cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic analyses of the haemolymph of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, the vector of huanglongbing

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is currently threatening the citrus industry by transmitting the causative agent Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) of huanglongbing. Multiplication of CLas in haemolymph of D. citri indicates that it contains the necessary nutrients for CLas. Although many studies examine D. citri, the haemolymph composition of this dangerous pest remains to be investigated. In the present study, the haemolymph of D. citri is collected using a nanolitre syringe after the removal of one of its forelegs. The haemolymph is either derivatized with methyl chloroformate (MCF) or trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatizing reagent and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Nineteen amino acids, two organic acids and seven fatty acids are detected in the haemolymph after MCF derivatization. More metabolites are detected after TMS derivatization. Sugars are the most abundant metabolites in the haemolymph. Glucose and fructose are the main monosaccharides. Trehalose and sucrose are the major disaccharides. Furthermore, three inositol isomers (myo-inositol, scyllo-inositol and chiro-inositol) are detected in the haemolymph. Organic acids are found in low amounts, whereas phosphoric acid is found at a higher concentration. Twenty-four nucleotides and sugar nucleotides, including ATP, ADP and AMP, are detected using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. Adenine nucleotides are the most abundant nucleotides followed by uridine and guanosine. The adenylate energy charge for the haemolymph is 0.77. Our results show that many metabolites found in the citrus phloem sap are also found in the haemolymph of D. citri.
Poroelastic modeling of cutting rock in pressurized condition

Abstract Cutting rock in pressurized conditions is essentially different as compared to the ambient conditions. Under pressurized condition, cutter is not only fragmenting the rock matrix, but also driving pore fluid to flow forward. Due to the coupling of stresses and pore pressure, the pore pressure change caused by cutter will affect effective stresses in the rock and eventually affect mechanical specific energy (MSE). The change in stresses and pore pressure caused by cutter movement are the poroelastic effects in cutting process. To study pressurized cutting process, we developed a cutting model based on the theory of linear poroelasticity. The model can predict coupled stresses and pore pressure in the rock and give a better understanding of the poroelastic effect in the cutting process. To obtain the desired solution, a Fourier Transform is employed. After the analytic solution in Fourier space is obtained, a Discrete Fourier Transform is employed to numerically invert the solution back to the real space. The Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion is also introduced to determine failure of the rock ahead of the cutter. Eventually, the model can predict cutting forces and MSE in pressurized cutting process. The model is also compared to the published experimental data and a good consistency between model and experiment results was found. The influence of hydrostatic pressure and the existence of cuttings on MSE are studied and poroelastic effect during cutting process is also discussed. The results in this paper can be applied to bit-rock interaction in well drilling.
Risk Factors for Male Perpetration and Female Victimization of Intimate Partner Homicide: A Meta-Analysis:

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) is a serious problem throughout the world. Research has identified the continued need to examine risk factors for IPH to identify individuals who may be at a greater risk of IPH perpetration or victimization. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis on risk factors for male IPH perpetration and female IPH victimization. This meta-analysis examined results from 17 studies, which included 148 effect sizes used in the analysis. Primary findings from this research suggest the strongest risk factors for IPH were the perpetrator having direct access to a gun, perpetrator's previous nonfatal strangulation, perpetrator's previous rape of the victim, perpetrator's previous threat with a weapon, the perpetrator's demonstration of controlling behaviors, and the perpetrator's previous threats to harm the victim. Implications for law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, victim advocates, mental health professionals, and other professionals who may be in contact with potential IPH perpetrators and victims are discussed.
Postischemic application of estrogen ameliorates myocardial damage in an in vivo mouse model.

Abstract Background Cardioprotection provided by estrogen has been recognized for many years. It is noteworthy that most of these studies employ a means of preinjury application in experimental research and the preventive usage in clinical studies. Compared to pretreatment, postischemic administration of estrogen will be more practical in treating myocardial ischemia. On the other hand, defect in circadian clock gene period2 (Per2) has been shown to aggravate ischemia-induced heart damage. Given that Per2 expression decreases as a consequence of menopause, in this study, we aim to determine (1) potential improvement of myocardial function by postischemic administration of 17β-estradiol (E2) using an in vivo mouse myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model and (2) the role of E2 in regulating myocardial Per2 expression following I/R. Methods Thirty-minute occlusion of left anterior descending artery followed by 24-h reperfusion was performed on adult C57BL ovariectomized female mice. Groups (n = 3-6/group) were as follows: (1) Sham, (2) I/R + vehicle, and (3) I/R + E2. Vehicle or 0.5 mg/kg of E2 was subcutaneously injected right after 30-min ischemia. Following 24-h reperfusion, myocardial function was determined. Heart tissue was collected for analysis of cleaved caspase-3 and Per2 expression by Western blotting, as well as proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results I/R significantly impaired left ventricular function and increased myocardial levels of active caspase-3, IL-1β, and IL-6. Importantly, postischemic treatment of E2 markedly restored I/R-depressed myocardial function, reduced caspase-3 activation, and decreased proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Intriguingly, a trend of the decreased Per2 level was observed in ovariectomized female hearts subjected to I/R, whereas E2 treatment upregulated myocardial Per2 expression. Conclusions Our study represents the initial evidence that postischemic administration of E2 effectively preserves the myocardium against I/R injury and this protective effect of E2 may involve upregulation of Per2 in ischemic heart.
Replication of barley yellow dwarf virus RNA and transcriptional control of gene expression

