cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Harmonic Hopping, and Both Punctuated and Gradual Evolution of Acoustic Characters in Selasphorus Hummingbird Tail-Feathers

Models of character evolution often assume a single mode of evolutionary change, such as continuous, or discrete. Here I provide an example in which a character exhibits both types of change. Hummingbirds in the genus Selasphorus produce sound with fluttering tail-feathers during courtship. The ancestral character state within Selasphorus is production of sound with an inner tail-feather, R2, in which the sound usually evolves gradually. Calliope and Allen's Hummingbirds have evolved autapomorphic acoustic mechanisms that involve feather-feather interactions. I develop a source-filter model of these interactions. The 'source' comprises feather(s) that are both necessary and sufficient for sound production, and are aerodynamically coupled to neighboring feathers, which act as filters. Filters are unnecessary or insufficient for sound production, but may evolve to become sources. Allen's Hummingbird has evolved to produce sound with two sources, one with feather R3, another frequency-modulated sound with R4, and their interaction frequencies. Allen's R2 retains the ancestral character state, a ∼1 kHz "ghost" fundamental frequency masked by R3, which is revealed when R3 is experimentally removed. In the ancestor to Allen's Hummingbird, the dominant frequency has 'hopped' to the second harmonic without passing through intermediate frequencies. This demonstrates that although the fundamental frequency of a communication sound may usually evolve gradually, occasional jumps from one character state to another can occur in a discrete fashion. Accordingly, mapping acoustic characters on a phylogeny may produce misleading results if the physical mechanism of production is not known.
OS022. Global use of ultrasound for maternal mortality reduction incountries with high maternal mortality ratios

Introduction Over a decade ago, the World Health Organization identified ultrasound as a low cost, portable technology and advocated for widespread teaching and application. Outcome data related to the use of ultrasound, however, is limited in low income countries. Objectives We evaluated the global use of obstetric ultrasound for management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancies in countries with high maternal mortality ratios (MMR). Methods We performed a systematic review of the English language literature through PubMed, Global Health, CINAHL (Nursing and Allied Health) and Google Scholar, databases. We searched the terms “ultrasound”, “obstetrics”, “pregnancy”, “maternal services”, “extrauterine pregnancy”, “embryo implantation”, pregnancy toxemia”, ”eclampsia”, and ”pregnancy complications” to identify all published papers from 2000 to 2011. These terms were cross referenced with “Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean”. The maternal mortality report of 2005 from WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and World Bank was used to identify all countries with MMR of ⩾100/100,000 live births. We systematically reviewed papers that described the use of obstetric ultrasound. We categorized usage into groups based on maternal mortality reduction, prenatal diagnosis/anomaly detection and ultrasound practice patterns. Results We identified 85 articles meeting the search criteria. The most commonly described obstetric categories included nomogram development, policy issues/social impact of ultrasound, and anomaly detection (Table 1). Six papers in the literature described maternal/perinatal outcomes, however, none described ultrasound use in the management of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy. Conclusion Hypertensive diseases in pregnancy remain leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Few studies in the world’s literature address the use of obstetric ultrasound for maternal and perinatal mortality reduction in high MMR regions. Further research and publications are needed in this area.
Dynamic Stress Analysis of Battery Tabs Under Ultrasonic Welding

Ultrasonic metal welding is widely used for joining multiple layers of dissimilar metals, such as aluminum/copper battery tabs welding onto copper busbars. It is therefore important to have a robust product/process design using ultrasonic metal welding that ensures consistent welds with desired quality. In this work, the effects of longitudinal and flexural vibrations of the battery tab during ultrasonic welding on the development of axial normal stresses that occasionally cause cracks near the weld area are studied by applying a one-dimensional continuous vibration model for the battery tab. Analysis results indicate that fracture could occur near the weld area, due to low cycle fatigue as a result of large dynamic stresses induced by resonant flexural vibration of the battery tab during welding. This study provides a fundamental understanding of battery tab dynamics during ultrasonic welding and its effects on weld quality, and can be used to develop guidelines for product/process design of ultrasonically welded battery tabs.
Stress wave propagation in fibres: Effect of crossovers

Abstract A direct numerical solution is described which models the wave propagation dynamics of a system of two crossed fibres, one of which has been subjected to transverse ballistic impact. The model provides a means of assessing the influence of fibre materials properties and fibre-fibre slip on the complex wave phenomena occurring at fibre crossovers. This is a matter of considerable importance in rationalising the performance of textile structures used as ballistic protection devices.
Ontology-based spectrum access policies for policy-based cognitive radios

