cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of a multilevel hierarchical location management protocol for ad hoc networks

In networks where nodes are aware of their locations via the use of a GPS receiver or other localization techniques, geographic routing has been suggested to be the candidate of choice for robust and resource efficient routing. However, efficient location management algorithms are required for the source node to obtain the destination node's location before it can start data transfer using geographic routing. To be deemed scalable with respect to network size, mobility and traffic, the signaling overhead due to location management must be kept low so that the performance of geographic routing is minimally affected. This paper describes the performance of a novel multi-level hierarchical grid location management protocol that we call HGRID, for large scale ad hoc networks. We show that the average per node signaling cost in HGRID grows only logarithmically in the total number of nodes in a uniformly randomly distributed network-a substantial improvement over the signaling cost incurred by current location management schemes. We also carry out extensive simulations to quantitatively compare the performance of the protocol against other well known location management protocols, and to study how location management can affect the scalability of geographic routing. Results show that our protocol outperforms others in terms of network throughput and end-to-end packet delay with increasing network size or average node speed. Thus hierarchical grid location management scales well for large scale mobile ad hoc networks.
Phosphate Nutrition and Defoliation Effects on Growth and Root Physiology of Alfalfa

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) deficiency reduces forage yield and stand persistence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of P nutrition and defoliation on alfalfa shoot growth, root carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and steady-state mRNA levels for high-affinity P transporters. In a greenhouse study, P-deprived plants were provided with 0, 0.25, 2, and 6 mM P beginning 7 d before shoot removal. Plants were sampled immediately (day -7) on days -5, -2, 0 (day of shoot removal), and on days 1, 2, 6, and 9 post-shoot removal. Addition of P to P-deficient plants stimulated growth of shoots but not roots. Taproot bark sugar concentrations were reduced significantly in cut plants at any rate of P, whereas only the 6 mM P treatment reduced taproot wood sugar concentrations in uncut plants. There was a significant defoliation-induced decline in both wood and bark sugar and amino-acid concentration that was enhanced at high P rates. Low P reduced utilization of st...
Studies in Creativity: IV. Appearance of Fragmentation and Reorganization in Meaningfully Associated Units

The purpose of this experiment was to refine the measurement of individual differences in the utilization of learned material and to explore further its relationship to creativity. The refinements were: (1) Ss memorized a list of 12 pairs of words, all of which could be used as learned and (2) Ss were not given any clues of constructional uses of the experimental words when given the problem of writing stories on topics assigned. Ss were asked to write creative stories using as many of the learned words as possible. The results strengthened previous findings that the functioning of associative bonds, the active fragmenting of associative bonds, and the process of regrouping memorized material are measurable, stable phenomena. Attempts to find relationships between measures of word usage and measures of (a) creativity, (b) originality, (c) intelligence, (d) learning, and (e) solving a human-relations problem met with failure, further indicating the need to concentrate our efforts on direct measurement of t...
Effects of chemical solutions on rock fracturing

Abstract Despite the potential technological value of chemically activated cracking of rocks in aqueous environments, the fundamental mechanisms of this phenomenon have yet to be established. An understanding of this phenomenon will permit the application of the concept to the optimization of rock fracturing where fluids are involved. Using fracture mechanics techniques, three rock types in five environments were tested for fracture toughness, specific work of fracture and strain energy index to supplement the essential information required to develop an understanding of the mechanism involved in chemically activated fracturing. Based on the results obtained, a possible intrinsic mechanism for rock properties modification in chemical solutions is formulated.
Stress measurement of deposited SiO2 films on a silicon wafer using dimensional-stability holographic interferometry test

In quality control nondestructive techniques gain more and more importance. Holographic interferometry has the advantage of being very sensitive and can be used contactless for inspection of technical components. The interferogram contains fringes, whose pattern holds information about the surface deformation of a part subjected to the load. The load in case of deposited silicone oxide film is cased by stress produced different thermal expansion temperature coefficients film and silicone substrate. Change in stress in thin silicon dioxide films was observed using a high stability portable holographic interferometer using dimension stability test. Pattern recognition algorithm for synthesis of stress analyses map is reported. A stress relaxation phenomenon in this film thickness of 0.5 micrometers on Si wafer has been observed. Correlation of differential stress with initial flatness deviation of Si wafer has been discovered. The advantages of the proposed measuring technique and results are discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Single-mode-fibre point and extended temperature sensors

The response of single-mode fibres to time-varying thermal perturbations has been characterised by using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. It is shown that single-mode fibres offer the possibility of high-speed, high-sensitivity remote temperature sensing with a minimum disturbance of the thermal environment and the capability to operate in an electro-magnetically active environment. In addition, fibre temperature sensors can be configured to measure not only the specific temperature at any given point, but also offer the unique feature of extended temperature measurements over the length of a fibre segment in which the device optically integrates any thermally induced fluctuations.
Investigating speechreading and deafness.

