cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An observational study of the relationship between lumbar epidural space depth and body mass index in Michigan parturients.

Background Studies of urban parturient populations demonstrate increasing prevalence of obesity, which contributes to difficult epidural catheter placement. The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between lumbar epidural space depth and body mass index in United States parturients from Michigan. Methods We studied the records of 2009 parturients at or beyond 36 weeks' gestation. In addition to lumbar epidural space depth and body mass index, we recorded maternal age, gestational age and vertebral interspace of epidural placement. A multi-linear regression model was created with centimeter depth from skin to lumbar epidural space as the dependent variable and body mass index as the independent variable, adjusted for maternal age, gestational age and vertebral interspace. Results Lumbar epidural space depth was (mean ± SD) 5.3 cm±1.21, with more than 96% of catheters placed at L2-3 or L3-4. Mean body mass index was 31.5±6.2 kg/m 2 . Mean maternal age was 29.3±5.7 years while mean gestational age was 39.3±1.3 weeks. In a multi-linear regression model, body mass index and maternal age were significant predictors of centimeter depth. When adjusted for maternal age, gestational age and vertebral interspace of catheter placement, body mass index was associated with an increase in depth ( P 2 =0.3646). Maternal age, when adjusted for body mass index and vertebral interspace, was associated with a decreased depth ( P =0.0014). Conclusion When maternal age, gestational age and vertebral interspace are controlled for, increasing body mass index is associated with increasing depth, while increasing maternal age is associated with decreasing depth.
Humanitarianism at a Crossroads

Humanitarianism in Question: Politics, Power, Ethics. By Michael Barnett, Thomas G. Weiss New York: Cornell University Press, 2008. 320 pp., $19.95 paperback (ISBN-13: 9780801473012). Humanitarianism is going through a transformation. The scope and intensity of humanitarian action is vastly expanding. The number and budgets of humanitarian aid organizations are on the rise, private donations are at an all time high, and the global presence of humanitarian groups is increasingly visible. At the same time, the very purpose, mission, and methods of humanitarianism are under the microscope. Humanitarian organizations are becoming increasingly political, justifying this politicization with the changing reality of complex humanitarian emergencies—major humanitarian disasters whose effects cannot be remedied without dealing with their causes, always political in nature. Humanitarian motives and techniques have been severely challenged. David Rieff (2002) accused humanitarians of crossing the boundaries of their competence, authority, and ethical commitments to use humanitarian action for what it was not intended, as a substitute for political engagement. Terry (2002), Weissman (2004), and Lischer (2005) warned powerfully of the horrific unintended consequences of humanitarian aid when it becomes manipulated by the very people who caused the tragedy in the first place. This literature raised the alarm that humanitarian agencies can lose their independence in the shadow of war and get entangled in larger political agendas in which they do not have a say but end up having a part. So, humanitarianism is at a crossroads. Which way forward? Towards the political, embracing the new responsibilities and removing the invisible shields of “neutrality” and “impartiality?” Or back to the mythologized “original,” perhaps safer sphere of humanitarian purity, away from politics, power, and domination? …
Managing Technology for Competitive Advantage in Inter-industry Markets

The paper deals with the question of how a firm could develop a technological/RD it must take into account the threats and opportunities arising from such factors as the impact of existing competitors, new suppliers and competitors entering the scene and the possible appearance of substitutes for its products. A comprehensive corporate strategy would contain elements such as using technological change and R&D to raise the entry costs facing potential new rivals, inhibiting or anticipating the entry of substitutes, raising exit costs to customer and supplier by, for example, involving them in technological development. The paper develops these possibilities in detail and concludes with a summarising checklist of practical options open to a firm to act on the conclusions the author draws from his analysis.
Water Vapor Fluxes and Orographic Precipitation over Northern California Associated with a Landfalling Atmospheric River

Abstract Atmospheric rivers accompanying Pacific storm systems play an important role in supplying moisture to the West Coast. Heavy precipitation associated with these systems falls not only along the west-facing slopes of the Coastal Range but also along the windward slopes of the interior Sierra Mountains. Simulations of the 29–31 December 2005 storm in northern California using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model were able to realistically resolve the structure and strength of the water vapor fluxes over ocean and land. The cross-barrier, southwesterly water vapor fluxes, peaking near 700 kg m−1 s−1 at the coast, dominated the airmass transformation over the northern California mountain complex. However, there was also significant northward water vapor flux along the base of the Sierras. The combination of a narrow, short-lived water vapor source from the atmospheric river, the gap in terrain facilitating flow around the coastal mountains, and the occurrence of a strong barrier jet at the...
Economic Correlates of Suicide in the United States (1929–1992): A Time Series Analysis

A time series analysis of the relationship between suicide rates for several demographic groups and economic variables (unemployment, Gross National Product, and Consumer Price Index) in the United States for the period 1929 to 1992 was examined. When unemployment precedes suicide by one year, a modest relationship between unemployment and suicide was found for Whites and both males and females. The association was strongest for males. There was also an association between unemployment and suicide for the age group 45–64 years. There were no relationships found between suicide and the Gross National Product nor suicide and the Consumer Price Index.
Catarrhine phylogeny: noncoding DNA evidence for a diphyletic origin of the mangabeys and for a human-chimpanzee clade.