To maximize their efficacy, cognitive radios (CRs) need to be able to cope with the constantly changing spectrum environment, evolving spectrum access policies, and a diverse array of network application requirements. Policy-based cognitive radios address these challenges by decoupling the spectrum access policies from device-specific implementations and optimizations. These radios can invoke situation-appropriate, adaptive actions based on policy specifications and the current spectrum environment. A policy-based CR has a reasoning engine called a policy reasoner. The primary task carried out by the policy reasoner is evaluating the transmission requests with respect to the spectrum policies. In this paper, we describe the design of a policy reasoner that processes ontology-based spectrum policies. The main advantage of using ontology-based policies is that the policy reasoner can understand and process any spectrum policies authored by any organization by relying on the spectrum ontologies. In our implementation, the spectrum ontology defines the various dynamic spectrum access (DSA) concepts, models the domain of DSA networks in a machine-understandable manner, and uses SWRL (Semantic Web Rule Language) rules to represent spectrum policies. Unfortunately, ontological reasoning needed to process ontology-based spectrum policies incurs greater computation overhead compared to non-ontological reasoning. This drawback can be a critical one as it can impede a CR from meeting its real-time performance requirements. We have carried out a number of experiments, using our implementation, to evaluate whether a radio controlled by ontology-based policies can meet its real-time performance requirements. Based on our experimental results, we propose a set of guidelines for the design of ontology-based spectrum access policies.
Causality and the Lorentz group

A definition of causality, different from the one currently employed in field theory, is introduced. Its relation to the Lorentz group and to relativity theory is clarified. It leads to a reduction of theS-matrix, appropriate to dispersion theory, that is not subject to some limitations hitherto encountered. The mathematical constructs appearing in the course of this reduction are discussed.
Simplifying a complex subject: some thoughts on teaching the general circulation

Abstract This issue is devoted to the many accomplishments of Dr Richard Pfeffer. His research is the focus of other articles in this issue. He has also been an instructor who both challenged and positively impressed students in his classes over several decades; for example, his general circulation class helped inspire a book on the subject by this author. So, his teaching is worthy of discussion and this unconventional article is intended to illustrate some aspects of his teaching style. This article has two main parts. First, the classroom environment 20 years ago (when the author was a student in Dr Pfeffer's classes) is sketched; it was different from today. Second, his homework and exam problems were lengthy, challenging, and integrated multiple concepts. Included are four problems; they are intended to be illustrative and to provide homework ideas for current instructors of general circulation subjects. For example, in a problem that estimates the energy release in an extratropical cyclone, a complementary calculation reveals whether baroclinic instability or latent release is the dominant growth mechanism.
The Changing Nature of Work in Academic Libraries

A content analysis of 220 job advertisements that appeared in College & Research Libraries between 1973 and 1998 demonstrates that by 1998, all academic library jobs routinely included computer technologies, that instruction had become an integral part of reference work, and that behavioral skills, especially oral and written communication skills, had emerged as new job requirements. The master’s degree from a program accredited by the ALA continues to be widely accepted as the appropriate professional degree for academic librarians.
Oral lesions in pemphigus

Abstract 1. 1. The frequency and the appearance of the oral lesions in the various types of pemphigus have been discussed. 2. 2. In a series of 114 cases of pemphigus 62 (54 per cent) showed involvement of the oral mucosa. Oral lesions were encountered in 85 per cent of the cases with pemphigus vulgaris acutus, in 100 per cent of the cases with pemphigus vegetans, in 49 per cent of the cases with pemphigus vulgaris chronicus, in 4 per cent of the cases with pemphigus foliaceus, in none of the cases with pemphigus erythematodes, and in 81 per cent of the cases with pemphigus conjunctivae. 3. 3. The oral lesions in pemphigus vulgaris acutus, pemphigus vulgaris chronicus, and pemphigus conjunctivae differ enough to make their appearance an important part of the differential diagnosis. The oral lesions of pemphigus vegetans are idental with those of pemphigus vulgaris acutus except for the development of vegetations in rare instances. 4. 4. The mortality rate differs widely between the various types of pemphigus. The presence or absence of oral lesions does not influence the prognosis in any of the types. 5. 5. Oral leions were the first symptom of pemphigus in 25 per cent of the cases. The initial lesions were observed in the mouth in 55 per cent of the cases with pemphigus vulgaris acutus, in 10 per cent of the cases with pemphigus vegetans, in 11 per cent of the cases with pemphigus vulgaris chronicus, in none of the cases with pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus erythematodes, and in 25 per cent of the cases with pemphigus conjunctivae. In the absence of other lesions the diagnosis of pemphigus must be made from the oral lesions alone.
Synthesis and antifungal activities of alkyl N-(1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-carbonyl) carbamates and S-alkyl N-(1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-carbonyl) carbamothioates.

