cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sudden emergence of pathogenicity in insect–fungus symbioses threatens naive forest ecosystems

Invasive symbioses between wood-boring insects and fungi are emerging as a new and currently uncontrollable threat to forest ecosystems, as well as fruit and timber industries throughout the world. The bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) constitute the large majority of these pests, and are accompanied by a diverse community of fungal symbionts. Increasingly, some invasive symbioses are shifting from non-pathogenic saprotrophy in native ranges to a prolific tree-killing in invaded ranges, and are causing significant damage. In this paper, we review the current understanding of invasive insect–fungus symbioses. We then ask why some symbioses that evolved as non-pathogenic saprotrophs, turn into major tree-killers in non-native regions. We argue that a purely pathology-centred view of the guild is not sufficient for explaining the lethal encounters between exotic symbionts and naive trees. Instead, we propose several testable hypotheses that, if correct, lead to the conclusion that the sudden emergence of pathogenicity is a new evolutionary phenomenon with global biogeographical dynamics. To date, evidence suggests that virulence of the symbioses in invaded ranges is often triggered when several factors coincide: (i) invasion into territories with naive trees, (ii) the ability of the fungus to either overcome resistance of the naive host or trigger a suicidal over-reaction, and (iii) an ‘olfactory mismatch’ in the insect whereby a subset of live trees is perceived as dead and suitable for colonization. We suggest that individual cases of tree mortality caused by invasive insect–fungus symbionts should no longer be studied separately, but in a global, biogeographically and phylogenetically explicit comparative framework.
Treatment of unresolved islands and ice in wind wave models

Abstract In ocean wave prediction models, unresolved islands are a major source of (local) errors. This paper presents a method based on a technique used in the SWAN model to deal with such islands. The method is tested in the operational global WAVEWATCH III model of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction with a one year hindcast, and the results show a local but dramatic impact on model errors. An added benefit of this methodology is the possibility to model the effects of polar ice coverage on waves continuously. A simple model to continuously model ice coverage is suggested. This new ice model shows mixed results in the tests.
Pain experience using conventional versus angled anterior posts during stereotactic head frame placement for radiosurgery.

Abstract Stereotactic frame placement for radiosurgery is assumed to be an uncomfortable experience. We developed angled anterior posts for the Leksell frame to avoid pin penetration of the temporalis muscle. This study aimed to determine the frequency of angled post requirement and quantify the patient pain experience from frame placement. We prospectively enrolled 63 patients undergoing radiosurgery. Angled posts were used when conventional post trajectory was posterior or within 3 mm of the superior temporal line to avoid temporalis muscle penetration. Pain scores (0 to 10) were collected prior to frame placement, immediately after frame placement, before radiosurgery, after radiosurgery, and a day after radiosurgery. A total of 63 patients were enrolled: 33 (48%) patients required angled posts. Women were significantly more likely to require angled posts than men (60.0% versus 33.3%, respectively; p = 0.034). Mean pain scores were very low, ranging from 0.33 to 2.23. There were no significant differences in pain outcomes between both groups at all time points. Stereotactic frame placement is not perceived to be a painful procedure. This information may be useful when counseling patients about the pain experience with frame application and the option of using angled anterior posts.
The Life History Calendar Method and Multilevel Modeling: Application to Research on Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent and often recurrent in women’s lives. To better understand the changing risk of IPV over the life course, which could guide more effective policies and program responses, methodological innovations are needed. Life History Calendar methods enhance respondents’ recall of the timing of specific types of IPV experienced over the life course. Multilevel modeling provides a way to analyze individual and collective trajectories and examine covariates of IPV risk. We apply these complementary methods to examine IPV trajectories for a sample of women of Filipina descent living in the United States, examining life course timing and cohort effects.
Scale invariant gauge theories and self-duality in higher dimensions

Abstract We construct generalized d >4 gauge field lagrangians which lead to new self-duality equations and solutions with (finite) action equal to the appropriate Chern number. This extends to d =4 k +2 similar results of Tchrakian et al. for d =4 k . The two classes of theories are unified through Clifford algebra-valued fields. The energy-momentum tensor vanishes for self-dual fields as in d =4. Each lagrangian is shown to admit finite action solutions in its own dimension only. The one-instanton solution for d =6, G=SU(4)≈SO(6), a zero mass fermion solution in the presence of the instanton potential and a class of semi-trivial solutions peculiar to d =4 k +2 are given.
Multicamera vision-based approach to flexible feature measurement for inspection and reverse engineering

The vision-based coordinate measurement system, developed at the National Research Council Canada, is a multicamera passive system that combines the principles of stereo vision, photogrammetry, knowledge-based techniques, and an object-oriented design methodology to provide precise coordinate and dimension measurements of parts for applications such as dimensional inspection, positioning and tracking of objects, and reverse engineering. For a vision system to be considered for such applications, its performance and design parameters must be well understood. A description of the system, the techniques employed for calibration, a performance evaluation procedure, an accuracy analysis, and test results are presented.
Constructing a large variety of Dirac-cone materials in the Bi1−xSbx thin film system

