cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symmetric diffeomorphic image registration: evaluating automated labeling of elderly and neurodegenerative cortex and frontal lobe

One of the most challenging problems in modern neuroimaging is detailed characterization of neurodegeneration. Quantifying spatial and longitudinal atrophy patterns is an important component of this process. These spatiotemporal signals will aid in discriminating between related diseases, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), which manifest themselves in the same at-risk population. We evaluate a novel symmetric diffeomorphic image registration method for automatically providing detailed anatomical measurement over the aged and neurodegenerative brain. Our evaluation will compare gold standard, human segmentation with our method's atlas-based segmentation of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and the frontal lobe. The new method compares favorably to an open-source, previously evaluated implementation of Thirion's Demons algorithm.
Diversifying Credit Risk with International Corporate Bonds

This paper explores the potential for US investors to diversify credit risk exposure with international corporate bonds. Using a newly compiled dataset of firm-level monthly corporate bond quotes for foreign and domestic issues, I show that by adding foreign corporate bonds to a benchmark of US equity and bond portfolios, the investor achieves an economically significant reduction in portfolio risk particularly during periods of high volatility in the US markets such as the recent credit crisis. Further, in contrast to the observed US holdings in foreign bonds of 6%, the model implied portfolio holding in foreign corporate bonds should be 25% or more, which implies a potential bond home bias puzzle. Finally, I find that the potential diversification gains cannot be replicated by holding bond issues of foreign firm that trade in the US, known as Yankee bonds, and must be achieved through direct investment in the respective foreign corporate bond markets.
THE PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE OF THE DEATH PENALTY: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME SOVEREIGN

This essay demonstrates that in his 1999–2000 Death Penalty Seminar Jacques Derrida pursues the deconstruction of political theology that he had been pursuing in a more or less explicit fashion for more than two decades. Derrida's interest in the theme of the death penalty can be traced back in large part, it is argued, to the theological and essentially Judeo-Christian origins that Derrida finds in discourses both for and against the death penalty. This emphasis on the theological origins of the death penalty helps explain why Derrida spends much more time questioning the principles, rhetoric, and images of abolitionist discourses than pro–death penalty discourses. For Derrida, this essay concludes, a critique or deconstruction of discourses surrounding the death penalty is never more critical than in a putatively postreligious, secular age. In the end, Derrida hopes to provide what may be the very first philosophical abolitionist discourse, one that argues against the death penalty without relying on the language, tropes, symbols, and images of Judeo-Christian theology.
Query-by-structure approach for the web

This chapter presents three systems that incorporate document structure information into a search of the Web. These systems extend existing Web searches by allowing the user to request documents containing not only specific search words, but also to specify that documents be of a certain type. In addition to being able to search a local database (DB), all three systems are capable of dynamically querying the Web. Each system applies a query-by-structure approach that captures and utilizes structure information as well as content during a query of the Web. Two of the systems also employ neural networks (NNs) to organize the information based on relevancy of both the content and structure. These systems utilize a supervised Hamming NN and an unsupervised competitive NN, respectively. Initial testing of these systems has shown promising results when compared to straight keyword searches.
Liberty, Diversity, Academic Freedom, and Survival: Preferential Hiring Among Religiously-Affiliated Institutions of Higher Education

Thais article discusses the exemptions given to religious educational institutions from the usual Title VII protections afforded employees. The author supports the use of such exemptions when they promote diversity and protecting the fundamental foundation of the institution itself, but warns that there is a point where the exemptions must not be used even when they are within the power of the institution to invoke. Such inappropriate instances include promoting faculty or granting tenure to faculty members who are not of the religious persuasion of the institution, or hiring the best and brightest faculty over the professor who simply agrees with the religious ideals promoted by the institution.
Bioretention Design for Xeric Climates Based on Ecological Principles1

Abstract: Bioretention as sustainable urban stormwater management has gathered much recent attention, and implementation is expanding in mesic locations that receive more than 1,000 mm of annual precipitation. The arid southwestern United States is the fastest growing and most urbanized region in the country. Consequently, there is a need to establish design recommendations for bioretention to control stormwater from expanding urban development in this ecologically sensitive region. Therefore, we review the ecological limits and opportunities for designing bioretention in arid and semiarid regions. We incorporated USEPA Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) simulations to synthesize ecologically based design recommendations for bioretention in arid climates. From our review, an ideal bioretention garden area should be 6 to 8% of the contributing impervious drainage area (depending on region) with two layers of media, a 0.5-m low-nutrient topsoil layer above a 0.6-m porous media layer that acts as temporary storage during a storm event. When planted with the suggested vegetation, this design maximizes stormwater treatment by promoting ecological treatment in the topsoil while promoting infiltration and evapotranspiration of stormwater by deep-rooted shrubs that require no irrigation after establishment. This synthesis improves water resources management in arid and semiarid regions by introducing a sustainable bioretention design that protects local surface waters while reducing regional water demands for irrigation.
Sleep Apnea in a Child With the Pickwickian Syndrome

