cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Heretofore Unreported Instant Color Change in a Beetle, Nicrophorus tomentosus Weber (Coleoptera: Silphidae)

Abstract The burying beetle Nicrophorus tomentosus (Silphidae) (Tomentose Burying Beetle) achieves an instant color change from a strikingly black and orange animal to a largely yellow one. This transformation achieves a mimicry of several species of bumble-bees when they are in flight, and it is accomplished by twisting the elytra to expose their yellow undersides while simultaneously hiding the bright orange and black upper sides. The overall effect is an apparent combination of both Muellerian and Batesian mimicry of bumblebees.
Application of spatial resolution enhancement and spectral mixture analysis to hyperspectral images

Spatial resolution enhancement and spectral mixture analysis are two of the most extensively used image analysis algorithms. This paper presents an algorithm that merges the best aspects of these two techniques while trying to preserve the spectral and spatial radiometric integrity of the data. With spectral mixture analysis, the fraction of each material (endmember) in every pixel is determined from hyperspectral data. This paper describes an improved unmixing algorithm based upon stepwise regression. The result is a set of material maps where the intensity corresponds to the percentage of a particular endmember within the pixel. The maps are constructed at the spatial resolution of the hyperspectral sensor. The spatial resolution of the material maps is then enhanced using one or more higher spatial resolution images. Similar to the unmixing approach, different endmember contributions to the pixel digital counts are distinguished by the endmember reflectances in the sharpening band(s). After unmixing, the fraction maps are sharpened with a constrained optimization algorithm. This paper presents the results of an image fusion algorithm that combines spectral unmixing and spatial sharpening. Quantifiable results are obtained through the use of synthetically generated imagery. Without synthetic images, a large amount of ground truth would be required in order to measure the accuracy of the material maps. Multiple band sharpening is easily accommodated by the algorithm, and the results are demonstrated at multiple scales. The analysis includes an examination of the effects of constraints and texture variation on the material maps. The results show stepwise unmixing is an improvement over traditional unmixing algorithms. The results also indicate sharpening improves the material maps. The motivation for this research is to take advantage of the next generation of multi/hyperspectral sensors. Although the hyperspectral images will be of modest to low resolution, fusing them with high resolution sharpening images will produce a higher spatial resolution land cover or material map.
Systemic and Mucosal Protective Immunity to Pneumococcal Surface Protein A

To date our studies demonstrate that PspA is a highly immunogenic molecule in mice and that it can elicit immunity to otherwise fatal infections following iv, ip, in, and it challenge. Although the molecule is serologically variable, it is sufficiently cross-reactive so that immunization with a single PspA can protect against strains of highly diverse serotypes. It is anticipated that a vaccine composed of a mixture of carefully chosen PspA molecules will be able to elicit protective immunity to virtually all pneumococci. If this vaccine proved efficacious in man, it would provide a more simple and less costly means of immunizing against pneumococcal infection than using recombinant vaccines. This could be especially important in the developing world where the cost of successful vaccines must be no more than pennies per dose. If PspA is found to be less efficacious than capsular polysaccharides, it may be valuable as a protein component of a PS-protein conjugate vaccine. In this capacity, PspA might expand the breath of protection elicited by a vaccine composed of only a few polysaccharide-protein conjugates representing capsule types most commonly associated with infectious pneumococci.
Using conjoint-measurement models to investigate a theory about probabilistic information processing

Abstract A theory of how opinions are formed and revised on the basis of probabilistic evidence is presented. The decision maker is viewed as a limited information processor who attends to the dimensions of a sample of equivocal information in a sequential fashion, beginning with the most salient dimension and continuing in decreasing order of salience. The contribution of each dimension level to the final opinion depends on the strength of association between that level and each of the two hypotheses under consideration. This theory is represented formally as an additive-difference model, various special cases of which correspond to other algebraic models in the literature. Two of the special cases were empirically investigated under varying levels of experience and payoffs, using the techniques of conjoint-measurement theory and ordinal data from individual subjects. The data provided reasonably good support for the models under all conditions investigated, and in addition showed interesting effects on salience and on processing of the independent variables.
Treatment delay in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A key process analysis of patient and program factors

