cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insect evolution: How did insect wings originate?

Recent developmental studies aimed at elucidating the evolutionary origin of insect wings highlight the difficulties of identifying homology between dramatically different structures.
Ultraviolet Induction of Respiration-deficient Variants of Saccharomyces and Their Stability During Vegetative Growth

Ultraviolet radiation induces respiration-deficient variants with high frequency in both haploid and tetraploid yeasts. Variant colonies arising after irradiation, when overlaid with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride agar, can be classified as (1) “whole colony” and (2) “variegated or sectored.” The heterogeneity in respiratory phenotype of the latter type of colonies is not detectable by colony morphology prior to overlaying with tetrazolium agar. The variegated types may explain some cases of “reversion” of respirationdeficient cells to wild type. Whole colony variants can be grouped into two classes (vI and vII). The vI variants are similar to spontaneously occurring variants and fail to revert to wild type, whereas the vII variants generally revert to wild type at a low frequency. The vI type is produced most frequently and presumably results from nongenic radiation damage, while the less frequently occurring vI type results from nuclear damage.
Development of a massively parallel parachute performance prediction code

The Department of Energy has given Sandia full responsibility for the complete life cycle (cradle to grave) of all nuclear weapon parachutes. Sandia National Laboratories is initiating development of a complete numerical simulation of parachute performance, beginning with parachute deployment and continuing through inflation and steady state descent. The purpose of the parachute performance code is to predict the performance of stockpile weapon parachutes as these parachutes continue to age well beyond their intended service life. A new massively parallel computer will provide unprecedented speed and memory for solving this complex problem, and new software will be written to treat the coupled fluid, structure and trajectory calculations as part of a single code. Verification and validation experiments have been proposed to provide the necessary confidence in the computations.
Mechanisms of pathogenesis: differences amongst Leishmania species.

Abstract One of the features of the genus Leishmania is the diversity of tropism/disease resulting from infection. With notable exceptions, the form (visceral, cutaneous, diffuse cutaneous, mucocutaneous) and severity of disease is a function of the infecting Leishmania species together with host genetics and consequent inflammatory and immune responses. It has become evident from genetic and immunological studies using the murine model that the various members of the genus Leishmania differ in aspects of their ‘approach’ to the host immune system. We are just beginning to appreciate the complexities of these interactions, which have import for the development of a vaccine against leishmaniasis. In this paper, what is currently understood concerning the mechanisms of leishmanial pathogenesis (based upon studies employing the murine model) is briefly summarized.
R70-32 Tessellation Automata

In the last fifteen years many researchers working in such diverse areas as pattern recognition, parallel computation, self-reproducing automata, pattern recognition, evolution theory, information retrieval, and integrated circuit technology have found it convenient to use an array of identical intercommunicating finite-state machines as their underlying model. This naturally suggests that it would be worthwhile to develop a comprehensive theory of such arrays which would then provide a common framework for all these areas. Yamada and Amoroso have taken up this suggestion, and this paper is the first in a proposed series of papers reporting their results. However, as they readily admit, they have not attempted to produce a truly comprehensive model (an ill-defined, if not impossible, task), but rather they have been concerned with a "fairly general" model based largely on the earlier work of Moore.
Infections in Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: An Autopsy Study of 30 Cases in South Florida, 1990–1993

Thirty autopsies performed on infants and children with HIV infection and/or AIDS were reviewed for the presence and type of infection. Twenty-six (87%) demonstrated evidence of infection in addition to HIV at the time of postmortem examination. Pathogenic bacterial infections were the most frequently encountered, seen in 15 of the cases. Nine of the 15 (60%) were due to gram-negative rods, most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infections with gram-negative organisms often involved multiple organ systems and were frequently undiagnosed both pre -and postmortem because of variability in culture results and difficulties in identification both clinically and in tissue sections. Discussion is presented of unusual staining characteristics and filamentous morphology found with these pathogens. Other pathogenic bacteria encountered were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., and Staphylococcus. Fungal infections due to Candida species were present in nine cases (31 %) but were invasive in onl...
Identification and functional significance of polymorphisms in the μ-opioid receptor gene (Oprm) promoter of C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice

Abstract C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice demonstrate differences in morphine preference when tested in a two-bottle choice paradigm. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping suggested the proximal region of chromosome 10 was responsible for 41% of the observed genetic variance. The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) gene ( Oprm ) maps to this region and is a prime candidate for explaining the QTL. We hypothesized that variations in Oprm between these strains are responsible for differences in morphine preference. We identify five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Oprm promoter; three within or near putative transcription factor binding sites. Promoter fragments were amplified from genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subcloned into luciferase reporter vectors. A significant difference in basal Oprm promoter activity was seen with C57BL/6 and DBA/2 ∼1675 constructs in MOR-positive BE(2)-C cells, but not in MOR-negative Neuro-2a cells. In BE(2)-C cells, average DBA/2 ∼1675 construct activity was 1.3–2.0× greater than average C57BL/6 activity suggesting that the SNPs might alter MOR expression in these two mouse strains. Significant differences in promoter activities between the two cell lines suggest that cell-type-specific transcription factors are involved. No significant differences in construct activity were found between untreated and morphine-treated BE(2)-C or Neuro-2a cells, suggesting that morphine does not regulate transcription of Oprm .
The 2011 Martin Kunz Memorial Lecture: Air transport, the environment and institutional economics

