cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The principal minors of a matroid

Abstract Kishi and Kajitani introduced the concepts of the principal partition of a graph and maximally distant forest pairs . These concepts lead to the determination of the topological degrees of freedom of a graph or, equivalently, the minimum hybrid rank of a graph, where the minimum hybrid rank is equal to the minimum number of equations needed to solve the network represented by the graph. Recently Iri provided a link between linear algebra and combinatorial mathematics by giving essentially analogous results for matrices, where he defines a minimum term rank of a matrix. One of the results of this paper generalizes the work of Kishi and Kajitani and of Iri. We define and develop the matroid concepts of the r-principal minors , the r-maximally distant bases , and the r-minors of a matroid. The principal partition of a matroid is obtained for r = 2. Further unique decompositions of a matroid are given for r > 2. Thus a new important set of invariants of a matroid, a graph, and a matrix become available. Efficient algorithms are given for the generation of the r -maximally distant bases and all the principal minors.
Worlds Turned Upside Down: Bourgeois Experience in the 19th-Century Revolutions

With the advantage of hindsight, historians have concluded that France's bourgeoisie enjoyed a solid hegemony throughout the nineteenth century, despite the period's periodic political crises. At the time, however, members of the bourgeoisie did not feel this sense of security. The writings of the Lyonnais doctor, historian and librarian Jean-Baptiste Monfalcon make it possible to understand the shock that the crises of 1830,1848, and 1870–1871 caused for those who saw themselves as upholders of social order. Each of these revolutionary crises jeopardized life projects to which Monfalcon had devoted years of effort. Although Monfalcon finally died peacefully in 1874, still occupying the library post he had struggled to keep since the early 1840s, each of France's national crises had forced him to spend years of energy fighting both to safeguard his own position and that of his social class. Thanks to this unusually articulate witness, we can gain new insights into the mentality of France's middle classes during the period from the Restoration to the early years of the Third Republic.
Immunocytochemical identification of rat growth hormone cells utilizing antisera to nonmammalian growth hormones.

Abstract An attempt was made to identify rat pituitary growth hormone cells by immunocytochemical methods utilizing monkey antisera to shark growth hormone, snapping turtle growth hormone, and rat growth hormone. The localization of rat growth hormone at the light microscope level was achieved using a modification of the unlabeled antibody enzyme method of Sternberger. Specific staining was observed in cells that were ovoid or pyramidal in shape which were generally evenly distributed across the entire section.
Testing proximity versus directional voting using experiments

A long-running debate about how voters use issues to evaluate candidates pits the proximity theory of voting against directional theory. Using surveys, both sides of the debate have found support for their preferred theory, but disagreement remains because of differing ways of analyzing the data. Lewis and King (2000) point out that these researchers make assumptions that bias results in favor of their theory. To avoid these difficulties, our approach creates fictitious candidates with controlled positions, presents these candidates to randomly-assigned subjects, and examines the relationship between subjects’ evaluations of these candidates and their ideological beliefs as a neutral test of proximity and directional theory. Our results provide reasonably strong support for proximity theory but little for directional theory.
The topology and morphology of bicontinuous interfaces during coarsening

We investigate the late-stage coarsening of three-dimensional two-phase mixtures via conserved dynamics over a range of volume fractions. We find that the phases remain bicontinuous at volume fractions as low as 36%. The morphologies of these bicontinuous structures depend on the volume fraction, and they differ from the corresponding structure of a symmetric mixture coarsening via nonconserved dynamics. However, these structures have nearly the same scaled genus of approximately 0.13, possibly indicating a universality in the topology of bicontinous structures undergoing self-similar coarsening.
Losses in Radial Inflow Turbines

A study was conducted to determine experimentally and theoretically the losses in radial inflow turbine nozzles. Extensive experimental data was obtained to investigate the flow behavior in a full-scale radial turbine stator annulus. A theoretical model to predict the losses in both the vaned and vaneless regions of the nozzle was developed. In this analysis, the interaction effects between the stator and the rotor are not considered. It was found that the losses incurred due to the end wall boundary layers can be significant, especially if they are characterized by a strong crossflow. The losses estimated using the analytical study are compared with the experimentally determined values.
General education in research universities: Training programs for teaching assistants

Suggestions for general education reforms have advocated smaller classes and greater participation by senior faculty. This is not feasible given the reward structure and extensive use of teaching assistants at research universities. Realistic reform efforts must account for the reward structure and focus on training programs for teaching assistants.
KCa3.1 and TRPM7 Channels at the Uropod Regulate Migration of Activated Human T Cells

