cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Person identification through perceptual fusion

When a robot interacts with an individual, it is important to know with whom it is interacting, either to avoid social faux pas or remember user preferences. Continuous person identification during normal interactions, however, is extremely challenging. A person is periodically speaking to the robot, while at the same time changing pose, looking in other directions, etc. In this paper, we address the problem of continuous person identification using both speech and face recognition. We demonstrate that both modalities can together produce a system that is superior at person identification than from using a single modality alone.
The Computerized Continuous Performance Task: A New Measure of Inattention

Attentional performance was measured using a computerized continuous performance task, several psychometric tasks, and ratings of classroom behavior. Subjects were 51 children in the inpatient and day hospital programs of a psychiatric hospital. The relationship between performance on the computerized task and all other measures was examined. Results indicated that the continuous performance task significantly correlated with several other psychometric measures of inattention, ratings of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The CPT had slightly better sensitivity and the same specificity as the Conners Teacher Rating Scale in identifying Conduct and Attention Deficit Disordered children. Implications for the use of the computerized continuous performance task as a screening measure for attentional difficulties is discussed.
Irregularly shaped space-filling truncated octahedra

For any parent tetrahedron ABCD, centroids of selected sub-tetrahedra form the vertices of an irregularly shaped space-filling truncated octahedron. To reflect these properties, such a figure will be called an ISTO. Each edge of the ISTO is parallel to and one-eighth the length of one of the edges of tetrahedron ABCD and the volume of the ISTO is 3/16-th the volume of the tetrahedron. The ISTO is symmetric about the centroid of tetrahedron ABCD and each face is symmetric about a centre and has an opposite face that is parallel and congruent. The area of the faces of the ISTO is not proportional to that of the generating tetrahedron.
Electrophysiological Changes of HSV-1-Infected Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons in Culture

Dissociated rat dorsal root ganglion cultures were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 and studied electrophysiologically throughout the course of infection. Alterations in the electrical parameters of the action potentials of these neurons occurred as early as 4 hours post infection. The maximum rate of rise, spike amplitude, and overshoot were decreased, and the full width at half maximum and resting membrane potential were increased. At 6 hours post infection there is a movement back to normal values for these parameters. This reversal is transient, however, and the types of alterations seen at 4 hours post infection are more pronounced at 12 hours post infection. The first morphological alterations occur at 16 hours post infection, at which time less than 50% of the neurons impaled produced action potentials. Application of cyclohexamide to inhibit protein synthesis 1 hour post infection prevented electrophysiological changes normally seen at 4 hours and 6 hours post infection. It is concluded that the sodium conductance is specifically reduced by acute HSV infection, and that this reduction is attributed to viral specific or modified host cell protein synthesis.
HUMAN TESTIS-DETERMINING FACTOR SRY BINDS TO THE MAJOR DNA ADDUCT OF CISPLATIN AND A PUTATIVE TARGET SEQUENCE WITH COMPARABLE AFFINITIES

cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP or cisplatin) is a widely used anticancer drug that is most effective against tumors of the testis. Although cisplatin is believed to mediate its cytotoxic...
The preparation-registration arrow of time in quantum mechanics

Abstract A part from the “collapse of the wave function” axiom, there is a quantum mechanical arrow of time expressing the fact that a state needs to be first prepared before observables can be measured in it. We show that this preparation-registration arrow of time is identical to the arrow for exponential decay (or growth) of resonance by Gamow vectors.
Long-wavelength models for effectively chiral and achiral microwave composites containing chiral inclusions

The non-local constitutive relations describing a chiral medium which lacks reflection symmetry are different from an ordinary dielectric medium. When `chiral' inclusions (either because of their handed geometry or because they are made of a chiral material) are dispersed in a dielectric host medium, the effective properties of the resulting composite can be described by constitutive relations that make the effective medium effectively chiral or achiral. In most effective medium theories, there is preference to model the fields in terms of the fields in the host medium so that the effective medium resembles the host medium rather than the inclusion material. Four different effective medium models are examined for chiral inclusions in the long wavelength limit for the purpose of predicting effective properties of microwave chiral composites.
Action of protamine on electrolyte transport in kidney slices

Abstract Conditions are described under which K accumulation by K-deficient slices of the renal cortex of the rabbit continues in the absence of simultaneous net Na extrusion. The independence of K movement from Na movement confirms the presence in kidney of a K-transporting system. This is specifically inhibited by protamine and certain other basic compounds. Protamine has little or no effect on Na extrusion and respiration. The mechanism of the protamine inhibition is discussed.
Preparation, characterization and lysozyme immobilization studies on siliceous mesocellular foams: Effect of precursor chemistry on pore size, wall thickness and interpore spacing