A 3-year-old girl with a history of excessive weight gain from birth presented with obesity, somnolence, and cyanosis, characteristic of the Pickwickian syndrome. Obesity was familial and exogenous without endocrine or neurologic anomaly. Respiratory center sensitivity to carbon dioxide was normal. Excessive somnolence was due to the obesity, which during sleep caused airway obstruction, apnea, and awakening, finally resulting in sleep deprivation. The sleep apneas and the daytime somnolence disappeared with weight reduction, showing that obesity alone had been responsible for the disorder.
Evolution of gliding in Southeast Asian geckos and other vertebrates is temporally congruent with dipterocarp forest development.

Gliding morphologies occur in diverse vertebrate lineages in Southeast Asian rainforests, including three gecko genera, plus frogs, snakes, agamid lizards and squirrels. It has been hypothesized that repeated evolution of gliding is related to the dominance of Asian rainforest tree floras by dipterocarps. For dipterocarps to have influenced the evolution of gliding in Southeast Asian vertebrates, gliding lineages must have Eocene or later origins. However, divergence times are not known for most lineages. To investigate the temporal pattern of Asian gliding vertebrate evolution, we performed phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses. New sequence data for geckos incorporate exemplars of each gliding genus ( Cosymbotus , Luperosaurus and Ptychozoon ), whereas analyses of other vertebrate lineages use existing sequence data. Stem ages of most gliding vertebrates, including all geckos, cluster in the time period when dipterocarps came to dominate Asian tropical forests. These results demonstrate that a gliding/dipterocarp correlation is temporally viable, and caution against the assumption of early origins for apomorphic taxa.
YF-16 air induction system design loads associated with engine surge

Basic data and procedures used by the Fort Worth Division of General Dynamics Corporation to calculate structural loads due to engine surge on its YF-16 prototype fighter are presented. The procedure is based on a correlation of transient-pressure vs engine-compressor pressure ratio and relies heavily on extensive flight-measured transient-pressure data from engine-surge events on F-lll aircraft equipped with Pratt and Whitney TF30 family engines. These data were supplemented and confirmed by theoretical calculations for the YF-16 and by test-cell measurements of transient-pressure data from engine-surge events on the Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-100 engine, which is used in the YF-16. Nomenclature A — flow area BPR = bypass ratio FWS - hammershock wave shape factor K = APHS/P2M21-26 M = Mach number m = mass flow P = absolute pressure T = temperature t = time VH = level-flight maximum design speed for continuous operation Am = mass flow reduction in guillotine analogy AP = differential pressure AP//S = incremental static pressure due to engine-surge- induced hammershock Subscripts 0 2 4 SS = freestream = engine face = compressor exit = total conditions = steady conditions
Other Asthma Considerations

Asthma is a heterogeneous syndrome of cough, wheeze, dyspnea, and chest tightness. However, in a subset of patients, these symptoms may indicate a different underlying disease process with variable responsiveness to classic asthma therapies. Disease may progress while practitioners attempt conventional asthma therapy. Additionally, some types of asthma may require alternative approaches to relieve symptoms successfully. This article describes the differential diagnosis of asthma and discusses some of the more common asthma variants and asthma mimickers.
Issues and Trends in Agricultural and Agricultural Economics Research Funding

Many pages in the Journal have been devoted in the past two decades to discussions about funding and productivity of agricultural science and economics research. Much of the funding debate is related to the pros and cons of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) support of agricultural research with traditional Cooperative State Research, Extension and Education Service (CSREES) formula funds versus support with funds from the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP). The debate has been fueled by an increasing federal emphasis on competitive project funding of agricultural research in academic institutions (USDA 1993, Weaver). Bredahl, Bryant, and Ruttan pointed out that the competitive funding system has been defended by claims that a competitive mechanism forces research units to become more responsive, and stated that "We find no fault with this argument [in favor of competitive grants] as long as project research support remains relatively small-as long as its impact is to encourage the exploration of new opportunities within the broad research mission of an institu-
Surgical Treatment of Primary Aortoduodenal Fistula

Primary aortoduodenal fistula is a rare and potentially fatal condition. Awareness of its existence, precise diagnostic evaluation, and early surgical intervention are essential for the survival of the patient. Although early experience indicated that interruption of the fistula, repair of the enteric defect, oversewing of the aorta and extraanatomic bypass was the procedure of choice, in situ aortic replacement with a prosthetic graft seems to be a viable option. This article includes a case report of a primary aortoduodenal fistula and review of the literature.
The future of gastric cancer prevention.

