cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PTEN Regulates RANKL- and Osteopontin-stimulated Signal Transduction during Osteoclast Differentiation and Cell Motility *

PTEN (also known as MMAC-1 or TEP-1) is a frequently mutated tumor suppressor gene in human cancer. PTEN functions have been identified in the regulation of cell survival, growth, adhesion, migration, and invasiveness. Here, we characterize the diverse signaling networks modulated by PTEN in osteoclast precursors stimulated by RANKL and osteopontin (OPN). RANKL dose-dependently stimulated transient activation of Akt before activation of PTEN, consistent with a role for PTEN in decreasing Akt activity. PTEN overexpression blocked RANKL-activated Akt stimulated survival and osteopontin-stimulated cell migration while a dominant-negative PTEN increased the actions of RANKL and OPN. PTEN overexpression suppressed RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation and OPN-stimulated cell migration. The PTEN dominant-negative constitutively induced osteoclast differentiation and cell migration. Our data demonstrate multiple roles for PTEN in RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and OPN-stimulated cell migration in RAW 264.7 osteoclast precursors.
The grain boundary character distribution of a fully-orthorhombic Ti–25Al–24Nb(at.%) alloy

Abstract The grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) of a fully-orthorhombic (O) Ti–25Al–24Nb (at.%) microstructure was investigated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The fine-grained (GS=17 μm) equiaxed microstructure was processed by hot forging and hot-rolling operations performed below the body-centered cubic (bcc) phase transus temperature followed by heat treatment in the O-phase field at 875 °C. Nearly all the O/O grain boundaries were greater than 15 degrees misoriented and such boundaries exhibited the highest frequencies at misorientations of approximately 65° (∼26% of all grain boundaries) and 90° (∼10% of all grain boundaries). Twin-related O-phase variant interfacial (1 1 0) planes were identified and such boundaries represented 39% of all the O/O grain boundaries with 65° misorientation about [0 0 1].
Stress-strain histories in coatings on single crystal specimens of a turbine blade alloy

Abstract The stress-strain response of an electron beam, physical vapor deposited (EB-PVD) NiCoCrAlY overlay coating applied to a single crystal nickel base superalloy (CMSX-3) is studied by subjecting stepped-disk fatigue specimens to thermal cycles with different rates of heating (from 520 to 1090†C in 4.5, 6, and 20 s) and cooling (to 520°C in 7 and 15 s). Rate-dependent material anisotropy is modelled using a creep (or flow) potential for a cubic crystal and the associated flow rule. An anisotropic creep finite element analysis of the substrate reveals that continued cycling does not affect the strain ranges, which play a role in coating degradation. However, continued cycling does produce an increase of the peak tensile stresses (from 13 MPa for the first cycle to about 250 MPa at the 6000th cycle for 4.5 s heating history). Most of this transition occurs before the 500th cycle. As a consequence of these tensile stresses, crack propagation rates into the substrate are expected to be more severe than the predictions from a thermo-elastic analysis. However, the conventional thermo-elastic analysis is very accurate at estimating the strain ranges. For the coating, an isotropic creep finite element analysis shows that the mechanical strain range ( Δe e + Δe c ) and tensile peak stresses responsible for crack initiation and crack growth, with 0.52% strain range in the substrate, are 0.83% and 460 MPa for the 4.5 s heating cycle, due in large part to the thermal expansion mismatch between the coating and substrate.
Impact of Increased Academic Intensity on Transfer Rates: An Application of Matching Estimators to Student-Unit Record Data

The impact of increased academic intensity on transfer rates from community colleges to 4-year institutions has been estimated only from observational data, with the possibility of selection bias. This study uses matching estimators to overcome possible selection bias and estimate the causal impact of increased academic intensity on transfer rates. Using student unit record data from Tennessee for the years 1995 through 2004, I find that taking 12 or more credit hours increases the probability of transfer from between 11% and 15%.
Comparison of left ventricular function by echocardiographic automated border detection and by radionuclide ejection fraction

Abstract Echocardiographic automated border detection can provide on-line estimates of left ventricular cavity area by differentiating blood from tissue backscatter characteristics. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of short-axis measurements of left ventricular cavity area by automated border detection to determine left ventricular function by comparing these measurements to radionuclide measures of ejection fraction in the same patients. Eighty-eight consecutive patients, aged 53 ± 14 years, underwent automated border detection studies within 2 hours of radionuclide ventriculography. Short-axis imaging with automated border detection was attempted at basal, midpapillary muscle, and apical levels. Maximal left ventricular length was also measured from apical 4- and 2-chamber views by standard imaging. Fractional area change — (end-diastolic area-end-systolic area)/end-diastolic area — was determined at each short-axis level. Volumes and ejection fractions were calculated using: volume = 5 6 (midventricular area) · length. Simpson's rule for 3 short-axis measurements was calculated using: volume = (length/12) (5 · basal area + 2 · mid-area + 4 · apical area). Technically adequate automated border detection data could be obtained on 69 patients (78%) at basal and mid-levels, and at all 3 short-axis levels in 66 patients (75%). Correlations with radionuclide ejection fraction were as follows: midventricular fractional area change — R = 0.84, SEE =12%, y = 0.86 × − 7; area-length ejection fraction — R = 0.89, SEE = 9%, y = 0.96 × − 4; and Simpson's rule — R = 0.91, SEE = 8%, y = 0.89 × + 1. In conclusion, automated border detection data from short-axis views may be used as a method to quantify left ventricular function in selected patients.
Ubiquitous expression of marker transgenes in mice and rats.

