cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The anomalous archaic Homo femur from Berg Aukas, Namibia: a biomechanical assessment.

The probably Middle Pleistocene human femur from Berg Aukas, Namibia, when oriented anatomically and analyzed biomechanically, presents an unusual combination of morphological features compared to other Pleistocene Homo femora. Its midshaft diaphyseal shape is similar to most other archaic Homo, but its subtrochanteric shape aligns it most closely with earlier equatorial Homo femora. It has an unusually low neck shaft angle. Its relative femoral head size is matched only by Neandertals with stocky hyperarctic body proportions. Its diaphyseal robusticity is modest for a Neandertal, but reasonable compared to equatorial archaic Homo femora. Its gluteal tuberosity is relatively small. Given its derivation from a warm climatic region, it is best interpreted as having had relatively linear body proportions (affecting proximal diaphyseal proportions, shaft robusticity, and gluteal tuberosity size) combined with an elevated level of lower limb loading during development (affecting femoral head size and neck shaft angle). Am J Phys Anthropol 110:379-391, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Molecular Mechanics Investigation of RNA Complexes. I. Ethidium Intercalation in an HIV-1 TAR RNA Sequence with an Unpaired Adenosine

Nucleic acid complexes with ethidium intercalated into different sites in a segment of HIV-1 TAR RNA with an unpaired A base, along with corresponding complexes with a normal RNA sequence without an unpaired base were studied by molecular mechanics energy minimization methods. Different intercalation geometries as well as different orientations of the ethidium molecule in the intercalation sites were tested. A general binding affinity enhancement for the ethidium binding to the bulge sequence compared with the normal RNA segment was obtained. With the unpaired adenosine base stacked in the duplex, the binding site adjacent to the 3' side of the bulge was found to be the most energetically favorable binding site, and the intercalation site 5' to the bulge in the same sequence is much less favorable. Unique correlated backbone conformational changes on binding of ethidium to the intercalation site 3' to the bulge were found to relieve backbone strains caused by the stacking of the unpaired base into the helix. These backbone conformational changes present a plausible molecular basis for the experimentally observed ethidium binding preference in this bulge RNA segment (L.S. Ratmeyer, R. Vinayak, G. Zon and W.D. Wilson, J. Med. Chem. 35, 966, 1992).
Evidence for a Prostate Cancer–Susceptibility Locus on Chromosome 20

Recent studies suggest that hereditary prostate cancer is a complex disease involving multiple susceptibility genes and variable phenotypic expression. While conducting a genomewide search on 162 North American families with ⩾3 members affected with prostate cancer (PRCA), we found evidence for linkage to chromosome 20q13 with two-point parametric LOD scores >1 at multiple sites, with the highest two-point LOD score of 2.69 for marker D20S196. The maximum multipoint NPL score for the entire data set was 3.02 ( P =.002) at D20S887. On the basis of findings from previous reports, families were stratified by the presence ( n =116) or absence ( n =46) of male-to-male transmission, average age of diagnosis ( n =73; ⩾66 years, n =89), and number of affected individuals ( n =101; ⩾5, n =61) for further analysis. The strongest evidence of linkage was evident with the pedigrees having P =.00079), a later average age of diagnosis (multipoint NPL 3.40, P =.0006), and no male-to-male transmission (multipoint NPL 3.94, P =.00007). The group of patients having all three of these characteristics ( n =19) had a multipoint NPL score of 3.69 ( P =.0001). These results demonstrate evidence for a PRCA susceptibility locus in a subset of families that is distinct from the groups more likely to be linked to previously identified loci.
Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate in electroporated HIT-T15 cells

Abstract HIT-T15 cells labeled with myo-[3H] inositol were permeabilized by electroporation and subsequently stimulated with various glycolytic intermediates in the presence of 20 mM LiCl in a buffer mimicking cytosolic ionic composition. Of the various glycolytic intermediates tested, only D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3-P) stimulated the formation of labeled inositol phosphates. The hald-maximal response to G3-P occured at a concentration of 0.75 mM. Formation of inositol phosphates in electroporated cells was also observed in response to GTP. G3-P further potentiated the formation of inositol phosphates in response to GTP, however, the interaction between G3-P and GTP was additive rather than synergistic, indicating that G3-P stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis in a manner different than the receptor mediated GTP-dependent activation of phospholipase C. The potentiation of the GTP response by G3-P did not appear to involve inhibition of the GTPase activity of a phosphoinositide-specific G protein, since G3-P also potentiated the formation of inositol phosphates in response to GTP-γ-S or NaF in a nearly additive manner.
Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design Using Classical and Optimal Techniques with Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.
Surface rheological properties of foam stabilizers in nonaqueous liquids

