cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A BI‐CULTURAL COMPARISON OF ORGANIZATION CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR: DOES THE OCB PHENOMENON TRANSCEND NATIONAL CULTURE?

This exploratory study describes an empirical comparison of organization citizenship behavior (OCB) between samples from the United States and Romania. The economic and work environment distance between the U.S. and Romania was theorized to result in a dissimilar structure and strength of good citizenship behaviors and differential contributions of OCB to productivity. Data from Romania produced a unique factor structure with lower factor scores than those of the comparable organization in the United States. The citizenship behaviors in both countries were positively related to productivity, but links were stronger in the U.S. There were significant differences in the individual citizenship behaviors and productivity between the U.S. and Romania. National and organizational cultures appear to be significant determinants of OCB. The results are interpreted with respect to the stage of development, histories, and economies of the two countries.
Effect of Skin Temperature on Selective Vascular Injury Caused by Pulsed Laser Irradiation

The effect of skin temperature on vascular-specific injury caused by pulsed laser irradiation was examined. Ten healthy human volunteers were exposed to 1.5 microsecond pulses from a dye laser tuned to 577 nm. Compared to normothermic conditions (33°C skin temperature) significantly more laser energy (p
Characterization and distribution of multiple antigens on N-linked oligosaccharides of Dictyostelium discoideum proteins

Monoclonal antibodies were prepared against a mixture of purified lysosomal enzymes from Dictyostelium discoideum. Three classes of antibodies were found which recognized distinct antigenic determinants on N-linked oligosaccharides of multiple proteins. The structure of the determinants was studied by competition assays using monosaccharides and oligosaccharide/glycopeptide fractions prepared from one Dictyostelium lysosomal enzyme or other sources. The results of these studies suggest that one class of antibody recognizes an epitope containing residues of Man-6-SO4, another recognizes a domain containing a modified GlcNAc, and the third class recognizes an undefined determinant that involves the oligosaccharide. The three determinants are found on multiple overlapping, but nonidentical sets of glycoproteins. The ability to produce monoclonal antibodies against unusual N-linked oligosaccharides offers a powerful tool which can be used to investigate the occurrence, structure, biosynthesis, and the biological roles of these highly immunogenic saccharides.
Pneumocystis: unraveling the cloak of obscurity.

Abstract Organisms in the genus Pneumocystis are fungal pathogens of immunocompromised mammalian hosts where they cause a lethal pneumonia. This genus has been cloaked in obscurity for almost half a century following their discovery in 1912, and has remained poorly understood throughout the ensuing 40 years. Progress towards understanding their life cycle, metabolism and basic biology has been hindered owing to the inability to continuously propagate any species outside the lung. Sequencing of the genome of Pneumocystis carinii is helping to unveil some of the mystery surrounding these organisms. Unusual genomic structures and a myriad of genes encoding cell cycle proteins have been identified and further revelations are expected upon its completion.
Rhythmicity of β-endorphinergic neuronal activity in the mediobasal hypothalamus during pregnancy in the rat

During the first half of gestation in the rat, prolactin (PRL) from the anterior pituitary gland exerts its luteotropic function on the ovary to stimulate progesterone secretion. During this period, β-endorphin stimulates PRL secretion by regulation of dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus. During the second half, placental lactogens (PLs) take the place of PRL in maintenance of pregnancy, and initiate a negative feedback to suppress PRL secretion. However, the effect of PLs on β-endorphinergic neurons is not known. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility that PLs suppress PRL secretion by inhibiting β-endorphinergic neuronal activity. To accomplish this aim, we examined the changes in the neuronal activity of β-endorphinergic neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus, as measured by Fos immunoreactivity, after manipulating the levels of PRL and PLs during pregnancy. On day 4 of pregnancy, animals received either Rcho-1 cells in the lateral ventricle that secrete PLs or HRP-1 cells as controls. In a separate experiment on day 12, hysterectomy was performed to remove the intrinsic source of PLs. These rats received Rcho-1 cells, HRP-1 cells, or nothing. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Rcho-1 into hysterectomized rats was done to examine the effect of PL replacement. Sham-hysterectomy was also performed as a control. Animals were sacrificed 2 days after each treatment at 0200 h, 1400 h, and 1800 h. Brains were used for dual immunocytochemistry of Fos/β-endorphin. The neuronal activity of β-endorphinergic neurons of HRP-1 i.c.v. injected animals showed a daily rhythm, with high levels at 0200 h and 1800 h, and a low level at 1400 h. These animals also exhibited two surges of PRL secretion on day 6 of pregnancy. This rhythmicity of β-endorphinergic neurons was also observed in Rcho-1 i.c.v. injected animals, which showed very low and unchanging PRL levels. However, the magnitude of neuronal activity was reduced. On day 14 of pregnancy, all four experimental groups showed diurnal rhythms of β-endorphinergic neurons. This rhythmicity occurred even though PRL was elevated at all three time points in the hysterectomized rats and very low in the Rcho-1 i.c.v. injected hysterectomized and sham-hysterectomized rats. Our results demonstrate that there is a diurnal rhythm of β-endorphinergic neuronal activity in the mediobasal hypothalamus during pregnancy in the rat. PLs might reduce the neuronal activity of β-endorphinergic neurons, but only during the first half of pregnancy, partially explaining the suppression of PRL surges.
Long-term results of hemigastrectomy with vagotomy in the treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers

A total of 102 patients who underwent hemigastrectomy and truncal vagotomy for bleeding peptic ulcers were followed for 6–12 years. Eighty per cent of these patients had a follow-up of 8 years or more. The recurrence of hemorrhage after this operation has been 6.8%. None of these patients bled massively or required a second operation. These results are notably more favorable than those previously reported. The relatively low mortality and the high rate of effectiveness of hemigastrectomy with vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy in the present series demonstrate the superiority of this procedure as the surgical treatment of choice for the control of bleeding from peptic ulcers.
Topical testosterone supplementation for the treatment of male hypogonadism

Age-related hormonal decline is gradual and less recognized in men than in women. Symptoms are oftentimes ignored and non-specific. Fatigue, lack of concentration, mood swings, decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, infertility, hair loss, reduced muscle and bone mass, and weight gain are a few of the symptoms of male hypogonadism. This disorder is linked to reduction in quality of life, and poorer health outcomes as it may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and premature death. Different modalities of testosterone replacement therapy have evolved over 70 years, and sales continue to grow. Each preparation is differentiated by route of delivery, ease of use, cost and pharmacokinetics. Topical/transdermal testosterone replacement therapy, including patches and gels, are the most modern formulations on the market. These are more expensive treatments, but yield more physiological concentrations of testosterone. Restoration of testosterone levels to the eugonadal range reverses signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, except for infertility, and may alleviate co-morbidities associated with hypogonadism. Patient understanding of and compliance with both treatment and monitoring are of utmost importance to achieve clinical success with maximum benefit and minimum risk. The aim of our review is to summarize the indications, contraindications, benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy as they relate to transdermal administration. Further, we compare the various testosterone preparations, focusing on the newest topical/transdermal routes of administration that are currently available.
P026S Trends and predictors of blood pressure among children and adults during the first 10 years of type 1 diabetes

Purpose Type 1 diabetes is a known risk factor for hypertension; however, there are no population-based longitudinal data on blood pressure during the first 10 years of diabetes. A Wisconsin population-based incident cohort with type 1 diabetes was followed for up to 10 years from 1987 to 2001 to examine (i) whether blood pressure levels are increased in diabetes compared with individuals of similar age in the general population and (ii) whether diabetes duration and glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) levels are associated with elevated blood pressure in early diabetes. Methods Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (outcome), and demographic, medical, and anthropomorphic data were collected with physical exams (conducted at 4–6 months and at 4, 7, and 9 years duration), phone questionnaires at enrollment, and semiannual self-administered questionnaires. Age at diagnosis (exposure) was determined from medical records. Total GHb (exposure) was determined from blood samples collected up to three times each year. Multivariable random-effects regression modeling was used for the analysis. Results Data were available on 525 individuals (1326 observations), ranging in age from 1 to 40 years. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar across the age range in individuals with diabetes and the general population sample from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II). Regression analysis showed that diastolic blood pressure increased with duration for all age groups except young adults, and systolic blood pressure increased with duration in the youngest age group. GHb was not related to blood pressure. Conclusion These data suggest that differences in blood pressure between individuals with and without type 1 diabetes are small during the first 10 years of disease; however, the increase in blood pressure with duration may be an early indicator of the effect of diabetes on blood pressure.
Visual observing behavior in the squirrel monkey

Ten squirrel monkeys were tested to determine whether visual observing behavior could be measured using a technique developed for rhesus monkeys. The Ss engaged in visual observation of a set of projected color slides of other squirrel monkeys to an extent comparable with visual observation by rhesus monkeys. Significant differences in both mean cumulative viewing time and mean frequency of visual observing were found for the different visual incentive conditions used. Previous reports of a low level of visual attention by squirrel monkeys were not confirmed.
The clinical pharmacokinetics of phenytoin.

