cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information processing complexity and leadership status

Abstract 144 Subjects divided into four-person groups participated in three discussions. In each group, one member (Target subject) was preselected as either being high or low in cognitive complexity. The groups were then assigned to one of three conditions. Under Continuous Reinforcement the Target subject received a reinforcing light cue following each verbalization in the second of three discussions (no light cues used in the first and third discussions). Target subjects under Partial Reinforcement received light cues on a 50% variable ratio reinforcement schedule. Control subjects received no light cues in any session. Target subjects in both experimental groups showed conditioning effects on all dependent measures. While no differences were found between reinforcement conditions, results suggest that abstract subjects are able to make more use of feedback cues than concrete subjects.
Binding of Ru, O, and RuOn (n=1–4) to the Ru(001) surface: Structures, stabilities, and diffusion barriers

An atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital study has been made of Ru and O atomic and RuO, RuO2, RuO3, and RuO4 molecular structures and energetics on the Ru(001) surface. The O atom is found to have the highest barrier to surface diffusion while Ru atoms and the RuOn oxide molecules all have diffusion energy barriers of about half. As n increases, the binding energies to the surface decrease. These findings are related to the pulsed field desorption study of Cocke and coworkers. In addition to its relevance to metal annealing and oxide growth mechanisms, our work suggests the possibility of reduced oxide mobility over a metal surface which is postulated to be occurring in instances of strong metal-support interaction in catalysis.
Successful vectorization - reactor physics Monte Carlo code

Abstract Most particle transport Monte Carlo codes in use today are based on the “history-based” algorithm, wherein one particle history at a time is simulated. Unfortunately, the “history-based” approach (present in all Monte Carlo codes until recent years) is inherently scalar and cannot be vectorized. In particular, the history-based algorithm cannot take advantage of vector architectures, which characterize the largest and fastest computers at the current time, vector supercomputers such as the Cray X MP or IBM 3090 600 . However, substantial progress has been made in recent years in developing and implementing a vectorized Monte Carlo algorithm. This algorithm follow portions of many particle histories at the same time and forms the basis for all successful vectorized Monte Carlo codes that are in use today. This paper describes the basic vectorized algorithm along with description of several variations that have been developed by different researchers for specific applications. These applications have been mainly in the areas of neutron transport in nuclear reactor and shielding analysis and photon transport in fusion plasmas. The relative merits of the various approach schemes will be discussed and the present status of known vectorization efforts will be summarized along with available timing results, including results from the successful vectorization of 3-D general geometry, continuous energy Monte Carlo.
Phosphorylation and inactivation of rat heart glycogen synthase by cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent protein kinases.

The regulation of cardiac muscle glycogen metabolism is not well understood. Previous studies have indicated that heart glycogen synthase is heavily phosphorylated in vivo on multiple sites. Using purified enzymes, we have investigated the effect of phosphorylation of different sites on the activity of rat heart glycogen synthase. A convenient procedure was developed for the purification of rat heart glycogen synthase. The enzyme was phosphorylated by selected kinases, and glycogen synthase activity, extent of phosphorylation, and phosphopeptide maps were analyzed. Rat heart glycogen synthase, purified to apparent homogeneity (Mr 87,000 on SDS—PAGE), had a specific activity of 18 U/mg protein and had an activity ratio of 0.74 (activity in the absence divided by the activity in the presence of glucose 6-P). cAMP-dependent protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, protein kinase C, and phosphorylase kinase phosphorylated the enzyme with a concomitant decrease in the activity ratio to values ranging from 0.1 to 0.4. Casein kinase II phosphorylated but did not inactivate glycogen synthase. Six tryptic phosphopeptides, obtained from heart glycogen synthase phosphorylated by the various kinases, were separated by reverse-phase chromatography. The phosphopeptide(s) obtained with each kinase eluted at the same position(s) as corresponding phosphopeptides obtained from rat skeletal muscle glycogen synthase. The study shows that the pattern of phosphorylation and effects on activity are very similar for cardiac and skeletal muscle glycogen synthase. It is suggested that the well known differences in heart and glycogen metabolism may be due to the interplay of kinases and phosphatases which could lead to different phosphorylation and activity states of glycogen synthase.
WAVEFORM INVERSION AND MULTI-LAYER NEURAL NETWORK