Barley yellow dwarf luteovirus (BYDV) generates three 3'-cotenninal subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) in infected cells. The promoter of sgRNAl is a putative hot spot for RNA recombination in luteovirus evolution. The sgRNAl transcription start site was mapped previously to either nucleotides 2670 or 2769 of BYDV genomic RNA (gRNA) in two independent studies. Our data support the former initiation site. The boundaries of the SgRNAl promoter map between nucleotides 2595 and 2692 on genomic RNA. Computer prediction, phylogenetic comparison, and structural probing revealed two stem-loops (SLl and SL2) in the sgRNAl promoter region on the negative strand. Promoter function was analyzed by inoculating protoplasts with a full-length infectious clone of the BYDV genome containing mutations in the sgRNA promoter. Because the promoter is located in an essential coding region of the replicase gene, we duplicated it in a nonessential part of the genome from which a new sgRNA was expressed. Mutational analysis revealed that secondary stmcture, but not the nucleotide sequence was important at the base of SLl. Regions with both RNA primary and secondary structural features that contributed to
Principles of International Social Justice

Wolfgang Friedmann’s profound concern with problems of social justice and his strong support of international efforts on behalf of disadvantaged peoples make it especially fitting to address these related themes in an essay in his honour. His stimulating papers on unjust enrichment, his detailed inquiries into joint ventures and the administration of development aid, his advocacy of equitable sharing of ocean resources, his perceptive studies of international cooperative arrangements — these are not only lasting contributions to legal scholarship but also eloquent testimony of his dedication of the building of a just and decent social order for all peoples.
The Theory of Biography and Transformation

Since the 1960s the academic study of developmental psychology has been under the influence of Piaget’s far-reaching theory of cognitive development. No doubt, these decades have yielded great insights into the evolution of the child’s construction of reality and have created what some have called a “cognitive revolution” (Santostefano, 1985). More recently, a cognitive orientation has received additional impetus from biological and computer models in the cognitive and neurosciences. Simultaneously, academic developmental psychologists have moved beyond a more limited focus on cognition to such areas as social, cognitive, and emotional development.
Pre-Clinical Studies on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is based on the nuclear reaction that occurs when boron-10 is irradiated with thermal neutrons to yield stripped down helium nuclei (alpha particles) and recoiling lithium-7 nuclei.1
Norm-Guided Formation of Cares Without Volitional Necessity – A Response to Frankfurt

This essay defends leeway-libertarian source-conditions for autonomous cares against arguments by Harry Frankfurt that our decisions would be arbitrary and our will too empty to be autonomous unless we each discover personal limits to what we can care about that derive from our volitionally necessary cares for some ideals, persons, goals or projects. While this argument is related to the general "luck problem" for libertarians, Frankfurt’s contentions depend on more specific psychological claims that some kinds of leeway-liberty are autonomy-undermining. I respond that liberty concerning one's most basic cares or identity-defining commitments appears problematic to Frankfurt because he lacks an adequate conception of how cares are formed. His conclusions can be avoided if (a) values and norms can be apprehended by agents and rationally guide the setting of new final ends, or the formation of new cares (b) without already motivating the agent by connection to natural desires or standing commitments (as Humean versions of reasons-internalism require). Put positively, as Kant and Kierkegaard held, human beings form “selves” or practical identities by way of “projective motivation” – a volitional process, distinct from instant decision, in which we generate new motivation in response to apparently justifying considerations. While rational commitment to some norms may be inherent in the constitutive conditions of personhood, this must not be conflated with volitional commitment to the same norms. The possibility of this model shows that Frankfurt's arguments for volitionally necessities fail; the projective account also offers a better way of explaining the volitional identification involved in cares, and the factors involved in the accessibility of options to an agent's capacity for choice.
Implementing STEAM in the Early Childhood Classroom.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education has received growing attention over the past decade, primarily within the middle and high school levels. This article focuses on the need for STEAM education at the early childhood level. Preschool children have a natural disposition toward science with their sense of curiosity and creativity. This ethnographic research involved professional development for 50 in-service preschool teachers in an urban high-needs area of the northeastern United States. The researcher explored how providing hands-on professional development, consistent support, and rich resources for STEAM lesson implementation into the early childhood curriculum would impact the dispositions, self-efficacy, and rate of implementation for teachers. The study also involved observation of the reception of STEAM instruction by preschool children. Data was collected through pre and post surveys, teacher interviews, and field observations. Findings revealed an increase in positive dispositions and self-efficacy of preschool teachers, however, the rate of implementation of STEAM lessons by the teachers was initially limited. The reception of the STEAM lessons by these high-needs preschool children was phenomenal with high levels of engagement and cooperation. More research needs to be done in the area of STEAM implementation in the PK-12 classrooms to incorporate engineering education.
After new START: US modernization, Moscow, and nuclear arms control

