cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupling Radiation in Participating Media With Other Modes of Heat Transfer: Segregated Versus Coupled Solution

Traditionally, radiation in participating media is coupled to other modes of heat transfer using an iterative procedure in which the overall energy equation (EE) and the radiative transfer equation (RTE) are solved sequentially and repeatedly until both equations converge. While this explicit coupling approach is convenient from the point of view of computer code development, it is not necessarily the best approach for stability and convergence. A new numerical procedure is presented in which the EE and the RTE are implicitly coupled and solved simultaneously, rather than as segregated equations. Depending on the average optical thickness of the medium, it is found that the coupled solution approach results in convergence that is between two to one hundred times faster than the segregated solution approach. Several examples in one and two-dimensional media, both gray and nongray, are presented to corroborate this claim.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Comparative Assessment of Software Quality Classification Techniques: An Empirical Case Study

Software metrics-based quality classification models predict a software module as either fault-prone (fp) or not fault-prone (nfp). Timely application of such models can assist in directing quality improvement efforts to modules that are likely to be fp during operations, thereby cost-effectively utilizing the software quality testing and enhancement resources. Since several classification techniques are available, a relative comparative study of some commonly used classification techniques can be useful to practitioners. We present a comprehensive evaluation of the relative performances of seven classification techniques and/or tools. These include logistic regression, case-based reasoning, classification and regression trees (CART), tree-based classification with S-PLUS, and the Sprint-Sliq, C4.5, and Treedisc algorithms. The use of expected cost of misclassification (ECM), is introduced as a singular unified measure to compare the performances of different software quality classification models. A function of the costs of the Type I (a nfp module misclassified as fp) and Type II (a fp module misclassified as nfp) misclassifications, ECM is computed for different cost ratios. Evaluating software quality classification models in the presence of varying cost ratios is important, because the usefulness of a model is dependent on the system-specific costs of misclassifications. Moreover, models should be compared and preferred for cost ratios that fall within the range of interest for the given system and project domain. Software metrics were collected from four successive releases of a large legacy telecommunications system. A two-way ANOVA randomized-complete block design modeling approach is used, in which the system release is treated as a block, while the modeling method is treated as a factor. It is observed that predictive performances of the models is significantly different across the system releases, implying that in the software engineering domain prediction models are influenced by the characteristics of the data and the system being modeled. Multiple-pairwise comparisons are performed to evaluate the relative performances of the seven models for the cost ratios of interest to the case study. In addition, the performance of the seven classification techniques is also compared with a classification based on lines of code. The comparative approach presented in this paper can also be applied to other software systems.
Market integration and price transmission in consumer markets of developing countries

Abstract World prices for agricultural commodities surged in 2006–08, and then again in 2011–12. In many developing countries, consumer prices for staple foods, such as bread and rice, mirrored these movements. This paper examines whether prices in urban consumer markets within developing countries are co-integrated with prices in world agricultural commodity markets. Using a single equation error correction model, we examine the response of consumer prices for wheat, rice, maize, and sorghum to changes in world market prices and exchange rates in urban centers of the developing world. Analyzing over 60 country/commodity pairings, we find that developing countries’ consumer markets are co-integrated with world markets. Yet, we also find that the transmission of changes in both world prices and real exchange rates to domestic consumer prices is not high, and that the movement of domestic consumer prices to new equilibrium with world prices after a shock to the latter is relatively slow.
Algorithms For Reconstruction

The problem of digitally reconstructing the image of the internal structure of an object from measurements of its two dimension-al projections, resulting from transmission of radiation through the object, has been of interest in mathematics, radio-astronomy, and biological sciences for over 50 years. About four years ago this problem suddenly assumed major importance in medical engineering after Houncefield and his associates announced the development of a sophisticated computerized x-ray scanning system capable of reconstructing cross-sectional images (tomograms) of the human head with high tissue-density discrimi-nation capability [23]. This development was heralded as a major breakthrough in diagnostic radiology because it, for the first time, permitted non-invasive visualization of the ventricles of the brain, as well as a large class of brain tumors and injuries. More recent research has demonstrated the success of this type of imaging with other parts of the human body.
Charged particle response of magnetic deflection system for Galileo Jupiter orbiter

Abstract A simulation of a magnetic spectrometer system and the study of its instrumental response are presented here. An analytic, three-dimensional expression for the inhomogeneous and fringing magnetic field of the system is obtained. A three-dimensional, time-reversed trajectory calculation of electrons and protons inside the system is performed. A clean electron-ion separation and electron analysis are achieved. The geometric factors of the electron and proton detectos for different energies and the particles' angular distributions are determined. It is found that the geometric factors of two electron detectors E and F have an appreciable variation for different energies with a maximum at 70 and 500 keV, respectively, whereas the proton detector has monotonic increasing geometric factors as the energy increases.
Thermodynamics of Hydrogen Solution and Hydride Formation in Binary Pd Alloys

