cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A control structure for PWM-controlled static synchronous compensators under unbalanced conditions and grid faults

Abstract Grid connected Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) are the heart of many applications with power quality concerns due to their reactive power controllability. Among the widely used grid-connected applications of the VSCs, the Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) are commonly used for compensating the voltage quality problems that come from voltage sag and swell. In spite of superior feature of fast voltage regulation and reactive power support functionality, VSC-based STATCOMs have the major drawback of being sensitive to the grid disturbances, especially the unbalanced condition and faults. Moreover, when the STATCOMs are used in the Distributed Generation (DG) applications or reactive power support of the sensitive industrial load, the unbalanced condition becomes even more intolerable. Protection system usually trips due to over current or highly distorted current caused by negative sequence current flow under unbalanced conditions and system faults. This paper propose an alternative control structure to keep the VSC-based STATCOM online during the unbalanced condition and system faults by limiting the negative sequence current. This eliminates the need to redesign/overdesign of the STACOM power components and over rating of the semiconductor switches to operate under fault current. Converter MVA rating reduction will decrease the cost significantly. Proposed controller performance has been verified by simulation and Hardware-In-the-Loop test.
Enhancement of detection for partially methylated alditol acetates by chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract Chemical ionization (methane) mass spectrometry can be used to greatly enhance the sensitivity of detection of partially methylated alditol acetates of neutral and amino sugars by removing background from gas chromatograms. Limited mass chromatograms can be constructed by plotting the intensity of (MH-60)+ ions for neutral sugar derivatives and (MH)− ions for amino sugar derivatives at each mass spectrometric scan number. Each substitution of a methyl with an acetyl group (signifying a glycosidically substituted sugar) increases the mass of the partially methylated alditol acetate by 28 daltons. Therefore, each set of derivatives of a certain substitution number can be plotted by a single ion of high intensity. These can be plotted individually, showing mass chromatograms that can depict terminal, mono-, di-, or higher substituted derivatives. More useful is a composite multiple mass chromatogram giving a complete profile of all possible sugar derivatives in the sample, but with greatly enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. Starting with a weighed amount of known standard and diluting to known concentration of the final derivative, we can detect usable peaks from as little as 100 pg per peak, with 1 to 10 ng suitable for routine analysis. Starting with an unknown sample of saccharide and preparing the partially methylated alditol acetates requires more material, due to losses during preparative steps. Useful information can be gained from 5 to 20 μg of oligosaccharide.
Light Deposition in Dental Hard Tissue and Simulated Thermal Response

Near-IR (approximately 1 micron) lasers are presently used for a variety of intra-oral applications including dental hard tissue ablation, although the light intensity distribution and subsequent heating of the hard tissue are still poorly understood. This paper presents a detailed numerical study of the scattered light intensity distribution along with the corresponding predicted thermal response. The calculations are based on recently published scattering and absorption data for dental hard tissue around 1 micron. Our simulations indicate strongly enhanced energy deposition and concomitant heating near the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ), mainly due to the higher absorption in dentin. We predict from 10 to 20 times higher internal temperatures near the DEJ compared with the surface. For example, for 50-ms pulses of 5-J energy on a 3-mm-diameter spot (approximately 1 kW/cm2 or approximately 50 J/cm2), one can expect internal temperatures near the DEJ in excess of 100 degrees C. Elevated temperatures are predicted to extend far into the dentin, endangering the vitality of the pulp several millimeters below the surface. Our results are compared with published experimental data taken under similar conditions and are found to be in good general agreement. The results of this study do not contradict recently reported ablation of dentin with Nd:YAG laser radiation by contact fiber probes. In this case, the irradiation intensities are 3 to 4 orders of magnitude higher, so plasma formation and plasma shielding of the interior of the tooth are likely.
Commentary: Summary statistics of poor quality studies must be treated cautiously

Apart from the lack of adherence to modern standards of trial design, a striking feature of the studies considered by Frank Shann is the extreme degree of heterogeneity of the findings. Shann argues that this combination of heterogeneity and low quality precludes the confident estimation of a summary measure of treatment effectiveness against development of pneumonia or sepsis. I will try to show that exploring sources of heterogeneity in situations such as this can provide clinical insights and generate hypotheses. Unfortunately, given the uniformly suboptimal quality of the existing studies, we cannot examine quality of the studies as a source of heterogeneity. At the same time, its uniform poorness means that study quality …
A universal nucleoside for use at ambiguous sites in DNA primers