We theoretically predict that a large variety of Dirac-cone materials can be constructed in Bi1−xSbx thin films and we here show how to construct single-, bi- and tri-Dirac-cone materials with various amounts of wave vector anisotropy. These different types of Dirac cones can be of special interest to electronic device design, quantum electrodynamics and other fields.
Using Generalized Query Tree to Cope with the Capture Effect in RFID Singulation

The Query Tree Protocol (QT) in [1] is an efficient RFID tag singulation algorithm that is guaranteed to read all the tags in the broadcast range of a reader. However, QT ignores the capture effect. That is, after the reader broadcasts a bit string query prefix, it is assumed that it can distinguish one of three responses, namely {no response, one response, collision}. If the capture effect is modeled, QT would no longer be guaranteed to singulate all the tags in the reader's range, since "capturing" a tag ID in the midst of a collision would leave all the other tags in that collision unsingulated. In this paper, we introduce two modifications to QT that always singulate all the tags even when the capture effect is considered. We call these the Generalized Query Tree Protocols (GQT1, GQT2). We provide analytical bounds and simulation results of the singulation times of these new protocols in relation to QT.
DNA methylome signature in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives Epigenetics can influence disease susceptibility and severity. While DNA methylation of individual genes has been explored in autoimmunity, no unbiased systematic analyses have been reported. Therefore, a genome-wide evaluation of DNA methylation loci in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) isolated from the site of disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was performed. Methods Genomic DNA was isolated from six RA and five osteoarthritis (OA) FLS lines and evaluated using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 chip. Cluster analysis of data was performed and corrected using Benjamini– Hochberg adjustment for multiple comparisons. Methylation was confirmed by pyrosequencing and gene expression was determined by qPCR. Pathway analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Results RA and control FLS segregated based on DNA methylation, with 1859 differentially methylated loci. Hypomethylated loci were identified in key genes relevant to RA, such as CHI3L1, CASP1, STAT3, MAP3K5, MEFV and WISP3 .H ypermethylation was also observed, including TGFBR2 and FOXO1. Hypomethylation of individual genes was associated with increased gene expression. Grouped analysis identified 207 hypermethylated or hypomethylated genes with multiple differentially methylated loci, including COL1A1, MEFV and TNF. Hypomethylation was increased in multiple pathways related to cell migration, including focal adhesion, cell adhesion, transendothelial migration and extracellular matrix interactions. Confirmatory studies with OA and normal FLS also demonstrated segregation of RA from control FLS based on methylation pattern. Conclusions Differentially methylated genes could alter FLS gene expression and contribute to the pathogenesis of RA. DNA methylation of critical genes suggests that RA FLS are imprinted and implicate epigenetic contributions to inflammatory arthritis.
Treatment Effect Bounds under Monotonicity Assumptions: An Application to Swan-Ganz Catheterization

In Section I, we describe each of the resulting bounds when there are no other exogenous covariates that directly affect the outcome. We show that if the effect of the treatment is positive and the assumptions of SV hold, then the bounds of SV coincide with those of MP that assume a priori that the effect of the treatment is positive. If the effect of the treatment is instead negative and the assumptions of SV hold, then the bounds of SV coincide with those of MP that assume a priori that the effect of the treatment is negative. Hence, the trade-off between the analyses of SV Treatment Effect Bounds under Monotonicity Assumptions: An Application to Swan-Ganz Catheterization
OVERGROUPS OF PRIMITIVE GROUPS

We give a qualitative description of the set 𝒪G(H) of overgroups in G of primitive subgroups H of finite alternating and symmetric groups G, and particularly of the maximal overgroups. We then show that certain weak restrictions on the lattice 𝒪G(H) impose strong restrictions on H and its overgroup lattice.
Visualization of spatial data via heuristic search and surface fitting

The paper discusses the surfaces of 3D objects given a collection of points taken from the boundary of the objects. By combining heuristic search with surface fitting, surfaces can be constructed from a collection of points even when spacing of the points is too large to be handled by the popular volume-based approaches. The goal of the heuristic is to produce a polyhedron which determines the rough shape of the smooth simple surface to be constructed. More specifically, the heuristic search identifies, among the simple polyhedra whose vertices are exactly the given data points, the most natural simple polyhedron. Surface fitting generates a smooth piecewise quadric surface in a constructed neighbourhood Sigma of the polyhedron produced by the heuristic search. A simple smooth surface that can be constructed within Sigma is described. >
Influence of Temperament Score and Handling Facility on Stress, Reproductive Hormone Concentrations, and Fixed Time AI Pregnancy Rates in Beef Heifers