Background The visual speech signal can provide sufficient information to support successful communication. However, individual differences in the ability to appreciate that information, or speechreading, are large and relatively little is known about their sources.
Electron Transfer through the Space Charge Barrier on TiO2 (Rutile) Electrodes via Interstitial Protons

It is reported on charge transfer reactions on n-TiO2 electrodes in electrochemical experiments. The electrodes used were cleaned prior to treatment in oxygen and/or air at room temperature by a standardized procedure with H2SO4. The experiments showed that hydrogen interstitials located close to the electrode surface influence the charge transfer reaction. These states were introduced by the surface reaction with the acid. As the experiments showed the typical feature of the oxidation current peak changed dramatically to an unpronounced shape when using samples loaded with very little unbound hydrogen. Investigations on the influence of electrolyte-pH on the charge transfer reaction revealed that a potential drop in the depletion region of around 2.1 V is needed to initiate this anodic process. The existence of the anodic peak is discussed in terms of resonance tunneling via states created by the pre-treatment procedures in the charge barrier and at the surface. Es wird uber Ladungsubertragungsreaktionen an n-TiO2-Elektroden im elektrochemischen Experiment berichtet. Vor der Behandlung bei Raumtemperatur in Sauerstoff oder Luft wurden die verwendeten halbleitenden Elektroden einer standardisierten Reinigungsprozedur in konzentrierter H2SO4 unterzogen. Die elektrochemischen Experimente ergaben eine deutliche Beeinflussung der Ladungsubertragungsreaktion durch die Verarmungsrandschicht hindurch, verursacht von Zwischengitterprotonen. Die Wasserstoffbeladung der Elektrode erfolgte durch Behandlung in Saure. Das typische Oxidationsstrom-Diagramm verandert sich zu einem wenig ausgepragten Verlauf, wenn Elektroden mit vernachlassigbaren Mengen an ungebundenem Wasserstoff verwendet wurden. Untersuchungen bei unterschiedlichen pH-Werten ist zu entnehmen, das fur das Auftreten des Oxidationsstroms eine Potentialdifferenz in der Randschicht von rund 2,1 V erforderlich ist. Der anodische Prozes wird gedeutet durch Resonanztunneln unter Beteiligung der durch die Vorbehandlung entstandenen Zustande in der Verarmungsrandschicht und an der Oberflache.
Thin Film Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a New Kinetically Preferred Polymorph in the RE2Ti2O7 (RE = La−Y) Family

A new polymorph was found for all RE2Ti2O7 (RE = La−Y) compounds during their growth as epitaxial films on SrTiO3(110) substrates. Detailed structural characterization using X-ray and electron diffraction revealed that the new polymorph adopts an orthorhombic crystal structure with the space group Ammm and unit cell parameters (for La) of a = 7.89, b = 5.54, c = 13.45 A; the refined lattice parameters decreased monotonically with decreasing size of the RE cation. Though these parameters are similar to those of the known monoclinic (110)-layered perovskite polymorph, the structures are not related by simple distortive transformations. While both of these polymorphs can be formed as epitaxial films on SrTiO3(110) substrates at T ∼ 900 °C, the new polymorph is favored in conditions where diffusion is more limited between pulses. This implies that the new polymorph is kinetically favored during nucleation over the (110)-layered perovskite phase, in agreement with the smaller electroneutral unit of the new pol...
Changes in alcohol involvement, cognitions and drinking and driving behavior for youth after they obtain a driver's license.

Objective: This study tested whether obtaining a driver's license was associated with increases in alcohol and other drug involvement and changes in alcohol-related cognitions for youth, and whether drinking and driving behavior increased with driving experience. Method: Confidential, anonymous surveys were conducted at two time points (fall, spring) with students at four high schools in San Diego county (N = 2,865, 51% female). Data were collected on alcohol, cigarette and marijuana use, license status, alcohol use by peers, attitudes towards drinking and driving and drinking and driving behaviors. Results: Nondrivers (60%), new drivers (obtained a license between Time 1 and Time 2) and experienced drivers (26%) were compared on study variables at both time points and over time. Initially obtaining a driver's license was associated with increased frequency of substance use. Results were not significant for quantity of alcohol use, frequency of heavy drinking or perceived alcohol use norms. Attitudes towa...
On the Possibility of “International Community”

The term “international community” has recently become commonplace in leaders’ and academics’ discourse and the subject of some analysis. While scholars have begun to explore its usage, there has not yet been a modern theoretical evaluation of the prerequisites for creating an international community. This article conducts a theoretical analysis on the types of international communities that can be generated in international politics and the structural factors necessary for their manifestation. It continues by investigating the possibility of forming a unitary actor, called the “International Community,” tasked with resolving global commons issues through an international organization, such as the United Nations. The article concludes by arguing that the conditions do not yet exist for a meaningful “International Community.”
Drawing lines in the sand: even skipped et al. and parasegment boundaries

