cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Limitations of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of postoperative infections.

OBJECTIVE: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has assumed a rapidly emerging role in the diagnosis of intracranial infection; however, its usefulness in the recognition of postoperative infection has been largely unexplored. We sought to determine the ability of DWI to accurately detect a broad range of postneurosurgical infections as welf as identify individual factors that may limit its applicability. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 65 patients who had undergone surgery for the confirmed diagnosis of infection between August 2001 and February 2005 and had received preoperative magnetic resonance imaging evaluation, including DWI. Fifty patients developed infections after a primary neurosurgical procedure ("postoperative" infections), whereas 15 infections occurred without antecedent intervention ("spontaneous" infections). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with false-negative DWI findings. Additionally,we investigated the false-positive rate of DWI by retrospectively reviewing a series of 30 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomy and received postoperative DWI. RESULTS: Spontaneously developing cranial infections exhibited evidence of restricted diffusion in 14 out of 15 (93%) patients; however, infections that occurred postoperatively were associated with asignificant false-negative rate using DWI (36%; P < 0.01). Within the subset of patients with postoperative infection, location of infection significantly correlated with the DWI false-negative rate. Infections located extradurally were less likely to demonstrate restricted diffusion compared with those located primarily within the subdural or intraparenchymal spaces. Additionally, false-positive DWI findings were observed in 11 of the 30 patients (37%) who had DWI obtained postoperatively in the absence of infection. CONCLUSION: Utilization of DWI for the diagnosis of infection after primary neurosurgical intervention is associated with an elevated false-negative rate. The absence of restricted diffusion is not sufficient to exclude the presence of pyogenicposlcraniotomy infection and should not be used as the principle determinant of patient management in this clinical setting.
Blowing-up and asymptotic behaviour of solutions for a finite difference system

This paper is concerned with the dynamics of a system of nonlinear finite difference equations which arise from a class of parabolic boundary-value problems. The main purpose is the determination of a critical physical parameter σ* such that for σ * the solution blows up at some finite n*. Also discussed is the convergence and blowing up property of un, for various initial vector uo whenσ< σ*.
Asymmetry-Aware Real-Time Distributed Joint Resource Allocation in IEEE 802.22 WRANs

In IEEE 802.22 Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRANs), each Base Station (BS) solves a complex resource allocation problem of simultaneously determining the channel to reuse, power for adaptive coverage, and Consumer Premise Equipments (CPEs) to associate with, while maximizing the total downstream capacity of CPEs. Although joint power and channel allocation is a classical problem, resource allocation in WRANs faces two unique challenges that has not yet been addressed: (1) the presence of small-scale incumbents such as wireless microphones (WMs), and (2) asymmetric interference patterns between BSs using omnidirectional antennas and CPEs using directional antennas. In this paper, we capture this asymmetry in upstream/downstream communications to propose an accurate and realistic WRAN-WM coexistence model that increases spatial reuse of TV spectrum while protecting small-scale incumbents. Based on the proposed model, we formulate the resource allocation problem as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) which is NP-hard. To solve the problem in real-time, we propose a suboptimal algorithm based on the Genetic Algorithm (GA), and extend the basic GA algorithm to a fully-distributed GA algorithm (dGA) that distributes computational cost over the network and achieves scalability via local cooperation between neighboring BSs. Using extensive simulation, the proposed dGA is shown to perform as good as 99.4- 99.8% of the optimal solution, while reducing the computational cost significantly.
Endogenous glucose release stimulated by oral sucrose administration in rats.

On a examine l'elevation de la glycemie chez les rats des 2 sexes apres administration orale de sucrose. Une secretion de glucose semble prendre place en meme temps que l'absorption de cette substance. On suggere un mecanisme base sur l'interaction du glucagon, du glucose-6-phosphate et de l'insuline suivant l'administration de sucre. Les experiences temoins semblent eliminer la possibilite que ces resultats soient dus au stress.
Mutations affecting localization of an Escherichia coli outer membrane protein, the bacteriophage λ receptor*

Mutants have been isolated in which the cellular location of the phage λ receptor protein, an Escherichia coli outer membrane protein, is altered. The mutations were selected for in a strain containing a lamB-lacZ‡ gene fusion. The fused gene codes for a hybrid protein comprised of λ receptor sequences at its aminoterminal end and active β-galactosidase at its carboxy-terminal end. In the parent strain the hybrid protein is localized, at least in part, to the outer membrane of the cell. The mutations described here cause the hybrid protein to be located in the cytoplasm. These mutations (both point mutations and deletions) have been found to lie very early in the lamB gene. When these mutations are incorporated into an otherwise wild-type lamB gene, most also prevent export of λ receptor and cause, instead, the precursor form of the λ receptor protein to accumulate in the cell cytoplasm. It is suggested that this group of mutations leads to alterations in the λ receptor signal sequence and thereby prevents export of this protein. For reasons that are as yet unclear, another group of mutants that prevent export of the hybrid protein does not drastically affect localization of the λ receptor protein. Also described is an unusual deletion mutation that was obtained by a similar selection procedure. This deletion results in the fusion of malK (promoter proximal to lamB) to lamB, which in turn is fused to lacZ. This double fusion codes for a MalK-LamB-LacZ tribrid protein that exhibits both MalK and LacZ activities and is localized almost exclusively to the inner membrane of the cell.
Permutation Polynomials Modulo 2w

