cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Notes on the Ovipositional Behavior of Trichogramma fuentesi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), an Egg Parasitoid of Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Our study characterized host searching and oviposition ability of T. fuentesi . In general, female wasps walked to a C. cactorum egg, drummed over the surface, drilled into the chorion, and deposited an egg. Grooming and resting behaviors were observed infrequently and host feeding was never recorded. In a typical observation period of 60 min with eggs of the exotic C. cactorum , female parasitoids spent 16% of their time drumming, 4% drilling, and 8% egg laying into the selected host. Most of the oviposition behaviors happened in the first hour. Nuestro estudio caracterizo la busqueda de hospedero y la capacidad de oviposicion de Trichogramma fuentesi . En general, las avispas hembras caminaron hacia los huevos de Cactoblastis cactorum, pegaron sus antenas sobre la superficie de los huevos como un tambor (en tamboreo), perforaron el corion y depositaron su huevo adentro. Los comportamientos de aseo y de descanso fueron observados con poca frecuencia y la alimentacion sobre el hospedero no fue registrada. En un periodo de observacion tipica de 60 min con los huevos de la especie exotica C. cactorum , los parasitoides hembras pasaron el 16% de su tiempo en tamboreo, el 4% perforando y el 8% poniendo huevos dentro de los hospederos seleccionados. La mayoria del comportamiento de oviposicion ocurrio en la primera hora. View this article in BioOne
Unusual case of bilateral caudate infarcts following pituitary apoplexy.

Importance Cerebral ischemia due to pituitary apoplexy is very rare. It may be caused by vasospasm or direct compression of cerebral vessels by the expanding mass. Bilateral caudate infarcts also are very rare. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that presents pituitary apoplexy causing compression of bilateral anterior cerebral artery branches and leading to bilateral caudate infarcts. Observations An 81-year-old woman with a pituitary macroadenoma presented with circulatory shock due to pituitary apoplexy. Neurological examination revealed new asymmetric quadriparesis with chronic bilateral visual disturbance. On brain magnetic resonance imaging, she was found to have watershed infarcts in the anterior cerebral artery–middle cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery–posterior cerebral artery watershed zones in addition to bilateral caudate infarcts. Conclusions and Relevance Pituitary apoplexy can cause compression of bilateral anterior cerebral arteries from the expanding mass and lead to bilateral caudate infarcts. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia in pituitary apoplexy to improve management.
The Bait Compatibility Index: Computational Bait Selection for Interaction Proteomics Experiments

Protein interaction network maps have been generated for multiple species, making use of large-scale methods such as yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS). These methods take fundamentally different approaches toward characterizing protein networks, and the resulting data sets provide complementary views of the protein interactome. The specific determinants of the outcome of Y2H and AP-MS experiments, in terms of detection of interacting proteins are, however, poorly understood. Here we show that a statistical model built using sequence- and annotation-based features of bait proteins is able to identify bait features that are significant determinants of the outcome of interaction proteomics experiments. We show that bait features are able to explain in part the disparities observed between Y2H and AP-MS constructed networks and can be used to derive the "bait compatibility index", a numeric score that assesses the compatibility of bait proteins with each technology. Aside from understanding the bias and limitations of interaction proteomics, our approach provides a rational, data-driven method for prioritization of baits for interaction proteomics experiments, an essential requirement for future proteome-wide applications of these technologies.
When the tissue box says "Bless You": using speech to build socially interactive objects

From the Internet of things to ubiquitous computing, smart objects are everywhere and have become an increasingly significant part of the information supply chain. However, these objects remain invisible to end-users mostly because they do not interact with them. Our project is devoted to brainstorming different design possibilities for building interfaces for these smart objects. This paper explores one such possibility-outfitting the object with a speech interface. Study participants (N = 63) witnessed the experimenter sneezing, followed by a "Bless You" from either a nearby tissue box, a robot in the room, or a person in the room. Surprisingly, users found the speaking tissue box to be as social and agentic as a humanoid robot and a human. We also found significant moderating effects of users' preference for consistency, parasocial tendency and power usage. Participants who scored high on these traits were more likely to regard the study object as intelligent and likeable. Users also tended to show the same non-verbal reactions to the tissue box as they would to a human or a robot.
Selection as a new product development process: the case of Vertical Branding, Inc.

