cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of glucocorticoids on responsiveness of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone to gonadotropin-releasing hormone by male rat pituitary cells in vitro.

To determine if the inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids on GnRH-stimulated secretion of LH observed in male rats in vivo are exerted directly on the pituitary, dispersed pituitary cells from adult male rats were treated with 60 or 600 ng/ml cortisol (F) or corticosterone (B) during one or two 48-h incubations. Control cells received no glucocorticoids. During the second 48 h, some cells from each group were treated with GnRH (2.4 × 1011–6.2 × 10−8 m). Concentrations of LH and FSH in media and cells were measured by RIA. Treatment with steroids had no effect on basal secretion or maximal GnRHstimulated secretion of LH, or on maximal secretion of FSH. Treatment with 600 ng/ml B for 96 h increased basal secretion of FSH relative to controls. All treatments with glucocorticoids increased the slopes of the GnRH dose-response curves for both LH and FSH, cell content of LH, total (cells + medium) LH, and total FSH. Incubation with 6 μg/ml F or B or 60 ng/ml dexamethasone gave similar results. Decreasing the ti...
Simulation of voice over MPLS communication networks

This paper presents analytical models for voice over IP with applications on multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) networks. Models are developed to measure the efficiency of the voice packets transmission over IP. For handling delay-sensitive packets such as voice packets, the voice back-bone of the systems to be analyzed eliminates the use of buffers on voice traffic. The network node models presented in this paper support the quality of service (QoS) requirements and traffic engineering standards supported by MPLS. The performance results in terms of voice delay and blocking probability are presented.
Understanding multifactorial influences on the continuum of maternal weight trajectories in pregnancy and early postpartum: study protocol, and participant baseline characteristics

Maternal and offspring immediate and long-term health are affected by pregnancy weight gain and maternal weight. This study was designed to determine feasibility of: 1) recruiting a socio-economically and racially/ethnically diverse sample of pregnant women into a longitudinal observational study, including consenting the women for serial biologic specimen evaluations; 2) implementing comprehensive assessments (including biologic, anthropometric, behavioral, cognitive/psychosocial and socio-demographic, and cultural measures) at multiple time points over the study period, including collecting biologic specimens at planned and unplanned pregnancy delivery times; and 3) retaining the sample for one year into the postpartum period. Additionally, the study will provide preliminary data of associations among hypothesized predictors, mediators and moderators of pregnancy and post-partum maternal and infant weight trajectories. The study was conceptualized under a Biopsychosocial Model using a lifespan approach. Study protocol and baseline characteristics are described.
Paying the Price for Late Starts and Early Stops: Racial and Sex Disparities in HIV-Related Mortality

It is well documented that black and Hispanic individuals are significantly overrepresented among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and/or AIDS in the United States. Equally concerning is the fact that black individuals who are infected with HIV, compared with their white counterparts, have a higher mortality rate and shorter time to death after HIV diagnosis. After the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996, AIDSrelated mortality decreased significantly until 1998, at which point it leveled off, remaining essentially unchanged through 2005. The percentage of decrease was smallest for black individuals, particularly black women, who experienced a 44% decrease, compared with a 79% decrease among white men [1]. In 2007, 9436 black or Hispanic individuals died as a result of HIV-related disease; this is more than double the number of white individuals who died of such causes in the same year [2]. Eighty-four percent of white patients survived 136 months after
TRANSITIVITY ALTERNATIONS IN L2 ACQUISITION Toward a Modular View of Transfer

This experimental study on English, Spanish, and Turkish as second languages investigates the interaction of universal principles and L1 knowledge in interlanguage grammars by focusing on verbs that participate in the causative/inchoative alternation (such as break in English). These verbs have the same lexico-semantic composition, but differ crosslinguistically as to how they encode the alternation morphologically. Results of a picture judgment task show that, as in L1 acquisition, L2 learners of Turkish, Spanish, and English with different L1s rely on a universal mechanism when learning transitivity alternations. L1 influence plays a prominent role in the morphological realization of the alternation. These findings suggest that UG and L1 knowledge may not affect all linguistic domains in the same way at a given stage of development. It is proposed that transfer is subject to modularity in interlanguage grammars.
The epidermal disorder in lichen planus: an in vitro study.