The ability to unambiguously mark a cell's genotype is essential for studies in which genetically distinct cell populations must be distinguished from one another in vivo. One approach to this challenge has been the creation of transgenic mice expressing a transgene marker that is easily detectable, with no background staining. Multiple transgenic mouse strains bearing constructs with different combinations of promoter elements and coding sequences have been described, each with its own advantages and limitations. In this report we describe the use of an 800-bp promoter fragment isolated from the beta(geo) integration site in ROSA26 mice to target expression of two marker genes. We demonstrate that the ROSA26 promoter directs ubiquitous expression of human placental alkaline phosphatase and enhanced green fluorescent protein during embryonic and postnatal development in mouse and rat. We further demonstrate the general utility of these transgenes for marking donor cells in transplantation studies.
A finite element method for a two-sex model of population dynamics

A finite element scheme is described to approximate the solution of a nonlinear and non-local system of integro-differential equations that models the dynamics of a two-sex population. Crank-Nicolson time discretization is used and error estimates are derived for the appoximation.
The Virtue of Intolerance

Coding variants in the human genome are functional candidates for studying the underlying cause of human disease. Exome sequencing has emerged as the go-to approach to systematically catalog such variants, yet it often reveals hundreds of plausible functional variants. The need to identify the subset of truly pathological variants has been a barrier to translational medicine, spurring the development of computational tools to prioritize variants for follow-up studies. A new study by Petrovski and colleagues addresses a complementary question: Can genes be reprioritized as likely causal on the basis of their natural tolerance to developing new mutations? Genes that are subject to evolutionary constraints should purge deleterious coding polymorphisms that occur naturally. New mutations discovered by sequencing within such “intolerant” genes are more likely to be functional and, perhaps, causal. Using a publicly available catalog of natural variation in the coding genome, based on sequences in >6500 individuals, the authors propose a score to rank degrees of polymorphism from gene to gene. They first demonstrated that genes with high intolerance to natural variation are predictive of genes in the OMIM database that are assigned to a disease. Their score also predicted genes most likely to be essential in humans according to previous work documenting mouse lethal phenotypes. They also showed that different classes of genes associated with various disorders also vary in their intolerance. For example, immune system genes tended to be more tolerant to variation. This is consistent with a model in which diversifying selection acts to maintain diversity, presumably in response to pathogens. Last, the authors showed that their intolerance score helped to enrich for likely casual, new mutations discovered in phenotypic studies of autism, intellectual disability, and epileptic encephalopathies. The new work merely scratches the surface regarding the potential utility of using large-scale population genetic resources for the interpretation of human genomes. Whereas the hunt for rare, casual mutations underlying human disease will continue to be a challenging prospect, this new approach is certainly a welcome addition to the repertoire of interpretative tools for human genome sequencing data. S. Petrovski et al ., Genic intolerance to functional variation and the interpretation of personal genomes. PLoS Genet . 9 , e1003709 (2013). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pgen.1003709
Nf1gene targeting: toward models and mechanisms

Patients with neurofibromatosis type I develop multiple benign nerve sheath tumors and are predisposed to a number of malignancies. Since loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 gene appear to be responsible for the disease,NF1has been classified as a tumor suppressor. Several strategies involving the targeted disruption of the murine homologue have been used in an attempt to establish an animal model for the disease and four types of animals have been generated: (1)Nf1 +/−animals, (2)NF1 −/−embryos, (3)Nf1 −/−chimeras, and (4) mice transplanted withNf1 −/−hematopoietic stem cells. In addition to yielding mice which mimic various aspects of the human disease, each of these approaches has contributed to a better understanding of the normal function ofNf1.
English relative clause constructions

This paper sketches a grammar of English relative clause constructions (including infinitival and reduced relatives) based on the notions of construction type and type constraints. Generalizations about dependency relations and clausal functions are factored into distinct dimensions contributing constraints to specific construction types in a multiple inheritance type hierarchy. The grammar presented here provides an account of extraction, pied piping and relative clause ‘stacking’ without appeal to transformational operations, transderivational competition, or invisible (‘empty’) categories of any kind.
Does epidural analgesia affect the rate of spontaneous obstetric lacerations in normal births

