cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feeding Behavior, Aggression, and the Conservation Biology of Flamingos: Integrating Studies of Captive and Free-ranging Birds

Flamingos (Aves, Phoenicopteridae) represent an ancient lineage of long-legged, microphagous, colonial wading birds. Although often perceived as tropical, flamingo distribution is more closely tied to the great deserts of the world, and to hypersaline sites, than it is to equatorial regions. Many aspects of flamingo behavior and ecology can be studied in captivity. Experimental studies involving captive birds, when combined with observational studies of free-ranging birds, offer researchers opportunities to address questions that are unanswerable with field work alone. Zoo populations of flamingos are prime candidates for such studies. Here, we use samples of our own work to illustrate the synergistic effects of combining zoo and field research
Yielding, anisotropy, and deformation processing of polymers

Constitutive equations that characterize the deformation induced anisotropy in polymers at large strains are developed for both flow and deformation (nonlinear elastic) theories of plasticity. These equations are used first to predict the evolution of yield surfaces for anisotropies that develop under simple plane strain deformations. Then, non-uniform deformations are considered including neck propagation and extrusion. Finite element solutions are based on the flow theory version of the constitutive models. Neck propagation loads and draw ratios are found to be sensitive to the degree of anisotropy and pressure sensitivity, while extrusion forces are less so. The results are compared to solutions for an isotropic material with the same effective stress-strain behavior.
Effect of sowing date of triticale on seasonal herbage production in the central Appalachian Highlands of the United States

Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) was evaluated as a complementary pasture to buffer those periods when herbage production from mixed perennial pasture is marginal in the central Appalachian Highlands of the United States. Triticale was sown every month from May to October for five consecutive years from 1999 to 2003. Plant population structure and herbage production were evaluated at intervals until May of the year following establishment. Triticale established quickly at all times of sowing except late October. Wet summers resulted in foliar disease and a rapid decline in plant density when triticale was sown in May and June. In contrast, during the relatively dry summer of 1999, triticale stands exhibited minimal decline. Triticale sown in August had a herbage yield of 1580 kg DM ha )1 when harvested in October which was over twice the herbage yield of triticale sown in May, June and July. Average herbage yield in the following April of triticale sown in September was higher (1750 kg DM ha )1 ) and less variable than herbage yields from other sowing dates. Plant and tiller populations declined throughout the following April but herbage yields in May were high due to stem and seed head development associated with reproductive growth. Incorporating areas of triticale into mixed-species perennial pasture systems could buffer herbage production during hot and dry summer periods as well as during cool periods of late autumn and early spring.
Flatness and smooth points of p-adic subanalytic sets

Abstract We give a new proof of the subanalyticity of the regular locus of a p -adic subanalytic set, replacing use of an approximation theorem by a more natural argument based on the flatness of certain homomorphisms given by Taylor expansions of strictly convergent power series at a non-standard point of Z m p .
Simultaneous multiple species testing: acute toxicity of 13 chemicals to 12 diverse freshwater amphibian, fish, and invertebrate families

This test series developed methods for testing a compliment of aquatic organisms in a single test that satisfies the freshwater acute toxicity requirements for setting water quality criteria. Species tested included fathead minnowsPimephales promelas, rainbow troutSalmo gairdneri, bluegillLepomis macrochirus, channel catfishIctalurus punctatus, goldfishCarassius auratus, white suckerCatostomus commersoni, daphnidDaphnia magna, midgeTanytarsus dissimilis, crayfishOrconectes immunis, snailAplexa hypnorum, tadpoleXenopus laevis, and leechNephelopsis obscura. Five to nine of the preceding species were simultaneously exposed in individual tests. The chemicals tested were acrolein, aniline, dibutylfumarate, 2,4-dinitrophenol, Guthion®, nicotine sulfate, phenol, rotenone, silver, Systox®, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, ando-xylene. This method of simultaneously exposing aquatic organisms in separate compartments of each exposure tank allows more accurate comparisons of species sensitivity with a tested chemical. Use of this method can also produce the minimum acute data set for the derivation of a water quality criterion in less time and with a substantial cost saving for labor, materials, and chemical analyses when compared with measured concentration tests conducted separately with each individual species.
Differential Roles of mGluR1 and mGluR5 in Brief and Prolonged Nociceptive Processing in Central Amygdala Neurons

