cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shared inventions and the evolution of capabilities: Examining the biotechnology industry

Abstract Do capabilities evolve differently as a function of the firm's unique ties or through the cumulative exposure to specific types of knowledge? We view capability evolution with respect to a firm's accumulation of knowledge-derived assets—patents. This study proposes that capabilities evolve by way of a firm's solo and joint invention experiences, and contends that these capabilities are uniquely shaped by the firm's history of patenting with two specific types of ties, upstream and downstream partners. Using a sample of 11,593 patents produced by 256 biotechnology firms from 1985 to 2006, we find that prior joint invention experience diversifies the capabilities of the firm and broadens its strategic options. In uncovering an inverted ‘U’ relationship, we also find that capabilities evolve differently according to the firm's unique joint invention experiences. Moreover, firms that continue to engage in more joint invention experiences develop broader capabilities than firms that retreat from this strategy and pursue solo inventions, whereby more specialized capabilities develop. Focusing on how R&D strategies impact capability development, our findings extend research on capabilities by accounting for how the path dependent role of shared property rights influences the technological trajectory of the firm.
Bluetongue virus: Detection of antiviral immunoglobulin G by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed to detect antiviral IgG in the sere of sheep exposed to bluetongue virus. It was found that the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of anti-bluetongue virus antibody. Bluetongue virus antigen prepared from extracts of virus infected BHK and Vero cells were equally effective. Antigen prepared from uninfected cells when used as coating antigen did not bind IgG from either exposed or unexposed animals. Sera raised against each of the four individual BTV serotypes, 10, 11, 13, and 17, found in the United States reacted equally with all four bluetongue virus serotype antigen preparations. Thus, any of the four serotypes can be used as the bluetongue virus antigen for the detection of anti-bluetongue virus antibody in the bluetongue virus-enzymelinked immunosorbent assay system. Antiviral IgG was readily detectable 6 days postinoculation. The anti-bluetongue virus antibody concentration continued to increase through the 35-day postinoculation test period. At 35 days postexposure, antibody titers of 1:1,600 to >1:3,200 were found. The rapid and sensitive nature of the bluetongue virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicates that this system should significantly extend serological studies on bluetongue virus.
Do children learn the integers by induction

According to one theory about how children learn the meaning of the words for the positive integers, they first learn that "one," "two," and "three" stand for appropriately sized sets. They then conclude by inductive inference that the next numeral in the count sequence denotes the size of sets containing one more object than the size denoted by the preceding numeral. We have previously argued, however, that the conclusion of this Induction does not distinguish the standard meaning of the integers from nonstandard meanings in which, for example, "ten" could mean set sizes of 10, 20, 30,... elements. Margolis and Laurence [Margolis, E., & Laurence, S. (2008). How to learn the natural numbers: Inductive inference and the acquisition of number concepts. Cognition, 106, 924-939] believe that our argument depends on attributing to children "radically indeterminate" concepts. We show, first, that our conclusion is compatible with perfectly determinate meanings for "one" through "three." Second, although the inductive inference is indeed indeterminate - which is why it is consistent with nonstandard meanings - making it determinate presupposes the constraints that the inference is supposed to produce.
A Face Clustering Method for a Hexahedral Meshing

Finite element analysis has become a key technology for a design process of manufacturing industry. A hexahedral mesh is focused, because using a hexahedral mesh increases the quality of analysis. However it is very difficult problem to generate high quality hexahedral meshes, and there are many challenging research topics. Our goal is to develop a method to generate hexahedral meshes automatically to general volumes. Our method uses an intermediate model to recognize the input volume. The intermediate model is defined in the integer 3-dimensional space, and faces of the intermediate model are vertical to coordinate axes. Hexahedral mesh is generated by dividing the intermediate model into integer grids, and blocks of grids are projected into original volume. In this paper, we describe the method to generate a topology of the intermediate model. We use face clustering technique to generate the topology of the intermediate model. The faces of the input volume are clustered into 6 types; according to 3 coordinate axes and its direction, and clustered faces will be the faces of the intermediate model.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Scintillation autoradiographic localization of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in chick intestine.