The precise relationship between epidural use and genital tract lacerations in normal childbirth is unclear. Data from a clinical trial on measures to lower genital tract trauma in vaginal birth were used for a secondary analysis. The goal was to assess whether epidurals affect the rate of spontaneous obstetric lacerations in normal vaginal births. Maternal characteristics and intrapartum variables were compared in women who did and did not use an epidural in labor, and also in those with and without any sutured lacerations following vaginal birth. Variables that were statistically different in both cases were entered into regression equations for simultaneous adjustment. Epidural use was not an independent predictor of sutured lacerations. Predictors of sutured lacerations included nulliparity, a prolonged second stage, being non-Hispanic white, and an infant birthweight greater than 4000 grams. Elements of midwifery management need further research.
Analysis of new variants of coalesced hashing

The coalesced hashing method has been shown to be very fast for dynamic information storage and retrieval. This paper analyzes in a uniform way the performance of coalesced hashing and its variants, thus settling some open questions in the literature.In all the variants, the range of the hash function is called the address region, and extra space reserved for storing colliders is called the cellar. We refer to the unmodified method, which was analyzed previously, as late-insertion coalesced hashing. In this paper we analyze late insertion and two new variations called early insertion and varied insertion. When there is no cellar, the early-insertion method is better than late insertion; however, past experience has indicated that it might be worse when there is a cellar. Our analysis confirms that it is worse. The varied-insertion method was introduced as a means of combining the advantages of late insertion and early insertion. This paper shows that varied insertion requires fewer probes per search, on the average, than do the other variants.Each of these three coalesced hashing methods has a parameter that relates the sizes of the address region and the cellar. Techniques in this paper are designed for tuning the parameter in order to achieve optimum search times. We conclude with a list of open problems.
Frequency response of sub-micrometre pseudomorphic AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs MODFETs at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract This paper reports on the d.c. and high frequency characteristics of pseudomorphic AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs MODFETs with gate lengths from 1.73 to 0.35 μm at 300 and 110 K. Significant device improvement is shown at 110 K, with current gain cut-off frequency, F T , increasing by 80% for gate length L g = 1.73 μ m and 15% for L g = 0.35 μ m. The d.c. and high frequency behaviour is analysed and it is shown that electron velocity, not mobility, controls transport in these devices.
The regulation of gene expression in hair cells.

No genes have been discovered for which expression is limited only to inner ear hair cells. This is hardly surprising, since the number of mammalian genes is estimated to be 20–25,000, and each gene typically performs many tasks in various locations. Many genes are expressed in inner ear sensory cells and not in other cells of the labyrinth. However, these genes are also expressed in other locations, often in other sensory or neuronal cell types. How gene transcription is directed specifically to hair cells is unclear. Key transcription factors that act during development can specify cell phenotypes, and the hair cell is no exception. The transcription factor ATOH1 is well known for its ability to transform nonsensory cells of the developing inner ear into hair cells. And yet, ATOH1 also specifies different sensory cells at other locations, neuronal phenotypes in the brain, and epithelial cells in the gut. How it specifies hair cells in the inner ear, but alternate cell types in other locations, is not known. Studies of regulatory DNA and transcription factors are revealing mechanisms that direct gene expression to hair cells, and that determine the hair cell identity. The purpose of this review is to summarize what is known about such gene regulation in this key auditory and vestibular cell type. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled .
The “ageless self”? Emplacement of identities in sun belt retirement communities

Abstract In this article, I critique the concept of the “ageless self” and illuminate its expression as a potent societal script in “successful” aging. The ageless self plays nicely into the prolongation of midlife as the leitmotif of contemporary society, conveying little about change and what it means to grow old. Nowhere is the image of the ageless self more apparent (transparent) than in the emplacement of identities in Sun Belt retirement communities. The Arizona Office of Senior Living works in partnership with private industry in promoting and marketing Arizona as a place where active affluent “seniors” live in a blissful and perpetual state of mature adulthood. My principal argument is that place-based images of aging are mold and mirror of deeply embedded ageist attitudes and societal values. I call for multiple epistemologies in exploring the spatiality of aging and in forging a geographically informed critical gerontology.
Patterns of Niche Partitioning and Alternative Reproductive Strategies in an East African Dung Beetle Assemblage

Sympatric species of coprophagus dung beetles rely on essentially the same resource for provisioning broods, which raises the question of how local species diversity is maintained. Interspecific competition may be mitigated to some extent by large-scale spatial (e.g., habitat type) and temporal (e.g., seasonal) variation in activity. Niche partitioning also occurs at the scale of individual dung pads. We examined the extent to which inter- and intraspecific variation in adult morphology and behavior contribute to spatial and temporal partitioning above and below the dung pad in the dung beetle community of Kibale Forest, Uganda. Excavations in the vicinity of dung pads revealed significant heterogeneity among species and guilds in the lateral distance between tunnels and dung, and in tunnel depth. Patterns of succession and diel activity demonstrated strong temporal dissociations among guilds. In one species, Onthophagus multicornis, we found a bimodal distribution of male horn sizes and a tunneling pattern consistent with alternative reproductive tactics.
A MODEL FOR PREDICTING HEAT TRANSFER TO A TURBULENT FALLING FILM

