cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lift Enhancement of Flapping Airfoils by Generalized Pitching Motion

The pitching and plungingmotions of airfoils have received a lot of attention recently, due to the increased interest in the design ofmicro air vehicles. The use of combined pitch–plungemotionwith phase difference between themhas often been used for the generation of thrust and lift. These aerodynamic forces could be significantly enhanced under similar operating conditions by using generalized pitch motion with variable center of wing rotation. The current study investigated the flowfield and aerodynamic forces for this generalized pitchingmotion. Two-dimensional rigid airfoils were taken as prototypes of micro air vehicle wings. First, the computational results were compared with the available measurements for an SD 7003 airfoil in pure-pitch and pure-plunge motions at Re 10; 000. Good agreement was observed between the numerical computations and the experimental results in terms of streamwise velocity, location of the vorticity contours, and wake profiles. Next, the pure-pitch case was considered with the stationary centers of rotation located at different positions along the chord of the airfoil. It was found that the maximum value of the computed average coefficient of lift was obtained when the pitching axis was positioned at either the leading edge or the trailing edge. The generalized pitching motion computations were performed next. It was observed that a phase difference of 90 deg between the pitching motion and the motion of the axis caused a twofold increase of the mean coefficient of lift compared to the pitching about leading edge and combined pitch– plungemotionwith a 90 deg phase difference. The stability of the leading-edge vortexwas found to be responsible for the enhancement of lift by reduction in pressure at the upper surface of the airfoil. However, thrust force was not generated by applying the generalized pitching alone, whereas it was generated by the combined pitch–plunge motion. Finally, a generalized pitching motion combined with a superimposed plunging motion was studied. It was found that for this motion, thrust was generated and the generated lift was higher than that for the generalized pitchingmotion. This resultmay help in the use of superposition of kinematicmotions of wings to produce the desired amount of lift and thrust.
DISTRIBUTION AND TISSUE SPECIFICITY OF GLUTAMATE DECARBOXYLASE (EC4.1.1.15)

Abstract— The activity of L–glutamate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.15) (GAD) in various mouse tissues was determined by five different methods, namely, the radiometric CO2 method, column separation, electro–phoretic separation, the filtration method, and amino acid analysis. Results from the latter four methods agreed well, showing that brain had the highest activity, 4.27 nmol/min/mg protein (100%), followed by heart (7.4%), kidney (6.3%) and liver (1.5%). Measurement of brain GAD using the radiometric CO2 assay method agreed with the other techniques. However, in heart, kidney, and liver, the GAD activities measured by the CO2 method were about 3–4 times higher than those obtained by the GABA method, suggesting that the CO2 method does not give a valid measurement of GAD activity in a crude non–neural tissue preparation. GAD activity also was detected in adrenal gland but not in pituitary, stomach, testis, muscle, uterus, lung, salivary gland, or spleen. GAD from brain, spinal cord, heart, kidney and liver were further compared by double immunodiffusion, enzyme inhibition by antibody, and microcomplement fixation using antibody against GAD purified from mouse brain. GAD from brain and spinal cord appear to be identical as judged from the following results: the immunoprecipitin bands fused together without a spur; the enzyme activity was inhibited by anti–GAD to the same extent; and the microcomplement fixation curves were similar in both the shape of the curve and the extent of fixation. No crossreactivity was observed between GAD from heart, kidney or liver and antibody against brain GAD in all the immunochemical tests described above, suggesting that GAD in non–neural tissues is different from that in brain and spinal cord.
Ammonia decomposition kinetics over Ni-Pt/Al2O3 for PEM fuel cell applications

Abstract Due to the potential employment of ammonia as a hydrogen source for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications, an experimental study has been undertaken to determine the ammonia decomposition rates over a Ni-Pt/Al 2 O 3 catalyst under conditions likely to be employed in such an application. Using differential analysis of integral data, intrinsic rate data have been obtained between temperatures of 520 and 690 °C and at ammonia pressures between 50 and 780 Torr. It is shown that a first-order rate expression provides an adequate fit of the experimental data over the entire range of pressures and temperatures, although hydrogen inhibition effects may be significant at the lowest temperature. The activation energy was found to be on the order of 50 kcal/mol as opposed to the very low values (5–10 kcal/mol) obtained previously by others. The data are analyzed in the context of previous studies that were conducted under markedly different reaction conditions and differences are attributed to the types of catalysts employed and the fact that previous studies have primarily dealt with very low ammonia concentrations. Consequently, it does not appear as though NH bond cleavage is the rate determining step under these conditions. It is also shown that the rate expression is capable of predicting, to within 5%, the high ammonia conversions required for fuel cell applications.
RF design methodologies bridging system-IC-module design