Abstract Maximum-parsimony and maximum-likelihood analyses of two of the serum albumin gene's intron sequences from 24 catarrhines (17 cercopithecid and 7 hominid) and 3 platyrrhines (an outgroup to the catarrhines) yielded results on catarrhine phylogeny that are congruent with those obtained with noncoding sequences of the γ 1 –γ 2 globin gene genomic region, using only those flanking and intergenic γ sequences that in their history were not involved in gene conversion. A data set that combined in a tandem alignment these two sets of noncoding DNA orthologues from the two unlinked nuclear genomic loci yielded the following confirmatory results both on the course of cladistic branchings (the divisions in a cladistic classification of higher ranking taxa into subordinate taxa) and on the ages of the taxa (each taxon representing a clade). The cercopithecid branch of catarrhines, at ∼14 Ma (mega annum) divided into Colobini (the leaf-eating Old World monkeys) and Cercopithecini (the cheek-pouched Old World monkeys). At ∼10–9 Ma, Colobini divided into an African clade, Colobina, and an Asian clade, Presbytina; similarly at this time level, Cercopithecini divided into Cercopithecina (the guenons, patas, and green monkeys) and Papionina. At ∼7 Ma, Papionina divided into Macaca, Cercocebus, and Papio. At ∼5 Ma, Cercocebus divided subgenerically into C. ( Cercocebus ) for terrestrial mangabeys and C. ( Mandrillus ) for drills and mandrills, while at ∼4 Ma Papio divided subgenerically into P. ( Locophocebus ) for arboreal mangabeys, P. ( Theropithecus ) for gelada baboons, and P. ( Papio ) for hamadryas baboons. In turn, the hominid branch of catarrhines at ∼18 Ma divided into Hylobatini (gibbons and siamangs) and Hominini; at ∼14 Ma, Hominini divided into Pongina (orangutans) and Hominina; at ∼7 Ma, Hominina divided into Gorilla and Homo; and at ∼6–5 Ma, Homo divided subgenerically into H. ( Homo ) for humans and H. ( Pan ) for common and bonobo chimpanzees. Rates of noncoding DNA evolution were assessed using a data set of noncoding γ sequence orthologues that represented 18 catarrhines, 16 platyrrhines, 3 non-anthropoid primates (2 tarsiers and 1 strepsirhine), and rabbit (as outgroup to the primates). Results obtained with this data set revealed a faster rate of nucleotide substitutions in the early primate lineage to the anthropoid (platyrrhine/catarrhine) ancestor than from that ancestor to the present. Rates were slower in catarrhines than in platyrrhines, slower in the cheek-pouched than in the leaf-eating cercopithecids, and slower yet in the hominids. On relating these results to data on brain sizes and life spans, it was suggested that life-history strategies that favor intelligence and longer life spans also select for decreases in de novo mutation rates.
Sa1618 Meta-Analysis Comparing Single to Double Balloon Enteroscopy for Deep Enteroscopy

applications is of paramount importance for the interventional endoscopist. There has not been a systematic review regarding the novel uses and innovations of OT in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Objective: To describe the reported uses of OT in interventional GI endoscopy. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted with multiple variations of the search terms for overtubes in endoscopy, including various techniques and indications. The search engines, Medline and Scopus, were used, from 1966 through November 2013. The reference lists of review papers were also reviewed to search for additional studies. All human studies (case reports, case series, randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies) were included. Studies involving the use of OT for balloonor spiral assisted enteroscopy were excluded. Results: The search yielded 1301 results with 126 relevant studies. These studies in total included 1,596 patients, upper endoscopy (nZ880), lower endoscopy (nZ599), cholangioscopy (nZ109), other (nZ8). OT were used for a variety of indications including previously established foreign body extractions, endoscopic variceal ligations, stent placement, and enteroscopy. New uses included: ESD, POEM, placement of gastrostomy or jejunostomy, insertion of SEMS into difficult locations, removal of SEMS, application of radiofrequency ablation in Barrett, Zenker resection, among others. Based on the analyzed data, the overtube appears to have two key functions: 1) as a protective barrier and 2) as a conduit for therapeutic interventions. It serves as a protective barrier when there is a threat to mucosal injury with sharp foreign bodies as well as instrumentation. Therapeutically, it serves as an extra working channel, facilitates intubation of otherwise difficult to reach areas, provides stability, prevents looping of the GI tract, as well as with incorporation of a balloon has revolutionized enteroscopy. Major adverse events were rare (nZ9, 0.03%) and included. Conclusion: The utility of OT in GI interventional GI endoscopy is evident. Based on recent case reports there appear to be many new indications for the use of OT, such as insertion and/or retrieval of SEMS, placement of direct jejunostomy tubes, ESD, submucosal tunneling procedures, and other. Most of these procedures would have been impossible without the use of OT. Knowledge of these additional indications and other potential uses reported in this review are an important addition to the armamentarium of advanced endoscopists or those in training.
Imaging proportional counters for the stellar x-ray polarimeter

