cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Limit analysis of quasi-static pyramidal indentation of rock

Abstract An approximate analysis of pyramidal indentation into a rock is presented in which the upper bound approach of limit analysis is utilized. The rock is assumed to obey the Mohr-Coulomb yield condition with a small tension cut-off. Two kinematically admissible mechanisms of possible deformation processes, based upon the non-associated flow rule, are adopted for predictions of geometrical variations. The phenomena experimentally observed in rocks, such as dilatancy and deterioration of strength while undergoing deformation, are accounted for approximately in the analysis. The kinematical approach of limit analysis to the problem of block-splitting under pyramidal indentation is also presented in the paper. A number of possible failure modes are examined and those which give the least upper splitting force are shown in detail. Although the particular soluions presented have limited engineering capacity, the method proposed in the paper may find application in solving many rock engineering problems related to drilling, tunnelling, excavating, etc.
Effects of a Mnemonic Technique Applied to Verbal Learning and Memory

This investigation evaluated the effects of Furst's mnemonic technique applied to serial verbal learning using consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) lists of Low (1.07), Medium (2.75), and High (4.37) scaled meaningfulness (m‘) values. On the basis of three pre-experimental tasks known to correlate well with serial learning performance, 126 college Ss were recruited to form 18 matched pairs at each of seven ability levels. One member of each pair was assigned to the experimental group and given a 1-hr. lecture-demonstration on Furst's “hook” method. This was followed by four days of private practice in imagery using a list of 100 random digits. The other Ss were assigned to the control group. All Ss were then divided into three experimental and three control groups of 21 comparable Ss each. Ss received 20 Learning trials on one of the three 10-item CVC lists, were excused for 24 hr., then retested for 10 Relearning trials on the same list. Furst's method produced significant differences in Recall (loss over the...
Fusion algorithm for poultry skin tumor detection using hyperspectral data

We consider a feature selection method to detect skin tumors on chicken carcasses using hyperspectral (HS) reflectance data. Detection of chicken tumors is difficult because the tumors vary in size and shape; some tumors are small, early-stage tumor spots. We make use of the fact that a chicken skin tumor consists of a lesion region surrounded by a region of thickened skin and that the spectral responses of the lesion and the thickened-skin regions of tumors are considerably different and train our feature selection algorithm to separately detect lesion regions and thickened-skin regions; we then fuse the two HS detection results to reduce false alarms. To the best of our knowledge, these techniques are new. Our forward selection and modified branch and bound algorithm is used to select a small number of lambda spectral features that are useful for discrimination. Initial results show that our method offers promise for a good tumor detection rate and a low false alarm rate.
Gender differences in cognitive and affective impulse buying

The purpose of this study was to compare men and women for differences in affective and cognitive processes associated with impulse buying behavior and to identify gender differences in terms of impulsive purchases made from a variety of product categories. A total of 277 students served as the sample. Using analysis of variance tests, males and females were found to be significantly different with respect to affective process components (irresistible urge to buy, positive buying emotion and mood management) and cognitive process components (cognitive deliberation and unplanned buying). Significant differences were also found between men and women in the frequency with which the following product categories were purchased on impulse: shirts/sweaters, pants/skirts, coats, underwear/lingerie, accessories, shoes, electronics, hardware, computer software, music CDs or DVDs, sports memorabilia, health/beauty products, and magazines/books for pleasure reading.
The case of Howard

This paper presents the case of Howard, a 51-year-old self-referred Vietnam veteran who was seeking a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compensation evaluation and treatment recommendations at his local VA hospital. At the time of the assessment, Howard was divorced, had not worked regularly for 7 years, and was living in the suburbs with his 9-year-old son. The evaluation revealed the presence of multiple Axis I disorders, including PTSD, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and somatization disorder. His primary concerns at initial presentation were intrusive memories of Vietnam, an inability to work, and ongoing health complaints. Further evaluation revealed additional concerns with paranoia, difficulties concentrating, and significant social isolation. This case study emphasizes Howard's psychosocial history, symptom presentation, and psychometric test results. Case summary and treatment recommendations are deferred until the final case conceptualization ( Kimble, 2000 ).
Unilateral Hydronephrosis in Infants: Are Measurements of Contralateral Renal Length Useful?