The rheological properties of foam stabilizers have been measured with an improved canal viscometer that provides absolute values of surface shear viscosity and yield strength. Studies conducted in room air confirmed previous reports of complex non-Newtonian film properties for oil soluble surfactants at the air-oil interface. Both shear and time dependent behavior were observed in which the apparent surface viscosity increased with decreasing rotational speed. Surface viscosities were low at all fresh interfaces but generally increased with the age of the surface over a period of several hours to several days. Experiments conducted in a controlled humidity environment have established that the phenomenon of aging in room air is due to adsorption of moisture from the gas by the surfactant film. Preliminary results indicate that the shear dependency of films in a high humidity environment can be approximated by a Bingham Plastic model which characterize their rheological behavior in terms of a Newtonian surface viscosity and yield value.
Autoregulation of brain blood flow in the newborn piglet: Regional differences in flow reduction during hypotension

Abstract The potential use of a piglet as a model for investigation of brain blood flow was evaluated by assessing the presence of autoregulation in 11 spontaneously breathing newborn piglets. Blood pressure was altered by phlebotomy. When the mean arterial blood pressure was greater than 50 mm Hg, no significant change in brain blood flow (microsphere technique) occurred ( r = 0.04), indicating the presence of autoregulation. When the animals became hypotensive a pressure passive relationship exists between brain blood flow and mean arterial blood pressure. However, since the piglets breathed spontaneously and hyperventilated during hypotension, both the mean arterial blood pressure and PaCO 2 fell and both correlated with brain blood flow. Thus, it cannot be determined which factor is responsible for the reduction in flow. The blood flow to the specific regions of the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem) and mean arterial blood pressure also showed no correlation when the latter was greater than 50 mm Hg. During hypotension, each region demonstrates pressure passive relationships, but the reduction in blood flow is most pronounced in the cerebrum, less in the cerebellum, and least in the brainstem (mean ± S.E., 64±8%, 41 ± 13%, 32 ± 13% reductions from control respectively, P
Relationship between 3/sec component and 6/sec spike and wave complexes: a case report.

The EEG in this patient shows bilateral spike and wave complexes with a 3/sec component (anteriorly) simultaneously with the 6/sec form (posteriorly). The well established 3/sec form as an epileptiform pattern seen in absence seizures lends support for a significant relationship with the 6/sec form, which should not be dismissed as a "normal variant."
Toward “Flexible Uniformity”? Civil Service Reform, “Big Government Conservatism,” and the Promise of the Intelligence Community Model:

As the Obama administration pieces together its own civil service reform program, it may find solutions to key reform challenges in an oft-overlooked Bush administration human resource management initiative in the national security arena. While press and scholarly attention focused largely on the administration’s reform efforts at the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense, discussed at length in the article by Kellough, Nigro, and Brewer in this symposium, the development of a common personnel framework across the U.S. Intelligence Community went relatively unnoticed. The author argues that human resource management changes made pursuant to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 provide a potential model for the Obama administration as it addresses three key reform challenges that have long plagued policymakers: replacing the General Schedule with a modernized approach to compensation and classification, achieving a balance between uniformity at the executive branch level and ...
Understanding and the Emotions

Summary We need to classify emotions as objectual and non-objectual. Some of the objectual emotions are dependent on the characterizations of their objects. So in these cases reason guides the emotions. But there are also other cases in which the conceptual dependency goes the other way. in the case of aesthetic judgments and certain types of judgments involving purpose, or compassion, the ability to make these judgments is dependent on being in certain emotional states. Thus in some cases emotions aid and supplement reason. Resume Nous devons classer les emotions comme objectuelles et non objectuelles. Quelques-unes des emotions objectuelles sont dependantes des caracteristiques de leurs objets. La raison guide alors les emotions. Mais il y a aussi des cas ou la dependance conceptuelle suit ?on;autres voies. Dans le cas de jugements esthetiques et de jugements comportant des buts, ou de la compassion, la capacitye de porter ces jugements est dependante de certains etats emotionnels dans lesquels se trouve le sujet. Ainsi, dans certains cas, les emotions aident et completent la raison. Zusammenfassung Wir mussen die Gefuhle in objektuelle und nicht-objektuelle einteilen. Einige der objektuellen Gefuhle sind von der Charakterisierung ihrer Objekte abhangig. In diesen Fallen lenkt die Vernunft die Gefuhle. Es gibt aber auch Falle, in welchen die begriffliche Abhangigkeit umgekehrt verlauft. Im Falle von asthetischen Urteilen und von gewissen Urteilen, die Zwecke oder Mitgefuhle betreffen, hangt die Fahigkeit, solche Urteile zu fallen, davon ab, dass man sich in bestimmten Gemutszustanden befindet. So kommt es, dass in einigen Fallen Gefuhle die Vernunft unterstutzen und erganzen.
Bioreactor Based Bone Tissue Engineering: Influence of Wall Collision on Osteoblast Cultured on Polymeric Microcarrier Scaffolds in Rotating Bioreactors

