cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coalition Cabinet Decision Making: Institutional and Psychological Factors

This essay reviews the intersection between institutional and psychological conditions that occurs in multiparty coalition cabinets and the effects on foreign policy and decision making. Parallel research in social psychology and foreign policy can provide clues to the underlying mechanisms linking institutional context to policymaking and policy choices. The psychological processes involved in group polarization, persuasion, and other influence strategies as well as psychological factors affecting the quality of decision making are important in coalition cabinets and are reinforced by the particular institutional dynamics of multiparty governance. Indeed, this essay proposes that future research focus on contingency factors in the policymaking process, given the competing views on the effects of multiple advocacy on the quality of decision making and on the types of foreign policies associated with multiparty cabinets. More broadly, this essay supports the view that a highly structural understanding of the effects of institutions on politics and policies is incomplete and that research on the interplay among structures and human agents is critical.
Multistrategy adaptive path planning

In 1990, we started the Router project, a multistrategy-strategy adaptive navigation path planner. It assumes that a mission planner has generated a specific mission plan and identified specific path planning tasks. Given a specific path planning task, it uses a combination of model based and case based methods to solve it. New versions of the Router system view strategic metacontrol as a kind of design task that takes as input a specification of a problem solving task and gives as output the specification of a virtual architecture for addressing it. One version of the system operates in simulated navigation worlds and provides a simple natural language interface. Another version is embodied in Stimpy, an autonomous mobile robot. Stimpy addresses issues in spatial navigation beyond path planning, such as plan execution and monitoring. Our goal is to describe our general framework of multistrategy adaptive path planning, and the specific design of the Router system. To focus this discussion, we report on a series of experiments with Router in simulated navigation worlds. >
Attribute equivalence in global schema design for heterogeneous distributed databases

Abstract A global schema is a single, connected view of heterogeneous databases. Past research into the problem of global schema design has demonstrated the use of generalization for connecting disjoint schemas. Before generalization can be applied, the common attributes of the local schemas must be identified. We use the term attribute equivalence for the identification of such common attributes. This paper defines four types of attribute equivalences. The distinction between local and global equivalence is explained, and special attention is given to key attributes. We also discuss the placement of locally equivalent attributes in a global schema.
Brand name strategies in the service sector

Although research associated with branding′s influence on consumer behavior has increased in recent years, the vast majority of this work has focussed on tangible goods rather than intangible services. Focusses on branding and brand name strategies for intangible services. Develops a classification system for service brand names and describes a study which explores the degree to which these diverse strategies are used by different types of services.
Advancing the DMD device for high-definition home entertainment

In order to be successful in the home, micro-display technologies face significant challenges to displace conventional CRT solutions. Besides needing to offer a unique value to the end-user, micro-displays must be cost competitive and offer equivalent or better video reproduction performance. We will review our results in the basic requirements to succeed in the home environment. We have developed several technologies to advance DMDTM technology to meet those requirements including high speed interfaces that enable virtual elimination of color sequential artifacts, improved contrast, and package cost reduction.
Influence of pigment concentration and particle size on adhesion of an acrylic resin copolymer to tablet compacts.

The effects of the particle size and the concentration of pigments in aqueous polymeric dispersions on the adhesive properties of an acrylic resin copolymer were investigated. Aqueous polymeric dispersions containing up to 20% (v/v) pigment were coated onto hydrophilic and hydrophobic tablet compacts, and polymer adhesion was assessed using a novel butt adhesion technique. An inverse relationship was found between the particle size of the pigment present in the aqueous polymeric dispersion and film-tablet adhesion. As the particle size of the pigment increased, the adhesive strength of the polymer to the tablet compact decreased. Increased concentrations of the opacifying agent titanium dioxide in the acrylic dispersion resulted in stronger film-tablet adhesion. No clear relationship could be established between the wettability of the tablet compact by the pigmented polymeric dispersion and the strength of film-tablet adhesion. The hydrophobicity of the tablet compact was found to affect the glass transit...
The coordination of eye, head, and hand movements in a natural task

Relatively little is known about movements of the eyes, head, and hands in natural tasks. Normal behavior requires spatial and temporal coordination of the movements in more complex circumstances than are typically studied, and usually provides the opportunity for motor planning. Previous studies of natural tasks have indicated that the parameters of eye and head movements are set by global task constraints. In this experiment, we explore the temporal coordination of eye, head, and hand movements while subjects performed a simple block-copying task. The task involved fixations to gather information about the pattern, as well as visually guided hand movements to pick up and place blocks. Subjects used rhythmic patterns of eye, head, and hand movements in a fixed temporal sequence or coordinative structure. However, the pattern varied according to the immediate task context. Coordination was maintained by delaying the hand movements until the eye was available for guiding the movement. This suggests that observers maintain coordination by setting up a temporary, task-specific synergy between the eye and hand. Head movements displayed considerable flexibility and frequently diverged from the gaze change, appearing instead to be linked to the hand trajectories. This indicates that the coordination of eye and head in gaze changes is usually the consequence of a synergistic linkage rather than an obligatory one. These temporary synergies simplify the coordination problem by reducing the number of control variables, and consequently the attentional demands, necessary for the task.
The suffix effect: Postcategorical attributes in a serial recall paradigm

