cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation and verification of a mechanistic permanent deformation model (shift model) to predict rut depths of asphalt pavement

The shift model is implemented in the layered viscoelastic asphalt pavement analysis for critical distresses (LVECD) program to predict the rut depth of asphalt pavements. The rut depth measurements taken at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) test track and the Federal Highway Administration Accelerated Facility (FHWA ALF) test sections are evaluated using the model. The model can successfully evaluate rut depth, which proves the capability of the model implemented in the LVECD program. The slight over-prediction of the NCAT sections can be explained by ageing in the field that increases the pavement's resistance to rutting. The simulation results support the hypothesis that triaxial stress sweep tests with confinement can represent the permanent deformation behaviour of asphalt concrete in the field. In this regard, excessive shear flow may be the reason for the under-prediction of the FHWA ALF mixtures. For better predictions, a correction factor (i.e. a transfer function) is suggested, w...
Surface Ly-5 glycoprotein in murine natural killer (NK) cell development, target binding and cytotoxicity.

The role of surface Ly-5 glycoprotein expression in the binding and lysis of susceptible tumor targets by natural killer cells was studied using NK cell-enriched splenocytes from 6-8 week old C57BL/6 mice which were reacted with anti-Ly-5 serum in the presence or absence of a source of complement. A conjugate assay was used to demonstrate that abrogation of tumor cell lysis by anti-Ly-5 serum involved the inhibition of NK cell binding to susceptible YAC-1 targets. Additionally, reconstituted membrane vesicles from NK cell-enriched splenocyte populations blocked binding of effector cells to YAC-1 lymphoma targets, a phenomenon which was abrogated by pretreatment of vesicles with anti-Ly-5 serum. Indirect immunofluorescent labeling and cell sorting were used in the physical separation of Ly-5+ and Ly-5- cells to examine the effect of interferon and interleukin preparations on Ly-5 expression and Nk activity. Three hour treatment of sorted Ly-5- cells with murine alpha + beta interferon resulted in conversion of 22% of the cells to an Ly-5+ phenotype, as well as a significant increase in the percent specific lysis of NK-susceptible YAC-1 targets when compared to freshly sorted Ly-5- cells (29.5 +/- 1.9 vs 2.6 +/- 4.0; p less than .001). In vitro proliferation of sorted Ly-5- cells was induced by three week culture in an interferon- and interleukin-containing supernatant from ConA stimulated BALB/c splenocytes (CM), followed by repeat analysis of Ly-5 expression and cytotoxic activity. Cell sorter purified Ly-5- cells cultured in CM acquired substantial surface Ly-5 with concomitant high levels of cytotoxic activity that remained partially susceptible to inhibition by anti-Ly-5 serum. The data presented suggest that surface Ly-5 glycoprotein expression is important for binding of freshly isolated NK cells to YAC-1 targets. In addition, Ly-5- precursors of NK cells are present in murine splenic tissues and can be induced by CM to become highly active effector cells with increased surface Ly-5 expression. The persistent susceptibility of a subset of these cells to inhibition of cytotoxic activity by anti-Ly-5 serum provides additional evidence of an important role for the Ly-5 glycoprotein in the natural killer cell cytolytic mechanism against certain targets.
Dynamic Linkages among Budget Deficits, Interest Rates and the Stock Market

This paper examines the dynamic linkages among the federal budget deficit, interest rates and the stock market for the United States from 1960 to 2006. The empirical strategy includes vector autoregression (VAR) and Granger causality analyses. The results suggest that budget deficits negatively impact upon stock returns, which implies a violation of the Ricardian Equivalence Proposition. Further analysis shows a higher sensitivity of stock returns to corporate taxes than to public spending. Finally, it is shown that although taxes are relevant for corporate profits in the short run, budget deficits are important for the stock market in the long run.
A rare case of positive prenatal intervention by early delivery for fetal hydronephrosis

A male fetus followed for prenatal hydronephrosis thought to be bilateral ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction experienced severe acute oligohydramnios at 30 weeks gestation and was delivered at 32 weeks by Cesarean section. Postnatal bilateral UPJ obstruction was confirmed and anuria documented along with renal failure. Percutaneous nephrostomies were performed with reversal of the renal failure, and bilateral pyeloplasties were performed with a good outcome.
Computational diagnostics for detecting phase transitions during nanoindentation

We study nanoindenmtion of silicon using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. with up to a million particles. Both crystalline and amorphous silicon samples are considered. We use compumtional diffraction pattems as a diagnostic tool for detecting phase transitions resulting from structural changes. Simulations of crystalline samples show a transition to the amorphous phase in a region a few atomic layers thick surrounding the lateral faces of the indenter, as has been suggested by experimental results. Our simulation results provide estimates for the yield strength (nanohardness) of silicon for a range of temperatures.
Excitation of potassium atoms by electron impact

