cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Chlorine Loading Effects on Mo/Si:Ti Catalysts in Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane

The structural changes induced in a silica−titania mixed-oxide support (1:1 molar ratio) by chlorine addition at different loading levels, their relation to the structural characteristics of supported MoOx species over the support, and their correlation with ethane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) activity have been examined. The molybdenum and chlorine precursors are incorporated into the Si/Ti support network as it forms during gelation by using a “one-pot” modified sol−gel/coprecipitation technique. In situ X-ray diffraction during calcination shows the Si/Ti 1:1 mixed-oxide support is in a state of nanodispersed anatase titania over amorphous silica. With the addition of molybdenum and chlorine modifier, this anatase feature becomes more pronounced, indicating a decreased dispersion of titania. The effective titania surface area on the chlorine-doped Si:Ti support obtained from 2-propanol temperature-programmed reaction supports this observation. Raman spectra of dehydrated samples point to an enhanced...
Probabilities in the landscape: The decay of nearly flat space

We discuss aspects of the problem of assigning probabilities in eternal inflation. In particular, we investigate a recent suggestion that the lowest energy de Sitter vacuum in the landscape is effectively stable. The associated proposal for probabilities would relegate lower energy vacua to unlikely excursions of a high entropy system. We note that it would also imply that the string theory landscape is experimentally ruled out. However, we extensively analyze the structure of the space of Coleman-De Luccia solutions, and we present analytic arguments, as well as numerical evidence, that the decay rate varies continuously as the false vacuum energy goes through zero. Hence, low-energy de Sitter vacua do not become anomalously stable; negative and zero-cosmological constant regions cannot be neglected.
Historical evidence for the genetic heterogeneity of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

SUMMARY Re-examination of published data from affected families with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) described in the literature between 1896 and 1968 supported the concept of clinical and genetic heterogeneity. There was clinical evidence for two autosomal dominant and one recessive type, although only a single patient with recessive type II was described. Examination of the individual pedigrees supported both autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance. The pooled genetic data were less helpful because they were so highly selected. (They had been reported in the literature.) Even so the dominant type II data fitted the hypothesis, whilst the type I and recessive groups were near the expected values. The clinical properties of the groups corresponded closely to the recent British (Pope, 1973) survey. In general, the dominant type I group showed classical cutaneous changes, vascular complications were common and the chief ophthalmic complication was a severe choroidoretinitis. The dominant type II group, in contrast, had an atypical macular rash, or sometimes no rash at all, no vascular complications and very mild retinal changes. Choroidoretinitis was rare and peau d'orange patterns and prominent choroidal vessels common. The recessive group was of intermediate severity.
Alternative forms of charismatic leadership in the integration of mergers and acquisitions

Abstract It is becoming increasingly clear that post-merger and acquisition (M&A) performance, especially in terms of achieving the integration of merging firms, is strongly affected by organizational factors, such as leadership. This paper presents a theoretical model showing how alternative forms of charismatic leadership can be relevant to the implementation of M&As. A unique aspect of our conceptualization is that we recognize the distinction between charismatic leaders with more of a personalized versus socialized power motive, the behaviors emanating from each respective type, and likelihood of resulting effects on the post-combination organization of an M&A. We also propose that personalized charisma will result in an absorption strategy and accompanying stress, resistance to change, and turnover that vary in degree between acquiring and acquired firms. Conversely, socialized charisma will result in collaborative vision-formation and decision-making processes that will ultimately achieve transformation in both of the combining firms. We further argue that absorption strategies can result in effective integration of the target firm into the acquiring firm when the pre-merger condition of the former is unfavorable.
Bactericidal activity of ceftizoxime, cefotetan, and clindamycin against cefoxitro-resistant strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group

The bactericidal activity of ceftizoxime, cefotetan, and clindamycin at 0.5 x MIC, 1 x MIC, and 4 x MIC was determined by killing kinetic studies for 12 cefoxitin-resistant strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group. Ceftizoxime and clindamycin had greater bactericidal activity than cefotetan. The degree of bactericidal activity of each compound increased as the concentration increased from subinhibitory (0.5 x MIC) to suprainhibitory concentrations (4 x MIC). Comparison of the bactericidal activity at the MIC of the test agents with the MIC showed greater killing of susceptible strains than the resistant strains. Interestingly, ceftizoxime was more active than clindamycin, or cefotetan, against strains with high cefoxitin MIC values.
The Use of Analog Computer Simulation for Learning Modeling Concepts and Skills

This paper reports on the need, rationale, design and findings of a doctoral research study done at Teacher's College, Columbia University. Significant differences were found in several comparisons...
Microtubule Dynamics Control HGF-Induced Lung Endothelial Barrier Enhancement