AbstractPurpose: We investigated whether measurement of contralateral renal length in newborns with unilateral hydronephrosis may help to assess clinically significant hydronephrosis in the affected kidney.Materials and Methods: We reviewed our experience with 53 newborns who had unilateral hydronephrosis presumed secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We divided the patients according to the presence of mild hydronephrosis and no obstruction on a furosemide renogram, severe hydronephrosis and obstruction on a furosemide renogram or a unilateral multicystic kidney.Results: We found no significant correlation between findings on the affected and opposite normal sides. Contralateral hypertrophy, hypotrophy and normal sized kidneys were frequent findings.Conclusions: We conclude that measurement of contralateral renal length is not helpful in the evaluation of newborns with unilateral hydronephrosis.
Differential Regulation of Myocardial NF κ B Following Acute or Chronic TNF- α Exposure

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a critical mediator of myocardial dysfunction during acute inflammatory states. TNF-alpha is also present in the serum of patients with chronic cardiac diseases. In monocytes, TNF-alpha stimulates cells by activating distinct signaling pathways that involve nuclear translocation of NF kappa B. Since NF kappa B may also regulate the expression of genes that could contribute to myocardial dysfunction, the cardiomyocyte NF kappa B activation following acute or chronic TNF-alpha challenges was investigated. To accomplish this, the authors either acutely administered TNF-alpha to healthy mice, or used transgenic mice which chronically overexpress TNF-alpha exclusively in cardiac myocytes. Following acute administration of TNF-alpha, cardiac NF kappa B translocation was detected from 15 min to 2 h post-challenge. The time course of I kappa B alpha degradation was consistent with the kinetics of NF kappa B translocation. I kappa B beta degradation was slower and less dramatic. In transgenic mice chronically overexpressing TNF-alpha, myocardial NF kappa B activation was detected at all ages tested (21, 40, and 75 days). In contrast to acutely challenged animals, two distinct NF kappa B proteins were activated in chronically challenged animals, p50--65 heterodimers as well as p50 homodimers. Activation of both could be transiently blocked by administration of a recombinant chimeric TNF-alpha receptor antagonist (rhTNFR:Fc). I kappa B alpha, but not I kappa B beta, levels were elevated in transgenics when compared to wild-type animals. These data indicate that following acute TNF-alpha administration, which simulates bacterial sepsis, myocardial p50-p65 translocates within minutes. Chronic TNF-alpha exposure, which is thought to occur in long-standing congestive heart failure, results in translocation of transcriptionally inactive p50 homodimers in addition to transcriptionally active p50--65 heterodimers. It is speculated that activation of p50 homodimers constitutes an adaptive response to minimize the inflammatory consequences of chronic cardiac TNF-alpha exposure.
Omission training effects following VI and FI pretraining

The present study assessed the relative response-elimination properties of three omission training procedures following VI and FI 20-sec pretraining. During omission training, response-reinforcement and reinforcement-reinforcement intervals both were 5, 20, or 35 sec. Regardless of the pretraining reinforcement schedule, the 5- and 35-sec groups showed the greatest and most rapid response reduction. However, findings from a durability test indicated that the response elimination of the 5-sec groups was very transient, whereas it was long lasting in the 20- and 35-sec groups.
Engaging Women in Computer Science and Engineering: Promising Practices for Promoting Gender Equity in Undergraduate Research Experiences

Building on research that identifies and addresses issues of women’s underrepresentation in computing, this article describes promising practices in undergraduate research experiences that promote women’s long-term interest in computer science and engineering. Specifically, this article explores whether and how REU programs include programmatic elements designed to promote gender equity and identifies specific mechanisms that are seen as effective in supporting women in REU programs and in encouraging them to persist in computer science and engineering fields. The findings are drawn from a comprehensive study that includes a national survey of REU programs, follow-up interviews with REU program directors from across the country, and an in-depth evaluation of one REU program over four years.
Correlation of myelin basic protein-like material in cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients with their response to glucocorticoid treatment.

Predictors and laboratory correlates of the response of patients with multiple sclerosis to glucocorticoids are not well defined. Our study was undertaken to determine if the levels of myelin basic protein (MBP)-like material in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might indicate which patients with multiple sclerosis would show a short-term (5 day) or intermediateterm (40 day) improvement of at least a full-grade Kurtzke disability score after initiating treatment with glucocorticoids. A total of 62 patients received 71 courses of treatment consisting of 5 days of intravenous methylprednisolone (500 mg per day) usually followed by a 4-week tapering dose of oral prednisone. CSF was obtained before initiation of treatment and analyzed for MBP-like material by radioimmunoassay. Results were analyzed by χ2 tests of association and by logistic regression. Individuals having a CSF MBP-like material level of ≥0.1 ng/ml overall showed a greater likelihood of continued improvement at day 40 (p = 0.014) or further improvement between days 5 and 40 (p = 0.003). Those in the first 15 days of worsening and with an elevated CSF MBP-like level were more likely to respond by day 5. Relapsing–remitting and relapsing–progressive forms of the disease were more likely to respond at both time points than were patients with primary or secondary chronic progressive patterns. The Kurtzke disability score at entry and the major anatomical site of the central nervous system symptomatically affected were not predictive of outcome at either time. These studies indicate that the level of CSF MBP-like material may help select those patients with multiple sclerosis who will show a response to short-term glucocorticoid or other treatment.
Role of electron-electron interactions in the nonresonant nonlinear optical response of conjugated polymers