The intracellular binding site of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] was determined via preliminary biochemical analysis of radioactive 1,25(OH)2D3 association with various chick tissues and then by direct autoradiographic visualization. When vitamin D-deficient chicks were injected intracardially with physiological doses of tritiated 1,25(OH)2D3 and killed 2 h later, 2–3 times more radioactivity was found in the intestinal mucosa than was present in equal weights of pancreas, parathyroid, or liver tissue. Very little tritium was found in muscle tissue. The intestinally localized radioactivity was predominantly associated with the nuclear chromatin fraction, and binding of 1,25(OH)2[3H]D3 to the nucleus was maximal 2 h after injection and at a dose of at least 0.52 nmol. Using this dose and time period, autoradiographic studies were done on duodenum and thoracic muscle of rachitic chicks injected with radioactive 1,25(OH)2D3 (11.2 Ci/mol). Thin sections of tissue were prepared for thaw and dry mount s...
CFD Simulation of Particle Transport and Dispersion in Indoor Environment by Human Walking

Particle resuspension is an important source of particulate matter in indoor environments that significantly affects the indoor air quality and could potentially have adverse effect on human health. Earlier efforts to investigate indoor particle resuspension hypothesized that high speed airflow generated at the floor level during the gate cycle is the main cause of particle resuspension. The resuspended particles are then assumed to be dispersed by the airflow in the room, which is impacted by both the ventilation and the occupant movement, leading to increased PM concentration.In this study, a three dimensional model of a room was developed using FLUENT™ CFD package. A RANS approach with the RNG k-e turbulence model was used for simulating the airflow field in the room for different ventilation conditions. The trajectories of resuspended particulate matter were computed with a Lagrangian method by solving the equations of particle motion. The effect of turbulent dispersion was included with the use of the eddy lifetime model. The resuspension of particles due to gait cycle was estimated and included in the computational model. The dispersion and transport of particles resuspended from flooring as well as particle re-deposition on flooring and walls were simulated. Particle concentrations in the room generated by the resuspension process were evaluated and the results were compared with experimental chamber study data as well as simplified model predictions, and good agreement was found.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Anchoring biases and the perseverance of self-efficacy beliefs

This research investigated the effects of anchoring biases on judgments of self-efficacy, and the perseverance of initial efficacy judgments as subjects received firsthand performance feedback. Prior to attempting a novel task, subjects judged the level of performance they could achieve in relation to an anchor value representing a low, intermediate, or high outcome. Anchoring strongly affected initial self-efficacy judgments. Subjects then performed the task; success rates were controlled and equivalent in all conditions. On subsequent self-efficacy assessments, the initial anchor-biased differences in perceived self-efficacy were evident despite extensive performance feedback. Initial self-efficacy judgments significantly predicted subsequent level of self-efficacy within the anchoring conditions, but not within a no-anchor control group.
Design of GaAs solar cells with low doped base

Abstract Recent advances in high quality, low doped GaAs and n+/n GaAs hi-lo junctions, indicate a different approach to GaAs solar cell design. It is shown in this paper that by using a low doped base and a back surface minority carrier mirror, efficiencies as high as 26% can be obtained at 1 Sun AM 1.5. It is also shown that a GaAs solar cell can be designed for 25% efficiency, without the use of an AlGaAs window layer. Instead, an n+/n GaAs hi-lo junction is employed.
Design optimization of switchable multi-port spiral inductors

In this paper, we develop a design optimization methodology for switchable multi-port spiral inductors in fully integrated wireless systems. The methodology simultaneously maximizes the inductor's performance for multiple inductance values and operating frequencies. We utilize multi-level optimization techniques to efficiently design the geometry of the switchable inductor structure. The methodology can produce designs with significantly larger quality factors than those obtained by optimizing the inductor design for a single inductance value and operating frequency.
Demodex mites: Facts and controversies

Because Demodex mites are ubiquitous, their potential as human pathogens has often been ignored. This contribution focuses on the growing body of evidence linking Demodex mites with various skin disorders. Histologically, spongiosis and lymphoid inflammation are regularly seen in follicles containing Demodex mites. In animals, they are well established as a cause of mange, and a human counterpart-demodectic alopecia-appears to exist. There is also a statistical association between Demodex mite density and rosacea, facial itching, and chronic blepharitis. Papulovesicular rosacealike lesions and spiny blepharitis often respond to agents that reduce Demodex numbers. Although these observations are not sufficient to fulfill Koch's postulates, Koch's postulates are also not fulfilled for the association between brown recluse spiders and dermal necrosis or the association between streptococci and guttate psoriasis. The evidence linking Demodex mites to human disease has implications regarding treatment.
An algorithm for indefinite integer quadratic programming

Abstract We present an algorithm for finding the global minimum of an indefinite quadratic function over the integers contained in a compact, convex set. To find this minimum, the algorithm first transforms the problem into an equivalent problem with a separable objective function. It then uses a branch and bound search on the values of the constraints, rather than the variables, of the transformed problem.
Effects of pH on benzimidazole fluorescence.

