cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial vision based upon color differences

To understand the role of color in spatial vision, it is necessary to examine both the extent to which spatial discriminations can be based solely upon color differences and the interaction between color and luminance variations when they are simultaneously present. The well- known differences in the spatial and temporal contrast sensitivity functions for color and luminance and the apparently impoverished input from the color mechanisms to certain higher functions obscure the fact that spatial discriminations based solely upon color differences are quite good. For example, spatial frequency discriminations between high-contrast patterns at isoluminance are only slightly poorer than for comparable luminance patterns, averaging about 5% to 6% of the base frequency. Similarly, orientation differences of about 1 deg between isoluminant patterns can be reliably discriminated at high contrasts, even for stimuli that lie along a tritanopic confusion axis. Similar comparisons from several tasks are reviewed, as are tasks involving color-luminance interactions. These provide information about the target behavior that must ultimately be explained if the physiological basis of color vision is to be understood.
Geriatric workforce capacity: a pending crisis for nursing home residents

Introduction: The nursing home (NH) population in the U.S. has grown to 1.6 million people and is expected to double by 2030. While 88.3% of NH residents are over 65, the elders aged 85 and more have become the principal group. This demographic change has increased the already high rates of chronic diseases and functional disabilities in NH residents. Methods: This study reviewed the supply of geriatricians in addressing the growing healthcare needs of NH residents. Results: English-written articles between 1989 and 2012 were reviewed. Trend data demonstrate that the geriatrician workforce has decreased from 10,270 in 2000 to 8,502 in 2010. Further, the pipeline analysis of physicians projected to receive board certification in geriatrics (and maintain this certification) indicates a worsening of the already insufficient supply of geriatricians for this vulnerable population. Conclusion: Strategies to attract and maintain a geriatrician workforce are imperative to avert a mounting crisis in the geriatric care in NH and, by extension, other living settings.
Partial glyceridase activity of a protein-kinase activatable triglyceride lipase from rat adipose tissue.

Abstract 1. 1. A preparation of hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase purified approximately 100-fold from a high-speed supernatant fraction of rat adipose tissue homogenates also hydrolyzed monoolein and diolein emulsions. The rate of hydrolysis of these lower glycerides was about 5 times that for hydrolysis of triolein. 2. 2. Triglyceride lipase activity was increased by 70% after incubation with protein kinase, cyclic AMP and ATP-Mg2+; monoglyceride lipase activity in the same preparations, on the other hand, was not altered by this activating system. Diglyceride lipase activity was slightly increased but the mean activation was only 15% above control values. 3. 3. NaCl (1 M) inhibited monoglyceride lipase activity more than 50% but did not inhibit triglyceride lipase activity. Isopropanol (4%) inhibited triglyceridase activity by 70% but did not inhibit monoglyceride lipase activity. Triglyceride lipase was inhibited by 40 and 90% when the substrate was prepared in i and 5 mM taurodeoxycholate, respectively, whereas monoglyceride lipase activity was actually enhanced relative to activity measured using suspensions stabilized by gum arabic. 4. 4. Heating the enzyme preparation at 48 °C for 45 min caused 40% inactivation of monoglyceride lipase activity without altering triglyceride lipase activity. 5. 5. The optimum for triglyceride lipase activity was at pH 6.8, whereas the optimum for monoglyceride lipase activity was at pH 7.6–7.8. 6. 6. These data are compatible with the presence of a separate monoglyceride lipase not subject to kinase-mediated activation and having rather distinct properties from triglyceride lipase. However, until physical resolution of the two activities can be demonstrated this conclusion must remain tentative.
Phenolation of (+)-Catechin with Mineral Acids. II. Identification of New Reaction Products

Abstract To investigate the reactions that occur in the flavanoid unit during the liquefaction of tannin in phenol, the phenolysis of (+)-catechin was studied using either H2SO4, HCl, or BF3 2H2O as acid catalyst. In addition to 2-[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-1,3,5-benzenetriol (1) and 2-[(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-4,6-benzofurandiol (3) that have been described previously, eight additional reaction products were isolated, four of which were compounds that have not been described previously. The novel compounds described here are: 2-[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-1,3,5-benzenetriol (2), 2-[(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-4,6-benzofurandiol (4), 2-[(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl-4,6-benzofurandiol (5), and 2-(1,3,5-trihydroxyphenyl)methyl-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6-[(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-2,3,5,6-tetrahydrobenzo[1...
When an advantage is not an advantage