Background Most hospitals that perform primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the United States exceed the recommended door-to-balloon time. There is heightened interest in identifying and eliminating factors that introduce delay. Methods We performed a key process analysis of our primary PCI program, assessed the relative contribution of individual time intervals on total ischemic time, and identified predictors of delay. Results Median times and predictors of delay within each time interval were determined for the entire STEMI cohort (“real world”) and after exclusion of patients with atypical symptoms and/or presentations of STEMI that resulted in inherent delay in diagnosis and treatment (“ideal world”). Delays in therapy were symptom onset to presentation (120 minutes [interquartile range, IQR, 60-310 minutes, ideal world] and 150 minutes [IQR 60-360 minutes, real world]; predictors of delay were peripheral vascular disease, self-transportation, daytime and weekend presentation); door-to-balloon time (118.5 minutes [IQR 96-141 minutes, ideal world] and 125 minutes [IQR 100-170 minutes, real world]; predictors of delay were female sex, previous stroke, nighttime and weekend presentation, and cardiogenic shock); and symptom onset to first balloon inflation (272 minutes [IQR 187-465 minutes, ideal world] and 297 minutes [IQR 198-560 minutes, real world]; predictors of delay were peripheral vascular disease, weekend presentation, and self-transportation). Conclusions Key process analysis of a primary PCI program identifies treatment delays unique to the hospital and the patient population it serves.
Regional distribution of lung perfusion and ventilation in patients with chronic congestive heart failure and its relationship to cardiopulmonary hemodynamics

To study the relationship between the distribution of pulmonary blood flow, pulmonary ventilation, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, we studied six patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) (New York Heart Association classes II and III) at rest and during exercise. We used krypton 81m (81mKr) and technetium 99m (99mTc) to assess lung ventilation and perfusion at rest and during exercise. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained with a balloon floatation thermodilution catheter. At rest, the upper lung zones of patients with CHF received significantly higher proportions of the blood flow compared with previously published data in normal volunteers. During exercise, however, the fractional perfusion to apices did not change, which suggests that apical flow redistribution is already maximized at rest. Measured pulmonary capillary wedge pressure failed to correlate with the upper zone or the ratio of upper-to-lower zone perfusion counts. Our findings suggest that upper zone flow redistribution may be associated with high, normal, or low capillary wedge pressure and therefore does not correlate with the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with chronic CHF.
Doubly tuned local coils for MRI and MRS at 1.5 T

We describe a doubly tuned radiofrequency (RF) local coil probe designed specifically for performing in vivo image-localized spectroscopy. The probe was designed using principles developed in connection with the counter-rotating-current (CRC) and planar-pair loop gap resonators for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The probe design satisfies several criteria useful for in vivo 1H/31P experiments at 1.5 T. First, sensitivity on the low-frequency mode is preserved relative to a singly tuned coil. This result was confirmed by bench-test and in vitro MR experimental data. Second, through principles of intrinsic decoupling the probe is isolated from any externally applied uniform excitation field, which is desirable for in vivo 1H imaging and solvent suppression. Third, the regions of sensitivity of the high- and low-frequency modes of the coil are similar, and therefore spectroscopic volumes of interest identified on an image will reflect the same volumes as those selected during spectroscopy. Finally, interface to the MR system is such that the high- or low-frequency circuits may be selected entirely under software control, with no requirement for changing coils or cables or moving the subject.
Proneness to eating disorders: weightlifters compared to exercisers.

Previous findings were confirmed suggesting that weightlifters may be more prone to eating disorders than are casual exercisers. 25 weightlifters' mean eating disorder score was significantly highe...
PAMAM dendrimers and branched polyethyleneglycol (nanoparticles) prodrugs of (-)-β-D-(2R, 4R)-dioxolane- thymine (DOT) and their anti-HIV activity

The synthesis, characterization, anti-HIV activity and cytotoxicity of dendrimers of (-)-beta-D-(2R, 4R)-dioxolane-thymine (DOT) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-DOT conjugates are described. Dendrimers in this study were polyamidoamine (PAMAM) generation 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 6.0, along with 8.0-branched PEG with a molecular weight of 40 kDa. DOT was attached to PAMAM dendrimers or branched PEG via ester or phosphafte groups. Size exclusion chromatography was used to purify the dendrimers and PEG conjugates, which were characterized by NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The synthesized PAMAM dendrimers and PEG conjugates were evaluated for anti-HIV activity against HIV-1LAI in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cytotoxicity in PBMCs, CEM and Vero cells. PAMAM dendrimers of DOT with ester linkages and particularly phosphate linkers showed an increase in anti-HIV potency in comparison with DOT alone (140- and 56-fold, respectively). Unfortunately, the PAMAM dendrimers also exhibited increased cytotoxicity. Anti-HIV activity of PEG-DOT conjugates was found to be lower than that of DOT.
Rib butterfly fractures as a possible indicator of blast trauma.

Forensic anthropologists have become increasingly involved in the interpretation of skeletal trauma caused by exploding ordnance. This study examines the cause and significance of butterfly fractures observed in a recent study investigating skeletal blast trauma by Christensen et al. Fractured ribs resulting from blast events carried out in the original study were re-examined revealing that rib butterfly fractures with the tensile indicator on the visceral surface were present in 100% of viable pig specimens. Additionally, manual fracture testing was performed on 46 pig ribs to simulate the bending force believed to have been sustained in the original blast events. Fracture testing resulted in 93% of specimens presenting butterfly fractures with the tensile indicator on the visceral surface. This fracture pattern differs significantly from that normally observed in association with other types of trauma events and may aid forensic anthropologists and other investigators in the identification and interpretation of blast events. Language: en
Ribavirin--current status of a broad spectrum antiviral agent.