A serial list learning paradigm was employed to investigate the role of postcategorical information in producing the stimulus suffix effect (SSE). Serial recall performance was measured for eight-item word lists under four experimental conditions: a control condition (C), where white noise was used as a stimulus suffix; the word-suffix (WS) condition, where list items and suffix were semantically unrelated; the target-suffix condition (TS), in which the final list item and the suffix were from the same category; and the category-suffix condition, in which the final three list elements and the suffix were from the same category. All three verbal suffix conditions produced the SSE, but its magnitude was reduced when the suffix was semantically related to the last list element. Several pre- and postcategorical explanations of the SSE are evaluated in light of the results.
Semantic-Based Access Control for Grid Data Resources in Open Grid Services Architecture - Data Access and Integration (OGSA-DAI)

In this paper, we propose a semantic-based access control method for grid data resources in the open grid services architecture - data access and integration (OGSA-DAI). The OGSA-DAI is an efficient grid-enabled middleware implementation of interfaces and services to access and control data resources (such as files, relational databases and XML databases). However, the identity-based access control in the OGSA-DAI causes substantial overhead for the resource providers in virtual organizations (VOs), because the access control information of individual users has to be maintained by each resource provider. In addition, access control policies need to be specified and managed across multiple VOs. To solve these problems, we propose the use of semantic-based access control policies in data grids. We use the Web ontology language (OWL) standard to represent the ontology of an organization's resources and users. Recently, eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML) has been increasingly used for the representation of access control policies in grid environments. We propose the use of semantics in conjunction with the XACML standard for better interoperability and reduced administration overhead.
Examining the coupling of carbon and nitrogen cycles in Appalachian streams: the role of dissolved organic nitrogen

Although regional and global models of nitrogen (N) cycling typically focus on nitrate, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is the dominant form of nitrogen export from many watersheds and thus the dominant form of dissolved N in many streams. Our understanding of the processes controlling DON export from temperate forests is poor. In pristine systems, where biological N limitation is common, N contained in recalcitrant organic matter (OM) can dominate watershed N losses. This recalcitrant OM often has moderately constrained carbon:nitrogen (C:N) molar ratios (approximately 25-55) and therefore, greater DON losses should be observed in sites where there is greater total dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loss. In regions where anthropogenic N pollution is high, it has been suggested that increased inorganic N availability can reduce biological demand for organic N and therefore increase watershed DON losses. This would result in a positive correlation between inorganic and organic N concentrations across sites with varying N availability. In four repeated synoptic surveys of stream water chemistry from forested watersheds along an N loading gradient in the southern Appalachians, we found surprisingly little correlation between DON and DOC concentrations. Further, we found that DON concentrations were always significantly correlated with watershed N loading and stream water [NO3-] but that the direction of this relationship was negative in three of the four surveys. The C:N molar ratio of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in streams draining watersheds with high N deposition was very high relative to other freshwaters. This finding, together with results from bioavailability assays in which we directly manipulated C and N availabilities, suggests that heterotrophic demand for labile C can increase as a result of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) loading, and that heterotrophs can preferentially remove N-rich molecules from DOM. These results are inconsistent with the two prevailing hypotheses that dominate interpretations of watershed DON loss. Therefore, we propose a new hypothesis, the indirect carbon control hypothesis, which recognizes that heterotrophic demand for N-rich DOM can keep stream water DON concentrations low when N is not limiting and heterotrophic demand for labile C is high.
Emotion recognition in autism: Verbal and nonverbal information