Discussion of the merits and shortcomings of affirmative action (AA) has raged at all levels and in many forums and has been the concern of many policymakers, including President Clinton. Notably absent from the discussion is the perception of AA, and the effect of the angry backlash on women and minorities. Recently, the question of whether women enjoy an “unfair advantage” was posted electronically on Systers, a private organization of over 1,800 professional women in the male-dominated field of computing. The 42 responses contained strong personal stories from women at every level of professional growth who had all dealt with the issues of gender bias and AA at each step of the way.
The phase Strehl cumulative distribution function (cdf) in the performance modeling of adaptive optics systems

The role of phase Strehl (as a random variable) in adaptive optics performance modeling is discussed. The characteristic function, general form of the cumulative distribution function (CDF), and results for two and three degrees of freedom are presented.
Association of nonmelanoma skin cancer and actinic keratosis with cumulative solar ultraviolet exposure in Maryland watermen

To establish the relationship between ultraviolet-B radiation and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and actinic keratosis (AK), a cross-sectional prevalence survey was performed in a sample of 808 white, male watermen 30 years of age and older residing in the Eastern Shore of Maryland. A measure of personal cumulative ultraviolet-B exposure was determined for each subject from data collected through interviews and field and laboratory measurements. A personal interview elicited skin type, medication history, and other factors. Clinical diagnoses and histologic confirmation were done for current and previously removed skin tumors. The ratio of subjects with SCC to subjects with BCC was approximately 1:1; however, the ratio of BCC to SCC was 1.25:1 because BCC cases were more prone to multiple lesions. Watermen with SCC or AK but not BCC had higher average annual ultraviolet-B doses than age-matched controls. This was particularly marked in watermen younger than 60 years of age. Logistic regression showed that an older age, childhood freckling, and blue eyes significantly increased the risk of the development of all three types of skin tumor. Ease of sunburning was associated with BCC and AK, but not with SCC. Watermen in the upper quartile of cumulative ultraviolet-B exposure had a 2.5 times higher risk for the development of SCC when compared with the lower 3 quartiles. This suggests that high levels of ultraviolet-B exposure are important in SCC occurrence. The risk of AK developing was 1.5 times higher for those whose cumulative ultraviolet-B exposure exceeded the median. The relationship of BCC to cumulative ultraviolet-B exposure was not clear and this suggests that different etiologic mechanisms operate for SCC and BCC.
An experimental 600-foot electrosonic delay line for the navy space surveillance system

For many types of data transfer systems it is desirable that the data be delayed long enough so that the system is ready for the data. In the present Space Surveillance system it is desirable to delay data until the recorder is up to speed. The requirement for delaying the composite Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) FM telemetering signals from a Space Surveillance site by one-half second was fulfilled by converting the phone-line frequencies into sound, which is then transmitted through a pipe long enough to provide the desired delay and then reconverted into electrical signals. The delayed output is essentially distortionless.
The Misunderstood Lessons of Bosnia for Syria

In developing U.S. intervention policy in Kosovo, Iraq, Libya, and most recently Syria, the 1992 to 1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina1 has repeatedly been used as an analogy. For example, John Sha...
THE EFFECTS OF INHIBITORS OF RNA AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS ON CYTOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT DURING MEIOSIS.

An examination of the correlation between RNA and protein synthesis occurring during meiosis and cytological development was made in Trillium erectum microsporocytes. Various reagents known to act at various steps of protein biosynthesis were administered to cultured buds at different developmental stages with more or less effect depending on the stage rather than the reagent.
Controlled Stimulation of Magnetospheric Electrons by Radio Waves: Experimental Model for Lightning Effects

Magnetospheric electrons precipitated by ground-based coded very low frequency radio transmissions have been detected by rocket measurement of bremsstrahlung x-rays, caused by impact of the electrons with the upper atmosphere. The direct correlations obtained between the very low frequency signals and the x-rays demonstrate the limits of sensitivity required and indicate that this remote sensing technique would be useful for future study of very low frequency effects induced by single lightning strokes.
A heat-labile protein of Chlamydia trachomatis binds to HeLa cells and inhibits the adherence of chlamydiae.

Abstract From highly purified elementary bodies (EBs) of Chlamydia trachomatis, we have identified a protein of 38 kDa that selectively binds to monolayer cultures of HeLa cells. This protein, which we have named the chlamydial cytadhesin (CCA), is present on the surface of the EBs of three C. trachomatis serovars (B, E, and L1) that were examined. Localization of the CCA at the surface was confirmed by its ability to be labeled when viable EBs were iodinated and by its absence in preparations from trypsin-treated EBs. Viable EBs, but not heated or trypsin-treated EBs, inhibited the binding of the CCA to HeLa cells, indicating competition for a common receptor on the host cell membrane. A dose-dependent inhibition of adherence of radioactive EBs to HeLa cells was effected by extracts containing the CCA. This inhibition occurred even with extracts prepared from the EB of heterologous serovars. However, no inhibition could be demonstrated with extracts prepared from heat-treated EBs. Heat treatment of the extract resulted in the loss of ability of the CCA to bind to the host cells. HeLa cells preincubated with CCA-containing chlamydial extract showed reduced ability to bind labeled EBs and to develop cytoplasmic inclusions after infection. This protective activity was lost after exposure of the extract to heat. These findings indicate that the CCA is a thermolabile surface-exposed chlamydial adhesin; it may be useful in the development of vaccines for diseases caused by the pathogenic bacterium.
The risk of nail changes with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

