cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examination of the Equivalent Relationship between the Two Credit Policy Decision Approaches: The Opportunity Cost and NPV Approaches

The net benefits resulting from credit policy decisions can be evaluated based on either the opportunity cost approach or the net present value (NPV) approach. It is known that the two approaches are equivalent in that they provide the same accept/reject decision. Consequently, most text books cover the opportunity cost approach which is much simpler to formulate. This paper reexamines the equivalent relationship based on the NPV models formulated under a capital budgeting framework, and shows that the equivalent relationship only holds for very restrictive conditions. Also, the discount rate for the NPV models is examined along with other models.
Extrapolitan procedures in high-Tc gap-function experiments

Abstract Recent experiments have employed the phase sensitive nature of the Josephson effect to determine the wave-vector dependent phase of the gap function in high-temperature superconductors. A parallel combination of Josephson junctions, commonly referred to as a dc SQUID configuration, has been used in many experiments to probe the gap function symmetry via transport measurements. Asymmetries in the junction properties have required various extrapolation procedures to extract symmetry information from measured field-dependent transport measurements. Here we analyze the finite-temperature properties of this system in the experimentally relevant limit of large self-inductance, where the asymmetry is due to a difference in junction critical currents. We derive a scaling relation between systems of different self-inductance, leading to a new extrapolition procedure to determine the gap function symmetry.
Observation of electron standing waves in Mg by tunneling

Abstract Electron standing wave states in Mg films are observed by electron tunneling measurements. An electron group velocity is determined by this experiment.
Assessment and Treatment of Working Memory Deficits in School-Age Children: The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist

Purpose To review research addressing the relationship of working memory (WM) to language development and academic functioning and to consider the role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in assessment and intervention of WM difficulties in school-age children. Method Aspects of WM critical to language acquisition and academic success are defined, and the importance of WM to language development and learning is discussed. Subsequently, strategies for assessing WM skills in children are presented. Following a discussion regarding the assessment of WM demands in the classroom, intervention strategies are provided. Results Children with poor WM skills are likely to experience significant difficulty in academic settings. Evidence-based strategies for both reducing WM demands and improving functional WM skills are reviewed. Conclusion Research to date has documented that children with language impairments frequently have poor WM skills. SLPs can support poor WM skills by considering both modifications to ...
CODING NATURALISTIC NEGOTIATION INTERACTION

While much recent work has attempted to code negotiation interaction to identify how individuals use communication tactics in negotiation settings, many coding schemes have been developed to analyze simulated activities and may not be appropriate for the analysis of formal, professional negotiation events. Moreover, most coding research has failed to focus on the relationships between individual tactics and larger communication strategies. This article proposes a coding mechanism sensitive to formal, naturally occurring communication in negotiation settings and capable of identifying strategic use of individual tactics. The coding scheme is then applied to simulated and naturalistic negotiation interaction and the resulting data are assessed, using lag sequential analysis. Significant differences are reflected between the naturalistic and simulated interactions and strong patterns of communication strategy are identified.
P element transposition in vitro proceeds by a cut-and-paste mechanism and uses GTP as a cofactor

Abstract We have developed an in vitro reaction system for Drosophila P element transposition. Transposition products were recovered by selection in E. coli, and contained simple P element insertions flanked by 8 bp target site duplications as observed in vivo. Transposition required Mg +2 and partially purified P element transposase. Unlike other DNA rearrangement reactions, P element transposition in vitro used GTP as a cofactor; deoxyGTP, dideoxyGTP, or the nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs GMP-PNP or GMP-PCP were also used. Transposon DNA molecules cleaved at the P element termini were able to transpose, but those lacking 3′-hydroxyl groups were inactive. These biochemical data are consistent with genetic data suggesting that P element transposition occurs via a "cut-and-paste" mechanism.
Photochemistry and solvation of HI(H2O)n clusters: Evidence of biradical formation

Abstract During the course of investigating the solvation and photochemical dynamics of HI(H 2 O) n clusters employing a pump–probe technique, we observed unusual behavior associated with iodine atoms dissociating from the HI(H 2 O) n clusters, displaying different time responses than for the case of the HI monomer or HI clusters. Further experimentation provided experimental evidence for a theoretically predicted biradical species which consists of a halo-acid clustered to water molecules. In addition, as a side issue, we discuss our results in conjunction with others that point to a possible alternative explanation compared to the traditionally accepted one for the phenomena known as the solvated electron.
The decay of 140La to levels in 140Ce