The migration of T lymphocytes is an essential part of the adaptive immune response as T cells circulate around the body to carry out immune surveillance. During the migration process T cells polarize, forming a leading edge at the cell front and a uropod at the cell rear. Our interest was in studying the involvement of ion channels in the migration of activated human T lymphocytes as they modulate intracellular Ca2+ levels. Ca2+ is a key regulator of cellular motility. To this purpose, we created protein surfaces made of the bio-polymer PNMP and coated with ICAM-1, ligand of LFA-1. The LFA-1 and ICAM-1 interaction facilitates T cell movement from blood into tissues and it is critical in immune surveillance and inflammation. Activated human T lymphocytes polarized and migrated on ICAM-1 surfaces by random walk with a mean velocity of ∼6 µm/min. Confocal microscopy indicated that Kv1.3, CRAC, and TRPM4 channels positioned in the leading-edge, whereas KCa3.1 and TRPM7 channels accumulated in the uropod. The localization of KCa3.1 and TRPM7 at the uropod was associated with oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ levels that we measured in this cell compartment. Further studies with blockers against Kv1.3 (ShK), KCa3.1 (TRAM-34), CRAC (SKF-96365), TRPM7 (2-APB), and TRPM4 (glibenclamide) indicated that blockade of KCa3.1 and TRPM7, and not Kv1.3, CRAC or TRPM4, inhibits the T cell migration. The involvement of TRPM7 in cell migration was confirmed with siRNAs against TRPM7. Downregulation of TRPM7 significantly reduced the number of migrating T cells and the mean velocity of the migrating T cells. These results indicate that KCa3.1 and TRPM7 selectively localize at the uropod of migrating T lymphocytes and are key components of the T cell migration machinery.
Hydride Transfer Reactions of Transition Metal Hydrides: Kinetic Hydricity of Metal Carbonyl Hydrides

Hydride transfer from neutral transition metal hydrides (MH) to Ph3C+BF4- gives M-FBF3 and Ph3CH. The rate law −d[Ph3C+BF4-]/dt = k[Ph3C+BF4-][MH] was established from kinetic measurements using stopped-flow methods. Second-order rate constants determined in CH2Cl2 solution at 25 °C range from kH− = 7.2 × 10-1 M-1 s-1 to kH− = 4.6 × 106 M-1 s-1. The order of increasing kinetic hydricity is (C5H4CO2Me)(CO)3WH < (CO)5MnH < Cp*(CO)3CrH < Cp(CO)3WH < HSiEt3 < cis-(CO)4(PCy3)MnH < cis-(CO)4(PPh3)MnH < (C5H4Me)(CO)3WH < Cp(CO)3MoH < Cp*(CO)3WH < (indenyl)(CO)3WH < (CO)5ReH < Cp*(CO)3MoH < cis-(CO)4(PPh3)ReH < Cp(NO)2WH < trans-Cp(CO)2(PCy3)MoH < trans-Cp(CO)2(PPh3)MoH < trans-Cp(CO)2(PMe3)MoH (Cp = η5-C5H5, Cp* = η5-C5Me5, Cy = cyclohexyl). Ranges of activation parameters for hydride transfer from trans-Cp(CO)2(PMe3)MoH, trans-Cp(CO)2(PCy3)MoH, cis-(CO)4(PPh3)ReH, and Cp*(CO)3MoH are ΔH⧧ = 3.0−5.9 kcal mol-1 and ΔS⧧ = −18 to −24 cal K-1 mol-1. The rate constant for hydride transfer (kH−) from cis-Cp(CO)2(PCy3)M...
Phosphine Resistance in Cigarette Beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) Associated with Tobacco Storage in the Southeastern United States

Twenty field strains of cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.), were collected from tobacco storages in the southeastern United States from July 1990 through October 1991. These strains were reared in the laboratory and F1 adults were tested for phosphine resistance by exposing adults to a diagnostic dose of 25 ppm for 24 h in 2.5-liter desiccator jars. Based on the percentage of survivors of the treatment as an estimate of the frequency of resistance in that population, results showed that 11 strains were resistant with survivals ranging from 2 to 97%. Nine susceptible strains showed no survival. Two resistant strains, tested with multiples of the diagnostic dose, showed survival of 12 and 24% at 125 ppm; their resistance ratios were five-fold compared with the phosphine susceptible strain. No control failures have been attributed yet to phosphine resistance in the cigarette beetle. However, the frequency and intensity of the resistance suggest that normal fumigation techniques will become increasingly less effective.
Bioimmunoadjuvants for the treatment of neoplastic and infectious disease: Coley's legacy revisited

In the nineteenth century, William B. Coley induced durable remission of inoperable metastatic sarcoma by repeatedly injecting live streptococcus bacilli and, subsequently, heat-killed bacterial extracts into the primary tumor. While Coley’s contemporaries debated the veracity of his results, this bold treatment protocol established the new scientific field of immunology. In Coley’s era, the scientific and medical communities lacked the prerequisite knowledge to validate and understand his treatment protocols. Today, a more comprehensive understanding of the human immune system, anchored by the discovery of the mammalian Toll-like receptor gene family in the 1990s, permits a mechanistic understanding of his results. Coley’s cocktail of TLR agonists likely stimulated a complex cascade of cytokines, each of which plays a unique and vital role in the orchestration of the immune response. Here we explore Coley’s legacy: a dissection of those cytokines which possess the immunostimulatory properties necessary to modulate the immune system and ameliorate human disease. The discussion is limited to molecules that have been able to show therapeutic promise in the clinical setting.
Q-star equation of state and the prompt shock in supernovae.