Rotating bioreactors have been used to overcome the limitations of passive nutrient diffusion in three-dimensional (3D) constructs for tissue engineering of bone. It is hypothesized that conventional scaffolds undergo repeated wall collisions in rotating bioreactors, which may disrupt bone tissue formation. In this study, we investigated the effects of wall collision on osteoblastic cells cultured on a microsphere based scaffold of varying densities in comparison to water. The conventional heavier than water (HTW; density > 1 g/cm3) scaffolds were fabricated by sintering HTW microspheres of 85:15 poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLAGA), and mixed scaffolds were designed by mixing lighter than water (LTW; density < 1 g/cm3) and HTW microspheres of PLAGA. We quantified average velocities of the two types of scaffolds using a particle tracking system, and no significant difference in average velocities was observed between the two types of scaffolds. However, HTW scaffolds have frequent wall collision and mixed scaffolds can avoid wall collision in bioreactors. When human Saos-2 osteoblast like cells were cultured on the scaffolds in bioreactors for 16 days, bone cell proliferation and cell differentiation on HTW scaffolds were significantly inhibited as compared to those cultured on mixed scaffolds in rotating bioreactors. These results indicate that collision between scaffolds and bioreactor wall is a confounding factor in osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation. These studies provide a foundation for development of 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering of bone in rotating bioreactors.
Enzyme Inhibitors II: Synthesis of trans-3-(6-Substituted-9-purinyl) cyclohexanols as Adenosine Deaminase Inhibitors

The syntheses of trans - and cis -3-[9-(6-chloropurinyl)] cyclohexanols (IV and XI) have been accomplished by condensation of 5-amino-4,6-dichloropyrimidine with trans - and cis -3-aminocyclohexanol followed by ring closure of the resultant pyrimidine to the desired purines. Several 6-substituted analogs of IV and XI were prepared by nucleophilic displacement of the 6-chloro group. Evaluation of the resultant isosteric nucleosides as inhibitors of adenosine deaminase revealed that those compounds with a 6-amino group were inhibitory and that the 3′-hydroxyl group, whether trans or cis , is not involved in binding to the enzyme.
Reexamining some basic definitions of modern mixture theory

Abstract In this paper, I reexamine some basic definitions of mixture variables for modern mixture theory. In particular, I show the usual expression used to define mixture velocity in terms of the constituent velocities leads to some fundamental problems associated with the kinematics of saturated two-phase elastic mixtures. I propose a new expression for mixture velocity based on volume fractions as opposed to dispersed densities which correctly model the kinematics of such mixtures. The volume fraction based definition of velocity is extended to all mixture variables which previously were based on dispersed densities. Constitutent balance postulates are developed in terms of this new formulation which are identical to the classical theory. However, the formulation leads to much simpler and less forced expressions for mixture variables such as stress, internal energy, heat flux, etc. Finally, the restrictions developed on the supply terms governing constituent interactions assume much simpler forms and are physically more appealing than their classical counterparts.
Exfoliated nickel hydroxide nanosheets for urea electrolysis

Abstract Two-dimensional nickel hydroxide nanosheets were synthesized by exfoliating surfactant intercalated layered nickel hydroxides and developed as electrocatalysts for urea electro-oxidation. The electro-oxidation of urea on Ni(OH) 2 nanosheet modified electrodes shows a decrease of 100 mV in overpotential and an enhancement in current density, which reaches ca.154 mA cm − 2 mg − 1 , by a factor of ca. 170 compared to bulk Ni(OH) 2 powder modified electrodes. The Ni(OH) 2 nanosheets have promising applications in urea-rich wastewater remediation, hydrogen production, electrochemical sensors, and fuel cells due to their ability to promote the urea electrolysis reaction.
Use of helical parameters to generate candidate conformations for crystal packing: illustrative application to a polyimide

Abstract This communication describes the application and extension of a method for calculating the helical parameters with which to describe molecular conformations. The method, which was originally developed by Shimanouchi and others, is applied to a polyimide of 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-(4-aminophenoxy)propane (DMDA) which has eight torsional bonds in the chemical repeat unit. Discrete low energy states for these torsions were determined by Ramanchandran energy maps of sequential dihedral pairs or single bond torsional energy diagrams. The total number of possible low energy conformations for these states is 1152 including conformationally related isoenantiomorphs. The method conveniently generates the conformations for subsequent crystal structure packing and refinement. Consideration of these together with the X-ray data of Cheng and co-workers reduces the number to about 15 with about a 2 1 conformation and a c axis of approximately 49.2 A. Of these, about half appear to be good candidates for crystal packing.
Prognostic factors for alveolar regeneration: effect of tissue occlusion on alveolar bone regeneration with guided tissue regeneration