The United States has planned an ambitious strategic nuclear modernization program, as has Russia. Within this context, what are the expectations for New START and its extension to 2026 or beyond? ...
Exposure, entropion, and bilateral corneal ulceration in a newborn as a manifestation of chromosome 22 q11.2 duplication syndrome

Abstract Purpose Chromosome 22q11.2 micro-duplication syndrome (MDS), is a rare autosomal dominant condition, with a highly variable phenotype that ranges from unremarkable and asymptomatic, to fatal due to cardiovascular defects. Hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, superior displacement of the eyebrows, and ptosis are the most commonly reported ocular manifestations. Here, we report a newborn with bilateral exposure, entropion, and corneal ulceration related to 22q11.2 MDS. Observation A newborn girl presented with bilateral upper eyelid entropion, bilateral lower eyelid ectropion, and lagophthalmos. She subsequently developed bilateral corneal ulcers. Topical antibacterial drops, bandage contact lenses, medroxyprogesterone 1%, and fluorometholone 0.1%, together with partial tarsorrhaphy and correction of eyelid malposition, were used to treat the ulcers and address the underlying issues of exposure and entropion. Genetic testing revealed chromosome 22q11.2.MDS; further evaluation revealed systemic manifestations of this syndrome. The ocular surface healed well with gradual improvement of corneal opacification as well as bilateral partial tarsorrhaphy. Conclusion and importance This report is the first that describes a newborn with 22q11.2 MDS presenting with sight-threatening corneal ulceration. Entropion, ectropion, and lagophthalmos were identified and treated, allowing for healing of the corneal surface. Genetic testing revealed a syndrome not known to be associated with eyelid abnormalities and corneal ulceration, but with other important systemic and ocular implications. Bilateral partial tarsorrhaphy should not be excluded as a treatment option for infants who fail more conservative measures for the treatment of exposure.
Introduction: housing affordability and affordable housing

This introduction discusses select aspects of housing affordability in terms of household expenditures and household incomes and select aspects of affordable housing. It provides a contextual base ...
Geomantic (Re)Creation: Magic Squares and Claude Bragdon’s Theosophic Architecture

For architect Claude Bragdon, the numerical acrostics known as magic squares were “conspicuous instances of the intrinsic harmony of number” that interpret the “cosmic order which permeates all existence”, and he demonstrated their principles in his constructed projects. This paper investigates the relationship between the magic square and geomantic architecture regulated by the human form using lessons from the ancient Hindu Vastusutra Upanisad, which teach divination of the constructed world through the squaring of the circle with the anthropomorphic yupa and vastu purusa mandala (magic square). It argues that Bragdon’s First Universalist Church (1907) is a visible demonstration of his theosophic architectural theory, which emphasized a cosmological relationship between the body and the building through number, geometry and harmonic proportions.
Lothar Meyer's Pathway to Periodicity.

Without dwelling on issues of priority regarding the discovery of the periodic system of the elements, this study offers a connected narrative regarding Lothar Meyer’s investigative pathway from th...
Modulation of T helper 1 and T helper 2 immune balance in a stress mouse model during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection

A mouse model to study the effect of cold-induced stress on Chlamydia muridarum genital infection and immune response has been developed in our laboratory. Our previous results show that cold-induced stress increases the intensity of chlamydia genital infection, but little is known about the effect of cold-induced stress on differentiations and activities of T cell subpopulations and bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). The factors that regulate the production of T helper 1 (Th1) or T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines is not clear. The objective of this study was to examine whether cold-induced stress modulates the expression of transcription factors and hallmark cytokines of Th1 and Th2 or differentiation of BMDCs during C. muridarum genital infection in mice. Our results show that mRNA level of b2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) compared to β1-AR and β3-AR was high in mixed population of CD4+ T cells and BMDCs. Further, decreased expression of T-bet and low level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production and increased expression of GATA-3 and interleukin-4 (IL-4) production in CD4+ T of stressed mice was observed. Exposure of BMDCs to feroterol (β2-AR agonist) or ICI,118551 (β2-AR antagonist), respectively, revealed significant stimulation or inhibition of β2-AR in stressed mice. Moreover, co-culturing of mature BMDC and naive CD4+ T cells resulted in increased production of IL-4, IL-10, 23, and IL-17 in culture supernatants, suggesting that stimulation of β2-AR leads to the increased production of Th2 cytokines. Overall, our results show for the first time that cold-induced stress is able to modulate the pattern of Th1 and Th2 cytokine environment, suggesting that it promotes the differentiation to Th2 rather than Th1 by the overexpression of GATA-3 correlated with elevated production of IL-4, IL-10, IL-23, in contrast to a low expression of T-bet correlated with IFN-γ less secretion in the mouse model.
Effect of a Statewide Controlled-Substance Monitoring Requirement on the Opioid Prescribing Practice for Treatment of Acute Pain.

