cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of estrous cycle stage at Syncro-Mate B treatment on conception and time to estrus in cattle.

Abstract Two trials involving 85 heifers and 67 cows were conducted to determine the effect of estrous cycle stage at the time of Syncro-Mate-B® (SMB) b treatment on interval to estrus following implant removal and on conception rate at the synchronized estrus. In Trial 1, 57 beef and 28 dairy heifers were treated with SMB on each representative day of a 22-d estrous cycle (estrus = Day 0). Beef heifers were artificially inseminated approximately 48 h after implant removal, whereas dairy heifers were inseminated 0 to 12 h after detection of estrus. Inseminations were scored by the inseminator according to their difficulty. Interval to the onset of estrus was not different between heifers treated early (≤ Day 11) in the estrous cycle (31.3 ± 7.4 h) and heifers treated late (> Day 11) in the cycle (35.2 ± 7.2 h). Conception rate at the synchronized estrus was slightly higher in early-cycle heifers ( 22 47 = 47% ) compared to late-cycle heifers ( 14 38 = 37% , P = 0.2). Heifers that were difficult to inseminate had lower (P 2 11 = 18% ) at the synchronized estrus than heifers considered normal ( 21 51 = 41% ) or easier than normal to inseminate ( 13 23 = 57% ). In Trial 2, of the 131 beef cows synchronized, 67 that were estimated to be either early or late in the estrous cycle by progesterone analysis were utilized. Cows were treated with SMB and inseminated without regard to estrus 48-h after implant removal. Inseminations were scored as in Trial 1. Calves were separated from cows from the time of implant removal to insemination. Conception rate was higher (P 20 32 = 62.5% ) compared to cows treated late (> Day 11, 16 35 = 46% ). Cows that were difficult to inseminate had a lower (P 0 8 = 0% ) than cows that were normal ( 43 94 = 46% ) or easier than normal to inseminate ( 13 29 = 45% ).
Exchange, interaction, and change in local ceramic production in the Niumi commercial center on the Gambia River:

This article addresses changes in local ceramic production resulting from contact and interaction through a detailed examination of pottery manufacture immediately before, during, and through the decline of the Atlantic trade. Increased socio-economic interactions are directly correlated with changes in local ceramic production, including increased variation in the former Niumi commercial center on the Gambia River. The Atlantic trade period in Niumi is characterized by increased settlement, interaction, and wealth. In this light, I characterize the changes in local ceramic production as a locally circumscribed reaction to regional and global events. Specifically, through an examination of the visible shifts in temporally sensitive attributes such as temper, paste color, firing practices, and to a lesser extent decorative grammars, it is possible to discern connections between changes in local ceramic production and broader social processes. These include population fluctuations and increased variety in d...
Relative Energies of the Lowest Levels of the f q p s 2 , f q d s 2 , and f q + 1 s 2 Electron Configurations of the Lanthanide and Actinide Neutral Atoms

Linearization of the differences between the lowest levels of the ${f}^{q}p{s}^{2}$, ${f}^{q}d{s}^{2}$, and ${f}^{q+1}{s}^{2}$ electron configurations as a function of $q$ is demonstrated for the lanthanide and actinide series. A linear extrapolation of these differences estimates the energy of the lowest level of the $4{f}^{14}6p6{s}^{2}$ electron configuration of Lu to be 3.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ higher than the measured value. This deviation from linearity is attributed to expected discontinuities at the $q=0 \mathrm{and} 14$ ends of the ${f}^{q}d{s}^{2}$ series. In the actinide series the corresponding linear extrapolation predicts the lowest level of the $5{f}^{14}7p7{s}^{2}$ electron configuration of Lr to be (2.3 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 3) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ above the expected $5{f}^{14}6d7{s}^{2}$ ground state, after correction for a corresponding 3.3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ deviation expected at the end of the actinide series.
The phylogenetic utility of cytochrome b: lessons from bufonid frogs.

Abstract The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene is widely used in systematic studies to resolve divergences of many different ages. To investigate phylogenetic relationships among frogs of the large family Bufonidae, and to explore the utility of cytochrome b for this purpose, approximately one-third of the gene was sequenced from representatives of this group. Samples were chosen to represent a range of divergence levels within Bufonidae: (1) deep (= old), among species from around the world; (2) middle, among North American species; and (3) shallow (= young), within a single species group (the Bufo boreas group). The inferred amino acid sequences of cytochrome b are highly similar in these frogs although most pairwise comparisons of the nucleotide sequences are 15-20% different. Consequently insufficient information is available to generate robust phylogenetic hypotheses for the older divergences; silent differences are saturated and yet almost no informative replacement differences exist. Among the younger divergences, silent differences are not saturated and some resolution is possible. These results show that (1) the amino acid sequence of cytochrome b evolves differently in Bufonidae than expected based on other vertebrates, (2) it consequently provides surprisingly little information about old divergences in Bufonidae, and (3) phylogenetic studies applying particular genes to new groups should begin with preliminary surveys of exemplar taxa representing the range of divergence times within the group to estimate the likely phylogenetic utility of that gene in that group.
A Gating Model for the Archeal Voltage-Dependent K+ Channel KvAP in DPhPC and POPE:POPG Decane Lipid Bilayers

Voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels form the basis of the excitability of nerves and muscles. KvAP is a well-characterized archeal Kv channel that has been widely used to investigate many aspects of Kv channel biochemistry, biophysics, and structure. In this study, a minimal kinetic gating model for KvAP function in two different phospholipid decane bilayers is developed. In most aspects, KvAP gating is similar to the well-studied eukaryotic Shaker Kv channel: conformational changes occur within four voltage sensors, followed by pore opening. Unlike the Shaker Kv channel, KvAP possesses an inactivated state that is accessible from the pre-open state of the channel. Changing the lipid composition of the membrane influences multiple gating transitions in the model, but, most dramatically, the rate of recovery from inactivation. Inhibition by the voltage sensor toxin VSTx1 is most easily explained if VSTx1 binds only to the depolarized conformation of the voltage sensor. By delaying the voltage sensor's return to the hyperpolarized conformation, VSTx1 favors the inactivated state of KvAP.
SURFACE TENSION-DRIVEN CONVECTION IN A CYLINDRICAL GEOMETRY

Three aspects of surface tension-driven natural convection in a bounded cylindrical geometry are investigated. First, the linear stability of the steady subcritical and supercritical convective solutions near the critical point is examined using a perturbation analysis and the theory of differential operators. Second, the effect of small surface tension gradients on free surface flows in deep fluid layers is studied. It is shown that surface tension effects produce subcritical convective solutions for this buoyancy-dominated flow. Finally, solutions are obtained for finite amplitude surface tension-driven flows in a cylindrical container.
Dispersion control in nano-channel systems by localized ζ-potential variations

A novel technique for controlling turn-induced dispersion in nano-fluidic channels through localized ζ-potential variation is proposed. Algorithms were developed to search for the optimal distribution of ζ-potential near the turn. Results for an L-turn show that the technique can lower the dispersion induced by the 90° turn significantly.
Online tools for public participation

Abstract This paper describes an interactive Web-based survey tool that was developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago to advance a community planning process. The team used a process taken from the work of Jack Nasar (1998) that involves surveying residents to create an “evaluative image” of the community that could guide future design and development. While Nasar’s original method used a phone survey, UIC researchers developed a Web site through which participants interacted with a map that was linked through a server to a GIS program. This project builds upon an earlier version of the survey by increasing the complexity and the coverage area of the interactive map (Al-Kodmany, 2000) .
A molecular dynamics investigation of the structural characteristics of amorphous and annealed poly(vinylidene fluoride) and vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene copolymers

Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) computations predict that the extent of gauche-character for poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is greater than that of its 50 mol% copolymer with trifluoroethylene, at both high temperatures and after annealing, PVDF is enriched in gauche-conformations upon cooling whereas the copolymer is enriched in trans-conformations. The MD results are consistent with the experimental trends observed for these polymers.
The Hájek convolution theorem and empirical Bayes estimation: parametrics, semiparametrics and nonparametrics

Abstract The Hajek (Z. Wahrch. verw. Geb. 14 (1970) 323–330) convolution theorem facilitates the study of local asymptotic minimaxity properties of regular estimators. Based on shrinking (Zellner's g-) priors, Bayes versions of such regular estimators are incorporated here in the formulation of robust Bayes and empirical Bayes estimators for a general class of parametric, semiparametric and nonparametric estimators admitting a first-order asymptotic representation. In the light of quadratic risk and generalized Pitman closeness measures, adaptive empirical Bayes estimation theory is also presented.
Heat-Induced Interactions of Bovine Serum Albumin and Immunoglobulin

Abstract Skim milk was heated at 95°C to examine the specific interactions of bovine serum albumin and IgG using radiolabeled proteins. After heating, the milk was treated with acid and then centrifuged to separate the casein fraction from the whey. Bovine IgG transfers into the casein phase faster than does bovine serum albumin at all time periods. The heated milk was analyzed using gel filtration chromatography on Sephacryl S-300 in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. When milk was heated for 20min at 95°C, some of the bovine serum albumin eluted earlier than untreated bovine serum albumin, suggesting formation of complexes. Approximately half of [ 14 C]bovine serum albumin, which was heated in bovine serum albumin solution, formed complexes and eluted earlier than the control peak. When bovine IgG was heated alone for 20min at 95°C, all the radiolabeled IgG eluted in the void volume, indicating covalent complexes. However, heating IgG in the presence of skim milk resulted in elution of heated proteins in the same volume as control IgG. Apparently, the milk system inhibits covalent complex formation by IgG. Comparison of data from curd analysis and chromatography suggests that IgG forms noncovalent complexes with the caseins that sediment with the curd.
Host Plants of Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) on the Island of Hawaii (1949-1985 Survey)