The focus of this paper looks the role that institutional economics can play in helping our understanding of how environmental problems arise in the air transport sector, and how policy responses are derived. It is positive in the sense that it seeks to help our understanding of things, rather than being in anyway prescriptive about what should be done to enhance the environmental performance of the air transport sector. What does seem to be clear is that simply arguments over alternative policy tools or packages of tools is rather sterile without due consideration of the prevailing institutional structures.
Model-based estimation pursuit for sparse decomposition of ultrasonic echoes

Sparse signal decomposition techniques used for ultrasonic signal analysis are mainly based on the matching pursuit (MP) method using generic time-frequency dictionaries or more specific dictionaries designed for ultrasound measurements. These dictionary-based MP (DBMP) methods often perform inadequately in extracting meaningful echo components because of the rigid structure of pre-defined dictionaries. More recently emerged model-based signal decomposition methods decompose an ultrasonic signal in terms of parametric model echoes using successive echo partitioning, parameter estimation and echo subtraction. Although these techniques offer more flexibility in signal decomposition, they still use correlation in matching parametric model echoes to partitioned signal components. This study presents a model-based estimation pursuit (MBEP) method that utilises statistical estimation principles in echo matching, as a result provides a greater flexibility and control in signal decomposition. In particular MBEP algorithm utilises maximum a posteriori estimation and incorporates prior knowledge into signal decomposition. Unlike DBMP methods, MBEP obtains physically meaningful decompositions that have direct interpretations for ultrasonic testing. The superior performance of MBEP has been demonstrated using simulated and experimental ultrasonic signals.
Computer architecture: challenges and opportunities for the next decade

Computer architecture forms the bridge between application needs and the capabilities of the underlying technologies. As application demands change and technologies cross various thresholds, computer architects must continue innovating to produce systems that can deliver needed performance and cost effectiveness. Our challenge as computer architects is to deliver end-to-end performance growth at historical levels in the presence of technology discontinuities. We can address this challenge by focusing on power optimization at all levels. Key levers are the development of power-optimized building blocks, deployment of chip-level multiprocessors, increasing use of accelerators and offload engines, widespread use of scale-out systems, and system-level power optimization.
Estate and Family Management in the Later Han as Seen in the Monthly Instructions for the Four Classes of People

This chapter examines the Monthly Instructions , paying attention especially to the ways it can supplement other works, such as the standard histories, as a source for Later Han social history. Since the growth of the great families after the Later Han is one of the major social transitions of early Chinese History, it is important to examine the stages and processes of its development. The Monthly Instructions for the Four Classes of People has attracted the interest of many scholars. Ts'ui Shih's Monthly Instructions shows clan activities from a different, less political perspective. The Monthly Instructions offers advice on maintaining health in two distinct ways. One is the preparation of medicines, and the other is certain procedures which if followed will keep one in good health. From the information in Ts'ui Shih's Monthly Instructions it is possible to reconstruct many aspects of estate and family management in the Later Han. Keywords: early Chinese Hisrory; estate management; family management; Later Han; Monthly Instructions ; Ts'ui Shih
Host specificity of Brazilian strains of Pasteurella pestis.

WE have examined eleven strains of Pasteurella pestis isolated by M. Bahmanyar, Y. Karimi and C. Rodrigues de Almeida in an inveterate focus of plague at Exu, Pernambuco, Brazil, and sent to us by M. Baltazard. We have confirmed the curious behaviour observed by these investigators, with all of nearly 200 such isolates from this focus, that Exu strains show high pathogenicity for mice but apparently are innocuous for guinea-pigs (M. Baltazard, personal communication). We have tried to explain this host-specificity by comparing the behaviour of these isolates with that of a typical fully virulent strain MP6, which is highly pathogenic for both these species.
The ability of rock physics models to infer marine in situ pore pressure