We examine equations of state derived from effective field theories. Such equations of state can allow for objects of high baryon number (10{sup 57}) with properties very different from models constructed using a conventional nuclear matter equation of state. In particular, they can lead to an abnormal non-nuclear state of baryonic matter which, for some values of the parameters, is the true ground state at high densities. We study phase transitions between this state and ordinary hadronic matter and explore the possible observational consequences of the fact that this phase transition can cause the release of large amounts of latent heat. We present results of numerical core collapse simulations which show that this release of latent heat can cause very strong shocks to form in supernovae. Thus, the possible existence of this state of matter may be constrainable by observed supernova properties. {copyright} 1995 The American Physical Society.
Authors’ Perceptions and Preferences Among Real Estate Journals

Journal editors who want to attract the best research must understand authors’ perceptions of their journals. In this survey, U.S. academic authors rank Real Estate Economics (REE) higher than The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics (JREFE) and rank The Journal of Real Estate Research (JRER) third. Authors perceive REE as high quality with promotion and tenure value and JREFE as providing a fair, efficient publication process. Faculty at doctoral degree-granting schools are more discerning between the journals, whereas faculty at schools with real estate degree programs are more likely to have work in all three journals rewarded. Publishing in a journal and membership in a real estate association also influence opinions.
On the Conduct of Homelessness Research: Lessons from A Qualitative Study of Women Diagnd with Chronic Mental Illness

This article presents a summary of the author's study of the lived experiences of homeless women diagnosed with chronic mental illness. Strategies found to be effective in the conduct of the study are highlighted. Issues and problems related to population access, sampling, data generation, and difficult situations in the field are discussed with proposed solutions. The resolution of nurse helper/nurse researcher role conflicts is addressed.
Where's the difficulty in standardized reading tests: the passage or the question?

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the extent to which item and text characteristics predict item difficulty on the comprehension portion of the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests for the 7th–9th and 10th–12th grade levels. Detailed item-based analyses were performed on 192 comprehension questions on the basis of the cognitive processing model framework proposed by Embretson and colleagues (Embretson & Wetzel, 1987). Item difficulty was analyzed in terms of various passage features (e.g., word frequency and number of propositions) and individual-question characteristics (e.g., abstractness and degree of inferential processing), using hierarchical linear modeling. The results indicated that the difficulty of the items in the test for the 7th–9th grade level is primarily influenced by text features—in particular, vocabulary difficulty—whereas the difficulty of the items in the test for the 10th–12th grade level is less systematically influenced by text features.
Performance Assessment of the Masses in 30 Seconds or Less.

Performance assessment does not have to be a time-consuming ordeal; it is a great way to assess our students’ skills. It is essential to create a rubric that is simple, quick, and objective. This a...
Stress development and relaxation in copper films during thermal cycling

The reliability of integrated-circuit wiring depends strongly on the development and relaxation of stresses that promote void and hillock formation. In this paper an analysis based on existing models of creep is presented that predicts the stresses developed in thin blanket films of copper on Si wafers subjected to thermal cycling. The results are portrayed on deformation-mechanism maps that identify the dominant mechanisms expected to operate during thermal cycling. These predictions are compared with temperature-ramped and isothermal stress measurements for a 1 μm-thick sputtered Cu film in the temperature range 25–450 °C. The models successfully predict both the rate of stress relaxation when the film is held at a constant temperature and the stress-temperature hysteresis generated during thermal cycling. For 1 μm-thick Cu films cycled in the temperature range 25–450 °C, the deformation maps indicate that grain-boundary diffusion controls the stress relief at higher temperatures (>300 °C) when only a low stress can be sustained in the films, power-law creep is important at intermediate temperatures and determines the maximum compressive stress, and that if yield by dislocation glide (low-temperature plasticity) occurs, it will do so only at the lowest temperatures (<100 °C). This last mechanism did not appear to be operating in the film studied for this project.
Steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)-1 and SRC-3 differentially modulate tissue-specific activation functions of the progesterone receptor

The progesterone receptor (PR) and its coactivators and corepressors play an important role in female reproductive function. To investigate the functional interactions between PR and steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) required for regulation of gene transcription in vivo, we crossed PR activity indicator (PRAI) mice with SRC-1(+/-) and SRC-3(+/-) mice to generate bigenic mice, PRAI-SRC-1(-/-) and PRAI-SRC-3(-/-). In the mammary gland, PR activity in the luminal epithelium of both wild-type and SRC-1(-/-) mice was induced by estrogen + progesterone treatment. In contrast, an increase in PR activity in the luminal epithelium was not detected in SRC-3(-/-) mice with the same treatment. In the uterus, PR activity in the stroma compartment of both wild-type and SRC-3(-/-) mice was induced by estrogen + progesterone treatment. However, the increased PR activity was not detected in SRC-1(-/-) mice. Taken together, our data indicate that the endogenous physiological function of PR in distinct tissues is modulated by different steroid receptor coregulators. SRC-3 is the primary coactivator for PR in breast and SRC-1 is the primary coactivator for PR in uterus.
Analysis of interrupt handling schemes in real-time systems