Extensive fruit collections were done between 1949 and 1985 on the island of Hawaii to determine the infestation biology of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in different fruit-bearing plants. The data base developed from this survey consists of 13,423 records (collections) with a total of 953,660 fruits collected. Of the 196 fruit species collected, 60 are Mediterranean fruit fly hosts under natural field conditions. The suitability of fruit species as Mediterranean fruit fly hosts was determined based on number of emerged adults per kg of infested fruits and percentage collections infested. At present, Jerusalem cherry, Solanum pseudocapsicum L., and coffee, Coffea Arabica L., are the two most important hosts of Mediterranean fruit fly on the island of Hawaii. We provide the first documented infestation data for 12 plant species that have long been recognized as potential hosts of Mediterranean fruit fly. We compare our results with previous and concurrent surveys conducted in the state of Hawaii and with published world host records. Finally, we examine the definition of a suitable host in the context of regulatory entomology and its relevance in understanding the infestation biology of Mediterranean fruit fly.
MP2, density functional theory, and molecular mechanical calculations of C–H···π and hydrogen bond interactions in a cellulose-binding module–cellulose model system

Abstract Exploring non-covalent interactions, such as C–H···π stacking and classical hydrogen bonding (H-bonding), between carbohydrates and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) is an important task in glycobiology. The present study focuses on intermolecular interactions, such as C–H⋯π (sugar–aromatic stacking) and H-bonds, between methyl β- d -glucopyranoside and l -tyrosine—a proxy model system for a cellulose–CBM complex. This work has made use of various types of quantum mechanics (QM) and molecular mechanics (MM) methods to determine which is the most accurate and computationally efficient. The calculated interaction potential energies ranged between −24 and −38 kJ/mol. The larger interaction energy is due to H-bonding between the phenyl hydroxyl of tyrosine and the O4 of the sugar. Density functional theory (DFT) methods, such as BHandHLYP and B3LYP, exaggerate the H-bond. Although one of the MM methods (viz. MM+) considered in this study does maintain the C–H⋯π stacking configuration, it underestimates the interaction energy due to the loss of the H-bond. When the O–H bond vector is in the vicinity of O4 (O–H⋯O4 ≈ 2 A, e.g., in the case of MP2/6-31G(d)), the torsional energy drops to a minimum. For this configuration, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis also supports the presence of this H-bond which arises due to orbital interaction between one lone pair of the sugar O4 and the σ∗(O–H) orbital of the phenyl group of tyrosine. The stabilization energy due to orbital delocalization of the H-bonded system is ∼13 kJ/mol. This H-bond interaction plays an important role in controlling the CH/π interaction geometry. Therefore, the C–H⋯π dispersive interaction is the secondary force, which supports the stabilization of the complex. The meta-hybrid DFT method, M05-2X, with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set agrees well with the MP2 results and is less computationally expensive. However, the M05-2X method is strongly basis set dependent in describing this CH/π interaction. Computed IR spectra with the MP2/6-31G(d) method show blue shifts for C1–H, C3–H, and C5–H stretching frequencies due to the C–H⋯π interaction. However, the M05-2X/6-311++G(d,p) method shows a small red shift for the C1–H stretching region and blue shifts for the C2–H and C3–H stretches. For the aromatic tyrosine C δ1 –C e1 and C δ2 –C e2 bonds in the complex, the calculated IR spectra show red shifts of 12 cm −1 (MP2/6-31G(d)) and 5 cm −1 (M05-2X/6-311++G(d,p)). This study also reports the upfield shifts of computed 1 H NMR chemical shifts due to the C–H⋯π interaction.
Control of changes in formation for a team of mobile robots

Addresses the control of a team of robots navigating in a terrain with obstacles while maintaining a desired formation and changing formations when required. We model the team as a triple consisting of a group element that describes the gross motion of the team, a set of shape variables that describe the relative positions of robots, and a control graph that describes the behaviors of the robots in the formation. We assume that a lead robot is equipped with the appropriate sensors and plans the gross motion (path) for the team. This path is derived from optimal control theory. All other robots are coordinated by continuous controllers that are prescribed by the control graph. Our framework allows us to enumerate the number of control graphs and the possible transitions between them. Further, we describe an algorithm that allows the team of robots to move between any two formations, while avoiding obstacles. We illustrate the methodology with examples involving teams of 5 and 6 robots in the presence of obstacles.
Sublobar resection with brachytherapy mesh for stage I non-small cell lung cancer

