cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO JOB CLASSIFICATION: A REVIEW AND CRITIQUE

Job classification decisions underlie nearly all personnel functions (e.g., grouping for test validity generalization, compensation, performance appraisal, training needs analysis, career path and succession planning). Pearlman (1980) performed a comprehensive review of the job-family literature, paying special attention to the problem of forming job families when generalizing aptitude test validities. This review addresses a more specific topic: selecting among and using the numerous quantitative job-classification procedures, with a focus on the decision-making tasks and practical difficulties that confront users of each.
A 2H-NMR analysis of dihydrosterculoyl-containing lipids in model membranes: structural effects of a cyclopropane ring.

Abstract The molecular properties of lipid multilayers of 1-palmitoyl-2-[dideutero]dihydrosterculoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (PDSPC) were investigated by means of 2 H-NMR. The transition from the liquid-crystalline phase to a more highly ordered phase was found to take place between −10°C and −15°C. The temperature variation of the quadrupolar splittings of specifically dideuterated PDSPC molecules was analyzed in terms of ‘segmental’ and ‘geometrical’ order parameters: the lower half of the sn -2 chain (from the site of the cyclopropane ring to the terminal methyl group) was more conformationally disordered than the upper half. The apparently abnormal increase of the quadrupolar splitting of the pro-S deuteron at the C-2′ position, with increasing temperature, was attributed to a change in the average orientation of that C 2 H bond with respect to the axis of motion, resulting in an increase of the ‘geometrical’ order parmater, S γ . The molecular order parameter matrix elements, S ij , of the cyclopropane ring were derived from the experimental S C− 2 H order parameters using similarly transformations. The matrix S was diagonalized and the molecular order parameter of the cyclopropane ring, S mol (or S ∗ 33 ), was determined by assuming axial symmetry for such matrices associated with molecules in a liquid-crystal medium. A value of S mol = 0.59 ± 0.04 at 25°C was thus calculated. This value represents a discontinuity in the positional dependence of the molecular order parameter for the sn -2 chain of PDSPC, indicating that the cyclopropane ring provides a rigid barrier separating the lipid bilayer into two regions: an ordered region from the bilayer surface to the site of the cyclopropane ring and a much more disordered region thereafter to the center of the bilayer.
Infrared Energy as a Factor in Controlled Environments

The proportion of visible to infrared radiation varies in different growth chambers. Whether this might affect leaf temperature and plant growth was investigated in chambers with equal visible radiation. In one chamber infrared energy was half the total, while in two chambers it was 75% of the total. Photoperiods were 14 hours and day and night temperatures 25° and 20°C, respectively. Warm weather species tested were Zea mays, Phaseolus vulgaris, Gossypium hirsutum, Glycine max, and Sorghum vulgare. High infrared did not increase the leaf temperatures of Sorghum vulgare, but growth was better than under low infrared. In the other 4 species, slightly higher leaf temperatures were observed, but growth was not significantly increased by high infrared. Of the cool weather species, Pisum sativum L. (Alaska and Wando) and Vicia faba L., grew less; Avena saliva L. grew equally; and Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata grew better in high infrared. Leaf temperatures of these cool weather species were generally below ambient and were not appreciably affected by the proportion of infrared. The CO2 was uncontrolled in one high infrared chamber and was 400 μl CO2 liter or more. Except for G. max and P. vulgaris, the growth of the warm weather species was not significantly affected; however, all cool weather species grew best in this chamber. A sparing effect from infrared damage is induced by high CO2.
Reduction of nitrite and nitrate on nano-dimensioned FeS.

The reaction of nitrite (NO2 −) and nitrate (NO3 −) on nanometer-sized FeS particles was investigated in alkaline (initial pH = 10.3) solutions at reaction temperatures of 22, 70, and 120 °C using in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and fluorescence spectroscopy that allowed an analysis of adsorbate complexation on the FeS and reaction product in the aqueous phase, respectively. ATR-FTIR showed that NO was a surface-bound intermediate on FeS during its exposure to NO2 − at all three reaction temperatures. Ammonia/ammonium (NH3/NH4 +) product was also produced when FeS was exposed to NO2 − at the 70 °C and 120 °C reaction temperatures. Activation of NO3 − to form surface-bound NO was experimentally observed to occur at 120 °C on FeS, but not at the lower reaction temperatures. Furthermore, NH3/NH4 + product in the aqueous phase was only present during the reaction of FeS with NO3 − at the highest temperature used in this study.
The early--late onset distinction in DSM-III-R dysthymia

DSM-III-R recently introduced early-late and primary-secondary subtypes of dysthymia. The present study explored the validity of the DSM-III-R early-late onset distinction by comparing early- and late-onset primary dysthymics on demographic, clinical and familial variables and short-term outcome. Compared to the late-onset dysthymics, the early-onset group had higher lifetime rates of superimposed major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders, had sought treatment significantly more frequently, had a higher rate of major affective disorders in first-degree relatives, and exhibited higher levels of depression throughout the course of a 6-month follow-up study. These data provide preliminary support for the validity of the DSM-III-R early-late onset distinction in dysthymia.
On sequential estimation of state noise variances