The laterocapsular division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is now defined as the "nociceptive amygdala" because of its high content of neurons that respond to painful stimuli. The majority of these neurons become sensitized in a model of arthritis pain. Here we address the role of G protein-coupled group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes mGluR1 and mGluR5 in nociceptive processing under normal conditions and in pain-related sensitization. Extracellular single-unit recordings were made from 65 CeA neurons in anesthetized rats. Each neuron's responses to brief mechanical stimuli, background activity, receptive field size, and threshold were measured before and after induction of the kaolin/carrageenan mono-arthritis in one knee and before and during applications of agonists and antagonists into the CeA by microdialysis. All neurons received excitatory input from the knee(s) and responded most strongly to noxious stimuli. Before arthritis, a group I mGluR1 and mGluR5 agonist (DHPG, n = 10) potentiated the responses to innocuous and noxious stimuli. This effect was mimicked by an mGluR5 agonist (CHPG, n = 15). In the arthritis pain state (>6 h after induction), the facilitatory effects of DHPG (n = 9), but not CHPG (n = 7), increased. An mGluR1 antagonist (CPCCOEt) had no effect before arthritis (n = 12) but inhibited the responses of sensitized neurons in the arthritis pain state (n = 8). An mGluR5 antagonist (MPEP) inhibited brief nociceptive responses under normal conditions (n = 19) and prolonged nociception in arthritis (n = 8). These data suggest a change of mGluR1 function and activation in the amygdala in pain-related sensitization, whereas mGluR5 is involved in brief as well as prolonged nociception.
Large Bladder Clot—An Unusual Presentation of Neonatal Bilateral Renal Vein Thrombosis—Case Report and Review of Literature

A 1-day-old boy born at 37 weeks gestation presented with hematuria, thrombocytopenia, and palpable irregular right flank mass. Renal ultrasound demonstrated large clot within the bladder, bilateral kidney masses with loss of corticomedullary differentiation, and reversal of diastolic flow. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral renal vein thrombosis and was managed conservatively. There was complete resolution of the bladder clot with restoration of corticomedullary differentiation bilaterally. We report the first case of renal vein thrombosis associated with a large bladder clot in a neonate.
Assimilating remotely-sensed data into a dynamic-thermodynamic sea ice model

Modifications and application of a two-dimensional sea-ice model of the Arctic Basin to accept remotely-sensed atmospheric and surface fields is described. Various components of the dynamic and heat-transfer elements of the model are modified to allow satellite-derived fields to be used in place of radiative flux parameterizations, ice-velocity estimates, surface thermodynamic calculations, surface albedo estimates, and ice-covered area. The approach used to build the model is described, and an example comparing a standard run with a run using remotely-sensed ice velocities is discussed. >
Carbon management and biodiversity

International efforts to mitigate human-caused changes in the Earth's climate are considering a system of incentives (debits and credits) that would encourage specific changes in land use that can help to reduce the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. The two primary land-based activities that would help to minimize atmospheric carbon dioxide are carbon storage in the terrestrial biosphere and the efficient substitution of biomass fuels and bio-based products for fossil fuels and energy-intensive products. These two activities have very different land requirements and different implications for the preservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of other ecosystem services. Carbon sequestration in living forests can be pursued on lands with low productivity, i.e. on lands that are least suitable for agriculture or intensive forestry, and are compatible with the preservation of biodiversity over large areas. In contrast, intensive harvest-and-use systems for biomass fuels and products generally need more productive land to be economically viable. Intensive harvest-and-use systems may compete with agriculture or they may shift intensive land uses onto the less productive lands that currently harbor most of the Earth's biodiversity. Win-win solutions for carbon dioxide control and biodiversity are possible, but careful evaluation and planning are needed to avoid practices that reduce biodiversity with little net decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Planning is more complex on a politically subdivided Earth where issues of local interest, national sovereignty, and equity come into play.
Anger, Control, and Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adulthood.

A common theme is that intimate partner violence (IPV) is not about anger, but about power and control. While prior research has focused either on respondents’ or partners’ controlling behaviors, an interactionist perspective provides the basis for hypothesizing that both respondent and partner control will be associated with increased odds of reporting perpetration, and that emotional processes are a component of IPV experiences. Analyses rely on interview data collected at waves 1 and 5 of a longitudinal study (Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study; n = 928) of adolescent and young adult relationships. Results indicate that after controlling for traditional predictors, both respondent and partner control attempts and measures of anger (including a measure of relationship-based anger) contributed significantly to the odds of reporting perpetration. Further, these patterns did not differ by gender, indicating areas of similarity in the relationship and emotional processes associated with variations in men and women’s IPV reports.
Pulmonary effects due to short-term exposure to oil fog

Rats were exposed to an oil fog generated by flash vaporation and subsequent condensation of lightweight lubricating oil. Exposures were for 3.5 h/d, 4 d/wk, for 4 wk, at concentrations of 1.5, 0.5, or 0.0 mg/l and a particle size of approximately 1 μm. Samples of respiratory tissues were taken for histopathologic analyses, lavage fluid samples were collected, and pulmonary function measurements were made the day after the last exposure. An accumulation of macrophages within the alveolar lumen, an increase in lavage fluid protein content, and an increase in total cell content in lavage fluid due to an influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was noted in rats exposed at the 1.5‐mg level. Also, for this exposure group there was an increase in lung wet and dry weight and an increase in end‐expiratory volume, and pneumonitis was observed histopathologically in 4 of 10 male rats exposed. Pneumonitis was not observed among six female rats examined. Oil fog had no effect on total lung capacity, residual volume, v...
Transition between Two Bed-Load Transport Regimes: Saltation and Sheet Flow

