cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deformation and failure of shocked bulk Cu–Nb nanolaminates

Abstract The deformation and failure of bulk Cu–Nb nanocomposites with a nominal layer thickness of 135 nm was investigated under planar shock loading. It was observed that little substructural evolution was evident after shock compression to a peak stress of 7 GPa, while specimens were fully spalled after loading to 7 GPa under free surface conditions. In these fully spalled specimens, the characteristics of ductile failure that formed on the fracture surface were dependent upon the processing route of the nanocomposite. Specifically, process-induced grain-shape differences due to dissimilar rolling passes are linked with differences in the failure response. In addition, incipient failure was also observed. Numerous nanovoids, 20 nm or less in size, nucleated and aligned in a row in the middle of Cu layers. Due to the reflection of the shock wave at the Cu–Nb interfaces, incipient voids tend to nucleate within the Cu phase, which has a higher impedance and lower spall strength than Nb. This occurs rather than nucleation along the Cu–Nb interfaces or in the Nb phase. This finding contradicts the general thinking of failure starting from interfaces, and indicates that the Cu–Nb interfaces are stable under dynamic loading. It is postulated that numerous voids nucleate in the Cu layers under shock loading, then lead to failure through their growth and coalescence.
Simulation model of urban polarisation cross-coupling

A polarisation cross-coupling model is introduced for urban mobile radio channels. The model is based on reflected and diffracted ray paths in a homogenous urban region described in terms of average building heights and average street widths, and is suitable for evaluating mobile polarisation diversity reception.
Support Mechanisms of Rammed Aggregate Piers. II: Numerical Analyses

This paper is the second of a two-part series describing an investigation of the mechanical behavior of rammed aggregate piers in supporting rigid square footings. In this paper, the performances of two pier-supported footings and three isolated piers during compressive load tests were simulated using an axisymmetric finite element model and compared to experimental data. A hardening-soil constitutive model with parameters estimated from in situ and laboratory tests was used to characterize the constitutive behaviors of the pier material and the matrix soil. Pier groups were modeled as unit cells with the tributary area determined from the center-to-center spacing. Cavity expansion modeling was used to simulate the pier installation process. Verifications of the numerical model were carried out by comparing the numerical results with the data obtained from full-scale, instrumented load tests. Interpretation of the numerical results focused on the load-deformation behavior, group effect, stress concentration ratio, and the development of stresses in the matrix soil. The distributions of vertical stress underneath the pier-supported footings are also characterized.
Liver allograft iron accumulation in patients with and without pretransplantation hepatic hemosiderosis

Abstract There is a paucity of data regarding hepatic allograft iron accumulation in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in whom severe iron overload was present in the native explanted liver. Our aim is to evaluate the frequency and cellular distribution of stainable iron in early and late post-OLT hepatic allograft biopsy specimens from patients undergoing their first OLT who had excess iron in their native explanted liver. We compared iron-staining patterns in hepatic allograft biopsy specimens at approximately 1 month (early) and 1 to 2 years (late) post OLT in 41 patients with hepatic iron indices greater than 1.9 in the explanted liver (cases) with a selected group of matched controls without explant hemosiderosis. Our cases included 6 patients with a pre-OLT diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis and 35 patients with cirrhosis and secondary iron overload. Early iron deposition was mild in most cases, commonly affected Kupffer's cells, and was seen with similar frequency in cases and controls (41% v 27%; P = .29). Stainable iron was observed in 20 donor livers (12 cases, 8 controls), and all 20 subjects showed stainable iron in 1-month hepatic allograft biopsy specimens. Liver samples from 35 matched pairs were studied for late iron deposition. Iron deposition was observed in 43% of cases versus 17% of controls ( P = .06). In conclusion, the frequency of stainable iron in early hepatic allograft biopsy specimens was not different between patients with versus without pre-OLT hepatic hemosiderosis. There was a suggestion that patients with severe pre-OLT hemosiderosis had a greater frequency of iron accumulation in late hepatic biopsy specimens. ( Liver Transpl 2002;8:331-339 .)
Methadone vs. L-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) in the Treatment of Opiate Addiction: A Meta-Analysis of the Randomized, Controlled TriaIs

The authors conducted a meta-analysis of the reported randomized, controlled trials comparing methadone to L-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) to assess the efficacy of LAAM relative to methadone in the treatment of opiate addiction. All studies were conducted in standard outpatient opiate addiction treatment clinics. Most patients were men from lower socioeconomic strata. A statistically significant risk difference favoring methadone was detected for retention-in-treatment and discontinuation of treatment because of side effects. The risk difference for illicit drug use favored LAAM, but was not significant. A small treatment difference in favor of methadone was noted. LAAM does appear to be a relatively effective alternative in the treatment of opiate addiction, more so in certain select situations.
An empirical investigation of the effects of impact fees on housing and land markets

Abstract This paper presents the results from estimating the effects of development impact fees on the prices of new and existing single-family homes and undeveloped residential land using unique data for Dade County, FL. The results show that an additional US$1.00 of fees increases the price of both new and existing housing by about US$1.60 and reduces the price of land by about US$1.00. These findings are shown to be consistent with the new view but not the old view theory of impact fee incidence.
Fading out: Resource control and cross-cultural patterns of deference.