A sequential estimator for state noise variances is proposed. This formulation is proposed as a possible means of overcoming stability problems which have been observed in the Myers and Tapley [1] algorithm.
The Use of Large-Eddy Simulations in Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Models

Abstract A Lagrangian dispersion model driven by velocity fields from large-eddy simulations (LESs) is presented for passive particle dispersion in the planetary boundary layer (PBL). In this combined LES–Lagrangian stochastic model (LSM), the total velocity is divided into resolved or filtered and unresolved or subfilter-scale (SFS) velocities. The random SFS velocity is modeled using an adaptation of Thomson's LSM in which the ensemble-mean velocity and velocity variances are replaced by the resolved velocity and SFS variances, respectively. The random SFS velocity forcing has an amplitude determined by the SFS fraction of the total turbulent kinetic energy (TKE); the fraction is about 0.15 in the bulk of the simulated convective boundary layer (CBL) used here and reaches values as large as 0.31 and 0.37 in the surface layer and entrainment layer, respectively. For the proposed LES–LSM, the modeled crosswind-integrated concentration (CWIC) fields are in good agreement with the 1) surface-layer similarit...
Electroweak processes in few-body nuclei

Abstract There has been dramatic progress recently in the study of electroweak processes in few-body nuclei. This progress has been driven by an improved understanding of the two-nucleon currents as well as a rapidly-developing ability to solve for the strongly-correlated few-nucleon states. Here we briefly summarize the state of the art in many experiments, including electroweak capture reactions at low energy, electron and neutrino scattering from nuclei and hadronic parity violation. In this contribution, recent important developments in the nucleon-nucleon system are outlined, and prospects for similar advancements in few-nucleon systems more generally are described.
Effect of Surfactants on the Interfacial Tension and Emulsion Formation between Water and Carbon Dioxide

The lowering of the interfacial tension (γ) between water and carbon dioxide by various classes of surfactants is reported and used to interpret complementary measurements of the capacity, stability, and average drop size of water-in-CO2 emulsions. γ is lowered from ∼20 to ∼2 mN/m for the best poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide) (PPO-b-PEO-b-PPO) and PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO Pluronic triblock copolymers, 1.4 mN/m for a poly(butylene oxide)-b-PEO copolymer, 0.8 mN/m for a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) ammonium carboxylate and 0.2 mN/m for PDMS24-g-EO22. The hydrophilic−CO2-philic balance (HCB) of the triblock Pluronic and PDMS-g-PEO−PPO surfactants is characterized by the CO2-to-water distribution coefficient and “V-shaped” plots of log γ vs wt % EO. A minimum in γ is observed for the optimum HCB. As the CO2-philicity of the surfactant tail is increased, the molecular weight of the hydrophilic segment increases for an optimum HCB. The stronger interactions on both sides of the interface...
An Unsymmetrical Motion in a Horizontal Impact Oscillator

Stability and bifurcation for the unsymmetrical, periodic motion of a horizontal impact oscillator under a periodic excitation are investigated through four mappings based on two switch-planes relative to discontinuities. Period-doubling bifurcation for unsymmetrical period-1 motions instead of symmetrical period-1 motion is observed. A numerical investigation for symmetrical, period-1 motion to chaos is completed. The numerical and analytical results of periodic motions are in very good agreement. The methodology presented in this paper is applicable to other discontinuous dynamic systems. This investigation also provides a better understanding of such an unsymmetrical motion in symmetrical discontinuous systems.
Respiratory Epithelium in a Cystic Choristoma of the Limbus

• A female newborn had a cystic, whitish gray mass at the inferotemporal limbus of the left eye. At age 3 weeks, the newborn underwent excision of the tumor, corneal patch grafting, and superior sector optical iridectomy. Histopathologic and electron microscopic examination of the excised tissue revealed a choristoma consisting of cysts lined with respiratory epithelium. To our knowledge, respiratory epithelium in a limbal choristoma has not been previously reported.
Recent progress in the understanding of tissue culture-induced genome level changes in plants and potential applications

In vitro cell and tissue-based systems have tremendous potential in fundamental research and for commercial applications such as clonal propagation, genetic engineering and production of valuable metabolites. Since the invention of plant cell and tissue culture techniques more than half a century ago, scientists have been trying to understand the morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular changes associated with tissue culture responses. Establishment of de novo developmental cell fate in vitro is governed by factors such as genetic make-up, stress and plant growth regulators. In vitro culture is believed to destabilize the genetic and epigenetic program of intact plant tissue and can lead to chromosomal and DNA sequence variations, methylation changes, transposon activation, and generation of somaclonal variants. In this review, we discuss the current status of understanding the genomic and epigenomic changes that take place under in vitro conditions. It is hoped that a precise and comprehensive knowledge of the molecular basis of these variations and acquisition of developmental cell fate would help to devise strategies to improve the totipotency and embryogenic capability in recalcitrant species and genotypes, and to address bottlenecks associated with clonal propagation.
Massive panniculectomy results in improved functional outcome.