This paper presents the concept of neural network inversion. The basic mathematical problem is to establish the mapping between two multi-dimensional spaces, addressing the continuous function mapping between two close intervals. It introduces the 3-layer neural network existence theorem and proves that the multi-layer neural network can approximate any continuous function in the sense of supernorm or mean-squares-norm, provided that the activation function is locally Riemann integrable and nonpolynomial. With an initial guess of the target parameter, which, in the present case, is acoustic velocity, in a prescribed sphere, which contains the true parameter, the neural network inversion method ensures the search reaching the global minima. The principle of the neural network inversion on the basis of the least-squares minimization (L2 norm) is developed. As its application, this method is employed to perform seismic waveform inversions — Model 1, for a homogeneous isotropic earth with a 2-D rectangle embedded body, and Model 2, for a layered earth with an elliptically elongated inclusion. A fast computation algorithm of the finite element method is adopted to generate a series of synthetic shot records for training the 3-layer neural network. The trained neural network possesses the capability to find the acoustic velocity of the embedded body in both Model 1 and 2 with a real-time solution within a sufficient accuracy.
Evaluation of the Role of the Yersinia pestis Plasminogen Activator and Other Plasmid-Encoded Factors in Temperature-Dependent Blockage of the Flea

Yersinia pestis, the plague bacillus, has a plasminogen activator (pla) gene on the 9.5-kb plasmid pPla that is hypothesized to play a role in producing the foregut blockage in the flea vector that precedes transmission. In this study, however, Y. pestis that lacked pPla, the 70-kb virulence plasmid, or both plasmids, proved able to block Xenopsylla cheopis fleas normally. Blockage rates decreased with increasing environmental temperature for fleas infected with either wild type or pPla- Y. pestis. Thus, procoagulant ability of the Y. pestis pla gene product does not mediate blockage, nor does its ability to induce fibrinolysis at>28 degreesC account for failure to block at elevated temperatures. A Y. pestis strain that lacked all or part of the third plasmid of 110 kb, however, failed to colonize the flea midgut normally, indicating that one or more genes on the large plasmid may be required for vectorborne transmission.
Global human impacts or climate change?: explaining the Sooty Shearwater decline at the Minard site, Washington State, USA

Abstract Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus) remains decrease throughout the occupation (AD 1000–1600) of the Minard site (45-GH-15) on the southern Washington coast, USA. Given that New Zealand is one of the major breeding locations for this long-distant migrant, the decline at the Minard site may be due to human impacts on a global scale. In particular, the Maori practice of muttonbirding, the killing and preparation of fledgling shearwaters for storage, may have affected the number of summer migrants reaching the Pacific Northwest Coast. A second hypothesis attributes the decline in Sooty Shearwaters at the site to increasing sea surface temperatures and/or increased frequency of ENSO events during this period. Understanding how Sooty Shearwaters responded to human hunting and/or climate events in the past may be useful for the current management of this species, which has faced dramatic declines in recent decades.
Inhibition of the cutaneous response to antigen by a throm☐ane-synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046) in allergic dogs

Abstract We studied the effect of a selective throm☐ane-synthetase inhibitor, sodium (E)-3-[4-(1-imidazolymethyl)-phenyl]-2-propanoate) (OKY-046) on the late-phase response to antigen in ragweed-sensitized dogs. Skin biopsies were performed before and 1, 6, and 24 hours after ragweed injection. OKY-046 was infused (100 μg·kg −1 ·min) from 1 hour before until 6 hours after intracutaneous ragweed in five dogs. The early clinical response to ragweed (wheal at 20 minutes) was not changed by OKY-046. A late-phase response (induration at 6 hours) was not observed in any of the OKY-046-treated dogs but was present at 6 hours in 415 dogs without OKY-046. Typical mast cells responded similarly in both groups with progressive degranulation during 24 hours. Maximal degranulation of atypical mast cells was delayed to 6 hours with OKY-046, whereas these cells responded completely at 1 hour without OKY-046. The inflammatory response to ragweed followed the same pattern in both groups, but the numbers of each cell type were decreased with OKY-046. With OKY-046, the cutaneous response to histamine was not changed significantly from baseline at 6 hours but was increased (p
The nucleosome (histone-DNA complex) is the TLR9-specific immunostimulatory component of Plasmodium falciparum that activates DCs.

The systemic clinical symptoms of Plasmodium falciparum infection such as fever and chills correspond to the proinflammatory cytokines produced in response to the parasite components released during the synchronized rupture of schizonts. We recently demonstrated that, among the schizont-released products, merozoites are the predominant components that activate dendritic cells (DCs) by TLR9-specific recognition to induce the maturation of cells and to produce proinflammatory cytokines. We also demonstrated that DNA is the active constituent and that formation of a DNA-protein complex is essential for the entry of parasite DNA into cells for recognition by TLR9. However, the nature of endogenous protein-DNA complex in the parasite is not known. In this study, we show that parasite nucleosome constitute the major protein-DNA complex involved in the activation of DCs by parasite nuclear material. The parasite components were fractionated into the nuclear and non-nuclear materials. The nuclear material was further fractionated into chromatin and the proteins loosely bound to chromatin. Polynucleosomes and oligonucleosomes were prepared from the chromatin. These were tested for their ability to activate DCs obtained by the FLT3 ligand differentiation of bone marrow cells from the wild type, and TLR2−/−, TLR9−/− and MyD88−/− mice. DCs stimulated with the nuclear material and polynucleosomes as well as mono- and oligonucleosomes efficiently induced the production of proinflammatory cytokines in a TLR9-dependent manner, demonstrating that nucleosomes (histone-DNA complex) represent the major TLR9-specific DC-immunostimulatory component of the malaria parasite nuclear material. Thus, our data provide a significant insight into the activation of DCs by malaria parasites and have important implications for malaria vaccine development.
Do causal attributions mediate the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic interest