Abstract An analytic central potential containing two adjustable parameters is used to generate wave functions for the ground and excited states of the potassium atom. The two parameters are chosen so that the potential reproduces accurately known values of optical oscillator strengths for the 4s-np, n ≥ 4, transitions. Using the Born approximation we calculate generalized oscillator strengths and integrated cross sections up to 5 keV for the 4s-np excitations. Comparison of the results with experiment is discussed.
Letterer‐Siwe disease in a young adult

SUMMARY A case of Letterer-Siwe disease occurring in a 16-year-old girl is described. The case fulfills all the accepted diagnostic criteria for the disease save that of age.
Dose escalation study of tezacitabine in combination with cisplatin in patients with advanced cancer

BACKGROUND The authors performed a dose escalation study of cisplatin and the novel deoxycytidine analog, tezacitabine, to determine the maximum tolerated dose of the combination. METHODS Twenty-three patients with advanced cancer and good performance status were accrued to 3 dose levels of tezacitabine (150–270 mg/m2) and cisplatin (50 mg/m2). Using a 28-day treatment cycle, both drugs were administered on Days 1 and 15. RESULTS Hematologic toxicity was the most frequently observed side effect and was dose limiting. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia complicated 75% and 31% of all cycles, respectively. Nonhematologic toxicities were mild. Among 18 evaluable patients, 2 with upper gastrointestinal tract tumors achieved partial responses and 4 had stable disease. CONCLUSIONS Based on dose-limiting neutropenia and thrombocytopenia at the highest dose level, the recommended Phase II doses are 200 mg/m2 of tezacitabine and 50 mg/m2 of cisplatin. Cancer 2003;97:1985–90. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11273
Cloning and Expression of Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) Steroidogenic Factor 1: Overlap with Hypothalamic but Not with Telencephalic Aromatase

The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) brain is highly sexually dimorphic. The organization and production of sex-specific song is considerably influenced by estrogens and androgens. Because the brain itself expresses several steroidogenic enzymes, the local production of sex steroids may contribute to sex differences in neural development. Sex steroid production in gonads is directed by a master regulatory factor, steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1). We have identified a cDNA encoding the homologue of SF1 in the zebra finch and utilized reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization to examine early and late developmental expression of SF1 in brain and in early gonadal development. We found that SF1 is expressed early in embryonic development in the Rathke pouch, beginning at stage 15 and extending to at least stage 27 in both males and females. The earliest expression of SF1 in gonads was found at stage 17 for both males and females and extended to at least stage 27. In brain, we assessed SF1 mRNA expression in posthatch and adult telencephalon, and we compared SF1 and aromatase mRNA expression in adult hypothalamus. In the telencephalon and hippocampus, aromatase was expressed independently of SF1, whereas in the hypothalamus, aromatase and SF1 expression were more closely associated. Expression of SF1 and of aromatase overlapped in restricted regions of the hypothalamus, suggesting that SF1 may regulate aromatase expression in these regions. These findings suggest that steroidogenesis in the zebra finch brain may be regulated by both SF1-dependent and SF1-independent mechanisms. No sex differences were detected in SF1 expression in brain.
Evaluation of maternal parent and puroindoline allele on kernel texture in a reciprocal cross between two hard spring wheat cultivars

Kernel texture is an important characteristic for both the milling and the end-use quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Gene sequence variation and mutations to the two puroindoline genes (Pina and Pinb), located at the Ha locus on chromosome 5DS, account for the majority of variation in wheat kernel texture. Other factors also influence kernel texture, including effects associated with different maternal parent backgrounds. To investigate the effect of two hard puroindoline alleles in different maternal backgrounds, a population of 228 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a reciprocal cross between two wheat cultivars ‘ID377s’ (Pina-D1b/Pinb-D1a) and ‘Klasic’ (Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1b) were examined in two succeeding generations (F7 & F8). Kernel texture was determined using the Single Kernel Characterization System (SKCS) and the RIL puroindoline haplotype was identified by the sequence-specific PCR amplification of each gene. Analysis of variance identified a significant (P ≤ 0.001) effect of the maternal parent and puroindoline mutation on kernel texture. RILs containing the Pina-D1b mutation were significantly harder than lines containing the Pinb-D1b mutation. RILs which had Klasic as the maternal parent were significantly harder than those which had ID377s as the maternal parent. When the maternal parent and puroindoline allele were analyzed in combination, RILs derived from Klasic as the maternal parent and the Pina-D1b allele were significantly harder (P ≤ 0.001) than those containing the same allele but ID377s as the maternal parent. The same occurred for RILs containing the Pinb-D1b allele, lines with Klasic as the maternal parent were harder than lines with ID377s as the maternal parent. These results corroborate the harder phenotype of the Pina-D1b allele and indicate a significant maternally-inherited contribution to kernel texture variation.
1213 TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA AND ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA IN NORTH CAROLINA: A STUDY OF CLUSTERING AND POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Two hundred and eighty-five cases of esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF/EA) occurring in North Carolina between 1952 and 1978 have been studied. Except for an increase of low birth weight and hydramnios in the study group, the cases are demographically representative of the general population. Cases without other malformations (isolated TEF/EA) and cases with other associated anomalies were analyzed separately. No significant clustering was found for the latter group while clustering over time was statistically confirmed for isolated TEF/EA cases. The dominant period for isolated TEF/EA was 8.3 years. Data compiled on 20 infectious diseases by the state of North Carolina were analyzed. A predominant period of 8.3 years was found for infectious hepatitis. The phase of the frequency curve for infectious hepatitis appears to coincide with that of the TEF/EA curve. Although these data do not allow us to conclude that a strong association exists between infectious hepatitis during pregnancy and the formation of TEF/EA in the fetus, they do suggest that this relationship should be studied further.
Nocturnal food-related hyperdipsia in the adult spontaneously hypertensive rat