Abstract Three homologous series of siliceous meso-cellular foams (MCFs) were synthesized using microemulsion templating by incremental variation of ratio of organic pore expander, trimethyl benzene (TMB), and silica precursor (TEOS) concentrations using Pluronic™ block co-polymer (P123) as the surfactant. The calcined materials were tested for lysozyme immobilization to relate the adsorption capacities to meso-structure. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) shows a short range ordering of pores. The pore size and wall thickness were determined from Porod analysis of the SAXS data combined with gas adsorption data. The pore size and lysozyme loading both increase systematically with TMB/P123 ratio, and decrease with increasing TEOS/P123 ratio. By comparing gas adsorption and SAXS data, we show that the BET method overestimates the mesopore specific surface area and therefore leads to an underestimate of the pore size. The effective pore size determined by the BdB-FHH method on the other hand is consistent with that determined by SAXS surface area analysis. The wall thickness (4.4 ± 0.5 nm), interpore distance (23.9 ± 1.5 nm) and meso-pore volume fraction (0.82 ± 0.04) are independent of synthesis conditions. The mean pore size (33 ± 8 nm, spherical equivalent) is generally larger than the interpore distance, which forces the system to adopt a more cylindrical pore morphology at large pore and window sizes, which is confirmed by SAXS and TEM. TEM shows worm-like pores intermixed along with the familiar cellular foam phase.
Direct measurements of the mechanical properties of polymerized and unpolymerized langmuir‐blodgett films

Mechanical measurements can be made on Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films that have been peeled from their substrates, and are floating on the surface of water, by compressing them between the moving barrier and the Langmuir balance float in a standard monolayer trough. We have used this technique, which utilizes apparatus commonly available where LB films are made, to study multilayers of lead 10,12-tricosadiynoate (a diacetylene carboxylic acid) that were first polymerized and then peeled from the substrate. For comparison we have performed the same measurements on pieces of mylar, on unpolymerized films, and on films of calcium octadecanoate (a saturated chain fatty acid). We found Young's modulus for films of the saturated chain material, the unpolymerized diynoate, and the polymerized films, to be 6 GPa (900 kpsi), 0.5 GPa, and 6 GPa, respectively.
The Efficacy of Serostatus Disclosure for HIV Transmission Risk Reduction

Interventions to assist HIV+ persons in disclosing their serostatus to sexual partners can play an important role in curbing rates of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Based on the methods of Pinkerton and Galletly (AIDS Behav 11:698–705, 2007), we develop a mathematical probability model for evaluating effectiveness of serostatus disclosure in reducing the risk of HIV transmission and extend the model to examine the impact of serosorting. In baseline data from 164 HIV+ MSM participating in a randomized controlled trial of a disclosure intervention, disclosure is associated with a 45.0 % reduction in the risk of HIV transmission. Accounting for serosorting, a 61.2 % reduction in risk due to disclosure was observed in serodisconcordant couples. The reduction in risk for seroconcordant couples was 38.4 %. Evidence provided supports the value of serostatus disclosure as a risk reduction strategy in HIV+ MSM. Interventions to increase serostatus disclosure and that address serosorting behaviors are needed.
A Polymer Model for Large-scale Chromatin Organization in Lower Eukaryotes

A quantitative model of large-scale chromatin organization was applied to nuclei of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (meiotic prophase and G2 phase), budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (young and senescent cells), Drosophila (embryonic cycles 10 and 14, and polytene tissues) and Caenorhabditis elegans (G1 phase). The model is based on the coil-like behavior of chromosomal fibers and the tight packing of discrete chromatin domains in a nucleus. Intrachromosomal domains are formed by chromatin anchoring to nuclear structures (e.g., the nuclear envelope). The observed sizes for confinement of chromatin diffusional motion are similar to the estimated sizes of corresponding domains. The model correctly predicts chromosome configurations (linear, Rabl, loop) and chromosome associations (homologous pairing, centromere and telomere clusters) on the basis of the geometrical constraints imposed by nuclear size and shape. Agreement between the model predictions and literature observations supports the notion that the average linear density of the 30-nm chromatin fiber is approximately 4 nucleosomes per 10 nm contour length.
Minimum distance collision-free path planning for industrial robots with a prismatic joint

A collision-free path is a path which an industrial robot can physically take while traveling from one location to another in an environment containing obstacles. Usually the obstacles are expanded to compensate for the body width of the robot. For robots with a prismatic joint, which allows only a translational motion along its axis, additional problems created by the long boom are handled by means of pseudoobstacles which are generated by real obstacle's edges and faces. The environment is then modified by the inclusion of pseudoobstacles which contribute to the forbidden regions. This process allows the robot itself again to be represented by a point specifying the location of its end effector in space. An algorithm for determining the shortest distance collision-free path given a sequence of edges to be traversed has been developed for the case of stationary obstacles.
Closed versus Open Enteral Delivery Systems: A Quality Improvement Study