There has been a long-standing need to link the RF design domains into a connected, common design environment. Such a methodology is possible through implementing system-level behavioral models with different levels of abstraction that can be modeled or co-simulated at the IC circuit level. At module or board design, it is possible to link and simulate multiple chips with board-level components and parastics in an RFIC design environment.With today's more complex IC designs that are heading toward nanometer-scaled semiconductor processes, there is a desire to further understand the many subtle physical IC characteristics, such as layout and substrate parasitics, RF transistor models, IR drops, electromigration, electromagnetics, and modeling of on-chip spiral inductors. Designers have entered into an era where they could benefit from a balance between analog, digital, and DSP design all in a fast and automated RFIC design environment.This paper presents RF design methodologies that can bridge between system, IC, and module design, providing an efficient, thorough design flow using advanced EDA tools.
Cognitive performance baseline measurement and eye movement performance measures

Personnel are often required to perform multiple simultaneous tasks at the limits of their cognitive capacity. In research surrounding cognitive performance resources for tasks during stress and high cognitive workload, one area of deficiency is measurement of individual differences. To determine the amount of attentional demand a stressor places on a subject, one must first know that all subjects are performing at the same level with the same amount of available capacity in the control condition. By equating the baselines of performance across all subjects (“baselining”) we can control for differing amounts of performance capacity or attentional resources in each individual. For example, a given level of task performance without a time restriction may be equated across subjects to account for attentional resources. Training to a fixed level of proficiency with time limits might obliterate individual differences in mental resources. Eye movement parameters may serve as a real-time measure of attentional demand. In implementing a baselining technique to control for individual differences, eye movement behaviors will be associated with the true cognitive demands of task loading or other stressors. Using eye movement data as a proxy for attentional state, it may be possible to “close the loop” on the human-machine system, providing a means by which the system can adapt to the attentional state of the human operator. In our presentation, eye movement data will be shown with and without the benefit of the baselining technique. Experimental results will be discussed within the context of this theoretical framework.
In-Class Experiments as an Accompaniment to In-Class Discussion

Active learning, including in-class debates, is used in social science classrooms as a means of improving meaning and increasing understanding of complex materials. However, in-class debates do not fully satisfy all aspects of experiential learning because students do not get to experience the results of multifaceted concepts, such as strategic voting. In this article, I explore the use of an experimental voting game to teach the differences in electoral systems. Using defined payouts as policy outcomes, the results show that students who are exposed to known payoffs gained a better understanding of voting strategies under majoritarian and proportional voting schemes. Additionally, measured student outcomes in the form of a final exam showed a statistically significant difference in knowledge of voting behavior. In this way, I provide evidence that in-class experimentation can serve to complement other forms of active learning.
Quantitative determination of binding affinity of δ-subunit in Escherichia coli F1-ATPase: Effects of mutation, Mg2+, and pH on Kd

Abstract To study the stator function in ATP synthase, a fluorimetric assay has been devised for quantitative determination of binding affinity of δ-subunit to Escherichia coliF1-ATPase. The signal used is that of the natural tryptophan at residue δ28, which is enhanced by 50% upon binding of δ-subunit to α3β3γe complex.K d for δ binding is 1.4 nm, which is energetically equivalent (50.2 kJ/mol) to that required to resist the rotor strain. Only one site for δ binding was detected. The δW28L mutation increased K d to 4.6 nm, equivalent to a loss of 2.9 kJ/mol binding energy. While this was insufficient to cause detectable functional impairment, it did facilitate preparation of δ-depleted F1. The αG29D mutation reduced K d to 26 nm, equivalent to a loss of 7.2 kJ/mol binding energy. This mutation did cause serious functional impairment, referable to interruption of binding of δ to F1. Results with the two mutants illuminate how finely balanced is the stator resistance function. δ′ fragment, consisting of residues δ1–134, bound with the sameK d as intact δ, showing that, at least in absence of Fo subunits, the C-terminal domain of δ contributes zero binding energy. Mg2+ ions had a strong effect on increasing δ binding affinity, supporting the possibility of bridging metal ion involvement in stator function. High pH environment greatly reduced δ binding affinity, suggesting the involvement of protonatable side-chains in the binding site.
Corporate self-policing and the environment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Self-Policing Policy (more commonly referred to as the Audit Policy) waives or reduces penalties when regulated entities voluntarily discover, disclose, and correct environmental violations. This study draws upon a rational choice model of corporate crime to determine if traditional regulatory efforts such as inspections and enforcement actions are associated with the odds of disclosing an environmental violation under the Audit Policy. A case control design is used to compare companies that self-police to companies that do not self-police. The event group consists of all 551 companies that disclosed at least one environmental violation under the Audit Policy between October 1, 1998 and September 30, 2000. The control group consists of a simple random sample of 551 companies that did not use the Audit Policy but were discovered to have violated at least one environmental law during the same time period as the event group. There is no evidence that inspections and enforcement increase Audit Policy use. However, the results do suggest, first, that the Audit Policy is more likely to be used by large companies than by small companies and, second, that it is likely to be used for reporting violations as opposed to more serious emissions or permit violations. In terms of public policy these findings suggest that regulatory agencies such as the EPA can do relatively little to increase the self-policing of environmental violations.
Use of a syntax checker to improve student access to computing