We give an exact characterization of permutation polynomials modulo n=2w, w?2: a polynomial P(x)=a0+a1x +···+adxd with integral coefficients is a permutation polynomial modulo n if and only if a1 is odd, (a2+a4+a6+···) is even, and (a3+a5+a7+···) is even. We also characterize polynomials defining latin squares modulo n=2w, but prove that polynomial multipermutations (that is, a pair of polynomials defining a pair of orthogonal latin squares) modulo n=2wdo not exist.
Gene expression during Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis: Analysis by in situ hybridization to tissue sections

Abstract The pattern of gene expression for specific genes during oogenesis has been examined by in situ hybridization to RNA in sectioned ovarian preparations. The accumulation (1) of RNA complementary to heat-shock genes, both before and after heat shock; (2) of RNA complementary to three λ phage recombinants which contain sequences expressed during oogenesis; and (3) of RNA complementary to the rudimentary gene have been analyzed. Gene expression in the ovaries is found to be dependent on both the cell type and the developmental stage of the ovarian chamber. In the nurse cells, the onset of vitellogenesis (stages 8–11) appears to be accompanied by a substantial activation of many different genes and there is a pronounced increase in the level of accumulation of complementary RNAs. Moreover, much of the RNA synthesized in nurse cells during vitellogenesis is ultimately transported into the growing oocyte where it accumulates. It is likely that this accumulation of RNA provides a source of gene products, either as message or proteins, for embryogenesis.
Double photoionization of molecular hydrogen

The cross section for two-electron photoionization of the hydrogen molecule by high-energy photons is predicted in the nonrelativistic dipole approximation to be 2.25% of the cross section for single photoionization.
Influence of simulation protocols on the efficiency of Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations

The Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo (GEMC) method is a versatile approach for the prediction of fluid phase equilibria from particle-based simulations. For a one-component system, a GEMC simulation util...
Hilbertian convex feasibility problem: Convergence of projection methods

The classical problem of finding a point in the intersection of countably many closed and convex sets in a Hilbert space is considered. Extrapolated iterations of convex combinations of approximate projections onto subfamilies of sets are investigated to solve this problem. General hypotheses are made on the regularity of the sets and various strategies are considered to control the order in which the sets are selected. Weak and strong convergence results are established within thisbroad framework, which provides a unified view of projection methods for solving hilbertian convex feasibility problems.
Determination of Amino Acid Composition of Soybeans (Glycine max) by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Calibration equations for the estimation of amino acid composition in whole soybeans were developed using partial least squares (PLS), artificial neural networks (ANN), and support vector machines (SVM) regression methods for five models of near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers. The effects of amino acid/protein correlation, calibration method, and type of spectrometer on predictive ability of the equations were analyzed. Validation of prediction models resulted in r2 values from 0.04 (tryptophan) to 0.91 (leucine and lysine). Most of the models were usable for research purposes and sample screening. Concentrations of cysteine and tryptophan had no useful correlation with spectral information. Predictive ability of calibrations was dependent on the respective amino acid correlations to reference protein. Calibration samples with nontypical amino acid profiles relative to protein would be needed to overcome this limitation. The performance of PLS and SVM was significantly better than that of ANN. Choice of preferred modeling method was spectrometer-dependent.
If you say thee uh you are describing something hard: The on-line attribution of disfluency during reference comprehension.

Eye-tracking and gating experiments examined reference comprehension with fluent (Click on the red . . .) and disfluent (Click on [pause] thee uh red . . .) instructions while listeners viewed displays with 2 familiar (e.g., ice cream cones) and 2 unfamiliar objects (e.g., squiggly shapes). Disfluent instructions made unfamiliar objects more expected, which influenced listeners’ on-line hypotheses from the onset of the color word. The unfamiliarity bias was sharply reduced by instructions that the speaker had object agnosia, and thus difficulty naming familiar objects (Experiment 2), but was not affected by intermittent sources of speaker distraction (beeps and construction noises; Experiments 3). The authors conclude that listeners can make situation-specific inferences about likely sources of disfluency, but there are some limitations to these attributions.
Propagation mechanism of impulse corona and breakdown in oil

The breakdown mechanism of oil dielectric has not been fully understood. Information on impulse corona and breakdown are particularly meager. Breakdown theories postulated in the past are, in general, based on voltage measurements and are mostly restricted to uniform field conditions and slow-varying voltages. In the nonuniform field, previous results1 obtained with a point-to-plane configuration indicated a difference in streamer formation between the positive and negative polarities. The study, then, was based on corona-current measurements, and the formation mechanism was not completely clear. To study this further, data were obtained simultaneously with high-speed camera, still camera, and photocell, as well as current measuring devices, thus giving a correlated and clear picture of the breakdown process of oil.
Ireland: gender, psychological health, and attitudes toward emigration.