The pair-rule segmentation gene even skipped (eve) is required to activate engrailed stripes and to organize odd-numbered parasegments (PSs). The protein product Eve has been shown to be an active repressor of transcription, and recent models for Eve function suggest that activation of engrailed is indirect, but these models have not been fully tested. Here we identify the forkhead domain transcription factor Sloppy-paired as the key intermediate in the initial activation of engrailed by Eve in odd-numbered parasegments. We also analyze the roles of the transcription factors Runt and Odd-skipped in this process. Detailed analysis of engrailed and pair-rule gene expression in various mutant combinations shows how eve activates engrailed by repressing these engrailed repressors, and further indicates that mutual repression among pair-rule genes plays an important role in establishing parasegment boundaries. We present a new model of pair-rule gene function that explains the response of these boundaries to the relative levels of Eve and Fushi Tarazu.
On the Use of Semi‐Logarithmic Plots for Baseflow Separation

Recession flow has long been considered a composite of exponential terms, where each exponential term represents a different source of water discharged from the watershed. The changing slopes in the semi-logarithmic plot of the discharge have been considered indicative of the decreasing contribution of surface runoff and interflow to the discharge. The results of this analysis show that the changing slope in the recession plot can be the consequence of baseflow drainage. This can invalidate the semi-logarithmic baseflow separation technique when applied to some hydrologic settings.
Genres, Subgenres, Sub-Subgenres and More: Musical and Social Differentiation Within Electronic/Dance Music Communities

Earl Grey Back to My Roots As the title implies, this is a personal ride through some of Earl Grey's musical influences. Grey takes jazzy, early morning, Detroit techno and filters it through the least amount of drum and bass essentials needed. It may take a little to come down to this pure high after a night of Ed Rush, but it's worth the descent. Techno producer Dave Angel's B-side mix is my favorite because of its uplifting synths and aquatic house feel. When's the last time, you heard those adjectives used to describe jungle? Roker A record review originally printed in Urb, a magazine that covers electronic/dance music
Representations of Metabolic Knowledge

Construction of electronic repositories of metabolic information is an increasingly active area of research. Encoding detailed knowledge of a complex biological domain requires finely honed representations. We survey representations used for several metabolic databases, including EcoCyc, and reach the following conclusions. Representation of the metabolism must distinguish enzyme classes from individual enzymes, because there is not a one-to-one mapping from enzymes to the reactions they catalyze. Individual enzymes must be represented explicitly as proteins, e.g., by encoding their subunit structure. The species variation of metabolism must be represented. So must the substrate specificity of enzymes, which may be treated in several ways.
Optical transport exceeding 10 Tb/s based on adaptive LDPC-coded multidimensional spatial-spectral scheme and orthogonal prolate spheroidal wave functions

The next generation optical transport networks will be affected by a limited bandwidth of information infrastructure, high energy consumption, as well as the heterogeneity of optical networks. To address these problems simultaneously, we propose an adaptive software-defined LDPC-coded multiband scheme that involves spatial-MIMO and all-optical-OFDM scheme, which provides both fine granularity and elastic approach of bandwidth utilization. The modulation is based on multidimensional signaling to improve the tolerance to fiber nonlinearities and imperfect compensation of channel impairments. The proposed scheme employs hybrid (electrical and optical) degrees of freedom. Optical degrees of freedom include spatial and polarization modes in few-mode fibers. The electrical degrees of freedom are based on 2M orthogonal prolate spheroidal wave functions, which are used as basis functions for 2M-dimensional signaling. The adaptive coding has been performed by partial reconfiguration of the corresponding parity-check matrix. The proposed scheme is suitable for the conveyance of the information over optical fibers supporting a multitude of spatial modes to enable transmission of 10+ Tb/s bit rates.
Interpretation of snow properties from imaging spectrometry

Abstract Snow is among the most “colorful” materials in nature, but most of the variability in snow reflectance occurs beyond 0.8 µm rather than in the visible spectrum. In these wavelengths, reflectance decreases dramatically as the snow grains evolve and grow, whereas in the visible spectrum snow reflectance is degraded by contaminants such as dust, algae, and soot. From imaging spectrometer data, we can estimate the grain size of the snow in the surface layer, and thereby derive spectral and broadband albedo. We can also estimate the fraction of each pixel that is covered by snow, the liquid water content in the surface layer, and the amount of radiative forcing caused by absorbing impurities. Estimates of fractional snow-covered area and albedo dramatically improve the performance of spatially distributed snowmelt models that include net solar radiation as an input value, most significantly in locations and at times where incident solar radiation is high and temperatures low. Experience with imaging spectrometer data has allowed extension of the fractional snow-cover and albedo estimates to multispectral sensors, particularly MODIS, the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer.
Sources of Job Related Ambiguity and Their Consequences Upon Salespersons' Job Satisfaction and Performance

