cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taming wildlife disease: bridging the gap between science and management

Summary 1. Parasites and pathogens of wildlife can threaten biodiversity, infect humans and domestic animals, and cause significant economic losses, providing incentives to manage wildlife diseases. Recent insights from disease ecology have helped transform our understanding of infectious disease dynamics and yielded new strategies to better manage wildlife diseases. Simultaneously, wildlife disease management (WDM) presents opportunities for large-scale empirical tests of disease ecology theory in diverse natural systems. 2. To assess whether the potential complementarity between WDM and disease ecology theory has been realized, we evaluate the extent to which specific concepts in disease ecology theory have been explicitly applied in peer-reviewed WDM literature. 3. While only half of WDM articles published in the past decade incorporated disease ecology theory, theory has been incorporated with increasing frequency over the past 40 years. Contrary to expectations, articles authored by academics were no more likely to apply disease ecology theory, but articles that explain unsuccessful management often do so in terms of theory. 4. Some theoretical concepts such as density-dependent transmission have been commonly applied, whereas emerging concepts such as pathogen evolutionary responses to management, biodiversity–disease relationships and within-host parasite interactions have not yet been fully integrated as management considerations. 5. Synthesis and applications. Theory-based disease management can meet the needs of both academics and managers by testing disease ecology theory and improving disease interventions. Theoretical concepts that have received limited attention to date in wildlife disease management could provide a basis for improving management and advancing disease ecology in the future.
On multiple sum and product sets of finite sets of integers

Let A⊂Z be a finite set of integers of cardinality |A|=N⩾2. Given a positive integer k, denote kA (resp. A(k)) the set of all sums (resp. products) of k elements of A. We prove that for all b>1, there exists k=k(b) such that max(|kA|,|A(k)|)>Nb. This answers affirmably questions raised in Erdős and Szemeredi (Stud. Pure Math., 1983, pp. 213–218), Elekes et al. (J. Number Theory 83 (2) (2002) 194–201) and recently, by S. Konjagin (private communication). The method is based on harmonic analysis techniques in the spirit of Chang (Ann. Math. 157 (2003) 939–957) and combinatorics on graphs. To cite this article: J. Bourgain, M.-C. Chang, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 337 (2003).
A process simulation study of hydrogen and sulfur production from hydrogen sulfide using the Fe–Cl hybrid process

Abstract Presently, most of the acid gas (H 2 S) streams from amine gas sweetening and refinery upgrading operations are treated using the modified Claus process. In this process, sulfur and low-quality steam are produced by partial oxidation of H 2 S. Despite the modified Claus process's success in accomplishing the above tasks, it still has some disadvantages. Additional tail gas treatment unit is needed to improve its efficiency. Also, a valuable commodity, hydrogen, is not recovered. In this work, a process simulation study on the Idemitsu Kosan Co. Fe–Cl hybrid process is carried out. The process is capable of producing sulfur and hydrogen from H 2 S gas streams. The process was modeled and validated using pilot-scale plant data before been scaled up using the typical acid gas composition profile of one of Abu Dhabi's sulfur recovery plants. The effects the absorber solution flow rate and concentration have on the process’ operability were investigated. Operating at high ferric ions concentration was found to be more beneficial compared to high solution flow rate operations. The ferrous ion constituent of the solution proves to be instrumental in the downstream electrolysis process. Cost estimates of the process indicate the suitability of the process to be implemented in Abu Dhabi gas plants to produce sulfur, and most importantly, hydrogen to be used as fuel or chemical feedstock.
THERMAL RUNAWAY AS THE SOLAR FLARE TRIGGER MECHANISM.

It is postulated that the solar flare ‘trigger’ mechanism is a thermal runaway which occurs in the inner corona. This runaway is the result of a radiative power function which decreases with increasing temperature. Relationships of the onsets of Hα flares, hard X-ray, soft X-ray and centimeter radio bursts are consistent with the model. Flares are shown to be common solar phenomena which occur preferentially in hot and dense active regions.
Allergy and Eosinophil-associated Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGID)

Eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are characterized by an inappropriate accumulation of eosinophils within the gastrointestinal tract. The underlying etiology and pathophysiology that lead to the development of EGID are far from elucidated. However, there is growing evidence to support the role of aeroallergens and food allergens in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Recent advances have highlighted the role of Th2-driven cytokines in the development of EGID, and clinical studies have verified that children and adults with EGID often have positive skin testing to food allergens. The most common form of EGID, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), has garnered intense investigation following an increased recognition over the past decade. Recently, there have been several important studies providing insight into both the cellular mechanisms governing EE and clinical therapies directed toward the treatment of EE. In the article herein, we will review the most recent scientific advances influencing our understanding of EGID with special emphasis on the role of allergens in the pathogenesis of EGID.
The Larvae of Tanypeza longimana (Diptera: Tanypezidae)