Ireland is experiencing one of the highest periods of emigration in its history. The current study collected demographic and psychological data on 203 Irish men and women in Ireland and in Northern Ireland, including measures of self-esteem, depression, attitudes toward immigration, and expectancies of emigration. Analysis indicated that approximately 81% of this Irish sample are considering emigration; however, the prospect of emigration is psychologically experienced differently by men and women. While there were no significant differences over-all in scores on self-esteem between Irish men and women, men who contemplated emigration reported higher self-esteem scores, and women contemplating emigration reported lower self-esteem scores (relative to those who had no plans to emigrate). In addition, women who contemplated emigration had higher depression scores than women who did not contemplate emigration. This pattern was not evident for men. These results indicate that psychologically women view the pr...
The inhibitory effect of quinacrine on contractile responses to norepinephrine in isolated rabbit aorta

1. In rabbit aorta, quinacrine, but not indomethacin nor nordihydroguaiaretic acid, inhibited contractile responses to norepinephrine and KCl. Amiloride and nifedipine did not affect the effect of quinacrine. 2. In Ca2+-free medium, quinacrine (3 × 10−6−10−4M) inhibited the norpinephrine response less than that to a subsequent addition of Ca2+. 3. M&B 22, 948, nitroglycerin and forskolin inhibited the Ca2+ response. The effect of quinacrine was inhibited by M&B 22,948, but not by forskolin and potentiated by nitroglycerin. 4. Quinacrine and M&B 22,948 potentiated the nitroglycerin-relaxation. The effect of quinacrine plus M&B 22,948 was not different from that of quinacrine. 5. These results indicate that the effect of quinacrine may be different from that of nifedipine but is related to cGMP.
Alteration of an Apollo 12 sample by adsorption of water vapor

Abstract The adsorption of water vapor caused radical changes in the surface characteristics of an Apollo 12 lunar fines sample. In the initial state, the sample had a relatively low specific surface area and no inherent porosity as deduced from the adsorption isotherms of nitrogen and argon. However, the sample interacted strongly with water vapor, particularly at high relative pressures, and irreversibly retained, in vacuum, a quantity of water much larger than can be explained by a simple chemisorption process. The interaction with water vapor more than doubled the specific surface area and created a pore system. The suggested explanation is that water penetrates the severely radiation damaged, amorphous surface layers of the particles and creates pores by leaching out channels or forcing apart adherent particles. Lunar fines from the Apollo 11, 12 and 14 missions have markedly different reactivities toward water vapor, an observation which remains unexplained at the present time.
26.1: Invited Paper: Ultra‐Slim Flexible Glass Substrates for Display Applications

With inherent benefits such as surface quality, transmission, hermiticity, and thermal and dimensional stability, ultra-slim flexible glass substrates (≤200 μm thick) enable high-quality and long-life displays. This invited paper provides an overview of flexible glass substrates and how they help optimize flexible display designs, materials, and fabrication processes.
Fundamental skin effect in anisotropic solid mechanics

Abstract It is shown that in solid mechanics a skin effect is associated with anisotropy. Near a free surface or a surface of discontinuity certain components of the stress field vary rapidly from zero to a maximum within a thin skin. The thickness of this skin tends to vanish for increasing anisotropy. A stress concentration also occurs whereby certain stress components are amplified within the skin thickness. The analysis is carried out for a medium with or without initial stress and includes the case of surface instability, internal buckling and surface wave propagation. The results presented in the context of elasticity theory are on the whole valid for viscoelastic media by the principle of correspondence. The results are also applicable to multilayered or fibrous compound materials which, on the average, behave approximately as anisotropic continuous media.
Acute dilatation of stomach with report of a case

Abstract The common causes of the syndrome of acute dilatation of the stomach have been reviewed and its physiology briefly discussed. A case of acute dilatation of the stomach has been presented which appeared to have a combined pancreatic and duodenal pathology as its main etiology
Domain knowledge: Evolving themes and emerging concerns.

