cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lunar volcanism in space and time.

The role of lunar volcanism in the history of the moon is documented using lunar-orbit and earth-based data along with characterizations derived from Apollo and Luna sample-return missions. Characteristics of mare and highland volcanic features are described, Apollo and Luna results are discussed, and the characteristics of other mare deposits and of other highland features of possible volcanic origin are summarized. Major conclusions are that: (1) there is little unequivocal morphologic evidence for highland volcanism, (2) lunar mare lavas appear to have originated from depths of 100 to 500 km, (3) impact melting does not appear to have been a factor in the generation of mare lavas, (4) mare volcanism was characterized by massive outpourings of very fluid volatile-poor lava analogous to terrestrial flood basalts, (5) mare volcanism took place from 3.83 to about 2.5 billion years ago, (6) the preferential occurrence of mare deposits in large impact basins appears to be generically unrelated to basin formation, and (7) a thicker farside crust may be responsible for the distinctive nearside-farside asymmetry of mare deposits.
Multiscale Modeling Framework for Lung Airways Inflammation

Abstract Better understanding of the acute/chronic inflammation in airways is very important in to order avoid lung injuries for patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Inflammation is a complex and dynamic process triggered by many mechanisms within the lung and involves multiple scales starting from organ level to cellular level. In this study, a multiscale modeling framework is being developed to address the cellular inflammation due to mechanical ventilation at the organ level. The developed multiscale modeling framework is illustrated through a case study to investigate inflammatory responses at the alveolar sac during mechanical ventilation. The simulation results showed that high tidal volume (1400 cc) during mechanical ventilation can cause tissue injury due to high concentration of activated immune cells. These results can be further extended to investigate the effects of mechanical ventilation parameters.
Lessons learned from an ARTS / CS game design collaboration

The first iteration of a Game Design collaboration between ARTS (modeling in Maya) and CS (scripting the Torque Game Engine) is described. The missteps of the collaboration are chronicled and a list is provided of the lessons learned to create a successful collaboration. A specification for developing textured game models with animations is included.
Ionization due to electron and proton precipitation during the August 2011 storm

The parameterizations of monoenergetic particle impact ionization in Fang et al. (2010) (Fang2010) and Fang et al. (2013) (Fang2013) are applied to the complex energy spectra measured by DMSP F16 satellite to calculate the ionization rates from electron and ion precipitations for a Northern Hemisphere pass from 0030 UT to 0106 UT on 6 August 2011. Clear enhancement of electron flux is found in the polar cap. The mean electron energy in the polar cap is mostly above 100 eV, while the mean energy in the auroral zone is typically above 1 keV. At the same time, F16 captures a strong Poynting flux enhancement in the polar cap, which is comparable to those in the auroral zone. The particle impact ionization rates using Fang2010 and Fang2013 parameterizations show clear enhancement at F region altitudes mainly due to the low-energy precipitating electrons, peaking probably in the cusp but also showing enhanced levels throughout most of the polar cap region. The general circulation models (GCMs), National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model, and Global Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model, using their default empirical formulations of particle impact ionization, do not capture the observed features shown in the total particle ionization rate applying the Fang2010 and Fang2013 parameterizations to DMSP measurements. The difference between GCM simulations and Fang2010 and Fang2013 applied to DMSP data is due to the difference of both the inputs to the models and the parameterization of the ionization rates.
Electronic Data Interchange: Research Review and Future Directions*

For nearly two decades, electronic data interchange (EDI) has been widely viewed as a technology pivotal to supply chain management that has also provided benefits to firms on multiple levels. Despite a substantial body of literature, there are a number of conflicting and inconclusive research results in this field. In this study, we synthesize the diverse body of research in EDI by organizing the literature into an initial theoretical framework. Based on a meta-analysis of results from the empirical literature, we seek to clarify conflicting results from the literature in order to develop a more unified theoretical framework of contextual variables associated with EDI adoption factors and outcomes. From a managerial standpoint, our literature-based framework offers a set of guidelines for making successful EDI adoption and implementation decisions.
A phase I/II study of 24 hour intravenous AZQ in recurrent primary brain tumors.

This study was undertaken to determine the maximum tolerated dose of aziridinylbenzoquinone (AZQ given as a 24-hour intravenous infusion every 21–28 days. Thirty-four patients with recurrent or progressive gliomas received AZQ at a dose of 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 mg/m2. At a dose of 45 mg/m2, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia of grade 3 or greater was observed in 42% and 25% of patients respectively; no patient required transfusion or antibiotics for fever. For administration of AZQ at a 24-hour intravenous infusion, we recommend a starting dose of 40 mg/m2 for patients without previous exposure to cytotoxic agents, and 35 mg/m2 for patients treated with such agents. In 14 patients with glioblastoma, tumor regression was observed in 1 patient (14%) and stabilization of disease was demonstrated in 7 patients (50%). In 17 patients with anaplastic astrocytomas there were no responses, but 8 patients (47%6) stabilized. Of two patients with an oligodendroglioma, one continues without progression at 34 weeks after initial response. One patient with malignant ependymoma stabilized and had not progressed at 39 weeks. The median time to tumor progression in patients who stabilized and responded was 18 weeks for those with glioblastoma multiforme and 16 weeks in those with anaplastic astrocytomas.
Characterization of a cDNA coding for sex steroid-binding protein of human plasma.

