cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multispectral fingerprinting for improved in vivo cell dynamics analysis

Tracing cell dynamics in the embryo becomes tremendously difficult when cell trajectories cross in space and time and tissue density obscure individual cell borders. Here, we used the chick neural crest (NC) as a model to test multicolor cell labeling and multispectral confocal imaging strategies to overcome these roadblocks. We found that multicolor nuclear cell labeling and multispectral imaging led to improved resolution of in vivo NC cell identification by providing a unique spectral identity for each cell. NC cell spectral identity allowed for more accurate cell tracking and was consistent during short term time-lapse imaging sessions. Computer model simulations predicted significantly better object counting for increasing cell densities in 3-color compared to 1-color nuclear cell labeling. To better resolve cell contacts, we show that a combination of 2-color membrane and 1-color nuclear cell labeling dramatically improved the semi-automated analysis of NC cell interactions, yet preserved the ability to track cell movements. We also found channel versus lambda scanning of multicolor labeled embryos significantly reduced the time and effort of image acquisition and analysis of large 3D volume data sets. Our results reveal that multicolor cell labeling and multispectral imaging provide a cellular fingerprint that may uniquely determine a cell's position within the embryo. Together, these methods offer a spectral toolbox to resolve in vivo cell dynamics in unprecedented detail.
Pictures in cell biology: Lampbrush chromosomes from sperm chromatin

The largest known chromosomes occur in the nuclei of amphibian oocytes. These so-called lampbrush chromosomes (LBCs) consist of a central axis of inactive chromatin from which hundreds or thousands of transcriptionally active loops extend laterally (Fig. 1Fig. 1). Although LBCs were discovered over 100 years ago, little is known about the factors that cause interphase chromatin to transform into these extraordinary structures during oogenesis. Recently, Gall and Murphy[1xGall, J.G. and Murphy, C. Mol. Biol. Cell. 1998; 9: 733–747Crossref | PubMedSee all References[1]found that typical LBCs can be produced `artificially' by injecting Xenopus sperm heads into the nucleus of a Xenopus oocyte. The injected sperm head first swells, then transforms into a loose aggregate of chromosome-like threads and eventually gives rise to 18 giant chromosomes that closely resemble the endogenous LBCs. Heterologous injections also work: sperm heads from the leopard frog and the zebrafish form LBCs in Xenopus oocytes, as do Xenopus sperm heads injected into newt oocytes (Fig. 2Fig. 2). Somewhat surprisingly, the injected sperm heads form LBCs with some characteristics corresponding to the species in which they are injected, suggesting that both donor DNA and recipient nuclear factors govern the formation of LBCs. These results suggest that it will be possible to produce LBCs from mammals and other organisms that do not go through a typical lampbrush phase or whose nuclei are too small to be handled by current techniques. Human LBCs would be particularly valuable for high-resolution analysis of transcriptionally active genes by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence.Fig. 1Small segment of a lampbrush chromosome from the newt Notophthalmus stained with an antibody against splicing factors (anti-Sm). The lateral loops represent transcriptionally active regions of the chromosome. The small round granules are snurposomes, organelles thought to correspond to the speckles seen in somatic nuclei stained with this antibody. Bar, 20 μm.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint SlideFig. 2(a) Swollen Xenopus sperm head one day after injection into the nucleus of a newt oocyte, stained with an antibody against RNA polymerase II. The inset shows a sperm head before injection, stained with the DNA-specific dye DAPI. (b) Two Xenopus lampbrush chromosomes derived from a sperm head injected two days previously into the nucleus of a newt oocyte. Each sperm head produces 18 such chromosomes. Immunofluorescent staining is for RNA polymerase II. Bar, 20 μm.View Large Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Executive compensation and the Modern Industrial Revolution

Abstract The controversy over executive compensation reflects a populist attack on wealth and legitimate shareholder concerns regarding ineffective pay practices. These factors both reflect rapid worldwide political, economic, and technological changes that have redistributed income (causing the populist revolt), and produced excess capacity (causing the failure of pay systems that reward size and growth rather than wealth creation). The new world economy has produced unparalleled opportunities to create wealth, even in sectors with few growth opportunities. In order to realize these opportunities, compensation committees must provide incentives to create, rather than destroy, value, and must not acquiesce to the populist attack on high pay.
Use of Organo- and Alkoxysilanes in the Synthesis of Grafted and Pristine Clays

A one-step, direct method is described for the creation of synthetic smectite clays grafted with organics on the interlayer surfaces using an organotrialkoxysilane as the silica source. The silane ...
SEPIA. A simulator for electric power industry agents

Over the last several years, a technological convergence-increasing processing power and memory capacities, component software infrastructure developments, and adaptive agent architectures-has made possible the development of a class of simulation and optimization tools that was unimaginable earlier. With careful design, these tools can be easy to use for nonexpert users, and they can provide a level of decision support and insight that can potentially have tremendous impact in terms of problem understanding and performance. This technology is particularly relevant to the electricity enterprise as it undertakes the difficult transition toward deregulation and open competition. Our current work, as realized in SEPIA, constitutes little more than a first step in this context, but we hope it can serve as an initial demonstration of the power of a complex adaptive systems approach for challenging practical applications.
Efficient sodium cation transport across liposome membranes using synthetic carriers