The xenon-filled IPCs being developed for the Stellar X-ray Polarimeter are described. The requirements placed on the IPCs by the design of the polarimeter are discussed and results on the performance of prototype counters are presented. The design of a prototype of the IPCs is described. Finally, the performance of the prototype is reported. Due to the extremely low count rates encountered in X-ray polarimetry, efficient background rejection is the most critical parameter of the IPCs. Using a background rejection scheme employing anticoincidence and pulse shape discrimination, a rejection efficiency of 99 percent has been achieved for Co-60-induced events over an energy range of 2 to 15 keV while retaining more than 80 percent of the X-ray efficiency.
Mice Genetically Depleted of Brain Serotonin Display Social Impairments, Communication Deficits and Repetitive Behaviors: Possible Relevance to Autism

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired reciprocal social interaction, communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. A very large number of genes have been linked to autism, many of which encode proteins involved in the development and function of synaptic circuitry. However, the manner in which these mutated genes might participate, either individually or together, to cause autism is not understood. One factor known to exert extremely broad influence on brain development and network formation, and which has been linked to autism, is the neurotransmitter serotonin. Unfortunately, very little is known about how alterations in serotonin neuronal function might contribute to autism. To test the hypothesis that serotonin dysfunction can contribute to the core symptoms of autism, we analyzed mice lacking brain serotonin (via a null mutation in the gene for tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2)) for behaviors that are relevant to this disorder. Mice lacking brain serotonin (TPH2−/−) showed substantial deficits in numerous validated tests of social interaction and communication. These mice also display highly repetitive and compulsive behaviors. Newborn TPH2−/− mutant mice show delays in the expression of key developmental milestones and their diminished preference for maternal scents over the scent of an unrelated female is a forerunner of more severe socialization deficits that emerge in weanlings and persist into adulthood. Taken together, these results indicate that a hypo-serotonin condition can lead to behavioral traits that are highly characteristic of autism. Our findings should stimulate new studies that focus on determining how brain hyposerotonemia during critical neurodevelopmental periods can alter the maturation of synaptic circuits known to be mis-wired in autism and how prevention of such deficits might prevent this disorder.
Modeling creep behavior of niobium silicide in-situ composites

Abstract A creep model for metal-matrix composites has been extended to treat creep in Nb-based in-situ composites containing silicides in a creeping matrix. Model calculations revealed that the creep exponent of the in-situ composites is significantly influenced by the creep behavior of the stronger reinforcement (silicide or Laves) phase. The wide range of creep exponent (1–11) observed in Nb–Ti–Hf–Si in-situ composites can be explained on the basis of the rigid or creeping behavior of the silicide (or Laves) phase during creep in the in-situ composites. The application of the creep model to designing creep-resistant microstructure for Nb-based in-situ composites is discussed in conjunction with the roles of alloy addition and Peierls–Nabarro stress in influencing the creep resistance of the in-situ composites.
Two expansion theorems by diagonal elements for the permanent and the determinant

Based on two set partitions of the symmetric group Sn expansion theorems by diagonal elements for the permanent and the determinant are derived, for both the generic commuting and noncommuting cases. They are of the same type as the well-known Laplace expansions where either fixed rows or columns of a given matrix are chosen instead of diagonal elements.
Fifty-Seven-Year California Reanalysis Downscaling at 10 km (CaRD10). Part II: Comparison with North American Regional Reanalysis

Abstract The California Reanalysis Downscaling at 10 km (CaRD10) was compared with the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), which is a data assimilation regional analysis at 32-km resolution and 3-hourly output using the Eta Model for the period 1979 through the present using the NCEP/Department of Energy (DOE) reanalysis as lateral boundary conditions. The objectives of this comparison are twofold: 1) to understand the efficacy of regional downscaling and horizontal resolution and 2) to estimate the uncertainties in regional analyses due to system differences. The large-scale component of atmospheric analysis is similar in CaRD10 and NARR. The CaRD10 daily winds fit better to station observations than NARR over ocean where daily variability is large and over land. The daily near-surface temperature comparison shows a similar temporal correlation with observations in CaRD10 and NARR. Several synoptic examples such as the Catalina eddy, coastally trapped wind reversal, and Santa Ana winds are better ...
Deloitte’s three ways to instil ethical guidelines: How promoting and enforcing ethical policies can have a positive impact on the bottom line