This is a qualitative and inductive study of the means by which the aged in 95 societies transfer control over material and symbolic resources to younger members of society. Four interrelated patterns of transfer were identified, along with associated displays of deference. Patterns of resource deployment were found to change as aging continued and ‘fading out’ occurred.
Minimal area problems and quantum open strings

We discuss minimal area problems for surfaces with boundaries and both open and closed string punctures. We define open-closed string diagrams to be surfaces with metrics of minimal area under the condition that any nontrivial Jordan open curve be longer or equal to π and any nontrivial Jordan closed curve be longer or equal to 2π. It is proven that the double of an open-closed string diagram is a closed string diagram of covariant closed string field theory.
Alternative Port Site Selection (APSS) for Improved Cosmesis in Laparoscopic Surgery

The use of laparoscopy can be associated with improved cosmesis following a variety of gastrointestinal procedures versus standard open surgery. The placement of laparoscopic ports in less visible areas of the body such as the bikini line, termed alternative port site selection (APSS), may result in further improved cosmesis. Performance of laparoscopic procedures from such alternative port placement areas may be associated with increased technical challenge. This manuscript discusses APSS approaches for two common laparoscopic procedures, cholecystectomy and gastric banding. Familiarity and implementation of these techniques can allow select patients to undergo procedures with less visible scarring and is less challenging than laparoscopic single site approaches.
Underwriter Reputation, Initial Returns, and the Long‐Run Performance of IPO Stocks

We find that the underperformance of IPO stocks relative to the market over a three-year holding period is less severe for IPOs handled by more prestigious underwriters. Consistent with prior studies, we also find that IPOs managed by more reputable underwriters are associated with less short-run underpricing. Among the various existing proxies for underwriter reputation, the Carter-Manaster measure is the most significant in the context of initial returns and also in the context of the three-year performance of IPOs. The study also provides an updated list of the Carter-Manaster measure for various underwriters. A SUBSTANTIAL BODY of work within the initial public offering (IPO) of common stock literature examines the effects of underwriter reputation on the initial performance of IPOs (see, among others, Logue (1973), Beatty and Ritter (1986), Titman and Trueman (1986), and Maksimovic and Unal (1993)). The financial press provides some evidence of the correlation between IPO performance and underwriter reputation (see Forbes June 20, 1994). However, no prior academic work has documented the relation between the long-run performance of IPOs and different proxies for underwriter prestige. This study has two primary objectives. First, it examines the initial returns and the three-year returns following the IPOs and the relationship of those returns with underwriter reputation. Second, the study provides a comparative evaluation of three existing measures of underwriter prestige in the context of initial returns and also in the context of the three-year performance of IPOs. Several proxies for underwriter reputation have been developed -in the IPO literature. Logue (1973) and Beatty and Ritter (1986) are among the first to develop a measure of underwriter reputation. Carter and Manaster (1990) use underwriters' relative placements in stock offering "tombstone" announcements. The Carter-Manaster (CM) system is not unlike the starring order appearing in Hollywood's billboards. The compilation of the CM measure is a fairly tedious process because each tombstone has the potential to impact the ordering of each underwriter's relative position in the data bank. On the other hand, the Johnson and Miller (1988) and Megginson and Weiss (1991) measures require less effort to construct. Johnson and Miller (JM) use a modified form of the Carter and Manaster method. JM classify
Use of Individual Feed Records in a Selection Program for Egg Production Efficiency III. Relative Effectiveness of Two-Stage Selection

Abstract Two kinds of selection programs were compared. The first uses information on body weight (BW), egg mass output (EM), and individual bird feed consumption records (FC) to form a conventional single-stage selection index computed on all breeder candidates, T, in the flock from which S birds are selected as breeders. The second uses information only on BW and EM in Stage 1 from which t birds are chosen for testing in Stage 2 in which FC records are obtained. From these, the best S birds are chosen as breeders. The second program would be less costly because fewer birds, (T–t), are measured for individual FC records. Our results showed that when the net selection intensities in the two programs are equal with t/T = .5, the genetic gain in income over feed cost in the second would be about 3% less than in the first. Thus, there is a trade-off between the cost of testing and the expected genetic gains. The study was based on parameters estimated from two Leghorn populations for which individual feed records were taken.
Thermodynamics of liquid CaAg and CaIn alloys