A series of 12 synthetic ionophores containing an amide subtituent connected via a methylene bridge to an aza-crown ring were evaluated for their ability to transport Na + across large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) using dynamic 23 Na NMR spectroscopy. The structures contain lipophilic groups connected to the amide nitrogen, ranging in size from C 5 H 11 to C 18 H 37 , and are either tertiary or secondary amides. The crown ether ring size was also varied from 12-C-4 to 15-C-5 to 18-C-6. Surprisingly, the Na + transport efficiencies were very high, with one synthetic system exhibiting an overall transport rate constant similar to that for a naturally-occurring ionophore, monensin
Enlivening Dance History Pedagogy through Archival Projects.

ABSTRACT Dance archives can bring students into contact with historical subjects through artifacts of the past. This article advocates the use of archival projects in undergraduate dance history courses, arguing that such hands-on learning activities give students dynamic and interactive experiences of history. The author describes a creative project she has successfully implemented that brings students to an archive. Through this project, students learn about the choreographers and work documented in the collection, the nature of dance in past decades, and the process of writing dance history. Direct interaction with primary sources enables students to interpret the history of dance for themselves and encourages both empathy and imagination. To help other educators create similar learning experiences, the article provides tips on finding primary dance sources, gives examples of digital archives for dance, and makes suggestions for how to make pedagogical use of even a small archival collection.
Dendritic architecture of hypoglossal motoneurons projecting to extrinsic tongue musculature in the rat

The tracer, cholera toxin-horseradish peroxidase, was used to determine the dendritic architecture and organization of hypoglossal motoneurons in the rat. In 22 animals, the tracer was injected unilaterally into either the geniohyoid, genioglossus, hyoglossus, or styloglossus muscle. Within the hypoglossal nucleus, motoneurons innervating the extrinsic tongue muscles were functionally organized. Geniohyoid and genioglossus motoneurons were located within the ventrolateral and ventromedial subnuclei, respectively, while hyoglossus and styloglossus motoneurons were located within the dorsal subnucleus. Motoneurons located in all subnuclear divisions were found to have extensive dendrites that extended laterally into the adjacent reticular formation and medially to the ependyma. Less extensive extranuclear dendritic projections were found in the dorsal vagal complex and median raphe. Prominent rostrocaudal and mediolateral dendritic bundling was evident within the ventral subnuclei and dorsal subnucleus, respectively. Dendritic projections were also found extending inter- and intrasubnuclearly with a distinct pattern for each muscle. These data suggest that the varied and extensive dendritic arborizations of hypoglossal motoneurons provide the potential for a wide range of afferent contacts for, and interactions among, motoneurons that could contribute to the modulation of their activity. Specifically, the prominent dendritic bundling may provide an anatomic substrate whereby motoneurons innervating a specific muscle receive and integrate similar afferent input and are thus modulated as a functional unit. In contrast, the extensive intermingling of both inter- and intrasubnuclear dendrites within the hypoglossal nucleus may provide a mechanism for the coordination of different muscles, acting synergistically or antagonistically to produce a tongue movement. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The reaction of alloxan with glutathione and protein

Abstract The reaction of alloxan with GSH to form compound 305 has been studied. A direct correlation was found between the presence of a carbonyl group at position 5 and the reaction with GSH. The structure of compound 305 is discussed.
Endocrine features of an adrenal-like tumor of the ovary.

Abstract Detailed in vivo endocrine studies of a virilizing adrenal-like tumor of the ovary are reported. A nonspecific steroidogenic baseline profile was observed in the face of clearcut histological adrenal-like features. Dynamic testing disclosed incomplete dexamethasone-related steroidogenic suppression suggestive of partial tumoral autonomy. At the same time, the observation of sizable dexamethasone-related steroidogenic decrements, unaccounted for by normal adrenal contribution, may be interpreted to suggest a direct, pharmacological, inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on tumoral and/or ovarian stromal steroidogenesis. These observations confirm the limited role of baseline steroid profiling and dynamic testing in the preoperative localization of androgen-secreting tumors. Reversible dysfunction of hypothalamic gonadotropic feedback mechanisms was suggested by combined single dose LRH-clomiphene testing. Complete resolution followed tumor removal. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 48: 241, 1979)
A rotating-compensator fourier ellipsometer

Abstract A new digital Fourier ellipsometer is described which employs a rotating compensator and a fixed analyzer to measure the polarization of light reflected from the sample. This technique combines the advantages of null ellipsometry and previously reported rotating- analyzer Fourier ellipsometry (RAE) in that it is fast, precise, has data processing flexibility and operates at high detected levels, but removes the handedness ambiguity present in RAE. The instrument may be called a Fixed-Analyzer, Rotating-Compensator Ellipsometer, but in the interest of brevity the authors have chosen the acronym RCE.
COMMENT ON : MEASUREMENT OF THE RATIO OF DOUBLE-TO-SINGLE PHOTOIONIZATION OF HELIUM AT 2.8 KEV USING SYNCHROTRON RADIATION