Dr Tiffany McDowell, a consultant with Deloitte Consulting, uses growing evidence and her experience working with a range of clients to suggest that there’s a tangible bonus in “doing the right thing” when it comes to business activities. Here, she explains how paying attention to ethical issues leads to higher employee satisfaction and performance.
GEANT4 simulation of NSECT for detection of iron overload in the liver

Neutron stimulated emission computed tomography (NSECT) is being proposed as a non-invasive technique to diagnose iron overload in humans. It uses inelastic scatter interactions between incident neutrons and iron nuclei to stimulate gamma-ray emission from iron. Tomographic detection of the emitted gamma-rays yields information about the concentration and spatial distribution of iron in the liver. Early proof-of-concept experiments have shown that NSECT has the potential to quantify clinical quantities of liver iron overload through single-position spectroscopy. However, a tomography application for patient diagnosis has never been tested. This work uses a Monte-Carlo simulation of a tomographic NSECT system to investigate the feasibility of imaging the spatial distribution of liver iron through tomography. A simulation of an NSECT system has been designed in GEANT4 and used to tomographically scan a simulated human liver phantom with high-concentration iron lesions. Images are reconstructed with the MLEM algorithm and analyzed for pixel values within iron regions to determine the statistical significance of detection. Analysis results indicate that a wet iron concentration of 3 mg/g can be detected in surrounding liver tissue with p-value ≤ 0.0001 for neutron exposure corresponding to a radiation dose of 0.72 mSv. The research performed here demonstrates that NSECT has the ability to image clinically relevant distributions of iron through tomographic scanning.
Synthesis and preliminary chemotherapeutic evaluation of the fully C-linked glucuronide of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide

All-trans retinoic acid analogues such as N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR) are effective chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents but their utility has been hampered by dose-limiting side effects. The glucuronide derivatives of 4-HPR, the oxygen-linked 4-HPROG and the carbon-linked 4-HPRCG, have been found to be more effective agents. The synthetic route to the fully C-linked analogue of 4-HPROG (4-HBRCG), which employs Suzuki coupling and Umpolung chemistries as key methodologies, is shown. The results of this study show 4-HBRCG to be an effective chemotherapeutic agent in a rat mammary tumor model while being devoid of classical retinoid toxicities.
Full scale testing of old steel truss bridge

Abstract As part of an investigation to comprehend behavior of old steel truss bridges, ultimate load tests were carried out on a steel truss bridge that was transported to the structural laboratory. The first ultimate load test consisted of testing the bridge in its existing configuration without any retrofit. The failure mode was by sudden rupture of a forged diagonal tension member. The mode of failure was ‘brittle’ in nature and there was no warning. The failed member, together with other forged tension members, was retrofitted and an additional ultimate load test was conducted. The retrofitted bridge failed in a more ductile manner. The failure took place gradually and there was ample warning before the failure. A major conclusion from ultimate load tests was that in inspecting old steel truss bridges one should pay very close attention to tension members that use forging. This paper presents a brief overview of the ultimate load tests conducted. More detailed information on the complete scope of the project is presented in Azizinamini et al., Final report, STPB-STWD(13), (1997); 479 pp.
Factorial Invariance of Career Indecision Dimensions across Junior High and High School Males and Females.

Abstract Confirmatory factor analytic strategies were utilized to test for factorial invariance of factors derived from the Career Decision Scale (CDS; Osipow, Carney, Winer, Yanico, & Koschier, 1976) across groups of adolescents. A four-factor model derived from a previous exploratory factor analysis of the present total sample ( N = 698) was tested (via LISREL) on four grade level (junior high versus high school) by gender subgroups. It was found that a model depicting equivalent factor loadings and factor variances and covariances across all four groups provided the most acceptable fit to the data, indicating that factorial invariance was obtained across the four groups. In addition, it was found that these results held for two different loading patterns (one reflecting the complexity of the CDS items, and one reflecting a simple structure). Results are discussed in terms of both the continuities of career indecision dimensions across gender and grade levels during adolescence, as well as the equivalent measurement properties of the CDS.
Radial Migration of Shed Vortices in a Transonic Rotor Following a Wake Generator: A Comparison Between Time Accurate and Average Passage Approaches

This paper shows a comparison of an unsteady simulation using Turbo and an Average Passage simulation for a two blade row configuration consisting of a wake generator followed by a transonic rotor. Two spacings were simulated, both close and far. The unsteady results compare well with experiment especially for the profile of efficiency difference between close and far. An analysis of results helps to explain the unusual profile seen experimentally that is due to the radial migration of wake generator shed vortices with negative radial velocities near the tip. In addition, different components of the average passage body forces (deterministic stresses) are explored that shows the main terms are the axial momentum and the metal blockage.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Beyond Le Corbusier and the modernist city: reframing Chandigarh's ‘World Heritage’ legacy