Abstract Free energies of mixing have been determined for the liquid binary alloys CaAg and CaIn at 800 °C using an e.m.f. technique employing CaF2 as a solid electrolyte. Although partial electronic conduction exists under certain conditions in CaF2, it was still found useful as an electrolyte to obtain thermodynamic data. Appropriate equations are presented. The entropy of mixing of CaIn alloys is also given.
Thermal infrared spectra of experimentally shocked andesine anorthosite

Abstract Andesine-rich (An36–46) anorthosite rocks experimentally shocked to high pressures (16–57 GPa) exhibit changes in spectral features with increasing pressure in laboratory thermal infrared emission spectra (250–1400 cm−1). These results are similar to previous studies of shocked bytownite- and albite-rich rocks, albeit with differences in absorption band centers characteristic of mineralogy and composition. Typical spectral absorptions result from Si–O antisymmetric stretch motions of the silica tetrahedral (1000–1250 cm−1) and weaker absorptions due to Si–O–Si octahedral bending vibrations (350–700 cm−1). Many of these features persist to higher pressures in the andesine spectra compared to similar features in measurements of shocked bytownite. This is consistent with previous thermal infrared absorption studies of shocked feldspars and likely is related to differences in density, hardness, and Al content. A transparency feature at ∼832 cm−1 observed in powdered andesine spectra also degrades with increasing pressure, intermediate between the ∼828 cm−1 and ∼855 cm−1 transparency features in spectra of powders of shocked bytownite and albitite, respectively. These data can be incorporated into thermal infrared spectral analyses of cratered planetary surfaces (or laboratory spectra of shocked samples) to help constrain the occurrence and degree of shock in plagioclase feldspars.
Cross-National and Religious Relationships With Posttraumatic Growth The Role of Individual Differences and Perceptions of the Triggering Event

Posttraumatic growth (PTG)—positive changes experienced as a result of psychological struggle with highly challenging life circumstances—generally correlates with greater religiosity and optimism, and often shows gender and cross-national differences. The current study examined the relationship of national background and religion with PTG, as well as individual differences variables (i.e., optimism, pessimism, and gender) and individuals’ appraisal or perceptions of the event (i.e., whether the event was perceived as having a direct or indirect impact, and whether the event was perceived as deliberate or accidental). American and Japanese college students identified a highly stressful life event and completed the PTG Inventory and the revised Life Orientation Test. Results showed that national background and religiosity (religious affiliation and strengths of religious beliefs) predicted the level of overall PTG. In addition to the national and religious associations, gender and optimism had positive asso...
Fabrication and characterization of High Q polymer micro-ring resonator and its application as a sensitive ultrasonic detector

Smooth sidewall silicon micro-ring molds have been fabricated using resist reflow and thermal oxidation method. High Q factor polymer micro-ring resonators have been fabricated using these molds. Quality factors as high as 105 have been measured at telecommunication wavelength range. By carefully examining the different loss mechanisms in polymer micro-ring, we find that the surface scattering loss can be as low as 0.23 dB/cm, much smaller than the absorption loss of the polystyrene polymer used in our devices. When used as an ultrasound detector such a high Q polymer micro-ring device can achieve an acoustic sensitivity around 36.3 mV/kPa with 240 μW operating power. A noise equivalent pressure (NEP) is around 88 Pa over a bandwidth range of 1–75 MHz. We have improved the NEP by a factor of 3 compared to our previous best result.
Preliminary findings: Image‐enabled discourse and the creation of visual information

Preliminary findings are presented from a qualitative investigation of image-making as information-driven, communicative practice. Ad hoc visualizations are images spontaneously created during the natural flow of a conversation (e.g., napkin drawings). The activity of drawing in these situations is an informal information sharing practice occurring within an interactive, dynamic context. For this study, a discourse-oriented methodology was developed for the direct observation and analysis of drawing during face-to-face conversations. This poster briefly describes this approach, including the novel protocol designed to capture video recordings of conversations involving the creation of ad hoc visualizations. Inductive, qualitative analysis of video data followed an iterative, grounded theory approach to multimodal social interactional analysis. A summary of preliminary findings highlights the dual nature of drawing as both information artifact and communicative activity. These findings have implications for visual information literacy, collaborative work, and image representation and retrieval.
Presence of the Corexit component dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate in Gulf of Mexico waters after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Abstract Between April 22 and July 15, 2010, approximately 4.9 million barrels of oil were released into the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon oil well. Approximately 16% of the oil was chemically dispersed, at the surface and at 1500 m depth, using Corexit 9527 and Corexit 9500, which contain dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS) as a major surfactant component. This was the largest documented release of oil in history at substantial depth, and the first time large quantities of dispersant (0.77 million gallons of approximately 1.9 million gallons total) were applied to a subsurface oil plume. During two cruises in late May and early June, water samples were collected at the surface and at depth for DOSS analysis. Real-time fluorimetry data was used to infer the presence of oil components to select appropriate sampling depths. Samples were stored frozen and in the dark for approximately 6 months prior to analysis by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with isotope-dilution quantification. The blank-limited method detection limit (0.25 μg L−1) was substantially less than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) aquatic life benchmark of 40 μg L−1. Concentrations of DOSS exceeding 200 μg L−1 were observed in one surface sample near the well site; in subsurface samples DOSS did not exceed 40 μg L−1. Although DOSS was present at high concentration in the immediate vicinity of the well where it was being continuously applied, a combination of biodegradation, photolysis, and dilution likely reduced persistence at concentrations exceeding the USEPA aquatic life benchmark beyond this immediate area.
Second language acquisition across modalities: Production variability in adult L2 learners of American Sign Language