Abstract Many investigators have demonstrated that task-contingent extrinsic incentives can reduce an individual's interest in some intrinsically rewarding task. Although it has been widely assumed that this “undermining effect” is mediated by the individual's causal attributions for engaging in the task, there has been little independent verification of this notion. In the present study subjects were asked to perform an inherently interesting problem-solving task. Half of the subjects were told that they could earn money by solving the task successfully (Money condition), whereas the other half were not (Control condition). Consistent with previous research, Money condition subjects expressed less liking for the task. In addition, Many condition participants attributed their task performance to less internal causes. Furthermore, across conditions, subjects who attributed their behavior to less internal causes were less apt to enjoy the task. The present data, therefore, more convincingly implicate the mediating role of causal attributions in the relationship between extrinsic rewards and intrinsic interest. Alternative explanations are discussed.
Salvage Radiotherapy for Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels After Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: Dose–Response Analysis

Purpose To investigate the association between external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) dose and biochemical failure (BcF) of prostate cancer in patients who received salvage prostate bed EBRT for a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after radical prostatectomy. Methods and Materials We evaluated patients with a rising PSA level after prostatectomy who received salvage EBRT between July 1987 and October 2007. Patients receiving pre-EBRT androgen suppression were excluded. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association between EBRT dose and BcF. Dose was considered as a numeric variable and as a categoric variable (low, 66.6 Gy). Results A total of 364 men met study selection criteria and were followed up for a median of 6.0 years (range, 0.1–19.3 years). Median pre-EBRT PSA level was 0.6 ng/mL. The estimated cumulative rate of BcF at 5 years after EBRT was 50% overall and 57%, 46%, and 39% for the low-, moderate-, and high-dose groups, respectively. In multivariable analysis adjusting for potentially confounding variables, there was evidence of a linear trend between dose and BcF, with risk of BcF decreasing as dose increased (relative risk [RR], 0.77 [5.0-Gy increase]; p = 0.05). Compared with the low-dose group, there was evidence of a decreased risk of BcF for the high-dose group (RR, 0.60; p = 0.04), but no difference for the moderate-dose group (RR, 0.85; p = 0.41). Conclusions Our results suggest a dose response for salvage EBRT. Doses higher than 66.6 Gy result in decreased risk of BcF.
Reviewers, Orthodoxy, and the Passion to Publish

Reviewers, their judgments, and their qualifications vary. However, there are good reasons for emphases on reviewer diversity. Social work’s mission and content areas demand a range of reviewers from diverse groups. Excessive emphasis on publication in specific journals may promote orthodoxy in the literature. Whether reviewers’ publication records affect their reviews—positively or negatively—is not clear. The requirement that faculty members publish may limit the quality of submitted articles. The focus of scholarship ought to be on facts, ideas, and the passion to share them with the profession, not that faculty publish or face dismissal.
Calcaneal ultrasonic measurements discriminate hip fracture independently of bone mass

We studied 336 elderly white women, of whom 22 had previously suffered a hip fracture and 22 had previously suffered a vertebral fracture. All subjects were 60 years old or older with a mean age of 73.7 years. Measurements of ultrasonic transmission velocity (UTV), broad-band ultrasonic attenuation (BUA) and stiffness (STF) were made at the os calcis using a Lunar Achilles ultrasound device. Measurements of lumbar spine bone mineral density (L2–4 BMD) and femoral neck BMD were made using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The fracture groups were significantly older and had more years since menopause than the control groups. Logistic regression showed that measurements of UTV, STF and BUA discriminated between fracture and non-fracture subjects for both the hip (p<0.001) and spine (p<0.05). Femoral neck BMD discriminated both hip and vertebral fractures from controls (p<0.001 andp<0.01, respectively). Spinal BMD discriminated between subjects with vertebral fractures and those without (p<0.01), but not hip fractures (p=0.64). For hip fracture, areas under receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.85 for UTV, 0.83 for STF, 0.79 for BUA, 0.78 for femoral neck BMD and 0.53 for spinal BMD. For vertebral fracture, areas under the ROC curve were 0.68 for UTV, 0.70 for STF, 0.66 for BUA, 0.66 for femoral neck BMD and 0.67 for spinal BMD. To determine whether calcaneal ultrasonic measurements discriminated, independently of BMD, fracture from control groups, UTV, BUA and STF were adjusted for BMD, age and years since menopause using multiple regression analysis and the residuals from the regressions were incorporated into a logistic regression analysis. Adjusted ultrasonic measurements discriminated hip fracture from control groups (p<0.005 for UTV;p<0.05 for BUA;p<0.01 for STF) but not vertebral fracture (p=0.37 for UTV;p=0.53 for BUA;p=0.25 for STF). These results show that, when ultrasonic measurements were adjusted for BMD and age, they still discriminated between hip fracture and control groups. This finding supports the hypothesis that ultrasonic measurements contain information about bone strength not contained in bone density measurements that may be useful in predicting hip fractures. Therefore, calcaneal ultrasound measurements may provide a safe, low-cost addition to bone densitometry.
On the stability of gas bubbles rising in an inviscid fluid