This study examined the roles of verbal and nonverbal sources of information in the ability of persons with and without autism to recognize emotion. Child, adolescent, and young adult participants in four groups [Lower Functioning Autism (LFA) (n = 17), High Functioning Autism (HFA) (n = 18), Lower Functioning Comparison (LFC) (n = 18), and High Functioning Comparison (HFC) (n = 23)] identified emotions shown (happy, angry, sad, surprised, or neutral) in video clips of individuals expressing emotion verbally, nonverbally, or both. Verbal expressions of emotion were either Explicit, Implicit, or Neutral, whereas nonverbal expressions were Animate or Flat (3 x 2). Pairwise ANCOVAs indicated no group differences between HFA and HFC groups or between the LFA and LFC groups, and indicated instead group differences between higher and lower functioning persons. With groups collapsed into High Functioning (HF) and Lower Functioning (LF), significant group differences were found. Performance of LF individuals suggested they had difficulty inferring how a person felt based on what the person said, if the emotion was not explicitly named. Performance of HF individuals suggested they relied more on nonverbal than on verbal information to determine a speaker's emotion, except where the emotion was explicitly named. Results suggested that persons with autistic spectrum disorders can use affective information from multiple sources in much the same ways as persons of comparable developmental level without autism.
Borrelia Isolates in Northern Colorado Identified as Borrelia bissettii

Previous work described Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group DN127 as a new genospecies, Borrelia bissettii, and prompted the present study to identify the Borrelia spp. that exist in northern Colorado. To determine the genospecies present, we analyzed two specific intergenic spacer regions located between the 5S and 23S and the 16S and 23S ribosomal genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the derived sequences clearly demonstrated that these isolates, originating from rodents captured in the foothills of northern Colorado, diverged from B. burgdorferi sensu stricto by 5 to 5.5% and were members of the new genospecies B. bissettii.
Unrestricted variables in linear programming

There are a number of ways of dealing with a linear programming problem in which some variables are allowed to take on negative values. One of these methods, which is either ignored or mentioned only incidentally in most textbooks, requires only one additional variable to be introduced regardless of how many unrestricted variables the original problem has. In this note, this method is interpreted geometrically and an application to the computation of extreme points is given.
Characteristics of a Brillouin ring resonator used for phase conjugation at 2.1 μm

We have investigated the use of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a ring resonator to reduce the threshold of SBS phase conjugation for radiation from a frequency-narrowed Cr, Tm, Ho:YAG laser operating at 2.12 μm. Compared with an alternative scheme for threshold reduction, the loop scheme, we find that the ring resonator has a lower SBS threshold and a similar fidelity, but exhibits large fluctuations in output. We attribute these to fluctuations in the cavity length that detune the mode frequency from the center of the Brillouin gain bandwidth. Mode beating is occasionally observed with the beat frequency’s being strongly influenced by the effect of a Brillouin-induced phase shift.
Stalking online: on user privacy in social networks

With the extreme popularity of Web and online social networks, a large amount of personal information has been made available over the Internet. On the other hand, advances in information retrieval, data mining and knowledge discovery technologies have enabled users to efficiently satisfy their information needs over the Internet or from large-scale data sets. However, such technologies also help the adversaries such as web stalkers to discover private information about their victims from mass data.In this paper, we study privacy-sensitive information that are accessible from the Web, and how these information could be utilized to discover personal identities. In the proposed scenario, an adversary is assumed to possess a small piece of "seed" information about a targeted user, and conduct extensive and intelligent search to identify the target over both the Web and an information repository collected from the Web. In particular, two types of attackers are modeled, namely tireless attackers and resourceful attackers. We then analyze detailed attacking mechanisms that could be performed by these attackers, and quantify the threats of both types of attacks to general Web users. With extensive experiments and sophisticated analysis, we show that a large portion of users with online presence are highly identifiable, even when only a small piece of (possibly inaccurate) seed information is known to the attackers.
State Capitalism, Chinese‐Style: Strategic Value of Sectors, Sectoral Characteristics, and Globalization

Scholarship on the institutional foundations of Chinese-style capitalism emphasizes the impact of liberal reformers and China's participation in international organizations, devolution of economic decision making and local experimentation, and the proliferation of market actors to explain their origins. This article investigates distinct patterns of sectoral variation in market governance in China today, examining the extent and scope in which dominant forms of market coordination and distribution of property rights reflect variation in national goals of economic power, security, and growth; structural sectoral attributes; and the path-dependent effects of institutional arrangements. The reinforcement of state coordination and the dominance of state ownership and shareholding in strategic industries, such as telecommunications, and the relinquishment of state control and the dominance of market stakeholders in nonstrategic sectors, such as textiles, characterize the rise of bifurcated capitalism in the period before and after China's accession to the World Trade Organization.
An Expert Panel Approach to Assessing Potential Effects of Bull Trout Reintroduction on Federally Listed Salmonids in the Clackamas River, Oregon