A study was conducted to examine production variability in American Sign Language (ASL) in order to gain insight into the development of motor control in a language produced in another modality. Pr...
Approximation methods for inverse problems involving the vibration of beams with tip bodies

In this short paper we briefly outline two cubic spline based approximation schemes for the solution of inverse problems involving the vibration of flexible beams with attached tip bodies. The identification problem is formulated as the least squares fit to data of a hybrid system of coupled partial and ordinary differential equations describing the dynamics of the beam and tip bodies. The resulting optimization problem is infinite dimensional and as such, necessitates the use of some form of approximation. The schemes we have developed are based upon the construction of a sequence of approximating identification problems in which the underlying constraining state equations are semi-discrete finite dimensional approximations to the infinite dimensional distributed system which governs the original identification problem. Our study includes both theoretical convergence results and numerical testing.
Well-Defined Melanoma Antigens as Progression Markers for Melanoma: Insights into Differential Expression and Host Response Based on Stage

Decades of investigation have sought the identification of melanoma antigens associated with immune-mediated tumor destruction. These efforts arose from a need for effective therapies as limited options for patients with advanced disease exist. Compelling evidence showed that melanoma stimulates
Trajectory filtering and prediction for automated tracking and grasping of a moving object

The authors explore the requirements for grasping a moving object. This task requires proper coordination between at least three separate subsystems: real-time vision sensing, trajectory-planning/arm-control, and grasp planning. As with humans, the system first visually tracks the object's 3D position. Because the object is in motion, this must be done in real-time to coordinate the motion of the robotic arm as it tracks the object. The vision system is used to feed an arm control algorithm that plans a trajectory. The arm control algorithm is implemented into two steps: filtering and prediction and kinematic transformation computation. Once the trajectory of the object is tracked, the hand must intercept the object to actually grasp it. Experimental results are presented in which which a moving model train was tracked, stably grasped, and picked up by the system. >
A Synthesis of the Effects of Correctional Education on the Academic Outcomes of Incarcerated Adults

Most evaluations of the effectiveness of correctional education use the distal outcomes of recidivism and post-release employment as the dependent variables (e.g., Aos et al. 2006; Davis et al. 2013). This synthesis sought to determine the effectiveness of correctional education at improving proximal academic outcomes among incarcerated adult participants. A search of the peer-reviewed literature yielded only six studies meeting the selection criteria published from January 2003 to June 2014. Participants in all studies made educational progress as defined by academic and vocational test scores and course credits. The effect sizes in four studies of adult basic education and one study of vocational education were medium to strong (g = 0.52 to 2.04). One treatment - comparison study of college education demonstrated negligible negative effects, favoring the typical college program (g = −0.13 to −0.19). However, students in both conditions improved their standardized test performance and credit accrual. There were no studies examining general educational development (GED) test preparation. The discussion contextualizes the concerns with methodological rigor and addresses the remaining gaps in the literature.
Reduced Hippocampal Activity in Youth with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: An fMRI Study

Objective Youth who experience interpersonal trauma and have posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) develop cognitive deficits that impact their development. Our goal is to investigate the function of the hippocampus in adolescents with PTSS during a memory processing task. Methods Twenty-seven adolescents between the ages of 10–17 years (16 with PTSS and 11 healthy controls) encoded and retrieved visually presented nouns (Verbal Declarative Memory Task) while undergoing fMRI scanning. Results The PTSS group demonstrated reduced activation of the right hippocampus during the retrieval component of the task. Further, severity of symptoms of avoidance and numbing correlated with reduced left hippocampal activation during retrieval. Conclusions Decreased activity of the hippocampus during a verbal memory task may be a neurofunctional marker of PTSS in youth with history of interpersonal trauma. The results of this study may facilitate the development of focused treatments and may be of utility when assessing treatment outcome for PTSS.
Medical student subinternships in surgery: characterization and needs assessment.