Lobar resection is currently the standard approach for the treatment of stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Sublobar resection is generally considered a compromise, reserved for high-risk patients because of greater rates of local recurrence compared with lobar resection. Adjuvant radiation therapy may decrease these increased local recurrence rates, but because of respiratory motion and difficulties in identifying the staple line, radiation delivery can be challenging with an external beam approach. Adjuvant intraoperative brachytherapy with the use of low-dose rate iodine-125 seeds placed alongside the surgical staple has been used with success in several centers. A randomized multicenter North American study has also recently completed accrual, but the results of this are not yet available. In the following review, we outline the techniques used, safety considerations, and currently available outcomes of sublobar resection with adjuvant brachytherapy for non-small cell lung cancer.
Controllability and local accessibility - a normal form approach

Given a system with an uncontrollable linearization at the origin, we study the controllability of the system at equilibria around the origin. If the uncontrollable mode is nonzero, we prove that the system always has other equilibria around the origin. We also prove that these equilibria are linearly controllable provided a coefficient in the normal form is nonzero. Thus, the system is qualitatively changed from being linearly uncontrollable to linearly controllable when the equilibrium point is moved from the origin to a different one. This is called a bifurcation of controllability. As an application of the bifurcation, systems with a positive uncontrollable mode can be stabilized at a nearby equilibrium point. In the last part of this paper, simple sufficient conditions are proved for local accessibility of systems with an uncontrollable mode. Necessary conditions of controllability and local accessibility are also proved for systems with a convergent normal form.
Prevalence and nature of dentoalveolar injuries among patients with maxillofacial fractures.

Objective Although not previously reported, experience suggests that dentoalveolar injury is -common among patients with maxillofacial fractures. The objective of this study was to evaluate and describe the prevalence and nature of dentoalveolar injuries in patients identified with maxillofacial fractures. Methods Medical records of 43 dogs and cats diagnosed with maxillofacial fractures between 2005 and 2012 were reviewed to identify patients with concurrent dentoalveolar injury. Medical records of patients with dentoalveolar injury were abstracted for the following information: signalment (including sex, age and skull type), mechanism of maxillofacial trauma, location and number of maxillofacial fractures, dentoalveolar injury type and location and the number of dentoalveolar injury per patient. Statistical evaluation was performed to determine associations between signalment, mechanism of trauma, location and number of maxillofacial fractures and the prevalence and nature of concurrent dentoalveolar injury. Results Dentoalveolar injuries are common among patients with maxillofacial trauma. Age and mechanism of trauma are significant predictors of the presence of dentoalveolar injuries in patients with maxillofacial trauma. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance The findings of this study serve to encourage veterinarians to fully assess the oral cavity in patients with maxillofacial fractures as dentoalveolar injuries are common and can be predicted by age and mechanism of trauma.
Fate of uranyl in a quaternary system composed of uranyl, citrate, goethite, and Pseudomonas fluorescens.

This study investigated the partitioning of uranyl within a quaternary system made up of uranyl, citrate, goethite, and the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. In the absence of cells, uranyl was sorbed to goethite as a complex involving surface groups and/or citrate. Measurements of the evolution of CO2 indicated that the addition of bacterial cells lead to the gradual biodegradation of citrate. Throughout the biodegradation process, uranyl remained sorbed to the insoluble fraction comprised of goethite and cells. EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) measurements showed that bacterial cells outcompeted goethite for uranyl under the experimental conditions and caused the repartitioning of uranyl from goethite to cell matter, independently from citrate degradation. Citrate degradation caused further release of uranyl from goethite surfaces, followed by subsequent association of uranyl with cells. At long equilibration times (3 months), cell lysis and phosphate release resulted in the precipitati...
Characterization of murine lung dendritic cells infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Lung dendritic cells were identified by immunohistochemistry in lung tissue sections from C57BL/6 mice. Following isolation from the lungs using CD11c magnetic beads, the flow cytometric analysis of I-Ab+ and CD11c+ cells indicated a mixed population of dendritic cells at different stages of maturation, with most expressing an immature phenotype. When cultured for 7 days with recombinant murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, 99% of cells were CD11c+ and had a morphology typical of immature dendritic cells. These cells were negative for CD34, CD14, and CD8α antigens but expressed low levels of the myeloid marker F4/80 and moderate levels of MAC3. All expressed high levels of CD11a (LFA-1), CD11b (Mac1), and CD54 antigens, with low levels of class II major histocompatibility complex. Most cells expressed CD80 but only a small percentage of cells were positive for CD40 and CD86. Both overnight and 7-day cultures of lung dendritic cells were able to phagocytose Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and this was associated with the production of interleukin-12 and stimulation of both naive and immune T cells to produce gamma interferon.
LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR RENAL MASSES: EFFECT OF TUMOR LOCATION