SUMMARY The epidermal component of lichen planus seems to result from a continuous process of erosion of the basal zone, and repopulation of the ‘wounded’ area by cells from nearby uninvolved epidermis. In order to investigate these migrating cells further, we have studied tissue slices from forty papules of lichen planus derived from twenty-nine patients. The tissue slices were cultured for periods of 24 or 48 h. Marked migration of fusiform and spindle-shaped cells into the eroded dermo-epidermal zone appeared to have taken place. In general, the changes represented an exaggeration of those usually present in vivo. Cytochalasin B, in concentrations of 5 μg/ml or greater in the culture medium, prevented cell migration. This effect, and the fact that autoradiographic studies showed few cells to be synthesizing DNA, suggested that cell migration took place by movement rather than by mitotic activity. Lichen planus (LP) seems unusual in that, although there is destruction in the basal generative layer, there is at the same time epidermal thickening. A recent study by Marks, Black & Wilson Jones (1973) has produced evidence suggesting that kcratinocytes migrate into the LP lesion from nearby uninvolved epidermis, and then repopulate the damaged basal zone in an attempt at healing the ‘microwound’ due to the erosive LP process. We have tried to learn more about these epidermal changes, by studying in vitro tissue slices from LP papules. During this study we have made observations that we believe support the concept that the epidermal changes in LP are a mixture of continuous damage and of attempts at repopulation by migrating epidermal cells.
Automatically detecting criminal identity deception: an adaptive detection algorithm

Identity deception, specifically identity concealment, is a serious problem encountered in the law enforcement and intelligence communities. In this paper, the authors discuss techniques that can automatically detect identity deception. Most of the existing techniques are experimental and cannot be easily applied to real applications because of problems such as missing values and large data size. The authors propose an adaptive detection algorithm that adapts well to incomplete identities with missing values and to large datasets containing millions of records. The authors describe three experiments to show that the algorithm is significantly more efficient than the existing record comparison algorithm with little loss in accuracy. It can identify deception having incomplete identities with high precision. In addition, it demonstrates excellent efficiency and scalability for large databases. A case study conducted in another law enforcement agency shows that the authors' algorithm is useful in detecting both intentional deception and unintentional data errors
Febrile seizures: an update

This review focuses on the latest knowledge and understanding of febrile seizures and outlines the more important issues in the management of children who present with an apparent "febrile seizure". It is not the remit of this paper to discuss the detailed management of febrile seizures. Throughout this review, the words "partial" and "focal" will be used interchangeably and the term "febrile seizure" (FS) will be used, reflecting the proposed changes in the terminology of seizures and epilepsies.1
Experimental cold modification of cranio-facial morphology.

A possible relationship between cranio-facial form and growth under cold stress was investigated through a control group (N=17)—experimental group (N=14) comparison. Two groups of young rats were exposed to 90 days of 22°C and 5°C temperatures respectively. Methods of analysis included measurement of overall bodily dimensions as well as detailed examination of the cleaned, dried skulls and femora. Statistical comparison of the cold and non-cold grown rats showed a number of highly significant mean differences; particularly a narrower nose, rounder neurocranium, and shorter femur was seen in the cold stressed animals. Human anatomical homologs were briefly noted as were their possible genetic and ontogenetic causes.
Continuous models of transportation and location revisited

It is clear where one can go from here: production of commodities from resources that are either localized (land and immobile labor) or mobile (capital, intermediate goods, and mobile labor) may be introduced explicitly; and special cases may be solved such as the von Thunen economy with one distinguished center and radial symmetry of all activities with respect to that center; or a Launhardt-Losch economy with a set of market centers serving hexagonal (or differently shaped) market areas. In this way the continuous flow analysis may be firmly embedded in both classical and modern location theory.
Mapping a semantic database model to the relational model

The connection between semantic database models and the relational model is formally investigated using the Iris Data Model, which has been implemented using relational database techniques. The results focus on properties of relational schemas that are translations of Iris schemas. Two new types of constraints, cross-product constraints and multiplicity constraints are introduced to characterize the relational translations of Iris schemas. The connection established between Iris and relational schemas also yields new, unexpected information about Iris schemas. In particular, a notion of equivalence of Iris schemas is defined using their relational translations, and a result is obtained on simplifying the type structure of Iris schemas.
It’s a Trap! Instructional Manipulation Checks Prompt Systematic Thinking on “Tricky” Tasks

Instructional manipulation checks (IMCs) have become popular tools for identifying inattentive participants in online studies. IMCs function by attempting to trick inattentive participants into responding incorrectly. However, from a conversational perspective, question characteristics are part of the researcher’s contribution to the conversation, and IMCs may teach participants that there is “more than meets the eye,” prompting systematic thinking on subsequent tricky-seeming questions in an attempt to avoid being tricked. In two online studies, participants responded to a simple task either before or after completing an IMC. As expected, answering an IMC prior to the task improved performance on items that benefit from increased systematic thinking—namely, the Cognitive Reflection Test (Study 1), and a probabilistic reasoning task (Study 2). We conclude that IMCs change attention rather than merely measure attention and discuss implications for their use in online studies.
Intercepting and instrumenting COM applications