The 3 instars of Tauypesa longimana Fallen are described and illustrated. Preliminary study indicates that the larvae resemble those of the Micropezidae more than they do those of any family of the Nothyboidea.
VCO sweep-rate limit for a phase-lock loop

Abstract Phase-lock loops (PLLs) serve important roles in phase-lock receivers, coherent transponders, and similar applications. For many of these uses, the bandwidth of the loop must be kept small to limit the detrimental influence of noise, and this requirement makes the natural PLL pull-in phenomenon too slow and/or unreliable. For each such case, the phase-lock acquisition process can be aided by the application of an external sweep voltage to the loop voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs). The goal is to have the applied sweep voltage rapidly decrease the closed-loop frequency error to a point where phase lock occurs quickly. For a second-order loop containing a perfect integrator loop filter, there is a maximum VCO sweep-rate magnitude, denoted here as Rm rad/s2, for which phase lock is guaranteed. If the applied VCO sweep rate is less than Rm, the loop cannot sweep past a stable phase-lock point, and it will phase lock. On the other hand, for an applied sweep-rate magnitude that is greater than Rm, the PLL may sweep past a lock point and fail to phase lock. In the existing PLL literature, only a trial-and-error approach has been described for estimating Rm, given values of loop damping factor ζ and natural frequency ωn. Furthermore, no plots exist of computed R m / ω n 2 versus ζ and R m / B L 2 versus ζ (BL denotes loop-noise bandwidth). These deficiencies are dealt with in this paper. A new iterative numerical technique is given that converges to the maximum sweep-rate magnitude Rm. It is used to generate data for plots of R m / ω n 2 and R m / B L 2 versus ζ, the likes of which have never appeared before in the PLL literature.
Region-of-interest-based wavelet compression scheme for medical images

In this paper, we present a novel method for selective compression of medical images. In our scheme, regions of interest (ROIs) are differentiated from the background by detecting relevant features such as edges, texture and clusters. A detection map is created for ROIs so that the coding system can use it to assign proper bit rates in the process of quantization. The localized, multiresolution representation of the wavelet coefficients makes it easy to allocate different bit rates to complex, adjacent ROIs in the process of successive approximation quantization of wavelet coefficients. For maximum flexibility and efficiency in selective allocation of bit rates, we use an intraband coding scheme, compact quadtree, instead of the conventional interband approaches. By adjusting the amplitudes of the wavelet coefficients in ROIs, one can smoothly preserve multiple ROIs with virtual no coding overhead. Experimental results on digital mammographical images show that minute microcalcifications can be perfectly preserved while their background is compressed at very high ratios, i.e., over 100 to 1.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Magnetic exchange interactions in Co-based II-VI diluted magnetic semiconductors: Zn1-xCoxS.

The exchange parameter ${J}_{\mathrm{NN}}$ for nearest-neighbor (NN) ${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ ions in a new II-VI diluted magnetic semiconductor system ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Co}}_{\mathrm{x}}$S has been directly determined using inelastic-neutron-scattering techniques. The ${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ ions in the system have a magnetic ground state with quenched orbital moment, so that the Co-Co interaction can be described, to a very good approximation, as a Heisenberg exchange between two S=(3/2 spins. Inelastic-scattering spectra obtained from polycrystalline samples with x=0.01\char21{}0.06 reveal distinct maxima corresponding to transitions between the energy levels of isolated NN Co-Co pairs. The energy of the first excited level E=2${J}_{\mathrm{NN}}$ has been found to be E=8.19\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 meV, which yields ${J}_{\mathrm{NN}/{k}_{B}=47.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6}$ K, in good agreement with the result obtained from recent magnetic-susceptibility studies. The observed sequence of the excitation energies shows a slight deviation from the Land\'e interval rule, indicating biquadratic effects in the Co-Co exchange.
Models for cardiac structure and function in Aristotle.

In the Parts of Animals Aristotle said "Blood comes out from the heart but no blood is conveyed into the heart from elsewhere." 1 Ignorant of both circulation and respiration, Aristotle could not be expected to point out structures which are most necessary for circulation and respiration. He was either relying on his own theoretical presuppositions, or else he was randomly observing.2 In both cases it was improbable that he would report what we know is most important. Once we abandon our own paradigms, however, it is quite possible to find in the genuine Aristotelian opera many detailed, accurate references to the heart. Counting extended treatments such as those in the Parts of Animals and the Historia Animalium as one, there are still over one hundred references to cardiac anatomy and physiology in Aristotle's biological works.3 This does not include incidental, unimpor-
Comparison of gastric and intestinal antisecretory and protective effects of prostacyclin and its stable thia-amino-analogue (HOE 892) in consious rats