Some recent thermodynamic results for the solution of H2 and hydride formation in fcc disordered Pd-rich alloys based on a combined equilibrium-calorimetric technique are reviewed in this paper. This dual approach is more powerful than employing only one of these techniques. Some interesting thermodynamic results connected with these systems are presented, such as minima in ΔH H and ΔS H as a function of the H content of the alloys.
A contextual approach to facilitating word retrieval in agrammatic aphasia

Background: Although virtually all individuals with aphasia demonstrate problems with word retrieval, this symptom might arise for different reasons in individuals with different types of aphasia. A trade‐off of dependence on semantic and syntactic information is hypothesised to underlie dissociations in word retrieval shown by fluent anomic and non‐fluent agrammatic speakers. This division of labour predicts that strengthening semantic input will improve word retrieval for those with anomic aphasia, whereas strengthening syntactic input through contextual cues will improve word retrieval for those with agrammatic aphasia. I would like to thank the two participants in this study for their patience and perseverance. Several students helped with the collection and analysis of data, particularly (in chronological order) Rebekah Abel, Michelle Bullock, Ellen Marschner, Becky Bartlett, and Anna Happ. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to ASHA's special interest Division 2 for the financial and moral...
Base-Excision Repair Activity of Uracil-DNA Glycosylase Monitored Using the Latch Zone of α-Hemolysin

Nanopores have been investigated as a simple and label-free tool to characterize DNA nucleotides when a ssDNA strand translocates through the constriction of the pore. Here, a wild-type α-hemolysin protein nanopore was used to monitor DNA repair enzyme activity based on base-specific interactions of dsDNA with the vestibule constriction “latch”, a previously unrecognized sensing zone in α-hemolysin specific for dsDNA structure. The presence of a single abasic site within dsDNA that is in proximity to the latch zone (±2 nucleotides) results in a large increase in ion channel current, allowing accurate quantitation of the kinetics of base repair reactions involving an abasic site product. Taking advantage of the high resolution for abasic site recognition, the rate of uracil-DNA glycosylase hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond, converting 2′-deoxyuridine in DNA to an abasic site, was continuously monitored by electrophoretically capturing reaction substrate or product dsDNA in the ion channel vestibule. Our ...
ROME: Road monitoring and alert system through Geocache

We present a road monitoring and alert system implemented using a novel Geocache concept to enable efficient spatial monitoring in a mobile distributed sensing scenario. Technology trends have led to the integration of positioning, communications, and sensing capabilities into mobile entities such as cars and cellular phones, enabling them to monitor and report on their surroundings. We consider scenarios where events of interest must be detected from aggregated readings of multiple devices. For example, road monitoring could infer road defects from increased vibrations or road hazards from repeated emergency braking at the same location. This raises the challenge of aggregating sensor data from multiple mobiles that have passed the same location with efficient usage of communication resources. We introduce the Geocache concept, which allows anchoring sensor information at specific spatial coordinates, rather than storing it in a designated node. The Geocache protocol in either its relayed or delayed variant will then opportunistically determine a storage vehicle near the Geocache and hand the data off as vehicles pass by. We show through simulations with synthetic and realistic automotive position traces that relayed Geocache reduce messaging overhead by 66% compared to a baseline periodic broadcasting scheme and a Boomerang Geocache can provide a further 71% reduction when only few of the passing cars are able to sense the event.
A Simple, Sensitive Method for Detection of Vomitoxin (Deoxynivalenol) Using Reversed Phase, High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Vomitoxin, a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium graminearum, can be measured at levels as low as 5-10 ppb in contaminated corn by reversed phase, high performance liquid chromatography on Partisil 10 ODS-2 eluted with acetonitrile-water and detection at 214 nm. Corn extracts were initially purified by preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel. Optimal separations of vomitoxin from other components in a sample of contaminated corn were achieved with 25% or less acetonitrile in water in which vomitoxin elutes with k′ > 1.06. Using 25% acetonitrile in water, the minimum detectable amount was 1.5 ng and the relationship between peak height and amount of vomitoxin was linear over the range 1-30 ng. Although resolution was greater when less acetonitrile was present in the eluant, sensitivity was somewhat lower.
Primary cutaneous CD4-positive small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma : a clonal T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with indolent behavior

