cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bio-Rad’s Bio-Plex® suspension array system, xMAP technology overview

The Bio-Plex® system utilizes xMAP technology to permit the multiplexing of up to 100 different analytes. Multiplex analysis gives researchers the ability to look at analytes simultaneously providing more information from less sample volume in less time than traditional immunoassay methods. Similar to ELISA, xMAP utilizes an antibody sandwich for detection but differs from ELISA in capture substrate and detection method. Rather than a flat surface, Bio-Plex®assays make use of differentially detectable bead sets as a substrate capturing analytes in solution and employs fluorescent methods for detection. These bead sets identify the analytes and detection antibodies are used to measure the quantity of analyte. The use of differentially detectable beads enables the simultaneous identification and quantification of many analytes in the same sample.
Growth of bulk InGaN films and quantum wells by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapour deposition

Abstract InGaN bulk layers and single quantum wells were grown on 1.4 to 2.4 μm thick GaN on sapphire films by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (AP-MOCVD). The morphology of the epitaxial layers was strongly affected by the V III ratio in the gas phase. The incorporation efficiency of indium was observed to increase with higher growth rates and decreasing temperature, but was independent of the V III ratio in the investigated parameter range. In0.16Ga0.84N single quantum wells showed intense quantum well related luminescence at room temperature, with a full width at half maximum of 7.9 nm at a thickness of 50 A. Single quantum wells embedded in InGaN of graded composition showed superior properties compared to quantum wells with In0.04Ga0.94N barriers of constant composition.
Online vs. face-to-face pedagogical code reviews: an empirical comparison

Given the increased importance of communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills in the computing profession, we have been exploring studio-based instructional methods, in which students develop solutions and iteratively refine them through critical review by their peers and instructor. We have developed an adaptation of studio-based instruction for computing education called the pedagogical code review (PCR), which is modeled after the code inspection process used in the software industry. Unfortunately, PCRs are time-intensive, making them difficult to implement within a typical computing course. To address this issue, we have developed an online environment that allows PCRs to take place asynchronously outside of class. We conducted an empirical study that compared a CS 1 course with online PCRs against a CS 1 course with face-to-face PCRs. Our study had three key results: (a) in the course with face-to-face PCRs, student attitudes with respect to self-efficacy and peer learning were significantly higher; (b) in the course with face-to-face PCRs, students identified more substantive issues in their reviews; and (c) in the course with face-to-face PCRs, students were generally more positive about the value of PCRs. In light of our findings, we recommend specific ways online PCRs can be better designed.
Effect of indolebutyric acid and sampling-dates on the rooting of four Tilia taxa

Abstract Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of 4 Tilia taxa were taken at different times and treated with high concentrations of IBA. Rooting-response varied with taxa and sampling-date. Rooting in Tilia americana L. cuttings was maximum when taken on 19 May and 1 June. Cuttings of Tilia cordata Mill. did not differ significantly in rootability when taken on 19 May, 22 June or 13 July, but rooting was significantly less with 3 August cuttings. Tilia × euchlora Koch cuttings did not root. All Tilla × euchlora Koch ‘Redmond’ cuttings taken on 19 May or 22 June rooted. A 5-second basal dip of IBA significantly stimulated rooting, especially in the range of 20 000–35 000 mg 1 −1 .
A comparative analysis of communication patterns within effective and ineffective decision‐making groups

This study tests the general hypothesis that substantial differences exist between the communication processes within “effective” and “ineffective” decision‐making groups. A 26‐category coding system was used to analyze the interaction within four effective and four ineffective decision‐making groups. The results strongly suggest that group interaction plays an important role in decision‐making effectiveness. The results suggest that effective decision‐making groups spend considerably more time interacting and agreeing upon procedural matters than do ineffective groups. The results further suggest that members of effective groups tend to interact on substantive matters unitl agreement is reached before moving on to other topics of discussion.
Flawed heroes and great talents: the challenges associated with framing soccer legends in the NASL

The essay explores the ways that the North American Soccer Leagues (NASL) attempted to frame footballing stars in terms that North American fans would understand and embrace. The impetus for this approach was economic and influenced by the success of Pele. However, the essay argues that the approach was deeply flawed and missed the obvious challenge of replacing Pele – that he was irreplaceable. Nevertheless, the NASL and its boosters sought to position several stars as the natural successors to Pele, including Franz Beckenbauer, George Best and Johan Curyff. The essay thus explores how these NASL stars were framed and how these frames would ultimately become limited.
Conversion and control of an all-terrain vehicle for use as an autonomous mobile robot

