 30–70 kyr, in agreement with anomalously young lava ages obtained from radioisotope dating of seafloor basalts near the EPR.
THE GLYOXYLATE CYCLE IN POLYTOMELLA CAECA.

Abstract 1. 1. The two enzymes unique to the glyoxylate cycle, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, have been shown to be present in Polytomella caeca . 2. 2. Malate synthase is virtually confined to the particulate fraction. Isocitrate lyase is predominantly cytoplasmic, but is present in small amounts in the particles. 3. 3. Tracer experiments showed malate to be the most highly labeled compound at short times after feeding acetate-2-C 14 . Radioactivity in malate, as a percentage of the total incorporated, was at its maximum before succinate reached its maximum, thus suggesting that malate did not arise primarily from succinate and therefore supporting the suggestion that the glyoxylate cycle was operating. An unexpectedly low level of labeling occurred in citric acid.
Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of New Bacteriochlorins and Characterization of Radical Cation and Radical Anion Species

The synthesis, photophysical, and photochemical properties of a series of stable bacteriochlorins containing a fused six-member anhydride or an imide ring are discussed. The Q y band (a 1 u → e g x transition) in the near-infrared region (NIR) lies between 788 and 831 nm depending upon the macrocycle substituents. Compounds with such a long-wavelength absorption are highly promising for their potential use in photodynamic therapy. Fluorescence maxima are also observed in the long-wavelength region of the spectrum, between 804 and 842 nm, and have lifetimes between 1.1 and 1.4 ns. The phosphorescence maxima are red-shifted to 840-870 nm. The triplet-triplet transient absorption spectra are observed to have maxima between 570 and 640 nm with lifetimes between 72 and 150 μs. The triplet excited states are efficiently quenched by oxygen to produce singlet oxygen. The quantum yields of the generated singlet oxygen were determined to be in the range of 0.33-0.55, The bacteriochlorin derivatives are easy to oxidize by one electron, and reversible half-wave potentials range between 0.65 and 0.82 V vs SCE in benzonitrile containing 0.1 M tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate (TBAP). The second oxidation is irreversible and occurs at a rather constant potential of 1.17-1.22 V independent of the macrocycle substituents. The bacteriochlorin derivatives are also easy to reduce, and the reversible first and second one-electron reduction potentials range between -0.53 and -0.80 V and between -0.95 and -1.28 V vs SCE, respectively. Spectroelectrochemical measurements reveal the expected π radical cation and π radical anion marker bands of the bacteriochlorin derivatives. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of the radical cations and radical anions produced by the chemical oxidation and reduction are reported, and the experimental and calculated spin densities are compared to each other.
The perception of verticality and the frame of reference of the visual tilt aftereffect.

Previous research has suggested that the visual tilt aftereffect operates according to a gravitational frame of reference. Three experiments were conducted to test this conclusion further. In each experiment, observers (with head upright) adjusted an illuminated bar to apparent vertical following various adaptation conditions. In Experiment 1, observers were given clear visual cues for objective vertical while adjusting the bar. In Experiment 2, they were not given visual cues for vertical. The adaptation conditions in Experiments 1 and 2 consisted of various combinations of head and stimulus tilt. Experiment 3 investigated the effects of head tilt alone. The results indicated that the tilt aftereffect follows a retinal frame of reference under some conditions (Experiment 1) and appears to follow a gravitational frame under others (Experiment 2). These results can be predicted by a simple model involving two factors, a purely visual aftereffect that follows a retinal frame and an extravisual aftereffect that appears to follow a gravitational frame.
An Empirical Investigation into Justice, Grace, and Forgiveness: Paths to Relationship Satisfaction

This study measured components of the relationship conflict and restoration model developed by Sells, Beckenbach, and Patrick. Data were gathered from 242 participants who completed a series of ins...
Restructuring the National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation reorganized its governance structure for the first time in its 50-year history. Following a 2-year review, which involved all constituents of the Foundation and took advantage of the advice of professional consultants, the NKF delegated governance responsibilities to the Board of Directors and created a General Assembly of affiliate leaders and professional staff. NKF national and affiliate leaders agreed on this course of action so that power would be more appropriately shared between the national organization and the affiliates and the overall organization would be better positioned to succeed in the NKF's first national fund raising campaign.
Two Related Low Molecular Mass Polypeptide Isoforms of Amelogenin Have Distinct Activities in Mouse Tooth Germ Differentiation In Vitro