The heritage of Chandigarh, India is a complex subject. While widely acknowledged by academic and professional communities worldwide as a significant work of modernist architecture and urban design, Chandigarh's specific temporal, geographical and cultural contexts complicate efforts to get the city inscribed on United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's World Heritage List. This article outlines the persistent attempts by both local and international organizations to achieve this inscription, efforts that have not yet been successful. Relying on historical scholarship and fieldwork, the authors reassess the value of Chandigarh's heritage both in terms of historical significance and contemporary planning. By addressing the complexity and scope of the design and planning process, embracing the inhabitation and appropriation of the city, and fostering an appreciation of modern architecture, Chandigarh can develop a more localized understanding of heritage – yet one that can be appre...
802.11: the security differences between b and i

To improve authentication robustness, IEEE 802.11i adds the need for an authentication server to the standard. It also implements a two-way authentication method to prevent the man-in-the-middle attacks that have been so prevalent on IEEE 802.11b networks.
Atrial arrhythmias after lung and heart–lung transplant: Effects on short-term mortality and the influence of amiodarone

Background The incidence and effect of atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) after lung transplant are variable. An effect of pharmacologic treatment on outcomes is undetermined. Methods One hundred thirty-seven consecutive lung or heart–lung transplant patients were reviewed retrospectively. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to determine statistically significant risk factors for AF and short-term mortality. Results AF occurred in 45.0% of patients within 26 days. By univariate analysis, male gender was predictive of AF (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21 to 4.20, p = 0.011). Mortality within 200 days occurred in 36 of 137 (22.6%) patients. Those with AF had higher mortality than those without AF (27 of 62 [43.5%] vs 9 of 75 [12%]; p p p = 1.00). By multivariate analysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR = 0.395, CI 0.175 to 0.892, p = 0.025), primary pulmonary hypertension (HR = 7.245, CI 1.89 to 27.84, p = 0.0039), and use of amiodarone (HR = 2.967, CI 1.187 to 7.415, p = 0.020) were associated with death. Amiodarone was shown to be a significant statistical moderator ( p p Conclusions There was a high incidence of AF after lung or heart–lung transplant, and a significant increase in mortality in AF patients treated with amiodarone. In patients with severe lung pathology, amiodarone pulmonary toxicity may be more common than previously known, and may be a significant contributor to mortality. Amiodarone use should be restricted in the lung transplant patient population.
(Invited) analysis and modeling of noise folding and spurious emission in wideband fractional-N synthesizers

Fractional-N synthesizers are subject to generation of undesired spurious energy due to both linear and nonlinear processes. Previously, we presented an accurate modeling of the nonlinear, time-varying nature of the phase frequency detector (PFD), charge pump and frequency divider [1]. The proposed modeling technique was able to predict in-band spur power levels within 1.8 dB accuracy. In this paper we demonstrate using the proposed model that the close-in phase noise increase due intermodulation of the SigmaDelta high frequency quantization noise is independent of the synthesizer reference frequency, which is in contrast to commonly used linear models. A behavioral model is also used to show that the more detrimental near-integer in-band spurs can be generated by cross-coupling between the synthesizerspsilas various building blocks.
Accuracy of RNA-Seq and its dependence on sequencing depth

Background The cost of DNA sequencing has undergone a dramatical reduction in the past decade. As a result, sequencing technologies have been increasingly applied to genomic research. RNA-Seq is becoming a common technique for surveying gene expression based on DNA sequencing. As it is not clear how increased sequencing capacity has affected measurement accuracy of mRNA, we sought to investigate that relationship.
The Joint Effect of Apolipoprotein E e4 and MRI Findings on Lower-Extremity Function and Decline in Cognitive Function

Methods. Brain MRI (1.5 T), neuropsychological tests, and lower-extremity physical function tests were administered to World War II male veteran twins ages 69 to 80. Quantification of MRI scans used a previously published algorithm to segment brain images into total cerebral brain (TCB), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and white-matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes. A short battery of physical performance tests was used to assess lower-extremity function. Ten-year changes in performance on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) test were used to assess cognitive decline. Results. For the sample as a whole, the comparison of subjects by median split of total cerebral brain volume found that those with brain volumes below the median performed worse on tests of gait and balance (p< .01) and experienced greater cognitive decline on the MMSE and BVRT cognitive test batteries (both p< .01). In addition, subjects with WMH volumes above the median had poor performance on the standing balance tasks and experienced greater decline on the DSS test (p < .01). Stratified analyses revealed that the joint effect of radiological findings and the ApoE-e4 allele on cognitive decline and lower-extremity function was often greater than that expected from the separate effects combined. Conclusions. We conclude that radiological findings in conjunction with ApoE-E4 may single out a group at higher risk for dementia. We speculate that the observed interaction effect may be due to increased susceptibility to brain injury or impaired repair mechanisms in subjects with ApoE-e4.
Prey and Nesting Behavior of Some North American Spider Wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Abstract This study presents prey records and nesting information for 13 species of spider wasps: Hemipepsis ustulata, Priocnessus nebulosus, and Priocnemis cornica (Tribe Pepsini); Auplopus architectus, A. caerulescens (Tribe Auplopodini); and Tachypompilus ferrugineus, T. unicolor, Anoplius (Pompilinus) marginatus complex, A. (P) splendens, A. (Anoplius) nigerrimus, A. (A.) virginiensis, Arachnospila arctus, and A. scelestus (Tribe Pompilini). Cumulative prey records for Priocnessus nebulosus, Tachypompilus ferrugineus, T. unicolor, and Arachnospila scelestus indicate limited prey selection. Cursorial hunting spiders were more susceptible to predation by the spider wasps than web-spinning spiders. Wasp nesting sites varied among natural and man-made microhabitats.
Unrelated cord blood transplantation for severe congenital neutropenia: Report of two cases with very different transplant courses

