cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A variationally consistent finite element approach to the two-fluid internal contact-line problem

A new method for simulating incompressible viscous fluid flow involving moving internal contact lines is presented. The steady state interface shape is determined by a variationally consistent formulation of the surface tension contribution to the equations of motion adapted to the case of internal contact lines through the application of a global force balance compatibility condition that consistently removes the pressure indeterminacy. The Crouzeix-Raviart element is chosen to capture the pressure discontinuity at the two-fluid interface. The resulting discrete equations are solved by an iterative procedure which displays fast convergence characteristics for small capillary numbers. Numerical results for the case of the steady movement of a fluid meniscus in a two-dimensional channel are presented
Revised algorithms for the build‐up procedure for predicting protein conformations by energy minimization

The build-up procedure for predicting low-energy conformations of polypeptides has been extended to cover the case of peptides in aqueous solutions. The revised procedure consists of five steps to be applied to each stage of the build-up. I. All low-energy minima of each of the two fragments to be joined are combined as starting points for energy minimization of the enlarged fragment, and those minima of the enlarged fragment within a certain upper bound of the lowest energy are retained. II. Whenever one of the combinations in Step I leads to an atomic overlap, the minimization is started again using a pseudoenergy function which remains finite everywhere and becomes equal to the standard energy function when no atoms overlap. III. The minima generated in Steps I and II are culled by ignoring side-chain conformations and retaining only those minima whose backbone conformations differ significantly. IV. The rotameric states of the side chains are optimized, by testing their energy of interaction with the rest of the molecule, and subjecting the whole molecule to a further round of energy minimization if the test indicates that this would reduce the energy. V. The energies of all minima are recomputed with inclusion of a term for solvation and with a smaller upper bound as the criterion for retention. The original build-up procedure consisted of Steps I and III only. Examples are presented showing the effectiveness of the new Steps II and IV in locating low-energy minima, and the problems that remain to be solved, chiefly concerning Step V, are discussed.
Unilateral nerve deafness in childhood: a possible vascular etiology.

SUMMARY Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss in an eight-year-old girl, with radiographic evidence suggesting occlusion of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, is reported. Previous to the present report, a vascular etiology of this disorder has not been demonstrated. RESUME Hemi-surdite de l'enfance: etiologie vasculaire possible Les auteurs rapportent un cas d'une perte auditive uni-laterale d'origine neuro-sensorielle associee a une image radiographique suggerant l'occlusion de l'artere cerebelleuse antero-inferieure. Avant ce cas, l'etiologie vasculaire du trouble n'avait pas ete demontree. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Einseitige Taubheit im Kindesalter: die Moglichkeit einer vaskularen Atiologie Es wird ein Fall vorgestellt, bei dem ein unilateraler sensorischneuraler Horverlust mit radiographischem Hinweis auf einen Verschlus der Arteria cerebellaris anterior inferior bestand. Eine vaskulare Atiologie ist vor diesem Bericht noch nicht beschrieben worden. RESUMEN Sordera unilateral en la infancia: posible etiologia bascular Se presenta un caso de perdida de audicion unilateral sensorioneural con evidencia radiologica sugestiva de oclusion de la arteria cerebelosa inferior anterior. Con anterioridad a esta comunicacion no se ha demostrado ninguna etiologia bascular en esta alteracion.
Modeling age-related accomodative loss in the human eye

Abstract A simplified mathematical representation of accommodation—the process by which the eye focuses on near objects—is described. This model is based upon assumptions which limit its applicability to the young human eye, but it nevertheless leads to new insights about the physiological mechanism. A hypothesis about the underlying cause(s) of presbyopia—the loss of accommodative amplitude with age—is also presented here, which combines aspects of the expanded accommodative mechanism with the aging characteristics of the human lens. Using a similar mathematical strategy which incorporates new experimental data about lens shape and aging, a more general model of the accommodative mechanism can be developed and used to test the presbyopia hypothesis.
Gender Role Development and Body Image among Male and Female First Year College Students

In the current study we examined associations between gender role development and body image. Male and female first-semester college students (N = 434) who identified as African American, Latino/a American, and European American completed surveys about gendered personality traits (instrumentality/expressivity), gender role attitudes, and aspects of body image (e.g., satisfaction, orientation). Gendered traits were more frequently associated with body image than were gender role attitudes. In particular, individuals who were more instrumental and less inauthentic in their relationships felt more positive about their bodies. Gender role attitudes were also associated with body image, but sometimes in an unexpected direction. These findings highlight the importance of examining multiple components of gender role development and body image in both men and women.
Fusion of gray scale and light striping in 2-D feature extraction

An approach of extracting 2-D features of geometrical ions (geons) is presented, which uses the fused data obtained from gray scale images and structured light images.
ABRASION pH, AN INDEX OF CHEMICAL WEATHERING

