cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biotypic Status of Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) Populations in the United States

Baseline information on the biotypic status of Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), populations in the United States prior to the commercial planting of Russian wheat aphid-resistant small grains is reported. Ten Russian wheat aphid clones, collected from 5 states, were evaluated for biotypic variation on 4 wheat, Triticum aestivwm L., and 2 barley, Hordeum vulgare L., gernplasm entries. Although minor statistical differences were detected in measurements of chlorosis, root weight, aphid numbers, and aphid weight among some clones, host responses to Russian wheat aphid infestation among the 10 clones were similar. No genotypic differences were detected among the aphid clones based on random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles. Ten years after its introduction to the United States and before the commercial release of resistant cultivars, the Russian wheat aphid has not exhibited biotypic variation like that found in another cereal aphid, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani). It has been previously shown that Russian wheat aphid populations from other parts of the world exhibit considerable biotypic variation. Thus, with the threat of future introductions into the United States, Russian wheat aphid should be periodically monitored for biotypic variation, before and after the deployment of resistant cultivars.
Extracellular Heat Shock Protein 70: A Critical Component for Motoneuron Survival

The dependence of developing spinal motoneuron survival on a soluble factor(s) from their target, muscle tissue is well established both in vivo and in vitro. Considering this apparent dependence, we examined whether a specific component of the stress response mediates motoneuron survival in trophic factor-deprived environments. We demonstrate that, although endogenous expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) did not change during trophic factor deprivation, application of e-rhHsp70 (exogenous recombinant human Hsp70) promoted motoneuron survival. Conversely, depletion of HSP70 from chick muscle extract (MEx) potently reduces the survival-promoting activity of MEx. Additionally, exogenous treatment with or spinal cord overexpression of Hsp70 enhances motoneuron survival in vivo during the period of naturally occurring cell death [programmed cell death (PCD)]. Hindlimb muscle cells and lumbar spinal astrocytes readily secrete HSP70 in vitro, suggesting potential physiological sources of extracellular Hsp70 for motoneurons. However, in contrast to exogenous treatment with or overexpression of Hsp70 in vivo, muscle-targeted injections of this factor in an ex vivo preparation fail to attenuate motoneuron PCD. These data (1) suggest that motoneuron survival requirements may extend beyond classical trophic factors to include HSP70, (2) indicate that the source of this factor is instrumental in determining its trophic function, and (3) may therefore influence therapeutic strategies designed to increase motoneuron Hsp70 signaling during disease or injury.
A minimalistic approach to image processing for low-power sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks allow detailed sensing of otherwise unknown and inaccessible environments. While it would be beneficial to include cameras in a wireless sensor network because images are so rich in information, the power cost of transmitting an image across the wireless network can dramatically shorten the lifespan of the sensors. This paper investigates various compression techniques and what the cost of these algorithms would be to the lifespan of the sensor nodes. We further describe a new paradigm for cameras and wireless networks. Rather than focusing on transmitting images across the network, we show how an image can be processed locally for key features using simple detectors. Contrasted with traditional event detection systems that trigger a an image capture, this enables a new class of sensors which uses a low power imaging sensor to detect a variety of visual cues.
The effect of laser surface treatments on the tribological behavior of Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract Laser surface treatments were tried with the objective of improving the tribological performance of Ti-6Al-4V. The surface treatments used were laser surface melting, laser nitriding and laser nickel alloying, which were performed using a 1.4 kW CO 2 laser. The process parameters for laser surface treatments were optimized. The microstructures produced and the compounds formed were analyzed using standard metallographic and X-ray diffraction techniques. The abrasive, erosive and sliding wear behaviors of the laser-treated surfaces were studied. It was found that, whereas laser nitriding and nickel alloying reduced abrasive wear, laser surface melting did not. The reduction in the abrasive wear rate of laser-nitrided and nickel-alloyed specimens is attributed to the formation of TiN and Ti 2 Ni respectively in the molten and resolidified region. All three laser surface treatments resulted in improving the dry sliding wear resistance. This is attributed to the increased hardness as well as the formation of wear-resistant compounds in nitriding and nickel alloying. The mechanism of wear in the untreated titanium alloy was primarily ploughing but in the laser-treated cases material was removed by the formation and rupture of adhesive bonds. The increased hardness is believed to change the mechanism of sliding wear from ploughing to adhesion. It was found that the laser treatments did not have any effect on the erosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V when impacted by coarse particles at a high velocity. The above results are supported by electron microscopy of the worn surfaces.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism differences among Illinois long-term selection oil strains