SCN is characterized by neutropenia, life-threatening infections, and progression to myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myelogenous leukemia. The only curative option is SCT, but few reports using UCB as a stem cell source exist. Here, we report two SCN patients transplanted with UCB. Patient 1 was transplanted at seven yr of age due to increasingly large injections of G-CSF (>100 microg/kg/day) and the risk of developing leukemia. He engrafted promptly and is clinically well and immune reconstituted >2 yr post-transplant. Patient 2 underwent UCB SCT at nine months of age for recurrent severe infections, despite high doses of G-CSF. He rejected his first graft, having 100% host cells on day +35, and immediately underwent a second UCB SCT. He engrafted but experienced late graft rejection six months after the second transplant. He received a third UCB SCT following a more immunosuppressive conditioning regimen. His course was complicated by HHV-6 viremia and gut GVHD, but he is now clinically well and has 99% donor engraftment >20 months post-transplant. We conclude that UCB is an acceptable stem cell source for SCN patients, but conditioning must be adequately immunosuppressive to ensure engraftment in patients without prior chemotherapy.
Clinical, Clinicopathologic, and Epidemiologic Features of Anhidrosis in Central Florida Thoroughbred Horses

A group of 834 Thoroughbred horses was surveyed on four central Florida farms for clinical and epidemiologic features of anhidrosis. In addition, comparative analysis was made of serum thyroxine, serum electrolytes, and fractional urinary electrolyte excretion ratios. An overall disease prevalence of 6.12% was observed. Training horses and nonpregnant broodmares had a predilection for the disease. Adolescent horses were infrequently affected. There was no correlation with sex or color. Comparative clinical signs, related to thermoregulatory compromise, included tachypnea and hyperthermia. Long-term effect included focal and generalized alopecia, decreased appetite, and impaired performance. Previously reported hypothyroidism and hypochloremia were not demonstrated; however, fractional urinary chloride excretion ratios indicated a significant relative conservation of chloride.
CHANGES IN ‘DELICIOUS’ APPLE BROWNING AND SOFTENING DURING CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE

High C02 conditions offered no advantage over normal CA storage in terms of reduced ‘Delicious’ apple browning or softening during a 28 week storage period. After approximately 7-14 weeks in CA storage, ‘Delicious’ apples showed significant losses in PPO activity, browning tendency and firmness. Electrolyte leakage reached a maximum at 11.5 weeks and declined, while total phenolics remained fairly constant. The changes observed may indicate a loss in membrane integrity and decompartmentalization ufter 7-14 weeks of storage, which may in turn allow for increased enzymatic browning. Polygalacturonase activity was only detectable at harvest. Holding apples for additional time in air following removal from CA storage appears to accelerate changes in these characteristics.
Early Involvement of Cyclic Nucleotides in the Artificially Stimulated Decidual Cell Reaction in the Mouse Uterus

The role of cyclic nucleotides in triggering the decidual cell reaction (DCR) was investigated. All studies involved ovariectomized mice treated with estradiol and progesterone to prepare the uterus for implantation. The right uterine horn was injected intraluminally with chemicals or was physically traumatized. Cyclic AMP levels in the uterus increased slightly during the hormone priming schedule and markedly after the deciduogenic stimulus. Injection of 10 iii of sesame oil produced a 10-fold increase in cAMP in the right horn within 15 mm. There was no change in the cAMP level in the left horn. Cyclic GMP levels increased 6-fold during the progesterone phase of the priming schedule and another 7-fold within 15 mm after sesame oil injection. These changes in cGMP levels occurred in both uterine horns. Treatments found to produce a DCR were intraluminal injections of sesame oil, mineral oil, and cholera toxin (5 �zg). Glycerol injection, followed by ligation of the uterus, and crushing of the uterine horn also produced a DCR. All of these treatments elevated the levels of cAMP in the right uterine horn. Sesame oil and mineral oil injections were the only deciduogenic treatments which altered cGMP levels in the uterus. These studies suggest that cAMP functions in triggering the uterine DCR and that cGMP does not.
A methodology for merging multisensor precipitation estimates based on expectation-maximization and scale-recursive estimation