Abstract The bull trout Salvelinus confluentus is an apex predator in native fish communities in the western USA and is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Restoration of this species has raised concerns over its potential predatory impacts on native fish fauna. We held a five-person expert panel to help determine potential impacts of reintroducing bull trout into the Clackamas River, northwest Oregon, on the viability of four anadromous salmonid populations that are listed as threatened under the ESA: spring and fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, coho salmon O. kisutch, and winter steelhead O. mykiss. The panel session was rigorously structured and used a modified Delphi process with structured expert elicitation, disclosure, discussion, and brainstorming. Each panelist distributed 100 score points among seven categories of potential bull trout impact (from no impact to very high impact) on extinction probabilities for the anadromous salmonids. Results were provid...
A New Species of Orellana Distant from Brazil (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Cicadidae)

Abstract. The cicada Orellana pollyae Sanborn n. sp. is described from Brazil. The related Orellana bigibba Schmidt, 1919 is illustrated to facilitate differentiation of the species. A key to the genus Orellana Distant, 1905 is provided.
Structural studies of RNase P.

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is one of the first ribozymes discovered and it is found in all phylogenetic groups. It is responsible for processing the 5′ end of pre-tRNAs as well as other RNA molecules. RNase P is formed by an RNA molecule responsible for catalysis and one or more proteins. Structural studies of the proteins from different organisms, the bacterial RNA component, and a bacterial RNase P holoenzyme/tRNA complex provide insights into the mechanism of this universal ribozyme. Together with the existing wealth of biochemical information, these studies provide atomic-level information on the mechanism of RNase P and continue to expand our understanding of the structure and architecture of large RNA molecules and ribonucleoprotein complexes, the nature of catalysis by ribozymes, the structural basis of recognition of RNA by RNA molecules, and the evolution of enzymes from the prebiotic, RNA-based world to the modern world.
An adaptive high speed wireless transceiver for personal communications

In personal communications systems, users contend for the resources of frequency and time, with re-use determined by the spatial separation, power allocation, antenna beam patterns, data rate, and the required signal to interference ratio for reliable operation. We describe a highly adaptive transceiver which implements distributed control of power, channel assignments, and antenna weights, to maximize the network throughput. That is, each link is optimized independently, with coupling only via the mutual interference.
Abraham in a different voice : rereading Fear and Trembling with care

This paper recasts the normative shape of Fear and Trembling by presenting an ‘ethical reading’ based on an ethic of care. It will be argued that Abraham's response represents a commitment to sustain and deepen his fundamental relationship with God, to make absolute his relation to the Absolute. Since most readers tend to focus myopically on ‘the trial’ itself, apart from the context and history of the God-relationship, the proffered interpretations tend inevitably to distort the nature and significance of Abraham's form of life. By remembering the pattern of attachment between God and Abraham, I think that a different normative picture will emerge, one which can be expressed in the grammar of care.
Ground penetration radar target classification via complex natural resonances

Ground penetration radar (GPR) requires not only target detection but also identification. Many such targets have simple geometry and their late time impulse responses are dominated by only a few complex natural resonances (CNR). An example is the detection of unexploded ordnance. These CNR's represent an attractive way for target identification. The low SNR, spurious poles and multiple targets problems associated with Prony's method when extracting the CNR's are discussed. New techniques leading to the improvement are proposed. Calculated and measured examples of using CNR's for target identification are also presented.
Ecological relevance of minimum seasonal water potentials

The minimum seasonal water potential a plant experiences, ψ min , provides an important measure of plant water status, as it reflects the maximum water deficit that leaves and xylem must tolerate to maintain physiological activity. ψ min also acts as a selective force on xylem structure which, in turn, generates correlations between ψ min and numerous hydraulic traits. This review focuses on the ecological relevance of ψ min as a reflection of overall plant hydraulic strategy. The focus is on plant functional strategies with respect to soil drought, but we conclude with preliminary findings on the role of atmospheric drought.
Eliashberg function in amorphous superconductors

Abstract The conventional approach to tunnelling and critical temperature analysis for amorphous superconductors is discussed. Comparison is made on the effect of structural disorder on the electron-phonon coupling in nearly-free-electron and nearly-localized-electron metals. The results are in good agreement with tunnelling data.
Judging the reality of others' memories

Interpersonal reality monitoring (IRM) refers to our ability to evaluate whether other people's memories reflect real or imagined events. The current work examined IRM and whether or not it can be affected by training and feedback. We found that people are better than chance and that the ability to accurately make this judgement can be improved or reduced with appropriate and inappropriate training, respectively. Understanding IRM has implications for applied psychologists interested in how people evaluate others' descriptions of past events (e.g., eyewitness testimony).
A multiscale lattice Boltzmann model of macro- to micro-scale transport, with applications to gut function