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to describe a practice that has implications for increasing product innovation in a variety of industriesDesign/methodology/approach – The case describes an aspect of the new product development process that has particular application to a specific successful company. Unlike most marketing organizations, the company, Vertical Branding, Inc. (VBI), concentrates more on selecting new product concepts than developing them.Findings – The case provides information and a solid action approach to increasing company profitability by strengthening a firm's new product innovation. The paper finds that the subject company capitalized on a supply of products and product concepts generated externally. Its major challenge was to select only those concepts that promised the highest probability of success. By using robust analytics and knowing the identity, location and preferences of its target audience, VBI is able to select the best match between its market segment and products.Re...
Evolution of a body of knowledge: an analysis of terrorism research

This study provides an analysis of the development of contemporary terrorism research in the United States. Using on-line bibliometrics, tracing and citation analysis, it explores how terrorism researchers interacted with other knowledge producers to shape the perception of terrorism. The results indicate that the research area was influenced directly by knowledge producers such as the media and the U.S. government. They had major impacts on the definitions of terrorism, the types of data used in analysis, and the diffusion of ideas. This resulted in the creation of invisible colleges of pro-western terrorism researchers and generation of many terrorism studies from a one-sided perspective of terrorism from below (small insurgent groups).
Restenosis after renal artery angioplasty and stenting: Incidence and risk factors

Background Management of renal artery stenosis (RAS) with primary renal artery percutaneous angioplasty and stenting (RA-PTAS) is associated with a low risk of periprocedural death and major complications; however, restenosis develops in a subset of patients and repeat intervention may be required. We examined the incidence of restenosis after RA-PTAS and associations with clinical factors. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing RA-PTAS for hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic RAS associated with hypertension or ischemic nephropathy, or both, between October 2003 and September 2007 were identified from a registry. Restenosis was defined using duplex ultrasound (DUS) imaging as a renal artery postintervention peak systolic velocity (PSV) ≥180 cm/s. The incidence and temporal distribution of restenosis was analyzed using survival analysis based on treated kidneys. Associations between clinical factors and recurrent stenosis were examined using proportional hazards regression. Results RA-PTAS was performed on 112 kidneys for atherosclerotic RAS during the study period. Initial postintervention renal artery DUS imaging confirming PSV P = .006) and increased preoperative diastolic blood pressure (DBP; HR, 0.70 per 10-mm Hg increase in preoperative DBP; 95% CI, 0.49-0.99; P = .049). No other factors assessed were associated with restenosis. Conclusion Restenosis occurs in a substantial number of patients treated with RA-PTAS. Preoperative statin medication use and increased preoperative DBP are associated with reduced risk of restenosis. In the absence of contraindications, statins should be considered standard therapy for patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.
Continuous case-based reasoning

Abstract Case-based reasoning systems have traditionally been used to perform high-level reasoning in problem domains that can be adequately described using discrete, symbolic representations. However, many real-world problem domains, such as autonomous robotic navigation, are better characterized using continuous representations. Such problem domains also require continuous performance, such as on-line sensorimotor interaction with the environment, and continuous adaptation and learning during the performance task. This article introduces a new method for continuous case-based reasoning , and discusses its application to the dynamic selection, modification, and acquisition of robot behaviors in an autonomous navigation system, SINS (self-improving navigation system). The computer program and the underlying method are systematically evaluated through statistical analysis of results from several empirical studies. The article concludes with a general discussion of case-based reasoning issues addressed by this research.
Fertility beyond the frontier: indigenous women, fertility, and reproductive practices in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Recent research suggests that after decades of population decline, indigenous populations of the lowland tropics of Latin America are now experiencing rapid growth. At the same time, conservationists have pronounced indigenous lands as a key to the future of Amazon forests. As such, conservationists should have a good understanding of indigenous demography and impacts on conservation and development. Yet, there is little depth to understanding of these demographic changes and a dearth of quantitative research on the reproductive practices of indigenous populations. This study addresses these gaps through analyses of a household survey of 648 women of reproductive age from five distinct ethnic populations in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We estimate fertility, analyze reproductive intentions and contraceptive use, and determine the unmet need for reproductive health services. The analyses confirm high fertility rates and high levels of unmet need for contraception. With regard to program and policy implications, we conclude by arguing that isolation and cultural barriers present unique challenges to meet the reproductive health needs of these populations. Innovative approaches, such as those merging population–health–environment topics, may be most relevant for meeting these challenges.
Imaging with femtosecond pulses.

An all-optical three-dimensional imaging system based on direct upconversion of depth-resolved images is described. Femtosecond gating of the signal provides a depth resolution in the μm range and a discrimination of the image against scattered light.
Measurements of the material properties of metal nanoparticles by time-resolved spectroscopy

An important aim of nanoparticle research is to understand how the properties of materials depend on their size and shape. In this Invited Article I describe how time-resolved spectroscopy can be used to measure physical properties of nanometre sized objects such as the characteristic time scales for electron–phonon coupling and heat dissipation, and their elastic moduli. The electron–phonon coupling and heat dissipation measurements are important for applications of particles that involve conduction of heat or electricity. On the other hand, the elastic moduli studies provide fundamental information about the properties of nanomaterials. The results of these experiments show that nanometre sized particles can have very different properties compared to the corresponding bulk material. For example, we have recently shown that gold nanorods produced by wet chemical methods have much smaller elastic moduli (an 18% decrease in Young’s modulus) compared to bulk gold.
Dissociation by chloralose of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular responses evoked from the cerebellar fastigial nucleus.