A Comment on the Letter by J. C. Levin [ital et] [ital al]., Phys. Rev. Lett. 66, 968 (1991).
Resolution of multicomponent fluorescent mixtures by analysis of the excitation–emission–frequency array

Fluorescence lifetime provides a third independent dimension of information for the resolution of total luminescence spectra of multicomponent mixtures. The incorporation of this parameter into the excitation–emission matrix (EEM) by the phase modulation technique results in a three-dimensional excitation–emission–frequency array (EEFA). Multicomponent analysis based on the three-dimensional EEFA brings a qualitative change for the resolved spectra, i.e. individual spectra can be uniquely resolved, which is impossible with any two-dimensional analysis. In this paper we present a method for analyzing the EEFA. We show mathematically that with the three-dimensional analysis of the EEFA individual spectra and lifetimes can be obtained. Our algorithm is developed in mathematical detail and is demonstrated by its application to a two-component mixture.
Reaction-formed silicon carbide

Abstract The reaction bonding of silicon carbide (SiC) typifies liquid-solid reaction processes for the synthesis of refractory ceramic composites. These processes have particular advantages over conventional sintering and hot-pressing techniques in their lower processing temperatures, shorter times and near-net shape fabrication capabilities. Two particular modifications that we have employed in order to improve the mechanical properties and the ultimate use temperature of reaction-bonded SiC are the use of microporous carbon pre-forms derived from polyfurfural alcohol for refinement of microstructure, and the use of alloyed melts in order to replace detrimental residual silicon with a refractory silicide. The control of reaction rate is always a key issue in reaction processing. We have studied the kinetics and mechanisms of the liquid SiC reaction. Experiments on carbon fibers and plates show that the principle mechanism is one of solution-reprecipitation. There is an increased solubility of carbon at very fine SiC particles formed by the spallation of the misfitting carbide from the carbon interface, leading to reprecipitation of SiC at defective seed crystals. Molybdenum and boron at low concentrations (3.2 mol.%) have little effect on reaction kinetics, whereas aluminum is able to impede the reaction through the formation of an interfacial carbide layer.
Thomas Bradbury Chandler's "An Appeal to the Public"

Concerns the campaign of Thomas Bradbury Chandler (1726-1790)Â for an episcopate in the colonial Anglican church in America.
ON PLANE MINKOWSKI GEOMETRY

Minkowski geometry in the plane is given by a closed, convex curve C and a point o~int conv C. If the ray ox intersects C at y, the norm of the vector ox in this geometry is I[ oxI[ = [ox[/[oy[ where ] [denotes the Euclidean norm. We do not assume that C is symmetric of center o. In general, II - v 1[ =p [[v [] for vectors in the plane. C is called the indicatrix of the geometry. We assume from now on that C is a strictly convex C 2 curve. Busemann [-5] has discovered that the extremal body for the isoperimetric problem of symmetric Minkowski geometry is not the indicatrix but a body called by him the isoperimetrix of the geometry. The definition can be adapted to n-dimensional unsymmetric geometries given by smooth indicatrices [7], the definition becomes elementary in the two-dimensional case. We choose o as origin and identify a point c and the vector oc. For c~C, let t be the vector tangent to C at c whose length is determined by det (t, c)= 1. The isoperimetrix T is the set of endpoints of the vectors t attached to o. We choose a zero direction through o. The arclength of T in the geometry of C, measured from the zero direction, can serve as angle variable. This angle variable also induces a parametrization of C: we shall write c = C(z) if z is the angle from the zero direction to the corresponding t = T(z). The curve T is differentiable and det (t', c) + det (t, c') = det (t, c)'= O. It follows that T as indicatrix defines a Minkowski geometry with a norm[ [. The isoperimetrix of that geometry is -C, the
An Estimate of the Reduction Potential of B(C6F5)3 from Electrochemical Measurements on Related Mesityl Boranes

MesB(C6F5)2 (1) has been prepared from MesMgBr and FB(C6F5)2·OEt2, while Mes2B(C6F5) (2) is readily available from CuC6F5 and Mes2BBr. The reduction potential E° of 1 vs Cp2Fe0/+ in THF is −1.72 V, while that of 2 is −2.10 V, and that of Mes3B (3) is −2.73 V. 11B and 1H NMR show that neither 1 nor 2 binds THF significantly. These results have been used to estimate the reduction potential of B(C6F5)3 in THF as −1.17 V vs Cp2Fe0/+ or as −0.64 V vs SCE.
Shah and Sine Convolution Fourier Transform Detection for Microchannel Electrophoresis with a Charge Coupled Device