A systematic approach to ground vehicle automation is presented, combining low-level controls, trajectory generation and closed-loop path correction in an integrated system. Development of cooperative robotics for precision agriculture at Utah State University required the automation of a full-scale motorized vehicle. The Triton Predator 8- wheeled skid-steering all-terrain vehicle was selected for the project based on its ability to maneuver precisely and the simplicity of controlling the hydrostatic drivetrain. Low-level control was achieved by fitting an actuator on the engine throttle, actuators for the left and right drive controls, encoders on the left and right drive shafts to measure wheel speeds, and a signal pick-off on the alternator for measuring engine speed. Closed loop control maintains a desired engine speed and tracks left and right wheel speeds commands. A trajectory generator produces the wheel speed commands needed to steer the vehicle through a predetermined set of map coordinates. A planar trajectory through the points is computed by fitting a 2D cubic spline over each path segment while enforcing initial and final orientation constraints at segment endpoints. Acceleration and velocity profiles are computed for each trajectory segment, with the velocity over each segment dependent on turning radius. Left and right wheel speed setpoints are obtained by combining velocity and path curvature for each low-level timestep. The path correction algorithm uses GPS position and compass orientation information to adjust the wheel speed setpoints according to the 'crosstrack' and 'downtrack' errors and heading error. Nonlinear models of the engine and the skid-steering vehicle/ground interaction were developed for testing the integrated system in simulation. These test lead to several key design improvements which assisted final implementation on the vehicle.
Hard hats vs. soft hearts: The conflict between principles and reality in child and adolescent care and treatment programs

Much of child care in volves quick reactions based on one's “automatic pilot” derived from how we were parented. This paper is about two seemingly universal “automatic pilot” systems—the “hard hats” and the “soft hearts.” “Hard hats” are behavior management and modification oriented, while “soft hearts” are psychodynamically and counselling oriented. Typically, the “hard hats” tend to have the upper hand due to the nature of our culture, and they therefore have the effect of preventing the contributions of the “soft hearts” from being realized. That all too frequently sets up a dominant culture and a resentful minority situation. To correct this imbalance, a value orientation “from the top” which emphasizes mutual respect and utilization is suggested.
Enhanced long-term expression from helper virus-free HSV-1 vectors packaged in the presence of deletions in genes that modulate the function of VP16,UL46 and UL47

Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) gene expression is hypothesized to shut off recombinant gene expression from HSV-1 vectors, but in a helper virus-free HSV-1 vector system, a number of promoters support only short-term expression. Thus paradoxically, recombinant gene expression remains short-term in the absence of almost all (approximately 99%) of the HSV-1 genome. To resolve this paradox, we hypothesize that specific HSV-1 proteins that affect the virion can shut off recombinant gene expression. In an earlier study, we examined the effects on recombinant gene expression of five different proteins that affect the HSV-1 virion. We found that vectors packaged in the presence of mutated vhs or U S 11 exhibited minimal changes in gene expression, vectors packaged in the presence of a mutated U S 3 supported improved gene transfer (numbers of cells at 4 days), and vectors packaged in the presence of mutated U L 13 or VP16 supported improved long-term expression. The capability of the VP16 transcriptional complex to reduce gene expression deserves additional study because VP16 is a powerful enhancer that interacts with a number of cellular and viral proteins. In particular, U L 46 and U L 47 are known to modulate the effects of VP16 on immediate early promoters. In this study, we examined expression from a HSV-1 vector that contains a neuronal-specific promoter and was packaged in the presence of deletions in U L 46, or U L 47, or both U L 46 and U L 47. In the rat striatum, each of these vector stocks supported both improved gene transfer (numbers of cells at 4 days) and improved long-term expression (2 months). Vectors packaged in the presence of a deletion in both U L 46 and U L 47 supported larger improvements in gene expression compared to vectors packaged in the presence of deletions in either gene alone. The implications of these results for strategies to improve long-term expression are discussed.
Assessment of a microtube injection system for applying systemic insecticides at planting for hessian fly control in winter wheat

Three methods were compared for applying the systemic insecticides, disulfoton and carbofuran, at planting to control the hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell). Liquid insecticides injected in furrow at planting with a microtube injection system were compared with granules placed in furrow and granules broadcast at planting. The injection of liquid formulations of both insecticides using a microtube system was as effective as in-furrow applications of granules when applied at the same rate. Broadcast applications of granules were less effective than both in-furrow methods for controlling hessian fly damage. The in-furrow injection of liquid insecticides using a microtube injection system is an effective alternative to granular insecticides for controlling the hessian fly in winter wheat.
Optical third-harmonic generation using ultrashort laser pulses

To better predict optical third-harmonic generation (THG) in transparent dielectrics, we model a typical ultrashort pulsed Gaussian beam, including both group velocity mismatch and phase mismatch of the fundamental and harmonic fields. We find that competition between the group velocity mismatch and phase mismatch leads to third-harmonic generation that is sensitive only to interfaces. In this case, the spatial resolution is determined by the group velocity walk-off length. THG of modern femtosecond lasers in optical solids is a bulk process, without a surface susceptibility, but bears the signature of a surface enhancement effect in $z$-scan measurements. We demonstrate the accuracy of the model, by showing the agreement between the predicted spectral intensity and the measured third-harmonic spectrum from a thin sapphire crystal.
The Effect of Feeder Space and Light Treatment on Broiler Performance

