cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of language function in international adoptees.

Objective To test the hypothesis that international adoption of Chinese and Eastern European girls after 9 months of age results in long-term changes in the neural circuitry supporting monolingual English in later childhood. Study design Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to test this hypothesis by comparison with a control group of American-born English speakers (n = 13). Girls now aged 6-10 years adopted from China (n = 13) and Eastern Europe (n = 12) by English-speaking families were recruited through a pediatric hospital-based international adoption center after spending more than 6 months in an orphanage or other institution, a measure of early environmental deprivation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed on a 3 Tesla MRI scanner using a verb generation language fluency task. Composite activation maps were computed for each group using a general linear model with random effects analysis. Results Chinese born adoptees demonstrate atypical lateralization of language function with an apparent shift of temporal-parietal and frontal areas of brain activity toward the right hemisphere. Eastern European adoptees exhibited a rightward shift relative to controls in both frontal and temporal-parietal brain regions. Conclusions Significant differences in lateralization between the Chinese and American-born groups in temporal-parietal language areas highlight the possible impact of early tonal Asian language exposure on neural circuitry. Findings suggest that exposure to an Asian language during infancy can leave a long-term imprint on the neural circuitry supporting English language development.
Kondo physics with single electron transistors

The coupling between the confined droplet of electrons and the leads in a single electron transistor (SET) has made it possible to explore Kondo physics in ways that were never before possible. In particular, whereas the energy of the localized spin is fixed for the traditional Kondo system, a magnetic impurity in a metal, it can be varied in an SET, allowing detailed comparisons with the theory for the equilibrium Kondo problem. Furthermore, one can apply a finite bias voltage between the leads revealing non-equilibrium Kondo effects as well.
Stimulation in different phases of the cardiac cycle and reaction time.

Several studies have suggested that reaction time (RT) may be related to variations in blood pressure which occur with each heart beat. This was tested in a series of four studies in which possible effects of the preparatory interval (PI) were controlled. Stimuli were presented at 0, 200, 400, and 600 msec following the R wave, and during the ascending slope of the R, T, and P waves of the cardiac cycle. No relationship was found in any of the four studies between RT and the phase within the cardiac cycle when the stimulus occurred.
Effect of a plasma-assisted self-cleaning filter on the performance of PWT coil for the mitigation of mineral fouling in a heat exchanger

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of a plasma-assisted self-cleaning filter on the performance of physical water treatment (PWT) solenoid coil for the mitigation of mineral fouling in a concentric counterflow heat exchanger. The self-cleaning filter utilized shockwaves produced by pulse-spark discharges in water to continuously remove deposits from the surface of the filter, thus keeping the pressure drop across the filter at a relatively low value. Artificial hard water with hardness ranging from 250 to 1000 ppm was used with zero blowdown in the present fouling experiments for three different cases: no-treatment, PWT coil only, and PWT coil plus the self-cleaning filter. Fouling resistances decreased by 59–72% for the combined case of PWT coil plus filter compared with the values for no-treatment cases. SEM photographs showed much smaller particle sizes for the combined case as larger particles were continuously removed from circulating water by the filter. The X-ray diffraction data showed calcite crystal structures for all three cases.
Correction to a constructive decomposition and Fulkerson's characterization of permutation matrices

The purpose of this note is to point out an error in the paper [2], named in the title above, published under my authorship in this Journal in 1971.
Antibody Variability: Somatic recombination between the elements of "antibody gene pairs" may explain antibody variability

I have analyzed the available amino acid sequence data from 30 myelomatosis-derived proteins. Several types of variation are apparent. I conclude that a major and genetically predetermined contribution to the variability of these proteins and of antibodies could be provided by chromosomal rearrangements resulting from somatic recombination between similar but not identical genes in antibody gene pairs. My hypothesis suggests many new types of experiment and can be tested (31).
Preparation techniques for the injection of human autologous cartilage: an ex vivo feasibility study.

