cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conducting a sales forecasting audit

Abstract Continuous improvement in sales forecasting is a worthy goal for any organization. This paper describes a methodology for conducting a sales forecasting audit, the goal of which is to help a company understand the status of its sales forecasting processes and identify ways to improve those processes. The methodology described here has been developed over a 5-year period, involving multiple auditors, and has been implemented (to date) at 16 organizations. This methodology revolves around three distinct phases: the ‘as-is’ phase, in which the audit team seeks to understand fully a company’s current forecasting process; the ‘should-be’ phase, in which the audit team presents a vision of what world-class forecasting should look like at the audited company, and the ‘way-forward’ phase, in which the audit team presents a roadmap of how the company can change its forecasting processes to achieve world-class levels. Those companies that have responded positively to the audit process have experienced significant improvement in their forecasting performance. The paper concludes by presenting lessons from audits conducted to date, as well as implications for management practice and future research.
A double-stage piecewise recursive filter for real-time applications

This paper examines the basic problem of estimating the state of a system described by a set of dynamical equations. The state estimation is performed by means of optimal filtering techniques in which the state observation is given by a set of nonlinear equations. The basic issue encountered in most engineering problems is the availability of more observable information than the processor can effectively process in real-time, while performing full optimal filtering on all available observable data. To alleviate this deficiency, an algorithm is developed in which the rate of information processing is kept at a high value, while the system statistics are evaluated at a much slower rate. The method utilizes a combination of fast and slow filtering loops, in which the observable data are processed at a high rate during the fast loop, while the system error covariance, gain computations, and all other system statistics are processed at a lower rate in the slow loop. Methods are provided to resolve any incompatibility in the system statistics resulting from this fast-loop/slow-loop processing combination. Applications describing problems pertaining to aircraft navigation are presented. Specifically, applications to aircraft navigation through a satellite network are studied. Appropriate simulation results from the above studies are shown.
384 THE INFLUENCE OF THYROXINE (T 4 ) CONCENTRATION IN HUMAN MILK (HM) ON NEONATAL THYROID SCREENING (NEO-T 4 )

384 THE INFLUENCE OF THYROXINE (T 4 ) CONCENTRATION IN HUMAN MILK (HM) ON NEONATAL THYROID SCREENING (NEO-T 4 )
Effect of Nitrogen Status on Salinity Tolerance of Tall Fescue Turf

ABSTRACT Turfgrass salinity tolerance is usually studied under conditions of non-limiting nutrition, even though most turfgrasses are managed with growth-limiting levels of nitrogen (N). This study examined the effect of N status (replete versus deficient) on salinity tolerance in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Additionally, the interactive effects of N status and salinity on tissue ion concentrations were determined. Two cultivars (‘Monarch’ and ‘Finelawn I’) were grown in nutrient solution culture. Treatments included N level (100% or 25% of maximum N demand) and salinity (0, 40, 80, 120 meq L−1). Salinity reduced leaf growth under high-N conditions, but much less so under low-N conditions. Concentrations of potassium (K), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) in the leaf sap were significantly higher in low-N than in high-N plants, indicating that increased salinity tolerance in low-N turf was not due to ion exclusion. These results suggest that efforts to screen turfgrasses for salt tolerance sho...
K-Ar Dating of Rocks from Elephant Island, South Scotia Ridge

K-Ar whole-rock ages ranging from 78 to 88 m.y. have been determined from four samples of quartz-calcite-amphibole schist obtained from Elephant Island in the South Shetland Island group on the southern limb of the Scotia Arc. The lithology and structural history of the rocks forming Elephant Island indicate that they are part of the pre–Late Jurassic, and probably Paleozoic, metamorphic rocks of the region. The ages are likely to reflect a regional thermal event in the Antarctandes during the late Mesozoic–early Cenozoic Andean orogeny.
Production of succinate from glucose, cellobiose, and various cellulosic materials by the ruminal anaerobic bacteria Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens.

The production of organic acids by two anaerobic ruminal bacteria,Fibrobacter succinogenes S85 andRuminococcus flavefaciens FD-1, was compared with glucose, cellobiose, microcrystalline cellulose, Walseth cellulose (acid swollen cellulose), pulped paper, and steam-exploded yellow poplar as substrates. The major end product produced byF. succinogenes from each of these substrates was succinate (69.5–83%), the principal secondary product was acetate (16–30.5%). Maximum succinate productivity ranged from 14.1 mg/L · h for steam-exploded yellow Poplar to 59.7 mg/L · h for pulped paper. ForR. flavefaciens, the major end product from cellobiose, microcrystalline cellulose, and acid-swollen Walseth cellulose was acetate (39–46%), pulped paper and steam-exploded yellow poplar yielded succinate (42–54%) as the major product. Maximum succinate productivity byR. flavefaciens ranged from 9.21 mg/L · h for cellobiose to 43.1 mg/L · h for pulped paper. In general, much less succinate was produced at a lower maximum productivity byR. flavefaciens than byF. succinogenes under similar fermentation conditions. The maximum succinate productivities by these two organisms are comparable to the previously reported value of 59 mg/L · h forAnderobiospirillum succiniciproducens grown on glucose and corn steep liquor.
Near-Term Demonstration of Benign, Sustainable, Nuclear Power