If a series of rock samples with granitic composition in various stages of chemical weathering is ground in a mortar with distilled water and the pH of the slurry produced is determined, it will be evident that the pH declines as the weathering increases. This relationship can be made useful by plotting abrasion pH against some other index of weathering such as the percentage of clay mineral or the bulk density of the weathered rock. Factors controlling abrasion pH are the cations such as K, Na, Ca, and Mg and the amount of clay mineral present.
Activity of Rhodobacter sphaeroides RpoHII, a Second Member of the Heat Shock Sigma Factor Family

We have identified a second RpoH homolog, RpoHII, in the α-proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Primary amino acid sequence comparisons demonstrate that R. sphaeroides RpoHII belongs to a phylogenetically distinct group with RpoH orthologs from α-proteobacteria that contain two rpoH genes. Like its previously identified paralog, RpoHI, RpoHII is able to complement the temperature-sensitive phenotype of an Escherichia coli σ32 (rpoH) mutant. In addition, we show that recombinant RpoHI and RpoHII each transcribe two E. coli σ32-dependent promoters (rpoD PHS and dnaK P1) when reconstituted with E. coli core RNA polymerase. We observed differences, however, in the ability of each sigma factor to recognize six R. sphaeroides promoters (cycA P1, groESL1, rpoD PHS, dnaK P1, hslO, and ecfE), all of which resemble the E. coli σ32 promoter consensus. While RpoHI reconstituted with R. sphaeroides core RNA polymerase transcribed all six promoters, RpoHII produced detectable transcripts from only four promoters (cycA P1, groESL1, hslO, and ecfE). These results, in combination with previous work demonstrating that an RpoHI mutant mounts a typical heat shock response, suggest that while RpoHI and RpoHII have redundant roles in response to heat, they may also have roles in response to other environmental stresses.
Tetrapyrroles as inhibitors of normal cartilage metabolism: Relative potency of different compounds

The present study was designed to explore the role of different tetrapyrroles as inhibitors of cartilage metabolism. We studied the effects of tetrapyrroles on the incorporation of [35S]sulfate into proteoglycans, [14C]-leucine into protein, and [3H]uridine into the RNA of normal cartilage from two different vertebrate classes using the embryonic chicken pelvic rudiment bioassy and the hypophysectomized rat costal cartilage bioassay, both very sensitive to cartilage growth factors and growth inhibitors. We compared the relative potencies of the following compounds: both metalloporphyrins (heme and chlorophyllin), linear tetrapyrroles (bilirubin), and heme proteins (hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochrome c). Hemoglobin and heme were the most potent inhibitors of rat cartilage metabolism, and bilirubin was a far more potent inhibitor of embryonic chick cartilage metabolism. Chlorophyllin had moderate inhibitory activity, especially on chick cartilage, whereas cytochrome c was inactive in these bioassays. Surprisingly, myoglobin was relatively ineffective despite its close similarity to heme and hemoglobin. The bilirubin-induced inhibition of sulfate incorporation into chick cartilage was partially prevented when glutathione was included in the incubation medium, suggesting that a free-radical mechanism may be involved. There were significant differences in the sensitivity of the two cartilages studied, indicating there may be species-dependent sensitivity to different tetrapyrroles.
THE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY, AREA STUDIES, AND THE WORLD CITIZEN: Neoliberal Geography's Redistribution of the “World”

In the middle of both recessionary financial constraints and new developments in what are often called “neoliberal” global economics, a number of high-profile North American universities are creating new campuses in locations around the world. Conceptually different than an older model of study abroad sites, they are also helping to create a new geography of “area,” that includes shifting conceptions of citizenship, sovereignty, and cultural difference. The claims being made about them are large: they are being described as central components within a historical “inflection point” in the very nature of humanity; the reorganization of the university is thus at once part of the reorganization of human geography, and of the categories by which we conceive of social life. This article examines both the new kinds of global social space that these universities are helping to define, and the restructuring of the “global university” itself; both are placed within the context of the neoliberal principles that are motivating the construction of these new world spaces. Indifference is a key element of these principles; this article considers the varied implications of neoliberal indifference. [area studies, neoliberalism, globalization, cities, difference, citizenship and sovereignty, social form]
Self-management and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): The mediating effects of positive affect

Abstract Objective This study aimed to increase our understanding of general self-management (SM) abilities in COPD by determining if SM can predict disease specific quality of life (QoL), by investigating whether specific SM domains are significant in COPD and by exploring the mediating effect of the positive/negative affect in the association between SM and QoL. Methods Cross-sectional study based on 292 patients with COPD. Measures included demographics, lung function, gait speed, health care utilization, positive/negative affect, SM abilities, breathlessness and disease specific QoL. We performed, correlation, multiple regression models and mediation analysis (positive/negative affect being mediator between SM and QoL association). Results After controlling for breathlessness, living alone, marital status, hospitalization history, age and lung function, SM related to QoL ( p Conclusion SM is independently associated with disease specific QoL in COPD after adjustment significant covariates but positive/negative affect ratio completely mediates the relationship of SM with QoL. Practice implications Measuring positive/negative affect and addressing investment behavior and self-efficacy are important in implementing COPD-SM programs.
Modeling of a 5 kWe tubular solid oxide fuel cell based system operating on desulfurized JP-8 fuel for auxiliary and mobile power applications