Nutrient absorption in the small intestine cannot occur until molecules are presented to the epithelial cells that line intestinal villi, finger-like protrusions under enteric control. Using a two-dimensional multiscale lattice Boltzmann model of a lid-driven cavity flow with ‘villi’ at the lower surface, we analyse the hypothesis that muscle-induced oscillatory motions of the villi generate a controlled ‘micro-mixing layer’ (MML) that couples with the macro-scale flow to enhance absorption. Nutrient molecules are modelled as passive scalar concentrations at high Schmidt number. Molecular concentration supplied at the cavity lid is advected to the lower surface by a lid-driven macro-scale eddy. We find that micro-scale eddying motions enhance the macro-scale advective flux by creating an MML that couples with the macro-scale flow to increase absorption rate. We show that the MML is modulated by its interactions with the outer flow through a diffusion-dominated layer that separates advection-dominated macro-scale and micro-scale mixed layers. The structure and strength of the MML is sensitive to villus length and oscillation frequency. Our model suggests that the classical explanation for the existence of villi—increased absorptive surface area—is probably incorrect. The model provides support for the potential importance of villus motility in the absorptive function of the small intestine.
Treatment of Acute Renal Failure and Chronic Renal Insufficiency with Additional Trasylol Therapy

Despite improved dialysis techniques, in combination with balanced infusion therapy, early regulation of the water, electrolyte and acid/base metabolism and specific antibiotic therapy, acute renal failure, (ARF) has 29–69 % mortality rates. During the last 1 1/2 years, patients in ARF received in addition to the mentioned standard therapy, Trasylol by continuous drip infusion of usually 1 million KIU in 24 hours. Trasylol inhibits besides trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin and the kallikreins which are responsible for the liberation of kinin, as well as leukocytic lysosomal proteinases; these enzyme systems are mainly held responsible for the tubular damage to the kidneys, and in conjunction with oxygen deficiency and other noxae such as bacterial toxins, endogenous poisons and bilirubin, they induce ARF.
Distal Dunk for Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Shunt in Stage 1 Palliation

The use of a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit for stage 1 palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome is common. A prospective randomized multiinstitutional study revealed that approximately 40% of those receiving this shunt required intervention on the shunt or pulmonary arteries, or both. A technique has been developed to help ameliorate proximal conduit stenosis. We present a new technique to improve distal conduit stenosis and decrease anastomotic bleeding from this site. The technique involves dunking a segment of the shunt into the pulmonary arteries and suture placement in the shunt rings and not in the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Effects of Proportion of Supplemental Dietary Crude Protein Supplied by Urea on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Cattle Fed Steam-Flaked Corn-Based Diets with Wet Corn Gluten Feed1

Abstract An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of level of urea in steam-flaked corn diets containing 25% (DM basis) wet corn gluten feed on performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers. Crossbred steers (n = 240) were blocked by BW (average initial BW = 402.8 ± 10.75 kg) and assigned to dietary treatments consisting of 3 different ratios (N basis) of urea and cotton-seed meal (CSM): 1) 33% urea:67% CSM (33%); 2) 67% urea:33% CSM (67%); and 3) 100% urea:0% CSM (100%). There was a quadratic (P = 0.06) effect of the proportion of urea on ADG from d 0 to 56, and from d 0 to 112, ADG increased linearly (P = 0.09) as the proportion of urea in the diet increased. Additionally, DMI increased linearly (P = 0.001) with increasing urea level from d 0 to 28. For the entire feeding period, DMI tended (P = 0.14) to increase linearly with increasing proportion of urea. Gain:feed was affected quadratically (P = 0.09) by urea level; the maximum efficiency was noted for steers fed the 67% treatment. There was a tendency for a quadratic effect (P = 0.14) of urea level relative to hot carcass weight; cattle fed the 67% diet had the greatest hot carcass weight. Results indicate that with a steam-flaked corn finishing diet that contained 25% (DM basis) wet corn gluten feed, providing supplemental CP with a ratio of at least 67% urea:33% CSM (N basis) improved ADG and gain efficiency compared with 33% urea:67% CSM.
Pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease within PHAROS: impact of extent of fibrosis and pulmonary physiology on cardiac haemodynamic parameters.