A non-discriminatory base analogue, or universal base, would be an invaluable component of oligonucleotide probes and primers for solving the design problems that arise as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, or when only fragmentary peptide sequence data are available. We have designed an alternative to previous universal nucleoside candidates, a new analogue, 1-(2'-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-3-nitropyrrole (designated M; Fig. 1), which maximizes stacking while minimizing hydrogen-bonding interactions without sterically disrupting a DNA duplex. Oligonucleotides containing M at several sites were used as primers for sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction. The sequencing primer d(5'-CGT AAM CAM AAM ACM AT-3') is as effective as the exact match d(5'-CGT AAT CAG AAA ACA AT-3'). It is also possible to sequence using a primer containing M at several contiguous positions, for example d(5'-CGT AAT MMM MMM MMM AT-3'). Melting curves show that duplexes formed on hybridization of the sequences d(5'-CCT TTT TMT TTT TGG-3') and d(5'-CCA AAA AXA AAA AGG-3'), where X is A, C, G or T, melted at a lower temperature than the corresponding duplexes containing only d(A.T) and d(C.G) base pairs, but showing little variation among different X bases (Tm range 3 degrees C).
Quaternions and matrices of quaternions

Abstract We give a brief survey on quaternions and matrices of quaternions, present new proofs for certain known results, and discuss the quaternionic analogues of complex matrices. The methods of converting a quaternion matrix to a pair of complex matrices and homotopy theory are emphasized.
Elastic wave scattering by cracks and inclusions in plates: in-plane case

Abstract The scattering of elastic waves in a plate by a distribution of inclusions and/or cracks within a finite zone is studied by a combination of analytical and finite element methods. The incident field is generated by either a time harmonic beam of finite width or guided waves. A part of the plate containing the inclusions/cracks (interior region) is modeled by conventional finite elements. The far-field (exterior region) is approximated by a number of guided (Lamb) wave modes with real wave numbers. The scattered and total fields (displacements and stresses) are obtained by matching the two regions to satisfy the displacement and stress compatibilities at the near field-far field boundary. Numerical results are presented showing the effects of cracks and inclusions in a plate.
Direct and Indirect Water Consumption in Vehicle Manufacturing

There is a growing need to include the availability of water sources as a design criterion because future forecasts suggest that water demands will increase significantly while freshwater resources are being depleted. In this paper, we focus on the amounts of water that are consumed in automotive vehicle manufacturing and life-cycle processes. Although water use is typically metered at the factory level, water consumption (i.e., water lost through evaporation and/or incorporation into a material, part, and/or product) is much harder to quantify. In this paper, we will discuss the amount of water consumed directly in vehicle manufacturing and the vehicle life cycle processes. This “direct” water consumption can be directly traced to the vehicle manufacturing analogously to direct labor. It will also be shown that indirect processes, specifically, electricity production and consumption also counts for a significant amount of water consumption. Reduction of electricity consumption, in particular from thermo-electric power plants, can lead to substantial water consumption reductions, and thus win-win situations. The impact of water consumption varies by region and locality, and the impact of water saving technologies in production may be negated by increased use of electricity in water scarce regions.© 2012 ASME
Topiramate-induced confusion following a single ingestion of 400 mg

Abstract Background Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used for a variety of neurological disorders including migraine prophylaxis. Broadened use of topiramate has brought an increased awareness of toxicity from this medication, particularly central nervous system side effects and metabolic acidosis. Objective We describe a case of topiramate toxicity occurring in a 22-year-old female following the ingestion of two 200 mg tablets, which she was prescribed for the treatment of migraines. Results During her outpatient cardiology evaluation for suspected postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), the patient experienced flushing and anxiety. Upon transfer to our hospital she was tachycardic, hypertensive, and confused. Her autonomic symptoms were consistent with her prior episodes of autonomic instability, while the confusion was new. Admission laboratory values revealed a metabolic acidosis with a mildly elevated anion gap. A blood topiramate level returned a value of 8.4 mg/L 15 h after the ingestion. Her symptoms cleared within 24 h following admission. Conclusion Clinicians should consider topiramate toxicity in their differential diagnosis for patients with neurological diseases presenting with acute-onset confusion and metabolic acidosis.
Theory and applications of strongly bound excitons in layered transition-metal dichalcogenides

A minimalistic exciton model is developed to describe the excitons in pristine semiconducting crystals. The model accounts for the lattice, spin-orbit, and exchange interactions, and hence describes how excitons interact with electrons and photons.
Core module network construction for breast cancer metastasis

For prognostic and diagnostic purposes, it is crucial to be able to separate the group of “driver” genes and their first-degree neighbours, (i.e. “core module”) from the general “disease module”. To facilitate this task, we developed a novel computational framework COMBINER: COre Module Biomarker Identification with Network ExploRation. We applied COMBINER to three benchmark breast cancer datasets for identifying prognostic biomarkers. We generated a list of “driver genes” by finding the common core modules between two sets of COMBINER markers identified with different module inference protocols. Overlaying the markers on the map of “the hallmarks of cancer” and constructing a weighted regulatory network with sensitivity analysis, we validated 29 driver genes. Our results show the COMBINER framework to be a promising approach for identifying and characterizing core modules and driver genes of many complex diseases.
Integrating the therapeutic community and work release for drug-involved offenders: The CREST program