Abstract The effects of prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) and its stable thia-thimo-analogue (Hoe 892) on gastric and intestinal secretions and gastric mucosal lesions have been determined in conscious rats. Both PGI 2 and Hoe 892 given subcutaneously (s.c.) reduced dose-dependent gastric acid secretion, the ID 50 (dose producing 50% inhibition) being about 48.6 and 11.8 gmg/kg, respectively. In contrast, intragastric (i.g.) PGI 2 and Hoe 892 did not cause any change in gastric acid secretion at doses ranging from 1 to 100 gmg/kg. Both PGI 2 and Hoe 892 reduced significantly intestinal fluid secretion (antienteropooling activity). PGI 2 and Hoe 892 given i.g. or s.c. reduced dose-dependent gastric ulcer formation induced by acidified aspirin (ASA), Hoe 892 being somewhat less potent than PGI 2 . Both PGI 2 and Hoe 892 were equally effective against mucosal necrosis induced by absolute ethanol and this effect was observed both after i.g. and s.c. administration of these agents. We conclude that stable thia-amino-PGI 2 analogue, Hoe 892, has similar gastric and intestinal antisecretory and protective activity as PGI 2 and may be useful in the prevention of gastric damage by various noxious agents.
Multicent: A multifunctional incentive scheme adaptive to diverse performance objectives for DTN routing

Due to intermittent connection and limited communication opportunity, routing in Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) is usually conducted in a store-carry-forward manner. Consequently, different packet forwarding or storage strategies can lead to different performance objectives, such as minimal average delay, maximal hit rate, and minimal maximal delay, which are desired by applications with different purposes. However, nodes may not be willing to follow these strategies. Further, selfish nodes may even refuse to carry or forward packets for others if they cannot obtain benefits in return. Though many incentive systems have been proposed to encourage packet forwarding, none of them aim to encourage nodes to realize the aforementioned performance objectives. In this paper, we first discuss the strategies that can realize different performance objectives and then propose Multicent, a game theoretical incentive scheme that not only provides cooperative incentives but also encourages nodes to follow defined rules to realize the desired performance objective. Multicent also makes the Quality of Service (QoS) of packet routing adjustable for specific sources, destinations, or source-destination pairs. Extensive trace-driven experimental results verify the effectiveness of Multicent.
Conformal Galerkin testing for VIE using parametric geometry

A moment method solution of a volume integral equation (VIE) using parametric geometry is presented. Typical Galerkin testing is shown not to be appropriate for curvilinear geometries, and a new testing scheme is proposed. By exploiting the orthogonality relationships between covariant and contravariant unitary vectors, testing functions in contravariant projection form and field expansion basis in covariant projection form were chosen.
Effects of lipids on bioavailability of sulfisoxazole acetyl, dicumarol, and griseofulvin in rats

Abstract The effects of hexadecane, oleyl alcohol, polysorbate 80, trioctanoin, and triolein on the bioavailability of sulfisoxazole N 1 ‐acetyl, dicumarol, and griseofulvin were investigated. Compared to administration of the drugs in water, the rate of absorption of the drugs was either decreased or not changed by the lipids. The extent of absorption of sulfisoxazole acetyl and dicumarol was significantly increased by polysorbate 80 and triolein and not affected by hexadecane or oleyl alcohol. Trioctanoin increased the extent of absorption of sulfisoxazole acetyl but had no effect on the absorption of dicumarol. Compared to the aqueous vehicle, the extent of absorption of griseofulvin was decreased by hexadecane, oleyl alcohol, and triolein, increased by polysorbate 80, and not affected by trioctanoin. The extent of absorption of sulfisoxazole acetyl was not affected by the amount of triolein in which it was administered nor by emulsification of triolein prior to administration.
A scheme for accidental coincidence correction in time-of-flight positron tomography: theory and implementation

A computationally inexpensive method is described for correcting time-of-flight positron-emission-tomography (PET) images for accidental coincidences. Initial runs of the algorithm show that it rapidly (2-6 iterations) yields accurate estimates of single rates from simulated data corrupted by Poisson noise. Two illustrative experiments with the method are described. >
The 24th mersenne prime.

Abstract The 24th Mersenne prime Mp = 2p - 1, and currently the largest known prime, is 219937 - 1. Primality was shown by the Lucas-Lehmer test on an IBM 360/91 computer. The 24th even perfect number is (219937 - 1)·219936.
Acute inflammatory response of the rat pawskin to acid injury is attenuated by corticotropin-releasing factor.

