cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bidding Heuristics for Simultaneous Auctions: Lessons from TAC Travel

We undertake an experimental study of heuristics designed for the Travel division of the Trading Agent Competition. Our primary goal is to analyze the performance of the sample average approximation (SAA) heuristic, which is approximately optimal in the decision-theoretic (DT) setting, in this game-theoretic (GT) setting. To this end, we conduct experiments in four settings, three DT and one GT. The relevant distinction between the DT and the GT settings is: in the DT settings, agents’ strategies do not affect the distribution of prices. Because of this distinction, the DT experiments are easier to analyze than the GT experiments. Moreover, settings with normally distributed prices, and controlled noise, are easier to analyze than those with competitive equilibrium prices. In the studied domain, analysis of the DT settings with possibly noisy normally distributed prices informs our analysis of the richer DT and GT settings with competitive equilibrium prices. In future work, we plan to investigate whether this experimental methodology—namely, transferring knowledge gained in a DT setting with noisy signals to a GT setting—can be applied to analyze heuristics for playing other complex games.
Producing Feeder Pigs on Contract: A Comparison

This report is based on a study of an actual feeder pig production operation. In 1988, the producers approached a few companies about farrowing sows on contract. Companies contracting in the area were offering two basic contracts. The first contract paid a mid-range outyardage fee, a large monthly sow-service fee and a production-based incentive. The.other contract offered a significantly higher outyardage fee and a production-based incentive, but it did not offer a sow-service fee.
Implementations of the discrete wavelet transform: complexity, memory, and parallelization issues

The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) has been touted as a very effective tool in many signal processing application, including compression, denoising and modulation. For example, the forthcoming JPEG 2000 image compression standard will be based on the DWT. However, in order for the DWT to achieve the popularity of other more established techniques (e.g., the DCT in compression) a substantial effort is necessary in order to solve some of the related implementation issues. Specific issues of interest include memory utilization, computation complexity and scalability. In this paper we concentrate on wavelet-based image compression and provide examples, based on our recent work, of how these implementation issues can be addressed in three different environments, namely, memory constrained applications, software-only encoding/decoding, and parallel computing engines. Specifically we will discuss (1) a low memory image coding algorithm that employs a line-based transform, (2) a technique to exploit the sparseness of non- zero wavelet coefficients in a software-only image decoder, and (3) parallel implementation techniques that take full advantage of lifting filterbank factorizations.
Applicability of Decorative Concrete Overlays As a Context Sensitive Solution for Vertical Infrastructure

The concept of applying Decorative Concrete Overlays (DCO) in infrastructure is an innovative solution that supports the widespread implementation of green engineering through Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). The purpose of this research was to determine the limits of durability on decorative concrete overlay in terms of bond strength. Although DCO has been used extensively in horizontal applications such as sidewalks and driveways, the parameters of feasibility and durability must be tested for its use on vertical infrastructure surfaces (bridge piers, traffic barriers, noise walls, etc.). This study looks at initial evaluation of these parameters by conducting laboratory testing to measure flexural fatigue and adhesion strength of DCO on two sets of specimens varying in age; 28 days old vs. 125 days old. The flexural fatigue results proved that the bond between concrete and DCO was very effective. Even though the concrete finally failed under the increasing load, the DCO product remained completely bonded as evidenced by the cracked chips of specimen surface. The adhesion strength of the DCO bond to beam specimens varied and results indicated that this difference in strength is due to the thickness of the DCO coating rather than the age of the concrete.
Reductive dechlorination of 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and Aroclor 1260, 1254 and 1242 by a mixed culture containing Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain 195.

Abstract A mixed culture containing Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain 195 dechlorinated 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD) and selected polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in Aroclors 1260, 1254 and 1242. 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD was dechlorinated to 1,3,7-trichlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (1,3,7-TrCDD) and/or 1,3,8-TrCDD via 1,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (1,3,7,8-TeCDD), a pathway that excludes the production of the toxic congener 2,3,7,8-TeCDD. Dechlorination rate and extent was greatly enhanced by the addition of 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene (1,2,3,4-TeCB) as an alternate halogenated substrate and/or incubation temperature increase from 25 °C to 35 °C. The most extensive dechlorination of PCBs occurred for Aroclor 1260 with 13 major congeners making up 44.1 mol% of the original PCBs dechlorinated by 42% over 250 days at 25 °C. When 1,2,3,4-TeCB was amended as co-substrate, the extent of dechlorination increased to 82%, over 250 days. The mixed culture primarily dechlorinated the doubly-flanked chlorines on 2,3,4-, 2,3,4,6-, and 2,3,4,5,6-substituted chlorophenyl rings, whereas it primarily removed the doubly-flanked para chlorine from the 2,3,4,5-substituted chlorophenyl ring. Experiments using a 20% dilution of culture with 31.8 μg/mL 1,2,3,4-TeCDD or 2,3,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 114) as sole halogenated substrate exhibited less than 0.1 mol% dechlorination over 120 days. Further, dechlorination of PCBs and PCDDs by the fully grown culture in the absence of 1,2,3,4-TeCB eventually stopped or greatly slowed over the incubation period. Since Dehalococcoides spp. only gain energy for growth from organohalide respiration, absence of reductive dechlorination upon transfer and dilution or cessation of dechlorination after long incubation times suggest that it is unlikely that strain 195 can grow using the PCDDs or PCBs utilized in this study.
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS OF THE NEONATE WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Nursing care of the neonate with CHD incorporates a knowledge base of the anatomy and physiology of congenital heart defects, surgical repair, complications associated with CHD, diagnostic testing, medical therapy, and psychosocial support. The neonatal nurse is a vital member of the cardiac team in providing accurate assessments, implementing medical therapies, and supporting the family.
Bilateral relationships of the trigeminal mesencephalic nuclei and mastication.