As the nation's first therapeutic community (TC) and work release center for drug involved offenders, CREST combines the basic elements of both modalities into an effective agent for behavioral change. This article explores the ways in which these elements are integrated and applied, and the outcome of such treatment as determined by subsequent substance abuse and criminal activity. Clients entering the program from prison progress through several phases of counseling, group interaction, confrontation, and education before they enter the work release phase, where they gain realistic experience and can implement what they learned in the TC concerning living drug free. Follow-up data collected at 6 and 18 months after entry into the program indicate that CREST clients have significantly lower relapse and recidivism rates than a comparable comparison group. CREST has similar effects on relapse and recidivism across sexes, racial/ethnic groups, and different age categories, although length of time in treatment and whether clients graduated do impact outcome variables.
Do biomaterials cause implant-associated mesenchymal tumors of the breast? Analysis of 8 new cases and review of the literature

Implant-associated mesenchymal tumors (IAMT) of the breast are rare, and most are fibromatoses. There has been no systematic analysis of IAMT to determine their full histologic spectrum, whether there is an association with implant type or rupture, and if evidence supports a causal or fortuitous relationship between tumor and implant. We, therefore, analyzed all mesenchymal tumors associated with breast implants from our soft tissue consultation database spanning a period from 1989 to 2005. Information regarding location, type, and integrity of implant and its temporal relationship to tumor was recorded. Eight IAMT were identified exclusively in female patients (ages 28-64 years; median, 38 years), all of whom presented with a palpable mass. Tumors developed after placement of either a silicone (n = 7) or saline (n = 1) implant (median, 2 years; range, 1.8-10 years), which was usually inserted for cosmetic purposes (n = 7). All tumors arose in or around the capsule of a grossly intact implant, and in one case, the tumor was confined exclusively to the implant capsule. In patients with silicone implants, silicone granulomas were identified within the capsule and associated neoplasm despite the integrity of the implant. Six cases were fibromatoses; one was a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma; and one was a fibrosarcoma. None of the patients with fibromatosis was known to have familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Gardner syndrome, although one had Poland syndrome (aplasia of the thorax). One patient with a sarcoma had received radiation 10 years previously for breast carcinoma. Six patients were treated with local excision, one with a wide excision, and one patient with fibromatosis was treated with medical therapy. Median follow-up was 3.2 years (range, 16-92 months). One of the 5 patients with fibromatosis developed 2 recurrences. Neither of the 2 patients with sarcomas has developed metastasis. No patient has died of disease. We conclude that IAMT comprise 2 distinct groups-fibromatosis and sarcoma. Surgical trauma, perhaps occurring in patients with a predisposition to develop desmoid tumors, could account for fibromatosis in this setting. The causal relationship between implants and sarcomas is difficult to assess given the rarity of these tumors and that some may be radiation induced. However, at present, there is insufficient evidence to claim that they are biomaterial related.
Comparison of minimum logit chi-square and Bayesian item parameter estimation

Under the minimum logit chi-square estimation procedures implemented in the MICRO-IRT computer program, an ancillary outcome of the application of the 1/2n rule was that large-valued estimates of discrimination can often be prevented. Since the use of prior distributions on the discrimination parameters in Bayesian estimation also prevents such values, a comparison of the two estimation procedures was conducted. The two estimation procedures were applied to 36 simulated data sets involving small numbers of items and groups of examinees to compare their parameter recovery characteristics. Overall, the item and ability parameter estimates yielded by the two estimation procedures were comparable to each other and to the results of previous parameter recovery studies. Both approaches seemed to prevent excessively large item discrimination estimates. However, the minimum logit chi-square procedure yielded a higher proportion of deviant estimates of item difficulty than did the Bayesian procedures of the BILOG computer program. This appears to be due to the 1/2n rule yielding small-valued item discrimination estimates. The results suggest that the Bayesian procedures of the BILOG computer program are to be preferred.
Towards Fault-Tolerant RF Front Ends

The continuing trends of scaling have brought with them an ever-increasing array of process faults and fabrication complexities. The relentless march towards miniaturization and massive integration, in addition to increasing operating frequencies has resulted in increasing concerns about the reliability of integrated RF front-ends. Coupled with rising cost per chip, the fault-tolerant paradigm has become pertinent in the RFIC domain. Due to the high frequencies involved, traditional fault-tolerance methods used in digital and lower frequency analog circuits cannot be applied. We propose a unique methodology to achieve fault-tolerance in RF circuits through dynamic sensing and on-chip self-correction, along with the development of robust algorithms. This technique, which poses minimal overheads and is transparent during `normal' use of the circuit, is demonstrated on a cascode LNA, since the LNA is critical for the performance of the entire front-end. We present simulation and fabricated results of the system designed in IBM 0.25 ?m CMOS 6RF process.
Predicting benzene fluxes in NaX membranes from atomistic simulations of cooperative diffusivities

