cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mastitis in Dairy Heifers: Initial Studies on Prevalence and Control

Initial studies to determine the prevalence of mastitis in heifers of breeding age and in pregnant dairy heifers demonstrated that IMI were present in 97% of heifers and 75% of quarters. The most common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, and Staphylococcus chromogenes; SCC ranged from 12.4 to 17.3 x 10(6)/ml. Approximately 29% of heifers and 15% of quarters exhibited clinical mastitis at breeding age, as evidenced by clots or flakes in mammary secretions. Histologic examination of mammary tissues demonstrated significant reductions in alveolar epithelial and luminal areas and increases in connective tissue stroma and leukocytosis, illustrating limited development and marked inflammation of infected tissues. A one-time infusion of antibiotic for nonlactating cows into infected quarters > or = 45 d prepartum reduced incidence of IMI by 59% at calving compared with the pretreatment level; the cure rate for Staph. aureus IMI was > 90%. Prophylactic treatment of uninfected quarters > or = 45 d prepartum reduced new Streptococcus sp. IMI by 93%. The mean SCC was 50% lower at calving for treated heifers, and milk yield over the first 2 mo of lactation was 10% greater than that of untreated controls. Heifers from herds using fly control had a lower prevalence of IMI than herds without fly control. Prevalences of IMI and SCC in dairy heifers were higher than previously realized, but mastitis at calving was controlled by use of therapeutic products for nonlactating cows during pregnancy.
Heparin‐like glycosaminoglycans participate in binding of a human trophoblastic cell line (JAR) to a human uterine epithelial cell line (RL95)

In vitro studies in our laboratory have indicated that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play an important role in murine embryo implantation. In order to investigate the potential function of HSPGs in human implantation, two human cell lines (RL95 and JAR) were used to model uterine epithelium and embryonal trophectoderm, respectively. A heterologous cell-cell adhesion assay was developed to determine if binding of JAR cells to RL95 cells was heparan sulfate-dependent. Labeled, single cell suspensions of JAR cells attached to confluent monolayers of RL95 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Heparin-like glycosaminoglycans and JAR cell proteoglycans competitively inhibited JAR cell adhesion to RL95 cells by 50% or more. A panel of chemically modified heparins were used to demonstrate that O-sulfation and amino group substitution were critical for inhibition of cell-cell adhesion. Treatment with chlorate, an inhibitor of ATP-sulfurylase, resulted in a 56% reduction in cell-cell binding compared to untreated controls. Heparinase and chondroitinase ABC markedly inhibited JAR-RL95 binding, while chondroitinase AC had no significant effect. These observations indicated that HSPGs as well as dermatan sulfate-containing proteoglycans participated in cell-cell binding. Collectively, these results indicate that initial binding interactions between JAR and RL95 cells is mediated by cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with heparin-like properties (i.e., heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate). These observations are consistent with an important role for HS and heparin-like GAGs as well as their corresponding binding sites in early stages of human trophoblast-uterine epithelial cell binding.
Effect of applied magnetic fields during directional solidification of eutectic Bi-Mn

Samples of eutectic Bi/MnBi were directionally solidified in the presence of a transverse magnetic field up to 3 kG to determine if gravity-induced convection effects could be reduced or eliminated. Furnace velocity, V, was varied over the range 0.2 cm/h ≤V ≤ 50 cm per hour (1 cm per hour =2.8 µm per second) while thermal gradients at the liquid-solid interface were 100 °C/cm and 150 °C/cm. The microstructure of Bi/MnBi is characterized by a regular, aligned-rod eutectic morphology which is sensitive to growth conditions. This, combined with ferromagnetism of one of the components, MnBi, can be used to determine whether convection effects are significant enough to be affected by the presence of a static, homogeneous, magnetic field. Morphological, thermal, and magnetic analyses were carried out on samples grown with and without an applied magnetic field. Results indicated reduced MnBi mean rod diameters and interred spacings for samples grown at velocities > 3 cm per hour in a transverse magnetic field. Additionally, there was significant undercooling occurring for the applied field case as evidenced byin situ thermocouple measurements. Enhanced magnetic coercivities were also observed for samples grown aboveV = 3 cm per hour in a transverse magnetic field compared with no field conditions. The magnetic field growth was found to be similar to previous low-gravity results.
Sexual differences in Neanderthal limb bones

Abstract European and Near Eastern Neanderthal postcranial remains have been analyzed to determine the degrees of sexual dimorphism in limb bone size and robusticity present among the Neanderthals. The remains were sexed on the basis of pelvic morphology where possible (seven males and three females) and otherwise on the basis of absolute size employing limb bone lengths and articular dimensions (12 males and 15 females). Neanderthal sexual size dimorphism, both within single site samples and in the total sexable sample, is virtually the same as that of recent human samples. Furthermore, despite a tendency towards more robust limbs, the Neanderthals exhibit sexual dimorphism in limb bone shaft and articular robusticity similar to that of recent human samples. By the time of the Neanderthals, sexual dimorphism in limb bone size and robusticity appears to have reached recent human proportions.
Greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle pen surfaces in North Dakota