Objectives: To determine the optimum donor site and preparation technique for injecting human autologous cartilage as a potentially permanent implant material for vocal fold medialization. Study Design: Prospective ex vivo experimental model. Methods: Human nasal septal and auricular cartilage was obtained from eight surgical cases after institutional review board approval. The auricle and nasal septum were chosen as potential donor sites because of ease of accessibility, volume of cartilage potentially available, and minimal subsequent cosmetic deformity after the tissue harvesting procedure. Various preparation techniques readily available in most operating rooms were tested for their efficacy in generating an injectable cartilage slurry. The various cartilage slurries were injected through sequentially smaller needles and examined cytologically. Results: The best injection properties for both nasal septal and auricular cartilage were obtained by drilling the cartilage down with a 5 mm otologic cutting bur, which allowed free passage through an 18 gauge needle. Cytologic examination of drilled septal cartilage showed good uniformity of cartilage pieces with a mean largest dimension of 0.44 ± 0.33 mm, and 33% of lacunae contained viable-appearing chondrocytes. Cytologic examination of drilled auricular cartilage was similar, exceptonly 10% of lacunae were occupied by chondrocytes. Other techniques tested (knife, morselizer, and cartilage crusher) did not yield injectable cartilage slurries. Conclusions: Both nasal septal and auricular cartilage can be prepared for injection via an 18 gauge needle using a cutting otologic bur. Further testing of in vivo viability and long-term volume retention is needed.
The Sudden Recruitment of γ-Tubulin to the Centrosome at the Onset of Mitosis and Its Dynamic Exchange Throughout the Cell Cycle, Do Not Require Microtubules

γ-Tubulin is a centrosomal component involved in microtubule nucleation. To determine how this molecule behaves during the cell cycle, we have established several vertebrate somatic cell lines that constitutively express a γ-tubulin/green fluorescent protein fusion protein. Near simultaneous fluorescence and DIC light microscopy reveals that the amount of γ-tubulin associated with the centrosome remains relatively constant throughout interphase, suddenly increases during prophase, and then decreases to interphase levels as the cell exits mitosis. This mitosis-specific recruitment of γ-tubulin does not require microtubules. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) studies reveal that the centrosome possesses two populations of γ-tubulin: one that turns over rapidly and another that is more tightly bound. The dynamic exchange of centrosome-associated γ-tubulin occurs throughout the cell cycle, including mitosis, and it does not require microtubules. These data are the first to characterize the dynamics of centrosome-associated γ-tubulin in vertebrate cells in vivo and to demonstrate the microtubule-independent nature of these dynamics. They reveal that the additional γ-tubulin required for spindle formation does not accumulate progressively at the centrosome during interphase. Rather, at the onset of mitosis, the centrosome suddenly gains the ability to bind greater than three times the amount of γ-tubulin than during interphase.
Dendrimer Monolayers as Negative and Positive Tone Resists for Scanning Probe Lithography

A new scanning probe lithography scheme based on a self-assembled dendrimer monolayer on thin Ti films is presented. The method relies on the versatility of the functionalized dendrimer molecules to effectively function as etch resists by forming a densely packed self-assembled protective monolayer on a Ti film. Patterning of the Ti surface is accomplished using an AFM tip either as an ultra sharp scribe or as an electrical field point source to modify the monolayer. This, coupled to carefully selected etching conditions, allows the use of the dendrimer monolayers as both negative and positive tone resists. Facile formation of TiO2 features ca. 25 nm wide and 12 nm tall on silicon oxide and ca. 50 nm wide gaps in a thin Ti film can easily be achieved. The dendrimer resist approach can be further developed in order to improve the minimum feature size to the single dendrimer molecule level.
A micromechanically-based constitutive model for frictional deformation of granular materials