In the preceding companion article, we reported high-temperature molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to trace single-molecule as well as collective mean square displacements over a range of temperatures (600−1500 K) and loadings (infinite dilution to four benzenes per supercage) to evaluate respectively the self-diffusivities and cooperative (alternatively Maxwell−Stefan) diffusivities of benzene in NaX (Si:Al = 1.2). In this follow-up article, we use the loading- and temperature-dependent Maxwell−Stefan diffusivities to predict single-component fluxes for benzene in NaX membranes at steady state as a function of typical experimental parameters such as temperature, benzene feed side and permeate side partial pressures. We explore whether support resistances need to be included in our transport model. We compare our model predictions with experimental permeation data and find that our MD-simulated diffusivities overestimate experimental fluxes by about 2 orders of magnitude when support resistance is ignor...
A molecular basis for human embryonic stem cell pluripotency.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are able to generate a wide array of differentiated cell fates while maintaining self-renewal. Understanding the biology of these choices may be central to the use of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs), both as a model for early human development as well as a resource for cell based therapies. Efforts to dissect the molecular mechanisms that mediate stem cell identity are underway, and in this review we summarize recent progress in defining the markers and pathways involved in these decisions. We discuss recent efforts to assess the molecular signature of pluripotent HESCs and highlight work demonstrating a set of genes, including representatives from the FGF, TGFβ, and Wnt signaling pathways, that consistently mark the undifferentiated state. In addition, we describe experiments in which signaling of HESCs is augmented by chemical probing with small molecule compounds. Using these compounds, we have demonstrated an important role for Wnt signaling in HESC pluripotency and shown a requirement for TGFβ signaling in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state. These experiments have revealed some molecular aspects of the pluripotent state and demonstrated clear differences between mouse and human ESCs in the maintenance of this identity.
Experimental observations of the dynamics of pellet ablation on the Texas Experimental Tokamak (TEXT)

The toroidally aligned filaments which are commonly observed to be formed by the ablation of a hydrogen fuelling pellet have been studied in TEXT. The ablatant forms the first distinguishable filament near a critical radius, which appears to be that of the q=2 surface. The positions of the other filaments can be predicted from the ballistic motion of the pellet and a simple time dependent model for pellet ablation. These experimental results indicate that a time dependent model may be required as a refinement of present ablation models.
Structural dimensions of small programming environments

Although substantial variety exists among small programming environments, common points-of-choice in their design suggest the following structural characterization: real or virtual hardware; message-passing or procedure-calling; static or dynamic binding; horizontal or vertical organization; abstract or concrete structures; fixed or extensible language. Often these dimensions must support a very focused programming idiom, which combined with other requirements such as portability or performance, establishes structural dependencies, precludes features and forces exceptions. The characterization provides a rough framework that is useful in evaluating programming environments.
Atlantic Tropical Cyclogenesis: A Three-Way Interaction between an African Easterly Wave, Diurnally Varying Convection, and a Convectively Coupled Atmospheric Kelvin Wave

AbstractThis paper explores a three-way interaction between an African easterly wave (AEW), the diurnal cycle of convection over the Guinea Highlands (GHs), and a convectively coupled atmospheric equatorial Kelvin wave (CCKW). These interactions resulted in the genesis of Tropical Storm Debby over the eastern tropical Atlantic during late August 2006. The diurnal cycle of convection downstream of the GHs during the month of August is explored. Convection associated with the coherent diurnal cycle is observed off the coast of West Africa during the morning. Later, convection initiates over and downstream of the GHs during the afternoon. These convective features were pronounced during the passage of the pre-Debby AEW. The superposition between the convectively active phase of a strong CCKW and the pre-Debby AEW occurred shortly after merging with the diurnally varying convection downstream of the GHs. The CCKW–AEW interaction preceded tropical cyclogenesis by 18 h. The CCKW provided a favorable environment...
Scoring protein interaction decoys using exposed residues (SPIDER): a novel multibody interaction scoring function based on frequent geometric patterns of interfacial residues.