Increased vascular permeability, as measured by changes in skin weight and Evans blue dye extravasation, was produced in the skin after immersion of the anesthetized rat's paw in 12 N hydrochloric, 18N sulfuric, or 14N hydrofluoric acids for 2 min. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41-residue peptide having the rat/human sequence, injected 28 micrograms/kg i.v. 10 min before immersion, was efficacious in reducing these indices of skin injury.
Low-dose rivaroxaban reduced mortality in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome

Source Citation Mega JL, Braunwald E, Wiviott SD, et al; ATLAS ACS 2–TIMI 51 Investigators. Rivaroxaban in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2012;366:9-19. 22077192
The role of rhinovirus infections in the development of early childhood asthma

Purpose of review To discuss the role of human rhinoviruses (HRVs) in early childhood wheezing illnesses and how HRVs contribute to the development of childhood asthma. Recent findings Advanced molecular diagnostics have identified HRVs as pathogens frequently causing wheezing illnesses in infants and young children. Wheezing during HRV infection in early life identifies children at particularly high-risk of asthma development. Plausible mechanisms by which HRV could cause airway damage, promote airway remodeling, and lead to asthma development have recently been identified. Summary HRV is a significant source of morbidity in infants and young children. The present review identifies mechanisms by which HRV lower respiratory tract infection, particularly in a susceptible host, could promote the development of childhood asthma. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the link between HRV wheezing in early childhood and subsequent asthma development, with the critical goal of identifying novel therapeutic and prevention strategies for both early childhood wheezing and asthma.
Cn2 estimates in the boundary layer for damp unstable conditions

Several sets of experimental micrometeorological data were used to obtain estimates of vertical profiles of C2n for damp unstable conditions. These data consisted of two types: (1) latent and sensible heat fluxes and (2) vertical profiles of wind, temperature, and specific humidity. Estimates of the scaling lengths of virtual potential temperature and specific humidity obtained from these data were used to calculate their vertical gradients and, in turn, to estimate C2n in accordance with Tatarski. Results from these data sets are presented to emphasize the relative contributions of temperature and moisture to C2n.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Millimeter-wave measurement of subwavelength thickness with surface waves

Thickness measurements of cellulose acetate thin films (25 - 76 microns) placed directly above a conducting plate are made with W-band millimeter-waves (75 - 110 GHz). The surface wave excited by a transmitter near the sample surface is picked up by a separate receiver. The phase of the received signal was then related to the film thickness. The radiation from the transmitter is modeled as that produced by a vertical electric dipole over a two-layer medium. A contour integration is performed to derive the theoretical dependence of the phase shift on the dielectric thickness. A quadratic dependence was expected theoretically and observed experimentally. It was also found that achieving thickness resolution to several microns appears feasible. This technique displayed relatively high tolerance to variations in placement of the receiver and the dielectric samples.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
New Developments in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Focus on Women

Abstract Apart from being the most common joint disorder worldwide, osteoarthritis (OA) has a significant functional effect on those affected. The disease disproportionally affects women more than men. Current guidelines supported by professional organizations composed of multidisciplinary experts offer important practical insights into managing OA. This paper reflects recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the American Geriatrics Society, and the American Pain Society. Furthermore, the Osteoarthritis Research Society International recently published a two-part series, the first document of which systematically reviewed and assessed the quality of the existing 23 guidelines on treating hip and knee OA published between 1945 and 2006; the second was a set of 25 evidence-based guidelines combining both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies for managing OA. A 2010 publication by this expert group updated the original recommendations with new data from the literature. Treatments reviewed include patient education, self-help skills, exercise, and changes in lifestyle. In addition, pharmacological options such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical agents, opioids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate are discussed. For those patients unable to obtain meaningful functional improvement from a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, joint replacement surgery is an appropriate option. Overall, a multimodal approach to managing osteoarthitis is encouraged. The goal of this paper is to review new evidence-based guidelines for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Effect of BPh3 on Competitive C−C and C−H Bond Activation Reactions in the Interconversion of Allyl Cyanide by [Ni(dippe)]

Reaction of [(dippe)Ni(μ-H)]2 with allyl cyanide at low temperature quantitatively generates the η2-olefin complex (dippe)Ni(CH2CHCH2CN) (1). At ambient temperature or above, the olefin complex is converted to a mixture of C−CN cleavage product (dippe)Ni(η3-allyl)(CN) (3) and the olefin-isomerization products (dippe)Ni(η2-crotonitrile) (cis- and trans-2), which form via C−H activation. The latter are the exclusive products at longer reaction times, indicating that C−CN cleavage is reversible and the crotononitrile complexes 2 are more thermodynamically stable than η3-allyl species 3. The kinetics of this reaction have been followed as a function of temperature, and rate constants have been extracted by modeling of the reaction. The rate constants for C−CN bond formation (the reverse of C−CN cleavage) show a stronger temperature dependence than those for C−CN and C−H activation, making the observed distribution of C−H versus C−CN cleavage products strongly temperature-dependent. The activation parameters f...
The Leading Sense: Supramodal Control of Neurophysiological Context by Attention