Abstract The decay of 140La to levels in 140Ce has been studied with Ge(Li) spectrometers and γ-γ coincidence techniques. Precision energy and intensity values for 25 γ-rays are reported. These transitions have been incorporated into a consistent decay scheme which includes an intensity balance for each level. Using the present data and the recent conversion electron data of Karlsson et al., it was possible to determine multipolarities for most of the transitions. The excitation energies (keV), spins and parities proposed for the levels in 140Ce populated via the decay of 140La are 1596.6 (2+), 1903.5 (0+), 2083.6 (4+), 2108.2 (6+), 2348.4 (2+), 2350.2 (5−), 2412.4 (3+), 2464.4 (3−), 2481.3 (4+), 2516.1 (4+), 2521.8 (2+), 2547.5 (1,2+), 2899.7 (1,2+), 3118.3 (1,2+), 3319.7 (1,2+). The level at 2108.2 keV (6+) was deduced to be isomeric. The proposed level scheme is compared with the excitation spectrum observed in the 141Pr(d, 3He)140Ce reaction and two spectra calculated using the quasi-particle description of pairing correlations.
Operational Stability Assays for Bioelectrodes for Biofuel Cells: Effect of Immobilization Matrix on Laccase Biocathode Stability

The increasing interest in producing electrical energy from renewable resources has caused the field of biofuel cells to flourish. Enzymatic biofuel cell systems are capable of producing energy from renewable fuels. Basically, enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFC) generate electricityfromtheoxidationofthefuelattheanodeandthereduction of the oxidant at the cathode using biological catalysts (enzymes) instead of traditional metal catalysts. More detailed descriptions of
Creep and drying shrinkage of calcium silicate pastes I. Specimen preparation and mechanical properties

Abstract In this first paper of a series dealing with the creep and shrinkage of calcium silicate pastes, the materials, specimen preparation methods, mechanical test procedures and results are discussed. Pastes were prepared with a w/s ratio of 0.4 using C3S, β-C2S or a C3S/C2S blend. Thin-wall, hollow-cylinder specimens were cast and subjected to various conditions of load and drying. The structural and chemical modifications resulting from these treatments will be covered in subsequence papers.
A comparison of child-rearing practices among Chinese, immigrant Chinese, and Caucasian-American parents.

This study investigated the differences and similarities in child-rearing practices among Chinese, immigrant Chinese, and Caucasian-American parents. The subjects of this study were the mothers and fathers of 138 children enrolled in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade in Taiwan and the United States. The child-rearing variables under study were: parental control, encouragement of independence, expression of affection, and emphasis on achievement. MANOVA yielded significant group effects on the parental variables. It was found that Chinese and immigrant Chinese parents tended to rate higher on parental control, encouragement of independence, and emphasis on achievement than Caucasian-American parents. The adaptability of the immigrant Chinese to the conditions of life and social structures of the United States, while maintaining traditional patterns of socialization, is discussed.
Transition from conventional farming to organic farming using bahiagrass

The necessity of ecologically friendly farming systems coupled with the desire for foods free from synthetic chemicals has made organic farming one of the fastest-growing agricultural enterprises. The transition from conventional agriculture to organic farming is a difficult period for several reasons, (1) since it occurs at a time of least experience for the growers getting into organic farming, (2) because predator–prey links are not fully developed, (3) because farmers usually do not receive a full premium for their products and (4) because initial yields may be low. Transitioning from conventional to organic farming is at the very least region-specific and frequently farm-specific in nature. In the southeastern USA the use of perennial grasses such as bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) has been shown to have several benefits that may be useful in the transition process. Bahiagrass improves soil health by reducing erosion, increasing soil organic matter, recovering and conserving plant nutrients and promoting good soil structure. Furthermore, since bahiagrass is a non-host to most soil-borne pathogens, it reduces disease and nematode infestations. The resultant increase in soil organic matter from bahiagrass increases the abundance of beneficial organisms, which enables the new system to reach equilibrium quickly. Leguminous cover crops grown during the winter dormancy of bahiagrass provide the necessary nitrogen during the transitional stage. Cover crops also reduce weed emergence and improve soil structure and water retention. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The status of the CMS experiment

The CMS experiment was completely assembled in the fall of 2008 after a decade of design, construction and installation. During the last two years, cosmic ray data were taken on a regular basis. These data have enabled CMS to align the detector components, both spatially and temporally. Initial use of muons has also established the relative alignment of the CMS tracking and muon systems. In addition, the CMS calorimetry has been crosschecked with test beam data, thus providing an initial energy calibration of CMS calorimetry to about 5%. The CMS magnet has been powered and field mapped. The trigger and data acquisition systems have been installed and run at full speed. The tiered data analysis system has been exercised at full design bandwidth for Tier0, Tier1 and Tier2 sites. Monte Carlo simulation of the CMS detector has been constructed at a detailed geometric level and has been tuned to test beam and other production data to provide a realistic model of the CMS detector prior to first collisions.
Exploring the Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Lipopeptides with Molecular Simulation

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) --- small peptides that kill bacteria and fungi by attacking their outer membranes --- have been touted as a possible solution to the emergence of new strains of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Although some AMPs have become promising drug candidates, overall they have not been especially successful clinically, primarily because of their size and bioavailability. To avoid these difficulties, we have focused our efforts on smaller peptides chemically modified to include acyl chains at their N-termini; the fatty acid chains give the peptides the ability to bind membranes efficiently without including a large number of hydrophobic side chains. Using a combination of all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we have explored the membrane-binding behavior of several lipopeptide families, including the Shai peptides, Lfb6, and fengycins. These simulations, validated via careful comparison with experiment, help to reveal the atomic-level mechanism for their function, yielding insights needed for rational design of better antibacterial and antifungal agents.
Variation in property taxation in Tulsa