The objectives were (i) to evaluate the effect of temperament, determined by modified 2-point chute exit and gait score, on artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rates in beef heifers following fixed time AI and (ii) to determine the effect of temperament on cortisol, substance-P, prolactin and progesterone at initiation of synchronization and at the time of AI. Angus beef heifers (n = 967) at eight locations were included in this study. At the initiation of synchronization (Day 0 = initiation of synchronization), all heifers received a body condition score (BCS), and temperament score (0 = calm; slow exit and walk or 1 = excitable; fast exit or jump or trot or run). Blood samples were collected from a sub-population of heifers (n = 86) at both synchronization initiation and the time of AI to determine the differences in serum progesterone, cortisol, prolactin and substance-P concentrations between temperament groups. Heifers were synchronized with 5-day CO-Synch+ controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol and were inseminated at 56 h after CIDR removal. Heifers were examined for pregnancy by ultrasound 70 days after AI to determine AI pregnancy. Controlling for synchronization treatment (p = 0.03), facility design (p = 0.05), and cattle handling facility design by temperament score interaction (p = 0.02), the AI pregnancy differed between heifers with excitable and calm temperament (51.9% vs 60.3%; p = 0.01). The alley-way with acute bends and turns, and long straight alley-way had lower AI pregnancy rate than did the semicircular alley-way (53.5%, 56.3% and 67.0% respectively; p = 0.05). The serum hormone concentrations differed significantly between different types of cattle handling facility (p < 0.05). The cattle handling facility design by temperament group interactions significantly influenced progesterone (p = 0.01), cortisol (p = 0.01), prolactin (p = 0.02) and substance-P (p = 0.04) both at the initiation of synchronization and at the time of AI. Inter- and intra-rater agreement for temperament scoring were moderate and good (Kappa = 0.596 ± 0.07 and 0.797 ± 0.11) respectively. The predictive value for calm and pregnant to AI was 0.87, and excited and non-pregnant to AI was 0.76. In conclusion, the modified 2-point temperament scoring method can be used to identify heifers with excitable temperament. Heifers with excitable temperament had lower AI pregnancy. Further, cattle handling facility design influenced the temperament and AI pregnancy.
Evaluating the Physically Disabled: An Attributional Analysis

A study is reported that examined how the achievement performances of disabled and nondisabled students are evaluated by others, and the possible role of attribution processes in mediating these performance evaluations. Female college students observed a young male confederate being administered a mathematics test. Whether or not the student appeared to be disabled and the level of performance on the mathematics test were varied in a 2 x 2 design. In contrast to expectations, the results indicated that the disabled student was evaluated more negatively for the same level of performance. Consistent with Weiner's attribution model, perceptions of control were found to be predictive of performance evaluations. However, a regression analysis indicated that attribution processes did not account for the differential evaluations received by the disabled and the nondisabled student.
On the $\Gamma$-equivariant form of the Berezin's quantization of the upper half plane

Let $\Gamma$ be a fuchsian subgroup of \pslr. In this paper we consider the $\Gamma$-equivariant form of the Berezin's quantization of the upper half plane which will correspond to a deformation quantization of the (singular) space $\Bbb H/\Gamma$. Our main result is that the von Neumann algebra associated to the $\Gamma-$ equivariant form of the quantization is stable isomorphic with the von Neumann algebra associated to $\Gamma$.
Study design in qualitative research--2: Sampling and data collection strategies.

In two prior papers in our series on qualitative research (Frankel & Devers (2000a, 2000b) Qualitative research: a consumer's guide, Education for Health, 13, 113-123; Frankel & Devers (2000) Study design in qualitative research—1: developing research questions and assessing research needs, Education for Health, 13, 251-261), we examine two critical issues in qualitative research design: sampling, including identifying and negotiating access to research sites and subjects, and data collection and management. We describe these two key steps in the qualitative research design process, discuss challenges that often emerge when pursuing these steps, and provide guidelines for addressing them. Qualitative research most often uses "purposive," rather than random, sampling strategies. A good understanding of these sampling strategies and why they are used is central to designing a credible qualitative study. In addition, given the real-world context in which most qualitative research is carried out, identifying and negotiating access to research sites and subjects are critical parts of the process. We also provide suggestions for developing and maintaining productive and mutually satisfying research relationships with sites and subjects. Finally, data collection and management are often neglected subjects in qualitative research. We offer practical advice on how to collect and manage qualitative data, including factors to consider when deciding how struc- tured the data collection process should be, the pros and cons of audio- and/or videotaping compared with note-taking, and tips for writing up eeld notes and document management. A forthcoming, enal paper in the series will focus on qualitative data analysis and the publication of qualitative research results.
A hierarchical floating random walk algorithm for fabric-aware 3D capacitance extraction

