cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Family stress during the pandemic worsens the effect of adverse parenting on adolescent sleep quality.

Background Adverse parenting is consistently associated with increased sleep problems among adolescents. Shelter-in-Place restrictions and the uncertainty linked to the Covid-19 pandemic have introduced new stressors on parents and families, adding to the risk for youth's sleep problems. Objective Using multidimensional assessments of child maltreatment (CM; threat vs. deprivation), the present study examined whether parent-report and child-report of Covid-19 related stress potentiated the effect of CM on sleep problems among boys and girls. Participants and setting The study focused on a sample of 124 dyads of adolescents (Mage = 12.89, SD = 0.79; 52% female) and their primary caregivers (93% mothers) assessed before and during the pandemic (May to October 2020). Method Data were obtained from both youth and their parents. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test all study hypotheses. Simple slopes and Johnson-Neyman plots were generated to probe significant interaction effects. Results Deprivation, but not threat, directly predicted increased sleep problems among boys during the pandemic. Additionally, elevation in Covid-19 stress (both parent and child report) intensified the link between CM (threat and deprivation) and sleep problems among boys. Conclusion Our findings inform prevention and intervention efforts that aim to reduce sleep problems among boys during stressful contexts, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Application of Machine Learning to Sleep Stage Classification.

Sleep studies are imperative to recapitulate phenotypes associated with sleep loss and uncover mechanisms contributing to psychopathology. Most often, investigators manually classify the polysomnography into vigilance states, which is time-consuming, requires extensive training, and is prone to inter-scorer variability. While many works have successfully developed automated vigilance state classifiers based on multiple EEG channels, we aim to produce an automated and open-access classifier that can reliably predict vigilance state based on a single cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) from rodents to minimize the disadvantages that accompany tethering small animals via wires to computer programs. Approximately 427 hours of continuously monitored EEG, electromyogram (EMG), and activity were labeled by a domain expert out of 571 hours of total data. Here we evaluate the performance of various machine learning techniques on classifying 10-second epochs into one of three discrete classes: paradoxical, slow-wave, or wake. Our investigations include Decision Trees, Random Forests, Naive Bayes Classifiers, Logistic Regression Classifiers, and Artificial Neural Networks. These methodologies have achieved accuracies ranging from approximately 74% to approximately 96%. Most notably, the Random Forest and the ANN achieved remarkable accuracies of 95.78% and 93.31%, respectively. Here we have shown the potential of various machine learning classifiers to automatically, accurately, and reliably classify vigilance states based on a single EEG reading and a single EMG reading.
Before, During, and After: How Phases of Competition Differentially Affect Testosterone, Cortisol, and Estradiol Levels in Women Athletes

Testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) are hormones related to, respectively, dominance motivation and stress. Levels of both hormones increase in association with athletic competition. Estradiol (E) has been linked to dominance motivation in women, but has heretofore not been studied in the context of athletic competition. In this study, salivary levels of T, C, and E were determined for women soccer players to obtain a neutral-day baseline. Later, changing levels of these same hormones were tracked across the course of two intercollegiate matches, one played at home (a loss) and the other played away (a win). Before warm-up levels of C and E (but not T) were elevated relative to neutral-day baseline. T and E (but not C) increased during warm-up. T and C increased during the competition, while E declined to baseline. During the 30-min period after the end of competition, T decreased while C remained elevated. Pre-warm-up, warm-up, and competition-related changes in T, C, and E were not dependent on match venue (home vs away) or match outcome (win vs loss). T and C decreased more within the 30 min after the game that was won compared to the game that was lost. Over the course of athletic competition, levels of T, C, and E change differentially in relation to each other in remarkably reliable and predictable patterns across individuals and sports contexts. These findings should encourage study of the ways in which the interplay of these hormonal changes influence and/or is influenced by the psychological experience of competition.
Constructive Functions in “The Foundations of Intuttionistic Mathematics”

Publisher Summary The formal system of the Foundations of Intutionistic Mathematics (FIM) has been criticized on the ground that its symbolism lacks a distinction between constructive functions and free choice sequences. Unquestionably, this distinction is vital for intuitionism. The fact that it wasn't symbolized is not oversight. Indeed, the author were personally led into the study of intuitionism by asking the question whether the constructive operations, functions, etc. of intuitionism can be identified with general (or partial) recursive functions. So it was a natural step to propose to identify the “laws” in Brouwer's definition of “set” or “spread” with general recursive functions. FIM does not have a separate sort of variables specifically for constructive functions. Nor does it have a prime formula C(α), for which more or less in the way of properties might be postulated, to express that α is a constructive function. However, FIM does certainly have a composite formula GR( α ) expressing that α is a general recursive function, and thus, if Church's thesis is used, a constructive function.
Efficient FFT algorithms for DSP processors using tensor product decompositions