Despite advances in surgical treatment and chemotherapy, gastric cancer remains a major global health burden. The most recent estimates show that it is the fourth most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Various etiologic factors have been linked with the disease. It is widely accepted that Helicobacter pylori infection and high salt intake are positively associated with this neoplastic process. Controversial associations have been found with smoking or drinking habits. In contrast, there is convincing evidence that the adequate consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of gastric cancer. Prevention intervention trials involving antioxidant supplements and anti-H. pylori treatment have shown beneficial effects in preventing the progression of pathologic changes in the gastric mucosa. On the other hand, recent advances related to differences in the genotypes of the bacteria and in human cytokine polymorphisms would allow the design and implementation of large-scale screening programs to identify subjects at the highest risk of gastric cancer. Curing the infection in such subjects and supplying adequate amounts of antioxidants should prevent a neoplastic outcome, and this intervention should be monitored by endoscopic surveillance.
Link layer adaptation in body area networks: Balancing reliability and longevity

A wireless Body Area Network (BAN) consists of multiple radio-enabled wearable and implantable sensor nodes for use inside or in proximity to the human body. BANs are expected to balance requirement for reliable communication of their nodes with a need for battery energy conservation to ensure their longevity. The main challenge in managing this tradeoff is the inability of interfering BANs to explicitly coordinate their transmissions. This may result in unacceptably high battery energy draining rates to overcome cross-interference by other BANs in the vicinity. Here, we propose a utility-based, link-layer adaptation framework for balancing these tradeoffs for each BAN as well as across different BANs. The framework accounts for the utility of the BANs data rates and penalties associated with high transmission powers. Our analysis indicates that link-layer adaptation is beneficial for mitigating the interference from multiple adjacent BANs. Simulation results support our mathematical framework, indicating a much better spectral efficiency obtainable by using link layer adaptation techniques.
A multilevel algorithm for solving a boundary integral equation of wave scattering

In the solution of an integral equation using the conjugate gradient (CG) method, the most expensive part is the matrix-vector multiplication, requiring O(N2) floating-point operations. The fast multipole method (FMM) reduced the operation to O(N15). In this article we apply a multilevel algorithm to this problem and show that the complexity of a matrix-vector multiplication is proportional to N (log(N))2. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AGU Panel to write statement on Earth and space science education in K‐12

AGU has convened a panel to write a policy statement that can be used by AGU members and others to argue for effective Earth and space science education at the K-12 level. The panel welcomes comments from AGU members to help them craft a relevant and effective statement. AGU's Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR) first proposed the idea for the position statement in 1999. The Committee's reasoning was that the Earth and space sciences should be included at all levels of education, because increased public understanding of those sciences is needed to ensure their appropriate application to societal needs and challenges.
A systematic analysis of two-electrode electrostatic lenses

A thorough investigation of axially symmetric two-electrode electrostatic lenses is given. The study is based on the analysis of axial potential distributions, according to the principle of synthesis. The aberration coefficients of a large class of axial potential distributions are examined and plotted. General conclusions are drawn for the axial potential functions and electrode shapes that have small aberration coefficients. The electrode shapes of an optimized lens with small spherical aberration are given. General criteria are established for the design of two-electrode lenses.
Collaborative air/ground command and control for responsive persistent ISR operations using unmanned systems

"The foundation for integrating ISR planning and direction is the information network, including the appropriate ISR services and applications oriented toward the [commanders] needs. By combining global visibility of available information and intelligence needs with the tools to maximize platform/sensor/target management, the network will improve efficiency and maximize persistence. Inherent within this concept is the idea of integrating and synchronizing a mix of sensing systems and platforms rather than relying on a single system. The second concept embedded within this concept is the ability to capture the activity/information as it occurs rather than forensically reconstructing after the fact. This requires the ability for the [commander] to adjust collection priorities of the entire collection suite to a level appropriate to the activity of interest. Individual sensors, platforms and exploitation nodes will become more efficient as part of an integrated system. Implementing this fully integrated ISR Enterprise will result in improved persistence, and ultimately better ISR for the warfighter."[3] Over the last 6 years, SAIC has been working with CERDEC and AMRDEC to introduce Battle Command aids supporting (semi) autonomous execution and collaboration of unmanned assets. This paper presents an operational context and a distributed command and control architecture aiming to reduce workload and increase Persistent ISR effectiveness. This architecture has been implemented and demonstrated in field tests and as part of FY'09 C4ISR OTM testbed.
Use of Monte Carlo modeling for interpreting scanning electron microscope linewidth measurements