With the adoption of ultra regular fabric paradigms for controlling design printability at the 22nm node and beyond, there is an emerging need for a layout-driven, pattern-based parasitic extraction of alternative fabric layouts. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical floating random walk (HFRW) algorithm for computing the 3D capacitances of a large number of topologically different layout configurations that are all composed of the same layout motifs. Our algorithm is not a standard hierarchical domain decomposition extension of the well established floating random walk technique, but rather a novel algorithm that employs Markov Transition Matrices. Specifically, unlike the fast-multipole boundary element method and hierarchical domain decomposition (which use a far-field approximation to gain computational efficiency), our proposed algorithm is exact and does not rely on any tradeoff between accuracy and computational efficiency. Instead, it relies on a tradeoff between memory and computational efficiency. Since floating random walk type of algorithms have generally minimal memory requirements, such a tradeoff does not result in any practical limitations. The main practical advantage of the proposed algorithm is its ability to handle a set of layout configurations in a complexity that is basically independent of the set size. For instance, in a large 3D layout example, the capacitance calculation of 120 different configurations made of similar motifs is accomplished in the time required to solve independently just 2 configurations, i.e. a 60× speedup.
Statins may reduce episodes of exacerbation and the requirement for intubation in patients with COPD: evidence from a retrospective cohort study.

Summary Introduction: Statins have diverse anti-inflammatory effects in addition to their lipid-lowering ability. This study assesses the rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and intubations in patients taking statins. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 185 patients with COPD exacerbation, with a 1-year follow-up. Outcomes examined were repeat hospitalisation and intubations for COPD exacerbation. Baseline characteristics for which the p-value was ≤ 0.10 were considered as covariates for inclusion in a multivariate model. Results: The statin group had fewer episodes of exacerbation and required intubation fewer times than the subjects not receiving statins (p < 0.0001 for both outcomes). Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) for no statin use vs. statin use were 9.54 (95% CI: 4.54–20.02) for exacerbation and 10.47 (CI: 4.56–24.01) for intubation. The OR, adjusted for the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ORa), were 2.35 (CI: 1.01–5.50) for non-statin users exhibiting an exacerbation and 10.36 (CI: 2.77–38.76) for this group requiring intubation, compared with statin users. Similarly, ORa for long-acting β2 agonists as a covariate were 3.01 (CI: 1.46–6.10) for exacerbation and 8.89 (CI: 3.67–21.32) for intubation. Time to outcome during the observation period was reduced by statins with the hazard ratio (HR) for exacerbation of 0.19 (CI: 0.06–0.14); HR for statins reducing intubation was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.10–0.30). Conclusions: These data suggest that the use of statins may be associated with lower incidence of both exacerbations and intubations in patients with COPD.
Arithmetic strengthening for shape analysis

Shape analyses are often imprecise in their numerical reasoning, whereas numerical static analyses are often largely unaware of the shape of a program's heap. In this paper we propose a lazy method of combining a shape analysis based on separation logic with an arbitrary arithmetic analysis. When potentially spurious counterexamples are reported by our shape analysis, the method constructs a purely arithmetic program whose traces over-approximate the set of counterexample traces. It then uses this arithmetic program together with the arithmetic analysis to construct a refinement for the shape analysis. Our method is aimed at proving properties that require comprehensive reasoning about heaps together with more targeted arithmetic reasoning. Given a sufficient precondition, our technique can automatically prove memory safety of programs whose error-free operation depends on a combination of shape, size, and integer invariants. We have implemented our algorithm and tested it on a number of common list routines using a variety of arithmetic analysis tools for refinement.
Predation by omnivorous copepods on early developmental stages of Calanus finmarchicus and Pseudocalanus spp.

Predation is thought to be an important source of mortality in the early life stages of fish and copepods on Georges Bank. Omnivorous copepods may be predators on copepod eggs and nauplii, but data on feeding rates or selectivity are scarce. As part of the GLOBEC Georges Bank program, we generated functional response curves for the omnivorous copepods Metridia lucens, Centropages typicus, and Temora longicornis feeding on the eggs and nauplii of Calanus finmarchicus or Pseudocalanus spp. in shipboard predation trials. Neither C. typicus nor M. lucens reached saturation feeding on Calanus eggs until prey concentration was >400 L−1. Individual M. lucens and C. typicus ingested up to 34 ± 9 (mean ± SD, n = 3) and 24 ± 14 eggs d−1, respectively (68C). T. longicornis was more abundant in late spring, when they ingested Calanus eggs at rates similar to those of C. typicus. At ambient prey concentrations, ingestion rates of Calanus nauplii were higher than rates of Calanus eggs for the predator M. lucens but were similar for C. typicus. Advanced naupliar stages were less susceptible to predation than young stages. Pseudocalanus nauplii moved faster and were ingested at lower rates than similarly sized Calanus nauplii. Predation rates increased with increasing temperature for the warm-water species C. typicus but decreased for the cold-water species M. lucens. These results may contribute to models predicting the development of copepod populations and their availability to larval fish.
Tablet PC use in freshman mathematics classes promotes STEM retention