Accurate prediction of the structure of protein–protein complexes in computational docking experiments remains a formidable challenge. It has been recognized that identifying native or native-like poses among multiple decoys is the major bottleneck of the current scoring functions used in docking. We have developed a novel multibody pose-scoring function that has no theoretical limit on the number of residues contributing to the individual interaction terms. We use a coarse-grain representation of a protein–protein complex where each residue is represented by its side chain centroid. We apply a computational geometry approach called Almost-Delaunay tessellation that transforms protein–protein complexes into a residue contact network, or an undirectional graph where vertex-residues are nodes connected by edges. This treatment forms a family of interfacial graphs representing a dataset of protein–protein complexes. We then employ frequent subgraph mining approach to identify common interfacial residue patterns that appear in at least a subset of native protein–protein interfaces. The geometrical parameters and frequency of occurrence of each “native” pattern in the training set are used to develop the new SPIDER scoring function. SPIDER was validated using standard “ZDOCK” benchmark dataset that was not used in the development of SPIDER. We demonstrate that SPIDER scoring function ranks native and native-like poses above geometrical decoys and that it exceeds in performance a popular ZRANK scoring function. SPIDER was ranked among the top scoring functions in a recent round of CAPRI (Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions) blind test of protein–protein docking methods. Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global performance prediction for divergence-based image registration criteria

Divergence measures find application in many areas of statistics, signal processing and machine learning, thus necessitating the need for good estimators of divergence measures. While several estimators of divergence measures have been proposed in literature, the performance of these estimators is not known. We propose a simple kNN density estimation based plug-in estimator for estimation of divergencemeasures. Based on the properties of kNN density estimates, we derive the bias, variance and mean square error of the estimator in terms of the sample size, the dimension of the samples and the underlying probability distribution. Based on these results, we specify the optimal choice of tuning parameters for minimum mean square error. We also present results on convergence in distribution of the proposed estimator. These results will establish a basis for analyzing the performance of image registration methods that maximize divergence.
The production and reproduction of knowledge in psychology

Abstract Modern psychology and social psychology, it is argued, are autonomous developments in the United States. Instead of reflecting the issues of Wilhelm Wundt's experimentation in the 1880s, modern psychology reflected American culture of the period 1890 to 1920 in that the focus was on individual adjustments and social control rather than on institutional change. Though the public mania for psychology was at an end by 1930, the same concerns were reproduced in a new generation of psychologists because of the institu‐tionalization of the apprenticeship system. This institutionalization was itself made possible by grants initially from philanthropies and increasingly after World War II by grants from the federal government. As a result of this system of funding research, there has been a change in the means of production of scientific knowledge, from craft to industrial production where knowledge is treated like a commodity with cash value and scientific function like entrepreneurs.
Esophageal replacement for benign disease

Abstract Esophageal resection is most frequently undertaken for malignancy. Indications for esophagectomy with reconstruction for benign disease include perforation, obstruction, and dysmotility. Considerations for operative planning must include the underlying disorder, localization, and extent of disease, and options for esophageal conduit based on prior surgical anatomical adjustment. We will review the indications and technical approaches to reconstruction in these circumstances, addressing the risks and benefits of each reconstruction option.
Mood effects on the ERP processing of emotional intensity in faces : A P3 investigation with depressed students

This study examined mood-relevant emotion processing in depression using event-related potentials (ERPs). Cognition in depression has been characterized as having attention and memory biases for negative (or mood relevant) information and away from positive (or mood incongruent) information, however, the time course and specificity of this processing during the perception of emotional expressions is not well known. In order to index specific information processing stages a visual oddball task with facial stimuli was utilized, with neutral expressions as the standard and targets varying on valence (happy and fear) and intensity (40%, 70% or 100% emotive) dimensions. Participants were 36 university students grouped according to their BDI-II scores; 18 non-depressed controls (BDI-II or=15, M=25.5), age- and sex-matched between groups. Mixed model ANOVAs revealed interactions between control and depressed participants with happy and fearful stimuli showing significantly reduced P3 amplitudes and P3 latencies for happy faces as well as significantly delayed P3 latencies specifically for 40% happy faces in depressed participants. These findings are interpreted as evidence for a diminished cognitive processing ability during emotion discrimination for low-intensity mood incongruous (happy) faces in depression.
Curcumin sensitizes human colorectal cancer to capecitabine by modulation of cyclin D1, COX-2, MMP-9, VEGF and CXCR4 expression in an orthotopic mouse model