The stability to three dimensional disturbances of bubbles rising rectilinearly in an inviscid fluid is studied numerically. It is found, in contrast with earlier work, that the interaction of hydrodynamic pressure forces and surface tension does not lead to linear instability of the bubble path.
Carbon dioxide management and the cerebral response to hemodilution during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in dogs

Abstract Background . Increases in blood flow support oxygen (O 2 ) delivery with hemodilution. However, with α-stat management, the cerebral response to hemodilution is blunted. We tested the hypothesis that carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) management is a primary determinant of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) response to hemodilution during hypothermic bypass. Methods . Following Animal Care Committee approval, 15 dogs underwent bypass at 18°C (pH-stat, n=7 or α-stat, n=8). Measurements were obtained after progressive hemodilution, and cerebral blood flow was determined by sagittal sinus outflow. Arterial pressure was maintained at 60 to 70 mm Hg. The CBF response to hemodilution and cerebral metabolic rate were compared in the two groups of animals. Results . In both groups, hemodilution increased CBF. At every hematocrit, CBF and O 2 delivery in the pH-stat group exceeded that of α-stat group, although O 2 demand did not differ between groups. While absolute CBF in the pH-stat group was greater at every hematocrit, the relative change in CBF from control and the slope of the CBF-Hct relationship did not differ between groups. Conclusions . pH-stat management is associated with a greater absolute CBF and a greater ratio of cerebral O 2 supply to demand for any degree of hemodilution. However, over the range of hematocrits common in practice, CO 2 management per se does not determine the cerebral response to hemodilution.
Nanofabrication of self-organized, three-dimensional epitaxial oxide nanorods

Abstract In this article, we address the nanofabrication process of self-organized, three-dimensional (3D) epitaxial oxide nanorods of perovskite La 1− x Sr x MnO 3 and fluorite Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 using pulsed laser ablation. These nanorods are epitaxially grown on (001) LaAlO 3 substrate and are well defined with a very narrow size distribution as studied by transmission electron microcopy. All of the nanorods are encapsulated by uniformly thick amorphous-like boundaries. The nanofabrication process leading to formation of 3D nanorods in these systems is discussed by considering the interplay of misfit strain energy and surface energy contributions.
Finite element analysis and experimental study on dynamic properties of a composite beam with viscoelastic damping

This paper investigates the frequency dependent viscoelastic dynamics of a multifunctional composite structure from finite element analysis and experimental validation. The frequency-dependent behavior of the stiffness and damping of a viscoelastic material directly affects the system's modal frequencies and damping, and results in complex vibration modes and differences in the relative phase of vibration. A second order three parameter Golla–Hughes–McTavish (GHM) method and a second order three fields Anelastic Displacement Fields (ADF) approach are used to implement the viscoelastic material model, enabling the straightforward development of time domain and frequency domain finite elements, and describing the frequency dependent viscoelastic behavior. Considering the parameter identification a strategy to estimate the fractional order of the time derivative and the relaxation time is outlined. Agreement between the curve fits using both the GHM and ADF and experiment is within 0.001 percent error. Continuing efforts are addressing the material modulus comparison of the GHM and the ADF model. There may be a theoretical difference between viscoelastic degrees of freedom at nodes and elements, but their numerical results are very close to each other in the specific frequency range of interest. With identified model parameters, numerical simulation is carried out to predict the damping behavior in its first two vibration modes. The experimental testing on the layered composite beam validates the numerical predication. Experimental results also show that elastic modulus measured from dynamic response yields more accurate results than static measurement, such as tensile testing, especially for elastomers.
Remote sensing of non‐aerosol absorption in cloud free atmosphere

[1] Knowledge of the absorption of sunlight by atmospheric gases, aerosols and clouds is key to understanding climate and its variation. Several studies suggested that clouds absorb sunlight significantly more than what models predict. Other studies suggested that the anomalous absorption is present in cloud-free conditions. Here we measure absorption in cloud free atmosphere using the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). Measurements of attenuation of direct sunlight are used to derive extinction optical thickness and sky measurements to derive scattering optical thickness, Residual extinction for zero scattering, cannot be caused by aerosols or known gases and would be associated with the cloud free absorption anomaly. The anomalous absorption, if exists, is assumed not to correlate with the presence of aerosol. The measurements, taken for several years in locations around the world, show that in the atmospheric windows 0.44, 0.67, 0.87 and 1.02 μm the only significant absorbers in cloud free atmosphere is aerosol and ozone. Non-aerosol absorption, defined as spectrally independent or smoothly variable, was found to have an optical thickness smaller than 0.002 ± 0.003, thereby, absorption of sunlight smaller than 1W/m2.
Resonance poles and the reaction matrix