Ribavirin is a very broad-spectrum virustatic antiviral agent, first synthesised in 1972. It is characterised by low toxicity apart from reversible anaemia, usually mild. Its multiple mechanisms of action mean that viral resistance rarely develops. It can be administered orally, intravenously, or via a nebuliser. It has shown varying degrees of clinical efficacy in a variety of human diseases including respiratory tract infections due to respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, measles, herpesvirus infections, HIV infection, Lassa fever, haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, and (in combination with IFN-alpha) chronic hepatitis C infection. It may well prove of value against other emerging exotic infections (e.g., West Nile virus, Nipah virus).
Fine structure of the testis and epididymis of rats treated with cyproterone acetate.

The effects of cyproterone acetate (CA) an antiandrogen administered for 48 or 12 weeks on the fine structure and histology of the rat testis and epididymis was studied. CA caused a considerable reduction in the number of late spermatids in the testes after 8 or 12 weeks of treatment. The seminiferous epithelium displayed necrotic cell s many of which were classified as cap-phase spermatids. Large lipid droplets and lysome-type structures containing cellular debris includin g parts of spermatids were observed in Sertoli cells. Treatment resulted in a consistent reduction in the size of Leydig cells and sperm were not evident in the caput epididymis of acutely treated animals. The lumen of the proximal part of the cauda epididymis was usually free of sperm while in the distal part the lumen contained sperm and cellular debris. It appears that the light cells of the proximal cauda epididymis epithelium may have an influence in the clearing of the lumen. The results suggest that CA inhibits the maturation of sperm beyond the spermatid cap-phase.
Cross‐Linking of polystyrene by friedel‐crafts chemistry: Multifunctional additives

Various multifunctional aromatic compounds were synthesized and tested to ascertain if they were able to cross-link polystyrene. Catalysis and inhibition at high temperature were studied to achieve control over the cross-linking temperature, in order to develop suitable formulations which may function as flame retardants.
Measurements for the control of a randomly time-varying linear system

Measurements are presented which, performed on a stationarily-randomly time-varying linear system, yield sufficient information about the system to enable one to design linear time-invariant open-loop compensation. The measurements are demonstrated on an electronic randomly time-varying linear system and the design technique is applied to an example with interesting results.
Market knowledge in managed municipal bond portfolios

Abstract In this paper, we analyze the investment performance of two types of open-end municipal bond mutual funds: first, mutual funds that have the objective of generating income free from federal income taxes; second, funds that have the objective of generating income free from not only federal but also a particular state 's income taxes. Our results suggest the following: first, municipal bond fund monthly returns either mirror or lag the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index returns on a risk-adjusted basis; second, when state taxes are significant, such as in California and New York, the investor benefits from investing in state-specific municipal bond funds.
Metabolic relationships in the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae. II. Electrophoretic analysis of dehydrogenase activity in tissue extracts.

Lactate (LDH), malate (MDH), and α-glycerophosphate (GDH) dehydrogenase were studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using various tissue extracts prepared from Leucophaea maderae. A single GDH was detected in muscle extract from various developmental stages while two forms of MDH were identified in all tissues studied. LDH-1, LDH-2, LDH-3, and LDH-5 were seen in the ovaries during all stages of the adult female's reproductive cycle. Larval ovaries and developing embryos displayed a similar pattern except for the absence of LDH-5, the slowest migrating isozyme. Sub-unit interaction and spectrophotometric experiments support this terminology. Active lactate dehydrogenase in ovaries undergoing vitellogenesis and developing embryos may be involved in supplying energy to these structures that may exist under partially anaerobic conditions.
Improving the quality of group judgment: Social judgment analysis and the Delphi technique.

Abstract Previous research findings suggest that group judgment is superior to individual judgment, although groups fail to reach their full potential because of problems associated with the interaction process. Thus, groups perform at a level generally better than the competence of their average members but rarely as well as their most proficient members. The current study explores two methods of group judgment making which have been developed to reduce the discrepancy between potential and actual group performance: social judgment analysis and the Delphi technique. These two methods are compared in a controlled experimental setting with regard to their potential both to significantly reduce group disagreement and to provide accurate judgments. The two methods were found to be equal in the quality of judgments produced. Social judgment analysis, however, was a significantly better method of reducing disagreement than the Delphi technique.
Cognitive mechanisms of transitive inference.

