cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crowdsourced Facial Expression Mapping Using a 3D Avatar

Facial expression mapping is the process of attributing signal values to a particular set of muscle activations in the face. This paper proposes the development of a broad lexicon of quantifiable, reproducible facial expressions with known signal values using an expressive 3D model and crowdsourced labeling data. Traditionally, coding muscle movements in the face is a time-consuming manual process performed by specialists. Identifying the communicative content of an expression generally requires generating large sets of posed photographs, with identifying labels chosen from a circumscribed list. Consequently, the widely accepted collection of configurations with known meanings is limited to six basic expressions of emotion. Our approach defines mappings from parameterized facial expressions displayed by a 3D avatar to their semantic representations. By collecting large, free-response label sets from naive raters and using natural language processing techniques, we converge on a semantic centroid, or single label quickly and with low overhead.
Function and Design of the High Altitude Tibet Test Base

The high Altitude Tibet Test Base is one of the construction projects proposed by the State Grid Corporation of China according to the development trends for EHV and UHV power transmission. The construction of the test base is of very important significance to study discharge characteristics of the long air gaps,corona characteristic of device,altitude correction of electro-magnetic environment of transmission line for the high altitude power transmission projects,to satisfy the requirements of the "western power transmission to the eastern area" project,as well as to increase the high voltage test capability and development of the Tibet grid. In essentials,this test base altitude is 4300m and it consists of outdoor test site,test line,artificial pollution testing laboratory. In this paper,the problems to be considered in the site selection as well as planning and design of the test base are summarized; the experimental research capability and design scheme of the test base are presented; the mian peformance parameters of above-mentioned experimental facilities and test research work carried out are given. Test research work carried out are shown that the high altitude Tibet test base can satisfy research of exteral insulation and electoromagnetic environment for UHV ACDC projects and Tibet grid test research requirements in high altutide areas.
Protective action on photosynthetic apparatus by purple anthocyanin in the epidermal cells of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) leaves

The paper focuses on the question if purple anthocyanin(PA)shields the photosynthetic apparatus of eggplant(Solanum melongena L.)leaves against excess light.Light response curves of photosynthetic activity of green-speckled parts(GSP)or purple-speckled parts(PSP)of the same leaf were measured with a CIRAS-2 instrument.Chlorophyll fluorescence transients were measured by two chlorophyll fluorometers(PEA and Dual-PAM-100)after illuminating with mixed spectrum(white light)or homo-chrome(red,blue or green)light produced by light-emitting diodes(LEDs)on GSP or PSP.The PA,which is localized in the epidermal cells of the leaves,mainly screens out green and yellow light(between 500 and 600 nm)removing 53.2% to 73.6% of the light in this range.The maximum net photosynthetic rate(Pnmax)of the PSP was smaller than that of the GSP,which may be caused not only by the smaller chlorophyll-a-content but also by the screening of 27% of the blue light between 400 and 480 nm and 10% of red light between 630 and 700 nm by PA.Increasing the intensity of the white light from 0 to 3000 μmol photons·m-2·s-1 photosynthetically active radiation(PAR),the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry of photosystem(PS)II(Fv/Fm),the density of reaction centers(RCs)per excited cross section(RC/CS0)and the driving force on Absorption basis of antenna chlorophyll in PSII(DFAbs)declined gradually,whereas the minimum fluorescence(Fo),the relative variable fluorescence at the J-step(VJ)and the dissipated energy flux per RC(DI0/RC)increased gradually in GSP and PSP.However,the change in the size of the parameters mentioned above was smaller in PSP than in GSP,implying that the susceptibility to photoinhibition was lower in PSP.After the GSP or PSP of eggplant were irradiated for 30 min with white,red,blue or green light of 2000 μmol photons μm-2·s-1,the Fv/Fm declined,but the Fv/Fm of PSP was significantly higher than that of GSP only in the case of an irradiation with white or green light.In addition,the decrease in the amplitude of the P700(photosystem I)redox transients was bigger than that of PSII chlorophyll a fluorescence transient curves after irradiation with white light of GSP and PSP.However,the effect was smaller in PSP.We suggest that the RCs of PSI and PSII were effectively shielded by PA in the epidermal cells of the leaves.It prevents an excess reduction of electron transport chain and alleviates the need for a strong energy dissipation.It maintained the coordination between PS I and PS II.So,it is concluded that the protective effect of PA with respect to the photosynthetic apparatus is due to a screening of light in the visible spectrum between 500 and 600 nm.In other words PA is part of the biophysical defense system of the leaf.
The Fitness Effects of Men’s Family Investments

Men’s investments in parenting and long-term reproductive relationships are a hallmark feature of human reproduction and life history. The uniqueness of such male involvement among catarrhines has driven an extensive debate surrounding the selective pressures that led to and maintain such capacities in men. Three major pathways have been proposed through which men’s involvement might confer fitness benefits: enhancing child well-being, increasing couple fertility, and decreasing likelihood of partner desertion. Previous research has explored the impact of father involvement on these factors individually, but here we present novel research that explores all three pathways within the same population, the Mayangna/Miskito horticulturalists of Nicaragua. Furthermore, we expand the traditional dichotomous measure of father presence/absence by using a continuous measure of overall male investment, as well as two continuous measures of its subcomponents: direct care and wealth. We find that men’s investments are associated with children’s growth and possibly with wife’s marital satisfaction; however, they are not associated with couple fertility.
Atrial natriuretic peptides are present throughout the plant kingdom and enhance solute flow in plants.