Abstract Background Medical students commonly enroll in courses known as “subinternships” before residency application. This study investigated the experiences and needs of students completing subinternships in surgery. Methods Electronic surveys were sent to medical students applying to the surgery residency program at our institution and to medical student clerkship directors for distribution nationally. Approximately 700 surveys were distributed with 275 completed (39%). Results Sixty-one percent of respondents indicated subinternships influenced specialty choice, and 82% of this group applied in general surgery. General surgery applicants rated mentorship (93%) and clerkship experience (92%) as important factors for specialty choice. Technical skills education was rated as beneficial by 89% of respondents, but formal laboratories were included only in 21% of courses. Only 49% received course objectives, and less than 10% were given a reading schedule. Conclusions Opportunity exists to define a curriculum for surgical subinternships in order to address student needs for specific didactics for residency preparation and technical skill enhancement.
Statistical comparison of observed and CMAQ modeled daily sulfate levels

Abstract New statistical procedures to evaluate the Models-3/Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) using observed data are introduced. Certain space–time correlations are used to assess dynamic aspects of CMAQ and to compare the space–time structure of CMAQ to that of observations. Our analyses show that, overall, CMAQ matches the space–time correlation structure of observed sulfate concentrations well. Analyses on the space–time correlation of the difference of observations and CMAQ output show that CMAQ partially captures time lagged spatial variation of sulfate concentrations. Separable covariance functions are shown to provide a poor description of the observations.
WAS DISEASE INVOLVED IN THE DECIMATION OF GUAM'S AVIFAUNA?

Between 1982 and 1986, 402 (290 live, 112 dead) exotic, migrant or native resident birds on Guam were surveyed for disease-causing agents to determine the role of disease in the decline of native forest bird populations on Guam. Traumatic injury, primarily from collisions with motor vehicles and predation, was the most prevalent (46%) cause of death. Thirty-eight percent of the carcasses examined were in poor body condition largely as a result of inadequate nutrition in captive native birds and poultry and adipose exhaustion in errant migrants. A variety of commensal or opportunistic bacteria, including Salmonella spp., were cultured from 220 birds, and nothing remarkable was found in 15 fecal samples. Lastly, no haematozoans, the suspected cause for the decline of the Hawaiian avifauna, were observed in blood slides examined from 260 birds. Based on the results of the survey and other lines of evidence presented in the discussion, we concluded there were no data implicating disease in the decline of Guam...
Thioredoxin-family protein EYE2 and Ser/Thr kinase EYE3 play interdependent roles in eyespot assembly.

The eyespot of the biflagellate unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a complex organelle that facilitates directional responses of the cell to environmental light stimuli. The eyespot, which assembles de novo after every cell division and is associated with the daughter four-membered (D4) microtubule rootlet, comprises an elliptical patch of rho- dopsin photoreceptors on the plasma membrane and stacks of carotenoid-rich pigment gran- ule arrays in the chloroplast. Two loci, EYE2 and EYE3, define factors involved in the forma - tion and organization of the eyespot pigment granule arrays. Whereas EYE3, a serine/ threonine kinase of the ABC1 family, localizes to pigment granules, EYE2 localization corre- sponds to an area of the chloroplast envelope in the eyespot. EYE2 is positioned along, and adjacent to, the D4 rootlet in the absence of pigment granules. The eyespot pigment granule array is required for maintenance of the elliptical shape of both the overlying EYE2 and chan- nelrhodopsin-1 photoreceptor patches. We propose a model of eyespot assembly wherein rootlet and photoreceptor direct EYE2 to an area of the chloroplast envelope, where it acts to facilitate assembly of pigment granule arrays, and EYE3 plays a role in the biogenesis of the pigment granules.
Finite state machine optimization algorithms for pipelined data path controllers

Algorithms for generating an optimal finite state machine (FSM) implementation of pipelined data path controllers are presented. The groups of states are partitioned into two, states are encoded, and each partition is mapped onto one PLA to form a two-PLA based Moore-style FSM state sequencer. The experimental results show that substantial savings in layout area can be achieved compared to published traditional FSM optimization approaches. >
Optimal seismic response control with dampers

The usefulness of energy dissipation devices to reduce seismic response of structures is now well established. For a given installation of such devices in a structure, one can easily compute the level of response reduction achieved. However, the solution of an inverse problem of how many devices one would need to achieve a desired level of response reduction in a structure, or to achieve an expected level of performance from a structural system, is not quite as straightforward and well formulated. In this paper, a method is presented to obtain the amount of viscous and visco-elastic damping one would need to obtain a desired level of response reduction. The needed supplemental devices are also optimally distributed in the structure to achieve the best performance. To solve the optimal problem, a gradient-based optimization approach is used. To illustrate the application, numerical results for a 24-storey building structure are presented where the objective is to achieve the maximum reduction in the performance functions expressed in terms of the inter-storey drifts, base shear, or floor accelerations. Other forms of performance functions can also be treated similarly. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival patterns and mortality in the North American population of silvered leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus cristatus).