The origin of the large third-order nonresonant nonlinear optical response of conjugated polymers is explored using single configuration-interaction (S-Cl) theory to solve the Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) Hamiltonian of polyacetylene. Both the strength of electron-electron interactions and the degree of bond alternation are treated as free parameters. For a fixed bond alternation, increasing the strength of electron-electron interactions from zero to 150% of that typically used in PPP theory decreases the hyperpolarizability by nearly two orders of magnitude. However, this decrease arises primarily from an increase in the optical gap. When the bond alternation is adjusted such that the optical gap remains fixed, increasing the strength of electron-electron interactions changes the hyperpolarizability by less than 30%. For a wide range of parameters, there is good agreement between Huckel theory and PPP theory, provided the Huckel gap is parameterized to the PPP optical gap. In PPP theory, the hyperpolarizability is nearly proportional to the optical gap raised to the -5.5 power, as compared to the -6 power for Huckel theory. These results suggest that electron-electron interactions need not be explicitly included in a model of the nonresonant response of polymers, but can instead be absorbed into the effective parameters of an independent electron model.
MOTILITY AND HATCHING OF HYMENOLEPIS MICROSTOMA ONCOSPHERES IN SERA, BEETLE EXTRACTS, AND SALINES.

Abstract Specimens of Hymenolepis microstoma , the mouse bile duct tapeworm, were removed from the host and placed in physiological saline; eggs from gravid proglottids were divided into two groups, the first immediately undergoing observation at constant temperature conditions of 37 °C, and the second group being refrigerated at 10 °C for 24 hours, after which eggs were observed at 37 °C. Solutions used for comparison of hatching and motility of these eggs were saline, Tyrode's solution, tap and distilled water, beetle extract, serum from control and H. microstoma -intected mice, and serum from control and artificially immunized rats. In every hatching solution used, activity of the eggs was greater—more oncospheres motile inside and outside of the oncospheral membrane, and a larger number of oncospheres hatched, if hatching occurred—after the eggs had been refrigerated and then placed in the warmed solution. It is hypothesized that this reaction is a result of evolutionary adaptation, in which an environmental rise in temperature, such as daily temperature change, triggers the motility of these eggs, preliminary to hatching, in the intermediate host, the flour beetle.
Preparatory Adsorption of Antisera to Urinary Gonadotropins with an Extract of Pediatric Urine (Peduex)

A lyophilized extract (Peduex) derived from children's urine has been employed as an adsorbing antigen to remove antibodies formed to inactive impurities in gonadotropin antigen-antibody systems. Peduex is devoid of biologically active gonadotropins and is immunologically similar to the urinary extract from a hypophysectomized patient. Antisera adsorbed with Peduex retain the antibody titer against the biologically active antigen components. The adsorbed antisera are superior to the crude antisera for gel diffusion studies, as the precipitin patterns due to inactive impurities in the antigen preparations are largely eliminated. Until pure antigen preparations are available, this technique of antisera adsorption is a useful method of increasing the specificity of the antigen-antibody system.
Standing stocks and activity of Archaea and Bacteria in the western Arctic Ocean

This study examined the abundance, cell size, and activity of Bacteria and Archaea in the Chukchi Sea and the Canada Basin of the western Arctic Ocean in the spring (May—June) and summer (July—August) of 2002 and 2004. Data from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses indicate that bacterial abundance as a percent of total prokaryotes decreased with depth, whereas in contrast, Crenarchaeota increased from about 10%of prokaryotes in surface waters to as much as 40% in samples from 100 to 200 m. Euryarchaeota were detectable in only a few samples. Relative abundance of Crenarchaeota, expressed as a percent of total prokaryotes, correlated with ammonium concentrations, but relative bacterial abundance did not. Crenarchaeota cells were significantly larger than Bacteria by 1.5- to 2-fold in the upper 200 m. Data collected from a combination of FISH and microautoradiography indicate that often the fraction of both Bacteria and Crenarchaeota assimilating organic compounds was high (up to 55%), and both microbial groups were more active in assimilating amino acids than other compounds. However, Crenarchaeota were usually less active than Bacteria in assimilating amino acids and glucose, but were nearly as active as Bacteria in assimilating protein and diatom extracellular polymers. The fraction of Bacteria and Crenarchaeota assimilating CO2 in surface waters was higher than expected by anaplerotic fixation alone, suggesting that many of these microbes are chemoautotrophic. These data add to a growing body of evidence indicating how the roles of Archaea and Bacteria differ in biogeochemical cycles of the oceans.
The influence of triploidy and heat and hydrostatic pressure shocks on the growth and reproductive development of juvenile yellow perch (Perca jlavescens)