A new class of FFT (fast Fourier transform) algorithms that run very efficiently on digital signal processors (DSPs) is described. The algorithms are based on a tensor product factorization of the DFT (discrete Fourier transform). The tensor product factorization not only controls the breakdown into short-length DFTs but also shows the data flow between the various blocks. This allows a better scheduling of operations, which again gives a better utilization of the DSP pipelining/parallel capabilities, and leads to algorithms with significantly lower overhead than traditional methods. Several different programs have been implemented in assembly code for the TMS320C30 and simulated to find their execution times. The new algorithms are shown to be more than 20% faster than traditional sequential algorithms adapted to the processor, because of lower overhead, and better utilization of the parallel instruction sets and the pipelining is obtained. >
Result Aggregation for Knowledge-Intensive Multicultural Name Matching

In this paper, we describe a metasearch tool resulting from experiments in aggregating the results of different name matching algorithms on a knowledge-intensive multicultural name matching task. Three retrieval engines that match romanized names were tested on a noisy and predominantly Arabic dataset. One is based on a generic string matching algorithm; another is designed specifically for Arabic names; and the third makes use of culturally-specific matching strategies for multiple cultures. We show that even a relatively naive method for aggregating results significantly increased effectiveness over each of the individual algorithms, resulting in nearly tripling the F-score of the worst-performing algorithm included in the aggregate, and in a 6-point improvement in F-score over the single best-performing algorithm included.
A model of security monitoring

A formal model of security monitoring that distinguishes two different methods of recording information (logging) and two different methods of analyzing information (auditing) is presented. From this model, implications for the design and use of security monitoring mechanisms are drawn. The model is then applied to security mechanisms for statistical databases, monitoring mechanisms for computer systems, and backups, in order to demonstrate its usefulness. It is concluded that the proposed model of logging and auditing is comprehensive enough to encompass very different schemes used in a variety of contexts. For example. Statistical database query control and file access monitoring systems do not seem to be related, and yet they create closely related security problems, and the mechanisms designed to improve the security of one will also improve the security of the other. >
Self focusing in vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes

High multimode CW powers have been achieved from vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes (VCSEL's). However, due to the problems of thermal lensing and spatial hole burning, single mode powers have been limited to several mW. We show experimentally and with a simple model that, in weakly index guided VCSEL's, self focusing causes the fundamental mode width to decrease with increasing power in the mode, resulting in a rapid transition to multimode operation and limiting the maximum single fundamental mode power. >
Beam output interference cancellation for line arrays

Broadband multibeam line array systems are increasingly used for initial detection in underwater acoustics. Beams with power significantly greater than the average indicate directional sources. Strong sources can corrupt the spatial normalization by leaking through the sidelobes of the beam pattern and causing beam to beam imbalance. This imbalance can obscure the detection of weaker contacts. This paper discusses a beam output approach to minimize the impact of strong interference. The technique uses an adaptive filter to subtract from the beam under test a weighted linear combination of samples of a beam pointed at the interference. The weights adapt to force the correlation between the filtered output and the reference beam to zero. We analyze the effectiveness of interference suppression by calculating the spatial variation of the beam output power before and after filtering, for a variety of geometries, and as a function of interference of noise ratio. Our results indicate reductions of average spatial bias levels by amounts greater than 5dB for interference to noise ratios greater than -10 dB at the beamformer input. Our results indicate the advantages of beam output interference suppression and suggest a potentially effective implementation.
Fuzzy controller synthesis for an inverted pendulum system

A frequently discussed issue in the use of fuzzy systems for control design is related to the ad hoc nature by which controller synthesis is performed, where incorporation of the designer's knowledge into the synthesis procedure is often not straightforward. This paper describes a controller synthesis procedure based on the idea of expanding the usable region of a linear control design technique. Comparative analyses are carried out via implementation of swing-up and balancing control for a rotational inverted pendulum system. For the complete control problem, the paper focuses on three aspects of fuzzy control in the overall control design: direct, supervisory, and auto-tuning fuzzy control. For swing-up control, an energy pumping strategy, enhanced by introducing a fuzzy supervisory mechanism, is utilized. For balancing control, an LQR-based linear control strategy, valid in the “linear region” of operation of the pendulum, is generalized to a nonlinear direct fuzzy control design. For improved performance when modeling uncertainties affect controller performance, a new scheme is developed, again based on the LQR design, which is a simple yet effective auto-tuned fuzzy controller, having the capability to vary its resolution on-line. All controllers are tested on an experimental apparatus, and performance comparisons are drawn.
Systematic investigation of the global phase behavior of associating binary fluid mixtures: I. mixtures containing one self-associating substance