The present investigation was designed to 1) determine if atrial natriuretic-like peptides are present throughout the plant kingdom and 2) to determine if these peptides increase the flow of solute...
Traumatic cervical internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in a child refractory to initial endovascular treatment: case report and technical considerations

Optimal management of extracranial carotid artery dissections (eCAD) in pediatric patients is not well documented, and endovascular interventions are rarely reported. A 10-year-old girl sustained multiple systemic injuries in a motor vehicle accident, including an eCAD with pseudoaneurysm. She initially failed both aspirin and endovascular stenting with progressive enlargement of a traumatic cervical carotid pseudoaneurysm and stenosis. Second-stage endovascular stent placement with coiling resulted in successful occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm. At 30-month imaging follow-up, the parent vessel remained patent with no evidence of the pseudoaneurysm. In the setting of poly-trauma, management of eCAD can be complex especially in the pediatric population. There is little data on the endovascular treatment of eCAD in children. Failed endovascular therapies are extremely rare. Our report supports surveillance imaging as repeat endovascular treatment may be necessary.
Defining drought in the context of stream health

Abstract Droughts affect many sectors, such as agriculture, economic, social, human health, and ecosystems. Many drought indices have been developed; yet, none of them quantifies the impacts of drought on stream health. The purpose of this study is to define a new drought index capable of assessing fish vulnerability. To accomplish this, a hydrological model, called the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and the Regional-scale Habitat Suitability model were integrated in order to understand the state of drought within 13,831 stream segments within the Saginaw Bay Watershed. The ReliefF algorithm was used as the variable selection method, and partial least squared regression was used to develop two sets of predictor models capable of determining current and future drought severities. Forty-seven different climate scenarios were used to investigate drought model predictability of future climate scenarios. The results indicated that the best drought model has a high capability for predicting future drought conditions with R2 values ranging from 0.86 to 0.89. In general, the majority of reaches (94%) will experience higher drought probability under future climate scenarios compared to current conditions. The procedure introduced in this study is transferable to other watersheds with regional standards for environmental flow to measure the impacts of drought on stream health.
ECONOMIC HISTORY: Unwin and Clapham

(Although there had been occasional historians, A. H. L. Heeren, for example, or P. E. Levasseur or Thorold Rogers, who had dealt with the economic factors in history, the separate discipline of economic history did not gain institutional recognition until the end of the nineteenth century. It was not till 1892 that Harvard University appointed the English scholar, William James Ashley, to a chair in economic history, the first to have been established anywhere. After the turn of the century, with the growing availability of economic and demographic statistics and with the increasing awareness of the decisive influence of economic developments upon society, the study of economic history developed rapidly, particularly in France, England, and the United States.
The Currency of Connections: An Analysis of the Urban Economic Impact of Social Capital

Proponents of social capital theory have long argued that it is not only in the best interest of civic life to build social capital but that social capital is vital for the economic health of communities. Yet past studies have failed to distinguish among different types of social capital and have relied on inaccurate measures of economic health. This study reexamines what has become conventional wisdom by analyzing the social capital of American metropolitan areas and its impact on economic well-being. It improves on past studies by examining different types of social capital (i.e., trust, group membership, social networks) and substituting the change in competitive-advantage jobs from shift-share analysis for total job growth and other traditional economic development measures of wealth creation. The study finds that bridging social capital positively affects the economic welfare of communities with respect to job creation.
The budding of membranes

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the budding of membranes. There are two general mechanisms cells use to signal one another. Small molecules and ions can travel between neighboring cells through gap junctions. This route limits the diversity of messages for the gap junction cannot pass molecules larger than about 1 kDa. Thus, more elaborate signaling must proceed by the process of exocytosis and endocytosis, which is not limited to small molecules or to diffusion-driven transport. During secretory communication, the signaling cell releases the messenger molecule by packaging it in a vesicle, and then fusing the vesicle with its plasma membrane. A lipid bilayer is held together largely by the hydrophobic forces at the interface between the aqueous solvent and the lipid leaflet. This force is not an attraction between the lipid molecules but is generated by the attractive hydrogen bonding forces between the polar water molecules.
A simulation model of patient flow through the emergency department to determine the impact of a short stay unit on hospital congestion