Tablet PCs are standalone personal computers with touch-sensitive screens that serve as the primary input device. The interface between the user and the computer depends on contact between the surface of the screen and a finger or stylus, a pen-like instrument designed to enable users to write directly on the screen. Tablet PCs are fully functional laptop computers that have conventional PC operating systems and applications. The use of Tablet PCs and other tablet technologies in educational settings has increased tremendously over the past decade and now many reports describing classroom applications of Tablet PCs appear in the literature. While some studies have described implementations of Tablet PCs in undergraduate education, few have specifically examined the impact of Tablet PCs on student performance and retention in the sciences and engineering. To address the paucity of data about the effects of Tablet PC use in undergraduate education, we have implemented a longitudinal student tracking study to better understand the impact of this technology on students. The most important finding is that students who began their undergraduate mathematics education in Tablet PC classes were more likely to continue their science and engineering studies than were their peers who took non-Tablet PC courses during their first semester of college.
Role of endogenous atrial natriuretic factor in the regulation of fetal cardiovascular and renal function

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether endogenous atrial natriuretic factor participates in the maintenance of normal vascular pressure and renal function in ovine fetuses at 128 to 130 days' gestation. Circulating atrial natriuretic factor in the fetus was immunoneutralized by an intravenous bolus injection of an atrial natriuretic factor antiserum at a dilution of 1:2000 (low dose, n = 7) or 1:400 (high dose, n = 6). In the high-dose group, plasma atrial natriuretic factor concentration was significantly reduced by 65 ± 14 pg/ml from basal levels of 165 ± 12 pg/ml within 10 minutes and remained reduced for the 90-minute period after the injection. Fetal arterial pressure acutely and transiently decreaased, but at 50 minutes arterial pressure increased and was elevated for the remainder of the experiment. Urine flow and urinary excretion rates of sodium, potassium, and chloride were reduced within 10 minutes after the injection. Urine flow rate was suppressed for as long as plasma atrial natriuretic factor concentrations were reduced. Fetuses in the low-dose and control groups showed no significant change in cardiovascular or renal function. In response to atrial natriuretic factor antiserum injection, plasma angiotensin II concentrations were increased, whereas plasma arginine vasopressin concentrations were unchanged. These results suggest that endogenous atrial natriuretic factor is involved in the maintenance of arterial pressure and urinary excretion in the ovine fetus.
O3‐induced degradation of Rubisco protein and loss of Rubisco mRNA in relation to leaf age in Solanum tuberosum L.

SUMMARY The effect of ozone (O3) on Rubisco degradation was investigated by dark incubation of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Norland) following exposure to charcoal-filtered air or 0.30μl l−1 O3 for 6 h. Rubisco small subunit (rbcS) mRNA levels declined dramatically in control foliage within 10.16 h of dark incubation; thus declines in Rubisco protein following a 48-h dark period were ascribed to proteolytic degradation. Foliage sampled from the 4th and 6th leaves from the apex, designated immature and mature, respectively, showed no effect of O3 on Rubisco protein content immediately following the exposure. However, the decline in Rubisco quantity during the dark incubation was significantly enhanced by prior treatment with O3 in the mature leaves. The immature leaves sustained a similar decline in Rubisco quantity in both O2 and control treatments. O3 had a significant effect on the relative quantity of rbcS mRNA in the immature leaves (sampled immediately following the O3 exposure). Levels of rbcS mRNA in mature leaves and Rubisco large subunit (rbcL) mRNA in both leaf ages were not significantly affected by O3, There was no effect of O3, on Rubisco quantity in immature or mature leave's of plants maintained in the greenhouse under a 16 h photoperiod far 48 h following the exposure. Thus the effect of short-term O3 exposure on processes affecting Rubisco synthesis and degradation may have been transient, and a more prolonged exposure would he necessary to effect a decline in Rubisco protein quantity in plants grown under a 16 h photoperiod. We concluded that O3 caused enhanced degradation of Rubisco in mature leaves of plants induced to senesce by dark incubation following O3 exposures. The potential for O3-induced reduction in synthesis of Rubisco also exists.
Spatial Aspects of Development in China the Motor Vehicle Industry, 1956-1985:

The spatial pattern of development in China's motor vehicle industry differs from that expected on the basis of both the technological characteristics of vehicle production and the historical experiences of other large countries. Distortions in the locations and sizes of plants and in the extent of specialization resulted primarily from distinctive features of the prereform planning system and, in particular, from the highly compartmentalized structure of the planning organization. Early post-Mao reforms addressed some of the more conspicuous and costly distortions; however, recent evidence suggests persistence of the prereform spatial pattern.
The Empirical Distribution of Intradaily Stock Return Volatility

We examine the distribution of intradaily volatility of common stock returns of a portfolio (updated annually) of the 250 most actively traded stocks on the NYSE for the sample period 1983-92. Our results suggest that there was a shift in the distribution of return volatility around 1985-86: both the level and dispersion of volatility increased significantly after 1985. We find that the well known 'U'-shaped pattern of both intradaily volatility and volume shifted almost uniformly upwards following 1985; moreover, the U-shape is present not merely in the level of volatility and volume, but in the dispersion also. We examine intradaily volatility and volume on triple witching days, and find that volume is significantly higher at the open but not the close, while the opposite is true for volatility. Finally, we model the joint relationship of volatility and volume and find it be complex and non-linear.
Lighting marble