Microtubules (MT) play a vital role in many cellular functions, but their role in peripheral actin cytoskeletal dynamics which is essential for control of endothelial barrier and monolayer integrity is less understood. We have previously described the enhancement of lung endothelial cell (EC) barrier by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) which was associated with Rac1-mediated remodeling of actin cytoskeleton. This study investigated involvement of MT-dependent mechanisms in the HGF-induced enhancement of EC barrier. HGF-induced Rac1 activation was accompanied by phosphorylation of stathmin, a regulator of MT dynamics. HGF also stimulated MT peripheral growth monitored by time lapse imaging and tracking analysis of EB-1-decorated MT growing tips, and increased the pool of acetylated tubulin. These effects were abolished by EC pretreatment with HGF receptor inhibitor, downregulation of Rac1 pathway, or by expression of a stathmin-S63A phosphorylation deficient mutant. Expression of stathmin-S63A abolished the HGF protective effects against thrombin-induced activation of RhoA cascade, permeability increase, and EC barrier dysfunction. These results demonstrate a novel MT-dependent mechanism of HGF-induced EC barrier regulation via Rac1/PAK1/stathmin-dependent control of MT dynamics.
The importance of chemotherapy and radiation in uterine papillary serous carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose To identify prognostic and predictive factors of overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS) and toxicity for patients with uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC). Materials and methods Patient, tumor, treatment and relapse characteristics of 135 women with Stages I–IVA UPSC treated between 1980 and 2006 at Dana–Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) were analyzed using Cox regression models to determine prognostic and predictive factors for OS, RFS and toxicity. Results Mean follow-up was 5.5years (range, 0.01–25.2). Median 5-year OS was 52%, and RFS was 42% for all patients. On Cox regression analysis, increasing age, stage, and myometrial invasion were prognostic factors associated with shorter OS and RFS. A paclitaxel–platinum chemotherapy regimen was significantly associated with longer OS (hazard ratio [HR]=0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15–0.74, p=0.007) and RFS (HR=0.45, 95% CI 0.22–0.92, p=0.03). RFS was improved for patients treated with RT (HR=0.44, 95% CI 0.25–0.77, p=0.004). The 5-year grade 3+ toxicity rate was 3.5% for those who received RT and was 2.9% for those who did not (p=NS). Conclusion Uterine papillary serous cancer can be an aggressive tumor type with a poor prognosis. RFS was improved by radiation and chemotherapy with few grade 3 or higher complications. Using radiation and paclitaxel–platinum chemotherapy should be attempted whenever feasible for patients with UPSC who do not have distant metastases at diagnosis.
Phase Change Heat Transfer Device for Process Heat Applications

Abstract The next generation nuclear plant (NGNP) will most likely produce electricity and process heat, with both being considered for hydrogen production. To capture nuclear process heat, and transport it to a distant industrial facility requires a high temperature system of heat exchangers, pumps and/or compressors. The heat transfer system is particularly challenging not only due to the elevated temperatures (up to ∼1300 K) and industrial scale power transport (≥50 MW), but also due to a potentially large separation distance between the nuclear and industrial plants (100+ m) dictated by safety and licensing mandates. The work reported here is the preliminary analysis of two-phase thermosyphon heat transfer performance with alkali metals. A thermosyphon is a thermal device for transporting heat from one point to another with quite extraordinary properties. In contrast to single-phased forced convective heat transfer via ‘pumping a fluid’, a thermosyphon (also called a wickless heat pipe) transfers heat through the vaporization/condensing process. The condensate is further returned to the hot source by gravity, i.e., without any requirement of pumps or compressors. With this mode of heat transfer, the thermosyphon has the capability to transport heat at high rates over appreciable distances, virtually isothermally and without any requirement for external pumping devices. Two-phase heat transfer by a thermosyphon has the advantage of high enthalpy transport that includes the sensible heat of the liquid, the latent heat of vaporization, and vapor superheat. In contrast, single-phase forced convection transports only the sensible heat of the fluid. Additionally, vapor-phase velocities within a thermosyphon are much greater than single-phase liquid velocities within a forced convective loop. Thermosyphon performance can be limited by the sonic limit (choking) of vapor flow and/or by condensate entrainment. Proper thermosyphon requires analysis of both.
In vivo and in vitro evidence for an anti-Rho activity induced by the phage P4 polarity suppressor protein Psu.

