cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of delayed inoculation on nitrogen fixation by Phaseolus vulgaris L. Grown in minesoil

Abstract The influence of delayed inoculation on N2(C2H2)‐fixation by Phaseolus vulgaris L. grown in minesoil is described. Fertilizer treatments included in the study were 0, 25, 50, and 100 kg N/ha applied at 21 days or at seeding. A peat culture of Rhizobium phaseoli was inoculated at 21 days or at seeding. Nitrogenase activity was determined by reduction of C2H2 to C2H4, at 7, 21, 35, and 49 days. Nitrogenase activity was related to N‐fertilizer rate and treatment sequence. Addition of 25 kg N/ha significantly stimulated N2(C2H2)‐ fixation while greater rates of N‐fertilizer decreased the rate of Ng(C2H2)‐fixation. The results of this study suggest that addition of 25 kg N/ha at time of seeding, followed by inoculation with R. phaseoli after legume growth has been established (21 days) results in an initial greater amount of N2(C2H2)‐fixation.
Energy-harvesting shock absorber with a mechanical motion rectifier

Energy-harvesting shock absorbers are able to recover the energy otherwise dissipated in the suspension vibration while simultaneously suppressing the vibration induced by road roughness. They can work as a controllable damper as well as an energy generator. An innovative design of regenerative shock absorbers is proposed in this paper, with the advantage of significantly improving the energy harvesting efficiency and reducing the impact forces caused by oscillation. The key component is a unique motion mechanism, which we called ?mechanical motion rectifier (MMR)?, to convert the oscillatory vibration into unidirectional rotation of the generator. An implementation of a MMR-based harvester with high compactness is introduced and prototyped. A dynamic model is created to analyze the general properties of the motion rectifier by making an analogy between mechanical systems and electrical circuits. The model is capable of analyzing electrical and mechanical components at the same time. Both simulation and experiments are carried out to verify the modeling and the advantages. The prototype achieved over 60% efficiency at high frequency, much better than conventional regenerative shock absorbers in oscillatory motion. Furthermore, road tests are done to demonstrate the feasibility of the MMR shock absorber, in which more than 15 Watts of electricity is harvested while driving at 15?mph on a smooth paved road. The MMR-based design can also be used for other applications of vibration energy harvesting, such as from tall buildings or long bridges.
Assessing host competency between native and invasive snail species exposed to the native parasite Echinostoma revolutum.

Invasive species have the ability to rapidly and extensively alter native ecosystems, and there is accumulating evidence to suggest that the introduction of invasive hosts can have influences on parasite transmission in native communities. In 2002, the aquatic snail Bithynia tentaculata was discovered in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) where it now co-occurs with several native snails and their parasites. The goal of this study was to determine the competencies of a native snail (Physa gyrina) and an invasive snail (B. tentaculata) after controlled exposure to a native parasite species (Echinostoma revolutum). Results of our laboratory experiment indicated no difference in either the prevalence or intensity of infection between native and invasive snails, which was unexpected given past work on B. tentaculata. In addition, infection had no discernible influence on host life-history traits such as growth and survival. Together, these results may have a number of consequences for hosts and parasites within the UMR region. First, the presence of an additional competent host in the snail assemblage may reduce infection risk for native snail species through parasite dilution. Second, the occurrence of a competent invasive host may increase the transmission of E. revolutum to native definitive host species such as waterfowl and mammals. Ultimately, a better understanding of how native parasites cycle through the UMR snail assemblage could allow us to better predict: 1) transmission/invasion outcomes in the UMR and 2) the potential alterations that may occur in ecosystems at high risk of B. tentaculata invasion.
Fibrovascular ingrowth as a cause of Ahmed glaucoma valve failure in children.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to document the presence of fibrovascular ingrowth into the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) as a cause of AGV failure in the pediatric population. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Retrospective study of six children with histologically documented fibrovascular ingrowth of their AGV, with review of relevant demographic, clinical, and surgical factors. Results Six patients, two males and four females, with a mean age at AGV placement of 27.5 months (range 1 to 122) were identified with AGV failure, AGV removal, and subsequent histology documenting fibrovascular ingrowth into the valve chamber. Etiology of glaucoma included: trauma, aphakia, angle-closure, aniridia, and infantile. Mean time from AGV implantation to explantation was 23 months (range 6 to 65). Mean intraocular pressure at AGV explantation was 35 mm Hg (range 27 to 48). Conclusions Fibrovascular ingrowth of both the pediatric and adult size AGV occurs in children and should be considered in the presence of AGV failure.
Valuation procedure and cycles: an emphasis on down markets