Primary cutaneous CD4-positive small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma, a provisional entity in the 2005 WHO-EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas, is not well characterized. Fifteen cases meeting the definition of this entity were identified. Fourteen represented solitary lesions on the head/neck (n=9), upper extremity (n=4), or trunk (n=1). One patient presented with multiple lesions on the trunk and extremities. Histologically, the infiltrate showed a nodular pattern in the dermis and subcutis without epidermotropism, and had a polymorphous composition with a predominance of small to medium-sized CD4-positive T cells. Most cases showed normal T-cell antigen expression; diminished/absent expression of CD7 was seen in three cases and CD2 expression was absent in one case. All cases showed a notable reactive infiltrate including frequent B cells, plasma cells, and histiocytes. Clonal TCR gene rearrangements were detected in each case. No clonal Ig gene rearrangements were detected. Out of the 11 patients with follow-up, none showed systemic disease. The majority resolved without relapse, one without treatment, four with excision, and four with radiation therapy. One patient developed local recurrence. The patient with multiple lesions had disease progression despite chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. These cases highlight the polymorphous histology and prominent reactive B-cell component of this entity. Diagnosis requires molecular genetic analysis, as prominent cytologic atypia and immunophenotypic aberrancy are rare. The differential diagnosis includes reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, mycosis fungoides and cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. In patients with isolated cutaneous lesions, the indolent behavior of this rare T-cell neoplasm should be recognized to avoid unnecessary treatment.
A low-cost computer cluster for high-performance computing education

Skills in high-performance computing are increasingly desired by many employers, such as Google [1] and Intel [2]. However, traditional curricula often do not provide adequate preparation. This is often due to the high cost of HPC equipment needed to provide students with needed hand-on experience. In this paper we describe a HPC system that is small, low cost, and yet powerful enough to support educational activities in HPC.
Tissue distribution and depuration of tributyltin for field-exposed Mytilus edulis

Abstract The disposition of tributyltin (TBT) within Mytilus edulis tissues and the depuration of TBT from various organs was determined for field populations of animals chronically exposed to environmental sources of TBT. Analysis of dissected organs demonstrated that TBT accumulated to the greatest extent in gill tissue, with TBT concentrations approximately twice that of whole-animal homogenates. A transplant study showed that the depuration of TBT from gill tissue and digestive gland tissue is a biphasic two-compartment process involving a rapid TBT loss process and a concurrent slower TBT depuration process. Whole-body and gonadal tissue depuration followed a slower monophasic depuration process. Depuration half life values ranged from 2.2–5.3 d for the fast depuration component and 28–69 d for the slow component.
Radiofrequency Ablation of a Left Atrial Appendage Tachycardia on ECMO Support

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been utilized in the pediatric population for cardiogenic shock secondary to medically intractable arrhythmias. There is limited experience with cardiac radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on these patients while on ECMO. A 7-year-old girl presented with a tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy secondary to a left atrial appendage tachycardia. She suffered a cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity and was placed on ECMO. Due to elevated left atrial pressures and the refractoriness of her arrhythmia to cardioversion and antiarrhythmic therapy, while on ECMO, blade atrial septostomy and radiofrequency ablation were performed. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was successfully decannulated. Her cardiac function normalized within four weeks of the ablation procedure. Twelve months after the procedure, she remains completely well, with no symptoms or tachycardia.
Life in Classrooms Revisited

(1985). Life in classrooms revisited. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 24, Classroom Communication/Verbal and Nonverbal, pp. 50-56.
Faculty priorities: where does material selection stand?

Presents the results of a survey conducted to determine where library material selection stands in relation to other faculty duties. Limits the survey to one private liberal arts college faculty. Finds that material selection ranks fifth in a list of seven secondary faculty duties.
Outcomes of treatment in achalasia: subjective or objective endpoints?: Vaezi MF, Baker ME, Achkar E, Richter JE, Timed Barium Oesophagram: Better Predictor of Long Term Success After Pneumatic Dilation in Achalasia Than Symptom Assessment. Gut 2002;50:765–70

In this cohort study, 34 patients who achieved near-complete symptom relief 1 month after pneumatic dilation were followed prospectively to determine whether the results of a timed barium esophagram (TBE) predict early symptom recurrence. Patients were grouped according to results of their TBE, performed at 1 month post-therapy. The discordant group (n = 10) manifested poor esophageal emptying (defined as less than 50% improvement), despite successful symptom relief (defined as 91–100% improvement), whereas the concordant group (n = 22) exhibited successful improvement in both symptoms and barium column height. Two remaining patients revealed intermediate improvement in esophageal emptying, despite symptom relief, and were excluded from the analysis. After 1 yr, significantly fewer discordant group patients (1/10) than concordant group patients (22/22) remained treatment successes (p < 0.001). Similarly, discordant patients remained in symptom remission for significantly less time than did concordant patients (18 ± 3.6 months vs 59 ± 4.8 months, p < 0.001). At 6 yr time, all discordant group patients had relapsed, whereas 17/22 concordant group patients remained in remission (p < 0.001). The TBE was after symptom failure in all discordant group patients and continued to manifest poor emptying. Conversely, in 10/17 investigated concordant group patients with persistent improvement at 6 yr, all repeat TBEs (10/10) continued to reveal rapid emptying.
An analytical solution for solidification of a moving warm liquid onto an isothermal cold wall.

