cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the quality of a system's perception of its information environment with special application to distributed military systems

To take advantage of recent and future advances in communications and information processing technology, military systems of the 21st century will create systems that enable the elements to operate as nodes in a geographically distributed information collection and processing network. Each network node is immersed in its local information environment. If a node is isolated from the rest of the system, then its perception of - as well as its response to the system's information environment is strictly local and based only upon data provided by its local sensor observations. However, completely autonomous responses to such locally determined perceptions can be undesirable from certain global network level perspectives. Fratricide, multiple engagements by weapons platforms and saturation of sensor resources by soft-kill weapons usage are all examples of unintended consequences of ignoring the global picture. In those cases where the exercise of some degree of coordination between individual platform elements is required for global coordination, it is necessary to have available for use by the system's decision functions sufficiently representative perceptions of pertinent aspects of the system's universal information environment. Such a network of perceptions must necessarily be synthesized using the mixture of measurements gathered from the local information environments of individual platform sensors. A method for quantifying the quality of perceptions has been developed. This method enables one to study several important system level problems from a perception quality perspective.
Identification of nonlinear systems with evolving networks

This paper discusses and shows how computation intensive nonlinear identification problems can be computed efficiently using evolving networks and clusters of workstations. Simulations are conducted to study the performance of this approach with different nonlinear systems. Results of developing parallel algorithms for system identification are discussed.
Cuban allegations of biological warfare by the United States: assessing the evidence.

(1999). Cuban Allegations of Biological Warfare by the United States: Assessing the Evidence. Critical Reviews in Microbiology: Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 173-227.
Rotavirus vaccination coverage among children aged 2-59 months: a report from Guangzhou, China.

Objective We aimed to estimate the Lanzhou lamb rotavirus (LLR) vaccination coverage (VC) and timeliness among children aged 2 to 59 months in Guangzhou, China. Methods An electronic system-based VC survey was conducted using stratified cluster random sampling. Results We reported an overall Lanzhou lamb rotavirus vaccine coverage of 25.3% among children aged 2-59 months (2-8 months, 2.6%) in Guangzhou, China. Conclusion Great efforts should be taken to increase LLR VC in eligible children in Guangzhou, China.
Large differences in the helix propensities of alanine and glycine

The standard view of alpha helix formation in water, based on helix propensities determined by the host-guest method, is that differences in helix propensity among the amino acids are small, except for proline, and that the average value of the helix propagation parameter s is near 1. A contradictory view of alpha helix formation in water is emerging from substitution experiments with short, unique-sequence peptides that contain only naturally occurring amino acids. Short peptides that contain only alanine and lysine, or alanine and glutamate, form surprisingly stable monomeric helices in water and substitution of a single alanine residue by another amino acid in these or related peptides produces a wide range of changes in helix content, depending on which amino acid is substituted for alanine. We show here that the ratio of the helix propensities of alanine to glycine is large, about 100, in substitution experiments with a 17-residue reference peptide containing alanine and lysine. The helix propensity is identified with s, the helix propagation parameter of the statistical mechanics model for alpha helix formation, and the results are interpreted by the Lifson-Roig theory. Single alanine----glycine substitutions have been made at a series of positions in individual peptides. The helix-destabilizing effect of an Ala----Gly substitution depends strongly on its position in the helix, as predicted by the Lifson-Roig theory if the ratio of s values for Ala:Gly is large.
In Search of the Song Template

The auditory template theory-the conversion of memorized song to produced song using feedback as an error-correction mechanism-is central to neurobiological studies of birdsong learning. The essence of the theory is the construction of a complex sound replica based on a set of both genetic and environmental instructions. These premises, as yet unchallenged, have stimulated much research on the process of vocal imitation. Two somewhat distinct, but closely related streams of research have emerged. One seeks to determine the neural mechanisms that underlie the formation, storage, and retrieval of vocal memories as a consequence of experience during a sensitive phase-the template concept in its purest form. The other aims at establishing an explanatory basis for genetically based species differences in auditory responsiveness; here, the prime focus is on innately specified templates that guide learning preferences in young, naive birds. The chapter begins with an historical overview of conceptual issues. Then recent progress in the attempt to characterize template properties is reviewed, focusing on selected studies of sparrows, nightingales, and zebra finches. The chapter concludes with a discussion of research strategy and tactics, including suggestions for criteria that must be met in identifying neural substrates for template specification and localization. The chapter is intended to provide a conceptual framework for further progress in this critical area.
Physical violence in Utah households