This paper describes an improved format for Shah convolution Fourier transform (SCOFT) detection that utilizes the spatial resolution of a charge-coupled device (CCD) rather than a fixed optical mask to perform a Shah or sine convolution over a fluorescence signal. The laser-induced fluorescence from a 9-mm section of microfabricated channel is collected with a CCD at 28 Hz. Each image frame is multiplied by a convolution function to modulate the collected signal through space. Each frame is then summed to generate an intensity-versus-time data set for Fourier analysis. The fluorescence signal oscillates at a frequency dependent upon both the convolution function multiplied across each data frame and the velocity of fluorescent microspheres or a plug of fluorescent dye flowing through the channel. This SCOFT technique affords more flexibility over formats that employ a physical mask and provides data that can be optimized for signal-to-noise (S/N) or resolution information. A 1000-fold improvement in S/N ...
Students' internal reactions to a one-week cultural immersion trip: A qualitative analysis of student journals.

The authors investigated the experiences of counseling students on a 1-week cultural immersion trip to New Mexico. Students' journals were analyzed, using the open coding procedure from grounded theory. Five major categories emerged that reflected students' internal reactions to the experience. The findings and their instructional implications are discussed. Los autores investigaron las experiencias de un grupo de estudiantes de consejeria durante un viaje de inmersion cultural a Nuevo Mexico de 1 semana. Se analizaron los diarios de los estudiantes, usando el procedimiento de codificacion abierta de la teoria entranada (grounded theory). Destacaron 5 categorias principales que reflejaban las reacciones internas de los estudiantes a la experiencia. Se discuten los resultados y sus implicaciones instructivas.
Silencing near tRNA genes is nucleosome-mediated and distinct from boundary element function

Transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and other RNA polymerase III transcription units are dispersed in high copy throughout nuclear genomes, and can antagonize RNA polymerase II transcription in their immediate chromosomal locus. Previous work in Saccharomyces cerevisiae found that this local silencing required subnuclear clustering of the tRNA genes near the nucleolus. Here we show that the silencing also requires nucleosome participation, though the nature of the nucleosome interaction appears distinct from other forms of transcriptional silencing. Analysis of an extensive library of histone amino acid substitutions finds a large number of residues that affect the silencing, both in the histone N-terminal tails and on the nucleosome disk surface. The residues on the disk surfaces involved are largely distinct from those affecting other regulatory phenomena. Consistent with the large number of histone residues affecting tgm silencing, survey of chromatin modification mutations shows that several enzymes known to affect nucleosome modification and positioning are also required. The enzymes include an Rpd3 deacetylase complex, Hos1 deacetylase, Glc7 phosphatase, and the RSC nucleosome remodeling activity, but not multiple other activities required for other silencing forms or boundary element function at tRNA gene loci. Models for communication between the tRNA gene transcription complexes and local chromatin are discussed.
Territorial cooperation and social monogamy: factors affecting intersexual behaviours in pair-living snapping shrimp

Abstract Among the factors that may contribute to the evolution of social monogamy are selection for extended mate guarding of females and selection for territorial ‘cooperation’. Many socially monogamous taxa are also territorial, with ‘partners’ sharing a single territory, suggesting that one or both partners may benefit by sharing territorial maintenance. Snapping shrimp (genus Alpheus ) are socially monogamous and territorial, living in excavated burrows or with host organisms, with females performing all parental care. The territorial cooperation hypothesis predicts that male and female partners share (1) territorial defence, resulting in a reduction in the risk of eviction from the burrow, (2) burrow construction duties, such that individuals in pairs spend less time in burrow construction relative to solitary individuals, and/or (3) foraging duties, by returning food to the burrow, where it is consumed by both partners. Using A. angulatus as a model species, a territorial defence experiment revealed that females in pairs were significantly less likely than solitary females to be evicted by female intruders, but males in pairs were not significantly less likely than solitary males to be evicted by male intruders. A subsequent experiment revealed that paired males were significantly less likely to be evicted by an intruding male if paired with sexually receptive females than if paired with nonreceptive females. Another experiment revealed that (1) paired females spent significantly more time in burrow construction than paired males, and (2) both males and females consistently returned food items to the burrow, perhaps incidentally provisioning their mates. These data suggest that social monogamy may have been selected for in part because of the advantages of territorial cooperation, as both males and females are likely to benefit by dividing the labour of territorial defence and maintenance. These tests of the territorial cooperation hypothesis are synthesized with data from tests of the extended mate-guarding hypothesis to place snapping shrimp pairing behaviour into a larger construct incorporating both the influence of ecological pressures (territoriality) and mating interactions between the sexes. Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .
The A‐Theory of Time, The B‐Theory of Time, and ‘Taking Tense Seriously’