Objectives: Design criteria for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) devices include biocompatibility, cell occlusion, space-provision, tissue integration, and ease of use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cell occlusion and space-provision on alveolar bone regeneration in conjunction with GTR. Methods: Routine, critical-size, 6 mm, supra-alveolar, periodontal defects were created in 6 young adult Beagle dogs. Space-providing ePTFE devices, with or without 300-μm laser-drilled pores were implanted to provide for GTR. Treatments were alternated between left and right jaw quadrants in subsequent animals. The gingival flaps were advanced for primary intention healing. The animals were euthanized at week 8 post surgery. The histometric analysis assessed regeneration of alveolar bone relative to space-provision by the ePTFE device. Results: A significant relationship was observed between bone regeneration and space-provision for defect sites receiving the occlusive (β=0.194; p<0.02) and porous (β=0.229; p<0.0004) GTR devices irrespective of treatment (p=0.14). The bivariate analysis showed that both space-provision and device occlusivity significantly enhanced bone regeneration. Hence, sites receiving the occlusive GTR device and sites with enhanced space-provision showed significantly greater bone regeneration compared to sites receiving the porous GTR device (p=0.03) or more limited space-provision (p=0.0002). Conclusions: Cell occlusion and space-provision may significantly influence the magnitude of alveolar bone regeneration in conjunction with guided tissue regeneration.
Pertussis Toxin-sensitive Activation of Phospholipase C by the C5a and fMet-Leu-Phe Receptors

Signal transduction pathways that mediate C5a and fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-induced pertussis toxin (PTx)-sensitive activation of phospholipase C (PLC) have been investigated using a cotransfection assay system in COS-7 cells. The abilities of the receptors for C5a and fMLP to activate PLC beta 2 and PLC beta 3 through the Gbeta gamma subunits of endogenous Gi proteins in COS-7 cells were tested because both PLC beta 2 and PLC beta 3 were shown to be activated by the beta gamma subunits of G proteins in in vitro reconstitution assays. Neither of the receptors can activate endogenous PLC beta 3 or recombinant PLC beta 3 in transfected COS-7 cells. However, both receptors can clearly activate PLC beta 2 in a PTx-sensitive manner, suggesting that the receptors may interact with endogenous PTx-sensitive G proteins and activate PLC beta 2 probably through the Gbeta gamma subunits. These findings were further corroborated by the results that PLC beta 3 could only be slightly activated by Gbeta 1gamma 1 or Gbeta 1gamma 5 in the cotransfection assay, whereas the Gbeta gamma subunits strongly activated PLC beta 2 under the same conditions. PLC beta 3 can be activated by Galpha q, Galpha 11, and Galpha 16 in the cotransfection assay. In addition, the Ggamma 2 and Ggamma 3 mutants with substitution of the C-terminal Cys residue by a Ser residue, which can inhibit wild type Gbeta gamma -mediated activation of PLC beta 2, were able to inhibit C5a or fMLP-mediated activation of PLC beta 2. These Ggamma mutants, however, showed little effect on m1-muscarinic receptor-mediated PLC activation, which is mediated by the Gq class of G proteins. These results all confirm that the Gbeta gamma subunits are involved in PLC beta 2 activation by the two chemoattractant receptors and suggest that in COS-7 cells activation of PLC beta 3 by Gbeta gamma may not be the primary pathway for the receptors.
Social Equity, Property Rights, and Public Administrators: A Theoretical Linkage

Property rights are a significant element of social equity. Institutional theory holds that public managers who seek to foster social equity must impartially protect the property rights of society's disadvantaged members. When this occurs, the condition of "institutional credibility" emerges. Thus the ethical actions of administrators regarding the property rights of the disadvantaged directly affect the degree of social equity the society achieves.
Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of the dementia syndrome in later life and has reached epidemic proportions with the explosive growth of the number of elderly in the United States. 19 Although the core feature of AD is progressive cognitive impairment with resultant loss of functional capacity, noncognitive behavioral problems, such as depression, disruptive agitation, and psychosis, are expressed in most AD patients during the course of the illness. 27,29 These noncognitive problems produce excess disability, can be extremely distressing for patients and their caregivers, and are often the problems that precipitate nursing home placement in the more advanced stages of disease. 36,58 Most patients with AD are diagnosed and managed by primary care providers. It has been estimated that among a primary care medicine practice comprising 2500 patients, there are approximately 125 patients with AD at some stage of the disease. 57 Early detection of AD in these patients is important for many reasons, including rational family economic and legal planning, supporting the caregiver's efforts to cope with the patient's inevitable functional decline, and counseling concerning behavioral management and availability of community resources. Studies suggest that pharmacologic enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission slows progression of cognitive, functional, and behavioral symptoms in the earlier stages of AD. 47
The effect of free parameter estimates on the reconstruction of turbulence corrupted images using the bispectrum.