Abstract Male adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) ate the same but drank more and had a higher water to food ratio (W:F) than did Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats in 24-hr when they had continuous access to standard laboratory pellets and tap water. When rats ate in the day phase of a 12:12 light/dark cycle after 24-hr food deprivation, SHR rats ate and drank the same as did WKY rats in a 60-min test. When the same rats ate at night after 24-hr food deprivation, however, SHR rats were hyperdipsic: They ate the same as did WKY rats, but SHR rats drank more and had a higher W:F. This relative hyperdipsia reflected the increased ability of ingestion of food to stimulate drinking in SHR, because when food was absent for a 60-min test at night SHR drank the same as did WKY rats. Three dipsogens which are candidate components for eating-elicited drinking in the rat, cellular dehydration, histamine and angiotensin II, elicited drinking differentially in SHR and WKY rats: SHR drank more than did WKY rats in response to (1) cellular dehydration produced by IP hypertonic saline, (2) large doses of SC histamine, and (3) SC angiotensin II. These results demonstrate that SHR exhibit a nocturnal food-related hyperdipsia which may reflect differential sensitivity to stimuli important for eating-elicited drinking such as increased osmolality and endogenous histamine or angiotensin.
Breeding Biology of the Golden-Faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops) in Venezuela

Abstract We present the first detailed information on the breeding biology of the Golden-faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops). Information was gathered from 96 nests in Yacambu National Park, Venezuela during the 2002 to 2008 breeding seasons. The enclosed nest was similar to descriptions of nests of other species in the genus. Eggs were laid on alternate days with mean (± SE) clutch size of 1.98 ± 0.02 (n = 45) and fresh weight of 1.616 ± 0.020 g (n = 48). Only the female incubated and the incubation period averaged 16.9 ± 0.3 days (n = 10). Nest attentiveness (% time on the nest) averaged 66.0 ± 1.6% (n = 40) and increased from early to mid- and late-incubation. Incubation behavior yielded an average 24-hr egg temperature of 34.88 ± 0.45° C (n = 7 nests, 43 days). The nestling growth rate constant for body mass (k = 0.285 ± 0.011) was slow even for tropical tyrannids. The nestling period for nests where exact hatch and fledging days were observed ranged from 17 to 19 days with an average of...
Photochemical nitrosyl linkage isomerism/metastable states

Abstract Low temperature photolysis studies of metal nitrosyl compounds have revealed the existence of metastable states that have now been shown to be nitrosyl linkage isomers. This review explores the background of this field and highlights recent work in the author's laboratory.
Clustering properties of a sterile neutrino dark matter candidate

The clustering properties of sterile neutrinos are studied within a simple extension of the minimal standard model, where these neutrinos are produced via the decay of a gauge singlet scalar. The distribution function after decoupling is strongly out of equilibrium and features an enhancement at small comoving momentum {proportional_to}1/{radical}(p). Dark matter abundance and phase space density constraints from dwarf spheroidal galaxies constrain the mass in the keV range consistent with a Yukawa coupling to a gauge singlet with mass and vacuum expectation value in the range {approx}100 GeV and a decoupling temperature of this order. The dark matter transfer function and power spectrum are obtained from the solution of the nonrelativistic Boltzmann-Vlasov equation in the matter dominated era. The small momentum enhancement of the nonequilibrium distribution function leads to long range memory of gravitational clustering and a substantial enhancement of the power spectrum at small scales as compared to a thermal relic or sterile neutrino produced via nonresonant mixing with active neutrinos. The scale of suppression of the power spectrum for a sterile neutrino with m{approx}keV produced by scalar decay that decouples at {approx}100 GeV is {lambda}{approx}488 kpc. At large scales T(k){approx}1-Ck{sup 2}/k{sub fs}{sup 2}(t{sub eq})+{center_dot}{center_dot}{center_dot} with C{approx}O(1). At smallmore » scales 65 kpc < or approx. {lambda} < or approx. 500 kpc corrections to the fluid description and memory of gravitational clustering become important, and we find T(k){approx_equal}1.902e{sup -k/k{sub fs}(t{sub eq})}, where k{sub fs}(t{sub eq}){approx}0.013/kpc is the free-streaming wave vector at matter-radiation equality. The enhancement of power at small scales may provide possible relief to the tension between the constraints from x-ray and Lyman-{alpha} forest data.« less
Increase of positive active material utilization in lead-acid batteries using diatomaceous earth additives