BACKGROUND The US government affirmed the opioid epidemic as a public health emergency in late 2017. Prior to that, as part of the Heroin, Opiate, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Agenda, the state of Wisconsin enacted 2015 Wisconsin Act 266. This law, which went into effect April 1, 2017, requires prescribers to review data from the state's enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP) before issuing an opioid prescription, in order to reduce inappropriate prescriptions and, ultimately, decrease opioid overuse. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of 2015 Wisconsin Act 266 on opioid prescriptions for acute pain in Mayo Clinic Health System sites in northwest Wisconsin. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective review included all eligible patients who were discharged from emergency or urgent care departments in the Mayo Clinic Health System at northwest Wisconsin sites during the study period. The quantity of opioids prescribed (measured in morphine milligram equivalents per patient encounter) and the total number of opioid prescriptions were compared for the periods May and June 2016 (prior to implementation of Act 266) versus May and June 2017 (post-implementation of Act 266). RESULTS A 33% reduction occurred in the median opioid quantity prescribed per patient encounter in the post-implementation period vs the pre-implementation period (P <0.001). In addition, a 13% relative reduction occurred in the percentage of patient encounters that involved an opioid prescription (P <0.001). No difference was observed in opioid prescription agents between time periods, except for an increase in morphine prescriptions (P <0.001. CONCLUSION The HOPE Agenda, specifically 2015 Wisconsin Act 266, appears to have had a positive effect on decreased opioid prescriptions for acute pain at Mayo Clinic Health System sites in northwest Wisconsin.
Origin of the 29Si NMR chemical shift in R3Si–X and relationship to the formation of silylium (R3Si+) ions

The origin in deshielding of 29Si NMR chemical shifts in R3Si–X, where X = H, OMe, Cl, OTf, [CH6B11X6], toluene, and OX (OX = surface oxygen), as well as iPr3Si+ and Mes3Si+ were studied using DFT methods. At the M06-L/6-31G(d,p) level of theory the geometry optimized structures agree well with those obtained experimentally. The trends in 29Si NMR chemical shift also reproduce experimental trends; iPr3Si–H has the most shielded 29Si NMR chemical shift and free iPr3Si+ or isolable Mes3Si+ have the most deshielded 29Si NMR chemical shift. Natural localized molecular orbital (NLMO) analysis of the contributions to paramagnetic shielding (σp) in these compounds shows that Si–R (R = alkyl, H) bonding orbitals are the major contributors to deshielding in this series. The Si–R bonding orbitals are coupled to the empty p-orbital in iPr3Si+ or Mes3Si+, or to the orbital in R3Si–X. This trend also applies to surface bound R3Si–OX. This model also explains chemical shift trends in recently isolated tBu2SiH2+, tBuSiH2+, and SiH3+ that show more shielded 29Si NMR signals than R3Si+ species. There is no correlation between isotropic 29Si NMR chemical shift and charge at silicon.
From Monk to Superhero: Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars and the Transformation of the Jedi

Under the hand of Genndy Tartakovsky and his team, the Jedi of Clone Wars became new superheroes for a new age and, in doing so, took their fans along with them in their search for a renovated identity. Clone Wars relied on novelty and connection to a pre-existing juggernaut to continue their dominance of the toy aisle. Lucasfilm partnered with Cartoon Network and merged an anime sensibility with what was, essentially, an extended and successful advertising campaign, opening up new toy lines and new interpretations of the Jedi. This success fueled the franchise for almost 20 years after, with the The Clone Wars animated series, Rebels, Resistance, and the most recent Star Wars trilogy with Rey and Kylo Ren taking up the torch of the Jedi and the Sith.
Unintentional Firearm Injuries in Children

National data reveal that nearly 3000 children suffer unintentional injuries due to firearms each year, and approximately 100 die of their injuries. Firearm injuries are the second leading cause of traumatic injury among children in the United States. This devastating toll can be addressed, and could possibly be prevented, using a public health approach.
Mews - A Music Playing Timer for Guiding Handwashing

According to a USDA study [Cates 2018], only 4% of people correctly wash their hands, with most consumers not washing long enough. Mews is a helpful cat that will time hand washing for the user to ensure hands are sufficiently clean. Once a person signals to Mews, the cat plays a 20-second song of your choice, thus ensuring your hands are washed long enough. As an option for children, we offer a guided sound file of the steps to handwashing so they may practice proper handwashing as a habit.
Laptops and Politics: Micro-Targeting and the Relationship between Consumer Technology Choices and Partisanship

