cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pre-harvest survival of codling moth in artificially infested sweet cherry fruits

Prior to the 2009 season, sweet cherry fruits, Prunus avium (L.) L., from North America were required to be fumigated with methyl bromide before being exported to Japan to eliminate possible infestation by codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). However, based on recent biological research on host status, a new procedure (the “systems approach”) was implemented relying on the cumulative effects of pre- and post-harvest practices to produce pest-free sweet cherry fruits for export. This is an organized process that involves the integration of procedures used in the production, harvest, packaging, and distribution of a commodity which cumulatively meet the requirements for quarantine security. The objective of our study was to provide additional information to support the systems approach for codling moth in sweet cherries fruits. For four seasons, branches with sweet cherry fruits were caged on trees and infested by released ovipositing codling moths into the cages. Fruits were sampled weekly for codling moth individuals at each life stage. Eggs were laid mostly on leaves with the seasonal average numbers per cage ranging from 142 to 617. Populations declined rapidly after egg eclosion, with <1.5% of the original cohort surviving to fifth instars. Even after 8 weeks, none had formed cocoons or pupated. This failure of the codling moth to complete a life cycle under field conditions supports previous life history studies and demonstrates that sweet cherry fruits are inadequate hosts for codling moth.
River Forecast Application for Water Management: Oil and Water?

AbstractManaging water resources generally and managing reservoir operations specifically have been touted as opportunities for applying forecasts to improve decision making. Previous studies have shown that the application of forecasts into water management is not pervasive. This study uses a scenario-based approach to explore whether and how people implement forecast information into reservoir operations decisions in a workshop setting. Although it was found that participants do utilize both forecast and observed information, they generally do not utilize probabilistic forecast information in a manner to appropriately minimize risks associated with the tail end of the forecast distribution. This study found strong tendencies for participants to wait for observed information, as opposed to forecast information, before making decisions. In addition, study participants tended to make decisions based on median forecast values instead of considering forecast probability. These findings support the developmen...
Diabetogenic potential of coxsackie B viruses in nature

Thirty-seven clinical isolates of coxsackievirus (CV) serotypes B-1, B-3, B-4, and B-5 were inoculated into male SJL mice. Twelve strains resulted in minor abnormalities of glucose metabolism in one or more of six infected mice (Table 1 and 2). Sequential infection of male SJL mice with CVB-3, CVB-4, and CVB-5 resulted in abnormal glucose metabolism in 25 percent of the mice (Fig. 1). The glucose index of the abnormal animals was similar to that produced by sequential infection with reovirus and cytomegalovirus but less than that seen with more severe beta cell tropic agents such as streptozotocin or encephalomyocarditis virus.
Fine structure of cribellate spider silk

Sticky silk from webs of the spiders, Uloborus diversus and Filistata arizoniciis,were examined by election microscopy. The silk of U. diversus contains long fibrils, 200 –300 A˚ in diameter, consisting of an electron-dense central filament, 30 –60 A˚ across, embedded in a lighter matrix. Transverse banding is distinguished in the matrix at intervals from over 200 to less than 50 A˚. Similar features are observed in the silk of F. arizonicus . Extended fibrils have an altered structure.
Pre-bond testing of die logic and TSVs in high performance 3D-SICs

3D integrated circuits based on die stacking and through-silicon vias (TSVs) present a number of significant test challenges. Pre-bond testing of TSVs and partial logic on a die are especially difficult problems. This paper addresses pre-bond probing of TSVs and the testing of die logic before and after TSV breakpoints. By utilizing CMOS-compatible fuses, the functional overhead of test circuitry required for this testing can be reduced by disconnecting unnecessary fanout from functional paths after testing. Simulation results show significant reduction in functional delay when utilizing our architecture when compared to other methods.
Same, different and other as comparative adjectives – A uniform analysis based on French

The goal of this article is to provide a uniform and non-specific analysis for all constructions involving terms expressing similarity and difference (sidi terms) such as same, different or other in French. Beyond theoretical economy, the motivation for this enterprise is based on crosslinguistic evidence showing a unique term for same through all constructions in many unrelated languages. The proposed analysis does not resort to any specific mechanism, but relates sidi terms to both comparatives and relational terms: sidi terms are assumed to be relational adjectives that are complemented by DPs or comparative clauses; in short, they are analyzed as comparatives of individuals. The diversity of constructions does not derive from multiple lexical entries, but from the presence of silent structures: in particular, the comparative clause can be fully or partially elided, and the phrasal or clausal complement of sidi terms can include a silent underspecified pronoun, which can get a pronominal, reflexive, reciprocal or vaguer interpretation. The behavior of sidi terms in islands argues for the presence of silent structures.
An Approach to Robust Design of Turbulent Convective Systems