Procedures for estimating the variability in dosage requirements of phenytoin to achieve steadystate plasma concentrations of 10–20 mg/liter and for estimating the plasma concentrations produced on a fixed dose are given. Further, a method is proposed for estimating the dosage required to achieve a desired steady-state plasma phenytoin concentration when a steady-state value on a known daily dose has been measured, A method is also described for estimating dosage requirements when two or more plasma concentrations have been measured. These methods are derived from data obtained on administering phenytoin in four to five different dosage regimens until steady state was achieved in each of nine volunteers. The drug was administered orally as a suspension every 8 hr, starting with about 100mg/day. The daily dose was increased in steps, and maintained at each daily dose rate for 6–14 days, or longer. Blood samples were drawn 4 and 8 hr after the last dose on 2 successive days at the end of each step and analyzed for phenytoin concentration. The average of these values was used to estimate the steady-state plasma concentration, Cpss. For each subject the Cpss values were fitted to a rearranged Michaelis-Menten equation Cpss =KmR/(Vm-R). In this equation R is the dosing rate, Vm is the maximum rate of metabolism, and Km is a constant equal to the plasma concentration at which the metabolism rate is one-half maximum. The average values found for Vm and Km were 10.3 mg/kg/day and 11.54 mg/liter, respectively. The individual values of Vm and Km appear to be constant over time, but there is considerable interindividual variability: coefficients of variation are 25% and 50%, respectively.
A Graduate Level Case Study Using a Real World Project: What Students Say They Learned

Allowing graduate students to develop a real world project for actual customers provides an opportunity for students to experience the benefits of following basic software engineering principles. Most universities now offer a course in software engineering and many information technology students must complete a class project in conjunction with their degree program. One reason businesses often struggle to implement a software process improvement program is that many practicing professionals have never experienced the complete software lifecycle and discovered how software engineering principles aid a real project. This paper presents the lessons learned by students in a capstone graduate soft- ware development course when required to develop an intensive real world project for real customers. Students had to solve the same type of problems encountered by practicing professionals, developed an appreciation for following soft- ware engineering principles, discovered the importance of good team communication and appreciated developing a prod- uct for a real customer.
Local action of oxytocin on mammary glands of postpartum rats after litter removal.

Summary1. Since no convincing evidence exists that the action of oxytocin in maintaining mammary secretion in postpartum rats after litter removal is due to prolactin release, attempts were made to determine whether its effects were exerted directly on the mammary gland. After maintaining milk secretion in 25 such rats for 5 or 9 days by daily injections of prolactin or twice-daily injections of oxytocin, a mammary biopsy was taken from each rat. They were then given an intraperitoneal injection of 2 IU oxytocin or physiological saline, and 10 minutes later all except 5 rats were killed and the remainder of the previously biopsied mammary gland was removed. Mammary biopsies from the remaining 5 rats were taken after 10 minutes and also 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours later. 2. Histological examination revealed that prior to intraperitoneal oxytocin administration, most mammary alveoli contained considerable secretion and the ducts were relatively thin, whereas 10 minutes after oxytocin the alveoli appeared shrunken o...
Implementation independent arithmetic: Speculation for discussion

The specification of a truly portable implementation independent programming language requires that digital arithmetic be specified in an implementation independent manner. Variable length storage is proposed for digital numbers. Linked storage and linked overflow storage are proposed so as to enable the use of variable length numbers. It is suggested that significant digit arithmetic be used for single numbers and interval arithmetic be used for interval pairs. The question is put to numerical mathematicians to specify the decision rules to be used in deciding on the number of digits to be retained when computing in either the significant digit mode or in the interval mode. The question is also raised as to what other arithmetic modes should be provided for. The speculation is offered not for the purposes of suggesting useful hardware design techniques but rather to indicate feasibility of some design. If the implementation independent arithmetic is considered feasible, then language designers can design a language freed from present hardware restrictions.
Stability of 3-D carbon fiber composite to high neutron fluence

Abstract The dimensional stability, elastic modulus, and flexural strength of a high quality, three-dimensional balanced weave carbon fiber composite has been evaluated over a range of neutron fluence to ∼32 dpa at ∼800 °C. Results indicate that while the composite exhibits continuous strengthening over this dose range, this occurs with measurable loss of mass, increased volume, and for the highest dose studied, a large reduction in elastic modulus. While the balanced-weave composite was orthogonally isotropic, a significant anisotropic dimensional change occurred under irradiation. Dimensional change was dominated by fiber dimensional change and the overall shrinkage or swelling in a direction was determined by the extent to which intrinsic fiber shrinkage was capable of restraining swelling of matrix and fiber bundles.
Cottage Cheese Whey Ultrafiltrate Produced by Hollow Fiber Ultrafiltration

Abstract The composition and volume of ultrafiltrate produced by hollow fiber ultrafiltration of cottage cheese whey with the Bio-Rad Bio-Fiber 50 Miniplant were studied and fitted to models. Temperature, pH, and protein concentration of the feed cheese whey, the flow rate of the feed cheese whey through the Miniplant, and the pressure differential across the membranes were the independent variables in the model fitting. Feed whey temperature and pressure differential across the membranes were the most significant variables affecting the volume of ultrafiltrate produced. Surface plots of response were generated.
Geochemistry, Mineralization, Structure, and Permeability of a Normal-Fault Zone, Casino Mine, Alligator Ridge District, North Central Nevada