It may be reasonably concluded from this study that the range of variation in these ratios of assessed to actual value are of a reasonable size for the great majority of cases. The frequency distribution of these sample ratios was not normal, however, as was assumed a process of this type would produce. On the other hand, the failure of the regression analysis to identify any significant variables which would explain these variations would tend to re-enforce the assumption that the fluctuations were indeed of a random nature.
Inhibitors of chemical carcinogens as probes for molecular targets: DNA as decisive receptor for metabolite from n-hydroxy-n-2-fluorenylacetamide

Abstract Present experimental approaches dealing with the mechanisms of carcinogenesis attempt to relate the known combinations of carcinogen with cellular macromolecules and the specific interaction necessary for the carcinogenic process. With this aim the effect of prefeeding a series of inhibitors of the hepatocarcinogenicity of N -2-fluorenyl-acetamide on the binding of agent to liver macromolecules was studied after a single intravenous injection of an active metabolic intermediate, n -hydroxy- n -2-fluoren-[9- 14 C]ylacetamide, into rats. Carcinogen binding to liver nuclear DNA was decreased appreciably by 4 weeks feeding of chloramphenicol, acetanilide, m -acetotoluidide, or indole, all of which were inhibitors of hepatocarcinogenesis. Feeding p -acetotoluidide, methionine, tyrosine, inosine, or guanine had no significant effect. Carcinogen binding to ribosomal RNA was decreased by indole, m - and p -acetotoluidide, l -tryptophan, guanine, or inosine. Increased binding to soluble RNA occurred after acetanilide and m - and p -acetoto-luidide. Chloramphenicol depressed, but indole, m - and p -acetotoluidide increased binding to microsomal proteins. Sliglit decreases in binding to soluble proteins occurred after Chloramphenicol, acetanilide, tryptophan and tyrosine, and increases after indole. m - and p -acetotoluidide. Only with respect to nuclear DNA was there a relationship between depressed binding of isotope from n -hydroxy- n -2-fluorenylacetamide after prefeeding select agents and the inhibitory effect of these agents on tumor induction in the liver of rats.
Sexual problems in old age, illness, and disability

Abstract The physical effects and psychological stresses of aging, disability, and chronic disease may produce various sexual problems. The ways in which several conditions–including arthritis, cancer, cardiac disease, and partial paralysis–interfere with sexual functioning are enumerated. Remedies include support, discussion with patient and partner, and the provision of ample, explicit information, such as possible alternatives to previous sexual activities. The uses of medication and prosthetic devices are also covered.
Luck, Skill, and Investment Performance

This article presents a simple procedure for assessing the relative impact of luck and skill in determining investment performance. The procedure is then applied to the large-cap value managers. The results are consistent with earlier work that suggests that the great majority of the cross-sectional variation in fund performance is due to random noise.
Bcl6 Is Expressed in Neuroblastoma: Tumor Cell Type-Specific Expression Predicts Outcome

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid neoplasm of infancy and childhood. Whereas most low-risk patients do well, children with high-risk tumors often fail intensive treatment. Identification of novel biomarkers is critical to improve prognostication, tailor therapy, and develop new therapeutic targets. Differential RNA-level expression between tumor cells with neuroblastic (N-type) and Schwannian stromal (S-type) phenotypes was used to identify genes of potential interest based on tumor cell type-specific regulation. Gene expression microarray analysis revealed marked differences between N-type and S-type cells in their levels of BCL6 messenger RNA, a transcriptional regulator overexpressed in a variety of hematopoietic malignancies. S-type cells express higher levels of Bcl6 RNA and protein than N-type, and protein levels are significantly limited by proteasome function. An NB tumor tissue microarray linked to clinicopathologic data was immunohistochemically stained to measure Bcl6 protein levels. Bcl6 was detected in both the neuroblastic and Schwannian stromal regions, as distinguished histologically, and correlated with outcome. We found that expression in neuroblastic regions differentiates outcomes, in that Bcl6 expression in neuroblastic regions is associated with increased time to relapse and increased overall survival compared with absent expression in neuroblastic regions, regardless of Schwannian stromal expression. Thus, our findings suggest that Bcl6 may be useful as a prognostic marker and might represent a potential therapeutic target for high-risk NB.
Recurrent encephalomyelitis associated with incontinentia pigmenti