One of the most critical and costly decisions made in emergency departments (EDs) is whether to admit a patient into the hospital. These decisions require investment in time for patient testing and treatment, delaying care to other patients. Short-stay units (SSUs) are an alternative to discharging or fully admitting ED patients, allowing extended patient observation. However, little is understood about the design of an SSU and its impact on outcomes and congestion. Here, we introduce a discrete-event simulation model of a hospital system (ED, inpatient units, and SSUs). By analyzing records from a tertiary teaching hospital, we determine realistic parameters and identify important features, such as triage level and processes depending on triage level, time, and congestion. We contend that performance metrics, e.g. time to first contact, critically depend on downstream hospital units. To demonstrate utility, we use the simulation model to assess bed occupancy over time.
Abstract 4577: Appropriately delivered curcumin causes recruitment of natural killer cells into glioblastoma brain, stabilizing M1 polarization of tumor-associated microglia

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most insidious form of primary adult brain tumor with a mean life expectancy of 12-24 months. Previously, we have used the non-invasive strategies of (1) intranasal delivery of a glioblastoma-directed curcumin (CC) adduct (CC-CD68Ab) and (2) the intraperitoneal (i.p.) infusion of a lipid-encapsulated formulation of CC-phytosome to rescue orthotopically GL261-implanted GBM mice and study the effect of CC on the phenotype of the tumor-associated microglial cells (TAMs). Both treatment regimens not only caused tumor remission in 50-60% of GL261-implanted GBM mice, but also induced a dramatic change in the tumor-associated Iba1+ TAMs, suppressing the tumor-promoting Arginase1high, IL10high, iNOSlow, IL12low M2-type TAMs, while simultaneously inducing the Arginase1low, IL10low, iNOShigh, IL12high M1-type TAMs. Concurrently, we observed a marked induction and phosphorylation-mediated activation of microglial p65 NF-kB and STAT1, with concomitant suppression and inactivation of STAT3. p-STAT1high, p-STAT3low M1 microglia are known to cause IL12-dependent recruitment/activation of tumoricidal NKp46high natural killer (NK) cells. In determining the kinetics of CC-induced M1 repolarization of M2-TAMs, we observed that five days of CCP treatment (i.p.) was sufficient to induce a dramatic change in the tumor-associated Iba1+ TAMs, inhibiting the tumor-promoting M2-type TAM population, while activating M1-type microglia. As expected, we observed a concomitant recruitment of NKp46high NK cells into the GBM tumor. Cognizant of the fact that NK cells activate and stabilize the M1-microglia, we eliminated the NK cells in these GBM mice using the NK cell-targeted antibody NK1.1 Ab to observe a significant reduction in CC-evoked repolarization of TAMs. Our results demonstrate a unique oncoimmunotherapeutic function of CC, which when appropriately delivered, not only eliminates GBM directly, but also indirectly elicits recruitment and activation of tumoricidal NK cells and M1-TAMs. Furthermore, maintenance of this CC-evoked M1 phenotype is contingent upon CC-induced recruitment and activation of NK cells. Thus, when delivered appropriately, CC functions on GBM both directly as well as by stimulating and recruiting an army of immune cells that eliminate both GBM and GBM-initiating cells. Citation Format: Sumit Mukherjee, Angela Fried, Rahman Hussaini, Richard White, Aheli Chatterjee, Probal Banerjee. Appropriately delivered curcumin causes recruitment of natural killer cells into glioblastoma brain, stabilizing M1 polarization of tumor-associated microglia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4577. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4577
A one-pot, copper-catalyzed azidation/click reaction of aryl and heteroaryl bromides in an environmentally friendly deep eutectic solvent

Abstract In an effort to avoid the hazards of isolating and handling azides in click chemistry, many groups have turned to in situ generation of azides from halide precursors. This option is readily accomplished for alkyl azides, but is more challenging for aryl azides. In this paper, we discuss our success in transforming aryl bromides into 1,4-disubstituted triazoles employing DMEDA as a ligand with a copper catalyst in a deep eutectic solvent. Further, we are able to recycle the solvent, catalyst, and ligand several times, thereby increasing the attractiveness of this method.
Patient perceptions of post exertional malaise

ABSTRACTBackground: One of the cardinal symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is post-exertional malaise (PEM). Almost all ME and CFS case definitions mentio...
Intervertebral Disk Nutrients and Transport Mechanisms in Relation to Disk Degeneration: A Narrative Literature Review.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this paper was to review the literature regarding the mechanisms leading to degeneration in intervertebral disks and to discuss contributing mechanical and biological factors. Methods The inclusion criteria for the literature review were research studies conducted in the last 3 decades with free full-text available in English. Review articles and articles pertaining to temporomandibular joints and joints of the body other than the intervertebral disk were excluded. The following databases were searched: PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar through September 9, 2016. Results A total of 57 articles were used in this review. Intervertebral disk cells require glucose for sustainability and oxygen to synthesize matrix components. Nutrients enter the disk via 2 vascular supply routes: capillary beds of end plates and the peripheral annulus fibrosus. Solute size, shape and charge, compression, and metabolic demand all influence the efficiency of nutrient transport, and alterations of any of these factors may have effects on nutrient transport and, potentially, disk degeneration. Conclusions Progressive nutrient transport disruptions may actively contribute in advancing the phases of degenerative disk disease. Such disruptions include dysfunctional loading and spinal position, lack of motion, high frequency loading, disk injury, aging, smoking, an acidic environment, and a lack of nutrient bioavailability.
Single scattering albedo of homogeneous, spherical particles in the transition regime