A surgical procedure was developed in monkeys and cats to permit investigation of the central projections of the proprioceptors from the isolated medial or lateral pterygoid muscles, as well as from the intact masticatory muscle joint complex of the same animal. Evoked potentials were recorded simultaneously from the right and left mesencephalic nuclei of animals mounted in a Horsley-Clark apparatus. All electrode placements were verified histologically. Depression of the mandible on the intact side of the head evoked potentials in the ipsi- and contralateral mesencephalic nuclei, as did tension applied to the isolated medial or lateral pterygoid muscle. It is believed that these potentials are representative of impulses projected via a polysynaptic chain from the nuclear chain type of neuromuscular spindles, Golgi tendon organs and joint receptors, each of which projects bilaterally and contributes to the correlation and integration of the function of the muscles of mastication.
Variable effects of the mitoKATP channel modulators diazoxide and 5-HD in ATP-depleted renal epithelial cells

The role of mitochondrial KATP (mitoKATP) channels in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is controversial with studies showing both protective and deleterious effects. In this study, we compared the effects of the putative mitoKATP opener, diazoxide, and the mitoKATP blocker, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) on cytotoxicity and apoptosis in tubular epithelial cells derived from rat (NRK-52E) and pig (LLC-PK1) following in vitro ischemic injury. Following ATP depletion-recovery, there was a significant increase in cytotoxicity in both NRK cells and LLC-PK1 cells although NRK cells were more sensitive to the injury. Diazoxide treatment attenuated cytotoxicity in both cell types and 5-HD treatment-increased cytotoxicity in the sensitive NRK cells in a superoxide-dependant manner. The protective effect of diazoxide was also reversed in the presence of 5-HD in ATP-depleted NRK cells. The ATP depletion-mediated increase in superoxide was enhanced by both diazoxide and 5-HD with the effect being more pronounced in the cells undergoing 5-HD treatment. Further, ATP depletion-induced activation of caspase-3 was decreased by diazoxide in NRK cells. In order to determine the signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, we examined the activation of Erk and JNK in ATP-depleted NRK cells. Diazoxide-activated Erk in ATP-depleted cells, but did not have any effect on JNK activation. In contrast, 5-HD did not impact Erk levels but increased JNK activation even under controlled conditions. Further, the use of a JNK inhibitor with 5-HD reversed the deleterious effects of 5-HD. This study demonstrates that in cells that are sensitive to ATP depletion-recovery, mitoKATP channels protect against ATP depletion-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis through Erk- and JNK-dependant mechanisms.
Effect of Pure Natural and Synthetic Secretin on Brunner's Gland Secretion in Dogs

Florey and Harding1,2 discovered the hormonal control of Brunner's gland secretion and suggested that secretin is the controlling hormone, but because their work was with an impure preparation the possibility remained that some hormone other than secretin was concerned. The name duocrinin was suggested for this hypothetical second hormone3.
Continuous model of an epidemic

The following mathematical model predicts the consequences of an epidemic by considering the characteristics of a disease and its effects on a population of a given size. An epidemic can be viewed as a simple growth and decay process. The population of infectives, those infected by and capable of spreading the disease, grows while the population of susceptibles, those unexposed to the disease, decreases in size. A third possible population category are the removals, those either immune, quarantined or deceased. The simplest model of an epidemic is that of pure infection in which there are no removals and no addition to the susceptibles (Fig. la). In the second model, a population of removals is included (Fig. 1 b). Still a third model could be used to remove susceptibles through immunization (Fig. lc). Numerous other models of epidemics could be explored. For instance, you could consider diseases which have a period of incubation or are found to be recurrent. The equations which model these processes can be formulated without too much difficulty, but the solutions usually require techniques for solving systems of nonlinear differential equations and so will not be considered here.
Analyses of allele-specific gene expression in highly divergent mouse crosses identifies pervasive allelic imbalance