Nuclear power reactors have been studied, researched, developed, constructed, demonstrated, deployed, operated, reviewed, discussed, praised and maligned in the United States for over half a century. These activities now transcend our national borders and nuclear power reactors are in commercial use by many nations. Throughout the world, many have been built, some have been shut down, and new ones are coming on line. Almost one-fifth of the world’s electricity in 1997 was produced from these reactors. Nuclear power is no longer an unknown new technology.
Correlation effects in hopping conduction: Hopping as a multi-electron transition

Abstract The treatment of hopping between localized states as a one electron transition breaks down at high densities. We have treated the problem in terms of a correlated two electron (one phonon) transition. We neglect exchange effects. The correlation effect consists of the movement of two (or more) electrons simultaneously whenever it lowers the energy difference between initial and final state of the system. This is seen to lower the activation energy over the one electron process, an effect noticeable at low temperatures, moderate densities, and moderate compensation in impurity conduction. The onset of the effect is seen to occur at a density on the order of ( 3 4 π) (e 2 a/2kTK)− 3 2 for a temperature T, where K is the dielectric constant of the host medium and a is the Bohr radius of an impurity state.
The role of international factors in the business cycle: A multi-country study

Abstract Empirical research has been conducted on the various theories of the business cycle over many countries. However, very little research has attempted to undertake a multi-country disaggregate investigation into the sources of output change. This paper decomposes fluctuations in industry output in a particular country into: (1) a nation-specific shock; (2) an industry-specific shock; (3) a common shock; and (4) an idiosyncratic factor. Using a dynamic factor analysis state-space approach, the paper finds that the industry-specific impulse explains a significant but small part of the variance of the forecast error. This provides limited support for the disaggregated real business cycle paradigm.
The effect of double- and triple-apheresis platelet product donation on apheresis donor platelet and white blood cell counts

BACKGROUND: Concerned about the effect of multiple platelet (PLT) product donation on donor health, in 2005 the FDA proposed restrictions limiting the number of PLT products donated in 12 months. This was based on limited published evidence. To provide information on the effect of PLT donation on PLT and lymphocyte (LYM) count, hematologic variables were examined in a group of multiple PLT product donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors with at least two apheresis PLT donations, one of which was a double- or triple-PLT product, were examined. Donor demographics, number of blood donations, and number of apheresis PLT products donated were determined. Hematologic variables were evaluated at the first and last donation. RESULTS: A total of 471 donors (median age, 48.8 years; 55% male; median time between first and last donations, 72 weeks) were studied. The median number of PLT donations was 4 (range, 1-34) with the median number of PLT products donated being 7 (range, 2-65). The median PLT count demonstrated a significant increase (14 × 109/L, p = 0.0001) while both white blood cell and LYM counts showed significant decreases (−0.2 × 109/L, p = 0.0052; and −0.06 × 109/L, p = 0.0001, respectively). After adjusting for sex and whole-blood donations, LYM count demonstrated a significant decline associated with both number of donations (−0.01 × 109/L, p = 0.01) and number of products donated (−0.005 × 109/L, p = 0.02). PLT count demonstrated a significant increase associated with number of products donated (0.42 × 109/L, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Significant but small LYM decrease and PLT increase were seen. Limitations on the number of apheresis PLT products donated within 12 months do not seem warranted due to PLT or LYM count changes.
Limits of optical lithography

This paper describes a new theoretical and experimental approach to understanding optical lithography. Optical absorption properties of positive photoresist are used in the determination of an exposure distribution within the resist. A development rate relationship is used to calculate developed image surface contours from the exposure distribution. This description of resist performance seems to apply down to the finest detail optically resolvable, the interference between two opposing coherent light beams. The major limits to achieving very high resolution lie in the difficulty of obtaining the desired exposure distribution and in the common misunderstanding that exposure should control image contours directly rather than indirectly through a development rate relationship.
Simulating video through turbulence

Atmospheric turbulence can cause significant degradation to video over long horizontal paths. The refractive index fluctuations along the path from scene to camera lead to blur, varying across the frame and from frame to frame. Computationally inexpensive methods model this effect with an MTF blur function; however this technique neglects anisoplanatic effects. Wave optics techniques have been developed taking into account anisoplanatism, but ignoring scintillation, and spatial and temporal effects. Since long horizontal paths over varied surfaces (e.g. water to land or vice versa) will encounter varying turbulence strength along the path, the turbulence strength should be defined independently at each phase screen. Also important, turbulence strength can vary over short time scales ( The results will provide validation for turbulence removal algorithms.
The fates of De Novo and De Alio producers in the American Automobile Industry 1885–1981