Using the Conflict Tactics Scale, a random sample of 1471 Utah residential units was selected in 1986 to assess family violence. Results were compared with data from the Straus and Gelles (1986) United States national survey of family violence. Spousal violence rates in Utah households were slightly higher than those in the national survey. Income, employment status, education, family size, religiosity, marital power structure, and gender role orientation failed to differentiate spousal violence rates. Parent-to-child violence rates were less in Utah than in the national survey. Severe mother-to-child violence was influenced substantially by educational level, family size, employment status, and gender role orientation. High level of education for traditionally oriented mothers who are not employed was associated with severe physical violence toward their children.
Direct evidence that ischemic preconditioning does not cause protein kinase C translocation in rabbit heart

Objective: Indirect pharmacological evidence suggests that myocardial protection conferred by ischemic preconditioning in rabbit myocardium is mediated through the translocation of protein kinase C (PKC). To test this hypothesis, we performed direct biochemical measurements of subcellular distribution of PKC in rabbit hearts. Methods: Two protocols were utilized. In Protocol I the preconditioned group (PC) underwent two 5-min episodes of brief coronary artery occlusion each followed by 5 min of reperfusion, while the control group consisted of time-matched, sham-operated (non-ischemic) animals (SO). Tissue samples were homogenized and cytosolic and particulate fractions were obtained by ultracentrifugation. In Protocol II one group of rabbits received ischemic preconditioning as in Protocol I followed by 10 min of sustained ischemia (PC + IS); a second control group was subjected to 10 min of sustained ischemia (IS); and the third group was time-matched, sham-operated (non-ischemic) animals (SO). Homogenized tissue samples were separated into cytosolic, nuclear and membrane fractions. Results: In Protocol I, no differences in the subcellular distribution of PKC between the SO and PC groups were observed. In Protocol II, when samples were obtained at 10 min of sustained ischemia, no changes in the subcellular distribution of PKC were observed between SO, IS and PC + IS groups. Conclusion: Our results indicate that translocation of protein kinase C is not an important mediator of ischemic preconditioning in the rabbit ischemia model.
Desensitization to imatinib in patients with leukemia

Background Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and hypereosinophilic syndrome. Imatinib is associated with a variety of adverse cutaneous reactions, including urticaria, maculopapular exanthem, generalized exanthematous pustulosis, exfoliative dermatitis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral desensitization by administering incremental dosages of imatinib mesylate to patients with leukemia who have had rashes associated with prior exposure. Methods Ten patients with leukemia and imatinib-associated recurrent rash underwent a 4-hour outpatient oral desensitization procedure. Beginning with 10 ng, we administered oral imatinib elixir in increasing dosages every 15 minutes. Patient outcomes were monitored by a return clinic visit and by telephone follow-up for a median of approximately 3 years. Results No episodes of anaphylaxis or serious adverse effects occurred during or immediately after desensitization. Four patients (all with urticaria) had no recurrence of rash after desensitization, and 4 had recurrent rash that resolved after temporary glucocorticosteroid and antihistamine administration. Two patients developed a recurrent rash 5 hours and several days after the procedure and were unable to resume therapy. Conclusions This oral desensitization protocol appears to help some leukemic patients with recurrent rash tolerate imatinib mesylate, thus permitting continuation of this life-prolonging therapy. These findings suggest that some adverse cutaneous reactions to imatinib may be due to a hypersensitivity mechanism rather than a pharmacologic effect.
Development of a self‐assessment program in obstetrics and gynecology

To meet the needs of their membership, many professional societies are developing home study, self assessment programs designed for the practicing physician. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has instituted a five-year cycle, issuing a new unit each year, focusing on one of the five components of the specialty. The objectives of the program are to provide a means of self-directed independent study for professional development for obstetrician-gynecologists, to assist physicians in iden tifying their strengths and weaknesses in clinical knowledge, and to provide a means for participants to compare their performance to the performance of others. PROLOG (Personal Re view of Learning in Obstetrics and Gynecology) has been one of ACOG's most successful professional development programs. The following article describes the development process for creating each unit, and presents some of the results of the first two years.
Holographic Fringe Linearization Interferometry (FLI) For Defect Detection Part I The Basic Concept

In normal double exposure holography with impulse loading it is very difficult to locate defects because the fringe clutter, due to random motion between exposures, often swamps the fringe shifts caused by the presence of sub-surface defects (cracks, debonds, etc.). We attempted to simplify the defect location problem by developing a concept more amenable to automatic readout techniques. Our approach to incorporate this change is quite simple. We swing the object beam between the two exposures which adds a linear fringe to the reconstructed image. Proper selection of the fringe frequency (angle of object beam swing) and the loading force creates a recon-structed image laced with linear fringes with fringe shifts at the defect locations which are highly visible. We will describe the theory of the process. Experiments performed with a static load illustrate that the defect is seen as fringe shifts on a linear carrier. Both through cuts and rear surface cuts in a metal test plate were used to simulate defects. We further show that the defects have characteristic Fourier signatures different from those of the carrier.
Damage removal/dopant diffusion tradeoffs in ultra-shallow implanted p/sup +/-n junctions