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to characterize variability in the Illinois Long-Term Selection Experiment oil strains. Considerable polymorphism was detected within each oil strain and among oil strains. Fifty-two individual plants from each of the Illinois High Oil (IHO), Illinois Low Oil (ILO), Reverse High Oil (RHO) and Reverse Low Oil (RLO) strains were sampled to determine RFLP allele/variant frequencies. Generation 90 was sampled for IHO, RHO, and RLO whereas generation 87 was sampled for ILO. Forty-nine RFLP probes distributed throughout the maize genome were used. Chi-square analysis was performed to determine if RFLP genotypes at each of the 49 RFLP loci were significantly different among strains. Oil strains that have been separated for 90 generations showed high levels of significantly-different RFLP genotypic frequencies. The comparison of ILO vs RHO gave only significant chi-square values while the comparisons of IHO vs RLO and RHO vs RLO had 11∶1 ratios of significant to non-significant chi-square values. Strains that have been separated for only 42 generations showed a lower level of significantly-different RFLP genotypic frequencies. The comparisons of IHO vs RHO and ILO vs RLO both had only a 3∶2 ratio of significant to non-significant chi-squares values. Detection of multiple RFLP alleles/variants among the oil strains was common with 59% of the RFLP loci examined exhibiting multiple variants. A number of RFLP loci in RHO (3) and RLO (11) were associated with a trend in RFLP allele/variant frequencies consistent with a response to reverse selection for oil concentration.
Paleontological evidence on the Earth's rotational history since early precambrian

The daily growth layers arranged into seasonal and tidal patterns, present in calcified structures of many modern as well as fossil organisms, provide evidence on the length of lunar month and year in the geological past.
Substance P sulfoxide: Separation from substance P by high-pressure liquid chromatography, biological and immunological activities, and chemical reduction

Abstract Substance P (SP), a biologically active peptide, contains a carboxy-terminal methionine residue that can oxidize to methionine sulfoxide in dilute solutions exposed to air. The oxidized form of SP, SP sulfoxide, is readily separable from SP by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (hplc). Oxidation of SP occurs during some conventional extraction and purification procedures. In 2 m acetic acid extracts of rat brain, SP oxidation was largely prevented by addition of 0.01 m 2-mercaptoethanol. SP sulfoxide can be reduced to SP in high yield by 4.2 m 2-mercaptoethanol at 80°C in 1.5 h. The activity of SP sulfoxide in some bio- and immunoassays for SP was examined. SP sulfoxide had 36% of the sialagogie and 40% of the hypotensive activity of SP. Relative to SP, the immunoreactivity of the sulfoxide with two different antisera against SP was 80 and 40%, respectively. Thus, spontaneous oxidation of substance P can affect estimates of its tissue concentration by such assays and must be taken into account when using reverse-phase hplc to identify or purify this peptide.
ToSS-it: A Cloud-Based Throwaway Spatial Index Structure for Dynamic Location Data

The widespread use of GPS-enabled devices have led to a number of emerging applications that require monitoring and querying a large number of moving objects, such as in location-based services, mobile phone social networking, UAV surveillance, and car navigation systems. In such applications, indexes for moving objects must support queries efficiently and also cope with frequent updates. In this paper, we propose a cloud-based throwaway index structure, dubbed ToSS-it, where we generate the index from scratch in a short period of time rather than updating it with every location change of the moving objects. ToSS-it employs inter-node and intra-node multi-core parallelism paradigm to rapidly construct a distributed Voronoi Diagram. ToSS-it scales out by using a voronoi partitioning technique that minimizes the network message exchanges between the nodes (i.e., The major overhead in parallel generation of Voronoi Diagrams), and scales up since it fully exploits the multi-core CPUs available on each server. As a comparison point, with the state-of-the-art cloud-based spatial index structure (RT-CAN), if at least 7% of the objects are moving and issue updates to the index, it is faster to recreate ToSS-it from scratch than updating RT-CAN.
Hydrocortisone Reduces Both Constitutive and UV-Elicited Release of Epidermal Thymocyte Activating Factor (ETAF) by Cultured Keratinocytes

Epidermal thymocyte activating factor (ETAF) is spontaneously released into the media by PAM 212 and A 431 cell lines and cultured normal human keratinocytes. ETAF from all 3 cell types can substitute for interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the augmentation of proliferation of a helper T-cell clone (D10.G4.1) induced by mitogen. Hydrocortisone (HC) substantially reduces the release of ETAF by these keratinocytes and, further, appears to induce the release of an inhibitor of lymphocyte activating factor activity of IL-1. Irradiation with UVC causes increased ETAF release into the media. Hydrocortisone abrogates this effect. Thus HC reduces both constitutive and elicited release of ETAF. ETAF plays a major role in inflammation; the ability of HC to block ETAF release by keratinocytes may account for the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticosteroids on the skin.
Contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the carotid bifurcation.