Abstract An onboard autothermal reformer (ATR) integrated with a SOFC stack offers potential for high energy efficiency and utilization, low emission and quiet operation avoiding cost associated with hydrogen storage and infrastructure. Such a system can be a viable and attractive option especially for military's need for quiet and less pollutant Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and Mobile Electric Power (MEP) units in temporary and permanent base camps [1] , [2] . A 5 kWe Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system operating on desulfurized JP-8 fuel was modeled using Aspen Plus process simulation software to examine the effects of oxygen to carbon ratio (O2/C) and steam to carbon ratio (H2O/C) at different ATR operating temperatures (700–850 °C), while keeping the SOFC stack temperature constant at 910 °C. Anode recycle steam and heat have been used to reform the desulfurized JP-8 fuel which would make the system lighter and compact for mobile application. The system modeling revealed a maximum net AC efficiency of 39.5% at 700 °C and a minimum of 32.6% at 850 °C ATR operating temperatures, respectively. Sensitivity analysis with respect to fuel utilization factor (Uf) and current density (j) were also conducted to identify the optimum operating window.
Comparison of UV inactivation of spores of three encephalitozoon species with that of spores of two DNA repair-deficient Bacillus subtilis biodosimetry strains.

When exposed to 254-nm UV, spores of Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and Encephalitozoon hellem exhibited 3.2-log reductions in viability at UV fluences of 60, 140, and 190 J/m2, respectively, and demonstrated UV inactivation kinetics similar to those observed for endospores of DNA repair-defective mutant Bacillus subtilis strains used as biodosimetry surrogates. The results indicate that spores of Encephalitozoon spp. are readily inactivated at low UV fluences and that spores of UV-sensitive B. subtilis strains can be useful surrogates in evaluating UV reactor performance.
Deoxyribonucleic acid relatedness of 21 strains of Xanthomonas species and pathovars

The relationship of 17 Xanthomonas campestris pathotype strains, three additional X. campestris strains, and the type strain of Xanthomonas albilineans were examined by DNA-DNA hybridization tests. The results coupled with those of a previous study (Hildebrand et al. 1990) support the hypothesis that X. campestris does not constitute a single bacterial species. There were low levels of DNA-DNA reassociation among many of the different pathovars examined. Six clusters of related pathovars were discerned. In addition, four of the pathovars were only distantly related to each other and to the six clusters. Xanthomonas albilineans was not closely related to any of the other xanthomonads tested. Mapping and superimposing the botanical families of the host plants upon a three-dimensional genomic distance matrix of the xanthomonads confirms previous observations that pathovars that infect plants of the same botanical family do not necessarily belong to the same genomic group. Six legume-infecting pathovars cluster within one genomic group, but one pathovar, X. cam. pv. pisi is only distantly related to this group. There was also no genomic relationship between X. cam. pv. oryzicola and X. albilineans both of which infect Gramineae. Consequently, pathogenicity toward members of the same plant family is not a good indicator of the genomic relationships among xanthomonads nor is it a good taxonomic determinant.
Genotypic diversity of Armillaria gallica from mixed oak forests in Massachusetts

The population structure of Armillaria gallica, an important pathogen of Quercus spp., was investigated from mixed oak forests in central Massachusetts, encompassing a sampling area over 500 km 2 . From 16 plots at four sites a total of 153 isolates (34-40 isolates per site) was analyzed with amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Analyses of 204 polymorphic loci detected 38 AFLP genotypes from a sample area of 4.51 hectares (ha). Genets ranged in distribution from five to 33 genets per hectare (GPH), with a mean of eight GPH and the average A. gallica genet occupying 0.13 ha. Allele frequencies produced an unbiased expected hetero- zygosity (HE) value of 0.112 (SE 5 0.006) and a Nei's expected heterozygosity (HJ) value of 0.190 (SE 5 0.009), indicating low genetic diversity within the population. Analysis of molecular variation (WPT 5 0.301; P , 0.001) indicates high genetic differentia- tion, with 70% of the molecular variation explained at the site-level within A. gallica subpopulations. How- ever, results of the Mantel test, used to assess the isolation-by-distance hypothesis, were inconclusive in determining whether the subpopulations were truly isolated by distance. A neighbor-joining tree con- structed from a genetic distance matrix grouped genotypes from the same site (subpopulation) to- gether, but from three of four sites genotypes were randomly clustered at the plot level. The results suggest that basidiospore dispersal is an important means of new genet formation at linear distances up to 2000 m.
Kinetic and mechanistic analyses of new classes of inhibitors of two-component signal transduction systems using a coupled assay containing HpkA-DrrA from Thermotoga maritima.