Do laterally diversifying firms outlast new startups? Or does organizational inertia give the advantage to startups? We explore these questions here using the experiences of American automobile manufacturers from 1885 through 1981. We advance and test an integrative model that allows the organizational effects of entry mode to vary across the firm's life cycle. We also compare the life chances of laterally diversifying firms by industry of origin, including especially bicycle, carriage and engine manufacturers. Findings show the potentially integrative value of an evolutionary approach to strategy.
Implementation of solutions to the problem of fair division when preferences are single-peaked

We consider the problem of fairly allocating an infinitely divisible commodity among a group of agents with single-peaked preferences. We address the issue of (Nash)-implementability of solutions to this problem. As the lack of monotonicity of preferences often causes solutions to violate no veto power, the classic Maskin-type theorems cannot be invoked. Instead, we show that more powerful theorems due to Danilov-Yamato and Sjostrom can help settle implementation questions for most of the central fairness concepts, generally in the positive.
Silicon on Insulator MESFETs for RF Amplifiers.

Abstract CMOS compatible, high voltage SOI MESFETs have been fabricated using a standard 3.3 V CMOS process without any changes to the process flow. A 0.6 μm gate length device operates with a cut-off frequency of 7.3 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency of 21 GHz. There is no degradation in device performance up to its breakdown voltage, which greatly exceeds that of CMOS devices on the same process. Other figures-of-merit of relevance to RF front-end design are presented, including the maximum stable gain and noise figure. An accurate representation of the device in SPICE has been developed using the commercially available TOM3 model. Using the SOI MESFET model, a source degenerated low noise RF amplifier targeting operation near 1 GHz has been designed. The amplifier was fabricated on a PCB board and operates at 940 MHz with a minimum NF of 3.8 dB and RF gain of 9.9 dB while only consuming 5mW of DC power.
Study of hydrodynamics in microcarrier culture spinner vessels: A particle tracking velocimetry approach.

Three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry (3-D PTV), a modern, quantitative, visualization tool, has been applied to the characterization of the flow field in the impeller region of cell culture reactor vessels. The experimental system used here is a 250-mL microcarrier spinner vessel. The studies were conducted at three different agitation rates, 90, 150, and 210 rpm, corresponding to healthy, mildly damaging, and severely damaging shear intensities, respectively. The flow can be classified into three regions: a predominantly tangential (azimuthal) flow generated by the impeller; a trailing vortex region coming off the impeller tip; and a converging flow region close to the center of the vessel. The latter two are the regions of highest velocity gradients. Energy dissipation rates due to mean velocity gradients were also calculated to characterize the impeller stream. Local specific energy dissipation rates > 10,000 erg/(cm(3)sec) . have been measured. It is proposed that the critical regions for microcarrier culture damage due to impeller hydrodynamics are the trailing vortex region and the high energy converging flow region. Graphical representation of the mean velocity flow fields and the distribution of energy dissipation rates in the impeller region are also presented here. The merits of using the dissipation function (measure of specific energy dissipation rate) as a possible scale-up parameter are also discussed. (c) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
First-Principles Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Structural Analysis of Vitreous Silica

Gauge including projector augmented wave (GIPAW) NMR calculations combined with hybrid Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulations are carried out in order to investigate the relationships between the oxygen-17 and silicon-29 NMR spectra of vitreous silica and its local structure in terms of the Si−O−Si bond angle and Si−O distance distributions. Special attention is paid to the structure and NMR parameters of three- and four-membered rings, and the effect of their concentration on glass density is studied. It is shown that our simulations provide a new insight into the features of the 17O NMR parameters distribution. Accordingly, a new analytical model is presented and applied for the reconstruction of the Si−O−Si angle from the NMR spectrum. The reliability of the procedure is demonstrated conclusively through the excellent consistency of the analysis of the oxygen-17 and silicon-29 NMR experimental data of vitreous silica. Si−O−Si angle distribution mean values of 147.1° and 148.4°, respectively, and st...
A review of numerically controlled methods for finish-sculptured-surface machining

This paper presents a mathematical review of methods and algorithms used to compute milling cutter placement for multi-axis finished-surface machining. In general, these methods and algorithms compute tool path points based on tangent-plane contact between the milling cutter and the surface while maintaining a fixed tool orientation. This tangent-plane method of tool positioning and orientation is examined by discussing its strengths and weaknesses. Errors resulting from the tangent-plane approach are typically determined using a posteriori cutter path checking and graphic visualization techniques. Although these checking techniques have proved useful in identifying the tool path errors before actual machining, the problem of generating an error-free tool path remains. In this paper, we discuss the analysis of tool path position and orientation data as they are generated. This a priori analysis method is used to show error locations along the lateral face of the tool. The conclusion is reached that additi...
Optoelectronic properties of thin film organic/inorganic hybrid devices

Thin film hybrid structures based on organic conjugated polymers and II-VI inorganic semiconductors were fabricated using spin-coating, evaporation and pulsedlaser deposition. These structures provide many advantages for optoelectronic applications, such as combining the high charge carrier mobilities in inorganic polycrystalline thin films and high photo-sensitivity, intense photoluminescence, and ease of deposition of conjugated molecules. The optoelectronic properties of a promising hetero-pairing, a cadmium sulfide and a diisoquinoline perylene derivative device, were studied in detail. The device is very suitable for photovoltaic applications, but exhibits a varying concentration of interface defects depending on the formation process.
The N-terminal flanking region of the invariant chain peptide augments the immunogenicity of a cryptic "self" epitope from a tumor-associated antigen.