A 4-year-old girl developed progressive obtundation following an upper respiratory tract illness. Physical, cerebrospinal fluid, computed tomographic, electroencephalographic, and evoked response findings were compatible with disseminated encephalomyelitis. Skin lesions indicative of incontinentia pigmenti were confirmed by biopsy. Transient loss of suppressor T cells was observed. Prior history revealed that at 6 months of age a similar episode of acute central nervous system deterioration had occurred. Recurrent encephalomyelitis does occur with incontinentia pigmenti. Transient loss of suppressor T cells suggests that this is an immune-mediated process.
Consistent finite element structural analysis and error control

Abstract There is a rapidly growing interest in reducing reliance on testing to qualify structures in a safety critical environment and to place confidence in virtual testing where the Finite Element Method is employed to predict the actual behaviour of a real world structure. The paper critically examines the possibility for generating a method which can provide error control and error bounding methods which are applicable to the finite element analysis process. Although the method presented can, in theory, be applied to the complete analysis process the paper concentrates on controlling errors in the idealisation phase of a full finite element analysis.
The effect of unions on productivity: An analysis of the cattle kill floor

Cattle kill floor operations were analyzed using sample data to determine the impacts of unionism on productivity at the plant level. No significant union effect either negative or positive was found, possibly because of the limited union role in setting wages and the wide variation in personnel practices irrespective of the union status of the plants. Large productivity differences observed among the sample firms require other explanations.
The MET gene is a common integration target in Avian Leukosis Virus subgroup J induced chicken hemangiomas

ABSTRACT Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) is a simple retrovirus that can cause hemangiomas and myeloid tumors in chickens and is currently a major economic problem in Asia. Here we characterize ALV-J strain PDRC-59831, a newly studied U.S. isolate of ALV-J. Five-day-old chicken embryos were infected with this virus, and the chickens developed myeloid leukosis and hemangiomas within 2 months after hatching. To investigate the mechanism of pathogenesis, we employed high-throughput sequencing to analyze proviral integration sites in these tumors. We found expanded clones with integrations in the MET gene in two of the five hemangiomas studied. This integration locus was not seen in previous work characterizing ALV-J-induced myeloid leukosis. MET is a known proto-oncogene that acts through a diverse set of signaling pathways and is involved in many neoplasms. We show that tumors harboring MET integrations exhibit strong overexpression of MET mRNA. IMPORTANCE These data suggest that ALV-J induces oncogenesis by insertional mutagenesis, and integrations in the MET oncogene can drive the overexpression of MET and contribute to the development of hemangiomas.
Dipolar Interactions at Ferromagnetic Critical Points

The critical behavior for $Tg{T}_{c}$ and $H=0$ of ferromagnets with both isotropic exchange coupling and dipolar interactions is studied by exact renormalization-group techniques in $d=4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions ($\ensuremath{\epsilon}g0$) with ($n=d$)-component spins. A crossover from short-range isotropic (Heisenberg) to characteristic dipolar behavior occurs. The asymptotic spin-spin correlation function develops a factor ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\beta}}\ensuremath{-}\frac{{q}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{q}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}}{{q}^{2}}$ which suppresses longitudinal fluctuations. Experiments on EuO and EuS are considered.
Inhibition of estrogen binding to rat alpha-fetoprotein by tryptophan p-nitrophenyl esters

Rat alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) contains a site that both binds the protease substrate tryptophan methyl ester (TrpOMe) and influences estrogen binding. We have studied the effect of changing the amino acid and ester portions of this compound on its binding to AFP, as measured by the ability of the ester to inhibit binding of [3H]-estrone to AFP. We find that: (1) AFP binds tryptophan esters better than phenylalanine or tyrosine esters, (2) substitution of butyl or benzyl for the methyl group in TrpOMe increases binding for AFP by 30- to 100-fold, (3) substitution of p-nitrophenol at the ester position increases binding for AFP by 10(5), (4) p-nitrophenyl substitution in the ester position of tyrosine or phenylalanine methyl ester increases the affinity for AFP by 10(3) to 10(4), (5) inhibition of estrogen binding to AFP by tryptophan p-nitrophenyl esters is reversible and competitive, and (6) the hydrolysis products of tryptophan p-nitrophenyl ester are ineffective in inhibiting estrogen binding to AFP. Based on these results, we suggest that AFP contains a tryptophan ester recognition site which binds p-nitrophenyl esters with high affinity and influences estrogen binding. The ester binding site may be located spatially near the estrogen binding site.
Development of a Novel Biofuel Blend Using Ethanol−Biodiesel−Diesel Microemulsions: EB-Diesel

Oxygenated diesel fuel blends have advantages over regular diesel. Oxygenation significantly reduces particulate matter (PM) and reduces toxic gases such as CO, sulfur oxides (SOx), and, at times, nitrogen oxides (NOx) from tailpipe emissions. Ethanol, which is the oxygenate in E-diesel, is a renewable fuel that reduces the dependency of non-oil-producing countries on foreign petroleum. However, a major drawback with E-diesel is that ethanol is immiscible in diesel over a wide range of temperatures. Studies have revealed that biodiesel, which is another renewable fuel, can be used successfully as an amphiphile (a surface-active agent) to stabilize ethanol and diesel. Research also has revealed that ethanol−biodiesel−diesel (EB-diesel) fuel blend microemulsions are stable well below sub-zero temperatures and have shown equal or superior fuel properties to regular diesel fuel. Microemulsions of certain component concentrations have shown substantially increased lubricity without compromising the cetane numb...
Molecular Dynamics of Ion Hydration in the Presence of Small Carboxylated Molecules and Implications for Calcification