Objectives We sought to examine the relationship between measures of ILD severity and PH in patients with SSc. Methods We identified 55 subjects from 12 PHAROS sites with RHC-proven PH and HRCT evidence of ILD. Subjects with PH due to left heart disease were excluded. Baseline HRCT scans were scored by a standardised system that graded severity of ILD. Summary statistics were generated for baseline characteristics. Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to examine relationships between ILD and PH severity variables. Results The majority of subjects were white women; nearly half had limited cutaneous SSc. Most subjects were New York Heart Association functional class II or III. Pulmonary function testing revealed moderate restriction (mean FVC 64.3 ± 17.2% predicted) with severe reduction in diffusing capacity (mean DLco 34.2 ± 13.3% predicted). RHC demonstrated mild to moderate PH (mean PAP 35 ± 9 mmHg, mean PVR 5.1 ± 3.7 WU). There was no correlation between severity of ILD (by either HRCT or PFT) and cardiac haemodynamic parameters of PH. Conclusions No association between severity of ILD and cardiac haemodynamic profiles were identified in this cohort. We believe this underscores the complex nature of PH and ILD in individuals with SSc. We do suspect that some individuals with SSc-ILD will also have concomitant pulmonary vascular disease but simple assessments to grade severity of ILD - by PFT or HRCT estimates of ILD extent - are likely not enough to reliably distinguish between PAH versus PH-ILD. Further research into how to distinguish and manage these subsets is warranted.
Aerothermodynamic Testing of Protuberances and Penetrations on the NASA Crew Exploration Vehicle Heat Shield

An experimental wind tunnel program is being conducted in support of an Agency wide effort to develop a replacement for the Space Shuttle and to support the NASA’s long-term objective of returning to the moon and then on to Mars. This paper documents experimental measurements made on several scaled ceramic heat transfer models of the proposed Crew Exploration Vehicle. Global heat transfer images and heat transfer distributions obtained using phosphor thermography were used to infer interference heating on the Crew Exploration Vehicle Cycle 1 heat shield from local protuberances and penetrations for both laminar and turbulent heating conditions. Test parametrics included free stream Reynolds numbers of 1.0x10 6 /ft to 7.25x10 6 /ft in Mach 6 air at a fixed angle-ofattack. Single arrays of discrete boundary layer trips were used to trip the boundary layer approaching the protuberances/penetrations to a turbulent state. Also, the effects of three compression pad diameters, two radial locations of compression pad/tension tie location, compression pad geometry, and rotational position of compression pad/tension tie were examined. The experimental data highlighted in this paper are to be used to validate CFD tools that will be used to generate the flight aerothermodynamic database. Heat transfer measurements will also assist in the determination of the most appropriate engineering methods that will be used to assess local flight environments associated with protuberances/penetrations of the CEV thermal protection system.
The Effect of Grading Practices on the Marks Of Gifted Sixth Grade Children

A PROBLEM of general concern in education is the evaluation of student performance. One measure of performance is the mark received by a student from his teachers. Although there is gen eral agreement and knowledge concerning the limitations in interpreting grades, variations in grading standards between, as well as within, schools makes interpretation difficult. It would be of considerable interest to determine whether a difference in criterion groups produces discrep ancies in marks given to children. Perhaps, too, different systems of marking, regardless of the criterion group, produce differential grades. Data compiled in a study of gifted sixth grad ers revealed a great deal of variability in school grades (2). Because the seven school systems from which the 222 gifted pupils were drawn have dissimilar grading practices, questions arose about the possibility of differential grading stand ards being a factor in producing a large propor tion of low grades. The grades seemed to be too low for a gifted population, even though these grades would probably be considered high for a random sample of sixth graders. The seven school districts may be classified into two categories with respect to report card marking :
Strain recovery from metagenomes.

Genome assembly of closely related strains present in very large metagenome data sets is enabled by a de novo pre-assembly algorithm.
A variational treatment of material configurations with application to interface motion and microstructural evolution