The purpose of this study was to review the compliance rate with maximum enteral feeding hang-time policy and to determine the incidence of tube feeding (TF) contamination. This study found the compliance rate for the maximum TF bag hang-time was 67% for open delivery system (OS) and 88% for the closed delivery system (CS). The 10 CS bags cultured had hang-times from 20.8 to 45.8 hours and were all sterile. The 8 OS bags cultured had hang-times from 6.8 to 26.6 hours with 2 bags being contaminated. The maximum hang-time for the CS was increased from 24 to 48 hours. The study was repeated with 100% compliance for the CS and still only 50% compliance for the OS. The 14 CS bags cultured had hang-times from 22.0 to 47.3 hours and were all sterile except for 1 bag that had methylene blue dye added to it. The 9 OS bags cultured had hang-times from 7.5 to 13.3 hours, and all were sterile. The findings of this study led us to conclude that closed enteral delivery systems should be used whenever possible.
Shibboleth as a Tool for Authorized Access Control to the Subversion Repository System

Shibboleth is an architecture and protocol for allowing users to authenticate and be authorized to use a remote resource by logging into the identity management system that is maintained at their home institution. With Shibboleth, a federation of institutions can share resources among users and yet allow the administration of both the user access control to resources and the user identity and attribute information to be performed at the hosting or home institution. Subversion is a version control repository system that allows the creation of fine-grained permissions to files and directories. In this project an infrastructure, Shibbolized Subversion, has been created that consists of a Subversion repository with an Apache web interface that is protected by a Shibboleth authentication system. The infrastructure can allow authorized and authenticated data sharing between institutions yet retains simplicity and protects privacy for users. In addition, it also relieves local administrators from the task of having to perform extra account management for users from other institutions. This paper describes the Shibboleth and Subversion systems, the implementation of the file sharing infrastructure, and issues of attribute maintenance, privacy and security.
Intraoperative sestamibi scanning in reoperative parathyroidectomy

Abstract Background. Reoperative neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism is often difficult even for experienced surgeons. Recent advances in preoperative and intraoperative localization techniques have improved successful resection rates. This prospective study evaluates the accuracy and clinical utility of intraoperative technetium 99m sestamibi scanning for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in reoperative neck explorations. Patients and methods. Eleven patients underwent reoperative neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism. Two patients had 3 prior neck explorations, 1 had 2 prior neck explorations, and 8 patients had 1 prior neck operation. Preoperative studies included sestamibi scintigraphy and ultrasound in all patients, magnetic resonance imaging in 4, computed tomography scan in 3, parathyroid arteriogram in 1, and selective venous sampling in 1. All patients underwent intraoperative technetium 99m sestamibi scanning and parathyroid hormone assay. Results. Preoperative technetium 99m sestamibi scanning and ultrasound each successfully localized 7 of 11 hyperfunctioning glands (64%). Intraoperative technetium 99m sestamibi scanning correctly localized 10 of 11 hyperfunctioning glands (91%). Intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay confirmed successful excision of hyperfunctioning tissue in all 11 patients. Postoperatively, all 11 patients had low-normal or normal calcium levels. Conclusions. Intraoperative technetium 99m sestamibi correctly localized 91% of hyperfunctioning glands compared with 64% localization for preoperative technetium 99m sestamibi and preoperative ultrasound. Intraoperative technetium 99m sestamibi scanning and parathyroid hormone monitoring are useful in reoperative neck explorations for hyperparathyroidism. (Surgery 2000;128:744-50.)
Automatic test stimulus generation for accurate diagnosis of RF systems using transient response signatures

Low cost diagnosis of RF systems has become an important problem due to increased process variability effects on the performance of RF devices and the need to ramp-up RF IC yield rapidly. In the recent past, there has been work on diagnosing RF device model parameters from random “frequency-rich” test stimulus. In this paper, we develop a novel test stimulus generation approach which produces a compact, deterministic test stimulus in such a way that the RF DUT model parameters can be computed directly from the DUT response (called the DUT signature). This is achieved through use of a non-linear solver that adjusts the DUT model parameters iteratively until the model response to the applied test matches the observed DUT test response signature. It is shown that a small set of optimized tones in the frequency domain or an optimized transient waveform in the time domain can be used as test stimulus. It is shown how the use of embedded sensors in the RF design can expedite model parameter diagnosis. The practicality and accuracy of the proposed diagnosis approach is shown through simulations and hardware measurements.
NOTE ON LEVY'S METHODOLOGICAL REVIEW OF STUDIES ON SHORT-FORMS OF THE WAIS

It is contended that only some of Levy's criticisms are appropriate to the studies reviewed. Others reflect a misconception of the purpose and function of studies on WAIS short-forms.
Temporal slice analysis of image sequences

An early-processing algorithm to extract motion information from closely sampled image sequences is presented. This method outputs dense displacement field, based on the extraction of strips in slices taken from the image volume along the temporal dimension. The extracted strips provide estimates of the velocity component along the slice orientation. Because of the high sampling rate, the motion is assumed to be piecewisely translational. A voting scheme to estimate the position of FOE while extracting strips is proposed. The true velocity can then be calculated. Results on several real image sequences and a promising speedup from the parallel implementation on the Connection Machine are presented. >
Two remarks on a paper by Saniet al.