Purpose – Current economic conditions have identified a complication if not conflict in the application of valuation analysis assumptions with the free fall in asset prices observed since 2007. Discrepancies in debt obligations (from prior periods) with underlying collateral value have been opined to be an unforeseen anomaly. This investigation aims to observe an alternative perspective using data from 1900 to the present.Design/methodology/approach – This 110‐year period of observation shows that return (value) volatility is the characteristic norm of the market system. Showing volatility as a fundamental characteristic of economic and property performance supports conjecture by definition, observation and rationality that valuation analysis had to be successfully employed in prior down cycles and across divergent economic regimes. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify the application of specific value theory, premises and concepts with appropriate valuation techniques in given economi...
A DIMENSION-DEPENDENT MAXIMAL INEQUALITY

In this short note we show that .AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 42B25
An initial examination for verifying separation algorithms by simulation

An open question in algorithms for aircraft is what can be validated by simulation where the simulation shows that the probability of undesirable events is below some given level at some confidence level. The problem is including enough realism to be convincing while retaining enough efficiency to run the large number of trials needed for high confidence. The paper first proposes a goal based on the number of flights per year in several regions. The paper examines the probabilistic interpretation of this goal and computes the number of trials needed to establish it at an equivalent confidence level. Since any simulation is likely to consider the algorithms for only one type of event and there are several types of events, the paper examines under what conditions this separate consideration is valid. This paper is an initial effort, and as such, it considers separation maneuvers, which are elementary but include numerous aspects of aircraft behavior. The scenario includes decisions under uncertainty since the position of each aircraft is only known to the other by broadcasting where GPS believes each aircraft to be (ADS-B). Each aircraft operates under feedback control with perturbations. It is shown that a scenario three or four orders of magnitude more complex is feasible. The question of what can be validated by simulation remains open, but there is reason to be optimistic
Two variant surface glycoproteins of Trypanosoma Brucei of different sequence classes have similar 6 Å resolution X-ray structures

Antigenic variation in the African trypanosome is mediated through changes in the composition of the surface coat. By controlling expression of the major surface protein, the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), from a repertoire of perhaps 1,000 different genes the organisms exhibit a series of antigenically distinct coats and evade the host's immune system. We have determined the 6 A resolution structure of a T. brucei variant surface glycoprotein, ILTat 1.24, using X-ray crystallography. The crystallized protein consists of the N-terminal two-thirds of the intact VSG which has a relative molecular mass (Mr) of 60,000 (60K). The structure, which includes a 90 A long alpha-helical bundle, is strikingly similar to that of the N-terminal fragment of VSG MITat 1.2 (ref. 4). Although most known VSG sequences show little similarity of primary sequence in the N-terminal domain, the similarity between the structure of a Class I (ILTat 1.24) and a Class II (MITat 1.2) VSG antigen suggests that VSGs may share a common tertiary structure.
GREEN'S FUNCTIONS FOR UNIFORM TIMOSHENKO BEAMS

Abstract The vibration and control of distributed parameter systems is a topic of ongoing interest. The availability of closed form expressions for the Green's functions (or, equivalently, transfer functions) of individual elements facilitates the analysis of these systems. In this paper, a concise formulation is given for the Green's functions of uniform Timoshenko beams. It is shown that Green's functions for uniform Euler-bernoulli beams, both with and without constant axial loads, can be expressed in the same form.
Evaluation on Use of Thermoelectric Devices for Electronics Cooling

As Thermoelectric devices are getting cheaper and more powerful in cooling, these devices are getting more popular for electronics cooling applications. However, due to the additional heat production inside the thermoelectric device, the application of a TE-cooler might not always be appropriate. In some applications, use of thermoelectric devices or coolers might cause higher temperature rises on heat generating electronics than conventional cooling solutions. To authors’ best knowledge, there exists no literature that studies whether thermoelectric cooling is better than traditional convective cooling without Thermoelectrics. This study aims to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of thermoelectric cooling for electronics. Two figures of merit are proposed, to compare performances of conventional and thermoelectric cooling techniques. An attempt is made to derive this figure of merit analytically with assumptions reflecting common electronics applications. Selective case studies will be presented based on constant heat flux and constant temperature difference.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Defensive Medicine, Cost Containment, and Reform

The role of defensive medicine in driving up health care costs is hotly contended. Physicians and health policy experts in particular tend to have sharply divergent views on the subject. Physicians argue that defensive medicine is a significant driver of health care cost inflation. Policy analysts, on the other hand, observe that malpractice reform, by itself, will probably not do much to reduce costs. We argue that both answers are incomplete. Ultimately, malpractice reform is a necessary but insufficient component of medical cost containment. The evidence suggests that defensive medicine accounts for a small but non-negligible fraction of health care costs. Yet the traditional medical malpractice reforms that many physicians desire will not assuage the various pressures that lead providers to overprescribe and overtreat. These reforms may, nevertheless, be necessary to persuade physicians to accept necessary changes in their practice patterns as part of the larger changes to the health care payment and delivery systems that cost containment requires.
Supporting Distributed Query Processing in a Heterogeneous Environment