Global phase diagrams have been calculated for binary mixtures containing one self-associating and one isotropic substance. The calculations have been made on the basis of an equation of state. This equation consists of the van der Waals equation as isotropic part and the association term of the Statistical Association Fluid Theory (SAFT) equation. The results are presented in two-dimensional intersections of the global phase diagram. The influence of the self-association on the binary behavior is discussed. Comparisons with similar investigations of the van der Waals, Redlich-Kwong, and Carnahan-Starling-Redlich-Kwong equations of state have been made. Further comparisons with recent calculations of binary water systems have been accomplished.
Millennials and Mentoring: Why I’m calling out “Bullpucky!” on Generational Differences and Professional Development

A commentary on the current generational hype about Millennials in the workforce, especially regarding mentoring programs. Mentoring programs have been targeted as needing to change because of the perception that the Millennial cohort is very different from other age cohorts, and this author sets out to prove otherwise. Communication and compatibility between the mentor and mentee are indicators in whether that relationship is successful or unsuccessful. Also discussed is a mentoring program which has recently been expanded at the Pennsylvania State University Libraries.
Statin therapy after acute ischemic stroke in the heart protection study: is the role in recurrent stroke prevention now defined?

The Heart Protection Study (HPS) recently reported that for individuals at high risk for experiencing vascular occlusive events, simvastatin taken 40 mg/d reduces the relative risk of ischemic stroke by 28% ( P <0.001) without consequent increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.1 The results of this study are important and should impact practice because HPS is a well-designed, large, prospective, randomized clinical trial with prespecified and adjudicated endpoints. HPS enrolled men and women between the ages of 40 and 80 years with high risk of coronary heart disease, treated hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or occlusive noncoronary artery disease to receive either simvastatin 40 mg per day or placebo. Inclusion criteria required a total cholesterol concentration of at least 135 mg/dL (3.5 mL/L).2 Subjects with a history of nondisabling stroke or transient ischemic attack or carotid endarterectomy were also eligible for enrollment. However, excluded were stroke, myocardial infarction, or hospital admission for angina within 6 months of randomization, as well as hepatic disease, severe renal disease, inflammatory muscle diseases, and a variety of other life-threatening conditions or contraindications for the use of statins. The design was a 2×2 factorial using simvastatin 40 mg daily with a matched placebo or antioxidant vitamins with matching placebo capsules. For statin therapy, the study was powered to detect a reduction of 25% in 5-year coronary heart disease mortality, along with …
Laboratory Studies of Cryopreservation of Sperm and Trochophore Larvae of the Eastern Oyster

The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is the most important cultured oyster species of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Cryopreservation of gametes and larvae of aquatic organisms has increased in importance in recent years. However, studies on the cryopreservation of sperm and larvae of mollusks have focused on the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. The present study was conducted to improve cryopreservation of sperm and trochophore larvae and to assess fertilizing ability and male-to-male variation of thawed sperm of the eastern oyster. Sperm were diluted in 12 cryoprotectant solutions composed of Hanks' balanced salt solution without calcium and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% (v/v) propylene glycol with or without 0.25 M sucrose. Trochophore larvae were suspended in artificial seawater and 10 or 15% propylene glycol (v/v). Sperm or trochophore larvae were placed in 5-mL macrotubes and allowed to equilibrate for 15 min. The macrotubes were cooled in a controlled-rate freezer at a rate of 2.5°C per min until reaching a final temperature of −30°C and were plunged into liquid nitrogen. After storage for 2 weeks, the samples were thawed in a water bath at 70°C for 15 s. Overall, for cryopreservation of sperm and larvae, best results were obtained using 10 or 15% propylene glycol. Thawed sperm presented significant male-to-male variation in fertilizing ability. Survival of thawed larvae decreased as the concentration of larvae per macrotube increased. The procedures developed in this study for sperm and larvae are suitable for production of seedstock in commercial oyster hatcheries.
Decentralized adaptive backstepping control of electric power systems

In this paper, a decentralized adaptive backstepping excitation controller, tuned using a Particle Swarm Optimization technique (PSO), is designed for stability enhancement of multi-machine power systems. To achieve decentralization, each machine is modeled as an independent uncertain dynamic subsystem, where the uncertainty is a disturbance that represents the effects of the rest of the system on that particular machine. This disturbance is expressed as a polynomial function of electric power deviation, and its parameters are adapted using PSO. The proposed technique is illustrated with a two-area benchmark power system. This system exhibits inter-area oscillations which are effectively damped with the proposed decentralized controllers under severe contingencies, for which traditional power system stabilizers fail.
A Comparison of Seasonal Homeowners and Permanent Residents on their Attitudes Toward Wildlife Management on Public Lands