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be used to measure the dimensions of the microlithographic features of integrated circuits. However, without a good model of the electron-beam/specimen interaction, accurate edge location cannot be obtained. A Monte Carlo code has been developed to model the interaction of an electron beam with one or two lines lithographically produced on a multilayer substrate. The purpose of the code is to enable one to extract the edge position of a line from SEM measurements. It is based on prior codes developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, but with a new formulation for the atomic scattering cross sections and the inclusion of a method to simulate edge roughness or rounding. The code is currently able to model the transmitted and backscattered electrons, and the results from the code have been applied to the analysis of electron transmission through gold lines on a thin silicon substrate, such as is used in an x-ray lithographic mask. Significant reductions in backscattering occur because of the proximity of a neighboring line.
Single-Base Sequencing and Similarity Comparisons

A {open_quotes}single-base sequence{close_quotes} is a DNA sequence in which the identities and locations of bases of only one type have been determined. We present experimental procedures for single-base sequencing and describe the effective use of existing software (FASTA) in similarity comparisons of single-base sequences. We determined the theoretical and experimental minimum sequence lengths required for identification of a sequence within a large dataset and optimized the FASTA parameters for use in single-base similarity comparisons. Single-base sequences have been used to identify cDNAs occurring in a database. Single-base sequencing could be used to reduce the redundancy of {open_quotes}shotgun sequencing.{close_quotes} 7 refs., 1 fig., 5 tabs.
Release factors mediating termination of complete proteins.

In vitro studies using antisera to each of the two E. coli release factors, R1 and R2, show that these factors mediate release of complete proteins. Either factor can terminate R17 coat protein or R17 RNA synthetase.
Estrogen-induced delay of farrowing in swine

Abstract Eighty-four sows and gilts were assigned to 4 treatment groups to assess the effects of estrogen upon normal and prostaglandin-induced farrowing. Sows in Group 1 were injected with saline and corn oil vehicles at 800 hours on Day 112 of gestation and served as controls. Sows in Group 2 received saline and 3 mg of estradiol benzoate. Sows in Group 3 received 10 mg of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and corn oil, and sows in Group 4 received both the PGF2α and estradiol benzoate. The control sows farrowed at 74.5 ± 6.8 hours after vehicle injections. Surprisingly, the average time from treatment to onset of parturition was significantly increased (P 0.1). Performance characteristics of estrogen-treated sows and their litters were equal to those of the control sows.
Why Vietnam Invaded Cambodia: Political Culture and the Causes of War

Abbreviations Preface Introduction: international relations, rationality, and Marxist-Leninist political cultures Part I. The Local Genesis of the Conflict: 1. Roots of a conflict: the Vietnamese communists and the Cambodians, 1930-70 2. The public rise and secret fall of ' Militant Solidarity': Vietnamese and Cambodian communists, 1970-75 3. The foreign policy of democratic Kampuchea, 1975-78 4. The public disintergration of ' Militant Solidarity' in Indochina: Vietnam and Cambodia, 1975-78 Part II. The Internationalization of a Conflict: 5. Vietnam and the Communist world, 1930-68 6. North Vietnam's tilt toward the Soviet Union, 1968-75 7. The collapse of Vietnamese-Chinese relations 8. The emergence of the Soviet-Vietnamese alliance 9. The consequences of the Vietnamese invasion Conclusion: history and theory Notes Bibliography Index.
Expanding Interventions for Children With Autism: Parents as Trainers.

The number of individuals diagnosed with autism has risen at an alarming rate. Expanding services should be a primary consideration of programs for children and their families. This article present...
A physically based navigation strategy for sonar-guided vehicles

A novel navigation strategy is described that employs a time- of-flight sonar system to guide an autonomous vehicle through an unstructured environment composed of specular surfaces. Collisions are...
Relating initial turns of human-robot dialogues to discourse

Similarly, User models can be useful for improving dialogue management. In this paper we analyze human-robot dialogues that occur during uncontrolled interactions and estimate relations between the initial dialogue turns and patterns of discourse that are indicative of such user traits as persistence and politeness. The significant effects shown in this preliminary study suggest that initial dialogue turns may be useful in modeling a user's interaction style.
Learning outside the laboratory: Ability and non-ability influences on acquiring political knowledge

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify sources of individual differences in knowledge acquired under natural conditions. Through its direct influence on background knowledge, crystallized intelligence ( Gc ) had a major impact on political knowledge, acquired over a period of more than 2 months, but there were independent influences of personality and interest factors, via exposure to political information through activities like reading the newspaper. We also found sex differences in political knowledge, favoring males, and these differences could not be explained in terms of any of the predictor variables we modeled. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the results.
An integrative review of sexual health issues in advanced incurable disease.