The tradeoffs between implant damage annealing and shallow junction formation are investigated. For very-low-energy amorphizing implants the time for damage anneal has a fourth-power dependence on depth below the Si surface. The depth effect depends on the type of amorphizing ion. It is shown that as a result, implanted B in Ge-preamorphized Si diffuses with no detectable self-interstitial supersaturation if the damage is >
Regge Poles and the Photoproduction of Pions

The photoproduction of pions, $\ensuremath{\gamma}+N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}+N$, is examined from the standpoint of the Regge pole hypothesis and the Mandelstam representation. The asymptotic behavior of the forward scattering amplitudes is determined in terms of the Regge trajectories of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}+\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}N+\overline{N}$ channel. The $\ensuremath{\rho}$, $\ensuremath{\varphi}$, and $\ensuremath{\omega}$ trajectories are included in the description of the photoproduction of neutral pions, whereas only the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}$ trajectories contribute to the photoproduction of charged pions. In the case of backward scattering, asymptotic representations of the scattering amplitudes are controlled by the trajectories of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}+N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}+N$ channel by crossing. Finally, generalized Pomeranchuk relations are established for the differential cross sections in the forward and backward directions for the various charge configurations of the photoproduction channel. In particular, we have the following interesting results: (1) The differential cross sections for $\ensuremath{\gamma}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}+n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are asymptotically equal in the forward and backward directions; (2) the differential cross sections for $\ensuremath{\gamma}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}+n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ are asymptotically equal in the backward direction.
Some Common Myths About Voice Therapy

There are many concepts about voice therapy that are at best, misleading and at worst, incorrect. Through this review, it is hoped that some of these misconceptions will be resolved. Issues reviewe...
Error reduction using covariance in quantum Monte Carlo simulations.

A scheme utilizing covariance effects to reduce statistical errors of quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations is presented. The same method can also significantly reduce certain types of systematical errors. The procedure can be carried out post-simulation, with data generated using standard QMC techniques. Here it is demonstrated for one- and two-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnets. Statistical errors of spin-spin correlation functions can be reduced by up to orders of magnitude.
Operational Space Inertia for Closed-Chain Robotic Systems

Operational space modeling and control are important techniques for robot manipulation. A key element of operational space control is the operational space inertia matrix (OSIM). The OSIM matrix represents a mapping between end-effector spatial forces and spatial accelerations and is configuration-dependent. In the case of multiple end-effectors, the OSIM also encapsulates the dynamics cross coupling between the end-effectors. The rich structure of the OSIM for tree systems has been exploited by researchers for analysis and the development of low-order computational algorithms. Extending such techniques to the OSIM for closed-chain robotic systems is the focus of this short paper. We derive explicit analytical expressions for the closed-chain OSIM that reveals its close relationship to an extended tree-system OSIM.
Multi-chip modules for analog and microwave: DC to 18 GHz

Multichip modules are considered, with particular emphasis on the implementation of devices in the high density interconnect (HDI) process. A digital 128*128 GaAs crossbar switch in HDI that operates at 400 MHz is considered. Results of measurements on a 3.6-cm-long by 243- mu m-wide microstrip transmission line demonstrate that -1.3-dB insertion and -30-dB return loss can be achieved for frequencies up to 18 GHz with HDI technology. Also considered is a C-band 6-GHz transmit/receive (T/R) HDI module that uses impedance-matched interconnects, exhibits no out-of-band oscillations, and results in a 40% size reduction compared to a conventional chip-and-wire counter-part using the same monolithic microwave integrated circuits. In addition, HDI's unique features allowed the construction of an 82-component voice processor/modem. It is pointed out that preliminary work shows the feasibility of a 10-A 50-W point-of-load 50-V-to-5-V DC-to-DC power supply for distributed applications. >
Carcinomas in children. Clinical and demographic characteristics

Carcinomas occur rarely in children and adolescents. Despite their rarity, these tumors present a unique opportunity to assess theories of origin because the interval from birth to tumor onset is relatively short compared with that seen in adults. We describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of 151 patients younger than 20 years of age with carcinomas who were treated at a pediatric cancer center having a large referral area. Incidence data for the major types of carcinomas in children, based on unpublished data provided by the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER), also are reported.
Caracterisation micromorphologique et hydrodynamique des niveaux structures par le gel Quaternaire dans les formations superficielles du bassin-versant de la Fecht (Vosges, France)

