cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PARENTAL INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN RESPONSE TO AMBIENT NEST-PREDATION RISK VERSUS ACTUAL PREDATION ON THE PRIOR NEST

Abstract. Theory predicts that parents should invest less in dependent offspring with lower reproductive value, such as those with a high risk of predation. Moreover, high predation risk can favor reduced parental activity when such activity attracts nest predators. Yet, the ability of parents to assess ambient nest-predation risk and respond adaptively remains unclear, especially where nest-predator assemblages are diverse and potentially difficult to assess. We tested whether variation in parental investment by a multi-brooded songbird (Brewer's Sparrow, Spizella breweri) in an environment (sagebrush steppe) with diverse predators was predicted by ambient nest-predation risk or direct experience with nest predation. Variation among eight sites in ambient nest-predation risk, assayed by daily probabilities of nest predation, was largely uncorrelated across four years. In this system risk may therefore be unpredictable, and aspects of parental investment (clutch size, egg mass, incubation rhythms, nestlin...
Bombesin-like peptides: from frog skin to human lung.

The tetradecapeptide bombesin was first isolated from the skin of the frog Bombina bombina by Erspamer and col­ leagues in 1970 (1). Since then, similar peptides have been demonstrated in other amphibia, mammals, avians, fish, and invertebrates. The group of bombesin-like peptides is de­ fined by a region of homology at the carboxyl-terminus, in which resides their biologic activity. Due to this homology, physiologic and immunologic properties of these peptides of­ ten overlap. Bombesin binds to a cell surface receptor and initiates a number of early events, including inositol triphos­ phate and diacylglycerol accumulation, protein kinase C ac­ tivation, Ca+ 2 mobilization, Na' influx and Na+/H+ antiport, arachidonic acid release, cAMP accumulation, and elevation of c-mycand e-fosmRNA levels (2). Bombesin and its mam­ malian homologue, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), have a number of actions that are of interest, including mitogenesis for fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and small cell lung cancer, bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, the promotion of mucous secretion, regulation of gastrin release, monocyte chemo­ taxis, and appetite suppression (3). In humans, the fully characterized bombesin-like peptides include GRP and neuromedin B, analogous to the amphibian peptides bombesin and ranatensin, respectively (4, 5). Neu­ romedin B is reported to be largely confined to neural tissue, whereas GRP is synthesized in isolated neuroendocrine cells as well as in the nervous system. Bombesin-like immuno­ reactivity has also been reported in macrophages, but there has been no demonstration of GRP mRNA in this cell type (6). Thus, it is possible that macrophages may either take up GRP from their environment or synthesize GRP or a related peptide. GRP mRNA and immunoreactivity have been studied in human fetal lung development (7). GRP-positive neuroendo­ crine cells are first demonstrated at the end of the first trimes­ ter and increase in number until shortly after birth. GRP­ positive neuroendocrine cells are prominent in the develop­ ing airways and follow a centrifugal pattern that parallels the morphogenesis of the fetal airways. Little direct evidence ex­ ists to define a role for GRP in fetal lung development, al
SCARE: A Postprocessor Program to MSC/NASTRAN for Reliability Analysis of Structural Ceramic Components

A computer program was developed for calculating the statistical fast fracture reliability and failure probability of ceramic components. The program includes the two-parameter Weibull material fracture strength distribution model, using the principle of independent action for polyaxial stress states and Batdorf's shear-sensitive as well as shear-insensitive crack theories, all for volume distributed flaws in macroscopically isotropic solids. Both penny-shaped cracks and Griffith cracks are included in the Batdorf shear-sensitive crack response calculations, using Griffith's maximum tensile stress or critical coplanar strain energy release rate criteria to predict mixed mode fracture. Weibull material parameters can also be calculated from modulus of rupture bar tests, using the least squares method with known specimen geometry and fracture data. The reliability prediction analysis uses MSC/NASTRAN stress, temperature and volume output, obtained from the use of three-dimensional, quadratic, isoparametric, or axisymmetric finite elements. The statistical fast fracture theories employed, along with selected input and output formats and options, are summarized. An example problem to demonstrate various features of the program is included.
Contact and fumigant toxicity of a botanical-based feeding deterrent of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae).

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), has been considered one of the most serious biting flies of confined and pastured livestock. The economic losses caused by the stable fly to the cattle ind...
Flow-injection immunoassays: Present and future

The recent development of the flow-injection immunoassay (FIIA), beginning with one of the first publications in 1980 by Lim and Miller, has resulted in a growing field which combines the precise and reproducible timing of flow-injection analysis (FIA) with immunoassays to yield assays which are carried out in a nonequilibrium time frame. These often faster assay methods require small volumes of sample and reduced sample handling. The advancement of this field is briefly reviewed in this paper with respect to the general methods and detection schemes applied. A novel method utilizing sequential injection (SI) is also introduced. The method uses immunomagnetic beads to create a renewable reaction column which does not require in-line regeneration.
The spectrum of blunt injury to the carotid artery: a multicenter perspective