Within the framework of relativistic dispersion theory the reaction matrix (K-matrix) is considered as an analytic matrix-function. For the case of two coupled two-particle channels, it is shown that the elements of this matrix are regular functions except for cuts due to dynamical branch lines of the amplitudes and possible isolated poles. Expressing the reaction amplitudes in terms of the elements of the reaction matrix makes it possible to exhibit the Riemann surface of these amplitudes. The connection between resonances and poles of the amplitudes in secondary Riemann sheets is discussed with the help of the reaction-matrix formalism. The possible connection between a resonance and a bound state is considered.
The bad guy is one of us: framing comparison between the US and Korean newspapers and blogs about the Virginia Tech shooting

This study examines cross-national and cross-media differences in framing, particularly regarding the salience of collectivistic storytelling, based on the US and Korean newspapers and blogs about the Virginia Tech campus shooting incident. Although collectivistic storytelling is a common practice of news domestication, the degree of its salience is affected by a nation's orientation toward collectivism. Cross-media level of difference also exists because journalistic perspectives and the public's interpretation of those perspectives, as reflected in newspapers and blogs, are different. Findings indicate that while there are some consistent framing patterns, the degree of collectivism was different between the two nations and between the two media.
Sensitivity of RBF interpolation on an otherwise uniform grid with a point omitted or slightly shifted

Radial basis functions are popular for interpolation on a scattered or irregular grid. However, theory for an irregular grid is mostly limited to proofs of convergence. Here, we present theory and numerical experiments for two specific cases. The first is an otherwise uniform grid of spacing h in which one point is shifted by an amount sh. The second is a uniform grid with one point omitted. We discuss Gaussian, hyperbolic secant, and inverse quadratic RBFs.
Steam‐fog over Lake Michigan in winter

From surface-water and air temperatures 7 m above the water, it was found that over Lake Michigan in winter, a vapor pressure difference of about 5 mb between air and surface water was necessary for “steam-fog” to form when the water was between 0° and 5°C. With a smaller vapor pressure difference there was no “steam-fog” with a greater difference than 5 mb there was dense steam-fog. The wind-velocity and lapse-rate determined the character of its appearance after “steam-fog” had formed. Conditions favoring its formation over the lake are most frequent in January. There are fewer occurrences in December, February, and November.
Relativistic nuclear matter with composite nucleons.

Nuclear matter at high density requires a relativistic description. Recent two-loop calculations in local quantum field theory models at finite density yield disastrously large contributions. We argue that the composite structure of nucleons ought to soften these contributions. This argument is supported by a model calculation in which we find very strong reductions in the Lamb shift and vacuum fluctuation contributions. At nuclear matter densities and beyond, the total-loop result is perturbatively small in comparison to the one-loop calculation.
Critical analysis of accountability policy in alternative schools: implications for school leaders

Purpose – The expansion of alternative education, globally, has coincided with a shift towards greater accountability for ensuring educational access and opportunity, high academic standards and increased graduation rates. While studies suggest the pervasive influence of accountability may be redefining how school leaders provide meaningful learning experiences and facilitating high achievement, little is known about school leaders of alternative schools administering accountability polices. If there are inconsistencies between meaningful learning experiences for at‐risk students and performance‐based standards outcomes, this may suggest issues around equity and alternative schools that should be evaluated. Using a theoretical frame of policy implementation, specifically the authoritative design of policy and social constructs of compliance, this study aims to examine how alternative school leaders implement accountability policies.Design/methodology/approach – This cross‐case study employs a qualitative ...
An analysis of the migratory behavior of avian cephalic neural crest cells