Abstract The N-terminal flanking region of the invariant chain peptide termed CLIP appears to have superagonistic properties interacting with the T cell receptor and the MHC class II molecule at or near the binding site for the bacterial superantigen Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). The present studies explored the hypothesis that the N-terminal segment of CLIP can augment the immunogenicity of cryptic “self” tumor-associated antigens. A chimeric construct of an MHC class II binding peptide from the c-erb oncogene (Her-2/neu) containing the N-terminal flanking region of CLIP elicited potent antitumor activity against a Her-2/neu-positive tumor in a rat model system. Comparatively, the unmodified parent peptide was ineffective. The induction of effective antitumor immunity, however, required presentation of the chimeric peptide construct on irradiated tumor cells or the peptide construct in concert with a Her-2/neu MHC class I-restricted peptide from Her-2/neu. As revealed by adoptive transfer studies, effective protective antitumor immunity in this setting required the CD4 T helper subset. Additionally, in vitro analysis revealed that immunization with the parent peptide resulted in a weak immune response to the unmodified peptide consisting of both type 1 (IL-2, IFN-γ) and type 2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine-producing cells analyzed by RT–PCR (qualitative and quantitative) and by limiting dilution assay. Comparatively, immunization with the chimeric construct elicited a potent immune response to the parent peptide with predominantly type 1 cytokine-producing cells. Taken together, the results suggest that immunization with the chimeric Her-2/neu peptide induced protective antitumor immunity. Associated with this immunization strategy was the enhancement of a type 1 cytokine response.
A theoretical study of C60 benzenoids

Abstract The more stable C 60 benzenoids are enumerated. These benzenoids are at the upper limit of today's analytical capability for characterization and consist of total resonant sextet and strictly peri -condensed species. A graph theoretical decomposition of three-fold coronen-related molecules is presented for the first time and allows rapid computation of their characteristic polynomials and eigenvalues. Strictly peri -condensed and essentially strain-free total resonant sextet benzenoids are devoid of adjacent bay regions on their molecular perimeter. Total resonant sextet and three-fold symmetrical nonradical benzenoids both have formulae found only in the N c ≡ 0 (mod 6) column series of the formula periodic table for benzenoid hydrocarbons. On average, strictly peri -condensed, total resonant sextet, and three-fold benzenoids are generally among the more stable isomers.
Executive Speech Coaching: An On-Site, Individualized, Abbreviated Course in Public Speaking

Corporate executives are often plagued with poor presentation skills, and the most time-efficient, customized solution is often individual coaching. This article, written by a practicing corporate speech. coach, describes a three-session approach to corporate speech coaching that has helped speakers improve on more than a hundred different occasions. It discusses optimal time schedules for coaching, what should be covered in individual sessions, how coaching should differ for speakers seeking to improve their skills in general and speakers working on a specific speech, and exercises to address specific presentation problems.
The chemo- and somatotopic architecture of the Galago cuneate and gracile nuclei.

Abstract The pattern of peripheral nerve inputs into the dorsal column nuclei, cuneate and gracile, was investigated in the prosimian Galago garnetti. The major findings were, that there is a greater segregation of the inputs from the fingers/hand within the cuneate compared with input form the toes/foot within the gracile. In both nuclei, cell clusters can be identified as cytochrome oxidase dense blotches, reactive also for the activity-dependent enzyme nitric oxide synthase. In the cuneate, cell clusters were apparent as six main cytochrome oxidase/nitric oxide synthase-reactive ovals arranged in a medial to lateral sequence. In contrast in the gracile, a higher degree of parcellation was noted and several cytochrome oxidase/nitric oxide synthase blotches were distributed along the rostrocaudal axis of the nucleus. This different architecture parallels differences in the organization of the inputs from the hand and from the foot. In the cuneate, cholera toxin B subunit conjugated to horseradish peroxydase labeled terminals from the glabrous and hairy skin of digits d1 to d5 segregated in each of the five most lateral cytochrome oxidase/nitric oxide synthase blotches. Afferents from the thenar, palmar pads and hypothenar overlapped with those from digit 1, digit 2 to digit 4 and digit 5, respectively. Inputs from wrist arm and shoulder were segregated in the most medial blotch. In the gracile, multiple foci of cholera toxin B subunit conjugated to horseradish peroxydase labeled terminals were observed upon injections of single sites in the toes or plantar pads. Although in multiple foci, inputs from different toes segregated from one another as well. Terminals from the plantar pads appeared to converge on the same cytochrome oxidase/nitric oxide synthase blotches targeted by inputs from the toes. In both the cuneate and the gracile, cytochrome oxidase/nitric oxide synthase blotches also presented intense immunoreactivity for GABA, calbindin, parvalbumin, and brain derived neurotrophic factor. Finally, in the cuneate the cell cluster region presented similarities in prosimian galagos and four species of New World monkeys, whereas it appeared more differentiated and complex in the Old Word macaque monkeys. In conclusion, the different pattern of segregation of the inputs from the hand and from the foot can be related to the different metabolic organization of the cuneate and of the gracile, respectively.
Feeling good and open-minded: The impact of positive affect on cross cultural empathic responding