Four benzimidazoles (unsubstituted, 5-methyl, 2-ethyl, and 2-ethyl-5-methyl) have been characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy. At low pH (<6), activation at 270 nm caused fluorescence at 305 nm; at high pH (<8), activation at 270 nm caused fluorescence at 365 nm. The relative proportion of peak fluorescence at either 305 or 365 nm was correlated with the pKa values of the four benzimidazoles. It was concluded that the protonated specie of benzimidazole was fluorescent at 365 nm and the unprotonated specie was also fluorescent at 305 nm.
Differential rearing and free versus forced exploration

Three groups of rats were reared from day 25 to day 65 in either (1) a large free environment cage containing manipulanda, (2) individual restricted environment cages that afforded little sensory or locomotor experience, or (3) in normal cages. Ss were given a brief home cage emergence test designed to evoke “free” exploration. “Forced” exploration was observed by placing each animal in a large cage containing a variety of small objects. FE animals exhibited more exploratory activity in the home cage emergence test but less object exploration in the forced environment.
Looking for Moving or Stationary Targets in Dynamic Displays

Research has shown that searching for the presence of a feature among featureless distractors is easier than searching for the absence of a feature among distractor objects containing the feature. The present study examined motion perception within this context while manipulating motion type and target density. Further, the element of angular expansion was also included as part of the moving stimuli. Using a standard computer interface, participants were asked to respond as quickly as they could to a variety of moving stimuli. Results showed that it takes more time to detect stationary targets among moving distractors than to find moving targets among stationary distractors. Further, adding targets or using coherent motion, facilitated detection times primarily within the absence of motion condition. These findings could have important design implications when constructing dynamic displays that require immediate attention to critical information.
Temperature dependence of EXAFS intensities near second order phase transitions

Abstract Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measures near neighbor bond lengths. Thermal damping of the oscillatory absorption modulation is caused by bond-length fluctuations and is predicted to show a weak change in temperature derivative at the temperature Tc of a second order structural phase transition. The size of the slope change is a measure of the sensitivity of Tc to changes in the bond-stretching force constant.
Psychosocial correlates of glycemic control as a function of age in youth with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Research into the psychosocial correlates of glycemic control in youth with insulin-dependent diabetes has been variable in outcome. The present study tested the hypothesis that psychosocial correlates will vary with the individual's developmental stage. Psychosocial measures completed by or about youth, parents, and family were regressed against glycosylated hemoglobin (Ghb), an index of glycemic control. Correlation sets based on age (8–10, 11–13, and 14–16 years) were tested for overall significance. One of the three sets originating from youth and one of six from parents attained setwise significance, allowing interpretation of individually significant coefficients. Relationships within these sets provided limited confirmation of the initial proposition. Health locus of control beliefs in 8–10 year olds, and parental continuity and consistency of expectations and affirmations of structure and organization within the 11–13-year-old group, were salient correlates of Ghb, suggesting a potential focus for preventive/supportive family assistance.
THE FEAR OF NEEDLES IN CHILDREN

Encounters with needles are frightening experiences for most young children. This study explores the effect of a single session, cognitively-based intervention program on needle fears in hospitalized children. Results demonstrate significant changes in behavior, heart rate, and pain perception associated with post-intervention injection. Implications for routine pediatric practice are discussed.
Design of wide-area damping control robust to transmission delay using μ-synthesis approach

H ∞ mixed-sensitivity optimization method has been utilized to design controllers that robust to variation of system operating conditions and transmission delays. The H ∞ technique, however, is restricted to dealing with multiplicative or additive uncertainty and can lead to conservative controller performances in the case when there is more than one structured uncertainty. Compared to H ∞ approach, the structured singular value (SSV or μ) technique is more appropriate for controller design where multiple parametric uncertainties have to be considered. This paper presents the work of uncertainty modeling and proposes a μ synthesis framework to design a controller robust to both system uncertainty with respect to varying operating conditions and delay uncertainty associated with the wide-area signal transmission. The numerical results have shown that the proposed μ controller can stabilize the system and enhance the damping performance over the specified range of uncertainties compared to the conventional H ∞ controller.
Effects of Three Levels of Early Intervention Services on Children Prenatally Exposed to Cocaine.

Cocaine use during pregnancy is a high-risk indicator for adverse developmental outcomes. Three levels of intervention (center, home, and primary care) were compared in a full service, birth to age 3, early intervention program serving children exposed to cocaine prenatally. Data were collected on 130 children from urban, predominantly poor, primarily minority families. At 36 months, statistically significant, moderate to large intervention effects were found for cognition, receptive and expressive language, and gross motor development. Small effects were observed for behavior problems, and no statistically significant effects were found for fine motor or prosocial skills. Center-based care was most effective for improving language. These findings provide support that the center- and home-based early intervention programs examined in this study had positive effects on children at risk due to prenatal cocaine exposure.
The political economy of free trade: potential impacts on migration and Mexican agricultural labor.