Pore fluid pressure is an important parameter defining the mechanical strength of marine sediments. Obtaining high spatial resolution in situ pore pressure measurements in marine sediments, however, is a challenge, and as a result, only a handful of in situ pore pressure measurements exist at scientific drill sites. Integrating rock physics models with standard IODP/ODP measurements provides a potentially widely applicable approach for calculating in situ pore pressure. Here we use a rock physics approach to estimate in situ pore pressure at two Scientific Ocean Drill Sites where in situ pressure is well constrained: ODP Site 1173, used as reference for normal (hydrostatic) fluid pressures, and ODP Site 948, where previous studies infer high fluid pressures (λ* ∼ 0.45–0.95, where the pore pressure ratio λ* is defined as the pore pressure above hydrostatic divided by the difference between the largest principal stress and hydrostatic stress). Our analysis indicates that the rock physics method provides an accurate, low-precision method for estimating in situ pore pressure at these drill sites, and sensitivity analysis indicates this method can detect modestly high (λ* > 0.6) pore pressure at the 95% confidence level. This approach has broad applicability because it provides an inexpensive, high-resolution (meter-scale) method for retrospectively detecting and quantifying high pore pressure at any drill site where quality wireline logs and ocean drilling data exist.
Nitrogen Mineralization and Nitrification in Suburban and Undeveloped Atlantic White Cedar Wetlands

The presence of urban and suburban lands adjacent to wetlands may cause changes in nutrient-cycling processes, due to changes in the quality of the ground- and surface waters that drain from the developed uplands into the wetland. We studied N-cycling processes in Atlantic white cedar [Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.)] swamps in the New Jersey Pinelands to determine their sensitivity to the development of adjoining uplands. We conducted a 19-wk aerobic incubation to measure N mineralization and nitrification potentials in wetland soils from both developed and undeveloped watersheds. The cumulative inorganic N mineralized during the incubation was two to three times higher in soils from developed sites than from the undeveloped sites. There was virtually no nitrification in undeveloped wetlands, while in developed wetlands, most N mineralized was further nitrified. In developed sites, there was also more nitrification in hollow soils than in hummock soils. Both nitrification and the fraction of soil organic matter mineralized were highly correlated with pH and with soil ash content. These results suggest that increases in ash content of peats attributable to sediment transported and deposited in urban runoff, causes increases in pH, which in turn allows large populations of nitrifiers to develop. Excess mineral N generated within the wetlands through changes in microbial function thus may be as important as N inputs in drainage water in affecting plant community composition, and may cause wetlands to become sources of N to downstream ecosvstems rather than servine as regional sinks.
Direct evidence for homonuclear bonds in amorphous SiC

Abstract The Raman Spectra of carbon-deficient sputtered amorphous SiC films contain an intense band centered at 1442 cm−1. This band is attributed to the presence of C-C bonds. Similarly a peak at ∼508 cm−1 is attributed to Si-Si bonds. The depolarization spectrum was found to be constant at ϱ(Δ v ) = 0.32 ± 0.03 for 0 v cm −1 . Our results indicate a degree of compositional disorder which prevents an identification of the observed like-atom bonds with those predicted by a modified Polk model.
Teaching in Relationship: The Impact on Faculty of Teaching “The Healer's Art”

Background: Medical teachers report both positive and negative experiences, but these impacts are not well understood. In particular, the experience of faculty in relationship-centered education is unknown. Purposes: We sought to assess the benefits to teachers of the Healer's Art, a popular international medical school elective course. Methods: We performed quantitative and qualitative analyses of course evaluations completed by 2009–10 Healer's Art faculty from 17 schools. Results: Ninety-nine of 117 faculty (84.6%) completed the evaluation. No differences in quantitative responses based on gender, specialty, medical school, or year of graduation were observed. Respondents were likely or very likely to agree that the course was useful, positively impacted clinical work and teaching, and increased overall commitment to teaching. In describing the benefits of teaching in the Healer's Art, faculty emphasized four themes: Personal Response to Medicine, Professional Growth, Greater Connection, and Greater Em...
Improved sea level monitors for measuring vertical crustal deformation in the Shumagin Seismic Gap, Alaska

The relative vertical deformation detection capability of a network of sea level gauges in the Shumagin seismic gap, Alaska has been improved. An examination of the present noise levels suggests that the network is now capable of providing relative deformation data that is quieter than data from leveling, GPS, VLBI, or satellite laser ranging.
On cross-sectional analysis in accounting research

Abstract This paper examines cross-sectional analysis procedures common to many market-based accounting research papers. Both the economic and econometric properties of ‘levels’ and ‘returns’ studies are discussed. Topics covered include the relations between the accounting studies and cash flow valuation models, the role of expectations of accounting variables, deflators, spurious inference, risk adjustment and its relation to growth, size and leverage, residual dependence, dependence among explanatory variables, and the effect of scale differences across firms. Major conclusions are that market value is the correct deflator in returns studies, and that levels and returns studies are economically but not econometrically equivalent.
Mechanistic studies of the electrohydrodimerization of acrylonitrile