Embryonic mouse tooth germs were cultured in vitro in the presence of two related amelogenin isoforms to determine their effects on tooth development. Our results show that these individual proteins have specific but quite different effects on epithelial-derived ameloblasts versus mesenchymal-derived odontoblasts. Introduction: Amelogenins, the main protein components of enamel matrix, have been shown to have signaling activity. Amelogenin isoforms differing only by the presence or exclusion of exon 4, designated ‘A+4’ (composed of exons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6d, and 7) and ‘A-4’ (composed of exons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6d, and 7) and ‘A-4’ (composed of exons 2, 3, 5, 6d, and 7), showed similar, but different, effects both in vitro and in vivo on postnatal teeth. Materials and Methods: Lower first molar tooth germs of E15/16 CD1 mice were microdissected and cultured in vitro in a semisolid media containing either 20% FBS, 2% FBS, or 2% FBS with either 1.5 nM ‘A+4’, ‘A-4’, or both for 6 days. Tooth germs were analyzed by H&E staining and immunohistochemistry for collagen I, dentin matrix protein 2, and DAPI nuclear staining. Results: Teeth cultured in media containing 20% FBS showed normal development with polarized ameloblasts, and odontoblasts producing dentin matrix, and DMP2 expression in odontoblasts and pre-ameloblasts. Culture in 2% FBS media resulted in no ameloblast polarization and modest odontoblast differentiation with scant dentin matrix. Tooth germs cultured with ‘A+4’ in 2% FBS media had well-polarized odontoblasts with robust dentin production and concomitant ameloblast polarization. DMP2 expression was equal to or greater than seen in the 20% FBS culture condition. In cultures with ‘A-4’ in 2% FBS media, odontoblast polarization and dentin production was reduced compared with ‘A+4’. However, the pre-ameloblast layer was disorganized, with no ameloblast polarization occurring along the dentin surface. DMP2 expression was reduced in the odontoblasts compared with the 20% FBS and ‘A+4’ conditions and was almost completely abrogated in the pre-ameloblasts. Conclusion: These data show different signaling activities of these closely related amelogenin isoforms on tooth development. Here we make the novel observation that ‘A−4’ has an inhibitory effect on ameloblast development, whereas ‘A+4’ strongly stimulates odontoblast development. We show for the first time that specific amelogenin isoforms have effects on embryonic tooth development in vitro and also hypothesize that DMP2 may play a role in the terminal differentiation of both ameloblasts and odontoblasts.
Woodland salamanders as metrics of forest ecosystem recovery: a case study from California’s redwoods

Woodland (Plethodontid) salamanders occur in huge numbers in healthy forests in North America where the abundances of many species vary along successional gradients. Their high numbers and trophic role as predators on shredder and decomposer arthropods influence nutrient and carbon pathways at the leaf litter/soil interface. Their extreme niche conservatism and low vagility offer further advantages to the use of these salamanders as metrics of forest ecosystem condition. Mill Creek is a 103 km2 commercially logged redwood forest watershed acquired as parkland where original primary forest is being restored. This study evaluated woodland salamanders as metrics of seral recovery at Mill Creek. Surface counts and body condition were examined in four sets of stands, two early seral, one mature, and one of primary forest (never harvested old-growth). Later seral sites were closer to the coast where fog increased available moisture; younger sites were further inland at higher elevations where fog was reduced. We distinguished the effects of geography and succession using ANCOVA with a PCA-derived landscape covariate. Both geography and succession increased counts of California Slender Salamanders (Batrachoseps attenuatus); advancing succession alone indicated increased counts of Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii). Means and variances in body condition of these two species were lower in older stands; for the Del Norte salamander (Plethodon elongatus) only the means were lower. Coastal proximity increased mean body condition in E. eschscholtzii, but with P. elongatus it was the opposite. We modeled surface counts and body condition along environmental gradients associated with succession. The counts and body condition in two of three species when taken together suggested that the increased structural complexity in late-seral forest stands supported larger populations that appeared to be competing for limited resources and, thus, likely have greater population fitness than those in younger forests. B. attenuatus and E. eschscholtzii proved to be viable metrics of advancing succession with their numbers and body condition providing readily quantifiable measures of ecosystem recovery at Mill Creek.
Regulation of RAD53 by the ATM-Like Kinases MEC1 and TEL1 in Yeast Cell Cycle Checkpoint Pathways