Abstract The polarity suppression (Psu) protein of bacteriophage P4 causes suppression of transcriptional polarity in Escherichia coli by overcoming Rho termination factor activity. Two new psu mutants defective in polarity suppression are described. The psu5 mutation deletes codons 95–98 from about the middle of the gene, and the mutant protein is inactive. The psu6 mutation changes Phe169 to Val and encodes a temperature-sensitive protein. Constitutive overexpression of psu + from a plasmid prevents colony formation, but overexpression of mutant genes ( psu5, psu6 ) does not, suggesting that Psu disturbs essential host function(s). Rho protein synthesis is enhanced several-fold in cells containing wild-type Psu, due to readthrough at the rho attenuator, while the physical stability of Rho is maintained. As a consequence, Psu-producing cells accumulate significantly more Rho than normal cells, reminiscent of termination-defective rho mutants. The polarity suppression activity induced by Psu is demonstrated in vitro by the efficient readthrough of Rho-dependent terminators λ t R1 and T IS2 during coupled transcription–translation. Purified Rho protein restores termination at T IS2 when added to Psu-containing reactions but NusG does not. The data support the hypothesis that Psu has or elicits an anti-Rho function.
Analysis of the delocalized Raman modes of conformationally disordered polypeptides

Bands associated with delocalized vibrational modes were identified in the isotropic Raman spectra of a series of polyglycine oligomers in aqueous solution as zwitterions and as cations. The dependence of these bands on conformational disorder and chain length was determined. The observed dependence is closely mimicked in spectra calculated for a series of corresponding model polypeptides. The simulated spectra were calculated in a skeletal approximation for ensembles of conformationally disordered chains. As the chain length of the conformationally disordered polypeptides increases, the observed isotropic spectra rapidly approach the spectrum of the infinitely long disordered chain. Convergence is nearly complete at the tripeptide for both the zwitterion and the cation. The stimulated spectra behave in essentially the same way. Convergence to the spectrum of the infinitely long chain is much more rapid for the conformationally disordered polyglycines than for the ordered polyglycines because of the mode localization that results from disorder. In the low-frequency region the bands in the calculated spectra have frequencies that are systematically dependent on chain length. These bands are related to the longitudinal acoustic modes of the ordered chain.
Isolation of HIV-1-neutralizing mucosal monoclonal antibodies from human colostrum.

Background: Generation of potent anti-HIV antibody responses in mucosal compartments is a potential requirement of a transmission-blocking HIV vaccine. HIV-specific, functional antibody responses are present in breast milk, and these mucosal antibody responses may play a role in protection of the majority of HIV-exposed, breastfeeding infants. Therefore, characterization of HIV-specific antibodies produced by B cells in milk could guide the development of vaccines that elicit protective mucosal antibody responses. Methods: We isolated B cells from colostrum of an HIV-infected lactating woman with a detectable neutralization response in milk and recombinantly produced and characterized the resulting HIV-1 Envelope (Env)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Results: The identified HIV-1 Env-specific colostrum mAbs, CH07 and CH08, represent two of the first mucosally-derived anti-HIV antibodies yet to be reported. Colostrum mAb CH07 is a highly-autoreactive, weakly-neutralizing gp140-specific mAb that binds to linear epitopes in the gp120 C5 region and gp41 fusion domain. In contrast, colostrum mAb CH08 is a nonpolyreactive CD4-inducible (CD4i) gp120-specific mAb with moderate breadth of neutralization. Conclusions: These novel HIV-neutralizing mAbs isolated from a mucosal compartment provide insight into the ability of mucosal B cell populations to produce functional anti-HIV antibodies that may contribute to protection against virus acquisition at mucosal surfaces.
A Late Medieval Reaction to Thierry of Chartres’s (d. 1157) Philosophy: The Anti-Platonist Argument of the Anonymous Fundamentum Naturae

Abstract An anonymous manuscript from the fourteenth or early fifteenth century, recently discovered, apparently transmitted Thierry of Chartres’s philosophical theology to Nicholas of Cusa around 1440. Yet the author of the treatise is not endorsing Thierry’s views, as both Cusanus and modern readers have assumed, but in fact is writing in order to refute them. Curiously the author never mentions Thierry’s best known triad of unitas, aequalitas and conexio. But a careful comparison of the structure of the author’s argument to Thierry’s extant works shows that the author was nevertheless quite familiar with the Breton master’s writings. The reatise’s author offers an incisive critique of Thierry’s theory of “four modes of being” and rejects two of the modes in particular. From this new perspective, the manuscript can be valued as the first known evidence of Thierry of Chartres’s late medieval reception.
Space-and-Time Efficient Parallel Garbage Collector for Data-Intensive Applications