We studied the effects of chloralose anesthesia on the elevation in arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), and regional CBF (rCBF) elicited by stimulation of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN). Rats were anesthetized with an initial dose of chloralose (40 mg/kg s.c.), paralyzed, and artificially ventilated. The FN was stimulated (50-100 microA, 50 Hz, 1 s on/1 s off) with microelectrodes stereotaxically implanted. During the stimulation AP was carefully maintained within cerebrovascular autoregulation. CBF was measured by the [14C]iodoantipyrine technique with regional dissection. In rats that received only the initial dose of chloralose, FN stimulation elevated rCBF in brain and spinal cord, up to 209 +/- 13% of control in frontal cortex (n = 5; p less than 0.01, analysis of variance). Administration of additional chloralose (10 mg/kg i.v., 30 min prior to measurement of CBF) did not affect resting rCBF (n = 5), the EEG, or the elevation in AP and HR elicited by FN stimulation (n = 4). However, the additional chloralose abolished the elevations in rCBF (n = 5; p greater than 0.05). Thus, the cerebrovasodilation elicited from the FN is more susceptible to the effects of additional anesthesia than the elevation in AP and HR. These results indicate that the cerebrovascular and cardiovascular responses elicited from the FN are functionally distinct and provide additional evidence for the notion that these responses are mediated by different neural pathways and transmitters.
Tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate: a novel electrolyte with a unique role in the capillary electrophoretic separation of polyphenols found in grape seed extracts

A capillary electrophoretic method for resolving phenolic compounds found in grape seed extracts was developed using a quaternary ammonium salt as the main electrolyte solution. Seven polyphenols were separated and identified. The separation mechanism seems to involve association between quaternary ammonium cations and the polyphenols. Migration times roughly correlate with the size of the known phenols. The role of the alkyl substituents on the quaternary ammonium ions was investigated and is discussed. The method of analysis proposed herein exhibits high reproducibility in terms of migration times for a complex mixture using a single component background electrolyte.
CATALYSTS OF LIPID PEROXIDATION IN MEATS. 3. Catalysts of Oxidative Rancidity in Meats

SUMMARY Data presented in this paper can be interpreted as evidence that both heme and non-heme iron are functioning as catalysts of lipid oxidation in meat. The most direct evidence comes from cooked meat, since there the picture is not complicated by interfering enzymes. After removal of MetMb by treating with H2O2, a significant lipid oxidation was demonstrated, especially at lower pH where non heme iron is most active. The catalytic activity of hemoprotein is limited in raw meat. Oxygen can be removed from the tissues and MetMb reduced back to Mb by the reducing enzymes. This is especially true at higher PH. Possible limitations of the heme-catalyzed reactions in meat by high (inhibition) levels of myoglobin, or because of separation of reactants in cellular structures, are discussed. The effects of additives were in line with the interpretation that lipid oxidation is catalyzed by both non-heme and hemoprotein. In raw meat, lipid oxidation could be slightly accelerated by adding TDPA or cysteine but inhibited by adding ascorbic acid or EDTA. It is considered that EDTA inhibited the non-heme iron catalysis at the natural acidic pH, whereas ascorbic acid prevented Mb oxidation and thus indirectly retarded the rancidity developed.
Social organization and space use in California voles: seasonal, sexual, and age-specific strategies.

We intensively monitored space use and movement in Microtus californicus over a 2-year period that included 1 year of high density (maximum 618/ha) and one of low (minimum 5/ha); historically this population has exhibited cycles of 2 or 4 years. Adults of both sexes dispersed at the start of the breeding season, culminating in the establishment of intrasexually exclusive territories. In females, these territories persisted throughout life, except that many young females recruiting during the breeding season established contiguous, overlapping, or adjacent home ranges with their mothers. This female philopatry explains the conclusion of previous workers that females of this species are non-territorial. In the dry (non-breeding) season, females had smaller ranges that often overlapped and were clustered. Adult males moved breeding territories at a modal interval of 6 weeks; this is consistent with their avoidance of inbreeding with philopatric daughters. Ranges overlapped 1–4 adult females at any one time, and a cohort of 7 long-lived males overlapped an average of 16.4 females during their tenure on the grid. The period of maximum overlap with adult females varied among individual males, and did not correlate with the time of maximum body weight. Ranges of males in the dry season overlapped extensively, with persistent associations among some individuals. In the lowdensity year, ranges of some adults failed to overlap intersexually. Juvenile males dispersed gradually between 3 and 13 weeks of age (half before 9 weeks), with some leaving after reaching sexual maturity; a few remained philopatric. Of juvenile females, 47% remained philopatric with the rest disappearing before 9 weeks of age. New understanding of vole social behavior, dispersal, and space use is achieved by focusing on the seasonal dynamics of spatial relationships among individuals with respect to age, sex, and relatedness.
Design considerations for a super Fly's Eye experiment