A modified form of Carey'ls method for predicting the heat transfer to a turbulent falling film is presented. The new model is successfully tested against experimental data as well as other models....
On redefining a snap-back repeller

Abstract In this note I correct a minor technical flaw in my original snap-back repeller theorem, and then discuss some recent revisions proposed by other authors that would significantly weaken the theorem.
Effect of ultraviolet radiation on photosynthesis, biomass, and fatty acid content and profile of a Scenedesmus rubescens-like microalga

Abstract The effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and nitrogen (NaNO 3 ) concentration on photosynthesis, biomass, and fatty acid content and profile of a Scenedesmus rubescens -like microalga were measured in an outdoor 8-day culture study. UV-induced photoinhibition decreased from 42.6% to 3.5%, in the presence of 75 mg/L NaNO 3 (HN) and from 52.9% to 22.6% in the presence of 7.5 mg/L NaNO 3 (LN) nitrogen concentration, respectively. The concentrations of UV-absorbing compounds increased 4.3 and 4.9 times under HN and LN, respectively. Biomass accumulation was suppressed (10.7%) by UVR under HN, but not under LN conditions. Carotenoid content decreased from 1.05 ± 0.06 to 0.96 ± 0.15 (with UV radiation) and to 0.91 ± 0.07 (without UV radiation), respectively, under HN, while it decreased to 0.05 ± 0.04 (with UV radiation) and to 0.11 ± 0.08 (without UV radiation), respectively, under LN. The content of C18:1n9 fatty acids increased by about 430%, whereas that of C18:3n3 decreased by about 65% in both radiation treatments during nitrogen starvation. The results showed that the absence of UVR screening does not change the fatty acid content and profile of S. rubescens -like algae cultivated outdoors under HN and LN conditions.
Temporal and spatial variability in macroinvertebrate community structure in relation to environmental variables in Ajijiguan Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Variations in macrobenthic community structure in time and space along a pollution gradient were examined in a small Niger Delta creek in 2006–2007. Salinity fluctuated between fresh and mesohaline conditions with values ranging from 0.4 to 5.2, and conductivity ranged from 16.9 to 36.0 μS cm–1. The upper creek was relatively free of gross pollution, with high dissolved oxygen and low nutrient and salinity levels. At its lower end, BOD5 was relatively high and nutrient levels were high, indicating substantial organic input. The middle and upper creek were dominated by Naboandelus africanus, Appasus sp., Laccotrephes sp., Plea sp. (Hemiptera) and Georissus sp. (Coleoptera). Sensitive taxa such as Neoperla sp. (Plecoptera), Ecnomus sp. (Trichoptera) and Ephoron sp. (Ephemeroptera) were restricted to the upper creek. At the impaired site Neritina sp. (Mollusca), Sesarma sp. (Decapoda), Nereis sp. (Polychaeta) and Chironomus sp. (Diptera) dominated the assemblage. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated t...
Yield Loss Potential of Phaeosphaeria Leaf Spot of Maize Caused by Phaeosphaeria maydis in the United States.

ABSTRACT The ability of Phaeosphaeria leaf spot (PLS) to reduce yields of maize was evaluated over two winter growing seasons in southern Florida. Nine commercial maize hybrids, varying in reaction...
ADHD and developmental speech/language disorders in late preterm, early term and term infants

ADHD and developmental speech/language disorders in late preterm, early term and term infants
Cryptococcus neoformans Prosthetic Joint Infection: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 77-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis and bilateral total hip arthroplasties underwent a two-stage procedure followed by treatment with vancomycin for a coagulase-negative staphylococcal prosthetic hip infection. This was complicated by a spontaneous left hip dislocation with a hematoma that was evacuated; all intraoperative cultures grew out Cryptococcus neoformans. Treatment with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B was started. Her prosthetic device was retained, and she was treated for 12 weeks, after which she was transitioned to fluconazole for long-term therapy. The hip remained stable 1 year out from her admission, and she retained mobility with the assistance of a walker. Fungi are an uncommon but potentially devastating cause of prosthetic joint infections, and most are due to Candida species [1]. Cryptococcus neoformans is an ubiquitous yeast with worldwide distribution that generally causes infections in patients with major T cell immune deficiencies (e.g., HIV, transplantation and receipt of corticosteroids). Cryptococcal infections of native osteoarticular structures are uncommon, but have been well described in the literature [2, 3]. Data regarding cryptococcal prosthetic joint infections, however, are sparse [4].
Transient thermal structure, turbulence, and heat transfer in a reattaching slot jet flow