Research in domain knowledge has progressed to the point where it should undergo further examination. As a basis for that reexamination, the nature of domain knowledge and its relationship to other knowledge forms are considered. The status of research on expert-novice differences, on the relationship between domain and strategic knowledge, and on misconceptions is also explored. Clarification of the boundaries between expert and novice performance, a research agenda that incorporates domain and strategic knowledge as partners in knowledge acquisition and use, and specification of the terminology used to examine misconceptions are called for.
Antagonism between Gliodadium roseum, Trichoderma harzianum, or Trichothecium roseum and Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glydnea

The antagonism between Gliodadium roseum, Trichoderma harzianum, or Trichothecium roseum and Phytophthora megasperam f. sp. glycinea (Pmg), cause of Phytophthora rot of soybeans (Glycine max), was studied. G. roseum, T. harzianum, and 17 isolates of T. roseum were grown separately on modified Czapek-Dox medium (MCD) in the dark for 25 days at 25 °C. Culture filtrates of T. roseum at 0.5% and 20.0% concentrations inhibited mycelial growth of Pmg at 3.1% and 90.4%; and those of G. roseum at −0.7% and 44.0%; and of T. harzianum at 0.7% and 46.0%, respectively. Culture filtrates of T. roseum at 0.5% concentration inhibited zoosporangenesis of Pmg at 98.0% and at 1.0% concentration prevented it. Culture filtrates of G. roseum and T. harzianum at 5% concentration significantly (P=0.05) inhibited zoosporangenesis of Pmg, but differences were not significant from that on MCD. Culture filtrates of 17 isolates of T. roseum inhibited mycelial growth and zoosporangenesis of Pmg at different percentages with different concentrations with those of isolate 9 showing the greatest inhibition of both. Mycelial growth of most of 16 races of Pmg was prevented at 10% concentration of the culture filtrates of isolate SS-2 of T. roseum, and all 16 races, except race 6, was prevented at 20% concentration. Zoosporangenesis of all races of Pmg was prevented at 2% the culture filtrate of SS-2. Culture filtrates of SS-2 inhibited zoosporangenesis of Pmg in soil.
Fast convolution with the free space Helmholtz Green's function

We construct an approximation of the free space Green's function for the Helmholtz equation that splits the application of this operator between the spatial and the Fourier domains, as in Ewald's method for evaluating lattice sums. In the spatial domain we convolve with a sum of decaying Gaussians with positive coefficients and, in the Fourier domain, we multiply by a band-limited kernel. As a part of our approach, we develop new quadratures appropriate for the singularity of Green's function in the Fourier domain. The approximation and quadratures yield a fast algorithm for computing volumetric convolutions with Green's function in dimensions two and three. The algorithmic complexity scales as , where is selected accuracy, κ is the number of wavelengths in the problem, d is the dimension, and C is a constant. The algorithm maintains its efficiency when applied to functions with singularities. In contrast to the Fast Multipole Method, as , our approximation makes a transition to that of the free space Green's function for the Poisson equation. We illustrate our approach with examples.
Considerations and procedures in the derivation of ATSDR minimal risk levels

Minimal risk levels (MRLs) are health-based guidance values derived for individual substances by conducting a thorough review of the literature, identifying appropriate target organs of response, and identifying a dose level where a no adverse effect or the lowest adverse effect level is seen. This level is then evaluated for uncertainty in the data base and for other extenuating factors and subsequently adjusted with uncertainty or modifying factors. The resulting calculation yields the MRL that is defined as an estimate of the daily human exposure to a hazardous substance that is likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse noncancer health effects over a specified duration of exposure. Typically, MRLs are derived for different durations of exposure (acute, intermediate, chronic) and for different routes of exposure (oral, inhalation). The MRLs serve as useful reference values in evaluating human health from exposure to substances found at hazardous waste sites. Because of numerous requests of various programs, recent work has focused on expanding the applicability of MRLs to other situations and routes of exposure (dermal, food supply, intramuscular) beyond the traditional oral and inhalation exposure routes at waste sites. Results of work, in conjunction with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's computational toxicology laboratory, shows that the use of computational methods, such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling, may allow the MRL process to be adapted to unique durations and routes of exposure such as intramuscular injections.
Cutaneous Rosai–Dorfman Disease of the Forearm: Case Report

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, also known as Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD), is a rare non-neoplastic pathologic condition that frequently pursues a prolonged clinical course marked by exacerbations and remissions. Cutaneous RDD is even less common than cases involving lymph nodes. We present the case of a patient with long-standing Crohn's disease who developed cutaneous RDD in the forearm.
Pancake problems with restricted prefix reversals and some corresponding Cayley networks