Abstract The neural crest cells migrate from their origin into many regions of the vertebrate embryo. Upon reaching their terminal destinations, members of this population undergo cytodifferentiation into a wide range of diverse cell types. To follow the early migratory behavior of avian cephalic neural crest cells, neural fold tissue was transplanted orthotopically from a 3 H-thymidine-labeled donor into an unlabeled host. The hosts were sacrificed at subsequent stages and the positions of all labeled neural crest-derived cells ascertained radioautographically. Crest cells emigrating from each of three different preotic regions of the brain displayed unique patterns of migration, which are described in detail. Having established these normal patterns of neural crest cell migration, the following question was posed: Are the unique migratory patterns of the developing neural crest cell population determined within the individual cells prior to their exodus, or are they imposed upon the crest cells by the environment through which the cells move? To resolve this problem neural folds were removed from one of the three cranial regions described above and replaced with a segment of 3 H-thymidine-labeled neural fold from either a different cephalic region or the brachial spinal cord level. In nearly every case the heterotopically transplanted cells mimicked the normal patterns of migration, and the embryos were indistinguishable from those which had received orthotopic transplants. This proves that the precise patterns of migration of chick neural crest cells are not irreversibly determined within the cells prior to their emigration. Rather, their complex yet highly organized migratory behavior is largely directed by environmental influences.
Effect of host insect-host plant associations on selected fitness components of Encarsia formosa (Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Abstract A decrease in hind tibial length was observed for Encarsia formosa (Gahan) when switched from Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood as a host on tobacco to Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) as a host on poinsettia. Tibia lengths of the parasitoid E. formosa from commercial sources reared from tobacco decreased from 0.22 to 0.18 mm after at least 5 generations of the parasitoid on the new host. There was no significant increase in E. formosa tibia size when continuously reared on B. tabaci for at least 18 generations compared to the length after 5 generations on that host. After 18 generations on the B. tabaci /poinsettia association, E. formosa selected whitefly nymphs significantly longer than the whitefly nymphs selected by wasps reared on B. tabaci for 5 generations. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between whitefly size and wasp size that was not significantly different for any of the whitefly/host plant associations. Standardization for whitefly size revealed a significant effect of origin on wasp size. Longevity of English E. formosa reared from T. vaporariorum on tobacco was significantly less than that of California E. formosa reared from B. tabaci on poinsettia after both 5 and 18 generations on that host. Emergence rates of E. Formosa were not different for any host association examined, but there was a significant increase in the fecundity of E. formosa after 18 generations on B. tabaci on poinsettia.
A Construction of Lagrangian Submanifolds in Complex Euclidean Spaces with Legendre Curves

In [1], B. Y. Chen provided a new method to construct Lagrangian surfaces in C2 by using Legendre curves in S3(1) $\subset$ C2. In this paper, we investigate the similar methods to construct some Lagrangian submanifolds in complex Euclidean spaces Cn (n ≥ 3).
Interference effects in the electrical conductivity tensors of doped polar semiconductors

Abstract In this paper, we develop a general procedure, based on the Kubo formula, for finding the frequency- and wavevector-dependent electrical conductivity tensor for arbitrary polarizations of the applied electric field. This procedure gives careful consideration to both the electron and the ion contributions to the current density. We find that, in addition to the standard electron and ion contributions to the conductivity tensor, there are contributions arising from the quantum interference between the electrons and the ions. These interference effects, which will affect the infrared absorption of a material, are similar to the interference effects observed by Cerdeira, Fjeldly, and Cardona ( Solid State Commun. 13 (1973), 325–328; Phys. Rev. B 8 (1973), 4734–4745; 9 (1974), 4344–4350) in Raman scattering from p -type Si. We then evaluate these cross terms for simple models of a variety of semiconductors. We find that these interference effects are finite- q effects, with the actual dependence of the cross terms on the wavevector q being sensitive to the symmetry of the crystal. We also find that, in principle, these cross terms may be quite large near the TO-phonon frequency ω TO . The cross terms are evaluated for both n -type and p -type semiconductors, and it is suggested that they are probably most important for p -type materials. However, we also find that the basic structure of these terms is very similar in the two cases.
Losing Faith in the Dollar: Can It Remain the World's Dominant Reserve Currency?

The fall of the dollar has affected the entire world. But is it permanent? This piece reviews the forces that have contributed to the weakness of the dollar and its losing favor as the world's premier currency. The economists discuss the structural problems in the U.S. economy that, unless addressed, will continue to weaken the dollar's standing as the premier reserve currency. But they believe the dollar will not be easily displaced as the main world currency in the near future. They provide a fine primer on the most recent plight of the dollar.
Pituitary–adrenal responses to arm versus leg exercise in untrained man

The purpose of this study was to examine pituitary-adrenal (PA) hormone responses [beta-endorphin (beta-END), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol] to arm exercise (AE) and leg exercise (LE) at 60 and 80% of the muscle-group specific VO2 peak. Eight healthy untrained men (AE VO2 peak=32.4+/-3.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1), LE VO2 peak=46.9+/-5.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) performed two sub-maximal AE and LE tests in random order. Plasma beta-END, ACTH and cortisol were not different (P>0.05) between AE and LE at either exercise intensity; the 60% testing elicited no changes from pre-exercise (PRE) values. For 80% testing, plasma beta-END, ACTH and cortisol were consistently, but not significantly, greater during LE than AE. In general, plasma beta-END and ACTH were higher (P<0.05) during 80% exercise, than PRE, for both AE and LE. Plasma cortisol was elevated (P<0.05) above PRE during 80% LE, and following 80% for both AE and LE. Plasma ACTH was higher (P<0.05) during 80% LE and AE versus 60% LE and AE, respectively. Plasma beta-END and cortisol were significantly higher during and immediately after 80% LE than 60% LE. Thus, plasma beta-END, ACTH and cortisol responses were similar for AE and LE at the two relative exercise intensities, with the intensity threshold occurring somewhere between 60 and 80% of VO2 peak. It appears that the smaller muscle mass associated with AE was sufficient to stimulate these PA axis hormones in a manner similar to LE, despite the higher metabolic stress (i.e., plasma La-) associated with LE.
Effect of different macronutrients in excess on gastric sensory and motor functions and appetite in normal-weight, overweight, and obese humans