Binary standard object models, such as Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) enable the development of not just reusable components, but also an incredible variety of useful component services through run-time interception of binary standard interfaces. Interception of binary components can be used for conformance testing, debugging, profiling, transaction management, serialization and locking, cross-standard middleware interoperability, automatic distributed partitioning, security enforcement, clustering, just-in-time activation, and transparent component aggregation. We describe the implementation of an interception and instrumentation system tested on over 300 COM binary components, 700 unique COM interfaces, 2 million lines of code, and on 3 major commercial-grade applications including Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000. The described system serves as the foundation for the Coign Automatic Distributed Partitioning System (ADPS), the first ADPS to automatically partition and distribute binary applications. While the techniques described in this paper were developed specifically for COM, they have relevance to other object models with binary standards, such as individual CORBA implementations.
Development of multiple IQ maps for use in the selection of inpatriate managers: a practical theory

The rate of expansion into the global marketplace by multinational corporations has begun to accelerate at a pace where international human resource managers are unable to meet the demand for managers to serve in global assignments. This shortage of qualified managers is exacerbated by a number of societal trends, such as, dual-career professional couples, increased number of high qualified female executives who have not been used extensively in international assignments in the past, and the changing format and sequencing of the overseas assignments beyond the traditional single 3–5 year assignment term. The complexity of global management tasks is increasing requiring multi-talented managers capable of acting as knowledge-integrating boundary-spanners in global network organizations. Inpatriate managers (i.e., host-/third-country nationals relocated to the home organization on a semi-permanent to permanent basis) have been identified as a potential pool of global managers to complement the supply of expatriates for emerging markets. This paper develops a means for selectinginpatriate manag ers based on a multiple IQ approach that attempts to match the inpatriate managers’ portfolio of abilities with the type of assignments that they might have in global organizations. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Lateral membrane LXA4 receptors mediate LXA4's anti-inflammatory actions on intestinal epithelium.

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and its stable analogs downregulate chemokine secretion in polarized epithelia. This anti-inflammatory effect has been suggested to be mediated by the LXA4receptor (LXA4R), a G pr...
PSpice for Circuit Theory and Electronic Devices

PSpice for Circuit Theory and Electronic Devices is one of a series of five PSpice books and introduces the latest Cadence Orcad PSpice version 10.5 by simulating a range of DC and AC exercises. It is aimed primarily at those wishing to get up to speed with this version but will be of use to high school students, undergraduate students, and of course, lecturers. Circuit theorems are applied to a range of circuits and the calculations by hand after analysis are then compared to the simulated results. The Laplace transform and the s-plane are used to analyze CR and LR circuits where transient signals are involved. Here, the Probe output graphs demonstrate what a great learning tool PSpice is by providing the reader with a visual verification of any theoretical calculations. Series and parallel-tuned resonant circuits are investigated where the difficult concepts of dynamic impedance and selectivity are best understood by sweeping different circuit parameters through a range of values. Obtaining semiconductor device characteristics as a laboratory exercise has fallen out of favour of late, but nevertheless, is still a useful exercise for understanding or modelling semiconductor devices. Inverting and non-inverting operational amplifiers characteristics such as gain-bandwidth are investigated and we will see the dependency of bandwidth on the gain using the performance analysis facility. Power amplifiers are examined where PSpice/Probe demonstrates very nicely the problems of cross-over distortion and other problems associated with power transistors. We examine power supplies and the problems of regulation, ground bounce, and power factor correction. Lastly, we look at MOSFET device characteristics and show how these devices are used to form basic CMOS logic gates such as NAND and NOR gates.
An edge-oriented progressive image coding

An edge-oriented progressive image coding scheme using a hierarchical edge extraction is presented. This scheme is based on the two-component model, that is, edges and smooth component. We introduce searching near an approximate location algorithm for the edge extraction to avoid detecting spurious edges, thus, one can reproduce a primary image which conveys a general grasp of the scene while achieving the compression ratios as high as 250:1 for a head-and-shoulder image. By adding the smooth component to the primary image, we obtain acceptable quality images at the compression ratios over 60:1. It is shown through the simulations that the proposed scheme results in performance improvements over MPEG-2 I-picture coding in terms of both the subjective quality and signal-to-noise ratio. The main contributors of the performance improvement are: (1) a compact representation of the edge information using a hierarchical edge extraction and (2) a residual coding with a variable block size discrete cosine transform (DCT) employing an edge-based block segmentation.
Comments on "General Fourier solution and causality in attenuating media" by R.E. Duren