In the saltation regime where bed-shear stress is low, bed load moves by sliding, rolling, and saltating along the bed, while in the sheet-flow regime where bed-shear stress is high, it travels by a combination of saltation and sheet flow. In this paper a theoretical model is developed for predicting the onset of the sheet-flow regime as shear stress increases. This model is based on a new variable Pb representing the proportion of grains on the bed that are entrained as bed load. The model yields the equation Pb=2.56G 3 in which G=1c /, =dimensionless bed-shear stress; and c=critical value of at which grains begin to move. The equation shows that t, which is the value of at the onset of the sheet-flow regime and is assumed to occur when Pb=1, is around 0.5 with the exact value controlled by c. For example, when c=0.045, t=0.52. The theoretical model is verified by performing a nonlinear regression analysis on data from 285 flume experiments. Additional flume experiments with a high-speed video HSV system result in consistent values of for the onset of the sheet-flow regime, which support the theoretical model. The HSV images further reveal that: 1 the sheet-flow regime is characterized by granular sheets or laminations; and 2 a zone of mixed saltation and rolling grains exists not only in the saltation regime but also in the sheet-flow regime.
Lock picking simulation using visual and bimanual haptic display

As locks become more and more complex and numerous, locksmiths have less opportunity to practice on and find design flaws with each type of lock. As in other fields, such as dentistry, haptic simulations can provide an alternative form of practice. Lock picking is inherently suited to haptic simulation, as feedback during lock picking is limited to the sense of touch, and the inner workings of locks are intentionally hidden to prevent easy inspection. The technique used to bypass a simple pin-tumbler lock relies on haptic feedback experienced through both hands, with one hand managing a tension wrench and the other hand manipulating a pick. A visual-haptic simulation of pin-tumbler locks that mimics the sensations of lock picking was developed and tested. Experimental results show that haptic training with our simulation enables participants to more quickly pick their first tumbler lock and provides better preparation to pick more difficult locks. Our visual-haptic simulation could be used to provide practice on increasingly difficult locks, and if generalized, could be used to model any number of complex locks on the market, enabling locksmiths and lock-designers to test the security of various locks, or to train apprentices.
A low-power 1-Gb/s CMOS laser driver for a zero-bias modulated optical transmitter

We demonstrate the feasibility of using a CMOS laser driver for a low-power digital optical transmitter that is capable of at least 1-Gb/s operation. The transmitter employs low threshold lasers and zero-bias modulation. The circuit driver uses a strategy for low power consumption such that a majority of the total transmitter power is consumed by the laser instead of the electronics. The driver can function over a wide temperature range (77 K-300 K) for a variety of laser diodes.
Commercializing discontinuous innovations: bridging the gap from discontinuous innovation project to operations

Since 1995, a multidisciplinary team of researchers has deployed case study methodology to follow the progress of 12 discontinuous innovation projects in ten large RD (2) assembling a transition team; (3) establishing an oversight board; (4) developing a transition plan; (5) providing transition funding from corporate sources; (6) laying the groundwork for a big market; and (7) engaging senior management champions.
When Does Feedback Facilitate Learning of Words

The question of what form of feedback best promotes associative learning and retention is of obvious practical import. However, the literature on feedback is confusing, with some researchers suggesting that although feedback may enhance performance during learning, it does so at the expense of later retention. To shed further light on this issue, subjects (N = 258) learned Luganda–English word pairs. After 2 initial exposures to the materials, subjects were tested on each item several times, with the presence and type of feedback varying between subjects. Subjects were given a final test on the same items 1 week later. Supplying the correct answer after an incorrect response not only improved performance during the initial learning session—it also increased final retention by 494%. On the other hand, feedback after correct responses made little difference either immediately or at a delay, regardless of whether the subject was confident in the response. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Consumer Robotics: A Platform for Embedding Computer Vision in Everyday Life

Consumer robotic devices provide a platform for embedded computer vision algorithms in applications for everyday life. The consumer market is very price-sensitive, so robots must be developed with a single task in mind, aiming to provide the best performance at the lowest cost. Computational resources in consumer robotics are scarce given cost constraints, forcing the design of novel algorithms that elegantly incorporate such constraints. We present a graph-based SLAM approach designed to operate on computationally constrained platforms using monocular vision and odometry. When computation and memory are limited, visual tracking becomes difficult or impossible, and costs for map representation and updating must remain low. Our system constructs a map of structured views using only weak temporal assumptions and performs recognition and relative pose estimation over the set of views. We fuse visual observations and differential measurements in an incrementally optimized graph representation. Using variable elimination and constraint pruning, graph complexity and storage is kept linear in explored space rather than growing over time. We evaluate performance on sequences with ground truth and also compare to a standard graph-SLAM approach.
Cultural distance, expatriate staffing and subsidiary performance: The case of US subsidiaries of multinational corporations