In a previous work we quantified the performance improvement resulting from using the bispectrum to reconstruct extended scenes from image sets corrupted by atmospheric seeing over horizontal paths. Here we expand on that work and explore how image reconstruction quality is effected when poor or inaccurate estimates of the point spread function and other free parameters are used for amplitude estimation. We also examine how the number of paths used in the bispectrum phase estimate similarly impacts reconstruction quality. The performance bounds of each of these parameters are explored in terms of the MSE in intensity per pixel of the resulting reconstructions relative to a diffraction-limited reference image. We have found that using more than six distinct phase paths in the bispectrum phase estimate does not result in improvement enough to justify the additional computation time. Similarly, estimates of the turbulence strength used to develop the inverse filter used in may deviate from the optimum by 50% or more while incurring only a 10% reduction in MSE improvement over a range of turbulence values.
Further studies on the amino acids and proteins of sulfur-deficient alfalfa.

Abstract Sulfur-deficient alfalfa plants grown in sand culture were separated into leaf and stem, and the leaf was separated into particulate, cytoplasmic protein, and cytoplasmic nonprotein fractions. The levels of several amino acids were determined in all fractions, and the cytoplasmic protein fraction was examined by electrophoresis. The net effect of sulfur deficiency on the nitrogen metabolism of alfalfa is a shift from protein synthesis to increased synthesis of water-soluble, nonprotein nitrogen compounds. This is shown by a marked drop in the level of the major protein of alfalfa leaf cytoplasm, with a smaller relative increase in the level of minor cytoplasmic protein components, a change not observed heretofore with a simple nutritional deficiency. In addition, asparagine and arginine accumulate in the water-soluble, nonprotein fraction of the leaf, with a compensating decrease in the level of leaf particulate and cytoplasmic proteins.
Role of Normal Layers in Penetration Depth Determinations of the Pairing State in High- T c Superconductors

We calculate the penetration depth $\ensuremath{\lambda}\left(T\right)$ for a model of the high- ${T}_{c}$ superconductors based upon proximity coupling between one superconducting $\left(S\right)$ and one normal $\left(N\right)$ layer per unit cell. The linear, low- $T$ region of the ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{ab}}\left(T\right)$ data of Bonn et al. on ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ is fitted quantitatively for both $s$-wave and ${d}_{{x}^{2}{\ensuremath{-}y}^{2}}$ order parameters. However, these fitted models give very different predictions for ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{c}\left(T\right)$, which may serve as a new test for the order parameter, or at least for the role of $N$ layers.
Noncombatant Immunity in Michael Water's Just and Unjust Wars

Issues of immunity from attack and the assignment of responsibility for civilian deaths are central to the modern war convention. Koontz addresses several difficulties with Walzer's treatment of noncombatant immunity in Just and Unjust Wars. Walzer's theory of noncombatant immunity states that immunity from attack is a fundamental human right that can only be lost once a person becomes a direct threat or consents to give up his or her right to immunity. Koontz cites inconsistencies in Walzer's method of determining the immunity of soldiers and civilians. He argues from a deontological perspective that there can be no grounds for consent to the loss of immunity other than a direct threat posed by a civilian. This strengthens the protection of noncombatants, a principle that had been weakened by Walzer.
Naive bats discriminate arctiid moth warning sounds but generalize their aposematic meaning

SUMMARY Naive red (Lasiurus borealis Muller) and big brown (Eptesicus fuscus Beauvois) bats quickly learn to avoid noxious soundproducing tiger moths. After this experience with a model tiger moth, bats generalize the meaning of these prey-generated sounds to a second tiger moth species producing a different call. Here we describe the three-dimensional kinematic and bioacoustic details of this behaviour, first, as naive bats learn to deal with an unpalatable model tiger moth and subsequently, as they avoid acoustic mimics. The tiger moths’ first clicks influenced the bats’ echolocation behaviour and the percentage of interactions that included terminal buzzes was associated with capture and investigatory behaviour. When the mimic was introduced, the bats decreased both their minimum distance to the tiger moth and the time at which they broke off their attack compared with their exposure to the model on the night before. These kinematic signatures closely match the bats’ behaviour on their first night of experience with the model. Minimum distances and time of pursuit cessation increased again by the last night of the mimic’s presentation. These kinematic and bioacoustic results show that although naive bats generalize the meaning of aposematic tiger moth calls, they discriminate the prey-generated signals as different and investigate. Extrapolating to experienced bats, these results suggest that acoustic predators probably exert potent and fine-scaled selective forces on acoustic mimicry complexes. Supplementary material available online at http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/content/full/212/14/2141/DC1
Minimizing Pulling Geometry Errors in Atomic Force Microscope Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy

In atomic force microscopy-based single molecule force spectroscopy (AFM-SMFS), it is assumed that the pulling angle is negligible and that the force applied to the molecule is equivalent to the force measured by the instrument. Recent studies, however, have indicated that the pulling geometry errors can drastically alter the measured force-extension relationship of molecules. Here we describe a software-based alignment method that repositions the cantilever such that it is located directly above the molecule's substrate attachment site. By aligning the applied force with the measurement axis, the molecule is no longer undergoing combined loading, and the full force can be measured by the cantilever. Simulations and experimental results verify the ability of the alignment program to minimize pulling geometry errors in AFM-SMFS studies.
Enhanced code density of embedded CISC processors with echo technology

Code density is an important issue in memory constrained systems. Some RISC processor, e.g. the THUMB extension in the ARM processor, supports aggressive code size reduction even at the cost of significant performance loss. In this paper, we develop an algorithm that utilizes a set of novel variable length Echo instructions and evaluate its effectiveness for IA32 binaries. Our experiments show that IA32 processor equipped with Echo instructions is capable of achieving a similar code density as the THUMB extension in the ARM instruction set with significantly lower performance penalty.
Privatization, Labor and Social Safety Nets

Privatization promotes economic efficiency and growth, thereby reinforcing macroeconomic adjustment. In the short run, however, it can lead to job losses and wage cuts for workers. This paper discusses these adverse impacts of privatization in terms of various methods of privatization and surveys the existing empirical evidence. It finds that public sales and auctions can have stronger negative effects on workers but maximize the government's revenue. Policymakers' options for mitigating the social impact of privatization are surveyed. Copyright 2001 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd
Predicting Occupancy of Wintering Migratory Birds: is Microhabitat Information Necessary?

Abstract. Information regarding microhabitat, here defined as small-scale vegetation structure, is often useful in predicting use of habitat by birds. Quantifying microhabitat, however, is expensive and labor intensive compared to assessment of habitat at a larger scale, possibly from remotely sensed imagery. To assess the importance of microhabitat information in constructing predictive models of habitat occupancy, we compared occupancy models built on the basis of macro- and microhabitat together and separately. We based our models on counts of wintering migratory bird species and vegetation surveys within Tuskegee National Forest, Alabama, completed during winter 2009. Models built from macrohabitat data only outperformed models built from microhabitat data only for five of the six species analyzed. However, the best model for every focal species included both macro- and microhabitat covariates. Pine forests—excluding plantation—were the only land-cover classification important to our focal species, an...
Contact transition control: an experimental study

Several methods for controlling the transition from free motion to constrained motion are examined, with an emphasis on minimizing fingertip load oscillations during the transition. An approach based on input command shaping is discussed and compared with several methods developed in prior research. The various techniques were evaluated on a one-axis impact testbed, and results from those experiments are presented. The input shaping method was found to be comparable, and in some cases superior, to existing techniques of contact transition control. >
DIAES-a distributed image archiving expert system

A distributed image archiving expert system (DIAES) is introduced to improve the response time of a multilevel storage system and to support real-time picture archiving and communication systems (PACSs). DIAES provides efficient schemes for image retrieval, storage, and organization by means of techniques offered by distributed artificial intelligence (DAI). With DIAES, declarative (i.e. image description) and procedural (i.e. heuristics for selecting the right images, predicting the images that will be requested next, and calculating the 'connection force' between images) knowledge are both integrated into a hierarchical, entity-based knowledge management scheme, termed as frames and rules associated system entity structure (FRASES). By interpreting the built-in knowledge, DIAES predicts images which have higher probability of being retrieved next and archives these images to the upper (or top) level storage devices. This, in turn, reduces the possibility of accessing images located on the lower level storage devices and improves the response time. >
Sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease: a review of prospective studies

Background Current estimates from objective accelerometer data suggest that American adults are sedentary for ∼7.7 h/day. Historically, sedentary behaviour was conceptualized as one end of the physical activity spectrum but is increasingly being viewed as a behaviour distinct from physical activity. Methods Prospective studies examining the associations between screen time (watching television, watching videos and using a computer) and sitting time and fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) were identified. These prospective studies relied on self-reported sedentary behaviour. Results The majority of prospective studies of screen time and sitting time has shown that greater sedentary time is associated with an increased risk of fatal and non-fatal CVD. Compared with the lowest levels of sedentary time, risk estimates ranged up to 1.68 for the highest level of sitting time and 2.25 for the highest level of screen time after adjustment for a series of covariates, including measures of physical activity. For six studies of screen time and CVD, the summary hazard ratio per 2-h increase was 1.17 (95% CI: 1.13-1.20). For two studies of sitting time, the summary hazard ratio per 2-h increase was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.09). Conclusions Future prospective studies using more objective measures of sedentary behaviour might prove helpful in quantifying better the risk between sedentary behaviour and CVD morbidity and mortality. This budding science may better shape future guideline development as well as clinical and public health interventions to reduce the amount of sedentary behaviour in modern societies.
Dielectric breakdown distributions for void containing silicon substrates