To make effective use of distributed systems acting together to form a virtual enterprise, global coordinated operations must be possible. Such operations may be mere queries or complex update operations. In this paper, we describe an existing system at the University of Florida which not only models a Virtual Enterprise using a common object-oriented semantic association model, but acts as a trader and repository for common information. The primary objective of this paper is to show how this existing system is being extended to handle complex global operations stated in the form of Object Query Language queries. These queries are then processed in a distributed manner, including any necessary object migrations. Problems addressed in this paper include: provision of support information in the meta-model, allocation of global object instance identifiers, issuing and coordination of subqueries to the legacy systems in the Virtual Enterprise, and the issuing and coordination of method executions.
Biochemical and Virologie Parameters in Patients Co-Infected with Hepatitis C and HIV Versus Patients with Hepatitis C Mono-Infection

ABSTRACT Background Previous studies of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection looking at the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection on biochemical parameters and HCV RNA level have shown conflicting results. Accurate characterization of the effect of HIV is important for evaluation and treatment of HCV in co-infected persons. Methods We studied 315 HCV mono-infected and 75 HCV-HIV co-infected subjects to determine the effect of HIV on biochemical parameters and HCV RNA and to determine the predictors of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HCV RNA levels. Results The co-infected subjects were more likely to be African-American (55% vs 26%, P P = 0.02), have detectable HCV RNA (84% vs 70.5%, P = 0.018), have HCV RNA levels >6 log 10 IU/mL (60% vs 38%, P = 0.001), and have lower mean serum ALT levels (50.4IU/mL vs 73.7IU/mL, P = 0.006). In multivariable analyses, the following factors predicted an ALT level >50IU/mL: log 10 HCV RNA (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.32); HIV co-infection (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.89); and having ever been treated for HCV (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.16 to 3.18). The only significant predictor of HCV RNA level >6 log 10 IU/mL was HIV co-infection (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.46 to 5.15). Significant predictors of having a detectable HCV RNA level were female sex (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.18 to 12.25); HIV co-infection (2.45; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.26); and ever being treated for HCV (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.10 to 3.48). Conclusions HCV-HIV co-infected persons have higher HCV RNA levels but lower serum ALT levels than HCV mono-infected patients. Criteria for performing liver biopsy and treating HCV infection in co-infected patients may need to be revisited.
A note on eye movements and relaxation.

Abstract Eye movements and certain visual mechanisms appear to be related to states of relaxation and levels of wakefulness. The hatha yoga tradition in its historical and contemporary forms uses certain eye ‘exercises’ or postures to induce relaxation and reduce arousal. Visual correlates of the alpha state are well known. These phenomena may be involved in the success of the new eye desensitization procedure.
Functional Evaluation of the Ligaments at the Acromioclavicular Joint during Anteroposterior and Superoinferior Translation

We examined the anatomy and measured the in situ force in ligaments at the acromioclavicular joint using a universal force-moment sensor. The in situ force in the coracoacromial, conoid, trapezoid, superior acromioclavicular capsular, and inferior acromioclavicular capsular ligaments of 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders was determined for a load of 70 N applied to the clavicle in anteroposterior and superoinferior directions. The lengths of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments were found to be 15.1 +/- 4.1 and 11.5 +/- 2.2 mm, respectively; the widths of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments were 10.7 +/- 1.5 and 11.0 +/- 2.8 mm, respectively. The in situ force of the trapezoid (42.9 +/- 15.4 N) was significantly greater than that for the other ligaments during posterior displacement. Otherwise, no statistically significant differences could be found between any of the in situ forces in each ligament during all other motions examined. During anterior displacement, the inferior acromioclavicular capsular ligament appeared to be the major restraint. The trapezoid ligament was the primary restraint during posterior displacement and provided 55.8% +/- 20.0% of the resisting force. Our results suggest that the coracoclavicular and other acromioclavicular joint capsular ligaments should be considered for reconstruction to restore normal joint function, especially in the anterior, posterior, and superior directions.
Dynamics in Organic Ionic Liquids in Distinct Regions Using Charged and Uncharged Orientational Relaxation Probes