Attending to a stimulus enhances its neuronal representation, even at the level of primary sensory cortex. Cross-modal modulation can similarly enhance a neuronal representation, and this process can also operate at the primary cortical level. Phase reset of ongoing neuronal oscillatory activity has been shown to be an important element of the underlying modulation of local cortical excitability in both cases. We investigated the influence of attention on oscillatory phase reset in primary auditory and visual cortices of macaques performing an intermodal selective attention task. In addition to responses "driven" by preferred modality stimuli, we noted that both preferred and nonpreferred modality stimuli could "modulate" local cortical excitability by phase reset of ongoing oscillatory activity, and that this effect was linked to their being attended. These findings outline a supramodal mechanism by which attention can control neurophysiological context, thus determining the representation of specific sensory content in primary sensory cortex.
Caregivers of quality: One mother's search for child care

Too often, guidelines for quality child care emphasize the physical site, the equipment, safety, and the staff-child ratio. However, to ensure high-quality child care for our children, the personal and professional attributes of quality caregivers must be considered. The most important caregiver attributes are discussed, as one mother describes her search for child care.
Polymorphism in unusual one-dimensional coordination polymers based on cadmium(II) and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide

The hydrothermal reaction of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O and 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide resulted in the formation of a one-dimensional (1-D) coordination polymer with a μ2-O-bridging binding mode. The presence of a guest, glycine induced the formation of a different polymorph via a μ2-S-bridging binding mode.
Amino acid uptake by Xenopus laevis embryos: Effect of triodo-l-thyronine

Abstract 1. 1. This investigation describes the capacity of Xenopus laevis embryos to take up specific labeled amino acids. 2. 2. Variations in the uptake and retention of amino acids as a function of the integrity of the jelly coat and treatment with thyroid hormone was observed.
Top-down causation regarding the chemistry–physics interface: a sceptical view

This article examines two influential authors who have addressed the interface between the fields of chemistry and physics and have reached opposite conclusions about whether or not emergence and downward causation represent genuine phenomena. While McLaughlin concludes that emergence is impossible in the light of quantum mechanics, Hendry regards issues connected with the status of molecular structure as supporting emergence. The present author suggests that one should not be persuaded by either of these arguments and pleads for a form of agnosticism over the reality of emergence and downward causation until further studies might be carried out.
On smoothed rank profile tests in eigenstructure methods for directions-of-arrival estimation

We propose a statistical procedure known as the smoothed rank profile (SRP) test that can be applied to an array covariance matrix to determine the source coherency structure and solvability of the directions-of-arrival estimation problem in the presence of coherent sources. The SRP is the rank profile of a telescoping series of matrices extracted from the observed array covariance matrix.
The Future of Cloud-Based Entertainment

This paper notes some signification trends related to the Internet and “cloud computing” that will change the way entertainment is delivered and experienced. After extrapolating some general conclusions from these trends, two scenarios are described to illustrate predicted entertainment experiences.
Sovereignty Is No Longer Sacrosanct: Codifying Humanitarian Intervention

Chopra and Weiss address perhaps the fundamental issue in international relations today: the sacrosanct sets of sovereignty. The word “sovereignty” explains why the international community has difficulty countering human rights violations. The authors address questions such as “Is there a line between a state's sovereignty and the international community?”, and “Can there be laws to guide states and collections of states in determining when this line can or should be violated?” by studying recent cases where human rights came into conflict with intervention.
Three-dimensional models of elastostatic deformation in heterogeneous media, with applications to the Eastern California Shear Zone

SUMMARY We present a semi-analytic iterative procedure for evaluating the 3-D deformation due to faults in an arbitrarily heterogeneous elastic half-space. Spatially variable elastic properties are modelled with equivalent body forces and equivalent surface traction in a ‘homogenized’ elastic medium. The displacement field is obtained in the Fourier domain using a semi-analytic Green function. We apply this model to investigate the response of 3-D compliant zones (CZ) around major crustal faults to coseismic stressing by nearby earthquakes. We constrain the two elastic moduli, as well as the geometry of the fault zones by comparing the model predictions to Synthetic Aperture Radar inferferometric (InSAR) data. Our results confirm that the CZ models for the Rodman, Calico and Pinto Mountain faults in the Eastern California Shear Zone (ECSZ) can explain the coseismic InSAR data from both the Landers and the Hector Mine earthquakes. For the Pinto Mountain fault zone, InSAR data suggest a 50 per cent reduction in effective shear modulus and no significant change in Poisson's ratio compared to the ambient crust. The large wavelength of coseismic line-of-sight displacements around the Pinto Mountain fault requires a fairly wide (∼1.9 km) CZ extending to a depth of at least 9 km. Best fit for the Calico CZ, north of Galway Dry Lake, is obtained for a 4 km deep structure, with a 60 per cent reduction in shear modulus, with no change in Poisson's ratio. We find that the required effective rigidity of the Calico fault zone south of Galway Dry Lake is not as low as that of the northern segment, suggesting along-strike variations of effective elastic moduli within the same fault zone. The ECSZ InSAR data is best explained by CZ models with reduction in both shear and bulk moduli. These observations suggest pervasive and widespread damage around active crustal faults.
Goniometric reliability in a clinical setting. Subtalar and ankle joint measurements.