[1] Scale-recursive estimation (SRE) is a Kalman-filter-based methodology, which can be used to produce optimal (in terms of bias and minimum variance) estimates of a field at any desired scale given uncertain and sparse observations at different scales. SRE requires the specification of the state equation, which describes the variability of the precipitation process across scales, and the observation equation, which relates the observations to the state. Typical models for describing the multiscale rainfall variability are the multiplicative cascade models. However, in order to convert them into the additive form needed by SRE, one needs to work in the log space, thus creating a problem in handling zero-intermittency in a satisfactory way. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach, based on a data-driven identification methodology, which operates directly on the data and does not require a prespecified multiscale model structure. Rather, system identification and estimation are performed simultaneously via a likelihood-based expectation-maximization (EM) procedure. The merits of the proposed approach versus approaches based on multiplicative cascade models are explored via several examples of synthetic and real precipitation fields. For practical application the proposed approach will need to be extended to include the temporal evolution of storms. This extension presents theoretical challenges, and until these are addressed, a simple alternative is explored of coupling the EM-SRE approach with a spatial downscaling methodology to merge precipitation observations available at different spatial and temporal scales. An example application is presented motivated by its relevance to the Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) mission.
Software in the field needs process too

A software system spends its life in two, very different worlds: development and operations. Traditional software process technology has focused on supporting the activities associated only with development. We believe that there are significant benefits to be gained by also supporting processes in the field. Furthermore, once support is in place for operation processes, we can begin to consider how to profitably integrate development and operations.
Haciendas and Ayllus: Rural Society in the Bolivian Andes in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

The existence of a Spanish and criollo landed elite and an Indian peasant mass has been the distinguishing feature of the Amerindian societies of Latin America for most of the past half-millennium. In Peru and Bolivia (colonial Alto Peru), the dominant theme in rural life was the interaction of these two groups as manifested in the relationship between the hacienda and the self-governing Indian communities (ayllus). Making use of extensive census materials and notarial records for the first time, the author has focused on the province of La Paz, a substantial and wealthy area containing half the Indian population of Bolivia. Klein's main contribution is to reinterpretate the relationship between the market, the hacendado class and the peasantry. The importance of the work extends beyond Bolivian agrarian history, as it has implications for Latin American rural history and peasant studies in general.
Optimization of Texture Measurements by Pole Figure Coverage with Hexagonal Grids

A strategy for equal area pole figure coverage for texture measurements is introduced. It uses a regular hexagonal grid in equal area projection which can be adjusted according to the desired angular resolution. Two-dimensional splines are used to interpolate values for the conventional “angular (5° × 5°)-grid” which are standard for most ODF calculations. Correctly adjusted to the sufficient resolution for the given texture sharpness, the method can result in drastic reductions in measuring time without loss of experimental information. Eine Strategie zur Erreichung einer Bedeckung der Polfigur durch gleiche Flachen fur Textuntersuchungen wird eingefuhrt. Ein regelmasiges hexagonales Gitter in der Projektion kann entsprechend der gewunschten Winkelauflosung angepast werden. Zweidimensionale Splines werden zur Interpolation der Werte fur das konventionelle (5° × 5°)-Gitter, das in den meisten ODF-Berechnungen verwendet wird, benutzt. Bei richtiger Anpassung an eine hinreichende Auflosung einer Textur kann die Methode zu einer drastischen Reduktion der Meszeit ohne Verlust experimenteller Information fuhren.
Space‐Charge Distribution across Internal Interfaces in Electroceramics Using Electron Holography: I, Pristine Grain Boundaries

Transmission high-energy electron holography has been utilized to quantitatively determine the magnitude, sign, and spatial extent of the electrical potential, electric field, as well as the charge and stress field distributions across electrically active grain boundaries (GBs) in polycrystalline SrTiO3. The polycrystalline compacts utilized were bulk-doped with Fe and GB-doped with Mn, which is diffused into them under a nonequilibrium situation. The holography results reveal negatively charged GBs with associated positive space-charge, indicating that Mn resides as an acceptor dopant on the Ti site, creating a negative bound charge at the GBs. A large heterogeneity in the electrical activity is observed among various GBs; while some GBs show high Schottky barriers, others have very small barriers. The distribution of the bound charge and the compensating free charge, which together contribute to the formation of GB charge and space-charge, has been estimated. The bound charge experiences an outward stress field due to the force of the electric field on either side of the GB. The height of the double Schottky barrier, the Debye length, as well as the spatial extent of the bound charge and space-charge at the GB are derived from these holography results. The results also provide a quantitative measure of the defect densities as well as of the contribution of the electrostatic stress field to the lattice relaxation at the GBs and yield a point defect model for the GB.
The neural basis of surface dyslexia in semantic dementia