Two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs) play fundamental roles in bacterial survival and pathogenesis and have been proposed as targets for the development of novel classes of antibiotics. A new coupled assay was developed and applied to analyse the kinetic mechanisms of three new kinds of inhibitors of TCS function. The assay exploits the biochemical properties of the cognate HpkA–DrrA histidine kinase–response regulator pair from Thermotoga maritima and allows multiple turnovers of HpkA, linear formation of phosphorylated DrrA, and Michaelis–Menten analysis of inhibitors. The assay was validated in several ways, including confirmation of competitive inhibition by adenosine 5′-β,γ-imidotriphosphate (AMP-PNP). The coupled assay, autophosphorylation and chemical cross-linking were used to determine the mechanisms by which several compounds inhibit TCS function. A cyanoacetoacetamide showed non-competitive inhibition with respect to ATP concentration in the coupled assay. The cyanoacetoacetamide also inhibited autophosphorylation of histidine kinases from other bacteria, indicating that the coupled assay could detect general inhibitors of histidine kinase function. Inhibition of HpkA autophosphorylation by this compound was probably caused by aggregation of HpkA, consistent with a previous model for other hydrophobic compounds. In contrast, ethodin was a potent inhibitor of the combined assay, did not inhibit HpkA autophosphorylation, but still led to aggregation of HpkA. These data suggest that ethodin bound to the HpkA kinase and inhibited transfer of the phosphoryl group to DrrA. A peptide corresponding to the phosphorylation site of DrrA appeared to inhibit TCS function by a mechanism similar to that of ethodin, except that autophosphorylation was inhibited at high peptide concentrations. The latter mechanism of inhibition of TCS function is unusual and its analysis demonstrates the utility of these approaches to the kinetic analyses of additional new classes of inhibitors of TCS function.
BRCA1-IRIS inactivation overcomes paclitaxel resistance in triple negative breast cancers

Introduction Intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance is a major problem in oncology. Although highly responsive to chemotherapies such as paclitaxel, most triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients develop chemoresistance. Here we investigate the role of BRCA1-IRIS as a novel treatment target for TNBCs and their paclitaxel-resistant recurrences.
The young adult cohort in emerging markets: Assessing their glocal cultural identity in a global marketplace

Abstract Multinational firms perceive the young adult cohort in emerging markets as a relatively homogeneous segment that welcomes global brands and facilitates the entrance of these brands into emerging markets. Research suggests, however, that young adults are a more heterogeneous cohort in which individuals develop a glocal cultural identity that reflects their beliefs about both global phenomena and local culture. Our goal is to evaluate the glocal cultural identity of the young adult cohort based on three global–local identity beliefs (belief in global citizenship through global brands, nationalism, and consumer ethnocentrism) in the emerging markets of Russia (Studies 1 and 2) and Brazil (Study 2). We further assess the consumption practices of the glocal cultural identity segments in relation to global and local brands. Results across the two studies indicate three distinct segments, two of which, the Glocally-engaged and the Nationally-engaged, are consistent across countries. A third idiosyncratic segment emerged in each country, the Unengaged in Russia and the Globally-engaged in Brazil. The most viable segments for multinational firms are the Globally-engaged and the Glocally-engaged; these segments have an identity that is grounded in both global and local cultures and respond favorably to both global and local brands. Nationally-engaged consumers have a more localized identity; they are a more challenging target for firms offering only global brands. The Unengaged segment has weak global–local identity beliefs and low involvement with both global and local consumption practices.
Magnetic quadrupole formation of elliptical sheet electron beams for high-power microwave devices

Sheet electron beams are attractive for high-power microwave sources due to their ability to transport high current, at reduced current density, through thin clearance apertures and in close proximity to walls or RF structures. This paper reports on the theoretical investigation of magnetic quadrupole formation of elliptical sheet electron beams for use in high-power microwave devices. The beam envelope equations for an initially round beam passing through a physical non-symmetric quadrupole pair in the presence of space-charge, finite beam emittance, and under the effects of third-order field components and longitudinal velocity variations are presented. The presence of space-charge compensates for over-focusing in the thin beam-dimension and allows for the formation of highly elliptic sheet electron beams. As an example, the results of our study were applied to an existing Pierce gun source with a beam radius of 0.6 cm, beam energy of 10 keV and current density of 2.0 A/cm/sup 2/. We find that an elliptical beam with major radius r/sub a/=3.61 cm, minor radius r/sub b/=0.16 cm and ellipticity (r/sub a//r/sub b/) of 22.5 can be produced with only modest quadrupole gradients of 64 G/cm and 18 G/cm. Quadrupole formation of elliptical sheet-beams may be particularly suited for experimental research applications since existing round-beam electron guns may be used and changes in beam ellipticity may be made without breaking the vacuum system. >
The Design Space of Superalloy-Based Actively Cooled Combustor Walls for H2-Powered Hypersonic Vehicles