Abstract Distributions of gate oxide failure in various types of silicon substrate materials have been investigated for a wide range of oxide thicknesses. Silicon substrates containing various well-characterized void distributions along with defect-free materials were tested using special low-series resistance capacitor structures. Results of both ramped field tests of variable ramp rate and constant field tests were performed and analyzed within the framework of Weibull statistics. Ramped field tests are not “time zero dielectric breakdown” tests as is commonly asserted. They can in fact be very useful in extrapolating time dependent failure. The same set of Weibull parameters can be used to describe both ramped field and constant field wearout tests if an appropriate model for the time dependent damage accumulation during the field ramp is used. There are implications for reliability predication and the burn-in screening of device populations containing such defects.
On finding the minimum possible peak value of multi-input infinite-horizon steering controls

A computational method for the infinite-dimensional optimization problem of finding the minimum possible peak value of a multi-input infinite-horizon steering control is presented. It is shown that the problem is equivalent to a convex program in a finite-dimensional Euclidean space. The convex program is approximated by a sequence of linear programs, the objective values of which converge to the objective of the convex program. A bound above and below are given for the error between the objective value of the convex program and the objective of any linear program in the approximating sequence. The bounds show convergence and are geometric with ratio given by the minimum modulus over all unstable plant poles. >
Progressively authenticated image transmission

Network-conscious image compression has been shown to provide faster progressive display than traditional compression algorithms, when images are transmitted over lossy low-bandwidth packet-switched networks. In this paper, we combine the advantages of wavelet-based, network-conscious image compression with a blind digital image signature technique. Together these two approaches investigate progressive display where each progressive image can be authenticated by the receiver in real time.
Three-dimensional geometry of the human carotid artery.

Abstract Accurate characterization of carotid artery geometry is vital to our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Three-dimensional computer reconstructions based on medical imaging are now ubiquitous; however, mean carotid artery geometry has not yet been comprehensively characterized. The goal of this work was to build and study such geometry based on data from 16 male patients with severe carotid artery disease. Results of computerized tomography angiography were used to analyze the cross-sectional images implementing a semiautomated segmentation algorithm. Extracted data were used to reconstruct the mean three-dimensional geometry and to determine average values and variability of bifurcation and planarity angles, diameters and cross-sectional areas. Contrary to simplified carotid geometry typically depicted and used, our mean artery was tortuous exhibiting nonplanarity and complex curvature and torsion variations. The bifurcation angle was 36 deg ± 11 deg if measured using arterial centerlines and 15 deg ± 14 deg if measured between the walls of the carotid bifurcation branches. The average planarity angle was 11 deg ± 10 deg. Both bifurcation and planarity angles were substantially smaller than values reported in most studies. Cross sections were elliptical, with an average ratio of semimajor to semiminor axes of 1.2. The cross-sectional area increased twofold in the bulb compared to the proximal common, but then decreased 1.5-fold for the combined area of distal internal and external carotid artery. Inter-patient variability was substantial, especially in the bulb region; however, some common geometrical features were observed in most patients. Obtained quantitative data on the mean carotid artery geometry and its variability among patients with severe carotid artery disease can be used by biomedical engineers and biomechanics vascular modelers in their studies of carotid pathophysiology, and by endovascular device and materials manufacturers interested in the mean geometrical features of the artery to target the broad patient population.
Species of Liriope Cultivated in the Southeastern United States

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. lilyturf, monkey grass, Convallariaceae, Haemodoraceae, Liliaceae, Ophiopogonaceae, Ruscaceae, morphology, ornamentals, ground covers, taxonomic key SUMMARY. Species ofLiriopeLour. areversatile, evergreen, grass-like perennials used in many landscaping situations. The industry commonly recognizes two species, L. muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey and L. spicata Lour. Additional species are poorly known in the green industry, and include misidentified species of Ophiopogon Ker-Gawl. A taxonomic treatment of liriopogons cultivated in the southeastern United States has been in progress for nearly 15 years. Plants bearing the names of L. kansuensis C.H. Wright belonged to the genus Ophiopogon. Plants bearing the name L. graminifolia Baker were misidentified as Ophiopogon sp. or belonged to L. spicata. One nursery had L. maireii, a species name lacking in plant name indices, and was excluded as a species. The names L. muscari and L. platyphylla F.T. Wang & T. Tang linked recently as synonyms are segregated as two distinct species. Six species of Liriope are delineated and quantitatively described, with a taxonomic key to segregation presented. These species include L. exiliflora (L.H. Bailey) H.H. Hume, L. gigantea H.H. Hume, L. minor (Maxim.) Makino, L. muscari, L. platyphylla, and L. spicata.
Combined electrochemical and X-ray tomography study of the high temperature evolution of Nickel – Yttria Stabilized Zirconia solid oxide fuel cell anodes