Semantic dementia (SD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by atrophy of anterior temporal regions and progressive loss of semantic memory. SD patients often present with surface dyslexia, a relatively selective impairment in reading low-frequency words with exceptional or atypical spelling-to-sound correspondences. Exception words are typically ‘over-regularized’ in SD and pronounced as they are spelled (e.g. ‘sew’ is pronounced as ‘sue’). This suggests that in the absence of sufficient item-specific knowledge, exception words are read by relying mainly on subword processes for regular mapping of orthography to phonology. In this study, we investigated the functional anatomy of surface dyslexia in SD using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and studied its relationship to structural damage with voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Five SD patients and nine healthy age-matched controls were scanned while they read regular words, exception words and pseudowords in an event-related design. Vocal responses were recorded and revealed that all patients were impaired in reading low-frequency exception words, and made frequent over-regularization errors. Consistent with prior studies, fMRI data revealed that both groups activated a similar basic network of bilateral occipital, motor and premotor regions for reading single words. VBM showed that these regions were not significantly atrophied in SD. In control subjects, a region in the left intraparietal sulcus was activated for reading pseudowords and low-frequency regular words but not exception words, suggesting a role for this area in subword mapping from orthographic to phonological representations. In SD patients only, this inferior parietal region, which was not atrophied, was also activated by reading low-frequency exception words, especially on trials where over-regularization errors occurred. These results suggest that the left intraparietal sulcus is involved in subword reading processes that are differentially recruited in SD when word-specific information is lost. This loss is likely related to degeneration of the anterior temporal lobe, which was severely atrophied in SD. Consistent with this, left mid-fusiform and superior temporal regions that showed reading-related activations in controls were not activated in SD. Taken together, these results suggest that the left inferior parietal region subserves subword orthographic-to-phonological processes that are recruited for exception word reading when retrieval of exceptional, item-specific word forms is impaired by degeneration of the anterior temporal lobe.
A notion for machine learning: knowledge developability

A notion, called knowledge development, for measuring the intelligence of machines is studied in the context of designing a versatile learning system. The notion is used in several ways: (1) it provides a guide to verify the overall intelligence of the expected machine, (2) it is claimed that an intelligently learning system should be able to assess the gain of intelligence level when a piece of knowledge is to be learned, and the notion can be used to address the feasibility of such an assessment and (3) it draws a justifiable boundary between the machine's responsibility and the user's responsibility. The base model of a general computing machine used is a Mealy finite state machine. >
Toward dependency-aware live virtual machine migration

The most powerful characteristic of any machine virtualization technology is its ability to adapt to both its underlying infrastructure and the applications it supports. Possibly the most dynamic feature of machine virtualization is the ability to migrate live virtual machines between physical hosts in order to optimize performance or avoid catastrophic events. Unfortunately, the need for live migration increases during times when resources are most scarce. For example, load-balancing is only necessary when load is significantly unbalanced and impending downtime often causes many virtual machines to seek new hosts simultaneously. It is imperative that live migration mechanisms be as fast and efficient as possible in order for virtualization to provide dynamic load balancing, zero-downtime scheduled maintenance, and automatic failover during unscheduled downtime.This paper proposes a novel dependency-aware approach to live virtual machine migration and presents the results of the initial investigation into its ability to reduce migration latency and overhead. The approach uses a tainting mechanism originally developed as an intrusion detection mechanism. Dependency information is used to distinguish processes that create direct or indirect external dependencies during live migration. It is shown that the live migration process can be significantly streamlined by selectively applying a more efficient protocol when migrating processes that do not create external dependencies during migration.
Hot on the trail of TRP channel structure.

The transient receptor potential (TRP) family of proteins are generally nonselective cation channels that participate in many sensory and physiological processes. To date, no structural information at the atomic level is available for any full-length TRP channels due to difficulties encountered in
Computer-Based Video Instruction to Teach the Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices for Ordering at Fast-Food Restaurants:

In the study reported on here, the authors used computer-based video instruction (CBVI) to teach 3 high school students with moderate or severe intellectual disabilities how to order in fast-food restaurants by using an augmentative, alternative communication device. The study employed a multiple probe design to institute CBVI as the only intervention tool and measured generalization of skills to community restaurants. For 2 of the 3 students, the ability to order their meals dramatically increased immediately following CBVI; for the third student, the ability to perform this task increased during a second generalization condition. Performance was maintained for each student. The authors discuss their results as support for this approach, which would be one solution for providing instruction in a simulated environment when community-based instruction is limited.
Application of Kaldor's Stylized Facts to a Neoclassical Growth Model

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether a neoclassical model of macroeconomic growth with endogenous savings and labor augmenting technical change can account for Kaldor’s stylized facts. An empirical investigation is undertaken to determine whether the results obtained correctly explain certain historical trends in U.S macroeconomic data. It is shown that such a model does indeed accurately account for Kaldor’s stylized facts and the empirical results obtained lend credence to the validity of the model in question.