Abstract We evaluated triploidy induction as a means to sterilize yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and reduce the diminution of growth associated with the onset of sexual maturation. Treatment of perch eggs with heat shocks (28–30°C, for durations of 10–25 min, beginning at 2–5 min post-fertilization) or hydrostatic pressure shocks (9000 or 11 000 psi, for durations of 8 or 12 min, beginning at 5 min post-fertilization) resulted in triploidy induction rates of 30–70%. In one experiment, juvenile heatshocked triploid perch grew faster than heat-shocked diploids. In a second experiment, heat-shocked triploid perch grew slower than unshocked diploids up to 25 g, but subsequent growth of fish from the two groups was not different. In a third experiment, unshocked diploids grew faster than fish subjected to either heat or pressure shocks, and among shocked fish, triploids outgrew diploids. Histological inspections revealed that gonadal development of juvenile triploid perch of both sexes was retarded compared to that of diploids. These findings show that heat and pressure shocks exert a negative influence on growth that is independent of changes in ploidy, and that triploid perch may have the potential to outgrow diploids if the negative effects of such shocks can be avoided.
Sowing the Seeds of Reason in the Field of the Terminator Debate

In an effort to restrict seed piracy in the global agricultural market, Monsanto intends to implement some form of genetic use restriction technology (GURT). Regarding such intentions, many activist groups adamantly contend that Monsanto will be acting immorally if GURTs, specifically Terminator Technology (TT), are implemented in the global agricultural market. They argue that the potential implementation of TT is immoral because it threatens to infringe upon the rights of resource-poor farmers (mainly in developing countries) by denying them the ability to save the seed derived from their harvests. While there may be ways that the implementation of TT can be construed as wrong, I narrowly argue that Monsanto will not be wrongfully infringing upon the basic rights of resource-poor farmers if it actually implements TT. Moreover, as long as Monsanto takes the appropriate measures to minimize the possible negative effects that TT may have on resource-poor farmers, and allows these farmers to make an autonomous choice to use seed that contains this technology, Monsanto’s possible implementation of TT cannot be accurately considered to instantiate an immoral violation of basic rights.
Modeling the impact of a carbon tax: A trial analysis for Washington State

Abstract In recent years, energy policy makers have proposed a carbon tax as an economy-wide policy tool to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The quantification of its impact on GHG emissions has relied on an energy-economy model, whose complexity often makes it difficult to comprehend how it simulates the interaction of a carbon tax and energy demand. This study therefore aims at developing an alternative model called the Carbon Tax Analysis Model (C-TAM). The elasticity-based approach used in C-TAM is less sophisticated than an equilibrium-based approach used in an energy-economy model, but C-TAM is designed to maximize its predictive capabilities by using a wide range of elasticities for each sector and fuel use, accounting for likely changes in fuel mix for electricity generation, and addressing the model's sensitivity to elasticity estimates with Monte Carlo simulation. The trial analysis in this study evaluates a potential carbon tax in Washington State, suggesting a carbon tax at US$30 per metric ton of CO 2 (tCO 2 ) lowers GHG emissions by 8.4% from the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario in 2035. The study concludes that C-TAM can provide meaningful policy implications by forecasting detailed impact on revenues and energy demand for each sector and fuel use.
A Compendium and Comparison of 25 Project Evaluation Techniques. Part 1: Net Present Value and Rate of Return Methods

This two-part paper presents 25 different methods and techniques used to evaluate the economic desirability of projects. We categorized these 25 methods into 5 types: net present value methods, rate of return methods, ratio methods, payback methods, and accounting methods. We provide insight into the advantages and limitations of these project evaluation methods by comparing and contrasting them. Many examples are included to illustrate the use of these methods. In Part 1, we examine net present value and rate of return methods. In Part 2, we examine ratio, payback, and accounting methods. A recap, comparison, and full summary of all 25 methods is included at the end of Part 2.
Notes on the Distribution of Hyalophysa and Gymnodinioides on Crustacean Hosts in Coastal North Carolina and a Description of Hyalophysa trageri sp. n.

SYNOPSIS. Hyalophysa chattoni Bradbury, Hyalophysa Iwoffi Bradbury & Clamp, and Gymnodinioides inkystans Minkiewicz are found on species of palaemonids, astacurans, grapsid crabs, ocypodids, anomurans, and portunids in coastal North Carolina. Hyalophysa trageri sp. n. is described from species of Uca and Sesarma. Its life cycle is like that of other exuviotrophic apostomes. Hyalophysa trageri differs from other species in the genus in the pattern of its infraciliature and the shape of the macronucleus during the trophont stage. In coastal North Carolina, H. chattoni is euryhaline and infests a great number of species. Hyalophysa Iwoffi is found in many locations on the freshwater shrimp Palaemonetes paludosus (Gibbes), and in one location on the crayfish Cambarus sp. Hyalophysa trageri is the most limited in range, being found only on semiterrestrial crabs. On some host species G. inkystans is found alone, but is sympatric with Hyalophysa on others. Possible factors restricting the distribution of these apostomes are discussed. These include the structure of their encysted stages, salinity, and the behavior of their hosts.
Two new direct minimum search procedures for functions of several variables