With the widespread migration of urban residents to rural areas, the rural rebound of the past three decades has created dramatic demographic changes throughout rural America. This is particularly true in rural regions rich in natural amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains, and forests. To date, the literature on the rural rebound and amenities has largely ignored one aspect of the rebound—the growth in seasonal and recreational homes in amenity regions. This article compares seasonal and permanent residential landowners on their attitudes toward wildlife management goals for public lands in amenity-rich northwestern Wisconsin. Although rural–urban differences in attitudes toward hunting persist, views of preservationist-oriented wildlife management goals are nearly identical. Support for this research project was provided by United States Department of Agriculture McIntire-Stennis grant number 142-4682, National Science Foundation IGERT grant number 9870703, University of Wisconsin Department of Fore...
Applicability of Phase-Function Normalization Techniques for Radiation Transfer Computation

The applicability of recently developed four phase-function (PF) normalization techniques for modeling radiation transfer in strongly anisotropic scattering media is intensively examined using the discrete-ordinates method. The three simple techniques via normalization of only the forward- and/or backward-scattering directions have been shown to reduce normalization complexity while retaining diffuse radiation computation accuracy for Henyey-Greenstein (HG) PFs. For Legendre PFs, however, such simple techniques are found to result in unphysical negative PF values at one or a few correction directions in some cases. Additionally, negative PF values can occur with these simple techniques for ballistic radiation transfer for both HG and Legendre PF types. If negative-intensity correction is applied, however, radiative heat transfer calculation can still converge regardless of the appearance of negative PF values. The relatively complex Hunter and Guo (2012) technique, in which normalization is realized throu...
Socio-economic Factors and Outcomes in Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity

Rationale Infants and children with chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLDP) are at increased risk for respiratory morbidities. We sought to determine (1) whether socio-economic status, race/ethnicity, and/or sex are risk factors for respiratory morbidities and (2) whether disparities in care existed for major therapy decisions such as home supplemental oxygen and gastrostomy tubes as well as initial length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Controlling effect of the pitch angle scattering rates near the edge of the loss cone on electron lifetimes

[1] Intense interest currently exists in quantification of the loss of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belts. Using diffusion coefficients computed for parallel propagating chorus waves, the evolution of the electron pitch angle distribution is examined. Sensitivity numerical experiments show that electron lifetimes are most sensitive to the value of the pitch angle scattering rate near the edge of the loss cone. When the scattering rates do not drop by more than an order of magnitude of the value near the edge of the loss cone for a 30 degree range of pitch angles, we find that the pitch angle distribution reaches an equilibrium shape within hours of the simulations and then decays exponentially with the same rate at all equatorial pitch angles. Implications of the results for combined scattering by EMIC and chorus or hiss waves are discussed as well as implications for future modeling and comparison with observations.
Representation of Landcover Along Breeding Bird Survey Routes in the Northern Plains

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is used extensively to make inferences about populations of many North American bird species and is increasingly being used for avian conservation planning. How well BBS routes represent the landscape is poorly known, even though accuracy of representation could significantly affect inferences made from BBS data. We used digital landcover data to examine how well landcover within 400-m buffers around BBS routes represented the surrounding landscape (the route neighborhood) for 52 routes in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota and South Dakota. Differences in composition between landcover along BBS routes and the route neighborhood were not statistically significant for upland cover classes. The area of temporary and seasonal wetland basins was accurately represented by BBS routes in our study area, but the area of semipermanent and permanent wetland basins was significantly underrepresented along BBS routes. Number of wetland basins and upland patches was higher along routes. Area of urban, forest, and hay landcover classes was higher along routes, although differences were not statistically significant. Amount of bias in landcover representation was negatively correlated with the proportion of each landcover type in the study area, but bias was not correlated with area of the route neighborhoods. Differences between landcover along BBS routes and the route neighborhood were primarily attributable to increased anthropogenic activity along roads and siting of roads away from relatively large, deep water bodies. Our results suggest that inferences made from BBS data in our study region are likely biased for species that are associated with deeper-water habitats or are strongly influenced by landscape fragmentation. Inferences made from BBS data for species associated with uplands or shallow wetlands are less likely to be biased because of differences in landcover composition.
A CARBOHYDRATE-LINKED CISPLATIN ANALOGUE HAVING ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY

An unprotected and intact carbohydrate moiety has been observed for the first time in a transition metal complex. The carbohydrate-linked platinum(II) complex cis-dichloro[(2-β-D-glucopyranosidyl)propane-1,3-diamine]platinum (see picture) is an analogue of cisplatin and exhibits comparable antitumor activity along with increased solubility in water.
Experimenting with a temporal constraint propagation algorithm