Abstract Aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) is the most important intensive particle parameter controlling aerosol direct radiative forcing. For homogeneous, spherical particles and a complex refractive index independent of wavelength, the SSA is solely dependent on size parameter (ratio of particle circumference and wavelength) and complex refractive index of the particle and can be accurately calculated with Mie theory. Here, we explore this dependency for particles of intermediate size in the transition or peak regime between the Rayleigh scattering and geometric optics regimes. We show that in the transition regime, low-frequency oscillations (the interference structure) of SSA as function of size parameter occur for relatively small imaginary parts of the refractive index and are caused by interference between transmitted and diffracted components of the scattered light. Anomalous diffraction theory (ADT) semi-quantitatively describes this behavior of the SSA as function of size parameter and complex refractive index. While ADT accurately gives the size parameters of the interference peaks, ADT amplitudes only approximate exact Mie results. A significant improvement in agreement with Mie theory can be obtained with modified ADT (MADT) that adds a parameterization for the physics neglected in ADT, namely internal reflection/refraction, photon tunneling, and edge diffraction.
An examination of child protective service involvement among children born to mothers in foster care

Abstract Objective This study identified children born to mothers in foster care and documented Child Protective Service (CPS) involvement among children. Methods Probabilistically linked birth and CPS records from California (2009–2012) were used to identify all mothers in foster care on or after conception. Children were followed prospectively using linked records to identify CPS involvement occurring during the first three years of life. Differences between reported and unreported children were examined using χ2 tests. The Latent Class Analysis (LCA) identified classes of children born to mothers in care who were at increased risk of CPS involvement. Model fit was assessed using the Bayesian Information Criterion, entropy, and likelihood ratio tests. For each of the classes, the relationship to the distal outcome (i.e., a maltreatment report by age three), was examined. Results Findings indicate that 53% of children born to mothers in care were reported. The proportion of children reported to CPS for maltreatment declined over time, from 63% of children born to mothers in foster care in 2009, to 46% in 2012. The LCA documented three distinct classes of mother-child dyads with varying risk of report. More than one third of children in Class 1 and nearly 70% of children in Class 3 were reported. Conclusions This study was the first to develop multi-dimensional class profiles of two-generation CPS involvement among mother-child dyads. This study documents that mothers’ experiences in care and mental health conditions vary widely, underscoring the importance of providing services that fit the needs of dyads.
The Most Frequently Used Words: Comparing Child-directed Speech and Young Children's Speech to Inform Vocabulary Selection for Aided Input

AbstractTransactional theories of communication development focus on the interplay among child, caregiver, and environmental variables. Typically, this interplay involves symmetry between receptive and expressive modes (i.e., speech), but is asymmetrical for children with complex communication needs who hear speech but use graphic symbols expressively. Aided input, during which a communication partner points to graphic symbols while talking, may increase symmetry, but it is challenging to determine which words to represent with graphic symbols to ensure adequate aided input is provided. In this study, secondary analysis of transcripts of 16 mothers who interacted with their children with typical development across six time points (between 9 and 15 months) revealed 267 words that comprised 80% of the 257,480 words the mothers used. This list of words that mothers used most frequently was compared to three existing lists of the expressive vocabulary used most frequently by 65 toddlers and preschoolers with ...
Propositional Programs and Minimal Models

In this chapter and the next, we discuss the mathematical definition of a stable model. In the process, we introduce a few syntactic features of the input language of clingo that have not been mentioned earlier.
Computing affect in autonomous agents

In previous work we proposed that affect can be modeled in an autonomous agent. We report progress made since then—specifically, an improved understanding of the basis of our approach, a new version of the model used earlier, rationalized both in terms of the underlying neuroscience and the equations used to compute affect. We describe plans for future work to remove constants that we presently have hard coded into the model. We also report some of the difficulties we face: the need for a stronger empirical basis for the equations we use, and the difficulty in identifying success criteria.
Subconcussive head impact exposure differences between drill intensities in U.S. high school football