Abstract In this study we examined the use of diatomites to improve the discharge capacity and utilization of the positive electrode of the lead-acid battery. A large fraction of the positive electrode performance of this battery system (half-reaction shown below) is based on the ionic conduction of sulfuric acid through the plate. PbO 2 (s) + HSO 4 − + 3H + + 2e − → PbSO 4 (s) + 2H 2 O The porous diatomites improve the ionic conduction by providing channels in addition to the natural ones formed within the paste. The choice of diatomite is based on its stability in the oxidative and corrosive environment of the lead-acid battery, as well as its naturally high porosity. The diatomite particles were size sorted into 20–30 μm, 30–53 μm, 53–74 μm, and 74–90 μm fractions, and the discharge performances of each were measured at 1%, 3%, and 5% weight ratios. The best performance was observed with 53–74 μm particles with an optimum weight ratio of 3%. At this size fraction and weight ratio, diatomites show a 12.7% increase in active material utilization and a 9.3% increase in specific capacity at high rate discharge (50 mA cm −2 ) relative to control samples without diatomites.
Effects of weight and gender on a task of inattention

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have established that obese adolescents possess a stronger tendency to behave more impulsively and be more inattentive than healthy-weight children. Additionally, gender difference in inattention and impulsivity has also been substantiated by previous researchers. The current study examined the relationship between gender, body weight, and inattention and impulsivity in adolescents. It was hypothesized that obese males and females would have more inattentive and impulsive responses than their healthy-weight peers. METHOD: Participants were 113 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19; all participants completed the CPT-II, a measure of inattentive and impulsive response styles. RESULTS: Findings indicated that males who were classified as overweight or obese scored higher on inattention than did obese females, healthy-weight males, and healthy-weight females. Additionally, females committed a greater number of commission errors and were less able to distinguish the target stimuli, suggestive of impulsive responding. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate a gender difference in regard to impulsive responding, and also reveal an interaction of weight status and gender on inattention. Implications for prevention and treatment are discussed. Language: en
Commercial Contracts Of The Genoese In The Syrian Trade Of The Twelfth Century...

Introductory: importance of Genoese commerce, 129. — Characteristics of trade with Syria, 131. — Annual or semi-annual expeditions to Syria, 132. I. The Societas, 135. — Variations based on method of forming the capital investment, 140. — Other variations, and development in the last quarter of the century, 150. — II. The Accomendatio, 152. — Variations based on division of profits, 161. — Variations based on expenses, 164. — Conditional associations, 165. — Minor variations, 166. — Conclusion, 168.
Unoccupied orbital energies of 1,4-benzenedithiol and the HOMO–LUMO gap

Abstract The energies of the temporary anion states of 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT) are determined by electron scattering and compared with those computed by density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree–Fock (HF) methods. Using semi-empirical scalings derived from the ionization energies and electron affinities of a series of phenyl–ethynyl compounds, we compute the HOMO–LUMO energy gap of BDT. We show that without such scalings the gap is substantially underestimated using DFT and overestimated using HF methods. Scaled gaps are also determined for several related compounds and compared with experimental measurements in the literature.
PRL1 promotes cell migration and invasion by increasing MMP2 and MMP9 expression through Src and ERK1/2 pathways

The PRL (phosphatase of regenerating liver) phosphatases represent a distinct class of protein tyrosine phosphatases, which are implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis processes. Accumulating evidence indicates that alteration of PRL1 expression affects cell motility and tumor metastasis, although the biochemical pathways regulated by PRL1 remain less well defined. We find that elevated expression of PRL1 increases the levels of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9. We have studied whether MMP2 and MMP9 are regulated by PRL1 and participate in PRL1-dependent cell migration and invasion. To this end, knockdown or inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9 by either siRNA or a specific small molecule inhibitor blocks PRL1-mediated cell migration and invasion. In addition, we report that upregulation of PRL1 activates the Src kinase through increased Tyr416 phosphorylation, which culminates in the phosphorylation of focal adhesion proteins FAK and p130Cas, as well as ERK1/2 activation. We provide evidence that bo...
Effects of metaproterenol on pulmonary mechanics, oxygenation, and ventilation in infants with chronic lung disease.

Changes in pulmonary resistance, dynamic compliance, tidal volume, and transcutaneous Po 2 and Pco 2 after nebulized administration of metaproterenol were evaluated in eight newborn infants (birth weight 650 to 1060 g, gestational age 25 to 28 weeks) with chronic lung disease receiving mechanical ventilation. The infants were monitored continuously before and for 15 minutes after nebulization of metaproterenol during 3 consecutive days at mean age 34 days. There were significant increases in compliance, tidal volume, and tcPo 2 , and significant decreases in pulmonary resistance and tcPco 2 . These data show that bronchospasm contributes significantly to the high pulmonary resitance in preterm infants with chronic lung disease and that metaproterenol is beneficial in the therapy of infants with chronic lung disease requiring mechanical ventilation.
Cytochrome P450s: coupling development and environment