Complex human traits are influenced by variation in regulatory DNA through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Because regulatory elements are conserved between humans and mice, a thorough annotation of cis regulatory variants in mice could aid in further characterizing these mechanisms. Here we provide a detailed portrait of mouse gene expression across multiple tissues in a three-way diallel. Greater than 80% of mouse genes have cis regulatory variation. Effects from these variants influence complex traits and usually extend to the human ortholog. Further, we estimate that at least one in every thousand SNPs creates a cis regulatory effect. We also observe two types of parent-of-origin effects, including classical imprinting and a new global allelic imbalance in expression favoring the paternal allele. We conclude that, as with humans, pervasive regulatory variation influences complex genetic traits in mice and provide a new resource toward understanding the genetic control of transcription in mammals.
Early events in lens regeneration: Changes in cyclic AMP concentrations during initiation of RNA and DNA synthesis

Abstract This communication reports early events in the most dramatic example of cellular metaplasia: the transformation of iris cells into lens cells. During the early stages of lens regeneration the activities of tyrosine aminotransferase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase remain constant while that of glutamine synthetase increases. Cyclic AMP concentrations decrease prior to the enhancement of RNA and protein synthesis and then appear to increase prior to the initiation of DNA synthesis. This may indicate a negative and a positive control of RNA and DNA synthesis, respectively.
World-System Structure and Change: An Analysis of Global Networks and Economic Growth across Two Time Periods

The authors establish in an empirical way structure and change in world-system structure in two periods, 1960 to 1965 and 1970 to 1975, as that structure is operationalized by key international networks. The interplay between global and national domains of analyses is examined with respect to the national-level consequences of strong, weak, and intermediate ties for the noncore countries of the world. When taken together, the dynamics studied permit an examination of the central themes of world-system theory and network approaches in general, while identifying future agendas for sociological theorizing and research.
The Slosson Intelligence Test as a Quick Estimate of Mental Ability.

Abstract The study investigated the reliability and validity of the SIT when administered and scored by 33 special education teachers who had no prior psychological testing experience. Subjects were 155 pupils between four and 16 years old who attended 40 Philadelphia schools. Results relative to interscorer differences, internal consistency, stability over time, and concurrent validity upheld the use of this measure as a quick screening device and corroborated Slosson's contention that the test can be administered successfully by teachers.
Evaluation of Soybean Cultivars, ‘Williams’ Isogenic Lines, and Other Selected Soybean Lines for Resistance to Two Soybean Mosaic Virus Strains

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is one of the most common soybean viruses worldwide. The resistance or susceptibility of most commercial soybean cultivars to SMV is not known. The objectives of this study were to evaluate resistance to SMV strains G1 and G5 of current soybean cultivars, isogenic lines with different Rsv genes and alleles in ‘Williams’ or ‘Williams 82’ background, and selected soybean lines with reported or observed SMV resistance. Commercial and precommercial soybean cultivars were screened for resistance to SMV strains G1 and G5. Based on multiple tests, 1.5% and 6.7% of the 850 cultivars were resistant to SMV-G1 and SMV-G5, respectively. No cultivars were resistant to both strains. Expression of different SMV resistance genes in Williams isogenic lines inoculated with both SMV strains indicated that lines with Rsv1-y from ‘Dorman’, or unnamed resistance genes from ‘Kosamame’, and ‘Sodendaizu’, were resistant to G1 and susceptible to G5. Lines with Rsv1 alleles from PI 96983, ‘Marshall’, or ‘Ogden’ were resistant to both strains, and lines with Rsv1 alleles from ‘Raiden’, ‘SS 74185’ (PI486355), or ‘Suweon 97’ were resistant to G1 and produced a systemic necrosis reaction with G5. Lines with Rsv3-h from ‘Hardee’ were susceptible to G1 and resistant to G5. Isogenic lines with SMV resistance genes from ‘Buffalo’ showed either a resistant–resistant or resistant–susceptible reaction to the two SMV strains, suggesting the presence of more than one SMV resistance gene. Ten selected lines with reported or observed resistance to SMV were inoculated with the two SMVstrains. Some lineswereresistant to either G1 or G5, and some were resistant to both strains.
CLASIC: Collaborative LAyered System using Intranet Capabilities

Discusses the use of intranet technology within business and academic institutions. Presents the CLASIC model, a layered application model to plan, design, develop and implement systems intended to support collaborative activities in an organization using intranet capabilities. Discusses how the model can be adapted to one type of institution in an academic context. Provides a framework to assist planners as they contemplate the use of the intranet and identifies the issues faced when attempting to implement the CLASIC model. Suggests strategies and provides a basis to plan for changes in organizations.
Urinary pregnanetriol of testicular origin.