This paper describes the design of a syntax checker which is being used to provide enhanced access to computing for introductory programming students. Syntax errors are detected on a microcomputer prior to submission of the job to the mainframe for execution. Advantages of this approach for the students, the instructor, and for the computer center are discussed.
Delayed response with different delay conditions by squirrel monkeys and fox squirrels.

Abstract A WGTA was used to present squirrel monkeys and fox squirrels with direct, spatial DR problems in which the foodwells were covered either by identical stimulus objects (phase I), or by dissimilar stimulus objects (phase II). The principal results were as follows: (1) During both phases the squirrel monkeys committed more errors after darkened than after lighted delays. However, the performance of the fox squirrels was not significantly lowered following darkened delays. (2) The presence of a glo light at each of the two foodwells during darkened delays failed to affect the DR of either species. (3) The overall performance of the fox squirrels was superior to that of the squirrel monkeys, a difference which was attributed to the fox squirrels' efficient use of gross bodily orientations towards the baited foodwell during the delay.
Human coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) expression in transgenic mouse prostate tumors enhances adenoviral delivery of genes.

BACKGROUND Transgenic mice that recapitulate the progression of human diseases are potentially useful models for testing the effectiveness of new therapeutic strategies. Their use in pre-clinical testing of adenovirally-delivered gene therapies, however, is limited because of restricted cell surface expression of Coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) in mice. METHODS To develop a more suitable transgenic mouse model for testing adenoviral-based gene therapies for prostate cancer, we generated prostate specific antigen/human CAR (PSA/hCAR) transgenic mice in which a chimeric enhancer/promoter sequence of the human PSA gene drives expression of a functional hCAR coding sequence. Results Expression of an adenovirally-delivered luciferase reporter gene in prostate tumor cells in bigenic mice (PSA/hCAR + TRAMP) was enhanced compared to the level in tumor cells lacking the PSA/hCAR transgene. CONCLUSIONS Breeding PSA/hCAR mice to existing transgenic mouse models for prostate cancer (e.g., TRAMP) results in improved mouse models for testing adenovirally-delivered therapeutic genes. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Broad tuning for spatial frequency of neural mechanisms underlying visual perception of coherent motion.

Broad tuning for spatial frequency of neural mechanisms underlying visual perception of coherent motion
Writing Teaching Assessment Questions for Precision and Reflection

Sometimes the standard student feedback questionnaires don't ask the questions you want answers to. You can create your own questions with a little guidance.
West Virginia University Pediatric Stroke Registry Clinical Description and Risk Factors Identification in Patients From a Rural Area

Purpose. To develop an institutional pediatric stroke database at West Virginia University to support the classification and description of clinical and radiographic characteristics of pediatric stroke in children living in rural areas. Methods. A custom-made database was developed using Microsoft Access to include specific query forms for data retrieval. Data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical record of pediatric patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with emphasis on clinical presentation, risk factors, and neuroimaging studies between 2000 and 2012. Results. In the children group, vasculitis and hypercoagulable disorders were identified less frequently than reported. In the neonate group, only extremely sick, symptomatic patents were acutely diagnosed with stroke. Conclusion. Patients with the most common risk factors for stroke (cardiac disease) were overrepresented. This suggests that in children receiving medical attention in rural areas less common risk factors for strok...
Gallium nitrate for the treatment of bone metastases

Gallium nitrate was originally developed as an antineoplastic agent; however, further studies have revealed that this drug has extremely potent effects on turnover of bone, and that low doses can be used to reduce bone resorption. Like the bisphosphonates, gallium nitrate has been studied in both malignant and in nonmalignant conditions. The results of randomized double blind studies have suggested that this drug has superior clinical efficacy relative to etidronate, calcitonin, and pamidronate for the acute control of cancer-related hypercalcemia. In patients with Paget's disease, low doses of gallium nitrate reduce biochemical parameters of accelerated bone turnover, including urinary excretion of calcium, hydroxyproline, and urinary collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides. Preliminary studies showed similar effects in patients with bone involvement from a wide variety of tumor types. Based on this high degree of clinical potency revealed in clinical studies, two randomized Phase III studies have been initiated in patients with bone metastases from breast carcinoma and bone involvement due to multiple myeloma. Both studies employ cyclic therapy with low dose gallium nitrate (i.e., 40 mg administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily for 2 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off treatment, recycled monthly). The endpoints of both studies are to document reductions in time to "morbid skeletal events," such as palliative skeletal radiotherapy, stabilizing orthopedic surgery, or pathologic fractures, as well as decreases in pain and analgesic requirements and improvements in mobility and other aspects of quality of life. These trials should provide definitive evidence of whether this agent is safe and effective as a treatment for bone metastases. Cancer 1997; 80:1680-5. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Quantitative tumor segmentation for evaluation of extent of glioblastoma resection to facilitate multisite clinical trials.