This study examines the relationship between cultural distance and the use of parent country expatriates in the wholly-owned US subsidiaries of 52 multinational corporations. This study also investigates the link between the use of expatriates and subsidiary performance as a function of cultural distance. Testing hypotheses based on transaction costs theory, our results suggest that firms rely on a greater number of parent country expatriates when they are culturally distant from the subsidiary (i.e. the United States). This study further demonstrates the bounded rationality problem faced by multinational corporations: cultural distance moderates the relationship between expatriate staffing and subsidiary performance such that a higher ratio of parent country expatriates is related to lower subsidiary performance, particularly in cases when cultural distance is high.
A new reflective optical extensometer (ROX) system for geomechanical deformation measurements

We have developed an extensometer for measurement of distance and displacements in geotechnical and civil engineering applications. This is an optical extensometer that measures distance using a modulated laser beam. In this design, reflecting targets are placed at desired measurement locations, and distances between each target and an optical head are measure repeatedly using the modulated laser beam. Moreover, all electronic and moving parts are located outside of the hostile or difficult environment as the optical head is connected to the laser, switching and signal analysis hardware using optical fibers. A reference beam is utilized to provide direct correction of system behavior. The system also utilizes movable reflective anchors that can be repositioned if desired. We have installed the system in a field experiment currently being conducted for the Yucca Mountain Site characterization Project, and report preliminary results.
Characterization of Cement Kiln Dusts and Animal Response

Abstract A series of tests were made on cement kiln dusts to determine their capacity to sequester protons and to identify the active agents. The pH stat titration technique indicated little difference among kiln dusts in their capacity to neutralize acids. All kiln dusts were less reactive than calcium oxide but similar to reagent and feed grade calcium carbonates. Examination of kiln dusts by X-ray diffraction indicated that the major form of calcium was calcium carbonate and that little, if any, calcium was present as the oxide or hydroxide. The calcium carbonate in cement kiln dust, determined by the carbonate test, varied from 49.5 to 85.7%. All kiln dusts were much more reactive at pH 3.0 than at 6.0. Cement kiln dusts that did not show a favorable response when fed to animals showed less reactivity at pH 6.0 than dusts eliciting a favorable animal response. The active agent appears to be calcium carbonate in a finely divided state.
Fundamental procedures for determining ergosterol content of decaying plant material by liquid chromatography.

Portions of published procedures for measurement of ergosterol content of decomposing plants were examined for their influence upon ergosterol yield. Common methods of treatment of plant samples prior to sterol extraction (e.g., oven drying, freezing, lyophilization) led to reduced recoveries of ergosterol (ca. 20 to 80%). The least destructive method was direct placement and storage in methanol. Photoconversion of ergosterol is not likely to cause losses during analysis, but losses are likely if there is insufficient mixing during neutral-lipid partitioning from base-hydrolysis reagents. Homogenization (two times for 2 min) and refluxing (2 h) in methanol were equally effective in extracting ergosterol. Direct extraction in base-hydrolysis reagents was less effective (by ca. 40%).
Mother-infant bonding: Rejoinder to Kennell and Klaus

Clarifications made by J. H. Kennell and M. H. Klaus (1984, Developmental Review , 4, 275–282) in response to B. J. Myers' (1984, Developmental Review , 4, 240–274) review article are acknowledged. Methodological problems still exist in the studies finding positive evidence for bonding, and, on balance, the evidence does not support a sensitive period for mother-infant contact for the establishment of a maternal bond. It is important to give a fair critique of studies on both sides of the bonding question and not to overinterpret the slim positive findings. The value of more humanistic birthing practices is emphasized, whether early contact is instrumental in establishing maternal-infant bonding or not, and Kennell and Klaus are praised for their role in bringing about these changes.
A novel approach for clustering proteomics data using Bayesian fast Fourier transform