Abstract We examine the geochemical signature and structure of the Keno fault zone to test its impact on the flow of ore-mineralizing fluids, and use the mined exposures to evaluate structures and processes associated with normal fault development. The fault is a moderately dipping normal-fault zone in siltstone and silty limestone with 55–100 m of dip-slip displacement in north-central Nevada. Across-strike exposures up to 180 m long, 65 m of down-dip exposure and 350 m of along-strike exposure allow us to determine how faults, fractures, and fluids interact within mixed-lithology carbonate-dominated sedimentary rocks. The fault changes character along strike from a single clay-rich slip plane 10–20 mm thick at the northern exposure to numerous hydrocarbon-bearing, calcite-filled, nearly vertical slip planes in a zone 15 m wide at the southern exposure. The hanging wall and footwall are intensely fractured but fracture densities do not vary markedly with distance from the fault. Fault slip varies from pure dip-slip to nearly pure strike-slip, which suggests that either slip orientations may vary on faults in single slip events, or stress variations over the history of the fault caused slip vector variations. Whole-rock major, minor, and trace element analyses indicate that Au, Sb, and As are in general associated with the fault zone, suggesting that Au- and silica-bearing fluids migrated along the fault to replace carbonate in the footwall and adjacent hanging wall rocks. Subsequent fault slip was associated with barite and calcite and hydrocarbon-bearing fluids deposited at the southern end of the fault. No correlation exists at the meter or tens of meter scale between mineralization patterns and fracture density. We suggest that the fault was a combined conduit-barrier system in which the fault provides a critical connection between the fluid sources and fractures that formed before and during faulting. During the waning stages of deposit formation, the fault behaved as a localized conduit to hydrocarbon-bearing calcite veins. The results of this study show that fault-zone character may change dramatically over short, deposit- or reservoir-scale distances. The presence of damage zones may not be well correlated at the fine scale with geochemically defined regions of the fault, even though a gross spatial correlation may exist.
The natural and organic pork market: A sustainable niche for small-scale producers? A review and analysis of the evidence

This study reviews the literature on consumer preferences and willingness to pay for pork produced through alternative methods, such as natural and organic production, It finds evidence suggesting that many consumers are willing to pay relatively high premiums for natural and organic pork. Furthermore, research is found which suggests that such premiums can be expected to persist into the foreseeable future. This study also investigates the degree to which such premiums are transmitted to pork producers and finds anecdotal evidence suggesting that natural and organic pork producers receive modest premiums as well as more stable pricing overall. This paper then discusses the marketing efforts needed and impediments to supplying the natural and organic markets for pork. The overall perspective provided by this paper is that natural and organic production may be viable alternatives to more capital-intensive production for many small-scale producers.
Presynaptic Serotonergic Gating of the Subthalamonigral Glutamatergic Projection

The GABAergic projection neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) are key basal ganglia output neurons. The activity of these neurons is critically influenced by the glutamatergic projection from the subthalamic nucleus (STN). The SNr also receives an intense serotonin (5-HT) innervation, raising the possibility that 5-HT may regulate the STN→SNr glutamatergic transmission and the consequent STN-triggered spike firing in SNr neurons. Here we show that 5-HT reduced STN stimulation-evoked long-lasting polysynaptic complex EPSCs in SNr GABA neurons. This inhibitory 5-HT effect was mimicked by the 5-HT1B receptor agonist CP93129 and blocked by the 5-HT1B antagonist NAS-181. 5-HT1A receptor ligands were ineffective. Additionally, 5-HT and CP93129 reduced the frequency but not the amplitude of miniature EPSCs, suggesting a reduced vesicular release. 5-HT and CP93129 also decreased the amplitude but increased the paired pulse ratio of the monosynaptic EPSCs in SNr GABA neurons, indicating a presynaptic 5-HT1B receptor-mediated inhibition of glutamate release. Furthermore, 5-HT and CP93129 inhibited STN-triggered burst firing in SNr GABA neurons, and CP93129's inhibitory effect was strongest when puffed to STN→SNr axon terminals in SNr, indicating a primary role of the 5-HT1B receptors in these axon terminals. Finally, the 5-HT1B receptor antagonist NAS-181 increased the STN-triggered complex EPSCs and burst firing in SNr GABA neurons, demonstrating the effects of endogenous 5-HT. These results suggest that nigral 5-HT, via presynaptic 5-HT1B receptor activation, gates the excitatory STN→SNr projection, reduces burst firing in SNr GABA neurons, and thus may play a critical role in movement control.
AUV systems research at the NRC-IOT: an update