The walls of combustion chambers used for air-breathing hypersonic vehicles are subject to substantial thermo-mechanical loads, and require active cooling by the fuel in conjunction with advanced material systems. Solutions based on metallics are preferable to ceramic matrix composites due to their lower cost and greater structural robustness. Previous work suggested that a number of metallic materials (e.g. Nickel, Copper and Niobium alloys) could be used to fabricate actively cooled sandwich structures that withstand the thermo-mechanical loads for a Mach 7, hydrocarbon-powered vehicle (albeit with different weight efficiencies). However, this conclusion changes when the Mach number is increased. This work explores the feasibility of the Nickel superalloy MARM246 for a wide range of Mach numbers (7–12). Since hydrocarbon fuels are limited to Mach 7–8, Hydrogen is used as the coolant of choice. A previously derived analytical model (appropriately modified for gaseous coolant) is used to explore the design space. The relative importance of each design constraint is assessed, resulting in the distillation of essential guidelines for optimal design.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Phylogenetic Significance of Spiral and Distichous Architecture in the Annonaceae

Some species of Annonaceae have been reported to have a spiral arrangement of branches on their orthotropic axes while other species have a distichous arrangement of branches, but the systematic distribution of this morphological difference in the family has not been studied. Growth architecture was surveyed for 48 genera and 100 species of Annonaceae using original observations of living plants and reports from the literature. The spiral branching pattern was found in all species of 27 genera examined, while distichous branching architecture characterized the other 21 genera. Architecture pattern is correlated with a difference in the orientation of the apical meristem of the primary shoot: in plants with spiral architecture the apex is erect; in plants with distichous architecture the apex is horizontal or drooping. The architecture data show remarkable congruence with recent infra-familial phylogenies constructed on the basis of rbcL and trnL-trnF sequence data, supporting several rearrangements of genera in the classification of this family, and may be more widely useful in the systematics of Annonaceae.
PRACTICAL TEST AND BIST SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE DATA CONVERTERS

Data converters (ADCs and DACs) are the most widely used mixed-signal integrated circuits. The relentless push towards higher performance and lower costs has made data converter testing increasingly challenging, especially for those deeply embedded in a large system on chip (SoC) or system in package (SiP). With no solutions visible on the horizon, the ITRS has named BIST of analog and mixed-signal circuits as part of some identified “most daunting challenges” facing the semiconductor industry. This paper introduces some practical solutions for high performance ADC and DAC testing that can be used in both production test and built-in-self-test environments. In particular, four data converter testing strategies will be reviewed: 1) a stimulus error identification and removal algorithm enabling all transition points testing of 16 bit ADCs using 7 bit linear signal sources; 2) a cyclically switched DDEM DAC implemented as a on-chip stimulus source for ADC code density test, achieving better than 16 bit linearity; 3) a high-speed high-resolution DAC testing strategy using very low resolution digitizers; and 4) a BIST strategy using low resolution DDEM ADC for high performance DAC testing.
Reduced Intensity Conditioned (RIC), HLA-haploidentical BMT in AML

S190 conclusion, this study highlights the importance of the microenvironment in the anti-leukemia effect of G-CSF in AML patients, and suggests that G-CSF exerts its effect at least partially on LSCs. The observed correlation between the degree of reduction of clonogenic capacity of primary AML cells and clinical response to induction chemotherapy is in keeping with previously reported benefit of concurrent G-CSF and chemoimmunotherapy treatment in some AML forms. Age, median 54 57 55 43 de Novo 58 2 45 11 Secondary 40 12 25 3 Status at BMT 221
Economic Analyses of the Reproductive Performance of Turkeys Under Certain Environmental Conditions

Abstract Economic analyses of the reproductive performance, feed consumption, and body weight of turkeys in different environments (Thomason et al., 1977, 1978), when explicitly considering the opportunity cost of time, showed that 1) environmental temperatures between 21 and 23 C yield optimum returns to the fixed resources when temperature control was included in the cost of fixed resources; 2) females from unselected egg production stock maintained in individual laying cages yielded greater returns than those in litter-floor pens. 3) females maintained on conventional litter floors yielded greater returns than those maintained in laying cages when selected high egg production lines of turkeys were used; 4) replacing hens on a 3.34 month cycle may be optimal in a year-round breeder operation using unselected egg laying stock; 5) a replacement cycle of 6.36 months may be optimal in a year round breeder operation with selected egg-production stock. The methodology of analyses is presented which may be applicable to other research data.
Wideband Low Profile Multiport Antenna With Omnidirectional Pattern and High Isolation