There is a global interest to quantify and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) (e.g. methane-CH4, nitrous oxide-N2O and carbon dioxide-CO2) emissions in animal feeding operations. The goal of this study was to quantify GHG emissions from the feedlot pen surface under North Dakota climatic conditions. In this study gaseous flux from the pen surfaces was generated using a custom-made wind tunnel at different times of the year (summer, fall, winter and spring). Gaseous fluxes (air samples) were drawn in the Tedlar bags using a vacuum chamber and gas concentrations were measured using a gas chromatograph within 24 h of sampling. The CH4 concentrations and flux rates (FRs) or flux among the months were not significantly different. Overall CH4, CO2 and N2O concentrations over a 7-month period were 2.66, 452 and 0.67 ppm, respectively. Estimated overall CH4, CO and N2O FRs were 1.32, 602 and 0.90 g m−2 d−1, respectively. Estimated emission rates using the wind tunnel were 38 g hd−1 d−1, 17 kg hd−1 d−1 and 26 g hd−1 d−...
31P NMR spectroscopy of developing cartilage produced from chick chondrocytes in a hollow-fiber bioreactor.

P-31 NMR was used to measure the concentrations and spin-lattice relaxation times of phosphorus-containing metabolites in neocartilage developing in an NMR-compatible hollow-fiber bioreactor over four weeks. Separate studies were performed for tissue developing from chondrocytes taken from the proximal and the distal sternum of the chick embryo. The metabolite ratio beta-ATP/Pi did not change significantly with development (proximal: beta-ATP/Pi = 0.38 +/- 0.12 at one week, beta-ATP/Pi = 0.44 +/- 0.07 at four weeks, P < 0.63; distal: beta-ATP/Pi = 0.39 +/- 0.05 at one week, beta-ATP/Pi = 0.66 +/- 0.26 at four weeks, P < 0.28). ATP spin-lattice relaxation times were found to be comparable to those in muscle and brain tissue (proximal: T-1(beta-ATP) = 0.5 +/- 0.06 sec at one week, T-1(beta-ATP) = 0.4 +/- 0.01 sec at four weeks; distal: T-1(beta-ATP) = 0.3 +/- 0.12 sec at one week, T-1(beta-ATP) = 0.4 +/- 0.04 sec at four weeks). A large increase in the spin-lattice relaxation time of inorganic phosphate, from 1.2 +/- 0.13 sec to 3.8 +/- 0.04 sec (P < 0.0001) over four weeks of growth, was observed in tissue developing from chondrocytes harvested from the proximal sternum. No comparable increase in T-1(PI) was found in tissue developing from chondrocytes harvested from the distal portion of the sternum, which ossifies later in vivo. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Response deprivation, reinforcement, and instrumental academic performance in an EMR classroom

The critical conditions for reinforcement specified by the Premack principle and the response deprivation hypothesis were compared in an academic setting. Four EMR children served as subjects and on-task math and reading were the dependent variables. Each child was presented with two schedules in a counterbalanced fashion using a withdrawal design. One of these schedules contained the variable of response deprivation while the other did not. For one pair of children, the schedules satisfied the appropriate probability differential specified by the Premack principle while the other pair's schedules did not. The results indicated increases of instrumental responding for all of the children when response deprivation was present but never when it was absent from a schedule. These results provided a systematic replication of recent applied research supporting the response deprivation hypothesis and were contrary to much previous research supporting the Premack principle.
Religion and the Morality of Positive Mentality

Previous research by Cohen and Rozin showed that Jews are much less moralizing of negative mental states than Protestants. Two alternative, theologically derived interpretations of this finding are that Jews, relative to Protestants: (a) are less attentive to both negative and positive mental states, or (b) are less attentive to negative mental states, but equally attentive to positive ones. In Studies 1 and 2, we presented Jewish and Protestant participants with vignettes about a person considering virtuous actions, and both groups gave a high degree of moral credit for such thoughts. In Study 3, we presented Jewish and Christian participants with 2 vignettes, 1 about a person considering a virtuous action and another about a different person considering an immoral action. Jews and Christians differed strongly in their moral evaluations of the person considering the immoral action, but were very similar in their moral evaluations of the person considering a virtuous action. Study 4 described an actor who...
Development of a bench station objective structured assessment of technical skills.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: We have previously shown that objective structured assessment of technical skills performed in an animal model was an innovative, reliable, and valid method of assessing surgical skills. Our goal was to develop a less costly bench station objective structured assessment of technical skills and to evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of this exam. METHODS: A seven-station examination was administered to 24 residents. The tests included laparoscopic procedures (salpingostomy, intracorporeal knot tying, closure of port sites) and open abdominal procedures (subcuticular closure, bladder neck suspension, repair of enterotomy, abdominal wall closure). All tasks were performed using life-like surgical models. Residents were timed and assessed at each station using three methods of scoring: a task-specific checklist, a global rating scale, and a pass/fail grade. RESULTS: Assessment of construct validity, the ability of the test to discriminate among residency levels, found significant differences on the checklist, global rating scale, time for procedures, and pass/fail grade by level of training. Reliability indices calculated with Cronbach’s ∝ were 0.77 for the checklists and 0.94 for the global rating scale. Overall interrater reliability indices were 0.91 for the global rating scale and 0.92 for the checklists. Total cost for replaceable parts and facilities was $1900. CONCLUSION: The less costly and more portable bench station objective structured assessment of technical skills can reliably and validly assess the surgical skills of gynecology residents. This type of examination can be a useful tool to identify residents who need additional surgical instruction, provide remediation, and may become a mechanism to certify surgical skill competence.
Designing Sound Scoring Criteria for Assessing Student Performance