In a real-time system where a microprocessor performs several tasks in response to the occurrence of external events, the execution of a task may be delayed if the processor is busy. This delay presents a problem as the task has to be performed within a fixed period of time. In this paper, the worst case queuing delay of a task under four interrupt handling schemes is analyzed. For every scheme, a sufficient condition is formulated for the system to satisfy certain real-time constraints. >
Factors influencing the tensile properties of ramie

Many investigators have claimed that tensile breakage of native cellulose fibers occurs primarily by repture of covalent bonds in the cellulose molecules rather than by chain slippage resulting from repture of such interchain bonds as hydrogen bonds. This claim has been made partly on the basis of a comparison of tensile properties of ramie fiber and of the fully esterified counterpart. This comparison indicated that the breaking load of ramie was similar to that of the fully esterified fiber. In studying the tensile properties of ramie fiber and of fully acetylated ramie fiber, we found that the degree of polymerization of the fiber was lowered during the acetylation process. Also, it was evident that both degree of polymerization and degree of crystallinity are important factors to be considered when comparing the tensile strength of native cellulose fibers and their acetylated counterparts. Although the primary cause of tensile breakage of native cellulose fibers may be due to chain scission rather than to chain slippage, it is difficult to claim supporting evidence for this theory from studies made so for on the tensile properties of esterified ramie fibers.
MOBILIZING THE LATINO YOUTH VOTE

Less than a third of Latinos vote in Presidential elections, while less than one fourth participate in Congressional elections. Turnout among young Latinos (age 18-25) is even lower. This paper describes the results of a field experiment aimed at increasing turnout among young Latinos in Fresno, California conducted in the fall of 2002. Canvassers went door-to-door during the final two weekends before Election Day to urge registered young people to go to the polls. Young people of all races/ethnicities were targeted. In addition to testing the effectiveness of personal contact and how this varies among registered voters of various races/ ethnicities, the project also included two imbedded experiments. First, the race/ethnicity of the canvassers was randomly assigned, to test whether Latinos and non-Latinos are equally effective at getting Latinos and non- Latinos to the polls. Second, the message delivered to contacted registered voters was randomly assigned, to test whether young Latinos are more receptive to a message which stresses group solidarity or one that emphasizes civic duty. The experiment demonstrates that Latino canvassers are better than non-Latinos at contacting young Latino voters, and that young Latinos are more receptive than are non-Latinos to door-todoor mobilization efforts.
Large-scale deformation associated with ridge subduction

SUMMARY Continuum models are used to investigate the large-scale deformation associated with the subduction of aseismic ridges. Formulated in the horizontal plane using thin viscous sheet theory, these models measure the horizontal transmission of stress through the arc lithosphere accompanying ridge subduction. Modelling was used to compare the Tonga arc and Louisville ridge collision with the New Hebrides arc and d’Entrecasteaux ridge collision, which have disparate arc-ridge intersection speeds but otherwise similar characteristics. Models of both systems indicate that diffuse deformation (low values of the effective stress-strain exponent n) are required to explain the observed deformation. Deformation is somewhat insensitive to the vertically integrated strength of the arc (inversely proportional to the Argand number Ar), but indicates that the arc lithosphere is not extremely weak (Ar < 100). Low values of both Ar and n suggest that the thermal structure is typical of ‘cold’ or ‘normal’ arcs and that deformation is dominated by flow in the lower crust and mantle. In addition, low values of n (approaching Newtonian flow) may indicate that specific deformation mechanisms dictate deformation of the arc lithosphere. Possible mechanisms include low-stress, grain-size dependent creep, pyroxenite-controlled rheology and mechanisms associated with water weakening. Changes in the boundary conditions greatly affect deformation within island arcs. High rates of arc-ridge intersection speed (Tonga-Louisville system) yield arc-parallel tension and crustal thickening in the wake of ridge subduction. In contrast, low rates of arc-ridge intersection speed (New Hebrides-d’Entrecasteaux system) yield compressional deformation directly arcward of the collision zone and transverse strike-slip faulting adjacent to the region of compressional deformation. Localized regions of extensional deformation along the frontal part of the arc adjacent to the collision zone may contribute to the formation of re-entrants.
An Evaluation of Atomic Force Microscopy as a Probe of Nanoscale Residual Stress Via Atomistic Simulation