ABSTRACT The daily administration of 5000 i.u. of chorionic gonadotropin to 9 men with functioning testes resulted in a rise in the urinary excretion of pregnane-3α,17α,20α-triol which averaged 1.3 mg. per day on the third and fourth days of treatment. This increase was significantly greater than the usual day-to-day variation. In 1 man with Addison's disease the elevation in pregnanetriol excretion was 1 to 1.5 mg. In a male eunuchoid and in 2 women (one ovariectomized and the other in the pre-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle), pregnanetriol excretion was not influenced by treatment with chorionic gonadotropin. These results indicate that the pregnanetriol increment was derived from the testes and not the adrenal cortex. A portion of the urinary pregnanetriol of normal men may accordingly be assumed to be of testicular origin. It is suggested that the testicular pregnanetriol was a metabolic derivative of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, which is probably an intermediary in the biosynthesis of testosterone.
Renormalization-group proof of Josephson's relation and ε expansion for the helicity modulus (superfluid density)

We show that Josephson's relation, $\ensuremath{\upsilon}=2\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\nu}=2\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}2\ensuremath{\nu}$, connecting the critical exponent $\ensuremath{\upsilon}$, describing the vanishing of the helicity modulus (superfluid density), to other thermodynamic and correlation exponents is an exact scaling law within the renormalization-group framework. We use the standard isotropic $n$-vector model with continuous spins; when $dl4$ hyperscaling presumably holds, and we have $\ensuremath{\upsilon}=(d\ensuremath{-}2)\ensuremath{\nu}$. Secondly, we derive the first two leading terms of the helicity modulus in an $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=4\ensuremath{-}d$ expansion; this allows second-order evaluation of universal amplitude ratios associated with the superfluid transition.
Correlates of Upper Extremity Disability in Medical Transcriptionists

Objective To investigate the association between disability and personal/lifestyle, medical, and psychosocial risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders (UEMSDs) in medical transcriptionists. Methods A web-based survey involving the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Overall Job Satisfaction (OJS) questionnaires of all medical transcriptionists working at a large healthcare facility. Results Responses were received from 80% (251 of 314) possible participants. Mean DASH, PSS, and OJS scores for those working at their current position for at least 1 year were 8.5 ± 10.1, 14.3 ± 6.7 and 5.3 ± 0.9. Personal/lifestyle factors including age (P < 0.001), lower educational level (P = 0.014), current or previous smoking (P = 0.012), and limited exercise (P = 0.013); medical conditions including diabetes mellitus (P = 0.015), carpal tunnel syndrome (P < 0.001), prior treatment for upper extremity symptoms (P < 0.001); prior workstation evaluation (P < 0.001) and psychosocial factors of perceived stress (P < 0.001), are associated with increased DASH scores. In these workers, multivariate analysis suggests that medical conditions (finger or other upper extremity symptoms requiring treatment or workstation evaluation; and diabetes mellitus) have a larger effect on the DASH than personal/lifestyle or psychosocial factors (age; previous or current smoking; and perceived stress). Conclusions Prior upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms requiring treatment or ergonomic assessment, high perceived stress and a history of smoking are associated with self-reported disability. Diabetics have significantly higher levels of upper extremity disability than non-diabetics. Prospective studies are needed to see if interventions addressing these factors will prevent future work disability.
Biphasic pattern of hypersensitivity following acute propranolol withdrawal in normal subjects

Abstract The effect of abrupt propranolol withdrawal on exercise-induced changes in heart rate and blood pressure was studied in six normal volunteers. Response to exercise was measured on two occassions during propranolol treatment and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 days after the last dose of propranolol. Exercise-induced changes in heart rate were significantly lower than control during propranolol treatment (p
‘Paging’ Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists: Reviewing the Developmental Canon

w i t w a g a a l e t p n W hile reading children’s literature in our training program, my colleagues and I discovered that Katniss Everdeen, Bella Swan, and “Some Pig” are outstanding child psychiatric educators. Therefore, our novel approach to training includes a bookstore field trip, where we pair a faculty member from child and adolescent psychiatry who teaches development with a children’s literature expert. At the conclusion of this tour, we require child and adolescent psychiatry residents to read and review at least one children’s or young adult novel. We do this exercise to reinforce the power of fantasy and literature in the lives of the young people and parents with whom we work, to immerse child and adolescent psychiatry residents in the world of their patients, and because stories written for and about children and teens provide longitudinal “case” material, which can be essential for physicians in training who may have worked with children and families for only days or weeks and thus may not readily recognize links among the past, present, and future. During our tour, we stop first at infant board books. Here, among copies of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Good Night, Gorilla, we discuss the importance of primary caregivers taking time to read with their young children, noting that literacy correlates with book exposure and child– parent interaction. We also read a book aloud, watch children and parents do this in the infant/ toddler area, and explore the skills fostered and benefits derived from the experience of reading together—including physical intimacy, shared attention, the softening of a parent’s voice as he moves from talking mode to reading mode, and the stimulation of curiosity. When we move to books meant for toddlers and preschoolers, the residents begin to reflect on their own childhoods and those who are also parents on their experiences reading to their own
Thermal decomposition of energetic materials 3. A high-rate, in situ, FTIR study of the thermolysis of RDX and HMX with pressure and heating rate as variables☆