Standard-of-care therapy for glioblastomas, the most common and aggressive primary adult brain neoplasm, is maximal safe resection, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Because maximizing resection may be beneficial for these patients, improving tumor extent of resection (EOR) with methods such as intraoperative 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is currently under evaluation. However, it is difficult to reproducibly judge EOR in these studies due to the lack of reliable tumor segmentation methods, especially for postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Therefore, a reliable, easily distributable segmentation method is needed to permit valid comparison, especially across multiple sites. We report a segmentation method that combines versatile region-of-interest blob generation with automated clustering methods. We applied this to glioblastoma cases undergoing FGS and matched controls to illustrate the method's reliability and accuracy. Agreement and interrater variability between segmentations were assessed using the concordance correlation coefficient, and spatial accuracy was determined using the Dice similarity index and mean Euclidean distance. Fuzzy C-means clustering with three classes was the best performing method, generating volumes with high agreement with manual contouring and high interrater agreement preoperatively and postoperatively. The proposed segmentation method allows tumor volume measurements of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images in the unbiased, reproducible fashion necessary for quantifying EOR in multicenter trials.
Melatonin: marvel or marker?

Melatonin blanches the skin of frogs, whitens the fur of hamsters, and sometimes makes the gonads atrophy. It is remarkable that such a hormone would be put forward as a defense against ageing. We have been examining excretion of the urinary metabolite of melatonin, 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (6-SMT), in 150 postmenopausal women, in 72 volunteers over the age of 60 years who complained of insomnia or depression, and in 20 healthy younger adult controls, aged 18–40 years. The acrophase or fitted peak of 6-SMT excretion was computed as a marker of the timing of the circadian system. Total daily excretion of 6-SMT was not significantly related to total sleep time, wake-within-sleep or sleep complaints. Nevertheless, whereas the 20 controls displayed a normal range of 6-SMT acrophases from 01.32 to 05.44 h, 42% of the postmenopausal women and 48% of the symptomatic elders had acrophases outside this normal range. Those volunteers with more deviant acrophases displayed more disturbed sleep and more sleep complaints...
Board Networks and Merger Performance

We compare the post-merger financial performance of acquiring firms that have wellconnected (central) boards with the performance of less-connected (non-central) boards and find that central boards are associated with better performing acquisitions as evidenced by larger post-merger buy-and-hold abnormal returns, stronger improvements in the ROA, and a 7-12% annual abnormal return based on calendar time portfolios. Central firms are more likely to use cash, to make an acquisition, and to be acquired. Our results suggest that board networks affect the decision to acquire, the choice of target, the method of payment, and ultimately the financial performance of the firm around the merger.
Using loop length variants to dissect the folding pathway of a four-helix-bundle protein

Rop is a four-helix-bundle protein formed by the association of two helix-loop-helix monomers. The short helix-connecting loop was replaced with a series of polyglycine linkers of increasing length. These mutant proteins all appear to fold via the same general mechanism as that of the wild-type protein, even at the longest loop lengths. Replacement of the wild-type two-residue loop (Asp-Ala) with a (Gly-Gly) linker accelerates both unfolding and refolding rates. These changes in folding and unfolding kinetics likely indicate an alteration in the energy of the transition state. As the length of the glycine linker is further increased, the unfolding rate increases while the refolding rates decrease. The influence of loop length is not limited to these rates, but also impacts upon the stability of the folding intermediate. These dependences underscore the importance of loop closure and help refine the model for Rop’s folding, implicating a dimeric intermediate involving hairpin formation. These observations show that loop alteration may be useful as a general technique for dissecting protein folding pathways. # 1999 Academic Press
A compositional theory for post-reboot observational equivalence checking of hardware

We propose an equivalence checking theory in a wider-than-usual sense. The theory shows how to combine Formal Equivalence Checking (FEC) of specification and implementation models with Assertion Based Verification (ABV) of the specification model, and with Reboot Sequence Checking (RSC) on both models, to ensure that the implementation model has the intended logic functionality. Here, FEC is performed to ensure that the input-output behavior of the models coincides in post-reboot states. ABV ensures that the specification model has the intended logic functionality captured by temporal assertions. RSC ensures deterministic behavior of the models after reboot. We propose a flexible compositional theory for FEC, an abstraction method for ABV, and a scalable algorithm for RSC, enabling performance of all three activities in a modular, compositional manner, and largely independently: FEC and ABV are performed without knowing the actual reboot sequence (and the respective initial states) of the two models; and FEC, ABV and RSC have the same observables.
Optimal algorithms and inapproximability results for every CSP