Abstract Objectives To report our single institutional experience of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for enhancing renal masses and evaluate outcomes and histopathologic findings with respect to the location of the renal mass. Methods A retrospective review of LPN for 123 renal masses completed by 7 urologists was performed. Of these lesions, 49 (40%) were exophytic, 19 (15.5%) endophytic, 47 (38%) mesophytic, and 8 (6.5%) were hilar. We defined exophytic as more than 60%, mesophytic as 40% to 60%, and endophytic as less than 40% of the renal mass protruding off the surface of the kidney on radiologic imaging studies. Hilar lesions were those located within 5 mm of the renal hilar structures, regardless of the surface characteristics. Results The mean tumor size was 2.6 cm (range 1 to 9). Hilar vessel clamping was performed during 55 procedures (44.7%); the mean warm ischemia time was 27 minutes (range 12 to 52). On final histopathologic examination, 3 patients (2.5%) had positive tumor resection margins. Overall, 26 (20.6%) complications occurred. The complication rate was significantly less for patients who underwent LPN for an exophytic (10%) or a mesophytic (12.8%) mass than for those with an endophytic (47%) or a hilar (50%) mass. Histopathologic examination of the renal masses revealed malignant pathologic features in 86 (69%) and benign findings in 37 (31%). In our series, only 55% of exophytic tumors were malignant and, if malignant, were invariably low grade (96%). Conclusions The complications of LPN and the malignancy rate of the renal lesions were related to the tumor location within the kidney.
Technical perspective: the data center is the computer

Internet services are already significant forces in searching, retail purchases, music downloads, and auctions. One vision of 21st century IT is that most users will be accessing such services over a descendant of the cell phone rather than running shrink-wrapped software on a descendant of the PC.
Enhancing Ethnic Diversity at a Big Ten University Through Project TEAM: A Case Study in Teacher Education:

Project Transformative Educational Achievement Model (TEAM) is an instructional initiative designed to increase the number of students from underrepresented minorities at Indiana University who enter a teacher education program (P–12), complete their baccalaureate degree, and obtain teaching licensure in Indiana. A conceptual framework based on theories of campus climate and integrated pluralism, ethnic identity development, and teaching for social justice guides program development and inquiry. Longitudinal research since 1996 has identified four main themes that help explain the Project TEAM experience (a) creating community among students of color to mediate an alienating campus climate at a predominantly White university, (b) strengthening ethnic identity and an understanding of and ability to deal with racism, (c) working for social justice through multi-cultural education, and (d) professional development and commitment to teaching as a profession. This article provides an overview of program develo...
Assessing the effect of sample handling on the performance of a commercial bovine viral diarrhea virus antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Handling practices of specimens may affect the sensitivity or specificity of diagnostic tests. In this study, as part of the Voluntary Iowa Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Screening Project held in 2006, 2 sample-handling practices were evaluated to determine how they affect the sensitivity and specificity of the antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACE) for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The null hypotheses investigated were 1) that maintenance of samples at room temperature would not be associated with decreased sensitivity, and 2) that continued use of a single pair of ear notchers would not be associated with cross-contamination of virus from 1 notch to another and reduce specificity. These hypotheses were tested in 2 studies by collecting known positive and negative samples and giving groups of samples different treatments. The first study used ACE on 4 groups of skin samples, all from a known-positive animal. Each group was subjected to different lengths of time at room temperature, from 24 to 96 hours at 24-hour intervals. No difference in test results was found between specimens subjected to different lengths of time at room temperature. The second study tested the effects of giving 3 different treatments to an ear notcher in between sample collecting (water rinse, Nolvasan solution rinse, or no treatment) on ACE results. No effect on sensitivity or specificity of ACE was observed. No difference in test results was found between the 3 ear-notcher treatment groups. The sample handling practices evaluated appeared to have little impact on test sensitivity or specificity of ACE for BVDV.
Measurement of dielectric property distributions using interdigital dielectrometry sensors

Estimation of physical properties of insulating materials may effectively be done by using nondestructive /spl omega/-k (frequency-wavelength) dielectrometry technology. Essential to this technology are pairs of interdigitated electrodes, which respond to the change in resistive and capacitive properties of the surrounding media. This paper presents both experimental and theoretical data, which helps to investigate the ability of the sensor to characterize multi-layered insulating and semi-insulating materials. Issues of precision and reliability of the measurements are discussed.
HMM-Based Malicious User Detection for Robust Collaborative Spectrum Sensing

Collaborative spectrum sensing improves the spectrum state estimation accuracy but is vulnerable to the potential attacks from malicious secondary cognitive radio (CR) users, and thus raises security concerns. One promising malicious user detection method is to identify their abnormal statistical spectrum sensing behaviors. From this angle, two hidden Markov models (HMMs) corresponding to honest and malicious users respectively are adopted in this paper to characterize their different sensing behaviors, and malicious user detection is achieved via detecting the difference in the corresponding HMM parameters. To obtain the HMM estimates, an effective inference algorithm that can simultaneously estimate two HMMs without requiring separated training sequences is also developed. By using these estimates, high malicious user detection accuracy can be achieved at the fusion center, leading to more robust and reliable collaborative spectrum sensing performance (substantially enlarged operational regions) in the presence of malicious users, as compared to the baseline approaches. Different fusion methods are also discussed and compared.
Identification and characterization of the unfolding transition state of chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 by molecular dynamics simulations.