Abstract Feeder space requirements were studied in two intermittent lighting (IL) regimes and compared to a continuous lighting (CL) control. Both IL programs were initiated at one week of age. In Experiments 1 and 2 (totaling 12,000 chicks), 1.8, 2.3, and 2.7 cm of circular feeder space per bird were evaluated in a 15 min light: 45 min dark IL (15:45 IL) schedule. In Experiments 3, 4, and 5 (18,000 chicks total), two levels of feeder space (1.8 and 2.3 cm/bird) were studied in a 2 hr light: 4 hr dark IL (2:4IL) program. Compared to CL, IL reared broilers in Experiment 1 weighed significantly less at 27 and 54 days of age while no differences were observed in Experiment 2. Differences in feed conversion at these ages were nonsignificant in Experiment 1 but IL had statistically superior feed efficiency (P In Experiments 3, 4, and 5, broilers in the 2:4 IL program were significantly heavier and had better feed efficiency than CL controls at both 27 and 54 days of age. At 27 days of age, there was a light × feeder space interaction with IL broilers responding better to higher feeder space than CL with respect to feed conversion. Neither light nor feeder space treatment had a significant effect on mortality. The 2:4 IL carcasses had significantly more breast blister downgrades than did CL. In both IL programs, leucosis condemnations were significantly higher than the controls. Airsacculitis and septicemia/toxemia condemnations were slightly less in the IL group than in the CL birds.
Notes on the inner logic of designing: Two thought-experiments

Abstract In this article the author attempts to get at the underlying logic of designing in two case studies: one a competition design (not built) for Copley Square in Boston, Massachusetts, and the other, part of a completed building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The article first introduces the ideas of the ‘logic’ of designing, and of ‘replication’ and then goes on to present and analyse the two cases. After each there is discussion of the implications for book-keeping design, pointing toward descriptions that the designer may find usefully embedded in a computer assistant.
Race and the Impact of Detention on Juvenile Justice Decision Making

In recent years, the growing number of minority youth disproportionately confined in secure detention facilities has led to a search for a better understanding of this occurrence. Explanations vary but tend to center on either differential offending or selection bias. The present study examines the extent both may explain decision making by specifically assessing the effect of race on detention and the degree that race and detention influence further court processing in one juvenile court jurisdiction in the state of Iowa. Multivariate analyses using juvenile court data (1980 through 2000) show that although legal factors account for some of the decision making and minority over representation, so too does race. Evidence is presented that, through detention, race has direct, interaction, and indirect effects that often work to the disadvantage of African American youth relative to White youth. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Selenium Supplementation Does Not Affect Testicular Selenium Status or Semen Quality in North American Men

Selenium (Se) is essential for sperm function and male fertility, but high Se intake has been associated with impaired semen quality. We reported previously a decrease in sperm motility in men fed high-Se foods, but we could not rule out the influence of other environmental and dietary factors. We now report on a randomized, controlled study on the potential adverse effects of Se supplementation on semen quality in 42 free-living men administered Se (300 microg/d) as high-Se yeast for 48 weeks. Semen analysis was performed 4 times before treatment began, then twice each week during treatment at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks, and then after treatment at 72 and 96 weeks. Blood samples were collected 3 times before treatment and at each subsequent visit. Se concentration increased 61% in blood plasma and 49% in seminal plasma. However, Se supplementation had no effect on sperm Se, serum androgen concentrations, or sperm count, motility, progressive velocity, or morphology. We observed progressive decreases in serum luteinizing hormone, semen volume, and sperm Se in both the high-Se and placebo groups. Moreover, sperm straight-line velocity and percent normal morphology increased in Se-treated and placebo-treated participants. The lack of an increase in sperm Se suggests that testicular Se stores were unaffected, even though the participants' dietary Se intake was tripled and their total body Se approximately doubled by supplementation. These results are consistent with animal studies showing the Se status of testes to be unresponsive to dietary Se intake.
Fetal obstructive uropathy in trisomy syndromes.

