cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a unification of unified theories of biodiversity

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 627–642 Abstract A unified theory in science is a theory that shows a common underlying set of rules that regulate processes previously thought to be distinct. Unified theories have been important in physics including the unification of electricity and magnetism and the unification of the electromagnetic with the weak nuclear force. Surprisingly, ecology, specifically the subfields of biodiversity and macroecology, also possess not one but at least six unified theories. This is problematic as only one unified theory is desirable. Superficially, the six unified theories seem very different. However, I show that all six theories use the same three rules or assertions to describe a stochastic geometry of biodiversity. The three rules are: (1) intraspecifically individuals are clumped together; (2) interspecifically global or regional abundance varies according to a hollow curve distribution; and (3) interspecifically individuals are placed without regard to individuals of other species. These three rules appear sufficient to explain local species abundance distributions, species–area relationships, decay of similarity of distance and possibly other patterns of biodiversity. This provides a unification of the unified theories. I explore implications of this unified theory for future research.
Nutrient limitation of juvenile trees in a northern hardwood forest: Calcium and nitrate are preeminent

Nitrogen (N) has historically been considered the most important mineral nutrient affecting performance of saplings in transitional northern hardwood forest of eastern North America, but recent attention has focused on the role of exchangeable soil calcium. Relative limitation by these factors may be changing because of enrichment of soil N from atmospheric deposition, and concomitant depletion of soil calcium due to leaching by acidic precipitation. We conducted a fertilization experiment to determine the relative importance of calcium, other base cations, several forms of nitrogen, and aluminum toxicity for the growth of saplings in a forest in northeastern Connecticut, USA. Five broadleaved deciduous and one needle-leaved evergreen species were examined; two of the broadleaved species are most abundant on fertile soil patches, and the other four are most abundant on the more prevalent low-fertility soils. Fertilizer was applied over 3 years to naturally established plants growing across the fertility gradient, and likelihood methods were used to determine whether light-dependent growth rate was affected. Of the two species that occur most frequently on fertile soils, one species responded most strongly to calcium application, and the other to nitrate. Of the four species of poorer soils, one responded to both calcium and ammonium, and the other three showed little response to any soil factor. The results suggest that calcium and nitrogen are of equal importance in determining juvenile growth across the suite of canopy tree species in transitional northern hardwood forest. The strong response of species occurring most commonly on fertile soils is suggestive of fundamental niche differentiation mode of community organization. Ongoing processes of atmospheric nitrogen deposition and soil calcium depletion from acidic precipitation may change competitive relationships of the canopy tree community of northern hardwood forests.
Sample storage impact on the assimilable organic carbon (AOC) bioassay

Abstract The effects of sample storage on the assimilable organic carbon (AOC) bioassay using Pseudomonas fluorescens strain P17 and Spirillum strain NOX have not been fully quantified to date, and in the current Standard Method, it is stated that samples can “probably be held for several days” (Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, ed. A. D. Eaton, L. S. Clesceri, A. E. Greenberg, 19th Edn., (1995)). Experiments were performed by splitting 22 samples after chlorine residual neutralization and pasteurization at 70°C for 30 min, and holding one half of the replicate samples at 4°C for one week prior to analysis. The majority of the samples were taken from a local water treatment plant and distribution system with source water from the deep Floridan aquifer. The others were taken from the laboratory tap water, whose source was also the Floridan aquifer. All collected samples were tested for effects due to storage, with each sample tested for AOC as soon as possible while an identical replicate was stored for one week. After one week, the AOC of the held samples was also determined. By comparing the AOC of samples that were not stored with samples that were stored, it was observed that after one week of storage, the AOC of the stored identical sample replicates increased by approximately 65%. This was determined to result from BOM (biodegradable organic matter) fermentation to AOC by a yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. Of the 22 samples tested, only four displayed no significant change in AOC and none displayed a significant decrease in AOC. It was then determined that samples heat treated at 70°C for 30 min could be stored for less than 2 days, but a modified pasteurization of 72°C for 30 min immediately followed by an ice bath for 30 min allowed storage for at least 7 days without significant changes in AOC.
Precipitation variability associated with the North American Monsoon in the 20th century

[1] An analysis of century-long precipitation data shows that the interseasonal and continental-scale variations of precipitation anomalies associated with interannual variations of the North American Monsoon (NAM) are notably different between the two periods of 1901–1962 and 1963–1994. In Arizona-New Mexico (AZ-NM), wet (dry) summers are preceded by dry (wet) winters only after 1962. Another characteristic of the NAM variability, a summer rainfall pattern of wetter (drier) AZ-NM, and drier (wetter) Great Plains (GP), is observed only after 1962, as well. The strongest contrast in summer rainfall anomalies appears between AZ-NM and the southeastern U.S. for 1901–1962, while it appears between AZ-NM and the GP for 1963–1994. For the period after 1962, the precipitation variability obtained here show the same features found in earlier studies. Causes of the observed changes in the precipitation characteristics around 1960 are not clear due to a lack of large–scale atmospheric and oceanic data before 1950.
Evaluation of an empirical traction equation for forestry tires