Cayley networks have desirable properties for interconnection networks, but the degree of many well-known Cayley networks grows with the number of nodes. Therefore, fixed-degree Cayley networks have also been introduced. We consider fixed-degree Cayley networks which are also subnetworks of the pancake network Pn. The pancake problem concerns the number of prefix reversals or "flips," required to sort a permutation of length n. This is also the diameter of Pn. Restricting the problem to three of the n - 1 possible flips, generates a subnetwork of Pn. We identify proper subnetworks and spanning subnetworks of Pn generated by three flips. We introduce a degree 3 spanning subnetwork of Pn, the Triad network, or Triadn. When n is odd and n mod 8 ≠ 1, Triadn has n! nodes and diameter Θ(n log n). Triadn emulates the shuffle-exchange and shuffle-exchange permutation networks with constant slowdown.
EVERYWHERE? THE GEOGRAPHY OF KNOWLEDGE*

This paper reviews what we know about the spatial manifestations of knowledge. The knowledge production function addresses the easily measured portion of knowledge produced. Research on learning, particularly interactive and collective learning, in firms and in innovation systems, promises to unveil the human and organizational processes by which knowledge is created, stored, and transmitted to others. Our understanding of innovation and technological change depends on how well we tackle knowledge and its geography.
Peritoneal venous shunting for the treatment of lymphatic ascites following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection

We report a case of refractory lymphatic ascites following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and venacavectomy. Placement of a Denver peritoneal venous shunt resulted in resolution of the ascites and marked improvement in the patient's nutritional parameters. Shunt occlusion 2 months following placement demonstrated no recurrence of the ascites. This technique may prove useful in the management of lymphatic ascites associated with radical retroperitoneal surgery.
Prolactin gene expression in human thymocytes

Recent evidence suggests that lymphocytes produce prolactin (PRL). Here, we report the cDNA cloning and expression of PRL from normal human thymocytes. Sequence analysis showed that the thymocyte cDNA encodes a 23 kDa protein which is identical to pituitary PRL. RNA blot analysis showed that the thymocyte PRL mRNA is approximately 170 nucleotides larger than the pituitary PRL message. PRL message was also detected in several non-pituitary human cell lines including Jurkat T, HeLa, and JEG cells. Furthermore, PRL gene expression in JEG cells was inhibited by glucocorticoid treatment. Our data support the hypothesis that PRL is a T cell-derived cytokine.
The IFReC-SIgN Winter School on Advanced Immunology

Nestled between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea lies Awaji Island ( Awaji-shima). Thought by some to be the oldest settled area in Japan, the island found new life in January 2012 as the birthplace of the first IFReC-SIgN Winter School on Advanced Immunology, jointly organized by research institutes in Japan and Singapore.
Application of item response theory for development of a global functioning measure of dementia with linear measurement properties.

An ideal measure of global functioning for patients with dementia would discriminate at very high and very low levels of functioning and would have linear measurement properties such that a given change in score corresponds to the same amount of change in underlying ability at any part of the ability continuum. Using item response theory methods, linearity of test measurement can be directly assessed and items can be selected to construct a test with desired measurement characteristics. The purpose of this study was to apply item response theory methods to evaluating and developing global functioning scales. Subjects were 1207 patients who had received comprehensive dementia evaluations. Items were selected from two measures of cognitive functioning (Mini Mental State Examination, MMS; Blessed Information Memory Concentration Test, BIMCT) and one measure of independent functioning (Blessed-Roth Dementia Rating Scale, BRDRS). The MMS and BIMCT showed significant non-linearity of measurement, especially at low and high ability levels. A brief composite measure was created by selecting from the three instruments 25 items that fit a uniform distribution of item difficulty across the entire range of ability measured by the three instruments. This composite measure and the BRDRS showed better linearity of measurement than the other two instruments. Results have implications for development of a psychometrically sophisticated, brief measure of global functioning for clinical and research use in dementia.
Tough on Crime or Beating the System An Evaluation of Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Murder Acquittees

Homicide defendants asserting the insanity defense make a volatile combination. Numerous studies review inmates with murder convictions, yet the literature is not rich regarding defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) for murder. This study analyzes 27 years of insanity acquittals in Missouri, finding significant differences between those defendants found NGRI for murder and those found NGRI for other crimes. The get-tough-on-crime initiatives found in the criminal justice system may have led to longer hospital stays post-1996 for NGRI murder acquittees, yet hospitalization lengths increased for all NGRI acquittees, a potential unintended consequence. Policy implications and future research directions are discussed.
Surface-directed spinodal decomposition in a stressed, two-dimensional, thin film