Abstract A cDNA (912 nucleotides) coding for human plasma sex steroid-binding protein (SBP) was characterized from a phage clone previously isolated by screening a Charon 21A human liver cDNA library with rat androgen binding protein (ABP) cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence from the cDNA indicated that the insert was a partial clone coding for 281 amino acids starting with residue 92 (glycine) encompassing the alternating leucyl residues and the carboxyl-end 373 (histidine) as previously reported [(1986) Biochemistry 25, 7584]. The potential polyadenylation signal sequence ATTAAA is present as part of the 3′-coding region and the stop codon TAA. Both are followed by a short 20 untranslated nucleotides and a poly(A) tract of 49 nucleotides. Significant homologous sequences (76%) at the DNA level exist between human SBP and rat ABP which might suggest the possibility that both evolved from a common primordial gene. Demonstration of the presence of an SBP cDNA in a human liver cDNA library provides the first evidence that liver is the site of SBP biosynthesis.
Fixation light hue bias revisited: implications for using adaptive optics to study color vision

Abstract Current vision science adaptive optics systems use near infrared wavefront sensor ‘beacons’ that appear as red spots in the visual field. Colored fixation targets are known to influence the perceived color of macroscopic visual stimuli (Jameson, D., & Hurvich, L. M. (1967). Fixation-light bias: An unwanted by-product of fixation control. Vision Research, 7 , 805–809.), suggesting that the wavefront sensor beacon may also influence perceived color for stimuli displayed with adaptive optics. Despite its importance for proper interpretation of adaptive optics experiments on the fine scale interaction of the retinal mosaic and spatial and color vision, this potential bias has not yet been quantified or addressed. Here we measure the impact of the wavefront sensor beacon on color appearance for dim, monochromatic point sources in five subjects. The presence of the beacon altered color reports both when used as a fixation target as well as when displaced in the visual field with a chromatically neutral fixation target. This influence must be taken into account when interpreting previous experiments and new methods of adaptive correction should be used in future experiments using adaptive optics to study color.
Mass Spectroscopic Study of the Chemical Reaction Zone in Detonating Liquid Nitromethane

We report a time-of-flight mass spectroscopic study of the chemical reaction zone in base-sensitized detonating liquid nitromethane (NM--CH3NO2). Mass spectra of the reaction zone region are presented for cases where the CH3NO2, 13CH3NO2, and CD3NO2 forms of NM were detonated. In experiments in which detonation was made to occur, the detonation process was initiated by a slapper detonator system. The NM explosives were confined in steel, and the charge geometry was chosen such that the detonations were traveling steadily by the time the detonation wave reached the end of the charge. Various nondetonation control experiments were also performed and are described. Two-dimensional numerical fluid-dynamic computations that mimic the experimental system were performed in order to help in the interpretation. We estimate that, for the base-sensitized NM explosive used, the steady two-dimensional chemical-reaction zone is ca. 50 μm in spatial extent and has a time duration of ca. 7 ns. The most important result o...
Using GPSS to teach operating systems concepts

Operating systems concepts are taught in many undergraduate curricula. Assignment of a student project involving the development of an operating system creates a difficult situation due to time and financial considerations. Using GPSS to simulate the behavior of the student-created operating system can diminish these problems and serve as an effective learning device. Many features and concepts can be simulated that might otherwise be ignored in a student project.
Experience with the Björk-Shiley Prosthetic Valve

One hundred and eighty-nine patients who had valvular replacement with 213 Bjork-Shiley prosthetic heart valves are presented who are 6 months to 2½ years postoperative. Surgical mortality was 2.6% in mitral valve replacement and 8.8% in aortic valve replacement. The late mortality for the entire series was 2.9%. Four patients had episodes of embolization, all from mitral prostheses. Only two incidences of paraprosthetic leaks were noted in patients with mitral valves, and none in patients with valves in the aortic position. The authors believe this prosthesis to be superior in its hemodynamic characteristics and wear durability, with few late complications.
Ultraviolet solar spectrum (1889 1969 Ångströms)

Six spectrograms of the solar spectrum were obtained in the region from 1800 to 1970 A at a resolving power of about 200,000, using a rocket-borne spectrograph with an echelle as the principal dispersing element. Data reduction has been completed for the region from 1889 to 1969 A, in which 732 features have been measured and tabulated along with available laboratory wavelengths which correspond reasonably with the solar features. Tracings of the spectra are also presented.-
Trait‐dependent modification of facilitation on cobble beaches