The method can somewhat vaguely be classified as a modified "steepest descent." It is, of course, an iterative procedure. Each cycle, to be iterated on, consists essentially of two parts: in Part I a "best" line is found, in Part II an attempt is made to minimize the given function along this line. Thus, each cycle resembles the corresponding cycle in the method of steepest descent. The method of steepest descent differs from our method in the manner in which in Part I the "best" line is found. Steepest descent, in fact, implies that this line (let us call it the "baseline" from now on) be defined by the starting point for the cycle and the gradient of the function at this starting point, where the starting point, in turn, is the minimum point of the preceding cycle. Well known modifications of the steepest descent are concerned with, for example, baselines restricted to a subspace normal to the preceding baseline, or with different ways of minimizing along a given baseline, or perhaps with the question as to how feasible it is to seek a minimum at all along a given baseline during each cycle before switching to the next baseline.
THE CARBOXYLMETHYLATION OF CEREBRAL MEMBRANE-BOUND PROTEINS INCREASES WITH AGE

Recently, we have characterized a membrane-bound (mb) component of brain protein carboxylmethyltransferase II (PCMT) which effectively carboxylmethylates endogenous mb methyl-accepting proteins (MAPs). (Neurochem. Int., 10 (1987) 155). We have also shown that exposing mb-MAPs to mild alkali leads to a marked increase in their recognition by PCMT. Since one of the likely consequences of the alkaline treatment appears to be the deamidation of selected protein-bound asparagines or aspartates, followed by the formation, in their place, of D-or L-isoaspartates, it is reasonable to assume that mb-MAPs constitute unique targets for the mb-PCMT because they contain such unnatural aspartate residues. Testing the relevance of this notion to the aging of cerebral mb-MAPs we focus in this report on age-related changes involving mb-MAPs. When two-or six-times washed (in 50 mM NaPO4 buffer, pH 6.5) 17,500 g, 30-min membranes or Percoll-gradient purified synaptic membranes were prepared from young (3-4 months) and old (11-12 months) rat brains and were incubated with 20 microM [3H]methyl S-adenosyl-L-methionine at pH 6.0, mb-MAP carboxyl[3H]methylation was significantly more intense in the old than in the young membranes, no additional increase being noted at 28-35 months. Mb-MAP carboxylmethylation increases were confirmed over a wide range of membrane protein concentrations and incubation times and are taken to reflect age-related modifications of the primary structure of susceptible mb-MAPs. To investigate these, we incubated young and old membranes, as well as their Lubrol-Px (1%) extracts (30 min, 0 degree C), with 0.05 M NH4OH for 90 min at 37 degrees C, a treatment which left PCMT activity largely unaffected. Our findings reveal that the effect of the NH4OH treatment on the generation of carboxylmethylatable sites was markedly smaller in "old" than in "young" proteins, suggesting that "new" carboxylmethylatable sites are generated in susceptible mb-MAPs in situ, by a process accompanying, or otherwise marking, the natural aging of neural membrane proteins.
The effect of providing fansidar (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) in schools on mortality in school-age children in Malawi

Summary Malaria is a major cause of death in school-age (5–18 years) children in Malawi. Save the Children Federation helped schools in Mangochi District, Malawi, to obtain pupil-treatment kits, which enabled teachers to dispense sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine tablets according to national guidelines. The overall and malaria-specific mortality rates were calculated for the 3 years before and 2 years after the intervention was introduced; rates dropped from 2·2 to 1·44 deaths/1000 student-years and from 1·28 to 0·44 deaths/1000 student-years, respectively. School-based interventions could play a part in mitigating malaria.
The parallel growth of team practices and the Center for the Study of Work Teams

In the past dozen years, significant changes have occurred in the practice and research around work teams. Some of those changes have been captured, spread, or created by the Center for the Study of Work Teams at the University of North Texas. As practices have evolved, the Center has grown to provide education and other resources, including new frames of reference, for the members of organizations working to optimize their collaborative practices.
The Vertical Distribution of Nitrous Oxide and Methane in the Earth’s Atmosphere*

The intensities of the atmospheric lines P25, P26, P27, and P29 of the 2.16-μ band of N2O and of the 5–6 line of the 1.66-μ band of CH4 have been measured in the spectrum of the low-sun observed from Mount Wilson. For both molecules, the rate of change of intensity with solar zenith angle is inconsistent with the existence of these gases in thin layers at altitudes of 15 km or greater. On the other hand, the observations satisfy very well the assumption of uniform mixing with the major constituents of the atmosphere.
Identification of the form of carbon at a Si (100) surface using auger electron spectroscopy

Abstract High resolution measurements of the relative intensities of the KLL carbon Auger transitions from carbon on Si(100) show that one may identify the forms in which carbon is present at the surface.
Some Studies of Metals by Means of X-Rays