Mutants of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) homolog MEC1/SAD3/ESR1 were identified that could live only if the RAD53/SAD1 checkpoint kinase was overproduced. MEC1 and a structurally related gene, TEL1, have overlapping functions in response to DNA damage and replication blocks that in mutants can be provided by overproduction of RAD53. Both MEC1 and TEL1 were found to control phosphorylation of Rad53p in response to DNA damage. These results indicate that RAD53 is a signal transducer in the DNA damage and replication checkpoint pathways and functions downstream of two members of the ATM lipid kinase family. Because several members of this pathway are conserved among eukaryotes, it is likely that a RAD53-related kinase will function downstream of the human ATM gene product and play an important role in the mammalian response to DNA damage.
Constraint driven model using correlation and collaborative filtering for sustainable building

Sustainable building has emerged as an important topic due to the fact that it can significantly reduce the impact of buildings and their operation on the natural environment and more efficiently utilize resources throughout a building's life-cycle. When compared with a traditional buildingdesign process, integrated project delivery has proven to be more efficient, and is thus gaining wider acceptance for many sustainable building projects. However, managing design and construction from different disciplines is still challenging. Conflicts among constraints are often not identified at the right design stage, which results in multiple iterations of the design process. In this paper, a novel constrain-driven model that enhances design processes through better management of constraints and thus delivers optimal design solutions with higher energy performance is proposed. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was applied to capture the correlations between different items (parameter-value pairs) and classes (constraints). Meanwhile, it integrated Collaborative Filtering methods and Constraint Satisfaction Problem to train and refine the proposed model. Finally, we have applied our model to a synthetic data sets to demonstrate its performance.
I'm a Poet? International Doctoral Students at a U.S. University Participate in a Creative Writing Workshop

What happens when international doctoral students participate in a creative writing workshop? Very often, students at our large midwestern U.S. university enter classes having learned English in their native countries with a heavy emphasis on only skills and grammar. They have not had the chance to play with language, to express themselves through poetry, narrative, or expressive voice. One of the authors created the course Writing Workshop for International Graduate Students so doctoral students from different countries would be able to come together not only as a community of writers learning English, but as a community of international writers. The students were asked to turn off their academic writing voices and to explore their creative ones. Slowly, through the writing process of choice, drafting, sharing, editing, revision, and drafting in other genres, the students began to feel more confident as writers. Several discovered that they were poets. Others were willing to take the risk to try different genres. All of the students felt that their academic writing had improved. The authors’ findings suggest that it is crucial to allow opportunities for international students to write creatively in both their native and nonnative languages in order to help them succeed in all of their university courses. Practice always embodies theory and theory strives for understanding of practice. Critical approaches to education, understood as both theory and practice, aim to identify and challenge inequitable social structures and policies. (Cummins, 2009, pp. 261-271)
Graft Failure After Penetrating Keratoplasty in Eyes With Ahmed Valves