Results from a series of molecular dynamics simulations are reported in which a nanoscale tip was used to indent gold lattices subjected to external strains. The changes in the slope of the loading curves reflect the stress state of the sample. This was true even in the absence of material pile-up, suggesting that the change in loading reflects changes in elastic properties of materials and not a change in contact area due to pile-up. Shallow nanoindentation was also evaluated as a method to map residual surface stresses by simulating indentation at a series of points near a dislocation intersecting a surface. Correlations between the maximum force on the tip and the initial local stresses at the point of indentation were observed. Thus, preliminary atomistic simulations indicate that atomic-force microscopy can be used as a nondestructive, nanoscale probe of the surface stress distributions
ER chaperones in mammalian development and human diseases

The field of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in mammalian cells has expanded rapidly during the past decade, contributing to understanding of the molecular pathways that allow cells to adapt to perturbations in ER homeostasis. One major mechanism is mediated by molecular ER chaperones which are critical not only for quality control of proteins processed in the ER, but also for regulation of ER signaling in response to ER stress. Here, we summarized the properties and functions of GRP78/BiP, GRP94/gp96, GRP170/ORP150, GRP58/ERp57, PDI, ERp72, calnexin, calreticulin, EDEM, Herp and co-chaperones SIL1 and P58IPK and their role in development and diseases. Many of the new insights are derived from recently constructed mouse models where the genes encoding the chaperones are genetically altered, providing invaluable tools for examining the physiological involvement of the ER chaperones in vivo.
Assessing mitochondrial dysfunction in cells

Assessing mitochondrial dysfunction requires definition of the dysfunction to be investigated. Usually, it is the ability of the mitochondria to make ATP appropriately in response to energy demands. Where other functions are of interest, tailored solutions are required. Dysfunction can be assessed in isolated mitochondria, in cells or in vivo, with different balances between precise experimental control and physiological relevance. There are many methods to measure mitochondrial function and dysfunction in these systems. Generally, measurements of fluxes give more information about the ability to make ATP than do measurements of intermediates and potentials. For isolated mitochondria, the best assay is mitochondrial respiratory control: the increase in respiration rate in response to ADP. For intact cells, the best assay is the equivalent measurement of cell respiratory control, which reports the rate of ATP production, the proton leak rate, the coupling efficiency, the maximum respiratory rate, the respiratory control ratio and the spare respiratory capacity. Measurements of membrane potential provide useful additional information. Measurement of both respiration and potential during appropriate titrations enables the identification of the primary sites of effectors and the distribution of control, allowing deeper quantitative analyses. Many other measurements in current use can be more problematic, as discussed in the present review.
Investigation of sample size effects in impedance tube measurements

A series of careful impedance tube measurements using different sizes of glass fibre and felt samples have demonstrated that frame resonance effects result from slightly oversize samples. The appropriate size of a sample is investigated while also avoiding air leakage. Diameters of 0.5 or 1.0 mm less than the inner diameter of the tube are found to avoid these effects.
Distributions of the Two-Dimensional DCT Coefficients for Images

For a two-dimensional discrete cosine transform (DCT) image coding system, there have been different assumptions concerning the distributions of the transform coefficients. This paper presents results of distribution tests that indicate that for many images the statistics of the coefficients are best approximated by a Gaussian distribution for the DC coefficient and a Laplacian distribution for the other coefficients. Furthermore, from a simulation of the DCT coding System it is shown that the assumption that the coefficients are Laplacian yields a higher actual output signal-to-noise ratio and a much better agreement between theory and simulation than the Gaussian assumption.
Characterization of left atrial appendage Doppler flow in atrial fibrillation and flutter by Fourier analysis

The aim of this study was to characterize left atrial appendage mechanical function in atrial fibrillation and flutter by Fourier analysis to analyze frequency and regularity of flow. Left atrial appendage function is central to a patient's risk for thromboembolism. Although the function of the appendage can be analyzed by Doppler echocardiography in sinus rhythm, its mechanical function in atrial fibrillation and flutter has not been well characterized. This lack of adequate definition is caused by the complexity and temporal variability of the Doppler flow profiles. We assessed left atrial appendage function in 21 cases of atrial fibrillation (n = 11) and flutter (n = 10) and five in sinus rhythm with transesophageal Doppler echocardiography. Doppler profiles were examined by Fourier analysis, and the power spectra compared and analyzed between patients with atrial fibrillation and flutter. Left atrial appendage Doppler flow in atrial fibrillation produced Fourier spectra over a narrow band of frequencies with a peak frequency of 6.2 ± 1.0 Hz, significantly higher than in atrial flutter (3.9 ± 0.6 Hz, p < 0.00001). Additionally, a significant difference in subharmonic modulation (spectral power below the peak frequency) was observed between atrial appendage flow in atrial fibrillation and flutter, because 37% ± 16% of the total spectral power was achieved before the dominant frequency in atrial fibrillation compared with 20% ± 14% in atrial flutter (p = 0.02). Conversely, patients in sinus rhythm exhibited broad-banded Fourier spectra with most of the power in discrete frequency spikes at harmonics above the fundamental frequency with very little subharmonic modulation (1% ± 0.05%). Left atrial appendage function in atrial fibrillation and flutter can be well characterized by Fourier analysis of Doppler flow. Atrial fibrillation has higher dominant frequencies and greater subharmonic modulation compared with flutter. Moreover, atrial fibrillation demonstrated quasiperiodic contraction patterns typically found in chaotic systems. Fourier analysis of left atrial appendage contraction patterns may therefore have significant promise in providing insights into mechanisms of atrial fibrillation and thromboembolism.
Fusion of diverse denoising systems for robust automatic speech recognition