All personal choices by individuals, what they drink, what kind of products they buy, what kind of candy they consume can reveal the type of political ideologies those individuals hold. “Campaigns have entered the era of „Big Data‟ - they target voters based on scraps of information they gather from unlikely places” (Wadhwa 2012). Campaigns utilize this available data to their advantage and are able to combine all of this information to learn about voters and what they like to increase their chances at getting elected. Extant studies of microtargeting and consumer behavior have indicated relationships between drink preference, candy preference (and other consumer choices) and political preferences. Such studies have revealed a link between Democrats and light-colored spirits and more moderate political thinkers and their choice Butter Fingers as their favorite candy. We focus on choices made by consumers of technology and the potential link between choice of electronic device (laptop, tablet, and smartphone) and that consumer‟s political preferences. Using a survey of incoming freshman at a small liberal arts college we attempt to demonstrate just such a link. Further, do such consumer preferences tell us anything more about the differences, particularly in thought processes, between Democrats and Republicans, and can that knowledge aid in attempts to bridge our political divide?
Thermogravimetric Analysis of Polymethylmethacrylate and Polytetrafluoroethylene

Kinetics is of fundamental importance in the understanding of the mechanism of thermal decomposition of high polymers. Since most thermal decomposition reactions are associated with weight changes, thermogravimetry is being employed to a great degree in kinetic studies of polymer decomposition. Two approaches are commonly used to obtain the various kinetic Chapaumeters of these reactions. The static method or “isothermal thermogravimetry” produces precise weight loss curves for various single temperatures as a function of time. Thus the rate Chapaumeters are obtained directly. This method is inherently time consuming and the results are sometimes questionable due to experimental uncertainities arising from the initial thermal lag of the sample. More recently, “dynamic thermogravimetry” data has been used for kinetic studies. In these, a single weight loss curve obtained by means of programmed heating is used to provide information equivalent to an entire family of isothermal weight loss curves. The new approach is time saving, being able to cover a wide range of temperatures in a relatively short time. For this work the kinetics evaluation procedure by Freeman and Carroll1 and its extension by Anderson and Freeman2, is applied to dynamic thermogravimetric data in order to evaluate the rate Chapaumeters.
Transient stress response protects against cisplatin nephrotoxicity

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 5877 Hydration with saline and administration of mannitol are used clinically to reduce the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin. To identify the mechanism of this protective effect we used a renal proximal tubule cell line. Increasing the salt concentration in the media, thereby raising the osmolarity from 230 mOsm/l to 310 mOsm/l, reduced the toxicity of cisplatin. We have shown previously that this protective effect, which is within the physiologic range of serum osmolarity, is not due to altered uptake of cisplatin. In this study we found that altering the extracellular salt concentration induced a transient stress response in the cell that protected against cisplatin toxicity. We pretreated sets of cell with medium containing varying levels of sodium chloride, then changed the medium on all cells to the same medium, exposed the cells to cisplatin for 3hr and measured viability at 72hr. The pretreatment caused the cells to equilibrate in various osmotic environments. Pre-equilibrating the cells in a low salt medium then increasing the salt concentration induced the protective stress response against cisplatin toxicity. The degree of protection increased with the time of pretreatment from 10 min to a maximum effect with 2h of pretreatment. We also analyzed the duration of the stress response after increasing the osmolarity of the extracellular medium. The response was maintained for at least 4h, but was gone at 24h. Changing the osmolarity of the external medium induced measurable changes in cell volume. Reducing the osmolarity from 350 mOsm/l to 230 mOsm/l resulted in cells swelling to their largest volume within 1min, the cells then underwent a regulatory volume decrease returning to their normal volume within 20min. The change in sensitivity to cisplatin was not a direct consequence of a change in cell volume as the effect on the cell was maintained beyond the time at which the cells re-equilibrated to their normal volume. Cisplatin kills the cells through a caspase-3 dependent apoptotic pathway. Caspase 3 activity is significantly lower in cells protected from cisplatin toxicity by the elevated salt. These data demonstrate that the change in osmolarity signals a transient stress response. These data indicate that in patients serum osmolarity prior to cisplatin administration can significantly affect nephrotoxicity of the drug. Studies to identify the molecular pathways involved in this response are on going.
A dynamic Markov model for forecasting diabetes prevalence in the United States through 2050.