For original paper, see IEEE Trans. Electromagn. Compat., vol.35, no.1, p.43-8 (1994). When applying mathematics to physical problems one must satisfy the mathematical axioms and in addition the physical laws. Neither the mathematical axioms nor the physical laws can be listed comprehensively, but one does not need to concern oneself too much with mathematical axioms as long as one does not make a mathematical mistake. The physical laws must be introduced into a mathematical model of a physical process, which implies that one must know which physical laws are important in any particular case and one must be sure to actually introduce them. Confusion is caused by the practice of using physical sounding terms in applied mathematics. For instance, R.E. Duren calls a function of time "causal" if it is zero for values of the time variable below a certain threshold. No law prevents one from doing so, but such "causal" functions have no evident connection with the causality law of physics and no results about physical causality should be derived from them. How does one know that the causality law is a physical law that has to be introduced and not a mathematical axiom that is satisfied as long as one calculates correctly? To answer this question the present author considers the causality law in the following form: every effect requires a sufficient cause that occurred a finite time earlier (Harmuth, 1993). The use of the term "time" shows that one is dealing with a physical concept. Pure mathematics has no time variable or spatial variable but it has complex variables. >
The Kullback-Leibler information divergence for continuous time systems using white noise theory

We derive an expression for the Kullback-Leibler information divergence (KLID) for outputs of continuous time stochastic linear systems using finitely additive white noise theory. We consider primarily the finite time horizon case, but present a steady state result that is convenient for computations.
Role of intracellular Ca2+ in stimulation-induced increases in transmitter release at the frog neuromuscular junction.

Under conditions of reduced quantal content, repetitive stimulation of a presynaptic nerve can result in a progressive increase in the amount of transmitter released by that nerve in response to stimulation. At the frog neuromuscular junction, this increase in release has been attributed to four different processes: first and second components of facilitation, augmentation, and potentiation (e.g., Zengel, J. E., and K. L. Magleby. 1982. Journal of General Physiology. 80:583-611). It has been suggested that an increased entry of Ca2+ or an accumulation of intraterminal Ca2+ may be responsible for one or more of these processes. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the role of intracellular Ca2+ in mediating changes in end-plate potential (EPP) amplitude during and after repetitive stimulation at the frog neuromuscular junction. We found that increasing the extracellular Ca2+ concentration or exposing the preparation to carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, ionomycin, or cyclopiazonic acid all led to a greater increase in EPP amplitude during conditioning trains of 10-200 impulses applied at a frequency of 20 impulses/s. These experimental manipulations, all of which have been shown to increase intracellular levels of Ca2+, appeared to act by increasing primarily the augmentation component of increased release. The results of this study are consistent with previous suggestions that the different components of increased release represent different mechanisms, and that Ca2+ may be acting at more than one site in the nerve terminal.
The phase relationship between gyrophase-bunched ions and MHD-like waves

Recent calculations and computer simulations of the right-hand resonant ion beam instability have indicated that gyrophase-bunched ion distributions may be generated as a first step in the disruption of field-aligned beams. Theory predicts a distinct phase angle relationship between the gyrovelocity of the phase-bunched ions and the wave magnetic field. In this paper, observations of such a relationship between gyrophase-bunched ions and MHD-like waves upstream from the Earth's bow shock are presented. The observed phases are in accord with the theoretical predictions of the right-hand resonant ion beam instability.
Modeling vegetation and land use in models of the Earth System

Land surface modeling was invented to represent the atmosphere's lower boundary over continental areas in climate models. Mass, momentum, and energy cross this boundary via biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes often involving plants. Scientific research with models and in the field strives to refine how the changing face of the land interacts with climate change. Discussed here are methods by which we simulate the vegetation and land use in global models and ways by which vegetation and land use affect climate. Model simulations suggest that global land cover changes due to land use play a greater role in affecting 20th- and 21st-century climate than changes in unmanaged vegetation. Among the biogeochemical and biogeophysical effects of land use, biogeochemical ones seem to dominate and enhance 20th- and 21st- century warming. Among the effects of natural vegetation, the positive biogeophysical snow-vegetation-albedo feedback of the high latitudes is expected to increasingly influence global climate in response to increasing vegetation density. Still, human or natural disturbances and other not well-understood processes may alter expected outcomes. Interactive nitrogen is one of the newer additions to our models. Nitrogen is found to buffer the terrestrial biosphere's response to forcings, such as changing CO2 or climate. We still have much to learn about nitrogen's role in the Earth System. Yet, if land use dominates the effects of land cover change on climate, then human behavior will be our greatest uncertainty, which includes management choices that are not easy to predict, such as urbanization, deforestation and afforestation, crop expansion or abandonment, as well as crop rotation, irrigation, and fertilization. WIREs Clim Change 2010 1 840–856 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.83 This article is categorized under: Climate Models and Modeling > Earth System Models Climate Models and Modeling > Model Components Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Integrated Assessment Modeling
Tocopherol Distribution in Milk Fractions and Its Relation to Antioxidant Activitya