The temperature-dependent fluorescence anisotropy decay (orientational relaxation) of perylene and sodium 8-methoxypyrene-1,3,6-sulfonate (MPTS) were measured in a series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (alkyl = ethyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl) organic room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL). The two fluorescent probe molecules display markedly different rotational dynamics when analyzed using Stokes−Einstein−Debye theory, demonstrating that they are located in distinct environments within the RTILs and have very different interactions with their surroundings. Perylene rotates with subslip behavior, becoming increasingly subslip as the length of ionic liquid alkyl chain is increased. The dynamics approach those of perylene in an organic oil. In contrast, MPTS shows superstick behavior, likely reflecting very strong coordination with the RTIL cations. These results are consistent with different elements of rotational friction within the ionic liquid structure, which are available...
Strained oxiranes from cis-diols

Abstract Cis-diols of some strained molecules are converted to epoxides without inversion of configuration by the use of the redox system triphenylphosphine : diethylazodicarboxylate, or by treatment of their dimethylaminodioxolane derivatives with trifluoroacetic anhydride as catalyst.
In vitro production of enzymatically active myosin heavy chain.

In order to initiate studies on the structural and functional relationships of the myosin heavy chain, we constructed a full-length complementary DNA encoding the isoform that is found in the fast white muscle of the embryonic chicken. The complementary DNA contained 108 basepairs of its 3′-untranslated region and was preceded by a leader sequence derived from the alfalfa mosaic virus. Similarly, a complementary DNA encoding 963 amino acids which encompass the subfragment-1 of myosin and part of the subfragment-2 was also constructed. Each was inserted into the expression vector pMT2 and transiently transfected into COS-1 cells. Both constructs directed the expression of the respective proteins, each of which was immunogenic. The full-length and subfragment-1 proteins interacted with actin and demonstrated high levels of a K+-actived, EDTA-resistant ATPase activity, which is characteristic of myosin.
Can mucosal healing be a cost-effective endpoint for biologic therapy in Crohn's disease? A decision analysis.

Background: Observational studies have demonstrated that mucosal healing (MH) may be associated with reductions in hospitalizations and surgeries for moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD). Whether treatment to achieve MH is a cost-effective endpoint has not been established previously. Methods: We constructed a decision analytic model comparing two treatment strategies. In the clinical response (CR) arm, patients not in clinical remission at year 1 are dose-escalated. In the MH arm, patients with persistence of mucosal ulcerations at year 1 are escalated irrespective of clinical symptoms. Patients remain at risk for hospitalization and surgeries while they have active disease. We examined a 2-year time horizon. Results: In the base case the MH strategy was more effective at 2 years (quality-adjusted life year [QALY] 0.71) compared to the CR strategy (QALY 0.69) but was also more expensive with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $49,278/QALY gained. In a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 patients assigned to each treatment arm, the MH strategy resulted in lower rates of hospitalization and surgery with a number needed to treat of 27 and 106, respectively. The results were sensitive to the ability of infliximab to achieve MH and the incremental benefit of MH over clinical remission. Conclusions: We demonstrate that MH as an endpoint is a cost-effective strategy in CD patients initiating IFX therapy. Further prospective studies on durability of MH and its incremental benefit as well as the ability of other available biologic agents to achieve MH are necessary to validate our findings. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
Foveal congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium in the setting of geographic atrophy from age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To report a case of presumed congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium in the fovea of an 88-year-old woman in the setting of geographic atrophy from age-related macular degeneration. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: An 88-year-old woman was examined. RESULTS: Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/63 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye. Multifocal areas of geographic atrophy and large-sized drusen were seen in the maculae of both eyes. Biomicroscopic examination of the right eye showed hyperpigmentation consistent with congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium through the center of the macula. No prior photographic documentation of the retina was available. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that foveal congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium may be seen in the setting of macular geographic atrophy. Although it is theoretically possible that the hyperpigmentation is reactive rather than congenital, the pigmentation is typical for congenital hypertrophy and is unlike any reactive pigmentation in our experience or described in a MEDLINE search of features of age-related macular degeneration. The case suggests that a hypertrophic process of the retinal pigment epithelium may coexist within or immediately adjacent to the anatomic boundaries of an atrophic process such as geographic atrophy from age-related macular degeneration.
Decentralization and Fiscal Disparities in the United States of America

This paper examines the increasingly important role of the states in the US federal system and the implications of that growing role for the allocation of intergovernmental transfers. The author argues that as intergovernmental funds become more scarce, as is occurring in the USA, the distribution of these funds needs to take more account of the relative fiscal conditions of the states and to direct a larger share of funds to the fiscally weaker states. Various approaches to altering allocation systems are presented and a specific method for adjusting for fiscal disparities among the states is offered.
Interference with the biological control of cottony-cushion scale by insecticides and attempts to re-establish a favorable natural balance.