3-consistency algorithm for temporal constraint propagation over interval-based network, proposed by James Allen, is finding its use in many practical temporal reasoning systems. Apart from the polynomial behavior of this algorithm with respect to the number of nodes in the network, very little is known about its time complexity with respect to other properties of the initially given temporal constraints. In this article we have reported some of our results analyzing the complexity with respect to some structural parameters of the input constraint network. We have identified some regions, with respect to the structural parameters of the input network, where the algorithm takes much more time than it needs over other regions. Similar features have been observed in recent studies on NP-hard problems. Average case complexity of Allen's algorithm is also studied empirically, over a hundred thousand randomly generated networks, and the growth rate is observed to be of the order of quadratic with respect to the problem size (at least up to node 40, and expected to be lower above that). We have analyzed our data statistically to develop a model with which one can calculate the expected time to be consumed by the algorithm for a given input network.
Somatosensory deficits in monkeys treated with misonidazole.

Misonidazole, a hypoxic cell radiosensitizer, can produce peripheral sensory disorders in humans. It has been studied in monkeys with a computer-controlled system for evaluating vibration sensitivity. Monkeys were trained to report when vibration was stimulating the finger tip. Sinusoidal vibrations of several frequencies were presented. Two monkeys were dosed with misonidazole and their vibration sensitivity tested. They received a dose of 3 g/m/sup 2/ (about 180 mg/kg) twice weekly over a period of 6 to 10 weeks. An amplitude-frequency detection function was determined for each monkey before and after drug treatment. An analysis of covariance comparing polynomial regressions was performed. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between control and experimental curves in both monkeys. Pharmacokinetic data indicated a half-life of the drug in blood of about 4 to 5 hr. The overall half-life for elimination did not increase throughout prolonged treatment with msonidazole. Neither motor nor sensory nerve conduction velocity was reduced after treatment.
Effective diffusivity of nanoscale ion–water clusters within ion-exchange membranes determined by a novel mechano-electrical technique

Abstract This study reports a new method to determine the effective diffusivity of nanoscale ion–water clusters within ion-exchange membranes by means of osmo-electric techniques. The reported method is to induce osmo-electric motion (endo-ionic in nature) within ion-exchange membranes, when a normal load is applied, so as to produce a voltage across the thickness of the membrane. A materials testing system was used to apply a set of consistent pure compressive loads of 200 and 350 N across the surface of an ion-exchange membrane, Nafion TM , 2×2 cm 2 strip. The maximum output voltage for pressures of 200 N load ( 73 psi ) and 350 N ( 127 psi ) was 80 and 108 mV in amplitude, respectively. The dynamic behavior of induced voltages was also obtained and analyzed based upon the ion–water transport mobility aspect.
Role for Gr-1+ cells in the control of high-dose Mycobacterium bovis recombinant BCG.

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is an attractive target for development as a live vaccine vector delivering transgenic antigens from HIV and other pathogens. Most studies aimed at defining the clearance of BCG have been performed at doses between 10(2) and 10(4) CFU. Interestingly, however, recombinant BCG (rBCG) administered at doses of >10(6) CFU effectively generates antigen-specific T-cell responses and primes for heterologous boost responses. Thus, defining clearance at high doses might aid in the optimization of rBCG as a vector. In this study, we used bioluminescence imaging to examine the kinetics of rBCG transgene expression and clearance in mice immunized with 5 × 10(7) CFU rBCG expressing luciferase. Similar to studies using low-dose rBCG, our results demonstrate that the adaptive immune response is necessary for long-term control of rBCG beginning 9 days after immunizing mice. However, in contrast to these reports, we observed that the majority of mycobacterial antigen was eliminated prior to day 9. By examining knockout and antibody-mediated depletion mouse models, we demonstrate that the rapid clearance of rBCG occurs in the first 24 h and is mediated by Gr-1(+) cells. As Gr-1(+) granulocytes have been described as having no impact on BCG clearance at low doses, our results reveal an unappreciated role for Gr-1(+) neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes in the clearance of high-dose rBCG. This work demonstrates the potential of applying bioluminescence imaging to rBCG in order to gain an understanding of the immune response and increase the efficacy of rBCG as a vaccine vector.
The Contribution of African Women to Economic Growth and Development in the Pre-Colonial and Colonial Periods: Historical Perspectives and Policy Implications

ABSTRACTBringing together history and economics, this paper presents a historical and processual understanding of women's economic marginalization in sub-Saharan Africa from the pre-colonial period to the end of colonial rule. It is not that women have not been economically active or productive; it is rather that they have often not been able to claim the proceeds of their labor or have it formally accounted for. The paper focuses on the pre-colonial and colonial periods and outlines three major arguments. First, it discusses the historical processes through which the labor of women was increasingly appropriated even in kinship structures in pre-colonial Africa, utilizing the concepts of “rights in persons” and “wealth in people”. Reviewing the processes of production and reproduction, it explains why most slaves in pre-colonial Africa were women and discusses how slavery and slave trade intensified the exploitation of women. Second, it analyzes how the cultivation of cash crops and European missionary co...
Molecular insight into the conformational dynamics of the Elongin BC complex and its interaction with HIV-1 Vif