This paper provides general information on autonomous underwater systems (vehicles). The associated ideas lead directly to considerations that affect the design of fully-autonomous vehicles. We include a discussion of some of the engineering, logistical and systems-integration aspects of autonomous operations, including the use of multiple vehicles in a coordinated "fleet". We outline some of the technical challenges associated with working within a limited energy budget and mention some possible strategies for vehicle-to-vehicle communications and for vehicle-network configurations and management. The results from this research permit the planners and developers of autonomous vehicle systems to better allocate such limited assets in order to provide more effective operations in hazardous environments. We describe the design of one instance of such a vehicle, in the form of a highly-manoeuvrable autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). We also describe our initial successes and lessons learned, and, our plans for subsequent development of the AUV "C-SCOUT" and its role as a prototype member of a small "fleet" of AUVs. We describe some parallel work-in-progress that has commercial application in support of the Canadian East Coast offshore oil and gas industry. This work involves a single AUV carrying suitable sensors to detect and quantify the presence of certain chemicals in ocean water samples.
Applications and modeling of diffractive optical elements

Diffractive optics technology provides a new approach to optical design and fabrication using computer-aided design tools and integrated circuit manufacturing methods. With this approach, one creates an efficient holographic element in the form of a surface relief profile etched into an optical substrate. The appropriate interference fringe pattern is created on the surface with high resolution lithography. An accurate mathematical model of diffractive elements is essential for design development and performance prediction. A rigorous mathematical description is provided by solutions to Maxwell’s equations in R 3 with appropriate discontinuities across the surface relief profile. On November 17, 1989 Allen Cox from Honeywell has reviewed applications and modeling of devices with surface relief having periodic structure. He also discussed the mathematical problems which need to be addressed in order to improve the design of such devices.
A design pattern for active rule-based system architectures

A design pattern provides a general solution for common and recurring problems. This paper describes a design pattern for an architecture design of active rule-based systems. The rule-based approach uses event-condition-action rules to specify and manage event-driven activities. The pattern described in this paper can form the basis to design system architecture using active rules and serve as a reference to customized development. The paper presents architectural components of a rule-based system by three categories: interfaces, static time components, and run time components to describe the participants of the pattern. It also illustrates how those components collaborate at static time and at run time. It further discusses the issues of implementing the pattern and provides suggestions and examples of implementation.
Evaluating the Performance of a Commercial Silicon Drift Detector for X-ray Microanalysis

Silicon drift detectors (SDDs) are rapidly becoming the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) of choice, especially for scanning electron microscopy x-ray microanalysis. The complementary features of large active areas (i.e., high collection angle) and high count rate capability of these detector contribute to their popularity, as well as the absence of liquid nitrogen cooling and good energy resolution of these detectors. The performance of an EDAX Apollo 40 SDD on a JEOL 6500F SEM is discussed. The larger detector resulted in an significant increase (~3.5x) in geometric collection efficiency compared to the original 10mm2 Si(Li) detector that it replaced. The SEM can provide high beam currents (up to 200nA in some conditions) at small probe diameters. The high count rate capability of the SDD and the high current capability of the SEM compliment each other and provide excellent EDS analytical capabilities for both single point and spectrum imaging applications.
Relative Precision among Calcified Structures for White Bass Age and Growth Assessment

Abstract We assessed the relative precision among scales, sagittal otoliths, and opercles for determining age and estimating the growth of 124 white bass (Morone chrysops). Percent agreement for age among the three structures was 72.1%. Scale assessments provided the highest percent agreement between readers within structures (89.6%). Opercles provided the highest agreement with final estimated fish ages (94.8%). Average percent error values were < 3.0 for all comparsions. It was difficult to detect white bass annuli on scales when estimated ages exceeded six years. Fish ages estimated from otoliths and opercles ranged from 1 to 12 years. Ages determined from scales differed as much as four years from otoliths and opercles for fish older than age 6. Total length to structure radius relations were strongly correlated for scales and opercles. No significant differences were detected between mean back-calculated lengths determined from scales and opercles. Although scales, otoliths, and opercles provided sim...
Double jeopardy to health for black older adults

Previous health research on the double jeopardy of being Black and old is largely based upon subjective assessments of health. This article discusses the measurement of health with the understanding that health indicators vary in their degree of objectivity/subjectivity and examines the double jeopardy thesis with data from a national sample of older adults. The results indicate that older Blacks tend to have poorer health, as judged by perceived health and disability, than older Whites. However, there is no evidence that the health differential between elderly Whites and elderly Blacks varies with age; the results do not support the double jeopardy hypothesis. The analysis also illustrates ways to assess the difference of effects in a multivariate model applied to more than one group.
A Ruler Protein in a Complex for Antiviral Defense Determines the Length of Small Interfering CRISPR RNAs

