cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparative study on system combination schemes for LVCSR

We present a comparative study on combination schemes for large vocabulary continuous speech recognition by incorporating long-span class posterior probability features into conventional short-time cepstral features. System combination can improve the overall speech recognition performance when multiple systems exhibit different error patterns and multiple knowledge sources encode complementary information. A variety of combination approaches are investigated in this paper, e.g., feature concatenation single stream system, model combination multi-stream system, lattice rescoring and ROVER. These techniques work at different levels of a LVCSR system and have different computational cost. We compared their performance and analyzed their advantages and disadvantages on large vocabulary English broadcast news transcription tasks. Experimental results showed that model combination with independent tree consistently outperforms ROVER, feature concatenation and lattice rescoring. In addition, the phoneme posterior probability features do provide complementary information to short-time cepstral features.
Pattern of information technology use: The impact on buyer–suppler coordination and performance

Abstract The use of information technologies between supply chain organizations has been shown to promote organizational coordination and have a positive impact on performance. Drawing from organizational theories of learning, we build on this research by proposing a model that relates the pattern of supplier use of IT to specific types of supply chain coordination activities and a comprehensive set of organizational benefits. Specifically, we evaluate how two patterns of IT use by suppliers (exploitation and exploration) relate to two specific types of coordination activities with their buyers (operational and strategic coordination), which in turn are posited to promote specific organizational benefits. Using data from 241 first-tier OEM suppliers in the computer industry, our findings show that each pattern of IT use directly promotes a specific type of coordination activity. Although both types of coordination activities are needed to achieve both strategic and operational benefits, we find each coordination activity to be uniquely promoted by a specific pattern of IT use. IT use for exploitation is found to be an antecedent to operational coordination; IT use for exploration is found to be an antecedent to strategic coordination. No crossover between pattern of use and coordination activities is found. Our findings show that to achieve a complete set of benefits, suppliers must ultimately use IT for both exploration and exploitation. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the mechanism of how the pattern of IT use can result in a comprehensive set of organizational benefits for supplier firms.
Multiplane Loading of the Extensor Mechanism Alters the Patellar Ligament Force/Quadriceps Force Ratio

Since the direction of the quadriceps force and location of the patellofemoral contact point likely differ between axial and multiplane loadings, the force and moment balance solutions for a multiplane loading condition may not yield the same patella ligament force/quadriceps force ratio (F(PL)/F(Q) ratio) when compared with an axial loading condition. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an axial loading condition and an anatomical, multiplane loading condition on the F(PL)/F(Q) ratio at various knee flexion angles. Ten cadaver knees were used in this investigation. Each was mounted on a custom jig that was fixed to an Instron frame. Quadriceps muscle loads were applied with same resultant force magnitudes under two force directions, as follows: (1) axial loading (central quadriceps tendon loading parallel to the femoral axis), and (2) an anatomically based, multiplane loading condition (individual vasti loaded, taking into consideration physiologic muscle fiber orientation). Patellar ligament tension was measured using a buckle transducer. The patellar ligament force/quadriceps force ratio (F(PL)/F(Q) ratio) was calculated for both loading conditions at 0 deg, 20 deg, 40 deg, and 60 deg of knee flexion. Across the range of knee motion evaluated, the F(PL)/F(Q) ratio for the axial loading condition was significantly greater than the F(PL)/F(Q) ratio for the multiplane loading condition. Our results suggest that loading orientation affects the transfer of forces from the quadriceps tendon to the patellar ligament.
Early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction by myoglobin latex agglutination test.

Early elevation of the serum myoglobin level in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been noted for years. In this study, 39 patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit with acute chest pain within 72 hours (mean 12±15 hours) or electrocardiographic changes suspected of acute myocardial infarction had a serum myoglobin latex agglutination test to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in acute myocardial infarction. Of these 39 patients, 24 had documented acute myocardial infarction as their final diagnosis. By the time of admission, 18 of the 24 cases with infarction had positive myoglobin tests (sensitivity 75%). Of those 15 cases without myocardial infarction, 13 had negative myoglobin tests (specificity 87%)If only those 17 cases admitted within 5 hours of the onset of chest pain were analyzed, the serum myoglobin test became positive in 8 of 10 cases with documented AMI but the 2 cases with negative results turned positive 2 hours later (sensitivity 80% to 100%). Due to the fact that myoglobin tests were negative in all other 7 cases without infarction, the specificity was 7/7 (100%). In contrast, the creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme study was positive only in 3 of these 10 patients with documented AMI in the first blood sample taken during admissionIn conclusion, the serum myoglobin latex agglutination test is a quick and reliable method that helps in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.
Libya, Social Origins of Dictatorship, and the Challenge for Democracy