Background:The effects of supplementation with different macronutrients on gastric sensory and motor functions are unclear. Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of 2 wk of supplementation with different classes of macronutrients on gastric function, satiation, and appetite in healthy and overweight subjects. Design: In a parallel-group, double-blind study, 52 (14 men, 38 women) healthy normal-weight, overweight, and obese participants [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2 ): 19.4–47.0] aged 18–64 y were randomlyassignedtoconsumedifferentisocaloricdiets(n13per diet group) adjusted for BMI and activity level. The standard diet provided 20% of energy as protein, 30% as fat, and 50% as carbohydrate. The high-protein, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate diets contained 500 additional kcal in each nutrient class. On 3 separate days,wemeasuredgastricemptyingofsolids,gastricvolumes,postprandial symptoms, appetite, and food choice with validated methods. Age, sex, BMI, and baseline satiation were covariates in the analysis of covariance. Results: Fat supplementation was associated with increased maximumtoleratedvolume(MTV)insubjectswithahighbaselineMTV (P 0.05), irrespective of BMI. Gastric emptying and volumes, postprandial symptoms, total calories, and food choices at an ad libitum meal were not significantly different after each dietary preload. Fasting gastric volumes tended to be higher with the high-fat than with the high-carbohydrate or high-protein diets (P 0.1). Gastric emptying and volumes and satiation were not significantly different between the BMI categories ( and 30). Conclusion: Supplementation with 500 kcal fat in excess of required calories for 2 wk increased food tolerance in healthy normalweight and obese subjects with a high baseline MTV without significantly changing gastric motor functions. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85:411–8.
Statistical Graphics for Survey Weights

Survey weights are used for correcting known differences between the sample and the population due to sampling design, nonresponse, undercoverage, and other factors. However, practical considerations often result in weights that are not constructed in a systematic fashion. Graphical methods can be useful in understanding complex survey weights and their relations with other variables in the dataset, particularly when little to no information on the construction of the weights is available. Graphical tools can also assist in diagnostics, including detection of outliers and extreme weights. We apply our methods to the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, an ongoing longitudinal survey.
Application of breakthrough failure analysis techniques on 90nm devices with an EOS fail

In this investigation, a combination of old and new FA techniques has been utilized in the analysis of EOS failure in 90nm devices. We illustrate how information from conventional techniques and new innovative techniques can lead to successful root cause analysis of the failure mechanism. One of the innovative techniques used in the study is spectral analysis using infrared emission microscope (REM). It is believed that failure mechanism such as gate oxide breakdown, hot carrier effects, leaky junctions, CMOS latch-up or other leakage failures have their own unique spectrum which can be used for "defect finger-printing" analysis as presented in H. Ishizuka et al. (1990), L. WB et al. (2003), M. Rasras et al. (1997) and M. Bailon et al. (2004). It is for this purpose that spectral analysis was used during the characterization of failure mechanism in this study. Other techniques utilized were circuit simulation and frontside and backside FA techniques to physically expose the defect in the failing region.
Daylength and Temperature Control of Predation, Body Size, and Rate of Increase in Toxorhynchites rutilus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Subtropical Toxorhynchites rutilus (Coquillett) frequently overwinter as 4th instars in treeholes of peninsular Florida. Exposure from hatch to short daylengths induced 4th instar diapause in over 50% of wild T. rutilus from southern Florida. Short daylengths and lower temperatures significantly reduced prey consumption rates. At a low frequency, diapausing larvae killed prey without consuming, which behavior increased with time in the 4th instar and was distinct from killing by prepupae. Termination of diapause by transfer of 4th instars to long daylengths was accompanied by an increase in prey consumption rate prior to pupation. Mean pupal masses were significantly affected by photoperiod and temperature treatments, confirming a correlation between heavier pupae and colder temperatures in the field. At 25°C and 21°C, female pupae were significantly larger than males, in contrast to no sexual size difference observed for continuous development at 27°C. The composite index of performance (r’), an analog of the per capita rate of increase, for diapausing cohorts was one-half to two-thirds of that estimated for non-diapausing cohorts, but temperature alone did not affect r’ between 25 and 21°C. Low rates of prey consumption during winter diapause may contribute to the relatively modest, albeit significant, effect of T. rutilus predation on mosquito abundance as estimated from long-term censuses of treeholes.
Effects of Turning Maneuvers and Route Choice on a Simple Network