Instantaneous frozen layer thickness and temperature profile in solidified layer obtained by iteration technique
Changes in Religiousness and Spirituality Attributed to HIV/AIDS: Are There Sex and Race Differences?

Background/Objective Having a serious illness such as HIV/AIDS raises existential issues, which are potentially manifested as changes in religiousness and spirituality. The objective of this study was (1) to describe changes in religiousness and spirituality of people with HIV/AIDS, and (2) to determine if these changes differed by sex and race.
Irreversible enzyme inhibitors XCIII Hydrophobic bonding to xanthine oxidase by some phenylpurines

Nine derivatives of guanine with alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl groups at the 8- or 9-position were investigated as inhibitors of xanthine oxidase. Maximum hydrocarbon interaction with the enzyme was observed with the in-plane 9-phenyl substituent, a 100-fold increment in binding being observed. The “2”-position of purines was also investigated with phenyl substituents on the 6-position of 4-mercaptopyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine; a thirtyfold increment in binding was observed with either a p-nitrophenyl or a p-methoxyphenyl substituent at the 6-position of the pyrazolopyrimidine.
Posttranslational mechanisms control the timing of bHLH function and regulate retinal cell fate

During central nervous system development, neurons are often born in a precise temporal sequence. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are required for the development of specific subpopulations of neurons, but how they contribute to their ordered genesis is unclear. We show that the ability of bHLH factors to regulate the development of distinct neuronal subtypes in the Xenopus retina depends upon the timing of their function. In addition, we find that the timing of bHLH function can be regulated posttranslationally, so that bHLH factors with overlapping expression can function independently. Specifically, XNeuroD function in the retina can be inhibited by glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta), while Xath5 function can be inhibited by Notch. Thus, the potential of bHLH factors to regulate the development of neuronal subtypes depends upon the context in which they function.
Unusual Adrenal Cortical Tumor of Unknown Biologic Potential: A Nodule in a Nodule in a Nodule

Adrenocortical tumors are uncommon neoplasms in childhood. Most pediatric adrenal tumors are virilizing and carcinomas are more common than adenomas. Recent molecular data suggest an adenoma-to-carcinoma progression sequence in adrenal cortical neoplasms. We report a case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with virilizing symptoms secondary to an adrenal tumor that was resected laparoscopically. The bulk of the tumor was a large, yellow mass with typical features of an adrenal cortical adenoma. In the center was a well-circumscribed tan-brown nodule that was distinct from the adenoma and had oncocytic features. A third minute focus (3.0 mm) was noted that was not circumscribed or encapsulated, but showed marked pleomorphism and abundant mitoses, including atypical forms and increased Ki67 compared with the outer 2 nodules. Molecular analysis to assess the clonality and mutation rates of the 3 distinct areas showed only 2 genetic loci with allelic imbalances.
Invasive mosquitoes, larval competition, and indirect effects on the vector competence of native mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae)

Invasive arthropods that vector pathogens have the potential to influence pathogen transmission both directly, by becoming a novel pathogen vector, or indirectly, by interacting with native vectors. Adult mosquito size is influenced by food availability in the larval stage, and smaller, nutrient-deprived mosquitoes are, in some studies, more efficient viral vectors in the laboratory. This is the first study to examine the indirect impacts that larval competition between Aedes albopictus, an introduced mosquito species, and Ochlerotatus triseriatus, a native mosquito species and the primary vector for La Crosse virus (LACV) in the US, has on native mosquito larval survival, adult size, and vector competence. A. albopictus presence decreased Oc. triseriatus larval survival, but surviving Oc. triseriatus females were larger, potentially owing to a release from intraspecific competition. These larger, native females were more likely to develop both midgut and disseminated LACV infections than females emerging from monospecific treatments. Collectively, these results suggest a need to better understand the ecology of both native and invasive vector species, their interactions, and the potential for those interactions to alter vector-borne disease transmission.
Maternal imprinting at the H19-Igf2 locus maintains adult haematopoietic stem cell quiescence

The epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes by monoallelic DNA methylation of either maternal or paternal alleles is critical for embryonic growth and development. Imprinted genes were recently shown to be expressed in mammalian adult stem cells to support self-renewal of neural and lung stem cells; however, a role for imprinting per se in adult stem cells remains elusive. Here we show upregulation of growth-restricting imprinted genes, including in the H19-Igf2 locus, in long-term haematopoietic stem cells and their downregulation upon haematopoietic stem cell activation and proliferation. A differentially methylated region upstream of H19 (H19-DMR), serving as the imprinting control region, determines the reciprocal expression of H19 from the maternal allele and Igf2 from the paternal allele. In addition, H19 serves as a source of miR-675, which restricts Igf1r expression. We demonstrate that conditional deletion of the maternal but not the paternal H19-DMR reduces adult haematopoietic stem cell quiescence, a state required for long-term maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells, and compromises haematopoietic stem cell function. Maternal-specific H19-DMR deletion results in activation of the Igf2-Igfr1 pathway, as shown by the translocation of phosphorylated FoxO3 (an inactive form) from nucleus to cytoplasm and the release of FoxO3-mediated cell cycle arrest, thus leading to increased activation, proliferation and eventual exhaustion of haematopoietic stem cells. Mechanistically, maternal-specific H19-DMR deletion leads to Igf2 upregulation and increased translation of Igf1r, which is normally suppressed by H19-derived miR-675. Similarly, genetic inactivation of Igf1r partly rescues the H19-DMR deletion phenotype. Our work establishes a new role for this unique form of epigenetic control at the H19-Igf2 locus in maintaining adult stem cells.
The growth of arsenic single crystals from a thallium solution by the travelling heater method

Abstract A new technique for growing single crystalline arsenic from a thallium solution was investigated. Arsenic single crystals were grown as large as 2 cm. long and .9 cm. in diameter.
Jurassic “savannah”—plant taphonomy and climate of the Morrison Formation (Upper Jurassic, Western USA)

Abstract The Morrison Formation contains six plant taphofacies: Wood, whole-leaf, leaf-mat, root, common carbonaceous debris, and rare carbonaceous debris. None of these taphofacies is common in the Morrison; particularly striking is the paucity of wood, even in more reducing environments. The flora of the Morrison Formation is distinct in the Kimmeridgian and Tithonian parts of the section. The plant taphofacies are consistent with a predominantly herbaceous vegetation. Evidence from the plant taphofacies, floras, and sedimentology of the Morrison is consistent with a warm, seasonal, semi-arid climate throughout, changing from dry semi-arid to humid semi-arid from the Kimmeridgian to the Tithonian parts of the formation.
Interaction of monovalent cations with salicylaldehyde: evidence for excited-state ion-pair dissociation

Interaction of monovalent cations with salicylaldehyde resulted in the formation of tight ion-pairs. In these ion-pairs salicylaldehyde acts as a bidentate anion through the phenolate and the carbonyl oxygen atoms. Para substituted phenols, on the other hand, form less tight ion-pairs with monovalent cations. Red shifts in both absorption and emission spectra of these ion-pairs were observed as the ionic radius of the metal ion is increased. In presence of 18-crown-6, solventseparated ion-pairs are formed at the expense of contact ion-pairs. Evidence for excited-state dissociation of the solvent-separated ion-pairs is reported.
Longitudinal MRI evidence for decreased survival among periventricular glioblastoma

While the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) remains poor despite recent therapeutic advances, variable survival times suggest wide variation in tumor biology and an opportunity for stratified intervention. We used volumetric analysis and morphometrics to measure the spatial relationship between subventricular zone (SVZ) proximity and survival in a cohort of 39 newly diagnosed GBM patients. We collected T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) at pre-operative, post-operative, pre-radiation therapy, and post-radiation therapy time points, measured tumor volumes and distances to the SVZ, and collected clinical data. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression showed that tumors involving the SVZ and tumor growth rate during radiation therapy were independent predictors of shorter progression-free and overall survival. These results suggest that GBMs in close proximity to the ependymal surface of the ventricles convey a worse prognosis-an observation that may be useful for stratifying treatment.
Prognostic value of peritoneal washings in patients with malignant mixed müllerian tumors of the uterus

Peritoneal washings from 36 women with all pathologic stages of mixed mullerian tumors of the uterus (27 homologous stroma, nine heterologous stroma) were reviewed in a blinded retrospective fashion for the presence and type of malignant cells collected. Malignant tumor cells were demonstrated in the washings of 16 patients; 13 contained adenocarcinoma only, two contained adenocarcinoma and sarcoma, and one contained sarcoma cells only. Cox's logistic regression analysis showed that cytologic examination of peritoneal washings when combined with pathologic staging provides a statistically significant discriminant of disease-free survival. Patients with a favorable prognosis (pathologic Stage I and peritoneal washings free of malignancy) had sevenfold increased disease-free survival compared with survival of the patients with an unfavorable prognosis (pathologic Stages II, III, or IV or malignant cells present in peritoneal washings). Three of the 18 patients with pathologic Stage I disease manifested malignant tumor cells in the peritoneal washings and all three patients died of disease in less than 1 year. The presence of malignant cells in peritoneal washings in patients with mixed mullerian tumor apparently limited to the uterus suggests a clinical course that is similar to that of those with more advanced disease.
Nitrogen fixation by photosynthetic bacteria in lowland rice culture.