Because of the poor prognosis and the development of resistance against chemotherapeutic drugs, the current treatment for advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is ineffective. Whether curcumin (a component of turmeric) can potentiate the effect of capecitabine against growth and metastasis of CRC was investigated. The effect of curcumin on proliferation of CRC cell lines was examined by mitochondrial dye-uptake assay, apoptosis by esterase staining, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and gene expression by Western blot analysis. The effect of curcumin on the growth and metastasis of CRC was also examined in orthotopically implanted tumors in nude mice. In vitro, curcumin inhibited the proliferation of human CRC cell lines, potentiated capecitabine-induced apoptosis, inhibited NF-kappaB activation and suppressed NF-kappaB-regulated gene products. In nude mice, the combination of curcumin and capecitabine was found to be more effective than either agent alone in reducing tumor volume (p = 0.001 vs. control; p = 0.031 vs. capecitabine alone), Ki-67 proliferation index (p = 0.001 vs. control) and microvessel density marker CD31. The combination treatment was also highly effective in suppressing ascites and distant metastasis to the liver, intestines, lungs, rectum and spleen. This effect was accompanied by suppressed expression of activated NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB-regulated gene products (cyclin D1,c-myc, bcl-2, bcl-xL, cIAP-1, COX-2, ICAM-1, MMP-9, CXCR4 and VEGF). Overall, our results suggest that curcumin sensitizes CRC to the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of capecitabine by suppressing NF-kappaB cell signaling pathway.
Comparative Survival and Demographic Statistics for Wild Oriental Fruit Fly, Mediterranean Fruit Fly, and Melon Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Papaya

Oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel; melon fly, Dacus cucurmtae Coquillett; and Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) were reared from hosts collected within 40km of papaya, Carica papaya L., orchards. Survivorship and demographic statistics were compared for experimental F1 populations established on papaya fruit under controlled laboratory conditions. C. capitata, D. dorsalis , and D. cucurmtae females survived a maximum of 109, 123, and 222 d, respectively. C. capitata , with the shortest mean generation time ( T = 39.9 d) and the highest net reproductive rate ( Ro = 173.3), had the highest intrinsic rate of increase ( rm = 0.13). D. dorsalis , with the second longest mean generation time ( T = 62.2 d) and the second highest net reproductive rate ( Ro = 167.2), had the second highest intrinsic rate of increase ( rm = 0.09). D. cucurmtae , with the longest mean generation time ( T = 71.7 d) and the lowest net reproductive rate ( Ro = 80.8), had the lowest intrinsic rate of increase ( Rm = 0.06). Results are discussed with respect to development of population management strategies in papaya orchards in Hawaii and eradication of fruit flies accidentally introduced into the U.S. mainland.
Remindings and their effects in learning a cognitive skill.

Abstract The early practice of cognitive skills includes many instances of remindings, the memory retrieval of earlier learning episodes. This paper provides experimental demonstration of remindings during the early phase of learning and examines their effect on performance. The effects of practice and difficulty are also examined. In Experiment 1, subjects learned to use a computer text editor. For each operation, two methods were taught, each with a different irrelevant context (e.g., type of textual material). At test, one of these contexts was reinstated. Overall, there was a tendency to use the method learned with similar material, but much of this “consistency” effect was due to tests in which the subjects mentioned (i.e., were reminded of) a learning exercise. In Experiments 2 and 3, subjects learned probability theory by studying abstract information and an example. The test example content might be the same as the study example content for that principle (appropriate), a content not shown before (unrelated), or a content studied with one of the other principles (inappropriate). In Experiment 2, the appropriate condition led to highest performance and the inappropriate condition led to lowest performance, as predicted. In Experiment 3, the same three conditions were used, but three of the principles used the same study example content, an interference manipulation. The facilitation effect found when the study and test examples had the same content was attenuated when the content was shared, as predicted. The implications of these results for theories of cognitive skill learning are discussed and a brief sketch of a theory is provided.
Mathematicians’ perspectives on their pedagogical practice with respect to proof

In this article, nine mathematicians were interviewed about their why and how they presented proofs in their advanced mathematics courses. Key findings include that: (1) the participants in this study presented proofs not to convince students that theorems were true but for reasons such as conveying understanding and illustrating methods, (2) participants believed students did not appreciate the complex processes involved in reading a proof but often did not teach these processes to students, (3) the participants used superficial methods to assess students� understanding of a proof and (4) some participants questioned whether proof was the best way to convey mathematics to all of their students
A Survey of Metal Lines at High-redshift (II) : SDSS Absorption Line Studies - OVI line density, space density and gas metallicity at z_abs ~ 3.0

We have analysed a large data set of OVI absorber candidates found in the spectra of 3702 SDSS quasars, focusing on a subsample of 387 AGN sightlines with an average S/N>5.0, allowing for detection of absorbers above rest-frame equivalents widths W_r>0.19 A for the OVI 1032 A component. Accounting for random interlopers mimicking an OVI doublet, we derive for the first time a secure lower limit for the redshift number density $\Delta N / \Delta z$ for redshifts z_abs>2.8. With extensive Monte Carlo simulations we quantify the losses of absorbers due to blending with the ubiquitous Lyman forest lines, and estimate the success rate of retrieving each individual candidate as a function of its redshift, the emission redshift of the quasar, the strength of the absorber and the measured S/N of the spectrum by modelling typical Ly forest spectra. These correction factors allow us to derive the 'incompleteness and S/N corrected' redshift number densities of OVI absorbers :$\Delta N _{OVI, c} / \Delta z_{c} (2.8 1.9x10^{-8} h^-1. We show that the strong lines we probe account for over 65\% of the mass in the OVI absorbers; the weak absorbers, while dominant in line number density, do not contribute significantly to the mass density. Making a conservative assumption about the ionisation fraction, and adopting the Anders (1989) solar abundance values, we derive the mean metallicty of the gas probed in our search : $\zeta (2.8 3.6 x 10^-4 h, in good agreement with other studies. These results demonstrate that large spectroscopic datasets such as SDSS can play an important role in QSO absorption line studies, in spite of the relatively low resolution.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 3'-Difluorovinyl Taxoids.