Abstract Temperature-induced unfolding of chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 (CI2) in water has been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. One simulation (2.2 ns) has been analyzed in detail and three additional simulations (each≥1 ns) were performed to check the generality of the results. Concurrent loss of secondary and tertiary structure during unfolding was observed in all the simulations. For each simulation, the major transition state of unfolding was identified based on conformational analysis of protein structures along the unfolding trajectory. The transition state has a considerably weakened hydrophobic core and disrupted secondary structure. Nevertheless, the overall structure of the transition state is closer to the native state than to the unfolded state. The disruption of the hydrophobic core appears to be rate limiting. However, other energy barriers have to be overcome before reaching the major transition state. A method is described to quantitatively compare the structure of the simulated transition state with that characterized by protein engineering experiments. Good agreement with the experimental data is obtained for all four transition state models (the correlation coefficient R =0.80 to 0.93) and the average over all four models gives the best correlation ( R =0.94). These simulations provide the first comprehensive atomic-level view of what the unfolding transition state of C12 may look like.
On the relationship between class definition precision and classification accuracy in hyperspectral analysis

Research in recent years into methods for hyperspectral image data analysis has shown that there is a strong relationship between the precision with which classes are defined and the classification accuracy that results. There is also a relationship between these two factors and the complexity of the classifier algorithm used in the analysis. The authors illustrate this relationship empirically using a moderate dimensional, moderately difficult classification task. This example is also used to explore the effect of two recently introduced algorithms that are intended to mitigate the effect of use of a limited number of training samples on classifier performance. The results tend to confirm the theory with regard to training sample size vs. classifier complexity. They also show the two algorithms to be moderately useful in improving classifier performance when training data is limited.
A low power lookup technique for multi-hashing network applications

Many network security applications require large virus signature sets to be maintained, retrieved, and compared against the network streams. Software applications frequently fail to identify so many signatures through comparisons at very high network speeds. Bloom filters are one of the main multi-hashing schemes utilized in hardware to support this level of security. Nevertheless Bloom filters consume significant power to store, retrieve and lookup virus signatures owing to many hash function computations required to index to the memory. We present a novel lookup technique and architecture to decrease the power consumption of multi-hashing schemes, predominantly Bloom filters, in hardware. The theoretical analysis has shown that power gain achieved through new lookup technique can go up to 90%. Simulation results with three different classes of the hash functions embedded into the Bloom filter have indicated that power consumption of the Bloom filters can be considerably decreased by employing the low power lookup technique.
The acceleration radius: a global performance measure for robotic manipulators

The acceleration radius is defined as a global index for quantifying the dynamic capabilities of manipulator-positioning systems over a continuous operation region. It is generalization of previously proposed manipulability indices that are local measures of the acceleration capability. The problem of computing the acceleration radius is formulated as an optimization problem. A numerical algorithm for solving the resulting generalized semi-infinite program is presented, and the application of the acceleration radius concept to examples of manipulator design and workspace specification is illustrated. Several directions for future research are discussed. >
Substitutional Effects of 3d Transition Metals on the Magnetic and Structural Properties of Quasi-Two-Dimensional La5Mo4O16

Substituted phases with the composition La5Mo4xTxO16 (T Co, Fe, Mn, and Mg and x&0.7) were prepared by fusedsalt electrolysis and/or conventional solid-state methods. The crystal structure of the parent compound, La5Mo4O16, contains perovskite-like corner-sharing MoO6 octahedral units in the ab plane separated by Mo2O10 bioctahedral units along the c direction. Detailed single-crystal X-ray di4raction studies on the Co-substituted phase, La5Mo3.31Co0.69O16, indicated that the unit cell is triclinic (space group C-1) with Co exclusively replacing Mo atoms in the perovskite layers. X-ray absorption measurements revealed that the transition metal ions are divalent, consistent with the crystal structure analysis. The anomalous magnetic transition observed at 180 K in the parent compound shifts to lower temperatures upon substitution with transition metal ions. No long-range magnetic order was evident in the Mg 2 -substituted compositions. The electrical resistivity of all the substituted phases was at least 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the parent compound. Variations in the magnetic and electrical properties have been ascribed to the disruption of exchange correlations caused by substitutional disorder at the Mo sites. 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)
An Algorithm for Corn Nitrogen Recommendations Using a Chlorophyll Meter Based Sufficiency Index