The relative infrequency of blunt carotid artery trauma prompted a multicenter review to determine the spectrum of injuries, treatment strategies, and neurologic outcome. During a six-year period, 60 carotid artery injuries from blunt mechanisms in 49 patients were treated at 11 institutions. There were 11 bilateral injuries. Injury mechanisms were diverse but involved motor vehicles in 35 (72%) patients. In 14 (29%) patients, significant neurologic deficits developed more than 12 hours after a normal admission neurologic examination. The diagnosis was confirmed by angiography in 42 (86%). Duplex ultrasound accurately demonstrated the arterial injury in 12 (86%) of 14 patients. Documented injuries included arterial thrombosis in 20 arteries, arterial dissection alone in 19, dissection with pseudoaneurysm in six, pseudoaneurysm alone in five, frank arterial disruption in seven, and carotid-cavernous fistula in three. Arterial dissection was managed nonsurgically in 15 (79%) of 19 cases, the majority with systemic anticoagulation. Arterial thrombosis was managed with supportive therapy alone for 16 (80%) of 20 arteries; most associated with fixed neurologic deficits. Pseudoaneurysm repair was performed for six (55%) injuries. Carotid-cavernous fistulas were treated in all three instances with balloon occlusion. Overall mortality was 16 of 49 patients (43%). Good neurologic outcome was achieved in 22 (45%) patients. We conclude that: (1) Neurologic symptoms may develop in a delayed fashion; prior clinical suspicion and diagnostic testing are essential; (2) arterial dissection without complete occlusion may effectively be managed by anticoagulation; (3) pseudoaneurysms in accessible anatomic locations can be repaired with good results; and (4) injuries with complete arterial thrombosis are associated with high mortality and poor neurologic outcome in proportion to the initial degree of neurologic impairment.
Physiological characterization of lipid accumulation and in vivo ester formation in Gordonia sp. KTR9.

Previous work has demonstrated the feasibility of in vivo biodiesel synthesis in Escherichia coli, however, ethyl ester formation was dependent on an external fatty acid feedstock. In contrast to E. coli, actinomycetes may be ideal organisms for direct biodiesel synthesis because of their capacity to synthesize high levels of triacylglcerides (TAGs). In this study, we investigated the physiology and associated TAG accumulation along with the in vivo ability to catalyze ester formation from exogenous short chain alcohol sources in Gordonia sp. KTR9, a strain that possesses a large number of genes dedicated to fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis. Total lipid fatty acids content increased by 75 % and TAG content increased by 50 % under nitrogen starvation conditions in strain KTR9. Strain KTR9 tolerated the exogenous addition of up to 4 % methanol, 4 % ethanol and 2 % propanol in the media. Increasing alcohol concentrations resulted in a decrease in the degree of saturation of recovered fatty acid alcohol esters and a slight increase in the fatty acid chain length. A linear dose dependency in fatty alcohol ester synthesis was observed in the presence of 0.5–2 % methanol and ethanol compared to control KTR9 strains grown in the absence of alcohols. An inspection of the KTR9 genome revealed the presence of several putative wax ester synthase/acyl-coenzyme A : diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) enzymes, encoded by atf gene homologs, that may catalyze the in vivo synthesis of fatty acid esters from short chain alcohols. Collectively, these results indicate that Gordonia sp. KTR9 may be a suitable actinomycete host strain for in vivo biodiesel synthesis.
Boom and bust for radiation belt high-energy electron populations

Launched on 30 August 2012, the twin Van Allen probes constitute the first dedicated mission in decades to study the Earth's radiation belts. The sensor-laden spacecraft follow a nearly equatorial orbit, which gives them a complete view of the full range of radiation belt processes. In a new study, Baker et al. lay out some of the surprising results unveiled by the crafts' first year in orbit.
A-Miz-ing BCL6.

Germinal center formation requires BCL6 to silence specific genes in B cells. New data now show that the repertoire of genes repressed by BCL6 is larger than previously thought, because of its interaction with the DNA-binding protein Miz-1.
Fine Structure of Merkel Cell in Human Oral Mucosa

Merkel cells identical to those described in the skin were found in the gingival mucosa and in the vermilion border of the lip. They were often clustered in rete ridges but also found individually in the basal layer. Unmyelinated axons (neurites) of presumably a sensory afferent nerve surrounded the basal half of these cells within the epithelium. Occasional desmosomes connected the Merkel cell to the neighboring keratinocytes, but neither desmosomes nor other junctional devices were found between the Merkel cell and the neurite. The Merkel cell is characterized by membrane-surrounded dense granules, measuring between 800 and 2000 A, which seemed to derive from Golgi saccules. Some Merkel cells contained lysosome-like dense bodies and transferred melanosomes.
Ethnic Identity and Civil Society in Latvia, Poland and Ukraine: The Case of Environmental NGOs