Abstract In situ, rapid-scan Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with the infrared absorption intensities is used to construct concentration-time profiles for the gaseous products from thermolysis of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX). The general-purpose pyrolysis cell described is capable of attaining rapid heating rates (8–200K s−1) at various gas pressures (0.048–1000 psi, 0.33 KPa–6.8 MPa) and is an attempt to simulate, insofar as possible, combustor conditions. NO2 is the predominant initial gas product from RDX and, along with HCN, from HMX. [NO2] rapidly diminishes with time owing to its participation in secondary reactions. NO is a minor initial product, if it is present at all, but rapidly becomes a major product owing to secondary reactions. Cis- and trans-HONO are clearly present initially. The behavior of N2O, CH2O, CO, CO2, H2O, and HNCO is also described. Substantial sublimation of HMX and RDX occurs at low pressure resulting in the dominance of gas-phase decomposition (products derived from NN bond rupture). Above atmospheric pressure, a crossover occurs from largely gas-phase to largely heterogeneous condensed phase decomposition reactions (products derived from CN bond rupture). Therefore, condensed phase reactions must be involved along with gas-phase reactions when discussing nitramine decomposition under rocket motor conditions.
Area Postrema Lesions Augment the Pressor Activity of Centrally Administered Vasopressin

The effects of arginine vasopressin given into either the vertebral arteries, a peripheral vein (IV), or the cisterna magna of 15 morphine chloralose anesthetized dogs were measured before and afte...
Endoscopic and histologic diagnosis of Barrett esophagus.

Endoscopy plays an important role in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of Barrett esophagus. Short-segment ( 2-3 cm) Barrett esophagus are distinguished solely on the length of metaplastic tissue above the esophagogastric junction. The histologic hallmark of intestinal metaplasia is required to confirm diagnosis. Biopsy specimens obtained from tissue of presumed Barrett esophagus or an irregular Z line confirm metaplastic glandular mucosa and permit evaluation of dysplastic or neoplastic changes. In the appropriate clinical setting, the use of adjunctive diagnostic techniques may facilitate the diagnosis of Barrett esophagus and sequelae such as dysplasia. Chromoendoscopy with high-resolution or magnified endoscopy is simple, safe, and desirable for surveillance but requires additional procedural time. The use of light-induced fluorescence endoscopy and light-scattering spectroscopy (i.e., optical biopsy) is appealing for the diagnosis and characterization of suspicious lesions. Adjunctive endoscopic techniques and adherence to a protocol for performing biopsies facilitate the early detection and subsequent surveillance of Barrett esophagus.
Theory of the Luminescence of Sulfide Phosphors

Assuming the existence of a killer center with an unoccupied electronic ground state above the Fermi level and explicitly including the metastable emitting state of the activator and the electron traps in the formulation, the dependence of emission intensity on excitation intensity for sulfide phosphors is comprehensively treated. The data of Nail, Urbach, and Pearlman, which demonstrate that over an intensity range the emission intensity of the Zn0.5Cd0.5S:Ag, Ni phosphor is proportional to the 3.5 power of the excitation intensity, are quantitatively reproduced by the theory. The adjustable parameters used to fit the data are shown to be reasonable and to be in accord with other measurements and are used to evaluate the energies of the various electronic states involved. In addition, it is shown that the relation of Klasens and Wise between excitation and emission intensity may be derived as a special case of the general theory.
The effects of fixed rotor tilt on the rotordynamic coefficients of incompressible flow annular seals

The basic equations are derived for incompressible flow in an annular seal with large rotor tilt. The flow is assumed to be completely turbulent in the axial and circumferential directions with no separation, and is modeled by Moody's friction factor equation. Linearized zeroth and first-order perturbation equations are developed for small motion about an arbitrary position by an expansion in the eccentricity ratio. The zeroth-order continuity and momentum equations are solved using a fast fourier technique, yielding the axial and circumferential velocity components and the pressure distribution
Speciation driven by natural selection in Drosophila

REINFORCEMENT is the process by which natural selection strengthens sexual isolation between incipient species, reducing the frequency of maladaptive hybridization and hence completing reproductive isolation. Although this model of speciation was once widely accepted1,2, its plausibility3,4 and experimental support5–7 have been recently attacked. Here we provide an example of speciation by reinforcement, in the North American fruitfly Drosophila pseudoobscura. The results suggest that females of D. pseudoobscura evolved increased sexual isolation from their sibling species, D. persimilis, by natural selection against maladaptive hybridization.
Bone creep-fatigue damage accumulation