Abstract Variable load test data were used to evaluate the applicability of an existing forestry tire traction model for a new forestry tire and a worn tire of the same size with and without tire chains in a range of soil conditions. The clay and sandy soils ranged in moisture content from 17 to 28%. Soil bulk density varied between 1.1 and 1.4g cm −3 with cone index values between 297 and 1418 kPa for a depth of 140 mm. Two of the clay soils had surface cover or vegetation, the other clay soil and the sandy soil had no surface cover. Tractive performance data were collected in soil bins using a single tire test vehicle with the tire running at 20% slip. A non-linear curve fitting technique was used to optimize the model by fitting it to collected input torque data by modifying the coefficients of the traction model equations. Generally, this procedure resulted in improved prediction of input torque, gross traction ratio and net traction ratio. The predicted tractive performance using the optimized coefficients showed that the model worked reasonably well on bare, uniform soils with the new tire. The model was flexible and could be modified to predict tractive performance of the worn tire with and without chains on the bare homogeneous soils. The model was not adequate for predicting tractive performance on less uniform soils with a surface cover for any of the tire treatments.
Treatment-related fatigue and serum interleukin-1 levels in patients during external beam irradiation for prostate cancer

To define changes in sleep and subjective fatigue associated with localized radiation treatment, and to determine their relationship to interleukin-1B (IL-1), we prospectively followed 15 men, none of whom were depressed during 8 wk of radiation treatment for localized prostate cancer. Each patient rated fatigue daily on a visual analogue scale, recorded hours slept, and completed the Beck Depression Inventory weekly. Serum IL-1, taken at baseline and Fridays, was measured by quantitative enzyme immunoassay. Ranked weekly mean fatigue scores for each subject increased at week 4 (mean, 17 fractions, 1.8 Gy) then plateaued and rose in weeks 6 and 7. In week 6, the last week of full volume radiation, subjects slept most compared to all other weeks including week 7 when treatment was coned down. Ranked serum IL-1 tended to rise between weeks 1 and 4, as fatigue scores rose. These data suggest that localized radiation treatment is associated with increased fatigue and sleep requirement independent of depressive symptoms. Relative serum IL-1 changes may be one signal for the systemic reaction and subjective fatigue associated with the acute effects of radiation.
Chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: effects of insulin-like growth factor-I treatment on clinical deficits, lesion severity, glial responses, and blood brain barrier defects.

Chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (crEAE), a model for multiple sclerosis. was used to test 2 regimens of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) treatment. We induced crEAE by injecting 3x0 7 myelin basic protein-(MBP) sensitized lymph node cells into adult female SJL/J mice. Fifty-one mice, divided randomly into 4 groups, were used in the first trial. Two groups received IGF-I (a gift of Cephalon, Inc.) 0.6 mg/kg/d subcutaneously from day 7 to day 16 and the other two groups received placebo injections. IGF-I treatment reduced clinical deficits during the first attack and during 2 subsequent relapses. Image analysis of immunostained and histological sections showed that IGF-I treatment reduced BBB defects and both the numbers and sizes of inflammatory, demyelinating, and demyelinated lesions. Twelve mice that had recovered from their first attack were used in our second trial to evaluate possible adverse effects of prolonged treatment with a higher dose of IGF-I. Six received 1.2 mg/kg/d for 6 weeks (days 19-63). No adverse effects of IGF-I treatment were identified. The eyes, hearts, livers, and kidneys of IGF-I-treated mice were normal histologically and their spleens also appeared normal except for mild to moderate microscopic increases in lymphopoesis. Our results suggest that prolonged IGF-I treatment is well tolerated and that the anti-inflammatory effects of IGF-I have a major role in reducing clinical deficits and lesion severity in crEAE. These effects. if present in multiple sclerosis. may benefit patients with this disease.
Cytogenetics of childhood acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract Interest in more precise subclassification of the acute leukemias by cytogenetic criteria led us to identify and characterize the full range of chromosomal abnormalities in 121 children with de novo acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). Only 21% of the cases had normal karyotypes; 62% had consistent or recurrent alterations, most commonly inv(16) or del(16), t(8;21), t(15;17), t(9;11), t(11;V) or del(11), and −7 or 7q−; and 17% had miscellaneous, apparently random, clonal abnormalities. Statistically significant associations between chromosomal abnormalities and the morphologic/cytochemical subtypes of ANLL, defined by criteria of the French-American-British (FAB) cooperative group were demonstrated for the t(8;21) in M1 and M2 leukemia, t(15;17) in M3, t(9;11) in M5, and translocations involving 11q23 other than t(9;11) [t(11;V)] or del(11q) in M4 and M5. The chromosome 16 inversion was not restricted to the M4 subtype, as is generally reported, and was not uniformly associated with increased and/or abnormal marrow eosinophils. None of these 121 cases were characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome, nor did any have the t(6;9), t(16;16), or inv(3), which have been noted previously in this disease. In addition to confirming several recognized correlations between recurrent structural chromosome abnormalities and FAB subtypes, this study identified novel abnormalities that have not been reported by others. It also disclosed an unusual heterogeneity of chromosome 16 abnormalities with respect to their distribution among FAB subtypes, their association with marrow eosinophilia, and their participation with other chromosomes in translocations.
Diurnal variations in pituitary gonadotropin content and in gonadal response to exogenous gonadotropin and prolactin in Notemigonus crysoleucas