Abstract The electrohydrodimerization (EHD) of acrylonitrile (AN) to adiponitrile (ADN) has been examined using the electroanalytical techniques of cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disk electrode voltammetry (RDE) as well as differential capacitance measurements. The results confirm the formation of a hydrophobic reaction layer adjacent to the electrode surface. The evidence derives from three sources: (i) hydrogen evolution suppression with quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) addition, (ii) double layer capacitance data which verifies co-adsorption of QAS and ADN and (iii) RDE voltammetry data which shows AN diffusion through the compact layer limits the current. Differential capacitance measurements are seen as a means for selection of candidate QAS's for the EHD process.
Diagrammatic approach to the intermediate-valence compounds

A model for intermediate-valence compounds is considered that is based on correlated ionic states with ${n}_{0}$ and ${n}_{0}+1 f$ electrons and includes the hybridization with band electrons as a perturbation. The expansion is formulated diagrammatically with Goldstone diagrams for the strongly correlated on-site processes and Feynman propagators between different sites. Suitable infinite-order resummations of the on-site processes lead to Brillouin-Wigner-type self-consistency equations for the $f$ quasiparticle energy shifts. The imaginary part of the single-site $f$-level Green's function exhibits a spike above a continuum which vanishes at the Fermi level. Deviations from the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida behavior are found for the intersite terms. The effect of the shift of the chemical potential due to the fixed number of electrons is discussed.
Abstract 1964: Development of a nanovaccine for cancer therapy

Purpose: Despite significant advancements in dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer immunotherapy, the approach remains challenging, especially with regard to developing a simple yet robust method for activating the immune system against cancer in the context of using tumor antigen-activated DCs. To improve the feasibility of this immunotherapy approach, we sought to develop a robust vaccine that utilizes nanotechnology to activate endogenous DCs in the host. Method: Using a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle as the carrier for this therapy, two immune system activating molecules were conjugated to the nanoparticle. The dextran-coated SPIO nanoparticles were reacted with an epoxyamine linker to produce amine groups on the surface of the nanoparticle. Next, a potent Natural Killer T (NKT) cell activating glycolipid, was conjugated to the SPIO nanoparticle via a disulfide-containing crosslinker. For in vivo studies, an MUC-1 derived antigenic peptide was conjugated as well to the same nanoparticles. Here, adult MUC-1 transgenic C57BL/6 mice were implanted with MUC-1 transfected C57G tumors. The protein and adjuvant conjugated nanoparticle was delivered to mice via subcutaneous injection. Tumor growth in the treated and untreated groups of mice was measured by ultrasound over a 5-week period. Results: Using a mouse model, the effectiveness of a nanovaccine was determined. The nanoparticle conjugated with the NKT cell agonist induced robust IFN-γ and IL-4 response in wild-type mice while no response was elicited in NKT cell- or DC-deficient mice probed with the same nanovaccine. In a different mouse model group, treatment of tumor-bearing MUC-1 animals with the nanovaccine resulted in markedly diminished tumor growth compared to the untreated group. Conclusion: The results indicate that the nanoparticle delivery vehicle can induce a robust immune response in mice. Beyond this vehicular capability, the SPIO nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. As a result, this multimodal and multivalent nanovaccine, achieved through nanotechnology, has the potential to provide microanatomical and functional imaging feedback of the DC-targeted anti-cancer immunotherapy, thus leading to longitudinal treatment and monitoring. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1964. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1964
Structure of coal water slurry sprays

A model of coal water slurry (CWS) sprays is presented with new experimental data for CWS viscosities and surface tension. The model is based on the aerodynamic theory of spray atomization that has been successfully used for diesel sprays. However, the higher CWS viscosity makes their behavior different from diesel sprays. For comparison with experiment the following spray parameters are identified; spray angle, intact core length, drop diameters, and velocities of drops and gas. The results from the computations have been compared with experimental measurements reported in the literature. Computed spray angles and penetration rates agree well with experimental measurements. Computed drop sizes show the right trend when the injection pressure and the axial location at which the Sauter mean diameter is measured are varied. Nomenclature A = function in Taylor's analysis AV = constant of the initial spray angle B = function in Taylor's analysis B({ = constant of the initial drop size equation C, Cc = constants of the intact core length Cd = coefficient of discharge of the nozzle /)„ = nozzle diameter d() = initial drop diameter calculated from Eq. (2) /*, = dimensionless frequency of fastest growing wave Im = imaginary part k = wave number L = length of the nozzle Pa =. ambient gas pressure Re = real part S = spray tip penetration distance s = real part of nondimensiona l temporal growth rate Ta = Taylor number p,a2lpg^V^ t = time th = breakup time U = average axial centerline velocity of drops/gas U{} = average injection velocity u' - axial perturbation velocity of the CWS jet Kinj = ideal injection velocity VT = relative velocity between the liquid and gas v' = radial perturbation velocity of the CWS jet Xi = length of the CWS spray intact liquid core x = axial distance y = radial distance a = temporal growth rate of the CWS velocity perturbation
A case of reversible steroid dementia