Creep and fatigue tests were performed on human femoral cortical bone and the results were compared to a cumulative damage model for bone fracture. Fatigue tests in tension, compression, and reversed loading with a tensile mean stress were conducted at 2 Hz and 0.02 Hz. Load frequency had a strong influence on the number of cycles to failure but did not influence the total time to failure. Bone displayed poor creep-fracture properties in both tension and compression. The fracture surfaces of the tensile creep specimens are distinctly different than those of the compressive specimens. The results suggest that tensile cyclic loading creates primarily time-dependent damage and compressive cyclic loading creates primarily cycle-dependent damage. However, data for load histories involving both tensile and compressive loading indicate lower time to failure than predicted by a simple summation of time-dependent and cycle-dependent damage.
Enhanced radiation resistance of high-OH silica optical fibers

High purity, high-OH, silica optical fibers were irradiated in a hydrogen atmosphere to explore hydrogen binding into defects created by the ionizing radiation. Significant improvements in subsequent measurements of steady state radiation-induced attenuation were observed. Transient and steady state radiation-induced attenuations and long term stability of the phenomena were evaluated.
Gun Attitudes and Fear of Crime

ABSTRACT The relationship between attitudes toward guns and fear of crime was examined in three studies. In Study 1,73 items about guns were administered to subjects to determine if the construct “Gun Attitudes” contained sub-constructs, possibly causing the confusion in the literature on gun attitudes and fear of crime. Nine factors were revealed, which were grouped into Socio-cultural and Personal Indices. In Study 2, the 65 gun items that showed reasonable variance in Study 1 were paired with measures of fear of crime, local crime rate, and experience with guns. The same nine factors as in Study 1 emerged, and further analyses showed that, after controlling for gender, personal experience, and risk of crime, a significant relationship existed between fear of crime and attitudes toward guns, with people higher in fear of crime reporting attitudes more favorable to gun control. Study 3 was based on telephone interviews with Chicago residents, and once again a positive relationship was revealed between fe...
Concentration of Ammonia Across Cell Membranes of Mixed Rumen Bacteria

When mixed ruminal bacteria were provided with growth rate limiting amounts of mixed carbohydrates, more than 50 mg ammonia/L were required for maximal protein synthesis. Microbial protein synthesis declined when ammonia concentration was less than 50 mg/L and unfermented carbohydrates increased. Ammonia starvation also decreased growth efficiency. Intracellular ammonia increased as a linear function of extracellular ammonia, but the intracellular concentration was always at least 160 mg/L higher than the extracellular concentration. Maximal protein synthesis was not observed until intracellular ammonia was greater than 220 mg/L. The concentration gradient of ammonia across cell membranes ranged from 15-fold to 1.8-fold and indicated that some of the ruminal bacteria may have active transport mechanisms for ammonia. These concentration gradients were, however, far less than those reported for bacteria from other habitats. The ruminal bacteria left more than 12 mg ammonia/L when carbohydrates were still available, and this observation was consistent with the assumption that active ammonium transport was not readily or maximally induced.
Production of Synthetic Petroleum Fuel Through the Absorption of Atmospheric CO2

This paper describes a theoretical device called a Petroleum Synthesizer, which absorbs the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into a synthetic petroleum fuel. The device has four parts: First, a CO2 Scrubber using sodium carbonate reversibly absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere. Simultaneously, a Hydrogen Generator separates water electrolytically to produce hydrogen (H2 ). Third, a Carbon Monoxide Generator mixes the H2 and the CO2 over a nickel catalyst, changing the constituents into carbon monoxide (CO) and water. Finally, the CO and additional H2 are combined in a cobalt-catalyst Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) Processor to produce gaseous and liquid petroleum products. Calculations show that one watt of electricity supplied for one year would allow the Synthesizer to create 0.420 kg of petroleum products, and absorb 1.314 kg of CO2 from the atmosphere. An acre of solar voltaic panels powering Synthesizers could produce 46,000 kg, or about 14,000 gallons, of petroleum products per acre per year, and absorb 140,000 kg of CO2 . By contrast, an acre of corn produces less than 400 gallons of ethanol per year.© 2009 ASME
Flight Demonstrations of Self-directed Collaborative Navigation of Small Unmanned Aircraft

The development of small, autonomous UAVs that can operate in complex environments as part of large coordinated groups will enable many new applications at fractions of the cost of current systems. A fleet of fixed-wing aircraft has been developed to create an intelligent aerial platform that has demonstrated various autonomous capabilities. By means of a downward-looking camera, a single aircraft autonomously follows a roadway using the natural features of the scene in conjunction with onboard sensors, without the use of GPS or prior knowledge of the road’s coordinates. A forward looking camera is used to perceive obstacles in the aircraft’s flight path by segmenting images into sky/no-sky regions and classifying no-sky regions above the horizon as obstacles. The tracking of friendly ground vehicles – for which GPS information is known but path information is not – is performed using circular and sinusoidal orbits to maintain desired proximity regardless of ground vehicle motion. Teams of two or three aircraft demonstrate convoy protection by providing persistent surveillance around a moving ground vehicle. The team either flies in rigid formation, providing a large area of coverage around the ground vehicle, or the aircraft coordinate several separate actions that provide both lateral (side to side) and longitudinal (front to back) surveillance of the ground vehicle’s path. Details of the hardware platform and each capability are described and results of flight demonstrations are presented.
Feedback stabilization of general nonlinear control systems: a passive system approach