Purpose: USA Football established five levels of contact (LOC) to guide the intensity of high school football practices. However, it remains unclear whether head impact exposure differs by LOC. The purpose of this study was to examine head impact frequency and magnitude by LOC in the overall sample and three position groups. Methods: This longitudinal observational study included 24 high school football players during all practices and games in the 2019 season. Players wore a sensor-installed mouthguard that monitored head impact frequency, peak linear acceleration (PLA), and rotational head acceleration (PRA). Practice/game drills were filmed and categorized into 5 LOCs (air, bags, control, thud, live), and head impact data were assigned into 5 LOCs. Player position was categorized into linemen, hybrid, and skill. Results: A total of 6016 head impacts were recorded during 5 LOCs throughout the season. In the overall sample, total number of impacts, sum of PLA, and PRA per player increased in an incremental manner (air < bags < control < thud < live), with the most head impacts in live (113.7-17.8 hits/player) and the least head impacts in air (7.7-1.9 hits/player). The linemen and hybrid groups had consistently higher impact exposure than the skill group. Average head impact magnitudes by position group were higher during live drills (PLA (41.0-45.9g) and PRA (3.3-4.6 krad/s^2) per head impact), whereas other LOCs had lower magnitudes (PLA (18.2-23.2g) and PRA (1.6-2.3krad/s^2) per impact). Conclusion: Our data suggest that LOC may influence cumulative head impact exposure in high school football, with players incurring frequent head impacts during live, thud, and control. The data indicate the importance of considering LOCs to refine practice guidelines and policies to minimize head impact burden in high school football athletes.
n-Butanol and Oleic Acid Methyl Ester, Combustion and NVH Characteristics In Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition

Abstract Combustion, noise and vibrations produced by n-Butanol and Oleic Acid Methyl Ester (MO) in Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) were investigated. The Cetane Number was determined using a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber (CVCC) for MO100, ULSD, and n-Butanol and found to be 73.8, 47.2, and 16 respectively. In the case of the MO20Bu80 (Methyl Oleate 20% with 80% n-butanol), the maximum Apparent Heat Release Rate was higher compared to ULSD Classical Diesel Combustion (CDC), due to accumulation of fuel in the combustion chamber because of the longer ignition delay and cylinder and charge cooling effect of n-butanol. RCCI with Methyl-Oleate had a vibrations level of as much 4.5 (m/s2) higher than ULSD in CDC up to 2k Hz. The sound level found by the Acoustic Array sound level for MO20Bu80 in combustion was 4 (dB) louder than ULSD in CDC. RCCI was found to have its own acoustic spectrum compared to CDC, and this is because of the wider range and higher sound levels produced by RCCI. The study suggests that MO can be used as a surrogate fuel for full body biodiesel in RCCI combustion.
Laryngeal Reconstruction Using Tissue-Engineered Implants in Pigs: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS There are currently no treatments available that restore dynamic laryngeal function after hemilaryngectomy. We have shown that dynamic function can be restored post hemilaryngectomy in a rat model. Here, we report in a first of its kind, proof of concept study that this previously published technique is scalable to a porcine model. STUDY DESIGN Animal study. METHODS Muscle and fat biopsies were taken from three Yucatan minipigs. Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) were isolated and cultured for 3 weeks. The minipigs underwent a left laterovertical partial laryngectomy sparing the left arytenoid cartilage and transecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Each layer was replaced with a tissue-engineered implant: 1) an acellular mucosal layer composed of densified Type I oligomeric collagen, 2) a skeletal muscle layer composed of autologous MPCs and aligned oligomeric collagen differentiated and induced to express motor endplates (MEE), and 3) a cartilage layer composed of autologous ASCs and densified oligomeric collagen differentiated to cartilage. Healing was monitored at 2 and 4 weeks post-op, and at the 8 week study endpoint. RESULTS Animals demonstrated appropriate weight gain, no aspiration events, and audible phonation. Video laryngoscopy showed progressive healing with vascularization and re-epithelialization present at 4 weeks. On histology, there was no immune reaction to the implants and there was complete integration into host tissue with nerve and vascular ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study represents a first in which a transmural vertical partial laryngectomy was performed and successfully repaired with a customized, autologous stem cell-derived multi-layered tissue-engineered implant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 131:2277-2284, 2021.
The Vision: Awakened Sustainability

This chapter lays out a vision for the mode that will replace sustainability-as-usual. Called “awakened sustainability,” this vision is driven by a societal awakening to the reality of climate crisis and social injustice. The chapter outlines in detail a number of elements critical for the creation of a vision (mental model, vision content, and vision context), as well as the backcasting process, of which the vision is a part. The vision of awakened sustainability is designed to give new life to the concept of sustainability, in consideration of the urgency of the climate crisis as well as the need to prioritize social justice and apply regenerative design in the formation of sustainable solutions. It sets ambitious principles and is grounded in a mental model (“Sustainability first, NOW”) that is juxtaposed against sustainability-as-usual using the “opposite principle”: if we consider every instinct ingrained in sustainability-as-usual to be wrong, then the opposite would indeed be right.
Object Oriented Modeling of Multistage Stochastic Linear Programs

We present a specialization of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to help diverse stakeholders in an organization collaborate on the development of Stochastic Optimization Models. Our language describes, at an abstraction level distinct from that possible through algebraic notation, the relationships between decisions and parameters, the dynamics of information acquisition, and the requirements for model input and output. This paper describes the formal language and provides a few illustrative examples.
The relationship of pronuclear stage morphology and chromosome status at cleavage stage.