We propose a detector utilizing current atmospheric fluorescence techniques to explore the cosmic ray regime above 10 EeV. Its design is similar to that of the High Resolution Eye, but in order to maximize event rate, modifications to the phototube aperture and geometrical configuration have been made. With a time-integrated trigger aperture of 4200 km2-sr at 10 EeV, the proposed design is potentially competitive with a 5000 km2 extensive air shower array. Finally, we examine the factors affecting experimental site selection.
Trust in a rent-seeking world: Health and government transformed in Northeast Brazil

Abstract This article draws lessons from a set of innovative programs carried out by a state government in Brazil, now widely acclaimed for excellence in public management. Key to the high performance was strong worker commitment to the job, and what the state did to elicit — a topic of little note in the development literature but of central importance in the literature of industrial performance and workplace transformation in the industrialized countries. The state created an unusual sense of “calling” among the program's workers, new prestige in the communities where they worked, and an informed citizenry that both monitored the workers and trusted them.
Stakeholder Perceptions of Seaport Resilience Strategies: A Case Study of Gulfport (Mississippi) and Providence (Rhode Island)

Climate change is having and will continue to have a range of negative impacts on social–environmental systems. Many ports, with their coastal locations and essential roles in regional and national economies, face particular exposure to storm impacts that may worsen with climate change. Currently in the United States port resilience planning falls primarily on port operators. Engaging a wider range of stakeholders in long-term seaport functioning may reduce risks from disruptive and potentially irreversible impacts of climate change. This study uses empirical data gathered through two case studies of highly exposed U.S. ports, Gulfport (MS) and Providence (RI), to identify strategies that port planners and external stakeholders consider feasible for enhancing their port's resilience. This article categorizes these resilience strategies and suggests the potential role that different stakeholders could play in facilitation and implementation.
A case of parathyroid carcinoma with hypercalcemia responsive to cinacalcet therapy.

Background A 54-year-old man presented to the emergency department of his local hospital with a 1-year history of fatigue, weight loss, and constipation. He had abused alcohol for many years, and his symptoms were initially attributed to alcoholism. On physical examination, he was confused, his blood pressure was normal, he had no palpable neck masses, and his liver was enlarged. His serum calcium concentration was 4.2 mmol/l and his serum parathyroid hormone concentration was 36 pmol/l. CT-guided biopsy of a liver lesion showed large neoplastic cells, and fine-needle aspiration of the neck showed cells similar to those in the liver. The patient was treated with intravenous saline, pamidronate, and zoledronic acid. He was referred to our hospital on day 35 for treatment of refractory hypercalcemia. Investigations Sestamibi parathyroid scan, chest and abdominal CT scans, neck ultrasonography, liver biopsy, fine-needle aspiration of neck mass, and measurement of parathyroid hormone in an aspirate of the neck mass. Diagnosis Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by metastatic parathyroid carcinoma. Management Intravenous fluids, intravenous doses of pamidronate and zoledronic acid and oral cinacalcet therapy.
Social status inconsistency and migration

Abstract We use NLSY79 panel data to extend the line of sociological research encouraged in the early work of Lenski by analyzing the effects of social status inconsistencies on the likelihood and direction of migration. Given that migration is often viewed as a way for individuals to locate prospective returns fitting for their qualifications, analysis of migration behavior offers an opportunity to examine the impact of status inconsistency. Key findings indicate that under-rewarded individuals, specifically relatively highly educated individuals in low status and low paying occupations, are more likely to migrate than are status consistent individuals. Over-rewarded individuals are less likely to migrate. These findings vary across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan places: individuals in nonmetropolitan areas who are under-rewarded or have mixed statuses have higher odds of migration than status consistent respondents. Individuals in metropolitan areas with inconsistent statuses are not more likely to migrate than status consistent respondents once other determinants of migration are entered in the analysis. Exploratory analysis shows migration increases the likelihood of achieving status consistency. Further examination of the interrelationship between migration and status inconsistency is recommended.
The Ixodes scapularis Genome Project: an opportunity for advancing tick research