Motivation: Bioinformatics clustering tools are useful at all levels of proteomic data analysis. Proteomics studies can provide a wealth of information and rapidly generate large quantities of data from the analysis of biological specimens. The high dimensionality of data generated from these studies requires the development of improved bioinformatics tools for efficient and accurate data analyses. For proteome profiling of a particular system or organism, a number of specialized software tools are needed. Indeed, significant advances in the informatics and software tools necessary to support the analysis and management of these massive amounts of data are needed. Clustering algorithms based on probabilistic and Bayesian models provide an alternative to heuristic algorithms. The number of clusters (diseased and non-diseased groups) is reduced to the choice of the number of components of a mixture of underlying probability. The Bayesian approach is a tool for including information from the data to the analysis. It offers an estimation of the uncertainties of the data and the parameters involved. Results: We present novel algorithms that can organize, cluster and derive meaningful patterns of expression from large-scaled proteomics experiments. We processed raw data using a graphical-based algorithm by transforming it from a real space data-expression to a complex space data-expression using discrete Fourier transformation; then we used a thresholding approach to denoise and reduce the length of each spectrum. Bayesian clustering was applied to the reconstructed data. In comparison with several other algorithms used in this study including K-means, (Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM), and linear discriminant analysis, the Bayesian--Fourier model-based approach displayed superior performances consistently, in selecting the correct model and the number of clusters, thus providing a novel approach for accurate diagnosis of the disease. Using this approach, we were able to successfully denoise proteomic spectra and reach up to a 99% total reduction of the number of peaks compared to the original data. In addition, the Bayesian-based approach generated a better classification rate in comparison with other classification algorithms. This new finding will allow us to apply the Fourier transformation for the selection of the protein profile for each sample, and to develop a novel bioinformatic strategy based on Bayesian clustering for biomarker discovery and optimal diagnosis. Contact: [email protected]
Application of the LCPT model to solid-liquid equilibria for binary compound-forming alloys

The linear chemical-physical theory (LCPT) model for liquid metal solution thermodynamics has been extended to the determination of the liquidus curves for binary intermetallic compound-forming systems. The equations developed include corrections to the observed melting point temperature and heat of fusion for compounds that dissociate partially on melting. The primary advantages of the LCPT model for solid-liquid equilibria are the small number of physically realistic parameters required, ease of implementation, and wide applicability. In addition, the model also permits the incorporation of compounds in modeling the liquidus curves that are not necessary for representing the liquid-phase thermodynamic properties. For the seven systems studied, the agreement between calculated and experimentally measured liquidus curves is quite good.
Knowledge acquisition and product innovation flexibility in SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role that knowledge acquisition (KA) plays in creating product innovation flexibility (PIF) in SMEs. The paper also examines two of the factors of the KA process: relationship quality (RQ); and information capability (IC). Design/methodology/approach – The survey data were checked for common method variance, validity, and reliability. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothetical framework and path analysis was used to test mediation effects. Findings – Results show that for SMEs, KA mediates the effect of RQ on PIF, and that KA partially mediates the relationship between IC and PIF. Research limitations/implications – The study focusses on only one step in the knowledge management process – KA. Additional research into the role that IC plays on PIF is also called for. Additional empirical study is needed to identify contingency factors, both within and outside the firm. Practical implications – These findings provide important insight...
Phototaxis in the Marine Fungus Rhizophydium littoreum.

Zoospores of the marine chytrid Rhizophydium littoreum are attracted to a variety of substances common to their environment. In general, carbohydrates and polysaccharides elicited strong concentration-dependent positive responses. There was no direct correlation between all substances used as foods and those stimulating positive responses. The chemotactic activities of this organism should, however, tend to bring it toward concentrated food sources.
Functional Limitations, Medication Support, and Responses to Drug Costs among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Objective Standard Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits include substantial and complex cost-sharing. Many beneficiaries also have functional limitations that could affect self-care capabilities, including managing medications, but also have varying levels of social support to help with these activities. We examined the associations between drug cost responses, functional limitations, and social support. Data Sources and Study Setting We conducted telephone interviews in a stratified random sample of community-dwelling Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (N = 1,201, response rate = 70.0%). Participants reported their functional status (i.e., difficulty with activities of daily living) and social support (i.e., receiving help with medications). Drug cost responses included cost-reducing behaviors, cost-related non-adherence, and financial stress. Study Design We used multivariate logistic regression to assess associations among functional status, help with medications, and drug cost responses, adjusting for patient characteristics. Principal Findings Respondents with multiple limitations who did not receive help with their medications were more likely to report cost-related non-adherence (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2–8.5) and financial stress (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.5) compared to subjects with fewer limitations and no help; however, those with multiple limitations and with medication help had similar odds of unfavorable cost responses as those with fewer limitations. Conclusion The majority of beneficiaries with functional limitations did not receive help with medications. Support with medication management for beneficiaries who have functional limitations could improve adherence and outcomes.
Short-term retention and presentation rate

Four groups of 30 Ss each were presented with lists of numbers 18 digits in length on a memory drum, one digit exposed at a time, at four different presentation rates, 4 sec. per digit, 2 sec. per digit, 1 sec. per digit, and.50 sec. per digit. The 4 sec. rate was presented for 1 cycle, the 2 sec. rate for 2 cycles, the 1 sec. rate for 4 cycles, and the.50 sec. rate for 8 cycles, holding total display time constant (72 sec.) for all four conditions. Sort-term retention decreased as presentation rate increased, even with total display time held constant
Cognitive Deficits in Children Exposed to Valproate in Utero