Fundamental gaps remain in our knowledge of how positive species interactions, such as facilitation and mutualism, structure and maintain populations and communities. Foundation species create extensive biogenic habitats, but we know little of how their traits, such as density, age, and patch size, modify their ability to facilitate other species. We tested the role of facilitator traits in cobble beach plant communities in New England, USA. In this system, intertidal beds of the cordgrass Spartina alterniflora facilitate populations of halophytic forbs at higher shore elevations by buffering wave action, stabilizing cobbles, and limiting physical disturbance. Using descriptive and experimental techniques, we tested the hypotheses that (1) the density and height of cordgrass shoots modify the strength of the cordgrass-forb facilitation, and (2) cordgrass peat alone contributes to the facilitation of forbs. Increased shoot density, as well as the combination of cordgrass peat and shoots, positively affected two life history stages (seedling and adult) of the abundant forb Suaeda linearis, demonstrating that cordgrass traits modify the strength of facilitation in this system. Since the expression of traits varies within and among patches of any given foundation species, traits can and should be used to predict the strength of facilitation, to guide the development of conservation strategies, and to develop more accurate models of species interactions.
Effects of X-irradiation on muscle membrane

Abstract X-irradiation on frog muscle in the range from 50 to 10,000 r did not produce early changes in the content of sodium or potassium, the permeability of the muscle membrane, ion fluxes, resting and action potentials, membrane resistance or membrane capacitance. This dose range of irradiation did not alter the relationship between resting membrane potential and temperature, nor that between resting membrane potential and external potassium ion concentration. Furthermore, the mechanical responses of frog muscle, such as contraction time, relaxation half time, twitch tension, maximal tetanus tension and optimal stimulus frequency were also unchanged by irradiation of 50 to 10,000 r. The temperature dependence of each of these parameters was studied in detail. On the other hand, preliminary studies now in progress suggested that higher doses (50,000 and 100,000 r) increased significantly the permeability of the muscle membrane to potassium ions.
Pure Leptonic Decays With Massive Neutrinos and Arbitrary Lorentz Structure

Abstract We calculate the full spin-dependent differential distribution for the decay l a →ν l a l b ν l b with Majorana neutrinos and arbitrary Lorentz structure for the weak couplings.
Detection of Estrus in Dairy Cows by Electrical Measurements of Vaginal Mucus and by Milk Progesterone

Abstract Electrical resistance (ohms) of mucus were analyzed in 20 postpartum Holstein cows by use of a probe inserted into the anterior vagina every other day for 30 days. Composite milk samples were taken on the same day, and progesterone was determined by radioimmunoassay. Cows were observed twice daily for standing estrus and reproductive organs palpated weekly per rectum (rectal palpation). Fifteen cows which were cycling showed increasing progesterone 6 to 7 days after the onset of estrus with values of 8.1 to 10.0ng progesterone/ml milk on days 10 to 17. Concentrations had declined rapidly 2 days before onset of the next estrus. Progesterone in milk was affected by cow and by day of the cycle. Electrical resistance followed a similar cyclical pattern, but variability was large and only cows differed. The correlation between milk progesterone and mucus resistance was .22. Progesterone concentrations for four cows with follicular cysts fluctuated randomly with a mean of 2.6ng/ml. Mean resistance of vaginal mucus was 44 Ω for both cycling and cystic cows, indicating that a single measurement of electrical resistance every 2nd day was unreliable in distinguishing physiological states. One cow had high progesterone in milk on days 19 to 25 and was diagnosed pregnant by rectal palpation 3 wk later. Cows were not seen in estrus 28% of the time when milk progesterone and rectal palpation indicated they were in the follicular phase of the estrous cycle and were cycling.
Factors Contributing to Relapse in Rigidly Fixed Mandibular Setbacks

The incidence of, and factors accounting for, relapse in 25 subjects who underwent mandibular setbacks via a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy with rigid fixation were studied. Fourteen had single-jaw operations, and the remaining 11 had concomitant maxillary procedures. Cephalometric radiographs were reviewed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 6 months to 3 years after surgery. Relapse was defined as forward movement of pogonion during the postoperative period. No difference in the movement of the mandible in one- or two-jaw cases was noted. Even with excellent occlusal results, there was a tendency for the mandible (chin point) to rotate forward. In the one-jaw cases 43.7% relapse was noted, whereas 53.4% was seen in the two-jaw cases. A regression analysis showed that the magnitude of setback was the single factor that significantly predicted relapse in one-jaw cases, whereas alteration of the proximal segment accounted for relapse in two-jaw procedures. These results seem interrelated when considering alterations in the spatial arrangement of the muscular tissues and their attachments.
Governing Disaster: The Political Life of the Environment during the BP Oil Spill