We examined how the brain organizes interrelated facts during learning and how the facts are subsequently manipulated in a transitive inference (TI) paradigm (e.g., if A<B and B<C, then A<C). This task determined features such as learned facts and behavioral goals, but the learned facts could be organized in any of several ways. For example, if one learns a list by operating on paired items, the pairs may be stored individually as separate facts and reaction time (RT) should decrease with learning. Alternatively, the pairs may be stored as a single, unified list, which may yield a different RT pattern. We characterized RT patterns that occurred as participants learned, by trial and error, the predetermined order of 11 shapes. The task goal was to choose the shape occurring closer to the end of the list, and feedback about correctness was provided during this phase. RT increased even as its variance decreased during learning, suggesting that the learnt knowledge became progressively unified into a single representation, requiring more time to manipulate as participants acquired relational knowledge. After learning, non-adjacent (NA) list items were presented to examine how participants reasoned in a TI task. The task goal also required choosing from each presented pair the item occurring closer to the list end, but without feedback. Participants could solve the TI problems by applying formal logic to the previously learnt pairs of adjacent items; alternatively, they could manipulate a single, unified representation of the list. Shorter RT occurred for NA pairs having more intervening items, supporting the hypothesis that humans employ unified mental representations during TI. The response pattern does not support mental logic solutions of applying inference rules sequentially, which would predict longer RT with more intervening items. We conclude that the brain organizes information in such a way that reflects the relations among the items, even if the facts were learned in an arbitrary order, and that this representation is subsequently used to make inferences.
Rb-Sr glauconite systematics and the uplift of the Cincinnati arch

Five well-ordered authigenic glauconite samples from the Belfast Member of the Brassfield Formation in south-central Ohio yield a Rb-Sr isochron age of 337 ± 27 m.y. and an initial 87 Sr/86 Sr ratio of 0.7118 ± 0.0043 (2σ uncertainties). This glauconite age is 20% to 25% younger than the approximate stratigraphic age of the Belfast Member determined by fossil correlation, and it probably represents a geologic event in the postdepositional history of the sedimentary strata. This event is interpreted as an uplift of the pre-Mississippian units composing the Cincinnati arch, the glauconites having isotopically equilibrated their strontium with that of associated fluid phases and carbonates within the Belfast Member at the time of uplift.
Direct ultrashort-pulse retrieval in frequency-resolved optical gating using wavelets and a neural network

Frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) is a method for measuring the intensity and phase of an ultrashort laser pulse. The technique involves producing a `FROG trace,' which is a type of spectrogram of the pulse, and an iterative phase-retrieval algorithm that determines the intensity and phase of the laser pulse. Although the iterative FROG algorithm performs well, it requires a minute or more to converge for complex pulse shapes. For many applications more rapid retrieval is important, and it is therefore desirable to have a direct, i.e., non- iterative, computational method capable of inverting the highly non-linear and complex function that relates the pulse intensity and phase to its experimental FROG trace. In previous work we showed that a neural network can retrieve simple pulses rapidly and directly. Unfortunately, this approach involved feature extraction by computing the integral moments of the FROG trace, making it particularly sensitive to the presence of additive noise. Using parallel-processing hardware, we are now able to use FROG traces of limited size without any feature extraction as input for a neural net. This gives us the opportunity to compare the network performance using raw data with other representations of the FROG traces. Particularly interesting seemed a representation of the traces in terms of their wavelet coefficients, because the wavelet transform is known for its noise-insensitivity and the compression of most information about a given signal in only a small number of wavelet coefficients, making it therefore appealing for feature extraction in signal processing applications. We found, however, that a representation of the FROG trace in terms of its Lemarie-wavelet coefficients did not yield convergence despite many attempts, and hence is not suitable as an input signal for simple neural networks. Fortunately,--and surprisingly--use of no feature extraction appears quite promising.
Thermal effects on energetics and dynamics in water cluster anions (H2O)n

The electron binding energies and relaxation dynamics of water cluster anions (H2O)n− (11 ≤ n ≤ 80) formed in co-expansions with neon were investigated using one-photon and time-resolved photoelectron imaging. Unlike previous experiments with argon, water cluster anions exhibit only one isomer class, the tightly bound isomer I with approximately the same binding energy as clusters formed in argon. This result, along with a decrease in the internal conversion lifetime of excited (H2O)n− (25 ≤ n ≤ 40), indicates that clusters are vibrationally warmer when formed in neon. Over the ranges studied, the vertical detachment energies and lifetimes appear to converge to previously reported values.
RENAL NERVES AND RESISTANCE TO DOPAMINE-D1-MEDIATED NATRIURESIS IN THE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RAT |[dagger]| 1634