Abstract The sexual health needs of people with advanced incurable diseases are underexplored and under assessed by health care practitioners and under studied by researchers. The loss of sexual health can impact a person's overall quality of life and well-being. This integrative review of the literature presents the current state of the science and was conducted to identify and summarize publications in the professional literature related to the sexual health needs of people with advanced illness. A systematic search of 18 databases for studies conducted between 1960 and April 2012 in the English language that focused on the sexual health needs of people with life-limiting illnesses was conducted. Findings document that studies regarding the sexual health of patients with life limiting illnesses are generally narrative reviews, expert opinions, or exploratory in nature. Of the 30 possibly relevant abstracts and titles identified, there was only one prospective or case control trial focusing on sexual hea...
Hospitalist use of hand‐carried ultrasound: Preparing for battle

Hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) is a burgeoning technology at a critical point in its development as a general diagnostic technique. Despite the known safety and accuracy of ultrasound in radiology and echocardiography, the use of HCU to augment physical diagnosis by all physicians has yet unrealized potential. In order to incorporate ultrasound into a diagnostic model of routine bedside application, simple imaging and training protocols must first be derived and validated. Simplified cardiac ultrasound exams have already been validated to detect evidence-based targets such as subclinical atherosclerosis, heart failure, and elevated central venous pressures. However, for general examination of the acutely ill patient, it is the internist-hospitalist who should derive a full-body ultrasound examination, balancing training requirements with the numerous clinical applications potentially available. As the hospital's leading diagnostician with ultrasound expertise available in-house, the hospitalist could develop HCU so as to triage and refer more appropriately and limit unnecessary testing and hospital stays. Active involvement by hospitalists now in the planning of outcome, validation, and training studies, will be invaluable in the formation of an “ultrasound-assisted” physical examination in the future and will promote competent, cost-effective applications of HCU within general medical practice. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:163–167. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Multiple Roles for Rsp5p-dependent Ubiquitination at the Internalization Step of Endocytosis

Abstract Ubiquitination of integral plasma membrane proteins triggers their rapid internalization into the endocytic pathway. The yeast ubiquitin ligase Rsp5p, a homologue of mammalian Nedd4 and Itch, is required for the ubiquitination and subsequent internalization of multiple plasma membrane proteins, including the α-factor receptor (Ste2p). Here we demonstrate that Rsp5p plays multiple roles at the internalization step of endocytosis. Temperature-sensitive rsp5 mutant cells were defective in the internalization of α-factor by a Ste2p-ubiquitin chimera, a receptor that does not require post-translational ubiquitination. Similarly, a modified version of Ste2p bearing a NPFXD linear peptide sequence as its only internalization signal was not internalized in rsp5 cells. Internalization of these variant receptors was dependent on the catalytic cysteine residue of Rsp5p and on ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes that bind Rsp5p. Thus, a Rsp5p-dependent ubiquitination event is required for internalization mediated by ubiquitin-dependent and -independent endocytosis signals. Constitutive Ste2p-ubiquitin internalization and fluid-phase endocytosis also required active ubiquitination machinery, including Rsp5p. These observations indicate that Rsp5p-dependent ubiquitination of a trans-acting protein component of the endocytosis machinery is required for the internalization step of endocytosis.
Early ultrastructural adaptive changes of ileal enterocytes after proximal small bowel resection as determined morphometrically

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in terms of quantitative measurements whether the well-known histomorphological and functional adaptive changes in the intestinal mucosa after small bowel resection are accompanied by alterations on the ultrastructural level. Therefore, samples of the ileal remnants after a 60% proximal resection were processed for ultrastructural evaluation and analyzed employing point counting planimetry and direct measurements. Microvillus surface area increased from the bottom of the crypts to the villus tips in both resected and sham-operated animals. This increase in microvillus surface area from the crypt to the villus was significantly less pronounced after proximal resection, while there were no changes in the crypt compartment. No significant differences of the relative areas of the nuclei, mitochondria, and the rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed when comparing the different positions along the villus crypt axis in normal and hyperplastic mucosa. In agreement with functional and enzyme histochemical results, these ultrastructural findings provide further evidence for an altered pattern of enterocyte maturation after proximal resection, which is most probably due to an increase in the migration rate of the enterocytes.
The study of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake from a parental perspective: a systematic review of observational studies in the United States.

