cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Test-retest reliability of the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test Revised (MVPT-R) in children with and without learning disabilities.

The Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test Revised (MVPT-R) is an updated edition of the original test with the addition of four items and normative data for 9-11-year-old children. Test-retest reliabil...
Bonds and Options in Exponentially Affine Bond Models

In this article we apply the Flesaker–Hughston approach to invert the yield curve and to price various options by letting the randomness in the economy be driven by a process closely related to the short rate, called the abstract short rate. This process is a pure deterministic translation of the short rate itself, and we use the deterministic shift to calibrate the models to the initial yield curve. We show that we can solve for the shift needed in closed form by transforming the problem to a new probability measure. Furthermore, when the abstract short rate follows a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process we compute bond option and swaption prices in closed form. We also propose a short-rate specification under the risk-neutral measure that allows the yield curve to be inverted and is consistent with the CIR dynamics for the abstract short rate, thus giving rise to closed form bond option and swaption prices.
Numerical study on the measurement of thin film mechanical properties by means of nanoindentation

Nanoindentation is a technique commonly used for measuring thin film mechanical properties such as hardness and stiffness. In this study, we used the finite element method to investigate the effect of substrate and pileup on hardness and stiffness measurements of thin film systems. We define a substrate effect factor and construct a map that may be useful in the interpretation of indentation measurements when it is not possible to make indentations shallow enough to avoid the influence of the substrate on the measurements. A new technique for measuring mechanical properties of thin films by nanoindentation is suggested at the end of this article.
Comparison of human lung cancer/SCID mouse tumor xenografts and cell culture growth with patient clinical outcomes.

Leukemic cell growth in SCID mice has been reported as a predictor of disease relapse. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding xenograft growth and clinical outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Seventy-nine specimens from patients with NSCLC were either subcutaneously implanted into SCID mice and/or placed in tissue culture. Retrospective chart review was correlated with stage, histology, necrosis, disease-free interval, and survival. Tumor xenografts were successfully established with 17 of 37 (46%) tumor biopsy tissues. Thirteen of 59 (22%) specimens grew in cell culture. Patients whose tumors grew in SCID mice had no difference in survival compared to those with no growth (n=20, p=0.42). Median survival was 36 months in 13 patients whose tumors grew in cell culture compared to 39 months in 46 patients without growth. Eight of 12 (67%) patients with metastasis showed SCID/human xenograft growth, whereas nine of 25 (36%) without metastases did so (p=0.08). Growth of tumor cells in vitro occurred in 11 of 31 (35%) adenocarcinomas, one of 25 (4%) squamous cell carcinomas, and one of three (33%) large cell carcinomas (p=0.02). Well or moderately differentiated tumors grew in cell culture in only two of 22 (9%), whereas poorly or undifferentiated tumors grew in 11 of 32 (34%) cases (p=0.03). We conclude that neither the ability of a tumor to engraft and grow in SCID mice nor its ability to grow in vitro in cell culture is a reliable predictor of disease outcome or survival in patients with NSCLC. The ability to propagate tumors in vitro appears to be more dependent upon the histological type of tumor and its degree of differentiation.
Influence of the double bond position on the oxidation of decene isomers at high pressures and temperatures

Abstract High pressure, single pulse shock tube oxidation experiments were conducted in order to probe the chemical kinetic effects of the double bond position in long alkenes. All oxidation experiments were carried out with approximately 100 ppm of 1-decene, cis-2-decene, cis-5-decene, and trans-5-decene, in argon, at stoichiometric conditions. The experimental conditions covered the pressure range of 40–66 bar and temperature range of 850–1500 K, with an average reaction time of 2 ms. Gas chromatographic measurements of the stable intermediates indicated increased reactivity for the isomers with more centrally located double bonds, with no influence from the cis–trans configuration observed at these conditions. Significantly different yields in most of the intermediate species measured were observed. Chemical kinetic models were assembled with the aid of Reaction Mechanism Generator where these are able to adequately predict the major product species of all isomers investigated. Simulation of the experiments indicates significantly different reaction pathways that each decene isomers undergoes, controlled entirely by the position of the double bond. The implication for fuels with such molecular structure is that reactivity, as well as pollutant formation characteristics can be significantly different depending on the position of the double bond in very similar molecules.
The role of the cloud in Machine to Machine & Internet of Things computing best practices, key insights and guidance to connecting devices to the cloud

There is an unmistakable proliferation of small devices that are performing a wide range of tasks, such as using sensors to measure and record the environment around them, power robots and actuators, check for intruders, and beyond.
The effect of X-irradiation in oxygen and in hydrogen at normal and positive pressures on chromosome aberration frequency in Tradescantia microspores.