Resume Les formations superficielles d'origine periglaciaire couvrent l'essentiel des versants du bassin de la Fecht (Vosges, France). L'etude fine de ces depoˆts a montredes structures directement et indirectement liees au gel profond: structure lamellaire friable, structure lamellaire compacteacoiffes, arene litee, formation geliflueeablocs, etc. Elles sont en general bien conservees, sauf lorsqu'elles sont soumisesala pedogenese actuelle. Les proprietes hydrodynamiques des formations superficielles refletent nettement le roˆle jouepar les structures cryogeniques heritees: l'analyse discriminante effectuee montre qu'independamment du substrat geologique l'action du gel est en grande partie responsable du comportement hydrique des formations. Dans les niveaux cryogeniques, on observe une nette augmentation de la densiteapparente, une diminution de la retention et de la conductivitehydrauliqueasaturation qui s'oppose aux retentions et conductiviteselevees de la zone pedogenetisee. En particulier le niveau d'arenes litees, du fait de la tres faible conductivitedes bandes de materiel fin qu'il inclut, joue le roˆle d'un niveauafaible permeabilitesusceptible de ralentir les transferts hydriques et d'induire des deplacements obliquesal'interieur des formations superficielles, d'ouson importance dans un bilan hydrique stationnel.
Composite aerogels for sensing applications

Composite aerogels are nanoscale mesoporous materials that retain both the meso- and nanoscopic properties of each component. Colloidal metal-silica aerogels (in which the colloidal metal is Au or Pt) exhibit both the transparency and porosity of silica aerogel and the optical behavior of the metal colloid. The silica aerogel essentially acts as a transparent matrix for the isolated metal colloids, which remain accessible to external reagents. Sensing elements adsorbed to the surface of the metal in colloidal Au-silica aerogels are also addressable. For dyes with absorption spectra complementary to that of the metal plasmon resonance, spectral changes due to alteration of the dye environment may be optically monitored. By dispersing the metal colloids in an about-to-gel silica sol, the properties of the metal colloid (i.e. size, which determines the position and FWHM of the plasmon resonance) can be tailored prior to immobilization. The ability to modify the colloidal metal surface either prior to or following gelation in the silica matrix coupled with gentle processing conditions permit modification of the metal surface with, for example, temperature-sensitive biomolecules. Composite colloidal metal-silica aerogels therefore provide a novel method for the nanoscale engineering of optical sensors with rapid response times due to the high mesoporosity of the silica matrix.
The influence of pressure on the thermal cracking of oil

The influence of pressure on gas, liquid, and solid products of thermal cracking of a C9+ fraction of a saturate-rich Devonian oil from the Western Canada Basin has been investigated. Confined pyrolysis was performed in sealed gold tubes at 350, 380, and 400 °C and pressures ranging from 90 to 2000 bar for 72 h. At the temperatures investigated, the effect of pressure on oil cracking and product generation is small. Rates of early hydrocarbon gas generation (350 and 380 °C, 72 h) decrease with increasing pressure by 9−15% in the 90−210 bar range and by 7% for gas generation (400 °C, 72 h) in the 90−345 bar range. Gas generation rates then steadily increase 10−15% to a maximum at 690 bar for all temperatures. From 690 to 2000 bar, the rates of gas generation steadily decrease by 5−17%. Activation volume values were estimated to be ΔV⧧ = 47 cm3/mol in the 90−210 bar range, ΔV⧧ = −14 cm3/mol in the 345−690 bar range and ΔV⧧ = 5 cm3/mol in the 690−2000 bar range. Extrapolation of results to geologic condition...
Thick target X-ray yields from proton bombardment

The production yields for characteristic x-rays from the bombardment of thick targets by protons are calculated by integrating the x-ray production cross-section for each element for the whole range of the protons, taking into account the self-absorption of x-rays. A simple approximation which can be applied with a pocket calculator is also presented, using simplified relationships for the energy dependence of the proton stopping power and the x-ray production cross-sections. The approximation allows very fast calculations, has an accuracy of better than 5% for low-energy protons and is also very useful for the first steps in a computer program for PIXE analysis of thick targets, using the method of iterations. The calculated yields are compared with experimental results obtained on thick specimens of pure elements, compounds and standards.
Two approaches to solving pseudodifferential equations on spheres using zonal kernels

Symmetric and unsymmetric collocation using spherical radial basis functions or zonal kernels are considered. Error bounds and numerical results for both methods are presented, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.
Histochemical differentiation of cis-trans 1-2 glycols.

SINCE McManus1 introduced his periodic acid technique for histochemical localization of the 1-2 glycol linkage, the field has been well investigated Other techniques have been devised, utilizing both periodic acid2 and lead tetraacetate3–5 to split the carbon–carbon single bond of the glycol to produce leucofuchsin-demonstrable aldehyde radicals. In all these studies, however, little attention was paid to the linkage itself but rather to the parent compound. The present investigation was undertaken to study the cis-trans isomerism of the 1-2 glycol linkage during this oxidative process.
Effects of early larval thymectomy on mitogen responses in leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles

Abstract Two to 3-month old tadpoles ( Rana pipiens ), thymectomized 2–3 weeks postfertilization, exhibited: sharply reduced numbers of splenic and blood lymphocytes; no in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness to PHA; and normal in vitro lymphocyte reactivity to LPS. These results reveal lymphocyte heterogeneity in this anuran species.
The Ethics of Carbon Neutrality: A Critical Examination of Voluntary Carbon Offset Providers

In this article, we explore the world’s response to the increasing impact of carbon emissions on the sobering threat posed by global warming: the carbon offset market. Though the market is a relatively new one, numerous offset providers have quickly emerged under both regulated and voluntary regimes. Owing to the lack of technical literacy of some stakeholders who participate in the market, no common quality or certification structure has yet emerged for providers. To the contrary, the media warns that a relative “cowboy” atmosphere prevails in the current environment, and that there are “widespread instances of people and organizations buying worthless credits that do not yield any reductions in carbon emissions” (Harvey and Fidler, Financial Times, 2007). At this point in the evolution of the market, only a handful of offset provider-rating schemes exist; and, even these systems leave consumers with few answers when they seek to find a means by which to ensure that the said systems are having their intended impact. The purpose of this article is, first, to provide a grounded understanding of the nature of the offset market, a tendency toward carbon neutrality as a possible point of equilibrium, and the ethical tensions that surround it from the perspective of the consuming public. Second, we outline the standards environment for offset providers to illustrate most effectively the need for a single set of criteria among providers that is readily understandable by the common consumer stakeholder. We then explore the differences among the providers and articulate the specific criteria upon which providers may be evaluated by this particular stakeholder constituency, by bringing together best practices based on currently available analyses. Finally, we share the results of preliminary data collection in connection with 117 offset providers and highlight early findings. These findings allow us comparing providers effectively and efficiently on a common scale that services both providers, who thereby have greater guidance for self-assessment purposes, as well as consumer stakeholders, who then have the ability to make useful and more informed choices about carbon emission reduction in the future.
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) Enzyme Activity and Gene Expression Are Altered in Newborn Lambs with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) Enzyme Activity and Gene Expression Are Altered in Newborn Lambs with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)
Diachronic universals and morpheme order in the Ukrainian synthetic imperfective future

This paper treats the problem of possible correlation between the current order of morphemes in a word and the order of syntactic elements from which they evolved at some point in the language history. A well-documented morpheme formation, the Ukrainian synthetic imperfective future, is examined in the grammaticalization framework, and numerous attested examples from different stages of the change from imati ‘have’ to a future affix are presented. The history of this change clarifies the relation between a single case of grammaticalization and the syntactic structure of a language by showing that the position of the affix has never marked the typological category of the language.
Schur2-concavity properties of Gaussian measures, with applications to hypotheses testing

The main results imply that the probability P([email protected][email protected]) is Schur-concave/Schur-convex in (@q"1^2,...,@q"k^2) provided that the indicator function of a set A in R^k is so, respectively; here, @q=(@q"1,...,@q"k)@?R^k and Z is a standard normal random vector in R^k. Moreover, it is shown that the Schur-concavity/Schur-convexity is strict unless the set A is equivalent to a spherically symmetric set. Applications to testing hypotheses on multivariate means are given.
LASSO-TYPE GMM ESTIMATOR

This paper proposes the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator–type (Lasso-type) generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator. This Lasso-type estimator is formed by the GMM objective function with the addition of a penalty term. The exponent of the penalty term in the regular Lasso estimator is equal to one. However, the exponent of the penalty term in the Lasso-type estimator is less than one in the analysis here. The magnitude of the exponent is reduced to avoid the asymptotic bias. This estimator selects the correct model and estimates it simultaneously. In other words, this method estimates the redundant parameters as zero in the large samples and provides the standard GMM limit distribution for the estimates of the nonzero parameters in the model. The asymptotic theory for our estimator is nonstandard. We conduct a simulation study that shows that the Lasso-type GMM correctly selects the true model much more often than the Bayesian information Criterion (BIC) and another model selection procedure based on the GMM objective function.
Models of noncoupled dinuclear copper centers in azurin

The successful modeling of metalloproteins is an important step in understanding their structure and function. Toward this goal, models of the noncoupled copper centers found in the enzymes peptidyl alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM), dopamine beta-monooxygenase (DBM), and nitrite reductase (NiR) were designed into the small soluble protein azurin. The models are significant because they maintain the existing type 1 (T1) copper, electron transfer site of azurin while including the second designed type 2 (T2) copper center that mimics the T2 catalytic sites in the target enzymes. UV-vis absorption and EPR spectroscopy data of the model sites are consistent with T2 centers and establish copper binding at the sites, thus modeling those found in PHM/DBM and NiR. Importantly the models' approximate 11-13 A separation between the T1 and T2 copper sites is comparable with the separations in the native systems. This, along with the power to tune the T1 site redox potential in azurin, allows for the future evaluation of relevant activity assays in these models.
Renewing Dynamic Capabilities Globally: An Empirical Study of the World's Largest MNCs

This study empirically tests whether MNCs leverage and exploit existing innovative capabilities to penetrate foreign markets by international diversification. MNCs then utilize these international diversification strategies to develop future new knowledge resources and skills being increasingly developed around the globe. The analyses used a sample of the largest MNCs’ from Europe, Japan and North America representing nine industries. Results indicate that MNCs initial innovative capabilities are positively related to future international diversification. Our analyses showed that international diversification, in turn were positively and significantly related to the MNCs’ future R&D intensity, number of patents, and Technological Impact Index.
A comparative study of human sensory thresholds: 2450-MHz microwaves vs far-infrared radiation.