In Sani et al. (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Fluids 2006; 50:673–682), the authors claim to provide a proof of well-posedness for certain formulations of the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible flow. We consider the proof of their main Theorem 1 incomplete, and point out some inconsistencies in the above paper. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DIII-D CAMAC Infrastructure Maintenance Experience and Upgrade Plans

Over the past 20+ years the DIII-D project has developed a large CAMAC-based data acquisition and control infrastructure consisting of 9 serial highways, 87 crates and 1258 CAMAC modules in service and about 420 spare modules. The cost and difficulty of maintaining these older systems is continually increasing. The use of alternative hardware for new installations and replenishing CAMAC spares from obsolete systems is underway. Onsite repair and utilization of some vendors that will still repair CAMAC modules is important in our program. Over the past five years we have been implementing new diagnostics and control systems with modern hardware. The current plan is to incrementally replace much of the existing CAMAC infrastructure with new equipment as time, machine availability and budget permit. A functions-and requirements-driven approach to the design will be outlined. Data will be presented on experience with candidate control and DAQ hardware in use at DIII-D. Some success has been realized with new waveform digitizers, thermocouple acquisition and digital I/O. Candidate control hardware will be discussed including PCI/cPCI systems, PLCs, Ethernet direct-connected server systems, and others. The functions, performance and design requirements of replacements for specific CAMAC-based modules and systems in DIII-D will be outlined. Design requirements will emphasize compatibility of interfaces to existing equipment, reliability and maintainability. Ethernet is the preferred medium of connection to the host data acquisition or machine control computer systems.
Target description using wavelet transform

A method for characterizing radar signatures using the wavelet transform is developed based on the principle of scattering centers. The adopted target representation is based on the colored bright spot approach, which is closely related to wavelet analysis. It is shown how to estimate the number, location, level of integration or differentiation, and scattering intensity of point scatterers using wavelet decomposition. The proposed target analysis method is tested using experimentally measured radar signals. >
The Switchgrass Gall Midge (Chilophaga virgati Gagné) in the Northern Great Plains

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is considered to be a highly promising bioenergy crop. However, little is known about insect pests that impact its utilization for this purpose. The switchgrass gall midge [Chilophaga virgati Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)], which was first discovered in 2008 at Brookings, SD, USA, is shown to have a negative impact on biomass and seed yields of switchgrass. Our objectives were to increase knowledge of the biology of the midge by describing its life stages and any parasitoids that have biological control potential. Data collections were made during May to December in 2011 and April to late autumn in 2012. The gall midge adult is active from early June to late July. This insect overwinters as a late instar larva, usually in large aggregations, enclosed in the sheath of the flag leaf of dry tillers. The mean number of larvae was 31, with a range of 6 to 85 per tiller. Infested tillers m−2 varied among three phenologically distinct cultivars. The late flowering cultivar ‘Cave-In-Rock’ was more heavily infested (>2×) than the early flowering ‘Dacotah’. A newly discovered parasitoid, Platygaster chilophagae Buhl (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and a species of Quadrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were reared from gall midge larvae. These results will be valuable to entomologists, switchgrass breeders, and agronomists as a guide to the occurrence and activities of the gall midge.
The Gap between Training and Research in the Detection of Deception

Since the 1970s, more than 150,000 criminal investigators around the world have been trained in The Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation. The Reid Technique contains a model of nonverbal behaviour that is purported to help investigators determine if a criminal suspect is giving truthful or deceptive answers in response to investigative questions. This paper discusses the existing research regarding nonverbal behaviour and how this behaviour coincides with the Reid model. Existing research provides only limited support for the model. Policy implications are discussed.
Numerical Simulation of Typhoon Wind Forcing in the Korean Seas Using a Spectral Wave Model

Abstract This study investigates the application of the wave model (WAM) to simulate the generation and propagation of typhoon waves in Korean seas. The model solves the energy balance equation for wave growth based on wind energy input, and simulates spatial and time evolution of wave spectra. Although WAM has been extensively validated and used in various global and regional wave forecasts, its application to the simulation of typhoon waves has not been investigated thoroughly. Crucial to the application of WAM in typhoon wave modeling is the specification of accurate wind input data and adequate resolution of the wind structure. This study compares and analyzes two different wind fields for the same event, viz., simulated wind field from a storm model and blended global QSCAT/NCEP winds. The simulation experiment was run for 4 days as Typhoon Olga (1999) approached the west coast of Korea. The results are compared with shallow water buoy observations as the typhoon was approaching landfall. The simulat...
Entropy and emittance growth [linear accelerators]