The complex turbulent flow regimes encountered in many thermal-fluid engineering applications have proven resistant to the effective application of systematic design because of the computational expense of model evaluation and the inherent variability of turbulent systems. In this paper the integration of a novel reduced order turbulent convection modeling approach based upon the proper orthogonal decomposition technique with the application of robust design principles implemented using the compromise decision support problem is investigated as an effective design approach for this domain. In the example application considered, thermally efficient computer server cabinet configurations that are insensitive to variations in operating conditions are determined. The computer servers are cooled by turbulent convection and have unsteady heat generation and cooling air flows, yielding substantial variability, yet have some of the most stringent operational requirements of any engineering system. Results of the application of this approach to an enclosed cabinet example show that the resulting robust thermally efficient configurations are capable of dissipating up to a 50% greater heat load and a 60% decrease in the temperature variability using the same cooling infrastructure.
The mechanism of ductile fracture in constrained thin silver films

Abstract The mechanisms of ductile fracture in pure silver under various high-triaxial stresses in constrained thin silver films were investigated. New experiments and analyses have been performed that have both improved and extended the findings of earlier work by the authors. Particular emphasis was placed on investigating ductile fracture by unstable cavity growth. Here, cavities grow without the necessity for continual increase in flow stress and without substantial far-field plastic strain. This mechanism was recently described by Huang, Hutchinson and Tvergaard. Improvements in the analysis of unstable cavity growth included direct determination of the stress states for cavity instability with FEA analysis using more accurate determinations of the stress states within the interlayer, the consideration of cavity–cavity interaction, residual stresses and elastic incompatibility stresses across interfaces. Ductile fracture under high-triaxial stresses, associated with low macroscopic strains, appears to be explained by unstable cavity growth.
The function of phospholipase A2 in the metabolism of membrane lipids.

Abstract The phospholipase-2 inhibitor, p-bromophenacyl bromide, has been shown to inhibit strongly the elongation of endogenous fatty acids in preparations of brain mitochondria and microsomes. On the other hand, it does not inhibit the elongation of added palmitic or linoleic acids. The implication is that the normal first step in alteration of membrane lipid fatty acids is their release to other membrane-bound enzyme systems by a membrane-bound phospholipase A.
A discrete–continuous model of households’ vehicle choice and usage, with an application to the effects of residential density

Abstract This paper develops a new method to solve multivariate discrete–continuous problems and applies the model to measure the influence of residential density on households’ vehicle fuel efficiency and usage choices. Traditional discrete–continuous modelling of vehicle holding choice and vehicle usage becomes unwieldy with large numbers of vehicles and vehicle categories. I propose a more flexible method of modelling vehicle holdings in terms of number of vehicles in each category, using a Bayesian multivariate ordinal response system. I also combine the multivariate ordered equations with Tobit equations to jointly estimate vehicle type/usage demand in a reduced form, offering a simpler alternative to the traditional discrete/continuous analysis. Using the 2001 National Household Travel Survey data, I find that increasing residential density reduces households’ truck holdings and utilization in a statistically significant but economically insignificant way. The results are broadly consistent with those from a model derived from random utility maximization. The method developed above can be applied to other discrete–continuous problems.
Factors affecting meal to pellet intervals in great-horned owls (Bubo virginianus)☆

Abstract 1. 1. Owls fed mice at 0500 had a shorter meal to pellet interval (MPI) than those fed at 1500 regardless of the size of the meal. 2. 2. As meal sizes increased, MPI generally became longer. 3. 3. Greater amounts of proteinaceous (horse meat in mouse skins) or lipid (bovine fat in mouse skins) materials delayed pellet egestion while the absence of these materials or the presence of undigestible material (pellets in mouse skins) appeared to hasten pellet egestion.
Thin films: Folded in hierarchy.

Elastic thin films attached to a foundation under compression develop wrinkles, which in turn can generate invaginated folds. Hierarchical patterns of localized folds have now been observed in thin films under biaxial compression, which show intriguing resemblance to fracture patterns in drying pastes and to venation networks in leaves.
Museum Collections vs. Fashion Magazines: Aesthetic Rules

Methodology was developed to measure six persistent features (decolletage width, decolletage length, waist width, waist length, skirt width and skirt length)of evening dresses, 1920–1980, from two university costume collections. Gar ments fit onto dress forms were photographed. Metric measurements were made directly on the photographs. Aesthetic rules derived from Greek ideals found in apparel design texts were tested by considering proportionate relationships be tween pairs of dress dimensions. Differences between university collections ex isted but were overshadowed by similarities in proportionate relationships. Data from both collections were combined and compared to findings utilizing maga zine data from the same time period. Regardless of data source, designers follow similar aesthetic rules, but not necessarily those found in apparel design texts.
A neutron diffraction study of the zeolite edingtonite