Biological control of the cottony-cushion scale, Icerya purchasi Maks, by the vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Muls.), in the desert citrus areas of California was upset so severely by insecticidal drift from surrounding treated areas that chemical control became necessary. Although, in the desert, vedalia activity is restricted from November to March by cold temperatures, Icerya is normally controlled biologically before June unless insecticidal drift interferes with vedalia destruction is most often caused by drift of malathion, parathion, or DDT applied by airplane during the early spring months. Malathion drift is worse than parathion because it produces no balancing destruction of the host. Drift residues from multiple treatments are toxic for long periods. The problem of Icerya on desert citrus was largely eliminated by restricting drift. When vedalia could be obtained, its colonization controlled Icerya outbreaks. Vedalia propagation was found to be impractical, but field-collected pupae or adults may be stored for long periods. Periodic colonization of Cryptochaetum iceryae (Will.) was tested, but considered impractical. Other natural enemies introduced against Icerya were not successfully established.
Crime as a Source of Solidarity: A Research Note Testing Durkheim's Assertion

A basic premise of a functional theory of crime is that heinous crimes can be a source of solidarity. While anecdotal evidence exists to support this crime–solidarity relationship, no systematic studies have tested this assertion. We compare data from a sample of Virginia Tech students collected in 2006 to data from a sample of students collected five months, nine months, and one year after the mass shootings that occurred on campus in April 2007. The results indicate that solidarity significantly increased after the crime and remained elevated for six months. After six months, solidarity began to decrease.
Purification and characterization of galactocerebroside sulfotransferase from rat kidney.

Abstract Galactocerebroside sulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.11) was purified to apparent homogeneity from rat kidneys. The purified protein is stable at −20 °C, and has an estimated molecular weight of 64,000 and a pI of 5.1. In contrast to other known sulfotransferases, the enzyme appears not to require divalent metal ions for activity. The Km for the donor, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate, is 5.2 μ m . Structural studies on this “active” sulfate donor show the requirement of a phosphate group at the 3′ position of the ribose moiety. Modification of the amino group at either the 6 or 8 position on the purine ring renders the corresponding compounds poor substrates. Both galactosylceramide and lactosylceramide are effective acceptors for this enzyme, while galactosylsphingosine and galactosylglycerolipids are sulfated only poorly, suggesting that the in vivo sulfation of these glycolipids is carried out by different sulfotransferases. The active site of the enzyme contains arginine residues which appear to be important in binding the sulfate donor. The enzyme protein is hydrophobic and binds 0.17 mg [3H]Triton X-100/mg protein. The purified enzyme contains bound lipids, consisting primarily of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine. The lipid environment affects the activity of the enzyme which, in turn, regulates the sulfation of glycolipids.
The rationality of science, critical thinking, and science education

This paper considers two philosophical problems and their relation to science education. The first involves the rationality of science; it is argued here that the traditional view, according to which science is rational because of its adherence to (a non-standard conception of) scientific method, successfully answers one central question concerning science's rationality. The second involves the aims of education; here it is argued that a fundamental educational aim is the fostering of rationality, or its educational cognate, critical thinking. The ramifications of these two philosophical theses for science education are then considered, and a science education which takes reasons in science as its fundamental feature is sketched.
Volume-dependent spatial distribution of microinjected thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) into the medial preoptic nucleus of the rat: an autoradiographic study.

The present study was performed to quantify the distribution of a peptide neurotransmitter after microinjection into the medial preoptic area (POM), using a technique suitable for conscious animal preparations. The results indicate that only 50-nl volumes of injected tracer were sufficiently localized with 77 ± 9% recovery in the POM. Injections of higher volumes resulted in an increasing spread of tracer into distant anatomical regions and structures, including the needle tract and cerebral ventricles. The amount of tracer localized in the POM decreased to 38 ± 4% (200 nl) (P <0.05) and 41 ± 8% (500 nl) (P <0.05), respectively. The data suggest that the volume of injection is critical for intraparenchymal injections into structures of a diameter of 1 mm or less, such as the POM and should not exceed 50 nl in conscious animal preparations.
Padé summations for the real and imaginary parts of atomic stark eigenvalues

The problem of direct Pade summation of Rayleigh–Schrodinger perturbation coefficients for the H atom Stark effect is discussed in light of the location of the Pade representation of the expected Bender-Wu branch cuts in the complex F (field) plane. The resulting conclusion that such direct summation of the divergent perturbation expansion [for the real part of E(F)] might give suggestive, but certainly not convergent, results is documented. The relationship between the Pade problem of representation of cuts and corresponding problems in L2-discretized scattering theory is pointed out. An alternative Pade expansion with newly placed cuts is proposed which is expected to, and indeed does, have excellent convergence properties for real F. The real and imaginary parts of the Stark broadened and shifted hydrogenic ground state are thus obtained directly from the (real) Rayleigh–Schrodinger perturbation coefficients for a large range of fields indicating the power and simplicity of the method.
The near complete tracheal ring deformity