Effect of x irradiation in oxygen and in hydrogen on chromosome aberration frequency in tradescantia microspores.
Universality in network dynamics

Models for the topology or dynamics of various networks abound, but until now, there has been no single universal framework for complex networks that can separate factors contributing to the topology and dynamics of networks across biological and social systems.
Synthesis and properties of an aluminum nitride/polyimide nanocomposite prepared by a nonaqueous suspension process

A nanocomposite of a chemically synthesized nanostructured aluminum nitride (AlN) and a polyimide has been studied. Using a nonaqueous polar solvent, N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), as the suspension media, the degree of particle agglomeration of AlN was reduced dramatically from micron to nanoscale size. Upon the addition of poly(amic acid) to the AlN/NMP suspension, a further deagglomeration of the particles was observed. The surface physicochemical interactions have been investigated by characteristic model reactions using FTIR spectroscopy. A mechanistic interpretation for the deagglomeration and stabilization behavior is discussed. The formation of the AlN/PI nanocomposite was achieved by the rapid solidification of the precursor suspension followed by compression molding. Such an approach for nanocomposites exhibits better homogeneity with ultrafine fillers and allows a tailorable composition and property at the nanoscale level. Finally, AlN/PI nanocomposites with an increased ceramic loading, up to 65% by volume, were attained and their thermal and mechanical properties, along with the compositional effects, have been investigated.
Physiology of carbon photoassimilation by Oscillatoria thiebautii in the Caribbean Sea1

Surface populations of Oscillatoria thiebautii (Corn.) Geitler in the Caribbean Sea are exposed to photoinhibiting irradiances throughout most of the 12-h light period. Oxygen inhibition of carbon assimilation at high irradiance suggested that photoinhibition was partly due to photorespiration. The pattern of carbon flow into the major end products of photosynthesis appeared to be the same for a given photosynthetic rate regardless of irradiance level. At one station, enhanced relative rates of protein synthesis were observed at low rates of photosynthesis. At another station, this effect was not observed but the proportion of 14C in polysaccharide was low while that in metabolites was high. On the basis of previous findings, colonies at the second station were interpreted to have been in a nutritionally poor state. The rates at which intracellular macromolecular pools approached saturation seemed to depend on the rate of photosynthesis.
Evaluation of optimal scheduling policy for accommodating elective and non-elective surgery via simulation

There are two main types of surgeries within an operating room (OR) suite, namely elective (or scheduled) and non-elective (or non-scheduled) surgeries. Non-elective surgeries count for a considerable proportion of surgery demand and often have a priority for begin served in a timely manner. Accommodating this type of surgery can be a challenging task on the day of surgery. This is mainly a result of the uncertain demand for non-elective surgeries, which discourages hospitals from reserving sufficient capacity for these surgeries. Using simulation, we evaluate an optimal policy for accommodating elective and non-elective surgeries that minimizes waiting time of patients, overtime, and number of patients turned away. We carry out the analysis on a stylized, two-room study where one room is dedicated to non-elective cases and the other room contains elective cases but can accept a non-elective case if necessary. The optimal policy is originally found by using a Markov decision process (MDP). However, since Markov modeling has an exponential arrival rate and steady state assumptions, which may not always be true in a surgical environment, the evaluation through simulation allows these assumptions to be relaxed.
Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Who Attend Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Clinics: Background Paper for 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines

Background In April 2008, experts reviewed updates on sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention and treatment in preparation for the revision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment Guidelines. This included a review of cervical cancer screening in the STD clinical setting. Methods Key questions were identified with assistance from an expert panel. Reviews of the literature were conducted using the PubMed computerized database and shared with the panel. Updated information was incorporated in the 2010 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines. Results We recommend that STD clinics offering cervical screening services screen and treat women according to guidelines by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Cancer Society, the US Preventive Services Task Force, and the American Society for Colposcopists and Cervical Pathologists. New to the 2010 guidelines are higher age for initiating cervical screening (age ≥ 21 years) and less frequent intervals of screening (at least every 3 years). New recommendations include new technologies, such as liquid-based cytology and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests. Liquid-based technologies are not recommended over conventional testing. HPV DNA tests are recommended as adjunct tests and with new indications for use in cervical screening and management. Stronger recommendations were issued for STD clinics offering cervical screening services to have protocols in place for follow-up of test results and referral (eg, colposcopy). Conclusions Important additions to the 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines include information on updated algorithms for screening and management of women and recommendations for use of liquid-based cytology and high-risk HPV testing.
Loaded and unloaded foot movement differentiation using chest mounted accelerometer signatures