Abstract Despite widespread information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, uptake continues to be low (CDC, 2010). HPV vaccine uptake may be maximized by better understanding factors likely to influence parents’ decisions to vaccinate their age-recommended children. Previous reviews have summarized barriers and facilitators likely to influence parents’ decision to vaccinate their adolescents (mostly daughters) against HPV; however, less attention has been given to summarize and evaluate the methodology. The aim of this study is to systematically review the methodology used in observational studies of HPV vaccine uptake from a parental perspective. A systematic search of Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, ERIC, Medline and PsycInfo to obtain relevant articles after FDA vaccine approval (2006 to present) yielded 446 studies, of which 17 studies were eligible. Results showed the majority of studies were cross-sectional, with random sampling from list-assisted sources being the most common method for data collection. Most studies used convenience samples and relied on parental self-report. Also, the majority of studies explored vaccine initiation, but only a few explored regimen completion and timely completion of vaccine regimen. Given that the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine is based on established recommendations for a three dose regimen within a timely interval, studies on factors likely to influence regimen completion and timely completion of regimen are essential to maximize the effectiveness and public health benefits of the vaccine. Research with more diverse samples, better and increased use of random sampling techniques, and the use of precise and objective measures of vaccine uptake to supplement parental self-report, is necessary to reduce selection and information biases in future studies. Studies to inform on factors likely to influence parents’ decisions to vaccinate their sons against HPV are also needed.
A Comparison of Analysis and Forecast Correction Techniques:Impact of Negative Dissipation

Abstract The impact of negative dissipation on posttime analysis and forecast correction techniques is examined in a simplified context. The experiments are conducted using a three-level quasigeostrophic model (with a nonsingular tangent propagator matrix) under a perfect-model assumption. Corrections to the initial analysis errors are obtained by operating on the forecast error with (i) the full inverse of the forward tangent propagator, (ii) an inverse composed of a subset of the first leading singular vectors (pseudoinverse), and (iii) the tangent equations with a negative time step (backward integration). When the forecast error is known exactly, using negative dissipation during the full-inverse or backward-integration calculation results in an analysis-error estimate that projects too weakly onto the leading singular vectors and too strongly onto the decaying singular vectors. These discrepancies are small for weak dissipation but increase as the dissipation strength is increased. When the forecast ...
Birefringent beam splitter for intracavity mode selection in high-power multimirror lasers

The design and application of an uncoated sapphire plate that acts as both the beam splitter and the output coupler of an interferometric laser resonator are described. Output coupling is provided at one of the surfaces by p-polarized (TM) reflection near the Brewster angle, and axial-mode selection is enforced at the other surface by s-polarized (TE) reflection at the same angle of incidence. The design is discussed in the context of the phase-locked, rf linac free-electron laser, in which the coupling of adjacent optical pulses at the beam splitter induces temporal phase coherence among all the pulses in the output beam; this coherence is manifested in the frequency domain as a reduction in the number of axial modes per rf frequency interval. The Michelson and Fox–Smith resonator designs are compared, and applications to cavity dumping are discussed.
Optical interferometric and spectroscopic measurements of electron density in a plasma.

Plasma electron density measurements, interferometric and spectroscopic techniques compared with Stark H-beta line and absolute continuum intensity method
Explaining the growth of Puerto Rican poverty, 1970-1980

With data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census 1970 Public Use Samples and 1980 Public Use Microdata Sample tape files for 34 metropolitan statistical areas, the authors examine cross-metropolitan variations in Puerto Rican poverty, using an instrumental variables regression model. The analyses highlight the role of residential segregation and economic restructuring on Puerto Rican poverty in 1970 and 1980. Decomposition of changes during the 1970s revealed that the primary sources responsible for increased Puerto Rican poverty rates were structural: The effects of segregation on poverty grew stronger during the decade, and the ability of manufacturing employment and self-employment to attenuate poverty grew weaker.
DSDs: genetics, underlying pathologies and psychosexual differentiation