Semidefinite Programming(SDP) is one of the strongest algorithmic techniques used in the design of approximation algorithms. In recent years, Unique Games Conjecture(UGC) has proved to be intimately connected to the limitations of Semidefinite Programming. Making this connection precise, we show the following result : If UGC is true, then for every constraint satisfaction problem(CSP) the best approximation ratio is given by a certain simple SDP. Specifically, we show a generic conversion from SDP integrality gaps to UGC hardness results for every CSP. This result holds both for maximization and minimization problems over arbitrary finite domains. Using this connection between integrality gaps and hardness results we obtain a generic polynomial-time algorithm for all CSPs. Assuming the Unique Games Conjecture, this algorithm achieves the optimal approximation ratio for every CSP. Unconditionally, for all 2-CSPs the algorithm achieves an approximation ratio equal to the integrality gap of a natural SDP used in literature. Further the algorithm achieves at least as good an approximation ratio as the best known algorithms for several problems like MaxCut, Max2Sat, MaxDiCut and Unique Games.
Hydration, Electrolyte, and Mineral Needs

Water is an essential dietary component; dehydration due to inadequate replacement of body fluids can become life-threatening in a matter of a few days. The stimulus to thirst is impaired in older persons, as is the ability to conserve sodium and concentrate the urine. This makes the older individual more susceptible to dehydration, especially in association with acute and chronic illnesses. A variety of acute and chronic illnesses make older persons more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances as often evidenced by high or low concentrations of the mineral in the serum, e.g., hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, and hypomagnesemia. Again, prompt medical interventions are necessary to prevent life-threatening developments. Older persons are also more vulnerable to deficiencies of the 10 essential trace minerals due to various physiologic, pathologic, and psychosocial factors. Since the onset of deficiency states is often insidious in onset affecting quality of life, it is important to recognize early signs and symptoms, and when persons are at risk.
Conflicts between Theory and Practice in Production Economics

nomic relationships allows multiple theoretical models to explain essentially the same behavior. At the same time, indirect measurement places great demands on data to test theory. For example, using parametric tests for profit maximization requires estimating second-order curvature parameters to ascertain whether parameters exhibit certain properties. It may be difficult to determine second-order substitution effects using related price data, which in practice are often highly collinear. As technical demands placed on data for testing underlying theory increase, conflicts between theory and empirical evidence should also be expected to rise.
Staging criteria for embryos of the spiny softshell turtle, Apalone spinifera (testudines: Trionychidae)

Previous work describing the embryonic stages of turtle development has not included members of the highly derived trionychid turtles. Staging criteria are described for the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) to facilitate comparisons between phylogenetically distant taxa of turtles. Embryonic development in A. spinifera is placed in the context of the widely used sequence of Yntema stages. Novel features are included in the descriptions of staging criteria for Stages 13-26. Comparisons of the development of specific features are made between A. spinifera and other taxa of turtles. Data on the duration of developmental stages at different temperatures and embryo dimensions support the conclusion that morphology-based staging criteria are superior to developmental rate temperature coefficients.
Efficient warping for architectural walkthroughs using layered depth images

This paper presents efficient image-based rendering techniques used in the context of an architectural walkthrough system. Portals (doors and windows) are rendered by warping layered depth images (LDIs). In a preprocessing phase, for every portal, a number of pre-rendered images are combined into an LDI. The resulting LDI stores, exactly once, all surfaces visible in at least one of the images used in the construction, so most of the exposure errors are efficiently eliminated. The LDI can be warped in the McMillan occlusion compatible ordering. A substantial increase in performance is obtained by warping in parallel. Our parallelization scheme achieves good load balancing, scales with the number of processors, and preserves the occlusion compatible ordering. A fast, conservative reference-image-space clipping algorithm also reduces the warping effort.
Routine radiographic screening after completion of initial chemotherapy and relapse-free survival after transplant in patients with relapsed lymphoma.

