cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure measurement artifact with analog-to-digital conversion.

Pressure was transduced with the use of a fluidfilled catheter and standard medical monitoring equipment. When the signal was sampled at 200 Hz with an analog-todigital converter, an artifact was observed. The 3.5-Hz artifact had an amplitude of 0.3 to 0.9 mm Hg and was caused by aliasing of a noise contaminant from the 2,403.5-Hz electrical excitation signal of the transducer. The artifact was completely eliminated with a 100-Hz low-pass filter. Electrical filtering is necessary for accurate acquisition of pressure measurements with analog-to-digital conversion, even when the sampling rate satisfies the Nyquist criterion for the frequency response of the mechanical system. Although the impact of the artifact is small in the clinical area, it is important under some research circumstances.
From Arrow's Theorem to Incentives and Price Dynamics

Abstract Arrow's impossibility theorem has served as a dominant result within the social sciences for the last half-century. But, does it mean what we thought it did? Does it really require a dictator, or are there alternative, more benign interpretations? By developing an alternative interpretation, we discover that Arrow's result has interesting implications in a variety of topics ranging from the free rider problem of economics, incentives, and even an explanation for the chaotic behavior of price dynamics.
Mining robust neighborhoods for quality control of sensor data

Neighborhoods, as used for spatial and spatial-temporal data mining, define areas of similarity in data. Unless defined to account for outliers, missing data and spatial-temporal variation, the robustness of methods utilizing neighborhoods will suffer. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate that neighborhoods can be defined and used in a robust manner that is resistant to such challenges. Our approach employs robust methods in both neighborhood construction and neighborhood application to estimate observations. These methods were tested with a large weather sensor data set from the National Weather Service that includes quality control indicators. Results were compared to a popular method used in the weather community, evaluated by root-mean-squared error and grouped by quality control indicator. Our first time published results show that our methods are robust in the presence of outliers, missing data and spatial-temporal variation, yielding results consistent with quality control labels assigned to the data by the provider by way of an extensive rule-based system, indicating that our approaches show promise for use in quality control assessment.
Detecting single-wall carbon nanotubes with surface-enhanced Raman scattering from metal-coated periodic structures

We report on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from bundles of size-selected single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) deposited on ordered arrays of silver- and gold-coated silica spheres. Selective enhancement of the Raman-active tangential and radial modes of SWCNTs is exhibited in backscattering at surface plasmon resonance conditions. Enhancement at plasmon wavelength and sub-wavelength is shown for various periodic pitches of the substrates used.
A variant of Rubus yellow net virus with altered genomic organization

Rubus yellow net virus (RYNV) is a member of the genus Badnavirus (family: Caulimoviridae). RYNV infects Rubus species causing chlorosis of the tissue along the leaf veins, giving an unevenly distributed netted symptom in some cultivars of red and black raspberry. Recently, a strain of RYNV was sequenced from a Rubus idaeus plant in Alberta, Canada, exhibiting such symptoms. The viral genome contained seven open reading frames (ORFs) with five of them in the sense-strand, including a large polyprotein. Here we describe a graft-transmissible strain of RYNV from Europe infecting cultivar ‘Baumforth’s Seedling A’ (named RYNV-BS), which was sequenced using rolling circle amplification, enzymatic digestion, cloning and primer walking, and it was resequenced at a 5X coverage. This sequence was then compared with the RYNV-Ca genome and significant differences were observed. Genomic analysis identified differences in the arrangement of coding regions, promoter elements, and presence of motifs. The genomic organization of RYNV-BS consisted of five ORFs (four ORFs in the sense-strand and one ORF in the antisense-strand). ORFs 1, 2, and 3 showed a high degree of homology to RYNV-Ca, while ORFs 4 and 6 of RYNV-BS were quite distinct. Also, the predicted ORFs 5 and 7 in the RYNV-Ca were absent in the RYNV-BS sequence. These differences may account for the lack of aphid transmissibility of RYNV-BS.
In vivo expression and mutational analysis of the barley yellow dwarf virus readthrough gene.

Abstract The barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) coat protein gene is separated from an adjacent downstream open reading frame (ORF) by a single termination codon. Immunological analysis of this downstream "readthrough" region reveals multiple coat protein readthrough products. A full-length 72-kDa (P72) coat protein-readthrough fusion product is detected in total lysates from infected cells. However, purified aphid transmissible virions contain only a 50-kDa (P50) coat protein-readthrough product. Virion-associated P50 lacks the C-terminal domain predicted by its ORF sequence. A separate 33-kDa polypeptide (P33) corresponding to the readthrough C-terminus domain is detected in the crude cellular membrane fraction. Site-directed and deletion mutational analysis demonstrate that the readthrough ORF is dispensable for BYDV replication and virion accumulation in protoplasts. In contrast, a mutant which results in a continuous fusion product of coat and readthrough sequences is not viable. Point mutations were used to map regions required for P50 and P72 synthesis. A model explaining the relationships between the three forms of the readthrough polypeptides is proposed.
IDENTIFICATION OF CHLORELLA STRAINS BY SEROLOGICAL TECHNIQUES1,2