The author discusses possible effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with a focus on migration between Mexico and the United States and on Mexican agricultural employment. (ANNOTATION)
Magnetic moment of the 93-keV state of $sup 67$Zn by the nuclear Zeeman effect

M\"ossbauer measurements of the 93.26-keV transition in $^{67}\mathrm{Zn}$ are reported for sources of $^{67}\mathrm{Ga}$ in ZnO single crystals and ZnO powder as absorber. An external magnetic field of a few hundred oersteds is applied and the value of the magnetic moment of the ${(1/2)}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ first excited state is determined by a quasinull method. We obtain $\ensuremath{\mu}[{(\frac{1}{2})}^{\ensuremath{-}}]=+(0.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03){\ensuremath{\mu}}_{N}$. The electric field gradient is determined to be positive.
Anions and cations as stimulators of liver adenylate cyclase

The effects of inorganic salts on adenylate cyclase activities were studied in rat liver homogenates, particulates, and purified membranes. Na+ salts of N-3, NO-2, S2O32-, SO42-, and non-F- halides stimulated homogenates by a maximum of 2---5-fold; half-maximal effects were seen at concentrations ranging from 90 mM (Na2S2O3) to 410 mM (NaNo2). NaIO3 stimulated about 2-fold at relatively low salt concentrations (5---20 mM). Na+ salts were stimulatory using both ATP and the ATP analog 5'-adenylyl-beta, gamma-imidodiphosphate (AMP-P(NH)P) as enzyme substrate. The time courses of stimulation by NaCl and NaN3 were linear to at least 10 min with any of the three tissue preparations. Although salt effects clearly varied with the different anions, the magnitude and dose-response of stimulation of homogenates by Cl- salts were also dependent on the accompanying alkali cation (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+). MgCl2 at relatively high concentrations (50 mM) enhanced NaCl-stimulated activity in homogenates only slightly at relatively low concentrations of NaCl and not at high concentrations, suggesting a common mechanism of activation by Mg2+ and Na+ salts. NaCl- and NaN3-stimulated activities were unstable in homogenates kept at 0 degree C for 4 h, falling to 35% and 50% of their respective baseline activities. The effects on homogenates and particulates of maximally stimulatory concentrations of NaCl and NaN3 were further enhanced by GTP and the GTP analog 5'-guanylyl-beta, gama-imidodiphosphate (GMP-P(NH)P).
Suppression of graft-versus-host reaction by phytohemagglutinin.

Mit Phytohamagglutinin behandelte Milzzellen erwachsener Mause, ubertragen auf neugeborene Balb/c-Mause, losen die erwartete « Runt-disease » nicht aus. Versuche mit Milzzellsuspensionen werden diskutiert.
Clinical predictors and significance of postvoid residual volume in women with diabetes.

Aims To identify women with diabetes at risk of increased postvoid residual volume (PVR) and investigate the relationship of increased PVR to urinary symptoms in women with diabetes.
Upper stage transitions in the infrared spectrum of sulfuryl and thionyl fluorides

Abstract An investigation of the i.r. spectrum of sulfuryl and thionyl fluorides under moderate resolution indicates the majority of absorptions to be accompanied by satellite peaks which, on the basis of temperature dependence and relative intensity calculations, are interpreted as being upper stage transitions. Computer resolution of the temperature dependent overlapped spectral absorptions permit the ratio of peak heights of successive members of the “hot band” sequence to be used as a measure of relative intensities and permit the frequency of the low energy mode involved to be determined. For sulfuryl fluoride the v 4 ( a 1 ) 385.0cm −1 torsional and v 5 ( a 2 ) 389.0 cm −1 deformation vibrations are responsible for such transitions and for thionyl fluoride the v :( a ') 377.8 cm −1 and v 6 (a'') 392.5 cm −1 deformations are found to give rise to the observed “hot bands”.
Subordinate group members act as food-finders within striped parrotfish territories

Abstract Female striped parrotfish Scarus iserti (Block) defend small feeding territories from conspecifics. Within these, large territorial individuals typically tolerate several smaller fish, perhaps because subordinate group members hasten the dominant's detection of good food patches. To test this idea, naturally occuring groups of striped parrotfish were presented with small patches of high quality food in a series of controlled experiments. Overall, time to patch discovery was inversely related to group size as was the time to discovery by the dominant fish. In addition, dominant fish had priority of access to patches once they were discovered. Thus, in the presence of subordinates, dominant striped parrotfish found and exploited rich food patches faster. This advantage apparently offsets the costs of resource depletion that subordinate group members represent and has ultimately contributed to both the formation and persistence of these stable territorial groups.
Managing Channel Profits