Abstract Two-dimensional simulations of the spinodal decomposition of self-stressed, binary thin films using a Cahn–Hilliard model are presented. Two different sets of mechanical boundary conditions are considered, and compositional strains for a cubic–anisotropic system under plane strain are treated. A composition-dependent interaction energy is assumed at the free surface. Numerical solution of the coupled Cahn–Hilliard and elastic equilibrium equations are obtained using an efficient nonlinear multigrid method. Results of simulations show that, for large enough compositional strain, surface-directed decomposition occurs at the traction-free surface, even when there is negligible surface interaction energy initially attracting one of the components. This decomposition is controlled by elasticity, and results in a local alignment of phases perpendicular to the free surface, in contrast to the parallel alignment produced by surface energy in stress-free systems.
Performance Tests for Automatic 3D Geometric Data Registration Technique for Progressive As-Built Construction Site Modeling

This study aims to eliminate the labor-intensive target installation process and its associated costs and other issues commonly caused from the current practices of laser based as-built data collection and modeling process. In this study, a laser scan system was utilized with corresponding texture data simultaneously obtained from a digital camera. Based on identified common features in the texture data, an optimized transformation matrix for the point clouds is generated, then the point clouds are registered without using any physical external target. The proposed method was tested at an on-going building construction project. The interrelationships among registration speed, registered accuracy, and size of overlapping area were examined. The field experimental results demonstrate that the proposed target-free geometric data registration method can significantly reduce the registration time without compromising the registration accuracy; thus simplifying and promoting the current laser scanning and registration processes for progressive as-built modeling of construction projects.
Value tensions in design: the value sensitive design, development, and appropriation of a corporation's groupware system

We report on the value sensitive design, development, and appropriation of a groupware system to support software engineering knowledge sharing. Usage data (5,965 visitors) and semi-structured interviews (18 individuals) suggest the methods employed were successful in addressing value tensions, particularly with respect to privacy, awareness, and reputation. Key contributions include: (1) "proof-of-concept" that established Value Sensitive Design principles and methods can be used to good effect for the design of groupware in an industry setting, (2) a new design method for addressing value tensions, Value Dams and Flows, and (3) demonstration of the co-evolution of technology and organizational policy.
Syntheses and Structural Confirmations of Members of a Heterocycle‐Containing Family of Labdane Diterpenoids

Labdanes[1] are a large and structurally diverse class of diterpenoid natural products exhibiting a range of biological activities.[2] In the last few years, interesting new labdane natural products containing five membered heterocycles separated by a methylene unit from the trans-decalin core have been reported (1–6,[3] Scheme 1). These labdane natural products have never been synthesized and most of the structures have not been unambiguously assigned. For example, the C12 stereochemistry of 1 and 2 relative to the decalin core is not known. The relationship between 3 and 6 is particularly interesting, as they share an identical decalin core, but an enantiomeric relationship at C12–C14. Given our commitment to the synthesis of diterpenoid natural products,[4] contributions toward the synthesis of 2,5-dihydrofuran architectures,[5] and general interest in synthesizing new and unique collections of natural products for biological screening purposes, these targets seemed well suited.
Bayesian analysis of nonlinear mixed‐effects mixture models for longitudinal data with heterogeneity and skewness

It is a common practice to analyze complex longitudinal data using nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) models with normality assumption. The NLME models with normal distributions provide the most popular framework for modeling continuous longitudinal outcomes, assuming individuals are from a homogeneous population and relying on random-effects to accommodate inter-individual variation. However, the following two issues may standout: (i) normality assumption for model errors may cause lack of robustness and subsequently lead to invalid inference and unreasonable estimates, particularly, if the data exhibit skewness and (ii) a homogeneous population assumption may be unrealistically obscuring important features of between-subject and within-subject variations, which may result in unreliable modeling results. There has been relatively few studies concerning longitudinal data with both heterogeneity and skewness features. In the last two decades, the skew distributions have shown beneficial in dealing with asymmetric data in various applications. In this article, our objective is to address the simultaneous impact of both features arisen from longitudinal data by developing a flexible finite mixture of NLME models with skew distributions under Bayesian framework that allows estimates of both model parameters and class membership probabilities for longitudinal data. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed models and methods, and a real example from an AIDS clinical trial illustrates the methodology by modeling the viral dynamics to compare potential models with different distribution specifications; the analysis results are reported.
Phobos: a front-end approach to extensible compilers

This paper describes a practical approach for implementing domain-specific languages with extensible compilers. Given a compiler with one or more front-end languages, we introduce the idea of a "generic" front-end that allows the syntactic and semantic specification of domain-specific languages. Phobos, our generic front-end, offers modular language specification, allowing the programmer to define new syntax and semantics incrementally. A key feature of our approach is the use of an open term language that can be used to describe arbitrary syntax, and the use of a term rewriting engine to encode semantic actions. The term language is expressive. Scoping can be defined explicitly, and term rewrites use second-order substitution, allowing the use of higher-order abstract syntax if needed. Given a language specification and a source string, the generic front-end constructs a push-down automaton (PDA) based on the supplied grammar, lexes the source string, and simulates the constructed PDA with the stream of tokens obtained. During parsing, rewrite rules associated, with grammar productions are executed, producing a single term when the PDA accepts. This term is then converted, via further rewriting into a compiler representation and compilation proceeds to generate executable code.
Rotational and elliptical splitting of the free oscillations of the earth.