Small RNAs undergo maturation events that precisely determine the length and structure required for their function. CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) encode small RNAs (crRNAs) that together with CRISPR-associated (cas) genes constitute a sequence-specific prokaryotic immune system for anti-viral and anti-plasmid defense. crRNAs are subject to multiple processing events during their biogenesis, and little is known about the mechanism of the final maturation step. We show that in the Staphylococcus epidermidis type III CRISPR-Cas system, mature crRNAs are measured in a Cas10·Csm ribonucleoprotein complex to yield discrete lengths that differ by 6-nucleotide increments. We looked for mutants that impact this crRNA size pattern and found that an alanine substitution of a conserved aspartate residue of Csm3 eliminates the 6-nucleotide increments in the length of crRNAs. In vitro, recombinant Csm3 binds RNA molecules at multiple sites, producing gel-shift patterns that suggest that each protein binds 6 nucleotides of substrate. In vivo, changes in the levels of Csm3 modulate the crRNA size distribution without disrupting the 6-nucleotide periodicity. Our data support a model in which multiple Csm3 molecules within the Cas10·Csm complex bind the crRNA with a 6-nucleotide periodicity to function as a ruler that measures the extent of crRNA maturation.
Theoretical development of x-ray diagnostics of Tungsten ions for fusion and hedp applications

Summary form only given. ITER represents the essential next step in magnetic fusion and is the world's biggest fusion energy research project. All the main plasma regions of ITER will be probed by an extensive set of spectroscopic diagnostics covering the visible to the X-ray wavelength range. The expected plasma parameters will achieve unprecedented levels. For example, the central electron/ion temperatures may reach 50 keV at an electron density up to ~1014 cm-3. Only high-Z impurities may produce diagnostic line radiation at such high temperatures. Tungsten represents a prime candidate element for ITER diagnostics because it may be present in the core due to influx from the tungsten-lined divertor region. A comprehensive theoretical and experimental study of radiation from tungsten ions over a broad spectral and wide temperature range is thus very important. A non-LTE collisional-radiative kinetic model of W is presented to account for M-shell W radiation. Relativistic atomic data implemented in the model as well as the theoretical spectral features that are the most important for x-ray diagnostics are discussed. This model is benchmarked with data from the Livermore EBIT-I electron beam ion trap at densities (Ne ges1011 cm-3). It is also applied to study radiation from implosions of W wire arrays at higher densities (Ne=1019-1021 cm-3). The latter experiments were performed on the 1 MA Zebra generator at the University of Nevada, Reno, with planar wire arrays, which consisted of 10-16 W wires with two peripheral wires replaced by Al wires for diagnostic purposes. The spatially resolved X-ray spectra show the distribution of M-shell W spectra from hot plasma (Te>1 keV) together with K-shell spectra from Al from cooler plasma. The model is then used to generate synthetic M-shell W spectra at the ITER-relevant density of Ne=1014 cm-3, and the sensitivity of the diagnostically important spectral features to Te and Ne is analyzed. In addition, theoretical L- shell W spectra are presented and discussed along with the further development of these diagnostics.
Cascading impacts of bark beetle‐caused tree mortality on coupled biogeophysical and biogeochemical processes

Recent, large-scale outbreaks of bark beetle infestations have affected millions of hectares of forest in western North America, covering an area similar in size to that impacted by fire. Bark beetles kill host trees in affected areas, thereby altering water supply, carbon storage, and nutrient cycling in forests; for example, the timing and amount of snow melt may be substantially modified following bark beetle infestation, which impacts water resources for many western US states. The quality of water from infested forests may also be diminished as a result of increased nutrient export. Understanding the impacts of bark beetle outbreaks on forest ecosystems is therefore important for resource management. Here, we develop a conceptual framework of the impacts on coupled biogeophysical and biogeochemical processes following a mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas var latifolia) forests in the weeks to decades after an infestation, and highlight fu...
Risk behaviors in maltreated youth placed in foster care: a longitudinal study of protective and vulnerability factors.

Abstract Objective: Few studies have examined the impact of placement in foster care prospectively to determine what early responses might predict later functioning. The current study examined protective and vulnerability factors in a longitudinal study of youth placed in foster care. Methodology: A cohort of 214 ethnically-diverse youth, ages 7–12, who entered foster care between May 1990 and October 1991 were recruited for the Time 1 study if they remained in foster care for at least 5 months. For the Time 1 study, youth and their caregivers were interviewed and assessed approximately 6 months following their initial placement. Six years later, as adolescents, the youth were re-interviewed regarding their involvement in four domains of risk behavior. Results: Bivariate analyses indicated that several Time 1 control variables (e.g., age, ethnicity, type of maltreatment, behavior problems) and Time 1 psychosocial predictor variables (i.e., dimensions of social support and self-perception) were related to the Time 2 risk behavior outcomes. Regression analyses with all variables accounted for between 33 and 46% of the variance, with the psychosocial predictor variables, as a group, significant over and above the control variables. Conclusions: The results suggest that there are some modifiable protective and vulnerability factors present shortly after maltreated youth are placed in foster care that predict their engagement in adolescent risk behaviors 6 years later.
Failure proximity: a fault localization-based approach