Nitrogen fertilizer continues to be the major input influencing corn (Zea mays L.) yield in the Midwest. Improved N recommendations should result in greater N use efficiency and producer profit while reducing surface and groundwater contamination. This study was conducted to develop a plant-based technique to detect and correct N deficiencies during the season. Chlorophyll meter readings and grain yield were collected from corn in irrigated monoculture corn and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–corn cropping systems with four hybrids and five N fertilizer application rates in the Platte Valley near Shelton, NE. Normalized chlorophyll meter readings (sufficiency index, SI) were calculated from data collected at three vegetative stages, defined by thermal time accumulation after planting, during each of the 10 yr of study (1995–2004). Highly significant linear correlations between SI and relative yield (normalized yield) indicated both responded similarly to N fertilizer application. Relationships between N rate and SI (at each of the three vegetative stages and combined over stages) were described by quadratic models. The combined model [(SI 5 0.8073 1 0.002(N rate) 2 0.0000056(N rate) 2 , R 2 5 0.70)] can be used to compute N needed to achieve maximum yield. Our procedure gives producers the tools to determine if N is needed, and if so, the amount of N required for maximum yield. In addition if SI is computed for specific areas of the field, N applications can be tailored to those areas, thereby reducing the potential of introducing more N into the system than needed to achieve maximum yield, with spatial and temporal constraints.
Enhanced Recovery Protocol after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Purpose: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols aim to improve patient care and decrease complications and hospital stay. We evaluated our enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, focusing on length of stay, early complication and readmission rates after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: From May 2012 to July 2013 a perioperative protocol was applied in 126 consecutive patients who underwent open radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. Nonconsenting patients (2), those with previous diversion (2) and prolonged postoperative intubation (3), and those who underwent additional surgery (9) were excluded from study. The protocol focuses on avoiding bowel preparation and nasogastric tube, early feeding, nonnarcotic pain management and the use of cholinergic and μ-opioid antagonists. Outcomes were compared to those in matched controls from our bladder cancer database.Results: A total of 110 patients with a median age of 69 years were included in analysis, of whom 68% underwent co...
On the effect of moisture bonding forces in air-dry soils on threshold friction velocity of wind erosion

Wind erosion is a dominant geomorphological process in arid and semi-arid regions with major impacts on regional climate and desertification. The erosion process occurs when the wind speed exceeds a certain threshold value, which depends on a number of factors including surface soil moisture. The understanding and modelling of aeolian erosion requires a better understanding of the soil erodibility associated with different moisture conditions. In arid regions during the dry season, the atmospheric humidity plays an important role in determining the surface moisture content and the threshold shear velocity. By a series of wind tunnel tests and theoretical analyses, this dependence of threshold velocity on near surface air humidity is shown for three soils of different textures: sand, sandy loam, and clay loam. The results show that the threshold shear velocity decreases with increasing values of relative humidity for values of relative humidity between about 40% and 65%, while above and below this range the threshold shear velocity increases with air humidity. A theoretical framework is developed to explain these dependencies assuming an equilibrium between the surface soil moisture and the humidity of the overlying atmosphere. The conditions under which soil-atmosphere equilibrium occurs were tested experimentally in the laboratory for different soils in order to determine the effect of grain surface area and texture on the time required to reach equilibrium starting from different initial conditions.
Characterization of CuInS2 films prepared by atmospheric pressure spray chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Copper indium disulfide films were deposited by atmospheric pressure spray chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Films were deposited at 390 °C using [(PPh3)2CuIn(SEt)4] as a single source precursor in an argon atmosphere. The films range in thickness from 0.75 to 1.0 μm and exhibit a crystallographic gradient, with the leading edge having a (220) preferred orientation and the trailing edge having a (112) orientation. Schottky diodes prepared by thermal evaporation of aluminum contacts onto the CuInS2 yielded diodes for films that were annealed at 600 °C. The photoresponse of several films was measured by photoelectrochemical analysis in an aqueous, acidic electrolyte. Prolonged exposure of the films to the electrolyte caused a decreased photoresponse. Complete solar cells were prepared using annealed films and had the (top down) composition of Al/ZnO/CdS/CuInS2/Mo/Glass. The short-circuit current (Isc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), maximum power output (Pmax), current at Pmax (Imax), voltage at Pmax (Vmax), fill factor (FF) and efficiency (η) were 5.25 mA, 304 mV, 0.470 mW, 2.92 mA, 161 mV, 29.4 and 0.68%, respectively, for a 0.5 cm2 cell under simulated AM0 illumination.
Environmental and Social Psychology - How Different Must They Be

It is suggested that environmental and social psychology, while currently different in methodology and orientation, need not be. Lewin's B = f(P,E) is discussed, and it is suggested that environmental psycholo gy is really the next logical step in broadening the perspective of psychol ogy as it moves outward from the individual to the social environment to the physical environment.
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of selected wheat varieties released since 1903 to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide: can yield sensitivity to carbon dioxide be a factor in wheat performance?