The aspartate-rich macromolecules found at nucleation sites of calcifying organisms are widely implicated in regulating biomineral formation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that their ability to influence the onset of nucleation and composition of calcified structures may arise from effects on ion hydration. This study investigates the interactions of acidic amino acids and dipeptides with hydrated cations using molecular dynamics. By monitoring the hydration states of Mg2+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ during their approach to negatively charged molecules, we show that carboxylate moieties of Asp promote dehydration of Ca2+ and Sr2+. A contact ion pair (CIP) is not required to disrupt cation hydration, and we demonstrate that reductions and rearrangements of first shell water can begin at ion−Asp separation distances as large as ∼4.9 A for Ca2+ and ∼5.1 A for Sr2+. CIP formation between Ca2+ and Sr2+ and carboxylate groups decreases the total first shell coordination number from an average of 8.0 and 8.4 in bulk water to...
Rothia aeria Neck Abscess in A Patient with Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Rothia aeria caused a necrotic lymphadenitis and neck abscess in a patient with CGD. This infection was aggressive, crossed tissue planes, required two surgeries, as well as prolonged antibiotics for complete resolution. Rothia aeria is a rare pathogen that can be added to the spectrum of agents causing disease in CGD, a finding that further reinforces the importance of microbiologic identification of infections in this patient population.
Interactions of Aβ(1–40) with Glycerophosphocholine and Intact Erythrocyte Membranes: Fluorescence and Circular Dichroism Studies

Deposition of amyloid beta peptide in human brain in the form of senile plaques is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Levels of a phospholipid breakdown product, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), also increase in AD brain. The effect of GPC on amyloid beta(1-40) peptide (Abeta) aggregation in PBS buffer was investigated by circular dichroism and fluoresence spectroscopy; interactions of Abeta and GPC with the intact erythrocyte membrane was examined by fluoresence spectroscopy. Fluorescamine labeled Abeta studies indicate GPC enhances Abeta aggregation. CD spectroscopy reveals that Abeta in the presence of GPC adopts 14% more beta-sheet structure than does Abeta alone. Fluorescamine anisotropy measurements show that GPC and Abeta interact in the phospholipid head-group region of the erythrocyte membrane. In summary, both soluble Abeta and GPC insert into the phospholipid head-group region of the membrane where they interact leading to beta-sheet formation in soluble Abeta which enhances Abeta aggregation.
An analysis and criticism of the 1940 campaign speeches of Wendell L. Willkie

(1954). An analysis and criticism of the 1940 campaign speeches of Wendell L. Willkie. Speech Monographs: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 64-72.
Brill tagging on the Micron Automata Processor

Semantic analysis often uses a pipeline of Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools such as part-of-speech (POS) tagging. Brill tagging is a classic rule-based algorithm for POS tagging within NLP. However, implementation of the tagger is inherently slow on conventional Von Neumann architectures. In this paper, we accelerate the second stage of Brill tagging on the Micron Automata Processor, a new computing architecture that can perform massive pattern matching in parallel. The designed structure is tested with a subset of the Brown Corpus using 218 contextual rules. The results show a 38X speed-up for the second stage tagger implemented on a single AP chip, compared to a single thread implementation on CPU. This speed-up is linear with the number of rules, thus making large and/or complex rule sets computationally practical. This paper introduces the use of this new accelerator for computational linguistic tasks, particularly those that involve rule-based or pattern-matching approaches.
ANALYSIS AND APPLICATIONS OF THE EXPONENTIAL TIME DIFFERENCING SCHEMES AND THEIR CONTOUR INTEGRATION MODIFICATIONS

We study in this paper the exponential time differencing (ETD) schemes and their modifications via complex contour integrations for the numerical solutions of parabolic type equations. We illustrate that the contour integration shares an added advantage of improving the stability of the time integration. In addition, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the ETD type schemes through the numerical solution of a typical problem in phase field modeling and through the comparisons with other existing methods.
High-order similarity relations in radiative transfer