This study examines mortality in the North American (N.A.) population of silvered leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus cristatus) maintained in Association of Zoos and Aquarium's zoos. Understanding the causes of death associated with mortality rates (MR) can highlight relative susceptibility to intrinsic/extrinsic factors and differences between age and sex classes. Overall, life tables can provide insight into a species' population dynamics. We expect that the MR will fit the general mammalian and primate trends of a U-shaped curve when graphed, that males will have a higher MR and shorter life expectancy than females and that infant survival will be higher in captivity than in wild populations. Our results indicate that the N.A. captive population fits expected MR trends of a U-shaped curve. However, no differences in MR or life expectancy were found between the sexes. Infant survivorship did not differ from the wild or other leaf monkey populations (both captive and wild). The majority of infant deaths occurred on day 1 of life (52.8% of all infant deaths) and infant survivorship to 1 year was 66%. Neonates (n = 6, 31.6%) and infants (n = 4, 44.4%) died from trauma, juveniles (n = 2, 33.3%) from nutritional reasons, adults from non-infectious diseases (n = 7, 29.2%) and from post-surgical complications (n = 7, 29.2%), and older adults from idiopathic diseases (n = 4, 26.7%) and non-infectious diseases (n = 4, 26.7%). Only older adult males died from degenerative diseases (i.e., heart failure, n = 3, 42.9%). In general, this captive population demonstrated some similar trends to those observed in mammalian and Old World monkey populations. Zoo Biol. 32:177–188, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Multiple superstrates technique for a broadband cavity resonance antenna (CRA)

A cavity resonance antenna (CRA) with three dielectric superstrates is examined and its performance is compared to those of the single superstrate CRAs of the lowest two resonances. The broadside directivity, bandwidth, and directivity-bandwidth product of all three antennas are investigated. When compared to the single superstrate CRAs, an appropriately designed three superstrate CRA can enhance to the maximum directivity, the bandwidth, or both, a result that is reflected as more than 75% increase to the directivity-bandwidth product in some cases. Theoretical results are validated by simulation using commercial numerical electromagnetics software.
Cardiac angiogenesis directed by stable Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1.

Background The heterodimeric, oxygen-sensitive transcription factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) orchestrates angiogenesis and plays a key role in the response to ischemia and the growth of cancers.
Large-Scale Applications of Superconductivity in the United States: An Overview

The successful use of superconducting windings in large bubble chamber detectors marked the birth of large-scale applications of superconductivity, The euphoric feeling that was prevalent in the early 1970’s that superconductivity was the panacea for our technological problems — whether they be on land, on sea, or in the air — has now given way to a feeling of cautious optimism. Whereas the decade of the 1970’s has seen the demise of some projects and the significant curtailment of others, it also saw the successful demonstrations of prototypes which have given rise to new and bigger systems.
Predicting National Dental Hygiene Board Examination success based on specific admission factors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are specific admissions criteria that are significantly correlated with a student9s National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) total score and case–based score. Specifically, the study examined the relation between an individual9s reading acuity and their scores on the NBDHE. Because of the competitive nature of most dental hygiene admissions, selecting those applicants who are more likely to be successful in the academic program and pass the NBDHE is critical. Methods: Total NBDHE scores and case–based scores of 214 students attending Western Kentucky University9s Program of Dental Hygiene between 2002 and 2010 were examined to determine if significant correlations existed. Specific factors examined were each student9s total NBDHE score, as well as the score on the case–based section of the examination, age, microbiology lecture grade, microbiology lab grade, anatomy and physiology grade, college GPA, English grade, psychology grade, composite ACT score and subcomponent scores of the ACT (math, reading, English and science). Results: Results revealed that the strongest predictors of total NBDHE scores were the score on the reading portion of the ACT (r=0.715, r2=0.511, p=0.01) and the grades in Microbiology lecture (r=0.644, r2=0.414, p=0.01). Results revealed that the strongest predictors of scores on the case–based portion of the NBDHE were students9 scores on the reading portion of the ACT (r=0.673, r2=0.452, p=0.01) and the microbiology lecture grade (r = .637, r2 = .405, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Traditionally, schools have looked at specific science–based pre–requisite courses as a means of determining admission to schools of dental hygiene. Findings from this study suggest that a broader approach may need to be taken, specifically as it concerns a student9s reading aptitude.
Paternity testing: analysis of six blood groups and HLA markers, with particular reference to comparison of races.