A simple symmetric network that consists of two tangent rings on which vehicles obey the kinematic wave theory of traffic flow and can switch rings at the point of tangency is studied. An online adaptive simulation reveals that if there is any turning whatsoever, the two-ring system becomes unevenly loaded for densities greater than the optimal density, and reduces traffic flow. Furthermore, the two-ring system jams at significantly lower densities than the maximum density possible.
Zinc Methionine for Stressed Laying Hens

Abstract The effects of zinc methionine product (ZP) supplementation to Single Comb White Leghorn hens on egg production and quality were measured through three consecutive egg laying cycles. During the first and second lay cycles, ZP had minor or nonsignificant effects upon hen performance. During the third lay cycle, a low dietary Ca (.3% Ca) stress of 1 mo duration was encountered. During this low-Ca stress period, hens fed 1 g ZP/kg produced the greatest number of eggs (P
Pulse compression Eclipsing-Repair

For radars operating with medium to high pulse repetition frequency (PRF), a loss in detection performance can result when the arrival of return echoes coincides with the transmission of a pulse, during which time the receiver is turned off. This so-called ldquoeclipsing lossrdquo is due to the partial reception of the reflected waveform corresponding to a given range cell. In this paper, the MMSE-based adaptive pulse compression (APC) algorithm is modified to account for pulse eclipsing effects in order to improve the resolution accuracy of the eclipsed regions. Simulation results for the subsequent eclipsing-repair APC (APC-ER) are compared to results obtained from matched filtering and mismatched filtering, both of which are known to degrade in the presence of eclipsing, where it is found that APC-ER significantly improves the estimation of the eclipsed region.
Dynamic Data Services Data access for collaborative networks in a multi-agent systems architecture

Community networks require advanced domain­ independent services that can be tailored for their use. Multi­ agent architectures have been explored as an architectural approach to achieving a community network or system. Building on the work that was done with, Enterprise Knowledge Agents (6), this paper looks at using data services and the challenges with respect to enabling a platform for query and representation of agent observed knowledge in the enterprise. The EKA paper describes a notional architecture for a multi-agent based system that catalogues and coordinates knowledge and collaboration in the enterprise. In that paper case agents are defined to collect and organize information for an individual in the enterprise. The challenge is that the agents require a method of storing the data as well as allowing the agents to query each other to understand what data may exist with other individuals in the organization. This paper explores the use of dynamic data services in solving the challenges with an environment where data must be shared and where multiple representations of data may exist as in the EKA system.
Perioperative mortality after pancreatectomy: a risk score to aid decision-making.

Background Undergoing a pancreatectomy obligates the patient to risks and benefits. For complex operations such as pancreatectomy, the objective assessment of baseline risks may be useful in decision-making. We developed an integer-based risk score estimating in-hospital mortality after pancreatectomy, incorporating institution-specific mortality rates to enhance its use. Methods Pancreatic resections were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998–2006), and categorized as proximal, distal, or nonspecified by the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition. Logistic regression and bootstrap methods were used to estimate in-hospital mortality using demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities (Charlson index), procedure, and hospital volume; 80% of this cohort was selected randomly to create the score and 20% was used for validation. Score assignments were subsequently individually fitted to risk distributions around specific mortality rates. Results Sixteen thousand one hundred sixteen patient discharges were identified. Nationwide in-hospital mortality was 5.3%. Integers were assigned to predictors (age group, Charlson index, sex, diagnosis, pancreatectomy type, and hospital volume) and applied to an additive score. Three score groups were defined to stratify in-hospital mortality (national mortality, 1.3%, 4.9%, and 14.3%; P http://www.umassmed.edu/surgery/panc_mortality_custom.aspx ). Conclusion To maximize patient benefit, objective assessment of risk for major procedures is necessary. We developed a Surgical Outcomes Analysis and Research risk score predicting pancreatectomy mortality that combines national and institution-specific data to enhance decision-making. This type of risk stratification tool may identify opportunities to improve care for patients undergoing specific operative procedures.
Advanced multispectral, multifusion, polarimetric imaging: from biophotonics to semiconductor wafers inspection and monitoring

The objective of this study is to present the principles of a novel optical imaging technique, based on all active, multispectral, multifusion, spectral subtraction polarimetric imaging principles, for efficient interrogation of targets surrounded by scattered media, for biophotonics, defense, surface defects, semiconductor wafer inspection and monitoring. The novelty of the imaging principles consists in fusing spectral difference detection principles, with Mueller matrix polarimetric imaging principles, and Stokes polarization parameters. The experimental results indicate clearly that, high-contrast Stokes parameter polarimetric backscattered light spectral image differences, such as degree of linear polarization (DOLP) images, can be obtained from targets embedded in scattered media.