A channel of distribution consists of different channel members each having his own decision variables. However, each channel member's decisions do affect the other channel members' profits and, as a consequence, actions. A lack of coordination of these decisions can lead to undesirable consequences. For example, in the simple manufacturer-retailer-consumer channel, uncoordinated and independent channel members' decisions over margins result in a higher price paid by the consumer than if those decisions were coordinated. In addition, the ensuing suboptimal volume leads to lower profits for both the manufacturer and the retailer. This paper explores the problems inherent in channel coordination. We address the following questions. ---What is the effect of channel coordination? ---What causes a lack of coordination in the channel? ---How difficult is it to achieve channel coordination? ---What mechanisms exist which can achieve channel coordination? ---What are the strengths and weaknesses of these mechanism? ---What is the role of nonprice variables (e.g., manufacturer advertising, retailer shelf-space) in coordination? ---Does the lack of coordination affect normative implications from in-store experimentation? ---Can quantity discounts be a coordination mechanism? ---Are some marketing practices actually disguised quantity discounts? We review the literature and present a simple formulation illustrating the roots of the coordination problem. We then derive the form of the quantity discount schedule that results in optimum channel profits. This article was originally published in Marketing Science, Volume 2, Issue 3, pages 239--272, in 1983.
Excretion and storage of dieldrin in dairy cows fed thyroprotein and different levels of energy.

Abstract Two trials investigated the effect of dietary energy and thyroprotein on retention and excretion of dieldrin fed to lactating cows and pregnant heifers. Sixteen Holstein cows (Trial I) and 18 heifers (Trial II) were contaminated for 56 to 60 days with about 0.1 mg/kilogram body weight of dieldrin. In Trial I, treatments during decontamination furnished 75, 100, and 150% of the recommended allowance for total digestible nutrients. A fourth treatment included the highest nutrient level and 22 mg thyroprotein/kilogram body weight. In Trial II, heifers were contaminated starting 60 days prepartum. Post-partum treatments were: 1) medium energy, 2) high energy, and 3) high energy plus alfalfa pellets. Varying dietary energy did not alter the rate of dieldrin decontamination, but thyroprotein decreased the time for residue in milk fat to reach 1.0 ppm (12 compared to 16 weeks). In both trials, concentrations dropped to one-half their initial levels after four weeks of decontamination and to one-third after six weeks. Dieldrin in whole milk did not change when milk fat was decreased by pelleted hay. Adipose in cows fed thyroprotein contained higher levels of dieldrin than the controls. The data suggest that the hormone mobilized body fat without stimulating release of a proportional amount of dieldrin.
Bicolumnar intercarpal arthrodesis: minimum 2-year follow-up.

Purpose To determine greater than 2-year outcomes for combined lunate-capitate and triquetrum-hamate arthrodeses. Methods We identified 16 patients who underwent scaphoid excision and combined arthrodeses of the lunate-capitate and triquetrum-hamate joints (bicolumnar arthrodesis) from 2007 to 2010. Eleven patients returned for follow-up evaluation, which included measurement of operative and contralateral control wrist flexion, extension, and grip strength, and completion of a patient-reported outcomes questionnaire, visual analog scale pain assessment, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Radiographs of each patient were reviewed for evidence of union. Complications including nonunion and hardware migration were recorded. Results Wrist flexion-extension in the operative wrist was 68% of the contralateral control wrist. Grip strength of the operative wrist was 97% of the contralateral wrist. All 11 patients had radiographic bicolumnar union; 8 patients had spontaneous radiographic fusion of the capitohamate joint. One patient required capitolunate screw removal for migration despite having evidence of union. Conclusions Results from scaphoid excision and bicolumnar intercarpal arthrodesis are comparable to those reported for traditional scaphoid excision and 4-corner arthrodesis, with a similar loss of wrist range of motion and with possible preservation of better grip strength in the operative wrist. Advantages of this modification include preservation of the normal lunate-triquetrum and capitate-hamate anatomic relationships and simplification of operative technique. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
(2+1)-Dimensional mKdV (N) equations by the mKdV recursion operator: Multiple soliton and multiple singular soliton solutions

Abstract In this work we present a new variety of (2+1)-dimensional mKdV (N) equations with distinct even orders. We use the recursion operator of the mKdV equation to develop achieve this goal. We show that these equations give multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions the same as the multiple soliton and multiple singular soliton solutions of the mKdV hierarchy except for the dispersion relations. We also develop a generalization for the dispersion relations and the order of these equations.
Lipid peroxidation and hemoglobin degradation in red blood cells exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide: Dependence on glucose metabolism and hemoglobin status