Heavy loads often subject foot soldiers and first-responders to increased risk musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Identifying excessive loads in real-time could help identify when soldiers are at greater risk of MSI. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) we derived a loaded (>35 kg) versus unloaded Naive Bayesian classification model from 22 male Soldiers (age 20 ± 3.5 yrs, height 1.76 ± 0.09 m and weight 83 ± 13 kg). Using seven-fold cross validation we demonstrated that using only one feature our model accurately classifies heavily loaded versus unloaded over 90% of the time. This technique lends itself to use in real time accelerometry sensors and shows promise for more complex gait analysis.
The Common Interests Myth in Marriage

Substantial associations between reports by partners of interests in common and satisfaction in marriage have been found in samples of E. W. Burgess and L. S. Cottrell (2), H. J. Locke (7) and L. M. Terman (9). Coefficients of association (Tschuprow's) between these reports and marital success range from .3 to .4 in two of these samples and Terman gives coefficients of correlation of .45 and .56 for this relationship in the third sample.**
Magnetically Responsive Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications Using Low Magnetic Field Strengths

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of magnetic nanoparticles for enhancing drug delivery using a low oscillating magnetic field (OMF) strength. We investigated the ability of magnetic nanoparticles to cause disruption of a viscous biopolymer barrier to drug delivery and the potential to induce triggered release of drug conjugated to the surfaces of these particles. Various magnetic nanoparticles were screened for thermal response under a 295-kHz OMF with an amplitude of 3.1 kA/m. Based on thermal activity of particles screened, we selected the nanoparticles that displayed desired characteristics for evaluation in a simplified model of an extracellular barrier to drug delivery, using lambda DNA/HindIII. Results indicate that nanoparticles could be used to induce DNA breakage to enhance local diffusion of drugs, despite low temperatures of heating. Additional studies showed increased diffusion of quantum dots in this model by single-particle tracking methods. Bimane was conjugated to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. Fluorescence and transmission electron microscope images of the conjugated nanoparticles indicated little change in the overall appearance of the nanoparticles. A release study showed greater drug release using OMF, while maintaining low bulk heating of the samples (T=30degC). This study indicates that lower magnetic field strengths may be successfully utilized for drug delivery applications as a method for drug delivery transport enhancement and drug release switches.
Characterisation of the effects of thin radomes on antennas for space applications

For aperture type antennas in space applications, a thin radome in the mouth of the antenna is often employed. This radome is typically constructed of a layer of dielectric with a coating of paint on the exterior surface. Usually, the dielectric and paint can be made to be very thin as compared to the free space wavelength, and thus one anticipates that (for reasonably low loss material) the effect of the radome on the far-field is negligibly small. One must consider the antenna and radome interactions to properly account for the effects of the radome since the radome is typically in the near-field of the antenna. When the full interactions are taken into consideration, the loss can be considerably larger than the loss predicted by a simple plane wave transmission loss. For applications like scatterometer systems where the gain level in extended angular range is critical, or in systems for which the G/T level must be predicted accurately, the net radome loss can be significant. This radome loss is studied for a specific antenna geometry. It is shown that the loss in peak gain due to a radome is noticeably larger than that predicted by a plane wave analysis. >
Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Predictor of Return to Play Following Syndesmosis (High) Ankle Sprains in Professional Football Players

Background:Syndesmosis ankle sprains cause greater disability and longer duration of recovery than lateral ankle sprains.Objective:To describe the severity of syndesmosis sprains using several acce...
Effect of harmonic distortion in reactive power measurement

The authors consider the effect of harmonics on reactive power measurements, and present a novel method for calculating active, reactive apparent, and residual power in nonsinusoidal conditions. The method considers common and uncommon harmonic components of voltage and current waveforms. It properly defines all power components at different harmonic frequencies, such as rotating real power, quadrature power, and the residual power (distortion). Each component is calculated correctly at different frequencies to define its physical meaning. A computer algorithm is developed to calculate all the power components for any distorted voltage and current waveforms. A numerical example is discussed. >
Exercise mitigates the adverse effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on macrophages, MMP-9, skeletal muscle, and white adipocytes

Regular exercise is a great medicine with its benefits encompassing everything from prevention of cardiovascular risk to alleviation of different muscular myopathies. Interestingly, elevated levels...
Multi-scale feature identification using evolution strategies

An image usually contains a number of different features and regions. Many image-related applications, such as content-based image retrieval and MRI-based diagnosis, often require the ability to identify and mark features within the image. For images containing a specific sort of feature (e.g. convective storm) or region (e.g. earthquake debris), that feature or region is always located adjacent to other features and regions on the image. A generic framework for automatically identifying features in images based on evolutionary computation is proposed here. The significant characteristic of the method is that it does not require segmentation. We use evolution strategies as the optimization algorithm to identify features. The system is based on a conjecture that certain filters will give prominent responses to certain features. The identified features are represented as regions enclosed within the chosen search structure-the ellipse. By defining filter response criteria as the fitness function, evolution strategies succeeds in finding the feature in a much more efficient way than, say, segmentation.
In Pursuit of Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containing G Protein-Coupled Receptor-5 Regulation and Function in the Uterus

Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor (LGR)-5 is a recently identified marker of stem cells in adult intestinal epithelium and hair follicles. Because of this characteristic, we studied the status of Lgr5 expression in the mouse uterus under various conditions. Lgr5 is highly expressed in the uterine epithelium of immature mice and is dramatically down-regulated after the mice resume estrous cycles. Surprisingly, whereas its expression is up-regulated in uteri of ovariectomized mice, the expression is down-regulated by estrogen and progesterone via their cognate nuclear receptors, estrogen receptor-α and progesterone receptor, respectively. Using a mouse endometrial cancer model, we also found that Lgr5 is highly expressed in the epithelium during the initial stages of tumorigenesis but is remarkably down-regulated in fully developed tumors. Lgr5 is a downstream target of Wnt signaling in the intestine. Genetic evidence shows that either excessive or absence of Wnt signaling dampens Lgr5 expression in the uterus. Collectively, our results show that Lgr5 expression in the mouse uterine epithelium is unique and dynamically regulated under various physiological and pathological states of the uterus, suggesting that this orphan receptor has important functions in uterine biology. However, identifying definitive uterine function of LGR5 will require further investigation using conditional deletion of uterine Lgr5 because systemic deletion of this gene is neonatally lethal.
Effects of eltoprazine hydrochloride (DU 28853) on maternal behavior in mice

The maternal behavior of CD-1 mice was observed following treatment with three dosages of the antiaggressive drug eltoprazine hydrochloride (1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/kg) or saline. The drug had no reliable effect on latencies to retrieve the first pup, all pups, or to initiate nursing. Nursing duration was also unaffected by drug treatment. The results suggest that eltoprazine alters a narrower range of behaviors than do related compounds, and that it may specifically inhibit agonistic behaviors.
Successful revascularization of re-stenosis of lower extremity arteries with localized delivery of paclitaxel.

Restenosis after percutaneous revascularization techniques is a challenging issue in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. We report two cases where multiple revascularization techniques had been used previously, but restenosis occurred. We used an irrigation balloon to deliver paclitaxel locally into the tissues to obtain better results. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermal Transitions in Myosin‐ANS Fluorescence and Gel Rigidity

Thermal transitions (Tr) in myosin were monitored during constant rate heating with a thermal scanning rigidity monitor (TSRM) and a fluorescent probe, 1-anilino-naphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS). The Tr values from fluorescent probe measurements were 37°C, 44°C, and 44°C for tilapia, rabbit, and chicken myosin-ANS, respectively. Three Tr values at 43°, 49°C, and 55°C were observed in TSRM measurements of tilapia myosin gelation, whereas a single Tr was observed in rabbit and chicken gelation at 48°C and 49°C, respecitvely. In tilapia myosin, KCl concentration and pH significantly influenced the TSRM but not the fluorescence thermograms. These results indicated that a prerequisite change occurred in the hydrophobic character of myosin just prior to the onset of gelation.
Is Breast Really Best? Risk and Total Motherhood in the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign

From June 2004 to April 2006, cosponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council, the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign (NBAC) warned women that not breast-feeding put babies at risk for a variety of health problems. "You'd never take risks before your baby is born. Why start after?" asked televised public service announcements over images of pregnant women logrolling and riding a mechanical bull. The NBAC, and particularly its message of fear, neglected fundamental ethical principles regarding evidence quality, message framing, and cultural sensitivity in public health campaigns. The campaign was based on research that is inconsistent, lacks strong associations, and does not account for plausible confounding variables, such as the role of parental behavior, in various health outcomes. It capitalized on public misunderstanding of risk and risk assessment by portraying infant nutrition as a matter of safety versus danger and then creating spurious analogies. It also exploited deep-seated normative assumptions about the responsibility that mothers have to protect babies and children from harm and was insufficiently attentive to the psychological, socioeconomic, and political concerns of its intended audience. Critical analysis of the NBAC suggests that future health campaigns would benefit from more diverse review panels and from a greater focus on providing accurate risk information about probabilities and trade-offs in order to enable informed decision making.
Quantitative characterization of crude synaptosomal fraction (P‐2) components by flow cytometry

Flow cytometry, which definitively identifies each particle as positive or negative with respect to fluorescent markers, is used to characterize the P-2 fraction (crude synaptosomal fraction) with respect to primary components, size, and intactness. Particle size ranged from a few tenths of a microm to greater than 4.5 microm. The viable dye calcein AM labeled 90% of the preparation, indicating that the majority of particles were intact and esterase-positive. 66% of the P-2 fraction is neuronal in origin, as demonstrated by labeling with an antibody directed against SNAP-2. An antibody directed against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) labeled 35% of the particles in this preparation. The mitochondrial dye nonyl acridine orange (NAO) stained 74% of particles, indicating intra- and extrasynaptosomal mitochondria. Gating analysis reveals that SNAP-25 is enriched in the larger particles. These results suggest that flow cytometry may be used to take advantage of the increased viability, yield, and convenience of the P-2 fraction for studies of nerve terminal function.
An object-based query evaluation scheme for deductive databases in massively parallel computing environment