The Ixodes scapularis Genome Project (IGP), the first to sequence a tick genome, will provide an unparalleled resource for studying tick biology and tick–host–pathogen relationships, and identifying novel targets for tick and tick-borne disease control. The IGP will be the first genomic analysis of a member of the subphylum Chelicerata and will accelerate the pace of tick research. The challenge for scientists is to translate IGP data into public health benefits.
Expression of differentiated properties in fetal liver cells and their somatic cell hybrids

Abstract A line of murine fetal liver cells is described and characterized. Hybrids between these differentiated cells and a non-differentiated fibroblast line were isolated and studied for the expression of the differentiated characteristics of the parent liver line. These include expression and inducibility for the enzyme tryptophan pyrrolase, ability to accumulate glycogen granules, and a characteristic morphology and growth rate, all of which were suppressed in the hybrid. The results obtained from sequential chromosome counts of the hybrid indicate that the modal number drops from about 100 to about 72 in 5 months, a fact that may be related to the extreme differences in generation times of the two parents.
Shared suffering can mitigate aversively-generated aggression : On the role of the target's stimulus characteristics

Although considerable research indicates that aversive conditions (such as uncomfortably high temperatures) often evoke aggressive inclinations, there is also evidence that people are attracted to those who share their discomfort. In a 2 × 2 design, female participants in either a hot or comfortable room worked with a nearby partner exposed to the same temperature but whose reactions to the temperature were either the same as, or different from, their feelings about the temperature. The women in a fifth condition had a partner situated in a room with a comfortable temperature . Consistent with Schachter's [1959] social–emotional comparison theory, the highest level of aggression was displayed by the participants in the hot room working with a partner whose emotional reactions were different from their own, whereas their counterparts, also exposed to the high temperature but whose partner's feelings were similar to their own, exhibited the least aggression over all the trials. Aggr. Behav. 32:80–87, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of cyproterone acetate on structure of adrenal cortex in hypophysectomized, ACTH treated mice.

Hypophysectomized adult male C57BL/6J mice injected with 0.08 mg/g of cyproterone acetate showed large aggregates of cellular lipid as well as nodular formations in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. Daily ACTH injections (10IU) reversed the atrophic changes noted above. At the ultrastructural level, the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis cells exhibited decreased cellular lipid content, proliferated profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum, an increase in polyribosomes, and an active Golgi apparatus. It is believed that cyproterone acetate inhibited adrenocortical steroidogenesis by interfering with pituitary release of ACTH.
Low-energy behavior of the 3He(α, γ)7Be cross section

Cross sections for the ^3He(α, γ)^7Be reaction have been measured at several energies from E_(c.m.) = 165 to 1169 keV by counting prompt γ-rays from a windowless, differentially pumped, recirculating, ^3He gas target. The cross-section factor S_(34)(E_(c.m.)) and branching ratio γ_1/γ_0 were determined at each energy. Cross sections were also measured at E_(c.m.) = 947 and 1255 keV by counting the γ-rays from the ^7Be produced in a ^3He gas cell with a Ni entrance foil. Combining the results of these two independent experiments yields a zero-energy intercept for the cross-section factor of S_(34)(0) = 0.53 ± 0.03 keV · b. The relationship between these measurements and several theoretical calculations, and the import of the extrapolated cross section for the solar-neutrino problem are discussed.
Confined soliton pairs (bipolarons) in polythiophene: In-situ magnetic resonance measurements

Abstract We describe results obtained from electron spin resonance measurements carried out on thin films of polythiophene in - situ during electrochemical doping with ClO4-. The results demonstrate the spinless character of the doping induced charge states at dilute to intermediate doping concentrations and set an upper limit on the ratio of the number of spins (Ns) to the number of charges (Nch): N s N ch −3 . This demonstration of a reversed spin-charge relation proves that bipolarons are the lowest energy charge storage configurations in doped polythiophene for concentrations up to at least 14 mole%.
Some Notes on Animal Symbolism in African Religion and Culture

The relationship between the sacred and nature has lately received considerable attention in the study of indigenous traditions. Drawing upon my fieldwork, my own life situation as a twin in the Yoruba community of Nigeria, and several ethnographic sources, the article examines the religious and symbolic significance of animals in African society and culture. Animals feature prominently in cosmogonic myths by conveying the sacred power and messages with which the primordial chaos was transformed into the habitable cosmos. As shown in totemic ideas and practices, animals play key roles in identity construction of individuals, clans, and ethnic groups. The role of cattle in the religious thought and practices of pastoralists is examined. Cattle are seen as an extension of the human family and they represent several ideals that the human community espouses. The ideology and rituals of sacred kingship portray animal symbols. From the ancient Ashanti kingdom in Ghana to the Dande villages in Zimbabwe, animal metaphors convey the power of the king and royal ancestors. Animal images in artistic traditions, especially those that show aesthetic qualities of leadership and that relate to rituals, are also discussed.
Transport of thyroid hormones in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