Changes in hemoglobin status and lipid peroxidation were followed in red cells containing either oxy-met-, or carbonmonoxyhemoglobin, incubated with t-butyl hydroperoxide in a medium with or without glucose. Loss of intact hemoglobin (the sum of oxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin) was inversely proportional to the degree of lipid peroxidation in red cells containing either oxy- or methemoglobin. When glucose was added to the medium, lipid peroxidation increased while there was a decreased loss of intact hemoglobin in red cells containing either oxy- or methemoglobin, while both lipid peroxidation and changes in hemoglobin decreased in red cells containing carbonmonoxyhemoglobin. Methemoglobin formation and loss of intact hemoglobin were directly proportional to the degree of lipid peroxidation in red cells containing carbonmonoxyhemoglobin. The greatest amount of lipid peroxidation occurred in red cells containing carbonmonoxyhemoglobin, incubated without glucose. These results indicate that methemoglobin and non-intact hemoglobin may protect the membrane against lipid peroxidation. We propose that, depending on the availability of glucose and the liganded state of hemoglobin, lipid peroxidation and hemoglobin alterations represent extremes of a spectrum of oxidative damage.
Self-similarity of the multiresolutional image/video decomposition: smart expansion as compression of still and moving pictures

The paper introduces a new combined fractal/multiresolutional image compression based on the observed property of self-similarity of the pyramidal image transform. The gist of the method is zooming out from a (possibly shrunken) low-resolution image producing a sharp and crisp "natural looking" high-resolution view, without blockiness and jaggedness. It is demonstrated that the technique possesses features of preserving thinness of lines on expansion, translational invariance and providing a perfect high-resolution representation of the gradient fill. The multiresolutional transform algorithms and 'smart' image magnification developed for still images have been generalized to deal with moving pictures as a three-dimensional, spatio-temporal frame sequence, which permits rapid compression, smooth motion interpolation, and has potential for use in video transmission in real time. >
Structures of reconnection layers based on the ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations

A Riemann solver is used, and a set of numerical simulations are performed, to study the structures of reconnection layers in the approximation of the one- dimensional ideal MHD equations. Since the Riemann solver may solve general Riemarin problems, the model used in this paper is more general than those in previous investigations on this problem. Under the conditions used in the previous investigations, the structures we obtained are the same. Our numerical simulations show quantitative agreement with those obtained through the Riemann solver.
Standards and the Microwave Profession

The Keynote of the 1962 PGMTT Symposium was the reciprocal dependence between the National Bureau of Standards and the microwave profession. The fact that the Symposium was held at the NBS Boulder Laboratories symbolized our mutual interest. I would like to analyze this relationship and suggest the mutual benefits to be gained by fostering it.
Observations of Urinary Oxycodone and Metabolite Distributions in Pain Patients

Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic metabolized to oxymorphone and noroxycodone by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and 3A4/5, respectively. This was a retrospective study to evaluate sex, age, urinary pH and concurrent medication use on oxycodone, oxymorphone and noroxycodone distributions. Urine specimens obtained from patients on chronic opioid therapy were analyzed by LC-MS-MS. There were 108,923 specimens from a subject's first or single visit, who were at least 18 years of age, and had documented physician-reported oxycodone use. The majority of specimens had detectable oxycodone urine concentrations (n = 106,852) resulting in oxycodone mole fractions (arithmetic mean ± SD) of 0.44 ± 0.27. Ninety-eight percent (n = 106,229) and 49% (n = 53,394) had detectable oxymorphone and noroxycodone, respectively. Oxycodone and oxymorphone mole fractions were lower in women compared with men (P < 0.0001). Mean ± SD age was 49.1 ± 12.9 years. Noroxycodone mole fractions were highest in the 65 years and older age group. Concurrent use of a CYP2D6 inhibitor, but not a CYP3A4/5 inhibitor, altered oxycodone and oxymorphone mole fractions. Dual inhibition of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4/5 did not result in a statistical difference upon comparison with CYP2D6 inhibitor or CYP3A4/5 inhibitor use. Patient factors affect oxycodone and metabolite mole fractions and suggest increased awareness of each contribution when attempting to monitor therapy with urine drug testing.
Automatic SIMD vectorization of chains of recurrences

Many computational tasks require repeated evaluation of functions over structured grids, such as plotting in a coordinate system, rendering of parametric objects in 2D and 3D, numerical grid generation, and signal processing. In this paper, we present a method and toolset to speed up closed-form function evaluations over grids by vectorizing Chains of Recurrences (CR). CR forms of closed-form functions require fewer operations to evaluate per grid point. However, the present CR formalism makes CR forms inherently non-vectorizable due to the dependences carried from one point to the next. To address this limitation, we developed a new decoupling method for the CR algebra to translate math functions into Vector Chains of Recurrences (VCR) forms. The VCR coefficients are packed in short vector registers for efficient execution. Performance results of benchmark functions evaluated in single and double precision VCR forms are compared to the Intel compiler's auto-vectorized code and the high-performance small vector math library (SVML). The results show a significant performance increase of our VCR method over SVML and scalar CRs, from doubling the execution speed to running an order of magnitude faster. An auto-tuning tool for VCR is developed for optimal performance and accuracy.
Behavioural responses of larval container mosquitoes to a size-selective predator