The role of radiological surveillance with positron emission tomography (PET) or computed tomography (CT) to detect early relapse after completion of chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma is contr...
The Effects of Radiographic Contrast Agents and Other Compounds on the Nuclear Binding of L-[125I]Triiodothyronine in Dispersed Human Skin Fibroblasts

Using a dispersed intact cell assay system, we screened a number of compounds for their ability to compete for nuclear binding of L-[125I]T3 in cultured human skin fibroblasts incubated for 90 min at 37 °C. T3 inhibited nuclear [125I]T3 binding by 50% at a concentration of 3.4 ± 0.3 (±SE) × 10-10 M. 3,5-Dimethyl-3′-isopropyl-thyronine, a nonhalogenated thyroid hormone agonist, had an affinity for the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (4.4 × 10-9 M, as judged by 50% inhibition of nuclear [125I]T3 binding) that correlates well with its thyromimetic potency. Of several radiographic contrast agents and other compounds tested (iodipamide, iopanoic acid, sodium ipodate, sodium diatrizoate, sodium tyropanoate, diphenylhydantoin, carbamazepine, amiodarone hydrochloride, propylthiouracil, propranolol, and potassium iodide), only sodium ipodate (Oragrafin) and iopanoic acid (Telepaque) interfered with nuclear [125I]T3 binding, with 50% inhibition at 5 × 10-6 and 1.8 × 10-4 M, respectively. Interestingly, diphenylhyd...
THE BLASTOPSOCUS SEMISTRIATUS SPECIES COMPLEX IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA (PSOCOPTERA: PSOCIDAE)

The Blastopsocus semistriatus species complex is diagnosed and the four known species in the United States and Canada are described, three of them named as new to science. A key to the U.S. and Canadian species is included.
Generalized Boolean symmetries through nested partition refinement

Combinatorial objects in EDA applications exhibit a great amount of complexity and typically defy polynomial-time algorithms. To achieve acceptable performance, EDA tools seek to exploit various structures found in these objects in practice. In this work, we explore symmetries of Boolean functions and develop a new algorithm based on nested partition refinement, abstract group theory and Boolean satisfiability. We apply our algorithm to solve large-scale Boolean matching.
Validation of the Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT CPI): Version 2006

Background Based on changes in core physical therapy documents and problems with the earlier version, the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT CPI): Version 1997 was revised to create the PT CPI: Version 2006. Objective The purpose of this study was to validate the PT CPI: Version 2006 for use with physical therapist students as a measure of clinical performance. Design This was a combined cross-sectional and prospective study. Methods A convenience sample of physical therapist students from the United States and Canada participated in this study. The PT CPI: Version 2006 was used to collect CPI item–level data from the clinical instructor about student performance at midterm and final evaluation periods in the clinical internship. Midterm evaluation data were collected from 196 students, and final evaluation data were collected from 171 students. The students who participated in the study had a mean age of 24.8 years (SD=2.3, range=21–41). Sixty-seven percent of the participants were from programs in the United States, and 33% were from Canada. Results The PT CPI: Version 2006 demonstrated good internal consistency, and factor analysis with varimax rotation produced a 3-factor solution explaining 94% of the variance. Construct validity was supported by differences in CPI item scores between students on early compared with final clinical experiences. Validity also was supported by significant score changes from midterm to final evaluations for students on both early and final internships and by fair to moderate correlations between prior clinical experience and remaining course work. Limitations This study did not examine rater reliability. Conclusion The results support the PT CPI: Version 2006 as a valid measure of physical therapist student clinical performance.
Deterministic scheduling for multithreaded replicas

Replication of objects, processes and components is essential for building reliable distributed systems. However, maintaining replica consistency in the presence of nondeterminism is a challenge. There are many sources of nondeterminism in the applications being replicated. In this paper, we focus on the nondeterminism resulting from multithreading in the applications, and present a deterministic scheduling algorithm for ensuring consistent execution of replicated multithreaded applications.
Effect of whole cottonseed on serum constituents, fragility of erythrocyte cells, and reproduction of growing Holstein heifers

A 431-d experiment was conducted to determine the effects of whole cottonseed containing gossypol (7400 mg/kg) on growth and development from weaning until pregnancy in Holstein heifers. Treatment diets (n = 5) contained 0, 15, or 30% whole cottonseed. The basal diet included alfalfa hay, corn grain, soybean meal, molasses, and dicalcium phosphate. Gossypol content of the treatment diets was 0, 1300, and 2000 mg/kg, and gossypol content in feces was 0, 290, and 1170 mg/kg, respectively, for treatments containing 0, 15, and 30% whole cottonseed. Estimated ingestion of gossypol (accumulated) was 0, 8, and 12 g/kg of BW, respectively, for treatments containing 0, 15, and 30% whole cottonseed during the 431-d experiment. Erythrocyte fragility was similar among treatment groups on d -3; on d 228, erythrocyte fragility was similar for heifers fed treatments containing 0 and 15% whole cottonseed, but was lower than that for heifers fed the 30% whole cottonseed diet. However, on d 430, fragility of erythrocytes increased linearly as the percentage of whole cottonseed increased. Clinical profiles of serum suggest possible impairment of liver and kidney function on d 144 and 430. Age and BW at onset of puberty and pregnancy rates were similar among treatments. One heifer fed the 30% whole cottonseed died on d 396, possibly from gossypol toxicosis. Long-term dietary supplementation at 15 to 30% whole cottonseed for long periods should be examined further for gossypol content and toxicity response of heifers and for effects on growth and development.
Analysis of regional scale risk of whirling disease in populations of Colorado and Rio Grande cutthroat trout using a Bayesian belief network model.