This research tests the hypothesis that social identities play a key role in the success or failure of democracy, as individuals often hold ethnic and regional identities in a mutually exclusive fashion, resisting calls to act politically on other identities that cut across them. Activists in environmental non-governmental organisations were interviewed in Latvia, Poland and Ukraine in order to examine the policy process in an area that cuts across regional and ethnic lines. The results support the argument that ethnic and regional divisions harm cooperation on environmental issues, though other hypotheses cannot be ruled out.
Be-(a)-ware of the Red Flags: Common Flaws of Nonreproducible Preclinical Research Studies

The shocking discovery that the majority (75%–89%) of preclinical research studies, predominantly oncology related and published in top-tier journals, could not be reproduced was recently reported for 2 independent retrospective observational studies (1, 2). The findings of nonreproducibility in these studies were interestingly consistent. What can help determine whether research results will stand the test of time? In a recent article in Nature , Begley noted that whether you are an author, …
How symptomatic do depressed patients remain after benefiting from medication treatment

Abstract Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90) scores of 318 moderately depressed, nonmelancholic outpatients treated with phenelzine, imipramine, or placebo were compared with scores obtained from a demographically matched control group of 69 “normal” subjects. Pretreatment scores of depressed patients were significantly higher than those of the control group; after 6 weeks of treatment, they were indistinguishable from scores of the control group. These results suggest that symptoms of moderately depressed patients who benefit from treatment not only decrease from baseline, but are reduced to a level of symptomatology that is psychiatrically normal.
Method Proxy-Based AOP in Scala

This paper describes a fully-functional Aspect-Oriented Programming framework in Scala ‐ a statically typed programming language with object-oriented and functional features. This framework is implemented as internal domain-specific languages with syntax that is both intuitive and expressive. The implementation also enforces some static type safety in aspect definitions.
Incomplete knowledge and attitude-behavior inconsistency

Much previous research has shown the health belief model to be effective in explaining social-cognitive processes that lead to attitude-behavior consistency across a wide variety of health-related behaviors. The health belief model, like other social-cognitive models that rely upon the hierarchy-of-effects principle, presumes rationality between beliefs and attitudes, attitudes and intentions, and intentions and behavior for volitional behavior. It was found, for food intake behavior, that rationality is not achieved unless respondents have a high threshold level of "how-to" and "awareness" nutrition knowledge. Thus, as with ill-formed intentions, ill-formed knowledge (i.e., beliefs) can lead to nonrationality in volitional behavior.
Venoplasty: New use for an old technique

In this issue of Heart Rhythm, Worley et al report on their experience with the use of venoplasty to facilitate the implantation of pacemaker or defibrillator leads in patients with partial or total venous obstruction. The authors are to be commended; this report represents the only description of this technique in the electrophysiology literature in a large group of patients, applied by nonradiologists. The outcomes of venoplasty within the branches of the coronary sinus are not included in this report. The authors argue that this is a procedure for which most electrophysiologists should and are likely to seek proficiency. A literature review reveals remarkably few studies and virtually no large series about the use of venoplasty in the context of lead implantation. This study is a retrospective analysis of the experience of a single center with electrophysiologists specifically trained in venoplasty by one electrophysiologist (S.W.) with training in interventional cardiology. Over the course of 11 years, venoplasty was successfully performed on 371 of 373 patients for whom it was attempted. Safety and outcomes were reported on this group of patients, whereas procedurerelated details were reported on a cohort of 152 patients. Venoplasty was initially performed at the discretion of the implanting physician when stenotic lesions could not be opened with progressively larger dilators. Denominators such as total number of implants or total number of stenotic lesions for which venoplasty was not performed or needed (despite some stenosis) were not reported. Most importantly, no clinically significant complications occurred. Contrast extravasation or balloon rupture occurred not uncommonly, but were not associated with significant morbidity. The anticoagulation status of these patients was not reported. No damage to existing leads occurred. The balloons and catheters used for venoplasty of the subclavian vein are commonly available in most interventional vascular suites. There are several other interesting insights that can be drawn from this study. First, although subclavian/distal innominate site occlusions were most common (61%), 22% of occlusions occurred at peripheral and central (innominate/
Purinergic fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials in myenteric neurons of guinea pig: Distribution and pharmacology