Blood groups (ABO, Rh, MNSs, Kell, Duffy, and Kidd) and HLA markers were tested in cases involving 563 children of disputed parentage. In 149 (26.5%) cases, the accused men were excluded as the biologic fathers of the children in question. One hundred forty of the 149 exclusions were direct exclusions. Five exclusions were based on red blood cell data alone, i.e., HLA was non-exclusionary. Of the remaining 414 cases in which the alleged father could not be excluded as the biologic father, in 361 (87.2%) instances, the plausibility of paternity ws 95% or greater, and in 385 (93.0%) instances the comparison of men value was 20 or greater. Caucasians, blacks, and men of other races were involved in 367 (65.1%), 185 (33%), and 11 (1.9%) cases, respectively. No significant difference among races was observed in the rate of exclusion of accused men. However, of the non-excluded men, in a significantly greater proportion of black men than white men, the plausibility of paternity was below 95%. The difference was probably due to lower polymorphism of the markers tested in blacks than in whites. It is suggested that tests for additional polymorphic genes be directed towards the 12-15% of the nonexclusionary cases with plausibility of paternity values below 95%.
Teacher Ratings of the Social Validity of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports: A Comparison of School Groups

With over 14,000 schools implementing Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS), it is important to consider factors that contribute to effective implementation—which may affect student outcomes. Social validity is one factor that may influence implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which social validity ratings varied among teachers of different school levels and whether specific teacher characteristics (e.g., gender) predicted higher social validity within each school level. Results indicated that teacher social validity ratings of SWPBIS were significantly lower at the high school level than at the elementary and middle school levels. Specific teacher characteristics did not act as significant predictors of social validity ratings. Limitations, future directions, and implications for practice are discussed.
Effect of Exogenous Pulmonary Surfactant on Expression of Interleukin-8 in Fetus Lung Injury in Rabbit Model with Intrauterine Infection

Objective To explore the effect of exogenous pulmonary surfactant(PS)on the expression of IL-8 in fetus lung injury in rabbit model induced by intrauterine infection.Methods Nineteen Japanese albino pregnant rabbits were divided into 3 groups:bacteria group,bacteria+PS group and control group.The rabbit models of fetus lung injury with intrauterine infection were established.In the bacteria group,the rabbits were injected with intrauterine intestinum crassum bacterium,and then were subdivided into 21 d,22 d,23 d,24 d,26 d fetation group respectively;in the bacteria+PS group,the rabbits were injected with intrauterine bacterium coli commune and amniotic intracavitary administration extrinsic source PS 200 mg·kg-1,and then were subdivided into 24 d and 26 d fetation group respectively.In the control group,the rabbits were injected with 9 g·L-1 sodium chloride,and then were subdivided with the same criteria as that in the bacteria group.All the rabbits were delivered by cesarean section and the fetus were taken.Lung tissues of fetus rabbits from each rabbit were excised respectively.Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect IL-8 expressions in lung tissues.The expression of IL-8 mRNA in lung tissues were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 software.Results Compared with control group,the expression of IL-8 mRNA and IL-8 protein in bacteria group were significantly higher than those in the control group(Pa=0.000).Immunohistochemistry findings indicated that positive expressions were seen in the cytoplasm of bronchial epithelial cells,smooth muscle cells,vascular endothelial cells and macrophages in control group.Expressions increased in bacteria group and bacteria+PS group after bacterial infection.There were significant differences between the 3 groups(F=79.785,P=0.000).The expressions of IL-8 mRNA and protein in bacteria+PS group were lower than those in bacteria group but higher than those in control group.Conclusion Replacement therapy of PS can decrease the expression of IL-8,which might inhibit the inflammatory reaction and reverse the injury of lung and improve the outcome of infection.
Angiotensin II causes sustained elevations in cytosolic calcium in glomerulosa cells

Studies were conducted to examine the effects of angiotensin II on cytosolic free calcium concentration in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells maintained in primary culture. The calcium indicator, fura-2, and discontinuous dual-wavelength fluorescence spectroscopy were used to measure cytosolic free calcium in superfused adherent cell monolayers. Basal cytosolic free calcium concentration was 63.7 +/- 3.3 nM. The threshold concentration for angiotensin II-stimulated increases in cytosolic calcium was 10(-14)-10(-13) M, and maximal elevation of cytosolic calcium was produced by 10(-9) M angiotensin II. Angiotensin II (10(-13) M) produced a gradual increase in cytosolic calcium concentration that plateaued after 3-5 min of superfusion at a level approximately 1.2 times that of control cells. The calcium signal invoked by a maximal concentration (10(-9) M) of angiotensin II, in contrast, was characterized by an immediate, intense (approximately 8-fold) increase in cytosolic calcium concentration that decayed within 5 min to a lower, but sustained, level 2.5-3 times that of control cells. The calcium signals invoked by intermediate concentrations (10(-12)-10(-10) M) of angiotensin II exhibited dose-dependent increases in magnitude and a gradual transition in nature between those invoked by threshold and maximal concentrations of the peptide. The effect of angiotensin II to increase cytosolic calcium concentration was accompanied by an increase in aldosterone output. The increase in steroidogenesis was most closely correlated with the magnitude of the initial calcium signal. At high concentrations (10(-10) and 10(-9) M) of angiotensin II, there was a clear dissociation between aldosterone output and the magnitude of the sustained calcium signal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Structural and functional analysis of the finished genome of the recently isolated toxic Anabaena sp. WA102