Background The overall incidence and risk of nail changes associated with the use of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) varies widely across the literature. Objective We conducted a systematic review of the literature and performed a meta-analysis to determine the risk of developing nail toxicity among patients receiving EGFRIs. Methods Databases from Pubmed and Web of Science from January 1998 until July 2011 and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meetings from 2004 through July 2011 were searched to identify relevant studies. The incidence and relative risk (RR) of nail toxicity were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects model depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results A total of 2107 patients from 22 clinical trials were included in this analysis. The overall incidence of all-grade nail toxicity was 17.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.8%-21.3%), with an RR of 76.94 (95% CI: 40.76-145.22, P Limitations The ability to detect and grade nail changes may vary among institutions. Conclusion There is a significant risk of developing nail toxicity in cancer patients receiving EGFRIs. The risk is independent of the underlying agent. Adequate monitoring and early intervention are recommended to prevent debilitating toxicity and suboptimal dosing of EGFRI.
Executive function is associated with social competence in preschool-aged children born preterm or full term

Background Executive function (EF), defined as higher-order cognitive processes used in planning and organizing actions and emotions, is often impaired in children born preterm. Few studies have assessed social competence, the processes and resources required to meet social demands and achieve social goals, in children born preterm. The relations between EF and social competence in preterm and full term preschoolers have not been well characterized.
Interconnected system load-frequency control

IF ALL TIE LINES were of ample capacity and stations under automatic control were well distributed geographically, there would be no need for tie line control except where required by contract interchange schedules. With the large scale advent of system interconnections and the necessity for more efficient operation, the tendency is to use frequency control biased by tie line load rather than frequency control only.
Heat transfer between parallel plates including radiation and rarefaction effects

Abstract We consider the heat transfer through a gas contained between two parallel plates. We assume a gray gas with the radiative emission corresponding to local thermodynamic equilibrium. The conduction in the gas is treated by using a kinetic theory approach based on a Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook model. The radiative and kinetic transport equations are coupled through the local “temperature” which appears in both emission terms. The problem is formulated via a Milne-Eddington-Lees moment method. The optical thickness, the Knudsen number and the ratio of the continuum conduction to the continuum radiative heat transfer are parameters in the problem. Specific solutions are obtained for the case when the ratio of the temperature difference between the plates to a characteristic temperature is small. These solutions are compared with approximate results.
A novel role for myosin II in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake requires the activation of several signaling pathways to mediate the translocation and fusion of GLUT4 vesicles from an intracellular pool to the plasma membrane. The studies presented here show that inhibition of myosin II activity impairs GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake but not GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. We also show that adipocytes express both myosin IIA and IIB isoforms, and that myosin IIA is recruited to the plasma membrane upon insulin stimulation. Taken together, the data presented here represent the first demonstration that GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake is a myosin II-dependent process in adipocytes. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that myosin II is activated upon insulin stimulation and recruited to the cell cortex to facilitate GLUT4 fusion with the plasma membrane. The identification of myosin II as a key component of GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake represents an important advance in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating glucose homeostasis.
Noise figure and network representation of noisy linear two-ports

Abstract The (spot) noise figure of a two-port is regarded as a parameter of a network model which represents the two-port when the input termination is specified. Noise figure and effective temperature are calculated by replacing noise sources at one terminal pair with equivalent sources at another port. Available (or exchangeable) power gain appears implicitly when power spectra of equivalent sources are calculated. Special provisions for negative input and output conductances are therefore unnecessary. Extensions to linear three-port models are discussed.
Helping Teachers Integrate Internet Resources into the Curriculum.