A series of alkyl N-(1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-carbonyl) carbamates and S-alkyl N-(1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-carbonyl) carbamothioates with unsubstituted or monobrominated straight chain alkyl groups were synthesized and evaluated as fungistatic agents against Gibberella zeae and Alternaria kikuchiana. These compounds showed variable antifungal activities at concentrations of 5 and 50 μg/mL. The results showed that antifungal activities depended on the length of the alkyl chain with the optimal chain length of 6−11 carbons. Carbamic acid, (1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-ylcarbonyl)-, hexyl ester (4) showed a strong fungistatic activity against A. kikuchiana at both concentrations, with 90.7 and 54% growth inhibition at 50 and 5 μg/mL, respectively. Carbamic acid, (1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-ylcarbonyl)-, heptyl ester (5); Carbamic acid, (1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-ylcarbonyl)-, octyl ester (6); and Carbamic acid, (1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-ylcarbonyl)-, undecyl ester (9) showed strong fungistatic activity against G. zeae at both concentrations. Th...
Neuro-fuzzy control of complex manufacturing processes

A scheme for intelligent optimization and control of complex manufacturing processes is presented. The underlying nonlinear process is modelled by artificial neural networks and process control is performed by fuzzy logic. Fuzzy rules are automatically generated from the trained neural networks through a novel rule generation mechanism and fuzzy control is performed by Mamdani implication. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can provide a robust and accurate way of controlling complex processes without comprehensive models or knowledge about the process.
Strategic bargaining and pipeline politics: Confronting the credible commitment problem in Eurasian energy transit

ABSTRACT The resurgence of Russia's energy diplomacy animates debate among realists, who regard pipelines as instruments of competitive resource nationalism, and their critics, who treat them either as mechanisms for strengthening cooperation or reflecting ‘obsolescing bargains’ that empower transit states upon construction and operation. Yet, this debate conspicuously overlooks the variable record of the arbitrary disruption of Eurasian energy transit. This article addresses these oversights by explicating pipeline politics as an international ‘credible commitment’ problem. It focuses specifically on the different incentives among producer, consumer and transit states and on how insights into the economic and institutional dimensions of bargaining shape the value, risks and capacity of the parties to forge and uphold pipeline agreements. Accordingly, arbitrary disruption is more likely under conditions in which the primary stakeholders are not preoccupied by recouping returns on investment and face incen...
Partisanship and Contested Election Cases in the House of Representatives, 1789–2002

Article I, Section 5, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution states: “Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns, and Qualifications of its own Members. . . .” With this simple statement, each chamber of Congress is granted complete authority over how its membership will be comprised. Thus, when a given election is contested, that is, when there is a dispute over who is the rightful occupant of a given seat after the ballots have been collected and tallied, each chamber acts as the sole arbiter without external constraint. This constitutional guarantee was an artifact of English and colonial rule, as fear of executive authority led the House of Commons and nearly every colonial legislature to adopt similar protections.
PRECIPITATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF SECONDARY Fe OXYHYDROXIDES IN A HISTOSOL IMPACTED BY RUNOFF FROM A LEAD SMELTER

Secondary Fe(III) oxyhydroxides play a key role in controlling the mobility and bioavailability of trace metals in acidic, sulfate-rich soils, such as mining and smelter sites. Schwertmannite, jarosite, goethite, and ferrihydrite are the most common mineral phases identified in such soils. A good understanding of the precipitation and transformation of these minerals in soils is very important for predicting the mobility and long-term stability of trace metals associated with them. In the present study, bulk powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), synchrotron based micro-X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD), and micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-SXRF) spectroscopy were used to investigate precipitates from the surface horizon of an organic soil (Histosol) at a site that once contained a lead smelter. Soil samples were collected from 0 to ~10 cm depth during both wet and dry seasons. Goethite and akaganeite were identified as the major mineral phases in this soil. Schwertmannite and jarosite were also occasionally identified, particularly in the soil samples from dry periods. The peaks in the akaganeite XRD pattern were significantly broadened and the relative intensities of some major peaks were distinctly different compared with the diffraction pattern of synthetic akaganeite, possibly due to the effects of pH and the incorporation of sulfate. The SEM and μ-XRD data support the hypothesis that the goethite in the precipitates is not the product of direct precipitation from solution but the transformation of previously precipitated schwertmannite or akaganeite.
Growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) in the human intervertebral annulus cells and its modulation by IL-1ß and TNF-α in vitro.

Growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) is a member of the TGF-s superfamily which regulates cell division and differentiation. GDF-5 attracted high interest because of its role in skeletal development, especially in cartilaginous sites. Little is known, however, about the role of GFD-5 in disc cell biology. The present work demonstrated the immunohistologic presence of GDF-5 in human outer and inner annulus tissue. Microarray analysis of annulus cells showed significant upregulation of GDF-5 expression in herniated vs. non-herniated lumbar discs (2.14-fold change, p=0.021). In vitro three-dimensional culture studies challenged human annulus cells with IL-1s and TNF-α, two proinflammatory cytokines known to be elevated in the human degenerating disc. Exposure resulted in significant downregulation of GDF-5 during both TNF-α exposure (5.83-fold change, p=0.044) and IL-1s exposure (3.38-fold change, p=0.015). In vitro findings suggest that the degenerating disc milieu, with high proinflammatory cytokine levels, may limit expression of GDF-5, resulting in limited regenerative capacity of the intact disc.
Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in exocrine salivary glands

In the last 15 years, remarkable progress has been realized in identifying the genes that encode the ion-transporting proteins involved in exocrine gland function, including salivary glands. Among these proteins, Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels take part in key functions including membrane potential regulation, fluid movement and K(+) secretion in exocrine glands. Two K(+) channels have been identified in exocrine salivary glands: (1) a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel of intermediate single channel conductance encoded by the KCNN4 gene, and (2) a voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channel of large single channel conductance encoded by the KCNMA1 gene. This review focuses on the physiological roles of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels in exocrine salivary glands. We also discuss interesting recent findings on the regulation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels by protein-protein interactions that may significantly impact exocrine gland physiology.
Troubleshooting the dichlorofluorescein assay to avoid artifacts in measurement of toxicant-stimulated cellular production of reactive oxidant species.

Abstract Introduction The dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay is a popular method for measuring cellular reactive oxidant species (ROS). Although caveats have been reported with the DCF assay and other compounds, the potential for artifactual results due to cell-free interactions between the DCF compound and toxicants has hardly been explored. We evaluated the utility of the DCF assay for measuring ROS generation by the toxicants mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Methods DCF fluorescence was measured spectrofluorometrically after a 1-h incubation of toxicants with 6-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (carboxy-H 2 DCFDA). MEHP was incubated with carboxy-H 2 DCFDA in cell-free solutions of Hank's buffered salt solution (HBSS), or in Royal Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium with or without fetal bovine serum. TBBPA was incubated with carboxy-H 2 DCFDA in cell-free HBSS and with human trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo cells). Results MEHP did not increase fluorescence in solutions of carboxy-H 2 DCFDA in HBSS or RPMI medium without serum. However, MEHP (90 and 180 μM) increased DCF fluorescence in cell-free RPMI medium containing serum. Furthermore, serum-free and cell-free HBSS containing 25 μM TBBPA exhibited concentration-dependent increased fluorescence with 5–100 μM carboxy-H 2 DCFDA (p 2 DCFDA. In addition, we observed increased fluorescence in HTR8/SVneo cell cultures exposed to TBBPA (0.5–25 μM) (p Discussion MEHP demonstrated an interaction with serum in cell-free generation of DCF fluorescence, whereas TBBPA facilitated conversion of carboxy-H 2 DCFDA to the fluorescent DCF moiety in the absence of serum. Because TBBPA increased fluorescence in the absence of cells, the increased DCF fluorescence observed with TBBPA in the presence of cells cannot be attributed to cellular ROS and may, instead, be the result of chemical activation of carboxy-H 2 DCFDA to the fluorescent DCF moiety. These data illustrate the importance of including cell-free controls when using the DCF assay to study toxicant-stimulated cellular production of ROS.
A Manager's Actions? An Exercise for Exploring Sexual Harassment

This exercise is designed to enhance students’ understanding of sexual harassment issues in the workplace, as well as to extend these issues to customer interactions in retail settings. Through research and class discussion, participants explore their perceptions and assumptions about a manager's potentially harassing behaviors. Furthermore, discussions of the manager's actions provide additional opportunities to explore issues dealing with legal foundations of sexual harassment as well as gender differences in response to harassment. Multiple variations are presented making this scenario/exercise suitable to various courses and all types of participants in order to facilitate a healthy discussion about the issues associated with sexual harassment.
Correction to Einstein's perihelion precession formula from a traceless, anisotropic vacuum energy