Assessment of student performance has become a fundamental aspect of teaching and learning and a key task for engineering educators under new ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) engineering accreditation requirements. Assessment of performance also provides new challenges for many faculty. The purpose of this paper is to fill a void in the literature and assist faculty to meet part of the performance assessment development challenge. Specifically, this paper focuses on a critical feature of performance assessment—the development of scoring criteria. Straightforward guidelines for designing scoring criteria are provided from recent project experiences of the authors. Sample scoring criteria are also provided along with a concrete project example illustrating the development process in an engineering education context.
Effects of an observer on handwashing in a public restroom.

This experiment tests a prediction derived from social influence theories that increased awareness of self enhances normative behavior, specifically, that the frequency and duration of handwashing ...
Structure and properties of transition-metal-metalloid glasses based on refractory metals

The structure and properties of several new transition-metal-metalloid (${T}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{M}_{x}$) metallic glasses based on refractory transition metals (e.g., Mo, W, Ru, etc.) have been systematically investigated as a function of composition. The structure of the alloys has been investigated by x-ray diffraction methods and measurements of superconducting properties, electrical resistivity, density, hardness, and mechanical behavior were carried out. These data are used in developing a novel description of the structure of ${T}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{M}_{x}$ glasses. The experimental evidence suggests that an ideal amorphous phase forms at a specific composition ${x}_{c}$ and that this phase has a well-defined atomic short-range order. For metallic glasses having $xl{x}_{c}$ (metalloid poor glasses) "vacancylike" defects form, which are characterized by the excess volume which they contribute to the glass. Another, as yet unspecified defect appears to form in glasses with $xg{x}_{c}$. This novel picture can explain the variation of many properties of these glasses with metalloid concentration.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers

A taxonomically diverse set of single-stranded ribonucleic acid(ssRNA) viruses from four diverse viral families Arenaviridae,Bunyaviridae, Filoviridae, and Flaviviridae cause an acute systemic febrile syndrome called viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF). The syndrome produces combinations of prostration, malaise, increased vascular permeability, and coagulation maladies. In severe illness,VHF may include generalized bleeding but the bleeding does not typically constitute a life-threatening loss of blood volume. To a certain extent, it is a sign of damage to the vascular endothelium and is an indicator of disease severity in specific target organs. Although the viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever (HF) can productively replicate in endothelial cells, much of the disease pathology including impairment to the vascular system is thought to result primarily from the release of a variety of mediators from virus-infected cells, such as monocytes and macrophages that subsequently alter vascular function and trigger the coagulation disorders that epitomize these infections. While significant progress has been made over the last several years in dissecting out the molecular biology and pathogenesis of the HF viruses, there are currently no vaccines or drugs licensed available for most of the VHFs.
Design analysis, fabrication and testing of a parallel-kinematic micropositioning XY stage

This paper reports on a novel piezo-driven, parallel-kinematic, micropositioning XY stage. This monolithic design is comprised of parallelogram four-bar linkages, flexure hinges, and piezoelectric actuators. Kinematic and dynamic analysis shows that the mechanical structure of the stage has a large work space, high bandwidth and good linearity. The stage system was run in open-loop mode to measure the step response and frequency response. The results show that the resonation frequencies of the two vibration modes are 563 and 536 Hz and the damping ratios are 0.049 and 0.0228. Two fiber optic sensors were added to the system to build a closed-loop positioning system. Linear and circular contouring performance in closed-loop mode suggests high scanning performance for such parallel-kinematic stages. The positioning resolution of the stage, limited only by the feedback sensors used, is about 20 nm.
Worrisome Thoughts About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Brugada Waves and the Brugada Syndrome