There is growing evidence that some members of the cytochrome P450 superfamily could be involved in the regulation of basic developmental processes such as pattern formation, morphogenesis, cell differentiation and growth. This development calls attention to the myriad small molecules metabolized by cytochrome P450s, some of which might function as the morphogens proposed by the Local Source-Dispersed Sink hypothesis. This new information also suggests a mechanism for the developmental toxicity of drugs and environmental pollutants: such compounds could interfere with normal development by altering the spatial and temporal expression patterns of cytochrome P450s required for normal development.
Diagnosis of a Left Coronary Artery to Right Ventricular Fistula with Progression to Spontaneous Closure

Abstract Coronary artery fistulas in structurally normal hearts are rare. The natural history of these lesions depends on their size and can cause congestive heart failure, infective endocarditis, ischemia, or accelerated atherosclerosis. These fistulas are usually closed either in the catheterization laboratory or surgically. This case demonstrates the prenatal diagnosis of a left coronary to right ventricular fistula and documents its natural history to spontaneous closure by 1 year of age. This may help confirm the rationale of observation rather than closure of small fistulas in selected cases of patients without symptoms. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2000;13:225-8.)
Yu et al. Reply.

A Reply to the Comment by R. A. Klemm {ital et} {ital al}. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Methyloprofundus sedimenti gen. nov., sp. nov., an obligate methanotroph from ocean sediment belonging to the ‘deep sea-1’ clade of marine methanotrophs

We report the isolation and growth characteristics of a gammaproteobacterial methane-oxidizing bacterium (Methylococcaceae strain WF1, "whale fall 1" that shares 98% 16S rRNA identity with uncultivated free-living methanotrophs and the methanotrophic endosymbionts of deep sea mussels, 94.6% 16S rRNA identity with Methylobacter species, and 93.6% 16S rRNA identity with Methylomonas and Methylosarcina species. Strain WF1 represents the first cultivar from the 'Deep Sea 1' clade of marine methanotrophs, which includes members that participate in methane oxidation in sediments and the water column in addition to mussel endosymbionts. WF1 cells were elongated cocci approximately 1.5 µm in diameter, and occurred singly, in pairs and clumps. The cell wall was Gram negative, and stacked intracytoplasmic membranes and storage granules were evident. The genomic GC content of WF1 was 40.5%, significantly lower than currently described cultivars, and the major fatty acids were 16:0, 16:1 ω9c, 16:1 ω9t, 16:1 ω8c and 16:2 ω9, 14. Growth occurred in liquid media at an optimal temperature of 23oC, and was dependent on the presence of methane or methanol. Atmospheric nitrogen could serve as the sole nitrogen source for WF1, a capacity that had not been functionally demonstrated in members of Methylobacter. On the basis of unique morphological, physiological, and phylogenetic properties this strain represents the type species within a new genus, and we propose the name Methyloprofundus sedimenti (type strain WF1 = BCCM LMG 28393 = ATCC BAA-2619).
Predictors of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Cardiac Focus

Background Myocardial injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with poor outcomes. Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is also a complication of aSAH. We sought to determine whether (1) DCI could be predicted by demographics, aSAH severity/aneurysm location, or aSAH-associated myocardial injury (SAHMI), and (2) DCI is associated with increased mortality after aSAH.
A comparison of methodologies for the assessment of host preference of the gregarious egg parasitoid Trichogramma platneri

Abstract The innate preference of Trichogramma platneri for the eggs of six host species ( Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), Cydia pomonella (L.), Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), Manduca sexta (L.), and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier)) was evaluated as the first host accepted by an individual female parasitoid when eggs were presented simultaneously. Selective exploitation of the same hosts by T. platneri was evaluated in no-choice, paired-choice, and multiple-choice tests, using number of parasitoids emerged, proportion of female offspring, and proportion of time spent on host eggs as different measures of preference. T. platneri showed a strong innate preference for C. pomonella and M. sexta . H. zea and M. sexta were the most preferred hosts and S. cerealella the least preferred, in the no-choice and choice tests. The number of progeny emerged and proportion of female offspring were equally suitable measures of host preference for T. platneri . Although no-choice and choice tests provided very similar preference ranking for T. platneri , a polyphagous species, the no-choice tests appeared poorer at separating hosts that were close in rank and multiple-choice tests were considered likely to be more realistic for more specialized control agents.
Compression of Human Motion Data Sequences

As more and more human motion data are widely used to animate computer graphics figures in many applications, there is an imperative need to compress motion data for compact storage and fast transmission. We propose a data-driven method for efficient compression of human motion sequences by exploiting both spatial and temporal coherences of the data. We first segment a motion sequence into subsequences such that the poses within a subsequence lie near a low dimensional linear space. We then compress each segment using the principal component analysis. Further compression is achieved by storing only the key frames' projections to the principal component space and interpolating the other frames in-between the key frames via spline functions. The experimental results show that our method can achieve significant compression rate with low reconstruction errors.
The imaging capability of VSOP