Quantum field theory in curved space-time implies that the strong equivalence principle is violated outside a spherically symmetric, static star. Here we assume that quantum gravity effects restore the strong equivalence principle. Together with the assumption that the effective vacuum polarization energy-momentum tensor is traceless, this leads to a specific algebraic form of the energy-momentum tensor for which an exact solution of Einstein's field equations is found. The solution gives the post-Newtonian parametersγ=1 andβ=1+3δ, whereδ is a dimensionless constant which determines the energy density of the anisotropic vacuum. The vacuum energy changes the perihelion precession by a factor of 1-δ.
Evaluation of the AutoCyte SCREEN system in a clinical cytopathology laboratory.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the AutoCyte SCREEN® (AutoCyte, Burlington, North Carolina, U.S.A.) system with manual screening by experienced cytotechnologists using thin-layer preparations that had been previously extensively studied and their cytologic abnormalities well defined. STUDY DESIGN: AutoCyte PREP® (AutoCyte) samples prepared for a previous split-sample study comparing thin-layer preparations to conventional smears were used. These 1,992 AutoCyte PREP® samples were in a cohort the abnormal findings of which had been confirmed via independent review by two sets of pathologists. For the current study, these samples were remasked and evaluated by the AutoCyte SCREEN® system in a clinical laboratory. The instrument scanned each slide and selected six overview fields and 120 single objects for storage and display. The computer classified each slide in one of the following categories: abnormal, uncertain, normal or unsatisfactory. Independently for each case, a cytotechnologist evaluated the six fields and 120 objects selected by the instrument as abnormal, normal or unsatisfactory. For those cases classified as uncertain by AutoCyte, the technologist then reexamined the cellular displays and entered a consensus classification. These results were then compared to those of an independent review by cytotechnologists of the identical set of slides using routine manual screening. RESULTS: The AutoCyte SCREEN® selected 35% of slides for manual review. Technologist and computer rendered equivalent classifications in 79%. Of the total slides screened by the AutoCyte SCREEN®, 57% were classified as uncertain, and 88% of these were subsequently classified as normal by consensus. Using the well-defined abnormal values of the cellular sample as a basis for calculation, the AutoCyte SCREEN®-assisted practice had a diagnostic sensitivity of 85% and diagnostic specificity of 97.6%. Comparable values for manual screening of the identical cellular sample were a diagnostic sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 97.4%. CONCLUSION: The AutoCyte SCREEN® achieves comparable or greater sensitivity in detecting cervical abnormalities in comparison with manual screening. When combined with the substantial advantage of thin-layer preparations over conventional smears, the AutoCyte SCREEN® provides a screening system of superior sensitivity over conventionally prepared and examined cervical smears.
Crime and punishment in Russia and the United States: 1990–1998

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, dramatic sociopolitical changes have affected the ability of the Russian criminal justice system to effectively process violent crimes. This paper compares the police and court processing of selected violent crimes in Russia and the United States during the period 1990–1998. Using data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, we examine the disposition of homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault (i.e., serious bodily injury) cases in both countries during this period. Our findings indicate that while arrests and rates of homicide, robbery and aggravated assault decreased in the U.S. during this period, they increased in Russia. On the other hand, rape rates and arrests decreased in both countries during this period. Conviction rates as well as the percentage of defendants sentenced to prison in Russia were both higher than in the U.S. for each of the offenses studied during this period. We discuss implic...
Marginal maximum likelihood estimation for the one-parameter logistic model

Two algorithms are described for marginal maximum likelihood estimation for the one-parameter logistic model. The more efficient of the two algorithms is extended to estimation for the linear logistic model. Numerical examples of both procedures are presented.
A generalized multistage optimization modeling framework for life cycle assessment-based integrated solid waste management

Solid waste management (SWM) is an integral component of civil infrastructure and the global economy, and is a growing concern due to increases in population, urbanization, and economic development. In 2011, 1.3 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) were generated, and this is expected to grow to 2.2 billion metric tons by 2025. In the U.S., MSW systems processed approximately 250 million tons of waste and produced 118 Tg of CO"2e emissions, which represents over 8% of non-energy related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and 2% of total net GHG emissions. While previous research has applied environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) to SWM using formal search techniques, existing models are either not readily generalizable and scalable, or optimize only a single time period and do not consider changes likely to affect SWM over time, such as new policy and technology innovation. This paper presents the first life cycle-based framework to optimize-over multiple time stages-the collection and treatment of all waste materials from curb to final disposal by minimizing cost or environmental impacts while considering user-defined emissions and waste diversion constraints. In addition, the framework is designed to be responsive to future changes in energy and GHG prices. This framework considers the use of existing SWM infrastructure as well as the deployment and utilization of new infrastructure. Several scenarios, considering cost, diversion, and GHG emissions, are analyzed in a 3-stage test system. The results show the utility of the multi-stage framework and the insights that can be gained from using such a framework. The framework was also used to solve a larger SWM system; the results show that the framework solves in reasonable time using typical hardware and readily available mathematical programming solvers. The framework is intended to inform SWM by considering costs, environmental impacts, and policy constraints.
Stochastic multiplicative population growth predicts and interprets Taylor's power law of fluctuation scaling.