Psychotropic effects of corticosteroids have been reported since early 1950. Dementia-like cognitive changes in patients undergoing treatment with high doses of corticosteroids were identified in 1984. The clinical presentation of these "steroid dementia" patients mimicked those typical of early Alzheimer's disease. As with psychiatric side effects of corticosteroid use, the "dementia" is reversible. The case presented describes a patient who developed dementia-like cognitive changes and an abnormal EEG as a result of steroid treatment. The case is of interest not only as an example of steroid dementia, but also because it is the first with documented electroencephalographic sequelae and premorbid EEG, CT scan and neuropsychological testing.
Resolution of primary non-refluxing megaureter: An observational study

Abstract Aim A prospective review of conservative management of primary non-refluxing megaureters (PM) was performed to determine the time taken for resolution (TTR) and complications. Material and Methods Patient details were obtained from a prospectively maintained database from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2011. The clinical features of USS and MAG3 findings were analyzed. All had annual USS and MAG 3 scans two yearly (and whenever necessary). Results Fifty ureteric units (UU) in forty-four patients (six bilateral) were studied. There were thirty-three (75%) males. In the unilateral PM, 22/38 were left-sided. Children were classified according to the lower ureteric diameter (UD) into two groups: Group A (Gp A) UD In Grp A, the median presenting UD was 6 (range 4–9) mm, and 76% resolved completely over a median duration of 60 (18–204) months. In Grp B, the median UD was 15 (10–27) mm, and 17% resolved completely over a median duration of 102 (42–210) months. Two developed ureteric calculi (removed ureteroscopically). Three with complications (obstructive drainage pattern in MAG 3 with decreasing function and debilitating infections) underwent ureteric tapering and reimplantation. An obstructed megaureter resolved after endoscopic dilatation. Another underwent temporary ureterostomy on developing hypertension. Conclusion The exclusively conservative management of PM seems highly successful within Group A (i.e. UD
Cancellation performance degradation of a fully adaptive Yagi array due to inner-element coupling

The effect of inner-element coupling on the cancellation performance of a fully adaptive Yagi array is considered. Graphs of the output residue power as functions of interference-to-noise ratio and bandwidth with and without the inner-coupling effect are presented. It is seen that mutual coupling, like any other frequency-dependent error source, poses a severe limitation to the ability of the array to counteract sidelobe interference.
Suicide in Children and Adolescents

The tragedy of suicide in children and adolescents is considered a national and global phenomenon. There are approximately 900,000 suicides in the world each year, including as many as 200,000 adolescents and young adults. Suicide rates vary from country to country depending on local factors, including reporting methods. Causes of suicide include depression; abuse; loss of friends (including boyfriend or girlfriend); academic failure; social isolation; and substance abuse. The link between use of antidepressants and suicidal ideation is discussed, and concepts of management are also considered.
Toward an Integrative Computational Model of the Guinea Pig Cardiac Myocyte

The local control theory of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling asserts that regulation of calcium (Ca2+) release occurs at the nanodomain level, where openings of single L-type Ca2+ channels (LCCs) trigger openings of small clusters of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) co-localized within the dyad. A consequence of local control is that the whole-cell Ca2+ transient is a smooth continuous function of influx of Ca2+ through LCCs. While this so-called graded release property has been known for some time, it’s functional importance to the integrated behavior of the cardiac ventricular myocyte has not been fully appreciated. We previously formulated a biophysically-based model, in which LCCs and RyRs interact via a coarse-grained representation of the dyadic space. The model captures key features of local control using a low-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations. Voltage-dependent gain and graded Ca2+ release are emergent properties of this model by virtue of the fact that model formulation is closely based on the sub-cellular basis of local control. In this current work, we have incorporated this graded release model into a prior model of guinea pig ventricular myocyte electrophysiology, metabolism, and isometric force production. The resulting integrative model predicts the experimentally-observed causal relationship between action potential (AP) shape and timing of Ca2+ and force transients, a relationship that is not explained by models lacking the graded release property. Model results suggest that even relatively subtle changes in AP morphology that may result, for example, from remodeling of membrane transporter expression in disease or spatial variation in cell properties, may have major impact on the temporal waveform of Ca2+ transients, thus influencing tissue-level electro-mechanical function.
Contributions to the mycoflora of Bermuda. IV.