Two experiments were conducted with US college students to determine whether affective states influence cross-cultural empathy. Participants read about a target who experienced distress and assumed a perspective that was consistent or inconsistent with US norms. When evaluating targets with a dissimilar (versus similar) cultural perspective, participants in neutral affect (Experiments 1 and 2) or negative affect (Experiment 2) conditions exhibited less perspective taking and emotional empathy. However, those differences were not observed for participants in a positive affect condition. Indeed, students in the positive (versus neutral or negative) affect condition exhibited greater perspective taking and feelings of compassion and sympathy for the dissimilar target. Results support (Fredrickson, B.L. (1998). What good are positive emotions? Review of General Psychology, 2, 300–319; Fredrickson, B.L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden and build theory of positive emoti...
Toward the Elimination of Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis remains one of the world's most prevalent diseases. Dr. Charles King discusses how we can break the cycle of transmission.
Principles of adoptive T cell cancer therapy

The transfusion of T cells, also called adoptive T cell therapy, is an effective treatment for viral infections and has induced regression of cancer in early-stage clinical trials. However, recent advances in cellular immunology and tumor biology are guiding new approaches to adoptive T cell therapy. For example, use of engineered T cells is being tested as a strategy to improve the functions of effector and memory T cells, and manipulation of the host to overcome immunotoxic effects in the tumor microenvironment has led to promising results in early-stage clinical trials. Challenges that face the field and must be addressed before adoptive T cell therapy can be translated into routine clinical practice are discussed.
spoT, a new genetic locus involved in the stringent response in E. coli

Abstract A new genetic locus, spo T, whose product is involved in the stringent response to amino acid starvation, maps very close to 72 min on the E. coli chromosome. The locus is defined by a spontaneous mutant allelle, spo T-, whose phenotypic effects are: virtually no pppGpp is produced during amino acid starvation; ppGpp is overproduced; and the stability of ppGpp upon reversal of the stringent response is greatly increased. All three phenotypic effects are recessive to wild type in heterozygotes. These three phenotypic effects are best accounted for by postulating that the spo T gene product plays a role in the phosphorylation of ppGpp to pppGpp preparatory to further metabolism. Since the stability of ppGpp has also shown to increase following a carbon and energy source downshift (Gallant, Margason, and Finch, J. Biol. Chem. 247 : 6055), we suggest that the activity of the spo T gene product is regulated by some consequence of downshift.
ESTIMATION AND SELECTION BIAS IN MEAN‐VARIANCE PORTFOLIO SELECTION

Much research has focused on the problem of selecting portfolios without the benefit of parametric measures of risk and return. In this paper, a Monte Carlo technique is used to isolate the extent and nature of the problems introduced by this practice. The technique is employed in the context of classical statistical methodology without permitting short sales. It is shown that using estimators of expected return and risk not only obscures parametric values, but also affects portfolio composition in the Markowitz framework. In this study, these two components of bias are isolated and measured.
Shear-induced 1-D alignment of alumina nanoparticles in coatings

Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to study shear-induced alignment of alumina and silica nanoparticles in two-component polyurethane clear coatings. 1-D strings of nanoparticles, formed in an extended pearl-necklace fashion were observed near the surfaces of cured films at nanoparticle volume fractions less than 0.05. This alignment is affected by the shear conditions of the application method. When applied by spraying, linear particle strings as long as 5 cm were observed in the direction of shear. Nanoparticle strings were also found, to a lesser extent, when coatings were applied by a drawdown method. The phenomenon was not observed in coatings applied with minimal shear. These particle string formations, in addition to affecting the performance of coatings, may have broader implications in the field of nanomaterials. Our literature searches so far have not uncovered reports of stable, 1-D nanoparticle arrangements with same degree of linearity produced under simple shear with compositions having very low particle loadings.
Quantifying Primate Food Distribution and Abundance for Socioecological Studies: An Objective Consumer-centered Method