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acting at P2 receptors mediates some fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in myenteric neurons of guinea pig ileum. The present studies investigate the distribution of purinergic fEPSPs along the length of the gut and characterize the P2-receptor subtype mediating fEPSPs. METHODS: Conventional intracellular electrophysiological methods were used to record from myenteric neurons in vitro. RESULTS: At a membrane potential of -97 +/- 1 mV, the amplitude (25 +/- 1 mV; n = 307) of fEPSPs was similar along the gut. Hexamethonium (100 micromol/L) inhibited fEPSPs in the gastric corpus by 98% +/- 1% (n = 31) and in the duodenum, ileum, taenia coli, proximal colon, and distal colon by 42%-55%. In the presence of hexamethonium, suramin (100 micromol/L) or the P2X antagonist pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS, 10 micromol/L) reduced the control fEPSP amplitude in the duodenum, ileum, taenia coli, proximal colon, and distal colon by 71%- 84%. The pharmacology of the purinergic fEPSPs was investigated in detail in the ileum. Noncholinergic fEPSPs were concentration- dependently (1-30 micromol/L) inhibited by PPADS (50%-inhibitory concentration, 3 micromol/L). In addition, alpha,beta-methylene 5'- adenosine triphosphate (1 micromol/L) also reduced purinergic fEPSPs. CONCLUSIONS: Fast EPSPs mediated in part through P2X receptors are prominent in myenteric neurons along the small and large intestines but are rare in the gastric corpus. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1522-34)
User requirements and design of a visualization for intrusion detection analysis

This paper reports on the user requirements gathering activities and design of an information visualization tool for analyzing network data for intrusion detection (ID). User-centered design methods have been widely used for many years. However, innovative visualization displays are often developed with limited consideration of user needs in the context of real-life problems. While it can be argued that this is required to generate creative new solutions, the resulting tools may not fully support actual users in their daily work. We studied ID analysts' activities in order to understand their work practices. This resulted in a simple task model of ID work and guidelines for visualization support. Noting the lack of current visualization support for the analysis ID task and grounded in the actual needs of ID analysts, we designed a visualization prototype for investigating network traffic.
QoSMig: adaptive rate-controlled migration of bulk data in storage systems

Logical reorganization of data and requirements of differentiated QoS in information systems necessitate bulk data migration by the underlying storage layer. Such data migration needs to ensure that regular client I/Os are not impacted significantly while migration is in progress. We formalize the data migration problem in a unified admission control framework that captures both the performance requirements of client I/Os and the constraints associated with migration. We propose an adaptive rate-control based data migration methodology, QoSMig, that achieves the optimal client performance in a differentiated QoS setting, while ensuring that the specified migration constraints are met QoSMig uses both long term averages and short term forecasts of client traffic to compute a migration schedule. We present an architecture based on Service Level Enforcement Discipline for Storage (SLEDS) that supports QoSMig. Our trace-driven experimental study demonstrates that QoSMig provides significantly better I/O performance as compared to existing migration methodologies.
A Three Dimensional Thermal Sensor Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We present a novel three-dimensional thermal sensor based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) utilizing dielectrophoretic (DEP) assembly. The sensor is fabricated using a hybrid assembly technique combining top down (fabrication of the microplatform) and bottom up (DEP assembly) approaches. Encapsulating the structure with a thin (1mum) parylene layer protects it from the environment and also improves the contact resistance. Both single and multi finger assembly electrode structures have been utilized to manufacture the 3D thermal sensor and its thermal sensitivity is measured with a heated chuck. The resistances of the structures decrease more than 10% across a temperature range from 25degC to 65degC. The temperature coefficient of resistance for the SWNT-based thermal sensor is measured and ranged from -0.154 to -0.24% for the single electrode device and varied from -0.3 to - 0.57% for the multielectrode device.
Interior Structure of Saturn Inferred from Pioneer 11 Gravity Data

The structure of Saturn is studied via a fourth-order theory for rotating planets and equations of state for the envelope which depend parametrically on the helium abundance, on the starting temperature for the adiabat, and on adopted forms of the pressure-density curve in the region of transition from molecular to metallic hydrogen. Models are constrained by the values of J2 and J4 obtained from the Pioneer-Saturn celestial mechanics experiment. Equations of state are tested by computing Jupiter models, which can now be subjected to a more stringent comparison with observed zonal harmonics. It is found that Saturn has a low-density hydrogen-helium envelope with no evidence for enhancement of H2O, CH4, or other abundant compounds. Such compounds are presumably located near the core. The helium mass abundance for Saturn's envelope appears to be in the range of approximately 0.12 to 0.19, but this result is very model-dependent. The helium abundance in the envelope of Jupiter is apparently very similar to that of Saturn.
Force-assembly with friction

Previously, force-assembly has been defined as an assembly process for which a single admittance control law (i.e., a single nominal velocity in conjunction with a single mapping of forces to motions) can guarantee the proper assembly of a given pair of mating parts. As a testbed application of force-assembly, the insertion of a workpiece into a fixture consisting of multiple rigid fixture elements (fixels) is addressed. Previous work in this area has shown that, when workpiece/fixture contact is frictionless and positional error is infinitesimal, there always exists an admittance control law that will ensure the proper insertion of a workpiece into a deterministic fixture. When workpiece/fixture contact is frictionless, the workpiece/fixture contact force contains the relative positional information required to identify error-reducing motions. Friction between the workpiece and fixture, however, provides a disturbance to the geometrical information contained in the contact force. This paper addresses: 1) the identification of the conditions that must be satisfied for force-assembly with friction, and 2) the formulation and results of an optimization of the admittance control law to obtain the maximum value of friction that will satisfy the force-assembly conditions for a given workpiece/fixture combination. Results indicate that force-assembly fails when the contact forces are no longer characteristic. Forces are characteristic if the possible contact forces that may occur for one type of misalignment are unique to that type of misalignment. >
Genome sequence of Streptococcus mutans UA159, a cariogenic dental pathogen