Diurnal variations in pituitary gonadotropin content were determined in the golden shiner, Notemigonus crysoleucas. In fish maintained on a 15-5L/8-5D–15°C regime, a pronounced circadian variation in pituitary gonadotropin potency was observed, the gonadotropin content being minimal early and maximal late during the light phase. Little temporal variation was seen in fish exposed to a 9L/15D–15°C regime. The effects of gonadotropin and prolactin treatment on gonadal activity in N. crysoleucas were also investigated. Salmon gonadotropin was effective in stimulating an increased rate of gonadal development when given early during the light phase in fish maintained on a 15.5L/8-5D–15°C regime; injections of gonadotropin given late in the light phase failed to accelerate gonadal growth. Regardless of time of injection, ovine luteinizing hormone accelerated gonadal growth in fish maintained on a 9L/15D–15°C regime. Ovine prolactin retarded gonadal development in fish exposed to a 15.5L/8-5D–24°C regime, independent of injection time. In fish maintained on a 15.5L/8-5D–15°C regime, injections of prolactin given early, but not late, during the light phase repressed gonadal maturation. These data show that under certain photoperiod-temperature conditions there is a temporal aspect to responsiveness to exogenous hormone treatment.
Public law 99-457: New opportunities to serve young children with special needs

In October 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-457, the 1986 Amendments to the Education for All the Handicapped Act. Building on its predecessor, P.L. 94-142, which mandated special education programs for children 6 to 21 years of age and provided incentive grants to serve children from the age of 3 years, this new law represents the first major federal legislation affecting early intervention. In addition to rePlacing the preschool incentive grants with a national mandate that all handicapped children be served from the age of 3 years, these amendments further extend P.L. 94-142 by offering states the option to serve handicapped or developmentally delayed children from birth to 3 years of age. The law provides financial support to state governments to assist them in developing and implementing services for handicapped infants and toddlers, and, perhaps most importantly, it requires states to begin, within 5 years, to serve all eligible handicapped children from birth to 3 years of age as a condition for receiving continued federal support. As federal regulations are being formulated and states actively begin to plan programs to establish or extend their early intervention services, it is imperative that all professional advocates for children, pediatricians and health care workers in particular, become familiar with P.L. 99-457 and the opportunities it presents for expanding services to infants and toddlers in need.
The Bearing of Comparative Analysis on Sociological Theory

Regardless of onie's field of interest withlini sociology (or social anthropology or social psychology), studies which explicitly and systemiiatically compare data from two or more societies can muake distinctive contributionis to theory. Four of these contributions are: (1) to broaden the range of variationi in variables, thereby requiring theory to explain more than it has heretofore: (2) to replicate studies donie in one society in other, similar societies; (3) to generalize propositions from one type of society to other types of societies; and (4) to specify apparently discrepanit findings from different societies by developing niew propositions which account for the originally discrepant findings. A number of comparative studies, drawn from the several hundred published siince 1950, and distributed througlh a wide variety of sub-fields of sociology, are codified in terms of these four kinids of contribution-is that coimiparative analysis can make to sociological theory.
Using computers in business writing classes

Shows how both instructors and students can benefit from business writing classes taught in computer classrooms. Instructors will see improvement in the quality of student work, and students will gain real knowledge of how business documents are created. To incorporate computers in the classroom, instructors first need to overcome the common objections to moving a class into a laboratory setting, including inadequate computer knowledge, and to learn what changes in classroom dynamics occur when a class is taught in a computer laboratory. Once they do this, they can enjoy a reduction in class preparation time, more freedom to conduct individual conferences with students, and increased student co‐operation.
Selective anodic desorption for assembly of different thiol monolayers on the individual electrodes of an array.

The close proximity of two individually addressable electrodes in an interdigitated array provides a unique platform for electrochemical study of multicatalytic processes. Here, we report a “plug-a...
Homograft replacement of the aortic valve and root as a functional unit