As multithreaded server applications and runtime systems prevail, garbage collection is becoming an essential feature to support high performance systems, especially those running data-intensive applications. The fundamental issue of garbage collector (GC) design is to maximize the recycled space with minimal time overhead. This paper proposes two innovative solutions: one to improve space efficiency, and the other to improve time efficiency. To achieve space efficiency, we propose the Space Tuner that utilizes the novel concept of allocation speed to reduce wasted space. Conventional static space partitioning techniques often lead to inefficient space utilization. The Space Tuner adjusts the heap partitioning dynamically such that when a collection is triggered, all space partitions are fully filled. To achieve time efficiency, we propose a novel parallelization method that reduces the compacting GC parallelization problem into a tree traversal parallelization problem. This method can be applied for both normal and large object compaction. Object compaction is hard to parallelize due to strong data dependencies such that the source object can not be moved to its target location until the object originally in the target location has been moved out. Our proposed algorithm overcomes the difficulties by dividing the heap into equal-sized blocks and parallelizing the movement of the independent blocks. It is noteworthy that these proposed algorithms are generic such that they can be utilized in different GC designs. The proposed techniques have been implemented in Apache Harmony JVM and we evaluated the proposed algorithms with SPECjbb and Dacapo benchmark suites. The experiment results demonstrate that our proposed algorithms greatly improve space utilization and the corresponding parallelization schemes are scalable, which brings time efficiency.
Family-focused mental health care policy.

Mental health care is undergoing many changes that affect families, which continue to provide much of the day-to-day care for mentally ill persons. This article reviews the history of mental health care in the United States from 1940 to the present as it has changed from a system of programs providing institutional care to a system of programs providing community and family care. Mental health policy has shifted in response to widely held values and assumptions about mental illness and care giving roles. The pertinent literature that addresses the effects of family-focused research on the formation and evaluation of treatment programs is reviewed. Recommendations are made for policy initiatives that consider family care giving. The emergent roles of nurses in the policy arena are also discussed.
Adverse neonatal outcome after maternal biliopancreatic diversion operation: report of nine cases.

Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), a limited gastrectomy consisting of connecting the pouch directly to the final small intestine, is considered to be a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. However, it involves a considerably higher risk of nutritional deficiencies than other bariatric procedures [5, 6]. As many women being submitted to BPD are of childbearing age, pregnancy frequently occurs afterwards. Although weight loss has beneficial effects on the outcome of the subsequent pregnancy, several reports suggest a link between maternal deficiencies and fetal developmental or neonatal complications [2–4, 7]. We retrospectively analyzed data on nine pregnancies in seven women who underwent BPD (Table 1). Although the data are incomplete, severe nutritional deficiencies were diagnosed due to either a low compliance or a malabsorption of prescribed supplements. One pregnancy ended at 22 weeks, six ended preand/or dysmaturely, with two of these involving serious malformations in two babies. Despite thorough investigations no diagnosis could be made, although maternal vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy was documented in the latter two cases. Vitamin A deficiency leading to fetal eye anomalies has been reported [4]. Partial retinoic acid deprivation in pregnant rats results in craniofacial defects with ocular abnormalities [1, 8]. An adequate maternal nutritional state after BPD requires not only an ever-lasting follow-up and strict compliance but also the capability of the modified gut to absorb oral supplements. Patients and surgeons have a tendency to underestimate the importance of supplements. Taken into account that nutritional needs increase considerably during pregnancy, an optimal nutritional status in pregnant women after BPD might be illusory. Interestingly, our worst neonatal outcomes occurred at least 2 years after BPD, contradicting the widespread hypothesis that the most critical period in which pregnancy should be avoided is the period of rapid weight loss. In attendance of further research, we suggest restricting the BPD procedure in young fertile women to selected therapy-resistant cases. If pregnancy does occur, the patient should be followed-up by an experienced multidisciplinary team. M. Cools . A. Jespers Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Queen Paola Children’s hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
Effect of incomplete pedigrees on estimates of inbreeding and inbreeding depression for days to first service and summit milk yield in Holsteins and Jerseys.

Abstract A method to measure completeness of pedigree information is applied to populations of Holstein (registered and grade) and Jersey (largely registered) cows. Inbreeding coefficients where missing ancestors make no contribution were compared to a method using average relationships for missing ancestors. Estimated inbreeding depression was from an animal model that simultaneously adjusted for breeding values. Inbreeding and its standard deviation increased with more information, from 0.04±0.84 to 1.65±2.05 and 2.06±2.22 for grade Holsteins with 70% complete. Estimates were similar for both methods. Inbreeding depression for registered Holsteins and Jerseys were positive (undesirable) but not significant for days to first service. Inbreeding depressed summit milk yield significantly in all groups by both methods. Summit milk yield declined by −0.12 to −0.06kg/d per 1% increase in inbreeding in Holsteins and by −0.08kg/1% increase in inbreeding in Jerseys. Pedigrees of grade animals are frequently incomplete and can yield misleading estimates of inbreeding depression. This problem is not overcome by inserting average relationships for missing ancestors in calculation of inbreeding coefficients.
A closed artificial stream for conducting experiments requiring a controlled species pool