A neutron diffraction study at 294 K of a single crystal of edingtonite (Ba2Al4Si6O20 ⋅ 7H2O; a 9.537(3) b 9.651(2) c 6.509(2) A; P21212) utilized 1876 diffraction intensities from the Brookhaven National Laboratory high‐flux beam reactor. The agreement factor R(F2)=0.055 for conventional anisotropic refinement was reduced to 0.045 for a Gram–Charlier expansion up to fourth order for the thermal factors of the water atoms. The Si–O and Al–O distances correlate inversely with the Si–O–Al angle as in scolecite. There is no indication of substitutional disorder. The barium atom is coordinated to three pairs of framework oxygens (2.89, 2.96, and 3.04 A) and two pairs of water oxygens (2.79 and 2.79 A). Two framework oxygens have weak hydrogen bonds to both water molecules [O(4)–OW(1) 2.87, −OW(2) 2.96; O(5) −OW(1) 3.02, −OW(2) 3.02 A] and the other three framework oxygens are each bonded to a Ba atom. The OW–H ⋅⋅⋅ O angles (163.5°, 165.1°, 173.9°, and 178.0°) are fairly close to 180°, the H ⋅⋅⋅ O distances ar...
Temperature preferences and oxygen consumption of three species of sculpin (Cottus) from the Pit River drainage, California

I examined the temperature preferences and routine metabolic rates of Pit sculpin, Cottius pitensis, marbled sculpin, C. klamathensis macrops, and rough sculpin, C. asperrimus, of the Pit River drainage of California to determine if the distributional patterns of these species can be explained on the basis of physiological or behavioral responses to temperature. The routine metabolic rates of these species did not increase significantly between 10 and 15°C, indicating an area of thermal compensation. Metabolic rates then rapidly increased between 15 and 20°C (Q10 values>4.0) followed by little increase between 20 and 25°C (Q10 values >2.0), indicating another area of thermal compensation. The final temperature preferenda of Pit, marbled and rough sculpin were 11.2, 12.1 and 13.5°C, respectively. Marbled and rough sculpin appear to be more stenothermal than Pit sculpin. At acclimation temperatures of 10, 15 and 20°C the acute preferred temperatures of marbled and rough sculpin ranged from 11.1 to 14.7° C and 13.3 to 14.4°C, respectively. Values for Pit sculpin ranged from 9.9 to 16.4°C at acclimation temperatures of 10, 15 and 20°C. The distributions of marbled and rough sculpin are consistent with their behavioral and metabolic responses to temperature. The widespread distribution of Pit sculpin is consistent with its greater tolerance of high temperatures and eurythermal behavior, but the absence of Pit sculpin from habitats dominated by marbled and rough sculpin is not consistent with a temperature related explanation.
Public preferences regarding informed consent models for participation in population-based genomic research

Some large population biobanks that house biospecimens and health information for research seek broad consent from participants, whereas others reconsent for specific new studies. Understanding research participants’ attitudes and preferences about broad and narrow consent may improve recruitment, retention, and public support. An online survey was conducted among a representative sample of 4,659 US adults to examine relationships between consent preferences and demographic factors, beliefs about privacy and the value of research, and the perceived trustworthiness of researchers. Participants preferred broad consent (52%) over study-by-study consent models (48%). Higher preferences for study-by-study consent observed among black non-Hispanic respondents and respondents with lower income and education were explained by differences in the prevalence of one or more beliefs about the study. Respondents with fears about research and those who would feel respected if asked for permission for each research use preferred study-by-study consent. Preference for broad consent was related to the desire not to be bothered with multiple requests and the belief that the study could lead to improved treatments, cures, and lives saved. These data suggest that support for broad consent is contingent on sufficient information about data use. Work with research participants and community leaders to understand, respond to, and influence opinions about a given, ongoing study may improve uptake of broad consent. Genet Med 16 1, 11–18.
Changes in the resistance of tobacco leaf to Erysiphe cichoracearum DC. induced by topping, cytokinins and antibiotics*

SUMMARY Treatments that produced different rates of growth in attached tobacco leaves and leaf discs, also affected the growth of powdery mildew on them. Topping (removal of flower head) increased the resistance of upper leaves, and attached leaves of topped and intact plants were more susceptible than leaf discs from them incubated on water. Hyphal growth increased on leaf discs incubated on water at increasing light intensities, as did dry and fresh mass of healthy discs. On kinetin, dry and fresh mass also increased with light intensity but hyphal growth decreased slightly. Discs incubated at all light intensities on kinetin had less hyphal growth than those on water at the lowest intensity (< 50 lx). Floating leaf discs on chloramphenicol at 500 μ/ml restricted fungal growth but not quite as much as kinetin (10 μ/ml); kinetin inhibited the fungus in the presence of chloramphenicol. Actinomycin D (2.μ5 μ/ml) and puromycin (5.0 μml) had little effect on the fungus.
More on peer review: quality control for a costly product.