X-ray patterns of metals; (1) effect of rolling.---By passing a narrow beam of heterogeneous rays through a thin sheet of metal, a pattern may be photographically recorded which depends on the crystalline structure of the metal. The authors have used this phenomenon to study the effect of rolling and subsequent annealing on various metals. (a) In the case of aluminum, cadmium, copper, zinc, and brass, rolling produced ill-defined patterns, all with a symmetry related to the direction of rolling but each characteristic of a particular metal. (b) Silver and tin gave similar ill-defined patterns immediately after rolling, but these gradually changed during the following two or three weeks to the distinct spot patterns characteristic of annealed samples. For these metals, then, the crystal growth which accompanies annealing takes place at room temperatures. Even at 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} the recovery from rolling goes on, though more slowly (See Plate I). (c) Lead and thallium gave irregularly distributed spots which showed no symmetry related to the direction of rolling. For these metals, then, either the crystal structure is not distorted by the rolling or the recovery is quite rapid. In the case of thallium, however, the pattern was not the same as after the sheet had been annealed. (2) The effect of annealing after rolling was studied with a special furnace which enabled the patterns to be obtained for a sheet of metal kept at any desired temperature up to 800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The various metals differ greatly in their response to annealing. Thirty minutes at 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} is sufficient to obliterate the effects of rolling in the case of silver and tin, whereas 2 hours at 800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} is not sufficient for copper. The effects of annealing cadmium at 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} are shown in the photographs reproduced in Plate II. This method should be very valuable for studying the effect on metals of various mechanical and heat treatments.Transformation point of thallium and tin as determined by X-ray patterns.---When the pattern produced by a thin sheet of annealed thallium was photographed for a series of ascending temperatures, it was found that as the transformation point was passed, the pattern suddenly changed to one corresponding to a single crystal. On cooling the sheet, the change was reversed (See Plate III). Taking account of the lag, the temperature of transformation was found to be about 227\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, in good agreement with determinations by other methods. Tin was also investigated in this way, especially in the neighborhood of 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, but no change of pattern was observed.
Physicians' early challenges related to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

Objective.—To characterize the obstacles faced by physicians regarding administration of a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) to all children younger than 2 years and to high-risk children from 2–5 years of age during the months immediately following national recommendations. Design.—Semistructured telephone interviews. Participants.—Convenience sample (n = 24) of pediatricians and family physicians. Results.—Eighteen physicians were recommending pneumococcal vaccine and 6 were not. Those who were recommending pneumococcal vaccine had encountered resistance from parents and variations in private and public insurance coverage. Physicians who were not recommending pneumococcal vaccine expressed concern about the cost of the vaccine and general caution in adopting new vaccine recommendations. Respondents offered several suggestions for improving the vaccine recommendation process. Conclusions.—This analysis of physicians' early decision making regarding pneumococcal vaccine reflects obstacles to vaccine implementation that may arise with the introduction of other childhood vaccines.
Organic petrology of the Aptian-age section in the downdip Mississippi Interior Salt Basin, Mississippi, USA: Observations and preliminary implications for thermal maturation history

Abstract This study identifies a thermal maturity anomaly within the downdip Mississippi Interior Salt Basin (MISB) of southern Mississippi, USA, through examination of bitumen reflectance data from Aptian-age strata (Sligo Formation, Pine Island Shale, James Limestone, and Rodessa Formation). U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reconnaissance investigations conducted in 2011–2012 examined Aptian-age thermal maturity trends across the onshore northern Gulf of Mexico region and indicated that the section in the downdip MISB is approaching the wet gas/condensate window (Ro ~ 1.2%). A focused study in 2012–2013 used 6 whole core, one sidewall core, and 49 high-graded cutting samples (depth range of 13,000–16,500 ft [3962.4–5029.2 m] below surface) collected from 15 downdip MISB wells for mineralogy, fluid inclusion, organic geochemistry, and organic petrographic analysis. Based on native solid bitumen reflectance (Ro generally > 0.8%; interpreted to be post-oil indigenous bitumens matured in situ), Ro values increase regionally across the MISB from the southeast to the northwest. Thermal maturity in the eastern half of the basin (Ro range 1.0 to 1.25%) appears to be related to present-day burial depth and shows a gradual increase with respect to depth. To the west, thermal maturity continues to increase even as the Aptian section shallows structurally on the Adams County High (Ro range 1.4 to > 1.8%). After evaluating the possible thermal agents responsible for increasing maturity at shallower depths (i.e., igneous activity, proximity to salt, variations in regional heat flux, and uplift), we tentatively propose that either greater paleoheat flow or deeper burial coupled with uplift in the western part of the MISB could be responsible for the thermal maturity anomaly. Further research and additional data are needed to determine the cause(s) of the thermal anomaly.
A call to regularity

From the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s, with the active involvement of Paris C. Kanellakis, a major theme in database theory was the study of Datalog, the language of logic programs without function symbols. Unfortunately, most decision problems involving Datalog turned out to be undecidable. Furthermore, well-behaved fragments of Datalog turned out to be rather restrictive and unnatural. Surprisingly, a natural and quite general fragment of Datalog did emerge in the mid 1990s, in the context of semistructured data. This fragment is the class of regular queries, whose basic element is that of regular path queries. In this talk I describe the class of regular queries and its well-behavedness in the context of view-based query processing.
A Golden-Thompson Inequality in Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics*