Propanil (3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide) was a potent inhibitor of the nitrogenase activity of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in flooded soil, but the herbicide at comparable concentrations was not toxic to rice, protozoa, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Ethanol-amended flooded soils treated with propanil exhibited higher rates of nitrogenase activity than those not treated with the herbicide. The enhanced nitrogenase activity in propanil-treated soils was associated with a rise in the population of purple sulfur bacteria, especially of cells resembling Chromatium and Thiospirillum. By employing propanil and a means of excluding light from the floodwater to prevent the development of phototrophs during rice growth under lowland conditions, the relative activities of blue-green algae, photosynthetic bacteria, and the rhizosphere microflora were determined. The results suggest that the potential contribution of photosynthetic bacteria may be quite high.
A knowledge-based system for selecting development methodologies

The effectiveness of a methodology/technique greatly depends upon its intended application. The framework of selection and evaluation of methodologies and techniques for the target application is constructed using mathematical models. A prototype system, PHASE/sup 0/, based on this framework, is constructed by using the weight metric as kernel knowledge representation. Domain-independent application features are reported, as are the inherent relationships between methodologies and techniques. >
Restreaming graph partitioning: simple versatile algorithms for advanced balancing

Partitioning large graphs is difficult, especially when performed in the limited models of computation afforded to modern large scale computing systems. In this work we introduce restreaming graph partitioning and develop algorithms that scale similarly to streaming partitioning algorithms yet empirically perform as well as fully offline algorithms. In streaming partitioning, graphs are partitioned serially in a single pass. Restreaming partitioning is motivated by scenarios where approximately the same dataset is routinely streamed, making it possible to transform streaming partitioning algorithms into an iterative procedure. This combination of simplicity and powerful performance allows restreaming algorithms to be easily adapted to efficiently tackle more challenging partitioning objectives. In particular, we consider the problem of stratified graph partitioning, where each of many node attribute strata are balanced simultaneously. As such, stratified partitioning is well suited for the study of network effects on social networks, where it is desirable to isolate disjoint dense subgraphs with representative user demographics. To demonstrate, we partition a large social network such that each partition exhibits the same degree distribution in the original graph --- a novel achievement for non-regular graphs. As part of our results, we also observe a fundamental difference in the ease with which social graphs are partitioned when compared to web graphs. Namely, the modular structure of web graphs appears to motivate full offline optimization, whereas the locally dense structure of social graphs precludes significant gains from global manipulations.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate: a novel chemotherapy regimen.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is rare, accounting for 0.2% to 0.6% of all cases of prostate cancer.1 Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate appears to be much more aggressive than adenocarcinoma, and afflicted patients have a dismal prognosis, with an average survival of about 6 months.1 We report on a patient with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate that responded well to a combination of surgery, irradiation and novel adjuvant chemotherapy. At 18-month followup the patient was without evidence of recurrence. CASE REPORT A 71-year-old white man presented with painless hematuria. The patient denied any dysuria, frequency, urgency or hesitancy. He was noted to have undergone transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia in 1990. Physical examination revealed a 2 firm symmetrical prostate with no palpable nodules. Routine urinalysis and excretory urography were normal. Cystourethroscopy showed an edematous friable injected mucosa in the prostatic urethra. The bladder was normal on examination. The patient underwent repeat transurethral prostatectomy, which yielded 30 gm. prostate tissue. Microscopic examination of the resected tissue demonstrated well to moderately well differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma (see figure). Clinical staging with chest x-ray; computerized tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis; and bone scan revealed no evidence of metastatic disease. The patient subsequently underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Pathological examination of the prostate specimen showed moderately differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical margins were positive at the membranous urethra. There was no evidence of involvement of the seminal vesicles, bladder or lymph nodes. The patient was administered chemotherapy consisting of 6 cycles of mitoxantrone (10 mg./m. 2 ) and cisplatin (60 mg./m. 2 ) followed by external beam radiotherapy (2,520 cGy.) to the prostate bed. He tolerated the chemotherapy and irradiation well. At 18-month followup he was without evidence of disease. DISCUSSION
Isolation of a murine copper transporter gene, tissue specific expression and functional complementation of a yeast copper transport mutant

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based strategy was used to isolate a mouse cDNA (mCtr1) encoding a Cu transport protein. The deduced mCtr1 protein sequence exhibits 92% identity to human Ctr1, and has structural features in common with known high aYnity Cu transporters from yeast. The expression of mouse Ctr1 functionally complements baker’s yeast cells defective in high aYnity Cu transport. Characterization of the mCtr1 genomic clone showed that the mCtr1 coding sequence is encompassed within four exons and that the mCtr1 locus maps to chromosome band 4C1‐2. RNA blotting analysis demonstrated that mCtr1 is ubiquitously expressed, with high levels in liver and kidney, and early in embryonic development. Steady state mammalian Ctr1 mRNA levels were not changed in response to cellular Cu availability, which is distinct from the highly Cu-regulated transcription of genes encoding yeast high aYnity Cu transporters. These studies provide fundamental information for further investigations on the function and regulation of Ctr1 in Cu acquisition in mammals. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The short-run impact of oil windfalls in low-income countries: a DSGE approach