Fetal obstructive uropathy has seldom been described in trisomy syndromes, and its relationship to these syndromes remains unclear. Five trisomic male fetuses, four with trisomy 18 and one with trisomy 21, were identified out of 110 fetuses evaluated for fetal obstructive uropathy. We performed detailed examination on the urinary tracts of four of these fetuses, three with trisomy 18 and one with trisomy 21, following termination in the second trimester. All four had a markedly distended urinary bladder (megacystis), abdominal wall distension, and a small, poorly developed urethra thoughout its full length. All four also had poor development of the prostate with virtual absence of glandular development, as compared to age-matched controls. Posterior urethral valves were not identified in any case. Three of the fetuses (two with trisomy 18 and one with trisomy 21) had unilateral or bilateral hydroureters, and resulting renal tubulocystic or glomerulocystic change. Review of this database reveals an unexpectedly high frequency of trisomies, particularly trisomy 18, suggesting that the relationship may not be coincidental. Abnormal prostate development may be causally related to fetal obstructive uropathies and may be an under-recognized trait in trisomy syndromes. Karyotypic analysis of all fetuses with obstructive uropathy is important since in utero surgical intervention may be contraindicated in cases of fetal aneuploidy.
Methane stable isotopic distributions as indicators of gas transport mechanisms in emergent aquatic plants

Methane stable isotope distribution patterns vary markedly between plants utilizing convective throughflow ventilation relative to those which primarily employ molecular diffusion. In diffusive plants, methane sampled from lacunal air was 13C-enriched by 10.6 ± 3.7‰ relative to sedimentary CH4. In plants possessing the convective flow system, differences between plant lacunal methane collected in daylight and sediment methane were not apparent, and averaged −0.9 ± 2.1‰. At night, as convection gave way to molecular diffusion, the isotopic distributions in Typha domingensis Pers. and Typha latifolia L., convective-flow plants, became similar to distributions observed in diffusive plants, with plant lacunal methane becoming 13C-enriched. Diurnal variations in the isotopic signature of methane emitted from Typha were also observed; methane emitted in daylight was 13C-enriched by 4–7‰ relative to night emissions. The results indicate that methane isotopic distributions are useful indicators of plant gas transport mechanisms. Diurnal variation in isotopic distribution patterns confirm observations that plants with convective throughflow ventilation switch to molecular diffusion in the absence of sunlight.
Apatite–feldspar U–Pb thermochronometer: a reliable, mid-range (∼450°C), diffusion-controlled system

The U–Pb systematics of apatite are commonly dominated by simple volume diffusion, without secondary growth and recrystallization that can affect U–Pb systematics of sphene, monazite and zircon. Although apatite is a relatively low-U mineral, both U and Pb are lattice-bound and thus the U–Pb systematics are not controlled by micro-inclusions as appears to be the case for other low-U minerals such as garnet and staurolite. Closure temperature estimates from both experimental and empirical studies range from 425°C to as high as 500°C for typical diffusion radii (25 μm) and cooling rates (2–100°C/Ma, respectively). This range can be exploited to constrain cooling and exhumation histories of both igneous and metamorphic rocks. In addition, the closure temperature for Pb diffusion in apatite fills a gap between that for Pb diffusion in sphene (650°C) and diffusion of Ar in hornblende (500°C), muscovite (350°C) and biotite (300–325°C). Apatite is a common accessory phase in many rock types, and U–Pb apatite dating can be a reliable and powerful thermochronometer as it combines mid-range cooling ages with the strength of the U–Pb system in testing for isotopic closure. Precisions of U–Pb apatite dates can range from ±1.2% to as low as ±0.3% for Proterozoic or Archean dates. The main limitation to accuracy of U–Pb apatite dates is a moderate to low ratio of U to Pb, and corresponding dependence of concordia coordinates on the choice of initial Pb isotopic composition. For Proterozoic-aged samples with measured 206Pb/204Pb of 100, the range of geologically reasonable initial Pb isotopic compositions can shift the calculated U–Pb age by 60 Ma. Fortunately, even though the diffusion rate of Pb in alkali feldspar is less than in apatite, it appears that the isotopic composition of Pb in coexisting feldspar is a good approximation of the initial isotopic composition in apatite for many geologic settings. Examples are given from an Archean terrane in SE Wyoming that was unroofed and cooled during Proterozoic uplift and from Proterozoic terranes in SW US that have contrasting thermal histories.
The precise time course of lexical activation: MEG measurements of the effects of frequency, probability, and density in lexical decision.

Visually presented letter strings consistently yield three MEG response components: the M170, associated with letter-string processing (Tarkiainen, Helenius, Hansen, Cornelissen, & Salmelin, 1999); the M250, affected by phonotactic probability, (Pylkkanen, Stringfellow, & Marantz, 2002); and the M350, responsive to lexical frequency (Embick, Hackl, Schaeffer, Kelepir, & Marantz, 2001). Pylkkanen et al. found evidence that the M350 reflects lexical activation prior to competition among phonologically similar words. We investigate the effects of lexical and sublexical frequency and neighborhood density on the M250 and M350 through orthogonal manipulation of phonotactic probability, density, and frequency. The results confirm that probability but not density affects the latency of the M250 and M350; however, an interaction between probability and density on M350 latencies suggests an earlier influence of neighborhoods than previously reported.
Reactions of Yttrium and Lanthanum Atoms with Nitrogen. Infrared Spectra of the Metal Nitrides and Dinitrogen Complexes in Solid Argon and Nitrogen