Abstract A micromechanically-based constitutive model is developed for inelastic deformation of frictional granular assemblies. It is assumed that the deformation is produced by relative sliding and rolling of granules, accounting for pressure sensitivity, friction, dilatancy (densification), and, most importantly, the fabric (anisotropy) and its evolution in the course of deformation. Attention is focused on two-dimensional rate-independent cases. The presented theory fully integrates the micromechanics of frictional granular assemblies at the micro- (grains), meso- (large collections of grains associated with sliding planes), and macro- (continuum) scales. The basic hypothesis is that the deformation of frictional granular masses occurs through simple shearing accompanied by dilatation or densification (meso-scale), depending on the microstructure (micro-scale) and the loading conditions (continuum-scale). The microstructure and its evolution are defined in terms of the fabric and its evolution. While the elastic deformation of most frictional granular assemblies is rather small relative to their inelastic deformation, it is included in the theory, since it affects the overall stresses.
Path corrected functionals of stochastic trajectories: towards relative free energy and reaction coordinate calculations

Abstract A numerical method for estimating the functional of a stochastic differential equation is evaluated for possible application to biomolecular systems. The approach uses variance reduction for stochastic trajectories to estimate relative free energy differences and define paths between initial and end points. The method shows promise as evidenced by application to simple one and two dimensional trial surfaces. This suggests that the approach may be applicable to more complex biomolecular systems.
Prenatal Steroid (PNS) Prevents Non-Oliguric Hyperkalemia In Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Neonates < 1000 Grams • 1084

Prenatal Steroid (PNS) Prevents Non-Oliguric Hyperkalemia In Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Neonates < 1000 Grams • 1084
A.M. Skeffington: the father of behavioral optometry--his contributions

Life of Dr. A. M. Skeffington, his model of vision, and his contributions to optometry are reviewed. In particular, vision as s spatial information processing system and dual sensing ocular system are discussed to answer the questions: `where is the object in space?' and `what is the object in space?'.
Bullet in the common hepatic duct: a cause of obstructive jaundice

A 22 year old man was accidentally shot 32 months prior to referral to our hospital. Two injuries, one in the right upper abdomen and another in the right thigh, were sustained. Emergency surgery took place at a small district hospital. The thigh bullet was removed and exploratory laparotomy was performed. Operative notes made available to us mentioned that there was perforation of the stomach, transection of duodenum, inferior vena cava and common bile duct. Direct repair of the stomach, duodenum and inferior vena cava with gastrojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticodochojejunostomy were undertaken. There was no mention of the retrieval of the abdominal bullet. The patient was well for 2 months. After this he developed intermittent episodes of jaundice and clay coloured stools. As patient’s symptoms were intermittent and subsided spontaneously, no active surgical or medical management was undertaken. Symptoms continued in this manner for over 2 years, after which the patient was referred to our hospital. On examination the patient was icteric and had mild hepatomegaly and a palpable gall bladder. Laboratory investigation showed raised bilirubin (total: 12 mg% and direct: 9.2 mg%), SGOT (229 IU/l), SGPT (128 IU/l) and alkaline phosphatase (1713 IU/l). Plain radiograph showed an approximately 0.5 £ 1.5 cm bullet-shaped, radioopaque density, projected infero-medially to the inferior margin of the liver (Fig. 1). Ultrasound demonstrated a dilated intrahepatic biliary tree in both the lobes of liver. The common hepatic duct was dilated and contained a 16 mm echogenic focus (Fig. 2). CT confirmed intrahepatic biliary radical dilatation. A dense radio-opaque foreign body in the region of the porta with streak artefact was also noted (not shown). At operation, the gall bladder was normal. A gastrojejunostomy and left hepaticodochojejunostomy were noted. The common bile duct (CBD) was seen to be ligated just above the superior border of the duodenum. A peroperative cholangiogram was performed through the ligated end of the CBD. It revealed the presence of a bullet in the common hepatic duct (at the confluence) causing partial obstruction (Fig. 3). Filling of both lobe biliary
Effect of a novel adsorbent on cytokine responsiveness to uremic plasma