Abstract The role of turbulent fluctuations on mean heat transfer coefficient in a reattaching slot jet flow is studied experimentally. Convective heat transfer rate and near-wall fluid flow are examined in the recirculation, reattachment, and post-reattachment regions for two nozzle-to-surface spacings of 0.25 and 0.75 times the width of the nozzle bottom plate. In the reattachment region, results indicate a strong correspondence between variances of near-wall velocity fluctuation and peak heat transfer rate for both spacings. Thermal structures that vary in the spanwise direction are identified in the recirculation region from low-frequency transient infrared thermographs of the heated surface. While these thermal structures are confined to regions in the vicinity of nozzle bottom plate for the low nozzle spacing, they span the entire recirculation region at larger spacings. Thermal streaks are observed past reattachment for the larger nozzle spacing, suggesting a periodic breakup and re-formation of the jet curtain. The scaling of heat transfer distribution is affected by the flow structure in the geometrically non-similar area of the recirculating flow beneath the nozzle. A correlation for peak Nusselt number is presented.
Temporal overlap of excitatory and inhibitory afferent input in guinea-pig CA1 pyramidal cells

1 The temporal interaction of evoked synaptic excitation and GABAA-mediated inhibition was examined in CA1 pyramidal cells. Single and paired intracellular recordings were carried out in pyramidal cell dendrites and somata, and interneurons of the guinea-pig hippocampal slice. Current-clamp, sharp electrode and whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were made. 2 Kinetics of dendritic and somatic inhibitory responses were similar. Notably, kinetics of dendritic unitary IPSPs were as fast as kinetics of somatic unitary IPSPs. 3 GABAA-mediated influences were present throughout the orthodromic pyramidal cell EPSP/EPSC. Comparison of the kinetics of pharmacologically isolated monosynaptic IPSPs, IPSCs and inhibitory conductances (gGABAA), showed fastest kinetics for gGABAA. Close temporal overlap was observed between monosynaptic gGABAA and the rising phase of the evoked EPSP/EPSC. The onset of gGABAA coincided with or preceded onset of the EPSP/EPSC. 4 Onsets of feedforward IPSPs coincided with the rising phase of the pyramidal cell EPSP in > 80 % of paired recordings. Fastest feedforward inhibitory responses exerted near complete overlap with evoked excitation. 5 Onsets of recurrent IPSPs did not occur during the rising phase of the evoked EPSP, but > 3·0 ms after the peak of the pyramidal cell EPSP. 6 Orthodromically evoked interneuron spikes were observed at stimulation intensities that were below the threshold for eliciting EPSPs in concomitantly recorded pyramidal cells. The activation of feedforward inhibitory responses by weakest excitatory input, and the large temporal overlap between feedforward inhibition and evoked excitation, suggest that in situ any excitatory input in CA1 is effectively controlled by fast synaptic inhibition.
The synthesis and biological activity of thiolcarnitine and its thiolesters

Acetyl-D,L-thiolcarnitine was synthesized by the acid-catalyzed addition of thiolacetic acid to 4-trimethylammonio-2-butenoic acid. Acetyl-D,L-thiolcarnitine was the precursor of D,L-thilcarnitine, which was prepared by base hydrolysis. Thiolcarnitine significantly enriched in the L-isomer was prepared from acetyl-D,L-thiolcarnitine using carnitine acetyltransferase as the resolving agent. The C2, C8 and C16 carnitine thiolesters were obtained by acylating thiolcarnitine with the corresponding N-hydroxysuccinimide esters. As a substrate for carnitine acetyltransferase, acetylthiolcarnitine gave the same kinetic constants as did acetylcarnitine; on the other hand, thiolcarnitine and carnitine gave the same Km but the Vmax with thiolcarnitine was less than 5% of the value obtained with carnitine. With thiolcarnitine and acetylthiolcarnitine as reactants, the measured Keq, at 30 C and pH 7.0, for the reaction catalyzed by carnitine acetyltransferase (see below) was 4.6±.1. acetylthiolcarnitine+CoA—acetyl-CoA+thiolcarnitine
Canine behavioral genetics — A review

Abstract A chronological review of the history of research in canine behavioral genetics is presented. Prior to the work of Scott and Fuller, many studies attempted to describe observed results in simple Mendelian terms. More recently, a quantitative mode of inheritance has been ascribed to many behavioral traits, and heritabilities have been calculated in different populations. Studies of behavioral traits are complicated by the effects of learning, which may well explain the reports of low heritability of behavioral traits measured on adults. Both genotype and environment have been shown to play major roles in the expression of behavioral traits. Maternal effects and the sex of an individual have important effects on behavior scores. Breeders usually select for both physical and behavioral traits in the same individuals, and this review includes a summary of reported research on the relationships between physical and mental traits.
Transient convective burning of a periodic fuel-droplet array

Abstract The transient convective burning of fuel-droplets interacting within 3-D infinite periodic arrays in a hot gas stream is numerically studied for the first time, with considerations of droplet regression, deceleration due to the drag of the droplets, internal liquid motion, variable properties, non-uniform liquid temperature, surface tension, and n -octane one-step oxidation kinetics. Depending upon the initial conditions and other constraints, a flame is established early as either a wake flame or an envelope flame. An initial envelope flame remains an envelope flame, and an initial wake flame has a tendency to develop from a wake flame to an envelope flame. The flame shows no strong tendency to modify significantly the standoff distance during the lifetime of the droplet. For an initial wake flame, the moment of wake-to-envelope transition is advanced as the initial droplet spacing (intermediate) is decreased, but tends to be postponed as the initial droplet spacing is further reduced. The burning rate at smaller initial droplet spacing or smaller initial Reynolds number might be greater for some period during the lifetime because of an earlier wake-to-envelope transition which elevates the average surface temperature. Lower ambient temperature yields a later wake-to-envelope transition time and smaller mass burning rate. At the lower ambient pressure with the same initial relative stream velocity, the average surface temperature is reduced, the wake-to-envelope transition is later, and the mass burning rate is smaller. Validation of our analysis is made by comparing with the results of an isolated droplet Wu and Sirignano [11] .
A new approach to hydrologic modeling: derived distributions revisited