Congenital complete and near-complete tracheal rings are extremely rare tracheal deformities. There are fewer than 100 cases of congenital complete tracheal rings, and only four cases of near-complete described in the literature. Long-segment occurrences of these anomalies are usually incompatible with life. We describe the presentation of the long-segment near complete tracheal ring deformity and long-segment anterior fusion of cartilage rings (cartilage sleeve deformity) in a living infant. The literature is reviewed, and the embryology, presentation, and management of these extremely rare anomalies are discussed.
Pollution Claim Settlements under Correlated Information

Abstract Agents have to decide whether a polluting plant will be operated or not. Agents' disutility (cost) from pollution is privately known, but correlated across agents. Incentive compatible mechanisms are characterized under the assumption that transfer payments are non-negative. The implementability constraint is similar to the independence case, except that virtual utilities are diminished by a factor due to the correlation of agents' types. As correlation vanishes, the implementability constraint approaches the implementability constraint of the independent types environment. It is established that the free-riding problem is relaxed as the number of agents increases. With many agents, ex post efficiency is achievable under ex ante budget balance. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D82, H41.
Matching Inconsistently Spelled Names in Automatic Speech Recognizer Output for Information Retrieval

Many proper names are spelled inconsistently in speech recognizer output, posing a problem for applications where locating mentions of named entities is critical. We model the distortion in the spelling of a name due to the speech recognizer as the effect of a noisy channel. The models follow the framework of the IBM translation models. The model is trained using a parallel text of closed caption and automatic speech recognition output. We also test a string edit distance based method. The effectiveness of these models is evaluated on a name query retrieval task. Our methods result in a 60% improvement in F1. We also demonstrate why the problem has not been critical in TREC and TDT tasks.
Thyrotropin-Releasing hormone has profound presynaptic action on cultured spinal cord neurons

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptors are widely distributed throughout the nervous system. In particular, both the dorsal and the ventral horn (VH) neurons contain a rich distribution of TRH receptors, and TRH application to these sites has profound physiological effects. Currently the mechanism of action of TRH is not known. We examined the effect of TRH on ventral horn neurons using intracellular and patch-clamp techniques. Our results indicate that TRH application profoundly increases the firing rate of VH cells by decreasing membrane conductance. More importantly, TRH causes a significant increase in frequency and amplitude of postsynaptic potentials. Under voltage-clamp condition, TRH reduces holding current and causes a significant increase in the rate of occurrence and the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), an effect that lasts for more than 5 minutes. This effect of TRH is not observed in cultured neurons pretreated with tetanus toxin. TRH also fails to alter the characteristics of the EPSCs when it is applied to a region of the cell that is sparsely innervated. These results provide strong evidence that presynaptic mechanisms have a significant role in the excitatory effect of TRH on the VH neurons. Because there is evidence that trophic factors are released from presynaptic terminals, by increasing synaptic activity, TRH can have a trophic influence on the spinal cord neurons. In addition, because there are a significant number of TRH containing neurons within the spinal cord, it is likely that TRH has a major role in information processing within the spinal cord.
Some factors influencing the liberation of hyaluronidase from testes homogenate and spermatozoa in the rat.

Recent experiments concerning the effects of the enzyme haluronidase from sperm on mammalian ova have led to theoretical considerations of its role in reproduction (for discussion see Rowlands, 1944; Leonard, Perlman and Kurzrok, 1946). One of the problems has centered about the source of the enzyme obtained in the seminal plasma or extracts of testicular tissue, i.e., was it “secreted” by living sperm or germinal cells into the suspending medium, or was the enzyme liberation the reflection of a moribund cell population? The results of such studies would bear directly on any interpretation of semen assays as an index of fertility. It is evident from the experimental data to be presented that an increase in cell destruction is accompanied by an increase in the measurable hyaluronidase. Methods The methods of preparation of the testis homogenate and hyaluronidase determination were the same as previously described (Leonard et al., 1946). The enzyme unit is the turbidity reducing unit (TRU).
The effects of reversing the polarity of frequency-limited single-cycle stimuli on the human auditory brain stem response

This study was conducted to investigate morphologic differences in the ABR as a result of reversing the stimulus polarity of frequency-limited single-cycle stimuli in normal-hearing subjects. The results clearly demonstrate that large latency differences occur between condensation and rarefaction stimuli for low-frequency stimuli. It is believed that polarity-specific latencies are a result of the highly phase-sensitive neural elements tuned to low-frequency stimuli. In the majority of test subjects the rarefaction stimulus produced shorter absolute wave latencies; however, in a small number of subjects, significantly shorter latencies were elicited with the condensation stimulus. It is believed that differences may occur from varying summation patterns of inner hair cell depolarization between subjects which would be consistent over time within the same subject.
Scattering and Pattern Perturbation by a Conducting Tubular Cylinder of Finite Length

This paper uses the plane-wave-spectrum (PWS) scattering technique to determine the scattering and pattern-perturbation effects of a conducting tubular cylinder of a finite length situated in the neighborhood of a 2 x 4 dipole array. Both the axial and the circumferential current distributions induced on the cylinder due to a unit-magnitude incident plane wave have been calculated. Typical patterns for the scattered field and the perturbed radiation field are presented for various cylinder locations.
Further observations on the photooxidation of DNA in the presence of riboflavin.