Abstract We present a unified variational treatment of evolving configurations in crystalline solids with microstructure. The crux of our treatment lies in the introduction of a vector configurational field. This field lies in the material, or configurational, manifold, in contrast with the traditional displacement field, which we regard as lying in the spatial manifold. We identify two distinct cases which describe (a) problems in which the configurational field's evolution is localized to a mathematically sharp interface, and (b) those in which the configurational field's evolution can extend throughout the volume. The first case is suitable for describing incoherent phase interfaces in polycrystalline solids, and the latter is useful for describing smooth changes in crystal structure and naturally incorporates coherent (diffuse) phase interfaces. These descriptions also lead to parameterizations of the free energies for the two cases, from which variational treatments can be developed and equilibrium conditions obtained. For sharp interfaces that are out-of-equilibrium, the second law of thermodynamics furnishes restrictions on the kinetic law for the interface velocity. The class of problems in which the material undergoes configurational changes between distinct, stable crystal structures are characterized by free energy density functions that are non-convex with respect to configurational strain. For physically meaningful solutions and mathematical well-posedness, it becomes necessary to incorporate interfacial energy. This we have done by introducing a configurational strain gradient dependence in the free energy density function following ideas laid out by Toupin (1962, Elastic materials with couple-stresses. Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal., 11, 385–414). The variational treatment leads to a system of partial differential equations governing the configuration that is coupled with the traditional equations of nonlinear elasticity. The coupled system of equations governs the configurational change in crystal structure, and elastic deformation driven by elastic, Eshelbian, and configurational stresses. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate interface motion as well as evolving microstructures of crystal structures.
Effect of Drug Therapy on Net Cholesterol Efflux Capacity of High-Density Lipoprotein-Enriched Serum in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Some RA therapies may modify this risk, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The cholesterol efflux capacity of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is associated with a reduced CHD risk in non-RA populations; however, inflammation may impair the function of HDL. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether reduced inflammation resulting from treatment with methotrexate (MTX), adalimumab (ADA), or tocilizumab (TCZ) would increase the net cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL in patients with RA. Methods A longitudinal multicenter study repository (Treatment Efficacy and Toxicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Database and Repository) provided clinical information for and serum samples from 70 patients with RA before and 6 months after starting treatment with a new drug (MTX [n = 23], ADA [n = 22], or TCZ [n = 25]). Disease activity was measured using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). The net cholesterol efflux capacity was measured in paired serum samples using THP-1 macrophages, and total cellular cholesterol was measured by fluorometric assay. Results The DAS28-ESR decreased with all treatments (P < 0.001). Net cholesterol efflux capacity was not significantly changed after 6 months of new RA therapy (mean ± SD 36.9 ± 17.3% units at baseline versus 38.0% ± 16.9% units at 6 months [P = 0.58]). However, change in net cholesterol efflux capacity was associated with change in the DAS28-ESR (ρ = −0.25, P = 0.04). In a post hoc analysis of patients with impaired net cholesterol efflux capacity at baseline, treatment with TCZ resulted in significant improvement in net cholesterol efflux capacity (21.9 ± 14.7% units at baseline versus 31.3% ± 12.8% units at 6 months [P < 0.02]), but this was not observed with MTX or ADA. Conclusion Net cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL cholesterol did not change significantly after 6 months of new RA therapy, except in patients with impaired baseline cholesterol efflux capacity who were receiving TCZ. Change in disease activity was associated with change in the net cholesterol efflux capacity.
Campus score: Measuring university campus qualities

Abstract This research proposes an index, called Campus Score , which measures the main physical qualities of university campuses. Campus Score is composed of three latent variables representing Urbanism, Greenness, and On-Campus Living, with 10 indicators. This index has been calculated for 103 research-intensive universities in the United States of America. Two linear regressions show that Campus Score has significant associations with freshman retention and 6-year graduation rates. It is also interesting to note that, compared to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking), Campus Score has stronger associations with freshman retention and graduation rates. The one-way ANOVA test and post-hoc analysis reveal that private universities, on average, have significantly higher Campus Scores than public universities, Research I universities have significantly higher mean scores than Research II universities, and universities in the Northeast census region have significantly higher mean scores than universities in other census regions. Exploring the relationships between Campus Score and university objectives, such as student satisfaction, safety, and campus sustainability, can give campus planners fresh insight into the impacts of campus form.
Male Hamster Reproductive Endocrinology

Male reproductive functions are regulated by hormones secreted by the pituitary and by the testis. The anterior pituitary controls testicular growth and function primarily by secreting two glycoprotein hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Luteinizing hormone binds to Leydig cells in the testicular interstitium and stimulates several processes related to steroid production. This results in increased secretion of androgenic steroids, primarily testosterone, by the testis. Follicle-stimulating hormone binds to Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testis and stimulates their secretory activity, which is essential for the normal progression of multiplication and differentiation of germ cells, leading to the production of spermatozoa. In rodents, pituitary control of the testis also involves prolactin (PRL), a protein hormone that binds to Leydig cells and regulates the number of LH receptors. The principal androgenic steroid produced by the mammalian testis is testosterone. Testosterone plays a pivotal role in the regulation of male reproductive physiology since it controls virtually all aspects of reproductive and sexual functions, including spermatogenesis, maturation of spermatozoa in the epididymis, growth of male accessory reproductive glands and their ability to produce seminal plasma, as well as territorial, aggressive, and copulatory behavior.
Trust of Simulated Robotic Peacekeepers among Resident and Expatriate Americans

Researchers have heavily debated the definition and role of trust in human behavior over the past few decades. As robots begin to be used more often, particularly in international military applicat...
Interdisciplinary palliative care services for cancer patients: Assessing quality of care and outcomes measures of successful intervention.