The Brugadas have made a significant contribution to medicine. Their discovery of a new clinical syndrome and ECG abnormalities has created a great deal of interest and has opened Pandora’s box. Here, we discuss some worrisome thoughts about the condition. We stress the need for improved diagnostic criteria and treatment because it is not always possible to perform coronary arteriography, electrophysiological studies, right ventricular myocardial biopsy, and MRI in all patients in whom ST-segment abnormalities are seen in the ECG, especially in patients who are asymptomatic. Accordingly, further research is needed to guide the clinician in the diagnostic and therapeutic problems of patients who have unusual ST segments in leads V1 and V3. We present a patient who illustrates the problem.
Vetex detectors at e + e − B meson factories

The possible applications of high-resolution vertex detectors at B-meson factories based on e+ e− collisions are discussed with special emphasis on the different possible kinematics regions (γ[4S] resonance, boosted γ[4S] resonance and e+ e− continuum at\( \sqrt s \)∼(12÷20) GeV). The observability of B0-\(\overline B ^0 \) mixing as a function of the B-meson decay length is used to define the minimal requirements on the precision of a vertex detector system. Implications on the design of the detector as well as of the collider are investigated and the technological feasibility of the required spatial resolution is discussed.
The Outcome of Staphylococcal Bacteremia in Childhood "The Prognosis is Better Than Previously Reported"

Fifty infants and children were treated for staphylococcal infections complicated by bacteremia. Of these, 28 had serious underlying diseases, principally leukemia (15 cases). All were treated with intravenous antibiotics for a median duration of 12.7 days. Although 13 patients died (26%), the staphylococcal infection had apparently been eradicated in all but three (6%), one of whom died before treatment could be started. The relatively brief treatment periods required in even severely compromised leukemic patients and the survival of all but one of 22 previously healthy patients with staphylococcal bacteremia suggest that the prognosis is better than previously reported.
Implementation of Vector Floating-point processing unit on FPGAs for high performance computing

A vector floating point unit (VFPU) for high accuracy scientific computing is reported. The core module, a vector register file, is divided into eight lanes. One lane contains 16 vector registers, each including 16times32-bit elements, and is connected to a floating point adder and a floating point multiplier. A flag register is used to indicate the calculation sequence for the specific computing model. The prototype is implemented on Xilinx Virtex II Pro, and a peak performance of 3.020 GFLOPS at 188.768 MHz has been achieved.
Traffic and Interference Aware Scheduling for Multiradio Multichannel Wireless Mesh Networks

This paper proposes a scheduling scheme for wireless mesh networks that are capable of multiple channel access and equipped with multiple radio interfaces. The proposed scheme is interference and traffic aware in that it increases the overall achievable throughput of the network by eliminating the interference between the wireless mesh routers and maximizes the satisfaction ratios of all active sessions by accounting for the sessions' data rate requirements. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the Tabu-based scheduling scheme and yields good tradeoffs between the achievable throughput of the network and the satisfaction ratios of the sessions.
Design and analysis of a sensorless sliding mode flux observer for induction motor drives

The paper discusses the problem of state estimation for the induction motor (IM) drive and presents a Sliding Mode (SM) observer that is developed based on the IM model in the stationary reference frame. The observer is realized using only the measured motor voltages and currents and can be used to provide field orientation in a sensorless IM drive scheme. The observer estimates the stationary reference frame fluxes of the IM and is developed using switching (sliding mode) terms based on the current mismatches. The novelty is that the method uses an arbitrary speed signal to implement the observer rather than the real motor speed. The paper discusses the design of the feedback gains of the observer and shows the flux estimates obtained when the arbitrary speed signal is used. Convergence of the proposed estimator is analyzed using Lyapunov nonlinear stability methods. The theoretical development is supported by simulation results.
Faculty Teaching Diversity Through Difficult Dialogues: Stories of Challenges and Success

Teaching diversity courses in graduate preparation programs is likely to trigger difficult dialogues that evoke a range of emotional responses. Difficult dialogues on diversity topics must be managed effectively in order to enhance multicultural competence. This interpretive study examined the experiences of faculty who teach diversity courses in higher education programs. The findings highlight challenges experienced by faculty, as well as strategies for managing difficult dialogues.
ABC-MC: A simple multi-channel geographic forwarding scheme for wireless sensor networks

Improving throughput and delay is an important challenge in multi-hop wireless sensor networks. In this work, we propose ABC-MC, a simple multi-channel geographic forwarding scheme. ABC-MC is based on ABC which is a lightweight and reliable routing protocol where nodes do not need to set up or maintain routing/neighbor tables. A unique feature of ABC-MC is that it uses a channel prenegotiation mechanism to reduce delay. Another unique feature of ABC-MC is that it takes account of the channel usage information within three hops in channel selection to reduce interference. Experimental results show that ABC-MC outperforms other protocols in terms of the average delay and throughput performance.
Evaluation of lead-free eutectic Sn-Ag solder for automotive electronics packaging applications