The long-term effects on cognitive functioning of school-aged children exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero were investigated at Alder Hay Hospital and Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK.
Formation of Submicron Single Crystal Particles and Dots by Laser Ablation

We have investigated the formation of micron-sized single crystal dots of germanium by pulsed laser ablation. The laser ablation of a Ge target (KrF excimer laser λ=248 nm, pulse rate 10Hz, pulse duration 25×10−9 seconds, and energy 10J /cm2) results in the formation of micron and submicron liquid droplets which are ejected from the target. These droplets can be crystallized into single crystal dots on lattice-matched substrates by rapid liquid-phase recrystallization. We report the details of microstructure as a function of dot size. It is found that under these conditions, below a critical size (about 2μm), the dots are crystalline;above which dots become polycrystalline. We discuss the implications of the results in producing doped and undoped single-crystal quantum dots for device applications.
Preclinical Development of an anti-5T4 Antibody–Drug Conjugate: Pharmacokinetics in Mice, Rats, and NHP and Tumor/Tissue Distribution in Mice

The pharmacokinetics of an antibody (huA1)–drug (auristatin microtubule disrupting MMAF) conjugate, targeting 5T4-expressing cells, were characterized during the discovery and development phases in...
Causes of failure in the surgical treatment of hypertension.

Causes of failure in surgical treatment of hypertension are discussed from the point of view of four factors: (1) psychic, (2) technical, (3) renal, and (4) adrenal. Optimal operative procedures are outlined and illustrative cases presented.
Kangding County in 2005 Hepatitis B Serum Preliminary Analysis of Epidemiological Investigation Report

Objective To understand Kangding County,1-59 years of age crowd hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,provide the basis for hepatitis B prevention and treatment.Method A multi-stage stratified random sampling method from Kangding County,3121-59 years old crowd and conducted a questionnaire survey serological testing,the use of detection methods ELISA hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg),hepatitis B virus surface antibody(Anti-HBs),hepatitis B virus core antigen(HBcAg),hepatitis B virus core antibody(anti-HBc),hepatitis B surface antigen-yang(HBsAg)and hepatitis B virus who do e antigen(HBeAg)and the hepatitis B virus e antibody(Anti-HBe)detection.Result of Kangding County,1-59 years of age crowd hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg),hepatitis B virus surface antibody(Anti-HBs),hepatitis B virus core antigen(HBcAg)after the subscript respectively were 2.10%,21.65%,15.65%;male and female crowd HBcAg positive rates were 4.27%,0;HBsAg positive crowd,HBeAg positive rate of 1.92 percent.Conclusion Kangding County,1-59 years of age crowd HBsAg positive rate decreased significantly,suggesting that raising HepB vaccination rate is to reduce the population of Key HBsAg positive measures.
Predication of stability zones and occurrence zones gas hydrate of multiple-composition natural in seafloor sediments

We study feature of stable and existing zones of multiple-composition natural gas hydrate in seafloor sediments. First, the stability surface of hydrate formation with multiple-composition natural gas including methane and propane is set up by regress fitting. The effect of salinity in liquid on stability curved surface is considered by interpolation. Based on the model of hydrate predication, the range of stability zones and occurrence zones are computed for only methane or different fractions of methane and propane with different salinity. Comparing these results, it is shown that the effect of little propane on stability zones and occurrence zones is larger than that with single methane gas. Apparently, it is because propane has a larger effect on the stability temperature and the solubility of natural gas. The effects of other compositions such as CO_2, C_2H_6 and H_2S are briefly discussed in the paper.
The Fossil Record

The fossil record provides a complementary, but very different source of information about primate evolution that that provided by extant diversity. Most significantly, it offers an insight into primates from earlier times. This chapter discusses geological time and the many ways in which fossils are placed in a temporal context. The earth is a constantly changing planet, and geography is a dynamic phenomenon. The size, shape, and connections of continents and seas have changed through geological time as have the presence, absence and positions of mountains and rivers. Similarly, climates have changed in conjunction with these geological events as well as the effects of astronomic phenomena. This chapter also discusses fossilization and the many ways in which paleontological remains may appear, the processes that have been responsible for the accumulation of fossils, and the ways in which paleoanthropologists reconstruct the behavior, ecology, and relationships of primates from earlier times.
Myelin Basic Protein Gene