With contrast-enhanced MR angiographic techniques, a T1-shortening contrast agent is injected into the blood stream. Imaging during the first pass of the contrast agent permits acquisition of a high-contrast MR angiogram. Scan parameters such as flip angle, repetition time, echo time, and scan duration, and injection parameters, such as dose and rate, must be carefully chosen to achieve maximum contrast between blood vessels and stationary tissues. A critical parameter affecting image quality is the timing of the acquisition relative to the injection. If the collection of the center of k-space does not coincide with peak arterial concentration, artifacts, reduced SNR, and venous enhancement may result. Several techniques have been developed to address the timing issue. Post-processing techniques such as subtracting a pre-contrast image from a post-contrast angiogram can be used to improve image quality. Intravascular contrast agents that may also lead to improved image quality are currently being developed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:317–325. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the squared binary, sinusoidal pulse width modulation, and optimal pulse width modulation methods for three-dimensional shape measurement with projector defocusing

This paper presents a comparative study on three sinusoidal fringe pattern generation techniques with projector defocusing: the squared binary defocusing method (SBM), the sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) technique, and the optimal pulse width modulation (OPWM) technique. Because the phase error will directly affect the measurement accuracy, the comparisons are all performed in the phase domain. We found that the OPWM almost always performs the best, and SPWM outperforms SBM to a great extent, while these three methods generate similar results under certain conditions. We will briefly explain the principle of each technique, describe the optimization procedures for each technique, and finally compare their performances through simulations and experiments.
Molecular analysis of genomic DNA allows rapid, and accurate, prenatal diagnosis of peroxisomal D-bifunctional protein deficiency

Prenatal diagnosis was requested for a couple with a previous child affected by the peroxisomal disorder D-bifunctional protein deficiency. Prior analysis of the D-bifunctional protein cDNA sequence from the propositus had shown that it was missing 22 bp. This was subsequently attributed to a point mutation in the intron 5 donor site (IVS5+1G>C) of the D-bifunctional protein gene. Consistent with parental consanguinity, the patient was shown to be homozygous for this mutation, which is associated with loss of a Hph 1 restriction site in the genomic sequence. Prenatal testing of the fetus using genomic DNA isolated from uncultured amniocytes indicated that both alleles of the D-bifunctional protein had the IVS5+1G>C substitution. The peroxisomal defect was later confirmed biochemically using cultured amniocytes, which were found to have elevated levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA). This is the first report of prenatal diagnosis of D-bifunctional protein deficiency using molecular analysis of genomic DNA. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health care--associated bloodstream infections in adults: a reason to change the accepted definition of community-acquired infections.

The authors define health care–associated bloodstream infections as those that are associated with intensive, out-of-hospital care of serious illness. These bloodstream infections are similar to no...
VARIATION IN DIATOM COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AMONG HABITATS IN SANDY STREAMS1

Community structure of benthic diatoms in two sandy streams was studied for two summers to assess differences in abundances and species composition among habitats and between years and streams. The greatest differences in abundances (cells·cm−2) were lower abundances on rocks than on sand, whether the sand was clean or covered with flocculent organic material. Relatively little variation in abundances occurred between years and streams. Species composition of diatom communities varied more among habitats and between streams than from year to year. Species composition was most unique in floc-covered sand when communities in clean and floc-covered sand, rock, plant, and plankton were compared. Diatom species composition in these sandy streams was most similar on sand and rocks.
Assessing ongoing sources of dissolved-phase polychlorinated biphenyls in a contaminated stream.

Few studies assess the potential of ongoing sources of “fresh” polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to aquatic systems when direct discharge to the environment has been eliminated. In the present study, the authors used single-layered, low-density polyethylene samplers (PEs) to measure total PCB concentrations, congener profiles, and enantiomeric fractions (EFs) in a contaminated stream and to provide multiple lines of evidence for assessing ongoing inputs of PCB. Concentrations were well above background levels that have been monitored for years. Concentrations significantly increased with distance, the farthest downstream PE concentrations being almost five times greater than those at 79 m downstream of a historical point source. The PCBs in the PEs at 79 m downstream of the contamination source were dominated by low KOW congeners, similar to those in the mixture of Aroclors 1016 and 1254 (4:1 v/v) historically released from the former capacitor manufacturer. The only two chiral congeners detected in the PEs downstream were PCBs 91 and 95. The EF values were nonracemic for PCB 91, while the values were either racemic or near racemic for PCB 95. Increased PCB concentrations with distance and a congener composition of predominantly low-weight congeners in the PEs at 79 m downstream of the plant site suggested an ongoing PCB source from the plant site. Chiral signatures suggested aerobic biotransformation of dissolved PCBs but did not shed any light on possible ongoing PCB inputs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:535–540. © 2012 SETAC
Manufacturability of composite laminates with integrated thin film Li-ion batteries