(1946). Contributions to the Mycoflora of Bermuda—IV. Mycologia: Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 180-201.
Punishment in behavior modification: Pragmatic, ethical, and legal issues

Abstract The present paper discusses issues raised by applications of punishment techniques. Several different types of punishment are enumerated under the rubrics of aversive stimuli, work and penalty procedures, and removal of reinforcing events. The primary emphasis of the paper is to describe issues that affect selection and utilization of such treatments. Thus, characteristics of punishment, alternatives to punishment, and ethical, legal, and pragmatic issues in the use of these procedures are detailed.
The Influence of Individual Characteristics on Performance under Varying Conditions

Summary The relationship between individual characteristics and performance under different situational environments was investigated. The study examined the reaction of 83 male and female undergraduate students performing a complex task under exposure to varying situational conditions. Significant interaction was found between the individual characteristics and the environment in which they were asked to perform, thus providing some insight into the lack of a consistent relationship between personality characteristics and performance. Specificially, the results indicated that high n-Ach individuals performed better than low n-Ach individuals under very unfavorable situations. Additionally, under fairly favorable situations students with high grade point averages performed better than those with low grade point averages, but there were no significant differences between the two groups when the situation was very unfavorable.
Biliary excretion of [3H]aldosterone and its sex dependence in adrenalectomized rats.

The rate of excretion of 3Hradioactivity via the bile into the intestine following intravenous injection of [3H]aldosterone, was demonstrated to be rapid and sex-dependent in adrenalectomized rats. Within 1 h, female rats excreted into the intestine via the bile >95% of the injected dose of [3H]aldosterone, compared to 47% in the male rats. In both the male and female rats, >90% of the total radioactivity excreted into the intestine represented dichloromethane nonextractable polar derivatives of aldosterone (NEPD). Similarly, the quantities of NEPD recovered in the bile following bile duct cannulation of the rats, were also sex-dependent. These findings account for the rapidity and sexdependence of the rates of clearance of aldosterone and its metabolites from the plasma of adrenalectomized rats. The sex hormones appear to influence not only the extent and the routes of metabolism of aldosterone in the liver, but also the rates of clearance of aldosterorre and its metabolites from the plasma into the bile...
Exploiting a sensed environment to improve human-agent communication

This paper describes an implemented robotic agent architecture in which the environment, as sensed by the agent, is used to guide the recognition of spoken and gestural directives given by a human user. The agent recognizes these directives using a probabilistic language model that conditions probability estimates for possible directives on visually-, proprioceptively-, or otherwise-sensed properties of entities in its environment, and updates these probabilities when these properties change. The result is an agent that can discriminate against mis-recognized directives that do not 'make sense' in its representation of the current state of the world.
Promoter Escape by RNA Polymerase II A ROLE FOR AN ATP COFACTOR IN SUPPRESSION OF ARREST BY POLYMERASE AT PROMOTER-PROXIMAL SITES

It is well established that TFIIH-dependent transcription by RNA polymerase II requires a hydrolyzable ATP cofactor for synthesis of the first phosphodiester bond of nascent transcripts. Whether an ATP cofactor is also required after initiation for escape of RNA polymerase II from the promoter has, however, been controversial. We have now addressed this question directly by investigating the ability of RNA polymerase II transcription complexes containing short, ∼5-8-nucleotide transcripts synthesized in the presence of limiting nucleotides to escape the promoter in the absence of an ATP cofactor in a basal transcription system reconstituted with purified RNA polymerase II and general initiation factors. Depletion of ATP had a profound effect on the ability of initiated complexes to progress into the elongation phase: whereas in the presence of ATP, the majority of transcription complexes could be chased away from the promoter-proximal region, most complexes deprived of ATP catalyzed synthesis of only a few phosphodiester bonds and then ceased elongation after synthesizing transcripts less than 10-14 nucleotides in length. A significant fraction of these transcripts could be extended following addition of ATP, indicating that they were contained in arrested, but potentially active elongation complexes. Like the ATP-requiring step in initiation, ATP-dependent suppression of arrest by RNA polymerase II at promoter-proximal sites is inhibited by adenosine 5′-O-(thio)triphosphate. Transcription complexes containing transcripts longer than 9-10 nucleotides are insensitive to inhibition by ATPγS, indicating that susceptibility to ATP-sensitive arrest is a property of very early elongation complexes. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel role for an ATP cofactor in transcription by RNA polymerase II.
Investigation of Plasma Parameters in a Duopigatron Using a Langmuir Probe

To design an extraction electrode system for a duopigatron ion source, the SNOW [1] computer simulation has been used. Plasma parameters such as electron and ion current density, electron and ion temperatures are used in the SNOW. We have designed and constructed a Langmuir probe to investigate the plasma parameters in a duopigatron ion source. The probe has been designed in such a way that the plasma can be sampled through the source aperture. This paper will discuss some of the source's parameters, the Langmuir probe design and the plasma parameters of the source.
Housing Arrangements among a National Sample of Adults with Chronic Schizophrenia Living in the United States: A Descriptive Study.