We present a framework for combining different denoising frontends for robust speech enhancement for recognition in noisy conditions. This is contrasted against results of optimally fusing diverse parameter settings for a single denoising algorithm. All frontends in the latter case exploit the same denoising algorithm, which combines harmonic decomposition, with noise estimation and spectral subtraction. The set of associated parameters involved in these steps are dependent on the noise conditions. Rather than explicitly tuning them, we suggest a strategy that tries to account for the trade-off between average word error rate and diversity to find an optimal subset of these parameter settings. We present the results on Aurora4 database and also compare against traditional speech enhancement methods e.g. Wiener filtering and spectral subtraction.
String approaches to hadron structure

The two principal string approaches to a more realistic dual resonance model are discussed. Firstly, Nambu's proposal of 1974, identifying the Dirac magnetic-monopole string with the dual string, after spontaneous breakdown and the Higgs mechanism in a strong-coupling limit, is investigated. The mathematics underlying Nambu's rather intuitive derivation has been further investigated by Balachandran, Rupertsberger, and Schechter (who put in the vector mass by hand) and independently by Jevicki and Senjanovi$\stackrel{\mathrm{`}}{\mathrm{c}}$ (who fully exploit spontaneous breaking and the Higgs mechanism). Here we show that in a leading approximation to the Nambu monopole action the phenomenologically desirable linearity of the leading Regge trajectory seems to be badly violated. Secondly, alternative quantization procedures for the original 1970 Nambu relativistic string action (area of the world sheet) are treated; in particular, a timelike identification of the string time $\ensuremath{\tau}$ which has recently been advocated by Patrascioiu, by Rohrlich, and by Goddard, Hanson, and Ponzano. The most novel of these discussions seems to be that of Rohrlich, who uses a quite different representation for the canonical algebra and the Poincar\'e group. Here we demonstrate, however, that the usual unphysical level spectrum with a massless first excited state emerges as a fully consistent solution even in this approach, and that probably no other solution exists. Finally, the various Nambu string approaches are compared to other attempts to discover the "right" model of strong interactions.
Ultrasound: the triage tool in the emergency department: using ultrasound first

Ultrasound in the emergency department has long been recognized as a powerful screening and diagnostic tool for both physicians and radiologists. In the emergency department, since time is of the essence, it becomes a critical tool in triaging patients. Over the years, ultrasound has gained several advantages over other modalities because of its non-ionizing radiation, portability, accessibility, non-invasive method and simpler learning curve. As a result, ultrasound has become one of the most frequently used diagnostic tools in the emergency department by non-radiologists. The value of ultrasound is implemented in every acute ailment in the emergency department such as trauma, acute abdomen, acute pelvic pain, acute scrotal pain, appendicitis in children and acute deep venous thrombosis. Our objective is to discuss the benefit of using ultrasound as the primary modality for each of these diseases.
Food-entrainable oscillators in mammals

In the battle against entropy, living organisms require sufficient energy intake to survive long enough to reproduce. Consequently, strong selective pressures must have shaped efficient feeding strategies. For foraging omnivores and carnivores, some food sources may be available only during temporal windows within the day and these may change during seasons. For herbivores, food sources are more constant on a daily basis, but it may be advantageous to feed only at certain times of day to avoid predators. Thus, the time of food availability and the time of feeding can be important factors in survival. In addition to relying on external geophysical cues, animals can use endogenous circadian clocks to generate optimal temporal patterns of behavior, including feeding. The purpose of this chapter is to present evidence that many mammals have a separate circadian clock system that responds to food, rather than to light, as a zeitgeber.
Herpesvirus Infections in Persons Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Herpesviruses are among the most common causes of infections of humans. Viruses in this family share the unique biological property of being able to establish latency and to recur. Furthermore, chronic excretion of virus is not uncommon. In the immunocompromised host, including persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, herpesvirus disease can be particularly severe, resulting in chronic, persistent, active infection and, in some cases, life-threatening disease. The most pathogenic of the herpesviruses in patients with AIDS include herpes simplex viruses, human cytomegalovirus, and varicella-zoster virus. Disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus, particularly opportunistic malignancies, has been recognized. A new herpesvirus that is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma was recently described. On the other hand, disease caused by human herpesviruses 6 and 7 in persons infected with HIV remains to be unequivocally recognized. Prevention of exposure to herpesviruses, disease, and recurrence requires different measures than those for some of the other opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients ; this is because herpesvirus disease develops in most of these individuals as a result of reactivation rather than primary infection. Thus, approaches to the prevention and control of herpesvirus infections must be individualized according to both the type of virus as well as the type of infection (i.e., primary or recurrent). We discuss recommended measures for the prevention and control of these infections.
Canonical distributions and phase transitions