The celebrated G o l d e n T h o m p s o n inequality [8, 3, 9] states that the quantum partition function of a system does not exceed its classical partition function. A generalization of this inequality to systems in external magnetic fields was established in [1]. Apart from its usefulness in studying the classical limit of a quantum system, the Golden Thompson bound provides a useful criterion for the discreteness of energy levels of the system. In particular, it allows us to prove, in certain cases, that the Hamiltonian H = h A + V(x ) has a compact resolvent, even though the potential V(x ) does not increase as Ixl ~ ov along certain directions. In this Letter, we study a supersymmetric version of this inequality. The Hamiltonian in supersymmetric quantum mechanics has the form
Seasonal Adjustment of Time Series Using One-Sided Filters

This article presents a model-based signal extraction seasonal adjustment procedure to extract estimates of the independent unobserved seasonal and nonseasonal components from an observed time series. The decomposition yields a one-sided filter that is optimal for adjusting the most recent observation under the assumption of using only the past observed series. Some advantages of this procedure are that no forecasts are required for implementation and there are no problems of revision of estimates or questions of concurrent adjustment. Comparisons are made with existing procedures using two-sided filters.
Kinetic theory of a two-dimensional magnetized plasma. Part 2. Balescu-- Lenard limit.

The kinetic theory of a two-dimensional one-species plasma in a uniform dc magnetic field is investigated in the small plasma parameter limit. The plasma consists of charged rods interacting through the logarithmic Coulomb potential. Vahala and Montgomery earlier (1971) derived a Fokker-Planck equation for this system, but it contained a divergent integral, which had to be cut off on physical grounds. This cutoff is compared to the standard cutoff introduced in the two-dimensional unmagnetized Fokker-Planck equation. In the small plasma parameter limit, it is shown that the Balescu-Lenard collision term is zero in the long time average limit if only two-body interactions are considered. The energy transfer from a test particle to an equilibrium plasma is discussed and is also shown to be zero in the long time average limit. This supports the unexpected result of zero Balescu-Lenard collision term.
Battlespace surveillance using netted wireless random noise radar systems

Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) technology is currently being investigated to enhance the military’s effectiveness in the battlespace by providing the warfighter the necessary information to take proper decisions and win wars. One of the main battlespace requirements is surveillance, especially in today’s guerilla warfare theaters, such as the littoral and urban zones. NCW requires warfighters to be networked, self-organizing, spectrally undetectable, and having precise information about hostile targets in their vicinity. Towards this end, we are developing the concept of Netted Wireless Random Noise Radars, which is presented in this paper. The low probability-of-detection (LPD) and low probability-of-intercept (LPI) properties of random noise radars are well-known. Such radar sensors form a self-organizing network-centric architecture, using a deterministically fragmented spectrum to avoid spectral fratricide. The central concept is to use notch filtering to fragment parts of the band-limited non-coherent random noise waveform spectrum, and use these intermediate bandwidths for network communication (target tracking and track fusion) among the wireless sensors. For target detection and ranging, these sensors transmit random noise waveforms combined with continuous signals carrying digital data. As seen by the hostile target, the transmitted waveform appears random and noise-like. However, for the friendly sensors of this system, the noise-like signal contains camouflaged information. The advantages being envisioned with such a system are lower probability of detection due to noise-like transmissions, mobility to sensors due to the self-organizing capability, spectral efficiency due to fragmentation of spectrum, and better immunity to coherent interference due to the use of non-coherent signal waveforms.
The non-optimality of the over-the-counter options dividend protection

Abstract Although no such adjustments are made in exchange listed options, options in the over-the-counter (OTC) market are adjusted for cash dividends by reducing their striking prices by the amount of the cash dividend on each ex-dividend date. We prove that if a call is either out-, at- or in-the-money (just before the ex-dividend dates), the OTC-dividend-protection procedure generates a sure loss to the call buyer, but it tends to be correct if a call is very-deep-in-the-money.
Direct Correlation between Diffusion of Loxosceles reclusa Venom and Extent of Dermal Inflammation

OBJECTIVES Envenomation by Loxosceles species (brown recluse) spiders results in large dermal inflammatory lesions. Venom-induced dermal inflammation occurs indirectly via soluble mediators of inflammation. This study aimed to explore whether the anatomic extent of dermonecrotic arachnidism is due to the cascade of soluble proinflammatory mediators elicited by venom deposited at the bite site, or due to diffusion of the venom per se. METHODS Three New Zealand white rabbits received intradermal L. reclusa venom (3-microg) injections in the flank. At the time of maximum dermal inflammation (24 hr), paired 4-mm dermal biopsies were obtained in 2-cm intervals extending 0 to 12 cm from the inoculation site. Normal dermal tissue was obtained from the opposite flank to serve as a negative control. One biopsy sample from each interval was homogenized and assayed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and for the presence of venom via an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The other paired dermal biopsy was sectioned, and examined for the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) by microscopy. Lesional areas were measured using digital images imported into imaging software. RESULTS Mean +/- SD lesional diameter 24 hours post inoculation measured 9.18 +/- 0.64 cm. Venom was detected in biopsies 0 to 10 cm from the injection site. As expected, the highest venom concentrations were measured at the inoculation site (4.28 +/- 3.9 ng/4 mm). In addition, PMNs and MPO were detected up to 8 and 10 cm from the inoculation site, respectively. Neither PMNs nor MPO was detected in tissue absent of venom (kappa = 0.88, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Loxosceles venom diffuses from the envenomation site. The extent of dermal inflammation mirrors the extent of Loxosceles venom diffusion. This observation implies that the venom itself defines the extent and magnitude of tissue injury following Loxosceles envenomation.
Efficiency and optimality in economies described by coalitions