Publisher Summary The myelin basic proteins (MBPs) and the myelin proteolipid proteins (PLPs) are the major myelin proteins. These proteins account for at least 80% of the protein found in myelin. The structures of the genes encoding these proteins were among the first to be elucidated in the nervous system. The gene contains three transcription start sites that give rise to three sets of mRNAs that encode two families of proteins. The first transcription start site generates the golli mRNAs, and the second and third transcription start sites generate the classic MBPs. The golli products all share a 47 amino acid N-terminal sequence encoded by exons unique to the golli mRNAs. The two principal golli products are the BG21 and J37 isoforms, which contain varying lengths of classic MBP sequence. The minor golli product, TP8, contains no classic MBP sequence because its splicing patterns are out of frame for classic MBP. It is speculated that the golli proteins, and possibly certain isoforms of the classic MBPs, play a role in oligodendrocyte signaling pathways early in the elaboration of the myelin sheath.
Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Innovations in Social Work Education

Grounded in an indigenous holistic worldview and borrowing from the four Rs (values of relationships, responsibility, reciprocity, and redistribution), this article supports the inclusion of transl...
How Western Journalists Actually Write About Africa

Over the last 20 years, journalism scholars have criticized Western media for their reporting of Africa. Scott recently argued in this journal that this criticism has become taken for granted to the point of becoming a “myth”. This article constitutes the first academic response to Scott and revisits empirically what we think we know best about Western media coverage of Africa. It identifies and assesses three claims about this coverage, namely that it systematically (1) refers to “darkness” and “tribalism”; (2) it presents Africa as a homogenous entity; and (3) that it relies predominantly on Western sources. The corpus includes 282 articles published across eight British and French newspapers (2007–2012). The textual analysis—complemented by interviews with correspondents—finds that the claims that coverage systematically refers to “tribalism” and “darkness”, treats Africa as a country and relies pre-dominantly on Western voices are not empirically supported. Nonetheless, it reveals that processes of co...
Application of Twin Support Vector Machine for Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing

The number of fault samples is only the small portion in the whole sample set. How to diagnose the rolling bearing fault accurately becomes a challenge in the unbalance sample set. Twin Support Vector machine (TWSVM) is applied into the bearing fault diagnosis in the study. It aims at generating two nonparallel planes in which each plane is closer to one of the two classes and is as far as possible from the other. The fault diagnosis experiments verify that TWSVM has higher accuracy and faster speed than Support Vector Machine, and identify the bearing fault well.
The impact of septicemia occurring during hospitalization for renal transplantation procedures on outcomes in adults in United States.

Introduction Immediate success rates of renal transplantation (RT) procedures are generally very high. National estimates of the impact of post-operative complications, specifically, septicemia occurring during hospitalization for RT’s on outcomes is unclear. We sought, to examine the prevalence of septicemia in patients having renal transplantation procedures and to quantify the impact of septicemia on in-hospital mortality (IHM), length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges (HC). Materials and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 2004 to 2010. All patients aged ≥18 years who underwent RT were selected. Association between occurrence of septicemia and outcomes (IHM, HC and LOS) was examined by multivariable linear and logistic regression models with adjustments for patient and hospital level confounders. Results During the study period, 113,058 patients underwent RT, and, of these, 2459 (2.2%) developed septicemia. Characteristics included mean age (50 years), gender (males, 60%) and race (whites, 54%). Majority of RT’s were performed in teaching (96%) and large institutes (85.5%). Outcomes for patients with septicemia and without septicemia, included: IHM (12.9% vs. 0.4%), discharge routinely (42.4% vs. 82.6%), mean HC ($528,980 vs. $182,165), mean LOS in days (35.2 vs 7.3), respectively, Those who developed septicemia were associated with significantly higher HC (estimate: 0.8357, 95% CI: {0.7636–0.9077}, increase of $ 247,081 from mean, p<0.0001), longer LOS (1.2116{1.1015–1.3216}, increase of 18.7 days form mean, p<0.0001) and higher IHM (Odds ratio = 31.33; {20.25–48.48}, p < 0.0001) compared to their counterparts. Increasing age (OR = 1.02 {1.01–1.02}, p<0.0001) and increase in co-morbid burden (OR = 1.57 {1.42–1.74}, p<0.0001) were associated with higher risk for developing septicemia. Conclusions Despite advances in medical/surgical care, septicemia is not an uncommon complication in patients having renal transplantation procedures and is associated with poor outcomes. Increasing age and co-morbid burden are independent predictors of occurrence of septicemia.
Discoveries in Geometry by Folding and Cutting.