Abstract One of the prime goals of the VSOP mission is to produce VLBI images of radio sources at unprecedented high angular resolution for a given observing frequency. Of crucial importance in the production of VSOP images is the choice of weighting schemes. The paper examines some of the issues involved in choosing an appropriate weighting scheme and shows that a couple of schemes in common use by VLBI astronomers are inadequate for making VSOP images. When the appropriate weighting scheme is chosen, VSOP images of moderate dynamic range (≈ 1000:1) can be produced.
Preschoolers' Depression Severity and Behaviors During Dyadic Interactions: The Mediating Role of Parental Support

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the relationship between preschool depression severity, observed behavior, and parental emotional support in a population of 3.0- to 5.6-year-olds and their mothers. Method One hundred fifty preschoolers who underwent a comprehensive mental health assessment during which DSM-IV diagnoses were derived were included in this analysis. Child and parent behaviors during challenging structured dyadic tasks were systematically coded. Dyads with preschoolers in three diagnostic groups of interest were explored: depression, disruptive, and healthy. Depression severity sum scores were derived for children in all of the groups. Results Depression severity accounted for a significant ( p Conclusions Maternal emotional support mediated the relationship between preschoolers' depression severity and their persistence and compliance but not the relationship between depression severity and enthusiasm. Findings have important clinical implications because they suggest that both external relational and internal child factors may be operating in preschool depression.
Structural analysis of multicomponent reaction models: Part II. Formulation of mass balances and thermodynamic constraints

Simulation of chemical reactors requires the formulation of mass balances, often coupled with thermodynamic constraints such as ionization and chemisorption equilibria. We provide a systematic procedure for selecting the smallest sufficient set of dependent variables and a corresponding set of mass balances. The procedure depends on the type of reactor, and is developed for two common reactor types. The procedure is implemented on a computer and illustrated by examples from catalysis and electrochemistry.
The Privacy Calculus: Mobile Apps and User Perceptions of Privacy and Security

A continuing stream of new mobile data services are being released that rely upon the collection of personal data to support a business model. New technologies including facial recognition, sensors and Near Field Communications (NFC) will increasingly become a part of everyday services and applications that challenge traditional concepts of individual privacy. The average person as well as the "tech-savvy" mobile phone user may not yet be fully aware of the extent to which their privacy and security are being affected through their mobile activities and how comparable this situation is to personal computer usage. We investigate perceptions and usage of mobile data services that appear to have specific privacy and security sensitivities, specifically social networking, banking/payments and health-related activities. Our annual survey of smartphone users in the U.S. and Japan is presented from 2011. This nationally representative survey data is used to show demographic and cultural differences, and substantiate our hypotheses about the links between use and privacy concerns.
Methods for knowledge engineering in the development of a computerized admission testing system (CATS)

The authors developed an expert system for routine tests ordered when an adult patient is admitted to the general medicine services of a hospital. They describe the methods for knowledge engineering used to develop a computerized admission testing system (CATS). CATS was developed in successive iterations guided by expert input on discordant results. The methods illustrate the innovative use of quantitative measures of discordance to direct the knowledge engineering process. >
Differential effects of reasoning and speed training in children.

The goal of this study was to determine whether intensive training can ameliorate cognitive skills in children. Children aged 7 to 9 from low socioeconomic backgrounds participated in one of two cognitive training programs for 60 minutes ⁄ day and 2 days ⁄ week, for a total of 8 weeks. Both training programs consisted of commercially available computerized and noncomputerized games. Reasoning training emphasized planning and relational integration; speed training emphasized rapid visual detection and rapid motor responses. Standard assessments of reasoning ability – the Test of Non-Verbal Intelligence (TONI-3) and cognitive speed (Coding B from WISC IV) – were administered to all children before and after training. Neither group was exposed to these standardized tests during training. Children in the reasoning group improved substantially on TONI (Cohen’s d = 1.51), exhibiting an average increase of 10 points in Performance IQ, but did not improve on Coding. By contrast, children in the speed group improved substantially on Coding (d = 1.15), but did not improve on TONI. Counter to widespread belief, these results indicate that both fluid reasoning and processing speed are modifiable by training.
Detection and localization of a moving biochemical source in a semi-infinite medium

We develop methods for detecting and localizing a moving biochemical source in a semi-infinite medium (e.g., in air above the ground) using sensor array measurements. Potential applications include security, environmental monitoring, pollution control, and explosives detection. We derive models for the source substance concentration diffusion under different boundaries and environment conditions. A maximum likelihood estimation algorithm to localize the moving source is presented and its performance is analyzed by the Cramer-Rao bound. We derive two detectors (generalized likelihood ratio test as well as a mean-difference detector) and determine their performances in terms of the probabilities of false alarm and detection. Numerical examples illustrate the source diffusion model and the performances of the proposed methods.
Virtual-Force-Based Geometric Routing Protocol in MANETs