In this paper we examine the connection between emittance growth and entropy growth in linear accelerators. We divide emittance growth in to two classes: reversible and irreversible depending on the corresponding entropy change. We propose the general hypothesis that if /spl Delta//spl epsi/>0 and /spl Delta/S=0, then the emittance growth may be reversible. We also propose that if /spl Delta//spl epsi/>0 and /spl Delta/S>0 then the emittance growth is irreversible. We outline how the concept may be applied to particular cases of relevance e.g. emittance growth and recovery in electron photoinjectors, and wakefield induced emittance growth, where correlations are introduced in the transverse phase space.
Encapsulation of polymers into MoS2 and metal to insulator transition in metastable MoS2

A general approach for the encapsulation of a variety of saturated polymers between the layers of MoS2 giving electrically conductive lamellar compounds is reported.
Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasound in Nonpalpable Cryptorchidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Ultrasound is frequently obtained during the presurgical evaluation of boys with nonpalpable undescended testes, but its clini- cal utility is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic performance of ultrasound in localizing nonpalpable testes in pediatric patients. METHODS: English-language articles were identified by searching Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. We included studies of subjects younger than 18 years who had preoperative ultrasound eval- uation for nonpalpable testes and whose testis position was deter- mined by surgery. Data on testis location determined by ultrasound and surgery were extracted by 2 independent reviewers, from which ultrasound performance characteristics (true-positives, false- positives, false-negatives, and true-negatives) were derived. Meta- analysis of 12 studies (591 testes) was performed by using a random- effects regression model; composite estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Ultrasound has a sensitivity of 45% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29 - 61) and a specificity of 78% (95% CI: 43-94). The positive and negative likelihood ratios are 1.48 (95% CI: 0.54 - 4.03) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.46 -1.35), respectively. A positive ultrasound result increases and negative ultrasound result decreases the probability that a nonpal- pable testis is located within the abdomen from 55% to 64% and 49%, respectively. Significant heterogeneity limited the precision of these estimates, which was attributable to variability in the reporting of selection criteria, ultrasound methodology, and differences in the pro- portion of intraabdominal testes. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound does not reliably localize nonpalpable tes- tes and does not rule out an intraabdominal testis. Eliminating the use of ultrasound will not change management of nonpalpable cryp- torchidism but will decrease health care expenditures. Pediatrics 2011;127:119-128
Defining the Phenotypes for Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Diastolic Heart Failure

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is well known to be associated with left heart failure, which is probably the single most common cause of abnormally elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (>25 mm Hg by consensus).1–3 Estimates range up to 250 000 patients with PH associated with heart failure in the United States today,3,4 making it far more prevalent than other forms of PH. Consistent with this, more than three-quarters of unselected patients referred for cardiac ultrasound to a single community-based center and found to have an elevated estimated pulmonary arterial (PA) systolic pressure were subsequently determined to have a left ventricular (LV) cause.5 Despite its prevalence, though, the pathophysiology and phenotypic characteristics of PH associated with left heart failure are not well understood. Article see p 257 By expert consensus, the World Health Organization has classified PH into 5 groups, based partly on pathophysiologic and hemodynamic characteristics.6 Group 1, referred to as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), includes idiopathic and hereditary varieties as well as PAH associated with connective tissue disease, congenital heart disease, portal hypertension, HIV, and others. PH owing to elevated left heart filling pressure is classified as group 2 (pulmonary venous hypertension), including PH attributable to LV systolic dysfunction, LV diastolic dysfunction, and valvular disease. Some prefer the term “heart failure with a preserved LV ejection fraction” (HFpEF) over “diastolic” heart failure because not all such patients necessarily have evidence of diastolic dysfunction,7 but the terms are often used interchangeably. An elevation in mean PA pressure is expected when LV filling pressure increases because this is necessary to maintain blood flow. Most of the time, the increase is “proportionate” or “passive”—enough to maintain the transpulmonary gradient (TPG), the pressure difference between mean PA pressure and the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). However, …
Periodate-mediated glycosaminoglycan stabilization in bioprosthetic heart valves.

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BPHVs) derived from glutaraldehyde-crosslinked porcine aortic valves are frequently used in heart valve replacement surgeries. However, the majority of bioprostheses fail clinically because of calcification and degeneration. We have recently shown that glycosaminoglycan (GAG) loss may be in part responsible for degeneration of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bioprostheses. In the present studies, we used a mild reaction of periodate-mediated crosslinking to stabilize glycosaminoglycans in the bioprosthetic tissue. We demonstrate the feasibility of periodate reaction by crosslinking major components of extracellular matrix of bioprosthetic heart valve tissue, namely type I collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA). Uronic acid assay of periodate-fixed HA-collagen matrices showed 48% of HA disaccharides were bound to collagen. Furthermore, we show that such reactions are also feasible to fix glycosaminoglycans present in the middle spongiosa layer of bioprosthetic heart valves. The periodate reactions were compatible with conventional glutaraldehyde crosslinking and showed adequate stabilization of extracellular matrix as demonstrated by thermal denaturation temperature and collagenase assays. Moreover, uronic acid assays of periodate-fixed BPHV cusps showed 36% reduction in the amount of unbound GAG disaccharides as compared with glutaraldehyde-crosslinked cusps. We also demonstrate that calcification of BPHV cusps was significantly reduced in the periodate-fixed group as compared with the glutaraldehyde-fixed group in 21-day rat subdermal calcification studies (periodate-fixed tissue Ca 72.01 +/- 5.97 microg/mg, glutaraldehyde-fixed tissue Ca 107.25 +/- 6.56 microg/mg). We conclude that periodate-mediated GAG fixation could reduce structural degeneration of BPHVs and may therefore increase the useful lifetime of these devices.
The epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis

There are two broad ways one might look at Ž . the epidemiology of bacterial vaginosis BV . If we accept the definition of epidemiology as being ‘the study of disease occurrence in human populations,’ then the primary focus of concern is on populations. However, we often learn more about why diseases occur by the study of disease occurrence in individuals. This is particularly true for Ž BV, where we lack at least with today’s under. standing the pathogenic simplicity of a disease being caused by the transmission of a single organism. Even using both views, it is remarkable that despite the knowledge of BV as a clinical entity for over 40 years we know so little of why it occurs. How common BV is, and its relative frequency to other diseases characterized by vaginitis, depend greatly upon the demographic and sexual activity characteristics of the women studied, their health-care seeking behavior, and the diagnostic criteria that are used for each disease.
Parameter identification methods for metamodeling simulations

A metamodel is a mathematical approximation of the system relationships defined by a high fidelity model or simulation. This paper presents methods that support new procedures that expanded the set of available metamodel representations be yond the traditional least squares formulation and added the capability to use dynamical metamodels. These methods compliment a new taxonomy of metamodel structures and procedures that separated the metamodeling process into a set of sequential decisions based on a priori information. This work was supported in part by The USAF Rome Laboratory Contract F30602-94-C-0110.
The effect of flowering calendula and cuphea plants on Orius insidiosus survival and predation of Aphis glycines

ABSTRACTFlowering oilseed crops have the potential to diversify agroecosystems currently dominated by corn and soybeans and improve the provision of ecosystem services such as pest control. Nectar and pollen feeding may increase natural enemy fitness and searching behaviour, increasing their survival and prey consumption rates. The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura; Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a particularly widespread and costly agricultural pest. In this study, we evaluate the effects of two flowering oilseed crops, cuphea and calendula, on the survival of the insidious flower bug (Orius insidiosus Say; Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and its consumption levels of A. glycines placed on soybean plants. We also evaluated the survival of O. insidiosus when placed on glandular and non-glandular cuphea varieties. The amount of A. glycines that remained unconsumed by O. insidiosus did not differ among treatments. Because mortality levels of O. insidiosus were higher on glandular compared to non-glandular cuphea p...
The Molecular Biology of Geminiviruses

Publisher Summary Interest in the molecular biology of the group Geminiviruses has been intense subsequent to the demonstration of a circular single-stranded (ss) DNA genome for several members, imparting obvious advantages for their investigation over RNA-containing viruses with the use of modern techniques for DNA manipulation and analysis. This characteristic genome structure set the geminiviruses apart from all other known eukaryotic viruses, although the genome of porcine circovirus (PCV)—a small isometric animal virus—has since been shown to adopt a similar conformation. As geminivirus proliferation is mainly confined to the nuclei of infected cells, it is anticipated that a study of the replication cycle at the molecular level may not only be informative concerning features of molecular pathology of importance to future virus control—such as the determinants of host range, cell-to-cell spread, cross protection, and transmission vector specificity—but also ultimately contribute to the understanding of the regulation of plant gene expression. The geminiviruses have also attracted a great deal of interest concerning their potential contribution to the development of vectors for the transformation of plants, particularly cereal crops.
The Structure and Properties of MoSi2-Mo5Si3 Composites

The addition of Mo5Si3 as a reinforcing second phase in a MoSi2 matrix has been investigated for possible high temperature strengthening effects. MoSi2 with up to 45 vol % Mo5Si3 was fabricated using powder metallurgy (PM) and arc-casting (AC) techniques. Effects of processing routes, which result in different microstructures, on their mechanical properties are given. PM composites, which have an equiaxed microstructure, exhibit a limited increase in hardness. Higher hardnesses are observed in script-structured AC eutectics and Er-modifiedeutectics throughout the temperatures studied (25-1300°C). Crack propagation paths induced by indentation show long transphase cracks in the AC materials vs short intergranular and interphase cracks in the PM composites at high temperatures. Transmission electron microscopy discloses that the interface in the AC composites has a low-index orientation relationship between the two phases and shows regularly faceted interfacial structures, while planar interfaces are found in the PM composites. These observations suggest the interface is stronger and lower in energy in the AC composites, which is consistent with the higher hardness values and long transphase cracks observed. Dislocation analysis shows the presence of ordinary dislocations ( , and 1/2 ) in MoSi2 in the as-fabricated composites. These types of dislocation are also responsible for the high temperature plastic deformation in compression in both the monolithic MoSi2 and the composites. types of dislocation are only found in MoSi2 either near the interface of the AC composites or in materials deformed below 1000°C.
Uniparental Inheritance and Replacement of Mitochondrial DNA in Neurospora Tetrasperma