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is resistant to the paracrine action of renal dopamine. Although the resistance of the SHR to the natriuretic effect of dopamine and its analogues is in part due to an uncoupling of a D1-like receptor from its G-protein/effector enzyme complex in renal proximal tubules, other mechanisms may be involved. Humoral/hormonal factors (e.g. angiotensin II, norepinephrine[NE]) which increase renal sodium transport may also act to oppose the natriuretic effect of dopamine. Since excess NE via increased renal nerve activity in the SHR may act to limit the natriuretic effect of dopamine, we compared the effects of the selective intrarenal arterial infusion of the D1 agonist, SKF 38383, into the chemosurgically denervated (DNX) left kidney in saline-loaded (5% of body weight)-anesthetized SHR (systolic pressure = 218 mm Hg) and its normotensive control, the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat (systolic pressure = 120 mm Hg). Vehicle infusion into the left DNX kidney had no effect on any renal functional parameter. In the right innervated kidney, DNX of the left kidney slightly decreased V and UNaV; neither vehicle nor D1-agonist infusion exerted any effect. However, renal DNX in the left kidney increased urine flow (V) and sodium excretion (UNaV) to a similar degree in WKY and SHR (2-fold, n=5-7/ group), without affecting renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, or blood pressure. In WKY, after DNX, the D1 agonist (but not the vehicle), dose-dependently (1.2, 12, and 120 ng/min) increased V (from 13.56 ± 1.83 after DNX to 15.42 ± 1.67, 17.23 ± 2.60, and 19.70 ± 2.98 μl/min, respectively; P≤0.05 120 ng vs DNX, ANOVA, Scheffe's test) and UNaV (from 1.54 ± 0.23 after DNX to 1.98 ± 0.26, 2.53 ± 0.51, 3.08 ± 0.63μEq/min, respectively; P≤0.05 120 ng vs DNX, ANOVA, Scheffe's test). Stopping the agonist resulted in partial recovery of V and UNaV to baseline DNX values. In contrast, in the SHR, the D1 agonist had no effect on any functional parameter after DNX, similar to its inaction in the innervated kidney of the SHR (Hypertension 15: 560, 1990). We conclude that the decreased natriuretic effect of D1 agonists in the SHR is not due to increased renal nerve activity. These data support our previous studies implicating a defect in the D1 receptor or its regulation in the kidney in genetic hypertension.
Evaluation of the Soybean Rust Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE) public website's impact on certified crop advisers.

Abstract Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) in Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio were surveyed to determine the usefulness of the Soybean Rust Pest Informat...
A gravity-driven, hydraulically-damped multiple piston corer for sampling fine-grained sediments

The design of a gravity-driven, hydraulically-damped multiple piston corer is presented and discussed. In addition to recovering virtually undisturbed sediment surfaces, this corer also minimizes core shortening and facilitates the sampling of near surface pore waters by the use of a piston-coring system. The piston system also eliminates the need for complex core-catching devices and permits the use of thicker-walled core tubes, which help to thermally insulate the sediment core during recovery and handling operations. Because there is essentially only one moving part, this device is simple to construct and maintain.
Perceptions of environmental conditions and confusion about action to improve the environment

Data from a 1990 Washington Post poll centred on environmental issues were used to ascertain whether individuals' perceptions of environmental conditions - better, worse or stayed about the same - in the past 20 years result in confusion about knowing what should be done to improve the condition of the environment. A probit analysis found the perception that the condition of the environment in the past 20 years has stayed about the same to result in confusion. This perception was a more powerful predictor of confusion than were sociodemographic characteristics. More highly educated persons, individuals living in the suburbs and more conservative people were less likely to be confused.
Cytochrome c gene-related sequences in mammalian genomes

Abstract We use a rat cytochrome c gene that we previously isolated and determined the sequence of to estimate the number of related sequences present in the rat genome. Approximately 25 different EcoRI restriction endonuclease fragments from total rat DNA hybridize to the gene of known structure. Four of these correspond to homologous sequences present in four different lambda Charon 4A-rat cytochrome c recombinants previously isolated. Intact or nearly intact genes appear to reside on almost all of the genomic fragments, because they hybridize strongly to gene subfragments representing both 5' and 3' portions of the coding sequence as well as to 3' noncoding DNA that is found specifically associated with the coding region. A subgroup of about six of the fragments also shares homology within the 73 nucleotides immediately preceding the AUG codon. An intron-specific probe reveals only the EcoRI fragment from which it was derived and one other genomic fragment. On the basis of the temperature of complete dissociation of the coding region probe in 0.75 M NaCl/0.075 M Na3 citrate/50% (vol/vol) formamide, the 25 fragments are separable into three stringency classes of 40-50 degrees C, 50-55 degrees C, and 55-60 degrees C. The latter, high-stringency group of about seven fragments includes those cloned in the recombinant phage isolates, whose regions homologous to cytochrome c are shown to differ from the purified gene of known sequence by an amount equivalent to about 2% mismatched bases. Families of cytochrome c gene-related sequences are also found in the genomes of several other mammals, including humans.
A Game-Theoretic Evaluation of the Cease-Fire Alert Decision of 1973