Routing is the foremost issue in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). To guarantee delivery and improve performance, most position-based routing protocols, e.g., greedy-face-greedy (GFG), forward a message in greedy routing mode until the message is forwarded to a local minimum where greedy forwarding is impossible. They then switch to a less efficient mode known as face routing. Face routing requires the underlying network to be a planar graph which makes geometric routing only theoretically feasible. To remove this constraint, this paper tackles the local minimum problem with two new methods. First, we construct a virtual small-world network by adding virtual long links to the network to reduce the number of local minima. Second, we use the virtual force method to recover from local minima without relying on face routing. Combining these two methods, we propose a purely greedy routing protocol, the small-world iterative navigation greedy (SWING+) routing protocol. Simulations are conducted to evaluate SWING+ against existing geometric routing protocols. Simulation results show that SWING+ guarantees delivery, and that its performance is comparable to that of the state-of-the-art greedy other adaptive face routing (GOAFR+) routing protocol.
Sequential Metabolism of Secondary Alkyl Amines to Metabolic-Intermediate Complexes: Opposing Roles for the Secondary Hydroxylamine and Primary Amine Metabolites of Desipramine, (S)-Fluoxetine and N-Desmethyldiltiazem

Three secondary amines desipramine (DES), (S)-fluoxetine [(S)-FLX], and N-desmethyldiltiazem (MA) undergo N-hydroxylation to the corresponding secondary hydroxylamines [N-hydroxydesipramine, (S)-N-hydroxyfluoxetine, and N-hydroxy-N-desmethyldiltiazem] by cytochromes P450 2C11, 2C19, and 3A4, respectively. The expected primary amine products, N-desmethyldesipramine, (S)-norfluoxetine, and N,N-didesmethyldiltiazem, are also observed. The formation of metabolic-intermediate (MI) complexes from these substrates and metabolites was examined. In each example, the initial rates of MI complex accumulation followed the order secondary hydroxylamine > secondary amine ≫ primary amine, suggesting that the primary amine metabolites do not contribute to formation of MI complexes from these secondary amines. Furthermore, the primary amine metabolites, which accumulate in incubations of the secondary amines, inhibit MI complex formation. Mass balance studies provided estimates of the product ratios of N-dealkylation to N-hydroxylation. The ratios were 2.9 (DES-CYP2C11), 3.6 [(S)-FLX-CYP2C19], and 0.8 (MA-CYP3A4), indicating that secondary hydroxylamines are significant metabolites of the P450-mediated metabolism of secondary alkyl amines. Parallel studies with N-methyl-d3-desipramine and CYP2C11 demonstrated significant isotopically sensitive switching from N-demethylation to N-hydroxylation. These findings demonstrate that the major pathway to MI complex formation from these secondary amines arises from N-hydroxylation rather than N-dealkylation and that the primary amines are significant competitive inhibitors of MI complex formation.
An OspC-Specific Monoclonal Antibody Passively Protects Mice from Tick-Transmitted Infection by Borrelia burgdorferi B31

A murine monoclonal antibody directed against Borrelia burgdorferi B31 outer surface protein C (OspC) antigen was generated by a method whereby borreliae were inoculated into the mouse via the natural transmission mode of tick feeding. Passive immunization with this antibody resulted in protection of C3H/HeJ and outbred mice from a tick-transmitted challenge infection. Immunofluorescence staining of borrelia cells indicated surface exposure of the OspC epitope reactive with the monoclonal antibody.
Appraising, researching and conceptualizing criminal thinking: a personal view.

Background It is argued that current interest in the concept of criminal thinking has its roots in traditional theories of criminology and criminal justice such as Sutherland's differential association model, neutralization theory, and Yochelson and Samenow's criminal personality. Aim The purpose of this paper is to briefly review and summarize theory, research, and practice on criminal thinking as it relates to the author's work in this area. Conclusions Three self-report inventories – the Criminal Sentiments Scale (CSS), the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS), and the Measures of Criminal Attitudes and Associates (MCAA); three principal areas of research – criminal thinking as a predictor of criminal behaviour, offence as a moderator of criminal thinking, and changes in criminal thinking leading to changes in criminal behaviour; and a general theory of criminal thinking are briefly reviewed in this paper. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A xenon ion pumped blue dye laser

A pulsed xenon ion laser with an output power of 5 kW at 364.5 nm has been used as a pump source for several blue dyes. Broad-band conversion efficiencies exceed 20 percent. The use of a birefringent filter provides tunable output in the blue region of the spectrum with a bandwidth of 0.08 nm and a pulsewidth of 120 ns.
Properties of Die Bond Alloys Relating to Thermal Fatigue