This study presents a conceptual model relating four sources of job related ambiguity and two individual difference variables locus of control and need for clarity to salesperson job satisfaction and job performance. Previous research related to the model is briefly reviewed. Then, drawing data from a multicompany sample of industrial salespersons and their managers, behavioral research methods are used to clarify the nature and strength of the relationships in the model. The analysis reveals that ambiguity concerning family expectations is positively related to performance, but ambiguity regarding sales manager and customer expectations is negatively related to performance. Lower levels of satisfaction are explained primarly by ambiguous managerial expectations. The individual difference variables are shown to be related to job outcomes even after adjusting for different levels of perceived ambiguity. The individual difference variables, however, do not moderate the relationships between sources of ambiguity and job outcomes.
Passive soil heating using an inexpensive infrared mirror design – A proof of concept

Abstract. There is a need to understand the soil system response to warming in order to model the soil process response to predicted climate change. Current methods for soil warming include expensive and difficult to implement active and passive techniques. Here we test a simple, inexpensive in situ passive soil heating approach, based on easy to construct infrared mirrors that do not require automation or enclosures. The infrared mirrors consisted of 61 × 61 cm glass panels coated with infrared reflecting film. The mirrors as constructed are effective for soil heating in environments typified by an open vegetation canopy. Mirror tests were performed on three soils of varying texture, organic matter content, and heat capacity in a warm semi-arid environment. Results indicated that the infrared mirrors yielded significant heating and drying of soil surface and shallow subsurface relative to unwarmed control treatments, and that warming and drying effects were soil specific with greater potential warming on soils with lower volumetric heat capacity. Partial shading from the mirror frame did produce periods of relative cooling at specific times of the day but overall the mirrors yielded a net soil warming. The results demonstrate proof of concept that the infrared mirrors may be used to passively heat the near soil surface, providing an inexpensive, low-maintenance alternative to other passive and active soil heating technologies.
Maximizing gluten feed in corn silage diets for dairy cows

Abstract Corn silage-based diets containing 20, 40, or 60% (DM basis) corn gluten feed were fed to 72 lactating cows to determine intake, milk yield, and milk composition. These diets plus a control (no corn gluten feed) were fed to four ruminally fistulated cows to determine digestibility and ruminal ammonia and VFA concentrations. Milk yields were significantly lower for cows fed the diet with 60% corn gluten feed, but when adjusted by covariate, milk yield was not different among diets. Milk protein percentage was greater for cows fed the 40 and 60% corn gluten feed diets. In the digestion trial, increased corn gluten feed led to decreased DM digestibility and decreased ruminal acetate concentration but did not affect N, NDF, ADF, or starch digestibilities. Ruminal ammonia and pH were unaffected. Net energy estimates for the diets were low relative to book values, suggesting significant depression in digestibility. Compared with conventional diets, NDF intake was high; this suggests that cows compensated for lower digestibility with increased DM intake. Diets containing up to 60% of DM as dry corn gluten feed were acceptable for dairy cows.
Short period sky-wave fading of CW emissions

A study of short, period sky-wave fading of CW emissions shows that observed characteristics are functions of the relative amplitude of the received "o" and "x" magnetoionic components. When the received magnetoionic components are essentially equal at the receiving point, severe and rapid fading occurs and variations in short-period fading are maximum. However, when a single mode of propagation is suppressed, the variations in short-period fading distributions of the received field are reduced and become lognormal in character. A new parameter is suggested to replace the Rayleigh distribution in cases where a more accurate formulation of short-period fading characteristics is desired. Finally, a description is given of apractical method of emitting CW radio transmissions, which yields reflections from the ionosphere of a single ionospheric mode, thereby obtaining some man-made control over short-period sky-wave fading.
Fields and currents in the organs of the human body when exposed to power lines and VLF transmitters

A study is made of the electric fields and currents induced in the organs of the human body when exposed to high-voltage 50-60-Hz transmission lines and 10-30-kHz high-power transmitters. Relevant analyses previously carried out are summarized and supplemented with detailed investigations that complete the picture. Incomplete, misleading, and incorrect statements and methods in the related literature are pointed out, completed, and corrected. The major contribution is to provide quantitatively accurate, relatively simple analytic formulas that relate the incident electric field to the induced field in the organs of the body. The formulation and solution of the underlying integral equation are carried out in an Appendix.
Modulation of Erm Methyltransferase Activity by Peptides Derived from Phage Display