You're on the Internet! Now what? Most teachers want and need a view of the Internet based on what is already familiar to them—lesson plans, activities, materials. Here is one view of the Internet for the middle level or high school administrator who is interested in assist ing his or her faculty to integrate the resources of the Internet into the curriculum.
TH-A-WAB-05: Selection of Candidate Lesions for Image-Guided Bone Biopsy Using [F-18]NaF PET/CT Response to Therapy

Purpose: Site selection for image‐guided biopsies in patients with multiple lesions is typically based on physician preference and clinical feasibility. This study aims to develop a method to additionally incorporate quantitative imaging data for automatic selection of candidate lesions for post‐treatment bone biopsy, using [18F]NaF response metrics in combination with physician feasibility. Methods: 12 metastatic prostate cancer patients undergoing conventional treatment received whole‐body [18F]NaF PET/CT scans pre‐and mid‐treatment. We quantitatively optimized biopsy lesion selection by maximizing a lesion‐specific objective function score(OFS). Here, OFS is defined as the weighted global sum of seven criteria separated into two categories: 1)physician‐feasibility category including physician‐preferred lesion location and absolute volume scores, and 2)imaging‐response category including four imaging response metrics (lesion volume, SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVtotal %change from pre‐to mid‐treatment) and an overall response score. Criteria were weighted evenly within each category. Weighting ratios between physician‐feasibility and imaging‐response (PF:IR) were varied from 2:1 to 1:2 to test OFS sensitivity. Results: 102 of 650+ total lesions met minimum criteria to qualify for biopsy. Within patients, maximum OFS ranged from <1%–27% greater than the next highest scoring lesion, indicating some patients have multiple lesions desirable for biopsy. Assessing sensitivity, within‐patient lesion rankings based on OFS values were stable from 1:1‐to‐2:1 (R=0.94), 1:1‐to‐1:2 (R=0.96), and from 1:2‐to‐2:1 (R=0.81) for all lesions. Compared to 1:1, the lesion identified as having the maximum OFS remained top‐seeded in 5 patients and in the top three highest ranking lesions in all patients for both 1:2 and 2:1. After selecting optimal candidates, biopsy feasibility was confirmed by the physician for 32/36 high‐ranking lesions, of which all top choices were confirmed. Conclusion: This newly developed computational optimization method was successfully used to quantitatively identify candidate lesions for bone biopsies. The method was robust to different weighting ratios and candidacy for biopsy was physician confirmed.
Spherulitic crystallization studies of poly(tetramethyl‐p‐silphenylene)–siloxane (TMPS). Part III

Extensive studies of the kinetics of spherulitic crystallization have been made on fractionated samples of TMPS. An analysis of these results reveals that a two-dimensional growth rate mechanism is a more likely mode of growth than a three-dimensional one. This conclusion is substantiated by experimental evidence from optical microscopy and light scattering from within spherulites. The crystallite end surface energy is found to increase as the molecular weight is raised.
Combinatorial auction-based multiple dynamic mission assignment

This paper proposes a combinatorial auction based approach to solving a multiple dynamic mission assignment (MDMA) problem. The problem presents itself in scenarios in which mobile nodes perform multiple missions, and the missions are supported by multiple nodes in a mobile ad hoc network. In this scenario, missions may dynamically arrive, may have to be completed at different times, and different numbers of members may be required for mission execution. The proposed MDMA protocol aims to minimize communication overhead caused by the mission assignment while maximizing each node's utilization (i.e., minimizing its idle time) and maximizing the fraction of mission completion over the initial missions given. We compare the proposed MDMA protocol with baseline mechanisms such as a single-item auction or a single-minded auction based on the above performance metrics.
Applications of Smart Materials in Structural Health Monitoring

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an emerging technology devoted to monitoring and assessing of structural health. SHM emerged from the wide field of smart structures and laterally encompasses disciplines such as structural dynamics, materials and structures, non-destructive testing, sensors and actuators, data acquisition, signal processing and possibly much more. To stimulate students’ desire for pursing advanced technologies and prepare them well for their future careers, engineering and technology educators need to dedicate their efforts to educate the students with this emerging technology. At Jackson State University (JSU), three course modules (Smart Materials and Structures, Signals & Data Acquisition Systems, and Lamb Waves Generation & Detection) have been added to the existing courses to help undergraduate students develop hands-on experience for understanding this technology. The course modules do not assume prior knowledge of software and hardware, and they all follow an applied, hands-on approach. These three course modules allow students to gain insight into the SHM as well as to become knowledgeable users of the instrumentation.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Surface Effects on the Properties of Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots

The surface chemistry of 35 A diameter CdSe quantum crystallites is varied by bonding different molecules to the surface of the crystallites. There are two main variables. The steric hindrance of the molecule is altered to control the density of dangling bonds at the surface. In addition, different bond types between the ligand and surface atoms were used to control the surface electron density. Nanosecond hole burning experiments were used to compare ground state recovery times. Luminescence revealed information on excited state recombination pathways. Analysis suggests that increased surface passivation reduces the fast nonradiative recombination.
Recruiting subjects for clinical aggression research