There has been no recent national description of where and with whom people with chronic mental illness reside. Using data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness, the living arrangements of 1,446 clients with schizophrenia from 57 sites throughout the United States were characterized over 1 year. At baseline, 46% of participants were living with family members and loved ones, 5% were living with other nonrelatives, 18% were living alone independently, 17% were in an institution, and 14% were not stably housed. Participants who were living alone independently showed higher clinical and psychosocial functioning than participants in other living arrangements. Over 1 year, the majority of participants remained in the same living arrangements, and those who were not stably housed had more severe schizophrenia symptomatology. These findings highlight the large number of people with schizophrenia living with others and the possible need for diverse housing services. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Officer commissioning programs

Recent events both nationally and internationally have caused a rethinking of our military posture. Most notable among them are domestic budgetary pressures associated with deficit reduction efforts and arms control negotiations in the wake of a possible declining threat from the Soviets. Taken together, these events signal a smaller military force in the future. One method that the Department of Defense might rely on to assist in future force reduction is to decrease the number of officers accessed (i.e. commissioned) each year. In order to utilize this option efficiently, a comparative analysis of the various commissioning sources (such as the three service academies, the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and the Officer Candidate School/Officer Training School) would be instructive. This paper presents an empirical investigation of the various officer procurement programs. The study focuses on the return on investment of the various procurement sources in terms of service obligations as well as the reten...
Real-time portable phase-stepping shearography system for NDE

ABSTRACT Shearography has been shown to be a powerful tool for on-site non-destructive evaluation applications, especially in aircraftcomponent inspections. However, current commercially available portable shearography systems are qualitative, low signalto noise ratio, and low flaw detection sensitivity. In this paper, we will introduce a real-time, high-resolution, portable,phase-stepping shearography system developed at the Applied Research Lab of The Pennsylvania State University. Thesystem can fit into a wheeled cart and run at a speed of 12 inspections/sec for a 7"x5" field of view. It provides fullquantitative analysis ability and substantially improves flaw detection sensitivity. The applicability and portability of thesystem to on-site field NDE applications have been tested by a successful field demonstration conducted at a naval air station.Keywords: Phase-stepping, Shearography, Interferometer, and Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE). 1. INTRODUCTION With the help of advanced electronics and solid-state lasers, shearography has been emerging as one of the most populartechniques for in-situ non-destructive evaluation (NDE) applications, especially for aerospace components such as aircraft
Examining Differences Between Preteen Groups’ Spatial-Scientific Understandings: A Quasi-experimental Study

ABSTRACT The authors examined differences between 2 groups of students’ spatial-scientific reasoning from pre- to postimplementation of an Earth/Space unit. Using a quasi-experimental design, researchers explored how instructional method and gender affected learning. Treatment teachers employed an integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum while the control teacher implemented her regular Earth/Space unit. The Geometric Spatial Assessment (GSA), the Purdue-Spatial Visualization Rotation Test, and the Lunar Phases Concept Inventory (LPCI) were used to assess learning. Experimental groups made gains on periodicity LPCI domains while the control made gains on geometric spatial visualization LPCI domains. Only girls made gains on GSA items. This is the first quasi-experimental study to examine students’ spatial reasoning as they participate in Earth/Space units and to discover gender's role in this spatial development.
OPTIMAL ASYMPTOTIC ESTIMATES FOR THE VOLUME OF INTERNAL INHOMOGENEITIES IN TERMS OF MULTIPLE BOUNDARY MEASUREMENTS

We recently derived a very general representation formula for the boundary voltage per- turbations caused by internal conductivity inhomogeneities of low volume fraction (cf. Capdeboscq and Vogelius (2003)). In this paper we show how this representation formula may be used to obtain very accurate estimates for the size of the inhomogeneities in terms of multiple boundary measure- ments. As demonstrated by our computational experiments, these estimates are significantly better than previously known (single measurement) estimates, even for moderate volume fractions.
Recent results on classification of finite dimensional estimation algebras: dimension of state space >or=2

All finite-dimensional estimation algebras with maximal rank can be classified if the dimension of the state space is at most two. A theorem is given which is characterized as the most important step towards the complete solution of the Brockett problem. The major difference between this theorem and the corresponding theorem of L.F. Tam et al. (1990) is that the exactness assumption in the theorem of Tam et al. has been removed. The novelty of the problem is that there is no assumption on the drift term of the nonlinear filtering system. However, in the course of the proof of the theorem, it is shown that the drift term cannot be very arbitrary if the estimation algebra is finite dimensional. In fact, it is shown that the drift term must be linear vector field plus gradient vector field. >
Analytic expressions for the BCDMEM model of recognition memory

We introduce a Fourier transformation technique that enables one to derive closed-form expressions of performance measures (e.g., hit and false alarm rates) of simulation-based models of recognition memory. Application of the technique is demonstrated using the bind cue decide model of episodic memory (BCDMEM; [Dennis, S., & Humphreys, M.S. (2001). A context noise model of episodic word recognition. Psychological Review, 108(2), 452–478]). In addition to reducing the time required to test the model, which for models like BCDMEM can be excessive, asymptotic expressions of the measures reveal heretofore unknown properties of the model, such as model predictions being dependent on vector length.
Real-time video frame rate adaptation based on warping of edge-preserving meshes