This study develops forecasts of the number of people with diagnosed diabetes and diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the United States through the year 2050. A Markov modeling framework is used to generate forecasts by age, race and ethnicity, and sex. The model forecasts the number of individuals in each of three states (diagnosed with diabetes, not diagnosed with diabetes, and death) in each year using inputs of estimated diagnosed diabetes prevalence and incidence; the relative risk of mortality from diabetes compared with no diabetes; and U.S. Census Bureau estimates of current population, live births, net migration, and the mortality rate of the general population. The projected number of people with diagnosed diabetes rises from 12.0 million in 2000 to 39.0 million in 2050, implying an increase in diagnosed diabetes prevalence from 4.4% in 2000 to 9.7% in 2050.
Biometrics of Cut Tree Faces

An issue of some interest to those in the lumber and timber industry is the rapid matching of a cut log face with its mate. For example, the U.S. Forest Service experiences a considerable loss of its valuable tree properties through poaching every year. They desire a tool that can rapidly scan a stack of cut timber faces, taken in a suspect lumber mill yard, and identify matches to a scanned photograph of stump faces of poached trees. Such a tool clearly falls into the category of a biometric identifier.
The method of attributes for data flow analysis

The importance of producing data flow information on demand is discussed. The method of attributes is applied to the demand analysis of live variables. Part I of this paper described the method of attributes, which is a technique for high level data flow analysis. In that paper, the method was applied to two well-known problems: analysis of dead variables and analysis of available expressions. Both of these analyses are called exhaustive because they uncover information for all program points. In this part, we apply the method of attributes to a problem in demand data flow analysis.
Bounds on SIMO and MIMO Channel Estimation and Equalization with Side Information

Constrained Cramer-Rao bounds are developed for convolutive multi-input multi-output (MIMO) channel and source estimation in additive Gaussian noise. Properties of the MIMO Fisher information matrix (FIM) are studied, and we develop the maximum rank of the unconstrained FIM and provide necessary conditions for the FIM to achieve full rank. Equality constraints on channel and signal parameters provide a means to study the potential value of side information, such as training symbols (semi-blind case), constant modulus (CM) sources, or known channels. Nonredundant constraints may be combined in an arbitrary fashion, so that side information may be different for different sources. The bounds are useful for evaluating the performance of SIMO and MIMO channel estimation and equalization algorithms. We present examples using the constant modulus blind equalization algorithm. The constrained bounds are also useful for evaluating the relative value of different types of side information, and we present examples comparing semi-blind, constant modulus, and known channel constraints. While the examples presented are primarily in the communications context, the CRB framework applies generally to convolutive source separation problems.
The Effect of Personality and Precollege Characteristics on First-Year Activities and Academic Performance

The relationship between students' gender, personality traits, predicted first-year grades, and quality of effort put forth in academic and personal/social activities with academic achievement and critical thinking was examined for 265 first-year science and engineering undergraduates enrolled at a selective doctoral-extensive university. Results show that some personality traits influence the quality of effort expended with academic and personal/social activities as well as end-of-first-year grades and a measure of critical thinking.
A two-stage cyclone using microcentrifuge tubes for personal bioaerosol sampling

Personal aerosol samplers are widely used to monitor human exposure to airborne materials. For bioaerosols, interest is growing in analyzing samples using molecular and immunological techniques. This paper presents a personal sampler that uses a two-stage cyclone to collect bioaerosols into disposable 1.5 ml Eppendorf-type microcentrifuge tubes. Samples can be processed in the tubes for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or immunoassays, and the use of multiple stages fractionates aerosol particles by aerodynamic diameter. The sampler was tested using fluorescent microspheres and aerosolized fungal spores. The sampler had first and second stage cut-off diameters of 2.6 μm and 1.6 μm at 2 l min−1 (geometric standard deviation, GSD = 1.45 and 1.75), and 1.8 μm and 1 μm at 3.5 l min−1 (GSD = 1.42 and 1.55). The sampler aspiration efficiency was ≥98% at both flow rates for particles with aerodynamic diameters of 3.1 μm or less. For 6.2 μm particles, the aspiration efficiency was 89% at 2 l min−1 and 96% at 3.5 l min−1. At 3.5 l min−1, the sampler collected 92% of aerosolized Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium chrysogenum spores inside the two microcentrifuge tubes, with less than 0.4% of the spores collecting on the back-up filter. The design and techniques given here are suitable for personal bioaerosol sampling, and could also be adapted to design larger aerosol samplers for longer-term atmospheric and indoor air quality sampling.
Successive acquisitions and extinctions of discrete bar-pressing in monkeys and rats

Five stumptail monkeys and eight rats were given 17 acquisition-extinction cycles in a discrete-trial fixed-ratio (FR 5) bar-pressing situation. Progressive increases in rates of acquisition and extinction were found in both species, and the monkeys displayed higher relative rates of extinction than the rats over all cycles. After the first three extinctions, however, four of the monkeys showed progressively elevated extinction asymptotes rather than the increasing incidence of nonresponse trials which would normally be expected. Terminal performances consisted of one-trial reacquisition in both species, relative extinction (100% decline to asymptote) in one or two trials in the monkeys, and extinction in three to six trials in the rats.
Heat transfer in microtubes with viscous dissipation