This article analyzes the 2011 revolution in Libya by focusing on three elements: the Qaddafi regime's failure to address the question of political reform and its subsequent alienation of important elite groups within the country; the impact of demography, urbanization, and global social media on the progress of the revolution; and the success of an enterprising revolutionary leadership within Libya that was able to obtain critical diplomatic and military support from the United Nations, the Arab League, and NATO. The main thesis of this article is that the regime's inability to make serious political reforms appropriate to changes occurring in the economy, education, and society eventually led to conflict between a dynamic social structure and a rigid political system that was unable to meet the demands and grievances of new social forces, especially unemployed youth. The gap between the Libyan youth and the ruling elite undermined the gains achieved by the regime during the 1970s and eventually led to t...
Prevalence and Prognostic Importance of Changes in Renal Function Following Mechanical Circulatory Support

Purpose The long-term durability and prognostic significance of improvement in renal function following mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has yet to be characterized in a large multicenter population. The primary goals of this analysis were to describe serial post-MCS changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and determine their association with all-cause mortality. Our second objective was to evaluate the impact of device flow on these changes. Methods and Materials Adult patients in INTERMACS with serial creatinine levels available (n=3,363) were studied. Results Early post-MCS, GFR improved substantially (median improvement 48.9%, p figure 1 ] Conclusions Post-MCS, early improvement in renal function is common but appears largely transient and not necessarily indicative of an improved prognosis. This pattern was observed in both pulsatile and continuous flow devices suggesting that adverse effects of non-pulsatile flow are not solely responsible. Additional research is necessary to better understand the mechanistic basis for these complex post-MCS changes in renal function and their associated survival disadvantage.
The role of mediating organizations for school reform: independent agents or district dependents?

This paper examines the role of mediating organizations in helping schools engage in whole school change as part of a school district's reform agenda. Specifically, it examines the Learning Community Program in Los Angeles, a programme designed by an external school reform organization, to assist schools in planning and implementing LEARN (Los Angeles Educational Alliance for Restructuring Now). The programme's success is shaped by the district and school contexts in which it operates. As mediating agent, the Learning Community Program must balance the challenges facing the schools ‐‐ particularly their readiness to engage in reform ‐‐ with the demands of the district for scale, accountability and resources. As it does so, it faces the challenges of maintaining program flexibility, building sustainable changes, and preserving its organizational independence. These pressures generate three central dilemmas and threaten to undermine the success of the district's reform and the Learning Community Program ‐‐ ...
Comparison of the Nagel Anomaloscope and a Dichroic Filter Anomaloscope

The Nagel Anomaloscope and a simple filter anomaloscope were used in testing 103 subjects with deficient color perception for red and green. The filter anomaloscope differentiates the deuteranomalous (DA) and the protanomalous types (PA), but does not distinguish types of defect among dichromats.A small number of subjects seemed to have a transitional defect between anomalous trichromasy and dichromasy. Evidence is presented suggesting that many if not all of these are actually dichromats, who give atypical responses because differences in saturation are mistaken for differences in hue.The two instruments agreed closely in their classifications of subjects as to type and degree of defect. The filter anomaloscope is the simpler in procedure and in interpretation of results.
Reactions of Alpha Methylene Lactone Tumor Inhibitors with Model Biological Nucleophiles

Thiols are the most reactive nucleophilic reagents among the biological models investigated. They undergo "Michael-type" addition to the polyfunctional sesquiterpene lactones. The rapid rates of reaction with L-cysteine were measured and the reaction products were characterized. Each addition of thiol successively decreased the cytotoxicity of the adducts formed.
Thermomagnetic writing with non-Gaussian laser beam intensity distributions

It is shown that by the insertion of a suitable phase plate into a laser beam it is possible to modify its intensity profile to approach a "rectangular" distribution. With this modified beam profile it is possible to write thermomagnetically spots of almost constant size.
Some Remarks on the Statistics of Binary Systems

This paper discusses the results obtained by K. Fuchs concerning a binary body-centred cubic system. It points out that the method used should and does partly cover both the two-phase system and the case of superstructure. It cautions also against acceptance of the quantitative conclusions obtained. When tested with the help of exact results available the method is found to contain important errors both of type and magnitude.
Combinations of School‐Based Primary and Secondary Preventive Dental Programs in the United States and Other Countries

School-based programs in the United States are very limited. Other countries in the world have established programs for many years which provide comprehensive services to school-age children. In this country philosophical and professional pressures have maintained school-based programs only in the area of primary prevention. Most treatment programs involving secondary prevention are not school-based and are targeted at specific population groups rather than all children. The basic questions of whether primary and secondary preventive school-based programs can be successful have been examined in this paper. The evidence based on the pilot program presented here is that these programs can be successful. They are well accepted by parents and children, they provide quality care at a reasonable cost, and, most importantly, they can reduce dental disease. It's time for a committment by the profession and the nation to establish school-based dental programs for the health and welfare of our children.
Development of a Six Element High Purity Germanium Detector Array for Cerebral Blood Flow Studies - The Prototype of a 144 Element System