Food abundance and distribution have played a central role in the conceptual theory of primate socioecology. This theory predicts that agonistic (contest) competition should occur when food is distributed in discrete, defensible patches; in contrast, when food sources are distributed uniformly or randomly, nonagonistic (scramble) competition is expected. Primatologists usually measure resource density and patchiness from a botanical perspective, without an explicit link to the biology of the animal being studied. Such an approach may be irrelevant to how the animals view the dispersion of resources. For studies related to feeding competition, we suggest the use of a method that provides a consumer-based index of food distribution. We then describe such an approach and apply it to understand agonistic behavior in white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus), at Lomas Barbudal. Instead of choosing sample plots at random, we use each actual feeding tree of a group as the center of a sample plot and we use the monkey species’ average group spread as the sampling area. This focal tree method allows us to evaluate the resource availability both within and outside of the feeding tree during a particular feeding bout. To summarize the spatial distribution of food at the level of a foraging group, we define and use an extension of Lloyd’s Dispersion Index, Lloyd’s Extended Index (LEI), designed to allow the inclusion of resources of diverse sizes and species in a single measure. We evaluate if LEI can be used to predict the frequency of aggression, if changing the area of the plot alters these results, and if calculating LEI based on fruit abundance or fruit biomass better predicts the frequency of aggression in this population of capuchins. In support of socioecological predictions, our results show that the frequency of agonism in a focal tree declines as LEI increases. This relationship is significant when LEI is calculated using a 20-m plot size and weighting tree size by fruit counts, but not when using larger plot sizes, unweighted tree counts, or weighting by fruit biomass. Our approach demonstrates the importance of carefully considering plot size and different measures of food availability when testing socioecological models relating resource distribution and quality to aggression in nonhuman primates.
Does Marking Tone Make Tone Languages Easier to Read

Among designers of orthographies for previously nonwritten languages, the prevailing wisdom is that native speakers of tone languages need to see at least some tones marked to achieve full literacy in those languages. A counter argument is that marking tone confuses native speakers of tone languages. We report here on an experiment on tone marking in Kom, a language of the Grassfields region of Cameroon. The results show that, for Kom at least, tone marking makes written sentences harder to figure out initially, harder to say, and harder to say correctly. Comparative research using refinements of the methodology described here will help us answer important questions, like whether or not these effects vary with the number of tones in a language or with the linguistic function of tones. The knowledge gained from comparative experiments will help speakers of the world's nonliterary languages achieve popular literacy in those languages. Popular literacy, we argue, is one of a small number of things that promo...
Polymeric ionic liquids as selective coatings for the extraction of esters using solid-phase microextraction

A new class of stationary phase coatings for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) based on polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) is presented. PIL-based SPME coatings exhibit exceptional film stability, high thermal stability, reproducible extraction efficiencies, and long lifetimes. A series of three homologous polymeric imidazolium-based ionic liquid coatings were synthesized by free radical reaction. The fiber coatings were used to extract esters and fatty acid methyl esters from aqueous solution followed by gas chromatographic separation and flame ionization detection. To examine the effect of the matrix on the coatings, extractions were carried out in a synthetic wine solution followed by recovery experiments in two real wine samples. When carrying out the extractions in aqueous solution, the detection limits for most analytes ranged from 2.5 to 50microgL(-1) whereas lower detection limits were obtained for larger fatty acid methyl esters. Recovery experiments carried out in red and white wines ranged from 70.2% to 115.1% using the PIL fibers compared to 61.9% to 102.9% using a commercial polydimethylsiloxane fiber of similar film thickness. The structural tuning capability of these new coating materials makes them widely amendable to performing task-specific microextractions.
On an interpolating statistics from general principles

Abstract From an explicit construction of the many particle states, we demonstrate that q-basic numbers arise naturally in a theory which interpolates between Bose–Einstein and Fermi–Dirac statistics. We formulate such a theory based on the principle of detailed balance. We obtain a transcendental equation for the distribution function and seek a series solution. This theory has the correct Boson limit but the Fermion limit leads to generalized Fermions not obeying the exclusion principle. We also express the distribution function as an infinite continued fraction. The first approximant of the theory reproduces the distribution function of our earlier work. Some general results from the exact theory are summarized.
Intermolecular interactions, nucleation, and thermodynamics of crystallization of hemoglobin C.