The limits of processability of solid-state thin film lithium-ion batteries embedded into composite laminates are identified through testing under pressure, temperature and a liquid resin environment representative of composite processing cycles. Battery failures are characterized based on optical microscopy and capacity retention, and three distinct types of failures are recognized and analyzed. Failures are associated either with the battery polymeric sealant failure or with the physiochemical degradation of the electrolyte or the anode. Results give evidence that the cure temperature is the most influential parameter for battery survivability. Based on these experimental results, the optimum curing cycle is identified and embedding tests that retain full battery capacity are successfully performed. The minimal three-layer battery packaging proves to be an efficient air and moisture barrier within the above conditions.
A high performance graphic and haptic curvilinear capsulorrhexis simulation system

A computer based curvilinear capsulorrhexis simulation system known as Virtual Phaco Trainer is presented. Interested residents and surgeons can use this system to navigate through the capsulorrhexis procedures and practice their skills. Performance data is presented after each practice with built in objective performance evaluation metrics. The system makes a number of important contributions A mass-spring model based anisotropic mesh is used to simulate a deformable capsule model along with a smooth curvilinear capsulorrhexis path. To navigate precisely, a Phantom haptic device is used to track positions as well as to provide snag-free haptic feedback. Solutions to conflicting requirements between a high density mesh update frequency and a high haptic feedback update frequency are addressed. Promising evaluation results from a group of ophthalmology residents and attending surgeons are presented and discussed.
Analysis of one basic cycle of a class of digital signal processing algorithms

The design and analysis of software which implements digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms on multiprocessor systems is examined. The DSP algorithms that are considered exhibit certain characteristics which are common of DSP algorithms used in communication and control systems. The analysis methods developed use linear complexity algorithms to analyze the software that implements the DSP algorithms. The first step involves finding the repeat factors associated with a basic cycle of the algorithm. Using these repeat factors it is straightforward to (1) find the precedence relationships between tasks and finally a feasible schedule for the multiprocessor, and (2) coordinate and organize the efforts to optimize the software. >
An Empirical Analysis of the Association between Social Interaction and Self-Rated Health:

Abstract Purpose. To empirically investigate the relationship of social interactions with self-rated health status. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. The United States, 1972–2008. Subjects. 53,043 respondents interviewed. Measures. In-person interviews were conducted by the National Opinion Research Center. Health is measured via self-assessment, and a binary indicator defines whether the respondent reports excellent or good health. Impersonal social interaction is binary, reflecting membership in at least one organization; personal interaction is binary, reflecting whether the respondent visits relatives, neighbors, friends, or bars at least once a month. Demographic, region, and time variables are standard controls. Analysis. Probit models were estimated at aggregated and disaggregated (race, gender, age, and education) levels. Results. Impersonal interaction fell 5% between 1974 and 1994, with deeper declines (12%) in personal interaction. Neighbor visits fell most (24%), but friends gained (5%)....
The Effect of Computer-Assisted Instruction on the Attitudes of College Students toward Computers and Chemistry.

The purpose of this study was to see whether college students' attitudes toward computers and chemistry would be affected by using CAI materials in a chemistry course, and whether there would be any difference for students of different sex. Students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, pre- and posttests were given to both groups, and the data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of covariance. It was found that the attitude of women toward computers was improved by using CAI. No change in attitude toward chemistry was found.
Developmental exposure of fetal ovaries and fetal germ cells to endometriosis in an endometriosis model causes differential gene expression in the preimplantation embryos of the first-generation and second-generation embryos.

Objective To characterize multigenerational gene expression anomalies in eight-cell stage embryos associated with developmental exposure to endometriosis. Design Using an endometriosis model in rats (F0 founder generation) to evaluate gene expression in F1 (fetal exposure) and F2 (fetal germ cell exposure) generation eight-cell stage embryos. Setting Laboratory. Animal(s) Endometriosis model in rats (Endo) and controls (Sham). Intervention(s) F0 Endo and Sham rats were bred; half the pregnant rats were killed on gestational day 3 to collect F1 eight-cell stage embryos and the others gestated to term (F1 females). Adult F1 females bred; F2 eight-cell embryos collected. Main Outcome Measure(s) Maintenance of differential gene expression in F1 and F2 generation eight-cell embryos in endometriosis. Result(s) Developmental exposure to endometriosis altered the gene signaling pathways, with changes found in apoptosis, the cell cycle process, the response to oxidative stress, negative regulation of molecular function, and RNA processing. The apoptotic genes Diablo, Casp3, Parp1, Cad, and Dnaja3 were increased and the Nfkbia transcripts were decreased in F1 Endo versus F1 Sham embryos. In F2 Endo versus Sham embryos, Casp3 and Cad were statistically significantly increased, and Parp1 and Nfkbia tended to be elevated. Conclusion(s) Fetal and germ cell exposure to endometriosis alters apoptotic gene expression in first- and second-generation eight-cell stage embryos, supporting the hypothesis of multigenerational inheritance resulting from exposure to endometriosis in utero.
Genome Sequence of the Mercury-Methylating and Pleomorphic Desulfovibrio africanus Strain Walvis Bay