Streptococcus mutans is the leading cause of dental caries (tooth decay) worldwide and is considered to be the most cariogenic of all of the oral streptococci. The genome of S. mutans UA159, a serotype c strain, has been completely sequenced and is composed of 2,030,936 base pairs. It contains 1,963 ORFs, 63% of which have been assigned putative functions. The genome analysis provides further insight into how S. mutans has adapted to surviving the oral environment through resource acquisition, defense against host factors, and use of gene products that maintain its niche against microbial competitors. S. mutans metabolizes a wide variety of carbohydrates via nonoxidative pathways, and all of these pathways have been identified, along with the associated transport systems whose genes account for almost 15% of the genome. Virulence genes associated with extracellular adherent glucan production, adhesins, acid tolerance, proteases, and putative hemolysins have been identified. Strain UA159 is naturally competent and contains all of the genes essential for competence and quorum sensing. Mobile genetic elements in the form of IS elements and transposons are prominent in the genome and include a previously uncharacterized conjugative transposon and a composite transposon containing genes for the synthesis of antibiotics of the gramicidin/bacitracin family; however, no bacteriophage genomes are present.
Aerospace applications of sodium batteries using novel cathode materials

Preliminary fundamental investigations aimed at evaluating sodium metal chloride systems for future aerospace applications are described. Since the sodium metal chloride systems are relatively new, the approach has been to characterize their fundamental properties in order to understand their limitations. To this end, a series of fundamental electrochemical investigations has been carried out, the results of which are reported here. The metal chloride cathodes show high exchange current densities which corroborate their good reversibility in a battery application. The reduction mechanisms appear to be complex and involve multielectron transfer steps and intermediates. Such intermediates in the reaction mechanism have already been identified in the case of FeCl/sub 2/. Similar mechanisms may be operative in the case of NiCl/sub 2/. CuCl/sub 2/, however, exhibits a second relaxation loop in the impedance plot at low frequencies and also a sloping discharge curve, unlike FeCl/sub 2/ and NiCl/sub 2/, which may indicate the existence of monovalent copper in the reduction mechanism. >
Exploring agent-level calculations of risk and returns in relation to observed land-use changes in the US Great Plains, 1870–1940

Land-use change in the US Great Plains since agricultural settlement in the second half of the nineteenth century has been well documented. While aggregate his- torical trends are easily tracked, the decision making of individual farmers is difficult to reconstruct. We use an agent-based model to tell the history of the settlement of the west by simulating farm-level agricultural decision making based on historical data about prices, yields, farming costs, and environmental conditions. The empiri- cal setting for the model is the period between 1875 and 1940 in two townships in Kansas, one in the shortgrass region and the other in the mixed grass region. Annual historical data on yields and prices determine profitability of various land uses and thereby inform decision making, in conjunction with the farmer's previous experience and randomly assigned levels of risk aversion. Results illus- trating the level of agreement between model output and a unique and detailed set of household-level records of his- torical land use and farm size suggest that economic behavior and natural endowments account for land change processes to some degree, but are incomplete. Discrepan- cies are examined to identify missing processes through model experiments, in which we adjust input and output prices, crop yields, agent memory, and risk aversion. These analyses demonstrate that how agent-based modeling can be a useful laboratory for thinking about social and eco- nomic behavior in the past.
Strategy Content and Process Perspectives Revisited

A fundamental aspect of research in most fields is the fact that old ideas and paradigms are sometimes replaced by newer approaches that reflect the wealth of new knowledge accumulated through advances in the substantive, conceptual, and methodological domains. Sheth and Sisodia's (1999) call for revisiting lawlike generalizations in marketing is particularly opportune in light of the multitude of discontinuities that are currently affecting the practice of marketing, including the globalization of industries and markets, the emergence of global competitors, the dawn of electronic commerce, and the growth of information technology, to list a few. As Kotler (1997: xxxii) note, Marketing is not like Euclidean geometry, a fixed system of concepts and axioms. Rather, marketing is one of the most dynamic fields within the management arena. The marketplace continuously throws out fresh challenges, and companies must respond. Therefore, it is not surprising that new marketing ideas keep surfacing to meet the new marketplace challenges.
Effect of rescue or adjunctive percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit artery after fibrinolytic administration on epicardial flow in nonculprit arteries

Abstract We hypothesized that blood flow in noninfarct arteries would improve after percutaneous coronary intervention of the culprit artery in the setting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count was measured in 94 patients (102 arteries) enrolled in the INTEGRITI, ENTIRE, and FASTER trials of reduced dose fibrinolytic and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition. The corrected TIMI frame count in nonculprit arteries improved by 3.4 ± 13.4 frames after percutaneous coronary intervention but remained significantly slower than flow in normal arteries.
Stat-XFER: a general search-based syntax-driven framework for machine translation