Abstract Accelerated ageing of Ni-Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) anode functional layers (AFLs) in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is carried out at 1000–1200 °C, the resulting morphological changes are investigated using transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM), and properties are characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Prior to ageing, the as prepared NiO-YSZ AFLs are reduced to Ni-YSZ and then aged at 1100 °C for 100 h in order to eliminate early-stage morphological changes. Measured particle size and three phase boundary (TPB) density changes with ageing time and temperature are fit reasonably well using a power-law coarsening model. This model is also used in conjunction with an electrochemical model to predict changes in the anode charge-transfer polarization resistance. The models are used to make predictions of the structural and electrochemical performance evolution of these Ni-YSZ anodes, for cells operated long-term at normal (700–850 °C) operating temperatures. Additional experiments to verify the model predictions are suggested.
The Impact of Black Representation on Committees' Recognition of Black Issues

There is a good literature on how black members of Congress use their positions on committees to further black interests. This paper is interested in whether the entrance of black MCs onto committees shifted how much recognition and attention those committees gave to black issues. Using data that goes back before the influx of black people into Congress, I should be able to trace changes in the black issue jurisdictions of committees over time. Additionally, this research can be used to investigate the potential impact of black MCs stacking onto a few committees rather than being evenly distributed throughout multiple committees.
An externally validated robust risk predictive model of adverse outcomes after carotid endarterectomy

Background The goal of this study was to construct and externally validate a risk prediction model for patients who undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods The Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) and Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) databases were queried for patients who underwent CEA. Data on perioperative variables, comorbidities, and medications were entered into a logistic regression model as predictors of the composite adverse outcomes in the VSGNE sample. Adverse outcomes were defined if the patient experienced any of the following events: postoperative stroke, myocardial infarction, mortality, or discharge to rehabilitation facility. Backward elimination (α level of .2) was then used to select a more parsimonious model. Calibration was performed to measure how closely predicted outcomes agreed with observed outcomes. To assess calibration we used Hosmer-Lemeshow test, the predictive value of the model was assessed via the C-statistic. The external validation was then performed using the VQI sample after excluding those in the VSGNE sample (VQI-VSGNE) following a similar method. Results The constructed model showed a substantial predictive capability of adverse outcomes (C = 0.711) with goodness of fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow lack of fit test, P = .494). A significantly higher rate of adverse outcomes was noted for the VQI sample (5.2%; n = 12,075) compared with the VSGNE sample (4.49%; n = 8661; P = .017). The discriminating ability of the VSGNE model remained substantial in the external data (C = 0.702). Conclusions The internally validated VSGNE CEA risk model, which robustly predicted adverse outcome after CEA, was externally validated by testing it against the remainder of VQI patients who underwent CEA by a diverse array of physicians. This tool provides a simple and reliable method to risk-stratify CEA patients using only their preoperative conditions. A risk score based on this model can reliably stratify patients according to their risk of adverse outcomes after CEA.
The Coupling Constant in a φ4 Field Theory

Under simple hypothesis, the following statements are proved in a φ4 field theory: (1) The coupling constant is continuous in the parameters, e.g. as the scaling limit is approached or as ultraviolet cutoffs are removed. (2) Zero coupling corresponds to a free field or a generalized free field. (3) Different types of amputation in the definition of the coupling constant differ only by a finite nonzero factor.
Superficial epithelial keratectomy, cautery, and amniotic membrane transplant for the treatment of painful bullous keratopathy in eyes with poor visual potential.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to report a new technique for the treatment of painful bullous keratopathy in eyes with poor visual potential. METHODS Review of technique and outcomes of treated patients. RESULTS The surgical technique involved superficial epithelial keratectomy, corneal cautery, amniotic membrane transplantation, and temporary bandage contact lens placement. Four patients were treated with this technique. All had significant pain due to bullous keratopathy before the surgery. After a mean follow-up of 16 months (1-42), 3 patients reported complete resolution of pain, and an examination disclosed a smoother corneal surface without bullae. One patient had recurrent pain after the removal of his bandage contact lens 1 month after the surgery. Separation of the amniotic membrane from the underlying cornea was noted. The patient underwent incision of the amniotic membrane with drainage of the fluid and is currently stable. CONCLUSIONS Superficial epithelial keratectomy, cautery, and amniotic membrane transplantation can be used to treat painful bullous keratopathy in a minimally invasive fashion with improved cosmetic results.