Abstract Convective heat transfer for steady state, laminar, hydrodynamically developed flow in microtubes with uniform temperature and uniform heat flux boundary conditions are solved by the integral transform technique. Temperature jump condition at the wall and viscous heating within the medium are included. The solution method is verified for the cases where viscous heating is neglected. For uniform temperature case, with a given Brinkman number, at specified axial lengths, the viscous effects are presented for the developing range, reaching the fully developed Nusselt number. The effect of viscous heating is investigated for both of the cases where the fluid is being heated or cooled. Prandtl number analysis has shown that, as we increase the Prandtl number the temperature jump effect diminishes which gives a rise to the Nusselt number.
Alkali reactivity of crushed clay brick aggregate

Abstract Use of recycled aggregate in concrete is a viable alternative when it is economically feasible. Recycled red clay brick either from construction rubble or from brick manufacturing rejects has been widely investigated as concrete aggregate. While engineering properties of clay brick aggregate has been the focus of numerous studies, research on the durability characteristics is limited. This paper presents the findings of a laboratory study that investigates the alkali reactivity of crushed red clay brick aggregate. Mortar mixes, in which crushed brick constitutes 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% of aggregate, and concrete mixes, which contained 0%, 50% and 100% crushed coarse brick aggregate, were produced. Expansion was determined by employing mortar bars and concrete prisms that were subjected to ASR-promoting conditions (e.g., elevated temperature, high humidity, enhanced alkaline environment). Effects of clay brick aggregate on engineering properties (i.e., compressive strength, flexural strength, and static elastic modulus) of concrete were also investigated using cylindrical and prismatic specimens conditioned as the other specimens for ASR testing. Additionally, microstructural investigation was carried out on samples using scanning electron microscope. The test results showed that the clay brick aggregate caused linear expansion proportional to its quantity. Based on a 0.05% expansion at 6 months criterion for the mortar bars stored at 38 °C over water none of the brick aggregate levels were deleteriously expansive. On the other hand, 10%, 25% and 50% brick aggregate mixtures, when tested in sodium hydroxide solution at 80 °C, produced significant expansions according to 0.10% expansion limit at 14 days. Microscope investigation confirmed the presence of alkali silica gel. Ettringite formation was also observed in the specimens examined. Compressive and flexural strengths of concrete were found to be negatively affected by the sodium hydroxide that was added to the mixing water. The clay brick aggregate concretes experienced expansion, however, no visual cracking was observed and there was no measured loss in engineering properties (i.e., compressive strength, flexural strength, and static elastic modulus) when compared to the control mix.
Know Yourself and Take Charge of Your Own Destiny: The “Fit Model” of Leadership

Leadership scholars have theorized that leaders of an organization must have an appropriate "fit" with those they lead and with their environment. Yet, there is no empirical research to date that has explored this belief. We develop a theoretical model to determine the factors influencing the fit of a city manager, indicated by his or her tenure. We argue that six sets of explanations may help determine the fit of the city manager: the manager's leadership style, his or her personality type, the city manager's perception about fit, the perceptions of city councils, the demographics of the city managers, and the demographics of the cities where they work. Based on a rigorous nationwide study of city managers, the study shows that the fit of city managers is significantly influenced by two of the six sets of explanations. Implications for scholars, city managers, and practitioners are drawn from the study's analysis and findings. Many scholars and popular authors in leadership today lament that before one may lead others, one first must understand oneself-a psychology of leadership. However, there has not been much understanding of leadership provided at the local level by city managers. The chief executive officer of municipalities in the council-manager form of government-the city manager-has become, for the most part, an itinerant leader looking for the elusive city with the appropriate "fit." According to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the "mean length of service (for a city manager) is 6.4 years and the
Observations of the solar wind from coronal holes

The solar wind emanating from coronal holes (CH) constitutes a quasi-stationary flow whose properties change only slowly with the evolution of the hole itself. Some of the properties of the wind from coronal holes depend on whether the source is a large polar coronal hole or a small near-equatorial hole. The speed of polar CH flows is usually between 700 and 800 km/s, whereas the speed from the small equatorial CH flows is generally lower and can be <400 km/s. At 1 AU, the average particle and energy fluxes from polar CH are 2.5xl08cm-2 sec-1 and 2.0 erg cm-2 s-1. This particle flux is significantly less than the 4xl08 cm-2 sec-1 observed in the slow, interstream wind, but the energy fluxes are approximately the same. Both the particle and energy fluxes from small equatorial holes are somewhat smaller than the fluxes from the large polar coronal holes.
Food-Web Structure and the Fractionation of Carbon Isotopes in the Bering Sea*

13C undergoes modes biomagnification in the food web, apparently as a result of being respired at a slower specific rate than12C. The degree of13C enrichment at each “trophic level” is related to the fraction of assimilated carbon which is respired. Qualitative and semi-quantitative aspects of ecosystem carbon cycling can therefore be deduced from13C enrichments, provided that isotope enrichments arising from other causes are accounted for. Most important among these is lipid storage, which enriches animals in12C. This complication can be handled in various ways, here it was done by “normalizing”13C:12C ratios to a constant lipid content. Remaining variations in13C:12C ratio presumably result mainly from respiratory isotope fractionation. The Bering Sea ecosystem provided a test for this procedure. Our results illustrate certain aspects of food web structure and suggest varous functional aspects.
Inhibition of Growth of the Vaccinia Virus by β-2-Thienylalanine and its Reversal by Phenylalanine.