A wideband high-isolation two-port antenna of low profile and omnidirectional pattern is presented. This two-port system consists of a collocated antenna pair with a cone antenna in the middle and a ring radiator around the cone, both placed over a rectangular ground plane. The overall dimensions are $0.64\lambda \times 0.64\lambda \times 0.11\lambda $ at the lowest frequency of operation. The isolation between the two ports is more than 37 dB and achieved by employing polarization orthogonality. The operational band is from 800 to 2700 MHz and the achieved isolation is verified with measurements of a fabricated prototype. Overall, the proposed antenna pair can be employed for simultaneous transmit and receive applications or MIMO and diversity systems in commercial wireless communication bands.
Assistant Principals: Their Readiness as Instructional Leaders

ABSTRACTThis article reports findings from a study investigating the capacity of assistant principals to be instructional leaders. Analyses of survey responses yielded four interesting findings: (a) years of experience as a teacher and age had no significance on assistant principals’ perceived readiness as an instructional leader; (b) those completing redesigned programs focused on instructional leadership reported feeling less prepared that those completing programs before the mandated redesign (c) although instructional leadership was a work responsibility, 63% did not know what portion of their performance evaluation assessed that performance; and (d) mentoring for instructional leadership most often occurred through informal meetings with their principal.
Density and distribution of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in response to UV radiation

Increasing ultraviolet radiation (UV) has led to greater interest in its current and potential effects on organisms, including herbivorous insects. Here we report the short-term effects of UV on soybean aphids (Aphis glycines Matsumura), a common phytophagous pest of soybeans. We used two complementary approaches to examine how modifying UV radiation affects this phloem-feeding herbivore via changes to soybean aphid densities and their within plant distribution. We found that artificially adding UV in a lab setting decreased soybean aphid population size compared to a low UV control; however, blocking UV radiation in the field had minimal effects on aphid density. Further observations suggest that soybean aphid location could mediate UV effects; feeding on the underside of leaves may shield aphids from some harmful effects of UV. Our results demonstrate the potential importance of UV to insect herbivores and how behavior may influence such effects.
Testosterone replacement in the infertile man.

Hypogonadism is a common clinical condition affecting men of different age groups. In addition to its sexual consequences, it has several implications posing significant concerns for a man’s health and well-being. Recent advances in testosterone (T) supplementation have facilitated hypogonadism treatment. Despite that, patients complaining of infertility or seeking conception are still hindered by the unfavorable effects supplemental T has on testicular function. Consequently, alternative approaches that can stimulate endogenous T production are favored. Selective estrogen receptor modulators, gonadotropins and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) can be successful in restoring serum T levels, preserving fertility, and providing symptomatic relief.
An examination of the REIT return–implied volatility relation: a frequency domain approach

This paper examines the relationship between implied volatility (the VIX) and REIT returns using frequency domain approach which allows shocks to vary across frequency bands. The distinguishing feature of the frequency domain method is that it enables the investigator assess quantitatively the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable at different frequencies across the spectra. The estimates of the parameter of interest from the frequency domain analysis may reveal rich policy implications. Specifically, at issue is whether implied volatility can be used to predict movements in REIT returns at different frequencies in the United States. The results from the frequency domain regression show that implied volatility and REIT returns have significantly negative effect on each other at the low-, medium- and long-term frequencies. Furthermore, the empirical findings from the frequency domain causality tests indicate that causality runs from implied volatility to all and equity REIT returns in the short- and medium-term frequencies but not vice versa. However, it is interesting to note that the results show causality running from mortgage REIT returns to implied volatility in the medium term. Taken together, the results from this study suggest that knowledge of implied volatility can help the investors to predict movements in the capital market and hence, to some extent, they can protect their portfolios against uncertainties.
The Role of a PMI-Prediction Model in Evaluating Forensic Entomology Experimental Design, the Importance of Covariates, and the Utility of Response Variables for Estimating Time Since Death

The most common forensic entomological application is the estimation of some portion of the time since death, or postmortem interval (PMI). To our knowledge, a PMI estimate is almost never accompanied by an associated probability. Statistical methods are now available for calculating confidence limits for an insect-based prediction of PMI for both succession and development data. In addition to it now being possible to employ these approaches in validation experiments and casework, it is also now possible to use the criterion of prediction performance to guide training experiments, i.e., to modify carrion insect development or succession experiment design in ways likely to improve the performance of PMI predictions using the resulting data. In this paper, we provide examples, derived from our research program on calculating PMI estimate probabilities, of how training data experiment design can influence the performance of a statistical model for PMI prediction.
Segmentation and classification of side-scan sonar data