Three male and female adults individually placed the ventral surface of the right and upright forearm against a 15-cm-diameter aperture in a wall of microwave-absorbent material. Ten-second exposures occurred to E-vector-vertically polarized, 2450-MHz-CW microwave (MW) fields. Comparable exposure to infrared (IR) waves was repeated with four of the six observers. Thresholds of detection of just-noticeable warming by MW and IR radiation were determined by the double-staircase psychophysical method. Although the exposed surface areas of male observers' arm were larger than those of female observers, thresholds of warming by either source of energy overlapped; the pooled means of irradiance at threshold are 26.7 mW/cm/sup 2/ (MW) and 1.7 mW/cm/sup 2/ (IR). Dosimetric measures on saline models indicated virtually perfect absorption of the incident IR, but nearly two-thirds of the MW energy was scattered. Accordingly, the 15-fold difference in means of MW and IR thresholds resolves to a 5-fold difference in threshold quantities of absorbed energy. In the light of the high correlation between thresholds of IR and MW irradiation (r . .97), it is concluded that the same set of superficial thermoreceptors was being stimulated, only less efficiently so, by the more deeply penetrating, more diffusely absorbed MW energy.
Exaggerated traction test for the oblique muscles.

Retroplacement and torsional manipulation of the globe during forced duction testing provide an exaggerated traction test of the oblique muscles, allowing graded evaluation of superior oblique and inferior oblique tightness. On a scale from 0 to 4 +, normal superior oblique tightness averages 1.5 +, and normal inferior oblique tightness averages about 1 +. The degree of superior oblique or inferior oblique tightness correlates well with clinical overaction of these muscles, allowing better distinction between oblique overaction and dissociated vertical deviation. Also, the effect of partial superior oblique tenotomy can be monitored, and a complete tenotomy can be confirmed with certainty.
The Isotopic Composition of Anomalous Cosmic Rays from Sampex

Measurements of the anomalous cosmic ray (ACR) isotopic composition have been made in three regions of the magnetosphere accessible from the polar Earth orbit of SAMPEX, including the interplanetary medium at high latitudes and geomagnetically trapped ACRs. At those latitudes where ACRs can penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field while fully stripped galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) of similar energies are excluded, a pure ACR sample is observed to have the following composition: 15N/N < 0.023, 18O/16O < 0.0034, and 22Ne/20Ne = 0.077(+0.085, -0.023). We compare our values with those found by previous investigators and with those measured in other samples of solar and galactic material. In particular, a comparison of 22Ne/20Ne measurements from various sources implies that GCRs are not simply an accelerated sample of the local interstellar medium.
Coverage dependence of the surface diffusion coefficient for hydrogen on Ru(001)

The coverage dependence of the surface diffusion coefficient for hydrogen on Ru(001) was studied using laser-induced thermal desorption(LITD) techniques. The LITD measurements were performed for a wide range of initial hydrogen surface coverages in the temperature range 230–270 K. At a given temperature, the surface diffusion coefficient was found to be constant as a function of coverage. The absence of coverage dependence in the surface diffusion coefficient indicates that adsorbate-adsorbate interactions between adsorbed hydrogen atoms on Ru(001) are negligible. This observation suggests that the coverage-dependent features observed in work function, high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy and possibly temperature programmed desorption studies of hydrogen on Ru(001) are associated with two inequivalent hydrogen sites rather than repulsive lateral hydrogen interactions. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the surface diffusion coefficient should be coverage independent on a surface with two inequivalent sites in the absence of adsorbate-adsorbate interactions.
Complement Regulatory Protein CD46 Protects against Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice

Dysregulation of the complement system is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in age-related macular degeneration. Although the complement regulator CD46 is expressed ubiquitously in humans, in mouse it was previously thought to be expressed only on spermatozoa. We detected CD46 mRNA and protein in the posterior ocular segment (neuronal retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid) of wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice. Cd46−/− knockout mice exhibited increased levels of the membrane attack complex and of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retina and choroid. The Cd46−/− mice were also more susceptible to laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In Cd46−/− mice, 19% of laser spots were positive for CNV at day 2 after treatment, but no positive spots were detected in WT mice. At day 3, 42% of laser spots were positive in Cd46−/− mice, but only 11% in WT mice. A fully developed CNV complex was noted in both Cd46−/− and WT mice at day 7; however, lesion size was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in Cd46−/− mice. Our findings provide evidence for expression of CD46 in the mouse eye and a role for CD46 in protection against laser-induced CNV. We propose that the Cd46−/− mouse has a greater susceptibility to experimental CNV because of insufficient complement inhibition, which leads to increased membrane attack complex deposition and VEGF expression.
Effect of tetracycline on adriamycin cardiotoxicity

Male rats were treated with either adriamycin (2 mg/kg, i.v. weekly) or adriamycin and tetracycline (10 mg/kg, i.p., daily) for 8 weeks. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity was measured after 8 weeks as an index of cardiotoxicity. Serum CPK was significantly elevated in the adriamycin-treated rats. Tetracycline failed to inhibit the adriamycin-induced increase in serum CPK. These results indicated that tetracycline does not prevent adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity.
The intermediate state structure in cylindrical superconductors

Abstract The average magnetic moment per unit volume of a long cylinder consisting of alternate discs of superconducting and normal material has been measured in a transverse magnetic field as a function of the disc thicknesses. Using the data so obtained, in conjunction with a laminar model of the intermediate state structure in transverse superconducting cylinders, it has been possible to calculate the dependence of the structure periodicity, p, as a function of applied field, H, and the dimensionless ratio Δ/r0, where r0 is the cylinder radius and Δ is a parameter which characterizes the magnitude of the surface free energy at the boundary between normal and superconducting phases. For H lying between the limits 0.62 Hc
Equity, efficiency, and incentives in a large economy

Abstract This paper analyzes the impact of egalitarianism on economic efficiency and individual incentives in an economy under uncertainty with many agents. The socialist state, with an inequality-averse social welfare function based on the agent's ex post utilities, is shown facing a tradeoff between equity and efficiency when the agent's actions are not observable. However, it is possible that effort is over-supplied under egalitarianism due to an effect coming from a change in the relative size of the different income groups. The analysis is also related to excessive profit-leveling among state-owned enterprises in the reforming socialist economies.
Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma to the Heart: Unusual Cause of Angina Decubitus and Cardiac Murmur

A 61-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with the new onset of angina at rest and an ECG consistent with anterior wall ischemia. She was also noted to have a new cardiac murmur. Eighteen months earlier, she had been treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue. Thirteen months ago, she had local recurrence treated with radiotherapy, but had no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease at the time of present admission. Echocardiography revealed intracardiac and extracardiac masses; surgical biopsy confirmed metastatic carcinoma to the heart which was responsible for her symptoms and the new murmur. Symptomatic cardiac metastases from squamous cell carcinoma is an unusual situation which, in this case, was easily diagnosed with echocardiography.
Decentralized planning for the Ganga Basin. Decomposition by political units

In this study the greater Ganga Basin is decomposed by political units for analysis instead of by hydraulic sub-basins. This method is more logical because water-resources-use planning is under the individual state jurisdiction but the Central Government is responsible for meeting the low flow requirement at Farakka. Maximisation of national benefits is taken in terms of total area irrigated. The solution technique proposed is an iterative procedure.
"Magnet-in-the-semiconductor" FePt-PbS and FePt-PbSe nanostructures: magnetic properties, charge transport, and magnetoresistance.

We report a synthesis of colloidal nanostructures combining a magnetic material (FePt) with a narrow-gap semiconductor (PbS and PbSe) in form of core−shells or nanodumbbells and explore their optical, magnetic, electrical, and magnetotransport properties. The arrays of “magnet-in-the-semiconductor” nanostructures show semiconductor-type transport properties with magnetoresistance typical for magnetic tunnel junctions, thus combining the advantages of both functional components. We observed gate-controlled charge transport through the arrays of FePt−PbS and FePt−PbSe core−shell nanostructures with an electron mobility of 0.01 cm2/(V s) and 0.08 cm2/(V s), respectively, combined with ferro- and superparamagnetic behavior and large tunneling magnetoresistance. This work shows that multicomponent colloidal nanostructures can be used as the building blocks for design of multifunctional materials for electronics and optoelectronics.
Real-time optical processor for increasing resolution beyond the diffraction limit

Regularization techniques and Fourier optics are combined to design a class of real time coherent optical processors, which exhibit considerable immunity to phase noise. Regularization and adaptive control is achieved by employing a piezo-electrically controlled displacement of one of the feedback mirrors. The processor has been used to obtain extrapolation of spatially limited objects imaged through a diffraction limited system.
A tight upper bound for the k-partition problem on ideal sets