Purpose: Infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program were included to study the relationship of pronuclear stage morphology and chromosome status at cleavage stage.
Economies of Scale, Unprofitable Markets, and the Teaching of Dumping in International Economics' Textbooks

Park (2000) and Round and McIver (2006), both of which appear in the Journal of Economic Education, discuss aspects of price discrimination. Park shows how engaging in price discrimination can lead a firm that is already selling in a profitable market to sell also in an unprofitable one. Round and McIver examine how authors of textbooks in Intermediate Microeconomics present third-degree price discrimination. The present article extends the analysis in Park by illustrating how price discrimination can lead a firm to sell simultaneously in two markets, each of which is unprofitable in its own right. Further, the present article uses the framework developed by Round and McIver to examine how authors of textbooks in International Economics present price discrimination between national markers, i.e. dumping.
Assembly and Disassembly of Magnetic Mobile Micro-Robots towards 2-D Reconfigurable Micro-Systems

A primary challenge in the field of reconfigurable robotics is scaling down the size of individual robotic modules. We present a novel set of permanent magnet modules that are 900 μm × 900 μm × 270 μm in size, called Mag-μMods, for use in a reconfigurable micro-system. The module is actuated by oscillating external magnetic fields less than 5 mT in strength, and is capable of locomoting on a 2-D surface. Multiple modules can be controlled by using an electrostatic anchoring surface, which can selectively prevent specific modules from being driven by the external field while allowing others to move freely. We address the challenges of both assembling and disassembling two modules. Assembly is performed by bringing two modules sufficiently close that their magnetic attraction causes them to combine. Disassembly is performed by electrostatically anchoring one module to the surface, and applying magnetic forces or torques from external sources to separate the unanchored module.
Acute Hypoxia Does Not Influence Intracellular pH in Isolated Rat Carotid Body Type I Cells

In order to interpret data obtained from isolated Type I cells during hypoxia it is critical to know whether parameters such as intracellular pH (pHi) vary during this challenge. Multiple studies have attempted to address this issue but data are contradictory and methods poorly defined (Wilding et al. 1993; Pang and Eyzaguirre 1993). Wilding et al. used BCECF loaded, isolated Type I cells and demonstrated that ‘hypoxia’ did not cause a change in pHi. However, solutions in these experiments were gassed with 2% oxygen and recording chamber PO2 was not reported. Conversely, Pang and Eyzaguirre used pH-sensitive microelectrodes and demonstrated that single isolated Type I cells did acidify during a hypoxic challenge whereas clusters of Type I cells did not.
Iterative methods for estimation of 2-D AR parameters using a data-adaptive Toeplitz approximation algorithm

A new two-dimensional (2-D) data-adaptive algorithm utilizing the iterative Toeplitz approximation method is presented. This algorithm provides a means for efficient estimation of 2-D AR parameters representing spatially variant data arrays. Its convergence performance is comparable to that of the 2-D recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm but is computationally more efficient. The savings in computation is realized by reducing the size of the matrix to be inverted when solving the AR model normal equations. The ability of the algorithm to estimate accurately the model parameters using very small data sets and various windowing schemes is evaluated. Single quadrant and combined quadrant spectral estimates are compared for quarter-plane and nonsymmetric half-plane regions of support. >
Physical Activity and Depression Symptoms among Pregnant Women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the association between objectively measured physical activity and depression symptoms among a nationally representative sample of pregnant women to provide a more accurate understanding of the relationship between physical activity and depression symptoms. Design We employed a cross‐sectional study design. Setting Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 were used for this study. Methods One‐hundred and forty‐one pregnant women wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7 days and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 to assess depression status. Results More than 19% of the participants experienced some depression symptoms, and compared to their counterparts not having depression symptoms, they were less physically active. Conclusion An inverse association was found between physical activity and depression symptoms among pregnant women. When feasible, nurses are encouraged to help facilitate physical activity among pregnant women, assuming an uncomplicated pregnancy.
AN AGRICULTURAL VALUE TAX AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO LAND USE TAX OR MARKET VALUE TAX ON LAND

A use-value assessment tax requires a system by which agricultural land values may be established. Land value in agricultural use can in principle be determined from the land's income-generating ability. The value of agricultural land can be based upon the capitalized income stream, which implies that net income attributable to land resource, or more theoretically, its value of the marginal product, can be capitalized into economic value. A major weakness in the process of determining net returns to land is the requirement that returns to other production inputs can be determined accurately. To be exact, the marginal productivity of every input must be known.
Optimizing the energy-delay-ringing product in on-chip CMOS line drivers