This paper presents the evaluation results on the lead-free eutectic Sn-Ag solder for use in automotive electronics packaging applications. The major areas of study are the metallurgical interactions between the solder, the conductor, and the component termination, and their impact on reliability. Studies have been conducted with the eutectic Sn/Pb solder as a control group for comparison. >
The Economic Impact of Sports Stadium Construction: The Case of the Construction Industry in St. Louis, MO

This article examines the St. Louis construction industry’s employment with special attention given to the periods during which the Kiel Center and the Trans World Dome were being built. We analyze...
Anomaly-Based JPEG2000 Compression of Hyperspectral Imagery

Lossy compression of hyperspectral imagery is considered, with special emphasis on the preservation of anomalous pixels. In the proposed scheme, anomalous pixels are extracted before compression and replaced with interpolation from surrounding nonanomalous pixels. The image is then coded using principal component analysis for spectral decorrelation followed by JPEG2000. The anomalous pixels do not participate in this lossy compression and are rather transmitted separately in a lossless fashion. Upon decoding, the anomalous pixels are inserted back into the image. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme improves not only anomaly detection performed subsequent to decoding but also the rate-distortion performance of the lossy-compression process.
Cirrhosis and other hepatic lesions produced in dogs by thyroidectomy and by combined hypophysectomy and thyroidectomy.

1. The reactions of the dog's liver to ( a ) thyroidectomy and ( b ) both hypophysectomy and thyroidectomy are described. 2. Fatty changes of varying severity were detected in 8 of the 9 hypophysectomized-thyroidectomized dogs, hepatic fibrosis in 7, and severe cirrhosis in 4 animals of this group. Among the thyroidectomized animals histologically demonstrable fatty livers were present in all 8, mild fibrosis was observed in 4, while early and mild cirrhosis was diagnosed in only one dog. 3. Two pathogenetically distinct forms of cirrhosis were present in the livers of dogs with the two operations, namely ( a ) cirrhosis initiated and developing around the radicles of the hepatic veins, and ( b ) periportal cirrhosis. Both forms of cirrhosis occurred in dogs that were subjected to the same experimental procedures, and both forms could be found in the same liver. The pathogenesis of these two forms of cirrhosis is described. 4. The relation between fatty change in the liver and the genesis of fibrosis is discussed, and it is suggested that, while fatty change may facilitate the evocation of cirrhosis, this reaction on the part of the supporting and vascular elements of the liver is not solely dependent on the fatty change in the liver cells. 5. The relation between the endocrines and hepatic cirrhosis is discussed. Since cirrhosis was slight in the fatty livers of thyroidectomized dogs, whereas it was often advanced in hypophysectomized-thyroidectomized dogs, it is suggested that in the absence of the pituitary cirrhogenic mechanisms are facilitated in the dog.
Melting and Glass Transitions in Polyisobutylene

Abstract The purpose of this work was to investigate the crystallization behavior of uncompounded, unstressed polyisobutylene and butyl rubber. Glass transition data obtained during the work are also reported. The data were determined dilatometrically. The work was prompted by a literature survey which collected transition data on elastomers. It was found that crystallization information for polyisobutylene and butyl rubber was based largely on x-ray studies of these polymers under high elongation. In fact, it has been assumed generally that these polymers would crystallize only when highly oriented, as by stretching. Because of the resistance of polyisobutylene to ordering when in the unstressed state, no measurements of optimum crystallization temperature or melting temperature, Tm, have previously been reported. Information of this type is important because of its bearing on the mechanical behavior of a polymer. Many types of elastomers will crystallize readily if oriented by a large stress. However, o...
Design and testing of an 8.5 GHz polarization-sensitive grid power combiner at 500 kW CW

A power combiner using a polarization-sensitive quasi-optical grid has been designed to operate at 8.5 GHz and 1 MW CW (continuous wave). The CW radar at 8.5 GHz is operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Goldstone, California, for imaging planets and asteroids. The combiner has been successfully tested at 500 kW CW. The design and operating principle are discussed, and the evaluation facilities and instrumentation used in high-power testing are presented. >
Architectural and Management Schemes for Efficient Data Collection in Wireless Sensor Networks

In most applications of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), sensors are constrained in the amount of available energy and computation resources. Unlike traditional networks, protocols for sensor networks have to be designed with these constraints in mind. This paper proposes ARM, an ARchitectural and Management schemes for efficient data collection in WSNs. ARM employs a suite of distributed algorithms and pursues an integrated approach to network management. The sensor network is divided into cells to achieve scalability. The cells use a novel distributed medium arbitration scheme, which enables simultaneous collision-free data transmission. The predictable access allows nodes to stay in the sleep mode for the longest possible time and thus minimizes energy consumption.
Randomized methods for the number partitioning problem