An algorithm is introduced to evaluate queries in a massively parallel computing environment under an object-based representation of a database. By distributing facts into connected networks of processing elements, it is shown that parallel execution of a query can be achieved in a cooperative way, so that the conventional tuple-by-tuple evaluation can be avoided. Furthermore, it is shown that dependency imposed by shared variables is not a major problem in achieving AND parallelism any longer. Although only a single query is considered, the evaluation scheme can be extended to multiple queries with multiple query networks and with replication of counters in the fact network. >
Patients’ Response Toward an Automated Orthopedic Osteoporosis Intervention Program:

Osteoporosis is overshadowed in an era of chronic illnesses, and a care gap exists between physicians and patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of implementing an automated system for identifying and sending a letter to patients at high risk for osteoporosis. Patients 50 years of age and older were tagged with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnostic code upon initial visit to the emergency department (ED), identifying potential fragility fractures. Automatically generated letters were sent via our osteoporosis database system to each patient 3 months after the initial visit to the ED. The letter indicated that he or she was at risk for osteoporosis and suggested that the patient schedule a follow-up appointment with a physician. Patients were subsequently telephoned 3 months after receiving the letter and asked about their current plan for follow-up. The control group did not receive a letter after departure from the ED. In the control group, 84 (85.71%) individuals of the total 98 did not have any follow-up but the remaining 14 (14.29%) sought a follow-up. In the intervention group, 62 (60.19%) individuals of 103 did schedule a follow-up, while the remaining 41 (39.81%) did not seek a follow-up. Thus, the patient follow-up response rate after fracture treatment improved with intervention (P < .0001). Current literature has demonstrated the low rate of follow-up care addressing osteoporosis in patients experiencing fragility fractures (1%-25% without intervention). Research has shown the effectiveness of various types of intervention programs for improving the continuum of care for these high-risk patients. Nonautomated intervention programs can have a multitude of human-related system failures in identifying these patients. Our study successfully implements an automated system that is able to be applied to most hospitals with minimal cost and resources.
Pyrimidine biosynthesis in Pseudomonas oleovorans.

Aims: To investigate the regulation of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in the polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing bacterium Pseudomonas oleovorans at the level of enzyme synthesis and at the level of aspartate transcarbamoylase activity. Methods and Results: The effect of pyrimidine supplementation on the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway enzyme activities was analysed relative to carbon source. Two uracil auxotrophs of P. oleovorans were isolated that were deficient for aspartate transcarbamoylase or dihydroorotase activity. Pyrimidine limitation of these auxotrophs increased the de novo pathway activities to varying degrees depending on the pathway mutation and the carbon source utilized. At the level of aspartate transcarbamoylase activity, pyrophosphate and uridine ribonucleotides were found to be strongly inhibitory of the Ps. oleovorans enzyme. Conclusions: Pyrimidine biosynthesis is regulated in Ps. oleovorans. Taxonomically, the regulation of the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway appeared dissimilar from previously studied Pseudomonas species. Significance and Impact of the Study: New insights regarding the regulation of nucleic acid metabolism are provided that could prove significant during the genetic manipulation of Ps. oleovorans to increase the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates.
The Academic Genealogy of George A. Bartholomew

In addition to his philosophical and research legacies (Bartholomew, 2005; Dawson, 2005), George Bartholomew also made an enduring contribution to organismal science in the many students that he trained. Bart supervised the training of 39 Ph.D. students, 5 postdoctoral researchers, and one Master's student during his long and distinguished tenure at the University of California at Los Angeles. These students went on to train their own students, producing a large descendant academic lineage. This lineage now spans a maximum of seven generations and includes nearly 1,200 individuals. In 1987, Donald Hoyt summarized the academic relationships among Bart's doctoral students and their subsequent doctoral students in a pictorial descendant tree (Fig. 1). This tree included about 200 individuals at the time. On the occasion of this symposium honoring Bart and a decade of recipients of the Bartholomew Award of the Society, we decided to undertake 1 From the Symposium Integrative Biology: A Symposium Honoring George A. Bartholomew presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, 5-9 January 2004 at New Orleans, Louisiana. 2 E-mail: abennett@uci.edu
Written Testimony of Roger Colinvaux Before the House Committee on Ways & Means, Hearing on Tax Reform and Charitable Contributions