This article presents an embedded analysis of how scientists and federal officials scrambled to get a handle on the deepwater blowout in the Gulf of Mexico. Taking the environment as a compelling ethnographic question, it shows how the oil spill and the environment are not given objects that then collide during a disaster, as is commonly assumed in “disaster studies.” Rather, crude oil and the environment are unstable fields instantiated and made politically operable in relationship to one another. The BP Oil Spill went from a sprawling mess into a manageable problem by being lodged within a refined deployment of the environment. The ocean was, in a way, transformed into a scientific laboratory within which the true size and scope of diffuse hydrocarbons could finally be mastered. Such placement not only objectified the oil spill, it also quietly defined what knowledge of the disaster and what relations to it could have credibility. The revised environment fully contained the disaster, insulating the biological reach of this oil spill from human considerations and rendering personal accounts of sickness implausible and illegible. Techniques of sequestering and inspecting the oil spill came to underwrite a new regime of disconnection between the disaster and the public.
Interpolation of averaged data

In many practical applications, it is necessary to interpolate between known samples of a signal which is produced by, or viewed through, an averaging operation. Such a signal is not bandlimited and the application of a bandlimited interpolator may not be the best thing to do. It is pointed out that by formulating the interpolation problem in terms of optimal signal recovery, a best interpolator may be designed for the averaged data and that in certain special cases, the optimal interpolation is simply a piecewise-linear interpolation. >
Recovery proxy for wireless applications

A recovery proxy that implements proxy-based recovery is described in this paper Proxy-based recovery provides failure recovery for applications on connected handheld devices. This approach enables proxys to monitor clients' interaction with back end servers and locally maintain a client's state based on observed messages. The proxy described in this paper provides a general message logging mechanisms as well as an interface for applications to implement their own checkpointing and message analysis mechanisms. When a client moves from one proxy to another a migration protocol described in this paper can be used to efficiently transfer the client's state and network connections to the new proxy. Experimental results on the proxy's latency, throughput and client migration overhead are provided.
SILICATES IN ULTRALUMINOUS INFRARED GALAXIES

We analyze the mid-infrared (MIR) spectra of ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope's Infrared Spectrograph. Dust emission dominates the MIR spectra of ULIRGs, and the reprocessed radiation that emerges is independent of the underlying heating spectrum. Instead, the resulting emission depends sensitively on the geometric distribution of the dust, which we diagnose with comparisons of numerical simulations of radiative transfer. Quantifying the silicate emission and absorption features that appear near 10 and 18 μm requires a reliable determination of the continuum, and we demonstrate that including a measurement of the continuum at intermediate wavelength (between the features) produces accurate results at all optical depths. With high-quality spectra, we successfully use the silicate features to constrain the dust chemistry. The observations of the ULIRGs and local sight lines require dust that has a relatively high 18 μm/10 μm absorption ratio of the silicate features (around 0.5). Specifically, the cold dust of Ossenkopf et al. is consistent with the observations, while other dust models are not. We use the silicate feature strengths to identify two families of ULIRGs, in which the dust distributions are fundamentally different. Optical spectral classifications are related to these families. In ULIRGs that harbor an active galactic nucleus, the spectrally broad lines are detected only when the nuclear surroundings are clumpy. In contrast, the sources of lower ionization optical spectra are deeply embedded in smooth distributions of optically thick dust.
In vivo Analysis of Troponin C Knock-in (A8V) Mice: Evidence that TNNC1 Is a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Susceptibility Gene

Background— Mutations in thin-filament proteins have been linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but it has never been demonstrated that variants identified in the TNNC1 (gene encoding troponin C) can evoke cardiac remodeling in vivo. The goal of this study was to determine whether TNNC1 can be categorized as an hypertrophic cardiomyopathy susceptibility gene, such that a mouse model can recapitulate the clinical presentation of the proband. Methods and Results— The TNNC1-A8V proband diagnosed with severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at 34 years of age exhibited mild-to-moderate thickening in left and right ventricular walls, decreased left ventricular dimensions, left atrial enlargement, and hyperdynamic left ventricular systolic function. Genetically engineered knock-in (KI) mice containing the A8V mutation (heterozygote=KI-TnC-A8V +/− ; homozygote=KI-TnC-A8V +/+ ) were characterized by echocardiography and pressure–volume studies. Three-month-old KI-TnC-A8V +/+ mice displayed decreased ventricular dimensions, mild diastolic dysfunction, and enhanced systolic function, whereas KI-TnC-A8V +/− mice displayed cardiac restriction at 14 months of age. KI hearts exhibited atrial enlargement, papillary muscle hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy was used to determine incorporation of mutant cardiac troponin C (≈21%) into the KI-TnC-A8V +/− cardiac myofilament. Reduced diastolic sarcomeric length, increased shortening, and prolonged Ca 2+ and contractile transients were recorded in intact KI-TnC-A8V +/− and KI-TnC-A8V +/+ cardiomyocytes. Ca 2+ sensitivity of contraction in skinned fibers increased with mutant gene dose: KI-TnC-A8V +/+ >KI-TnC-A8V +/− >wild-type, whereas KI-TnC-A8V +/+ relaxed more slowly on flash photolysis of diazo-2. Conclusions— The TNNC1-A8V mutant increases the Ca 2+ -binding affinity of the thin filament and elicits changes in Ca 2+ homeostasis and cellular remodeling, which leads to diastolic dysfunction. These in vivo alterations further implicate the role of TNNC1 mutations in the development of cardiomyopathy.
Towards underwater video transmission