Purpose To determine incidence and risk factors for graft failure following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in eyes with Ahmed valves (AV). Design Retrospective, observational cohort study. Methods Patients who underwent PK after AV implantation (both performed at our institution through 2004) were studied. Intervals to graft failure (defined as either dysfunction [stromal thickening with retention of clarity] or decompensation [central microcystic edema or loss of clarity]) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier technique. Risk factors for graft failure were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Results Included were 77 eyes (77 patients; first procedure 1993). Following PK, 40 eyes (52%) required increased numbers of glaucoma medications; 10 eyes (13%) required additional glaucoma drainage device(s). Graft failure at 1, 2, and 3 years was 42.4% (95% confidence interval: 32.0%-54.6%), 57.1% (45.6%-69.1%), and 59.1% (47.5%-71.2%), respectively. Prior PK (HR 2.38, P = .006) and stromal vessels (HR 2.90, P = .0005) were associated with increased risk of graft failure. Use of glaucoma medications (HR 0.27, P = .009) and evidence of lower intraocular pressures (IOP) during follow-up (excluding hypotony; HR 0.92, P = .010) were associated with reduced risk of graft failure. Endothelial rejection episodes were observed in 13 eyes (17%); however, rejection was not a risk factor for graft failure ( P = .98). Conclusions Long-term survival of corneal grafts is poor in eyes with AV. The majority of graft failures are associated with progressive loss of endothelial function, without observed immunologic rejection. Despite the presence of an AV, escalation in glaucoma therapy often follows PK; graft failure may be related to poor IOP control.
The C terminus of the major yeast telomere binding protein Rap1p enhances telomere formation.

The telomeres of most organisms consist of short repeated sequences that can be elongated by telomerase, a reverse transcriptase complex that contains its own RNA template for the synthesis of telomere repeats. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the RAP1 gene encodes the major telomere binding protein Rap1p. Here we use a quantitative telomere formation assay to demonstrate that Rap1p C termini can enhance telomere formation more than 30-fold when they are located at internal sites. This stimulation is distinct from protection from degradation. Enhancement of formation required the gene for telomerase RNA but not Sir1p, Sir2p, Sir3p, Sir4p, Tel1p, or the Rif1p binding site in the Rap1p C terminus. Our data suggest that Rap1p C termini enhance telomere formation by attracting or increasing the activity of telomerase near telomeres. Earlier work suggests that Rap1p molecules at the chromosome terminus inhibit the elongation of long telomeres by blocking the access of telomerase. Our results suggest a model where a balance between internal Rap1p increasing telomerase activity and Rap1p at the termini of long telomeres controlling telomerase access maintains telomeres at a constant length.
Patterns of cosmetic contact allergy

Certain patterns of dermatitis, such as those affecting the face, eyelids, lips, and neck, should raise the suspicion of a cosmetic-related contact allergy. Patch testing with a broad screening series, supplemented by a patient's own personal care products, should be considered when evaluating patients with suspected cosmetic dermatitis. Once the offending allergen is identified, an avoidance regimen should be established to avoid further exposure.
Biomechanics of the hip and birth in early Homo.

A complex of traits in the femur and pelvis of Homo ereclus and early “erectus-like” specimens has been described, but never satisfactorily explained. Here the functional relationships between pelvic and femoral structure in humans are explored using both theoretical biomechanical models and empirical tests within modern samples of diverse body form (Pecos Amerindians, East Africans). Results indicate that a long femoral neck increases mediolateral bending of the femoral diaphysis and decreases gluteal abductor and hip joint reaction forces. Increasing biacetabular breadth along with femoral neck length further increases M-L bending of the femoral shaft and maintains abductor and joint reaction forces at near “normal” levels. When compared to modern humans, Homo erectus and early “erectus-like” specimens are characterized by a long femoral neck and greatly increased M-L relative to A-P bending strength of the femoral shaft, coupled with no decrease in hip joint size and a probable increase in abductor force relative to body size. All of this strongly suggests that biacetabular breadth as well as femoral neck length was relatively large in early Homo. Several features preserved in early Homo partial hip bones also indicate that the true (lower) pelvis was very M-L broad, as well as A-P narrow. This is similar to the lower pelvic shape of australopithecines and suggests that nonrotational birth, in which the newborn's head is oriented transversely through the pelvic outlet, characterized early Homo as well as Australopithecus. Because M-L breadth of the pelvis is constrained by other factors, this may have limited increases in cranial capacity within Homo until rotational birth was established during the late Middle Pleistocene. During or after the transition to rotational birth biacetabular breadth decreased, reducing the body weight moment arm about the hip and allowing femoral neck length (abductor moment arm) to also decrease, both of which reduced M-L bending of the proximal femoral shaft. Variation in femoral structural properties within early Homo and other East African Early Pleistocene specimens has several taxonomic and phylogenetic implications. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Note on Robust Variance Estimation for Cluster‐Correlated Data