Laser-ablated Y and La atoms react with nitrogen to produce metal nitrides and dinitrogen complexes, whereas thermally evaporated Y and La atoms form only dinitrogen complexes. The ligated mononitride complexes (NN)xYN and (NN)xLaN at 771.6 and 761.7 cm-1 in solid nitrogen are identified from nitrogen-15 shifts. These complexes predict gas-phase fundamentals near 800 and 790 cm-1 respectively for YN and LaN. The (YN)2 and (LaN)2 molecules and dinitrogen complexes are also identified from nitrogen-15 shifts and result from the reaction of two metal atoms with a single dinitrogen molecule involving the Y(N2) and La(N2) intermediate species. The same saturated (YN)2(NN)x and (LaN)2(NN)x dinitrogen complexes are prepared on annealing solid argon containing 2% N2 and deposition in pure nitrogen. The growth of ligated (YN)2(NN)x and (LaN)2(NN)x on annealing suggests that this nitrogen fixation reaction involves little activation energy.
Effects of sugar deprivation on the host-seeking behaviour of gravid Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Abstract Mosquitoes maintained on water from emergence were less likely to develop eggs after a blood meal compared to those maintained on sucrose, and those carbohydrate-deprived females that did develop eggs were more likely to approach a host while gravid than those fed sucrose. When small blood meals were ingested, the proportion of carbohydrate-deprived gravid females approaching a host was increased even further. The ingestion of a single meal of sucrose influenced both egg maturation and the behaviour of the gravid mosquitoes, but its effect varied according to when the sugar was ingested. Although the initial step of host-seeking inhibition is ovarian dependent, implantation of ovaries from starved females into sugar-fed ovariectomized hosts demonstrated that this step is not affected by starvation.
Consistency checking in privacy-aware access control

New access control models have been developed to accommodate the implementation of new privacy policies. One of these models is the P-RBAC model by Ni et al. [8] which supports a wide range of privacy policies. However, while modeling policies has become more complex, there has been only very limited support to verify the consistency of policies in an access control system. We extend the so-called condition component of the P-RBAC model to overcome some limitations on the expressive power of the model. Based on the extended P-RBAC model, we investigate an algorithm that detects conflicts and redundancies in the privacy policies.
Brief Hysteresis-based switching algorithms for supervisory control of uncertain systems

We address the problem of controlling a linear system with unknown parameters ranging over a continuum by means of switching among a finite family of candidate controllers. We present a new hysteresis-based switching logic, designed specifically for this purpose, and derive a bound on the number of switches produced by this logic on an arbitrary time interval. The resulting switching control algorithm is shown to provide stability and robustness to arbitrary bounded noise and disturbances and sufficiently small unmodeled dynamics.
Asymmetrically banked value-aware register files for low-energy and high-performance

Designing high-performance low-energy register files is of critical importance to the continuation of current performance advances in wide-issue and deeply pipelined superscalar microprocessors. In this paper, we propose a new microarchitecture, the asymmetrically banked value-aware register file (AB-VARF), to exploit the prevailing narrow-width register values for low-latency and energy-efficient register file designs. The register bit-widths of different banks in our AB-VARF register files are specifically customized to capture different narrow-width values. Augmented with a value width predictor, the register renaming logic is slightly tuned to rename predicted narrow-width registers to the corresponding narrow-width banks. Our experimental evaluation with SPEC CINT2000 benchmark suite shows that AB-VARF reduces the energy consumption by 78.4% over a conventional register file, on the average, at the cost of a 0.7% performance loss to an ideal 1-cycle monolithic register file.
Screening of a branched peptide library with HIV-1 TAR RNA

The recognition that RNA is more than just an intermediate in the information transfer from genetic code to fully functional protein has placed it at the forefront of chemical research. RNA is important because of its vital role in regulating transcription, translation, splicing, replication and catalysis. Consequently, molecules that can bind to RNA and control its function have potential as powerful tools in biology and medicine. Herein, we report the discovery of HIV-1 TAR RNA-selective ligands using an on-bead screening of a library of 4096 branched peptides.
PLUMB: an interface for users who are blind to display, create, and modify graphs

We demonstrate the most recent version of our system to communicate graphs and relational information to blind users. We have developed a system called exPLoring graphs at UMB (PLUMB) that displays a drawn graph on a tablet PC and uses auditory cues to help a blind user navigate the graph. This work has applications to assist blind individuals in Computer Science and other educational disciplines, navigation and map manipulation.
5′-Nicked Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Sites Are Resistant to β-Elimination by β-Polymerase and Are Persistent in Human Cultured Cells after Oxidative Stress