Abstract This paper develops sufficient conditions for a general nonlinear control system ∑ 1 : x = f (x, u) to be locally (resp. globally) asymptotically stabilizable via smooth state feedback. In particular, it is shown that as in the case of affine systems, this is possible if the unforced dynamic system of ∑1 is Lyapunov stable and appropriate controllability-like rank conditions are satisfied. Our results incorporate a series of well-known stabilization theorems proposed in the literature for affine control systems and extend them to nonaffine nonlinear control systems.
Concatenated beam splitters, optical feed-forward, and the nonlinear sign gate

We consider a nonlinear sign gate implemented using a sequence of two beam splitters, and consider the use of further sequences of beam splitters to implement feed-forward so as to correct an error resulting from the first beam splitter. We obtain similar results to Scheel et al. [Phys. Rev. A 73, 034301 (2006)], in that we also find that our feed-forward procedure is only able to produce a very minor improvement in the success probability of the original gate.
Software vulnerability mitigation as a proper subset of software maintenance

Through the rise of the Internet and Web-based software our computing environment has evolved from well-defined topologies into loosely organized, unbounded topologies where user profiles and intentions are largely unknown. With less than 20 years experience in this chaotic computing environment, software developers and maintenance professionals are still learning efficient and systematic means of locating faults and code vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious users. Exponential growth in software intrusions, attacks, and security incidents has been observed worldwide. The question that arises, however, is whether software security considerations are genuinely new issues, or can they be addressed using existing definitions, technologies, and tools. That is, can we portray software vulnerabilities, especially specific instances of exploitable code, as software faults so that systematic software maintenance practices can be applied? In this paper we present a longitudinal analysis of software vulnerabilities in a widely used file-transfer program, by examining 12 years of maintenance records documenting perfective, corrective, and adaptive changes to the software suite. Our analysis of the program's software faults and vulnerabilities indicate that they are not distinct categories, but rather two overlapping sets that should not be addressed separately. An in-depth analysis of two dominant security flaws shows that they are canonical software faults that can lead to failure even in the absence of malicious user behavior. Our longitudinal analysis demonstrates that every security vulnerability in the program suite could have been eliminated prior to release via proactive software maintenance engineering. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unforeseen Consequences of Mothers' Return to School: Children's Educational Aspirations and Outcomes

Parents' educational attainment is generally completed before offspring are born. Thus, there is little opportunity to study the ways in which children's observation of their parents' pursuit of education may augment the effects of structural factors on intergenerational transmission processes. In this article, the authors use qualitative and quantitative data collected from thirty-five women across a decade following their return to school to examine the effects of children's observations of their mothers' educational achievements on the children's educational aspirations and achievements in adulthood. The return to school was consequential only when mothers completed their degrees; when they did not, their enrollment appears to have had little or no effect on children's educational achievements. Mothers' completion of college was found to be the most important for children's educational outcomes when fathers were less educated and opposed to mothers' enrollment and when the return to school was fueled b...
Nutrient Management Behavior on Wisconsin Dairy Farms

Nutrient management plans for livestock operations should account for rates and timing of manure application to cropland, as well as how manure is integrated with other nutrient sources. Little is known, however, about actual nutrient management behavior of farmers, and what changes may be needed for farmers to adhere to nutrient management regulations. Detailed records were kept on fertilizer, manure, and legume N and P applications on 33 representative Wisconsin dairy farms during the period October 2003 through September 2004. Average available N applications ranged from 118 to 200 kg ha -1 of which 40% was derived from fertilizer, 30% from manure and 30% from previous legume. On a regional basis, the following percentages of corn (Zea mays L.) area fell within available N application categories of 0, 1 to 80,81 to 160, 161 to 240 and >240 kg ha -1 , respectively: in the North-east (NE) region, 72 kg ha -1 , respectively: in the NE region, 30, 50, 15, 4, and 1% of the cropland area (1340 ha); in the SC region, 23, 54, 17, 5, and 1% of the cropland area (1168 ha); and in the SW region, 41, 48, 8, 1, and 2% of the cropland area (542 ha). Of the total cropland area (ha) across all regions that received manure during winter, 7 to 25% were within regulated surface water buffer zones. In the NE, SC, and SW regions, 100, 83, and 63% of winter-spread cropland area received available P application rates <24 kg ha -1 , the 1-yr crop P replacement ceiling set by State regulations. Regional differences in nutrient management behavior due to topography, soils and other factors should be used to better target efforts aimed at improving fertilizer-manure-legume management on Wisconsin dairy farms.
Hitting a moving target: the handout revision project