Science extracts valid findings from scientific questions in the creation of new information. Proper peer review validates scientific findings by impartial referees. It is the centerpiece of scientific integrity. It is a demanding service, often uncompensated, that protects the public from poor information. It allows public confidence in scientific findings. It provides a model of accountability for our society. Peer review relies on an able and willing group of scientists with credentials for detailed analyses of scientific reports in their fields. The rewards to reviewers are satisfaction in contributing to science itself as well as opportunities for self-education on latest events in the given field. It is a control duty that comes with the responsibility and privilege of being a scientist. Dost (2008) discusses the issue of peer review on the subject of how pesticides, glyphosate in particular, affect animal life—a subject of toxicology. His glyphosate example identifies a problem that exists throughout the scientific establishment: poor quality control leading to fragments of poor information that take on lives of their own. The paper on glyphosate in ESPR represents the contrary in presenting outcomes without a value judgment (McComb et al. 2008). Priority given to toxicology research is no accident; it is an enormously important discipline. Toxicology contributes greatly to our economic vitality as well as health and safety and to our ability to evaluate risks to all of these (McComb et al. 2008). It is an area where carelessness, misinterpretation, or overinterpretation is capable of causing great harm. Those who review research findings must be alert to those errors, to inappropriate hypotheses, naive interpretations of statistics, and to biases involved in political agendas. These principles extend to peer reviews in any scientific discipline. This essay seeks to identify some of the institutional and cultural pitfalls facing peer review and offers suggested ways of reducing them.
Ferroelectricity in bismuth oxide type layer structure compounds

Abstract A general phenomenology for layer structure bismuth oxide ferroelectrics of prototypic symmetry 4/mmm is developed, and the coefficients in the elastic Gibbs function determined for Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 . With only the lowest order stiffnesses and the first cross constants linearly temperature dependent, it is possible to make a good fitting with the experimental polarization, dielectric permittivity and dielectric saturation in this crystal. The nature of the terms in the energy function, and the relative stabilities of the metastable species gives some insight into the origins of the useful device applicable domain properties. On the assumption that the major features of the hierarchy of energies of the metastable states will be preserved in other layer structure compounds, the bismuth titanate function is used to predict other accessible species and to compare with the limited experimental information available for layer structure ferroelectrics.
Enhanced intensity dependence and aggression history indicate previous regular ecstasy use in abstinent polydrug users.

Abstract Intensity dependence is an electrophysiological measure of intra-individual stability of the augmenting/reducing characteristic of N1/ P2 event-related potential amplitudes in response to stimuli of varying intensities. Abstinent ecstasy users typically show enhanced intensity dependence and higher levels of impulsivity and aggression. Enhanced intensity dependence and high impulsivity and aggression levels may be due to damage in the brain's serotonergic neurons as a result of ecstasy use. The present study investigated whether intensity dependence, impulsivity and aggression history can be used as indictors of previous chronic ecstasy usage. Forty-four abstinent polydrug users (8 women; age 19 to 61 years old) were recruited. All participants were currently residents at a local substance abuse facility receiving treatment and had been free of all drugs for a minimum of 21 days. The study found significantly enhanced intensity dependence of tangential dipole source activity and a history of more aggressive behavior in those who had previously been involved in chronic ecstasy use. Intensity dependence of the tangential dipole source and aggressive behavior history correctly identified 73.3% of those who had been regular ecstasy users and 78.3% of those who had not. Overall, 76.3% of the participants were correctly classified.
ELECTRONIC STUDYING: USING COMPUTER‐BASED OUTLINING PROGRAMS AS STUDY TOOLS

We provide a rationale for and describe the use of computer‐based outlining programs as tools for studying material in content area textbooks. Following an overview of a three‐step procedure using computer‐based outlining programs as study tools, we present information that validates the efficacy of this study procedure. In the remainder of the article, we describe the introduction and implementation of computer‐based outlining in two high school global studies classes. Focusing on students who had been performing in the lower third of each class, we examine the differences between students who were successful in using computer‐based outlining to improve their performance on tests and those who were not successful. Results are interpreted in light of variables suggested by research as influencing the study process.
Nanoscale phase separation in epitaxial Cr-Mo and Cr-V alloy thin films studied using atom probe tomography: Comparison of experiments and simulation

Tailored metal alloy thin film-oxide interfaces generated using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) deposition of alloy thin films on a single crystalline oxide substrate can be used for detailed studies of irradiation damage response on the interface structure. However, the presence of nanoscale phase separation in the MBE grown alloy thin films can impact the metal-oxide interface structure. Due to nanoscale domain size of such phase separation, it is very challenging to characterize by conventional techniques. Therefore, laser assisted atom probe tomography (APT) was utilized to study the phase separation in epitaxial Cr0.61Mo0.39, Cr0.77Mo0.23, and Cr0.32V0.68 alloy thin films grown by MBE on MgO(001) single crystal substrates. Statistical analysis, namely frequency distribution analysis and Pearson coefficient analysis of experimental data was compared with similar analyses conducted on simulated APT datasets with known extent of phase separation. Thus, the presence of phase separation in Cr-Mo films, even ...
Altered Patterns of Cutaneous Xenobiotic Metabolism in UVB-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma in SKH-1 Hairless Mice