Desulfovibrio africanus strain Walvis Bay is an anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium capable of producing methylmercury (MeHg), a potent human neurotoxin. The mechanism of methylation by this and other organisms is unknown. We present the 4.2-Mb genome sequence to provide further insight into microbial mercury methylation and sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Effect of Moisture Adsorption on the Electrical Properties of Hardened Portland Cement Compacts

Dense bodies were formed by cold compaction of Portland cement, with and without silica fume additions, followed by autoclaving at temperatures up to 240°C. Samples were analyzed to determine crystalline phases and pore structures in the cementitious matrix, and their electrical properties (resistivity and complex permittivity) measured. The adsorption of moisture was monitored as a function of relative humidity and correlated to changes in electrical properties. These changes can be explained in terms of the formation of conducting paths as water is adsorbed into the connected pore system.
Oxidative Cleavage of an Aromatic Ring: cis,cis‐Monomethyl Muconate from 1,2‐Dihydroxybenzene

Oxidative cleavage of an aromatic ring: cis,cis-monomethyl muconate from 1,2-dihydroxybenzene solvent: 400 mL of pyridine product: cis,cis-monomethyl muconate Keywords: oxidation, CC 2 CO2H; ring opening reactions; pyridine; benzene; apparatus, for addition of reagents; apparatus, for oxidation with molecular oxygen
Mechanical Properties of Cotton/Polyester Yarns: Part I: Contributions of Interfiber Friction to Breaking Energy

Samples of two cotton cultivars were spun with high- and normal-tenacity polyester staple fibers in cotton/polyester blend ratios of 100:0, 67:33, 50:50, 33:67, and 0:100. Stress-strain measurement...
Openness and internal conflict

This article examines the relationship between economic openness and internal conflict. The article first discusses different theoretical perspectives on how openness affects a country’s internal s...
Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke: Emerging Evidence and Arguments for a Multidisciplinary Research Agenda

Background: There is broad consensus regarding the health impact of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, yet considerable ambiguity exists about the nature and consequences of thirdhand smoke (THS). Objectives: We introduce definitions of THS and THS exposure and review recent findings about constituents, indoor sorption–desorption dynamics, and transformations of THS; distribution and persistence of THS in residential settings; implications for pathways of exposure; potential clinical significance and health effects; and behavioral and policy issues that affect and are affected by THS. Discussion: Physical and chemical transformations of tobacco smoke pollutants take place over time scales ranging from seconds to months and include the creation of secondary pollutants that in some cases are more toxic (e.g., tobacco-specific nitrosamines). THS persists in real-world residential settings in the air, dust, and surfaces and is associated with elevated levels of nicotine on hands and cotinine in urine of nonsmokers residing in homes previously occupied by smokers. Much still needs to be learned about the chemistry, exposure, toxicology, health risks, and policy implications of THS. Conclusion: The existing evidence on THS provides strong support for pursuing a programmatic research agenda to close gaps in our current understanding of the chemistry, exposure, toxicology, and health effects of THS, as well as its behavioral, economic, and sociocultural considerations and consequences. Such a research agenda is necessary to illuminate the role of THS in existing and future tobacco control efforts to decrease smoking initiation and smoking levels, to increase cessation attempts and sustained cessation, and to reduce the cumulative effects of tobacco use on morbidity and mortality.
Conservation of Biodiversity in a World of Use

Abstract: Biodiversity conservation has become the stated objective of national governments, state agencies, local communities, and scientific organizations. Yet despite this attention the term biodiversity remains poorly defined. One of the unfortunate consequences of this lack of definition is a proliferation of claims that biodiversity can be both used and conserved. This claim is difficult to assess without a more precise way of defining biodiversity. We offer a heuristic framework for measuring the consequences of human use for biodiversity. Our definition of biodiversity includes three components: genetic, population/species, and community/ecosystem. Each component has its own three attributes: composition, structure, and function. Using this definition, we assessed the effects of different types of human use on the different components and attributes of biodiversity. We show that (1) different degrees of human use or alteration result in differential conservation of biodiversity components; (2) some components and attributes of biodiversity are more sensitive to human use than others; and (3) only extremely limited use or virtually no alteration will protect all components.
The Mouse Crx 5′-Upstream Transgene Sequence Directs Cell-Specific and Developmentally Regulated Expression in Retinal Photoreceptor Cells