The paper has two parts: First, I describe a relatively popular thesis in the philosophy of propositional attitudes, worthy of the name ‘taking tense seriously’; and I distinguish it from a family of views in the metaphysics of time, namely, the A-theories (or what are sometimes called ‘tensed theories of time’). Once the distinction is in focus, a skeptical worry arises. Some A-theorists maintain that the difference between past, present, and future, is to be drawn in terms of what exists: growing-block theorists eschew ontological commitment to future entities; presentists, to future and past entities. Others think of themselves as A-theorists but exclude no past or future things from their ontology. The metaphysical skeptic suspects that their attempt to articulate an ‘eternalist’ version of the A-theory collapses into merely ‘taking tense seriously’– a thesis that does not imply the A-theory. The second half of the paper is the search for a stable eternalist A-theory. It includes discussion of temporary intrinsics, temporal parts, and truth.
Anatomy of data integration

Producing reliable information is the ultimate goal of data processing. The ocean of data created with the advances of science and technologies calls for integration of data coming from heterogeneous sources that are diverse in their purposes, business rules, underlying models and enabling technologies. Reference models, Semantic Web, standards, ontology, and other technologies enable fast and efficient merging of heterogeneous data, while the reliability of produced information is largely defined by how well the data represent the reality. In this paper, we initiate a framework for assessing the informational value of data that includes data dimensions; aligning data quality with business practices; identifying authoritative sources and integration keys; merging models; uniting updates of varying frequency and overlapping or gapped data sets.
Solvated Charge Transfer States of Functionalized Anthracene and Tetracyanoethylene Dimers: A Computational Study Based on a Range Separated Hybrid Functional and Charge Constrained Self-Consistent Field with Switching Gaussian Polarized Continuum Models

We benchmark several protocols for evaluating the energies of excited charge transfer (CT) states of organic molecules dissolved in polar liquids. The protocols combine time-dependent density functional theory using range-separated hybrid functionals, constrained density functional theory, dispersion corrected functional, and a dielectric continuum model for representing the solvent. We compare the different protocols against well-established experimental measured charge transfer state energies in solvated dimers of functionalized anthracene and tetracyanoethylene. We find that using the range-separated hybrid functional for the charge-transfer state energies and the combination of constrained density functional theory with the recently improved switching Gaussian polarizable continuum model (PCM) provide good agreement with the experimental values of the solvated CT states. We also find that using dispersion corrected solvated geometries for the weakly coupled donor-acceptor dimers considered here leads to improved agreement with experimental measured values.
Nanoindentation as a Probe of Nanoscale Residual Stresses: Atomistic Simulation Results

Abstract Results from two sets of molecular dynamics simulations are reported. In the first set of simulations a nanoscale tip was used to indent single-crystal gold lattices subjected to external strains. These were carried out to explore possible relationships between nanoindentation curves and elastic properties of uniformly strained films. The changes in the slope of the loading curves reflect the stress state of the sample. In the second set of simulations the use of shallow nanoindentation for mapping nonuniform residual surface stress near a dislocation intersecting a surface was tested. Correlation between the maximum force on the tip and the initial local stresses at the point of indentation were observed. Preliminary atomistic simulations indicate that atomic-force microscopy can be used as a nondestructive, nanoscale probe of the surface stress distributions.
A Visual Database Environment for Scientific Research

Abstract This paper describes a visual database environment designed to be used for scientific research in the imaging sciences. It provides hierarchical relational structures that allow the user to model data as entities possessing properties, parts and relationships, and it supports multi-level queries on these structures. A schema constructor interface allows users to define for each structure, not only its components, but also its visualization, which is built from its components using graphical primitives. Finally, an experiment management subsystem allows users to construct and run computational experiments that apply imaging operators to data from the database. The experiment management system keeps track of the experimental procedures developed by the user and the results generated by executing these procedures.
A 10-g Laboratory Wet-Milling Procedure for Maize and Comparison With Larger Scale Laboratory Procedures

ABSTRACT A very small scale laboratory procedure (≈10 g) is needed to test wet-milling characteristics of corn when amounts of corn available for testing are quite limited. The objective of this study was to downscale 100-g laboratory wet-milling methods already widely used to measure wet-milling properties of 10 g of corn. A Standard 100-g procedure, a Modified 100-g procedure, and an Experimental 10-g procedure were compared using three corn hybrids with known differences in wet-milling properties. All three procedures ranked most fraction yields (all except for germ) of the three hybrids the same. Germ separation was conducted differently for each procedure and probably accounts for these differences. Flotation and screening methods were likely affected by germ density and germ size, and hand-picking the germ was efficient in recovering a pure germ fraction. The two 100-g procedures were performed very similarly except for fiber recovery. The Modified 100-g procedure was more efficient in recovering fi...
Hydrogen-Bonded Polymer Multilayers Probed by Neutron Reflectivity

We present a neutron reflectivity study of the internal structure of multilayers made of a weak polyelectrolyte and a neutral component where interactions between adjacent layers are controlled by hydrogen-bonding. We found the degree of interpenetration of polymer layers expressed as the interlayer roughness to be strongly correlated with the strength of intermolecular interactions between the adjacent layers. In addition, polymer layers become more diffuse with a distance from the substrate. Our results demonstrate that hydrogen-bonded films exhibit a close correlation between their structure and properties, which is essential for various applications.
Obtaining generic parts from range images using a multi-view representation