Experimental testing of ecological theory in the field is often difficult because of the number of factors influencing the test system. Adequate control of relevant variables may require the use of laboratory microcosms for the performance of proper experimental tests. Our efforts to study the effects of species invasion sequence on community structure and ecosystem properties of the developing system, requires that the experimental systems be closed. To meet our demanding experimental requirements, we have designed a closed artificial stream that permits careful control over algal species introductions while minimizing the risks of contamination by unwanted species. In assessing the performance of these streams, we examined the variability among experimental replicates in water chemistry parameters and biomass accumulation. Those water chemistry parameters that were not greatly influenced by biological processes in the streams (Ca, Mg, bicarbonate, and sulfate) had average coefficients of variation less than 10%. Those parameters that were clearly influenced by biological processes (P, N, Fe, and Si) had average coefficients of variation ranging from 13.5%–40.4%. Ash free dry mass had an average coefficient of variation of 23.3%, but chlorophyll a was much more variable at 183%. This pattern of variation indicates that the artificial streams performed well in terms of replicability, but some experimental goals may require carefully conceived designs that adequately partition sources of variation in biologically mediated variables to obtain satisfactory results.
Applications of exponential interpolation to the computation of moment-theory bounds on second-order perturbation expressions

It is shown that Prony's method of exponential interpolation provides a simple technique for the construction of effective oscillator-strength distributions from a set of moments of the actual distribution. These effective oscillator-strength distributions may then be inserted into second-order perturbation expressions to yield upper and lower bounds on properties of atoms and molecules. Extensive calculations have been performed on the ground state of atomic hydrogen and bounds on the logarithmic mean excitation energies and the van der Waals coefficient are obtained.
Achieving speedups for APL on an SIMD distributed memory machine

The potential speedup for SIMD parallel implementations of APL programs is considered. Both analytical and (simulated) empirical studies are presented. The approach is to recognize that nearly 95% of the operators appearing in APL programs are either scalar primitive, reduction or indexing and so the performance of these operators gives a good estimate of the amount of speedup a full program might receive. Substantial speedups are demonstrated for these operators and the empirical evidence accords with the analytical estimates.
In vitro binding of insulin and epidermal growth factor to human endometrium and endocervix

Abstract The distribution of receptors for insulin and epidermal growth factor along the longitudinal axis of the uterine cavity was studied in 28 uteri obtained from women of reproductive age undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions. Insulin binding to crude plasma membranes was higher (p 125 I-labeled epidermal growth factor. In plasma membranes, obtained from another 15 uteri, mouse nerve growth factor (3.3 μg/ml) decreased the binding of insulin by an average of 17% (p
Alterations in the Kinetics of C-Peptide and Insulin Secretion in Hyperthyroidism*

Previous studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the hyperinsulinemia observed in hyperthyroid subjects have demonstrated increased, normal, or reduced insulin secretory rates when peripheral concentrations of C-peptide were used as a marker of beta-cell function. In this study, using individually derived C-peptide kinetic parameters, insulin secretion rates were calculated directly from plasma C-peptide concentrations in 13 hyperthyroid and 13 euthyroid control subjects matched for age, weight, and sex. Eight subjects in each group were studied during a 24-h period in which they ate three mixed meals, whereas the remaining five were studied during a 3-h hyperglycemic clamp. Although insulin secretory rates under basal conditions in both groups were similar, the hyperthyroid group had an enhanced insulin secretory response to meals and, accordingly, the total amount of insulin secreted over 24 h was significantly greater (P < 0.02) in this group. Insulin secretory rates were also 50% higher in the hyperthyroid subjects during the hyperglycemic clamp at a time when glucose levels in both groups were comparable. Despite these differences in secretion, the C-peptide concentrations were not significantly different. Analysis of C-peptide clearance kinetics using multivariate analysis demonstrated that the mean clearance rate of C-peptide was significantly increased (P < 0.02) in the hyperthyroid group. Thus, stimulated insulin secretion rates are significantly increased in thyrotoxicosis possibly reflecting an increased sensitivity of the beta-cell to glucose in subjects who are hyperthyroid. However, due to the rapid clearance of C-peptide from the circulation in the setting of hyperthyroidism, differences in beta-cell secretory responses between hyperthyroid and euthyroid subjects may not be evident by measurement of C-peptide levels alone.
Activation and repression by the C-terminal domain of Dorsal