This paper addresses the feasibility of underwater wireless video transmission using an acoustic system, which consists of a video compressor/decompressor and an OFDM modulator/demodulator. This work includes two main parts: the design of an algorithm aimed to compensate for the Doppler effect and the assessment of a set of error resilience tools offered by the MPEG-4 standard. The results of the simulations and in-air experiments demonstrate the performance improvement in terms of visual quality of the received video in cases with motion, as well as the system robustness against channel induced errors.
Expression of the inclusion body myopathy 3 mutation in Drosophila depresses myosin function and stability and recapitulates muscle inclusions and weakness

Hereditary myosin myopathies are characterized by variable clinical features. Inclusion body myopathy 3 (IBM-3) is an autosomal dominant disease associated with a missense mutation (E706K) in the myosin heavy chain IIa gene. Adult patients experience progressive muscle weakness. Biopsies reveal dystrophic changes, rimmed vacuoles with cytoplasmic inclusions, and focal disorganization of myofilaments. We constructed a transgene encoding E706K myosin and expressed it in Drosophila (E701K) indirect flight and jump muscles to establish a novel homozygous organism with homogeneous populations of fast IBM-3 myosin and muscle fibers. Flight and jump abilities were severely reduced in homozygotes. ATPase and actin sliding velocity of the mutant myosin were depressed >80% compared with wild-type myosin. Light scattering experiments and electron microscopy revealed that mutant myosin heads bear a dramatic propensity to collapse and aggregate. Thus E706K (E701K) myosin appears far more labile than wild-type myosin. Furthermore, mutant fly fibers exhibit ultrastructural hallmarks seen in patients, including cytoplasmic inclusions containing aberrant proteinaceous structures and disorganized muscle filaments. Our Drosophila model reveals the unambiguous consequences of the IBM-3 lesion on fast muscle myosin and fibers. The abnormalities observed in myosin function and muscle ultrastructure likely contribute to muscle weakness observed in our flies and patients.
Mitral Valve Disease in Patients with Marfan Syndrome Undergoing Aortic Root Replacement

Background—Cardiac manifestations of Marfan syndrome include aortic root dilation and mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Only scant data exist describing MVP in patients with Marfan syndrome undergoing aortic root replacement. Methods and Results—We retrospectively analyzed data from 166 MFS patients with MVP who were enrolled in a prospective multicenter registry of patients who underwent aortic root aneurysm repair. Of these 166 patients, 9% had mitral regurgitation (MR) grade >2, and 10% had MR grade 2. The severity of MVP and MR was evaluated by echocardiography preoperatively and ≤3 years postoperatively. Forty-one patients (25%) underwent composite graft aortic valve replacement, and 125 patients (75%) underwent aortic valve–sparing procedures; both groups had similar prevalences of MR grade >2 (P=0.7). Thirty-three patients (20%) underwent concomitant mitral valve (MV) intervention (repair, n=29; replacement, n=4), including all 15 patients with MR grade >2. Only 1 patient required MV reintervention duri...
Mission and Personal Growth: What do students report? Spotlight on Jonathon L. Thorndike

In a study of graduating seniors, Thorndike asked students at a church-related college (Belmont University) to report on their personal growth in areas of awareness of ethical issues and in their spiritual development. Thorndike compared these results with those from the past three years, and he concluded that an institution’s likelihood of positively influencing the moral development of its students may be a function of several variables, including the clarity of mission, vision, and values statements. Thorndike writes that, “Recent scholarship raises the issues of church relation and disengagement among traditional Christian colleges and universities. These books are troubling because of the common assumption that academic excellence, improved admissions standards, and increased faculty accomplishments are incompatible with the culture of the Christian church. As long as colleges feel bound to honor the purposes of their founding denominations, they will be hindered from adopting the values of the mains...
Opportunities for genetic evaluation of reproductive performance in accelerated lambing systems