Introduction and spread of the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of whirling disease, has contributed to the collapse of wild trout populations throughout the intermountain west. Of concern is the risk the disease may have on conservation and recovery of native cutthroat trout. We employed a Bayesian belief network to assess probability of whirling disease in Colorado River and Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus and Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis, respectively) within their current ranges in the southwest United States. Available habitat (as defined by gradient and elevation) for intermediate oligochaete worm host, Tubifex tubifex, exerted the greatest influence on the likelihood of infection, yet prevalence of stream barriers also affected the risk outcome. Management areas that had the highest likelihood of infected Colorado River cutthroat trout were in the eastern portion of their range, although the probability of infection was highest for populations in the southern, San Juan subbasin. Rio Grande cutthroat trout had a relatively low likelihood of infection, with populations in the southernmost Pecos management area predicted to be at greatest risk. The Bayesian risk assessment model predicted the likelihood of whirling disease infection from its principal transmission vector, fish movement, and suggested that barriers may be effective in reducing risk of exposure to native trout populations. Data gaps, especially with regard to location of spawning, highlighted the importance in developing monitoring plans that support future risk assessments and adaptive management for subspecies of cutthroat trout.
Microvascular Responses to Ischemia/Reperfusion in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

Abstract —The objective of the present study was to determine whether long-term arterial hypertension renders the microvasculature more vulnerable to the deleterious inflammatory responses elicited by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to monitor leukocyte adherence and emigration, platelet-leukocyte aggregation, and albumin extravasation in mesenteric postcapillary venules of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) after 10 minutes of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion. Significant and comparable increases in leukocyte adherence/emigration and the formation of platelet aggregates were elicited by I/R in both WKY and SHR. Albumin extravasation was enhanced after I/R in SHR, but not in WKY. Monoclonal antibodies directed against the adhesion glycoproteins CD18, P-selectin, or ICAM-1 showed similar patterns of protection against the I/R-induced inflammatory responses in WKY and SHR. The enhanced albumin extravasation noted in postischemic venules of SHR was prevented by immunoneutralization of either CD18 on leukocytes or ICAM-1 on endothelial cells. These results suggest that, whereas long-term arterial hypertension does not significantly modify the leukocyte and platelet recruitment normally elicited in venules by I/R, it does result in an exaggerated albumin leakage response, which is mediated by an interaction between β2 (CD18) integrins on leukocytes and ICAM-1 on endothelial cells.
Extremes of Lineage Plasticity in the Drosophila Brain

An often-overlooked aspect of neural plasticity is the plasticity of neuronal composition, in which the numbers of neurons of particular classes are altered in response to environment and experience. The Drosophila brain features several well-characterized lineages in which a single neuroblast gives rise to multiple neuronal classes in a stereotyped sequence during development. We find that in the intrinsic mushroom body neuron lineage, the numbers for each class are highly plastic, depending on the timing of temporal fate transitions and the rate of neuroblast proliferation. For example, mushroom body neuroblast cycling can continue under starvation conditions, uncoupled from temporal fate transitions that depend on extrinsic cues reflecting organismal growth and development. In contrast, the proliferation rates of antennal lobe lineages are closely associated with organismal development, and their temporal fate changes appear to be cell cycle-dependent, such that the same numbers and types of uniglomerular projection neurons innervate the antennal lobe following various perturbations. We propose that this surprising difference in plasticity for these brain lineages is adaptive, given their respective roles as parallel processors versus discrete carriers of olfactory information.
The West Indies and British West African policy in the nineteenth century - a corrective comment

Using some examples from recent writing on West Africa, this article suggests that the failure of African historians to appreciate fully the importance of the West Indies in generating British imperial policy in the Atlantic tropics has led to serious distortions and errors of interpretation. For economic, ideological, and historical reasons, Britain's interest in the West Indies greatly exceeded her interest in West Africa during the first half of the nineteenth century. Her extensive Caribbean involvement and her ideological commitment to the successful outcome of slave emancipation powerfully influenced her policy in West Africa. In assessing the motives which generated imperial actions in the tropical Atlantic and in evaluating the impact of those actions upon Africa, it behooves historians to develop a broader, trans-Atlantic comprehension of the roots of British imperial policy.
Computers and society in CS0: an interactive approach

One of the challenges in developing introductory computer science courses for non-majors is attracting and engaging a diverse population of students. Incorporating the social, legal, and ethical issues in computer science into the course material is one effective way to introduce students to the concept of computing as a science and to demonstrate the relevance of the discipline to their everyday lives. In this paper, we propose a series of classroom and Web-based activities in which the students take an active role in researching and learning the societal impact of the current technical subject studied in class.
2-dimensional Integrated VCSEL and PIN Photodector Arrays for Bidirectional Optical Links