Cutaneous xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes including aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECD), epoxide hydrolase (EH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were examined in SXH hairless mice chronically irradiated with UVB to induce squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Enzyme activities in irradiated tumor-bearing skin were compared to those present in the skin of nonirradiated control animals as well as in unirradiated non-tumor bearing skin sites of the SCC-bearing mice. The inducibility of skin AHH and ECD in each set of animals was assessed following a single topical application of coal tar (1 ml/ 100 g). Enzyme-mediated binding of[ 3 H]benzo(a)pyrene (BP) and its metabolite 7β,8α-dihydroxy-9α,10α-epoxy- 7,8,9, 10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene (BPDE-I) to epidermal DNA was also evaluated. Basal AHH and ECD activities in microsomes from UVB-irradiated SCC-bearing dorsal skin were 4.6- and 4.8-fold lower than those in dorsal skin of nonirradiated control animals. Enzyme activities in non-tumor bearing ventral skin from the UVB-irradiated SCC-bearing mice also were 2.2 to 2.8- fold lower as compared to activities in the nonirradiated control animals. The reduction in AHH activity paralleled the levels of enzyme-mediated binding of radiolabeled BP metabolites and of BPDE-I to epidermal DNA. GST activity was found to be increased (173%) in non-tumor bearing ventral skin of UVB-irradiated mice whereas no difference in activity between SCC-bearing dorsal skin and dorsal skin of control animals could be detected. EH activity was unchanged in each group of animals. Treatment with topically applied coal tar resulted in higher inducibility of AHH and ECD in both SCC-bearing (13-fold) as well as in non-tumor skin sites (6-fold) of UVB-irradiated mice than in skin of control animals (3-fold). Coal tar application also increased the covalent binding of [ 3 H]BP and of the metabolite BPDE- I to skin DNA. This was greater in SCC-bearing dorsal skin (119–129%) than in nonirradiated skin of control animals (48–62%). Our studies suggest that the metabolism of BP by cutaneous cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenases is impaired in skin of mice irradiated chronically with UVB. The higher inducibility of these monooxygenases by topically applied coal tar and the enhancement of the associated enzyme-mediated covalent binding of BP metabolites and BPDE-I to epidermal DNA indicate that repetetive exposure of mammalian skin to UVB radiation can profoundly alter the activity and the inducibility of drug and carcinogen metabolizing enzymes. These studies also illustrate the complex interrelationships that exist in target tissue simultaneously exposed to chemical and physical oncogens in the environment.
Pulmonary ventilation teaching aid: part 2

Since writing the article titled “Pulmonary ventilation teaching aid” (Stockert B, Adv Physiol Educ 27: 41–42, 2003), we have continued to use the salad tongs and rubber band model to teach ventilation mechanics and several clinical correlates. The original article dealt primarily with normal
Effect of microstructural configurations on the mechanical responses of porous titanium: A numerical design of experiment analysis for orthopedic applications

Abstract The reduced stiffness, weight and open porosity of microporous titanium makes it an attractive material possibility for engineering applications ranging from medical implants to impact tolerant structures. To facilitate the design and application of this material, it is necessary to develop an understanding of the relationship between the porous microstructure and mechanical responses of the material. A factorial design of experiment methodology (DOE) is therefore used to systematically compare the effects that several microstructural features have on the mechanical responses via 2D and 3D finite element (FE) simulations. The FE models for the DOE study are all based on a titanium matrix of 12% porosity and the application to orthopedic implants. Five microstructural features are varied to create 32 test cases to study the effects of pore shape, size, orientation, and arrangement, and bone infiltration. The quantitative effects of the features are used to screen their relative importance for elastic modulus, yield stress, and stress concentration factor. The results of the DOE studies of both 2D and 3D numerical simulations demonstrate that bone infiltration into the pores is the most dominant factor for elastic modulus and yield stress. A random arrangement of pores has great effect on local stress concentrations where the local stress fields are primarily concentrated in the regions around closely spaced pores. Bone infiltration greatly reduces the stress concentration in such regions indicating an advantage of bone ingrowth beyond improved interface and attachment. Compared to bone infiltration and pore arrangement and orientation, relative pore size and shape have relatively small effect on the mechanical responses.
The Role of Quaternary Structure in the Signaling Mechanisms of PAS Sensor Domains