Radiative transfer equations (RTEs) with different scattering parameters can lead to identical solution radiance fields. Similarity theory studies this effect by introducing a hierarchy of equivalence relations called "similarity relations". Unfortunately, given a set of scattering parameters, it remains unclear how to find altered ones satisfying these relations, significantly limiting the theory's practical value. This paper presents a complete exposition of similarity theory, which provides fundamental insights into the structure of the RTE's parameter space. To utilize the theory in its general high-order form, we introduce a new approach to solve for the altered parameters including the absorption and scattering coefficients as well as a fully tabulated phase function. We demonstrate the practical utility of our work using two applications: forward and inverse rendering of translucent media. Forward rendering is our main application, and we develop an algorithm exploiting similarity relations to offer "free" speedups for Monte Carlo rendering of optically dense and forward-scattering materials. For inverse rendering, we propose a proof-of-concept approach which warps the parameter space and greatly improves the efficiency of gradient descent algorithms. We believe similarity theory is important for simulating and acquiring volume-based appearance, and our approach has the potential to benefit a wide range of future applications in this area.
Probability distributions of toxicant sensitivity for freshwater rotifer species

Probability distributions of species sensitivities describe variation among species in response to toxicants. These distributions indicate what proportion of species assemblage is expected to suffer adverse effects upon toxicant exposure. Sensitivity distributions demonstrate how representa- tive model species used in toxicity tests are of entire species assemblage. Despite theoretical impor- tance in ecological risk assessment, few probability distributions were characterized for aquatic animals. We characterized sensitivity distributions for nine freshwater rotifer species to pentachlorophenol and cadmium. Endpoints were 24 h mortality and 30 min in vivo enzyme activity. The 95% confidence limits for mean PCP LC50s were 1.3)183 and 33)187 m gL y1 for cadmium. A log toxicant concentration plot vs rank species susceptibility was constructed for each toxicant. A Kolmogorov)Smirinov goodness of fit test indicated these distributions did not differ significantly from normality, with R 2 s ranging 0.75)0.89. A species' sensitivity rank commonly changed three or four ranks with toxicant or endpoint change. Across toxicants and endpoints, Asplanchna girodi was the least sensitive species with mean percentile rank 78 and Trichocerca pusilla was most sensitive with rank 25 percentile. The Rotifer species most commonly used in toxicity tests, Brachionus calyciflorus, ranked 72nd percentile, placing it among the least sensitive rotifer species. Tenth centile for rotifer exposure to PCP is 2.8 and 17.2 m gL y1 for cadmium. These values are near both toxicants' lower 95% confidence limit for all nine rotifer species. Toxicity assessments based only on B. calyciflorus with PCP LC50 of 160 m gL y1 and cadmium LC50 of 270 m gL y1 were not protective of most sensitive rotifer species by more than an order of magnitude. Sensitivity distributions characterization is likely to define toxicant concentrations which are harmful for rotifer assemblages better than any single species toxicity test. Q 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 14: 361)366, 1999
A Lower Bound on the Number of Solutions to the Probed Partial Digest Problem

The probed partial digestion mapping method partially digests a DNA strand with a restriction enzyme. A probe, which attaches to the DNA between two restriction enzyme cutting sites, is hybridized to the partially digested DNA, and the sizes of fragments to which the probe hybridizes are measured. The objective is to reconstruct the linear order of the restriction enzyme cutting sites from the multiset of measured lengths.In many cases, more than one underlying linear ordering is consistent with a multiset of measured lengths. This article shows that a multiset of N measured lengths can have as many as @W(N^t) solutions for any t < @z^-^1(2), where @z(t) is the Riemann zeta function and @z^-^1(2) @? 1.73.
Spontaneous and Traumatic Vitreous Hemorrhage

Purpose: The authors sought to provide relevant data regarding the demographic and clinical aspects of spontaneous and traumatic vitreous hemorrhages to guide clinicians in better delineating the expected etiologic patterns of these hemorrhages in an urban environment. Methods: The records of 253 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed vitreous hemorrhage seen in a general eye clinic were selected for retrospective analysis. To minimize selection bias of a tertiary care center, patients who were referred to the clinic by outside ophthalmologists for vitreoretinal consultation or those with a history of recent intraocular surgery, postoperative complications, or loss to follow-up were excluded from study. Demographic, ocular, and general medical variables were tabulated for the 200 patients (230 eyes) who met our inclusion criteria. Results: Fifty percent of the patients were black, 26% were white, 23% were Hispanic, and 1% was Oriental. The causes of vitreous hemorrhage were proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (35.2%), trauma (18.3%), retinal vein occlusion (7.4%); retinal tear without a detachment (7.0%), posterior vitreous detachment (6.5%), proliferative sickle retinopathy (5.7%), retinal tear with a detachment (4.8%), subretinal neovascularization from macular degeneration (2.2%), hypertensive retinopathy (1.7%), unknown (2.5%), and other causes (8.7%). Among black patients with spontaneous vitreous hemorrhage, sickle cell retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion were major causes, each accounting for more than 15% of the cases. Systemic hypertension was associated with vitreous hemorrhage from retinal vein occlusion. Conclusion: The authors propose that despite the wide array of causative factors of vitreous hemorrhage, the evaluation of demographic, ocular, and medical variables can significantly aid clinicians in identifying its etiologic patterns.
Mesophilic and thermophilic conditions select for unique but highly parallel microbial communities to perform carboxylate platform biomass conversion.