Effect of a novel adsorbent on cytokine responsiveness to uremic plasma. Background Middle molecules such as β 2 -microglobulin (β 2 M) and advanced glycation end products (AGE)–modified proteins contribute to inflammation in uremia. The BetaSorb™ column is a new adsorptive device, which contains copolymeric beads, suitable for removal of β 2 M and other middle molecules. We assessed the effect of this column on the bioreactivity of uremic plasma, as measured by cytokine responsiveness. Methods Uremic plasma was perfused in vitro through the column (10 mL/min) and samples were collected after 10 to 30 passes. Endotoxin-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production by THP-1–derived monocytes was measured following brief exposure to uremic plasma. β 2 M levels were measured. The contribution of AGE-modified proteins to the bioreactivity of uremic plasma was explored. Results TNF-α and IL-10 production markedly decreased after 30 passes (629 ± 78 vs. 144 ± 62 pg/mL; 207 ± 25 vs. 117 ± 23 pg/mL; P = 0.04). The column removed β 2 M efficiently with a marked decline in plasma levels by 99% after 30 passes. Neutralization of AGE receptor (RAGE) resulted in a further reduction in the bioreactivity of uremic plasma. This was observed with nonperfused, as well as perfused, uremic plasma, suggesting that AGE-modified proteins were biologically active and still present after perfusion. Conclusion The sorbent beads removed uremic solute(s) that prime monocytes to enhanced cytokine production. Removal of β 2 M was efficient, and of native and AGE-modified middle molecules likely.
Enhanced uptake of drugs in liposomes: Use of labile vitamin B12 complexes of 6-mercaptopurine and 8-azaguanine

Abstract Vitamin B 12 a complexes of 8-azaguanine, 8-AZG-B 12 , and of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP-B 12 , have been isolated. Upon standing, these complexes decompose to reform vitamin B 12 a and 8-azaguanine, 8-AZG, or 6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP. Extents of entrapments of 8-AZG-B 12 and 6-MP-B 12 in negatively charged dipalmitoyl-D, L-α-phosphatidylcholine liposomes are substantially greater than those of 8-AZG or 6-MP. Each single compartment phospholipid vesicle incorporates 11, 5, 49 and 79 molecules of 8-AZG, 6-MP, 8-AZG-B 12 and 6-MP-B 12 , respectively. Rates of decompositions of 8-AZG-B 12 and 6-MP-B 12 are considerably slower in liposomes than in water. Potentials of liposome entrapped 8-AZG-B 12 and 6-MP-B 12 in cancer chemotherapy are discussed.
Secrets, Misunderstandings, Confessions, and the Triumph of Truth in Rousseau's La Nouvelle Héloïse

This article examines the status of truth in the fictional world of Rousseau's novel La Nouvelle Heloise, in which the characters reveal and conceal the truth, deliberately or unwittingly, in order to manipulate one another and satisfy the exigencies of the individual and of the group. The framework of this study is provided by the series of acts that expose, obscure, or repress the truth. The novelist's experimental case-study of communication among apparently ideal people under often unsatisfactory circumstances is the object of this analysis. The events of the novel suggest that language is a rather imperfect instrument for conveying or discovering the truth. Nonetheless, Rousseau and his characters are forced to act as if truth were indeed communicable. As they discover, one way, in fact the best way, of uncovering the truth is, paradoxically, through fiction.
Equity Risk and the Labor Stock: The Case of Union Contracts

This paper investigates the role of the stock of unionized labor in determining equity investment risk. I estimate a labor stock measure based on expected compensation costs, and use the ratio of labor stock to total assets as a risk proxy. At the median, the labor stock is comparable in magnitude to total assets. Regression estimates show the associations between labor-based risk proxies and equity market risk measures are both economically and statistically significant. In addition, the labor-based measures provide risk information over and above information contained in standard risk proxies such as financial and operating leverage.
Bending losses and modal properties of serpentine and bent waveguides

Conformal transformation and the beam propagation method are employed for the simulation of deeply-etched bent and serpentine waveguides on an InP substrate with an active region consisting of double InGaAs quantum wells. The modal properties are analyzed and the bending and transition losses are extracted from the propagation results. For the serpentine waveguides, the transition losses increase significantly for waveguides with bending radii less than 12 μm, yet careful choice of the transition point at which the curvature reverses is shown to minimize the losses induced by the transition. Effects of etch depth are also considered and conclusion that it is necessary to etch through the active region for deeply-etched bent waveguides is drawn.
Are early-onset cannabis smokers at an increased risk of depression spells?