The authors discuss the process and problems of recruiting subjects for a study of violent behavior experienced by otherwise normal adults. In a recent study, intensive recruitment efforts generated 443 self-referrals that resulted in the entry of ten percent of the inquirers. Descriptive clinical and demographic profiles of applicants are presented with emphasis on factors associated with noninclusion. Possible explanations for low admission rates are explored. The authors offer three specific recommendations which should help other investigators to recruit suitable subjects for clinical aggression research.
Modulation of constitutive nitric oxide synthase, bcl-2 and Fas expression in cultured human coronary endothelial cells exposed to anoxia–reoxygenation and angiotensin II: role of AT1 receptor activation

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. We have recently shown that reoxygenation following a period of anoxia causes apoptosis of cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Ang II further enhances apoptosis of HCAECs via Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) activation. Recent studies suggest an important role of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS), Fas and bcl-2 proteins in apoptosis. This study was designed to examine the modulation of cNOS, and Fas and bcl-2 expression in HCAECs during exposure to anoxia–reoxygenation and Ang II. Methods and Results: HCAECs were exposed to anoxia–reoxygenation and Ang II. Anoxia- reoxygenation significantly decreased cNOS mRNA, protein and activity in cultured HCAECs ( P <0.05 vs. control). Anoxia–reoxygenation also caused an increase in Fas and a decrease in bcl-2 protein expression in cultured HCAECs (both P <0.05 vs. control). The presence of Ang II (0.3 μM) further enhanced these effects of anoxia–reoxygenation on cNOS, Fas and bcl-2 expression. The effects of Ang II were significantly attenuated by the AT1R inhibitor losartan (10 μM). Conclusion: During exposure of HCAECs to anoxia–reoxygenation and Ang II, AT1R activation induces important changes in cNOS mRNA, protein expression and activity, as well as bcl-2 and Fas protein expression which may have a bearing on the development of apoptosis.
Analysis of a two-node task-splitting feedback tandem queue with infinite buffers by functional equation

In this article, a two-node single-processor Markovian tandem queueing system with task splitting and feedback is considered. Each node has an infinite buffer before it and, thus, no blocking is possible in the system. Splitting feature is added to the model considered and it makes it a novel tandem queue. The functional equation developed from the generating function applied to the system of difference equations is solved using Riemann-Hilbert problem. The mean of the stationary queue length at each node is found. An Algorithm is given for computation of performance measures. Using approximation, a numerical example is offered to illustrate the workability of the algorithm.
Fiscal Policy And Economic Growth: The Effect of Fiscal Volatility

This paper investigates the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth. Unlike the literature on growth that emphasizes the level and the nature of fiscal parameters, this paper focuses on the effect of fiscal volatility on economic growth. The literature on growth ignores the micro-economic instability associated with frequent changes of fiscal policy. The empirical results of this paper indicate that the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth is inconclusive. Most of the fiscal policy parameters commonly used in the growth literature had failed to explain growth differences across countries. However, when fiscal policy instability variables are used in the growth equation, almost all of the variables are significantly and negatively correlated with economic growth.
RECOGNITION OF THE LANDOLT RING AS A FUNCTION OF ITS ORIENTATION

Under identical experimental conditions recognition thresholds have been determined for four orientations of the Landolt Ring (six observes and 2168 presentations). The results show that the differences (preferences) between the visual angle thresholds of the four orientations for each subject and for the four averages, do not differ significantly.
ELECTORAL RULES AND ELECTORAL COORDINATION

Electoral coordination occurs at two main levels: (a) within individual electoral districts, where competitors coordinate entry and citizens coordinate votes; and (b) across districts, as competitors from different districts ally to form regional or national parties. We know a fair amount about district-level electoral coordination for single-tier electoral systems. In particular, when political actors are primarily concerned with the current election and have good information about the relative chances of potential competitors, two different M + 1 rules apply in an M-seat district. First, the number of competitors entering a given race tends to be no more than M + 1; second, when more than M + 1 competitors do enter a race, votes tend to concentrate on at most M + 1 of them. We know much less about cross-district coordination, in which potentially separate local party systems merge to form a national party system. This essay focuses on the latter, relatively neglected topic.
Effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and compost as basal application on the growth and yield of onion ( Allium cepa L.)