In the Drosophila embryo, Dorsal, a maternally expressed Rel family transcription factor, regulates dorsoventral pattern formation by activating and repressing zygotically active fate-determining genes. Dorsal is distributed in a ventral-to-dorsal nuclear concentration gradient in the embryo, the formation of which depends upon the spatially regulated inhibition of Dorsal nuclear uptake by Cactus. Using maternally expressed Gal4/Dorsal fusion proteins, we have explored the mechanism of activation and repression by Dorsal. We find that a fusion protein containing the Gal4 DNA-binding domain fused to full-length Dorsal is distributed in a nuclear concentration gradient that is similar to that of endogenous Dorsal, despite the presence of a constitutively active nuclear localization signal in the Gal4 domain. Whether this fusion protein activates or represses reporter genes depends upon the context of the Gal4-binding sites in the reporter. A Gal4/Dorsal fusion protein lacking the conserved Rel homology domain of Dorsal, but containing the non-conserved C-terminal domain also mediates both activation and repression, depending upon Gal4-binding site context. A region close to the C-terminal end of the C-terminal domain has homology to a repression motif in Engrailed - the eh1 motif. Deletion analysis indicates that this region mediates transcriptional repression and binding to Groucho, a co-repressor known to be required for Dorsal-mediated repression. As has previously been shown for repression by Dorsal, we find that activation by Dorsal, in particular by the C-terminal domain, is modulated by the maternal terminal pattern-forming system.
Do bioclimate variables improve performance of climate envelope models

Abstract Climate envelope models are widely used to forecast potential effects of climate change on species distributions. A key issue in climate envelope modeling is the selection of predictor variables that most directly influence species. To determine whether model performance and spatial predictions were related to the selection of predictor variables, we compared models using bioclimate variables with models constructed from monthly climate data for twelve terrestrial vertebrate species in the southeastern USA using two different algorithms (random forests or generalized linear models), and two model selection techniques (using uncorrelated predictors or a subset of user-defined biologically relevant predictor variables). There were no differences in performance between models created with bioclimate or monthly variables, but one metric of model performance was significantly greater using the random forest algorithm compared with generalized linear models. Spatial predictions between maps using bioclimate and monthly variables were very consistent using the random forest algorithm with uncorrelated predictors, whereas we observed greater variability in predictions using generalized linear models.
Predicting Urethral Injury From Pelvic Fracture Patterns in Male Patients With Blunt Trauma

Purpose: Precise definition of pelvic fracture location may enable prediction of which subjects are at risk for urethral injury and understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of injury. We determined the specific anterior pelvic injury locations associated with urethral injury.Materials and Methods: We completed a retrospective, nested case-control study of 119 male patients evaluated at a single large level 1 trauma center between January 1, 1997 and July 15, 2003. We performed detailed measurements of the location, displacement and direction of force of each anterior pelvic fracture from computerized tomography and pelvic radiographs. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine associations between specific fracture locations and urethral injury after controlling for age, injury mechanism, injury severity and direction of force.Results: Urethral injury was present in 25 patients and all had anterior pelvic fracture (inclusive of pubic symphysis diastasis). There were no urethral injuries i...
Developing and implementing an institution-wide introductory cyber-security course in record time

In spring 2011, the United States Naval Academy decided that, beginning in fall 2011, all first-year students would be required to take an introductory core course in the technical foundations of cyber security. This decision triggered our attempt to set an "academic world-record" for the development and implementation of a unique core course in six months time for all 1,200 incoming Midshipmen. The concern was that many graduates lacked an understanding of the risks and threats pertaining to cyber security, as cyber attacks and cyber crime become greater threats to the health and preservation of the nation. Such instruction simply could not wait; it had to be done, and done immediately. Throughout this paper we present the lessons we learned to provide guidance to others faced with the similar challenge of implementing a university-wide course while under a tight deadline. The insights we gained will prove useful to those thinking of implementing a technical core course, particularly one in cyber security.
Free Radicals in Alkaloidal Color Identification Tests

A number of color tests for alkaloids, some appearing in the U.S.P. and N.F., have been studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (e.p.r.) spectroscopy with the ultimate aim of ascertaining the chemical species responsible for the colors. In the case of the Marquis test for opium alkaloids, in which an intense purple is produced at once with morphine and quickly changes to deep blue-violet, it is shown that a different free-radical spectrum appears concurrently with each of these colors. Data are presented on the e.p.r. spectra of radicals thus formed from various alkaloids and several synthetic compounds. These conditions also produced free radicals from phenol and benzene; therefore, it is suggested that the site of radical formation in the alkaloids studied is the aromatic group. No proposal for a chemical mechanism is made, but it is suggested that a common mechanism is involved when aromatic compounds are treated with the Marquis reagent. Free radicals have also been observed in other color tests for alkaloids, such as the Mecke test for morphine. Like the Marquis test, the latter also uses concentrated sulfuric acid as solvent.
Dehydrogenation of aliphatic polyolefins catalyzed by pincer-ligated iridium complexes