Genomic DNA is continuously exposed to oxidative stress. Whereas reactive oxygen species (ROS) preferentially react with bases in DNA, free radicals also abstract hydrogen atoms from deoxyribose, resulting in the formation of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites and strand breaks. We recently reported high steady-state levels of AP sites in rat tissues and human liver DNA (Nakamura, J., and Swenberg, J. A. (1999) Cancer Res. 59, 2522–2526). These AP sites were predominantly cleaved 5′ to the lesion. We hypothesized that these endogenous AP sites were derived from oxidative stress. In this investigation, AP sites induced by ROS were quantitated and characterized. A combination of H2O2 and FeSO4 induced significant numbers of AP sites in calf thymus DNA, which were predominantly cleaved 5′ to the AP sites (75% of total aldehydic AP sites). An increase in the number of 5′-AP sites was also detected in human cultured cells exposed to H2O2, and these 5′-AP sites were persistent during the post-exposure period. β-Elimination by DNA β-polymerase efficiently excised 5′-regular AP sites, but not 5′-AP sites, in DNA from cells exposed to H2O2. These results suggest that 5′-oxidized AP sites induced by ROS are not efficiently repaired by the mammalian short patch base excision repair pathway.
Two- and three-dimensional quantitative image analysis of coronary arteries from high-resolution histological sections

The study of coronary arteries has evolved from examining gross anatomy and morphology to scrutinizing micro-anatomy and cellular composition. Technological advances such as high-powered digital microscopes and high precision cutting devices have allowed clinicians to examine coronary artery morphology and pathology at micron resolution. Our work explores the composition of normal coronary arteries in order to provide the foundation for further study of remodeled tissue. The first of two coronary arteries was sliced into 442 sections with 4 micron inter-slice spacing. Each slice was stained for elastin and collagen. The second coronary artery was sectioned into 283 slices, also with 4 micron resolution. These slices were stained for cellular nuclei and smooth muscle. High sectioned into 283 slices, also with 4 micron resolution. These slices were stained for cellular nuclei and smooth muscle. High resolution light microscopy was used to image the sections. The data was analyzed for collagen/elastin content and nuclei density, respectively. Processing of this type of data is challenging in the areas of segmentation, visualization and quantification. Segmentation was confounded by variation in image quality as well as complexity of the coronary tissue. These problems were overcome by the development of 'smart' thresholding algorithms for segmentation. In addition, morphology and image statistics were used to further refine the result of the segmentation. Specificity/sensitivity analysis suggests that automatic segmentation can be very effective. 3D visualization of coronary arteries is challenging due to multiple tissue layers. Method such as summed voxel projection and maximum intensity projection appear to be effective. Shading methods also provide adequate visualization, however it is important to incorporate combined 2D and 3D displays. Surface rendering techniques are useful tools for visualizing parametric data. Quantification in 3D is simple in practice but appropriate descriptions of these results must be displayed to clinicians in a clear way. Preliminary results are promising, but continued development of algorithms for processing histological data is needed.
A Pulmonary Syndrome in Patients with Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia and Inversion of Chromosome 16

Different subtypes of acute myelogenous leukemia have distinct clinical presentations and courses. The specific clinical and molecular aspects of these leukemias have helped modify and create specific strategies for their management. We observed an increased incidence of pulmonary complications in patients with acute myelomonocytic leukemias (AMML) with inversion of chromosome 16 [inv(16)] irrespective of the presence of hyperleukocytosis. We reviewed patient records available over a period of 12 years at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation of patients with AMML with inv(16) and compared the incidence of pulmonary complications to a matched control group of patients with AMML but without inv(16).We found an increased incidence of pulmonary complications in the AMML with inv(16) group when compared to the control group. Two of these patients demonstrated brochiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP) on lung biopsy. No specific etiology for the pulmonary complications was identified. These findings r...
Pulmonary Endarterectomy Surgery—A Technically Demanding Cure for WHO Group IV Pulmonary Hypertension: Requirements for Centres of Excellence and Availability in Canada

There are 5 categories in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH): (1) pulmonary arterial hypertension; (2) PH associated with left heart disease; (3) PH associated with hypoxia or lung disease; (4) chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH); and (5) PH of miscellaneous aetiology (eg, sarcoidosis, extrinsic compression). Group 1 PH is the only category for which there is approved, PH-specific medical therapy. These medications (phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, prostanoids, and endothelin antagonists) improve functional class and exercise tolerance but are not curative. The only form of adult PH that is curable (other than by lung or heart-lung transplantation) is Group 4 PH (CTEPH), which can be reversed by surgical pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). The diagnosis of CTEPH is often delayed because the onset of symptoms is insidious and the symptoms themselves are nonspecific. CTEPH patients usually present with dyspnea, and fatigue, often of many years duration. Thus a high degree of suspicion is required to detect CTEPH. Symptoms are related to impaired cardiac output and right ventricular failure and result from obstruction of the pulmonary arteries by unresolved thrombus, compounded, in some cases, by a poorly understood vasculopathy. The US Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database suggests a 3.4% incidence of CTEPH in patients with a pulmonary embolism (reviewed in Jaff et al.). CTEPH is often discovered on cardiothoracic (CT) angiography or ventilation/ perfusion scans conducted in the course of a systematic investigation of unexplained PH. Fully 2 of 3 CTEPH patients have no clinical history of pulmonary embolism. The 1-year untreated mortality rate in CTEPH ranges from 12%-24% and is predicted by the pulmonary artery (PA) pressure
Understanding birthparent involvement in kinship families: Influencing factors and the importance of placement arrangement