Randomized versions of Karmarkar and Karp's differencing method are introduced for the Number Partitioning problem. The development of these methods and a discussion of their merits are presented. It is shown that these randomized heuristics consistently yield better solutions than those generated by the differencing method.
A Review of Pseudacteon (Diptera: Phoridae) That Parasitize Ants of the Solenopsis geminata Complex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Some phorid flies of the genus Pseudacteon Coquillett parasitize workers of Solenopsis geminata (F.) complex fire ants. The group is found to comprise at least 21 species of flies, of which 11 are new to science and described here: P. amuletum, P. andinus, P. annulus, P. catarinae, P. deltoides, P. hippeus, P. kungae, P. laticarinatus, P. palomita, P. quinni, and P. robustus. An identification key to the females is included. This expansion of known Pseudacteon species parasitizing the S. geminata complex makes it an interesting system for comparison with Pseudacteon flies that parasitize fire ants of the S. saevissima (Smith) complex.
NEW DATA ON THE GENUS DIADELOPLAX HOARE AND MAPES, 1995

CALYPTRAEA ANTIQUA Howse (1848, 1858), based upon a plate from the Permian of England, was included in the Polyplacophora. King (1850) questioned this assignment since Calyptraea is a gastropod. Kirkby (1859) placed C. antiquus (Howse) in the genus Chitonellus Lamarck, 1819 and described two new species from the Permian of England, C. hancockianus and C. distortus. Kirkby and Young (1867) described another taxon, C. subantiquus, from the Carboniferous of Scotland. Branson (1948) questioned the assignment of these species to the Polyplacophora. Smith and Hoare (1987) rejected them from the class. Kirkby also included other specimens in Chitonellus ; these are now assigned to the polyplacophoran Glyptochiton deKoninck, 1883. Geinitz (1861) followed the assignment of Kirkby and recognized three species using Kirkby's (1859) illustrations. Chitonellus and Calyptraea were described by Lamarck (1819) based upon modern taxa. Calyptraea is a gastropod belonging to the family Calyptraeidae and Citonellus is a junior subjective synonym of Cryptoplax, a Tertiary and Recent polyplacophoran (R. A. Van Belle, personal communication, 1999). The specimens described by Howse and Kirkby are definitely not polyplacophorans. This view is based on the shape of the plates, sutural laminae, and spines (Smith and Hoare, …
A human factors analysis of proactive support in human-robot teaming

It has long been assumed that for effective human-robot teaming, it is desirable for assistive robots to infer the goals and intents of the humans, and take proactive actions to help them achieve their goals. However, there has not been any systematic evaluation of the accuracy of this claim. On the face of it, there are several ways a proactive robot assistant can in fact reduce the effectiveness of teaming. For example, it can increase the cognitive load of the human teammate by performing actions that are unanticipated by the human. In such cases, even though the teaming performance could be improved, it is unclear whether humans are willing to adapt to robot actions or are able to adapt in a timely manner. Furthermore, misinterpretations and delays in goal and intent recognition due to partial observations and limited communication can also reduce the performance. In this paper, our aim is to perform an analysis of human factors on the effectiveness of such proactive support in human-robot teaming. We perform our evaluation in a simulated Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task, in which the efficacy of teaming is not only dependent on individual performance but also on teammates' interactions with each other. In this task, the human teammate is remotely controlling a robot while working with an intelligent robot teammate ‘Mary’. Our main result shows that the subjects generally preferred Mary with the ability to provide proactive support (compared to Mary without this ability). Our results also show that human cognitive load was increased with a proactive assistant (albeit not significantly) even though the subjects appeared to interact with it less.
Strategic Clustering and Competition by Alcohol Retailers: An Emperical Anlysis of Entry and Location Decisions

We develop and estimate a spatial game-theoretic model of entry and location choices to examine firms’ strategic clustering decisions. The model identifies two contradictory effects that determine firms’ geographical location choices: a competition effect and a clustering effect. We also separate firms’ strategic clustering incentives from the observed clustering behavior due to exogenous factors such as population and topographic desirability or constraints. In particular, we examine two closely related industries that share similar location limitations but have different strategic incentives to cluster, jointly estimate the Bayesian Nash equilibrium of a two-industry entry and location game, and quantify the strategic clustering incentives.
Mechanical Properties of a Human Eardrum at High Strain Rates After Exposure to Blast Waves

The mechanical properties of a human tympanic membrane (TM) or eardrum were characterized at high strain rates after multiple exposures to blast waves. Human cadaveric temporal bones were subjected to blast waves at first, then TM strip specimens were prepared either along the radial or the circumferential direction. A highly sensitive miniature split Hopkinson tension bar was used for tensile experiments on the human eardrum strip specimens at high strain rates. The mechanical properties of the human TMs before and after exposure to blast waves were compared and discussed. The mechanical properties in the time-domain were subsequently converted to the corresponding properties in the frequency domain to investigate the effect of blast waves on the viscoelastic properties. The results indicate that the blast waves have different effects on the mechanical properties in the radial and circumferential directions. After exposure to the overpressure induced by the blast waves, the mechanical behavior in the radial direction in general becomes stiffened, while it is weakened in the circumferential direction. The results could be analyzed further in an ear simulation model to develop understanding of the effect of blast waves on hearing loss.
Evaluating published approaches for modelling diameter at breast height from stump dimensions