SUMMARY Studies were made of the distribution of tocopherol between the lipid in the fat globule membrane and inside the milk fat globule, and the relation of that distribution to the loss of tocopherol during lipid oxidation. Two fractionation procedures were used, one based on churning of cream, the other on washing cream by repeated dilution with sucrose-saline solution and separation, followed by treatment with sodium deoxycholate. The tocopherol concentration was at least three times higher in the lipid of the fat globule membrane than inside the fat globule. During lipid oxidation, the tocopherol associated with the fat globule membrane was lost more rapidly. The results demonstrated that, in determining the oxidative stability of milk, the membrane tocopherol is more important than that inside the fat globule.
Antioxidant activities of buckwheat extracts

The antioxidant activities of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) extracts were evaluated and compared with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) using a β-carotene bleaching assay, a 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the Rancimat method. Buckwheat was extracted with solvents of different polarities. The methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity coefficient (AAC) of 627 ± 40.0 at 200 mg/l by the β-carotene bleaching method and longest induction time of 7.0 ± 0.2 h by the Rancimat method. The acetone extract showed the highest total phenolics of 3.4 ± 0.1 g catechin equivalents/100 g and the highest scavenging activity of 78.6 ± 6.2% at 0.1 mg/ml by the DPPH method. The properties of the extracting solvents significantly affected the yield, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of buckwheat extract.
An actuator for the tactile vest - a torso-based haptic device

Our goal is to design a robust, versatile actuator for a Tactile Vest, a wearable device that provides haptic feedback to the torso. The technology we propose to use as the actuator for this device is Nitinol, a shape memory alloy (SMA). Nitinol is capable of generating large stresses and strains, but is small and flexible and able to fit in the thin, dynamic workspace of a vest. In experimental tests conducted on the SMA, a pulse 1 A in amplitude and 1 s in duration produced an average displacement of 3.7 mm and peak pressures about 20 times the touch threshold for the torso. These results indicate promise in using Nitinol to create a torso-based haptic device that can generate a wide range of stimuli, yet is comfortable to the point of being invisible to the user until a stimulus occurs.
Local bone graft harvesting and volumes in posterolateral lumbar fusion: a technical report.

Abstract Background context In lumbar surgery, local bone graft is often harvested and used in posterolateral fusion procedures. The volume of local bone graft available for posterolateral fusion has not been determined in North American patients. Some authors have described this as minimal, but others have suggested the volume was sufficient to be reliably used as a stand-alone bone graft substitute for single-level fusion. Purpose To describe the technique used and determine the volume of local bone graft available in a cohort of patients undergoing single-level primary posterolateral fusion by the authors harvesting technique. Study design Technical description and cohort report. Patient sample Consecutive patients undergoing lumbar posterolateral fusion with or without instrumentation for degenerative processes. Outcome measure Local bone graft volume. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing lumbar posterolateral fusion with or without instrumentation for degenerative processes of were studied. Local bone graft was harvested by a standard method in each patient and the volume measured by a standard procedure. Results Twenty-five patients were studied, and of these 11 (44%) had a previous decompression. The mean volume of local bone graft harvested was measured to be 25 cc (range, 12–36 cc). Local bone graft was augmented by iliac crest bone in six of 25 patients (24%) if the posterolateral fusion bed was not well packed with local bone alone. There was a trend to greater local bone graft volumes in men and in patients without previous decompression. Conclusion Large volumes of local bone can be harvested during posterolateral lumbar fusion surgery. Even in patients with previous decompression the volume harvested is similar to that reported harvested from the posterior iliac crest for single-level fusion.
Optimum Filters for Second- and Third-Order Phase-Locked Loops by an Error-Function Criterion

The advantages of a third-order phase-locked loop for FM television is considered here. The bandwidth is maintained small and since the operation is generally at frequencies small compared to the bandwidth, the criterion is to keep error as small as possible in this frequency range. A study is made by comparing second- and third-order phase-locked loops designed from Wiener filtering theory, as advanced by Jaffe and Rechtin [1]; considerable improvement in error is evident using a third-order phase-locked loop for frequencies up to about one-twentieth of the bandwidth. To improve the error function still further, a new error-function criterion is established whereby the error at the lower frequencies of interest is minimized. Such a minimum is obtained for both second- and third-order phase-locked loops. Transfer function behavior, transient response, and root locus plots of all these cases are given to emphasize the advantages of this new design. Error is reduced up to six decibels with no degradation of transient response, overshoot, etc. It is shown that the bandwidth can be reduced without increasing the error if the filter designed by this new criterion is used.
Protective Effects of Immunization with a Recombinant Cyst Antigen in Mouse Models of Infection with Toxoplasma gondii Tissue Cysts