Abstract Birthparent involvement within informal and formal kinship families is examined using cross-sectional data from a National Institute on Aging funded survey of 351 custodial grandmothers. Specifically the research addressed two questions: What are the patterns of parental involvement in kinship families? What contextual and family factors are related to parental involvement in kinship families? Using cluster analysis, three distinct subgroups of birthparents were identified: those with high involvement (30%); moderate involvement (35%), and low birthparent involvement (35%). Study results indicated that birthparents were twice as likely to be in the high involvement subgroup compared to the moderate and low subgroups if there was an informal kinship arrangement; and they were 39% more likely when there was a closer relationship between the grandmother and birthparent. Implications for professionals working to improve this relationship when possible are discussed.
PAY SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS AND QUIT PATTERNS OF GOOD, AVERAGE, AND POOR PERFORMERS

The relationship between pay dispersion and the quits patterns of good, average, and poor performers was explored among a sample of motor carriers. Results showed that under high pay system communication, pay dispersion was negatively related to good performer quits when performance-based pay increases were emphasized, and positively related when they were not. The results for seniority-based pay increases were different. Under high pay system communication, pay dispersion was negatively related to average performer quits when seniority-based pay increases were emphasized, and the relationship was attenuated when they were not. Contrary to expectation, pay dispersion was not consistently related to quit patterns when pay system communication was low. Predictions regarding quit patterns of poor performers were not supported. Implications of the research are addressed and future research directions identified. There is general agreement in the literature that pay dispersion among key employees (horizontal or within-group pay dispersion) relates to turnover levels in organizations. This assumption goes back at least a half-century (e.g., Livernash, 1957), but theory and empirical findings to date are ambiguous about the specific nature of the relationship. Instead, existing theory and empirical results continue to offer contradictory or competing insights about the effects of pay dispersion on organizational outcomes, leading some to refer to the situation as a theoretical dilemma This study was funded by a grant from the SHRM foundation. The interpretation, conclusions, and recommendations, however, are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent those of the foundation. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 2001 annual meetings of the Southern Management Association. We thank Associate Editor Murray Barrick, two anonymous reviewers, Michelle Duffy, Ruolian Fang, Robert Vellella, Jing Zhu, Sven Kepes, Jackie Thompson, and seminar participants at The Ohio State University for helpful comments. Correspondence and requests for reprints should be addressed to Jason D. Shaw, Uni
Infrared and raman spectra of Ca5(PO4)3F2-fluorapatite at high pressures: Compression-induced changes in phosphate site and Davydov splittings

Abstract The infrared and Raman spectra of fluorapatite (Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F 2 ) have been examined to pressures of 25 and 23 GPa, respectively; this phase remains stable throughout this pressure range at 300 K. Both the site-group and Davydov (factor-group) splittings of the vibrations of the phosphate group decrease with compression. The shift in site group splitting is consistent with a general increase in phosphate group site symmetry under compression. The anomalous decrease in Davydov splitting can be associated with the decreased distortion of the environment surrounding the phosphorus tetrahedron under compression, and indicates the importance of non-dipole effects in generating the Davydov splitting in apatite. Our results indicate that the change with pressure of the Davydov splitting is not a consequence of simple dipole-dipole interactions, but is rather governed by complex changes in crystal site environments under compression. The Gruneisen parameters of the phosphate-derived vibrations are relatively low, indicating that the bulk of compression takes place within the calcium polyhedra in apatite
Confidence and trading aggressiveness of naïve investors: effects of information quantity and consistency

Advances in technology, as well as regulatory and legislative actions, have led to an increase in the quantity of information available to the public. This paper experimentally examines the effects of information quantity and consistency (or directional agreement) on the judgments and trading behavior of naive investors, holding constant the quality (or predictive value) of information. In my experiment, investors receive accounting signals and make predictions and trading decisions for 24 separate firms. I find that increasing the quantity and consistency of information leads naive investors to show greater judgment confidence and trading aggressiveness. Increased quantity reduces investors’ expected wealth in laboratory markets, while the effect of consistency on expected wealth depends on the relationship between the low- and high-quality signals investors receive. Results highlight possible unintended consequences of increased disclosure and suggest directions for future experimental and archival research.
Mosaicing large cyclic environments for visual navigation in autonomous vehicles