There is a simple robust variance estimator for cluster-correlated data. While this estimator is well known, it is poorly documented, and its wide range of applicability is often not understood. The estimator is widely used in sample survey research, but the results in the sample survey literature are not easily applied because of complications due to unequal probability sampling. This brief note presents a general proof that the estimator is unbiased for cluster-correlated data regardless of the setting. The result is not new, but a simple and general reference is not readily available. The use of the method will benefit from a general explanation of its wide applicability.
Slim by design: Menu strategies for promoting high-margin, healthy foods

Abstract In a world of rising obesity, restaurants have become a regulatory target. One profitable but overlooked solution may be for restaurants to focus on menu engineering strategies that could increase sales of relatively healthier, high margin appetizers and entrees and help diners become slim by design. Recent lab and field research in consumer psychology and behavioral economics offer promising solutions that responsible restaurants can use to profitably guide their customers to healthier decisions by using the three-step menu engineering process of (1) shifting attention, (2) enhancing taste expectations, and (3) increasing perception of value. A review of these studies provides key implications that can both increase the healthfulness of what customers order along with the profits of the restaurant.
Bronchial epithelial cell-derived cytokine IL-10 and lung fibroblast proliferation.

THE CELLULAR pathogenesis of obliterative bronchiolitis (OB), a form of chronic lung allograft rejection and other fibrotic airway diseases, is poorly understood. However, dysregulation of fibroblast proliferation after initial epithelial injury may be a central feature of this and many fibrotic lung diseases. At a cellular level, proposed mechanisms of OB include initial bronchiolar epithelial injury by many factors, such as ischemia, infection, and immune-mediated direct cellular damage, with subsequent dysregulation of lung fibroblast growth and occlusion of the bronchioles. Cytokines and growth factors may be produced by epithelial cells and, in turn, regulate the proliferation of the fibroblasts. IL-10 has been implicated as an important factor in renal and cardiac allograft rejection. The role of IL-10, however, in the development pulmonary fibrotic disease is not fully established. The aims of our study were to: (i) identify whether bronchial epithelial cells produce IL-10; and (ii) assess the effect of IL-10 and anti–IL-10 blocking antibody on epithelial cell–regulated lung fibroblast growth.
Terahertz vibration-rotation-tunneling (VRT) spectroscopy of the d 6 -water trimer: Complete characterization of the 2.94 THz torsional band (k n =± 2 1 0 0 )

Abstract We report the measurement and analysis of the complete perpendicular kn = ±21 ← 00 (D2O)3 torsional band (origin 2940.9376(3) GHz), the upper state of which is the highest-energy (98.09912 cm−1) torsional state yet observed. All known torsional transitions were included in a new global analysis of the six observed torsional bands, using the effective Hamiltonians derived by van der Avoird et al. [M. R. Viant, M. G. Brown, J. D. Cruzan, R. J. Saykally, M. Geleijns, A. van der Avoird, J. Chem. Phys. 110 (1999) 4369; A. van der Avoird, E. H. T. Olthof, P. E. S. Wormer, J. Chem. Phys. 105 (1996) 8034]. The experimental results will facilitate the descriptions of three-body interactions in water intermolecular potential energy surfaces (IPSs).
Sikhism: An introduction

Sikhism: An introduction Nikky-Gurinder Kaur Singh London: I.B. Tauris, 2011 272 pp., $44.75/£14.99, ISBN: 1848853211 (paperback); $85.00/£54.50, ISBN: 1848853203 (hardback) After the catastrophic ...
Poly(styrene sulfonic acid)–poly(vinylidene fluoride) interpolymer ion-exchange membranes. II. Ultrafiltration properties