Abstract A fractal geometric procedure to model hydrologic (geophysical) phenomena is introduced. The method consists of using derived distributions, obtained by transforming arbitrary multinomial multifractal measures via fractal interpolating functions, to represent observed hydrologic phenomena. Specific applications include modeling either along a line (in space or in time) or over the plane (in space). It is shown via simulations that the new procedure leads to realistic descriptions of hydrologic patterns, and provides a very parsimonious and deterministic explanation of seemingly random phenomena. It is argued that the new method may lead to an alternative description of the dynamics of hydrologic (geophysical) phenomena. Examples dealing with rainfall and transport of pollutants in porous media illustrate the ideas.
Determining the potential safety benefit of improved lighting in three pedestrian crash scenarios

The influence of light level was determined for three pedestrian crash scenarios associated with three adaptive headlighting solutions-curve lighting, motorway lighting, and cornering light. These results were coupled to corresponding prevalence data for each scenario to derive measures of annual lifesaving potential. For each scenario, the risk associated with light level was determined using daylight saving time (DST) transitions to produce a dark/light interval risk ratio; prevalence was determined using the corresponding annual crash rate in darkness for each scenario. For curve lighting, pedestrian crashes on curved roadways were examined; for motorway lighting, crashes associated with high speed roadways were examined; and for cornering light, crashes involving turning vehicles at intersections were examined. In the curve analysis, lower dark/light crash ratios were observed for curved sections of roadway compared to straight roads. In the motorway analysis, posted speed limit was the dominant predictor of this ratio for the fatal crash dataset; road function class was the dominant predictor of the ratio for the fatal/nonfatal dataset. Finally, in the intersection crash analysis, the dark/light ratio for turning vehicles was lower than for nonturning vehicles; and the ratio at intersections was lower than at non-intersections. Relative safety need was determined by combining the dark/light ratio with prevalence data to produce an idealized measure of lifesaving potential. While all three scenarios suggested a potential for safety improvement, scenarios related to high speed roadway environments showed the greatest potential.
Digital Philanthropy: Increasing Access through Donor Collaboration

Over the past three years, Stanford University Libraries has embarked on a program to work directly with local Bay Area map collectors to scan and provide online access to their private collections. These collections mainly include items not owned by the Libraries, allowing Stanford to increase its digital holdings of rare and valuable materials. The program benefits not only Stanford's scholars and students, but also the donors who are able to make their collections available to a public they could not easily reach. The collections typically have been built over decades, focusing on specific regions or themes giving one a unique view of a topic or geographic area. This paper will focus on the steps taken to put the program in place, including developing work flows, writing contracts, moving materials, manipulating metadata, and creating points of access.
A 3.2 GHz 26 dB wide-band monolithic matched GaAs MESFET feedback amplifier using cascodes

Feedback around cascode stages is demonstrated to be a useful means of making matched direct coupled amplifiers with higher bandwidths than afforded by conventional common-source topologies. Design techniques are described for an amplifier which is capable of operation to DC and which exhibits a measured gain of 26 dB, a 3.2 GHz bandwidth, and a 2.5:1 VSWR in a 1- mu m GaAs MESFET process. A novel adjustment scheme is introduced whereby the amplifier's frequency response can be modified using a DC bias voltage to ensure stable circuit operation in spite of MESFET modeling inaccuracies and GaAs processing variations. >
Diagnostic Evaluation for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Massachusetts, 1991–2001

Background Surveillance for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in the United States has become a focus of public health attention due to concerns about disease acquired through exposure to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in other species. A definitive diagnosis requires neuropathologic examination, yet concerns about the invasiveness of procedures and infection control may be barriers to brain biopsy or autopsy in patients with suspected CJD. Methods We reviewed medical records of 50 of the 97 patients identified through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health CJD surveillance system for 1991-2001 and of an additional 21 patients in whom CJD was suspected but later ruled out. Results Of the 50 patients, brain biopsy was performed on 14 (28%), brain biopsy or autopsy was performed on 27 (54%), and brain biopsy and autopsy were performed on 4 (8%). Brain biopsy or autopsy was declined for an additional 7 patients (14%) by family or health care proxy. The proportion of patients on whom brain biopsy was performed was inversely correlated with age, with only 9 (21%) of the 43 patients >60 years old having brain tissue diagnosis. Brain biopsy was performed on patients in whom CJD was suspected but ruled out somewhat less often than it was for patients with confirmed CJD (4 [19%] of 21 patients vs. 7 [23%] of 30 patients, respectively; P=.71). Conclusion The majority of patients with CJD-related death whose medical records were available had a brain biopsy or autopsy performed or requested (34 [68%] of 50 patients).
Early Detection of Fertility in Turkey Eggs