Recent software systems usually feature an automated failure reporting system, with which a huge number of failing traces are collected every day. In order to prioritize fault diagnosis, failing traces due to the same fault are expected to be grouped together. Previous methods, by hypothesizing that similar failing traces imply the same fault, cluster failing traces based on the literal trace similarity, which we call trace proximity. However, since a fault can be triggered in many ways, failing traces due to the same fault can be quite different. Therefore, previous methods actually group together traces exhibiting similar behaviors, like similar branch coverage, rather than traces due to the same fault. In this paper, we propose a new type of failure proximity, called R-Proximity, which regards two failing traces as similar if they suggest roughly the same fault location. The fault location each failing case suggests is automatically obtained with Sober, an existing statistical debugging tool. We show that with R-Proximity, failing traces due to the same fault can be grouped together. In addition, we find that R-Proximity is helpful for statistical debugging: It can help developers interpret and utilize the statistical debugging result. We illustrate the usage of R-Proximity with a case study on the grep program and some experiments on the Siemens suite, and the result clearly demonstrates the advantage of R-Proximity over trace proximity.
Small molecule organic solar cells with enhanced near-IR photoactivity: The role of texturing and molecular architecture of the active layers on solar cell performance

Small molecule organic solar cells (OPV), using donor layers based on tetravalent and trivalent metal phthalocyanines (e.g. oxo-titanium TiOPc, or chloroindium ClInPc), are discussed here. As-deposited thin films of these Pcs undergo phase changes to form polymorphs with excellent near-IR photoactivity, accompanied by nano-texturing of the donor layers. In OPVs based on Pc/C 60 heterojunctions, this results in a factor of up to 5× increase in short-circuit photocurrents (JSC) and power conversion efficiencies. Fully optimized single junction OPVs based on these materials may ultimately approach 6% efficiencies, however their biggest impact is in providing guidance for the formation of new, solution processable forms of these materials, which retain this near-IR sensitivity and high power conversion efficiencies.
High-level Operations to Streamline Associative Computer-Aided Design

AbstractParametric, feature-based modeling with inter-part associativity allows complex assembly designs to be defined and re-defined while maintaining the vital part-to-part interface relationships. The top-down modeling method which uses assembly level control structures to drive child level geometry has proved valuable in maintaining these interfaces. This paper shows that programmatic operations can streamline this type of assembly and component-level design because a single programmatic operation can create an unlimited number of low-level features, modify geometry in multiple components, create new components, establish inter-part expressions, and define inter-part geometry links. Results from user testing show that a set of high-level programmatic operations can offer savings in time and effort of over 90% and can be general enough to support user-specified interface layouts and component cross sections while leaving the majority of the primary design decisions open to the engineer.
P50 sensory gating is related to performance on select tasks of cognitive inhibition.

P50 suppression deficits have been documented in clinical and nonclinical populations, but the behavioral correlates of impaired auditory sensory gating remain poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the relationship between P50 gating and healthy adults’ performance on cognitive inhibition tasks. On the basis of load theory (Lavie, Hirst, de Fockert, & Viding, 2004), we predicted that a high perceptual load, a possible consequence of poor auditory P50 sensory gating, would have differential (i.e., positive vs. negative) effects on performance of cognitive inhibition tasks. A dissociation was observed such that P50 gating was negatively related to interference resolution on a Stroop task and positively related to response inhibition on a go/no-go task. Our findings support the idea that a high perceptual load may be beneficial to Stroop performance because of the reduced processing of distractors but detrimental to performance on the go/no-go task because of interference with stimulus discrimination.
Lip tracking for MPEG-4 facial animation

It is very important to accurately track the mouth of a talking person for many applications, such as face recognition and human computer interaction. This is in general a difficult problem due to the complexity of shapes, colors, textures, and changing lighting conditions. In this paper we develop techniques for outer and inner lip tracking. From the tracking results FAPsare extracted which are used to drive an MPEG-4 decoder. A novel method consisting of a Gradient Vector Flow (GVF) snake with a parabolic template as an additional external force is proposed. Based on the results of the outer lip tracking, the inner lip is tracked using a similarity function and a temporal smoothness constraint. Numerical results are presented using the Bernstein database.
Locally Interacting Hybrid Systems with Embedded Graph Grammars

In many cooperative control methods, the network topology influences the evolution of its continuous states. In turn, the continuous state may influence the network topology due to local restrictions on connectivity. In this paper we present a grammatical approach to modeling and controlling the switching of a system's network topology, continuous controllers, and discrete modes. The approach is based on embedded graph grammars, which restrict interactions to small subgraphs and include spatial restrictions on connectivity and progress. This allows us to direct the behavior of large decentralized systems of robots. The grammatical approach also allows us to compose multiple subsystems into a larger whole in a principled manner. In this paper, we illustrate the approach by proving the correctness of a cooperative control system called the load balanced multiple rendezvous problem
A technology-independent CAD tool for ESD protection device extraction-ESDExtractor