Combinatorial peptide display on phage M13 protein pIII was used to discover peptide sequences that selectively bind to ErmC' methyltransferase from Bacillus subtilis. One peptide, Ac-LSGVIAT-NH(2), inhibited methylation in vitro with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 20 microM. Interestingly, the set of six peptides which inhibited ErmC' stimulated ErmSF, a homologous methyltransferase from Streptomyces fradiae. Thus, Ac-LSGVIAT-NH(2) may not act directly at the catalytic center of ErmC', but may modulate its activity by binding at a structurally unrelated, but functionally linked, site.
Parallel Raman microspectroscopy using programmable multipoint illumination

We present a novel parallel Raman microspectroscopy scheme for simultaneously collecting Raman spectra from multiple points. This scheme is realized by projectinga multiple-point laser illumination pattern using a spatial light modulator (SLM) and wide-field Raman imaging collection. We demonstrate the performance of this scheme using uniform samples, trapped polymer microparticles and fixed polymer microparticles with mixed molecular composition within a 50×50 μm2 field of view. This scheme enables the acquisition of Raman spectra from as many as 40 points simultaneously using a single illumination pattern and detector recording frame without scanning.
Employment Multipliers and Functional Types of Communities: Effects of Public Transfer Payments

The Arizona Community Data Set (ACDS) now contains the results of 40 separate establishment-level, community-wide surveys. These communities can be classified into different functional types, and OLS regression models can be used to explore the relationships among community functions, levels of public transfer payments, and magnitudes of economic base multipliers. The statistical analysis suggests that employment-derived estimates of the base multiplier tend to be biased upward unless transfer payments are specified in the model.
Evaluation of the N2 flux approach for measuring sediment denitrification

Direct gas chromatographic measurement of denitrification rates via N2 fluxes from aquatic sediments can avoid some of the artifacts and complexities associated with indirect approaches and tracer techniques. However, measurement protocols have typically been determined based upon initial results or previous studies. We present a process-level study and simulation model for evaluating and optimizing N2 gas flux approaches in closed chamber incubations. Experimental manipulations and simulations of both artificial and natural sediments were used to conduct sensitivity analyses of key design parameters in N2 flux measurements. Experimental results indicated that depletion of labile organic matter during the long incubations required by common protocols (for diffusive off-gassing of porewater N2) may result in underestimates of denitrification rates in some systems. Simulations showed that the required incubation time was primarily a function of sediment thickness. The best approach found to minimize incubation time and reduce errors was to select the minimum sediment thickness necessary to include the entire depth distribution of nitrification–denitrification for a particular sediment system. Attempts to increase measurement sensitivity and shorten incubation times by reducing the headspace thickness to 1–2 cm generally cause denitrification to be underestimated by 3–13% for gas headspaces, and up to 80% for water headspaces. However, errors were negligible with gas and water headspace thicknesses of 10 cm and 15 cm, respectively. Anaerobic cores to control for non-denitrification N2 fluxes shortened incubation time, but introduced artifacts in sediments with extensive macrofaunal irrigation. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Early brooding temperature considerations for bobwhite quail

SUMMARY Limited information exists concerning the requirements for brooding bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) chicks to maintain livability and health. Three short-term (14-d) studies were conducted to evaluate brooding temperature requirements on early performance and livability. In experiments 1 and 2, birds were brooded at either 85 or 95°F (29.4 or 35.0°C). Birds subjected to the 85 vs. 95°F brooding temperature exhibited significantly decreased BW gains of 1.84 (P = 0.026) and 1.78 g (P = 0.090) for experiments 1 and 2, respectively, during the 0- to 7-d period. In experiment 1, birds maintained on the 85°F regimen compensated with a significant (P = 0.002) increase in BW gain compared with birds brooded at 95°F during the 7- to 14-d period (18.10 vs. 16.83 g, respectively). In experiment 3, bobwhite quail were brooded at 90, 95, or 100°F (32.2, 35.0, or 37.8°C). For 0 to 7 d, birds maintained at 95°F gained 9.65 g/bird compared with those maintained at 90 and 100°F, which gained 9.11 and 9.10 g/bird, respectively (P = 0.536). During the 7- to 14-d period, birds maintained at 90°F gained 18.1 g/bird (P = 0.001) compared with 95 and 100°F, which gained 15.80 and 15.31 g/bird, respectively. Feed consumption for the 7- to 14-d period was greatest (P = 0.066) in the 90°F versus the 100°F group (31.28 vs. 26.96 g/bird, respectively), as the 95°F group remained intermediate (29.15 g/bird). In conclusion, bobwhite quail require a brooding temperature of 90 to 95°F (32.2–35.0°C) from 0 to 7 d, followed by a reduction to 85 to 90°F (29.4–32.2°C) during the 7- to 14-d period posthatch.
Turbulence Measurements of Rectangular Nozzles with Bevel