SUMMARY Three strains of Chlorella were examined, by serological procedures for cellular antigenic differences. Antibodies produced in rabbits against, the 3 different Chlorella strains demonstrated the presence of antigens common to all 3 strains. Adsorbed antisera identified antigens specific for each, strain.
Metabolism of Abscisic Acid and Its Regulation in Xanthium Leaves during and after Water Stress

Metabolism of abscisic acid was compared in stressed and in rehydrated leaf blades of Xanthium strumarium L. Chicago strain that were either detached or left intact on the plant. Under all conditions, phaseic acid was the major metabolite. The high level of phaseic acid that was observed in intact plants 1 day after recovery from stress declined slowly and had not yet reached the prestress level 1 week later. The glucosyl ester of abscisic acid, beta-d-glucopyranosyl abscisate, accumulated at a low rate during periods of prolonged stress. Repeated stress-recovery cycles resulted in a gradual increase in the level of the glucosyl ester, which did not decline following relief of stress for at least 34 days. The level of the glucosyl ester of abscisic acid may therefore serve as a cumulative indicator of the water stresses to which a particular leaf has been exposed.Darkness stimulated abscisic acid metabolism in both detached and attached leaves. Treatment of Xanthium leaves in light with ethylene or chemicals that release ethylene also resulted in a faster breakdown of abscisic acid. Inasmuch as darkness is known to stimulate ethylene production, it is proposed that enhancement of abscisic acid metabolism in darkness is mediated by ethylene.
“They probably aren’t named Rachel”: Young children’s scientist identities as emergent multimodal narratives

In this research we put forth a theoretical framework that explores the nature and value of multi-modal narratives as a tool for studying young children's conceptions of themselves as scientists as they exist in relation to scientists out in the world. This framework shapes and is shaped by an empirical study that took place within the context of a year-long program that engaged children in integrated science-literacy experiences around two units - one on matter and one on a forest ecosystem. Thirty-six children were asked twice to draw and discuss two pictures of times they were scientists. We present our findings in two main ways. First, we use case studies of three students (one each in the first, second, and third grade) to show how the various constructs in the theoretical framework come together in the empirical study, and to explore in depth the various ideas that the children revealed. Second, we share a summative descriptive analysis of the differences between the pre and the post interviews. One of the important findings included the increase in the number of pictures from the pre-interview to the post interview in which children represented themselves as scientists (31 to 61). The children also showed themselves and scientists out in the world as engaging in practices with a range of materials, for a variety of purposes, and with particular kinds of epistemological commitments.
A Test of Fit for the Negative Binomial and Other Contagious Distributions

Abstract A test of fit for the negative binomial and other contagious distributions is presented here. The test, is free of certain disadvantages of the Pearson chi-square test ordinarily used. The proposed test statistic, here called XF 2, is constructed from estimators given by Hinz and Gurland [5] which are obtainable through weighted least squares and which were shown to be highly efficient in wide regions of the parameter space. The power of the proposed test procedure is given for some alternatives and a comparison is made with the corresponding power of the Pearson chi-square test.
Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor/detector with an integrated on-chip reconstructor

The design of a detector array intended for use as a Shack-Hartman wavefront sensor is presented. The chip will output voltages that represent local tilts and currents that represent inferred piston information by processing the optical signals from a lenslet array. Each pixel in the array contains four phototransistors, arranged in a square, along with transistors needed to perform algorithms necessary to output signals. Each pixel has four built-in amplifiers to output a voltage for each of the four phototransistors. By combining these voltages off-chip, tilt information is obtained, and allows for positive and negative tilts to be output from a single-supply chip. All pixels contain a self-biasing circuit, allowing tilt information to be consistent across all pixels for apertures that are not uniformly illuminated. Algorithms for inferring piston information are generated by using CMOS transistors in current mode. The piston information is output as a current with a magnitude that is proportional to the actual piston value. The pixels are selected by means of bit-parallel row and column select. The outputs consist of four voltages, four currents to monitor the phototransistor behavior, and one current representing piston. There are inputs that allow the user to set a global piston offset, and overall bias for overriding the amplification of the tilt voltages. Simulations of this design suggest refresh rates in excess of 2kHz are easily attainable. The design of this wavefront sensor is optimized for low light levels and high refresh rates. Prototype detectors will be fabricated using a 0.5micron CMOS process. This detector could greatly simplify the process of wavefront reconstruction, and could even allow for direct hardware control of deformable mirrors in adaptive optics systems with an order of magnitude more channels than are currently used.
Editorial comment on "bridge to recovery: what remains to be discovered?".