Abstract Illumination of DNA in the presence of riboflavin results in an increase in buoyant density and a decrease in the temperature of the thermal helix-coil transition ( T m ). The increase in buoyant density is maintained even after thermal denaturation, which indicates that it reflects a chemical alteration of a DNA base (presumably guanine). β-Carotene, a quencher of singlet oxygen, inhibits the increase in buoyant density but it prevents only partially the decrease in T m . This is taken as an indication that the photo-induced alteration of the DNA structure is due to more than one reaction. Illumination of DNA in the presence of methylene blue also causes an increase in buoyant density, but this increase is not retained upon thermal denaturation.
Effects of availability of feature changes on behavior segmentation

Abstract Thirty-five subjects segmented one of two videotapes of an actor methodically assembling 20 five-page questionnaires. In one sequence, the completion of each questionnaire resulted in a highly visible change in the stimulus fields: The top page of the stack changed from black to white or from white to black with the completion of each questionnaire. In a second sequence the action was identical, but the changing feature was concealed from view. Results disclosed that subjects viewing the tape with the visible change segmented the action on the basis of that change. Subjects viewing the same action without the visible change segmented the behavior into its fine-unit components, despite the fact that the higher-level organization in the behavior was readily understood.
A New Efficient Impulse Detection Algorithm for the Removal of Impulse Noise

A new impulse noise detection algorithm is presented, which can successfully remove impulse noise from corrupted images while preserving image details. The impulse detection algorithm is combined with median filtering to achieve noise removal. The main advantage of the proposed algorithm is that it can detect the impulse noise with high accuracy while reducing the probability of detecting image details as impulses. Also, it can be applied iteratively to improve the quality of restored images. It is efficient and low in complexity. Furthermore, it requires no previous training. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed approach significantly outperforms many well-known techniques.
Spectral element method for the Schrodinger-Poisson system

A novel fast spectral element method (SEM) with exponential accuracy for the self-consistent solution of the Schrodinger-Poisson system has been developed for the simulation of semiconductor nanodevices. Gauss-Lobatto-Legendre polynomials were used to represent the unknown fields in the Schrodinger and Poisson equations. The model allows arbitrary potential energy and charge distributions. The predictor-corrector algorithm is applied to solve the outer loop of the self-consistent iteration. The nonlinear Poisson equation is solved by Newton's method to increase the efficiency of the system. In this paper, the spectral element method is first applied on an infinite quantum well under an external bias to solve the Schrodinger equation. Numerical results confirm the spectral accuracy of this method. The method can achieve high accuracy with a low sampling density, thus significantly lowering the computer memory and computational time compared to conventional methods.
A new scheduling approach using combined dispatching criteria in wafer fabs

In this paper, a scheduling approach that combines multiple dispatching criteria into a single rule, with the objective of simultaneously optimizing multiple performance measures is proposed. This is accomplished using a linear combination with relative weights. The weights identify the contribution of the different criteria. The weights' assignments to the different criteria are optimized using a mixture design of experiments (DOE) and multiple response optimization. Results using this new approach show significant improvement versus the use of a single dispatching criterion.
An adaptive low power reservation based MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks

A sensor network is a collection of wireless sensor nodes, each equipped with embedded processor, memory, and a wireless transceiver, that may be designed to perform distributed sensing and tracking operations. The sensor nodes use ad hoc networking principles to communicate amongst themselves. However, limitations of battery power in the sensor nodes and the bursty and correlated nature of traffic in the network introduce additional constraints for designing the communication protocols for sensor networks over that of traditional ad hoc networks. This paper proposes a reservation based medium access control (MAC) protocol for sensor networks that provides a high probability of success in packet transmissions, low average energy consumption, and adaptability to the traffic requirements to maximize the data throughput.
Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Metrecom for Length Measurements on Inanimate Objects