Entropy maximization subject to known expected values is extended to the case where the random variables involved may take on positive infinite values. As a result, an arbitrary probability distribution on a finite set may be realized as a canonical distribution. The Renyi entropy of the distribution arises as a natural by-product of this realization. Starting with the uniform distribution on a proper subset of a set, the canonical distribution of equilibrium statistical mechanics may be used to exhibit an elementary phase transition, characterized by discontinuity of the partition function. Typeset by AMS-TEX 1
Research on CPI forecasting under inflation anticipated management

In this paper,the construction method of advancing indicator of CPI is discussed.Firstly,all factors are decomposed into the immediate influence and the anticipated influence.Then these two influence functions are quantified with multi-dimensional statistical method.The research indicates that the indicator which reflects the anticipated influence function move ahead of CPI at the turning point.Therefore,this indicator is one of advancing indicator of CPI.
Analysis of outbreaks of infectious disease in schools and Kindergartens in Shenzhen from 2012 to 2014

Objective To study epidemiological characteristics and regularity of outbreaks of infectious diseases in schools and Kindergartens in Shenzhen City, and provide the scientific evidence for the prevention and control of disease. Methods Descriptive epidemiology analysis was used to analyze the data of the infectious disease outbreaks in schools and kindergartens in Shenzhen City from 2012 to 2014. Results Respiratory infectious diseases were the major type of the school and Kindergartens infectious events, which accounted for 64.90%. The average duration of epidemic was 8.05 days, 90.07% of respiratory infectious diseases broke out at middle school and primary school, and 92.47% of intestinal tract infectious diseases broke out at Kindergartens. The peak period of outbreaks showed from March to June and December. Conclusion The Schools and Kindergartens are the main places of infectious disease outbreaks in Shenzhen city. Strengthening surveillance and Routine vaccination are important measures for the prevention and control of disease.
Acute transient myositis associated with influenza virus infection.

Acute childhood myositis associated with influenza infection has rarely been reported but is probably a common and distinct clinical syndrome. During the 1988 influenza season, 3 school-age children presented with similar histories, physical findings and resolutions
Improving the flow of customers in a hospital cafeteria

Customer flow through a hospital cafeteria was modeled as a queuing system for the purpose of analyzing the problems of long lines and excessive waiting by customers during lunch hours. Different policies of the hospital affecting the arrival times of customers to the cafeteria were simulated on a computer. The key factor was found to be group arrivals because of the pattern in which the hospital departments released their employees for lunch. Alternative policies were simulated, and performance with those policies in effect was measured and reported.
Community Empowerment at the Periphery? Participatory Approaches to Heritage Protection in Guizhou, China

This chapter examines the recent implementation of community-based participatory approaches to heritage work in China. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork on three community-based heritage projects in Guizhou, this chapter interrogates the notion of community participation and the emergence of cultural heritage as a powerful and contested site for community engagement. The complex arrangements of multiple actors involved in each heritage project create a political space where competing claims and interpretations of cultural heritage, identity, and voice are negotiated and villagers are confronted with new roles within the broader context of Chinese economic, social, and political transformation.
Classification tests in tennis.

Abstract Two tennis classifications tests have been devised for use on a tennis court that take only 30 sec. each to give. From the results a teacher can quickly segregate students roughly into ability groups. After two years' experimentation, Hewitt found that “bouncing a tennis ball” above the level of the hips for 30 sec. with a racket and “hitting a tennis ball with a racket on forehand and backhand above the level of the shoulders” for 30 sec. were valid and reliable enough for use to classify students roughly into homogeneous groups. The writer still recommends, where a wall is available for use, that the Dyer wall test or the Hewitt revision of the Dyer wall test with a 20-ft. restraining line be used for classification purposes. Classification scales have been worked out for the two court tests and two wall tests.
High efficiency operation of a XeCl laser using a grid prepulse

The need to improve the efficiency of preionized discharge XeCl lasers has spurred the development of prepulse methods.1,2 After preionization, the prepulse provides the initial breakdown of the gas mixture, which results In a more efficient flow of energy from the laser driver (i.e., discharge sustainer) to the laser load. We have developed a new prepulse method named the grid prepulse (Fig.1.
Basal Ganglia A-V Malformation and Writer’s Cramp

A 12-year-old girl presenting with writer’s cramp as the first manifestation of basal ganglia arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is reported from the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tokyo, Japan.
The (New) Horizon for Value-Based Ethics: Insights and Opportunities for Our Profession

“Officers of all grades perceive a significant difference between the ideal values and the actual or operative values of the Officer Corps. This perception is strong, clear, pervasive, and statistically and qualitatively independent of grade, branch, educational level, or source of commission.” (Ulmer, 1970, iii) This description of the Army officer climate appeared in a 1970 study on military professionalism conducted by thenLTC Walt Ulmer1. His report highlighted a clear “disharmony between traditional, accepted ideals and the prevailing institutional pressures” that undermined the professionalism of the officer corps (Ulmer, p. iii).
Hemodynamic Monitoring in the ICU