The challenges for developing an ESD (electrostatic discharge) layout extractor originate from unconventional layout patterns of ESD protection devices, parasitic ESD device extraction and device count reduction. This paper reports a new technology-independent layout extractor, ESDExtractor, which is capable of extracting all types of ESD devices and answers the demands for ESD design verification. A general methodology to extract both intentional and parasitic ESD devices, specific algorithms and implementation methods for efficiency-enhancement are presented, followed by a design example.
The relationship between tomato intake and congestive heart failure risk in periodontitis subjects.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between monthly tomato consumption (MTC) and serum lycopene (sLyco) levels, and a self-reported history of congestive heart failure (CHF) in individuals with periodontitis using data available in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Methods: Adult participants in NHANES III were used in this study. Zero to thirty three percent of sites with a periodontal attachment loss (PAL) of > 3 mm was considered a healthy periodontium, while greater than >33% of sites with PAL of > 3 mm as periodontitis. The outcome variable was the self-reported history of CHF. MTC and sLyco levels were categorized into quartiles. Data was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and multivariate analyses using SPSS®. p<0.05 was used to reject the null hypothesis. Results: Individuals with periodontitis showed a dose-response relationship between dietary MTC and self-reported CHF risk; moderate MTC (risk ratio (RR), 3.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-9.67), low MTC (RR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.33-8.24) (p<0.05) and very low MTC (RR, 5.10; 95% CI, 1.67-15.57) (p<0.01), adjusting for confounders of both diseases (periodontitis and CHF). The moderate sLyco level-healthy periodontium group showed a significant decrease in CHF risk (RR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07-0.84) (p < 0.05), adjusting for confounders. Significant inverse dose-response relationships were seen between sLyco and C-reactive protein, and MTC and white blood cell count in periodontitis subjects, respectively (p<0.05). MTC was correlated with sLyco concentration (r = - 0.018, p <0.05), adjusting for confounders abolished that significance. Conclusions: A relationship exists between periodontitis and CHF risk, and high MTC appears to affect this relationship in a positive direction in periodontitis subjects.
A noninvasive hemoglobin monitor in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Abstract Background Critically ill pediatric patients frequently require hemoglobin monitoring. Accurate noninvasive Hb (SpHb) would allow practitioners to decrease anemia from repeated blood draws, traumatic blood draws, and a decreased number of laboratory Hb (LabHb) medical tests. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Masimo Pronto SpHb and associated Rainbow probes; however, its use in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is controversial. In this study, we define the degree of agreement between LabHb and SpHb using the Masimo Pronto SpHb Monitor and identify clinical and demographic conditions associated with decreased accuracy. Materials and methods We performed a prospective, observational study in a large PICU at an academic medical center. Fifty-three pediatric patients (30-d and 18-y-old), weighing >3 kg, admitted to the PICU from January–April 2013 were examined. SpHb levels measured at the time of LabHb blood draw were compared and analyzed. Results Only 83 SpHb readings were obtained in 118 attempts (70.3%) and 35 readings provided a result of “unable to obtain.” The mean LabHb and SpHb were 11.1 g/dL and 11.2 g/dL, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference of 0.07 g/dL with a standard deviation of ±2.59 g/dL. Pearson correlation is 0.55, with a 95% confidence interval between 0.38 and 0.68. Logistic regression showed that extreme LabHb values, increasing skin pigmentation, and increasing body mass index were predictors of poor agreement between SpHb and LabHb (P Conclusions The Masimo Pronto SpHb Monitor provides adequate agreement for the trending of hemoglobin levels in critically ill pediatric patients. However, the degree of agreement is insufficient to be used as the sole indicator for transfusion decisions and should be used in context of other clinical parameters to determine the need for LabHb in critically ill pediatric patients.
The nature of the pressure-induced metallization of FeO and its implications to the core-mantle boundary

The pressure and temperature-induced metallization of FeO discovered by Knittle et al [1986] is here argued to result from a Mott transition associated with increased Fe(3d)-Fe(3d) orbital overlap at high pressures. The metallic bonding in the Fe(3d) t2g band may account for the 4% volume decrease of FeO associated with the metallization transition. If so, a structural change (B1→B2 or B1→B8) or spin-pairing transition may not need to be invoked to explain the high pressure phase transition in FeO. Below the Neel temperature of FeO, antiferromagnetic ordering of Fe spins forces the Fe (t2g) electrons to be localized. Since the Neel temperature increases with pressure, no metallization transition of FeO was observed by Yagi et al. [1985] in their high-pressure measurements at 300K. Neither (Mg, Fe)O and (Mg,Fe)SiO3 can undergo a Mott transition at high pressure and temperature. Consequently, it is here argued that a lower mantle containing only these phases should be electrically insulating. Finally, the formation of itinerant d-electrons in FeO may be a necessary, if not sufficient, condition for the apparent alloying of FeO with Fe. Such alloying may allow oxygen to be incorporated into the outer core.