Computing and Information Services at Texas A & M University provides documentation for the multitude of programs available in its Open Access Labs. We recognized that we needed to develop a program to ensure that our customers’ constantly changing needs for clear, concise, accurate handouts are met in a timely manner. We began our massive Handout Revision Project in December 1999 by first reviewing all existing handouts in public distribution to identify those needing editing. Our initial review helped us to catalog topics not covered by existing handouts. We then began to revise those handouts that could be updated, and to create new handouts to address developing customer needs. We created a handout template to ensure that all our handouts have a uniform appearance, and developed a tracking procedure to monitor the progress of new handouts and material under revision. We also developed a review procedure to be certain that all handouts are clear and accurate before being placed in production for public distribution. A standing committee whose members represent several critical areas inside CIS reviews all new or revised handouts. An annual review for all handouts will ensure that all our documentation is kept up to date. Our Handout Revision Project and its companion Handout Review Procedure subject all our documentation to high standards in clarity and accuracy.
Equilibrium properties of hcp titanium and zirconium.

The electronic and structural properties of hexagonal-close-packed titanium and zirconium are determined from self-consistent linearized augmented-plane-wave (LAPW) calculations within the framework of the local-density-functional approximation (LDA). The equilibrium lattice parameters, bulk moduli, Poisson's ratios, and cohesive energies are obtained from the total energies calculated as functions of the a and c lattice parameters. As found in other LDA calculations, the cohesive energies are overestimated compared to experiment, but otherwise generally good agreement with experiment is obtained. The uncertainty in the results due to the particular choice of the LDA exchange-correlation potential is also examined by performing parallel calculations using the Kohn-Sham-Gaspar X\ensuremath{\alpha} (\ensuremath{\alpha}=(2/3) exchange-only potential. We find that these calculations yield equilibrium volumes which differ by 6--8 % (with the X\ensuremath{\alpha} results in better agreement with experiment) with proportional differences in other structural properties, which we take to be an indication of the intrinsic reliability of the LDA.
Effects of apomorphine and piribedil on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in mice

Based on previous work examining the effects of dextroamphetamine on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced clonic seizure threshold, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of two other dopamine agonists, apomorphine (AP) and piribedil, on PTZ seizures. TD50 and LD50 values for CD-1 mice were determined initially for the two drugs. Subsequently, dose-and time-response analyses established that AP decreased PTZ seizure threshold 15 min after administration, but increased the threshold at 60 min. Piribedil elevated the seizure threshold, but like AP, did not exhibit a clear dose-response relationship. Subsequent blocker studies with phentolamine, (-)sotalol, pimozide, and atropine suggested the possible neurotransmitter systems involved in the modulation of the PTZ-induced seizures by AP and piribedil. Pimozide blocked the changes in seizure threshold induced by both drugs. Atropine also decreased the AP-induced increase in threshold at 60 min. The pattern of inhibition of seizure threshold changes induced by the neurotransmitter blockers suggested that piribedil blocked seizures by means of indirect actions on several neurotransmitters.
Thermal decomposition pathways of ethane

Abstract The alternate thermal decomposition pathways for ethane in its ground state have been investigated, using ab initio electronic structure calculations. Single-point energies were obtained at the full MP4/6-311 G∗∗ level, using 6-31 G∗ geometries for reactant, products, and transition states. The thermodynamically favored products are ethylene and molecular hydrogen, but a very large barrier (130 kcal mol ) is found for the direct 1,2-elimination of hydrogen. When calculated barriers are taken into account, the lowest-energy process is the homolytic cleavage of the C-C bond to form two methyl radicals.
"Metro maps of information" by Dafna Shahaf, Carlos Guestrin and Eric Horvitz, with Ching-man Au Yeung as coordinator

When information is abundant, it becomes increasingly difficult to fit nuggets of knowledge into a single coherent picture. Complex stories spaghetti into branches, side stories, and intertwining narratives. In order to explore these stories, one needs a map to navigate unfamiliar territory. We have developed a methodology for creating structured summaries of information, which we call metro maps. Our algorithm generates a concise structured set of documents which maxi- mizes coverage of salient pieces of information. Most importantly, metro maps explicitly show the relations among retrieved pieces in a way that captures the evolution of a story. We first for- malize characteristics of good maps and formulate their construction as an optimization problem. Then, we provide efficient methods with theoretical guarantees for generating maps. Finally, we integrate capabilities for supporting user interaction into the framework, allowing users to guide the formulation of the maps so as to better re ect their interests. Pilot user studies with a real- world dataset demonstrate that the method is able to produce maps which help users to acquire knowledge efficiently.
Plant manager covert behavior in rejection of automation technology: Case study

This case study examines two automation project rejections. These were traced past initially given postponement reasons (which the plant managers knew would be acceptable to corporate management) to expose hidden actual rejection reasons. The latter involved the plant manager's self-interest, stress, or perception of cultural rules (which are likely to be hidden from corporate management). The implication of the study is that there is a need for research directed toward plant manager behavioral effects regarding automation technology.