A portion of the major Toxoplasma gondii tissue cyst antigen (MAG1) was expressed in bacteria as a fusion to glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the purified fusion protein (rMAG1) was used to immunize mice in an attempt to induce protective immunity against challenge with live cysts from the T. gondii ME49 strain. Sixty percent of mice immunized with rMAG1 and challenged with 500 cysts of the T. gondii ME49 strain survived, while only 20% of mice immunized with GST alone survived, suggesting a protective effect specific to the MAG1 portion of the recombinant protein. In a model of chronic infection with ME49 cysts, rMAG1-immunized mice had significantly fewer cerebral cysts and reduced inflammation in the brain compared with mice immunized with GST alone.
Surface region damage of machined inconel-718 nickel-base superalloy using natural and controlled contact length tools

Abstract The effect of cutting speed and chip-tool contact length on the surface integrity of Inconel-718 nickel-base superalloy machined under both dry and lubricated orthogonal conditions is investigated. The surface and surface region of machined workpieces are examined using a wide variety of diagnos tic techniques. The results of the investigation show that a wide variety of geometrical surface features (damage) are generated. The results also show that a plastically deformed surface region is generated that contains variations in microstructure and residual stress. The quality of the machined surface improved significantly at high cutting speeds with tools having controlled contact lengths. The results of the investigation are interpreted in terms of the interaction between the chip and tool interface and that between the tool cutting edge region and the freshly machined workpiece surface and in terms of the variation in the tool forces with cutting conditions.
Learning the sparse representation for classification

In this work, we propose a novel supervised matrix factorization method used directly as a multi-class classifier. The coefficient matrix of the factorization is enforced to be sparse by l 1 -norm regularization. The basis matrix is composed of atom dictionaries from different classes, which are trained in a jointly supervised manner by penalizing inhomogeneous representations given the labeled data samples. The learned basis matrix models the data of interest as a union of discriminative linear subspaces by sparse projection. The proposed model is based on the observation that many high-dimensional natural signals lie in a much lower dimensional subspaces or union of subspaces. Experiments conducted on several datasets show the effectiveness of such a representation model for classification, which also suggests that a tight reconstructive representation model could be very useful for discriminant analysis.
A functional analysis of the small nuclear RNP import adaptor, Snurportin1.

Cells are the fundamental units of life and are therefore intimately connected to life s vitality. Crucial to cellular function is an ability to coordinate and regulate numerous intricate processes. The generation of spliceosomal uridine-rich small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (U snRNPs) is a fascinating example, as it requires both cytoplasmic and nuclear phases. The generation of snRNPs begins in the nucleus with the transcription of snRNAs. Nascent snRNAs are then exported to the cytoplasm where maturation results in newly assembled snRNP particles. A subset of these cytoplasmic steps requires the survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein complex. Resulting particles are imported back into the nucleus, where they are further modified. Mature snRNPs are then incorporated into the spliceosome and play a vital role in pre-mRNA splicing. Central to snRNP biogenesis is the proper targeting of precursor molecules. As snRNPs are processed in the cytoplasm, but function in the nucleus, import factors are required to transport these components across the nuclear envelope. Import is directed by two independent signals found on snRNPs. One import signal consists of a 5 RNA cap structure and is bound by the transport adaptor, snurportin1 (SPN). The precise identity of the other transport adaptor remains elusive, however it s activity lies within the SMN complex. I have utilized both in vitro and in vivo approaches to study the process of U snRNP import. This thesis has identified a pre-import complex containing SPN, SMN and the transport receptor, importin . This work also provides significant insight into the function of SPN-mediated snRNP import. Residues required for SPN function have been identified and validated by functional studies. The utilization of mutants deficient in function illustrates that cargo is not a prerequisite for SPN import. The binding of SPN to its export receptor exportin1, is disrupted by the drug leptomycin B, resulting in the accumulation of SPN in Cajal bodies. Finally, a novel interaction between the N- and C-termini of SPN was uncovered, indicating the possibility of an intramolecular regulation of snRNP import.
Rhythmic human-robot social interaction