This study tested mechanisms proposed for maternal uniparental mitochondrial inheritance in Neurospora: (1) exclusion of conidial mitochondria by the specialized female reproductive structure, trichogyne, due to mating locus heterokaryon incompatibility and (2) mitochondrial input bias favoring the larger trichogyne over the smaller conidium. These mechanisms were tested by determining the modes of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance and transmission in the absence of mating locus heterokaryon incompatibility following crosses of uninucleate strains of Neurospora tetrasperma with trichogyne (trichogyne inoculated by conidia) and without trichogyne (hyphal fusion). Maternal uniparental mitochondrial inheritance was observed in 136 single ascospore progeny following both mating with and without trichogyne using mtDNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms to distinguish parental types. This suggests that maternal mitochondrial inheritance following hyphal fusions is due to some mechanism other than those that implicate the trichogyne. Following hyphal fusion, mutually exclusive nuclear migration permitted investigation of reciprocal interactions. Regardless of which strain accepted nuclei following seven replicate hyphal fusion matings, acceptor mtDNA was the only type detected in 34 hyphal plug and tip samples taken from the contact and acceptor zones. No intracellular mtDNA mixtures were detected. Surprisingly, 3 days following hyphal fusion, acceptor mtDNA replaced donor mtDNA throughout the entire colony. To our knowledge, this is the first report of complete mitochondrial replacement during mating in a filamentous fungus.
The Higgs mass and natural supersymmetric spectrum from the landscape

Abstract In supersymmetric models where the superpotential μ term is generated with μ ≪ m soft (e.g. from radiative Peccei–Quinn symmetry breaking or compactified string models with sequestration and stabilized moduli), and where the string landscape 1. favors soft supersymmetry (SUSY) breaking terms as large as possible and 2. where the anthropic condition that electroweak symmetry is properly broken with a weak scale m W , Z , h ∼ 100 GeV (i.e. not too weak of weak interactions), then these combined landscape/anthropic requirements act as an attractor pulling the soft SUSY breaking terms towards values required by models with radiatively-driven naturalness: near the line of criticality where electroweak symmetry is barely broken and the Higgs mass is ∼ 125 GeV . The pull on the soft terms serves to ameliorate the SUSY flavor and CP problems. The resulting sparticle mass spectrum may barely be accessible at high-luminosity LHC while the required light higgsinos should be visible at a linear e + e − collider with s > 2 m ( higgsino ) .
Numerical Integration of Ordinary Differential Equations

(1926). Numerical Integration of Ordinary Differential Equations. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 33, No. 9, pp. 455-460.
Inhalation Exposure and Toxic Effects of Mycotoxins

This chapter addresses the differences in exposure to mycotoxins via inhalation as they differ from the ingestion exposure route. Inhalation exposure gives direct access to the general circulation through the alveoli, without a first pass through the liver for detoxification as the ingestion route does. Inhalation exposure also provides a pathway to the central nervous system along the olfactory and trigeminal nerve axons in the nasal sensory epithelium that bypasses the blood–brain barrier. The brain is generally shielded from contaminants or drugs through the action of the blood–brain barrier. Secondary metabolites of microfungi (molds) and bacteria are present on and in spores and cellular fragments and on dust on which the organisms grow and excrete their toxins, for which the small particle fraction represents the primary exposure medium via inhalation. Deposition of these small particles occurs throughout the respiratory tract, but especially in the alveoli where transport to the bloodstream largely occurs, resulting in toxin distribution to other systemic target organs. Evidence for brain and systemic effects from mycotoxins is presented in this chapter. The complexity of secondary metabolites produced through interaction and competition among microfungi and bacteria in damp indoor environments is discussed.
Hedonic Capacity in the Broader Autism Phenotype: Should Social Anhedonia Be Considered a Characteristic Feature?