Despite the remarkable efforts to characterize and understand bridge to recovery, it remains to be determined with complete clarity which patients should have an LVAD, what type should be used, how the device should be programmed to promote recovery, how to augment recovery pharmacologically, how to monitor recovery, what criteria to satisfy before recovery, and how to ensure a relapse-free recovery.
Home-Based Head Start and Family Involvement: An Exploratory Study of the Associations Among Home Visiting Frequency and Family Involvement Dimensions

Since 1965, Head Start has stood as a model, two-generational program for promoting developmental competencies among children living in socioeconomic disadvantage for the US and international communities. The cornerstone of Head Start is the promotion of caregivers’ involvement in their young children’s development and early learning. In accomplishing this ambitious goal, Head Start operates from a variety of programming options, one of which is home-based. The home-based Head Start program can occur alone or be combined with a classroom-based program. Relative to its classroom-based counterpart, the home-based program has received little empirical attention. To this end, this study explores the association of home visiting frequency to caregiver involvement as it occurs naturally in a combined Head Start program serving families in small urban communities. The interrelationships of child and family demographics to caregiver involvement as well as participation in the home-based program were also examined. Consistent with prior studies, two-parent families reported greater involvement in the children’s preschool education than other family structures. Additionally, home visiting frequency was higher for Hispanic families relative to African American and Caucasian families. Notably, home visiting frequency did not correspond with families’ report of their involvement with their child at home or preschool or their communication with classroom teachers. Although the exploratory nature of this study does not yield conclusions, it does call attention to the need to empirically investigate the development and integration of evidence-based caregiver involvement interventions in the home-based Head Start program.
The genome sequence of Geobacter metallireducens: features of metabolism, physiology and regulation common and dissimilar to Geobacter sulfurreducens

Background The genome sequence of Geobacter metallireducens is the second to be completed from the metal-respiring genus Geobacter, and is compared in this report to that of Geobacter sulfurreducens in order to understand their metabolic, physiological and regulatory similarities and differences.
A novel therapeutic strategy for experimental stroke using docosahexaenoic acid complexed to human albumin

Despite tremendous efforts in ischemic stroke research and significant improvements in patient care within the last decade, therapy is still insufficient. There is a compelling, urgent need for safe and effective neuroprotective strategies to limit brain injury, facilitate brain repair, and improve functional outcome. Recently, we reported that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6, n-3) complexed to human albumin (DHA-Alb) is highly neuroprotective after temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in young rats. This review highlights the potency of DHA-Alb therapy in permanent MCAo and aged rats and whether protection persists with chronic survival. We discovered that a novel therapy with DHA-Alb improved behavioral outcomes accompanied by attenuation of lesion volumes even when animals were allowed to survive three weeks after experimental stroke. This treatment might provide the basis for future therapeutics for patients suffering from ischemic stroke.
Aflibercept for central retinal vein occlusion: an ongoing revolution or are we spinning in place?

B EFORE THE RECENT EXPLOSION OF INTRAVITREAL pharmacotherapy, management of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) had long been guided by the Central Vein Occlusion Study. The results of this landmark study, published in 1995, demonstrated no visual benefit with grid-pattern laser, and observation therefore was recommended with panretinal photocoagulation on detection of neovascularization. Without any proven treatment options before the incorporation of intravitreal therapy, management of CRVO had been straightforward. In this issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Brown and associates present 12-month data from the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Trap-Eye: Investigation of Efficacy and Safety in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (COPERNICUS) trial, whose visual benefits prompted approval of aflibercept (VEGF TrapEye or Eylea; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Tarrytown, New York, USA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of CRVO in September 2012. Aflibercept is the most recent member of the anti-VEGF armamentarium against CRVO, which also includes ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech Inc, San Francisco, California, USA), approved by the FDA in June 2009 based on results from the Ranibizumab for the Treatment of Macular Edema after Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRUISE) study, and bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech Inc), whose extensive, international use remains off label. Other proven treatment options include a sustainedrelease intravitreal dexamethasone delivery system (Ozurdex; Allergan Inc, Irvine, California, USA), which was approved by the FDA in June 2009 based on results from the Global Evaluation of Implantable Dexamethasone in Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema (GENEVA) trial, and triamcinolone acetonide, whose continued offlabel use was supported by results from the Standard Care vs Corticosteroid for Retinal Vein Occlusion (SCORE) trial. We, as ophthalmologists, are privileged to witness a profound advance in our ability to alter definitively the natural history of a visually disabling condition for which previously there had been no real treatment. In the COPERNICUS trial, 56.1% of eyes treated every 4 weeks
Stable nitrogen isotopes in zooplankton: Some geographic and temporal variations in the North Pacific'