Abstract Homograft replacement of the aortic valve has inherent advantages for the patient in terms of decreased incidence of thromboembolism, endocarditis, and anticoagulation-related complications. Limitations in its use stem from a significant incidence of postoperative aortic regurgitation, related to difficulty with consistent commissural and sinotubular geometry when inserted in the subcoronary position. To minimize this complication, we used a homograft as a functional unit in 71 patients between 1986 and May 1993, either as a root replacement (n = 58) or as an intraaortic inclusion cylinder (n = 13). There were 4 pulmonary and 67 aortic homografts. Mean age of the 16 female and 55 male patients was 42 ± 19 years (range, 0.6 to 84 years). Thirty patients had predominantly aortic regurgitation, 19 aortic stenosis, 18 mixed aortic valve disease, and 4 primary aneurysmal disease. Eighteen (25.4%) had infective endocarditis. Thirty-five patients (49%) had a previous operation on the aortic valve. Hospital mortality was 14.1% ( 10 / 71 ), 0% for inclusion cylinders and 17.2% ( 10 / 58 ) for root replacements ( p = not significant). Recent follow-up was obtained in all hospital survivors. Mean follow-up period was 35 months (range, 1 to 81 months). There were six late deaths, 1 / 13 for inclusion cylinders and 5 / 48 for root replacements. Actuarial survival at 5 years was 74.9% ± 5.6%. Reoperation was required in 3 patients (all with root replacements), 1 for postoperative endocarditis, 1 for left coronary ostial obstruction, and 1 for late onset of aortic dilatation and regurgitation (pulmonary homograft used as a root replacement). Two patients currently have asymptomatic greater than 2 / 4 aortic regurgitation. Freedom from significant aortic regurgitation was 88% ± 7% at 6-year follow-up. More consistent maintenance of the sinotubular and commissural geometry of the aortic homograft may be achieved with the root replacement or the inclusion cylinder techniques. This may reduce the incidence of postoperative aortic reurgitation and further benefit the patient by reducing the need for reoperation in the future.
Effect of food on high-dose oral ganciclovir disposition in HIV-positive subjects.

The effect of food on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of ganciclovir following high-dose oral ganciclovir in HIV- and CMV-seropositive subjects was investigated in an open-label, randomized, two-treatment crossover study. Over 2 consecutive weeks, subjects received in random order multiple oral doses of ganciclovir 2,000 mg tid for 3 consecutive days either on an "empty stomach " (i.e., at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or snack) or within 30 minutes of finishing a meal. For the 3 days of dosing each week, the breakfast consisted of a standardized 602 calorie, high-fat (46.5%) meal, while the contents of lunch, dinner, and snacks met American Dietetic Association recommendations (25%-35% fat). Serial blood samples over 24 hours were obtained on day 3 of each regimen over the first dosing interval. When ganciclovir was administered within 30 minutes following the breakfast, there was a mean increase of 110.6% +/- 79.0% and 114.1% +/- 81.7% in Cmax0-5 and AUC0-5, respectively, with a prolongation of mean Tmax from 1.8 to 2.7 hours. Over the total day of dosing, there was a mean increase of 47.6% +/- 12.3% and 97.2% +/- 30.9% in Cmax0-24 and AUC0-24, respectively, and a 36.0% +/- 18.0% decrease in half-life when doses were taken following a meal as compared to when taken on an empty stomach. Since food increases the systemic availability of ganciclovir, it is recommended that patients be instructed to take each dose of ganciclovir with food.
Color and the Mind-Body Problem

Other philosophical traditions can offer a new perspective on our own ingrained and prejudicial habits of thinking. The insular, decontextualized, acultural analytic philosophy of today, with its emphasis on language, truth, and logic, needs to adopt a more pluralistic approach. In particular, philosophical traditions in other possible worlds have been systematically ignored. So, as a start on rectifying this omission, let us examine the dominant philosophy of mind and language in a possible world not so far from our own.
Improving Maternal and Child Health Across the Life Course: Where Do We Go from Here?

In 2003 when Dr. Halfon and I published a commentary in this journal calling for a reconceptualization of racial– ethnic disparities in birth outcomes from a life-course perspective [1], few people in maternal and child health (MCH) were talking about life course. While certainly not new, it was hailed in an accompanying editorial as ‘‘a start in a new paradigm’’ in MCH [2]. The past decade has witnessed major advancements in the development of the life course theory and its application to MCH research, practice, and policy. In this issue, Halfon et al. [3] summarized new advances in the theory of life course health development (‘‘LCHD 2.0’’), while other articles provide a sample of the many innovative applications in our field. There are now websites, toolboxes, resource guides, and a research network devoted to MCH life course, and the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration is now using the life course theory as a strategic planning framework, guiding the work of the Bureau and its grantees and partners over the next decade [4]. There has been a paradigm shift in MCH, and as proclaimed in an editorial in 2009, ‘‘[t]he life course has come of age’’ [5]. So where do we go from here? The collection of articles in this issue of the MCH Journal provides a good roadmap. In this editorial, I will offer three further suggestions for how to advance life course research, practice, and policy in MCH. In research, we need to move beyond discovery to intervention research. In practice, we need to move from isolated to collective impact. In policy, we need to move beyond paying for remediation to investing in capacity formation.
Molecular distributions in polycondensations involving unlike reactants. IV. Intra-branch distributions arising in the crosslinking of perfect networks