This paper covers particle image velocimetry measurements of a family of rectangular nozzles with aspect ratios 2, 4, and 8, in the high subsonic flow regime. Far-field acoustic results, presented previously, showed that increasing aspect ratios increased the high frequency noise, especially directed in the polar plane containing the minor axis of the nozzle. The measurements presented here have important implications in the modeling of turbulent sources for acoustic analogy theories. While the nonaxisymmetric mean flow from the rectangular nozzles can be studied reliably using computational solutions, the nonaxisymmetry of the turbulent fluctuations, particularly at the level of velocity components, cannot; only measurements such as these can determine the impact of nozzle geometry on acoustic source anisotropy. Additional nozzles were constructed that extended the wide lip on one side of these nozzles to form beveled nozzles. The paper first documents the velocity fields, mean and variance, from the round, rectangular, and beveled rectangular nozzles at high subsonic speeds. A second section introduces measures of the isotropy of the turbulence, such as component ratios and lengthscales, first by showing them for a round jet and then for the rectangular nozzles. From these measures the source models of acoustic analogy codes can be judged or modified to account for these anisotropies.
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AN INFESTATION OF PARATACHARDINA LOBATA LOBATA (HEMIPTERA: KERRIIDAE), A NEW INVASIVE PEST IN FLORIDA

Abstract The lobate lac scale, Paratachardina lobata lobata (Chamberlin) was first found in south Florida in 1999. Reported hosts are present in the germplasm collection located at the USDA/ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami, and the scale was first found there in the summer of 2002. A study was initiated to determine the spatio-temporal dynamics of a lobate lac scale infestation at SHRS from Jul 2003 to Jul 2005. Numbers and percentages of viable adults, and reproductive success as indicated by ratio of nymphs to viable adults (<2 cm diam and 30 cm long branch sample) were recorded. There were 55 plants evaluated over the ∼80 hectares study site. Infestation increased from 42% of sampled plants at the start of the study to 75% at the end, and most of the plants had low or moderate levels of infestation (between 0 and 100 adults per 30 cm branch) over the course of the study. Percentage of non-viable adults dropped from ∼27% at the start of the study to ∼7% by the end of the study, and...
Bile salt excretion in skate liver is mediated by a functional analog of Bsep/Spgp, the bile salt export pump.

Biliary secretion of bile salts in mammals is mediated in part by the liver-specific ATP-dependent canalicular membrane protein Bsep/Spgp, a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily. We exami...
Genetic deletion of AU-rich region in the tristetraprolin (TTP) transcript increases TTP stability and expression and provides protection against inflammatory diseases (INM1P.433)

Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an mRNA binding protein that binds to AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3’-untranslated regions (3’UTR) of specific mRNAs, such as that encoding tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and increases their rate of mRNA turnover. TTP mRNA also contains AREs within its own 3’UTR that are partly responsible for its own rapid turnover. In the present study, we generated a novel TTP mouse line (TTPΔARE) with a 136 base deletion in the 3’UTR AU-rich region of TTP mRNA, and studied the effect of this genetic modification on the levels of TTP mRNA and protein, and susceptibility of the mice to experimentally-induced inflammatory conditions. TTP mRNA stability was found to be enhanced in TTPΔARE bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). TTP protein expression was increased, both in the basal state and upon LPS stimulation, in BMDMs, and in selected mouse tissues. LPS-induced expression of TTP target mRNAs, particularly Tnf and Il-1β, was significantly reduced in TTPΔARE BMDMs. Most importantly, TTPΔARE mice were almost completely protected from collagen antibody-induced arthritis, and exhibited significantly reduced inflammation in an imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis. These data suggest that increased levels of TTP can protect against some experimentally induced inflammatory diseases. They also raise the possibility that increasing TTP levels in man might be an attractive therapeutic approach in some inflammatory conditions.
Purification and Immunologic Evaluation of Human Melanoma-Associated Antigens

Melanoma-associated antigens (MAA) were isolated and their functional immunologic properties were evaluated. Spent fetal calf serum-free culture media and 3-m KCI extracts of cultured human melanoma cells grown in this medium were used as antigen sources. Ultracentrifugal flotation on KBr was used to separate MAA and HLA antigens present in the extracts or spent culture media; thus interference by histocompatibility antigens was prevented in subsequent tests of tumor antigenic activity. MAA purified in this manner retained their immunologic functions as evidenced by their ability to produce delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in patients with melanoma, specifically combine with antimelanoma xenoantibody, and elicit production of functionally specific xenoantibody. Possible structural differences between HLA antigens and MAA were considered in evaluation of the data.
Fear responses and postmortem muscle characteristics of turkeys of two genetic lines