We report the first example of the catalytic dehydrogenation of aliphatic polyolefins to give partially unsaturated hydrocarbon polymers.
Ranking Alaska Moose Nutrition: Signals to Begin Liberal Antlerless Harvests

Abstract We focused on describing low nutritional status in an increasing moose (Alces alces gigas) population with reduced predation in Game Management Unit (GMU) 20A near Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. A skeptical public disallowed liberal antlerless harvests of this moose population until we provided convincing data on low nutritional status. We ranked nutritional status in 15 Alaska moose populations (in boreal forests and coastal tundra) based on multiyear twinning rates. Data on age-of-first-reproduction and parturition rates provided a ranking consistent with twinning rates in the 6 areas where comparative data were available. Also, short-yearling mass provided a ranking consistent with twinning rates in 5 of the 6 areas where data were available. Data from 5 areas implied an inverse relationship between twinning rate and browse removal rate. Only in GMU 20A did nutritional indices reach low levels where justification for halting population growth was apparent, which supports prior findings that nutrition...
Network-Centric Control for Multirobot Teams in Urban Search and Rescue

Theories from Network-centric Warfare (NCW) distinguish between network-centric and platform--centric orientations to sensing and control. In platform-centric control the operator(s) access and focus on data through platforms they control, a robot's camera, for example. In network-centric control the operator(s) do not access data through platforms but instead through the network without regard to where information originated. The conventional human role in sophisticated information gathering systems is usually as both commander (of platforms) and perceiver. Human sensory and perceptual capabilities, however, far outstrip our abilities to process information frequently making our perceptual function more critical to the mission. The use of human operators as "perceptual sensors" is standard practice for both UAVs and ground robotics where humans are called upon to "process" camera video to find targets and assist in navigation. This paper traces the evolution of an experimental human-multirobot system for Urban Search and Rescue from a platform--centric implementation in which operators navigated robots while searching for victims in streaming video to a network--centric version in which they search recorded video asynchronously. We describe two lines of research leading to our current design. In the first we identify the navigation task as both more difficult and the limiting factor in extending control to larger robot teams. In the second we found a few strategically selected images viewed asynchronously roughly comparable in performance to continuously viewed streaming video.
Reduced Complexity Interpolation Architecture for Soft-Decision Reed&#8211;Solomon Decoding

Reed-Solomon (RS) codes are one of the most widely utilized block error-correcting codes in modern communication and computer systems. Compared to hard-decision decoding, soft-decision decoding offers considerably higher error-correcting capability. The Koetter-Vardy (KV) soft-decision decoding algorithm can achieve substantial coding gain, while maintaining a complexity polynomial with respect to the code word length. In the KV algorithm, the interpolation step dominates the decoding complexity. A reduced complexity interpolation architecture is proposed in this paper by eliminating the polynomial updating corresponding to zero discrepancy coefficients in this step. Using this architecture, an area reduction of 27% can be achieved over prior efforts for the interpolation step of a typical (255, 239) RS code, while the interpolation latency remains the same
Optimal removal of out-of-sequence measurements from tracks using the IF-equivalent measurement

In real-world tracking systems some earlier measurements that have been used to update a track might be reassigned to some other tracks and then there is a need to remove such measurements from that track under consideration. Recently, this problem of removal of measurements from multiple steps prior to the current time, was solved in one step by using an equivalent measurement. This one-step solution is shown to be optimal only when the system is deterministic, that is, the process noise is zero. However, in reality, most systems are non-deterministic and in this case, this one-step solution is unreliable due to its suboptimality unless the target maneuvering index is small (&#60;0.3). This paper presents the optimal solution to the problem of removing earlier measurements from tracks. The optimal removal is obtained using an Information Filter (IF) equivalent measurement. Comparisons are given to show the superiority of the proposed optimal solution. In particular, when the measurement to be removed is (nearly) an outlier, the optimal removal yields significantly better results than the one-step algorithm.
Correction Factors for Nondestructive Measurement of Residual Volume of Air in Retort Pouches

A destructive and a nondestructive method of estimating residual volume of air in retort pouches were compared. The difference between the volumes of air given by two techniques were found to be significant (P 0.01) when compared to the standard destructive technique. The procedure outlined is easy to use.
Welcome to the Launch Issue