A six element, high purity germanium (HPGe) detector array has been designed, constructed and tested as the prototype of a 144 element, multiplanar detector array for local cerebral blood flow measurements in 144 subdivisions of the human brain using 133Xe. The design requirements of the detection system are discussed relative to the brain "block" model, the photon energy range, and other available photon detectors. The characteristics and performance of the prototype array are described as well as the advantages of HPGe detectors for applications in nuclear medicine and large arrays.
α-(Acyloxy)dialkylnitrosamines: Effects of Structure on the Formation of N-Nitrosiminium Ions and a Predicted Change in Mechanism

The decay of α-(acyloxy)dialkylnitrosamines in aqueous solutions has been studied with a view toward elucidating mechanistic details and effects of structure on mechanism and reactivity. Rate constants (k1) for the pH-independent decay of 43 α-(acyloxy)dialkylnitrosamines have been determined. Observations from these and other experiments rule out decomposition via an anchimeric assistance mechanism involving the Z isomer that had previously been suggested. All of the reported data for most of the compounds is consistent with a mechanism involving the formation of N-nitrosiminium ions in or before the rate-limiting step. Structure−reactivity correlations indicate that the stability of α-(acyloxy)dialkylnitrosamines is determined by electronic properties of substituents at RN and RC as well as by the ability of substituents RC to engage in hyperconjugative interactions of C−H bonds with the developing cationic center in the transition state for nitrosiminium ion formation. Attachment of substituents of suf...
Mind, Body and Spirit in Basket Divination: An Integrative Way of Knowing

The statements of researchers on the topic of basket divination and the statements of basket diviners in northwest Zambia, Africa, do not fully agree. While researchers rightly stress the importance of observation, analysis and interpretation in basket divination, going so far as to describe diviners as scientists, they fail to recognize that divination is not an abstract, disembodied undertaking. Truthful knowledge is not flushed out of the diviner's mind as a set of theoretical propositions; it is instead delivered by an ancestral spirit that becomes objectified in three symbiotic forms: physical pain, configurations of material objects laid out inside a basket, and the diviner's translation of those meaningful configurations into words. In basket divination, human bodies, artifacts, words, and spirits work together in symbiosis. Knowing is a spiritual, intellectual, and embodied undertaking. The challenge then is to conceptualize basket divination as an integrative way of knowing in such a way that one does not fail to recognize either the neurobiological substrate that we all share as humans or those others facets—such as the numen—without which basket divination as a cultural practice would cease to exist.
Notes: Differences in Stocks of American Shad from the Columbia and Delaware Rivers

Abstract American shad Alosa sapidissima from the Columbia River on the Pacific coast and the Delaware River on the Atlantic coast were reared from 3 June to 24 October 1986 in two adjacent hypalon-lined ponds. Although fish from the Columbia River were introduced into ponds 29 d after those from the Delaware River, they grew significantly faster and attained a greater final weight. Fish from the Columbia River also had lower mortalities at all test salinities and temperatures than fish from the Delaware River. Electrophoresis revealed allelic differences between the two stocks at one locus (creatine kinase). We conclude that the two stocks of American shad are sufficiently different so that managers should not introduce them to different river systems without careful consideration.
The 1929 floods on eastern North Carolina Streams

North Carolina has a land area of 48,740 square miles. Of this about seven-eighths is situated east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The streams draining this large area fall into two groups: (1) Those rising In the Blue Ridge Mountains and thence flowing In a southeasterly direction through the Piedmont Plateau into South Carolina; and (2) those rising in the Piedmont region and flowing southeasterly across the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, finally discharging into the Atlantic Ocean or Into the North Carolina sounds bordering that Ocean. The three principal streams of this latter class are the Cape Fear River (D.A. = 8,500 square miles), the Neuse River (D.A. = 4,450 square miles), and the Tar River (D.A. = 3,075 square miles). This study is concerned principally with a description of certain hydrological characteristics of the floods occurring on the Cape Fear and Neuse rivers in September and October 1929.
Masking of Transient Signals Having Identical Energy Spectra

Pairs of waveforms having identical energy spectra were generated using a technique developed by Huffman. A pair of such waveforms differ only in their phase spectra. The discriminability of such waveforms was measured under various conditions. The total duration of the waveforms was varied as well as the nature of the differences in their phase spectra. The results of these experiments suggest that the ear can discriminate differences in temporal order as small as 2.5 msec. In latter experiments this discriminability among pairs was studied when both waveforms were partially masked by noise. Some pairs can be discriminated when only 6 dB above their masked threshold. These same waveforms were used in a series of masking experiments. When these waveforms are used as maskers of sinusoidal signals they do not produce equal masking, although the energy in any region near the signal frequency is the same for all maskers. The masked threshold for the sinusoids changes as much as 15 dB as a function of the part...
Human-Computer Interaction In Manufacturing