Mammalian sex determination is the unique process whereby a single organ, the bipotential gonad, undergoes a developmental switch that promotes its differentiation into either a testis or an ovary. Disruptions of this complex genetic process during human development can manifest as disorders of sex development (DSDs). Sex development can be divided into two distinct processes: sex determination, in which the bipotential gonads form either testes or ovaries, and sex differentiation, in which the fully formed testes or ovaries secrete local and hormonal factors to drive differentiation of internal and external genitals, as well as extragonadal tissues such as the brain. DSDs can arise from a number of genetic lesions, which manifest as a spectrum of gonadal (gonadal dysgenesis to ovotestis) and genital (mild hypospadias or clitoromegaly to ambiguous genitalia) phenotypes. The physical attributes and medical implications associated with DSDs confront families of affected newborns with decisions, such as gender of rearing or genital surgery, and additional concerns, such as uncertainty over the child's psychosexual development and personal wishes later in life. In this Review, we discuss the underlying genetics of human sex determination and focus on emerging data, genetic classification of DSDs and other considerations that surround gender development and identity in individuals with DSDs.
Comparison of fetal rat limb bones and neonatal mouse calvaria: Effects of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The relative responses of fetal rat limb bones and neonatal mouse calvaria to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) were examined in organ culture. Limb bones were cultured in dishes in BGJ+1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (bSA) or DMEM+15% heat-inactivated horse serum (hS). Calvaria were either cultured in dishes with one of the above two media or in roller tubes in DMEM+hS. The order of sensitivity to PTH was: calvaria in roller tubes>limb bones in dishes in DMEM+hS>limb bones in dishes in BGJ+bSA ≥ calvaria in dishes in DMEM+hS>calvaria in dishes in BGJ+bSA. The most sensitive system (i.e., calvaria in roller tubes) showed significant resorption in response to 10−10M PTH at 48 h. The least sensitive system did not respond to 3×10−8M PTH after the same length of time. The greater response in DMEM+hS compared with BGJ+bSA appeared to be due to the protein component of the medium. The order of sensitivity to 1,25(OH)2D3 was: calvaria in roller tubes=long bones in culture dishes in BGJ+bSA>long bones in culture dishes in DMEM+hS>calvaria in dishes in DMEM+hS>calvaria in dishes in BGJ+bSA. The most sensitive systems showed resorption in response to 10−11M 1,25(OH)2D3 by 72 h. The least sensitive system failed to respond to 10−9M 1,25(OH)2D3 after the same length of time. The nature of the protein constituent did not seem to influence the response of the limb bones to 1,25(OH)2D3. The results indicated that although the responses of the two bone systems to the calcemic hormones were qualitatively similar, media and culture conditions could markedly affect the sensitivity.
Foraging populations and territories of the Eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera : Rhinotermitidae) in Southeastern Florida

Foraging populations of colonies of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), were surveyed in residential and undeveloped environments of southeastern Florida. A triple mark-recapture program using the dye marker Nile Blue A indicated foraging populations of R. flavipes contain ≃ 0.2-5.0 million termites per colony, and the foraging territories encompass an area of up to 2,361 m 2 and a linear foraging distance of 71 m. Habitat type was not correlated with foraging population size
Determination of plutonium isotopes and neptunium-237 in environmental samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with total sample dissolution

A method for the separation and purification of environmental levels of plutonium and neptunium from totally digested sediment samples and determination of isotopic abundances of 237Np, 239Pu, 240Pu and 241Pu by ICP-MS has been developed. Data from the analysis of standard reference materials (SRM-4350B, IAEA-135, and IAEA-384), selected sediments collected from the Ob River, Siberia, and laboratory intercomparison analyses conducted with scientists at DOE's Environmental Measurements Laboratory using TIMS are presented and discussed. Chemical recoveries for Pu and Np are 90 and 70 percent, respectively. Measurement precision ranged between 1 and 5 percent for all isotopes except 241Pu, for which it was 10–15 percent. The lower limit of detection was 0.5 fg g−1 for all isotopes of interest.
The effect of budget deficits on exchange rates: Evidence from five industrialized countries

Abstract Evidence of insignificant correlations between budget deficits and interest rates has been interpreted as support for the Ricardian equivalence proposition. Alternatively, international capital flows could transfer deficits' effects from interest rates to exchange rates. This paper investigates these alternative hypotheses by testing the significance of budget deficit and government spending changes on exchange rates in five industrialized countries: U.S., Germany, Japan, U.K., and Canada. The estimation uses forecast data for the fiscal policy expectations variables. The evidence is mixed: it supports the open economy hypothesis in three countries, but the Ricardian equivalence proposition in one country—Japan.
Direct approach for attenuating cocaine's effects on extracellular dopamine: targeting the dopamine transporter.

Using in vivo microdialysis techniques, the effects of RTI-55 and/or cocaine on extracellular dopamine (DA) concentrations were measured in the nucleus accumbens (NACC) of freely moving rats. In control animals, cocaine (20 mg/kg) increased NACC DA approximately 458% 60 minutes following administration, returning to baseline values within 200 minutes. Similarly, RTI-55 administration (0.25 mg/kg) increased NACC DA levels approximately 347%. When combined, however, cocaine further increased NACC DA to 705% of baseline values when given 4 hours following RTI-55. This increase was significantly larger than cocaine alone (P 0.1) compared to acute RTI55/cocaine animals. These findings indicate that RTI-55, a drug that binds directly to the dopamine transporter (DAT) with higher affinity than cocaine, does not appear to be effective in attenuating cocaine's effects on NACC dopamine levels. In fact, acute RTI-55 potentiates cocaine's effects on NACC DA.
Purchasing process transformation: restructuring for small purchases