This Congressional testimony has two parts. Part I discusses the implications that choice of rationale for the charitable deduction has on reform options such as credits, caps, a nonitemizer deduction, scope of eligible donees, and deducting unrealized appreciation. Part II concerns the charitable deduction for noncash contributions, highlights the significant costs of the deduction, the difficulties assessing the benefits, and suggests that a new approach should be considered.
Getting Closer to the Source: Using Ethnoarchaeology to Find Ancient Pottery Making in the Naco Valley, Honduras

The problem of finding the locations of ceramic production has limited interpretations of prehispanic Mesoamerican economies. A new method for locating pottery-making is offered that emphasizes ties between the process of clay extraction and the manufacture of ceramic goods at the same clay source. Observations at modern brick and roof tile-making factories (tejeras) in the Naco Valley, Honduras, show that an effective arrangement for intensive production of ceramic goods is to create the finished product at the clay source. The major topographic transformations caused by clay extraction at tejeras, such as borrow pits and escarpments, are also signatures of prehistoric clay removal and, in many cases, can contribute to the identification of ancient pottery-making locations. A potential production locus was identified at the previously unremarkable and peripheral Site 108, where excavations successfully uncovered a prehistoric pottery workshop. By expanding the scope of our research methodologies, in this case actually implementing ethnoarchaeological understandings to the archaeological record, and by gathering more evidence for ancient pottery production, in this case at clay sources in rural areas, we are better positioned to understand the complexities of Mesoamerican economies.
MECHANISMS OF FEMALE CHOICE IN RED JUNGLE FOWL

We examined mate preference behavior in red jungle fowl, Gallus gallus, to determine if the mechanism of mate preference used by females was relative or absolute. Under a relative model, females compare males and prefer the one with the most exaggerated form of secondary sex character, regardless of where the proffered males lie along the population distribution of the trait. Under an absolute or threshold model, females have a threshold for the character, above which they will exert a preference and below which they will not. Female red jungle fowl preferred roosters with longer combs and redder irises, but this preference was exerted only when hens mated quickly; females mating slowly mated at random. The threshold model was supported in two ways: i) chosen males from the fast-mating group had larger combs than chosen males in the slow-mating group; ii) when the same female was presented with two pairs of males in two different trials, one large-combed pair and one small-combed pair, hens mated significantly more slowly, and often refused to mate, when only short-combed roosters were available. Hens thus alter their behavior depending on the males they see, and they may not exert a preference at all if both males fall below the threshold. Further corroborating evidence comes from a set of mate choice trials using underdeveloped roosters, in which males had small combs and females mated slowly or did not mate. The method of choice used by females could affect the speed with which correlations develop between the genes for male traits and genes for female preferences. Sexual selection for good genes may be more consistent with an absolute than a relative method of female choice.
A new many-body potential energy surface for HCl clusters and its application to anharmonic spectroscopy and vibration-vibration energy transfer in the HCl trimer.

The hydrogen bond has been studied by chemists for nearly a century. Interest in this ubiquitous bond has led to several prototypical systems emerging to studying its behavior. Hydrogen chloride cl...
Activities of Pyruvate and Propionyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase in Chicken Tissues During Normal Growth and Biotin Deficiency

Abstract Activities of pyruvate and propionyl CoA carboxylase in chicken tissues during normal growth and biotin deficiency were investigated. In normal growing chickens, liver and kidney pyruvate carboxylase activity was high and varied with age. The activity in heart and brain was low and remained relatively constant throughout the experimental period. Propionyl CoA carboxylase activity in kidney and heart appeared to increase with age but remained unchanged in liver and brain. Biotin deficiency progressively decreased both pyruvate and propionyl CoA carboxylase activities in liver, kidney, heart and brain. Most marked effects were observed in liver and kidney.
A SIMPLE CRITERION OF OBESITY.

Height-weight tables, long used as a quantitative method of determining overweight, have serious limitations and defects in determining actual obesity. Caliper determinations of the triceps skin-fold thickness are easily made and permit a clear definition of obesity and a satisfactory assessment of its extent. The relation of skin-fold thickness to body fat content is virtually independent of height, permitting the establishment of a single value for each sex and age as the lower limit of obesity.
Prognosis in Primary Amenorrhea

A retrospective review of 62 patients with primary amenorrhea indicates that thoughtful clinical evaluation combined with dynamic hypothalamic-pituitary testing can usually determine the etiology and prognosis. A careful history, consideration of chronologic age/bone age/height relationships, and assay of serum gonadotropins distinguished all patients with medical diseases, ovarian failure, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and polycystic ovaries. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) stimulation, sometimes combined with clomiphene therapy and estrogen provocation tests, assisted with prognostic and pathophysiologic evaluation, although patient management rarely changed. An age-inappropriate LH-RH test result was helpful in identifying patients with abnormal maturational patterns.
Autonome Testung bei monofokalen Hirnläsionen: Topographische Aspekte des zentralen Sympathikus