An experiment was carried out to find suitable ratio of inorganic fertilizer and compost, which could give an economic yield of onion (cv. Jaffna Local). This experiment was designed in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates. Treatments were recommended dosage of inorganic fertilizers as a control (T 1 ), ¾ fold of the control treatment + compost (2 t ha -1 ) (T 2 ), ½ fold of the control treatment + compost (4 t ha -1 ) (T 3 ), ¼ fold of the control treatment + compost (6 t ha -1 ) (T 4 ) and the compost alone (8 t ha -1 ) (T 5 ). These were applied as basal application of fertilizer in this experiment. The results of this study revealed that there were significant (P 1 ), whereas compost alone (T 5 ) produced the lowest yield (3.43 t ha -1 ). It was also noted that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the yields between T 1 and T 2 as well as T 1 and T 3 . The inorganic fertilizers appear to have compensated with slow release of nutrients from the compost and their combined effects would have increased the yield. From this study, it could be stated that half fold of the inorganic fertilizer and compost at the rate of 4 t ha -1 (T 3 ) could give profitable yield (4.75 t ha -1 ) and this combination could possibly reduce the cost of production in the cultivation of onion. Key words: compost; inorganic fertilizer; onion; yield DOI: 10.4038/jas.v5i2.2783 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences , 2010, vol. 5, no 2 pp.64-70
Run time assurance of application-level requirements in wireless sensor networks

Continuous and reliable operation of WSNs is notoriously difficult to guarantee due to hardware degradation and environmental changes. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a methodology for run-time assurance (RTA), in which we validate at run time that a WSN will function correctly, despite any changes to the operating conditions since it was originally designed and deployed. We use program analysis and compiler techniques to facilitate automated testing of a WSN at run time. As a proof of concept, we implemented a framework for designing and automatically testing WSN applications. We evaluate our implementation on a network of 21 TelosB nodes, and compare performance with an existing network health monitoring solution. Our results indicate that in addition to providing the application-level verification function, RTA misses 75% fewer system failures, produces 70% fewer maintenance dispatches, and incurs 33% less messaging overhead than network health monitoring.
Novel and Efficient Download Test for Two Path Echo Canceller

The two-path echo cancellation technique is a popular method for handling the double-talk problem in acoustic and line echo cancellation applications. The method uses two filters. A so-called background adaptive filter adapts its coefficients to predict echo all or most of the time regardless of signal activity on the near-end. A second foreground filter, that also predicts the echo, receives it coefficients from the background filter, but only when the background is performing better than the foreground. Only the foreground residual echo is sent to the far-end, so any background divergence due to double-talk is not observed by the user. The key to good two-path performance is in the definition of the background-to-foreground coefficient download tests. These typically contain a suite of various measures that attempt to ascertain the convergence state of the two filters. In this paper we present a novel, simple statistic that directly and accurately estimates a filter's convergence state. With the aid of this new statistic we show significant improvement in the overall performance of the two path echo canceller.
Emerging Class in Papua New Guinea: The Telling of Difference.

Emerging Class in Papua New Guinea: The Telling of Difference. Deborah B. Cewertz and Frederick K. Errington. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. viii + 179 pp., illustrations, photographs, notes, references, index.
Detecting cocaine use with wearable electrocardiogram sensors

Ubiquitous physiological sensing has the potential to profoundly improve our understanding of human behavior, leading to more targeted treatments for a variety of disorders. The long term goal of this work is development of novel computational tools to support the study of addiction in the context of cocaine use. The current paper takes the first step in this important direction by posing a simple, but crucial question: Can cocaine use be reliably detected using wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors? The main contributions in this paper include the presentation of a novel clinical study of cocaine use, the development of a computational pipeline for inferring morphological features from noisy ECG waveforms, and the evaluation of feature sets for cocaine use detection. Our results show that 32mg/70kg doses of cocaine can be detected with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve levels above 0.9 both within and between-subjects.
What Drives Immediate and Ongoing Word of Mouth

Abstract Word of mouth (WOM) affects diffusion and sales, but why are certain products talked about more than others, both right after consumers first experience them and in the months that follow? this article examines psychological drivers of immediate and ongoing WOM. The authors analyze a unique data set of everyday conversations for more than 300 products and conduct both a large field experiment across various cities and a controlled laboratory experiment with real conversations. The results indicate that more interesting products get more immediate WOM but, contrary to intuition, do not receive more ongoing WOM over multiple months or overall. In contrast, products that are cued more by the environment or are more publicly visible receive more WOM both right away and over time. Additional analyses demonstrate which promotional giveaways in WOM marketing campaigns are associated with increased WOM. Overall, the findings shed light on psychological drivers of WOM and provide insight into designing mo...
The utility of epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin in the diagnosis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and vimentin (VMT) in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CHRCC). We also studied the utility of EMA and VMT immunostains in helping differentiate CHRCC from renal oncocytoma and conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma with granular morphology (GCRCC). Immunohistochemical staining for EMA and VMT was performed on 21 cases of CHRCC, 16 cases of renal oncocytoma, and 28 cases of GCRCC. The diagnosis in all cases was by concurrence of all pathologists involved in the study and was based entirely on examination of routinely stained slides. All cases were classic examples of these tumor types and presented no diagnostic difficulties. The intensity of immunohistochemical staining was graded on a scale of 0 to 3 (0 = no staining; 1 = equivocal; 2 = unequivocal, moderate intensity; and 3 = unequivocal, high intensity). Positive immunohistochemical staining was defined as unequivocal staining of at least 20% of the neoplastic cells. All cases of CHRCC were positive for EMA and negative for VMT. The same immunophenotype was observed in 75% of renal oncocytoma and 21% of GCRCC. In summary, all CHRCC cases in our study demonstrated immunohistochemical staining for EMA and not VMT. However, we also found that the same immunophenotype is observed in 75% of renal oncocytoma and in 21% of GCRCC, precluding its utility for positive identification of CHRCC. Nevertheless, the lack of such an immunophenotype is a reliable indication that a neoplasm under consideration is not CHRCC. Ann Diagn Pathol 6: 154-158, 2002.
Transforming Projective Bilexical Dependency Grammars into efficiently-parsable CFGs with Unfold-Fold