ABSTRACT Thyroid hormone content of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pooled from euthyroid patients was studied because of its possible relationship to brain T4 and T3 levels. The mean CSF total T4 level was 185 ng/100 ml, 1/40 the serum level, and the mean CSF T3 level was 17.4 ng/100 ml, 1/10 the serum level. Mean percent CSF free T4 was 3.5 and free T3 was 10.2. CSF absolute free T4 was 5.8 and absolute free T3 was 1.8 ng/100 ml, both exceeding the respective serum levels of 2.4 and 0.32 ng/100 ml. CSF TBPA bound 12.2% of T3 and 43.5% of T4, higher fractions than serum TBPA which bound 3.0% of T3 and 17.3% of T4. As estimated from maximum T4 binding capacities, the CSF TBG level was 13.2 ng/100 ml, 1/75 of the serum level, and the TBPA level was 1.47 mg/100 ml, 1/12 of the serum level. Although the total levels of T3 and T4 binding proteins were relatively small, thyroid hormone transport in CSF qualitatively resembled that in serum.
Non-linear vibrations of three-layer beams with viscoelastic cores I. Theory

Abstract Approximate equations of motion are developed for large amplitude motions of three-layer axially restrained unsymmetrical beams with viscoelastic cores. The external force consists of a constant plus an oscillatory term. The combination of this form of forcing and the large amplitude motions cause the beam to respond at multiples of the forcing frequency. This can lead to difficulties in the complex modulus approach to viscoelasticity. These are overcome here through use of hereditary integrals and their relationships with complex moduli. Theoretical results on the frequency response of clamped, symmetrical beams are compared with earlier experimental work. On the whole, reasonable agreement is found.
Middle Ear Disease and Cochlear Implant Function: A Case Study.

AbstractObjectives and methods: It has been our clinical observation that active middle ear disease (MED) temporally corresponds to a transient decrease in cochlear implant (CI) function, specifically at the apical electrodes. This is non-intuitive as CI function is thought to be independent of middle ear aeration and inflammation. The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how active MED negatively affects both subjective hearing complaints and objective impedance measures in a CI patient. Results: Subjective hearing decreased and impedances levels increased significantly when the patient was experiencing active MED. No significant changes in these measures occurred when there was no active MED. Conclusions: MED may affect CI function in some patients requiring adjustments in programming at times of involvement.
A Comparison of Item Response Theory and Confirmatory Factor Analytic Methodologies for Establishing Measurement Equivalence/Invariance

Recently, there has been increased interest in tests of measurement equivalence/ invariance (ME/I). This study uses simulated data with known properties to assess the appropriateness, similarities, and differences between confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory methods of assessing ME/I. Results indicate that although neither approach is without flaw, the item response theory–based approach seems to be better suited for some types of ME/I analyses.
Real-time and rate-distortion optimized video streaming with TCP

In this paper we explore the use of a new rate-distortion metric for optimizing real-time Internet video streaming with the transmission control protocol (TCP). We lay out the groundwork by developing a simple model that characterizes the expected latency for packets send with TCP-Reno. Subsequently, we develop an analytical model of the expected video distortion at the decoder with respect to the expected latency for TCP, the packetization mechanism, and the error-concealment method used at the decoder. Characterizing the duo protocol/channel more accurately, we obtain a better estimate of the expected distortion and the available channel rate. This better knowledge is exploited with the design of a new algorithm for rate-distortion optimized encoding mode selection for video streaming with TCP. Experimental results for real-time video streaming depict improvement in PSNR in the range of 2dB over metrics that do not consider the behavior of the transport protocol.
Epinephrine enhancement of human memory consolidation: interaction with arousal at encoding

Abundant evidence indicates that endogenous stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol modulate memory consolidation in animals. Despite this evidence, there has been no demonstration that endogenous stress hormones modulate memory consolidation in humans. In the present study, healthy subjects viewed a series of 21 slides, and immediately after received an intravenous infusion of either saline or epinephrine (40 or 80 ng/kg/min). Memory for the first three (primacy) and last three (recency) slides viewed was assessed with an incidental free recall test one week later. Epinephrine dose-dependently increased memory for the primacy slides, but did not affect memory of the recency slides. A subsequent experiment involving new subjects revealed significantly higher electrodermal responses to the primacy compared with recency slides. These findings support the view (Gold & McGaugh, 1975) that endogenous stress hormones modulate memory consolidation for experiences that induce their release. Additionally, they suggest that in humans these hormones may interact with the degree of arousal at initial encoding of information to modulate memory consolidation processes for that information.
1α-Hydroxylated cholecalciferol compounds act additively with microbial phytase to improve phosphorus, zinc and manganese utilization in chicks fed soy-based diets