The HIV-1 Virion infectivity factor (Vif) inhibits the innate viral immunity afforded by the APOBEC3 family of cytidine deaminases. Vif targets the APOBEC3 family for poly-ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation by linking the Elongin BC dependent ubiquitin ligase complex with the APOBEC3 proteins. The interaction between Vif and the heterodimeric Elongin BC complex, which is mediated by Vif’s viral SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling) box, is essential for Vif function. The biophysical consequences of the full length Vif:Elongin BC interaction have not been extensively reported. In this study hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry (HX MS) was used to dissect the Vif:Elongin BC interaction. Elongin C was found to be highly dynamic in the Elongin BC complex while Elongin B was much more stable. Recombinant full length Vif interacted with the Elongin BC complex in vitro with a Kd of 1.9 μM and resulted in observable changes in deuterium uptake in both Elongin C and B. Upon binding to Elongin BC, no significant global conformational changes were detected in Vif by HX MS, but a short fragment of Vif that consisted of the viral SOCS box showed decreased deuterium incorporation upon Elongin BC incubation, suggesting that this region folds upon binding.
Erinacine E as a kappa opioid receptor agonist and its new analogs from a basidiomycete, Hericium ramosum.

A κ opioid receptor binding inhibitor was isolated from the fermentation broth of a basidiomycete, Hericium ramosum CL24240 and identified as erinacine E (1). Three analogs of 1 were produced by fermentation in other media and by microbial biotransformation. Of these compounds, 1 was shown to be the most potent binding inhibitor. Preliminary SAR studies of these compounds indicated that all functional groups and side chains were required for the activity. Compound 1 was a highly-selective binding inhibitor for the κ opioid receptor: 0.8 μM (IC50) for κ, > 200 μM for μ, and > 200 μM for δ opioid receptor. Compound 1 suppressed electrically-stimulated twitch responses of rabbit vas deferens with an ED50 of 14 μM. The suppression was recovered by adding a selective κ opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, indicating that 1 is a κ opioid receptor agonist.
ITEM GENERATION PROCEDURES AND BACKGROUND DATA SCALES: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCT AND CRITERION‐RELATED VALIDITY

Background data measures are one of the best predictors of job performance. Nonetheless, questions have been raised about their content and construct validity. The present effort describes a set of procedures for developing construct and content valid background data items. Data gathered in seven field studies and six laboratory studies are presented bearing on the reliability and validity of the measures constructed using these item generation procedures. Findings in these studies indicate that construct-based item generation procedures yield reliable scales evidencing both content and construct validity. Furthermore, these scales are capable of predicting performance in a variety of settings. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings for the development and validation of background data measures are discussed.
Is the critical role of loop 3 of Escherichia coli 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase in catalysis due to loop-3 residues arginine-84 and tryptophan-89? Site-directed mutagenesis, biochemical, and crystallographic studies.

Deletion mutagenesis, biochemical, and X-ray crystallographic studies have shown that loop 3 of Escherichia coli 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (HPPK) is required for the assembly of the active center, plays an important role in the stabilization of the ternary complex of HPPK with MgATP and 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin (HP), and is essential for catalysis. Whether the critical functional importance of loop 3 is due to the interactions between residues R84 and W89 and the two substrates has been addressed by site-directed mutagenesis, biochemical, and X-ray crystallographic studies. Substitution of R84 with alanine causes little changes in the dissociation constants and kinetic constants of the HPPK-catalyzed reaction, indicating that R84 is not important for either substrate binding or catalysis. Substitution of W89 with alanine increases the K d for the binding of MgATP by a factor of 3, whereas the K d for HP increases by a factor of 6, which is due to the increase in the dissociation rate constant. The W89A mutation decreases the rate constant for the chemical step of the forward reaction by a factor of 15 and the rate constant for the chemical step of the reverse reaction by a factor of 25. The biochemical results of the W89A mutation indicate that W89 contributes somewhat to the binding of HP and more significantly to the chemical step. The crystal structures of W89A show that W89A has different conformations in loops 2 and 3, but the critical catalytic residues are positioned for catalysis. When these results are taken together, they suggest that the critical functional importance of loop 3 is not due to the interactions of the R84 guanidinium group or the W89 indole ring with the substrates.
Predation by gulls on crabs in rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of the Gulf of Maine