Social scientists have identified and begun to describe rhythmic and synchronous properties of human social interaction. However, social interactions with robots are often stilted due to temporal mismatch between the behaviors, both verbal and nonverbal, of the interacting partners. This thesis brings the theory of interactional synchrony to bear on the design of social robots with a proposed architecture for rhythmic intelligence. We have developed technology that allows the robot Keepon to perceive social rhythms and to behave rhythmically. We have facilitated constrained social interactions, and designed experimental protocols, in which a robot variably synchronizes to human and/or environmental rhythms—first in a dance-oriented task, and second in a cooperative video game. We have analyzed these interactions to understand the effects of Keepon's rhythmic attention on human performance. This thesis demonstrates that variations in a robot's rhythmic behavior have measurable effects on human rhythmic behavior and on performance in rhythmic tasks. Furthermore, human participants were able to assume and transition between the roles of leader or follower in these tasks.
Evolutionary Consequences of Introgression at M7 Lysin, a Gamete Recognition Locus, Following Secondary Contact Between Blue Mussel Species

Hybridizing populations of blue mussels, Mytilus edulis and Mytilus trossulus, in Cobscook Bay (eastern Maine) have been used by our laboratory to study the evolution of gamete incompatibility and molecular evolution of the vitelline coat lysin proteins expressed in sperm. The M7 lysin locus has been the most studied of the three lysins, but evidence for positive selection necessary to help confirm its role in gamete recognition in western Atlantic hybrid zones is contradictory. We developed an alternative test, based on rates of introgression at M7 lysin. Contrary to expectations, introgression at this locus is much higher (instead of much lower) than is introgression at neutral markers. In this article, we present simulations, constructed using synthetic populations of combinations of admixed genotypes, representing various hybrid offspring categories. Simulations produced variation in introgression across loci, but did not generate the massive introgression at M7 lysin observed in natural populations in Cobscook Bay. We consider these results in the context of selection operating on gamete recognition loci, both within and between species, during the third stage of allopatric speciation in Mytilus.
Competency Evaluations in the Next Accreditation System: Contributing to Guidelines and Implications

ABSTRACTConstruct: This study examines validity evidence of end-of-rotation evaluation scores used to measure competencies and milestones as part of the Next Accreditation System (NAS) of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Background: Since the implementation of the milestones, end-of-rotation evaluations have surfaced as a potentially useful assessment method. However, validity evidence on the use of rotation evaluation scores as part of the NAS has not been studied. This article examines validity evidence for end-of-rotation evaluations that can contribute to developing guidelines that support the NAS. Approach: Data from 2,701 end-of-rotation evaluations measuring 21 out of 22 Internal Medicine milestones for 142 residents were analyzed (July 2013–June 2014). Descriptive statistics were used to measure the distribution of ratings by evaluators (faculty, n = 116; fellows, n = 59; peer-residents, n = 131), by postgraduate years. Generalizability analysis and higher order co...
From Shell Midden to Midden-Mound: The Geoarchaeology of Mound Key, an Anthropogenic Island in Southwest Florida, USA.

Mound Key was once the capital of the Calusa Kingdom, a large Pre-Hispanic polity that controlled much of southern Florida. Mound Key, like other archaeological sites along the southwest Gulf Coast, is a large expanse of shell and other anthropogenic sediments. The challenges that these sites pose are largely due to the size and areal extent of the deposits, some of which begin up to a meter below and exceed nine meters above modern sea levels. Additionally, the complex depositional sequences at these sites present difficulties in determining their chronology. Here, we examine the development of Mound Key as an anthropogenic island through systematic coring of the deposits, excavations, and intensive radiocarbon dating. The resulting data, which include the reversals of radiocarbon dates from cores and dates from mound-top features, lend insight into the temporality of site formation. We use these insights to discuss the nature and scale of human activities that worked to form this large island in the context of its dynamic, environmental setting. We present the case that deposits within Mound Key’s central area accumulated through complex processes that represent a diversity of human action including midden accumulation and the redeposition of older sediments as mound fill.
Bifacial carbon nanofoam-fibrous PEDOT composite supercapacitor in the 3-electrode configuration for electrical energy storage

Abstract Electrical energy storage properties of supercapacitors based on carbon nanofoam-fibrous PEDOT composite and microporous PEDOT film/graphite electrodes formed by the pulsed current electropolymerization technique are investigated. The 3-dimensional nano-architecture of the composite carbon nanofoam -fibrous PEDOT electrode exhibits high pore connectivity and electrolyte ion diffusivity. By utilizing its bifacial ion transportation ability and reduced ion diffusion impedance, a supercapacitor device in the 3-electrode configuration has been tested which shows high specific capacitance of 210.8 F g−1 as compared to 142.5 F g−1 observed for the supercapacitor in the conventional 2-electrode design. The voltage scan rate dependence shows high efficacy of the bifacial carbon nanofoam electrode in faster ion transport in the 3-electrode supercapacitor configuration. The 3-electrode supercapacitor cell shows energy density of 8.53 Wh kg−1 which is nearly 1.7 times higher than the energy density of the 2-electrode supercapacitor cell. The power density of ∼19.7 kW kg−1 for the 3-electrode supercapacitor cell is also superior as the 2-electrode supercapacitor exhibit a typical value of 11.8 kW kg−1.
An integrated platform for large-scale data collection and precise perturbation of live Drosophila embryos