Abstract The introduction of computers into the manufacturing environment has resulted in a significant impact on productivity and quality of manufactured products. Computers in manufacturing can be used to perform information processing, to control and monitor the manufacturing process, and to support the production operations in the plant. The use of computers does not, by itself, improve or degrade the skill levels required by operators. This is, in fact, a management function. Managers, product designers, and manufacturing personnel make choices to determine how machines and people will interact. When applied in the proper environment, computer-integrated manufacturing systems will increase machine utilization, reduce production cost, and improve productivity. The effective use of computers in manufacturing can be achieved by defining three major needs: manufacturing education, training, and research and development. This paper will study the elements of human-computer interactive systems and define requirements for proper use of computers in manufacturing.
Inverted and biased loops in amorphous Gd-Co films

Amorphous Gd-Co films sputtered at substrate biases ≤100V showed compensation temperature differences of about 100°C between the film-glass (FG) and film-air (FA) surfaces, as measured by Kerr rotation. The films exhibited normal as well as inverted Kerr and Hall loops, but throughout the temperature range between compensation temperatures either the FG or FA surface, but not both, showed inverted Kerr loops. Inversion temperatures were found at which the inverted loop property was transferred from one film surface to the other. Biased loops were obtained from inverted loops by reducing the field amplitude in one polarity. The bias field, H B , was identified as the effective field of exchange-coupled Gd-Rich and Co-rich layers. By the use of H B data the interlayer wall energy density was estimated to be 0.9 ±0.2 ergs cm-2.
PROGRESS AND PROBLEMS IN LOBSTER BROODSTOCK DEVELOPMENT

A major impediment to commercial farming of the lobster Homarus is lack of control over reproduction. Without it, a steady supply of seed cannot be insured, nor can selective breeding be applied. The major block in the reproduction of either laboratory-mated or wild-caught inseminated females has been low frequency of egg extrusion. Prior to 1976, 5 extrusions were documented at the Bodega Marine Laboratory. Only one of these hatched successfully. Since late 1976, however, 10 females mated in the laboratory and 8 females inseminated in nature have successfully extruded. Of these ovigerous females, 5 hatched viable progenies and the remainder subsequently lost their eggs. Most of these reproductive events occurred during a 22-week experiment in which laboratory-mated and field-inseminated females were held in large tanks (37 cm × 74 cm × 49 cm deep) in a 3 temperature × 2 photoperiod design. Mortality was highest (5/18 or 28%) in the highest temperature schedule (18–22°C), lower (3/36 or 8%) in the middle temperature schedule (14–18°C) and zero (0/18) at lower temperatures (10–15°C). Molting followed a similar ordering, 67% at high temperatures, 64% at medium temperatures and 50% at low temperatures. The rate of extrusion showed an inverse pattern with only 6% in the high, 14% in the medium and 22% in the low temperature schedules. Photoperiod had an apparent effect only in the low temperature schedule with 2 molts in the short day and 7 in the long day cycle. Ovarian maturation was monitored during the experiment by a candling technique. Candling scores are correlated with actual ovary appearance and weight for 35 females sacrificed at the study's conclusion. Progress in broodstock development has come chiefly through better husbandry (larger tanks, varied diet, as well as improved sampling techniques and record keeping practices), and in part through the success of H. gammarus females in crosses to H. americanus males. Two overall results of significance to lobster broodstock development are the evidence of shorter than 2-year cycles in some females, and the lack of marked seasonality in reproductive activity. Two problems, in addition to understanding the complex interplay of molting and ovarian development, are shell disease and loss of eggs following extrusion.
Does the interstitial nucleus of Cajal project to the hypoglossal nucleus in the rat

The present study sought to determine whether or not the hypoglossal nucleus receives direct afferent projections from the interstitial nucleus of Cajal. Results from anterograde and retrograde labeling experiments in the rat indicated that while projections from the interstitial nucleus of Cajal do not terminate within the hypoglossal nucleus, they do so among a small group of neurons located ventrolateral to the hypoglossal nucleus, the nucleus of Roller. These findings are discussed in relation to orolingual motor behavior.
The Influence of High Environmental Temperature on the Oxygen Consumption of Mature Domestic Fowl

Abstract IT IS generally known that the thyroid gland alters its activity in response to changing environments. It is probable that seasonal changes are mediated by way of the anterior pituitary. High environmental temperature depresses the release of thyrotropin and therefore, the thyroid hormone output by the thyroid, and low temperature increases the output of the thyrotropin with the resulting high thyroid output (Ring, 1939; MacGregor and Loh, 1941; Wolf and Greep, 1937). Winchester (1940) determined the thyrotrophic content of hen’s pituitaries and found the highest thyrotrophic hormone content during the month of February with a decreased content later in the season. It has been established, that low environmental temperature stimulates thryoid activity. Ring (1939) showed that low temperature increases the metabolic rate. Dempsey and Atwood (1943) found that the thyroid gland of rats produced more thyroid hormone when kept in a cold environment than when held at higher environmental temperatures…
Modeling a four-layer location-routing problem