Copepods and chaetognaths from the Southern California Bight had higher 15N:14N ratios than did those from the North Pacific Central Gyre. Within the bight, zooplankters were more enriched in 15N when N03- was the major nitrogenous nutrient for phytoplankton than at other times. The 15N enrichment is related to the degree of exchange of nitrogen between the euphotic zone and deeper water, and the low 15N:14N ratio in the central gyre is probably also related to the importance of nitrogen fixation. In contrast, little geographic or temporal variation was observed in zooplanktonic fY3C.
Supporting process undo and redo in software engineering decision making

This paper presents a provenance-based approach for supporting undo and redo for software engineers. Writing software entails creating and reworking intricately intertwined software artifacts. After discovering a mistake in an earlier-completed task, a developer may wish to redo this task, but without undoing much of the work done since. Unfortunately, state-of-the-practice undo and redo mechanisms force the developer to manually redo the work completed since the mistake. This can cause considerable extra, often error-prone work. We propose tracking the software engineering process provenance data, and using it to enable (1) undoing tasks by reverting the state of the process execution, (2) revisiting an old task while storing the provenance of undone tasks, and (3) automatically redoing those undone tasks that are consistent with the revision. Our case study of a developer performing a well-understood but complex refactoring demonstrates how our approach can greatly reduce the cost of mistakes made early but discovered late.
Smart wheelchairs: A literature review.

Abstract— Several studies have shown that both children andadults benefit substantially from access to a means of indepen-dent mobility. While the needs of many individuals with disabil-ities can be satisfied with traditional manual or poweredwheelchairs, a segment of the disabled community finds it diffi-cult or impossible to use wheelchairs independently. To accom-modate this population, researchers have used technologiesoriginally developed for mobile robots to create “smart wheel-chairs.” Smart wheelchairs have been the subject of researchsince the early 1980s and have been developed on four conti-nents. This article presents a summary of the current state of theart and directions for future research. Key words: artificial intelligence, independent mobility, infra-red range finder, laser range finder, machine vision, powerwheelchairs, robotics, sonar, subsumption, voice control. INTRODUCTION Several studies have shown that both children andadults benefit substantially from access to a means ofindependent mobility, including power wheelchairs, man-ual wheelchairs, scooters, a nd walkers [1–2]. Independentmobility increases vocational and educational opportuni-ties, reduces dependence on caregivers and family mem-bers, and promotes feelings of self-reliance. For youngchildren, independent mobility serves as the foundationfor much early learning [1]. Nonambulatory children lackaccess to the wealth of stimuli afforded self-ambulatingchildren. This lack of exploration and control often pro-duces a cycle of deprivation and reduced motivation thatleads to learned helplessness [3].For adults, independent mobility is an importantaspect of self-esteem and plays a pivotal role in “aging inplace.” For example, if older people find it increasinglydifficult to walk or wheel themselves to the commode,they may do so less often or they may drink less fluid toreduce the frequency of urination. If they become unableto walk or wheel themselves to the commode and help isnot routinely available in the home when needed, a moveto a more enabling environment (e.g., assisted living) maybe necessary. Mobility limitati ons are the leading cause offunctional limitations among adults, with an estimatedprevalence of 40 per 1,000 persons age 18 to 44 and 188per 1,000 at age 85 and older [4]. Mobility difficulties arealso strong predictors of activities of daily living (ADL)and instrumental ADL disabi lities because of the need to
Ultraviolet radiation, evolution and the π-electron system

Ultraviolet radiation is an important natural mutagen. Because of the energetic characteristics, the carbon compounds most susceptible to UV absorbance are those that contain π-electron systems. The π-electron configuration is most commonly represented in organic chemistry within aromatic ring structures. An analysis of a wide range of biochemically important processes shows that the susceptibility of this system lies at the heart of almost all UV radiation effects on life. Its disruption accounts for UV radiation-induced damage in nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. However, throughout the evolution of the biosphere, life has also used the UV absorbance of π-electron containing compounds to screen out UV radiation, turning their UV absorbance into a protection mechanism. Although UV radiation effects can be analyzed in terms of organism physiology, a more reductionist analysis shows the π-electron system to be the common chemical determinant in the evolution of UV radiation damage effects and protection strategies in organisms. It reveals an interesting evolutionary story.
Shark Skin Boundary Layer Control

An investigation into the separation control mechanisms found on the skin of fast-swimming sharks, with a particular focus on the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) which is considered to be one of the fastest pelagic shark species, was carried out. Previous researchers have reported a bristling capability of the scales, or denticles, in certain species of sharks. This study identified that bristling angle is highly dependent on body location, with some scales easily erectable to angles in excess of 50∘. The flexibility of the scale appears to be due to a reduction in the size of the base of the scale where anchored into the skin. It is hypothesized that the scales act as a passive, flow-actuated mechanism as a means of controlling flow separation.
Frequency selective scattering properties of dielectric gratings