The differing performances of hard soldered and soft soldered power devices under cycling stresses are well understood. Hard soldered dice are often under considerable stress and may even fracture in extreme cases, but the solder itself does not degrade by fatigue after many temperature cycles. This behavior is due to the very high mechanical strengths of the hard solders between -55 and 150°C. On the other hand, soft solders transmit very little stress to the die but exhibit considerable degradation from thermal fatigue during temperature or power cycling. Both behaviors are related to the very low mechanical strengths and high ductilities of the soft solders. In this study the mechanical properties of the eutectic hard solders, Au-Sn, Au-Ge, and Au-Si, and two common soft solders, Pb-5%Sn and Sn-3.5%Ag-l.5%Sb, have been measured between -55 and 200°C. Several physical properties were also measured. An ahoy was then developed with mechanical properties intermediate to those of hard and soft solders and with a power cycling performance that approaches that of the Au eutectics. A model is presented which relates the fatigue behavior of hard, soft, and intermediate solders to their mechanical properties.
Hemodynamic effects of the orientation of a bi-leaflet mechanical heart valve implanted in an anatomic aorta

We perform high-resolution fluid/structure interaction simulations of a bi-leaflet mechanical heart valve implanted in an anatomic aorta with different orientations. The anatomic aorta geometry is obtained from MRI of an actual patient and is discretized with a body-fitted curvilinear mesh. The valve’s leaflets and housing are placed as immersed boundaries in the aorta grid. A physiologic plug inflow waveform with peak Reynolds number of 6000, based on inlet diameter and peak bulk flow velocity, is prescribed at the inlet. The orientation of valve implanted in the anatomic aorta can affect the hemodynamics. We will compare the hemodynamics of each orientation in terms of valve leaflet kinematics, flow patterns, and shear stress distributions.
Institutions Matter, but in Surprising Ways: New Evidence on Institutions in Africa

SUMMARY Estimation of the effects of institutions on long-term growth is severely limited by the endogeneity of institutions to the choices of governments. I thus approach the model from the household level and estimate the effects of aggregate institutions on household wealth. Under the benign assumption that institutions are exogenous to household choices this model gives unbiased estimates of multiple institutional variables. Issues then arise of the basic concepts and measurements of institutional variables. I revisit these issues and present new regional level institutional variables that are representative of 151 regions in thirteen African countries and measure clear concepts of institutions. I find that regional level institutions have significant effects on household wealth in a nonlinear fashion. Fear of crime, expectations of law enforcement and corruption at multiple levels are all estimated to have significant nonlinear effects on household wealth.
Decentralized synchronization protocols with nearest neighbor communication

A class of synchronization protocols for dense, large-scale sensor networks is presented. The protocols build on the recent work of Hong, Cheow, and Scaglione [5, 6] in which the synchronization update rules are modeled by a system of pulse-coupled oscillators. In the present work, we define a class of models that converge to a synchronized state based on the local communication topology of the sensor network only, thereby lifting the all-to-all communication requirement implicit in [5, 6]. Under some rather mild assumptions of the connectivity of the network over time, these protocols still converge to a synchronized state when the communication topology is time varying.
Utricular Configuration in Hypospadias and Intersex

AbstractTo evaluate the incidence and significance of an enlarged prostatic utricle in hypospadiac patients without underlying intersex 44 patients with the meatus located in the perineum, penoscrotal junction or proximal two-thirds of the penis were evaluated with cystourethroscopy immediately before the operation. There was an abnormally enlarged utricle in 57 per cent of the perineal, 10 per cent of the penoscrotal and none of the penile hypospadiacs, for an over-all incidence of 14 per cent. Concurrent analysis of a series of phenotypic male patients with hypospadias and intersex revealed a high incidence of enlarged utricle or the presence of a vagina masculinus.Utricular enlargement in itself does not indicate intersexuality but careful cystoscopic examination of its vault needs to be undertaken, searching for a cervix. An enlarged utricle can be a manifestation of delayed miillerian duct regression or decreased androgenic stimulation of the urogenital sinus.
Wheat Chromosome Analysis

The 13th International Wheat Genetics Symposium (IWGS) is being held in the year I begin my phased retirement, marking a career of 40 years in wheat genetics, beginning with a postdoctoral fellowship in 1973 with Ernie Sears and Gordon Kimber at Columbia, Missouri, then the premier center for wheat chromosome research. I was fortunate to have won a DF Jones fellowship for my research proposal, “Exploration and application of the Quinacrine and Giemsa staining technique in the genus Triticum” that led to the cytogenetic identification of wheat and rye chromosomes (Gill and Kimber 1974a, b). In 1973, I also attended, for the first time, the meetings of the 4th IWGS in Columbia, Missouri, and was in awe of the research presentations and heated discussions on wheat evolution. In 1979, I established my own research group and laboratory at Kansas State University focusing on wheat chromosome mapping and manipulation for crop improvement under the auspices of Wheat Genetics Resource Center (reviewed in Raupp and Friebe, Plant Breed Rev 37:1–34, 2013). Among the first visitors to my laboratory were Takashi Endo, then at Nara University, Japan, and Chen Peidu, from Nanjing Agricultural University, and presented this research at the 6th IWGS in Kyoto, Japan. Therefore, it is a special feeling to be returning to Japan for a farewell presentation. My intent is to briefly review the history of wheat chromosome research and how our laboratory played a role in advancing wheat chromosome analysis leading to the chromosome survey sequencing paper utilizing telosomic stocks (IWGSC, Science 345:285–287, 2014).