Article history: Received 1 August 2011 Available online 10 August 2011 Distribution is an indispensable component of logistics and supply chain management. Location-Routing Problem (LRP) is an NP-hard problem that simultaneously takes into consideration location, allocation, and vehicle routing decisions to design an optimal distribution network. Multi-layer and multi-product LRP is even more complex as it deals with the decisions at multiple layers of a distribution network where multiple products are transported within and between layers of the network. This paper focuses on modeling a complicated four-layer and multi-product LRP which has not been tackled yet. The distribution network consists of plants, central depots, regional depots, and customers. In this study, the structure, assumptions, and limitations of the distribution network are defined and the mathematical optimization programming model that can be used to obtain the optimal solution is developed. Presented by a mixed-integer programming model, the LRP considers the location problem at two layers, the allocation problem at three layers, the vehicle routing problem at three layers, and a transshipment problem. The mathematical model locates central and regional depots, allocates customers to plants, central depots, and regional depots, constructs tours from each plant or open depot to customers, and constructs transshipment paths from plants to depots and from depots to other depots. Considering realistic assumptions and limitations such as producing multiple products, limited production capacity, limited depot and vehicle capacity, and limited traveling distances enables the user to capture the real world situations. © 2012 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved
Synthesis and Mesomorphism of Novel Star-Shaped Liquid Crystals Containing Donor-Acceptor Groups

A new class of three-armed star-shaped liquid crystals 5a-5d were synthesized, they used 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene as a core, ω-[4-(p-ethoxybenzoloxy) phenoxycarbonyalkyl acid (3a, 3b) and ω-[4-(p-nitrobenzoloxy) phenoxycarbonyalkyl acid (3c, 3d) as mesogenic arms. Their chemical structures were confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR spectra. The mesomorphic properties and phase behavior were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) measurements. The results showed that the three-armed star-shaped liquid crystals exhibited a broad range of liquid crystalline phases at moderate temperature. The mesogenic arm structures obviously affected the phase behavior. As the intermedius alkyl chain of the star-shaped compounds lengthened (from n=4 to n=8), their melting points decreased but mesomorphic temperature ranges increased. The temperatures when 5% weight loss occurred (td) were higher than 300°C, which revealed that the synthesized three-armed liquid crystals had a high thermal stability. Threadlike, droplet and schlieren texture, typical of nematic phase can be observed in the liquid crystalline state during heating or cooling process.
The role of tax preparers in tax compliance

This paper assesses the influence of tax preparers on tax compliance. Using data from the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Taxpayer Compliance Measurement Program and an index of legal ambiguity based on Revenue Rulings, the impact of preparation mode (paid third party vs. self) on compliance at the level of the return line item is probed. The results suggest that preparers contribute to compliance by enforcing legally clear requirements but also contribute to noncompliance, as measured by the IRS, by helping taxpayers take advantage of legal ambiguity. Furthermore, an analysis of a campaign to enforce estimated tax requirements conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue suggests that tax preparers are also an important network for communicating tax agency enforcement priorities to taxpayers.
Mutagen-induced Imm+ variants: the need for viable and cloned Imm+ variants for effective protection against a primary murine tumor and its metastases.

Immunogenic variants (Imm+) generated after the treatment of murine tumor cells with the mutagenN-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) can produce a strong protective response against non-mutagenized parent tumor cells. The use of this methodology to treat human tumors is currently thwarted by technological difficulties in applying the findings obtained with murine models to human disease. Two of these difficulties are described in this study. The first is that Imm+ variants lose most of their immunogenicity after treatment with X-irradiation or mitomycin C. The second is that mutagen-treated tumor cells must be cloned so as to select for Imm+ variants, for the presence of as few as 0·001 per cent tumorigenic cells within the bulk population will result in the failure of the protective effect of the Imm+ variants.
Toward Polyatomic Wave Packet Decomposition: Final State Effects†

We present numerical studies of femtosecond time-resolved probes of coupled wave packet dynamics in model polyatomic systems. Of specific interest is the possibility of using the structure and symmetry of the final states accessed by the probe field to discern vibrational energy flow. Simple wave packets can often exhibit classical localization, thus facilitating a mechanistic, trajectory-like picture of the quantum dynamics. This feature, however, does not necessarily survive in complex multidimensional problems due to differing quantum mechanical dephasing rates in different degrees of freedom. To recover a classical-like picture of energy flow between coupled vibrational modes, we introduce a final-state-resolved measure of wave packet dynamics, a low-frequency band-pass filter of the signal, which is specifically sensitive to intermode energy flow.
Ockham's Distinctions between Absolute and Connotative Terms