Abstract In the course of experiments designed to test the effects of embryonic sexual modification on postnatal growth of turkeys (Jaap, Ingram and Godfrey, 1951) a method by which fertility of turkeys eggs could be detected from 22 to 30 hours of incubation was utilized. While the idea is not new, it is thought that this particular method for the early detection of fertility in turkey eggs may be of value to other workers. King (1936) reported that fertility in chicken eggs could be detected at 15 hours of incubation by the use of a specially Constructed egg candler. Olsen and Knox (1938) stated that fertility in chicken eggs could be detected at 16 to 20 hours of incubation. The former worker used a 500 watt bulb, while Olsen and Knox used a 75 watt clear glass electric bulb. Both used filters of various kinds. Marsden and Martin (1946) suggested that . . .
Direct comparison of surgical and functional outcomes of robotic-assisted versus pure laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: single-surgeon experience.

Objectives To compare the perioperative and functional outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) in a single-surgeon series. Robotic assistance aids the laparoscopically naive surgeon in performing minimally invasive prostate surgery by offering superior visualization and dexterity. Methods The initial 75 patients with ≥12 months of functional data who had undergone RALP by a single surgeon were selected. These were compared with 75 patients who had undergone LRP from a confidential database of the same surgeon experienced in LRP toward the end of his experience with this modality (>300 cases). Results The patients in both groups were similar with respect to age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, biopsy Gleason score, pathologic stage, and positive margin rate. Statistically significant differences were noted in favor of RALP vs LRP with regard to operative time (199 vs 232 minutes, P Conclusions Our initial experience has revealed that RALP is an equivalent, if not a superior, minimally invasive surgical option for localized prostate cancer with less blood loss and a shorter operative time and length of stay. Although the potency and continence rates were comparable, a trend was noted toward a faster return of functional outcomes in our early RALP experience.
On rules of abduction

We present a logical theory of abduction based on the idea of recognizing explanation, or abduction, as a separate reasoning activity. We describe a formalism for writing rules of abduction; furthermore, we define a validity criterion for such rules. The criterion is based on the concept of invariants. This idea allows us to link abduction with induction and deduction. We believe that the three types of inference rules can best be understood in terms of symmetry, i.e. types of relations they preserve, namely: explainability, falsifiability and truth. We also formulate a model theory of abduction and link it with a proof theory. We discuss a variety of rules of abduction and argue that logical forms of abduction do not have to be restricted to the reversemodus ponens. These rules are used to describe such tasks as word-sense disambiguation and anaphora resolution in natural language processing, as well as abduction-based diagnosis.
Effects of cigarette smoking and 12-h abstention on working memory during a serial-probe recognition task

Nicotine has been shown to affect attentional and mnemonic processes. However, whether these effects are due to changes in perceptual and/or motor aspects of the tasks is not at all clear. This study tested the hypothesis that nicotine from cigarette smoking has differential effects on perceptual and motor processes, as reflected by event-related potentials (ERPs) and reaction times (RTs), respectively, and that perceptual effects may be specific to changes in working memory. ERPs. RTs and performance accuracy were recorded from smokers and nonsmokers during a serial-probe recognition memory task in which lists of words or "memory sets" were followed by a probe word that was either in-set or out-of-set. Smokers were tested in a "smoking" and a 12-h "deprived" condition. Smoking-smokers and deprived-smokers exhibited fast RTs to in-set and out-of-set probes relative to a group of nonsmokers. They exhibited even faster RTs when the inset probe word matched the first or last item in the memory set. Thus, smokers as a group showed enhanced primacy and recency effects suggesting that smoking specifically facilitates processes related to the motor output aspects of working memory. Different effects characterized the electrophysiology. Larger P300s were recorded to in-set compared to out-of-set probes by both subject groups. Smoking smokers exhibited enhanced P300s to both types of probes. When smokers abstained for 12 h (deprived smokers), the differences in P300 amplitude were reduced but not eliminated. Smoking smokers exhibited faster P300 latencies to in-set probes, while deprived smokers showed delayed latencies relative to nonsmokers. Primacy and recency P300 effects characterized nonsmokers and deprived smokers. However, this relationship was reversed in the Smoking condition. These results support the hypotheses that nicotine has distinct effects on memory-related perceptual and motor aspects of working memory. The increase in efficiency of the memory search with nicotine is consistent with the functional role of the cholinergic system in maintaining a state "appropriate for efficient information processing."
The Structure of the Introductory Economics Course in United States Colleges

The authors examine class size, teaching methods, and the one-semester/two-semester organization of the first course in economics, where colleges and universities are classified into five broad categories, from liberal arts colleges to research institutions. Student satisfaction with respect to their institution is also reported.
Influence of Plant and Soil Chemistry on Food Selection, Ranging Patterns, and Biomass of Colobus guereza in Kakamega Forest, Kenya