Abstract Most organisms in intertidal areas are marine in origin; many have distributions that extend into the subtidal zone. Terrestrial predators such as mammals and birds may exploit these animals during low tide and can have considerable effects on intertidal food webs. Several studies have shown that avian predators are capable of reducing densities of sessile and slow-moving intertidal invertebrates but very few studies have considered avian predation on mobile invertebrate predators such as crabs. In this study, we investigated predation by Great Black-backed Gulls ( Larus marinus Linnaeus) on three species of crabs ( Cancer borealis Stimpson, Cancer irroratus Say, and Carcinus maenas Linnaeus). The study was at Appledore Island, ME (a gull breeding island) and 8 other sites throughout the Gulf of Maine, including breeding islands and mainland sites. On Appledore Island, intertidal and subtidal zones provided over one-third of prey remains found at gull nests, and crabs were a substantial proportion (∼ 30% to 40%) of the total remains. Similarly, collections of prey remains from intertidal areas indicated that crabs were by far the most common marine prey. C. borealis was eaten far more often and C. irroratus and C. maenas less often than expected at each site. Comparing numbers of carapaces to densities of crabs in low intertidal and shallow subtidal zones at each site, we estimated that gulls remove between 15% and 64% of C. borealis during diurnal low tides. The proportion of C. borealis eaten by gulls was independent of proximity to a gull colony. Approximately 97% of the outer coast of Maine is within 20 km of a breeding island. Thus, a lot of gull predation on crabs may occur throughout the Gulf of Maine during summer months. Crabs are important predators of other invertebrates; if predation by gulls reduces the number of crabs in intertidal and shallow subtidal areas, gulls may have important indirect effects on intertidal food webs.
Design, implementation and evaluation of a smartphone position discovery service for accurate context sensing

Display Omitted We analyze the impact of smartphone carry positions on readings provided by sensors.We use accelerometer, gyroscope and light sensors to detect position information.Two-stage method based on position is shown to enhance fall classification accuracy. Detecting user context with high accuracy using smartphone sensors is a difficult task. A key challenge is dealing with the impact of different smartphone positions on sensor values. Users carry their smartphones in different positions such as holding in their hand or keeping inside their pants or jacket pocket, and each of these smartphone positions affects various sensor values in different ways. This paper addresses the issue of poor accuracy in detecting user context due to varying smartphone positions. It describes the design and prototype development of a smartphone position discovery service that accurately detects a smartphone position, and then demonstrates that the accuracy of an existing context aware application is significantly enhanced when run in conjunction with this proposed smartphone position discovery service.
A comparison of Japanese and U.S. auditor decision-making behavior

Abstract This study extended research in auditing by examining audit decision making in an international context. Audit decisions made by Japanese and U.S. auditors were compared in areas expected to be affected by cultural differences. Hofstede's measures of national characreristics, specifically, rank consciousness and group orientation, were used to predict the effects of cultural differences. In an audit setting, these differences were expected to result in differences in the acceptance of senior management judgment. Results of hypothesis testing provided evidence of the existence of national differences. The differences, however, appeared to be due to environmental factors rather than the theorized effect of cultural differences.
Wheel-terrain-obstacle Interaction in Vehicle Mobility Analysis

The currently undertaken study is to design an advanced wheel-leg system that provides optimal normal and traction force distributions among the drive wheels and improves vehicle dynamics/performance and provides mission fulfilment of an autonomous vehicle. This paper is a part of that study and deals with mathematical modelling initially of a wheel for both direct and oblique travel over an obstacle and proposes an analytical tool for (i) determining the obstacle height the wheel can overcome based on wheel-terrain-obstacle interaction, (ii) choosing the wheel radius to overcome the obstacle of given size, and later on the work is extended for (iii) determining the leg force in a wheel-leg combination, (iv) researching and proving a power mode of the wheel that has the ability to overcome the obstacle in a larger range for given wheel-terrain parameters and finally (v) determining the wheel torque in a bicycle model of a wheel-leg vehicle which can be incorporated in the control strategy for the distribution of wheel (motor) torque of an autonomous vehicle for its improved mobility.
Two mechanisms of near-ultraviolet lethality in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a respiratory capacity-dependent and an irreversible inactivation.