This notation" paper is as intended developed as an by introduction William of to Ockham, the theory especially of ' 'conas notation" as develope by William of Ockham, espe ially as in his Summa logicae.1 It is only an introduction to that theory, because it focusses on only the most rudimentary part of it, namely, the distinction between absolute and connotative terms. The paper does two things. First, it tries to clarify several crucial but obscure notions that arise in connection with this distinction, notions such as "signify the same things in the same way", "secondary signification", and "express the quid nominis". Second, the paper argues for the claim that connotation-theory, or at least that part of it presented here, requires no new primitive notions beyond those already required for the theory of absolute terms. I do not discuss here certain other very interesting questions in connotation-theory for instance, its role in the theory of demonstration, and its role in reducing the number of ontological categories. These questions are discussed by Ernest A. Moody in his The Logic of William of Ockham .2 They are
The Vacuum Oven Control System for Aviation Instrument Dehumidification

This paper presents a multi-channel vacuum oven control system that can perform the cycles of pumping vacuum and filling nitrogen repeatedly. The developed control system contains four vacuum ovens which can be operated simultaneously to dehumidify aviation instruments efficiently. Each oven is installed with one temperature channel and one pressure channel to monitor and control its temperature and pressure respectively. The task curve of each control channel can be defined by users through chart editing and parameter setting. The system will then perform the curve-tracking of temperature and pressure for the respective temperature channel and pressure channel to carry out the cycles of pumping vacuum and filling nitrogen to complete the dehumidification operation. Therefore, this system can highly ensure the flight safety by preventing the humidity within numerous aviation instruments from freezing to cause malfunction during flight.
In situ calibrated oxygen electrode

Applications for determining dissolved oxygen cover many scientific fields ranging from aquatic to medicinal. Dissolved oxygen is often measured using a Clark electrode, however this device needs frequent recalibration due to changes in sensitivity caused by environmental conditions. External methods of calibration require removal of the sensor from the working environment. In this work, an oxygen-generating electrode is used to recalibrate the Clark-type oxygen-detecting electrode in situ. Preliminary data show that the new calibration procedure provides an estimate of the sensitivity to within 7.5% of the actual value determined experimentally. In situ calibration would have an enormous impact on the way chemical and biological processes are monitored.
Benzo-cis-cyclohexano-14-crown-4 and its lithium thiocyanate complex

The structures of a 14-crown-4 ether containing both benzo and cyclo­hexano substituents, 2,6,13,17-tetraoxatricyclo-[16.4.0.07,12]docosa-1(18),19,21-triene, C18H26O4, and its lith­ium complex, [2,6,13,17-tetraoxatricyclo[16.4.0.07,12]docosa-1(18),19,21-triene-κ4O](thio­cyanato-N)­lith­ium(I), [Li(NCS)-(C18H26O4)], are presented. The conformation of the free crown, (I), is not preorganized for cation binding, as its donor dipoles are oriented towards opposite sides of the crown ring. The Li+-crown complex, (II), exhibits two formula units in the asymmetric unit. The binding conformation observed in (II) does not completely reorient the dipoles to one point, resulting in a long Li—O bond length [2.068 (5) and 2.073 (5) A].
Neuronal hyperactivity following deafferentation of the lateral cuneate nucleus

Abstract The lateral cuneate nucleus (LCN) of the cat was deafferented by extradural dorsal rhizotomies of C1 through T7 sparing the T1 root. Normal spontaneous activity in LCN included units with either proprioceptive or exteroceptive receptive fields in the ipsilateral forequarter. The firing patterns of these units included spontaneous doublets and triplets with high firing rate capability. Deafferentation of LCN, after an initial 24-hr period of relative silence, led to abnormally hyperactive unit activity which was characterized by high frequency burst firing in units which had lost their afferent drive. Retention of the peripheral receptive field was always associated with continued normal firing patterns. Tetanic stimulation of ipsilateral anterior lobe of the cerebellum, which either had no effect or inhibited spontaneous activity in normal LCN, led to increased firing frequencies and burst duration after deafferentation.
Structure and Agency, Intellectual “Nationalism,” and Method: Tang Tsou's Contributions to China Studies and Social Science

As befits the work of a man who was old in years but who always evinced the intellectual originality and energy of a young scholar, Tang Tsou's last publication represents his first, preliminary statement on what was for him a new project: a magisterial "multivolume study of the revolution in China" (Tsou, 2000 [this issue]). On the title page of the typescript, he wrote, "Comments, particularly those with suggestions of books and articles for further reading, are welcome." When I last saw him just three weeks before his death, he had just learned of his kidney failure and was angry because he feared that it would deprive him of the three years he needed to complete it. Yet even this prolegomenon to his new project forms a veritable cadenza to his career-it takes well-developed themes from his previous work in exciting, provocative, and intriguing new directions.
Application of a Weighted Average Surrogate Approach to Helicopter Rotor Blade Vibration Reduction