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction LADREC . After a year of planning and six years of anticipation, we are ready with our launch issue. It is an honor to be writing the introductory editorial to the first issue of the first volume of a new ASCE journal. Thanks go to the many people who made this happen. First and foremost, we must thank the publications committee of ASCE. Special thanks go to Johanna Reinhart, the former director of journals at ASCE, who kept a firm hand on the rudder and the direction in which we were to go. I also wish to thank Bruce Gossett and Melissa Junior for their encouragement. We thank the publication staff at ASCE who have contributed toward making this launch issue a reality—Holly Koppel, Teresa Metcalfe, Kelly Anderson, Liz Guertin, Nancy Green, Jackie Perry, and the many other hardworking personnel there. We recognize the marketing efforts of Bill Nara and Will Farnam, on whom we will continue to depend for quite some time to make our Journal known. We must remember that LADREC is an ASCE journal that will carry on into the future and will continue to need the help of ASCE staff, even after we are all long gone. It is interesting that the topic of legal affairs in engineering and construction EC it is that the rights of all parties and individuals must be respected and preserved. Indeed, this borders on a human rights issue for E&C personnel and the contracting parties. The motto for consumer purchase used to be “Buyer beware,” but not so any more: a company can be held strictly liable for the goods and merchandise it makes available to consumers and buyers. The universal principle for this is simple: no one may harm another for any reason. Take, as an example, the recent withdrawal of Chinese toys and toothpastes from the U.S. market for the harmful chemicals they contained. Let’s be grateful to our illustrious editorial board for setting our aim and mission and keeping us on track. All of the board members are introduced in detail in this issue. I am immensely proud of our editorial board for their approach to and understand-
Formation Mechanisms for Convection over the Ligurian Sea during MAP IOP-8

Abstract The dynamical impacts of an unusually strong stable layer that developed over the Po Valley and northern Ligurian Sea during Mesoscale Alpine Program (MAP) intensive observation period 8 (IOP-8) on the formation of convection over the Ligurian Sea are explored. Based on numerically simulated equivalent potential temperature, wind vectors, and by a trajectory analysis of parcels both beneath and above the stable layer, it is shown that the stable layer behaved as a material surface or “effective mountain” to the airstreams impinging on it from the south. Additional analyses show that the leading edge of the stable layer was collocated with maxima in upward motion and a strong positive moisture flux. Hence, it was further argued and demonstrated through inspection of soundings upstream of the cold dome and trajectory analyses that lifting by the stable layer enhanced convective activities over the Ligurian Sea. Finally, processes contributing to the maintenance of the stable layer during IOP-8 were...
Trajectories of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among youth exposed to both natural and technological disasters

BACKGROUND: Theorists and researchers have demonstrated multiple trajectories of symptoms following disasters (Ecology and Society, 13, 2008, 9), highlighting the importance of obtaining more knowledge about exposed youth who demonstrate resilience as well as those who suffer chronic difficulties. This paper examines trajectories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following exposure to hurricanes and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to increase understanding of resilience and chronic reactions to both natural and technological disasters. METHODS: A multiwave longitudinal design was used to follow N = 4,619 youth who were evaluated for PTSD symptoms, hurricane exposure, and oil spill exposure/stress at four time points over a period of 4 years. Trajectories were identified with cluster analyses and multilevel modeling. RESULTS: Individual trajectories were statistically identified consistent with theory. The largest group exhibited stable-low symptoms (52%), a second group showed steep declines following initial symptoms (21%), a third group exhibited increasing symptoms (18%), and a fourth group showed stable-high symptoms (9%). Both hurricane exposure and oil spill stress predicted trajectories and overall levels of PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Results identified an effect of oil spill stress and hurricane exposure on symptom levels and trajectories of exposed youth. RESULTS provide prospective data to support theories of multiple symptom trajectories following disasters and reinforce the importance of research that utilizes a developmental perspective to consider the long-term effects of disasters in youth. FINDINGS highlight the importance of identifying symptoms and predictors of resilience as well as factors that contribute to resilience. Language: en
Endovascular stent-graft in abdominal aortic aneurysms: the relationship between patent vessels that arise from the aneurysmal sac and early endoleak.

PURPOSE: To determine the association of patent sac branch vessels (lumbar and inferior mesenteric arteries [IMAs]) with early endoleak rate after stent-graft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre- and postoperative computed tomographic (CT) angiograms in 158 patients who underwent stent-graft AAA repair were retrospectively reviewed to determine the preoperative patency of IMAs and other sac branch vessels (feeders) and presence or absence of immediate postoperative endoleak. Relationships of early endoleak rate with total branch vessel, IMA, and lumbar artery patency and graft type were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant association between patency of sac feeders and rate of early endoleak, especially type 2. As total patent feeders increased from zero to three to four to six, total endoleak rate increased from 6% (one of 17) to 35% (30 of 86); type 2 endoleak rate, from 0% to 25%. IMA patency was significantly associated with total early endoleak rate. Increasin...