The CMU Statistical Transfer Framework (Stat-XFER) is a general framework for developing search-based syntax-driven machine translation (MT) systems. The framework consists of an underlying syntax-based transfer formalism along with a collection of software components designed to facilitate the development of a broad range of MT research systems. Themain components are a general language-independent runtime transfer engine and decoder, along with several different tools for creating the various underlying language-pair-specific resources that are required for building a specific MT system for any given language pair.We describe the general framework, its unique properties and features, and its application to the construction of MT research prototype systems for a diverse collection of language pairs.
Generating titles for paragraphs using statistically extracted keywords and phrases

Text analysis tasks such as automatic indexing, automatic abstracting and automatic title generation require determination of the main theme and text content. In this paper, the statistical methods used in automatic indexing for the extraction of keywords is adopted for title generation. Using two online dictionaries, a prototype statistical title generation system is developed and tested on social science abstracts and reading comprehension exercises.
ON THE EXISTENCE OF PRIMITIVE MEANING UNITS

Knowledge representation schemes are either based on a set of primitives or not. The decision of whether or not to have a primitive-based scheme is crucial since it affects the knowledge that is stored and how that knowledge may be processed. We suggest that a knowledge representation scheme may not initially have primitives, but may evolve into a primitive-based scheme by inferring a set of primitive meaning units based on previous experience. We describe a program that infers its own primitive set and discuss how the inferred primitives may affect the organization of existing information and the subsequent incorporation of new information.
Process synthesis and design for multi-chip module fabrication

Multi-Chip Modules (MCM) are an area where process synthesis and scheduling are essential to lowering their production cost. At the present time, MCMs are too expensive except for high-end applications such as military or supercomputer hardware. The goal of this paper is to outline the various processing and testing steps for MCM manufacturing using a State-Task Network (STN), and describe the formulation of the optimization and scheduling problems for a sub-process. The final portion will describe an example of the use of the STN and optimization model to produce an MILP formulation of both electroless and electroplating copper deposition at fixed processing conditions.
Development of Surface Roughness Standards for Pathways Used by Wheelchairs

More than 2 million people in the United States use a wheelchair for mobility. These Americans not only rely on their assistive technology to complete simple, daily tasks, but they also depend on functional and accessible sidewalks to do so. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines established by the Access Board provide suggestions for pathways, they are subjective and not measurable. This ambiguity results in public pathways with many bumps and cracks, which can lead to harmful whole body vibrations (WBVs) for wheelchair users. WBVs with a root mean squared (RMS) value greater than 1.6 m/s2 for more than a 1-h period may result in back and neck pain or muscle fatigue. For the development of a standard for surface roughness, subjective and objective information needs to be gathered and analyzed. Sixty-one subjects were recruited to travel over nine simulated wooden surfaces with varying roughnesses that were modeled after outdoor surfaces. A subset of the subjects also travel...
Evolving neural networks to focus minimax search

Neural networks were evolved through genetic algorithms to focus minimax search in the game of Othello. At each level of the search tree, the focus networks decide which moves are promising enough to be explored further. The networks effectively hide problem states from minimax based on the knowledge they have evolved about the limitations of minimax and the evaluation function. Focus networks were encoded in marker-based chromosomes and were evolved against a full-width minimax opponent that used the same evaluation function. The networks were able to guide the search away from poor information, resulting in stronger play while examining fewer states. When evolved with a highly sophisticated evaluation function of the Bill program, the system was able to match Bill's performance while only searching a subset of the moves.
Research on the Effects of Administering Tests via Computers

Studies on the effects of computerized testing show that computer-based tests are not equivalent to their conventional counterparts, the results of item feedback are inconclusive, and computerized-adaptive tests can be as reliable as conventional tests with fewer items administered. The effects of the ordering of items, the ability estimation procedures, and the context of item administration in the estimation of parameters are some areas that require further investigation.
Substituted phenyl groups improve the pharmacokinetic profile and anti-inflammatory effect of urea-based soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors in murine models.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (sEHIs) are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-hypertensive, cardioand renal-protective in multiple animal models. However, the earlier adamantyl-containing urea-based inhibitors are rapidly metabolized. Therefore, new potent inhibitors with the adamantyl group replaced by a substituted phenyl group were synthesized to presumptively offer better pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Here we describe the improved PK profile of these inhibitors and the anti-inflammatory effect of the most promising one in a murine model. The PK profiles of inhibitors were determined following p.o. administration and serial bleeding in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl)urea (TPPU), the most promising inhibitor among the five sEHIs tested, was investigated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged murine model. The earlier broadly-used adamantyl-containing sEHI, trans-4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid (t-AUCB), was used for comparison. Compared with the earlier adamantyl-containing urea-based inhibitors, substituted phenyl-containing urea-based inhibitors afford more favorable PK properties, such as higher Cmaxs, larger AUCs and longer t1/2s, which, as expected, show more stable metabolic stability. Moreover, oral administration of TPPU dramatically reversed the shifts caused by LPS-challenge in plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, epoxides and corresponding diols, which is more potent than t-AUCB. The substituted phenyl-containing sEHIs are more metabolically stable than those with adamantyl group, resulting in more potent efficacy in vivo. This indicates a new strategy for development of sEHIs for further study toward clinical trials. 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Reading Achievement and Attitude Productivity among 17-Year Olds.