The advantages of employing multiple approximation methods and the effectiveness of weighted average surrogate modeling for approximation and reduction of helicopter vibrations is studied. Multiple surrogates, including the weighted average approach, are considered so that the need to identify the “best” approximation method for the rotor vibration reduction problem is eliminated. Various approximation methods are used to generate a vibration objective function corresponding to a flight condition in which bladevortex interaction causes high levels of vibration. The design variables consist of the crosssectional dimensions of the structural member of the blade and non-structural masses. The optimized designs are compared with a baseline design resembling an MBB BO-105 blade. The results indicate that (a) multiple surrogates can be used to locate low vibration designs which would be overlooked if only a single approximation method was employed, and (b) that the weighted average approach protects against the worst individual surrogate, while performing as well as the best individual surrogate. Furthermore, the surrogates were used in a global sensitivity analysis to identify the most significant design variables for the vibration reduction problem.
Rescue of cardiac α-actin-deficient mice by enteric smooth muscle γ-actin

The muscle actins in higher vertebrates display highly conserved amino acid sequences, yet they show distinct expression patterns. Thus, cardiac α-actin, skeletal α-actin, vascular smooth muscle α-actin, and enteric smooth muscle γ-actin comprise the major actins in their respective tissues. To assess the functional and developmental significance of cardiac α-actin, the murine (129/SvJ) cardiac α-actin gene was disrupted by homologous recombination. The majority (≈56%) of the mice lacking cardiac α-actin do not survive to term, and the remainder generally die within 2 weeks of birth. Increased expression of vascular smooth muscle and skeletal α-actins is observed in the hearts of newborn homozygous mutants and also heterozygotes but apparently is insufficient to maintain myofibrillar integrity in the homozygous mutants. Mice lacking cardiac α-actin can be rescued to adulthood by the ectopic expression of enteric smooth muscle γ-actin using the cardiac α-myosin heavy chain promoter. However, the hearts of such rescued cardiac α-actin-deficient mice are extremely hypodynamic, considerably enlarged, and hypertrophied. Furthermore, the transgenically expressed enteric smooth muscle γ-actin reduces cardiac contractility in wild-type and heterozygous mice. These results demonstrate that alterations in actin composition in the fetal and adult heart are associated with severe structural and functional perturbations.
Polylactic acid mesh reconstruction of the anterior iliac crest after bone harvesting reduces early postoperative pain after anterior cervical fusion surgery.

OBJECTIVE Autologous iliac crest bone enhances the rate of spinal arthrodesis. However, graft site complications are common, with donor site pain being particularly troublesome. Reconstruction of the hip defect with an absorbable polylactic acid mesh to restore the bony cortical contour has been pro
Satellite-based assessment of the dynamics of new lakes in southern Egypt

Lakes in arid landscapes are indicators of environmental change and important sources of water for human use. In regions without in situ hydrologic measurements, remote sensing may provide the only means to monitor long-term changes in water storage. We used a synergistic combination of multiple satellite remote-sensing methods to provide the first comprehensive assessment of the dynamics of a newly formed chain of large lakes in the hyper-arid Toshka Depression of southern Egypt. A total of 145 MODIS and AVHRR satellite images were used to monitor changes in lake surface area, which increased to a maximum of 1740 km2 before declining to 900 km2. Two methods were tested for satellite-based measurement of lake levels and volumes, one based on analysis of a digital elevation model and one using data from the ICESat GLAS laser altimeter. This study shows the power of satellite remote sensing for long-term monitoring of regional-scale hydrologic transformations.
Different photosynthesis-nitrogen relations in deciduous hardwood and evergreen coniferous tree species.