Crx, an Otx-like homeobox gene, is expressed primarily in the photoreceptors of the retina and in the pinealocytes of the pineal gland. The CRX homeodomain protein is a transactivator of many photoreceptor/pineal-specific genes in vivo, such as rhodopsin and the cone opsins. Mutations in Crx are associated with the retinal diseases, cone-rod dystrophy-2, retinitis pigmentosa, and Leber's congenital amaurosis, which lead to loss of vision. We have generated transgenic mice, using 5'- and/or 3'-flanking sequences from the mouse Crx homeobox gene fused to the beta-galactosidase (lacZ) reporter gene, and we have investigated the promoter function of the cell-specific and developmentally regulated expression of Crx. All of the independent transgenic lines commonly showed lacZ expression in the photoreceptor cells of the retina and in the pinealocytes of the pineal gland. We characterized the transgenic lines in detail for cell-specific lacZ expression patterns by 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-D-galactoside staining and lacZ immunostaining. The lacZ expression was observed in developing and developed photoreceptor cells. This observation was confirmed by coimmunostaining of dissociated retinal cells with the lacZ and opsin antibodies. The ontogeny analysis indicated that the lacZ expression completely agrees with a temporal expression pattern of Crx during retinal development. This study demonstrates that the mouse Crx 5'-upstream genomic sequence is capable of directing a cell-specific and developmentally regulated expression of Crx in photoreceptor cells.
Protocol synthesis in a state-transition model

The authors propose a protocol synthesis method in which both service and protocol specifications are based on a state-transition model. In particular, they present an algorithm for deriving the protocol specification from a given service specification which is described by a set of directly coupled finite state machines (FSMs). These FSMs together regulate the execution sequence of service primitives intended by the service specification. To complement the protocol derivation algorithm for dealing with error-prone communication medium, the authors also devise a transformation procedure to construct an error-recoverable protocol from its error-free version derived from the proposed algorithm. >
Influence of Vasopressin on Colon Blood Flow in Monkeys

Inferior mesenteric arterial blood flow was measured with an electromagnetic blood flowmeter in five anesthetized rhesus monkeys. The effects of vasopressin on this vasculature were determined to evaluate the optimal, safe concentration of this agent during its clinical application in the management of hemorrhagic lesions of the colon. Control flow was 29 ± 3 (SE) ml min -1 ; aortic pressure was 124 ± 4 mm Hg. Intraarterial injections of vasopressin, in doses ranging logarithmically from 5 × 10 -5 to 5 × 10 -2 U kg -1 , caused dose-dependent decreases in flow. At the highest dose, vasopressin reduced flow by 50% and increased arterial pressure by 9 mm Hg. When infused, at a rate of 5 × 10 -3 U kg -1 min -1 , vasopressin produced a significant and sustained reduction in inferior mesenteric arterial blood flow. Autoregulatory escape was not observed. At this rate, vasopressin increased arterial pressure 10 mm Hg, by the 6th minute of infusion. This hypertension was unaccompanied by significant bradycardia. After cessation of the infusion, flow gradually returned to control values over a period of minutes. These observations indicate that vasopressin is a potent constrictor in the inferior mesenteric arterial circulation of the monkey, and support the use of this agent to control lower intestinal bleeding in man. At a dose of 5 × 10 -3 U kg -1 min -1 , vasopressin causes a significant reduction in flow without adverse systemic side effects.
Book Review: E-Books in Libraries: A Practical Guide

This is a book review of E-books in Libraries: A Practical Guide. Eds. Kate Price and Virginia Havergal. London: Facet Publishing, 2011. 327p. paperback, £49.95 (ISBN 9781856045728). LC2010-671269.
Position assignment on an enterprise level using combinatorial optimization

We developed a tool to solve a problem of position assignment within the IT Ford College Graduate program. This position assignment tool was first developed in 2012 and has been used successfully since then. The tool has since evolved for use with several other position assignment and related tasks with other similar programs in Ford Motor Company. This paper will describe the creation of this tool and how we have applied it, focusing on the need for developing such a tool, and how the continued development of this tool will benefit its users and the company.
Phenotype and functions of conventional and non-conventional NK cells

Here we focus on the phenotypic and functional diversity of NK cells. We give an overview of the phenotype and developmental pathways of conventional and tissue-resident NK cells. We also discuss the potential complementary functions of conventional NK cells and tissue-resident NK cells in a variety of tissues.
Case Studies of Several Case-Based Reasoners

This chapter presents case studies of several case-based reasoners. The chapter discusses that the types of tasks case-based reasoning can be used for and the types of input, knowledge, and reasoning architectures that go into making a case-based reasoner run. It presents six automated reasoners: (1) CHEF as a case-based planner, (2) JULIA as a case-based designer, (3) CASEY as a case-based diagnosis program, (4) HYPO as a case-based interpretive program, (5) PROTOS as a case-based classification program, and (6) CLAVIER as a case-based program that is in use and saving its company money. The chapter discusses several hypothetical and real “retrieval-only” case-based systems. These are interactive systems that help a person perform a reasoning task or that provide advice. For each system, the chapter discusses its domain and task, the knowledge it uses, its input, its architecture, and the reasoning it does.
FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR THE DISCRIMINANT VALIDITY OF FOUR FACETS OF WORK COMMITMENT: OCCUPATION, VALUE, ORGANIZATION, AND JOB

Using a sample of 328 repeat-respondent part-time MBA students, four facets of work commitment at Time 1, occupation, value, organization, and job, showed statistically different relationships with scales for job and career withdrawal cognition at Time 2.
The problem of psychopharmacotherapy in the medically ill.