To probe the association of reading achievement and attitude with productive factors in learning, the scores of 2,300 17-year-old stu- dents from a National Assessment of Educational Progress sample were regressed on 18 indices of seven factors. The achievement correlations with the factors are close to the averages revealed by recent quantitative syntheses of bivariate studies. A considerable amount of the reliable or adjusted variance in achievement, 51%, is accounted for by motivation, frequency of spare time reading, radio listening, socioeconomic status, home environment, the use of English at home, race, and public-school attendance. Enjoyment of reading and self-concept as a reader are simi- larly accountable, but attitudes about the importance of reading and free- dom to read are less predictable. Syntheses (or meta-analyses) of experimental and quasi-experimental studies and correlational surveys reveal a considerable number of consis- tent moderate to large psychologically-productive effects on cognitive, af- fective, and behavioral aspects of classroom-learning outcomes (Walberg & Haertel, 1980). The productivity factors most closely connected with learn- ing may be divided into nine categories: student age, ability (as measured by IQ or prior achievement), and motivation (as indexed by interest in the subject matter or self-concept as a learner); time devoted to study; amount and quality or effectiveness of instruction (including self-instruction); psychological environments of the home, school, and peer group outside
The effect of crown architecture on dynamic amplification factor of an open-grown sugar maple (Acer saccharum L.)

Tree failure may cause significant economic and societal disruptions in urban environments. A better understanding of the relationship between branches and stem as they affect the dynamic response of decurrent trees under wind loading is needed to reduce the risk of tree failure. Finite element (FE) models were used to identify the parameters that primarily impact tree response. A base model was developed using data from a sugar maple (Acer saccharum L.) located in Belchertown, MA, USA, from which parametric models were subsequently developed. Confidence in the base model was gained by comparing the natural frequency of this tree with experimental results. Results from a parametric study incorporating changes in eight different tree parameters (stem diameter, slenderness ratio of branches, number of branches, damping ratio, branch attachment heights, branch attachment angles, branch azimuth angles, and elastic modulus) are then pre- sented to help identify critical model properties that affect the dynamic amplification factor (Rd) of the tree. A single parameter was varied in each model while keeping others unchanged from the base model. Parameters with the greatest effect on Rd included stem diameter, number and slenderness of branches in the crown, elastic modulus of stem and branches, and damping ratio. Thus, it may be possible to use pruning to alter crown architecture to reduce the risk of tree failure.
Reduction of Density and Pressure Gradient Errors in Ocean Simulations

Abstract Existing ocean models often contain errors associated with the computation of the density and the associated pressure gradient. Boussinesq models approximate the pressure gradient force, ρ−1∇p, by ρ−10∇p, where ρ0 is a constant reference density. The error associated with this approximation can be as large as 5%. In addition, Cartesian and sigma-coordinate models usually compute density from an equation of state where its pressure dependence is replaced by a depth dependence through an approximate conversion of depth to pressure to avoid the solution of a nonlinear hydrostatic equation. The dynamic consequences of this approximation and the associated errors can be significant. Here it is shown that it is possible to derive an equivalent but “stiffer” equation of state by the use of modified density and pressure, ρ* and p*, obtained by eliminating the contribution of the pressure-dependent part of the adiabatic compressibility (about 90% of the total). By doing this, the errors associated with bo...
The effect of mirror therapy on balance ability of subacute stroke patients

Abstract Background Rehabilitation of subacute stroke patients represents a major challenge. Objective This study was conducted to examine the effects of mirror therapy on balance ability among subacute stroke patients. Methods The patients were assigned to a mirror therapy group ( n = 17) or a sham therapy group ( n = 17). Participants in the experimental group received mirror therapy and conventional rehabilitation therapy for a total of 60 minutes (mirror therapy: 30 minutes; conventional rehabilitation therapy: 30 minutes) per day, with a 10 minute rest period halfway through the session. Participants in the experimental group received training 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Participants in the control group received sham therapy and conventional rehabilitation therapy for a total of 60 minutes (sham therapy: 30 minutes, conventional rehabilitation therapy: 30 minutes) per day on the same day. Balance Index (BI) scores were obtained using a balance measurement system. Results A significant difference in post-training gains for the overall stability index and medial and lateral stability index was observed between the experimental group and the control group ( p Conclusion We conclude that mirror therapy may be beneficial in improving balance ability among subacute stroke patients.
Effects of Nutrition and Soil Extracts on Germination of Glomus Mosseae Spores