A method is suggested for modeling subsurface light transport through highly scattering materials such as marble. The technique is a natural extension of previous work describing the use of a lattice-Boltzmann method for calculating light transport in clouds and other participating media. Though the technique does not offer real-time performance, it produces accurate results by correctly modeling a diffusion process, and it is highly parallelizable.
Control of Centrifugal Instability in Vortex-Surface Interaction

The interaction of a rotating conical flow with a solid surface generates a centrifugal instability. This occurs in the flow over the wings of certain types of aircraft at high angles of attack. Efforts at our laboratory have detected such structures using near-surface flow diagnostics, and shown that they can be effectively alleviated using passive flow control near the surface. Their alleviation removes the narrowband spectral peak at the nominal location of vertical fins on these aircraft. This paper explores the substitution of active flow control techniques that remain conformal to the surface and are only powered during high angle of attack operation. The occurrence of the phenomenon and its 15-dB alleviation with geometric fences are shown on a rounded-edge 42-degree swept, cropped delta wing at 25 degrees angle of attack. The feasibility and power requirements for the plasma actuator are estimated in this paper. The generation of counter-rotating vortices using a double dielectric barrier discharge actuator is demonstrated.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Informal Control of Crime Through Neighborhood Networks

Abstract While the contemporary systemic model of neighborhood crime has emphasized the regulatory capacities that are imbedded in the structures of local community relational networks, very little attention has been paid to the dynamics of social control that are exercised through these linkages. This is a very important consideration, given recent reformulations of this framework as a multilevel model. This paper suggests that the social capital model of James Coleman (1990) can serve as an excellent theoretical basis for such an extension and examines the degree to which neighborhood networks serve as mechanisms of social control for a sample of Oklahoma City residents. Evidence is provided that while the degrees of integration into private and parochial neighborhood-based networks have the expected associations with susceptibility to social control, this is not the case for more general friendship and family relational structures.
Formation of the 1,3,5-Hexatriynyl Radical (C6H(X2Π)) via the Crossed Beams Reaction of Dicarbon (C2(X1Σg+/a3Πu)), with Diacetylene (C4H2(X1Σg+))

Crossed molecular beams experiments were conducted to investigate the chemical dynamics of the reaction of dicarbon molecules, C2(X1Σg+/a3Πu), with diacetylene, C4H2(X1Σg+) at two collision energies of 12.1 and 32.8 kJmol−1. The dynamics were found to be indirect, involved C6H2 intermediates, and were dictated by an initial addition of the dicarbon molecule to the carbon−carbon triple bond of diacetylene. The initial collision complexes could isomerize. On the singlet surface, the resulting linear triacetylene molecule (C6H2(X1Σg+)) decomposed without an exit barrier to form the linear 1,3,5-hexatriynyl radical (C6H(X2Π)). On the triplet surface, the dynamics suggested at least a tight exit transition state involved in the fragmentation of a triplet C6H2 intermediate to yield the 1,3,5-hexatriynyl radical (C6H(X2Π)) plus atomic hydrogen. On the basis of the experimental data, we recommend an experimentally determined enthalpy of formation of the 1,3,5-hexatriynyl radical of 1014 ± 27 kJmol−1 at 0 K. Our e...
Post-licensure safety surveillance of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), 1990-2013.

Abstract Background 23-Valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, trade name Pneumovax ® 23 (PPSV23), has been used for decades in the Unites States and has an extensive clinical record. However, limited post-licensure safety assessment has been conducted. Objective To analyze reports submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) following PPSV23 from 1990 to 2013 in order to characterize its safety profile. Methods We searched the VAERS database for US reports following PPSV23 for persons vaccinated from 1990 to 2013. We assessed safety through: automated analysis of VAERS data, crude adverse event (AE) reporting rates based on PPSV23 doses distributed in the US market, clinical review of death reports and reports involving vaccine administered to pregnant women, and empirical Bayesian data mining to assess for disproportional reporting. Results During the study period, VAERS received 25,168 PPSV23 reports; 92% were non-serious, 67% were in females and 86% were in adults aged ≥19 years. When PPSV23 was administered alone, fever (43%), injection site erythema (28%) and injection site pain (25%) were the most commonly reported non-serious AEs in children. Injection site erythema (32%), injection site pain (27%) and injection site swelling (23%) were the most commonly reported non-serious AEs in adults. Of serious reports (2129, 8% of total), fever was most commonly reported in both children (69%) and adults (39%). There were 66 reports of death, four in children and 62 in adults. Clinical review of death reports did not reveal any concerning patterns that would suggest a causal association with PPSV23. No disproportional reporting of unexpected AEs was observed in empirical Bayesian data mining. Conclusions We did not identify any new or unexpected safety concerns for PPSV23. The VAERS data are consistent with safety data from pre-licensure clinical trials and other post-licensure studies.
The TLC of the capsule of zhonghua Garlic oil and the check of heavy metal and arsenic salt