This paper presents a detailed empirical study and analytical derivation of voltage waveform and energy dissipation of global lines driven by CMOS drivers. It is shown that at high clock frequencies where the output voltage at the termination point of the transmission line may not reach its steady state value during the clock period, it is possible to reduce energy dissipation while meeting a DC noise margin by driver sizing. This is in sharp contrast with the steady state analysis, which states that driver size has no impact on the energy dissipation per output change. In addition, we propose a new design metric which is the product of energy, delay and some measure of ringing in lossy transmission lines. In particular, this paper provides closed-form expressions for the energy dissipation, 50% propagation delay and the percentage of maximum undershoot when the circuit exhibits an under-damped behavior. This metric is used during the driver sizing problem formulation for minimum energy-delay-ringing product.
Effectiveness of Decoding and Phonological Awareness Interventions for Children with down Syndrome

Many children with intellectual disability, including children with Down syndrome, have teachers who are unsure what type of reading instruction is likely to increase outcomes for their students. Effectiveness of two commercially available, evidence-based reading interventions was evaluated through 3 multiple baseline across participants, single-subject research design studies involving 15 children with Down syndrome between the ages of 5 and 13 years. School staff implemented the phonological awareness and decoding interventions for an average of 25 sessions across approximately 12 weeks. Results indicate improvements in the reading of taught phonetically regular and high frequency words associated with the decoding intervention, but no generalization to oral reading fluency. No reliable gains were associated with the phonological awareness intervention. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Commentary on "psychiatric aspects of child and adolescent obesity: a review of the past 10 years".

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Vol. 43 - N° 2 - p. 151-153
Computer Simulation Studies of the Venous Circulation

An analog computer model of the human cardiovascular system has been set up in which detailed attention is given to the representation of pressure and flow events in the veins, including effects of gravity, collapse, breathing, and the action of venous valves. This model, which includes a control loop for heart rate, was checked against human venous pressure waveforms and against response of the human to tilt-table experiments. These comparisons indicate that the model is valid for the study of postulated venous tone control characteristics; it should also be useful in the study of the mechanisms of venous return and circulatory system response during unusual acceleration conditions.
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Effect of K Loading on the Water–Gas Shift Reaction and Liquid Hydrocarbon Formation Rate over Precipitated Iron Catalysts

The effect of K loading on the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction and hydrocarbon formation rate during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) was studied over 100 Fe/5.1 Si/2 Cu/x K (x = 1.25 or 3) precipitated catalysts using a 1-L continuously stirred tank reactor. The catalysts were tested over a wide range of experimental conditions: 260–270 °C, 1.3 MPa, H2/CO = 0.67 and 20–90 % CO conversions. On the low K loading (1.25 % K) Fe catalyst, the H2 deficiency required for the FTS reaction was made up by the WGS reaction only at high CO conversion level, i.e. >70 %; however, increasing potassium loading to 3 % dramatically improved the WGS reaction rate which provided enough hydrogen for the FTS reaction even at low CO conversion level, i.e. 30 %. Kinetic analysis suggests that increasing K loading resulted in significant increases in the WGS rate constant relative to that of FTS, which is a major cause of the high WGS activity on the high K loading catalyst. Both the low and high potassium containing iron catalysts have high liquid oil and solid wax formation rates, i.e. 0.78–0.93 g/g-cat/h at 260 °C, 1.3 MPa, H2/CO = 0.67 and 50 % CO conversion, but increasing potassium loading from 1.25 to 3 % shifted the primary product to wax (70 %) from oil (73.5 %). The wax fraction increased with increasing CO conversion for both iron catalysts. The effect of K loading on initial FTS activity and hydrocarbon distribution/selectivity of the Fe catalysts was also studied. High K loading, i.e. 3 % K, increased the iron carburization rate and significantly shortened the induction period of the FTS reaction. Secondary reactions of olefins were remarkably suppressed and the olefin content was greatly enhanced with increasing K loading from 1.25 to 3 %, consistent with a number of studies in the open literature.
Light-induced increase in the activity of maize plastid DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Illumination of dark-grown maize plants induces a rapid rise in DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity in plastids. Within 16 h of illumination the enzyme activity in isolated plastids increases 3–4 fold as compared to other dark-grown plants illuminated for only 2 h. This change in activity is unaccompanied by either a quantitative rise in the amount of chloroplast RNA polymerase or qualitative changes in the purified enzyme. It is suggested that other factors may be present which interact either with the enzyme or the DNA template and that these factors are responsible for the light-induced enhancement of the RNA polymerase activity in plastids.
Influence of coadsorbed bismuth and copper on carbon monoxide adlayer structures at ordered low-index platinum-aqueous interfaces