This article uses a game-theoretic framework to evaluate the decision of the Nixon Administration to place United States forces on a world-wide alert to deter Soviet intervention in the October 1973 war in the Middle East. It finds that the alert decision can be justified and explained if the Nixon Administration's perception of the game is accepted, but only when the long-term rationality of Soviet decision-makers is assumed. It further finds that a less provocative strategy, such as approaching the Soviet leadership and reasserting an American willingness to compromise, would have produced a more tenuous stability than that produced by the alert decision, and that the equilibrium resulting from this alternative policy rested upon a view that the Soviets would not seek unilateral advantages in the conflict. Finally, it demonstrates that under certain con ditions, statesmen may have an incentive to create, rather than avoid, Prisoners' Dilemma games in interna tional crises.
Diagnosis and Management of Toxoplasmosis

This article discusses the diagnosis and management of toxoplasmosis. Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a tragic outcome of a preventable and treatable infection. Education of patients, physicians and health policy makers on the primary and secondary preventive measures of the disease, and their execution, will undoubtedly result in lower incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates from congenital disease due to Toxoplasma gondii.
Designing and teaching information security curriculum

With increasing interest by students and faculty in Information Security Curriculum, and increasing demand for information security professionals from industry, many institutions are beginning the task of creating a meaningful information security program. Whether the institution desires a single course, or an entire set of coursework, it is important that the faculty and administrators designing the curriculum follow an establish methodology and research the unique demands of this new and exciting field. This paper provides an overview of such a methodology.
Unusual manifestations of histoplasmosis

We present 6 cases of infection with Histoplasma capsulatum that have been uncommonly or not previously reported. Our case reports include unusual manifestations of H. capsulatum presenting as meningitis, the immune reconstitution syndrome, relapsing pericarditis, and scleroconjunctivitis.
2008 Special Issue: Learning representations for object classification using multi-stage optimal component analysis

Learning data representations is a fundamental challenge in modeling neural processes and plays an important role in applications such as object recognition. Optimal component analysis (OCA) formulates the problem in the framework of optimization on a Grassmann manifold and a stochastic gradient method is used to estimate the optimal basis. OCA has been successfully applied to image classification problems arising in a variety of contexts. However, as the search space is typically very high dimensional, OCA optimization often requires expensive computational cost. In multi-stage OCA, we first hierarchically project the data onto several low-dimensional subspaces using standard techniques, then OCA learning is performed hierarchically from the lowest to the highest levels to learn about a subspace that is optimal for data discrimination based on the K -nearest neighbor classifier. One of the main advantages of multi-stage OCA lies in the fact that it greatly improves the computational efficiency of the OCA learning algorithm without sacrificing the recognition performance, thus enhancing its applicability to practical problems. In addition to the nearest neighbor classifier, we illustrate the effectiveness of the learned representations on object classification used in conjunction with classifiers such as neural networks and support vector machines.
Self-consistent Gödel cosmology with spin-density in Riemann-Cartan spacetime

Abstract We show that the Godel metric for a rotating cosmology is compatible with the self-consistent formulation of the Einstein-Cartan metric-torsion theory for a spinning fluid.
Erosion of α-Fe by spherical glass particles

Abstract Polycrystalline α-Fe has been eroded at 30° and 90° with glass spheres of average diameters 70 μm and 200 μm in the velocity range 61–122 m s −1 . Detailed studies of the influence of the impact variables on the erosion rate as well as scanning electron microscopy studies of the eroded surfaces have been performed. It was observed that “breaking” waves developed on erosion at 30° and hills and valleys at 90°. Several different material loss processes that operate at various positions within waves, hills and valleys have been identified. It was clear that most material loss processes involved extensive localized shear and required the surface to become “conditioned” by a specific number of impacts before material loss began.
Ribozyme catalysis: not different, just worse

Evolution has resoundingly favored protein enzymes over RNA-based catalysts, yet ribozymes occupy important niches in modern cell biology that include the starring role in catalysis of protein synthesis on the ribosome. Recent results from structural and biochemical studies show that natural ribozymes use an impressive range of catalytic mechanisms, beyond metalloenzyme chemistry and analogous to more chemically diverse protein enzymes. These findings make it increasingly possible to compare details of RNA- and protein-based catalysis.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MEXICAN JAYS (APHELOCOMA ULTRAMARINA) AND NORTHERN FLICKERS (COLAPTES AURATUS) IN AN ARIZONA OAK SAVANNA