The modular nature of proteins containing PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim) or other sensor domains enables signaling networks to be diverse and poses an interesting question: how can sensor domains with largely conserved tertiary structures regulate effector domains with very diverse structures and functions? We address this question by examining signal processing by the PAS sensor domain, which can regulate the activity of covalently linked effector domains such as a kinase, phosphodiesterase or DNA binding domains. In many cases oligomerization of sensor proteins is essential for signal transduction. We present the structure of a heme-PAS domain dimer from Bradyrhizobium japonicum (bjFixLH) in a new space group (P1) and at higher resolutions (1.5-1.8 A) than those previously obtained. Interestingly, bjFixLH can form two different dimers in the same crystallization solution, where the monomers in one dimer are rotated ∼175° relative to the second. This suggests that PAS monomers are plastic and that two quite distinct quaternary structures are closely similar in free energy. Comparison of PAS domain dimers using screw rotation analysis reveals that PAS monomers adopt a discrete range of monomer orientations. Similar to the light-sensitive PAS domain YtvA-LOV from Bacillus subtilis, bjFixLH undergoes signal-induced quaternary structural changes where monomers rotate ∼2° relative to each other. Signal-induced quaternary structural changes accommodate the ability of PAS sensor domains to regulate a wide variety of effector domains since PAS and effector domains would not be required to interact with each other in a structure-specific manner. Our results will guide the rational design of novel PAS signaling proteins.
A trivial pursuit? Information technology and the tenure track

The use of technology in teaching and scholarly publishing has become a vital part of the tripartite component (research, teaching, and service) of the promotion and tenure process. Information technology (IT) is new territory in this process. The evaluation of the use of IT as an integral part of mainstream instruction is gathering momentum and generating dialogue within the professional literature of most disciplines. This article addresses the issues now facing faculty who are coming up for promotion and/or tenure and the issues with which their evaluators must grapple in reviewing their promotion and tenure papers.
The JTRS program: software-defined radios as a software product line

The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program of the US Department of Defense is an ambitious multiyear initiative aimed at developing a new family of highly capable software programmable radio systems designed around a common software communications architecture (SCA). The procurement and development approaches of the JTRS initiative make it an interesting application of a software product line strategy. In this paper, we (a) provide an overview of the JTRS program, its key technologies, and its development and procurement strategies; (b) highlight the aspects of the JTRS program that make it a clear instance of a software product line; (c) analyze the degrees of success with which product line concepts have been applied within the JTRS initiative, and highlight some ongoing challenges; (d) discuss the significance of the JTRS initiative for the software product lines community.
Hierarchical Discriminant Regression for Incremental and Real-Time Image Classification

This paper presents an incremental algorithm for classification problems using hierarchical discriminant analysis for real-time learning and testing applications. Virtual labels are automatically formed by clustering in the output space. These virtual labels are used for the process of deriving discriminating features in the input space. This procedure is performed recursively in a coarse-to-fine fashion resulting in a tree, called incremental hierarchical discriminating regression (IHDR) method. Embedded in the tree is a hierarchical probability distribution model used to prune unlikely cases. A sample size dependent negative-log-likelihood (NLL) metric is used to deal with large-sample size cases, small-sample size cases, and unbalanced-sample size cases, measured among different internal nodes of the IHDR algorithm. We report the experimental results of the proposed algorithm for an OCR classification problem and an image orientation classification problem.
Dynamic-Stall and Structural-Modeling Effects on Helicopter Blade Stability with Experimental Correlation

The effects of blade and root-flexure elasticity and dynamic stall on the stability of hingeless rotor blades are investigated. The dynamic stall description is based on the ONERA models of lift, drag, and pitching moment. The structural analysis is based on three blade models that range from a rigid flap-lag model to two elastic flap-lag-torsion models, which differ in representing root-flexure elasticity. The predictions are correlated with the measured lag damping of an experimental isolated three-blade rotor; the correlation covers rotor operations from near-zero-thrust conditions in hover to highly stalled, high-thrust conditions in foward flight. That correlation shows sensitivity of lag-damping predictions to structural refinements in blade and root-flexure modeling. Moreover, this sensitivity increases with increasing control pitch angle and advance ratio. For high-advance-ratio and high-thrust conditions, inclusion of dynamic stall generally improves the correlation.
BAYESIAN GENERALIZED PRODUCT PARTITION MODEL

Starting with a carefully formulated Dirichlet process (DP) mixture model, we derive a generalized product partition model (GPPM) in which the parti- tion process is predictor-dependent. The GPPM generalizes DP clustering to relax the exchangeability assumption through the incorporation of predictors, resulting in a generalized Polya urn scheme. In addition, the GPPM can be used for formu- lating flexible semiparametric Bayes models for conditional distribution estimation, bypassing the need for expensive computation of large numbers of unknowns charac- terizing priors for dependent collections of random probability measures. A variety of special cases are considered, and an efficient Gibbs sampling algorithm is de- veloped for posterior computation. The methods are illustrated using simulation examples and an epidemiologic application.
Carbon nanotube electrostatic biprism: Principle of operation and proof of concept

During in situ transmission electron microscopy ~TEM! field emission experiments, carbon nano- tubes are observed to strongly diffract the imaging TEM electron beam. We demonstrate that this effect is identical to that of a standard electrostatic biprism. We also demonstrate that the nanotube biprism can be used to capture electron-holographic information.
Productive Dengue Virus Infection of Human Endothelial Cells is Directed By Heparan Sulfate-Containing Proteoglycan Receptors