The mutated hemoglobin HbC (beta 6 Glu-->Lys), in the oxygenated (R) liganded state, forms crystals inside red blood cells of patients with CC and SC diseases. Static and dynamic light scattering characterization of the interactions between the R-state (CO) HbC, HbA, and HbS molecules in low-ionic-strength solutions showed that electrostatics is unimportant and that the interactions are dominated by the specific binding of solutions' ions to the proteins. Microscopic observations and determinations of the nucleation statistics showed that the crystals of HbC nucleate and grow by the attachment of native molecules from the solution and that concurrent amorphous phases, spherulites, and microfibers are not building blocks for the crystal. Using a novel miniaturized light-scintillation technique, we quantified a strong retrograde solubility dependence on temperature. Thermodynamic analyses of HbC crystallization yielded a high positive enthalpy of 155 kJ mol(-1), i.e., the specific interactions favor HbC molecules in the solute state. Then, HbC crystallization is only possible because of the huge entropy gain of 610 J mol(-1) K(-1), likely stemming from the release of up to 10 water molecules per protein intermolecular contact-hydrophobic interaction. Thus, the higher crystallization propensity of R-state HbC is attributable to increased hydrophobicity resulting from the conformational changes that accompany the HbC beta 6 mutation.
Nickel-hydrogen multicell common pressure vessel battery development update

Flight qualification of the multicell common pressure vessel (CPV) nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H/sub 2/) battery is discussed. The battery has completed full flight qualification, including random vibration at 19.5 g for two minutes in each axis, electrical characterization in a thermal vacuum chamber, and mass-spectroscopy vessel leak detection. A first launch is scheduled in 1992. Several design variations, ranging from 9 Ah to 125 Ah and 12 to 32 V, have been developed and prototypes fabricated. Designs for smaller capacity, smaller diameter (6.4-8.9 cm), and higher voltage (up to 100 V) are in progress. The CPV battery offers cost and weight savings of up to 30% as compared to traditional nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and individual pressure vessel (IPV) Ni-H/sub 2/ batteries. The fully qualified design provided a 50% weight savings over its Nd-Cd predecessor for the same application. Its reduced volume also provides a significant advantage over IPV technology. Resistance data show a further advantage. >
The danger of sedenterism: endothelium at risk

habitual physical inactivity, otherwise known as sedenterism, is a leading cause of excessive and preventable cardiovascular risk ([4][1]). Less than half of U.S. adults met recommended physical activity standards in 2007, and nearly one-quarter of the U.S. population reported no leisure time
Two-stage tests of hypotheses in the general linear model

Two-stage (double sample) tests of hypotheses are presented for testing linear hypotheses in the general linear model. General and one-sided alternatives are considered. Computational techniques for computing critical points are discussed. Tables of critical points are presented. An example suggests that two-stage tests can achieve the same power as a fixed sample size test while reducing considerably the expected number of observations required for the test
Prediction of hypertension by different anthropometric indices in adults: the change in estimate approach

ObjectiveTo examine the relative contribution for the prediction of hypertension by waist circumference (WC), waist:stature ratio (WSR) or waist:hip ratio (WHR) with that by BMI, to ascertain if WC, WSR or WHR enhances the prediction of hypertension by BMI.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional study. A change of ≥10 % in the prevalence ratio of BMI (PR) or the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) when WC, WSR or WHR was added to a model with BMI was used as the criterion for significant contribution to the prediction of hypertension by BMI. For greater contributions (≥10 %) these waist measures were considered as better predictors.SettingNine provinces in China.SubjectsChinese adults aged 18 to 65 years (n 7336) who participated in the 2004 China Health and Nutrition Survey.ResultsThe prevalence of hypertension (17 % and 23 % for women and men, respectively) was significantly related to increased BMI, WC, WSR and WHR (P for trend <0·001). Although there was a better model fit when WC, WSR or WHR was added to a model with BMI (P < 0·05; likelihood ratio test), the changes in PR and AUC were <10 % and <5 %, respectively. The sex-specific AUC for the prediction of hypertension by BMI (of 0·7–0·8) was similar to that by WC, WSR or WHR.ConclusionsThe waist indices do not perform better than BMI or markedly enhance the prediction of increased hypertension risk by BMI in Chinese adults.
The hormonal basis of reproductive defects in athymic mice: diminished gonadotropin concentrations in prepubertal females.

Congenitally nude athymic female mice are known to have severe deficiencies in reproductive function, including reduced ovarian weight, increased follicular atresia, decreased fertility, and premature ovarian failure, in comparison to their phenotypically normal heterozygous littermates. To determine the hormonal basis for these reproductive defects, pituitary and circulating concentrations of gonadotropins and circulating levels of gonadal steroids were quantitated in 132 congenitally athymic mice and 126 of their normal heterozygous littermates, ranging in age from 1–120 days. Although prepubertal increases in both circulating LH and FSH, which were maximal at 10 days of age, were observed in both athymic and heterozygous females, the concentrations were reduced significantly in the athymic animals (P < 0.01). Dramatic increases in the pituitary concentrations of both LH and FSH followed at 20 days, with the concentrations in heterozygotes being 3-fold greater than those in the athymic mice (P < 0.01 fo...
Commentary on: Management Education and the Base of the Pyramid

This commentary asks some critical questions concerning the article “Management Education and the Base of the Pyramid” included in this special issue. Are “bottom of the pyramid” (BOP) multidisciplinary action project (MAP) students prepared to critically assess the impact of their interventions beyond a narrow definition of profit in complex and unfamiliar political and economic contexts? Are these projects exporting an appearance of wealth that is realized only for a small minority of those at the very top of the pyramid? Some reported examples of this pedagogy appear to be clear success stories, especially when the BOP approach is based on the BOP variant called the “BOP Protocol.” With self-reflexive critical awareness, the positive potential of BOP MAP approaches to management education may be enhanced.
The synthesis and absolute configuration of (+)-leptosphaerin