To identify the capsule of zhonghua garlic oil and garlic by TLC and to determine the capsule of zhonghua garlic oil's content of heavy metal and arsenic salt,the result shows that TLC is clear and good,the content of Heavy metal is less than 10ppm and the content of arsenic salt is less than 2ppm.
PSEUDOURIDINE METABOLISM. IV. EXCRETION OF PSEUDOURIDINE AND OTHER NITROGENOUS METABOLITES IN CHRONIC LEUKEMIA.

Urinary pseudouridine, uric acid, and creatine have been estimated in a group of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and other diseases. The results indicate that there is a selective and specific overproduction of pseudouridine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Human-like planning of swerve maneuvers for autonomous vehicles

In this paper, we develop a motion planner for on-road autonomous swerve maneuvers that is capable of learning passengers' individual driving styles. It uses a hybrid planning approach that combines sampling-based graph search and vehicle model-based evaluation to obtain a smooth trajectory plan. To automate the parameter tuning process, as well as to reflect individual driving styles, we further adapt inverse reinforcement learning techniques to distill human driving patterns from maneuver demonstrations collected from different individuals. We found that the proposed swerve planner and its learning routine can approximate a good variety of maneuver demonstrations. However, due to the underlying stochastic nature of human driving, more data are needed in order to obtain a more generative swerve model.
The Application and Extension of the Human-Animal Team Model to Better Understand Human-Robot Interaction: Recommendations for Further Research

In order to create effective human-robot teams, robots must possess social capabilities that match the expectations of their human teammates. However the ability of robots to approximate human capacities is limited due to technological constraints. Human-animal teams have thus been suggested as a suitable analog for modeling teaming between humans and non-humans. Due to the limited capacity for animals to express their intentions, it follows that human-animal relationships can provide a basic framework for understanding how humans interpret information from teammates with limited social faculties. The purpose of this paper is provide research recommendations to identify specific areas in which human-animal teams can be used to model human-robot teams and to provide suggestions for investigating this model empirically in the context of social interaction.
Laboratory Screening Techniques for Evaluation of Soybean Germplasm for Resistance to Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Thirty-one soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, accessions from maturity groups II through VIII were evaluated in excised and intact (whole plant) leaf bioassays to determine the ability of these bioassays to detect differences in susceptibility to the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Although there were few significant differences between bioassays for variables measured within maturity groupings, the excised leaf bioassay which was easier to set up and monitor and took three-fourths less growth chamber space also had less variation among replications and repeated tests and detected a greater number of differences among accessions. Although there were significant differences among soybean accessions within a maturity group for specific variables, results suggest that high levels of resistance to the twospotted spider mite are not present in the germplasm screened. Several accessions screened, with known resistance to foliar feeding insects, were significantly less preferred for spider mite...
The Evolution of Autism as a Diagnostic Concept: From Kanner to DSM-5: A commentary

In 1943, Leo Kanner described 11 children with an “inborn disturbance of affective contact” or infantile autism. His classic description has proven remarkably enduring—albeit with some modifications of his original description. In this chapter, we review development of autism as a diagnostic concept and its evolution since Kanner’s first report. Although largely focused on changes in categorical definitions we also briefly discuss dimensional approaches to the diagnosis—the latter being particularly important for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5) categorical definition. In this chapter, we also review current areas of controversy and consensus.
Factors that influence working forest conservation and parcelization

Abstract Ownership of private forestland is changing rapidly, especially in areas owned by industrial forest product companies. Following divestment by industrial owners, forested lands are increasingly likely to move from intensive timber production to subdivision of the land, development and other private uses, or alternatively to conservation under public tenure. This research follows a unique dataset of forestland properties previously owned by industrial and corporate owners in Wisconsin from 1999 to 2014. A multinomial logistic regression showed that divested lands were more likely to be publicly purchased outright if they were adjacent to water, adjacent to public land, not adjacent to roads, and had higher housing value, while in contrast the predictors of conservation easement acquisition were location in large blocks outside of zoned townships. Properties were more likely to be parcelized if they were adjacent to a paved road, adjacent to water, smaller, in a zoned township, and had fewer years remaining in their tax program enrollment. In an era of rapid industrial land divestment, these findings indicate an important role played by public policies, including preferential tax programs and funds for land and conservation easement acquisition, in shaping whether private forestland is parcelized, conserved under private ownership, or publicly acquired.
Imaging of Acute Appendicitis in Adults: Ultrasonography