Impairments in social motivational processes may partially explain the differences in social interaction seen among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The social motivation hypothesis would predict an association between reduced hedonic capacity and ASD. However, to date, findings have been mixed regarding hedonic deficits among individuals with ASD; adults report lower levels of both social and physical pleasure whereas adolescents only report experiencing lower social pleasure. Moreover, previous studies examining the association between anhedonia and autistic traits have not used measures of hedonic response or taken temporal aspects of pleasure into account. The present study examined associations between autistic traits and the experience of pleasure using a nonclinical sample of young adults to further clarify the nature of hedonic deficits in the broader autism phenotype (BAP). Results revealed that autistic traits were negatively associated with both the experience of social pleasure as well as general pleasure, although the association was stronger for social pleasure. Regression analyses revealed that reduced social pleasure was a better predictor of autistic traits than general pleasure. Together these findings suggest that reduced social hedonic capacity is associated with autistic traits in the general population and should be included in conceptualizations of the BAP.
RF Ultrasound Distribution-Based Confidence Maps

Ultrasound is becoming an ever increasingly important modality in medical care. However, underlying physical acquisition principles are prone to image artifacts and result in overall quality variation. Therefore processing medical ultrasound data remains a challenging task. We propose a novel distribution-based measure of assessing the confidence in the signal, which emphasizes uncertainty in attenuated as well as shadow regions. In contrast to the similar recently proposed method that relies on image intensities, the new approach makes use of the enveloped-detected radio-frequency data, facilitating the use of Nakagami speckle statistics. Employing J-divergence as distance measure for the random-walk based algorithm, provides a natural measure of similarity, yielding a more reliable estimate of confidence. For evaluation of the model’s performance, tests are conducted on the application of shadow detection. Additionally, computed maps are presented for different organs such as neck, liver and prostate, showcasing the properties of the model. The probabilistic approach is shown to have beneficial features for image processing tasks.
High intensity vacuum ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet production by noncollinear mixing in laser vaporized media

A method is described for generating intense pulsed vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and extreme ultraviolet (XUV) laser radiation by resonance enhanced four-wave mixing of commercial pulsed nanosecond lasers in laser vaporized mercury under windowless conditions. By employing noncollinear mixing of the input beams, the need of dispersive elements such as gratings for separating the VUV/XUV from the residual UV and visible beams is eliminated. A number of schemes are described, facilitating access to the 9.9–14.6 eV range. A simple and convenient scheme for generating wavelengths of 125 nm, 112 nm, and 104 nm (10 eV, 11 eV, and 12 eV) using two dye lasers without the need for dye changes is described.
Love of Humanity in Shaftesbury's Moralists

ABSTRACTShaftesbury believed that the height of virtue was impartial love for all of humanity. But Shaftesbury also harboured grave doubts about our ability to develop such an expansive love. In The Moralists, Shaftesbury addressed this problem. I show that while it may appear on the surface that The Moralists solves the difficulty, it in fact remains unresolved. Shaftesbury may not have been able to reconcile his view of the content of virtue with his view of our motivational psychology.
Biological Control of Bacterial Wilt Disease

Bacterial wilt is one of the most troublesome diseases in the cultivation of tobacco and other plants in the Solanaceae family, and causes serious damage over a long period. Many agricultural chemicals have been used to try to prevent this disease, but residues from them in the soil have caused environmental problems. This work attempts to establish a biological control technique against this pathogen by utilizing an antagonistic microorganism Hi, 2J.
Abstract 3863: Cancer immunotherapy: Could TK1 be used as a target for colon cancer

The aim of this study is to determine whether Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) would be a suitable target for future immunotherapeutic treatment of colon cancer. The salvage pathway enzyme TK1 has been shown to be upregulated in cancer patients due to active proliferation of cancer cells and the resulting high demand for nucleotides. Present in both the cytosol and the serum of cancer patients, TK1 levels can be used to not only predict cancer occurrence, but also to predict tumor aggressiveness and future remission. While serum levels of TK1 have been established, surface expression of the enzyme have not been fully characterized. In colon cancer cells, TK1 has been shown to strongly associate with the plasma membrane. In this project we explored the presence of TK1 on the surface of colon cancer cells (HT29 and SW620 cell lines) using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, membrane separation, and cytoplasmic staining. Using fluorescent antibodies conjugated to FITC, expression levels as high as 19% are observed in HT299s and 12% in SW6209s in comparison to sodium potassium ATPase surface levels of 11% and 6% respectively. Confocal microscopy images revealed direct overlap between cells stained with a rhodamine red membrane dye and with a FITC conjugated anti-TK1 antibody which indicates a direct relationship between TK1 and the cellular surface of cancer cells. To further confirm surface expression, TK1 levels were assessed using gold labeling and scanning electron microscopy. Gold levels indicate the physical location of the TK1 on the surface of the colon cancer cells and their relative abundance. TK1 surface levels in colon cancer cells corresponded with the surface expression levels of sodium potassium ATPase and share relatively the same abundance. These results strongly indicate a direct relationship between TK1 and the surface of colon cancer cells, and suggests TK1 as a potential target for future immunotherapeutic treatment. Citation Format: Michelle H. Townsend, Evita G. Weagel, Wei Meng, Craig Chandler, Richard A. Robison, Kim L. O’Neill. Cancer immunotherapy: Could TK1 be used as a target for colon cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3863.