Abstract A series of 3′-difluorovinyl taxoids with C10 modifications, as well as those with C2 and C10 modifications, were strategically designed to block the metabolism by cytochrome P-450 3A4 enzyme and synthesized. These novel difluorovinyl taxoids were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against drug-sensitive human breast (MCF7), multidrug-resistant (MDR) human ovarian (NCI/ADR), human colon (HT-29) and human pancreatic (PANC-1) cancer cell lines. 3′-Difluorovinyl taxoids exhibit several to 16 times better activity against MCF7, HT-29 and PANC-1 cell lines and up to three orders of magnitude higher potency against NCI/ADR cell line as compared to paclitaxel. Structure–activity relationship study shows the critical importance of the C2 modifications on the activity against MDR cancer cell line, while the C10 modifications have a rather minor effect on the potency with some exceptions. The effect of the C2 modifications on potency against MCF7 cell line increases in the following order: H 3 . Among the twenty five 3′-difluorovinyl taxoids evaluated, eight taxoids exhibited less than 100 pM IC 50 values against MCF7 cell line. Difluorovinyl taxoids induced GTP-independent tubulin polymerization much faster than paclitaxel. Then, the resulting microtubules were stable to Ca 2+ -induced depolymerization, indicating strong stabilization of microtubules. Molecular modeling study indicated that a difluorovinyl taxoid binds to β-tubulin in a manner that is consistent with the REDOR-Taxol structure. The difluorovinyl group appears to mimic the isobutenyl group to some extent, but with very different electronic property, which may account for the unique activities of difluorovinyl taxoids.
Bacterial Induction of Early Response Genes and Activation of Proapoptotic Factors in Pleural Mesothelial Cells

In bacterial empyema the pleural mesothelium is constantly exposed to microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most frequent pathogens associated with empyema. In an earlier study we demonstrated that S. aureus induced barrier dysfunction in pleural mesothelial cell monolayers. In the present study we report that S. aureus activates the early response genes c-fos and c-jun and activator protein-1 (AP-1), and induces proapoptosis genes Bad and Bak in primary mouse pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs). Our data indicate that in PMCs S. aureus induces apoptosis in a time- and multiplicity of infection (MOI)-dependent manner. Staphylococcus aureus induced Bcl2, Bcl-XL, c-fos, c-jun, and AP-1 expression in PMCs during the initial phase of infection. In S. aureus-infected PMCs, Bad and Bak gene expression was increased and correlated with DNA fragmentation and cytochrome-c release. Bcl2 and Bcl-XL gene expression was significantly lower in S. aureus-infected PMCs than in uninfected PMCs 12 h postinfection. We conclude that at the initial stage of infection S. aureus modulates expression of early response genes c-fos and c-jun, and in the late phase of infection S. aureus induces expression of proapoptotic genes Bak and Bad in PMCs. Silencing AP-1 significantly inhibited S. aureus-induced Bak and Bad expression in PMCs. The upregulation of early response genes during the early phase of infection may contribute to the activation of proapoptotic genes Bak and Bad and release of cytochrome-c, caspase-3 thereby resulting in apoptosis in PMCs.
Simultaneous determination of anthraquinones in radix Polygoni multiflori by capillary gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection.

Abstract A rapid, accurate and reliable analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of five major anthraquinones, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, and rhein, in radix Polygoni multiflori, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The method comprises a fast ultrasonic extraction with methanol and derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) + 1% trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) followed by capillary gas chromatographic (GC) separation. The effect of reaction time on the derivatization of anthraquinones was examined. A baseline separation of the anthraquinone and internal standard derivatives was achieved in 15 min. The detection limits range from 0.22 to 0.60 μg/mL for the five anthraquinones. The calibration curves are linear over the concentration range studied (from the detection limits to 40.0 μg/mL) with the squares of correlation coefficients, R2, greater than 0.998. The developed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of anthraquinones in radix P. multiflori samples. The peak identification was confirmed using GC–MS. The contents of anthraquinones in radix P. multiflori samples studied were 27.41, 289.6, 64.22, 202.1, 288.6 μg/g for chrysophanol, emodin, aloe-emodin, physcion, rhein, respectively. All relative standard deviations are less than 3.2%. The recoveries range from 80.2% to 119.3% for the five analytes. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first GC method reported for the simultaneous determination of the five anthraquinones in radix P. multiflori.
Agricultural policy, migration, and malaria in the United States in the 1930s