Seven experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] and microbial phytase in improving P, Zn and Mn utilization of chicks fed P, Zn- and Mn-deficient soy protein diets containing surfeit levels of cholecalciferol. Efficacy of 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1 alpha-OH D3) was also studied. A dose titration study indicated that supplemental phytase at 1200 units/kg diet would increase bone ash by at least 65% when added to a corn-soybean meal diet containing 0.43 g P/100 g (0.1 g nonphytate P/100 g). These responses were similar to those obtained from supplemental P (0.1 g/100 g) as KH2PO4 or from added 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10 micrograms/kg). Dietary addition of both 1200 units phytase and 10 micrograms/kg 1,25-(OH)2D3 elicited bone ash responses that were near 100%. When chicks were fed a Zn-deficient soy-concentrate diet (13 mg Zn/kg), diet supplementation with 1,25-(OH)2D3 or phytase increased growth rate by 40% and tibia Zn content by > 100%; adding 1,25-(OH)2D3 together with phytase increased tibia Zn content by 160%. Utilization of both Zn and Mn contained in the corn-soybean meal diet also was markedly enhanced by supplemental phytase, 1,25-(OH)2D3, or the combination. The cholecalciferol analog 1 alpha-OH D3 was found to improve dietary P utilization maximally (70% bone ash response) at a dose of 20 micrograms/kg diet, and effects were additive when 1 alpha-OH D3 was fed in the presence of phytase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dibenzocyclooctadiene-type lignans from Magnolia pyramidata

Eight dibenzocyclooctadiene-type lignans, pyramidatin A-H, were isolated from the leaves of Magnolia pyramidata. Their structures were established by spectral methods, mainly 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques, which involved combined applications of COSY, DEPT. 1H, 13C correlations, COLOC, INAPT and long-range inverse 1H, 13C NMR correlations. The molecular structures of pyramidatin A and B were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The absolute configurations of all eight lignans were derived from CD spectral correlations with structurally related dibenzocyclooctadienes of known absolute configuration.
Regulatory network analysis acceleration with reconfigurable hardware

In medical research it is of great importance to be able to quickly obtain answers to inquiries about system response to different stimuli. Modeling the dynamics of biological regulatory networks is a promising approach to achieve this goal, but existing modeling approaches suffer from complexity issues and become inefficient with large networks. In order to improve the efficiency, we propose the implementation of models of regulatory networks in hardware, which allows for highly parallel simulation of these networks. We find that our FPGA implementation of an example model of peripheral naive T cell differentiation provides five orders of magnitude speedup when compared to software simulation.
Inverted Alu dsRNA structures do not affect localization but can alter translation efficiency of human mRNAs independent of RNA editing

With over one million copies, Alu elements are the most abundant repetitive elements in the human genome. When transcribed, interaction between two Alus that are in opposite orientation gives rise to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Although the presence of dsRNA in the cell was previously thought to only occur during viral infection, it is now known that cells express many endogenous small dsRNAs, such as short interfering RNA (siRNAs) and microRNA (miRNAs), which regulate gene expression. It is possible that long dsRNA structures formed from Alu elements influence gene expression. Here, we report that human mRNAs containing inverted Alu elements are present in the mammalian cytoplasm. The presence of these long intramolecular dsRNA structures within 3 0 -UTRs decreases translational efficiency, and although the structures undergo extensive editing in vivo, the effects on translation are independent of the presence of inosine. As inverted Alus are predicted to reside in >5% of human protein-coding genes, these intramolecular dsRNA structures are important regulators of gene expression.
An Organic Active-Matrix Imager

In this paper, a proof of concept 4 x 4 active-matrix imager fabricated at near room temperature (< 95 degC) is presented. Conventional photolithography and inkjet printing were used to pattern integrated organic FETs and photoconductors. The design and characterization of a pixel circuit is described. A simple first-order calibration technique is used to partially compensate for fixed pattern noise. Following the calibration, the imager is shown to correctly image a "T" pattern.
Predicting vehicle-level EMC performance utilizing on-bench component characterization results

This paper proposes a simple, but powerful technique to predict the system-level electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance from the results of on-bench component characterization. Using a network analyzer, the components of a vehicle ignition system were characterized on-bench up to 1 GHz, and then the results were manipulated numerically to estimate the system-level performance. Results have shown that the prediction matches the open-area-test-site (OATS) test results pretty well, which shows that this can be a very handy tool for predicting possible system-level problems from component-level features, or the problems can be traced down to subsystem-/component-level to pinpoint the troublesome bottle neck(s).
Optimal operating policies in a commodity trading market with the manufacturer's presence