Management of the unstable patient is one of the greatest challenges in medicine. At stake is the very life of the patient: treat wisely and your patient will benefit; choose poorly and your patient may suffer. Ultimately, the management of any critically ill patient returns to a single, central question: “What is making my patient unstable?” Unfortunately, this very question is one of the most difficult to answer. In part, it is a difficult question because our patients may be unstable for a variety of competing reasons. Even more challenging, a few patients are unstable for a combination of these reasons. Understanding the vectors of the forces that affect a patient’s hemodynamics is the key to selecting the management strategy that will provide the most benefit (and do the least harm). In order to make the most intelligent choices possible, a clinician must always seek to better understand the forces at work inside the body. The delicate interplay between intravascular volume, cardiac function, and vasomotor tone can be difficult to assess. Scientists and engineers have been working for decades to develop a device that can accurately and easily measure a patient’s hemodynamic profile. Unfortunately, as of the publication of this textbook, that technology does not exist. Each device or technique is victim to its own specific set of strengths, weaknesses, and complications of use. Critical measurements are often made indirectly or with some degree of estimation. It is imperative that the clinician understands the capabilities of each instrument and when to apply it to a particular patient.
The Effects of Various Music on Angry Drivers' Subjective, Behavioral, and Physiological States

Emotions influence the way drivers process and react to internal or environmental factors. Specifically, anger is a serious threat on the road. While driving, a majority of drivers listen to music, which is quite an emotional stimulus. In this study, we investigated the effects of various types of music (happy, sad, and self-selected music) on angry drivers in a simulated driving. Sixty-one participants were randomly assigned in five groups: angry drivers who drove with self-selected music, angry drivers with happy music, angry drivers with sad music, angry drivers without music, and neutral drivers without music as a baseline. Three levels of outcomes (subjective, behavioral and physiological data) were analyzed. Emotion induction was successful, but no specific emotional music significantly influenced their subjective affect ratings. Angry drivers with self-selected music showed more aggressive driving behavior. Sad music increased drivers' heart rate more. Implications are discussed with emotion intervention systems.
The Role of Oncofertility Clinics in Facilitating Access to Reproductive Specialists.

Purpose:To determine the impact of the establishment of a dedicated oncofertility clinic on the frequency of patient referrals for fertility preservation (FP) consultation and the time from patient...
Benevolent dictatorship and buyer-supplier exchange

Abstract In this research, we identify and advance the concept of benevolence as a key social exchange mechanism in buyer-supplier exchange. Specifically, we (1) advance a theoretical model of benevolence to include affective, calculative, and normative dimensions, (2) highlight specific actions and resources that a focal firm uses to promote the perception of benevolence, including concessions, idiosyncratic investments, and reputation, and (3) identify how these perceptions, mediated by its own rising commitment to the exchange, impact the focal firm's economic response (i.e., concessions and idiosyncratic investments). In particular, we explore the possibility of “benevolent dictators” in exchanges marked by power asymmetry. Our model and conclusions are drawn from the confidential reports of over 500 informants at the boundaries of firms across multiple industries. Our results demonstrate the differential effects of a partner firm's actions and reputation on the three forms of benevolence and find evidence for how powerful partner firms can signal their benevolence to weaker firms through the use of concessions, dedicated investments and marketplace reputation. Moreover, we show that the responses of the partner firm to the focal firm's benevolence are not simply a reciprocation of the focal firm's actions, but are instead mediated through the enhanced commitment of the focal firm with implications for theory and management practice.
The prognostic significance of day 3 embryo cleavage stage on subsequent blastocyst development in a sequential culture system

Purpose: To determine prognostic significance of blastomere number on Day 3 of culture upon subsequent blastocyst (BL) development. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 37 IVF subjects undergoing standard protocols and BL transfer after sequential embryo culture in P1 and BL media. Results: Of Day 3 embryos containing 7 or more blastomeres, 68.9% (186/270) developed into BL compared to embryos containing 4–6 blastomeres, 38.1% (56/147), P < 0.0001. The majority of BL, 68.9% (168/244), were observed on Day 5. Extended Day 6 culture represented 31.1% (76/244) of all BLs. Conclusions: The observation of 7 or more blastomeres on Day 3 yielded a significantly greater likelihood of BL development. Embryos containing 4–6 blastomeres are still relatively likely to progress to a BL. Extended culture to Day 6 still yields a significant proportion of BL. Cell cleavage stage on Day 3 appears to be a useful prognostic indicator of subsequent BL development.
Creatine (methyl-d3) dilution in urine for estimation of total body skeletal muscle mass: accuracy and variability vs. MRI and DXA

Measurement of creatine (methyl-d3) (D3-creatine) and D3-creatinine excretion in fasted morning urine samples may be a simple, less costly alternative to MRI or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DX...