Abstract Background Panniculus morbidus is a large abdominal apron found in morbidly obese patients. This condition creates a vicious cycle of weight gain and functional incapacity. Our study assessed the functional improvement in patients undergoing massive panniculectomy. Methods A retrospective review of panniculectomies performed from 1994 to 2012 was conducted. Twenty-seven patients with resections >20 lbs were selected. Data on demographics, operative details, complications, and pre- and postoperative functional capacity (using the Steinbrocker Functional Classification) were collected. Results The preoperative mean body mass index was 58 kg/m 2 , with a mean resection weight of 33 lbs. The overall complication rate was 74%. A statistically significant improvement in functional capacity (preop mean 3.7 vs postop mean 2.0; P Conclusions Panniculus morbidus is a functionally debilitating condition and massive panniculectomy is often the only treatment available. Our data suggest that massive panniculectomy is a viable option for patients functionally incapacitated by panniculus morbidus.
Inactivation of the mouse adenylyl cyclase 3 gene disrupts male fertility and spermatozoon function.

Mammalian spermatids and spermatozoa express functional G protein-coupled receptors. However, bicarbonate-regulated soluble adenylyl cyclase (AC), the major AC present in these cells, is not directly coupled to G proteins. To understand how G protein-coupled receptors signal in spermatozoa, we investigated whether a conventional transmembrane cyclase is present and biologically active in these cells. Here, we provide evidence for expression of type 3 AC (AC3) in male germ cells and describe the effects of disruption of the AC3 gene on fertility and function of mouse spermatozoa. As previously reported in rat, AC3 mRNA is expressed in mouse testes and localized, together with soluble AC mRNA, mainly in postmeiotic germ cells. AC3 protein was detected by immunolocalization in round and elongating spermatids in a region corresponding to the developing acrosome and was retained in the mature spermatozoa of the epididymis. Forskolin caused a small increase in cAMP production in mouse spermatozoa, but this incr...
A loop-breaking method for simulation of feedback circuits using a VCVS-terminated subnetwork model

A model for a multi-terminal subnetwork is applied in a loop-breaking method for open and closed-loop analysis of feedback circuits. The model contains two physically disconnected subnetworks having specific terminals connected to grounded voltage-controlled voltage sources (VCVS). Gain pa-rameters of the VCVSs control signal transfer through the model allowing a feedback loop to be opened or closed in a switch-like manner. The method is applied in circuit analysis and simulation where closed-loop dc bias conditions are imposed on the open-loop circuit. Small-signal analysis of the equivalent circuit produces Bode's return-ratio and return difference corresponding to the modeled component.
Generation of aberrant sprouting in the adult rat brain by GAP-43 somatic gene transfer.

The expression of GAP-43 was modulated genetically in the adult rat nigrostriatal or septohippocampal pathway using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors incorporating the neuron specific enolase (NSE) promoter and either a rat GAP-43 cDNA or the corresponding antisense sequence. Bicistronic expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) enabled us to evaluate transduced neurons selectively. Single injections of rAAV into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) transduced both dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons stably for the 3-month duration of the study. Transduction with the GAP-43 vector in this region: (1) increased GAP-43 mRNA levels 2-fold compared to controls; (2) led to GAP-43 immunoreactivity in neuronal perikarya, axons, and dendrites that was not observed otherwise; and (3) resulted in GAP-43/ GFP-positive axons that were traced to the striatum where they formed clusters of aberrant nets. The GAP-43 antisense vector, in contrast, decreased neuropil GAP-43 immunoreactivity compared to controls in the SNc. In septum, injections of the GAP-43 expressing vector also caused aberrant clusters of GAP-43 labelled fibers in terminal fields, i.e., fornix and hippocampus, that were not observed in control tissues. It therefore appears that rAAV vectors provide a novel approach for modulating intraneuronal GAP-43 expression in the adult brain.
You Support Diversity, But Are You Ethical? Examining the Interactive Effects of Diversity and Ethical Climate Perceptions on Turnover Intentions

Efforts to identify antecedents of employee turnover are likely to offer value to organizations through money saved on recruitment and new-hire training. The authors utilized the stakeholder perspective to corporate social responsibility to examine the effects of a perceived climate for ethics on the relationship between diversity climate and voluntary turnover intentions. Specifically, they examined how ethics climate (employees’ perceptions that their organization values and enforces ethically correct behavior) affected the diversity climate–turnover intentions relationship. Results indicated that ethics climate moderated the diversity climate–turnover intentions relationship. Turnover intentions were lowest among workers perceiving both a pro-diversity and highly ethical climate. These results reinforce the need to communicate both diversity values and ethical standards to employees.
The New Savory Wild Mushroom

IntroductionBoletesChanterellesGilled MushroomsPolyporesSpine FungiCoral FungiJelly FungiPuffballs, Earthstars, and False TrufflesCup Fungi, Helvellas, Morels, False Morels, and TrufflesMushroom Poisons, by Varro E. Tyler
Modeling student online learning using clustering

This paper discusses and evaluates a modeling approach for student online learning. It is developed as a key component of an adaptive online tutoring system, AToL. At the beginning of the learning process, classification of student learning style is applied based on each student's responses to a few learning related questions. Clustering is then used to model student behavior for each learning style using data collected as the students interact with the system. A Bayesian Markov chain based temporal data clustering method is developed for this step. We evaluated the student modeling component of the AToL system using data collected from the CS-I students who participated in the experiments in Spring 05. We compared the quality of the models built using these two approaches. We also compared the models built for the same group of students when learning different concepts.
On the investigation of coarse-grained models for water: balancing computational efficiency and the retention of structural properties.