Side scan sonar is an acoustic sensor which uses sound waves to generate side scan sonar images. Most adaptive behavior of AUVs would require that the vehicle be able sense the environment, detect objects of interest, localize and then change its current behavior. The first step toward this process would be the real time processing of its sensor data for object identification. In this paper we present an approach to real time processing of side scan sonar data using texture segmentation and classification. Given a side scan sonar image, texture is used to classify the image into four major categories - rocks, wreckage, sediments and sea floor. The image is first broken into relevant areas based on edge density and edge orientation statistics. Laws texture energy measures are then computed on these areas. The texture energy feature vector for each sub region is then classified using clustering algorithms.
Analyzing Operational Behavior of Stateful Protocol Implementations for Detecting Semantic Bugs

Network protocol implementations must comply with their specifications that include properties describing the correct operational behavior of the protocol in response to different temporal orderings of network events. Due to inconsistent interpretations of the specification, developers can unknowingly introduce semantic bugs, which cause the implementations to violate the respective properties. Detecting such bugs in stateful protocols becomes significantly difficult as their operations depend on their internal state machines and the complex interactions between the protocol logic. In this paper, we present an automated tool to help developers analyze their protocol implementations and detect semantic bugs violating the temporal properties of the protocols. Given an implementation, our tool (1) extracts the implemented finite state machine (FSM) of the protocol from the source code by symbolically exploring the code and (2) determines whether the extracted FSM violates given temporal properties by using an off-the-shelf model checker. We demonstrated the efficacy of our tool by applying it on 6 protocol implementations. We detected 11 semantic bugs (2 with security implications) when we analyzed these implementations against properties obtained from their publicly available specifications.
Thematic map analysis using multiple regression

Thematic maps can be analyzed by multiple regression for (1) forward prediction where a younger geological structural map is written as a least-squares function of older maps for information on historical perspectives or (2) by backward prediction where an older map is regressed stepwise on a series of younger ones to aid in prospecting. The technique was evaluated by a series of structure maps on different geological horizons from the U.S. Midcontinent (Kansas) where the forward prediction proved more effective than backward. In forward prediction, the first map entered into a multiple regression is invariably the immediately underlying one as expected. On the other hand, the first map in a backward prediction is not necessarily related to stratigraphy which limits the utility of the technique for prospecting.
Loading Time Flexibility in Cross-Docking Systems

Abstract In this study, we investigate truck-to-door assignment problem for loading outgoing trucks in a cross-docking system with flexible handling times. Specifically, a truck’s loading time depends on the number of workers assigned to the outbound door, where the truck is being loaded. An optimization problem is formulated to jointly determine the number of workers and the trucks to be loaded at each door. The resulting problem is a nonlinear integer programming model. Due to the complexity of this model, two evolutionary heuristic methods are proposed for solution. First heuristic method is based on truck assignments while the second heuristic is based on worker assignments. A numerical study is conducted to compare the two heuristic methods.
DeepVoice: A voiceprint-based mobile health framework for Parkinson's disease identification

Parkinsons disease (PD) identification has at­tracted a lot of attention in recent years. However, there is still no standardized and convenient way to identify PD, because most researchers are only focusing on promoting identification accuracy. With the recent development of mobile health, a feasible mobile application to achieve PD identification is highly demanded with a small amount of information but can provide reliable results. To this end, we propose DeepVoice, a voiceprint-based PD identification application simultaneously integrating deep learning and mobile health. DeepVoice works by collecting a short period of monosyllabic voice through a mobile health App on a smartphone. Specifically, we propose the Joint Time-Frequency Analysis algorithm to enhance the voiceprint feature in spectrogram domain. We also develop a customized convolutional neural network (CNN) to complete the final identification. We evaluate our proposed DeepVoice on input data format, the length of the input voice and neural network architecture in a large PD dataset. Experimental results show DeepVoice could successfully achieve PD identification with an accuracy of 90.45±1.71% with only 10 seconds long audio segment. Our study also reveals that the smartphone-based mobile health application is feasible for PD identification.
Including China? Postcolonial Hong Kong, Sinophone Studies, and the Gendered Geopolitics of China-centrism

Sinophone studies, in Shu-mei Shih’s original formulation, refers to “a network of places of cultural production outside China and on the margins of China and Chineseness”. This essay contributes t...
Multiple pulse coherent dynamics and wave packet control of the N2 a′′ 1Σ+g dark state by attosecond four-wave mixing