This paper shows how to use the UnfoldFold transformation to transform Projective Bilexical Dependency Grammars (PBDGs) into ambiguity-preserving weakly equivalent Context-Free Grammars (CFGs). These CFGs can be parsed in O(n 3 ) time using a CKY algorithm with appropriate indexing, rather than the O(n 5 ) time required by a naive encoding. Informally, using the CKY algorithm with such a CFG mimics the steps of the Eisner-Satta O(n 3 ) PBDG parsing algorithm. This transformation makes all of the techniques developed for CFGs available to PBDGs. We demonstrate this by describing a maximum posterior parse decoder for PBDGs.
Traumatic retropharyngeal emphysema as a cause for severe respiratory distress in a newborn

Traumatic injury to the pharynx or esophagus in a newborn from intubation or tube suctioning may have various presentations. Difficulty passing a gastric tube or feeding problems may erroneously suggest the diagnosis of esophageal atresia. Associated respiratory distress may be caused by pneumothorax or pleural effusion if the pleural space is entered. We report the case of a full-term newborn presenting with severe respiratory distress caused by a large retropharyngeal air collection resulting from hypopharyngeal perforation from prior intubation and suctioning. Chest abnormality, sufficient to account for the degree of respiratory distress, was not demonstrated.
Backward- versus Forward-Looking Feedback Interest Rate Rules

This paper proposes conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solutions to systems of differential equations with delays or advances in which some variables are non-predetermined. An application to the issue of optimal interest rate policy is then develop in a flexible-price model where money enters the utility function. Central banks have the choice between a rule that depends on past inflation rates or one that depends on predicted interest rates. When inflation rates are selected over a bounded time interval, the problem is characterized by a system of delay or advanced differential equations. We then prove that if the central bank's forecast horizon is not too long, an active and forward-looking monetary policy is not too destabilizing : the equilibrium trajectory is unique and monotonic.
Distinguishing cardiac syncope from vasovagal syncope in a referral population.

Objective To identify characteristics that distinguish cardiac from vasovagal syncope. Study design We compared characteristics of patients ≤18 years of age with vasovagal and cardiac syncope. Vasovagal syncope subjects represented all patients presenting to outpatient cardiology during a 1-year period for initial evaluation of syncope diagnosed with vasovagal syncope. Cardiac patients were all patients identified by review of diagnoses known to include syncope as a symptom who presented with syncope to the emergency department or inpatient or outpatient cardiology during a 10-year period identified with cardiac etiology. Results There were 89 patients 4-18 years of age with vasovagal syncope and 17 patients 4 months to 17 years of age with cardiac syncope. When we compared patients with cardiac syncope to those with vasovagal syncope, we found that syncope surrounding activity was present in 65% vs 18% ( P P = .2), abnormal findings on the physical examination supporting cardiac diagnosis were present in 29% vs 0% ( P P Conclusions Cardiac and vasovagal syncope have dramatic differences in presentation. A screening rule that uses historic features, physical examination findings, and electrocardiogram will accurately separate patients requiring further evaluation for cardiac etiology from those with vasovagal syncope in whom cardiology referral is unnecessary.
Grafting mandibular third molar extraction sites: a comparison of bioactive glass to a nongrafted site.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bioactive glass used as a graft material for regeneration of bone after the removal of impacted third molars. The healing distal to the second molars was followed, with documentation of the level of radiographic osseous fill and measurement of the changes in clinical attachment levels. Methods. Fourteen (5 male and 9 female) patients completed the study at 1 year. After surgical removal of bilateral impacted third molars, one site was grafted with bioactive glass particles (BioGran, Orthovita, Malvern, Penn). The patients were followed up at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery for signs or symptoms of infection or any other complications that may have been related to the surgical procedures. At 3, 6, and 12 months, the clinical attachment levels distal to the second molars were assessed. At 6 and 12 months, radiographs were obtained to assess the amount of osseous fill distal to the second molars. Results. A split-mouth design was used to test the efficacy of the grafting materials. Clinical attachment levels in the grafted sites were significantly higher than in the nongrafted sites. There was not a significant increase in bone formation when comparing the 2 sides at 1 year. Conclusion. This study suggests that treatment of third molar extraction sites with bioactive glass does significantly alter the clinical attachment level but not the level of osseous fill distal to the second molars after 1 year. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;94:413-9)
Superior Recovery of Hypertrophied Rat Myocardium After Cardioplegic Arrest