Abstract The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was associated with a population shift in the United States in the 1930s. Evaluating the relationship between the AAA and the incidence of malaria can therefore offer important lessons regarding the broader consequences of demographic changes. Using a quasi-first difference model and a robust set of controls, we find a negative association between AAA expenditures and malaria death rates at the county level. Further, we find that the AAA was associated with increased out-migration of low-income groups from counties with high-risk malaria ecologies. These results suggest that the AAA-induced migration played an important role in the reduction of malaria.
Stable long-distance propagation and on-off switching of colliding soliton sequences with dissipative interaction

We study propagation and on-off switching of two colliding soliton sequences in the presence of second-order dispersion, Kerr nonlinearity, linear loss, cubic gain, and quintic loss. Employing a Lotka-Volterra (LV) model for dynamics of soliton amplitudes along with simulations with two perturbed coupled nonlinear Schr\"odinger (NLS) equations, we show that stable long-distance propagation can be achieved for a wide range of the gain-loss coefficients, including values that are outside of the perturbative regime. Furthermore, we demonstrate robust on-off and off-on switching of one of the sequences by an abrupt change in the ratio of cubic gain and quintic loss coefficients, and extend the results to pulse sequences with periodically alternating phases. Our study significantly strengthens the recently found relation between collision dynamics of sequences of NLS solitons and population dynamics in LV models, and indicates that the relation might be further extended to solitary waves of the cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation.
The Effect of Capital Facilities Investments on Nonprofit Financial Vulnerability

Using a panel of financial information for a matched-pair sample of nonprofit organizations, this study investigates the effect of a major facilities investment on nonprofit financial vulnerability metrics. The findings suggest that a nonprofit organization’s equity and surplus ratios are highly correlated with its vulnerability level. Furthermore, investments in facilities are associated with increased equity ratios and decreased operating margins, but nonprofits become less liquid post-facility project completion. Additionally, after investing in projects, organizational liabilities increase more than assets; expense increases outpace those in revenue, including both contributions and program service revenue.
DOES C-REACTIVE PROTEIN PREDICT RECURRENT PREECLAMPSIA?

Objective. Evaluate association of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein with recurrent preeclampsia. Methods. Serum samples collected longitudinally in women with previous preeclampsia from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network trial of aspirin to prevent preeclampsia were assayed for CRP. Results. Of 255 women studied, 50 developed recurrence. Baseline C-reactive protein concentration was similar between women who did and did not recur. After adjusting for confounders, neither elevated baseline C-reactive protein nor its change over gestation was associated with recurrence. Conclusion. In this group of women with previous preeclampsia, neither baseline C-reactive protein concentration nor change in concentration over gestation was associated with recurrent preeclampsia.
The avian antibody response

In the 300 million years since the divergence of the avian and mammalian lines, numerous differences have evolved between the antibody responses of birds and mammals. The most significant of these differences results from the use of the bursa of Fabricius by birds. This unique organ serves as a site where B cells, the cells that will eventually produce antibodies, are first selected for their ability to produce antibodies against foreign antigens. This selection process is preceded by a relatively short period when the developing B cell generate a wide array of antibody receptor molecules by gene conversion. Thus, unlike mammals that can generate new antigen-binding specificities throughout their lives, birds can only do so during a short period within the bursa before hatching. A second key difference lies in the chemical structure of the major immunoglobulin (Ig) involved. Thus in mammals, this is IgG. In birds it is now recognized as a distinctly different immunoglobulin called IgY. In addition, some birds can produce a small-version of the IgY that lacks a full-sized Fc region. Its biological significance is unclear. Finally, birds lay eggs and thus must pass maternal immunoglobulins on to their offspring within the egg contents. For this reason, the egg yolk is full of IgY, whereas the albumin is rich in IgA. Pigeons are a notable exception to this situation when they secrete a "crop milk" rich in IgA. Notwithstanding these differences, it must be emphasized that the biological role of antibodies is identical in all species tested to free the body of extracellular invaders. For this reason, the basic kinetics and function of the antibody response is well conserved between the different vertebrate classes.
Iterative interlacing error diffusion for synthesis of computer-generated holograms

The iterative interlacing error-diffusion technique is a combination of the error-diffusion and the modified iterative interlacing techniques for synthesizing computer-generated holograms. The iterative interlacing error-diffusion technique leads to a dramatic improvement in the quality of reconstructed images, provided that the two constant parameters involved in iterations are chosen properly.