Measurements of the subtalar joint neutral (STJN) position and passive range of motion (PROM) of the ankle joint and the subtalar joint (STJ) are often part of a physical therapy evaluation. These measurements may be used in treatment planning, such as in the prescription of specialized shoes or orthoses. Therefore, reliability of these measurements, as they are obtained clinically, must be determined. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of measurements of the STJN position and of ankle and STJ PROM. To determine reliability, repeated measurements of the STJN position and of STJ PROM were taken on the involved feet of 43 patients with neurologic orthopedic disorders (including both feet of 7 patients), and measurements of ankle PROM (dorsiflexion and plantar flexion) were taken on 42 of these patients (including both feet of 7 patients). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intratester reliability ranged from .74 to .90 for ankle and STJ measurements. The ICCs for intertester reliability were .25 for measuring the STJN position, .32 for STJ inversion, and .17 for SJJ eversion. The ICCs for intertester reliability were .50 for ankle dorsiflexion and .72 for ankle plantar flexion. Goniometric measurements of the STJN position and of PROM of the ankle and STJ appear to be moderately reliable if taken by the same therapist over a short period of time. With the exception of ankle plantar flexion, these measurements cannot be considered to be reliable between therapists.
The Human Cytomegalovirus UL36 Gene Controls Caspase-Dependent and -Independent Cell Death Programs Activated by Infection of Monocytes Differentiating to Macrophages

The cellular protease caspase-8 activates extrinsic apoptosis and also functions to promote monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Differentiation-induced alterations to antiviral caspase-8-dependent cell death pathways are unclear. Here, we show THP-1 monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation alters the specific cell death pathways activated in response to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Employing viruses with mutations in UL36, the gene that encodes the viral inhibitor of caspase-8 activation (vICA), our data indicate that both caspase-dependent and -independent death pathways are activated in response to infection. Activation of caspase-dependent and -independent cell death responses restricted growth of vICA-deficient viruses, and vICA/pUL36 inhibited either response. Thus, these studies also reveal that the UL36 gene controls a caspase-independent cell death pathway. The impact of caspases on control of antiviral responses differed at early and late stages of macrophage differentiation. Early in differentiation, vICA-deficient virus-induced cell death was dependent on caspases and inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD(OMe)-fluoromethyl ketone. In contrast, virus-induced death at late times of differentiation was caspase independent. Additional unlabeled and fluorescent inhibitors indicated that caspase-8 promoted death from within infected cells at early but not late stages of differentiation. These data highlight the multifunctional role of vICA/pUL36 as HCMV encounters various antiviral responses during macrophage differentiation.
The Economic Valuation of Environmental Amenities and Disamenities: Methods and Applications

There have been significant improvements over the past four decades in our ability to estimate the economic value of environmental amenities and disamenities. The development of many new techniques has broadened what can be measured to include climate change impacts, damages from hazardous waste sites and air pollution emissions, and the value of many ecosystem services. We review the major economic valuation techniques, as well as numerous applications of these valuation methods. However, there remain challenges ahead. The interface between economics and the natural and physical sciences must be strengthened. Additional well-controlled “natural experiments” are always needed. The application of valuation methods outside of the United States remains a monumental task. Reliable measures of nonuse values remain elusive.
Science, Nature, and the Globalization of the Environment, 1870–1990

Data on the themes of international environmental treaties from 1870 to 1990 are used to demonstrate an historical shift in the definition of nature from resource to life-sustaining global ecosystem. This newer scientific model increased nature's relevance to world society, and thus catalyzed an exponential rise in international discourse and activity concerning the environment. The effect is evident in event-history analyses of the rate at which international environmental treaties were formed during the period 1870-1990. Two organizational changes also played a role in the proliferation of international environmental treaties : the overall structuration of the world polity had a positive effect, and the consolidation of an official intergovernmental environmental domain had a negative effect, even with the effects of population growth and industrial degradation held constant
Genetic diversity and gene flow in the endangered dwarf bear poppy, Arctomecon humilis (Papaveraceae)