We aggregate and summarize published equation forms for predicting diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) from stump diameters, which have rarely been compared within and between regions. Equations differ by the number and type of predictors and forms of conditioning such that predictions match expectations as stump height approaches breast height. We select four equation forms published for species common to North American cool-temperate tolerant hardwood forests and test them, using published and localized coefficients with a large independent dataset. We compare the predictive strengths of different forms using regression-based equivalence testing and the financial ramifications of selecting one form over another. Predictions of d.b.h., volume and value are made for four harvested stands using each equation with published and localized coefficients. We find that most equations that predict d.b.h. from stump diameter do so quite accurately. However, equations that include stump height as a predictor are superior. There are significant financial differences between valuation of predictions of removals made with different equation forms and predictions made with published and localized coefficients. Further gains in predicting breast height from stump dimensions may come through application of a neiloid form and a whole-tree taper equation.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Cytomegalovirus Towne-BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) Isolate Maintained in Escherichia coli for 10 Years and Then Serially Passaged in Human Fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a cytomegalovirus, the Towne-BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) isolate, which was maintained in bacterial cells for 10 years and then serially passaged in human fibroblasts for 10 passages. A total of 132 nucleotide differences were discovered in the Towne sequence compared to the reference sequence (GenBank accession no. AC146851).
Personnel and Training Problems in Statistics

(1947). Personnel and Training Problems in Statistics. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 54, No. 9, pp. 525-528.
Release of Folate by Rat Liver and Spleen Slices

1. The effects of rat plasma and chicken pancreas have been appraised concerning their role in releasing bound folate from rat liver and spleen slices in vitro. Net changes in folate concentration of the bathing solution have been determined by bacteriologic assay employing L. casei as the test organism. 2. Both rat plasma and chicken pancreas extract enhance the release of folate from liver slices in comparison with saline controls. Rat plasma was as effective in liberating bound folate from liver as a 1:25 dilution of conventionally-prepared chicken pancreas extract. The evidence suggests that a considerable portion of liver folate exists in an insoluble form which is bound to cellular structures. 3. Mature red cells appeared to be impermeable to high concentrations of natural folate released from liver. 4. Spleen slices released folate to the supernatant fluid when incubated with chicken pancreas extract, although at levels approximately one-tenth as great as liver slices. When spleen slices were incubated for short periods with plasma, evidence was obtained favoring a flux of folate into surviving cells.
A biomass-based leaf curve model for rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)

Leaf is one of the essential photosynthetic organs of rapeseed(Brassica napus L.).In order to quantify the relationship between the leaf curve for rapeseed on main stem and the corresponding leaf biomass,the field experiments on varieties,transplanting densities,and fertilization levels were conducted in 2011 to 2012,and 2012 to 2013.By measuring leaf length,leaf tangent angle,leaf bowstring angle,and leaf bowstring length for rapeseed in various treatments,the biological significance of curvilinear equation for straight leaf was analysed,and the straight leaf probability model for rapeseed was developed.The relationship between leaf curvature and the corresponding leaf biomass was quantified,and the leaf curve model was constructed based on the assumption and verification of curvilinear equation for curved leaf.Because of the different trends in the normalized leaf ranks {(0,0.4],and(0.4,1]},the straight leaf probability of rapeseed on main stem could be quantified with piecewise function.The leaf curvature decreased with the increase of leaf blade biomass,and could be described with reciprocal function.The linear equation could be used to simulate the curve of straight leaf,and quadratic function for the curved leaf.The results showed that the model had a good performance and reliability for predicting straight leaf probability and leaf curvature using independent experiment data.
Breeding status of high-quality inbred conventional rice varieties in Guangxi and its developing strategy

From 2000 to 2011,50 high-quality conventional rice varieties were bred in Guangxi and validated by examining the relevant grain quality,yield,resistance,etc.,in order to analyze the existing problems in the current Guangxi rice breeding field,such as the low amylase content in the already improved grain varieties.As a result,a series of excellent quality and high yield aromatic rice varieties were developed,such as Guangxiang 1,Sanxiang 628,Guixiang 3,Liufengxiangzan,Jiafuxiang 1,Zhaoxiang 1,etc.In the recent 3 years(2009-2011),the quality and yield of conventional rice showed significant improvement as the average annual yield reached over 6600 kg/ha;despite the improvements,the rice varieties still exhibit poor disease resistance and the industry showed little progress in developing disease resistance varieties.From now on,in accordance with the rice market demand,the production industries should choose the rice varieties with long grain type,high gel consistency,intermediate to low amylase content,and low chalkiness as the main targeted breeding varieties.The existing domestic and foreign rice varieties with intermediate amylose content and other various excellent characteristics could be used directly or indirectly as cross-breeding parents.Using the course long grain as the breeding standard,improving the 1000-grain weight could further enhance the quality of conventional rice yield.By increasing capital investment,improving breeding technology,and enhancing the resistance in breeding varieties,the breeding industries could develop modern biological technology in excellent conventional rice breeding application.
Erythroid and nonerythroid spectrins