The sensitivity of yield and quality parameters to carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] was determined for individual lines of hard-red spring wheat released in 1903, 1921, 1965 and 1996. All cultivars were evaluated with respect to growth and vegetative characteristics, grain yield and nutritional quality in response to [CO2] increases that corresponded roughly to the CO2 concentrations at the beginning of the 20th century, the current [CO2], and the future projected [CO2] for the end of the 21st century, respectively. Leaf area ratio (cm2 g−1) declined and net assimilation rate (g m2 day−1) increased in response to increasing [CO2] for all cultivars during early vegetative growth. By maturity, vegetative growth of all cultivars significantly increased with the increase in [CO2]. Seed yield increased significantly as [CO2] increased, with yield sensitivity to rising [CO2] inversely proportional to the year of cultivar release. Greater [CO2] yield sensitivity in older cultivars was associated with whole-plant characteristics such as increased tillering and panicle formation. Grain and flour protein, however, declined significantly with increasing [CO2] and with year of release for all cultivars, although absolute values were higher for the older cultivars. Overall, these data indicate that yield response at the whole-plant level to recent and projected increases in [CO2] has declined with the release of newer cultivars, as has protein content of grain and flour. However, if agronomic practice can be adapted to maximize individual plant performance, [CO2] responsive characteristics of older cultivars could, potentially, be incorporated as factors in future wheat selection.
Cigarette Smoking, Tooth Loss, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Background: Cigarette smoking and tooth loss are seldom considered concurrently as determinants of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study examines the multiplicative effect of self-reported tooth loss and cigarette smoking on COPD among United States adults aged ≥18 years.Methods: Data were taken from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 439,637). Log-linear regression–estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) are reported for the interaction of combinations of tooth loss (0, 1 to 5, 6 to 31, or all) and cigarettes smoking status (never, former, or current) with COPD after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, educational attainment, employment, health insurance coverage, dental care utilization, and diabetes.Results: Overall, 45.7% respondents reported having ≥1 teeth removed from tooth decay or gum disease, 18.9% reported being current cigarette smokers, and 6.3% reported having COPD. Smoking and tooth loss from tooth decay or gum disease were associated w...
Catalog of the New World biting midges North of Mexico (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

This catalog of the biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of the New World north of Mexico includes 603 species and 39 genera. The full citation, province or state of the type locality and distribution by province and/or state of each species is given. The most recent revision for each genus, subgenus and species group is cited.
Survey of Engineering Design Applications

Before discussing the kinds of engineering data found in the design environment in the next chapter, we first review the unique systems requirements for effective engineering data management. While existing database systems provide many of the needed facilities, they by no means provide them all. Database systems have evolved to provide excellent support for commercial data processing applications, but engineering design applications are not quite the same. One of the great challenges to the database research community is to understand how existing database techniques can be applied, refined, or generalized for the engineering design environment.
Management of hemorrhage with the target-specific oral anticoagulants.

AbstractThe target-specific oral anticoagulants have recently been introduced as alternatives to warfarin for both prophylactic and therapeutic indications. Although their efficacy and side-effect profiles have been favorable, there is significant concern about management of hemorrhage with these agents as there is no direct reversal agent available. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these agents and the issues that surround them. Most of the management of hemorrhage is based on expert opinion and case reviews. Given the potentially catastrophic consequences of acute hemorrhage while patients are on anticoagulation, specific treatments are needed. Some methods that have been described include activated charcoal, hemodialysis, prohemostatic agents, and transfusions. Target-specific therapies have been shown to be effective in early studies in animal models; however, the effects in humans are still under investigation. More investigation is needed on the management of bleeding complications from...
Sheep Ked Populations on a Small Farm

Melophagus ovinus (L.), infesting a small farm flock of sheep in Wyoming, exhibited an annual cycle of fluctuating density with lowest numbers present in summer and highest in late winter and early spring. After the summer low, increase of sheep keds began in September at a rate of 1–2/week and reached a maximum rate of 8–15/week in February. Upon the birth of lambs in March, keds decreased on the ewes and became established on the lambs. Density increased rapidly on lambs both by emigration of keds from ewes and by reproduction on the lambs. Peak densities of keds were reached in May when lambs were 2 mo old; ked numbers then declined but still remained substantial with means of 36–66 keds/head through summer. As a result of ked emigration and of shearing, ked numbers on the ewes declined to means of 0.5–2/head in summer. A comparison of ked densities during 2 winters indicated a natural variation in susceptibility and resistance among individual ewes.