Highly porous interpolymer ion-exchange membranes of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) have been investigated under pressure filtration with KCI, Na2SO4, erythrosin, and bovine serum albumin as solutes in the feed solution. The rejection of the ionic solutes is governed by a Donnan exclusion of electrolyte from the membrane phase. A model for the transport behavior is proposed that includes both diffusive and convective salt transport. The calculated rejections agree adequately with the observed data.
Improved characterization of two ZVS DC/DC resonant converters using a third order commutation network

The DC analysis of a third-order, current-driven zero voltage switching (ZVS) power converter is summarized. Theoretical results as well as computer simulation and experimental data are presented. The third-order analysis shows that the results successfully converge to either of two second-order topologies analyzed previously. For large ratios of L/sub p//L/sub s/, the converter's gain can be approximated by two second-order analyses. ZVS was also found not to be affected. Capacitor and transistor voltage stresses, however, were shown to be strongly affected by the presence of L/sub s/. The results presented are significant in that they enable the designer to better understand and predict the third-order effects which are present in nearly all resonant power converters. >
A 12 b 5-to-50 MS/s 0.5-to-1 V Voltage Scalable Zero-Crossing Based Pipelined ADC

A voltage scalable zero-crossing based (ZCB) pipelined ADC built in 65 nm CMOS is described. The highly digital implementation characteristic of the ZCB circuit technique enables energy efficient operation and supply voltage scaling. Several new techniques including the unidirectional coarse-fine charge transfer scheme, programmable ramp rates, and flash resistor ladder scaling, are developed to allow efficient operation at different supply voltages as well as to extend the supply voltage range down to 0.5 V. Two versions, the first fabricated in 65 nm GP (general purpose) technology, and the second in 65 nm LP (low power) technology from an identical design file show similar performance characteristics except for the power supply voltage ranges, demonstrating the robustness of the design. At 1.0 V (GP)/1.2 V (LP) nominal supply and 50 MS/s, the ADC achieves 67.7 dB (GP)/68.1 dB (LP) SNDR after calibration while dissipating 4.07 mW (GP)/4.93 mW (LP), resulting in an FOM of 41.0 fJ/step (GP)/47.5 fJ/step (LP). The supply voltage scalability is demonstrated down to 0.5 V (GP)/0.8 V (LP) and improves the FOM to 28.0 fJ/step (GP)/37.8 fJ/step (LP), while maintaining higher than 66 dB SNDR.
A hierarchical model of binocular rivalry

Binocular rivalry is the alternating percept that can result when the two eyes see different scenes. Recent psychophysical evidence supports the notion that some aspects of binocular rivalry bear functional similarities to other bistable percepts. We build a model based on the hypothesis (Logothetis & Schall, 1989; Leopold & Logothetis, 1996; Logothetis, Leopold, & Sheinberg, 1996) that alternation can be generated by competition between top-down cortical explanations for the inputs, rather than by direct competition between the inputs. Recent neurophysiological evidence shows that some binocular neurons are modulated with the changing percept; others are not, even if they are selective between the stimuli presented to the eyes. We extend our model to a hierarchy to address these effects.
Resources for Information on Herbal Medicinals and Dietary Supplements

RATIONAL PHYTOTHERAPY: A PHYSICIAN'S GUIDE TO HERBAL MEDICINE, Fourth Edition, edited by Volker Schulz, Rudolf Hansel and Varro Tyler. Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany. Springer-Verlag, 2001 ($49.95, available at the American Botanical Council (ABC) Web site: http://www.herbalgram.org/browse.php/clinical_therapeutic).
Hermeneutics in the Field: The Philosophy of Geology

Geology has had a marginal place within the philosophy of science; its processes and results have not matched our traditional ideas concerning the nature and outcomes of scientific reasoning. This is a reflection of the fact that philosophy of science has been, with few exceptions, implicitly or explicitly the philosophy of physics, and more generally the philosophy of lab science. In actuality, geological reasoning provides a rich and realistic account of the power and limitations of scientific reasoning. It also highlights the hermeneutic and historical nature of reasoning, scientific or otherwise, and the neglected kinship between reasoning in the sciences and the humanities.