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and concurrent validity of length measurements (distance between two points) produced by a computer-interfaced, three-dimensional digitizer called the Metrecom. Methods. A total of 344 points were marked on the surfaces of five different inanimate objects and were digitized in pairs with the Metrecom. On the first three objects, each of two testers digitized each point twice for each of two testing modes (Line Length and 3-D Digitizer); on the last two objects, only one mode (3-D Digitizer) was used. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficients were used to assess reliability and concurrent validity, respectively. Results. All of the correlation coefficients were ≥.99. In further analysis of the results, a repeated-measures, one-way analysis of variance (used with reliability data) and repeated-measures t tests (used with validity data) were used to test for differences between repeated measures. After adjustment of the alpha level for the total number of comparisons, two of the t tests for validity comparisons were significant. Conclusion and Discussion. The results indicate that the Metrecom provides reliable length measurements (distance between two points) on inanimate objects and that two different test modes produce consistent measurements. Further study of the validity and reliability of length measurements obtained with the Metrecom on humans under applied conditions is needed before the results of this study can be generalized to applied settings.
‘Cuban Europe’? Greek and Iberian tiersmondisme in the ‘Long 1960s’

This article addresses the ways in which the Third World emerged as a new referent in Greece and Spain in the ‘long 1960s'. It shows how ‘Thirdworldism’ emerged out of growing dissatisfaction with the Old Left’s defeatism and the ways in which, by way of the Cuban and Vietnamese example, radicals started to conceive their countries as US colonies. It also compares the ways in which Greek and Iberian Jacobins – some of whom came together in Paris after May ‘68 – formed a radical student diaspora. Examining the impact of extra-European anti-imperialist violence on the discourse and action of the most radical organizations that espoused the ‘armed struggle’ in both countries, the article shows that whereas Greek militants used violence only symbolically, their counterparts in Spain went all the way. The article finishes with the espousal of thirdworldist rhetoric by a new student generation in Greece leading to the mass uprising of November 1973, and a brief look at the afterlives of ETA and PAK, two of the ...
Help-seeking behaviors of South Asian women experiencing domestic violence in the United States

This study used survey methodology and logistic regression analysis to examine sociocultural factors (isolation, social support, acculturation, and patriarchy) associated with informal and formal help seeking among a community sample of 57 female domestic violence victims of South Asian origin residing in the United States. Of them, 35 (61%) reported seeking some type of help in the past year. Most of the 35 (60%) sought informal help. Participants who were more isolated from their spouse/partner and were not living with children were more likely to seek help. Most women said they sought help from others as a last option. Participants rated the effectiveness of many informal and formal sources of help as "moderately" to "very" helpful. The findings can be used to develop culturally specific intervention programs/services for South Asian women victims of domestic violence.
Effects of Dietary Supplements on Space Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract Guan, J., Wan, X. S., Zhou, Z., Ware, J., Donahue, J. J., Biaglow, J. E. and Kennedy, A. R. Effects of Dietary Supplements on Space Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Radiat. Res. 162, 572–579 (2004). Of particular concern for the health of astronauts during space travel is radiation from protons and high-mass, high-atomic-number (Z), and high-energy particles (HZE particles). Space radiation is known to induce oxidative stress in astronauts after extended space flight. In the present study, the total antioxidant status was used as a biomarker to evaluate oxidative stress induced by γ rays, protons and HZE-particle radiation. The results demonstrate that the plasma level of total antioxidants in Sprague-Dawley rats was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner within 4 h after exposure to γ rays. Exposure to protons and HZE-particle radiation also significantly decreased the serum or plasma level of total antioxidants in the irradiated animals. Diet sup...
A trial of “standard” outpatient alcoholism treatment vs. a minimal treatment control

Abstract This study sought to examine the effectiveness of a “standard” outpatient alcoholism treatment (ST) program. An outpatient alcoholism treatment as it is commonly practiced in the US (with group and individual therapy, and an emphasis on Alcoholics Anonymous [AA]), was compared with a minimal treatment (MT) approach (weekly alcohol education movies). At 6 months, ST patients surpassed those in MT in terms of complete abstinence, reduction in amount of alcohol consumed, length of sobriety at follow-up, improvement in employment status, number of AA meetings attended, and lower initial drop-out. It is concluded that a ST approach is more helpful than MT in treating severely alcohol-dependent individuals who have not been able to cut down drinking on their own. Those already drinking less appeared to be helped by MT.
Optimistic Parallel Simulation over Public Resource-Computing Infrastructures and Desktop Grids

Issues concerning optimistic time management on public-resource computing infrastructures and desktop grids are explored. The master/worker (MW) approach used for these platforms calls for a rethinking of optimistic synchronization and the development of new mechanisms and protocols specific to this paradigm. Approaches to rollback, message cancellation, state management and state saving are described. Challenges specific to adapting optimism to this computing paradigm are discussed as well as optimizations and overhead reduction techniques. The impact of various key parallel discrete event simulation (PDES) application properties on performance of an optimistic MW implementation is evaluated using Aurora, a framework supporting PDES over desktop grids.