Recent developments have contributed important information to understanding the role of spectrins in the RBC membrane skeleton and nonerythroid cells. Many questions can now be framed, informed by structural knowledge of various spectrin subunit types and alternatively spliced variants, that previously could not have been addressed. Their solution in the coming years will likely lead to further advances with direct relevance to biology and medicine.
Why the Political World is Flat: An Endogenous Left-Right Spectrum in Multidimensional Political Conflict

Multidimensional models of elections as preference aggregators often exhibit no equilibrium. This paper analyzes multidimensional politics within a model of information aggregation, where equilibrium always exists. Logical correlations across issues induce voter opinions that can be meaningfully summarized by a one-dimensional measure of ideology, ranging from liberal to conservative. Such correlations also orient political discourse so that, of the infinite number of ways to divide the electorate, only two can occur in equilibrium. One of these aggregates information more efficiently, and is therefore likely to be focal. However, well-known claims that political issues are bundled sub-optimally can be plausibly interpreted in the context of the inferior equilibrium. In either case, reducing complex issues to a single dimension makes information loss inevitable.
Distribution and content of renin and renin mRNA in remnant kidney of adult rat

To determine whether kidney hypertrophy secondary to reduction of renal mass affects the intrarenal distribution and concentration of renin mRNA and its protein, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied 4 wk after sham operation (Sham, n = 10), uninephrectomy (UNX, n = 14), or five-sixths nephrectomy (5/6 NX, n = 12). Left kidney weight-to-body weight ratio (x10(3)) was higher in 5/6 NX (6.6 +/- 0.2) than in UNX (4.5 +/- 0.2) or Sham (3.8 +/- 0.1) groups (P < 0.001). The percentage of juxtaglomerular apparatuses (%JGA) containing renin was lower in 5/6 NX (32 +/- 5) than in UNX (56 +/- 2, P < 0.001) or Sham (50 +/- 1, P < 0.05) groups. Renal renin mRNA concentrations (pg renin mRNA/microgram total RNA) detected by radiodensitometric renin mRNA dot-blot assay were lower in 5/6 NX (1.8 +/- 0.3) than in UNX (13.2 +/- 1) or Sham (14.2 +/- 1.1, P < 0.001). In situ hybridization histochemistry demonstrated that in all groups of rats renin mRNA was confined to the JGA. However, the hybridization signals (grains/JGA) were less intense in 5/6 NX (211 +/- 24) than in UNX (486 +/- 35) or Sham (541 +/- 40) groups (P < 0.001). Renal renin concentration (ng angiotensin I.mg protein-1.h-1) tended to be lower in 5/6 NX (20 +/- 15) than in UNX (44 +/- 7.8) or Sham (60.8 +/- 10) groups. In addition, plasma renin activity (ng.ml-1.h-1) was lower in 5/6 NX (3.8 +/- 0.6) than in UNX (8.8 +/- 1.8, P < 0.05) or Sham (14.3 +/- 2, P < 0.001) groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A distributed algorithm with an arbitrary initialization for solving a linear algebraic equation

A consensus-based distributed algorithm is described for solving a linear algebraic equation. Unlike a previously proposed algorithm for solving the same problem, the one proposed in this paper does so with any arbitrary initialization. In addition, the algorithm contains design parameters which may be chosen to optimize convergence rate.
The S.M.A.R.T Strategy to Recruiting and Retaining High School Coaches

This article discusses the S.M.A.R.T. strategy for recruiting and retaining quality high school coaches. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Scouting, Mentoring and Coaching, Appreciation, Rating, and Time. Scouting addresses how one goes about locating and hiring quality coaches. Mentoring and Coaching addresses how to develop the coach within the specific school and organizational culture. Multiple studies show that employees who feel appreciated are more likely to remain at their jobs and be more effective. Rating addresses how to evaluate the performance of coaches. Finally, time addresses the understanding that developing a quality coach takes patience and a long-term commitment. Combining these five elements provides a comprehensive pathway for the athletic director to make an informed hiring decision, and to develop and retain a valued athletic department resource.
Big Data--Conceptual Modeling to the Rescue

Big data is characterized by volume, variety, velocity, and veracity. We should expect conceptual modeling to provide some answers since its historical perspective has always been about structuring information--making its volume searchable, harnessing its variety uniformly, mitigating its velocity with automation, and checking its veracity with application constraints. We provide perspectives about how conceptual modeling can "come to the rescue" for many big-data applications by handling volume and velocity with automation, by inter-conceptual-model transformations for mitigating variety, and by conceptualized constraint checking for increasing veracity.