Abstract A synthesis of (+)-leptosphaerin (1), a metabolite of the marine ascomycete Leptosphaeria oraemaris (Linder), was accomplished from (R)-glyceraldehyde by a route that confirms the structural assignment and establishes the absolute configuration of 1 as (4S,5R).
Tracing the mobility of individuals using stable isotope signatures in biological tissues: “locals” and “non-locals” in an ancient case of violent death from Central California

Abstract Stable isotope analyses of biological tissues that grow during different phases of life can be used to trace the geographic location of individuals during different windows of time. We apply this principle and reexamine three prehistoric skeletons excavated in 1964 from archaeological site CA-YOL-117 in Central California. Field evidence suggests they were killed as part of a single violent event. We report new radiocarbon dates and Strontium, Oxygen, Carbon, and Nitrogen isotopic data from first molars, third molars, and bone to examine circumstances surrounding their death. Data suggest two of the three individuals were born, and all three lived their teenage years, near the site they were buried in. However, as adults they lived elsewhere, likely to the north along the Sacramento River. Around AD 1450, upon returning to the territory of their childhood years, they were killed and placed in a mass grave. The data invite a more nuanced interpretation of how we view “local” and “non-local” individuals archaeologically. Overall, the analysis provides an interesting glimpse into the nature of warfare and violence among pre-contact hunter–gatherers of Northern California.
Predictors of Criminal Charges for Youth in Public Mental Health During the Transition to Adulthood

Dual involvement with the mental health system and justice system is relatively frequent for young adults with mental health problems, yet the research on factors predictive of dual involvement is incomplete. This study extends past research on predictors of criminal charges for people in the public mental health system in four ways. First, this study expands the longitudinal study period to include the time of transition to adulthood, from 16 to 25 years of age. Second, this study separately predicts specific types of criminal charges, including violent, property, drug, and nuisance charges. Third, this study examines whether residential treatment or inpatient hospitalization are predictive of criminal charges. Fourth, this study stratifies prediction by gender. Findings indicated high levels of dual involvement during this time period. In general, males and people diagnosed with substance use disorder or conduct disorder were more likely to have a criminal charge. Other predictors of specific criminal charges varied by gender. Residential treatment, inpatient hospitalization, and anxiety disorder were generally not related to criminal charges. Implications for cross-system collaboration and early intervention are discussed.
Separable and nonseparable multiwavelets in multiple dimensions

We report on a method of constructing multidimensional biorthogonal interpolating multiwavelets. The approach is based upon polynomial interpolation in Rd (C. de Boor and A. Ron, Math. Comput. 58, 198 (1997)) and an extension of the lifting scheme (J. Kovacevic and W. Sweldens, IEEE Trans. Image Process. 9, No. 3, 480 (2000)). The constructed wavelets have compact support, are nearly isotropic, and retain partial scale invariance leading to a fast and efficient multidimensional wavelet transform. We demonstrate an implementation for these wavelets of variable polynomial order up to four dimensions. Finally, we show that these wavelets have a much sparser representation of discontinuous functions as compared to tensor product wavelets, which allows for a more compact and efficient representation.
Hemodynamic stability and patient satisfaction after anesthetic induction with thiopental sodium, ketamine, thiopentalfentanyl, and ketaminefentanyl

Abstract Study Objective: To examine three commonly used anesthetic induction regimens (thiopental sodium, ketamine, and thiopental plus fentanyl) and one newly described regimen (ketamine plus fentanyl) with respect to hemodynamic stability and patient satisfaction. Design: Randomized, double-blind .study. Setting: University-affiliated Veterans Administration Hospital. Patients: Forty-eight ASA physical status I and II patients (47 males, 1 female) scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia. Interventions: Patients were randomized to one of four groups to receive intravenous injections of thiopental 5 mglkg (Group 1), ketamine 1.5 mglkg (Group 2), thiopental 3 mg/kg plus fentanyl 4 to 6 μ/kg (Group 3), or ketamine 0.5 mg/kg plus fentanyl 4 to 6 μg/kg (Group 4) for induction of anesthesia. Measurements and Main Results: Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured during anesthetic induction. Evaluation of patient satisfaction/ dissatisfaction and pleasantnesslunpleasantness by the Anesthesia Experience Rating (AER) was carried out the day following surgery. Groups 3 and 4 showed the least increase from their baseline values in both HR and MAP after tracheal intubation, but only Group 4 exhibited no statistically significant change in hemodynamic parameters after induction but before intubation (p Conclusion: The combination of ketamine plus. fentanyl provides superior hemodynamic stability with excellent patient satisfaction.