The carboxylate platform is a flexible, cost-effective means of converting lignocellulosic materials into chemicals and liquid fuels. Although the platform's chemistry and engineering are well studied, relatively little is known about the mixed microbial communities underlying its conversion processes. In this study, we examined the metagenomes of two actively fermenting platform communities incubated under contrasting temperature conditions (mesophilic 40°C; thermophilic 55°C), but utilizing the same inoculum and lignocellulosic feedstock. Community composition segregated by temperature. The thermophilic community harbored genes affiliated with Clostridia, Bacilli, and a Thermoanaerobacterium sp, whereas the mesophilic community metagenome was composed of genes affiliated with other Clostridia and Bacilli, Bacteriodia, γ-Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Although both communities were able to metabolize cellulosic materials and shared many core functions, significant differences were detected with respect to the abundances of multiple Pfams, COGs, and enzyme families. The mesophilic metagenome was enriched in genes related to the degradation of arabinose and other hemicellulose-derived oligosaccharides, and the production of valerate and caproate. In contrast, the thermophilic community was enriched in genes related to the uptake of cellobiose and the transfer of genetic material. Functions assigned to taxonomic bins indicated that multiple community members at either temperature had the potential to degrade cellulose, cellobiose, or xylose and produce acetate, ethanol, and propionate. The results of this study suggest that both metabolic flexibility and functional redundancy contribute to the platform's ability to process lignocellulosic substrates and are likely to provide a degree of stability to the platform's fermentation processes.
Research and extension efforts for improving agricultural sustainability in the north central and northeastern United States

Abstract In the north central and northeastern regions of the USA, considerable research and extension work is now being directed toward developing farming methods and whole farming systems that can reduce production costs, soil erosion and pollution by agrichemicals. These efforts have been termed low-input/sustainable agriculture (LISA) and emphasize greater use of legume-based crop rotations, animal and green manures, integrated crop/livestock enterprises, biological pest controls, mechanical control of weeds, and soil and water conservation practices. LISA activities involve most of the important crop and livestock products of each region. Farmers and non-governmental organizations have been key participants in shaping and implementing new research and extension efforts through methods that include on-farm research and demonstrations. Many land grant universities are conducting experiments to aid the transition away from chemical- and capital-intensive farming methods, and are initiating closer ties with farmers interested in or already practicing LISA methods. New curricula are being developed for student and farmer training in LISA approaches. Future research and extension efforts for LISA should make better use of ecological theory; place more emphasis on topics that involve long-term research such as agroforestry systems, crop and livestock breeding, yield-enhancing crop rotation effects and biological pest control; and more fully examine the relationships between ecologically sustainable farming methods and socioeconomic structure.
Protozoology's lost legacy

A review of the contents of the Journal of Protozoology/Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology from its founding in 1954 to the present was undertaken to determine if the type specimens of new taxa named in the journal have been deposited in museum collections. Type specimens were deposited in museum collections for 36% of these new species. No information was given on the designation of type specimens or the deposition of specimens for 64% of the taxa named, mostly prior to 1980. Type specimen designations have improved greatly in recent years. All species described in the journal in the last 5 years have been deposited as type specimens or type cultures. Linda Cole's Catalog of Type Specimens in the International Protozoan Type Collection (1994) at the National Museum of Natural History was cross-checked, and a final list of the missing organisms, grouped by phylum, was prepared. The Harold Kirby and L. R. Cleveland collections at the American Museum of Natural History are examples of how valuable the resource protozoan type specimen collections can be to researchers. Neither of these researchers had made plans to deposit their specimens in a museum. Their collections were saved only by the assistance of their students and colleagues. The author would like to coordinate an effort to find missing type specimens and facilitate their deposition in suitable museum collections.
The effect of graft configuration on 30-day failure of infrapopliteal bypasses.