When a psychiatric disturbance occurs in a patient with known physical illness, the medical illness creates an extra dimension of psychopharmacologic complexity when considering the use of antidepressants and neuroleptics. The effect of organ impairment on drugs, and of drugs on impaired organs, are discussed as well as geriatric considerations.
Breaking dawn: nifty assignment

Dracula, a horror novel authored by Bram Stoker in 1897, is about Count Dracula's quest to find blood and spread vampirism. Dracula is considered a classic, and with the emergence of the popularity of the Gothic fiction "vampire story" students have expressed a new interest in the genre. Students will access the open source public domain novel from Project Gutenberg, read in the text, utilize Java Collections to identify characteristics of the book, and output these properties in multiple views, such as a bar chart and textually. Lastly, the students will analyze this output and correlate it with Zipf's law.
Harnessing a few to do the work of a million: The technological challenge

Juxtaposed iso-drawn and iso-fabricated devices now exhibit noticeably different characteristics due to underlying intrinsic and extrinsic fluctuations. To overcome extrinsic fluctuations manifested by top-down device fabrication challenges, the bottom-up approach akin to growth in living organisms holds promise. However, in either approach, the intrinsic fluctuations due to the finite size of the quantities do manifest themselves. The concept of average doping, device length, width, and thickness must be replaced by point doping with dimensional and material parameter variability. Device modeling must transition from continuous to atomistic simulations. Due to the failure of the central limit theorem, second order measurements will be needed to develop statistical circuit models coupled with innovative circuit design techniques. Exceptions to this general trend exist where small dimensions result in less variability in signal amplification. Such concepts hold promise for leveraging finite dimensions of future devices.
Leveraging Human Routine Models to Detect and Generate Human Behaviors

An ability to detect behaviors that negatively impact people's wellbeing and show people how they can correct those behaviors could enable technology that improves people's lives. Existing supervised machine learning approaches to detect and generate such behaviors require lengthy and expensive data labeling by domain experts. In this work, we focus on the domain of routine behaviors, where we model routines as a series of frequent actions that people perform in specific situations. We present an approach that bypasses labeling each behavior instance that a person exhibits. Instead, we weakly label instances using people's demonstrated routine. We classify and generate new instances based on the probability that they belong to the routine model. We illustrate our approach on an example system that helps drivers become aware of and understand their aggressive driving behaviors. Our work enables technology that can trigger interventions and help people reflect on their behaviors when those behaviors are likely to negatively impact them.
Computing stable reductions

Sections 1–5 below form a description of joint work with W. McCallum [C-M]. Section 6 contains a sketch of an algorithm for computing the stable reduction of a cyclic p-covering of ℙl. Section 7 provides an example to which this algorithm is applied.
A Preliminary Study on qEEG in Burn Patients With Chronic Pruritus.

Objective To explore and determine the reorganizational changes in the cortical neural circuits associated with pruritis, this study was undertaken to compare the electroencephalography (EEG) changes in burn patients having primary symptoms of chronic itching (pruritis) and their paired healthy subjects. Methods Eight subjects were recruited for this exploratory pilot study: 4 patients with pruritus after burn injury matched by gender and age with 4 healthy subjects. EEG recordings were analyzed for absolute alpha, low beta, high beta, and theta power for both groups. Results The mean age of the burn patients was 41.75 years; while the mean age for the matched healthy subjects was 41.5 years. All subjects were male. A decreased alpha activity was observed in the occipital channels (0.82 vs. 1.4; p=0.01) and a decreased low beta activity in the frontal area (0.22 vs. 0.4; p=0.049) in eyes closed conditions. An overall decreased theta trend was observed in both the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in burn patients, compared to healthy individuals. Conclusion This preliminary study presents initial evidence that chronic pruritus in burn subjects may be associated with brain reorganizational changes at the cortical level characterized by an EEG pattern.
Postoperative outcomes in vedolizumab-treated pediatric patients undergoing abdominal operations for inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Introduction Recent studies have found vedolizumab to be an independent predictor of increased rates of postoperative complications and surgical site infections (SSIs) in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but studies in the pediatric surgical population are lacking. We sought to determine the 30-day postoperative infectious complication rate among pediatric IBD patients who received vedolizumab within 12weeks of a major abdominal operation. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on pediatric IBD patients who underwent an abdominal operation between 5/20/2014 and 6/1/2017. The study cohort was comprised of pediatric patients (≤18years) who received vedolizumab within 12weeks prior to their abdominal operation. The control cohort was all patients operated on for IBD during the same time on anti-TNF therapy within 12weeks of their abdominal operation. Results Thirteen pediatric patients (5 female) received vedolizumab within 12weeks of an abdominal operation and 36 patients received anti TNF therapy (20 female). There were no differences in the vedolizumab and anti-TNF therapy with regard to sex, median age of diagnosis or operation, IBD type, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, diabetes mellitus (DM), preoperative serum laboratory values, steroid or immunomodulatory use. The number of biologics previously exposed to was significantly higher in the vedolizumab treated patients (p Conclusions None of the thirteen pediatric patients who received vedolizumab within 12weeks of an abdominal operation experienced a 30-day postoperative SSI or non SSI infectious complication, suggesting that vedolizumab is safe in the perioperative period for pediatric patients with IBD. Owing to the small sample size, future study, perhaps multi-institutional, will be important to confirm these findings. Level of evidence Retrospective comparative study, Level III.
Planning for Other Lifetime Financial Goals