We use a multi-sector dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model—calibrated to the Ghanaian economy—to analyse the short-term impact of oil windfalls in low-income countries (LICs) and the role of various fiscal and monetary policy responses. The model includes limited access to international capital markets, limited participation by residents in the domestic financial system and limited labour mobility across sectors, features that are pervasive in these countries. Relative to developed countries, oil windfalls are likely to have larger aggregate demand pressures. A policy of fiscal smoothing—associated with a sovereign wealth fund—can help achieve macroeconomic stability and improve welfare. On the other hand, accumulation of reserves in response to the windfall— without fiscal backing—can crowd out the private sector and reduce welfare. These findings highlight the importance of policy coordination for the macroeconomic effects of oil proceeds in LICs.
A teletraffic simulator for circuit switched and signaling intelligent network with SS7

A CSIM-based teletraffic simulator originally designed for a circuit switched network was expanded to simulate SS7 (Signaling System Number 7) and intelligent networks. The authors describe the design paradigm of the simulator and how it achieves the performance measurement of and planning for hybrid networks. The modeling techniques for the circuit switched network, the signaling network, and the intelligent network are discussed separately. >
Clinical studies of the effect of blood storage on patient outcomes

It is indisputable that there are numerous biochemical, structural, inflammatory, and physiologic changes in stored red cells, sometimes referred to collectively as the "red cell storage lesion". It remains controversial however whether any of these changes have clinical relevance and actually impact the clinical outcomes in transfused patients. More than 25 published clinical studies have evaluated the effects of red blood cell storage on patient outcomes. The majority of studies are non-randomized observational studies with methodologic limitations described in this review. These studies do however provide equipoise to support the ethical conduct of the large, definitive randomized clinical trials which are now underway.
The identification of percolation and mechanical thresholds during the compaction of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: Comparison to thresholds determined from out-of-die indentation experiments

Abstract Percolation theory was utilized in the interpretation of the dependence of indentation hardness and modulus on the solid fraction of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose compacts. Both out-of-die property measurements were obtained using a previously described indentation technique. These properties exhibited similar transition ranges: a bond percolation threshold at P ∼ 0.1, a rigidity threshold at P ∼ 0.3 and a brittle-ductile transition at P ∼ 0.6−0.7 where P is the solid fraction normalized by the reference relative density or tapped relative density. Moreover, the sensitivity to normalized solid fraction was also similar above and below the rigidity threshold. The sensitivity above the brittle-ductile transition, however, was quite different and may be related to the different mechanical properties which are manifested in these measurements. The bond percolation threshold and the brittle-ductile transition were also observed during powder compaction in a rotary press. The appearance of these transitions in measurements of both vastly different time scales as well as mechanical displacement provides additional evidence supporting the application of percolation theory in mechanical property and compaction analysis.
Tracing the cascade of children's insecurity in the interparental relationship: the role of stage-salient tasks.

This study examined whether children’s difficulties with stage-salient tasks served as an explanatory mechanism in the pathway between their insecurity in the interparental relationship and their disruptive behavior problems. Using a multimethod, multi-informant design, 201 two-year-old children and their mothers participated in 3 annual measurement occasions. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that coder ratings of children’s insecure responses to interparental conflict from a maternal interview predicted observer ratings of their difficulties with stage-salient tasks (i.e., emotion regulation, autonomy, resourceful problem solving) 1 year later after controlling for initial stage-salient task performance. Stage-salient task difficulties, in turn, predicted experimenter reports of children’s behavior problems 1 year later. Associations remained robust in the broader context of other pathways hypothesized in prevailing developmental cascade models.
Entity overloading for mixed-signal abstraction in VHDL

In this paper we propose to extend VHDL with entity overloading. With a minimal change to existing VHDL, entity overloading provides a strong support for mixed-signal, mixed-level, and mixed-domain abstractions. It is particularly promising in resolving some issues in VHDL-A language design. Furthermore, we illustrate that, entity overloading can be combined with certain modeling rules to achieve polymorphic netlist.
A NOTE ON THE EFFECT OF SIMPLE TOPOGRAPHY ON SEISMIC SH WAVES