The extension of the optoacoustic scattering phenomenon to microwave and millimeter-wave applications has been investigated by many researchers using various approaches, including the coupled-wave, leaky-wave theories among the analytic methods and the unimoment, finite-difference formulations among the numerical techniques. The present study indicates that most of these methods are very time-consuming in terms of obtaining relevant data such as reflection and transmission coefficients at a single frequency. Therefore, a computationally efficient method of solution based on fundamentally sound principles needs to be chosen for the purpose of simulating the scattering process from a dielectric grating over a wide band of frequencies. Only Kong's (1977) second-order coupled-wave approach has been found to suit this purpose well. As an example, the reflection and transmission coefficients of a dielectric grating with a thickness to modulation periodicity ratio of 1.713 were determined. >
An Ensemble Model of the Male Gonadal Axis: Illustrative Application in Aging Men

Testosterone (Te) production declines in the aging male, albeit for unknown reasons. Plausible mechanisms include reduced secretion of GnRH, less feedforward by LH, and/or altered feedback by systemic Te. The present study tests all three postulates in a cohort of 10 young (20-35 yr old) and eight older (50-72 yr old) men. The experimental paradigm comprised graded blockade of the GnRH receptor to create four distinct strata of LH and Te pulsatility in each subject. A novel analytical formalism was developed to reconstruct implicit dose-response functions linking 1) virtual GnRH outflow positively to LH secretion, 2) LH pulses positively to Te secretion, and 3) Te concentrations negatively to the size and number of LH secretory bursts. Validation was by direct pituitary sampling in the horse and sheep. Statistical comparisons disclosed that age decreased the efficacy of each of 1) virtual GnRH outflow (P < 0.01), 2) LH drive of Te secretion (P < 0.01), and 3) total, bioavailable and free Te feedback on GnRH-driven LH secretion (P = 0.015). In contrast, age increased the potency of virtual GnRH feedforward (P = 0.013) and did not affect Te's inhibition of LH pulse frequency. Unexplained variance was less than 10%. Robustness was shown by resampling techniques. Accordingly, competitive silencing of one locus of control and ensemble-based analyses identified triple regulatory deficits in the aging male gonadal axis. The generality of the present integrative model suggests utility in parsing interlinked adaptations in other physiological networks.
Nanotube electronics: non-CMOS routes

In this paper, we review recent advances in controlled fabrication of carbon nanotubes of uniform diameter, length, and spacing, discuss their fundamentals, and present some of their possible applications in the broad context of nanotube electronics. The focus is placed on the fundamental properties, the underlying physics, and applications in acquiring information and executing information. The more traditional information processing roles of electronics and CMOS-like routes are intentionally excluded from this review. Directions and prospects of some future advances of both the nanotube technology itself and its applications are examined with the aid of a few specific examples at the end.
Opportunism in Co-Production: Implications for Value Co-Creation

This paper examines opportunistic consumer behavior in the context of co-production. Specifically, we identify different types of opportunistic behaviors consumers engage in co-production, interrog...
Towards automatic personalization of device controls

People are increasingly using customizable remotes to interact with devices in new and interesting ways that are influenced by the idiosyncrasies of their behaviors and environments. With the growing use of advanced processors in small consumer electronics, it is becoming more practical to have such remotes execute machine-learning algorithms that can automatically specify the idiosyncrasies. This paper addresses two especially useful and common types of features of personalizable remotes: "task based button grouping" and macros. "Task-based button grouping" addresses clutter and frequent screen switching by only presenting the commands (or buttons) a user needs to accomplish a given active task. Macros allow users to efficiently invoke a sequence of commands across multiple devices that are used in the task. The contributions of this work include: (a) an identification of several usage patterns that show limitations of previous work in task and macro based commands, (b) a set of new algorithms that apply these patterns to address these limitations, and (c) an evaluation of each algorithm using real-world interaction data. We show that our algorithms, which uniquely apply fuzzy techniques and time-based heuristics, can offer a significant improvement from the state-of-the-art in automation and accuracy.
Robust Auto-Regressive Spectrum using a Reiterative Median Cascaded Canceller

Auto-regressive (AR) models are used to form temporal and/or spatial super-resolution spectra for source signal detection and estimation. An AR spectrum is considered a super-resolution technique that can distinguish signal frequencies or angular locations with higher resolution, and often using many fewer data samples, as compared to Fourier spectral techniques. This paper presents a novel method to form a robust AR spectrum by exploiting the reiterative median cascaded canceller (RMCC) algorithm. The result is a robust estimate of a linear prediction weight vector and its corresponding AR spectrum. In addition, by utilizing the spectral estimates for each iteration of the RMCC, the non stationary spurious peaks typical of AR spectra are reduced significantly. We note that no additional training data is required to form the multiple spectral estimates in this technique.
Rheological Behavior of Emulsion Residues Produced by Evaporative Recovery Method