Developing accurate models of water for use in computer simulations is important for the study of many chemical and biological systems, including lipid bilayer self-assembly. The large temporal and spatial scales needed to study such self-assembly have led to the development and application of coarse-grained models for the lipid−lipid, lipid−solvent, and solvent−solvent interactions. Unfortunately, popular center-of-mass-based coarse-graining techniques are limited to modeling water with one water per be ad. In this work, we have utilized the K-means algorithm to determine the optimal clustering of waters to allow the mapping of multiple waters to single coarse-grained beads. Through the study of a simple mixture between water and an amphiphilic solute (1-pentanol), we find a four-water bead model has the optimal balance between computational efficiency and accurate solvation and structural properties when compared to water models ranging from one to nine waters per bead. The four-water model was subseque...
Vista Tigurina: Peter Martyr and European Reform (1556–1562)

John Calvin urged Peter Martyr Vermigli to leave Zurich to serve as pastor of the Italian church in Geneva. If Martyr were to join him, Calvin wrote in his February 1557 letter, he would share the task of giving biblical lectures and might even “resign the whole task to you, so far as your convenience will permit.” In a September letter to the Zurich Senate, Calvin again invited Martyr to Geneva where his mission would be “to the incredible profit of both the men of his own nation and ourselves.”
Computation of current and transconductance of a nonuniformly doped channel MOSFET with an arbitrary doping profile

Abstract For MOSFETs with a non-uniformly doped channel (NUDC), an efficient modeling method ensuring current continuity in the channel region, has been developed. Using the same set of equations, we can generate continuous and differentiable drain current vs gate voltage ( I D vs V G ) curves from subthreshold region to linear region. The amount of reverse threshold voltage ( V T ) vs gate length ( L ) roll-off effect in NUDC devices can be calculated. Special transconductance properties of NUDC MOSFETs are investigated with this method. Bulk bias effects, doping and field dependent mobility are also included in modeling. Use of this method is illustrated for a Gaussian profile and a step doping profile. As a result, I D vs V G nonlinearity, and transconductance g m peaking in the linear region are severe in NUDC MOSFETs, and such effects weaken as the degree of channel doping non-uniformity is reduced. Moreover, positioning of the nonuniform doping along the channel, as represented by the peak position of the Gaussian is found to relate to the degree of I D vs V G nonlinearity. This method is suitable for use in process parameter design, as well as an NUDC device model for SPICE capable of handling an arbitrary channel doping profile.
Candid candidate comments: The relationship between residency program selection factors and match list placements from ranked applicants

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between residency program selection factors and placements we received on candidates' match lists. Study design An annual (2001-2004) telephone survey of applicants (n = 140) ranked for acceptance to the department's residency program addressed 16 program selection factors important in choosing our site. Candidates' comments about these program selection factors were recorded. Logistic regression was conducted with program selection factors as independent variables and program receipt of candidates' top quartile match list rankings as the dependent variable. Results The overall response rate was 68% (n = 95). Applicants' positive ratings on 3 program selection factors were related to our receipt of top quartile match list rankings: 1) our capacity to meet personal career goals (odds ratio [OR] 4.59); 2) positive faculty-resident relationships (OR 1.97); and 3) suitable location (OR 1.96). Conclusion The single most important factor contributing to receipt of candidates' top quartile match list placements was positive perceptions of our program's abilities to meet their personal career goal needs.
Controlled release of neurotrophin-3 from fibrin gels for spinal cord injury

The goal of this work was to assess the feasibility of using affinity-based delivery systems to release neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in a controlled manner from fibrin gels as a therapy for spinal cord injury. A heparin-based delivery system (HBDS) was used to immobilize NT-3 within fibrin gels via non-covalent interactions to slow diffusion-based release of NT-3, thus allowing cell-activated degradation of fibrin to mediate release. The HBDS consists of three components: immobilized linker peptide, heparin and NT-3. The linker peptide contained a Factor XIIIa substrate and was covalently cross-linked to fibrin during polymerization. This immobilized linker peptide sequesters heparin within fibrin gels, and sequestered heparin binds NT-3, preventing its diffusion. Mathematical modeling was performed to examine the effect of heparin concentration on the fraction of NT-3 initially bound to fibrin. In vitro release studies confirmed that heparin concentration modulates diffusion-based release of NT-3. Fibrin gels containing the HBDS and NT-3 stimulated neural outgrowth from chick dorsal root ganglia by up to 54% versus unmodified fibrin, demonstrating that the NT-3 released is biologically active. In a preliminary in vivo study, fibrin gels containing the HBDS and NT-3 showed increased neural fiber density in spinal cord lesions versus unmodified fibrin at 9 days.
High-Flux SAPO-34 Membrane for CO2/N2 Separation