ABSTRACT Dengue virus causes leakage of the vascular endothelium, resulting in dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The endothelial cell lining of the vasculature regulates capillary permeability and is altered by immune and chemokine responses which affect fluid barrier functions of the endothelium. Our findings indicate that human endothelial cells are highly susceptible to infection by dengue virus (type 4). We found that dengue virus productively infects ∼80% of primary human endothelial cells, resulting in the rapid release of ∼10 5 virions 1 day postinfection. Analysis of potential inhibitors of dengue virus entry demonstrated that antibodies and ligands to integrins and cellular receptors were unable to inhibit dengue virus infection of endothelial cells. In contrast, pretreating cells with heparin or heparan sulfate resulted in a 60 to 80% reduction in dengue virus-infected cells, and pretreatment of endothelial cells with heparinase III or protease reduced dengue infectivity by >80%. Dengue virus bound specifically to resin immobilized heparin, and binding was competitively inhibited by excess heparin but not other ligands. Collectively, these findings suggest that dengue virus specifically attaches to heparan sulfate-containing proteoglycan receptors on endothelial cells. Following attachment to human endothelial cell receptors, dengue virus causes a highly productive infection that has the potential to increase viral dissemination and viremia. This provides the potential for dengue virus-infected endothelial cells to directly alter barrier functions of the endothelium, contribute to enhancement of immune cell activation, and serve as potential targets of immune responses which play a central role in dengue pathogenesis.
A pricing model for high speed networks with guaranteed quality of service

In this paper, we discuss the role of prices in combining user characterization, network resource allocation, and contract negotiation to form a complete connection establishment process. We suggest that such a process should encourage network efficiency through distributed resource allocation among virtual circuits, circuit bundles, and virtual paths. We adopt effective bandwidth as our user traffic characterization and our pricing base, and we measure network efficiency by total user benefit. We allow a limited degree of statistical multiplexing by incorporating multiplexing gain into the prices. Finally, we propose a hierarchical and distributed negotiation structure under which only hierarchically adjacent and geographically local network entities communicate with each other.
Long term changes in liver histology following treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus.

Background and aims. The histologic hallmarks of chronic HCV include inflammation and fibrosis. The impact of interferon therapy on liver histology was evaluated. Material and methods. The study population consisted of 348 patients with chronic HCV who underwent a baseline liver biopsy, received either no treatment or a single course of interferon based therapy, were followed for 5 years without any treatment or additional treatment and then underwent a repeat liver biopsy. The patients were divided into 3 groups; deferred treatment (NoTx = 47), received interferon based therapy but failed to achieve SVR (NoSVR = 189) and achieved SVR (SVR = 112). Results. Patients with NoTx and NoSVR had significant increases in mean inflammation scores (from 4.3 to 6.3 and 5.4 to 6.7 respectively; p < 0.001 for both) and fibrosis scores (from 0.9 to 1.8 and 1.9 to 2.5; p < 0.001 for both). The amounts by which inflammation, fibrosis and rate of fibrosis progression increased were not significantly different between the two groups. Increases in total inflammation and the piecemeal necrosis sub-score over time were strongly associated with fibrosis progression. Patients with SVR had a significant decline in mean inflammation and fibrosis scores (from 6.7 to 2.2 and 3.3 to 1.8; p < 0.001 for both); 40% of patients resolved all fibrosis and 50% of patients resolved cirrhosis. Conclusion. Increases in inflammation are associated with fibrosis progression and in the absence of SVR interferon treatment does not appear to affect the long term natural history of this process. Patients with SVR have resolution of inflammation and fibrosis and many resolve cirrhosis.
Wafer-Level Parylene Packaging With Integrated RF Electronics for Wireless Retinal Prostheses

This paper presents an embedded chip integration technology that incorporates silicon housings and flexible Parylene-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. Accelerated-lifetime soak testing is performed in saline at elevated temperatures to study the packaging performance of Parylene C thin films. Experimental results show that the silicon chip under test is well protected by Parylene, and the lifetime of Parylene-coated metal at body temperature (37°C) is more than 60 years, indicating that Parylene C is an excellent structural and packaging material for biomedical applications. To demonstrate the proposed packaging technology, a flexible MEMS radio-frequency (RF) coil has been integrated with an RF identification (RFID) circuit die. The coil has an inductance of 16 μH with two layers of metal completely encapsulated in Parylene C, which is microfabricated using a Parylene-metal-Parylene thin-film technology. The chip is a commercially available read-only RFID chip with a typical operating frequency of 125 kHz. The functionality of the embedded chip has been tested using an RFID reader module in both air and saline, demonstrating successful power and data transmission through the MEMS coil.
End-of-life: the traditional Christian view