Taylor's law (TL) asserts that the variance of the density (individuals per area or volume) of a set of comparable populations is a power-law function of the mean density of those populations. Despite the empirical confirmation of TL in hundreds of species, there is little consensus about why TL is so widely observed and how its estimated parameters should be interpreted. Here, we report that the Lewontin–Cohen (henceforth LC) model of stochastic population dynamics, which has been widely discussed and applied, leads to a spatial TL in the limit of large time and provides an explicit, exact interpretation of its parameters. The exponent of TL exceeds 2 if and only if the LC model is supercritical (growing on average), equals 2 if and only if the LC model is deterministic, and is less than 2 if and only if the LC model is subcritical (declining on average). TL and the LC model describe the spatial variability and the temporal dynamics of populations of trees on long-term plots censused over 75 years at the Black Rock Forest, Cornwall, NY, USA.
Human Population Numbers as a Function of Food Supply

Human population growth has typically been seen as the primary causative factor of other ecologi- cally destructive phenomena. Current human disease epidemics are explored as a function of population size. That human population growth is itself a phenomenon with clearly identifiable ecological/biological causes has been overlooked. Here, human population growth is discussed as being subject to the same dynamic processes as the population growth of other species. Contrary to the widely held belief that food production must be increased to feed the growing population, experimental and correlational data indicate that human population growth varies as a function of food availability. By increasing food production for humans, at the expense of other species, the biologically determined effect has been, and continues to be, an increase in the human population. Understanding the relationship between food increases and population increases is proposed as a necessary first step in addressing this global problem. Resistance to this perspective is briefly discussed in terms of cultural bias in science.
The Effects of Type 2 Diabetes on Lipoprotein Composition and Arterial Stiffness in Male Youth

Recent studies suggest HDL exists as numerous subpopulations with distinct protein/lipid compositions that are not reflected in the HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) number. In this study, we sought to evaluate HDL subpopulations in adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to determine if changes in HDL composition are associated with early vascular disease. T2D (n = 10), lean (n = 9), and obese (n = 11) youth were recruited. Plasma was fractionated using gel-filtration chromatography, and lipid-associated proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. Concurrently, vascular stiffness was assessed using pulse wave velocity (PWV). We found youth with T2D exhibited decreased phospholipid content in fractions containing large HDL particles that was inversely associated with PWV (P < 0.001). No association was noted between HDL-C and PWV. Proteomic analysis revealed changes in 7 of 45 identified proteins in the T2D group, including apolipoprotein (apo) A-II, apoE, and paraoxonase-1 (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrate early changes in the lipid and protein compositions of specific HDL subspecies in adolescents with T2D that are related to early markers of arterial disease. These findings suggest that analyzing the composition of HDL, rather than HDL-C, may be useful in assessing cardiovascular risk in this population.
The Multimedia Video Processor (MVP): a chip architecture for advanced DSP applications

The Texas Instruments Multimedia Video Processor (MVP), a single-chip multi-processing DSP for performing a variety of functions, provides unprecedented computing power and programmability. The MVP is particularly well suited for image and video applications. Utilizing a flexible parallel architecture, the chip can satisfy many video, audio, imaging and graphics functions, such as those required for desktop multimedia. >
Reconstruction of complex facial defects after radical resection of advanced skin cancers

Management of patients with extensive facial skin cancers is a challenge. We present a series of nine patients with extensive facial skin cancers and our experience with managing these patients.
Does Self-Control Influence Maternal Attachment? A Reciprocal Effects Analysis from Early Childhood Through Middle Adolescence

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, this study assesses the extent to which self-control and maternal attachment mutually influence one another. Second, it investigates whether this process continues to occur during adolescence. To date, studies of the etiology of self-control have yet to adequately address these issues, despite the fact that a number of theoretical perspectives emphasize the reciprocal nature of the parent-child relationship. The current study seeks to shed light on these issues by examining the relationship between self-control and maternal attachment using structural equation modeling for eight waves of data spanning a period of time that encompasses early childhood through middle adolescence. The results yield two findings bearing on the adequacy of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s model of self-control development. First, measures of self-control and maternal attachment were found to mutually influence one another during childhood. Second, these effects were reduced to nonsignificance during adolescence. This study finds that self-control emerges during childhood in a complex manner in which it both shapes and is shaped by parental attachment.
Use of Primary Source Readings in Psychology Courses at Liberal Arts Colleges.

This study examined how frequently psychology professors at liberal arts colleges assign primary source readings. Professors provided information on 576 courses. Frequent use of primary sources suggests that professors view such readings as a valuable component of the psychology curriculum. Professors assigned primary source material in 70.8% of the courses. Professors assigned articles from scholarly journals more often in higher level courses and courses with lower enrollments. Professors reported more satisfaction with the classroom discussion of primary sources in smaller, more advanced courses. This study also provides a list of readings identified most frequently by participants as being effective.
Motor signs for ‘Yes’ and ‘No’