*Summary. We present a table of rotational and elliptical splitting parameters for earth model 1066A, including all terms through second order in rotation and first order in ellipticity. An algorithm for calculating the second-order Coriolis splitting by summing over all modes which are coupled to first order is given in detail. Coupling to secular (or zero frequency) modes, as well as the usual seismic modes, can provide significant contributions to these splitting parameters.
Discrimination of conspecific sex and reproductive condition using chemical cues in axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Chemosensory cues play an important role in the daily lives of salamanders, mediating foraging, conspecific recognition, and territorial advertising. We investigated the behavioral effects of conspecific whole-body odorants in axolotls, Ambystoma mexicanum, a salamander species that is fully aquatic. We found that males increased general activity when exposed to female odorants, but that activity levels in females were not affected by conspecific odorants. Although males showed no difference in courtship displays across testing conditions, females performed courtship displays only in response to male odorants. We also found that electro-olfactogram responses from the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia were larger in response to whole-body odorants from the opposite sex than from the same sex. In males, odorants from gravid and recently spawned females evoked different electro-olfactogram responses at some locations in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia; in general, however, few consistent differences between the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia were observed. Finally, post hoc analyses indicate that experience with opposite-sex conspecifics affects some behavioral and electrophysiological responses. Overall, our data indicate that chemical cues from conspecifics affect general activity and courtship behavior in axolotls, and that both the olfactory and vomeronasal systems may be involved in discriminating the sex and reproductive condition of conspecifics.
Film Growth Mechanisms in Pulsed Laser Deposition

This paper reviews our recent studies of the fundamentals of growth morphology evolution in Pulsed Laser Deposition in two prototypical growth modes: metal-on-insulator island growth and semiconductor homoepitaxy. By comparing morphology evolution for pulsed laser deposition and thermal deposition in the same dual-use chamber under identical thermal, background, and surface preparation conditions, and varying the kinetic energy by varying the laser fluence or using an inert background gas, we have isolated the effect of kinetic energy from that of flux pulsing in determining the differences between morphology evolution in these growth methods. In each growth mode analytical growth models and Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for thermal deposition, modified to include kinetic energy effects, are successful at explaining much of what we observe experimentally.
Performance and the Structure of the Mixtec Codices

This article begins with the assumption that the Mixtec codices were scripts to be performed. It reasons that as “scripts,” they contained clues to guide the performers in their public reading or chanting. It suggests that this reading would have corresponded to Mixtec canons of verbal artistry, and argues that the size and combination of figures in the codices reflect certain elements in the poetics of contemporary Mixtec speech.
Parallelizable restarted iterative methods for nonsymmetric linear systems. part I: Theory

Large sparse nonsymmetric problems of the form A u = b are frequently solved using restarted conjugate gradient-type algorithms such as the popular GCR and GMRES algorithms. In this study we define a new class of algorithms which generate the same iterates as the standard GMRES algorithm but require as little as half of the computational expense. This performance improvement is obtained by using short economical three-term recurrences to replace the long recurrence used by GMRES. The new algorithms are shown to have good numerical properties in typical cases, and the new algorithms may be easily modified to be as numerically safe as standard GMRES. Numerical experiments with these algorithms are given in Part II, in which we demonstrate the improved performance of the new schemes on different computer architectures.
Effects of Varying Dietary Protein and Energy Levels on Growth Rate and Body Fat of Broilers

Abstract Three experiments were conducted in which the protein and energy levels were varied in an attempt to produce broiler carcasses with more acceptable fat deposition at market age. Male broilers had more abdominal fat than female broilers to 46 days of age. Females deposited abdominal fat at a rate greater than that of the males after 46 days of age. A significant percentage of the weight gain after 46 days was in the form of abdominal fat in the female. Feeding no supplemental fat in the diet for the first seven days resulted in a decrease in the percentage of abdominal fat at 49 days of age. High dietary protein levels were detrimental to growth during the starting period (0 to 14 days) but beneficial in maximizing gain and feed efficiency during the finishing period (28 to 49 days). Feeding no supplemental fat for the first 7 days of age, regardless of the energy level of the finisher, produced the least abdominal fat of all diets fed to 49 days. More abdominal fat was produced when supplemental fat was withheld for 0 to 10 days or 0 to 14 days of age.
What can genetic variation tell us about the evolution of senescence