Very few closed genomes of the cyanobacteria that commonly produce toxic blooms in lakes and reservoirs are available, limiting our understanding of the properties of these organisms. A new anatoxin-a-producing member of the Nostocaceae, Anabaena sp. WA102, was isolated from a freshwater lake in Washington State, USA, in 2013 and maintained in non-axenic culture. The Anabaena sp. WA102 5.7 Mbp genome assembly has been closed with long-read, single-molecule sequencing and separately a draft genome assembly has been produced with short-read sequencing technology. The closed and draft genome assemblies are compared, showing a correlation between long repeats in the genome and the many gaps in the short-read assembly. Anabaena sp. WA102 encodes anatoxin-a biosynthetic genes, as does its close relative Anabaena sp. AL93 (also introduced in this study). These strains are distinguished by differences in the genes for light-harvesting phycobilins, with Anabaena sp. AL93 possessing a phycoerythrocyanin operon. Biologically relevant structural variants in the Anabaena sp. WA102 genome were detected only by long-read sequencing: a tandem triplication of the anaBCD promoter region in the anatoxin-a synthase gene cluster (not triplicated in Anabaena sp. AL93) and a 5-kbp deletion variant present in two-thirds of the population. The genome has a large number of mobile elements (160). Strikingly, there was no synteny with the genome of its nearest fully assembled relative, Anabaena sp. 90. Structural and functional genome analyses indicate that Anabaena sp. WA102 has a flexible genome. Genome closure, which can be readily achieved with long-read sequencing, reveals large scale (e.g., gene order) and local structural features that should be considered in understanding genome evolution and function.
Proportional Hazard Model of doped low creep lead free solder paste under thermal shock

In this experiment, the thermal performance of various lead-free doped solder paste alloys on leaded and leadless packages on laminate substrates were investigated. The Primary Goal of this test is to find a manufactureable solder paste that will mitigate the effects of aging on lead free solder joints. The results discuss the effects of different paste materials, the effects of doping level, and reflow profile on the resulting reliability of a variety of surface mount components. The test vehicle consists of 35 mm (PBGA 1156), 31mm (SBGA 304), 15 mm (CABGA 208) and 6mm (CABGA 36) ball grid array packages with 1.0 mm, 1.27mm and 0.8mm pitch, respectively. Additionally, a leadless 5mm QFN package (MLF 20) with 0.65mm pitch and 2512 SMRs are included in order to understand the effect of doped solder paste on conventional packages. The test boards are built with (a) three different reflow profiles on 6 mil stencil thickness, and (b) one reflow profile on a 4 mil stencil thickness, to study the differences in doping volume effects of the new doped alloys. The test vehicles were subjected to high temperature accelerated life test (HALT) in liquid shock (thermal shock) testing. Each test vehicle underwent 3000 thermal cycles with peak temperatures of −40°C to +125°C on a 15-minute thermal profile (5 minutes dwell time and 2.5 minutes transition time). Reliability of the test packages were determined from the ability of the components and solder interconnects to withstand the thermal stresses induced by alternating high and low temperature extremes. The time to failure were right censored after 3000 cycles. The experimental variables include paste materials, solder paste manufacturer, Reflow profile, stencil thickness, packages and component solder sphere. The response variable used in this test is Time to Failure (cycles). The effect of experimental variables on Time to Failure were assessed at 5% level of significance using Proportional Hazard Model. It is found that all the experimental variables except reflow profile have significant impact on the Time to Failure. Since this experimental data consists of heavy censoring, Censored Quantile Regression model is developed and it is compared with Proportional Hazard Model.
The Atmospheric δ13C Record as Derived from 56 Pinyon Trees at 14 Sites in the Southwestern United States

We have developed a master δ13C chronology from 14 pinyon pine sites in 6 states of the southwestern U S. Two of the individual isotopic chronologies, reported here for the first time, and 10 of those previously reported (Leavitt & Long, 1986; 1988) are from sites where cores from 4 trees were pooled prior to analysis, and the other 2 are merged from groups of 4 single-tree chronologies (sites) developed in an earlier phase of research (Leavitt & Long, 1985). Regressions of first differences of ring-width indices and δ13C values from each site were used to “correct” individual δ13C chronologies for climate effects which appear primarily related to high-frequency δ13C fluctuations, many of which are common among sites. These climate-corrected chronologies were normalized as deviations from their respective 1800–1849 δ13C means, and these normalized chronologies were averaged into the master. The overall δ13C drop from 1600 to the present is ca 1.2–1.4, consistent with recent ice-core data showing a drop of 1.14 ± 0.15% from 1740 to present (Friedli et al, 1986). However, the δ13C decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is greater in the pinyon chronology than that of the ice cores, thus supporting a greater biospheric CO2 input to the atmosphere than that indicated in the ice-core data.