Understanding the fundamental principles governing embryogenesis is a key goal of developmental biology. Direct observation of embryogenesis via in vivo live imaging is vital to understanding embryogenesis; yet, tedious sample preparation makes it difficult to acquire large-scale imaging data that is often required to overcome experimental and biological noises for quantitative studies. Furthermore, it is often difficult, and sometimes impossible, to incorporate environmental perturbation for understanding developmental responses to external stimuli. To address this issue, we have developed a method for high-throughput imaging of live embryos, delivering precise environmental perturbations, and unbiased data extraction. This platform includes an optimized microfluidic device specifically for live embryos and also for precise perturbations in the microenvironment of the developing embryos. In addition, we developed software for simple, yet accurate, automated segmentation of fluorescent images, and automated data extraction. Using a quantitative assessment we find that embryos develop normally within the microfluidic device. Finally, we show an application of the high-throughput assay for monitoring developmental responses to external stimuli: anoxia-induced developmental arrest in Drosophila embryos. With slight modifications, the method developed in this work can be applied to many other models of development and other stimulus-response behaviors during development.
Universal stress‐sensing dimeric anthracene‐based mechanophore particle fillers incorporated into polyurethane thermoset matrices

Mechanochemistry, in which mechanical forces induce chemical changes, can allow for targeted damage detection by way of embedded mechanophore units, which emit a measurable signal change correlating to an applied force. In this work, we successfully created stress-sensing, functional composites by employing microparticles of the mechanophore dimeric 9-anthracene carboxylic acid in a thermoset polyurethane matrix. The goal being to study the application of the particles as universal stress-sensing fillers in network polymer matrix composites, after previously evaluating the particles in an epoxy matrix. Under a compressive force, there is bond breakage in the mechanically weak cyclooctane photodimers, such that there is reversion to the fluorescent anthracene-type monomers. This fluorescent emission was then correlated to the applied strain, and the precursors to damage were detected with a noticeable signal change at a strain of only 2%, which was attributed to increased interactions between the matrix and the particles, with possible surface grafting occurring. This early damage detection was additionally possible at very low particle loadings of 2.5 and 5 wt%, with the 5 wt% loading showing enhanced material properties, due to particle reinforcement. Overall, the stress-sensitive particle filler allows for facile addition of advanced functionality to these ubiquitous thermoset composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Culture as a Vocation: Sociology of Career Choices in Cultural Management

In this slim research volume, Dubois packs a solid punch to the gut of arts and cultural management training programs in France. Dubois contends that a “belief in cultural democratization is crumbl...
Early Intervention for Repetitive Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Conceptual Model

This paper presents a conceptual model to improve the early intervention of repetitive behavior in infants and young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We include (a) a description of the trajectory of repetitive behavior in typical and atypical development and an explanation of its relation to screening and assessment and (b) a selective review of the intervention literature for rigid and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests (RRBIs) in infants and young children with ASD. These two sets of literature are used to build the rationale for a conceptual model to improve early developmentally appropriate intervention for RRBIs in ASD. The conceptual model posits that (a) increased sensitivity of measurement tools will allow for proper identification of when intervention is warranted and (b) increased research on focused interventions and dissemination of teaching protocols will improve the comprehensiveness of developmentally appropriate intervention. Finally, other areas for future research are highlighted.
Physical effects of habitat‐forming species override latitudinal trends in temperature

Latitudinal and elevational temperature gradients (LTG and ETG) play central roles in biogeographical theory, underpinning predictions of large-scale patterns in organismal thermal stress, species' ranges and distributional responses to climate change. Yet an enormous fraction of Earth's taxa live exclusively in habitats where foundation species modify temperatures. We examine little-explored implications of this widespread trend using a classic model system for understanding heat stresses - rocky intertidal shores. Through integrated field measurements and laboratory trials, we demonstrate that thermal buffering by centimetre-thick mussel and seaweed beds eliminates differences in stress-inducing high temperatures and associated mortality risk that would otherwise arise over 14° of latitude and ~ 1 m of shore elevation. These results reveal the extent to which physical effects of habitat-formers can overwhelm broad-scale thermal trends, suggesting a need to re-evaluate climate change predictions for many species. Notably, inhabitant populations may exhibit deceptive resilience to warming until refuge-forming taxa become imperiled.