Quantitative genetic approaches have been developed that allow researchers to determine which of two mechanisms, mutation accumulation (MA) or antagonistic pleiotropy (AP), best explain observed variation in patterns of senescence using classical quantitative genetic techniques. These include the creation of mutation accumulation lines, artificial selection experiments and the partitioning of genetic variances across age classes. This last strategy has received the lion's share of empirical attention. Models predict that inbreeding depression (ID), dominance variance and the variance among inbred line means will all increase with age under MA but not under those forms of AP that generate marginal overdominance. Here, we show that these measures are not, in fact, diagnostic of MA versus AP. In particular, the assumptions about the value of genetic parameters in existing AP models may be rather narrow, and often violated in reality. We argue that whenever ageing-related AP loci contribute to segregating genetic variation, polymorphism at these loci will be enhanced by genetic effects that will also cause ID and dominance variance to increase with age, effects also expected under the MA model of senescence. We suggest that the tests that seek to identify the relative contributions of AP and MA to the evolution of ageing by partitioning genetic variance components are likely to be too conservative to be of general value.
Analysis of Disaccharides and Tetrasaccharides Released from Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are converted to disaccharides by various methods. This unit describes separation of individual disaccharides by paper chromatography or paper electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Lyase-released disaccharides can also be monitored by UV absorbance. Support protocols describe mild conditions for reduction of alkali-labile disaccharides obtained by cleavage of GAGs with lyases, scintillation counting of samples obtained from HPLC separation of radiolabeled saccharides, and calculations for the quantitation of disaccharides.
Managing for Fine-Scale Differences in Inoculum Load: Seeding Patterns to Minimize Wheat Yield Loss to Take-all

For pathogens with highly localized inoculum, controlled positioning of susceptible plants can be used to delay exposure to the pathogen. For example, when wheat is direct-drilled in fields where wheat was infected by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt) in the previous season, the remaining rows of wheat crowns serve as an inoculum source for the new wheat planting. In order to determine how different seeding patterns of wheat might affect yield loss to Ggt, we constructed a mathematical model in three stages. First, we calculated the probability density function for the distance between a new seed and the nearest old row of crowns for two main planting scenarios: parallel to the previous year's rows or at an angle to them. Second, we used estimates from Kabbage and Bockus (Kabbage, M. and Bockus, W. W. 2002. Plant Disease 86, 298-303) of the yield loss to Ggt as a function of the distance between wheat seed and inoculum source. Third, we combined these two models to estimate the average yield loss for different planting patterns. We estimated that planting parallel to and between the previous year's rows would cut yield loss almost in half for a typical row spacing compared to angled planting, provided there was not an important offset, or bias, in the position of the parallel planting. Planter wobble was relatively unim- portant if there was no systematic bias in position.
Travel time prediction using the GPS test vehicle and Kalman filtering techniques

A sudden traffic surge immediately after special events (e.g., conventions, concerts) can create substantial traffic congestion in the area where the events are held. It is desired that the special events related traffic performance can be measured so that the traffic flow can be improved via some existing methods such as a temporary traffic signal timing adjustment. This paper focuses on the study of the arterial travel time prediction using the Kalman filtering and estimation technique, and a graduation ceremony is chosen as our case study. The Global Positioning System (GPS) test vehicle technique is used to collect after events travel time data. Based on the real-time data collected, a discrete-time Kalman filter is then applied to predict travel time exiting the area under study. An assessment of the performance and its effectiveness at the test site are investigated. The approaches to further improve the accuracy of the prediction error are also discussed.
Abduction moment arm of transposed subscapularis tendon.

Abstract Objective . The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the procedure of superior transposition of the subscapularis on the biomechanics of glenohumeral abduction. Design . The abduction moment arms of the subscapularis muscle for the normal attachment and transposed tendon were measured on 10 cadaver shoulders and compared to that for the normal supraspinatus tendon for which it is intended to substitute. Background . Superior transposition of the subscapularis tendon has been recommended for surgical repair of massive tears of the rotator cuff, but the effect of this procedure on shoulder biomechanics has not been reported. Methods . The moment arm about an instantaneous center of rotation was derived, based on the slope of tendon excursion-glenohumeral angle curve. To simulate the insertion of the transposed subscapularis tendon, pseudo-insertion sites were created. Results . Superior transposition of the subscapularis tendon significantly increased its abduction moment arm. The effect was optimal when the simulated insertion site was lateral rather than medial and, to a lesser extent, anterior versus posterior. Conclusions . The results provided a biomechanical rationale for subscapularis tendon transposition in restoring the loss of abduction strength of the shoulder in a massive cuff tear. Relevance Superior transposition of the subscapularis tendon has been recommended for surgical repair of massive tears of the rotator cuff. The results from this study support the clinical practice of subscapularis tendon transposition in restoring the loss of abduction strength of the shoulder in a massive cuff tear.