Arctomecon humilis is a critically endangered species endemic to the Moenkopi shale of Washington County, Utah. Recovery plans for the species would be improved by an understanding of genetic diversity and gene flow among its remaining populations. Ten variable isozyme loci were used to calculate genetic diversity statistics for study populations. Westerly populations possessed higher levels of genetic variability than other populations at the same isozyme loci. Three of the populations exhibited significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. No correlation existed between genetic distance and geographic distance. Most of the genetic diversity was distributed among populations with little gene flow between populations, suggesting that observed genetic differences may arise from genetic drift. For the westerly populations, similar genotypes were observed in the seedling and old age classes, while intermediate age classes typically possessed an alternate set of genotypes at Pgi-2. Mean heterozygosity increased with age class across populations. Westerly populations of A. humilis shared more alleles with the nearest geographic population of A. californica than other populations. Since the westerly populations contained more genetic variability and more alleles in common with a near relative, they may be relictual. Other populations may contain less genetic diversity due to founder effects and/or genetic drift.
Children's cognitive-behavioral functioning at age 6 and 7: prenatal drug exposure and caregiving environment.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine how prenatal drug exposure (PDE) and caregiving environment relate to cognitive, academic, and behavioral performance at ages 6 and 7. Methods A longitudinal follow-up was conducted of 111 children with PDE and a community cohort of 62 non–drug-exposed children (N = 173). Children completed standardized tests of cognition (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fourth Edition [SB-IV]) and academic performance (Wide Range Achievement Test 3). Caregivers completed ratings of child behavior problems (Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]). Multivariate analyses were conducted, adjusting for gender, prenatal tobacco exposure, number of caregiver placement changes, and 3 caregiver variables assessed at age 7, including depressive symptoms, employment status, and public assistance status. Results After adjusting for perinatal and environmental variables, there were no significant exposure-group differences in cognition, academic performance, or behavior problems. In comparison with males, females had higher scores on overall IQ and 4 of 8 SB-IV subtests, fewer caregiver-reported attention and aggression problems, and higher reading achievement scores. There were no significant gender-by-group interactions. Conclusion When analyses were adjusted for perinatal and environmental variables, most associations between PDE and cognitive-behavioral functioning were attenuated. Regardless of drug exposure history, males performed more poorly than females on multiple cognitive-behavioral indices. Both exposed and nonexposed children were from low-income families and obtained scores substantially below normative expectations.
Mean-field theory of ice phase stability

A simple mean-field theory for the free energy of ice phases applicable to any of the widely used intermolecular potential models of water is proposed. The energetic effect of the hydrogen bond network is calculated via a set of self-consistent equations for the mean multipole moments of each molecule, which serve as the order parameters. An application to the TIP4P model of water yields results in good agreement with simulations, and produces a phase diagram in qualitative agreement with experiment.
Disruption of Histone Deacetylase Gene RPD3 Accelerates PHO5 Activation Kinetics through Inappropriate Pho84p Recycling

The histone deacetylase Rpd3p functions as a transcriptional repressor of a diverse set of genes, including PHO5. Here we describe a novel role for RPD3 in the regulation of phosphate transporter Pho84p retention in the cytoplasmic membrane. We show that under repressing conditions (with Pi), PHO5 expression is increased in a pho4Δ rpd3Δ strain, demonstrating PHO regulatory pathway independence. However, the effect of RPD3 disruption on PHO5 activation kinetics is dependent on the PHO regulatory pathway. Upon switching to activating conditions (without Pi), PHO5 transcripts accumulated more rapidly in rpd3Δ cells. This more rapid response correlates with a defect in phosphate uptake due to premature recycling of Pho84p, the high-affinity H+/PO43− symporter. Thus, RPD3 also participates in PHO5 regulation through a previously unidentified effect on maintenance of high-affinity phosphate uptake during phosphate starvation. We propose that Rpd3p has a negative role in the regulation of Pho84p endocytosis.
A Two-Layered Software Architecture for Distributed Workflow Coordination over Web Services

The current state of the art of workflows over web services employs a centralized composite process to coordinate the constituent web services. Therefore, the coordinator process is complex, less scalable, and bulky. This paper introduces an architecture and a technique for distributing the centralized coordination logic of traditional workflows by (i) extending the stateless web services into self-coordinating entities using coordinator proxy objects, and (ii) creating a workflow over these entities by interconnecting them into a distributed network of objects using web bond primitives. Previously, we have developed web bond primitives to enforce interdependencies among autonomous entities. We have designed and prototyped our BondFlow system, which provides a platform to configure such distributed workflows, producing coordination components with footprint small enough (around 150 KB) to be executed on a handheld.
A Multi-Item Maintenance Center Inventory Model for Low-Demand Reparable Items

In many military and commercial contexts, complex equipment undergoes scheduled maintenance overhauls at regular intervals during which all failed components are replaced. Failure to have replacements on hand for all failed parts requires emergency measures at premium cost. When reparable parts are highly reliable and expensive, both holding and shortage costs are high. This model determines the reparable parts inventory for a maintenance center under three alternative criteria: 1 maximizing job-completion rate subject to constraint on total holding costs, 2 minimizing total holding costs plus expected job-noncompletion costs, and 3 minimizing total holding costs subject to a required minimum job-completion rate. Exact solutions may be obtained using dynamic programming. Approximate solutions, found easily by marginal analysis, have readily computed bounds on possible error. The solution methods for the three formulations are illustrated in a simple example.
Isolated horizons: Hamiltonian evolution and the first law