Data from a Polypay sheep flock managed in an accelerated lambing system were used to estimate means, heritabilities, and genetic correlations for ewe lamb fertility (ELF); age at first, second, and third lambing (AGE1, AGE2, and AGE3, respectively); first and second lambing interval (INT1 and INT2); and number of lambings by 38 month of age (LAMB3). Summer matings had lower fertility than autumn and winter matings. Heritabilities of ELF, AGE1, AGE2, AGE3, and LAMB3 were 0.14, 0.39, 0.28, 0.36, and 0.27, respectively (P<0.01) but heritabilities for INT1 and INT2 were only 0.00 and 0.09, respectively. The quantity AGEACC=[(age in months at ith lambing)—12i] was proposed to compare observed ages at lambing to those expected in an annual lambing system using a repeated-measures analysis and had heritability of 0.31 and repeatability of 0.90. Genetic correlations of ELF with AGE1, AGE2, and LAMB3 were −0.89, −0.91, and 0.89, respectively (P<0.01). Genetic correlations of LAMB3 with AGE1 and AGE2 were −0.49 and −1.00, respectively. Genetic correlations of ELF and LAMB3 with direct genetic effects on WW were approximately −0.70, but correlations with maternal genetic effects on WW were 0.88 (P<0.10) and 0.58, respectively. Litter size was independent of ELF and LAMB3. Initial selection on ELF, augmented by additional selection on ewe ages at subsequent lambings, may allow prediction of genetic merit for reproductive performance and increase the frequency of lambing in accelerated lambing systems.
Functional Specialization of Islet Dendritic Cell Subsets

Dendritic cells (DC) play important roles in both tolerance and immunity to β cells in type 1 diabetes. How and why DC can have diverse and opposing functions in islets remains elusive. To answer these questions, islet DC subsets and their specialized functions were characterized. Under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions, there were two main tissue-resident DC subsets in islets, defined as CD11blo/−CD103+CX3CR1− (CD103+ DC), the majority of which were derived from fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-dependent pre-DC, and CD11b+CD103−CX3CR1+ (CD11b+ DC), the majority of which were derived from monocytes. CD103+ DC were the major migratory DC and cross-presented islet-derived Ag in the pancreatic draining lymph node, although this DC subset displayed limited phagocytic activity. CD11b+ DC were numerically the predominant subset (60–80%) but poorly migrated to the draining lymph node. Although CD11b+ DC had greater phagocytic activity, they poorly presented Ag to T cells. CD11b+ DC increased in numbers and percentage during T cell-mediated insulitis, suggesting that this subset might be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. These data elucidate the phenotype and function of homeostatic and inflammatory islet DC, suggesting differential roles in islet immunity.
Model Refinement Using Eigensystem Assignment

IA novel approach for the refinement of finite-element-based analytical models of flexible structures is presented. The proposed approach models the possible refinements in the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices of the finite element model in the form of a constant gain feedback with acceleration, velocity, and displacement measurements, respectively. Once the free elements of the structural matrices have been defined, the problem of model refinement reduces to obtaining position, velocity, and acceleration gain matrices with appropriate sparsity that reassign a desired subset of the eigenvalues of the model, along with partial mode shapes, from their baseline values to those obtained from system identification test data. A sequential procedure is used to assign one conjugate pair of eigenvalues at each step using symmetric output feedback gain matrices, and the eigenvectors are partially assigned, while ensuring that the eigenvalues assigned in the previous steps are not disturbed. The procedure can also impose that gain matrices be dissipative to guarantee the stability of the refined model. A numerical example, involving finite element model refinement for a structural testbed at NASA Langley Research Center (Controls-Structures-Interaction Evolutionary model) is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Differences between east and west Pacific rainfall systems

A comparison of the structure of precipitation systems between selected east and west Pacific regions along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is made using a combination of satellite observations including vertical profile retrievals from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission’s (TRMM’s) Precipitation Radar. The comparison focuses on the period from December 1999 to February 2000, which was chosen due to large discrepancies in satellite infrared and passive microwave rainfall retrievals. Storm systems over the east Pacific exhibit a number of significant differences from those over the west Pacific warm pool including shallower clouds with warmer cloud tops, a larger proportion of stratiform rain, less ice for similar amounts of rainwater, and a radar bright band or melting layer significantly farther below the freezing level. These regional differences in the structure of precipitation systems between the east and west Pacific also
Facial Expression Recognition Using a Neural Network

We discuss the development of a neural network for facial expression recognition. It aims at recognizing and interpreting facial expressions in terms of signaled emotions and level of expressiveness. We use the backpropagation algorithm to train the system to differentiate between facial expressions. We show how the network generalizes to new faces and we analyze the results. In our approach, we acknowledge that facial expressions can be very subtle, and propose strategies to deal with the complexity of various levels of expressiveness. Our database includes a variety of different faces, including individuals of different gender, race, and including different features such as glasses, mustache, and beard. Even given the variety of the database, the network learns fairly succesfuily to distinguish various levels of expressiveness, and generalizes on new faces as ~ell.
Development of the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory

This article describes the construction of the Conformity to Feminine Norms Inventory (CFNI), which was designed to assess women’s conformity to an array of feminine norms found in the dominant culture in the United States. In addition, we present four studies in which the psychometric properties of the CFNI were examined. In Study 1, factor analysis indicated that the CFNI is comprised of eight distinct factors labeled as Nice in Relationships, Thinness, Modesty, Domestic, Care for Children, Romantic Relationship, Sexual Fidelity, and Invest in Appearance. Results from Study 2 indicated that the CFNI has strong internal consistency estimates and differentiates college women from college men. In addition, Study 2 demonstrated that the CFNI Total score and subscale scores relate to Bem Sex Role Inventory and Feminist Identity Development Scale scores in theoretically consistent patterns. Study 3 indicated that the CFNI Total score and several of the subscales significantly and positively relate to scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory. Finally, Study 4 demonstrated that the CFNI Total score and subscale scores have high test-retest estimates for a 2–3 week period. The discussion focuses on potential uses of the CFNI, limitations to the study, and suggestions for future research.
Tracking across multiple cameras with overlapping views based on brightness and tangent transfer functions