Abstract We observed Mexican Jays (Aphelocoma ultramarina) and Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus) from June 2000 to March 2001, recording interspecific associations and inter-actions. Flickers were seen with jays only once in summer, but they were observed together 62 times in winter, in mixed flocks of up to 20 jays and 12 flickers, while jays were alone only 4 times, and flickers were alone 31 times. Jays always initiated flock movement, and flickers followed. Flickers were more likely to forage when they accompanied jays than when they were alone. While jays searched under and around oaks for acorns and grasshoppers, flick-ers probed for subterranean ants. We found no evidence that flickers attempted to rob the jays' acorn caches, and we observed no agonistic encounters between the two species. Avian predators approached mixed flocks on six occasions, and in each case flickers responded to jay alarm calls by flying with the jays into oak foliage. All predation attempts were unsuccessful. We conclude ...
Identification of GIS Attribute Error Using Exploratory Data Analysis

Exploratory data analysis (EDA), a data-centered, inductive approach to statistical analysis, provides effective tools for assessing the quality and integrity of GIS attribute data. This research presents selected examples demonstrating EDA distribution analyses, correlational statistics, and proximity analysis. An integrated modular software prototype to operationalize these techniques combines the mapping and display capabilities of ArcView with the statistical functionality of STATA in a MS-Windows multi-tasking, multiple-windowed environment.
The effect of auditory stimulation on blood pressure changes associated with pain

The effects of auditory stimulation on systolic blood-pressure (SBP) increases elicited by the cold pressor procedure were studied in seven Ss, each S acting, as his own control. It was found that auditory stimulation significantly depressed SBP over a no-stimulation control condition
Renal osteodystrophy of the cervical spine: neurosurgical implications.

ABSTRACTRENAL OSTEODYSTROPHY DESCRIBES the changes in bone physiology seen in renal failure. Traditionally, these changes resulted in mild neurological sequelae that were effectively managed medically. Despite the often severe destruction seen on x-ray, surgical therapy has not been reported extensi
Ulysses: a robust, low‐diameter, low‐latency peer‐to‐peer network

A number of distributed hash table (DHT)-based protocols have been proposed to address the issue of scalability in peer-to-peer networks. In this paper, we present Ulysses, a peer-to-peer network based on the butterfly topology that achieves the theoretical lower bound of log n/ log log n on network diameter when the average routing table size at nodes is no more than log n. Compared to existing DHT-based schemes with similar routing table size, Ulysses reduces the network diameter by a factor of log log n, which is 2–4 for typical configurations. This translates into the same amount of reduction on query latency and average traffic per link/node. In addition, Ulysses maintains the same level of robustness in terms of routing in the face of faults and recovering from graceful/ungraceful joins and departures, as provided by existing DHT-based schemes. The performance of the protocol has been evaluated using both analysis and simulation. Copyright © 2004 AEI
Reflectance of conducting polypyrrole: Observation of the metal-insulator transition driven by disorder.

By controlling the extent of disorder through electrochemical synthesis at reduced temperatures, conducting polypyrrole (PPy) can be obtained in the metallic regime, in the insulating regime, and in the critical regime of the disorder-induced metal-insulator (M-I) transition. We present the results of reflectance measurements (0.002--6 eV) of PPy carried out at room temperature on the metallic side and on the insulating side of the M-I transition. While the reflectance spectra obtained from samples on both sides of the M-I transition exhibit spectral features expected for a partially filled conduction band, the electronic states near the Fermi energy (${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$) are different in the two regimes. The data obtained from metallic samples indicate delocalized electronic wave functions in the conduction band, whereas the spectral features which characterize the insulating regime indicate that the states near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ are localized. Consistent with theoretical predictions for the metallic and insulating regimes, the optical conductivity \ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega}) and the real part of the dielectric function ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{1}$(\ensuremath{\omega}) each show different frequency dependences in the far infrared. In the metallic regime \ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}^{1/2}$ for \ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}600 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{1}$(\ensuremath{\omega}) (g0) increases rapidly as \ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0, as described by the ``localization-modified Drude model,'' leading to the conclusion that metallic polypyrrole is a disordered metal near the M-I transition. In contrast, the insulating regime is characterized as a Fermi glass as confirmed by \ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})\ensuremath{\propto}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}^{2}$ for \ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}600 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$.
Relating product specifications and performance data with a neural network model for design improvement

This paper presents research resulting in a neural network model relating product design specifications and performance testing results using data from a sanitary ware manufacturer. The main constraint of the work was the limited availability of actual data for neural network training and testing, a situation often found in real situations where a priori product knowledge is limited during the product design phase. The authors used two training techniques, the standard hold-back and the leave-k-out, for the neural network model to leverage the sparseness of the data. Neural network results are compared and contrasted to statistical models relating product design and performance. This work is an exploration of the value of neural network models to assist with interactive product design.
Economic Assessment of Herbicide Systems for Minimum-Tillage Peanuts1