The Christian pursuit of eternal life through repentance has implications for how health care technology should be used at the end of life. Although there is no obligation always to postpone death, there could be a duty to use high-technology medicine to gain a last opportunity for repentance. Health, health care, and long life are put into perspective by Christianity’s transcendent goals. The Christian pursuit of holiness through humble submission to God excludes intentionally bringing about death through either omission or commission. At the same time, it prohibits using medicine in an all-consuming pursuit of health and postponement of death; the attempt to save life at all costs is thus forbidden. Christianity also accepts the appropriateness of analgesia and sedation to avoid terminal suffering and despair if this does not, by obtunding consciousness, take away a final opportunity for repentance. The logic of these commitments can be fully understood only within Christianity’s allencompassing way of living and dying aimed at holiness. This otherworldly focus can create tensions with many secular moral views as well as with individuals who identify themselves as Christians but who possess nontraditional moral theological beliefs. Such tensions exist as well both between and within Christian groups.
A basic theorem of complementarity for the generalized variational-like inequality problem

Abstract In this paper, a basic theorem of complementarity is established for generalized variational-like inequality problems introduced by Parida and Sen. Some existence results for both generalized variational inequality and complementarity problems are established by employing this basic theorem of complementarity. In particular, some sets of conditions that are normally satisfied by a nonsolvable generalized complementarity problem are investigated.
Learning from experience using a decision-theoretic intelligent agent in multi-agent systems

This paper proposes a decision-theoretic intelligent agent model to solve a herding problem and studies the learning from experience capabilities of the agent model. The proposed intelligent agent model is designed by combining Bayesian networks (BN) and influence diagrams (ID). The online Bayesian network learning method is proposed to accomplish the learning from experience. Intelligent agent software, IntelliAgent, is written to realize the proposed intelligent agent model and to simulate the agents in a problem domain. The same software is then used to simulate the herding problem with one sheep and one dog. Simulation results show that the proposed intelligent agent is successful in establishing a goal (herding) and learning other agents' behaviors.
Value of Social Capital to Mid-sized Northern Plains Farms

As farms increase in size, operators face the decision of remaining loyal to local retail merchants or obtaining volume discounts from distant wholesale input suppliers. When farmers bypass local merchants and buy inputs in volume, they often realize price discounts but forego many services including credit forbearance. When farmers buy locally, they pay higher prices, which decreases profits and increases financial risk, but generates social capital which can be drawn upon during periods of economic adversity. A theoretical model of farm financial risk evaluates borrower behavior in light of cash flow constraints, volume discounts, and social capital. Results delineate financial risks involved and value of social capital. When inputs are purchased locally and social capital is generated, the distribution of year-end funds had a slightly lower mean and longer left tail. The longer left tail results from additional borrowing arising from credit forbearance. If this forbearance were not available, the firm would be bankrupt. A mesure que la taille des exploitations agricoles augmente, les producteurs doivent decider s'ils demeurent loyaux envers les detaillants locaux ou s'ils tentent d'obtenir des remises sur quantite aupres de fournisseurs d'intrants eloignes. Lorsque les producteurs contournent les marchands locaux et achetent des intrants en grande quantite, ils obtiennent souvent des rabais sur le prix, mais se privent de nombreux services y compris l'indulgence des creanciers. Lorsque les producteurs achetent localement, ils paient des prix plus eleves, ce qui diminue les profits et augmente le risque financier, mais cree du capital social qui peut etre mis a contribution en periodes d'adversiteeconomique. Un modele theorique de risque financier agricole evalue le comportement de l'emprunteur en tenant compte des contraintes de liquidites, des remises sur quantite et du capital social. Les resultats presentent en detail les risques financiers en jeu et la valeur du capital social. Lorsque les intrants sont achetes localement et qu'il y a creation de capital social, la queue gauche de la distribution des fonds de fin d'annee est plus longue et la moyenne est legerement plus faible. Cette queue gauche plus longue decoule des emprunts supplementaires resultant de l'indulgence des creanciers. Sans cette indulgence, l'entreprise serait en faillite.
Pediatric Physical Therapists' Perceptions of Their Training in Assistive Technology

Background and Purpose. Availability of assistive technology (AT) and federal legislation promoting greater use of AT for children with disabilities have increased substantially. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived adequacy of previous training in AT, specific training needs, preferred methods of training, and the confidence level of pediatric physical therapists in providing AT. Subjects and Methods. Three hundred eighty pediatric physical therapists responded to a survey questionnaire mailed to a random sample of members of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association. The survey was used to determine training needs of therapists in the area of AT, their confidence in delivering AT services, preferred methods of training, and challenges in becoming trained. Results. The therapists reported having less-than-adequate training in AT and a lack of confidence in delivering AT services. They also reported that they would like accessible and affordable training that focuses on funding technology and services, knowledge of specific devices, and assessment and evaluation methods. Discussion and Conclusion. The findings underscore the need to develop pre-service, in-service, and continuing education training opportunities in AT for providers working with children who have disabilities.