The appearance of one object may be seen differently from distinct cameras with overlapping views due to the color deviation and perspective difference. In this paper, we study these problems and propose an appearance modeling technique in order to perform the tracking across the multiple cameras. For single camera tracking, an effective integrated Kalman filter and multiple kernels tracking scheme is adopted. When maneuvering the tracking across multiple cameras, we build the brightness transfer functions (BTFs) to compensate the color difference between camera views. The BTF is constructed from the overlapping area during tracking by employing robust principal component analysis (RPCA). Moreover, the perspective difference can also be compensated by applying the tangent transfer functions (TTFs) derived by the homography between two cameras. We evaluate the proposed method using several real-scenario videos and obtain the promising results.
An approach to the design of a manufacturing cell under economic considerations

Abstract A method is proposed for the system design of a manufacturing cell aiming for its profit maximization over a certain period of time. The proposed method makes use of simulation, design of experiments, regression analysis, Taguchi methods, and a profit model to generate several feasible and potentially profitable designs. A decision-maker may then choose the best alternative based on the profit value, robustness, and other practical considerations. The application of the method is illustrated with a case study where a partial design of a manufacturing cell is accomplished in a manufacturing company.
A Template for Family-Centered Interagency Collaboration

Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services. Copyright 2000 Families International, Inc.
Does treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic medications eliminate or reduce psychosis? A 20-year multi-follow-up study

Background. This research assesses whether multi-year treatment with antipsychotic medications reduces or eliminates psychosis in schizophrenia. It provides 20 years of longitudinal data on the frequency and severity of psychotic activity in samples of schizophrenia patients (SZ) treated versus those not treated with antipsychotic medications. Method. A total of 139 early young schizophrenia and mood-disordered patients were assessed at index hospitalization and then reassessed six times over 20 years for psychosis and other major variables. Results. At each follow-up assessment over the 20 years, a surprisingly high percentage of SZ treated with antipsychotics longitudinally had psychotic activity. More than 70% of SZ continuously prescribed antipsychotics experienced psychotic activity at four or more of six follow-up assessments over 20 years. Longitudinally, SZ not prescribed antipsychotics showed significantly less psychotic activity than those prescribed antipsychotics (p<0.05). Conclusions. The 20-year data indicate that, longitudinally, after the first few years, antipsychotic medications do not eliminate or reduce the frequency of psychosis in schizophrenia, or reduce the severity of post-acute psychosis, although it is difficult to reach unambiguous conclusions about the efficacy of treatment in purely naturalistic or observational research. Longitudinally, on the basis of their psychotic activity and the disruption of functioning, the condition of the majority of SZ prescribed antipsychotics for multiple years would raise questions as to how many of them are truly in remission.
Alleviation of Heat Stress for Avian Egg Production—A Review

The documented effects of heat stress on the performance of the domesticated birds used for egg production are reduced production, egg weight, and egg shell quality and an increase in mortality. Fi...
Runoff and Soil Loss Estimation Using N-SPECT in the Rio Grande de Anasco Watershed, Puerto Rico

Over the last decades , the Rio Grande de Anasco watershed in the western part of Puerto Rico (PR) has been experiencing changes in land use due to conversion of agricultural lands into suburban use. The conversion contributed to sediment movements and pollutant loads to rivers and other water bodies. Agricultural practices contributed to nutrients to rivers via surface runoff and erosion. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concentrations of sediments from the uplands of the watershed are the main non-point sources of runoff entering the Mayaguez Bay, PR. The Non-point Source Pollution and Erosion Comparison Tool (N-SPECT) was used to study the relationships between land cover, soil characteristics, topography, and precipitation to assess spatial patterns of surface water runoff, non-point source pollution, and erosion. This paper uses N-SPECT to calculate runoff and erosion in the Rio Grande de Anasco watershed. Results show the most permeable soils are located in the northwest side of the Rio Grande de Anasco; while the highest probability of soil loss is in areas located in the west side of the watershed. The event-based runoff depth patterns coincide with the precipitation spatial patterns where the south part of the watershed, which lies in the Maricao Municipality, is expected to have major runoff events.
Biologically inspired heterogeneous multi-agent systems