Background Despite advances in endovascular techniques, infrapopliteal bypasses are still required for limb salvage. Short-term graft patency is an important outcome parameter reflecting technical considerations and acute graft thrombosis. Both are important prerequisites for long-term patency. In this analysis, we compared the 30-day patency of all conduit configurations for infrapopliteal bypasses. Methods All primary infrapopliteal bypasses from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2005 and 2010 were divided into six groups: (1) great saphenous vein (GSV); (2) prosthetic conduit (prosthetic); (3) prosthetic conduit with a distal anastomotic venous adjunct (ADJ), such as a cuff or patch (prosthetic + ADJ); (4) composite graft of prosthetic and a vein segment (composite); (5) spliced autogenous vein (spliced vein); and (6) arm vein. Thirty-day graft failure, patient demographics, and operative details were compared among groups. A multivariate model was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 5375 infrapopliteal bypasses were analyzed by conduit: GSV, 3983 (75%); prosthetic, 898 (17%); spliced vein, 160 (3%); prosthetic + ADJ, 112 (2%); arm vein, 93 (2%); and composite, 91 (2%). The difference among groups in demographics and comorbidities was not statistically significant. Perioperative mortality rates were similar among different conduits. After adjusting for sex, age, weight, race, and previous cardiac surgery, the bypass conduit had a significant independent association with 30-day graft patency ( P = .006). The GSV failure rate was 7.5%. Composite had a significantly higher 30-day failure rate (15.4%, P = .006). There was no significant difference in 30-day failure rate of spliced vein (5.6%, P = .37) or arm vein (4.3%, P = .24) conduits compared with GSV. Prosthetic had significantly higher 30-day failure rate than GSV (10.5%, P = .004). The addition of adjuvant venous tissue at the distal anastomosis of prosthetic bypasses did not significantly improve their 30-day patency (failure rate of 9.8% for prosthetic + ADJ and 10.5% for prosthetic). There was no significant difference in graft patency between alternative venous conduits (arm vein/spliced vein) and prosthetic + ADJ. Conclusions Venous conduits (GSV, spliced vein, arm vein) deliver the best 30-day patency for infrapopliteal bypasses, and GSV remains the most commonly used graft. Prosthetic grafts had a higher 30-day failure rate. Composite grafts should be abandoned because their early patency is not better than pure prosthetic conduits. The addition of a distal venous adjunct did not seem to improve acute prosthetic graft patency, which may reflect lack of effect on thrombogenicity rather than the myointimal hyperplastic response that effects long-term failure of infrapopliteal bypass.
GONADOTROPIN REGULATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF DEHYDROGENASE ENZYMES OF THE OVARY.

Abstract Pregnant mares' serum gonadotropin was injected subcutaneously into young female rats. When the ovaries were assayed 60 h later there was a marked increase in specific and total activities of NADP + -specific dehydrogenases. PMSG treatment of rats followed by treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin led to additional increases in enzyme activities. Dehydrogenase enzymes also changed with the estrus cycle of the rat and were lowest at diestrus and highest at estrus. 4 h after the subcutaneous administration of PMSG to immature rats there was an increase in the specific activity of ovarian glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) with no increase in the weight of the ovary. At 16 h after PMSG injection there was a further increase in the specific activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase along with an increase in ovarian weight. In addition, at 16 h the rate of reduction of pyruvate decreased while the rate of oxidation of lactate increased, leading to a net increase in the rate of formation of NADH. Specific activities of several preparations of purified glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from cow corpora lutea of pregnancy were stimulated by bovine luteinizing hormone and by HCG in vitro . Variable results may have been due to variations in the amount of enzyme activation by endogenous gonadotropins or to the age of the corpora lutea. The results suggest that gonadotropins may activate ovarian glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the rate of metabolism of glucose 6-phosphate by the pentose shunt. Increased rates of formation of NADPH and of NADH by transhydrogenation, along with an increase in ATP and pentose sugars could lead to a subsequent increase in RNA and in protein synthesis. An increased rate of synthesis of structural and enzyme protein would stimulate follicular growth and formation of corpora lutea. An increased rate of production of NADPH is also necessary for the hydroxylation reactions in the formation of estrogens and progesterones from cholesterol.
A multidimensional index of financial stress in the farm sector

This study develops a multidimensional measure of financial stress in agriculture using confirmatory factor analysis. By examining the common variation in indicators of financial stress, the study is able to compare the level of financial stress in the 1980's with that of the 1930's.
Modeling of substrate surface temperature distribution during hot-filament assisted diamond deposition

Abstract The importance of substrate temperature in determining the quality, uniformity and growth rate of diamond films is now well recognized. In the hot-filament assisted chemical vapor deposition of diamond, the mechanism of heat transfer is unique. In addition to conduction, convection and radiation, filament-to-substrate heat transfer takes place by dissociation of molecular hydrogen at or near the filament and recombination of atomic hydrogen at the substrate surface. In this paper, the role of atomic hydrogen recombination in heat transfer is examined. Furthermore, the effects of system geometry and process variables on the substrate temperature distribution are analyzed. The results indicate that atomic hydrogen recombination at the substrate plays a significant role in substrate heating. In hot-filament assisted diamond deposition, system geometry, filament temperature and pressure are the most important factors in determining the substrate temperature distribution.
Interaction of 3,4-Benzpyrene with Monomolecular Films

The interactions of the carcinogenic hydrocarbon, 3,4-benzpyrene [benz(a)pyrene], with cholesterol, phospholipid, protein, and lipid-protein films were investigated. Whereas the interaction between 3,4-benzpyrene and cholesterol was weak, the interaction between the carcinogen and dipalmitoyl lecithin was very strong, as determined from surface pressure-surface area data. The extent of the interaction between the phospholipid and 3,4-benzpyrene was dependent on the mole fraction of each component in the film. 3,4-Benzpyrene was shown also to interact strongly with protein films and mixed lipid-protein films. In the case of the latter films, the extent of interaction was dependent on whether or not the lipid was first allowed to interact with the protein before the carcinogen was added. The biological significance of these data is discussed.