A framework was recently introduced to generalize black hole mechanics by replacing stationary event horizons with isolated horizons. That framework is significantly extended. The extension is nontrivial in that not only do the boundary conditions now allow the horizon to be distorted and rotating, but also the subsequent analysis is based on several new ingredients. Specifically, although the overall strategy is closely related to that in the previous work, the dynamical variables, the action principle and the Hamiltonian framework are all quite different. More importantly, in the nonrotating case, the first law is shown to arise as a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a consistent Hamiltonian evolution. Somewhat surprisingly, this consistency condition in turn leads to new predictions even for static black holes. To complement the previous work, the entire discussion is presented in terms of tetrads and associated (real) Lorentz connections.
Shape Deposition Manufacturing With Microcasting: Processing, Thermal and Mechanical Issues

Shape deposition manufacturing (SDM) is a solid freeform fabrication (SFF) methodology for automatically building up material layers to form three-dimensional, complex-shaped, multi-material structures. Microcasting is a molten metal droplet deposition process which is able to create fully dense metal layers with controlled microstructures. SDM combines microcasting with other intermediate processing operations, such as CNC machining and shot peening, to create high quality metal parts. In this paper, a description is given of SDM and the microcasting process. An overview of thermal and mechanical issues associated with SDM and microcasting is presented, including the control of interlayer metallurgical bonding through substrate remelting, the control of cooling rates of both the substrate and the deposited material and the minimization of residual thermal stress effects. Thermal models are used to study the issue of localized remelting of previously deposited material by newly deposited molten droplets to achieve metallurgical bonding. Mechanical modeling provides insight into residual stress build-up during part manufacture and residual stress-driven debonding between deposited layers.
Exploiting Spatial Smoothness in HPC Applications to Detect Silent Data Corruption

Next-generation supercomputers are expected to have more components and, at the same time, consume several times less energy per operation. This situation is pushing supercomputer constructors to the limits of miniaturization and energy-saving strategies. Consequently, the number of soft errors is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. While mechanisms are in place to correct or at least detect soft errors, a percentage of those errors pass unnoticed by the system. Such silent errors are extremely damaging because they can make applications produce wrong results. In this paper we propose a technique that leverages certain properties of HPC applications in order to detect silent errors at the application level. Our technique detects corruption solely based on the data behavior and is algorithm-agnostic. We show that this strategy can detect up to 90% of injected errors in some regions while incurring less than 1% overhead.
Preservation of microbial communities enriched on lignocellulose under thermophilic and high-solid conditions

Background: Microbial communities enriched from diverse environments have shown considerable promise for the targeted discovery of microorganisms and enzymes for bioconversion of lignocellulose to liquid fuels. While preservation of microbial communities is important for commercialization and research, few studies have examined storage conditions ideal for preservation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of preservation method on composition of microbial communities enriched on switchgrass before and after storage. The enrichments were completed in a high-solid and aerobic environment at 55 °C. Community composition was examined for each enrichment to determine when a stable community was achieved. Preservation methods included cryopreservation with the cryoprotective agents DMSO and glycerol, and cryopreservation without cryoprotective agents. Revived communities were examined for their ability to decompose switchgrass under high-solid and thermophilic conditions. Results: High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing of DNA extracted from enrichment samples showed that the majority of the shift in composition of the switchgrass-degrading community occurred during the initial three 2-week enrichments. Shifts in community structure upon storage occurred in all cryopreserved samples. Storage in liquid nitrogen in the absence of cryoprotectant resulted in variable preservation of dominant microorganisms in enriched samples. Cryopreservation with either DMSO or glycerol provided consistent and equivalent preservation of dominant organisms. Conclusions: A stable switchgrass-degrading microbial community was achieved after three 2-week enrichments. Dominant microorganisms were preserved equally well with DMSO and glycerol. DMSO-preserved communities required more incubation time upon revival to achieve pre-storage activity levels during high-solid thermophilic cultivation on switchgrass. Despite shifts in the community with storage, the samples were active upon revival under thermophilic and high-solid conditions. The results suggest that the presence of microorganisms may be more important than their relative abundance in retaining an active microbial community.
American Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation - An Overview and Mini-Training (in the Japanese Language)

This article describe community mediation in the United States and further describes the teaching of this style of mediation to Japanese law students, law faculty, and lawyers (bengoshi) in Japan.
The Impact of Geographic Expansion on Intended Identity of an Organisation

As organisations grow and expand past their operational headquarters, individual branches may reflect a different identity than that of the headquarters. The question then is, ‘Is senior management...
BCG Vaccine: The Next Generation of Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

The relatively recent recognition of the value of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) as a general immunostimulant and its introduction into clinical practice as a treatment for superficial bladder tumours (Morales et al, 1976; Brosman and Lamm, 1990; Soloway and Perry, 1987; Khanna et al, 1990) has resulted in a number of studies of the mode of action of this attenuated living bacterial suspension.