Abstract We describe a system for obtaining a "generic" parts-based 3D object representation. We use range image data as the input, obtaining a 3D object representation based on 12 geon-like 3D part primitives as the output. The 3D parts-based representation consists of parts detected in the image and their identities. Unlike previous work, we do not make simplifying assumptions such as the availability of perfect line drawings, perfect segmentation, or manual segmentation.We propose a novel method of specifying "generic" 3D parts, i.e., by means of surface adjacency graphs (SAGs). Using the SAGs, we derive an extremely compact multi-view representation of the part primitives, consisting of a total of only 74 views for all 12 primitives. Based on the multi-view representation of parts, we present a method of performing part segmentation from range images, given a good surface segmentation. This method for partsegmentation is more general than common approaches based on Hoffman and Richards′ "principle of transversality." We present two approaches for identifying the parts as one of the 12 3D part primitives. The first approach applies statistical pattern classification methods using parameters estimated by superquadric fitting. Five features derived from the estimated superquadric parameters are used to distinguish between the 12 part primitives. Classification error rates are estimated for k -nearest-neighbor and binary tree classifiers, for real as well as for synthetic range images. The second approach for part identification draws inferences from the distribution of angles between surface normals and the principal axis of a part.We show that intensity data can be used to recover from some misclassifications yielded by the purely range-based methods of part identification. A simple test is applied to check the concavity or convexity of the part silhouette in the intensity image. This serves as a reliable test of whether the part axis is straight orcurved.Results of part segmentation and identification are presented for real range images of several multi-part objects. Our system successfully performs part segmentation and identifies the parts.
THE BENEFITS OF CODESHARING AND ANTITRUST IMMUNITY FOR INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS, WITH AN APPLICATION TO THE STAR ALLIANCE

Abstract This paper summarizes and extends the empirical findings of previous research by the author, which analyzed the effect of airline cooperation on the level of interline fares paid by international passengers. The analysis focuses on three measures of cooperation: alliance membership, codesharing, and antitrust immunity. The results show that, together, these three forms of cooperation lead to a substantial 27 percent reduction in interline fares. The paper then computes the aggregate benefits from antitrust immunity and codesharing for the Star Alliance's interline passengers. The immunity enjoyed by the Star partners generated an aggregate benefit of about $80 million per year for interline passengers in 1999. Codesharing among Star partners yielded a further annual benefit of around $20 million. Moreover, if cooperation within the Star Alliance had expanded through an extension of antitrust immunity to those 1999 partners who did not enjoy it, then $20 million of additional benefits would have been generated.
Between-day reliability of upper extremity H-reflexes

H-reflexes are useful for evaluating the group Ia monosynaptic reflex excitability in the lower and upper extremities (UEs). However, there is no established between-day protocol for measuring H-reflex excitability in the UE extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL). The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable protocol to measure the H-reflex excitability between-days for the ECRL, and the antagonist muscle, the flexor carpi radialis (FCR). H-reflex recruitment curves were recorded from eight healthy young subjects over 3 consecutive days in both muscles. Variables associated with the H-reflex excitability were measured: (a) maximum amplitude (Hmax); (b) gain (HGN); (c) threshold (HTH, visHTH, and sdHTH). All variables were normalized with respect to the M-wave. Within individual muscles, there were no statistically significant differences between-days for the group (p>0.05) and variables showed fair to good reliability (ICC=0.57-0.99). This method of reliably measuring H-reflex excitability within UE muscles will be useful for investigating the effects of pathology and rehabilitation on monosynaptic reflexes.
Chemical, in vitro, and in vivo evaluation of soybeans heat-treated by various processing methods.

Abstract In trial 1, eight Holstein heifers weighing 410kg were used in an 8×8 Latin square and fed TMR containing 79.3% alfalfa silage and 20% soybeans. The first four treatments were raw soybeans, soybeans roasted and held for 3h at the roasting temperature, extruded soybeans, and soybeans roasted in a California Pellet Mill Jet-Sploder®. The remaining four treatments were obtained by altering the residence time of soybeans in the Jet Sploder®. The temperatures of soybeans exiting the roaster were 117, 126, 138, and 154°C for the last four treatments. The soybeans held 3h postroasting and the extruded soybeans resulted in the highest estimate of postruminal available lysine. Blood plasma concentrations of essential and branched-chain AA were highest in heifers fed soybeans held 3h postroasting. In trial 2, 44 Holstein heifers weighing 150 to 250kg were assigned randomly to one of four TMR. Diets consisted of 91.8% alfalfa silage and 7.5% of one of four soybean treatments. Treatments were raw soybeans, soybeans roasted in a drum roaster with an exit temperature of 146°C, and those roasted with exit temperatures of 141 or 146°C and held for .5h. Estimated postruminal available lysine was higher for soybeans roasted and held versus roasted or raw soybeans. However, BW gain for heifers was similar across diets, averaging .90 kg/d for 12 wk. concentrations of AA in plasma were not affected by diet. Overall, results support the recommendation of holding soybeans for at least .5h following roasting.
Recovery of function after brain damage: The question of individual behaviors or functionality