This paper analyzes an approximation algorithm (Graham's LPT rule) for the NP-complete problem (Garey and Johnson, Computers and Intractability, Freeman, New York, 1979) of partitioning a given set of positive real numbers into k subsets. Chandra and Wong (SIAM J. Comput., 4(3) (1975) 249-263) analyzed the same algorithm for the L"2 metric for the similar classic scheduling problem and proved a 25/24 worst-case upper bound. This result was slightly improved by Leung and Wei (Inform. Process. Lett., 56 (1995) 51-57). This paper considers this algorithm on sets which have a k-partition with equal sum subsets and proves a new tight upper bound of 37/36 for the L"2 norm on such sets. To achieve this result we apply the statistical notion of variance to the partition obtained by the approximation algorithm. By Lagrange multiplier analysis, the maximum variance is shown not to exceed w"k"+"3/2 where w"k"+"3 is the k+3rd largest number in the set S. Sets of numbers are provided such that the tight bounds are achieved by the algorithm applied to this set.
Comparison of pure-tone audibility thresholds obtained with audiological and two-interval forced-choice procedures.

Audibility thresholds were measured at 500 and 4000 Hz with a standard clinical procedure and a two-interval, forced-choice (2IFC) adaptive procedure for 72 normal-hearing and hearing-impaired list...
Processes of Identity Development: Where I Am and How I Got There

Erikson's seminal work on identity development focused on the question, Who Am I? Despite theoretical overlap between identity theorists, current research has primarily taken different paths. Those focused on identity statuses have primarily assessed current conceptions of exploration that presumably lead to future commitments. In contrast, narrative identity theorists have primarily focused on reconstructions of past events. Thus, current researchers are not taking advantage of the strengths of these two approaches. This article reviews research and examines ways in which the approaches might be integrated with two claims. The authors propose, first, that narrative is the means by which identity exploration can be carried out, and second, that narrative processing reflects commitments and can promote greater consistency between those commitments and behaviors.
Distributed status monitoring and controlusing remote buffers and Ada 2005

The ability to monitor status and control equipment distributed over a network is a common network management need. This paper describes a relatively simple approach to designing a prototype dynamic network where the assets of all vehicles on the network can be monitored and controlled at multiple remote stations. In particular, Ada 2005 features are explored in conjunction with Ada's Distributed Systems Annex (DSA) features to utilize a suite of remote buffer classes that implement an interface providing a mechanism for sharing a distributed dataset. In addition, the paper demonstrates an approach for distributed interoperability between Ada and C++ by using the DSA to distribute a C++ class hierarchy of objects that can be accessed by application code written in both languages. Finally, the paper exposes a need and describes a possible solution for enhancing existing DSA implementations in order to provide better support for multicast networking solutions.
The Effect of Soil Hydraulic Properties vs. Soil Texture in Land Surface Models

This study focuses on the effect of Soil Hydraulic Property (SHP) selection on modeled surface fluxes following a rain storm in a semi-arid environment. SHPs are often defined based on a Soil Texture Class (STC). To examine the effectiveness of this approach, the Noah land surface model was run with each of 1306 soils in a large SHP database. Within most STCs, the outputs have a range of 350 W/m2 for latent and sensible heat fluxes, and 8K for surface temperature. The average difference between STC median values is only 100 W/m2 for latent and sensible heat. It is concluded that STC explains 5-15% of the variance in model outputs and should not be used to determine SHPs.
NOD2 status and human ileal gene expression

Background: NOD2 single nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with increased risk of ileal Crohn's disease (CD). This exploratory study was conducted to compare ileal mucosal gene expression in CD patients with and without NOD2 risk alleles. Methods: Ileal samples were prospectively collected from 18 nonsmoking CD patients not treated with anti-TNF-α biologics and 9 nonsmoking control patients without inflammatory bowel disease undergoing initial resection and genotyped for the 3 major NOD2 risk alleles (Arg702Trp, Gly908Arg, Leu1007fs). Microarray analysis was performed in samples from 4 NOD2R (at least 1 risk allele) CD patients, 4 NOD2NR (no risk alleles) CD patients, and 4 NOD2NR controls. Candidate genes selected by significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays of all the samples. Results: SAM detected upregulation of 18 genes in affected ileum in NOD2R compared to NOD2NR CD patients, including genes related to lymphocyte activation. SAM also detected altered ileal gene expression in unaffected NOD2NR ileal mucosal CD samples compared to NOD2NR control samples. qRT-PCR conducted on all the samples confirmed that increased CD3D expression in affected samples was associated with NOD2R status, and that increased MUC1, DUOX2, DMBT1 and decreased C4orf7 expression in unaffected samples was associated with CD, independent of NOD2 status. Conclusions: The results support the concept that NOD2 risk alleles contribute to impaired regulation of inflammation in the ileum. Furthermore, altered ileal gene expression, independent of NOD2 status, is detected in the unaffected proximal margin of resected ileum from CD patients. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010)