In this paper we extend our results from [17] and [18] to a different economic model. In [17] and [18] our building unit was the individual agent and consequently the appropriate mathematical tools were multifunctions, their sets of integrable selectors, and their integrals in the sense of Aumann. Here we change our approach and following Vind [23] we consider coalitions as the prime ingredient in our model. In this case, the natural analytical tool to work with are multimeasures (set valued measures). A central problem in economics is the characterization of efficient programs of resource allocation by a price system and the use of a price mechanism to attain such an allocation in economies where decision making is decentralized. Previous work on this problem was done by Majumdar [15], Peleg [19], and Radner [20], but their models were quite restrictive (one agent models) and their assumptions were quite strict from a mathematical point of view. In [17] and [18] we provided a more general and natural framework to study those issues and through the use of nonsmooth analysis we overcame the limitations of the previous models and proved several new results. With this work we conclude this effort by addressing those problems from the viewpoint of coalitions. In the next section we present our model and the mathematical tools that we will use to analyze it. In Section 5 we examine the properties of efficient and optimal programs. Finally, in Section 4 we bring prices into the picture to decentralize the process and we study in detail the properties of the corresponding price efficient programs. Some of the results obtained
Modeling electricity markets with hidden Markov model

This paper proposes to model the movements of electricity markets as partially observable Markov processes driven by underlying economic forces. An electricity market is modeled as a dynamic system evolving over time according to Markov processes. At any time interval, the electricity market can be in one state and transition to another state in the next time interval. This paper models the states of an electricity market as partially observable, while each state has incomplete observations such as market-clearing price and quantity. The true market states are hidden from a market participant behind the incomplete observation. The hidden Markov model (HMM) is of a more fundamental approach and focuses on capturing the interaction of supply and demand forces on electricity markets. Such an approach is appropriate because the simultaneous production and consumption of electricity eliminates the storage sector, while limited transmission networks segment electricity markets. This model is shown to be able to link the fundamental drivers to the price behaviors; therefore, it provides forecast power for mid-term and long-term price movements. This work applies HMM to historical data from New York independent system operator (NYISO), and examples are given to illustrate the forecast power of HMM.
Mrs. Spring Fragrance: and Other Writings

This volume reprints stories from Mrs. Spring Fragrance, along with other previously uncollected stories and journalistic essays by the first published Asian North American fiction writer. During an era of extreme Sinophobia, the Eurasian Sui Sin Far (1865-1914) courageously chose to write of the Chinese in North America as humorous, tragic, charming, and loving--in short, as human. Her stories sympathetically portray a group caught between worlds, inheritors of traditional Chinese values who find themselves thrust into boomingly mercantile and extremely race-conscious cities, such as San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Montreal, at the turn of the last century. Offering an introduction that situates Sui Sin Far in her historical and literary contexts, Amy Ling and Annette White-Parks select from Mrs. Spring Fragrance (1914) two dozen of the finest stories, including "In the Land of the Free," "The Story of One White Woman Who Married a Chinese," "Her Chinese Husband," and "The Wisdom of the New," as well as (from the "Tales for Chinese Children" section) "The Story of a Little Chinese Seabird" and "What about the Cat?" The second portion contains previously uncollected writings, including journalism and fiction that appeared in the Montreal Daily Witness, Los Angeles Express, New York Independent, The Westerner, and New England Magazine. The final piece, "Sui Sin Far, the Half Chinese Writer, Tells of Her Career," was printed in the Boston Globe in 1912, two years before her death. Amy Ling, professor of English and director of the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is the author of Between Worlds: Women Writers of Chinese Ancestry. Annette White-Parks, an associate professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, is the author of Sui Sin Far/Edith Maude Eaton: A Literary Biography.
Ethanol targets: a BK channel cocktail in C. elegans

A genetic screen for resistance to ethanol intoxication in Caenorhabditis elegans isolated mutants of the gene slo-1. slo-1 encodes the pore-forming subunit of a large-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + channel previously shown to limit excitatory neurotransmitter release in C. elegans . Electrophysiological data recorded in vivo are consistent with a model in which ethanol potentiation of SLO-1 produces intoxication in C. elegans by reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release.