Abstract Finite difference calculations for SH -motion, as well as field observations, show that topography can have significant effects on seismic waves when the incident wavelengths are comparable to the size of the topographic features and the topographic slopes are relatively steep. These effects are frequency-dependent and can range from amplification to deamplification at a given site. For the models considered in this paper, amplifications of 75 per cent as compared to motions produced in regions of no topography were found. A qualitative discussion of the strong-motion accelerogram recorded at Pacoima Dam from the San Fernando earthquake of February 9, 1971, suggests that the recorded accelerations could, at any period, be expected to differ by 25 to 50 per cent from those that would have been recorded if no topographic features were present. The complex terrain precludes a prediction of the actual magnitude or sign of the difference. The present results are probably most significant from the viewpoint of engineering seismology, for the conditions required for a significant topographic effect are most likely to occur in the period range of engineering interest.
From student to superhero: Situational primes shape future helping ☆

The present research uses priming techniques to modify commitment to and engagement in future helping behavior. Relative to a control condition, people primed with the exemplar Superman saw themselves as less likely (Studies 1a and 1b), and participants primed with the category superhero saw themselves as more likely (Study 1a), to help in hypothetical situations. Study 2 extended these effects to real-world planned helping behavior, by demonstrating that these primes impacted commitment to future volunteerism. Finally, Study 3 showed that these changes in initial commitment impacted volunteering behavior up to three months after initial exposure. These results demonstrate that fleeting situational primes can impact not only spontaneous behavior, but also future behavior.
Altered patterns of MDM2 and TP53 expression in human bladder cancer

Background The TP53 gene maps to the short arm of chromosome 17 (17p13.1) and encodes for a nuclear phosphoprotein of 53 kd (p53) involved in cell cycle control. The MDM2 gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 12 (12q13-14), and it encodes for a nuclear protein (Mdm2) of 90 kd of molecular mass. Genetic alterations in the TP53 gene have been reported as frequent events in bladder cancer and are associated with disease progression. The MDM2 gene has been shown to be amplified and overexpressed in sarcomas; however, these changes have not yet been analyzed in neoplastic lesions of the urinary bladder. Purpose We undertook the present study in order to determine the frequency of MDM2 and TP53 abnormalities in bladder tumors, as well as to examine the clinical relevance of identifying their altered patterns of expression in patients affected with bladder cancer. Methods We analyzed a cohort of 87 patients affected by bladder tumors. Altered patterns of expression of Mdm2 proteins were determined using an immunohistochemical assay with monoclonal antibody 2A10, and MDM2 gene amplifications were studied by Southern blotting. Mutant p53 proteins were identified using monoclonal antibody PAb1801. The presence of intragenic mutations in the TP53 gene were assessed utilizing single-strand conformation polymorphism and further characterized by sequencing. Associations were assessed statistically by the two-tailed Fisher's exact test. Results Twenty-six of 87 cases had abnormally high levels of Mdm2 proteins; however, only one case showed an MDM2 amplification. Thirty-six of 87 cases displayed p53 nuclear overexpression. Sixteen cases had abnormally high levels of both Mdm2 and p53 proteins. There was a strong statistical association between Mdm2 and p53 overexpression (Fisher's exact test: P = .018). Moreover, there was a striking association between Mdm2 overexpression and low-stage, low-grade bladder tumors (Fisher's exact test: P = .0005). Conclusions The results suggest that aberrant Mdm2 and p53 phenotypes are frequent events in bladder cancer and may be involved in tumorigenesis or tumor progression in urothelial neoplasias. Implications This study is the first to report altered patterns of MDM2 expression in human bladder tumors and demonstrates that aberrant Mdm2 and p53 phenotypes may be important diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients affected by bladder cancer.
Regulation of Circadian Methyl Benzoate Emission in Diurnally and Nocturnally Emitting Plants

Emission of methyl benzoate, one of the most abundant scent compounds of bee-pollinated snapdragon flowers, occurs in a rhythmic manner, with maximum emission during the day, and coincides with the foraging activity of bumblebees. Rhythmic emission of methyl benzoate displays a “free-running” cycle in the absence of environmental cues (in continuous dark or continuous light), indicating the circadian nature of diurnal rhythmicity. Methyl benzoate is produced in upper and lower snapdragon petal lobes by enzymatic methylation of benzoic acid in the reaction catalyzed by S-adenosyl-l-methionine:benzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (BAMT). When a detailed time-course analysis of BAMT activity in upper and lower petal lobes during a 48-hr period was performed, high BAMT activity was found at night as well as in continuous darkness, indicating that the BAMT activity is not an oscillation-determining factor. Analysis of the level of benzoic acid during a 24-hr period revealed oscillations in the amount of benzoic acid during the daily light/dark cycle that were retained in continuous darkness. These data clearly show that the total amount of substrate (benzoic acid) in the cell is involved in the regulation of the rhythmic emission of methyl benzoate. Our results also suggest that similar molecular mechanisms are involved in the regulation of methyl benzoate production in diurnally (snapdragon) and nocturnally (tobacco and petunia) emitting plants.