Autonomen Storungen bei neurologischen Erkrankungen wird zunehmend Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt. Gegenstand intensiver Forschung waren bislang periphere, spinale und Hirnstammbahnen des autonomen Nervensystems. Hemispharische Einflusse auf die autonome Steuerung z.B. kardialer oder sudomotorischer Funktionen sind beim Menschen nicht untersucht. Tierexperimentelle Studien haben allerdings Anderungen des Sympathikotonus nach einem Schlaganfall nachweisen konnen (Hachinski et al. 1992), wobei rechts- und linkshemispharische Lasionen unterschiedliche Konsequenzen hatten. Dies ist von Belang, da 6 % der Schlaganfallpatienten wahrscheinlich aufgrund fataler Arrhythmien plotzuch versterben (Silver et al. 1984) und diese sehr wahrscheinlich zentralen Ursprungs sind.
3D tree modeling using motion capture

Recovering tree shape from motion capture data is a first step toward efficient and accurate animation of trees in wind using motion capture data. Existing algorithms for generating models of tree branching structures for image synthesis in computer graphics are not adapted to the unique data set provided by motion capture. We present a method for tree shape reconstruction using particle flow on input data obtained from a passive optical motion capture system. Data is collected using adhesive retroreflective markers are distributed on a subset of the branch tips for trees with height less than 2.5 meters. Initial branch tip positions are estimated from averaged and smoothed motion capture data enriched with additional branch tips added to the model. Simplified particle flow starting at branch tips within a vertical stack of bounding volumes creates tree branches. The resulting shapes are realistic and similar to the original tree crown shape. Several tunable parameters provide control over branch shape and arrangement.
Pericytes Preserve Capillary Integrity to Prevent Kidney Hypoxia.

Proposed in 1998 as a mechanism of kidney disease progression, “the chronic hypoxia hypothesis”[1][1] continues to evoke support as well as controversy.[2][2] Support comes mainly from observations of vasoconstriction, decreased renal blood flow, and peritubular capillary rarefaction in human
Entanglement and its relationship to classical dynamics.

We present an analysis of the entangling quantum kicked top focusing on the few qubit case and the initial condition dependence of the time-averaged entanglement ${S}_{Q}$ for spin-coherent states. We show a very strong connection between the classical phase space and the initial condition dependence of ${S}_{Q}$ even for the extreme case of two spin-$1/2$ qubits. This correlation is not related directly to chaos in the classical dynamics. We introduce a measure of the behavior of a classical trajectory which correlates far better with the entanglement and show that the maps of classical and quantum initial-condition dependence are both organized around the symmetry points of the Hamiltonian. We also show clear (quasi-)periodicity in entanglement as a function of number of kicks and of kick strength.
Amyloid precursor protein and endosomal‐lysosomal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: inseparable partners in a multifactorial disease

Abnormalities of the endosomal-lysosomal network (ELN) are a signature feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These include the earliest known cytopathology that is specific to AD and that affects endosomes and induces the progressive failure of lysosomes, each of which are directly linked by distinct mechanisms to neurodegeneration. The origins of ELN dysfunction and β-amyloidogenesis closely overlap, which reflects their common genetic basis, the established early involvement of endosomes and lysosomes in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and clearance, and the pathologic effect of certain APP metabolites on ELN functions. Genes that promote β-amyloidogenesis in AD (APP, PSEN1/2, and APOE4) have primary effects on ELN function. The importance of primary ELN dysfunction to pathogenesis is underscored by the mutations in more than 35 ELN-related genes that, thus far, are known to cause familial neurodegenerative diseases even though different pathogenic proteins may be involved. In this article, I discuss growing evidence that implicates AD gene-driven ELN disruptions as not only the antecedent pathobiology that underlies β-amyloidogenesis but also as the essential partner with APP and its metabolites that drive the development of AD, including tauopathy, synaptic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. The striking amelioration of diverse deficits in animal AD models by remediating ELN dysfunction further supports a need to integrate APP and ELN relationships, including the role of amyloid-β, into a broader conceptual framework of how AD arises, progresses, and may be effectively therapeutically targeted.-Nixon, R. A. Amyloid precursor protein and endosomal-lysosomal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: inseparable partners in a multifactorial disease.
Case-Based Instruction to Teach Educators about the Legal Parameters Surrounding the Discipline of Students with Disabilities