SAPO-34 membranes, synthesized by using multiple templates and reduced crystallization time, showed high CO2 permeability for separating CO2/N2 mixtures up to 230 °C. At a trans-membrane pressure drop of 138 kPa and an atmospheric pressure in the permeate side, one such membrane had a CO2 permeance of 1.2 × 10−6 mol/m2·s·Pa (= 3500 GPU) with a CO2/N2 separation selectivity of 32 for a 50/50 feed at 22 °C. At a feed pressure of 2.3 MPa (23 bar), the CO2 flux was as high as 75 kg/m2 h. The CO2/N2 separations were also investigated in part by using vacuum permeate pumping, where the membrane showed a CO2 permeance of 7.7 × 10−7 mol/m2·s·Pa and a CO2 permeate concentration of 93% for an equimolar feed at 22 °C. At 105 °C, adding 8% water vapor to the feed had almost no effect on the CO2/N2 separation selectivity. The CO2 permeance decreased by 37%, but it was recovered by calcination.
Measurements of a barotropic planetary vorticity mode in an eddy-resolving quasi-geostrophic model using acoustic tomography.

Abstract An acoustic source and receiver are placed at 800 m depth and are separated by 4000 km in a two-layer, steady-wind driven, flat bottom eddy-resolving quasi-geostrophic circulation model. Time series of sea surface elevation and upper and lower layer meridional currents are generated for comparison against a series of acoustic travel time. The spectra of the time series exhibit a broad mesoscale peak neat a period of 40 days. The spectrum of the acoustic travel time contains a significant peak which is not present in the spectra of the point measurements, due to a resonant barotropic osci11ation with a period of 29.0 days. In this numerical model, basin-scale tomographic measurements are a useful method of sensing the large-scale resonant barotropic oscillations because the tomographic system attenuates the “noise” from the mesoscale.
The value of emotionally expressive visual art in medical education

This paper approaches the topic of visual art in medical education from a philosophical perspective, drawing on arguments from epistemology, philosophy of science, aesthetics, and contemporary ethical theory. Several medical ethicists have noted that the traditional clinical paradigm may increase the epistemic and emotional distance between patient and physician in part by focusing on the physical body and medical technology. Some of these same writers recommend a new approach to patients based on empathy and increased attention to suffering. After reviewing these arguments, supporting examples, and recommendations, I explain how visual art that expresses or symbolizes the emotional response to illness could be used to introduce an additional paradigm into medical education. This would be a paradigm based on empathetic attention to patients' emotional experiences in illness. My own argument is that this additional way of perceiving and relating to patients may reduce the distance between patient and physician and may allow physicians to better meet the ideal of treating the patient as a person.
Teaching Program Development and Evaluation Through a Service Learning Project in Community-Based Adult Day Services

ABSTRACTThis paper examines an instructional methodology, service learning, as a method for teaching program development and evaluation in adult day service centers. Adult day service, an emerging practice area, provides an opportunity for students to learn program development while they explore and meet the occupational needs of elders living in the community. Students learn to design and implement day service activities to benefit both the agencies and people they are serving. In this study, 39 students were surveyed before and after a service learning experience to determine if they perceived service learning as effective in increasing knowledge and confidence to develop, implement, and evaluate an adult day services program module. In an evaluation of the service learning project, students reported that their knowledge and confidence increased significantly in assessing organizations and populations, designing and carrying out an activity with well elderly, and creating an evaluation measure. Furtherm...
The International Society of Photosynthesis Research (ISPR) and its associated International Congress on Photosynthesis (ICP): a pictorial report

We present here some thoughts on the origin of the International Society of Photosynthesis Research (ISPR). We provide two tables, one of the Officers of the ISPR and the International Photosynthesis Committee, and the other of the Organizers of the International Congress of Photosynthesis (ICP) from the 14th ICP (PS07 in Glasgow) to the 9th ICP (in Nagoya). In celebration of the 14th ICP, we provide here a collection of photographs of the many involved in the ISPR and the ICP as well as some of the others. We end this presentation with the list of members of the committees of the ISPR. If there are any errors in this report, we request the readers to send them to one of us (G; gov@uiuc.edu). Further, we are seeking recollections on ISPR and the Congresses from all the readers of the events during the 1992–1998 period. Hopefully, these will shed further light on the origin and the evolution of the ISPR. These will aid in the preparation of a more complete history of the origin and the evolution of ISPR for publication in 2008.
Thermal decomposition of condensed-phase nitromethane from molecular dynamics from ReaxFF reactive dynamics.