Many biological systems are known to accomplish complex tasks in a decentralized, robust, and scalable manner - characteristics that are desirable to the coordination of engineered systems as well. Inspired by nature, we produce coordination strategies for a network of heterogenous agents and in particular, we focus on intelligent collective systems. Bottlenose dolphins and African lions are examples of intelligent collective systems since they exhibit sophisticated social behaviors and effortlessly transition between functionalities. Through preferred associations, specialized roles, and self-organization, these systems forage prey, form alliances, and maintain sustainable group sizes. In this thesis, we take a three-phased approach to bioinspiration: in the first phase, we produce agent-based models of specific social behaviors observed in nature. The goal of these models is to capture the underlying biological phenomenon, yet remain simple so that the models are amenable to analysis. In the second phase, we produce bio-inspired algorithms that are based on the simple biological models produced in the first phase. Moreover, these algorithms are developed in the context of specific coordination tasks, e.g., the multi-agent foraging task. In the final phase of this work, we tailor these algorithms to produce coordination strategies that are ready to be deployed in target applications.
Obesity Education as an Intervention to Reduce Weight Bias in Fashion Students

The purpose of this work was to explore the effectiveness of an educational intervention aimed at reducing weight bias. Senior fashion students (n = 11) enrolled in a 16 week special topics course, “plus-size swimwear design”, completed assignments of selected obesity related educational readings and guided critical reflection. Student assignments were analyzed for qualitative evidence regarding weight bias. The Beliefs About Obese Persons scale was administered before and after the intervention with mean scores tested for statistical significance. The intervention increased student perceptions that genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the cause of obesity and decreased students’ negative stereotypes regarding obese consumers. Educational reading and critical reflection was effective in improving fashion students’ beliefs and stereotypes regarding obese people. This widely accessible and easily replicable program can serve as a model and springboard for further development of educational interventions to reduce weight bias among fashion related students.
The Vicious Circle of Consumer Complaints

Little is known about how organizations respond to consumer complaints. This paper suggests a process whereby increasing consumer complaint proportions leads to organizational suppression of the un...
Elongation of Painted High-Modulus Elastomers at Low Temperatures

Abstract The paint film thickness and its elongation strongly affect the ultimate elongation of a painted elastomer. Thus, it is of utmost importance, in testing these materials, whether for component design or for material development, that the thickness of the paint be known and controlled. It is also important to note whether multiple cracks are present. Further, although low-temperature elastomers may display relatively high elongations even in the presence of paint cracks, elastomeric paints with greater low-temperature elongations are needed for available substrates to sustain higher deformations.
Fracture tests on CFRP-4ENF interfaces

Interface fracture tests using aluminum beam-contoured CFRP-concrete four-point bend end-notched flexure(4ENF) specimens(4ENF) were performed to determine the energy release rates(ERR) of mode II and mixed mode fracture.By using the Timoshenko beam model,the double-parameter 4ENF model on elastic foundation,and the J-integration of multi-layer flexible model,the corresponding ERRs were obtained.The test results show that under the same bonding condition,the fracture patterns of the mode II and mixed mode of the CFRP-concrete interface are as follows:(1) The crack occurs on the CFRP-concrete interface and in the concrete near the interface;(2) The crack occurs on the CFRP-concrete interface and in the concrete near the interface,and the concrete beam breaks;(3) The crack occurs in the concrete near the interface,and the concrete beam breaks.When the bending stiffness of the aluminum-FRP compound layer is larger than that of concrete,the specimens for the mixed mode fracture yield a higher ERR,representing the real ERR measurement of CFRP-concrete interface.When the bending stiffness of the compound layer is smaller than that of concrete,the specimens produce cracks at the concrete near the interface or within the concrete beam,thus measuring the ERR of the concrete,rather than that of CFRP-concrete interface.As demonstrated in this study,the 4ENF specimens,if used properly,can be used effectively to characterize mode-II and mixed mode fracture of CFRP-concrete bonded interface.
The Nature and Purpose of Chinese Phonology——From the View of Two Events

In recent years two debates took place in the study of Chinese phonology. One is on the nature of Qieyun(切韵): whether it is compound or it reflects the actual phonetics, the other is how to reconstruct the archaic phonology and whether to use the non -Chinese corpus. It seemingly looks that to deny the rhyme books, Qieyun and so on, which reflects the actual phonetics is to negate "the school of B. Karlgren", but in fact it means the total repudiation of Chinese traditional phonology. Whether to use non-Chinese corpus or not when we reconstruct the archaic phonology, it is up to the era of the phonetic system studied, and purpose and nature of the study. It is natural to use non-Chinese corpus for the sake of reconstructing proto-Sino-Tibetan, however, it is difficult to use it for reading classics and reconstructing the phonetic system of Shijing(诗经) with abundant documents. Confusing the nature and purpose of the study to negate all scholars from Qian Jia (乾嘉)(except Duan Yu - cai 段玉裁) up to "the school of Zhang Huang(章黄) and Wang Li(王力) and so forth surprises everybody. It is unsuitable to proclaim oneself "main trend" and exclude outsiders. Why not distinguish the nature and purpose of the study and research objectively and separately to a-void meaningless censure?