We have designed and fabricated hexagonal, 2-dimensional, integrated VCSEL and PIN photodetector linear arrays for optical communications. Device characteristics were observed to be uniform across the entire array. This in addition to the mirror symmetry of the die, allows for the usage of these arrays as optical transceivers
Wideband OFDM system for radar and communications

This paper describes the design and architectural composition of a radar system built on OFDM platform. The radar signal is generated digitally by forming an arbitrary-length vector of OFDM sub-carrier amplitudes and translating it in analog format via 1000 Ms/s D/A conversion. The resultant baseband signal has a bandwidth of 500 MHz, and variable number and composition of sub-carriers, which may be changed on a pulse-to-pulse basis. The signal is upconverted to 7.5 GHz carrier frequency and emitted via small-form horn antenna. The receiver includes 1 Gs/s A/D converter and processing is performed in frequency domain. The system is currently configured for short-range applications (3–5 m) and can be used as radar or communication unit without any changes to hardware and with very minimal changes to software. Experimental results from high-resolution range profile imaging and broadband data communications are presented and discussed.
Intramuscular immunization of mice with live influenza virus is more immunogenic and offers greater protection than immunization with inactivated virus

Influenza virus continues to cause significant hospitalization rates in infants and young children. A 2-dose regime of trivalent inactivated vaccine is required to generate protective levels of hemagglutination inhibiting (HAI) antibodies. A vaccine preparation with enhanced immunogenicity is therefore desirable. Mice were inoculated intramuscularly (IM) with live and inactivated preparations of A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2). Serum cytokine levels, hemagglutinin (HA)-specific antibody responses and nucleoprotein (NP)-specific CD8+ T cell responses were compared between vaccinated groups, as well as to responses measured after intranasal infection. The protective efficacy of each vaccine type was compared by measuring virus titers in the lungs and weight loss of mice challenged intranasally with a heterosubtypic virus, A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). Intramuscular administration of live virus resulted in greater amounts of IFN-α, IL-12 and IFN-γ, HA-specific antibodies, and virus-specific CD8+ T cells, than IM immunization with inactivated virus. These increases corresponded with the live virus vaccinated group having significantly less weight loss and less virus in the lungs on day 7 following challenge with a sublethal dose of a heterosubtypic virus. Inflammatory cytokines, antibody titers to HA and CD8+ T cell responses were greater to live than inactivated virus delivered IM. These increased responses correlated with greater protection against heterosubtypic virus challenge, suggesting that intramuscular immunization with live influenza virus may be a practical means to increase vaccine immunogenicity and to broaden protection in pediatric populations.
A Multichannel Semicircular Canal Neural Prosthesis Using Electrical Stimulation to Restore 3-D Vestibular Sensation

Bilateral loss of vestibular sensation can be disabling. Those afflicted suffer illusory visual field movement during head movements, chronic disequilibrium and postural instability due to failure of vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal reflexes. A neural prosthesis that emulates the normal transduction of head rotation by semicircular canals could significantly improve quality of life for these patients. Like the three semicircular canals in a normal ear, such a device should at least transduce three orthogonal (or linearly separable) components of head rotation into activity on corresponding ampullary branches of the vestibular nerve. We describe the design, circuit performance and in vivo application of a head-mounted, semi-implantable multichannel vestibular prosthesis that encodes head movement in three dimensions as pulse-frequency-modulated electrical stimulation of three or more ampullary nerves. In chinchillas treated with intratympanic gentamicin to ablate vestibular sensation bilaterally, prosthetic stimuli elicited a partly compensatory angular vestibulo-ocular reflex in multiple planes. Minimizing misalignment between the axis of eye and head rotation, apparently caused by current spread beyond each electrode's targeted nerve branch, emerged as a key challenge. Increasing stimulation selectivity via improvements in electrode design, surgical technique and stimulus protocol will likely be required to restore AVOR function over the full range of normal behavior
The effects of trailing vorticity on the flow through highly loaded cascades

This paper presents a procedure whereby three-dimensional inviscid flow through a highly loaded turbomachinery cascade of lifting lines can be treated by methods corresponding to classical aerodynamic theory. In contrast to earlier linearized (thin airfoil) three-dimensional theory, the present study allows analysis of the flow corresponding to the large turning and/or large pressure ratios induced by practical rotors or stators. For the sake of simplicity, the present paper is limited to incompressible flow through a highly loaded rectilinear cascade and to the design problem; i.e., given blade loading. Formulas are derived for both the mean and the three-dimensional components of the flow; in particular, the velocities at the blades induced by the trailing vorticity associated with nonuniform blade circulation are determined.