1. The hypothesis that size-selective predation and species-specific prey behaviours facilitate the coexistence between larvae of invasive Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and U.S.A.-native Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say) was tested experimentally with the predator Corethrella appendiculata (Grabham). 2. Larval behaviours associated with a higher risk of predation were identified, and prey behavioural responses were tested in either the physical presence of predators or in water containing predation cues. Larvae that thrashed on container bottoms had a higher risk of being captured by fourth instar C. appendiculata than did larvae resting on the water surface. Ochlerotatus triseriatus, but not A. albopictus, adopted low-risk behaviours in response to water-borne cues to predation. Both prey species reduced risky behaviours in the physical presence of the predator, but O. triseriatus showed a stronger response. 3. The vulnerability of 2nd and 3rd instar prey to predation was compared, and behavioural responses were correlated with prey vulnerability. Second instars of both species were more vulnerable to predation by C. appendiculata than were 3rd instars, and the 3rd instar A. albopictus was more vulnerable than O. triseriatus of the same stage. All instars of O. triseriatus showed a similar reduction of risky behaviours in response to the presence of C. appendiculata despite 4th instar prey being relatively invulnerable to size-selective predation. 4. Weaker predator avoidance, coupled with superior competitive ability, of invasive A. albopictus is likely to contribute to its coexistence with O. triseriatus in containers of the south-eastern U.S.A., where C. appendiculata can be abundant.
Local Agent Requirements for Stable Emergent Group Distributions

This note introduces a model of a generic team formation problem. We derive general conditions under which a group of scattered decision-making agents converge to a particular distribution. The desired distribution is achieved when the agents divide themselves into a fixed number of sub-groups while consenting on “gains” which are associated to every subgroup. The model allows us to quantify the impact of limited sensing, motion, and communication capabilities on the rate at which the distribution is achieved. Finally, we show how this theory is useful in solving a cooperative surveillance problem.
Fault-tolerant distributed systems based on broadcast communication

Distributed systems present problems of maintaining consistency of distributed data in the presence of faults. These problems are currently solved by agreement protocols that require many messages to be exchanged between processors with adverse effects on system performance. An approach is presented to the design of fault-tolerant distributed systems that avoids this message exchange, resulting in systems that are substantially more efficient. This approach is based on broadcast communication over a local area network such as the Ethernet, and on two novel protocols: the Trans protocol which provides efficient reliable broadcast communication, and the Total protocol which, with high probability, promptly takes a total order on messages and achieves distributed agreement even in the presence of a fault. Reliable distributed operations, such as locking, update, and commitment, require only a single broadcast message rather than the several tens of messages required by current algorithms. >
A least square DFT method for sub-sample fetal heart rate estimation under noisy conditions

In this paper, we consider fundamental period estimation problem for fetal ECG waveforms. By means of a signal separation algorithm, a fetal ECG waveform can be obtained from abdominal ECG of a pregnant woman which contains both maternal and fetal ECG waveforms. We develop a new fundamental period estimator based on minimization of a cost function which measures the least square differences between the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of the original fetal ECG waveform and the DFT of its circularly shifted form. This cost function attains to its minimum when the circular shift corresponds to integer multiples of the fundamental period. We minimize this cost function to obtain an integer fundamental period estimate. We also minimize this cost function with a gradient descent method to achieve sub-sample precision in fundamental period estimation. With two examples, we demonstrate applications of this method to fetal ECG waveforms and compare its performance to the well-known generalized correlation method.
Molecular mechanism of ferricsiderophore passage through the outer membrane receptor proteins of Escherichia coli

Iron is an essential nutrient for all microorganisms with a few exceptions. Microorganisms use a variety of systems to acquire iron from the surrounding environment. One such system includes production of an organic molecule known as a siderophore by many bacteria and fungi. Siderophores have the capacity to specifically chelate ferric ions. The ferricsiderophore complex is then transported into the cell via a specific receptor protein located in the outer membrane. This is an energy dependent process and is the subject of investigation in many research laboratories. The crystal structures of three outer membrane ferricsiderophore receptor proteins FepA, FhuA and FecA from Escherichia coli and two FpvA and FptA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa have recently been solved. Four of them, FhuA, FecA, FpvA and FptA have been solved in ligand-bound forms, which gave insight into the residues involved in ligand binding. The structures are similar and show the presence of similar domains; for example, all of them consist of a 22 strand-β-barrel formed by approximately 600 C-terminal residues while approximately 150 N-terminal residues fold inside the barrel to form a plug domain. The plug domain obstructs the passage through the barrel; therefore our research focuses on the mechanism through which the ferricsiderophore complex is transported across the receptor into the periplasm. There are two possibilities, one in which the plug domain is expelled into the periplasm making way for the ferricsiderophore complex and the second in which the plug domain undergoes structural rearrangement to form a channel through which the complex slides into the periplasm. Multiple alignment studies involving protein sequences of a large number of outer membrane receptor proteins that transport ferricsiderophores have identified several conserved residues. All of the conserved residues are located within the plug and barrel domain below the ligand binding site. We have substituted a number of these residues in FepA and FhuA with either alanine or glutamine resulting in substantial changes in the chemical properties of the residues. This was done to study the effect of the substitutions on the transport of ferricsiderophores. Another strategy used was to create a disulfide bond between the residues located on two adjacent β-strands of the plug domain or between the residues of the plug domain and the β-barrel in FhuA by substituting appropriate residues with cysteine. We have looked for the variants where the transport is affected without altering the binding. The data suggest a distinct role of these residues in the mechanism of transport. Our data also indicate that these transporters share a common mechanism of transport and that the plug remains within the barrel and possibly undergoes rearrangement to form a channel to transport the ferricsiderophore from the binding site to the periplasm.
Multiple Puncture Skin Test and Mantoux Test in Southeast Asian Refugees