Although ultrasound has been used diagnostically in patients with right lower quadrant pain and possible appendicitis since the 1980s, there has recently been renewed interest in this technique due to increasing concerns over radiation exposure with abdominal CT. Although overall slightly less accurate than CT for the diagnosis of appendicitis, ultrasonography has several distinct advantages, such as lack of ionizing radiation or intravenous contrast and low cost. Keys to success for this technique include a thorough understanding of the graded-compression technique using both grayscale and color-Doppler sonography. In addition, the concept of “staging of appendicitis” is presented, since different treatment options may be selected for patients who have gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, rather than the standard laparoscopic appendectomy for early uncomplicated appendicitis. Finally, alternative diagnoses of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract that clinically mimic appendicitis are discussed.
Meningiomas of the Cerebellopontine Angle

Meningiomas of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) were covered in three chapters in the original monograph by Cushing and Eisenhardt in 1938 (Cushing and Eisenhardt, Meningiomas: their classification, regional behaviour, life history, and surgical ends results, Springfield, Charles C. Thomas, 1938). Referred collectively to as “meningiomas of the cerebellar chamber,” they included “tumors of the basilar groove” (1 patient), “subtentorial and recess tumors” (15 patients), and “those simulating acoustic tumors” (7 patients). Today the term “CPA tumor,” when referring to a meningioma in this region, seems to include petroclival, lateral-inferior tentorial, petrous face, jugular foramen, and anterolateral foramen magnum tumors. However, we, and others, believe a more specific anatomic description is appropriate given the corresponding clinical syndrome that with which tumors along the petrous face present. This classification excludes petroclival, dumbbell lateral tentorial, and lateral cerebellar convexity tumors.
Sensitive and specific point-of-care detection of pathogen infections by an AC electrokinetics-enhanced capacitive immunosensor

The past decades have witnessed rapidly growing demands for portable, low-cost bioassays with minimal complexity in manufacturing, operation and instrumentation that can provide reliable real-time information for clinical diagnosis. To address this need, an “AC electrokinetic (ACEK) capacitive sensing” method is developed that is capable of rapid, low cost and simple-to-operate specific assay for use with practical samples. The major innovation with this sensing technology is its ability to simultaneously generate ACEK effects in the fluid and to interrogate directly the sensor's interfacial capacitance. The AC signal will induce movement of proteins towards the electrode surface and accelerate the binding to immobilized probe molecules. The binding of protein is sensitively detected by monitoring the interfacial capacitance of electrode. Preliminary experiments from biological fluids yielded highly encouraging results, with limits of detection at 2.3 pg/mL measured by a benchtop instrument and around 5 pg/mL by a portable reader, which is on par with the best laboratory assay available and ours is a POC technology. This article presents the mechanisms, development and test results of this POC immunoassay.
Divergence and Stokes’ Theorems and conservation laws

Green’s and Stokes’ Theorems are extensions to functions of several variables of the relation between differentiation and integration.
Gay Marriage in Rhode Island: A Big Issue for a Small State

This article takes the position that Rhode Island is poised to recognize same sex marriage. It first parses the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's plurality decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, showing that this oft-criticized decision is actually simply a logical extension of existing and widely accepted law. Turning to Massachusetts' neighbor to the south, it then reviews relevant Rhode Island law to demonstrate how and why the Goodridge framework easily fits Rhode Island's existing legal landscape. It concludes that the Rhode Island Supreme Court could logically conclude that gay marriage in Rhode Island is a constitutional necessity.
An integrated view of the determinants of maximum oxygen uptake.

When one considers the pathway for transfer of O2 from the atmosphere to the mitochondria, several distinct and sequential steps are classically identified: 1) convective gas flow of O2 to the alveoli by ventilation. 2) diffusive gas mixing and transfer across the blood gas barrier into the capillary blood, 3) convective transport in the blood to the peripheral tissues, and 4) diffusive movement out of the tissue capillary to the mitochondria where O2 is utilized.
Green tea catechins decrease apolipoprotein B-100 secretion from HepG2 cells.

To understand the hypocholesterolemic activity of green tea, our in vitro studies screened the relative efficacy of two structurally distinct green tea catechins, epicatechin (EC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), on apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) and lipid production using a well established human hepatoma cell-line, HepG2, as the model system. This study showed that HepG2 cells pretreated with EC and EGCG for 8 h exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on apoB secretion. Total protein and albumin synthesis and secretion were unaffected indicating the effects on apoB secretion to be specific. Under lipid-rich conditions, apoB secretion was markedly reduced by EGCG and to a lesser extent by EC at 50 μM. Mechanistic study showed that tea catechins inhibited apoB secretion via a proteasome-independent pathway as indicated by a lack of response to N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal (ALLN), a proteasome inhibitor. The effect on apoB secretion was also found to be independent of lipid biosynthesis. In summary, the data suggest that EGCG in contrast to EC is a potent inhibitor of apoB secretion. The results indicate that the gallate moiety in the catechin molecule may result in a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism in terms of apoB secretion.