We studied the thermal decomposition and subsequent reaction of the energetic material nitromethane (CH3NO2) using molecular dynamics with ReaxFF, a first principles-based reactive force field. We characterize the chemistry of liquid and solid nitromethane at high temperatures (2000−3000 K) and density 1.97 g/cm3 for times up to 200 ps. At T = 3000 K the first reaction in the decomposition of nitromethane is an intermolecular proton transfer leading to CH3NOOH and CH2NO2. For lower temperatures (T = 2500 and 2000 K) the first reaction during decomposition is often an isomerization reaction involving the scission of the C−N bond the formation of a C−O bond to form methyl nitrate (CH3ONO). Also at very early times we observe intramolecular proton transfer events. The main product of these reactions is H2O which starts forming following those initiation steps. The appearance of H2O marks the beginning of the exothermic chemistry. Recent quantum-mechanics-based molecular dynamics simulations on the chemical r...
On-chip whole-animal manipulation for high-throughput subcellular-resolution in-vivo drug/genetic screening

Techniques for rapid and automated small-animal manipulation and immobilization are necessary for high-throughput in vivo genetic/drug screens using cellular and sub-cellular features in multicellular organisms. We present a suite of technologies for complex high-throughput whole-animal genetic and drug screens. We demonstrate a high-speed microfluidic sorter that can isolate and immobilize Caenorhabditis elegans in a well-defined geometry, an integrated chip containing individually addressable screening chambers for incubation and exposure of individual animals to biochemical compounds, and a device for delivery of compound libraries in standard multiwell plates to microfluidic devices. The immobilization stability obtained by these devices is comparable to that of chemical anesthesia and the immobilization process does not affect lifespan, progeny production, or other aspects of animal health. The high-stability enables the use of a variety of key optical techniques. We use this to demonstrate femtosecond-laser nanosurgery and three-dimensional multiphoton microscopy to study neural regeneration at sub-cellular resolution in vivo.
Bioactivities of simplified adociaquinone B and naphthoquinone derivatives against Cdc25B, MKP-1, and MKP-3 phosphatases

Some simplified adociaquinone B analogs and a series of 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized and tested against the three enzymes Cdc25B, MKP-1, and MKP-3. Cdc25B and MKP-1 in particular are enzymes overexpressed in human cancer cells, and they represent potential molecular targets for novel cancer chemotherapeutic treatments. A number of analogs exhibited significant inhibitory activity against these enzymes, and the bioassay data in addition to structure-activity relationships of these compounds will be discussed.
A versatile and green mechanochemical route for aldehyde-oxime conversions.

A robust, facile and solvent-free mechanochemical path for aldehyde–oxime transformations using hydroxylamine and NaOH is explored; the method is suitable for aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes decorated with a range of substituents.
ECR Enhancement of Low Pressure PECVD Diamond Synthesis

Diamond films have been synthesized by microwave Plasma Enhanced CVD (PECVD) and permanent magnet induced Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) PECVD of hydrogen diluted methane. The films are characterized by SEM images and Raman spectroscopy. The diamond films grown by ECR-PECVD show clear-cut habits of cubic crystal in SEM images, while the film grown by microwave PECVD are the polycrystalline. A Raman line at 1333cm ‒1 and broad band located at ∼ 1500 cm ‒1 were obtained for the films grown by both methods. However, the film grown by microwave PECVD shows a larger broad band which is associated with an sp 2 -bonded graphitic phase
Yield Reduction in Apple by Edaphic Woolly Apple Aphid (Holnoptera: Aphididae) Populations

An apple orchard, planted in 1986, was studied to evaluate the effect of rootfeeding (edaphic) woolly apple aphids, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann), on tree growth and productivity. Tree trunk diameter and branch linear growth were measured yearly from 1989 to 1992; fruit weight, number of fruit, fruit drop, and fruit set for 1991 and 1992 were regressed against the number of aphid colonies on roots and a root infestation rating. Linear growth was significantly reduced by edaphic woolly apple aphids in 1989 and 1991. In 1991, with low fruit production, yield was unaffected by edaphic woolly apple aphids. In 1992, with high fruit production, there was a significant reduction in the number of fruit and weight of fruit per tree by the number of root colonies, partly because of increased fruit drop and reduced fruit set. Average yield loss was 2.4 kg (5.28 pounds) or 13 apples per tree. Based on a typical packout and actual prices for 1992, the gross loss was $465.18/ha ($188.25/acre). Woolly apple aphids were on only 11.5% of terminals and wounds in this orchard. Reduction in amount of storage carbohydrates in galled roots is a partial explanation of how this aphid reduces tree growth and production.
Novel Testing System for Evaluating the Thermal Stability of Polyol Ester Lubricants

This paper reports the development of a novel testing system for evaluating the thermal stability of polyol ester lubricants. The thermal degradation of three pentaerythritol tetrapelargonate based lubricants in the temperature range of 180−220 °C was studied using the developed comprehensive system. The system includes (1) a high-temperature quartz crystal microbalance for the real-time, in situ measurement of the solid residual deposition on metal surfaces and the viscosity change of thermally stressed liquid phase; (2) an on-line gas chromatograph for monitoring the volatiles generation in real time; and (3) an off-line gel permeation chromatograph for determining the molecular weight distribution of the liquid-phase products. The results indicate that the strategy can provide an integrated picture of the thermal stability of lubricants by providing quantitative, real-time, in situ information on gas-, liquid-, and solid-phase products during the thermal decomposition of the lubricants.
Esophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes

The esophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease include peptic esophageal erosion and ulceration, peptic esophageal strictures, and Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopy is the diagnostic procedure of choice for the initial evaluation of lesions. For most patients, symptoms can be controlled with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. PPIs are also highly effective for healing esophageal erosions and ulcerations and for preventing recurrence of peptic esophageal strictures. Because Barrett's esophagus predisposes individuals to esophageal adenocarcinoma, these patients are advised to have regular endoscopic surveillance to detect early, curable neoplasms.
Ion implantation effects in alkali-borosilicate glasses

Abstract Complex alkali-borosilicate glasses are being studied, and used, as media for radioactive waste encapsulation. The effects of radiation from α-decay processes on the physical properties of such glasses is of interest. The energy deposited in the glass by such decay processes can be simulated by ion implantation. We have examined the effects of ion implantation (He, Ar, Xe) on (1 - x)M2O.xB2/3.3SiO2, (M = Na, K; x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) glass, through measurements of induced stress (due to changes in volume Δ V/V) in the implanted glasses fabricated in the form of thin cantilever beams. These measurements show, as general features, (1) an initial expansion, over a fluence range governed by the alkali content, followed by compaction; (2) the maximum stress in the compaction regime is greatest for lowest alkali levels; and (3) the stress data scale with energy into electronic processes for the various ions and for all the glasses. These data suggest that the interstital alkali plays an important r...
Human CksHs2 atomic structure: a role for its hexameric assembly in cell cycle control

The cell cycle regulatory protein CksHs2 binds to the catalytic subunit of the cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk9s) and is essential for their biological function. The crystal structure of the protein was determined at 2.1 A resolution. The CksHs2 structure is an unexpected hexamer formed by the symmetric assembly of three interlocked dimers into an unusual 12-stranded beta barrel fold that may represent a prototype for this class of protein structures. Sequence-conserved regions form the unusual beta strand exchange between the subunits of the dimer, and the metal and anion binding sites associated with the hexamer assembly. The two other sequence-conserved regions line a 12 A diameter tunnel through the beta barrel and form the six exposed, charged helix pairs. Six kinase subunits can be modeled to bind the assembled hexamer without collision, and therefore this CksHs2 hexamer may participate in cell cycle control by acting as the hub for Cdk multimerization in vivo.
On the instability and rupture of droplets and bubbles in strong electric fields

Abstract An approximate quantitative theory of the equilibrium of a bubble or droplet in a uniform electric field is developed and applied to earlier experimental results. An explanation of the oscillation of bubbles in strong fields and the difference in behavior of positive and negative bubbles is explained on the basis of the discharge of electricity from points.
خواطر لاهوتيّة في الحفاظ على البيئة

تقوم هذه الورقة بتحليل و عرض الأسباب الاهوتية للحفاظ والاهتمام بالبيئة، و البحث قائم على الأديان السماوية الثلاثة -ـ اليهودية و المسيحية و الإسلام. و الإنسان يقع على عاتقه مسؤولية الحفاظ على البيئة ليس فقط لأسباب إجتماعية و لكن بسبب كون "الإنسان مخلوق الله" و "أن الكون و ما فيه خليفة الله". و وضع الإنسان في هذا الكون ليس ليعبث و يدمر الطبيعة، و يشرح البحث وضع و دور الإنسان في هذا الكون من خلال الإسلام و المسيحية ، و يتم معرفة تلك الأسباب و المعاني.و يقر الكاتب أن الإنسان لن يستطيع و لن يجرؤ على تشويه تلك المعاني "التي أبدعها الله" و كيف يمكن لمخلوق "شاءه الله ممثلا إياه في العالم" أن يقوم بتشويه و تدمير الطبيعة و مخلوقاتها. و تلك الأسباب التي وجدت و تم استنتاجها تشكل أسس و مقومات مسؤولية الإنسان تجاه الطبيعة، حيث أنه بالحفاظ على البيئةيعود الإنسان إلى وضعه الفطري النقي .
Training a New Generation of Leaders

This article highlights the Eisenhower Leadership Development Program, an undergraduate course with a two-fold purpose: (1) to develop students' leadership skills and abilities, and (2) to foster i...
Sexual dimorphism of arrestment and gregariousness in the bed bug (Cimex lectularius) in response to cuticular extracts from nymphal exuviae.

Releaser pheromones have direct behavioural effects to arrest, attract or disperse insects, whereas interactions within groups of social insects are often influenced by primer pheromones. The behaviour of insects displaying intermediate levels of sociality is largely unexplored in this context. In the present study, both the gregariousness and arrestment (settling near the odour source) of bed bugs Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in response to conspecific exuvial extracts are described. Adult males are arrested on filter papers with extracts derived from exuviae of fifth-instar nymphs. Adult females and nymphs display no significant evidence for such behaviour. Adults of both sexes show no preference for extracts of male versus female fifth-instar exuviae. Arrestment of adult males does not occur on papers treated with fourth-instar exuvial extracts. Because the insects are assayed behaviourally in groups, an index is calculated describing how far bugs are away from being located independently of one another, as a measure of gregariousness. Adult males have lower values for this index (i.e. locations are closer to independence). Adult females, nymph cohorts and mixed age groups all have higher values for this index, which tend to increase over time. Females exhibit a clear increasing dose-dependent relationship for this index. It is concluded that the extracts of fifth-instar nymphal exuvia arrest males on refuges that possess the odour source. However, gregariousness is induced in females, without evidence of a tendency to assemble near the odour source.
Long-term neuropsychological outcomes of very low birth weight: Associations with early risks for periventricular brain insults