Skin test reactions to PPD applied by Mantoux techniques were compared with reactions to tuberculin tine test (PPDtine); tuberculin, old tine test (OT tine); Aplitest; and Mono-Vacc, tuberculin, old (Mono-Vacc) in newly arrived refugees from Cambodia and Laos. The reaction to Mantoux test was accepted as the “true reading” and compared to the reaction size to one of the multiple puncture tests (MPT). A 2 × 2 table was constructed and sensitivity, specificity, false negative, and false positive rates computed over a broad range of cut-off points for MPT. The MPTs were very sensitive (100 percent to 78 percent) but lacked specificity (78 percent to 18 percent) when a cut-off of 1 mm was used. Predictably, as the cut-off is moved to larger reactions, sensitivity decreases and specificity increases. The relationship between the two is emphasized in a receiver-operator characteristics analysis. The MPTs are not intended for diagnostic use. Reaction to the MPT should be interpreted with the same careful consideration that clinicians use to interpret reactions to the Mantoux test.
Harvesting wasted heat in a microprocessor using thermoelectric generators: modeling, analysis and measurement

Harvesting energy from previously unemployed ambient sources can play important role in saving energy and reducing the dependency to primary power sources (ACpower or battery) of an electronic system. High-performance integrated circuits such as microprocessor, typically suffers from high surface temperature (in the order of 80-100degC) resulting from the high power density and limited cooling capacity of the package. In this paper, we consider the scope of harvesting thermoelectric energy from the wasted heat in a microprocessor leveraging on the temperature gradient between processor die surface and environment. First, we develop analytical model to accurately estimate the recycled energy considering the non-uniformity of temperature distribution in the die surface. Next, we analyze the effectiveness of the approach for thermoelectric generator (TEG) with different efficiencies (measured in terms of its figure of merit, ZT) under varying processor workload. Finally, we propose a possible arrangement for using the TEG on a processor and provide measurement results on the amount of harvested energy. The measurements on a Pentium III processor running at 1 GHz show that we can harvest ~7 mW of power from the processor for average workload using a commercial TEG.
Patient-Reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales in Pediatric Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders: Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity

Abstract Objectives The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales as a patient self-reported health-related quality of life measurement instrument in pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and physician-diagnosed comorbid psychiatric disorders being seen in a pediatric psychiatric clinic. The secondary objective was to evaluate parent proxy-reported PedsQL in this population. Methods One hundred seventy-nine children with ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders ages 5 to 18 years and 181 parents completed the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales and parents also completed the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales. Known-groups discriminant validity comparisons were made between the sample of pediatric patients with ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders and healthy, cancer, and type 1 diabetes samples. Results The PedsQL evidenced minimal missing responses for patient self-report and parent proxy-report (0.2% and 0.5%, respectively), demonstrated no significant floor or ceiling effects, and achieved excellent reliability for the Total Scale Score (α = 0.85 patient self-report, 0.92 parent proxy-report). Pediatric patients with ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders and their parents reported statistically significantly worse PedsQL scores than healthy children, with large effect sizes across all domains, supporting known-groups discriminant validity. Pediatric patients with ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders and their parents reported worse PedsQL scores compared to pediatric patients with cancer and diabetes with the exception of physical health, in which pediatric cancer patients manifested lower physical health, indicating the relative severe impact of ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders. More severe ADHD symptoms were generally associated with more impaired PedsQL scores, supporting construct validity. Conclusions These data demonstrate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of patient self-reported PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales in this high risk population of pediatric patients and highlight the profound negative impact of ADHD and comorbid psychiatric disorders on generic health-related quality of life, comparable to or worse than serious pediatric chronic physical diseases.