Varoius types of condensation polymerization systems are considered which yield perfect networks (no unattaced chain ends). The distributions of chain lengths between branch points and the branching functionality are considered. Three systems are considered in datail: ISimple Gelation Systems. IISystems coupled prior to crosslinking. AInfinitely long coupled chains. BFinite-length coupled chains. It is shown that most of the chain length distributions are nearly geometrical. Two exceptions are noted, systems involving Poisson-distribution prepolymer, and those involving very unsymmetrical reactants. It is noted that the branching functionality is quite different in the three systems, with systems II-B giving essentially uniform trifunctional branching. Examples of physically realizable systems which correspond to the theoretical models are briefly noted and discussed.
Optimal practical stabilization and controllability of systems with Markovian jumps

Abstract Classical Lyapunov theory provides only qualitative type of information from the concept of stability. If one is interested not only in the qualitative behavior but also in the quantitative data, such as specific trajectory bounds and specific transient behavior then practical stability is very useful. In this paper, the practical stabilization is investigated for continuous-time nonlinear systems with Markovian jumps using vector Lyapunov methods. The stabilization is posed in terms of the vector Lyapunov-like function techniques which together with comparison principle allows us to compute the stabilizing controller. Sufficient conditions are established for practical stability criteria in the p th mean under less restrictive conditions compared to the Lyapunov stability for nonlinear systems with Markovian jump perturbations. Finally, controllability and optimal practical stabilization based on the HJB equation are established. Two numerical examples are given to show the fruitfulness of our results.
The use of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to provide post-operative analgesia in the dog

Electromagnetic field therapy has been used in human and veterinary medicine to promote tissue healing and alleviate a variety of chronic medical conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PEMF therapy (0.5 Hz delivered in a continuous cycle of 20-minutes on then 20-minutes off) on post-operative pain in dogs. Sixteen healthy dogs weighing 19.8 ± 6.2 kg (mean ± SD) and aged 15.4 ± 10.7 months were evaluated following routine ovariohysterectomy. Anesthesia consisted of atropine (0.04 mg kg−1 SQ), acepromazine (0.02 mg kg−1 SQ), fentanyl (0.01 mg kg−1 SQ), thiopental to effect (10–15 mg kg−1 IV) and maintenance with halothane. Pain score (numeric rating scale, 0–28), heart rate, respiratory rate, indirect mean arterial pressure (MAP) and body temperature were evaluated before anesthetic premedication, at extubation, 30 minutes after extubation and then hourly for 6 hours. Following extubation, dogs were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups with four dogs per group: (1) PEMF off, 0.9% NaCl IV; (2) PEMF on, 0.9% NaCl IV; (3) PEMF off, morphine 0.25 mg kg−1 IV; (4) PEMF on, morphine 0.25 mg kg−1 IV. One observer, who was unaware of treatment, obtained behavioral observations and physiological data. Due to the small sample size, data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis with significance considered with p < 0.05. Pain score in group 4 [1.5, 0–5 (median, range)] was significantly less than group 1 (8, 6–13) at 30 minutes, but not different from group 2 (5.5, 4–7) or 3 (4.5, 2–9). Significant differences in MAP occurred at 300 minutes (groups 3 and 4 less than group 1) and at 360 minutes (group 4 less than groups 1 and 2). These results suggest that PEMF may augment analgesia following ovariohysterectomy in dogs and that further study of the analgesic effects of PEMF is warranted.
A Divalent Protecting Group for Benzoxaboroles

1-Dimethylamino-8-methylaminonaphthalene is put forth as a protecting group for benzoxaboroles. The ensuing complex is fluorescent, charge-neutral, highly stable under basic conditions, stable to anhydrous acid, and readily cleavable in aqueous acid to return the free benzoxaborole.
Effects of prolonged interintromission delays on the copulatory behavior of the male golden hamster

When male hamsters were forced to delay copulation for 60 sec after the first intromission, the total number of intromissions required to produce ejaculation was significantly decreased. However, if a 60-sec delay was imposed after each intromission, the frequency of intromissions to ejaculation was significantly increased. Both delay conditions significantly reduced the postejaculatory interval following the first ejaculation. These results were compared to the effects of enforcing interintromission delays on the male rat, as reported in previous studies, and the similarities and differences between the two species were noted. An attempt was made to account for the present results in terms of an interaction between a central excitatory mechanism and a peripheral excitatory mechanism.
Selective non-adsorption preparative chromatography of bovine immunoglobulin G1

Abstract Bovine immunoglobulin G1 (IgGI) was purified from blood serum by isocratic elution through a mixed-bed ion-exchange column at low ionic strength. Selection of a mobile phase pH near the isoelectric point of IgG precluded its binding to the strong cation- and anion-exchange sorbents and allowed IgGI to be eluted isocratically. Under these conditions most of the other components in the serum sample were retained on the mixed-bed column. This approach gives excellent throughput and purity.
Mechanical system modelling using recurrent neural networks via quasi-Newton learning methods