Near-ultraviolet irradiation of actively growing yeast cells leads to cell death by two distinct mechanisms. The first type of cell death is evident after low doses of near-ultraviolet light (3 · 104 ergs · mm−2) and is due to a areversible inactivation of the respiratory capacity of the cell. In studies with yeast mitochondrial membranes the quinones were identified as the site of inactivation by determining the relative levels of the following oxidase activities after irradiation: exogenous NADH, endogenous NADH (via isocitrate dehydrogenase), succinate, and D-lactate oxidases. A second type of cell death is caused after high doses (1.8 · 105 ergs · mm−2) and is irreversible. The mechanism of this inactivation is unknown.
Factors motivating transfer pricing choices of Japanese and United States transnational corporations

Abstract Contrary to prior findings, Japanese transnational corporations (TNCs) seem to have changed their preferences for international transfer pricing methods from cost-based to market-based and negotiated methods. Use of negotiated methods is supported by the Japanese preference for collectivism and consensus. The significant risk of an audit of U.S. TNCs by both the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the Japanese National Tax Administration is at odds with both tax authorities' official policies, which theoretically accord cost-based methods equal standing with market methods. In practice, however, cost-based methods trigger IRS audits more than twice as often as other methods, suggesting that the IRS acceptance o f the “best method” in reality is acceptance of market methods and negotiated methods based on market prices. Japanese TNCs consider segment profit to be more important than all other measures when evaluating managers, regardless of station. When choosing a pricing method, performance evaluation concerns are significantly more important to Japanese TNCs than to U.S. TNCs. U.S. TNCs employ various practices to counter the internal distorting effects of transfer pricing practices but use pricing transfer methods that provide distorted results and increase audit risk. Finally, it appears that effective, rather than statutory tax rates, might guide TNC behavior on income shifting. Increased disclosure seems necessary to deter these and other transfer pricing manipulations.
On the Genetic and Epigenetic Bases of Primate Signal Processing

Four sequential, sub-processes are identified as the fundamental steps in the processing of signals by big-brained animals. These are, Detection of the signal, its Representation in correlated sensory brain structure, the Interpretation of the signal in another part of the brain and the Expression of the receiver’s response. We label this four-step spatiotemporal process DRIE. We support the view that when the context within which such signals are produced and received is relatively constant, the DRIE process can be ultimately assimilated into the genome, with the Interpretation sub-phase is markedly decreased in duration as speed and efficiency are maximized. With frequent repetition and learning, an analogous result can be attained epigenetically as exemplified in human word and text recognition, allowing tasks critical to primate social function to be accomplished with rapidity and accuracy.
Evaluation of an InSb infrared detector at liquid N(2) and liquid He temperatures.

The performance of an InSb infrared detector has been evaluated at liquid nitrogen and liquid helium cryogenic temperatures. A significant improvement in sensitivity was observed when the detection system was Johnson noise limited. With 300-K background radiation and diffraction limited throughout, the NEP of the detector is 1.5 × 10−16 W Hz−1/2 at 1.65 μm. Potential improvement is expected especially for astrophysical observations which are made in lower photon background conditions.
Solar strategies for escaping the greenhouse heat trap

Abstract Human-induced global climate change poses an immense potential threat to our society, and a challenge to our ingenuity. Fossil fuel combustion, which currently releases 5.6 billion metric tons of carbon annually, in combination with deforestation, has increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide 25% above pre-industrial levels. Carbon dioxide is estimated to contribute approximately one-half of the anthropogenic increase in the absorption of the Earth's IR radiation. The world energy sector is responsible for an estimated 57% of future global warming when contributions from additional combustion-related pollutants are included. To stabilize atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide even at current levels, models suggest the need to reduce emission rates by 75%. An analysis of policy options shows that a combination of vastly improved energy efficiency strategies and carbon-free energy production technologies will be essential to even slowing global warming. This paper summarizes our knowledge of the greenhouse effect and its consequences, and examines the contribution that solar electricity and other renewables can make toward atmospheric stabilization goals. Some specific examples and strategies, which may accelerate the rate at which solar technologies can penetrate the market, will be given.
Hippocampus, space, and memory

We examine two different descriptions of the behavioral functions of the hippocampal system. One emphasizes spatially organized behaviors, especially those using cognitive maps. The other emphasizes memory, particularly working memory, a short-term memory that requires iexible stimulus-response associations and is highly susceptible to interference. The predictive value of the spatial and memory descriptions were evaluated by testing rats with damage to the hippocampal system in a series of experiments, independently manipulating the spatial and memory characteristics of a behavioral task. No dissociations were found when the spatial characteristics of the stimuli to be remembered were changed; lesions produced a similar deficit in both spatial and nonspatial test procedures, indicating that the hippocampus was similarly involved regardless of the spatial nature of the task. In contrast, a marked dissociation was found when the memory requirements were altered. Rats with lesions were able to perform accurately in tasks that could be solved exclusively on the basis of reference memory. They performed at chance levels and showed no signs of recovery even with extensive postoperative training in tasks that required working memory. In one experiment all the characteristics of the reference memory and working memory procedures were identical except the type of memory required. Consequently, the behavioral dissociation cannot be explained by differences in attention, motivation, response inhibition, or the type of stimuli to be remembered. As a result of these experiments we propose that the hippocampus is selectively involved in behaviors that require working memory, irrespective of the type of material (spatial or nonspatial) that is to be processed by that memory.