Although most people’s number-one financial goal is planning for a comfortable retirement, you may have other financial goals that you wish to include in your wealth-distribution process. Among these may be starting your own business (and perhaps subsequently selling that business), buying and selling a personal residence, purchasing a second or vacation home, or investing a windfall, such as lottery winnings or a substantial inheritance.
Second Language Speaking and Intercultural Friendship Formation in Study Abroad: Experiences and Perspectives of International Students in the USA

This chapter presents data regarding the second language (L2) and intercultural friendship experiences and perspectives of international students studying at a university in the USA. The majority of participants were Chinese, but five other nationalities were also represented. The study covers a 16-week term, which was the first semester in a 4-year extended study abroad (SA) for most participants. The quantitative and qualitative data analyses offer insight into factors that may influence the frequency and type of L2 interaction and intercultural relationships in SA. By understanding these learners’ experiences and perspectives regarding intercultural connections, practitioners may be better equipped to assist SA participants with initiating and maintaining friendship-oriented interactions in the L2 and therefore integrating more fully into the host community.
Assessing and Treating Elopement in a School Setting

Elopement, or running away from supervised areas, is a dangerous and problematic behavior that compromises the safety of people with disabilities at disproportionately high rates. As such, it is paramount that teachers know how to respond to elopement during school to ensure student safety. Although general safety strategies may be helpful in preventing elopement, they fail to address the factors that trigger elopement. Recent advances in the assessment and treatment of elopement offer strategies that teachers can use to help treat elopement by first understanding why it occurs. We describe the common reasons elopement may occur, outline a systematic approach for assessment and treatment of elopement that teachers can use in school settings, and provide a strategy for maintaining treatment effects over time.
Nonadditive Shortest Paths: Subproblems in Multi-Agent Competitive Network Models

A variety of different multi-agent (competitive) network models have been described in the literature. Computational techniques for solving such models often involve the iterative solution of “shortest” path subproblems. Unfortunately, the most theoretically interesting models involve nonlinear cost or utility functions and they give rise to nonadditive “shortest” path subproblems. This paper both describes some basic existence and uniqueness results for these subproblems and develops a heuristic for solving them.
Semiconductor Dimensional Metrology Using the Scanning Electron Microscope

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has unique capabilities for high resolution examination of surface structure and composition. Due to the resolution limits of optical inspection techniques, the semiconductor manufacturing industry has become a rapidly expanding field for SEM applications. As microcircuit groundrules (minimum feature sizes) continue to shrink below one micrometer non-optical measurement methods such as scanning electron microscopy must play an increasingly important role in the inspection of semiconductor device structures at various stages during their fabrication [1,2]. The measurement of structure dimensions such as circuit linewidths (or the spaces between lines) [3] and the measurement of circuit overlay [4] requires a minimum resolution of better than 1/10 groundrule dimensions. In fact, many manufacturing line managers state their resolution requirement as less than 1/20 groundrule dimensions, particularly during the development of a new process. Similarly, it is now apparent from device failure analysis that defects as small as 1/10 groundrule dimensions must also be detected and measured.
Revisiting Beyond the Chains of Illusion

1970—Student protests against the Vietnam War, marches on Washington, police and National Guardsmen shooting at college kids because they dared to question domestic and foreign policies. At that time, I was a senior in college, torn between wanting to complete my undergraduate studies and the “call” to revolution. I was a history/political science major and taking a course on the Russian revolution.
British state development after the Glorious Revolution

North and Weingast (1989) argued that the Glorious Revolution broadly enhanced the British stateâ€™s credibility. In contrast, I argue that the Revolution made the stateâ€™s fiscal-military component credible but left its civil component no more credible than it had been before. This differential credibility explains the stark contrast in efficiency and hierarchy that developed between the fiscal-military and civil administrations after the Revolution. When the Civil List Act 1831 capped a half century of reform and put the civil budget wholly under parliamentâ€™s control, the developmental gaps between the stateâ€™s two components abruptly began to close. I show this by documenting structural breaks in the growth rate and organization of the civil state.