Abstract Commercial turkey production has increased greatly in recent decades. Along with increased production, problems with turkey meat quality have also increased. Research with other species has demonstrated that differences in meat quality exist among pigs and cattle differing in characteristics such as fearfulness. However, associations between fear responses and postmortem (PM) muscle characteristics related to the meat quality of turkeys have not been examined. This study evaluated the test–retest repeatability of responses of male commercial (COMM) and randombred (RB) turkeys in an open field (OF) test, which is used to assess fear and activity levels of poultry. Another objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between behavioral OF responses and PM breast muscle characteristics (pH and R-value) that are related to meat quality. Thirdly, this study evaluated differences in pH and R-value between the turkey lines. Male COMM and RB turkeys were each housed in groups in 4 pens. Turkeys were individually tested in an OF (2.74 × 2.74 m, divided into 81 squares) at 1, 4, and 11 wk (COMM N = 27; RB N = 33). Turkeys were then grouped into clusters based on a cluster analysis of OF behavior. Turkeys were processed and meat quality characteristics were evaluated at 15–17 wk for COMM and 20–21 wk for RB turkeys. Results were analyzed using a mixed model (SAS 9.4). Breast muscle pH and R-value did not differ between genetic lines, and there were no differences in pH and R-value among clusters within genetic lines. These findings suggest that OF responses measured during rearing are not related to PM breast muscle pH and R-value, which ultimately affect meat quality. Further research is needed to assess whether other types of fear responses are associated with meat quality and whether differences in R-value between genetic lines are associated with differences in other meat quality characteristics.
Gonadotropin in spinal fluid in a case of twin pregnancy; criticism of spinal fluid test for diagnosis of hydatidiform mole.

Abstract 1. A case of twin pregnancy is presented in which the spinal fluid contained gonadotropic hormone. 2. The literature is surveyed, and no basis is found for the contention that the demonstration of gonadotropic hormone in the spinal fluid is diagnostic of hydatid mole or chorionepithelioma.
Software development process model for aerospace systems

The aim of this paper is to illustrate a two level process model of software development. The first level, the Macro-perspective level aims at synthesizing a model of the external factors that influence the development process. We acknowledge in our model the significance of these external factors in shaping the systems to be created, the philosophy in which it is created, and to a large extent the success of the system. The second level, the Micro-perspective level is concerned with the actual software creation process. The model utilizes four tenets to guide the software engineer: utilize a philosophy of continuousquality improvement, integrate formal methodsmetrics and quality variance together throughout the development process, utilize metrics to monitor and understand the process, and improve communications. The models goal is to provide a multi-level, inter-disciplinary model of the development environment that integrates together all factors in
Development of a Scale to Measure Perceptions of Stewardship Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations

Through a survey of nonprofit stakeholders, this research builds on previous studies that have explored the construct of stewardship and advances a new measurement model. Findings provide a new con...
Correlations of Ba1−xSrxTiO3 Materials and Dielectric Properties

Thin film barium strontium titanate, Ba 1−x Sr x TiO 3 (BST), has been deposited on Pt bottom electrodes using metal-organic decomposition (MOD). Optimization of BST electric properties, including capacitance density and leakage current, can be achieved by altering the chemical and microstructural attribute of the films. Dielectric properties of BST are strongly dependent on processing temperature, film thickness, composition, and microstructure, which are closely correlated with each other. Nucleation temperatures of BST range from 580°C – 650°C depending on film thicknesses. The chemical composition giving the highest dielectric constant is explained in terms of microstructure; capacitance increases with increasing grain size for the BST films in this study. Capacitance density of 50 fF/μ m 2 and leakage current density 2 at 1.6 V can be achieved by optimizing BST materials properties. In addition, leakage conduction through the Pt/BST/Pt capacitor is shown to consist of polarization current resulting from Debye relaxation and true leakage current attributed to Schottky electron emission.
Design and Implementation of Topology Discovery in EPON Network Management System

With the gradually development of network technology,trying the best to broad the bandwidth of the Access Network turns to be more and more important.EPON(Ethernet Passive Optical Network) can adapt to the current Ethernet network,besides EPON is low-cost,extendable,flexible as well as high-bandwidth,these advantages,which make the EPON network gradually become the first choice of Access Network,make the EPON network more and more widely used in nowadays Access Network.Due to the widely utilization of EPON network,it is of great significance to auto discovery equipments running in the EPON network and the connection relationship which can manage and maintain the EPON network effectively.This paper analyzed the characteristics of EPON network,unified with the business application backgrounds,designed and implemented a topology discovery function in the EPON network management system,as well paid a special attention in implementation of the key modules,besides analyzed and implemented the key difficult points during the system implementation.This function can discovery EPON network equipments and their connection relationships easily which make the management and maintenance of the EPON network greatly easy.
Gravity Equation of Transaction Network from 800,000 Japanese Firms' Transaction Network Data