With the help of the Internet and express delivery at relatively low costs, trading markets have become increasingly popular as a venue to sell excess inventory and a source to obtain products at lower prices. In this article, we study the operational decisions in the presence of a trading market in a periodic-review, finite-horizon setting. Prices in the trading market change periodically and are determined endogenously by the demand and supply in the market. We characterize the retailers'optimal ordering and trading policies when the original manufacturer and the trading market co-exist and retailers face fees to participate in the trading market. Comparing with the case with no trading fees, we obtain insights into the impact of trading fees and the fee structure on the retailers and the manufacturer. Further, we find that by continually staying in the market, the manufacturer may use her pricing strategies to counter-balance the negative impact of the trading market on her profit. Finally, we extend the model to the case when retailers dynamically update their demand distribution based on demand observations in previous periods. A numerical study provides additional insights into the impact of demand updating in a trading market with the manufacturer's competition. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Power law relationships between bond length, bond strength and electron density distributions

The strength of a bond, defined as p=s/r, where s is the Pauling bond strength and r is the row number of an M cation bonded to an oxide anion, is related to a build-up of electron density along the MO bonds in a relatively large number of oxide and hydroxyacid molecules, three oxide minerals and three molecular crystals. As p increases, the value of the electron density is observed to increase at the bond critical points with the lengths of the bonds shortening and the electronegativities of the M cations bonded to the oxide anion increasing. The assertion that the covalency of a bond is intrinsically connected to its bond strength is supported by the electron density distribution and its bond critical point properties. A connection also exists between the properties of the electron density distributions and the connectivity of the bond strength network formed by the bonded atoms of a structure.
Translation with Scarce Bilingual Resources

Machine translation of human languages is a field almost as old as computers themselves. Recent approaches to this challenging problem aim at learning translation knowledge automatically (or semi-automatically) from online text corpora, especially human-translated documents. For some language pairs, substantial translation resources exist, and these corpus-based systems can perform well. But for most language pairs, data is scarce, and current techniques do not work well. To examine the gap between human and machine translators, we created an experiment in which human beings were asked to translate an unknown language into English on the sole basis of a very small bilingual text. Participants performed quite well, and debriefings revealed a number of valuable strategies. We discuss these strategies and apply some of them to a statistical translation system.
Spatial Localization in Dissipative Systems

Spatial localization is a common feature of physical systems, occurring in both conservative and dissipative systems. This article reviews the theoretical foundations of our understanding of spatial localization in forced dissipative systems, from both a mathematical point of view and a physics perspective. It explains the origin of the large multiplicity of simultaneously stable spatially localized states present in a parameter region called the pinning region and its relation to the notion of homoclinic snaking. The localized states are described as bound states of fronts, and the notions of front pinning, self-pinning, and depinning are emphasized. Both one-dimensional and two-dimensional systems are discussed, and the reasons behind the differences in behavior between dissipative systems with conserved and nonconserved dynamics are explained. The insights gained are specific to forced dissipative systems and are illustrated here using examples drawn from fluid mechanics (convection and shear flows) an...
Coherent Carbon Cryogel−Ammonia Borane Nanocomposites for H2 Storage

Coherent carbon cryogel−ammonia borane (C−AB) nanocomposites were synthesized, and improved H2 storage properties are reported. Porous carbon cryogels were impregnated with AB in tetrahydrofuran solution at 25 °C under argon; 30% of the carbon cryogel pore volume was filled to produce a 24 wt % C−AB nanocomposite. Nitrogen sorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal/thermal gravimetric analyses, mass spectrometry, and 11B NMR were used to characterize the coherent C−AB nanocomposites. Findings include a merged two-step hydrogen release reaction with an appreciable reduction in the dehydrogenation temperature to <90 °C as well as the suppression of borazine release. The possible nanosize effects on the H2 storage properties are discussed.
Limitations of Preisach Theory: Elastic aftereffect, congruence, and end point memory

[1] The earliest reported observations of hysteresis in rocks were published at the beginning of the last century. In analogy with magnetic systems, a Preisach model was adapted in the early 1980s and used to describe the elastic hysteresis in rocks. In spite of its apparent success, as with any model of a physical process, use of the Preisach model has limitations that need to be carefully considered. Several new stress-strain measurements on various sedimentary rocks are reported here to probe the limits of the Preisach model. “Quasistatic” stress-strain measurements shown here explore in detail some of the predictions of this model, namely end point memory and congruence but also demonstrate the impact of elastic aftereffect (or relaxation). It was found, for example, that at certain stress-strain measurement rates for Berea sandstone, elastic after-effect/relaxation effects dominate, hysteresis loops completely vanish, the Preisach model fails, and simple nonlinear behavior remains.