The influence of predosed bismuth and underpotential deposited (UPD) copper on the adlayer structure of carbon monoxide on ordered Pt(111), (100), and (110) electrodes in 0.1 M HClO4 has been examined by means of in situ FTIR spectroscopy in the CO stretching (vCO) region. The irreversibly adsorbed and electroactive nature of the bismuth adlayers enabled the effect to be examined of known and adjustable metal coverages, θBi, upon the vCO spectra for various dosed CO coverages, θCO. On Pt(111), increasing θBi yields approximately commensurate decreases in the saturation CO coverage, along with a progressive shift in the CO site occupancy from twofold bridging to terminal coordination as deduced from the relative vCO, band intensities. At the “saturation” bismuth coverage, θBi(sat) = 0.21, the CO binding is exclusively terminal throughout the θCO range, 0.05 ≲ θCO < 0.37. These results are consistent with adsorption of bismuth chiefly in bridging sites, yielding a microscopically intermixed adlayer with CO. A similar effect of increasing θBi upon θCO [up to θBi(sat) = 0.43] is seen on Pt(100); the bridging vCO feature is again preferentiall yet incompletely, removed by θBi(sat). These findings indicate that an intermixed layer is formed on Pt(100) with bismuth again present at twofold bridging sites. By contrast, saturated CO adlayers in the presence of UPD copper on Pt(111) form segregated domains as evidenced by vCO spectra. The latter results indicate the presence of compressed CO island structures even down to low θCO. Corresponding data for CO and copper on Pt(100), however, are consistent with the presence of intermixed structures, as deduced from the marked decreases in the terminal vCO frequency for larger copper coverages. Spectra for CO on Pt(110) with either coadsorbed bismuth or copper are also indicative of the presence of microscopically intermixed adlayers. The contrasting occurrence of segregated and intermixed copper/CO adlayers on Pt(111), and on Pt(100) and Pt(110), respectively, are consistent with the more open structure of the latter faces (cf. ref. [18]). For comparison, spectral data are also reported for CO/Bi adlayers on polycrystalline platinum.
Investigation of Water and Hydroxyl Groups Associated with Coal Fly Ash by Thermal Desorption and Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopies

Thermal desorption spectrometry (TDS) and Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) have been used in combination to analyze the water and hydroxyl groups associated with four coal fly ashes. Measurements using the former technique on these ashes resulted in identification of three water desorption regions in the temperature range from 25° to 1100°C. The regions consisted of a small desorption peak at 50°, a broad band from 180° to 400°, and an intense peak from 400° to 590°. No additional water desorption was observed up to 1100°. A fourth ash gave a similar spectrum except that it lacked the intense last peak. The TDS spectra together with FT-IR/PAS spectra taken on samples exposed to pre- and post-desorption peak temperatures allowed the first TDS peak to be assigned to the desorption of physically adsorbed water, the broad band to desorption of hydrogen-bonded surface hydroxyls, and the intense last peak to the decomposition of Ca(OH)2.
Tophaceous pseudogout of the mitral valve

This report describes a 61-year-old patient on chronic hemodialysis with multiple, left-sided, intracardiac masses causing intermittent coronary obstruction. Mitral valve replacement was performed. Massive deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in and around the valve cusps led to the diagnosis of tophaceous pseudogout (tumoral calcinosis) of the mitral valve.
Bayesian Hierarchical Multivariate Formulation with Factor Analysis for Nested Ordinal Data

This article devises a Bayesian multivariate formulation for analysis of ordinal data that records teacher classroom performance along multiple dimensions to assess aspects characterizing good instruction. Study designs for scoring teachers seek to measure instructional performance over multiple classroom measurement event sessions at varied occasions using disjoint intervals within each session and employment of multiple ratings on intervals scored by different raters; a design which instantiates a nesting structure with each level contributing a source of variation in recorded scores. We generally possess little a priori knowledge of the existence or form of a sparse generating structure for the multivariate dimensions at any level in the nesting that would permit collapsing over dimensions as is done under univariate modeling. Our approach composes a Bayesian data augmentation scheme that introduces a latent continuous multivariate response linked to the observed ordinal scores with the latent response mean constructed as an additive multivariate decomposition of nested level means that permits the extraction of de-noised continuous teacher-level scores and the associated correlation matrix. A semi-parametric extension facilitates inference for teacher-level dependence among the dimensions of classroom performance under multi-modality induced by sub-groupings of rater perspectives. We next replace an inverse Wishart prior specified for the teacher covariance matrix over dimensions of instruction with a factor analytic structure to allow the simultaneous assessment of an underlying sparse generating structure. Our formulation for Bayesian factor analysis employs parameter expansion with an accompanying post-processing sign re-labeling step of factor loadings that together reduce posterior correlations among sampled parameters to improve parameter mixing in our Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) scheme. We evaluate the performance of our formulation on simulated data and make an application for the assessment of the teacher covariance structure with a dataset derived from a study of middle and high school algebra teachers.