Abstract This paper describes a set of efficient learning algorithms for recurrent neural networks (RNN) to facilitate the nonlinear modelling of mechanical systems. These learning algorithms are based on the quasi-Newton methods that estimate the inverse Hessian of an objective function from the gradient to enable Newton-like optimization algorithms. The simulation results with two Boolean functions indicate that the new algorithms based on the classical quasi-Newton methods are about two orders of magnitude faster than the steepest descent method. Furthermore, the learning algorithms based on the quasi-Newton with initial scaling and self-scaling are even more efficient than the classical quasi- Newton methods. For instance, the self-scaling method is three orders of magnitude faster than the steepest descent method. To validate the usefulness of the RNNs in nonlinear mechanical system modelling, RNNs are trained to emulate the step response of a robot arm and identify an adequate model of a 20 HP screw compressor from its operating data.
Monomialization of strongly prepared morphisms from nonsingular n-folds to surfaces

Monomialization of morphisms is the problem of transforming a mapping into a monomial mapping by blowing up a chain of nonsingular subvarieties in its domain and image. Some articles on this and related problems are [1–7]. Consider the following basic example. Let Φ :Ank →Ak be a morphism of affine spaces over field k. Then Φ is given by a collection of polynomials f1, . . . , fm in n variables: y1 = f1(x1, . . . , xn), .. ym = fm(x1, . . . , xn).
DETOUR: Delay- and Energy-Aware Multi-Path Routing in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Streaming real-time applications require the timely distribution of information in mobile ad-hoc and sensor networks. At the same time, such networks must operate energy-efficiently to maximize the lifetime of mobile devices and applications. In multi-hop networks, multiple communication paths between a single sender and receiver can be established, with varying real-time and energy characteristics of each path. This paper introduces the DETOUR (Delay- and Energy- aware mulTi- cOUrse Routing) protocol that applies feedback-driven path diversification, where traffic load is balanced across two or more paths to ensure both timeliness and energy-efficiency. We apply the (m,k) model for firm real-time communication to wireless networks, i.e., the protocol aims to meet at least m end-to- end deadlines out of k packet transmissions, thereby sacrificing additional improvement in latency in order to maximize the lifetime of the network by minimizing energy consumption. The experimental results of this paper show the protocols ability to reduce energy consumptions (up to 35%) while meeting the data streams firm real-time constraints.
Evidence that the major protein in rat sciatic nerve myelin is a glycoprotein.

Evidence is presented that the major protein of rat sciatic nerve myelin is a glycoprotein. When myelin proteins were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the major band which was stained with amido black–Coomassie blue was also stained with periodic acid-Schiff reagents for carbohydrate. Radioactive labelling of myelin in vivo with [3H]leucine and [14C]fucose, followed by electrophoresis of the proteins, indicated that with both isotopes the major labelled peak corresponded to the major stained band. In addition, a second smaller peak of [14C]fucose migrated ahead of the major peak. Delipidated myelin contained galactose, mannose, fucose and sialic acid.
Why physicians fail to tell patients a psychiatrist is coming.

Abstract A survey of 103 psychiatric referrals in a medical center showed that 68% of the patients had not been informed by their physicians that psychiatric consultations had been requested for them. To understand this phenomenon, the authors inter viewed the patients, their referring physicians, and a random sample of 30 other physicians. The most prevalent reason for the physicians’ failure to inform their patients about psychiatric re ferrals was the physicians’ misperception that laymen have negative attitudes toward psychiatry. In fact, approximately two thirds of the patients had positive or uncommitted attitudes about the psychiatric interviews before they occurred. Imparting psychological skills to referring physicians would improve their preparation of patients for psychiatric consultation.
Calibration and evaluation of nitric acid and ammonia permeation tubes by UV optical absorption.

An ultraviolet (UV) optical absorption system has been developed for absolute calibrations of nitric acid (HNO3) and ammonia (NH3) permeation tube emission rates. Using this technique, dilute mixtures containing NH3 or HNO3, both of which interact strongly with many surfaces, are accurately measured at levels below a part per million by volume. This compact and portable instrument operates continuously and autonomously to rapidly (<1 h) quantify the emission of trace gases from permeation devices that are commonly used to calibrate air-monitoring instruments. The output from several HNO3 and NH3 permeation tubes, with emission rates that ranged between 13 and 150 ng/min, was examined as a function of temperature, pressure, and carrier gas flow. Absorptions of 0.015% can be detected which allows a precision (3σ) of ±1 ng/min for the HNO3 and NH3 permeation tubes studied here. The accuracy of the measurements, which relies on published UV absorption cross sections, is estimated to be ±10%. Measurements of p...
Molecular typing methodologies for microbial source tracking and epidemiological investigations of Gram-negative bacterial foodborne pathogens ☆