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in 1983 and 1984 on a Dothan loamy sand at Headland, AL to evaluate herbicide systems for minimum tillage peanut (Arachia hypogaea L. Florunner) production. The influence of minimum tillage-herbicide systems on weed control, peanut yield, market grade, and net returns were examined. Two minimum tillage-herbicide systems provided greater yield and higher net returns with equivalent control of Texas panicum (Panicum texanum Buckle.) and Florida beggarweed [Desmodium tortuosum (SW.)DC] as compared to a conventional tillage-herbicide system. One of these systems included oryzalin [4-(dipropylamino)-3, 5-dinitrobenzenesulfonamide] and paraquat (1, 1′-dimethyl-4,4′bipyridinium ion) applied preemergence followed by an early postemergence application of acetochlor [2-chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)acetamide] and dinoseb [2-(1-methylpropyl)-4,6-dinitrophenol] and a postemergence-directed application of cyanazine (2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin...
BU and CY as conditioning regimen for autologous transplant in patients with multiple myeloma.

BU and CY as conditioning regimen for autologous transplant in patients with multiple myeloma
Screening adolescent patients admitted to the trauma service for high-risk behaviors: who is responsible?

BACKGROUND:: Trauma remains the leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States. Adolescents are a hard to access medical population, with few opportunities for providers to screen for high-risk behaviors. The trauma team has a unique opportunity to screen for concurrent risk behaviors. The objective of this study was to assess surgeon knowledge, attitudes, and current practice of screening for high-risk behaviors in injured adolescents. METHODS:: From June 2007 to September 2007, a 16-item survey was mailed to 880 trauma surgeons assess their current screening practices of their adolescent patients (14-18 years); their perception of patients' risk taking; the perceived need for additional screening; and the surgeons' willingness to add routine screening to their workup. RESULTS:: The majority of trauma surgeons believed screening for risk behaviors in their adolescent patients was an important part of the trauma admission, although most thought it was not their personal responsibility. The highest rate of screening was for substance abuse, whereas the lowest was for gun ownership and sexual behavior. The majority of surgeons (74.4%) were willing to routinely consult specialists in adolescent medicine/pediatrics to assess for and manage risk behaviors in their adolescent trauma patients. CONCLUSION:: The majority of trauma surgeons agree that risk screening is an important part of the trauma treatment for adolescent patients and are interested in involving adolescent medicine and pediatric specialists to ensure adequate screening, management, and follow-up of risk behaviors in their patients. Language: en
U.S. Economic Growth at the Industry Level

The U.S. economy has expanded rapidly in recent years, with total factor productivity (the source of growth most closely identified with technological gains) rising sharply since the mid-1990’s (see e.g., Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1999; William Gullickson and Michael J. Harper, 1999; Mun S. Ho et al., 1999; Daniel E. Sichel, 1999). This strong aggregate performance and the well-documented explosion of investment in computers and other high-tech equipment have led many to believe that the United States has experienced a permanent, technology-led growth revival. It is essential, however, to disaggregate estimates of economic growth to the industry level to understand the new trends in the U.S. economy. Productivity growth, the ability to produce more outputs from the same inputs, differs widely among industries. For the economy as a whole, negative productivity growth in one industry can offset positive productivity growth in another, and Jorgenson (1990) shows that a measure of productivity based solely on aggregate data is valid only under very stringent conditions. We avoid the limitations of an aggregate measure of productivity by decomposing U.S. growth across industries for the period 1958–1996. By breaking down the U.S. economy into 37 industries (35 private industries, private households, and general government), we identify the contribution of each industry to aggregate productivity growth. This enables us to isolate the underlying sources of gains in productivity and provides a better understanding of the forces driving the U.S. economy. Economy-wide productivity from an aggregate production function increased 0.45 percent per year during 1958–1996, while methodology developed by Evsey Domar (1961) for aggregating over industries yields an aggregate estimate of 0.48 percent. Over the same period, however, industry productivity growth ranged from 1.98 percent in Electronic and Electric Equipment to 20.52 percent in Government Enterprises, highlighting fundamental differences in technology and productivity growth across industries. These results show that the aggregate production function provides a reasonable estimate of productivity trends over long periods but also masks important differences among industries.
Imipramine prevents gastric lesions induced by centrally administered thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in rats.

Increasing evidence indicates that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and endogenous brain-gut peptide may play a role in experimental ulcerogenesis. Potential interactions between TRH and imipramine (a typical tricyclic antidepressant (TCA] on the development of TRH-induced gastric lesions have not been investigated. Imipramine (0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently inhibited gastric lesion formation induced by intracisternal (i.c.) administration of TRH (1 micrograms). In addition, imipramine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased gastric acid secretion in response to i.c. TRH (1 microgram) in rats with pyloric ligation. These findings suggest the TCAs may be effective drug agents against centrally initiated gastric ulcerations. The mechanism of this response probably involves blockade of cholinergic (muscarinic) and H2 histamine receptors.