The relationship between photosynthetic capacity (A max) and leaf nitrogen concentration (N) among all C3 species can be described roughly with one general equation, yet within that overall pattern species groups or individual species may have markedly different A max-N relationships. To determine whether one or several predictive, fundamental A max-N relationships exist for temperate trees we measured A max, specific leaf area (SLA) and N in 22 broad-leaved deciduous and 9 needle-leaved evergreen tree species in Wisconsin, United States. For broad-leaved deciduous trees, mass-based A max was highly correlated with leaf N (r 2=0.75, P 0.25) in the evergreen conifers. Compared to deciduous trees at a common leaf N (mass or area basis), evergreen trees had lower A max and SLA. For all data pooled, both leaf N and A max on a mass basis were correlated (r 2=0.6) with SLA; in contrast, area-based leaf N scaled tightly with SLA (r 2=0.81), but area-based A max did not (r 2=0.06) because of low A max per unit N in the evergreen conifers. Multiple regression analysis of all data pooled showed that both N (mass or area basis) and SLA were significantly (P<0.001) related to A max on mass (r 2=0.80) and area (r 2=0.55) bases, respectively. These results provide further evidence that A max-N relationships are fundamentally different for ecologically distinct species groups with differing suites of foliage characteristics: species with long leaf life-spans and low SLA, whether broad-leaved or needle-leaved, tend to have lower A max per unit leaf N and a lower slope and higher intercept of the A max-N relation than do species with shorter leaf life-span and higher SLA. A single global A max-N equation overestimates and underestimates A max for temperate trees at the upper and lower end of their leaf N range, respectively. Users of A max-N relationships in modeling photosynthesis in different ecosystems should appreciate the strengths and limitations of regression equations based on different species groupings.
Hydration Structure at the α-Al2O3 (0001) Surface: Insights from Experimental Atomic Force Spectroscopic Data and Atomistic Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Atomic force spectroscopic data obtained in water on the (0001) face of fully hydroxylated α-Al2O3 substrate using a silicon tip are presented. The data are obtained by implementing the Brownian force profile reconstruction method (BFPR), originally proposed by Ashby and Lieber [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 16973]. The method allows for an accurate reconstruction of the high stiffness force–distance curve that highlights the hydration structure. The experimental data are interpreted with the aid of massive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in which one silicon dioxide disc of ∼2 nm diameter represents the silicon atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip. The umbrella sampling method is employed to obtain the water-mediated surface–disc force profile. It is possible to distinguish two hydration layers confined between tip and surface in both simulations and experiment. Small variations of the disc features yield some differences in the simulated force–distance curve, and the small disc size is responsible ...
Objective assessment of vaginal surgical skills.

Objective To develop and validate an instrument to assess surgical skills during vaginal surgery. Study Design Trainees from 2 institutions were directly assessed in the operating room by supervising surgeons while performing a vaginal hysterectomy using the new Vaginal Surgical Skills Index, global rating scale, and visual analogue scale. Trainees were assessed again by the same surgeons 4 weeks after the live surgery and by a blinded outside reviewer using a videotape of the case. Internal consistency, interrater and intrarater reliability, and construct validity were evaluated. Results Two hundred twelve evaluations were analyzed on 76 surgeries from 27 trainees. There was good internal consistency, interrater, and intrarater reliability. Vaginal Surgical Skills Index scores correlated with global rating score and visual analog scale scores. Increasing Vaginal Surgical Skills Index scores significantly correlated with year of training and surgical volume with an estimated increase in score of 0.3 per hysterectomy performed. Conclusion The Vaginal Surgical Skills Index is a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument to assess vaginal surgical skills.
Inhibition of Drug Metabolism by Hydroxylated Metabolites: Cross‐Inhibition and Specificity

Inhibition of drug metabolism was studied in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. A hydroxylated metabolite of phenylbutazone (oxyphenbutazone) inhibited the elimination of phenytoin, which is metabolized by oxidative pathways. The biotransformation of a relatively polar and only slightly plasma protein-bound drug, antipyrine, was subject to product inhibition by a hydroxylated metabolite, 4-hydroxyantipyrine. Neither oxyphenbutazone nor 4-hydroxyantipyrine measurably affected the elimination kinetics or metabolic fate of a drug (sulfanilamide) that is not metabolized by oxidative pathways.
Wrist display concept demonstration based on 2-in. Color AMOLED

The wrist watch needs an upgrade. Recent advances in optoelectronics, microelectronics, and communication theory have established a technology base that now make the multimedia Dick Tracy watch attainable during the next decade. As a first step towards stuffing the functionality of an entire personnel computer (PC) and television receiver under a watch face, we have set a goal of providing wrist video capability to warfighters. Commercial sector work on the wrist form factor already includes all the functionality of a personal digital assistant (PDA) and full PC operating system. Our strategy is to leverage these commercial developments. In this paper we describe our use of a 2.2 in. diagonal color active matrix light emitting diode (AMOLED) device as a wrist-mounted display (WMD) to present either full motion video or computer generated graphical image formats.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On Mellin transforms of unramified Whittaker functions on GL(3, C)☆

Abstract The double Mellin transforms of the unramified Whittaker functions on GL(3, C) are evaluated as products of Gamma functions. Several applications of this formula are indicated. In particular, the special Whittaker function occurring in connection with the cubic theta function on GL(3) is evaluated in terms of the Bessel function K 1 3 .
Zero-Prandtl-number convection

The zero-Prandtl-number limit of the Oberbeck-Boussinesq equations is compared to small-Prandtl-number Rayleigh-Benard convection through numerical simulations. Both no-slip and free-slip boundary conditions, imposed at the top and bottom of a small-aspect-ratio, horizontally periodic box are considered. A rich variety of regimes is observed as the Rayleigh number is increased: supercritical oscillatory instabilities for various values of the aspect ratios, competition between two-dimensional rolls, squares and hexagonal patterns, competition between travelling and standing waves, transition to chaos, and scalings laws for the first Rayleigh-number decade