The increasing use of surface treatments has generated a need for the development of specifications and test methods for performance of construction and in-service properties of emulsions. A major impediment in characterizing emulsion is the establishment of a generally accepted residue recovery method. ASTM recently approved a procedure for a low-temperature evaporative recovery method. It involves consecutive 24-h curing periods at 25°C and 60°C in a forced-draft oven. Initial rheological evaluation of emulsion residues indicates that residue properties far exceed those of the unaged base binder and are closer to those of aged materials. Also, concerns have been expressed about the length of this procedure and the possibility for reducing the time required. This study focused on evaluating whether the full 48-h curing period is required and identifying the cause of different behaviors relative to base binders. Evaluation was conducted at high and intermediate temperatures on emulsion residues and base binders subjected to different aging conditions, with the dynamic shear rheometer. The study included neat and polymer-modified base asphalts, and latex, polymer-modified, and conventional cationic rapid set emulsions. Results indicate that oxidative aging contributes significantly to the change in rheology with time of curing, compared with unaged base binder. Especially for modified emulsions, the full 48-h curing period is needed for full development of rheological properties. However, the properties should be compared with short-term aged binders rather than unaged binders. Results support the ASTM method but suggest that residue be considered rolling thin-film oven-aged material rather than unaged material.
Impulsivity and cigarette smoking: discounting of monetary and consumable outcomes in current and non-smokers.

Rationale In delay discounting, temporally remote rewards have less value. Cigarette smoking is associated with steeper discounting of delayed money. The generality of this to nonmonetary outcomes, however, is unknown.
18F-FDG PET/CT for image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Advances in technology have allowed extremely precise control of radiation dose delivery and localization within a patient. The ability to confidently delineate target tumor boundaries, however, has lagged behind. 18F-FDG PET/CT, with its ability to distinguish metabolically active disease from normal tissue, may provide a partial solution to this problem. Here we review the current applications of 18F-FDG PET/CT in a variety of disease sites, including non–small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This review focuses on the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT to aid in planning radiotherapy and the associated benefits and challenges. We also briefly consider novel radiopharmaceuticals that are beginning to be used in the context of radiotherapy planning.
Learning War/Learning Race Fourth-grade Students in the Aftermath of September 11th in New York City

The tragedy of September 11th produced immense controversy and re-ignited simmering culture wars in the media over the presentation of these events in American schools, or what students should know. The ethnographic research conducted with fourth-grade students in a public school in Brooklyn, New York, side-stepped this debate in order to contribute to it. Specifically, the goal was to capture what children do in fact know through an investigation of their modes of speaking and writing about these events. What figured most prominently in the students’ talk and writing was their racialization of a far-away and ill-defined enemy. By showing how this racialization was also evident in the students’ interactions and friendship, and contextualizing these patterns in the racial (dis)order of the United States, I suggest that the events of September 11th and the war on terrorism have produced a culture of fear that will have lasting, if as yet unintelligible, effects on the racial dynamics of the United States.
Identification of a Gene Encoding Heat-Resistant Agglutinin in Escherichia coli as a Putative Virulence Factor in Urinary Tract Infection

Escherichia coli causes the vast majority of urinary tract infections (UTI) in both ambulatory and hospital patients. Several uropathogenic virulence factors have been identified, but half of all E. coli isolates that cause UTI have none or only one of the known virulence factors. Thus, it is reasonable to presume that other bacterial factors may be important in UTI pathogenesis. In order to find additional uropathogenic E. coli genes, we used genomic subtraction to identify DNA regions present in a uropathogenic strain of E. coli (1128-11). Genomic subtraction yielded 40 tester-specific fragments, including a novel heat-resistant agglutinin (hra) gene fragment. hra occurred in 55% of 486 UTI strains compared to 28% of 165 rectal strains (P = 0.001). The hra gene in 1128-11 was cloned, sequenced, and found to have 91% homology to the hra gene from E. coli meningitis strain RS218. The genetic organization of genes flanking hra in 1128-11 is distinct from the hra found in E. coli strains J96 and RS218. In our UTI and rectal specimen collections, hra was positively associated with a number of known virulence genes, including pathogenicity island genes hly and cnf, which are absent in 1128-11. The presence of hra in 1128-11 independent of hly/cnf suggests multiple mechanisms by which hra can be acquired by pathogenic E. coli strains. The flanking genes suggest that in 1128-11, hra may be part of a novel variant of a pathogenicity island V.
MEASURING ANNUAL REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN BIRDS