Nutritional factors are among the most important influences on primate food choice. We examined the influence of macronutrients, minerals, and secondary compounds on leaf choices by members of a foli-frugivorous population of eastern black-and-white colobus—or guerezas (Colobus guereza)—inhabiting the Kakamega Forest, Kenya. Macronutrients exerted a complex influence on guereza leaf choice at Kakamega. At a broad level, protein content was the primary factor determining whether or not guerezas consumed specific leaf items, with eaten leaves at or above a protein threshold of ca. 14% dry matter. However, a finer grade analysis considering the selection ratios of only items eaten revealed that fiber played a much greater role than protein in influencing the rates at which different items were eaten relative to their abundance in the forest. Most minerals did not appear to influence leaf choice, though guerezas did exhibit strong selectivity for leaves rich in zinc. Guerezas avoided most leaves high in secondary compounds, though their top food item (Prunus africana mature leaves) contained some of the highest condensed tannin concentrations of any leaves in their diet. Kakamega guerezas periodically traveled great distances to exploit rare foods (bark from exotic Myrtaceae trees and soil) outside their normal home ranges. Our results suggest that these journeys were driven by the fact that these rare foods contained exceptionally high sodium concentrations, a mineral believed to be deficient in the guereza's usual diet. Lastly, our results are consistent with the pattern established across other Paleotropical rain forests in which colobine biomass can be predicted by the protein-to-fiber ratio in mature leaves. Of the 8 rain forests for which the relevant data are available, Kakamega features the second highest mature leaf protein-to-fiber ratio as well as the second highest colobine biomass.
Tectonic Emplacement of the Burro Mountain Ultramafic Body, Santa Lucia Range, California

The Burro Mountain body is a crudely equidimensional block of unusually fresh ultramafic rock. This block, along with numerous smaller and more elongate serpentinite bodies, has been emplaced in a highly sheared Franciscan terrane immediately west of the Nacimiento fault. This fault separates two major structural units: (1) on the east, a 40- by 300-mile block with basement of granitic rock, schists and gneisses, and (2) on the west, a 10- by 100-mile tract of Franciscan Formation. Within the Burro Mountain body the primary rock types and their approximate percentages are: peridotite (65), dunite (35), and pseudopyroxenite (<1). Variations among these lithologic types produce a well-defined internal structure, the two major elements of which are: (1) pervasive compositional layering whose attitude throughout the body varies little from N. 5° W., 80° E., and (2) superimposed discordant structures which may cut the earlier layering at any angle. The first set is thought to have been formed by metamorphic differentiation associated with internal deformation, the second set by metasomatic replacement, possibly a succeeding phase of the earlier metamorphic differentiation. Serpentinization is nearly complete at the margins but progressively decreases toward the center of the body. Contact metasomatism, related to Serpentinization, is responsible for the sporadic presence of rodingites around the margins. An arm-like extension of the main body and linear trains of serpentinite bodies extending for miles parallel to the regional structure may represent previous marginal material sheared out during emplacement. The tectonic nature of the emplacement is demonstrated by the discordance of internal versus regional structure, discrepancy of metamorphic grade between ultramafic and country rock, extreme marginal shearing, lack of igneous contacts, and association with other tectonic inclusions. Several lines of evidence suggest a subcrustal origin for the primary ultramafic rock.
Performance Pressure as a Double-edged Sword: Enhancing Team Motivation but Undermining the Use of Team Knowledge

In this paper, I develop and empirically test the proposition that performance pressure acts as a double-edged sword for teams, providing positive effects by enhancing the team’s motivation to achi...
Channel-aware distributed classification in wireless sensor networks using binary local decisions

This paper considers the problem of distributed multi-hypothesis classification in the context of wireless sensor networks. The goal is to reliably classify an underlying hypothesis at a fusion center using simple localized decisions at individual sensors. The fusion-center classification must be performed despite the presence of faults in both local sensor decisions and transmission channels between the sensors and fusion center. Local sensor nodes make binary classifications based on their noisy observations and send their decisions to the fusion center through parallel additive white Gaussian noise channels. The fusion center then uses these noisy versions of local decisions to perform a global classification. In contrast with other similar approaches for multi-hypothesis classification based on combined binary decisions, our approach exploits the relationship between the influence fields of different hypotheses and the accumulated noisy versions of local binary decisions as received by the fusion center, where the influence field of a hypothesis is defined to be the spatial region in its surrounding in which it can be sensed using some specific modality. The main contribution of this paper is the formulation of local and fusion decision rules that maximize the probability of correct global classification at the fusion center, along with an algorithm for channel-aware global optimization of the local and fusion center decision thresholds. The performance of the proposed classification system is investigated through practical scenarios. Performance analysis results show that the proposed approach could simplify decision making at local sensors while achieving acceptable performance in terms of the global probability of correct classification at the fusion center.