Three different regional pairs of jugular and facial motions used in Europe for habitual expression of approval and dissent are analyzed with reference to the iconic grounds of these three semiotic oppositions. (semiotics, face-toface interaction, kinesics, European ethnology.) Since the domain of certain conventional gestures and head motions often encompasses a wider area than linguistic isoglosses, a naive notion about the universality of certain meaningful gestures and movements of the head and facial muscles arises very easily.2 When Filippo Tommaso Marinetti visited Moscow in the beginning of 1914, the painter Mixail Fedorovi6 Larionov, who had at first greeted the Italian futurist with hostility, soon struck up friendly relations with him, although at the time Larionov did not know a single foreign language and his new friend did not understand a single word of Russian. Larionov treated his guest alternately to paintings done by himself and other members of his team and to Russian vodka. Once Mixail Fedorovi6 was impatiently awaiting the end of the debates in French between Marinetti and Russian writers at a meeting of the Moscow Literary-Artistic Circle, and suddenly took the Italian by surprise, coming up close to him and twice flicking himself on the neck above the collar with his finger. When the attempt to remind the foreigner in this way that it was time to go drinking - or, speaking metonymically, 'to pour [a drink] behind the collar'3 - turned out to be manifestly unsuccessful, Larionov remarked acidly, 'A real jerk! Even that he cannot understand!' Russian soldiers who had been in Bulgaria in I877-8 during the war with Turkey could not forget the striking diametrical opposition between their own head motions for indicating 'yes' and 'no' and those of the Bulgarians. The reverse assignment of signs to meanings threw the parties to a conversation off the track, and occasionally led to annoying misunderstandings. Although facial expressions and head motions are less subject to control than speech, the
Fast switching LIGBT devices fabricated in SOI substrates

This paper describes the enhanced switching speed of lateral insulated-gate bipolar transistors (LIGBTs) fabricated in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates. LIGBTs built in SO1 substrates are shown to switch about six times faster than equivalent devices in bulk silicon substrates. Meanwhile, the LIGBT's specific on-resistance is only slightly increased by moving to SOI. This improvement is due to the fact that charge storage is confined to the drift region in an SO1 device, while excess charge storage in the substrate is completely avoided. These findings enhance the motivation for building power ICs in SO1 substrates. epi layer was grown. The bulk substrates had the same epi on a 10 R*cm p-type starting material. A cross-section of the SO1 device is shown in figure 1. Experimental results from the fabricated devices show excellent agreement with results from twodimensional device simulations, which were used to analyze the changes in device physics. Several of these simulation results are included below, in support of the following device comparisons.
Playing Statistical Ouija Board With Commonality Analysis: Good Questions, Wrong Assumptions

Commonality analysis, as used by Hale, Fiorello, and colleagues (e.g., Hale, J. B., Fiorello, C. A., Kavanagh, J. A., Holdnack, J. A., & Aloe, A. M. [2007]. Is the demise of IQ interpretation justified? A response to special issue authors. Applied Neuropsychology, 21, 37–51), often leads to unjustified conclusions. Analyses of simulated datasets show that the highest-order commonality is a poor operationalization of the general factor of intelligence (g). Under commonly observed conditions, it is plausible that lower-order commonalities and unique components in a commonality analysis can consist entirely of g. Other problems with Hale and colleagues' (2007) analyses and interpretations are also discussed.
Evaluation and qualification of environmentally conscious manufacturing processes for commercial and military applications

Environmental regulations are encouraging the development of new environmentally conscious manufacturing (ECM) processes. However, the quality and reliability of these processes and hardware produced must be understood prior to implementing these new technologies in factories. Furthermore, military hardware fabrication is governed by standards and specifications that frequently mandate the use of older, less environmentally friendly processes or materials, or prohibit the use of new ECM processes without advance military approval. Sandia National Laboratories, with industrial and military partners, have developed methodologies for evaluating and qualifying new ECM processes for military and commercial applications, and have piloted these methodologies in qualifying new, low-residue soldering technologies and materials.
Forward covariance least-squares algorithm: a new method in AR spectral estimation

A new method for estimating autoregressive (AR) process coefficients for spectral estimation is introduced by minimising the average power of the forward covariance prediction error. AR spectra generated by this method are shown to have improved performance over AR spectra generated by the best alternative forward prediction error method, the Yule-Walker estimator.
Drinking Water Critical Infrastructure and Its Protection

Drinking water in the United States has long been recognized as among the safest in the world, but the devastating events of September 11, 2001 brought water security to the forefront as a priority. Terrorist attacks against the United States and the consequent war on terrorism being waged by the United States and its allies have provided great impetus for the development of tools and technologies that can be utilized to detect and/or neutralize terrorist threats. One of the greatest concerns facing the nations is the intentional introduction of chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) contaminants into the nation’s drinking water supplies. Damage to or destruction of the nation’s water supply and water quality infrastructure by terrorist attack could disrupt the delivery of vital human services, threatening public health and the environment, or possibly causing loss of life. This chapter deals with drinking water security tools and procedures. It also discusses the evolutionary concept of security in the water sector and the current state of technology.
Transgenic Rice Lines Harboring McCHIT1 Gene from Balsam Pear (Mo-mordica charantia L.) and Their Blast Resistance