Abstract From simulated data on three populations, I calculate different measures of “reproductive success”: clutch size, egg success (the proportion of eggs that produce young), nest success (the proportion of clutches that produce young), and the annual reproductive success per female in terms of both number of broods and number of young reared successfully during a breeding season. These measures of success are not correlated. Differences in egg success or nest success do not necessarily translate into differences in annual reproductive success, and differences in annual reproductive success do not necessarily translate into evolutionary success.
INTRAGUILD INTERACTIONS AND POPULATION REGULATION IN PLETHODONTID SALAMANDERS

In this paper I review the contributions of analytic and experimental research on intraguild predation and interspecific competition to our understanding of population regulation in plethodontid salamanders. Henry Wilbur's model of population regulation in amphibians serves as a framework for the arguments. Much of the discussion is based on studies of eastern North American plethodontids that have been the focus of most of the research. Ensembles of plethodontids in this region include species with complex life cycles (i.e., larval development) and simple life cycles (i.e., direct development). Interactions between members of these two life-history categories appear to be weaker than those within categories. Whereas there is no definitive evidence of factors that regulate populations of plethodontid salamanders, interspecific competition and intraguild predation do appear to contribute in some ensembles. Food and space have been identified as limiting resources in interspecific competition. Although predation of larger on smaller salamanders may be relatively rare in nature, the threat of predation appears to promote behavioral responses in members of the smaller species that reduce risks but may lower fitness through other effects. The role of extralimital predators and competitors in regulation of these salamanders is largely untested. Ideally, future research should involve manipulative experiments on unenclosed field plots that examine effects of resources, intraguild competitors and predators, and extralimital predators on populations of key species of plethodontids.
Optimization-based Process Synthesis for Sustainable Power Generation

Advanced power generation processes are challenged by needs for minimization of CO2 emissions, higher energy efficiency and integration of superior processing technologies. These challenges also require the development of more effective models and strategies for large-scale process optimization. This study considers optimization tools and formulations for process synthesis, which highlight equation oriented modelling environments, nonsmooth modelling via complementarity conditions and fast optimization algorithms. We especially focus on novel formulations for process synthesis that take advantage of these state of the art optimization algorithms. All of these are formally represented as bi-level nonlinear programming (NLP) problems and include Gibbs reactor models, vapour-liquid equilibrium with vanishing and reappearing phases, and simultaneous heat integration and flowsheet optimization. These applications are demonstrated on the process synthesis of a coal oxycombustion process for clean electric power generation.
Epidemiology and pathophysiology of cervical disc herniation

The objective of this article is to review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cervical disc herniation (CDH). A literature search was performed using PubMed as well as other online data sources (e.g., Science Direct). Reviews, case reports, and both prospective and retrospective studies were searched and have been referenced. The data regarding epidemiology of CDH is not as extensive as that of lumbar disc herniation, however, CDH tends to be the most common among those with degenerative disc disease more than 40 years of age. Presenting symptoms include radiculopathy associated most commonly with the cervical (C) 6–7 level. The pathophysiology of symptomatic CDH may be understood by appreciating both the mechanical and chemical changes that occur within the intervertebral disc as one ages. Finally, more studies should be conducted to better understand the outcome and prognosis of this diverse patient population.
A Glass Half Full? State-Building, Party-Building, and the 'Citizens' Revolution' in Ecuador

Numerous studies have analyzed the differences between various types of "new left" governments in Latin America from the perspective of economic policy (more versus less market-oriented) and regime type (more versus less democratic). Using the case of Ecuador this paper explores the ways that "populist leftist" governments (such as those currently in place in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela) can provide a basis for strengthening state institutions and political party systems. This is contrary to most recent research which views these governments as weakening state institutions and undermining political parties. I explore the possibilities and challenges of state and party-building through an analysis of economic and tax policy, state-society relations, and the formation and performance of Rafael Correa's political party, Alianza Pais. I also analyze how conservative actors have responded to the changes implemented by the Correa government and what the relationship between Correa and his political opponents can tell us about the possibility of achieving democratic stability in one of the most unstable countries in the region.
"Is Taiwan Chinese?": Does It Really Matter?

Ultimately the problem is one of identity—Han ethnic identity, Chinese national identity, and the relationship of both these identities to the new Taiwanese identity forged in the 1990s. The PRC claims that Taiwan (unlike Korea) is ethnically Han and therefore should be part of the Chinese nation. Even though Taiwan acknowledges and honors its Chinese heritage, it now claims not to be Chinese [and] ... has started to assert its claim to sovereignty in terms of the social basis of its identity (pp. 1-2).
User Decision-Making and Technology Choices in the U.S. Carsharing Market