Mobile robot localization from large-scale appearance mosaics has been showing increasing promise as a low-cost, high-performance and infrastructure-free solution to vehicle guidance in man-made environments. The feasibility of this technique relies on the construction of a locally smooth and globally consistent high-resolution mosaic of the vehicle environment, efficiently done using observations that have low spatial and temporal persistence. The problem of loop closure in cyclic environments that plagues this process is one that is commonly encountered in all map-building procedures, and its solution is often computationally expensive. The paper presents a method that reliably generates consistent maps at low computational cost, while fully exploiting the topology of the observations. Extensions to a real-time implementation are discussed along with results using simulated data and those from real indoor environments.
Efficient Discovery of Frequent Approximate Sequential Patterns

We propose an efficient algorithm for mining frequent approximate sequential patterns under the Hamming distance model. Our algorithm gains its efficiency by adopting a "break-down-and-build-up" methodology. The "breakdown" is based on the observation that all occurrences of a frequent pattern can be classified into groups, which we call strands. We developed efficient algorithms to quickly mine out all strands by iterative growth. In the "build-up" stage, these strands are grouped up to form the support sets from which all approximate patterns would be identified. A salient feature of our algorithm is its ability to grow the frequent patterns by iteratively assembling building blocks of significant sizes in a local search fashion. By avoiding incremental growth and global search, we achieve greater efficiency without losing the completeness of the mining result. Our experimental studies demonstrate that our algorithm is efficient in mining globally repeating approximate sequential patterns that would have been missed by existing methods.
Fuzzy Neural Network Classification of Global Land Cover from a 1° AVHRR Data Set

Abstract Phenological differences among broadly defined vegetation types can be a basis for global scale landcover classification at a very coarse spatial scale. Using an annual sequence of composited normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values from AVHRR data set composited to 1° DeFries and Townshend (1994) classified eleven global land-cover types with a maximum likelihood classifier. Classification of these same data using a neural network architecture called fuzzy ARTMAP indicate the following: i) When fuzzy ARTMAP is trained using 80% of the data and tested on the remaining (unseen) 20% of the data, classification accuracy is more than 85% compared with 78% using the maximum likelihood classifier; ii) classification accuracies for various splits of training/testing data show that an increase in the size of training data does not result in improved accuracies; iii) classification results vary depending on the use of latitude as an input variable similar to the results of DeFries and Townshend; and iv) fuzzy ARTMAP dynamics including a voting procedure and the number of internal nodes can be used to describe uncertainty in classification. This study shows that artificial neural networks are a viable alternative for global scale landcover classification due to increased accuracy and the ability to provide additional information on uncertainty.
Character displacement in sailfin mollies, Poecilia latipinna: allozymes and behavior

We analyzed variation in allozymes and mating preferences in 12 populations across much of the range of the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna. Sailfin mollies can be sympatric with its sexual parasite Amazon mollies, P. formosa. Amazon mollies must co-exist and mate with bisexual males of closely related species (including sailfin mollies) to induce embryogenesis but inheritance is strictly maternal. Where sailfin and Amazon mollies are sympatric there is evidence of reproductive character displacement as males show a significantly stronger mating preference for sailfin molly females over Amazon mollies compared to preferences of males from allopatric populations. From the allozyme data we found a moderate amount of genetic variation across all populations but this variation did not reveal significant partitioning between sympatric and allopatric populations. Additionally, we found no evidence for isolation by distance as genetic distance was not significantly correlated with geographic distance. While allozyme variation also did not significantly correlate with male mating preferences, there was a significant correlation between male mating preferences and geographic distance. This correlation between mating preferences and geographic distance may have arisen from coevolution with Amazon mollies resulting in reproductive character displacement. Taken together, the distribution of genetic and behavioral variation among sympatric and allopatric populations suggests that behavioral evolution has outpaced evolution at the allozyme loci we examined in P. latipinna.
Forgetting to Remember: The Functional Relationship of Decay and Interference:

Functional decay theory proposes that decay and interference, historically viewed as competing accounts of forgetting, are instead functionally related. The theory posits that (a) when an attribute must be updated frequently in memory, its current value decays to prevent interference with later values, and (b) the decay rate adapts to the rate of memory updates. Behavioral predictions of the theory were tested in a task-switching paradigm in which memory for the current task had to be updated every few seconds, hundreds of times. Reaction times and error rates both increased gradually between updates, reflecting decay of memory for the current task. This performance decline was slower when updates were less frequent, reflecting a decrease in the decay rate following a decrease in the update rate. A candidate mechanism for controlled decay is proposed, the data are reconciled with practice effects, and implications for models of executive control are discussed.