M ■ Wlost ■ lost elementary students have had some experiences in paper folding either with origami or such simple activities as folding a sheet of paper in quarters or constructing a paper airplane. Also, by cutting and folding, students may have constructed cubes, open boxes, snowflakes, or chains for Christmas trees. Students show interest in such activities and the following series of simple folding and constructing activities may prove both pleasurable and mathematically rewarding. Through these activities, relationships of geometric shapes and regions may be examined; definitions in geometry, reviewed; statements of geometric theorems, visualized; and students9 creative talents, exercised.
P154 Enumeration based ambiguous genotype detection for identifying ambiguous HLA allele combinations in the presence of intra-exon phasing

Aim Next generation sequencing (NGS) of HLA genes has resulted in a vast decrease of ambiguous genotypes compared to older typing methods (Sanger, SSO, SSP). However, ambiguity remains with NGS if the gene is not phased or the entire gene is not sequenced. The NGS programs do not always detect and report all alternative allele combinations due to systematic biases. We developed a stand-alone tool to identify ambiguous HLA allele combinations. Methods The exons of HLA genes are typically less than 300 bases and are easy to phase with NGS. However, spacing of polymorphisms within a pair of alleles is variable and phasing may not be possible. Gene feature enumeration was the basis for identifying similarities in each HLA gene in the IMGT/HLA database, whereby alleles are separated into distinct features (untranslated, exonic and intronic regions) and each unique sequence for a given feature in a gene is assigned a numeric identifier. The program then interrogates a user-selected allele combination and feature set to determine if any other pair of alleles has the same enumerated features in an unphased context. Results E-BAG (Enumeration Based Ambiguous Genotypes), a web-based tool, was built for technicians to use during routine NGS analysis. The interface allows for auto-completion of the allele name (up to the 4th field), the ability show or hide intronic ambiguity, and auto updates for each IMGT/HLA database release. We find the E-BAG tool most useful for genes that are not fully sequenced (DRB1 and DPB1), in genes where exon shuffling is common (DPB1), and when full phasing is not achieved (any gene). For example, the allele combination DPB1∗05:01:01 + DPB1∗13:01:01, if sequenced in exons 2–5 and unphased, results in two other allele combinations: DPB1∗05:01:01 + DPB1∗107:01 (exon 1 not sequenced) and DPB1∗135:01 + DPB1∗519:01 (shuffling of exon 4), as of IMGT/HLA v. 3.27, both of which are detected and reported by the E-BAG tool. Conclusions The E-BAG tool for ambiguity detection has proven to be very useful in our laboratory and has reduced analysis time, particularly for DPB1. This approach is applicable to any gene in the IMGT/HLA database including any set of features and protects against ambiguous allele pairs not identified by NGS analysis programs, especially given the rate at which new HLA alleles are published.
Imputation and Missing Data

The presence of missing data is a big challenge for statisticians, especially if the distribution of the missing values is not completely random. Analysis performed on datasets with missing data can lead to erroneous conclusions and significant bias in the results.
Multiprocessor Synchronization Primitives with Priorities

Abstract Low-level multiprocessor synchronization primitives, such as spinlocks, are usually designed with little or no consideration about timing constraints, which makes them inappropriate for real-time systems. In this paper, we propose a new synchronization mechanism, the priority spinlock , that takes into account the priorities of the processes that want to acquire it, and favors high priority processes. We define what a priority spinlock is, and propose two algorithms to implement priority spinlocks with local spinning. Priority spinlocks can be used to provide prioritized mutually exclusive access to shared resources in real-time multiprocessor systems. They can also be used as building blocks for higher level priority synchronization primitives, such as priority semaphores.
Oxidation of Al 2 O 3 Scale-Forming MAX Phases in Turbine Environments

High temperature oxidation of alumina-forming MAX phases, Ti2AlC and Cr2AlC, were examined under turbine engine environments and coating configurations. Thermogravimetric furnace tests of Ti2AlC showed a rapid initial transient due to non-protective TiO2 growth. Subsequent well-behaved cubic kinetics for alumina scale growth were shown from 1273 K to 1673 K (1000 °C to 1400 °C). These possessed an activation energy of 335 kJ/mol, consistent with estimates of grain boundary diffusivity of oxygen (~375 kJ/mol). The durability of Ti2AlC under combustion conditions was demonstrated by high pressure burner rig testing at 1373 K to 1573 K (1100 °C to 1300 °C). Here good stability and cubic kinetics also applied, but produced lower weight gains due to volatile TiO(OH)2 formation in water vapor combustion gas. Excellent thermal stability was also shown for yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings deposited on Ti2AlC substrates in 2500-hour furnace tests at 1373 K to 1573 K (1100 °C to 1300 °C). These sustained a record 35 µm of scale as compared to 7 μm observed at failure for typical superalloy systems. In contrast, scale and TBC spallation became prevalent on Cr2AlC substrates above 1423 K (1150 °C). Cr2AlC diffusion couples with superalloys exhibited good long-term mechanical/oxidative stability at 1073 K (800 °C), as would be needed for corrosion-resistant coatings. However, diffusion zones containing a NiAl-Cr7C3 matrix with MC and M3B2 particulates were commonly formed and became extensive at 1423 K (1150 °C).