Purpose – Reducing purchasing costs remains an ongoing concern for most organizations. The standard purchasing process that works well for large purchases, however, generates proportionately much higher overhead and administrative costs for small purchases leading to purchase delays, high error rate, and poor vendor participation. There is a need to develop separate purchasing processes for small and large purchases and evaluate underlying factors that affect such process transformation. This paper aims to analyze a successful purchasing process transformation conducted at a utility company for small purchases.Design/methodology/approach – It uses a case study methodology to examine the transformation in detail and understand related issues such as benefits realization, resistance to change, and risk management involved in such transformation projects.Findings – It compares original and transformed purchasing processes and identifies resultant benefits to the company, participating vendors, banks, and emp...
Magnetic resonance imaging of gynecologic masses

The pelvis of 21 women with various gynecological masses were imaged with magnetic resonance (MR) imagers at 2.0 and 0.5 T. Fifteen normal individuals were used for studying the normal appearance of the female genitalia using spin echo pulse sequences with various pulse repetition (TR) and spin echo (TE) time values. Images were compared with those of the ultrasonic images, intraoperative findings, and the histopathologic examinations. The masses included simple ovarian cyst, cystadenoma, serous cystadenocarcinoma, ovarian teratoma, dysgerminoma, and uterine myoma. MR imaging was useful in demonstrating the anatomy and pathology of the cases examined in this study. It detected the internal structure of some tumors which were sonographically homogeneous. The potential of MR in staging of malignancies was demonstrated.
On the analysis of family continuation probabilities which are composition-specific

Abstract A technique is proposed for ascertaining a population's preference for certain combinations of sons and daughters on the basis of actual fertility behavior. For completed families, we work with the probability of continuing to a higher parity given a particular combination of sons and daughters, which is independent of Lexian or other variation in the sex ratio at birth. Multiplicative models are applied to these probabilities. An illustration of these models is given for a high fertility population which shows no evidence of any kind of sex-related preference.
Knowledge management: implications for human service organizations.

SUMMARY. Knowledge management has recently taken a more prom­ inent role in the management of organizations as worker knowledge and intellectual capital are recognized as critical to organizational success. This analysis explores the literature of knowledge management includ­ ing the individual level of tacit and explicit knowledge, the networks and social interactions utilized by workers to create and share new knowl­ edge, and the multiple organizational and managerial factors associated with effective knowledge management systems. Based on the role of organizational culture, structure, leadership, and.reward systems, six strate­ gies are identified to assist human service organizations with implementing new knowledge management systems. doi:10.1300/J394v05n01_13 (Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website:
Social interest and the development of cortical face specialization: what autism teaches us about face processing.

Investigations of face processing in persons with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) inform upon theories of the development of "normal" face processing, and the story that emerges challenges some models of the nature and origin of cortical face specialization. Individuals with an ASD possess deficits in face processing and a lack of a fusiform face area (FFA). Evidence from studies of ASD can be conceptualized best using an expertise framework of face processing rather than models that postulate a face module in the fusiform gyrus. Because persons with an ASD have reduced social interest, they may fail to develop cortical face specialization. Face specialization may develop in normal individuals because they are socially motivated to regard the face, and such motivation promotes expertise for faces. The amygdala is likely the key node in the system that marks objects as emotionally salient and could be crucial to the development of cortical face specialization.
Transitions in neuropsychiatry: shaping clinical practice

Our coverage will be broad: from schizophrenia to anxiety disorders; from Tourette’s syndrome to late-life depression; from classification to pathophysiology; from psychotropics to cognitive behavioral therapy; from genetics to epidemiology; and everything in between.
Influence of Broad Auditory Tuning on Across-Frequency Integration of Speech Patterns

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to assess whether diminished tolerance for disruptions to across-frequency timing in listeners with hearing impairment can be attributed to broad audito...
High-resolution reconstruction for 3D SPECT

ABSTRACT In this work, we have developed a new method for SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) image reconstruction, which has shown the potential to provide higher resolution results than any other conventional methods using the same projection data. Unlike the conventional FBP- (filtered backprojection) and EM- (expectation maximization) type algorithms, we utilize as much system response information as we can during the reconstruction process. This information can be pre-measured during the calibration process and stored in the computer. By selecting different sampling schemes for the point response measurement, different system kernel matrices are obtained. Reconstruction utilizing these kernels generates a set of reconstructed images of the same source. Based on these reconstructed images and their corresponding sampling schemes, we are able to achieve a high resolution final image that best represents the object. Because a uniform attenuation, resolution variation and some other effects are included during the formation of the system kernel matrices, the reconstruction from the acquired projection data also compensates for all these effects correctly. Keywords: high resolution reconstruction, circular harmonic decomposition, conjugate gradient, fan-beam, uniform attenuation, resolution variation