Abstract A number of experiments demonstrated that visual neocortical injury does not destroy the memories of a preoperative brightness habit acquired in the Lashley paradigm. Notwithstanding this sparing, the visually decorticated rat is still initially unable to perform the brightness discrimination even though it can ultimately reinstate the behavior. This suggests that the postoperative behavioral deficit might be characterized as a general degradation of the functioning of the rat with a visual system lesion. And if this were so, then forcing the decorticate rat to behave on the basis of visual cues should serve to reinstate any specific visual memories spared by the visual lesion. To test this, we preoperatively trained and postoperatively retrained rats on a simultaneous two-choice brightness discrimination. However, before some of the rats were postoperatively retrained on the brightness habit, they were first required to demonstrate the functionality of their visual system by successfully perfoming a successive brightness discrimination in an operant chamber. The results of this procedure did not support the speculation that the general functionality of an injured neural system is the sole determinant of the recovery of specific learned behaviors. These data, as well as other data, now appear to force the rather discouraging conclusion that recovery of function may, in fact, proceed on the basis of individual behaviors and not be a process facilitated by generalized postoperative therapies.
Communication books and partner orientation may help to promote peer interactions in high school students with autism

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Hughes, C., Bernstein, R. T., Kaplan, L. M., Reilly, C. M., Brigham, N. L., Cosgriff, J. C., & Boykin, M. P. (2013). Increasing conversational interactions between verbal high school students with autism and their peers without disabilities. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 20, 1–14. doi: 10.1177/1088357613487019.Source of funding and disclosure of interest: This study was supported by grants from the Marino Autism Research Institute, the Organization for Autism Research, and Autism Speaks. The authors declared that they did not have any conflicts of interest.
Using dimensions of moral intensity to predict ethical decision-making in accounting

Abstract Many ethical decisions are based on the intensity of the moral conflict. Embezzling large sums of money is seen as more unethical, by most people, than stealing a pen or a piece of paper from one's workplace. This study examines the importance of the underlying characteristics of moral issues and how they directly affect accounting students' ethical decision-making process (moral sensitivity, moral judgment and moral intentions). A four stage model presented by Rest (1986) and expanded by Jones' (1991) was used to measure the moral decision-making process. The study highlights the results of a sample of 110 accounting majors in a small business college in the USA. The research suggests that moral intensity appeared to have two dimensions: “perceived corporate concern” and “perceived involvement effect”. These dimensions did not significantly predict moral sensitivity. However, when they were combined with moral sensitivity they did significantly predict the students' moral judgment. Likewise, mor...
Nucleotide sequence of a reiterated rat DNA fragment

Abstract A reiterated component of rat DNA was isolated by restriction with Hind III endonuclease and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Sequence analysis revealed that the fragment was 179 nucleotides long. Unlike the known 370N reiterated rat DNA fragment which contained a high m 5 C content (2.7 mole%), this repetitive element contained a rather low m 5 C content (0.5 mole%). The present rat repetitive sequence appeared to be of α-type as shown by its significant homologies with α DNA sequenes of African green monkey and human. The possibility of sequence heterogeneity is discussed.
Levels of chlorinated dioxins and furans in three occupational environments

Abstract Air samples for chlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxin ( CDD ) and chlorinated dibenzofuran ( CDF ) were collected in three different occupational environments: a municipal incinerator; a polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated metals reclamation plant; and a paper mill. Surface concentration samples for CDD and CDF were also collected at the incinerator and metals reclamation plant. After applying 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxin toxicity equivalent factors ( TEFs ), air results ranged from 0.01 to 20.4 picograms per cubic meter ( pg/m 3 ) for the incinerator, from 0.1 to 6.2 pg/m 3 for the metals reclamation plant, and from 0.01 to 0.06 pg/m 3 for the paper mill. Surface concentrations at the incinerator ranged from 0.4 to 43.5 nanograms per square meter ( ng/m 2 ), and at the metals reclamation plant from 2.7 to 28.3 ng/m 2 .
An a-FPGA architecture for relative timing based asynchronous designs

This paper presents an asynchronous FPGA architecture that is capable of implementing relative timing based asynchronous designs. The architecture uses the Xilinx 7-Series architecture as a starting point and proposes modifications that would make it asynchronous design capable while keeping it fully functional for synchronous designs. Even though the architecture requires additional components, it is observed when implemented on the 64-nm node, the area of the slice was increases marginally by 7%. The architecture leaves configurable routing structures untouched and does not compromise on performance of the synchronous architecture.
Computational Simulation of the Pulmonary Arteries and its Role in the Study of Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension

The hemodynamic state of the pulmonary arteries is challenging to routinely measure in children due to the vascular circuit's position in the lungs. The resulting relative scarcity of quantitative clinical diagnostic and prognostic information impairs management of diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure of the pulmonary circuit, and invites new techniques of measurement. Here we examine recent applications of macro-scale computational mechanics methods for fluids and solids – traditionally used by engineers in the design and virtual testing of complex metal and composite structures – applied to study the pulmonary vasculature, both in healthy and diseased states. In four subject areas, we briefly outline advances in computational methodology and provide examples of clinical relevance.
Gene sequence signatures revealed by mining the UniGene affiliation network

Background: In the post-genomic era, developing tools to decode biological information from genomic sequences is important. Inspired by affiliation network theory, we investigated gene sequences of two kinds of UniGene clusters (UCs): narrowly expressed transcripts (NETs), whose expression is confined to a few tissues; and prevalently expressed transcripts (PETs) that are expressed in many tissues. Results: We explored the human and the mouse UniGene databases to compare NETs and PETs from different perspectives. We found that NETs were associated with smaller cluster size, shorter sequence length, a lower likelihood of having LocusLink annotations, and lower and more sporadic levels of expression. Significantly, the dinucleotide frequencies of NETs are similar to those of intergenic sequences in the genome, and they differ from those of PETs. We used these differences in dinucleotide frequencies to develop a discriminant analysis model to distinguish PETs from intergenic sequences. Conclusions: Our results show that most NETs resemble intergenic sequences, casting doubts on the quality of such UniGene clusters. However, we also noted that a fraction of NETs resemble PETs in terms of dinucleotide frequencies and other features. Such NETs may have fewer quality problems. This work may be helpful in the studies of non-coding RNAs and in the validation of gene sequence databases. Availability: http://bioinformatics.mdanderson.org/SequenceQualityCheck/ Contact: kcoombes@mdanderson.org Supplementary information: http://bioinformatics.mdanderson.org/Supplements/AffiliationNetwork/SupplementaryMaterial.pdf
Pain perception development and maturation.

Newborn infants are not small adults. The pharmacokinetics and dynamics of analgesic drugs are immature at birth. Volumes of distribution, drug clearances, side-effects and drug efficacy all differ in newborns as compared to adults. Interestingly, these parameters develop before birth and during the postnatal period, reaching adult values after a period of months or years. This means that clinicians should anticipate on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) changes in newborns with increasing postconceptual age. The ability to perceive pain might also be immature at birth. Lower pain thresholds due to the absence of inhibitory descending spinothalamic fibers and a not yet fully developed cortical pain memory system are points of interest for our understanding of differences in pain perception in the newborn infant. Although this is a relatively unexplored area of research in humans, we will discuss the maturation and development of neonatal pain experience and perception in this paper.
Visual complexity attenuates emotional processing in psychopathy: Implications for fear-potentiated startle deficits

A long-standing debate is the extent to which psychopathy is characterized by fundamental deficits in attention or emotion. We tested the hypothesis that the interplay of emotional and attentional systems is critical for understanding processing deficits in psychopathy. A group of 63 offenders were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and fear-potentiated startle (FPS) reflexes were collected while participants viewed pictures selected to disentangle an existing confound between perceptual complexity and emotional content in the pictures typically used to study fear deficits in psychopathy. As predicted, picture complexity moderated the emotional processing deficits. Specifically, the affective-interpersonal features of psychopathy were associated with greater allocation of attentional resources to processing emotional stimuli at initial perception (visual N1), but only when the picture stimuli were visually complex. Despite this, results for the late positive potential indicated that emotional pictures were less attentionally engaging and held less motivational significance for individuals high in affective-interpersonal traits. This deficient negative emotional processing was observed later in their reduced defensive fear reactivity (FPS) to high-complexity unpleasant pictures. In contrast, the impulsive-antisocial features of psychopathy were associated with decreased sensitivity to picture complexity (visual N1) and were unrelated to emotional processing, as assessed by both ERPs and FPS. These findings are the first to demonstrate that picture complexity moderates FPS deficits, and they implicate the interplay of attention and emotional systems as deficient in psychopathy.
Jasmonate passes muster: a receptor and targets for the defense hormone.

The oxylipin jasmonate (JA) regulates many aspects of growth, development, and environmental responses in plants, particularly defense responses against herbivores and necrotrophic pathogens. Mutants of Arabidopsis helped researchers define the biochemical pathway for synthesis of jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile), the active form of JA hormone, and demonstrated that JA is required for plant survival of insect and pathogen attacks and for plant fertility. Transcriptional profiling led to the discovery of the JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins, which are repressors of JA signaling. JA-Ile relieves repression by promoting binding of the JAZ proteins to the F-box protein CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) and their subsequent degradation by the ubiquitination/26S-proteasome pathway. Although we now have a much better understanding of the molecular mechanism of JA action, many questions remain. Experimental answers to these questions will expand our knowledge of oxylipin signaling in plants and animals and will also...