Nonlinear multidimensional spectroscopy is ubiquitous in the optical and radio frequency regions as a powerful tool to access structure and dynamics. The extension of this technique into the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) region with attosecond pulses holds promise for probing electronic dynamics and correlations with unprecedented time and spatial resolution. In this work, we use noncollinear four-wave mixing of a weak XUV attosecond pulse train (11-17 eV) and few-femtosecond NIR pulses (800 nm) to spectroscopically and dynamically probe the dipole-forbidden double-well potential of the a'' 1∑+g electronic state of nitrogen. The results demonstrate optical coupling of the inner and outer limits of the initial XUV-prepared vibrational wave packet in the valence character b' 1∑+u state to the inner and outer wells, respectively, of the a'' 1∑+g double well state by 800 nm light. Two four-wave mixing schemes with different pulse timing sequences and noncollinear beam geometries are used (one NIR pulse collinear and one NIR pulse noncollinear versus both NIR pulses noncollinear to the XUV beam) to measure the a'' dark state energetic structure and to control the dynamical preparation and motion of a dark state wave packet by selective population of either the inner Rydberg or outer valence-character potential well. Experimental measurements of the a'' 1∑+g outer well vibrational spacing and anharmonicity closely match the values theoretically predicted for this previously unobserved state.
Objectivity and Inter-Cultural Experience

This paper is part of an ongoing project to develop a theory of “situated objectivity” and to apply it to various human interactions. My interest is to develop a concept of objectivity that has certain aspects of human experience contribute to objectivity that are considered irrelevant or even obstacles to it in what I consider to be the leading concept of objectivity in modern Western philosophy. This concept is the concept of scientific objectivity that Thomas Nagel has called “the view from nowhere.”
Ozone decay rates in residential garages

Abstract Ozone is a pollutant with well-known health effects on humans. The primary source of ozone inside buildings is ozone in outdoor air that enters buildings by infiltration, natural ventilation, or mechanical ventilation. For infiltration, ozone is transported from outdoors to indoors through inadvertent openings in the building envelope, some of which connect occupied and unoccupied spaces of the building. For example, ozone may enter buildings through garages, attics and crawl spaces that are connected directly to the occupied space. In this study, ozone decay rates were determined for twelve residential garages with a range of sizes, level of attachment to the occupied space, and clutter. Air exchange rates for garages were measured to have a mean of 0.47 (±0.18) hr−1. The mean ozone decay rate in these garages was 2.7 (±1.1) hr−1, a value comparable to previous data for occupied space ozone decay rates. There were differences in ozone decay rates between one-car and two-car garages, which seemed to be correlated with the volume/area ratio. Using these and previously published data, it was concluded that, under normal conditions, ozone penetration through garages to the occupied space is not a significant pathway. However, there are some conditions for which garages may be a major pathway for ozone entry into homes. One example of this is when both the garage door and the door connecting the garage to the occupied space is opened for a long period of time.
Envisioning more virtuous virtues

This response addresses three key themes related to the interdisciplinary study of virtue: limitations of self-reports, demoting of the virtues, and concerns about cultural issues. I suggest that s...
Effects of carrier frequency mismatch on frequency-selective spectral editing

This study sought to investigate the effects of carrier frequency mismatch on spectral editing and its correction by frequency matching of basis functions. Full density matrix computations and Monte-Carlo simulations based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data collected from five healthy volunteers at 7 T were used to analyze the effects of carrier frequency mismatch on spectral editing. Relative errors in metabolite quantification were calculated with and without frequency matching of basis functions. The algorithm for numerical computation of basis functions was also improved for higher computational efficiency. We found significant errors without frequency matching of basis functions when carrier frequency mismatch was generally considered negligible. By matching basis functions with the history of frequency deviation, the mean errors in glutamate, glutamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutathione concentrations were reduced from 3.90%, 1.85%, 11.53%, and 3.43% to 0.18%, 0.34%, 0.40%, and 0.51%, respectively. Matching basis functions to frequency deviation history was necessary even when frequency deviations during frequency-selective spectral editing were fairly small. Basis set frequency matching significantly improved accuracy in the quantification of glutamate, glutamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutathione concentrations.
Lane-Level Localization and Mapping in GNSS-Challenged Environments by Fusing Lidar Data and Cellular Pseudoranges

A method for achieving lane-level localization in global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-challenged environments is presented. The proposed method uses the pseudoranges drawn from unknown ambient cellular towers as an exclusive aiding source for a vehicle-mounted light detection and ranging (lidar) sensor. The following scenario is considered. A vehicle aiding its lidar with GNSS signals enters an environment where these signals become unusable. The vehicle is equipped with a receiver capable of producing pseudoranges to unknown cellular towers in its environment. These pseudoranges are fused through an extended Kalman filter to aid the lidar odometry, while estimating the vehicle's own state (3-D position and orientation) simultaneously with the position of the cellular towers and the difference between the receiver's and cellular towers’ clock error states (bias and drift). The proposed method is computationally efficient and is demonstrated to achieve lane-level accuracy in different environments. Simulation and experimental results with the proposed method are presented illustrating a close match between the vehicle's true trajectory and estimated using the cellular-aided lidar odometry over a 1 km trajectory. The proposed method yielded a 68% reduction in the 2-D position root mean-squared error (RMSE) over lidar odometry-only.