Few follow-up studies of children with very low birth weight (VLBW, <1,500 g) have examined neuropsychological sequelae at later ages or neonatal risks as predictors of these outcomes. The present study assessed cognitive skills at mean age 16 years in 48 participants with <750 g birth weight, 47 with 750-1,499 g birth weight, and 52 term-born controls. Our major objectives were to delineate the long-term cognitive consequences of VLBW, and to determine if risks for periventricular brain insults accounted for variations in outcomes. Analysis revealed poorer outcomes for the <750 g group than for term-born controls on nearly all measures, with specific impairments in visual-motor skills, spatial memory, and executive function. Predictors of outcome for participants with VLBW included lower birth weight, lower weight for gestational age, and a longer period of oxygen requirement for chronic lung disease. The longer-term consequences of VLBW are consistent with expectations based on early brain pathology and suggest limitations to functional plasticity.
Coupling of Ras and Rac Guanosine Triphosphatases Through the Ras Exchanger Sos

The Son of Sevenless (Sos) proteins control receptor-mediated activation of Ras by catalyzing the exchange of guanosine diphosphate for guanosine triphosphate on Ras. The NH2-terminal region of Sos contains a Dbl homology (DH) domain in tandem with a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. In COS-1 cells, the DH domain of Sos stimulated guanine nucleotide exchange on Rac but not Cdc42 in vitro and in vivo. The tandem DH-PH domain of Sos (DH-PH-Sos) was defective in Rac activation but regained Rac stimulating activity when it was coexpressed with activated Ras. Ras-mediated activation of DH-PH-Sos did not require activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase but it was dependent on activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase. These results reveal a potential mechanism for coupling of Ras and Rac signaling pathways.
Crystalline lens MTF measurement during simulated accommodation

Purpose: To design and test an optical system to measure the optical quality of post mortem lenses during simulated accommodation. Methods: An optical bench top system was designed to measure the point spread function and calculate the modulation transfer function (MTF) of monkey and human ex-vivo crystalline lenses. The system consists of a super luminescent diode emitting at 850nm, collimated into a 3mm beam which is focused by the ex-vivo lens under test. The intensity distribution at the focus (point spread function) is re-imaged and magnified onto a beam profiler CCD camera. The optical quality in terms of spatial frequency response (modulation transfer function) is calculated by Fourier transform of the point spread function. The system was used on ex-vivo lenses with attached zonules, ciliary body and sclera. The sclera was glued to 8 separate PMMA segments and stretched radial by 5mm on an accommodation simulating lens stretching device. The point spread function was measured for each lens in the relaxed and stretched state for 5 human (ages 38-86 years) and 5 cynomolgus monkey (ages 53 - 67 months) fresh post mortem crystalline lenses. Results: Stretching induced measurable changes in the MTF. The cutoff frequency increased from 54.4±13.6 lp/mm unstretched to 59.5±21.4 lp/mm stretched in the post-presbyopic human and from 51.9±24.7 lp/mm unstretched to 57.7±18.5 lp/mm stretched cynomolgus monkey lenses. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the optical quality of ex-vivo human and cynomolgus monkey lenses during simulated accommodation. Additional experiments are underway to quantify changes in optical quality induced by stretching.
A Survey of the Use of National Weather Service Forecasts by Television Weather Forecasters in the United States

Abstract This investigation was undertaken to determine how different the weather forecasts of telecasters are from those of the National Weather Service for the same areas and times, and the sources of information telecasters use when they modify the NWS forecast or develop their own. Questionnaires were mailed to 453 television weatherpersons, most of whom were seal holders of the AMS; 67 percent were returned. It was determined that 1) only 6% of all respondents do not consider the NWS forecast at all, whereas for almost 60% this consideration is moderate or heavy; 2) the percentages of those who transmit a.forecast different from that of the NWS 0–10%, 40–60% and 90–100% of the time are 16, 30 and 8, respectively; 3) when the forecast issued was different from that of the NWS, the elements most likely to be different were precipitation (84%), temperature (82), state of sky (66), and wind speed and direction (34); 4) the factors that influence the telecaster to issue a different forecast are, in order,...
The Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

: A rational approach to the diagnosis of osteoporosis by the primary care physician is outlined, with emphasis on the patient who presents with chronic back pain and a vertebral compression fracture. The basic information includes data from the patient's history and physical examination, laboratory, x-ray and bone biopsy studies, and determination of bone mineral content (BMC) by photon absorptiometry. Characteristic radiologic features associated with bone loss, BMC changes, and bone biopsy findings are illustrated. This diagnostic approach, summarized in a flow diagram, poses a series of questions; the answer to each question leads either to a diagnostic conclusion or to further questions which must be answered. This permits decision as to whether a compression fracture is due to trauma, local osteoporosis, osteomalacia, secondary osteoporosis or primary osteoporosis. In the study population (150 subjects), 80 percent of patients presenting with vertebral compression fractures had primary osteoporosis.