In International Economics, so-called gravity equation has been successful. In the present paper, we show that similar equation concerning transaction network holds well. The weight of transaction network among Japanese prefectures is explained by Sales-i*Sales-j/Distance-ij very well. The definitions of terms are as follows. Sales-i is the total sales of all the firms in prefecture-i. Distance-ij is the physical distance between prefecture i and j. Weight-ij is the number of transaction links between all the firms in prefecture-i and all the firms in prefecture-j. We also obtain power parameters of Sales and Distance. They are very close to 1 and -1. The estimated power parameters as well are in excellent agreement with the network gravity equation.For this purpose we used Japanese firms' transaction network data which consists of 800,000 firms.
Blame-Free Justice

If we had a society of people who actually believed in the free market axioms listed in chapter 1—individualism, property rights, rationality, selfishness, economic competition, etc.—what notions of economic justice would they subscribe to? Individualists would advocate what I shall call endogenous justice theories. These are theories that use only the preferences or personal ethical codes of the individuals in the society under consideration in judging whether a given social state is fair and that require a unanimous agreement among those individuals before justifying a particular state. In short, a social outcome is fair if all people think it is, and no external authority has the right to make that decision for them. Justice is then a totally operational concept. No philosophers or economists need be consulted, because the opinion of such external “experts” is irrelevant.
The Evolving Role of the School Consultant

Mental health workers are increasingly dealing with complex social and human issues within public agencies. They encounter problems of poverty, minority groups, alcohol, drug addiction, and disrupted family structures. Workers interested in the urban school are finding, in addition, that the care of school children with learning difficulties, as a manifestation of psychological and adaptation problems, looms as a large and neglected area.32 Many people working on new approaches with these children are trying to find new modes of intervention—social work with families, residential care, conjoint family therapy, and group approaches,5 plus participation in school system programs.6,8,27,34,46
Shear-induced softening of nanocrystalline metal interfaces at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract We demonstrate inverse Hall-Petch behavior (softening) in pure copper sliding contacts at cryogenic temperatures. By kinetically limiting grain growth, it is possible to generate a quasi-stable ultra-nanocrystalline surface layer with reduced strength. In situ electrical contact resistance measurements were used to determine grain size evolution at the interface, in agreement with reports of softening in highly nanotwinned copper. We also show evidence of a direct correlation between surface grain size and friction coefficient, validating a model linking friction in pure metals and the transition from dislocation mediated plasticity to grain boundary sliding.
Endogeneity of Government Spending Levels

Two models were developed to test the sensitivity of government spending to economic events: a total spending model which included goods, services, and transfers spending in total, and a separate goods and services only model. Results indicated that the total spending model was driven by the unemployment rate (transfer spending), the Reagan and Iraq military build ups, and the deep recession of 2009. Goods and services spending, by comparison was more driven by GDP growth, population size growth, and the same shocks as previously noted.
A within-restaurant analysis of changes in customer satisfaction following the introduction of service inclusive pricing or automatic service charges

Abstract Many U.S. restaurants have recently adopted no-tipping policies or are considering doing so. This study examines the effects of such moves away from tipping on restaurant’s online customer ratings. The results indicate that (i) restaurants receive lower online customer ratings when they eliminate tipping, (ii) online customer ratings decline more when tipping is replaced with service-charges than when it is replaced with service-inclusive-pricing, and (iii) less expensive restaurants experience greater declines in online customer ratings when replacing tipping with either alternative than do more expensive restaurants. These findings provide a strong argument for the retention of tipping, especially among lower- and mid-tier restaurants.
A novel positive tone development method for defect reduction in the semiconductor 193nm immersion lithography process

Patterning defects are considered primary killers for device yield and effective defect reduction is critical for semiconductor manufacturing. In the current work, a new positive tone development method is discussed to reduce defects for the 193 nm immersion lithography process. Photoresist develop processing is optimized via tuning of different process related parameters for complete coverage of the developer solution. Meanwhile, splash during development was minimized to achieve superior lithography performances and defect reduction. Lithographic depth of focus, critical dimension uniformity and line edge/width roughness were improved after 193 nm immersion exposure and etching for pattern transfer. Impact of the development method on defect reduction was also investigated. There was a 10x reduction in the bridging defect after patterning transfer for line/space patterning. The current work provides a strategy for positive tone development with significant defect reduction and improving our understanding of defect control from track related processing, which is of far-reaching significance for improvement in production yield for semiconductor manufacturing.
Language Development in Bilingual Children: Fact, Factoid and Fiction

This chapter examines a range of factors that shape the development of language in bilingual children. Evidence-based practice in education, speech and language therapy, and language policy needs to be based on a thorough understanding of how these factors work together to determine the patterns of development and use of language observed in bilingual children and adults.