Gram-negative bacterial foodborne pathogens are a worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. The ability to carry out epidemiological investigations to determine the primary sources of bacterial contamination is important to improve public health. Multiple methods are available for bacterial source tracking and to determine the distribution of pathogens isolated from sick patients. The molecular based typing methods available fall into three general categories: those based on restriction analysis of the bacterial DNA; those based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of particular genetic targets; and those based on the identification of DNA sequence polymorphisms. The techniques that are examined in this review include: plasmid analysis, restriction fragment length polymorphism methods, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis, PCR-based genotyping, variable number of tandem repeat analysis, multilocus sequence typing, and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. These methods are described along with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques for genotyping the major Gram-negative foodborne pathogens--Campylobacter spp., Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp., Escherichia coli, and Yersinia enterocolitica.
Bayesian Confidence Intervals for Smoothing Splines

Abstract The frequency properties of Wahba's Bayesian confidence intervals for smoothing splines are investigated by a large-sample approximation and by a simulation study. When the coverage probabilities for these pointwise confidence intervals are averaged across the observation points, the average coverage probability (ACP) should be close to the nominal level. From a frequency point of view, this agreement occurs because the average posterior variance for the spline is similar to a consistent estimate of the average squared error and because the average squared bias is a modest fraction of the total average squared error. These properties are independent of the Bayesian assumptions used to derive this confidence procedure, and they explain why the ACP is accurate for functions that are much smoother than the sample paths prescribed by the prior. This analysis accounts for the choice of the smoothing parameter (bandwidth) using cross-validation. In the case of natural splines an adaptive method for avo...
Behavioral responses to ethanol in light and moderate social drinkers following naltrexone pretreatment

Abstract The opioid antagonist naltrexone has been shown to be effective in the treatment of alcoholism, possibly by dampening the subjective effects of ethanol. However, naltrexone does not consistently attenuate the effects of ethanol in social drinkers in laboratory-based challenge studies. In the present study, 25 healthy volunteers, who were either light drinkers (mean=3 drinks per week) or moderate drinkers (mean=16 drinks per week), participated in six evening sessions. At each session, subjects ingested a capsule containing naltrexone (25 or 50 mg) or placebo, and 1 hr later they consumed a beverage containing ethanol (0.25 g/kg, equivalent to about two standard alcoholic drinks) or placebo. Subjects received all combinations of pretreatments and beverages. They completed self-report mood questionnaires and psychomotor tests at regular intervals. This low dose of ethanol produced modest but significant effects on self-report measures such as ratings of feeling a drug effect and of liking the drug effect. However, naltrexone (25 or 50 mg) pretreatment had no dampening effect on subjects' responses to ethanol. These results indicate that acute doses of naltrexone that are effective when administered chronically to alcoholics do not attenuate the acute effects of a low dose of ethanol in non-problem drinkers.
In vivo hepatocyte transduction with retrovirus during in-flow occlusion

Abstract Gene therapy research would be facilitated by a technically simple procedure for transducing hepatocytes in vivo. Previously reported methods have employed partial hepatectomy followed 24 hr later by asanguineous perfusion of the regenerating liver with retrovirus. We have developed a simpler method of in vivo transduction in which we deliver an intraportal bolus of retrovirus to the regenerating rodent liver during a brief period of hepatic in-flow occlusion. On Day 0, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 19) underwent 70% hepatectomy to induce hepatocyte replication. On Day 1, retrovital supernatant was harvested from an amphotropic retroviral packaging cell line that packaged an LNL6-derived vector containing the cytomegaIovirus promoter driving expression of the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (βgal) gene. Twenty-four hours after partial hepatectomy, experimental rats (N = 17) received 6 × 105 colony-forming units of retrovirus by intraportal injection during a 3-min occlusion of the hepatic artery and portal vein. Control rats (N = 2) received intraportal medium (without retrovirus), also during in-flow occlusion. The procedure required 20-25 min, and the survival rate was 84%. Cryostat sections were prepared from liver biopsies obtained on Post-transduction Days 8 and 15 and stained with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β- d -galactopyranoside to detect βgal expression. Light microscopic examination of Day 8 sections from surviving experimental rats (N = 14) revealed 0.10-1.00% blue (i.e., transduced) hepatocytes per low power field, while sections from control rats (N = 2) exhibited no blue cells. Day 15 sections from experimental rats revealed a somewhat lower frequency of hepatocytes expressing βgal. We conclude that retroviral transduction during in-flow occlusion is a rapid, reliable, low-mortality method of attaining stable genetic modification of regenerating rodent hepatocytes.
Electric field computation on an insulating surface with discrete water droplets

Knowledge of the electric field along the external surface is a fundamental requirement for reliable assessment of electric discharge produced surface changes, degradation and flashover of outdoor insulation. Presented in this paper is a method of electric field computation on an insulating surface in the presence of discrete water droplets. The computational method is based on the charge simulation technique. The electric field intensification produced by water droplets is calculated and correlated with electric discharge activity that occurs on outdoor insulators under contaminated conditions. The results are useful for analyzing the performance of outdoor insulating devices, especially non-ceramic insulators, under contaminated conditions.
Office window of the future?: two case studies of an augmented window