We propose a technique for the real-time synthesis of temporally interpolated video frames suitable for low bandwidth applications. The system is based on the warping of edge preserving meshes. Node selection segments the scene and places mesh nodes on top of object edges in the reference frame. Constrained Delaunay triangulation is used to create a mesh that keeps triangulation edges aligned with object edges in the scene. Node displacements are estimated and several interpolated frames may be synthesized between each pair of original frames without the need for fitting a new mesh to the reference frame. Each of the interpolated frames is synthesized by warping the mesh. We present experimental results that demonstrate the performance and applicability of the proposed method.
Ribonuclease of cultured mammalian cells

KB cell ribonuclease has been purified 260-fold and the fundamental properties have been studied. Though the enzyme is concentrated in the lysosomal fraction, appreciable quantities are present in the cell sap and nuclear fractions. Comparison of the optimal temperature and pH for activity, and the heat stability of enzyme from these three fractions suggests that only one species of this enzyme exists in these cells. The enzyme behaves as an endonuclease, cleaving synthetic pyrimidine polynucleotides to smaller oligonucleotides with cyclic 2′:3′ end-groups. The final product is pyrimidine nucleoside 3′ monophosphate. Polyadenylic acid is not hydrolyzed. Of the properties examined in this study only two differences were noted between KB cell and pancreatic ribonuclease. KB cell enzyme acts optimally at pH 6 as opposed to an optimum at pH 7 to 8 for pancreatic enzyme. In addition ribonuclease from KB cells is definitely less stable to heating at 100°C than is the enzyme isolated from pancreas.
Influence of TV endorser types on advertising attitudes and purchase intention among Indian rural women: an exploratory study

India has a growing rural consumer base that has been largely ignored by advertisers. Today, Indian rural consumers, especially women, are increasingly literate, brand savvy, and possess rising disposable incomes. Considering the nation's love for films and the availability of television broadcasting, celebrity endorsement has become one of the most popular strategies used by advertisers in India. However, its impact on rural consumers has yet to be tested. Using self-categorization as the theoretical framework, the current study examined the influence of endorser types (national celebrity, regional celebrity, and noncelebrity) on advertising attitudes and purchase intention of Indian rural women. In addition, the authors also analyzed the impact of the three dimensions of source credibility. A sample of rural women (N = 167) from the Kudumbashree mission, one of the largest woman empowerment projects in the country, was recruited for the experiment. Findings showed that noncelebrity endorsers were most e...
Relationships of neurogenic and psychological factors to the regulation and variability of serum lipids

There is consistent evidence that self-perceived stress can cause significant short-term increases of plasma total and LDL cholesterol that vary in different individuals and are occasionally of large magnitude. This may be due to a stimulation of sympathetic nervous system activity that suppresses LDL cholesterol receptors. Behavioral ‘activation’ appears to be associated with higher cholesterol levels, reduced participation in life activities with lower levels, and transient increases during emotional arousal with anxiety.
A systems biology approach to transcription factor binding site prediction.

Background The elucidation of mammalian transcriptional regulatory networks holds great promise for both basic and translational research and remains one the greatest challenges to systems biology. Recent reverse engineering methods deduce regulatory interactions from large-scale mRNA expression profiles and cross-species conserved regulatory regions in DNA. Technical challenges faced by these methods include distinguishing between direct and indirect interactions, associating transcription regulators with predicted transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), identifying non-linearly conserved binding sites across species, and providing realistic accuracy estimates.
Compiler-guided register reliability improvement against soft errors

With the scaling of technology, transient errors caused by external particle strikes have become a critical challenge for microprocessor design. As embedded processors are widely used in reliability-sensitive environments, it becomes increasingly important to develop cost-effective techniques to improve the processor reliability against soft errors. This paper focuses on studying the register file immunity against soft errors since modern processors typically employ a large number of registers, which are accessed very frequently. As a result, soft errors occurred in registers can easily propagate to functional units or the memory system, leading to silent data error (SDC) or system crash.To develop cost-effective techniques to fight soft errors for embedded processors, the first step is to understand the register file susceptibility to soft errors and its impact on the system reliability accurately. Toward this goal, this paper proposes the concept of register vulnerability factor (RVF) to characterize the probability that register transient errors can escape the register file and thus potentially impact the system reliability. Built upon the RVF concept, we then propose two cost-effective compiler-guided techniques to improve the register file reliability by lowering the RVF value. Our experiments indicate that on average, the RVF can be reduced to 9.1% and 9.5% by the hyperblock-based instruction re-scheduling and the reliability-oriented register assignment respectively, which can potentially lower the reliability cost significantly while protecting register files against transient errors.