Summaryβ-2-thienylalanine prevents the multiplication of the vaccinia virus in chick embryonic tissues. The toxicity is neutralized by phenylalanine but not by methionine.
Comparison of techniques for stabilizing hemoglobins of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) during frozen storage

Abstract 1. 1. The stability of hemoglobin of rainbow trout under frozen conditions in oxyform, carboxyform, and cyanometform was examined. 2. 2. Carboxyhemoglobin retained its original electrophoretic banding pattern after 14 days of frozen storage, whereas oxyform and cyanometform hemoglobins did not. 3. 3. Banding patterns changed in some samples in all treatment groups after 21 days of storage.
Program editors should not abandon text oriented commands

In the past few years, a number of program structure editors have appeared. These editors provide a number of very useful commands which interact with a program viewed as a parse tree. Unfortunately, rather than just adding these commands to those already available, these editors have typically eliminated all (or most) text oriented commands. As a result, the users are forced to use the structure oriented commands all (or most) of time whether they want to or not.This note argues that text oriented commands are very useful and should be retained. There is no reason why a program editor cannot support both text and structure commands.
In vivo priming heterophil innate immune functions and increasing resistance to Salmonella enteritidis infection in neonatal chickens by immune stimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides.

Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing CpG dinucleotides (CpG-ODN) mimic bacterial DNA and stimulate the innate immune system of vertebrates. Here, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal (ip) administered CpG-ODN on the innate immune functions of chicken heterophils. Our results demonstrated CpG-ODN-dependent priming of chicken heterophil degranulation and oxidative burst. Heterophils from chickens treated with CpG-ODN exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) degranulation activity compared to PBS and control ODN (ODN containing no CpG motif) treated groups when stimulated with opsonized Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis. Similarly, oxidative burst activity, which generates bactericidal reactive oxygen species, was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in heterophils from the CpG-ODN treated group than from PBS and control ODN groups when stimulated with formalin-killed S. enteritidis. The priming effects of CpG-ODN on heterophil immune functions continued at least 4 days post-treatment. In the infection study, newly hatched chickens were treated with CpG-ODN, control ODN or PBS for 24 h then challenged with oral inoculation of S. enteritidis. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in colonization by S. enteritidis was observed in chickens treated with CpG-ODN. Our study provides evidence that immunostimulatory CpG-ODN potentiates the innate immune responses of heterophils and enhances resistance to infectious pathogens in neonatal chickens.
Product, Marketing and Web Site Attributes Discrimanating Between Successful and Failed Internet Businesses

ABSTRACT This article is an empirical study of factors deemed significant in the context of e-business success or failure. Drawing upon the literature from the area of new business in brick-and-mortar (B&M) firms and the current e-business literature, an examination of the factors that lead to the success or failure of new B&M businesses is hypothesized in terms of new e-business companies. In an attempt to understand the marketing and managerial implications for the success or failure of an e-business, a total of eight subfactors composed of three main factors are included in the study. The main factors are product factors, marketing factors, and Web site design and efficiency factors. A national survey is used in addition to qualitative data gathered from in-depth interviews of managers and owners of e-businesses to validate the influence of these factors separating winners from losers. The study implications are discussed.
Effects of N-acyl dehydroalanines on phorbol ester-elicited tumor development and other events in mouse skin

Abstract The free radical scavengers N-acyl dehydroalanines (AD compounds) were examined for their effect on several 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) elicited events in mouse skin. The induction of oxidant production by TPA in isolated mouse epidermal cells was reduced by ∼ 70% by 1 mM paramethoxyphenyl-acetyl dehydroalanine (AD5) and 80% by 1 mM parasulfoxyphenyl-acetyl dehydroalanine (AD19). These AD compounds also completely suppressed the TPA-dependent stimulation of prostaglandin E 2 synthesis in primary cultures of epidermal cells. Single and multiple topical applications on the dorsal skin of SENCAR mice of either AD5 or AD 19 inhibited TPA-induced epidermal hyperplasia but failed to inhibit epidermal ornithine decarboxylase induction. When used with TPA on initiated mice, AD19 did not inhibit papilloma formation; however, after 40 weeks of promotion, the carcinoma incidence was reduced by 50% in the AD19 group. These results suggest that reactive oxygens may be more important to the conversion of benign to malignant tumors than in the initial development of the benign tumors.