127Background: Interdisciplinary palliative care (IPC) services play a critical role in improving patient care by establishing goals of care and expectations, reducing unnecessary readmissions, and limiting the resource and economic costs associated with end-of-life care. Identifying factors that impact the likelihood of readmissions and measures that help facilitate the transition of patients to hospice care may reduce these costs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the demographics, clinical parameters, and outcomes of nearly 500 patient consultations performed by the IPC service at our institution between 2014-2016. Focusing on patients with cancer as the primary diagnosis, we evaluated factors that increased the risk of 6-month readmission, likelihood of transitioning to hospice, and documentation of code-status at time of discharge using Fisher’s exact test and student’s t-tests. Results: Among all patients evaluated by IPC, the median age at consultation was 79.2+/-14.7, and 56.3% are male. Advanc...
Molecular and morphological data to facilitate future research on freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Anodontinae).

Abstract This data article presents the multi-locus DNA alignments, morphometric data, and details on specimens examined to resolve the evolutionary history of Anodontoides and Strophitus , primarily generic placement and species boundaries. We sequenced 3 loci to create our molecular matrix: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, NADH dehydrogenase subunit I , and the nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer I . Aligned sequences were used in phylogenetic analyses and to identify diagnostic nucleotides for Strophitus pascagoulaensis , Strophitus radiatus , Strophitus sp. cf. pascagoulaensis , and Strophitus williamsi. Linear morphometrics (i.e. maximum height, length, and width) were also implemented to further evaluate species boundaries within Strophitus . For further details and experimental findings, please refer to the article published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution (Smith et al., 2018) [1] .
Utilization of a handheld metal detector protocol to reduce radiation exposure in pediatric patients with esophageal coins.

Abstract Objective The primary objective of this study is to assess the utility of a handheld metal detector for identification and surveillance of patients with known esophageal coin ingestion to reduce repeat x-rays and associated radiation exposure. Methods Prospective study of children presented to the emergency department with esophageal coins confirmed by an initial x-ray were enrolled. The otolaryngology team used the handheld metal detector to detect and localize the coin on patient. If admitted for observation, the metal detector was used to ensure coin persistence prior to going to operating room for removal. No further x-rays were done if same location is confirmed. Results A total of 19 patients (10 months-14 years) with 20 esophageal coins were enrolled. 14 patients (73.7%) were initially detected in the emergency department by the metal detector. 11 (58%) asymptomatic patients admitted for period of observation, repeat x-rays were avoided in 10 (90.9%) patients prior to removal in the OR. All proximal esophageal coins were detected with the metal detector. There were 5 (26.3%) patients who failed initial detection of coin, and all of these were in the mid-distal esophageal location with depth from skin >7 cm. Conclusion A handheld metal detector is rapid, cost-effective surveillance tool to reduce exposure to radiation from repeated x-rays in patients with esophageal coins. In contrast to all prior published studies, which did not objectively examine depth, the distance of the coin from skin surface appears to be a major limitation. Parents have provided positive feedback on the protocol.
Bacteriocins, Biology, Ecology, and Evolution

The bacteriocin family is the most abundant and diverse group of bacterial defense systems. Bacteriocins range from the well-studied, high molecular weight protein colicins produced by Escherichia coli and the short polypeptide lantibiotics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to the relatively unknown halocins produced almost universally by the halobacteria. The abundance and diversity of this potent arsenal of weapons are clear. Less clear is their evolutionary origin and the role they play in mediating microbial interactions. In this article, detailed understanding of bacteriocin biology that has emerged as well as the most recent contributions to our knowledge of bacteriocin origins and ecological roles are reviewed. Finally, the application of bacteriocins to human and livestock health and food preservation is reviewed.
Grain Yield Mapping: Yield Sensing, Yield Reconstruction, and Errors

Research findings are reviewed focusing on yield sensing methods, yield reconstruction, mapping, and errors. Yield sensing methods were explained and yield mapping process was briefly introduced. Grain flow through different combines was explained and the effects of combine dynamics on yield measurement accuracy were discussed. Other errors caused by various sensors that are utilized by a yield monitor were included. It was concluded that with proper installation, calibration, and operation of yield monitors, sufficient accuracy can be achieved in yield measurements to make site-specific decisions. Nevertheless, attention must be paid when interpreting yield maps since yield measurement accuracy can vary depending upon the measurement principle, combine grain flow model, size of management area chosen, and the operator's capabilities and carefulness in following instructions to obtain the best accuracy possible under varying field operating conditions. Some of the errors can be filtered out by careful analysis of the raw yield (or flow rate) data provided by yield monitors. Researchers have focused on crop flow models to improve yield reconstruction process. A yield reconstruction algorithm that effectively handles non-linear combine dynamics has not been developed by researchers yet. More efforts towards yield reconstruction should be encouraged.