ABSTRACTAllegations of improper discipline are commonly the focus of special education litigation filed against school districts. Because ignorance of the law is no defense, administrators and educators must understand special education law. Yet many educators receive little to no legal training. To address the lack of training and prevent future litigation, this article describes why educators must understand the law surrounding the discipline of students with disabilities, explains the relevant legal concepts, and provides case-based instruction that can be used to teach educators how to comply with federal disability law. University instructors, special education directors, principals, and teachers—regardless of their legal knowledge—can implement the case-based instruction to teach preservice and in-service educators about the federal requirements surrounding manifestation determination, the 10-day rule, unidentified students with disabilities, IAES, emergency exceptions for immediate removal, PBIS, a...
Sacred Values and Secular Evangelism in the Bill Nye-Ken Ham Debate

This chapter examines the 2014 nationally broadcast debate between arch-creationist evangelical Ken Ham and TV personality-cum-science popularizer Bill Nye (‘The Science Guy’). I contextualize the encounter in terms of both the history of creation/evolution battles and the current sense of threat/outrage evinced by conservative Christians and proponents of scientific literacy alike. Ham and Nye, I argue, offered themselves as avatars of their respective movements, staging not merely a clash of viewpoints but a clash of identities. Nye’s performance in particular, I maintain, models how secularity might engage in something like evangelism, appealing to audiences who do not share its ideological presuppositions.
Policy Uncertainty and the Demand for Money in Korea: An Asymmetry Analysis

Previous research considered impacts of monetary and output uncertainty on the demand for money in Australia using a linear model and found that while output volatility has significantly positive effects, money supply volatility does not. Furthermore, predictive power of the linear model was very low. In this paper we use a nonlinear model and a new measure of uncertainty known as policy uncertainty and show that this new measure has significantly long-run asymmetric effects on the demand for money in Australia. Due to nonlinear adjustment of policy uncertainty measure, the new nonlinear model has a very high predictive power. The adjusted R2 moves from 0.30 in the linear model to 0.80 in the nonlinear model.
Pre-service teachers' implicit and explicit beliefs about English language learners: An implicit association test study

Abstract Pre-service teachers' attitudes and beliefs about English Learners (ELs) are especially critical as they enter their professions among an increasingly diverse student population. This study uses an Implicit Association Test to explore implicit and explicit beliefs and attitudes of pre-service teachers about ELs. Pre-service teachers from a Southeastern U.S. university hold generally positive implicit beliefs about ELs and express positive expectations for working with ELs and school support. Implicit association test measures have potential as tools for preparing pre-service teachers and evaluating the impact of interventions that seek to improve teachers’ readiness to serve this population.
Children’s Ideas About Canine Behavioral Issues and Training Practices

This chapter reports the findings of a research study in which children were interviewed to determine their ideas about canine behavioral issues and training practices. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because there is very little published work on this topic, particularly in children’s own words. The children’s descriptions of canine behaviors are shared, along with their interactions with and acceptance of their dogs within the family. The descriptions, which were sometimes surprising, share the children’s ideas regarding their dogs’ behaviors, including disruptive behaviors, such as running away or not coming when called, excessive barking and crying, chewing, biting, and aggression. The descriptions also include the children’s ideas about their pet’s obedience, such as while walking their dogs, teaching dogs to obey commands, and doing tricks. The chapter concludes with the children’s ideas on training practices for their canine companions before offering recommendations for resources to assist them in this regard. Understanding children’s ideas and beliefs about canine behavioral issues and training practices is critical because this understanding is the first step toward helping children and their families become informed on how to interact in positive ways with their dogs. Lack of appropriate and effective training practices may result in injury for children or euthanasia for dogs, in extreme cases. Therefore, this knowledge is essential for families with children and dogs.
Multiple-band, single-mode, high-power, phase-locked, mid-infrared quantum cascade laser arrays

Single-mode, 16-channel, phase-locked laser arrays based on quantum cascade laser technology are demonstrated at multiple spectral bands across the mid-infrared spectrum region. High peak output power of 50W is achieved around the long-wavelength band of 7.7µm, while a side mode suppression ratio over 25dB is obtained. Far field distribution measurement result indicates a uniform phase distribution across the array output.
Macro- and Microtribology of Magnetic Rigid Disk Drives

Magnetic storage and retrieval devices include tape, flexible disk and rigid disk drives used for audio, video and data processing applications. The magnetic recording process involves relative motion between a magnetic medium (tape or disk) against a stationary or rotating read/write magnetic head. For construction and materials used in magnetic head and medium components, refer to [1] – [3]. The need for ever increasing high recording densities requires that surfaces should be as smooth as possible and flying height (physical separation or clearance between a head and a medium) be as low as possible. In modern tape and flexible and rigid disk drives, flying height ranges from about 25 nm to 50 run, and roughness of the head and medium surfaces ranges from about 1.5 to 5 nm rms. As an analogy, a magnetic head slider flying over a disk surface with a flying height of 25 nm with a relative speed of 20 m/s is equivalent to an aircraft flying at a physical spacing of 0.2 μm at 900 km/h, Fig. 1. This is what a disk drive experiences during its operation.