Abstract Each time a user of a carsharing service reserves a vehicle they choose from a selection of vehicles that vary in attributes including rental price, the distance of the vehicle from their current location, the availability of the vehicle at their desired reservation time, and the type of vehicle (e.g., gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Electric). In this paper we analyze the results of a discrete choice survey administered to members of a leading North American carsharing organization. We quantify how carsharing users value price, distance from them, schedule and vehicle type. We find that for an average user, traveling one mile for a vehicle or rescheduling a trip by up to one hour are each approximately equivalent to a US$2/hour increase in vehicle price. We find that carsharing acts as a conduit to introduce users to new vehicle technology: more than half users report having driven a Hybrid vehicle through carsharing, representing 400 users exposed for every one Hybrid vehicle in service. All else being equal, users most prefer Hybrid vehicles. Users who report driving longer distances prefer not to take either electric vehicles or Plug-in Hybrids, despite the fact that Plug-in Hybrids do not have significant range limitations.
Photon gated persistent spectral hole burning for the meso-tetra-p-tolyl-Zn-tetrabenzoporphyrin/chloroform system in poly(methylmethacrylate): temperature dependence

Persistent spectral hole burning has been utilized as both a tool for studying relaxation processes in amorphous solids1 and a means for possibly achieving high density frequency domain optical storage.2 In photon-gated hole burning, two photons (ideally of different wavelengths) are required to induce the photochemical reaction leading to hole formation. In effect, the first photon produces the site selection, and the second photon acts as a gate on the photochemistry.
Experimental Assessment of Interactions Between Larval Coleomegilla maculata and Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Field Cages

This experimental field study examined the interactions between larvae of Coccinella septempunctata L., an introduced Palearctic species, and Coleomegilla maculata (Degeer), a Nearctic species. The interactions were examined in 5.8-m3 field cages enclosing potatoes infested with Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae). Intra- and interspecific interactions were compared by using 4 measurements: developmental time and survival from 1st instar to adult, adult weight for each coccinellid species, and M. persicae density. No significant differences were found between intra- and interspecific treatments in C. maculata survival: 19.6 and 18.3%, in 1992 and 5.7 and 3.3%, in 1993, respectively; or developmental time: 24.6 and 25.4 d in 1992 and 20.4 and 20.6 d in 1993, respectively. In 1992, no significant differences were observed between the intra- and interspecific treatments in C. septempunctata survival (38.3 and 39.2%) or developmental time (20.0 and 20.5 d). In 1993, no C. septempunctata survived to adults at the relatively lower prey densities. Interspecific interactions between C. septempunctata and C. maculata larvae did not significantly affect M. persicae density, compared with densities in intraspecific cages.
Mapping for Path Planning using Maximal Empty Rectangles

This study applies a new map representation, named R-map, to the pathplanning problem. The R-map is calculated as a reduced-element representation of a grid map. Grid maps express obstacles and free space with a binary representation for each cell. The concept of the R-map is to integrate free cells into the maximal empty rectangles by surveying the numbers in a grid map. By calculating the R-map, the number of free cells in the grid map is dramatically reduced and this accomplishes data reduction.
Monitoring and analysis of rabies-exposed patients in Nanshan District of Shenzhen City between 2005 and 2011

OBJECTIVE Epidemic features of patients who were attacked by dogs in Nanshan District of Shenzhen City and the immunization rate of rabies vaccine for human were analyzed to provide a scientific reference for rabies control and prevention.METHODS Descriptive research approach was adopted in this study.Medical records of rabies clinics in the area between 2005 and 2011 were obtained,and various factors,including gender of patient,age,date of attack,level of exposure,wound treatment,vaccination history,and the species of animal the patients were attacked by,were analyzed.RESULTS Between 2005 and 2011,a total of 59 960 rabies-exposure cases were reported in the area,and the number has been rising each year,with an average exposure rate of 605.39 per 100 000 people.Most cases involved dog attacks,accounting for 75.66% of the surveyed cases;and the peak seasons of animal attack were summer and autumn.The rabies-exposed patients were mostly young adults,with the number of male patients slightly higher than that of female(1︰0.85).Most patients(93.84%) were treated properly and timely,with 97.17% completed a standard full-course vaccination.However,only a portion of grade III patients(20.90%) was treated with rabies immunoglobulin in addition to the vaccines.CONCLUSION The most effective measures against rabies include strengthening the management of dogs and cats so to reduce the risk of animal attacks,and raising public awareness and knowledge on rabies prevention so for rabies-exposed patients to receive timely and proper treatments,as well as increasing the immunization rate of rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin.
Meditations on conservation

In her new book, The Hour of Land, it would have been easy for Terry Tempest Williams to fall back on "the best idea we ever had"—an interpretation of the U.S. National Parks articulated by Wallace Stegner in 1983 and popularized by Ken Burns in 2009. Instead, Williams asks hard questions about the current relevance and original goodness of America9s parks. She offers a poetic revision to the Organic Act of 1916, which mandated the conservation of scenery and wildlife for the enjoyment of the public in such a manner as to leave them unimpaired. In her 400-page mission statement, Williams updates "enjoyment" to spiritual renewal, specifies that "the public" means more than white people, and insists that "unimpaired" means what it says.