Germination of spores of Glomus mosseae on agar media was inhibited by excess nutrient such as provided in standard Potato Dextrose or Nutrient Broth Agars, unless very low concentrations of the re...
Discussion and Analysis on the Cause of Bird Mass Mortality in the Sihetun Area of Beipiao, Liaoning, in the Early Early Cretaceous

Sihetun is the most famous locality of the "Jehol Biota" with a large number of well-preserved fossils. To explore into the cause of bird mass mortality in the early Early Cretaceous in the Sihetun area, the authors have analyzed the multiphase correlation elements in the fossil samples from the bird-bearing beds, their top and floor plates, sedimentary strata of no-bird beds and volcanic rocks under the bird-bearing beds on the bases of the element geochemistry characteristics and geological data. The results show that the noxious gas containing SO2, H2S, PbBr2, PbBrCl, Pb(OH)Br, (PbO)2, PbBr2 and Hg is the major cause for bird mass mortality; the concentration of bird fossils results from volcanic eruptions from a volcanic crater near Sihetun.
Aortic venting: Comparison of vent effectiveness

Three commercially available aortic vents have been evaluated as to effectiveness in removing small volumes of air introduced into a mock circulatory circuit. Without aspiration, Vent 2 was the most effective and removed 58 per cent of 0.1 ml., 90 per cent of 0.5 ml., and 74 per cent of 1.0 ml. boluses at a cardiac output of 2 L. At a cardiac output of 4 L., Vent 2 removed 42, 76, and 49 per cent, respectively. With aspiration (Vent 2 not designed for aspiration) and a 2 L. cardiac ouput, Vents 1 and 3 removed 84 to 98 per cent of 0.1 ml., 68 to 92 per cent of 0.5 ml., and 74 to 86 per cent of 1.0 ml. boluses. With aspiration and a 4 L. cardiac output. Vent 3 was significantly more effective than Vent 1 and removed 92 to 94 per cent of 0.1 ml., 82 to 86 per cent of 0.5 ml., and 77 to 80 per cent of 1.0 ml. boluses. One liter of canine blood was aspirated through Vents 1 and 3 at a flow rate of 250 ml. per minute. For Vent 1, serum hemoglobin levels increased from 40 to 249 mg. per 100 ml. and for Vent 3 from 49 to 212 mg. per 100 ml. There are significant differences in the ability of commercially available aortic vents to remove small air bubbles trapped in the heart after initial direct cardiac venting. Vents having the capability of aspiration are more effective and result in acceptable hemolysis.
Concentration-Dependent Vascularization of Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells.

Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells have been shown to self-associate to form vascular structures under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The angiogenic (new vessels from existing vessels) and vasculogenic (new vessels through self-assembly) potential of the SVF cell population may provide a cell source for directly treating (i.e., point of care without further cell isolation) ischemic tissues. However the correct dosage of adipose SVF cells required to achieve a functional vasculature has not been established. Accordingly, in vitro and in vivo dose response assays were performed evaluating the SVF cell vasculogenic potential. Serial dilutions of freshly isolated rat adipose SVF cells were plated on growth factor reduced Matrigel and vasculogenesis, assessed as cellular tube-like network assembly, was quantified after 3 days of culture. This in vitro vasculogenesis assay indicated that rat SVF cells reached maximum network length at a concentration of 2.5 × 10(5) cells/ml and network maintained at the higher concentrations tested. The same concentrations of rat and human SVF cells were used to evaluate vasculogenesis in vivo. SVF cells were incorporated into collagen gels and subcutaneously implanted into Rag1 immunodeficient mice. The 3D confocal images of harvested constructs were evaluated to quantify dose dependency of SVF cell vasculogenesis potential. Rat- and human-derived SVF cells yielded a maximum vasculogenic potential at 1 × 10(6) and 4 × 10(6) cells/ml, respectively. No adverse reactions (e.g., toxicity, necrosis, tumor formation) were observed at any concentration tested. In conclusion, the vasculogenic potential of adipose-derived SVF cell populations is dose dependent.
The pathways of genetic transformation in cholangiocarcinogenesis

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy that originates from the epithelial cells of the biliary duct system. Depending on the anatomical location, CCA can be considered extrahepatic (eCCA) or intrahepatic (iCCA) (1). Two thirds of CCAs involve the extrahepatic biliary system, whereas the rest are confined within the liver parenchyma, beyond the secondary biliary radicals (2). Due to its biological aggressiveness and difficulty in diagnosis, the majority of patients with CCA are unresectable at presentation and the overall 5-year survival is approximately five percent (4). This article focuses on the genetic and epigenetic alterations present in cholangiocarcinomas, their occasional relationship to external stimuli, and with an emphasis on those unanswered questions about cholangiocarcinogenesis and future directions in the comprehension of epigenetic DNA methylation in patients with CCA.