Abstract Background . Although cardioplegic protection of the hypertrophied heart remains a clinical challenge, we have previously observed enhanced recovery in rat hearts with pressure-overload hypertrophy induced by aortic banding. We investigated whether this unexpected result is found in other models of hypertrophy. Methods . Hearts with hypertrophy induced by aortic banding or administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate were each compared with age-matched sham-operated and nonoperated controls. Spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto controls were also compared. We evaluated left ventricular isomyosin distribution by gel electrophoresis and recovery of isolated working rat hearts arrested at 8°C for 2 hours. Results . The percentage of V 3 isomyosin in hearts with hypertrophy from aortic banding or administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate was increased compared with the control groups. Recovery of aortic flow in all three groups of hypertrophied hearts was at least as good or better than their respective controls. There were no significant differences in ATP or glycogen between hypertrophied and control hearts before or after arrest. Conclusions . Enhanced recovery of hypertrophied hearts is not specific to a single model. This level of recovery may be supported by induction of a "fetal genetic program," exemplified in the rat by the shift in isomyosin from predominantly V 1 to the more efficient V 3 isoform, which occurs in pressure-overloaded hearts.
Pediatric Hospital Discharge Interventions to Reduce Subsequent Utilization: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND Reducing avoidable readmission and posthospitalization emergency department (ED) utilization has become a focus of quality-of-care measures and initiatives. For pediatric patients, no systematic efforts have assessed the evidence for interventions to reduce these events. PURPOSE We sought to synthesize existing evidence on pediatric discharge practices and interventions to reduce hospital readmission and posthospitalization ED utilization. DATA SOURCES PubMed and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. STUDY SELECTION Studies available in English involving pediatric inpatient discharge interventions with at least 1 outcome of interest were included. DATA EXTRACTION We utilized a modified Cochrane Good Practice data extraction tool and assessed study quality with the Downs and Black tool. DATA SYNTHESIS Our search identified a total of 1296 studies, 14 of which met full inclusion criteria. All included studies examined multifaceted discharge interventions initiated in the inpatient setting. Overall, 2 studies demonstrated statistically significant reductions in both readmissions and subsequent ED visits, 4 studies demonstrated statistically significant reductions in either readmissions or ED visits, and 2 studies found statistically significant increases in subsequent utilization. Several studies were not sufficiently powered to detect changes in either subsequent utilization outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS Interventions that demonstrated reductions in subsequent utilization targeted children with specific chronic conditions, providing enhanced inpatient feedback and education reinforced with postdischarge support. Interventions seeking to reduce subsequent utilization should identify an individual or team to assume responsibility for the inpatient-to-outpatient transition and offer ongoing support to the family via telephone or home visitation following discharge. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:251–260. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Predicting downhole natural separation efficiency by a correlation

Quantifying the downhole natural separation efficiency will help to minimize the presence of free gas at pump intake and to avoid certain operational problems, such as: gas lock, surging, cavitation, over heat, among others, in systems of artificial lift by pumps. In the last few years, the University of Tulsa Artificial Lift Projects (TUALP) experimental facilities were used to obtain important experimental data on natural separation. This data has allowed the development of simplified models such as Alhanati [1] and Serrano [9]. Even though previous models have been able to estimate the natural separation efficiency, both models never considered the effect of important variables as the slip velocity in the radial direction and the geometric characteristic of the bottomhole completion. This paper presents a new correlation obtained from TUALP experimental data. This work is different than previous simplified models since it considers the drag effect in the radial direction. This new model represents a simple and reliable tool, which allows a robust estimate of the natural separation efficiency with a higher accuracy.
High Accuracy Disbond Thickness Estimation Scheme Employing Multiple-Frequency Near-Field Microwave Measurements

Microwave nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques have shown great potential for disbond detection in multi-layer dielectric structures. However, a quantitative disbond thickness estimation scheme has not been introduced yet. In this paper, we propose a maximum-likelihood (ML) disbond thickness estimation scheme utilizing multiple independent measurements obtained at different frequencies. By simulations and experiments, we show that the proposed scheme produces highly accurate disbond thickness estimates.