METHOD We mounted an HDTV camera on top of a university building that over-looked a beautiful public plaza and fountain area on the campus and displayed the real-time image on 50” plasma displays in the participants’ interior, windowless offices. (See Figure 1). In these case studies, data was collected over a 17week period: 6 weeks with the interior office “as is”, 6 weeks with the plasma display, and 4 weeks following the removal of the plasma display. Across the 17 week period, each participant completed (a) 7 30–45 minute interviews, (b) 10 work satisfaction surveys, (c) 10 mood surveys, (d) 10 office perception surveys, (e) journal entries, and (f) responses to email queries. In this poster we report on the themes that emerged in two of the case studies: Nina, a 45-50 year-old, female Lecturer; and Daniel, a 30-35 year-old, male staff member.
Synthesis and characterization of tin telluride inorganic/organic composite materials with nanoscale periodicity through solution-phase self-assembly: a new class of composite materials based on Zintl cluster self-oligomerization

In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis of semiconducting tin telluride inorganic/organic composite materials with nanoscale periodicity prepared using solution phase self-assembly. Oligomerization of anionic SnTe 4 4− clusters by halogen-mediated tellurium elimination in the presence of surfactant leads to the formation of a meosotructured composite. The composites initially forms as a mixture of mesophases, usually some combination of a layered phase and a phase based on cylindrical building blocks. Post synthetic treatment leads to a solid-state structural change which converts the composites to a single mesophase architecture with a hexagonal honeycomb (p6mm) morphology on the nanometer length scale. A by product of this reaction, however, is bulk tellurium. Changes in the electronic structure of the materials during synthesis and solid-state restructuring are probed using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy.
Efficient Caching and Incrementalization of Object Queries on Collections in Programming Codes

Object oriented programming languages raised the level of abstraction by incorporating first class query constructs explicitly into program codes. These query constructs allow programmers to express operations over collections as object queries. They also provide optimal query execution, utilizing query optimization strategies from the database domain. However, when a query is repeated in the program, it is executed as a new query. Existing approaches, however, such as Java Query Language (JQL), which caches such query constructs on collections have high run time overhead. Therefore, this paper presents an approach to reduce the run time execution of programs involving explicit queries by caching the results of repeated queries while incrementally maintaining the cached results. We performed the pattern matching of both queries and updates at compile time. We propose several cache heuristics that determine not only which queries to cache but also when to stop the incremental maintenance of cached query results. We also propose a method for the incremental maintenance of cached results of queries by handling different types of update operations such as addition, removal of objects from the collections and field value modifications of the object states. We incorporated cache replacement policies that replace the queries from the cache when the cache size is full. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approaches of caching and incrementalization have reduced execution times for the programs with object queries on collections when compared with earlier approaches such as JQL.
Effects of serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists on offensive aggression in mice

The effects of serotonin receptor agonists 5-methoxytryptamine and quipazine, and antagonist mianserin on resident-intruder offensive aggression were investigated. Both agonists reduced aggression. The fact that 5-methoxytryptamine preferentially binds to 5-HT-1 receptors strongly suggest that the decreased aggression with S-methoxytryptamine was related to stimulation of an inhibitory 5-HT-1 receptor. It is also suggested that the reduction in aggression with quipazine was related to quipazine's preferential binding to the 5-HT-1 receptor. The 5-HT-2 receptor antagonist mianserin reduced aggression suggesting that 5-HT-2 receptor blockade is inhibitory for aggression. Thus, two serotonin classes of receptors may be differentially involved in offensive aggression.
Detection of organic residues on food processing equipment surfaces by spectral imaging method

Organic residues on equipment surfaces in poultry processing plants can generate cross contamination and increase the risk of unsafe food for consumers. This research was aimed to investigate the potential of LED-induced fluorescence imaging technique for rapid inspection of organic residues on poultry processing equipment surfaces. High-power blue LEDs with a spectral output at 410 nm were used as the excitation source for a line-scanning hyperspectral imaging system. Common chicken residue samples including fat, blood, and feces from ceca, colon, duodenum, and small intestine were prepared on stainless steel sheets. Fluorescence emission images were acquired from 120 samples (20 for each type of residue) in the wavelength range of 500-700 nm. LED-induced fluorescence characteristics of the tested samples were determined. PCA (principal component analysis) was performed to analyze fluorescence spectral data. Two SIMCA (soft independent modeling of class analogy) models were developed to differentiate organic residues and stainless steel samples. Classification accuracies using 2-class ('stainless steel' and 'organic residue') and 4-class ('stainless steel', 'fat', 'blood', and 'feces') SIMCA models were 100% and 97.5%, respectively. An optimal single-band and a band-pair that are promising for rapid residue detection were identified by correlation analysis. The single-band approach using the selected wavelength of 666 nm could generate false negative errors for chicken blood inspection. Two-band ratio images using 503 and 666 nm (F503/F666) have great potential for detecting various chicken residues on stainless steel surfaces. This wavelength pair can be adopted for developing a LED-based hand-held fluorescence imaging device for inspecting poultry processing equipment surfaces.