Rice blast is one of the most important diseases damaging rice. It is important to explore a new way of improving blast resistance with introducing exogenous resistance genes in modern breeding. In the study, identification and screening of blast resistance in the transgenic rice offspring were conducted using methods of both seedling nursery artificial inoculation and natural infection in field nursery under the conditions of higher resistance selection pressure increased gradually from T2 generation. Seven stable and outstanding McCHIT1-transforming rice lines with the most significant blast resistance were obtained in T5 generation. Detected with 115 Magnaporthe grisea effective isolates from 26 physiological races belonging to seven groups, the resistance frequencies for the seven lines were 52.2-61.7%, with 15 percentage higher than those (36.5%) for the control Jinhui 35. Compared with the control, these lines increased the resistance to ZE race group, and improved the resistance to the races of group ZG and ZF as well as dominant group ZB. The McCHIT1-transforming rice lines C36-2-1, C21-6-2, and C21-3-1 were the better combination of higher yield and resistance with seed setting rate of over 80%. The McCHIT1 gene is a certain broad-spectrum resistance gene. The disease-resistant lines with both broad-spectrum resistance and better yield traits can be obtained effectively by introducing McCHIT1 gene under gradually increased selection pressure and screening excellent resistance from resistant lines.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF NERVONIC ACID AND ITS HOMOLOGUES FROM CARBOXYL-LABELED OLEIC ACID.

An emulsion of carboxyl-labeled potassium oleate was injected directly into the brains of a group of rats, and 24 hr later the rats were sacrificed. The brain sphingolipids were isolated, and from these, the individual normal unsaturated acids. The major acid, nervonic, was cleaved by ozonolysis and also by decarboxylation. Virtually no activity was found in the chain portion from the w-end, while 74% of the activity was found in the carboxyl group. From these and other data, it would appear that very little oleate entered the cells that make the sphingolipid acids and that much of it was degraded to acetate. The labeled acetate thus formed was used to lengthen shorter acids (endogenous 18:1, 20:1, and 22: 1). Apparently, there are pools of metabolically active unsaturated acids of various chain lengths, which can be incorporated into the sphingolipids or lengthened.
The Proteolipid Protein Gene Family: Three New Members and Evidence for Their Common Origin from a Primitive Membrane Channel

It has been presumed that the primary role for the proteolipid polypeptides (PLPs: PLP and DM-20) and Po in the generation of the compact myelin sheath in the CNS (PLPs), and PNS (Po) is essentially the same: to mediate via homophilic interactions the self-adhesion of the plasma membrane that yields compact myelin. The molecular basis for adhesive functions at the intraperiod line in the respective nervous systems in which these proteins operate must however be completely different; curiously, these most abundant integral membrane proteins in tetrapods share absolutely no biochemical, genetic or structural features in common with each other.
ABCA1 Deficiency Affects Basal Cognitive Deficits and Dendritic Density in Mice

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates cholesterol efflux to lipid-free apolipoproteins and regulates the generation of high density lipoproteins. Previously, we have shown that lack of Abca1 significantly increases amyloid deposition and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease model mice expressing human amyloid-β protein precursor (APP). The goal of this study was to determine if ABCA1 plays a role in memory deficits caused by amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers and examine neurite architecture of pyramidal hippocampal neurons. Our results confirm previous findings that Abca1 deficiency significantly impairs spatial memory acquisition and retention in the Morris water maze and long-term memory in novel object recognition of APP transgenic mice at a stage of early amyloid pathology. Neither test demonstrated a significant difference between Abca1ko and wild-type (WT) mice. We also examined the effect of intra-hippocampal infused Aβ oligomers on cognitive performance of Abca1ko mice, compared to control infusion of scrambled Aβ peptide. Age-matched WT mice undergoing the same infusions were also used as controls. In this model system, we found a statistically significant difference between WT and Abca1ko mice infused with scrambled Aβ, suggesting that Abca1ko mice are vulnerable to the effect of mild stresses. Moreover, examination of neurite architecture in the hippocampi revealed a significant decrease in neurite length, number of neurite segments, and branches in Abca1ko mice when compared to WT mice. We conclude that mice lacking ABCA1 have basal cognitive deficits that prevent them from coping with additional stressors, which is in part due to impairment of neurite morphology in the hippocampus.
Additional Thoughts on the Measurement of Market Orientation: A Comment on Deshpande and Farley

Deshpande and Farley examinethe reliability and validity of three well-known market-orientationscales from which they derive a single market-orientation scale.We believe that their synthesized scale effectively capturesa business's customer-value orientation which is the essenceof a market orientation, and that this scale development is adefinite contribution to marketing thought and practice. However,in two other respects we disaree with them. First, we believethere is more evidence of a positive market-orientation - performancerelationship than they acknowledge. Second, we hold that bothlogic and scholarly research strongly support the idea that amarket orientation is nothing less than an organization's culture.