Abstract Background A recent research focus is a set of hypothesized adult-onset mental health disturbances possibly due to early-onset cannabis use (EOCU, onset Methods The National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) assess non-institutionalized community-dwelling residents of the United States after probability sampling each year. In aggregate, the NSDUH analytical sample included 173,775 adult participants from survey years 2005–2009 (74–76% of designated respondents). Standardized computer-assisted interviews collected information on background determinants, age of first cannabis use, and depression spell onset. Logistic regression was used to estimate EOCU-depression spell associations in the form of odds ratios, with statistical adjustment for sex, age, race/ethnicity, years of cannabis involvement, tobacco cigarette onset, and alcohol onset. Results About 1 in 10 experienced a depression spell during adulthood, and both early-onset and adult-onset cannabis smokers had a modest excess odds of a depression spell compared to never cannabis smokers, even with covariate adjustment (OR = 1.7 and 1.8, respectively; both p Limitations Shared diathesis that might influence both EOCU and adult-onset depression spell is controlled no more than partially, as will be true until essentially all known early-life shared vulnerabilities are illuminated. Conclusion Cannabis smoking initiated at any age signals a modest increased risk of a spell of depression in adulthood, even when adjusted for suspected confounding variables studied here. Delaying cannabis onset until adulthood does not appear to diminish the cannabis-associated risk.
'You Make All Things New': Jonathan Edwards and a Christian Environmental Ethic

This article examines the way in which the theology of Jonathan Edwards can contribute to the construction of a Christian approach to ecological ethics that maintains crucial elements of the Christian theological tradition. By way of comparison, the article begins with an examination of the work of Rosemary Radford Ruether, whose approach to dealing with the ecological implications of the Christian tradition diverges sharply from the perspective offered by Edwards, and provides a useful contrast to his approach. The article then turns to an extensive discussion of Edwards’ view of nature and the theology of creation, particularly the relationship between creation and the triune nature of God. The final sections examine an application of Edwards’ theology of creation to the development of a Christian environmental ethic.
Polymerization of conjugated trienes

The polymerization of 1,3,5-hexatriene, 1,3,5-heptatriene, and 2,4,6-octatriene with a variety of catalysts established the trienes as a distinct class of monomers which lead to unique unsaturated polyolefins. Soluble, high molecular weight polymers with predominantly 1,6-enchainment were prepared with a soluble coordination catalyst system; this mode of polymerization resulted in 1,3-dienyl groups in the polymer backbone. A stereospecific 1,6-polyhexatriene, with a novel type of crystallinity based on trans, trans-1,3-diene repeat units, was prepared by low temperature polymerization with a vanadyl trichloride–triisobutylauminum catalyst.
On the representation of −1 as a sum of squares in a cyclotomic field

A sample theorem is the following: −1 can be represented as a sum of three squares of numbers in the cyclotomic field Q(e2πin) if the positive integer n is divisible by a positive integer m ≡ 3 (mod 8).
Air pollution particles mediated oxidative DNA base damage in a cell free system and in human airway epithelial cells in relation to particulate metal content and bioreactivity.

Epidemiological studies demonstrate an association between increased human morbidity and mortality with exposure to air pollution particulate matter. We hypothesized that such effects may be associated with the ability of the particles to mediate generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), either directly, via interaction with ambient oxygen or indirectly through initiation of an oxidative burst in phagocytes. To test this hypothesis, we determined 8-oxo-dG formation as a measure of direct generation of ROS, in response to particulate exposures to 2‘-deoxyguanosine (dG), free and in calf thymus DNA in aerated solutions as the target molecule and cell culture, to assess the relationship between induction of oxidative damage, particulate metal content and metal bioreactivity. The HPLC-ECD technique was employed for separation and quantification of 8-oxo-dG, the most widely recognized marker of DNA oxidation. Particles used in this study include: Arizona desert dust (AZDD), coal fly ash (CFA and ECFA), oil...
Ru(II)-Bpy Complexes Bound to Nanocrystalline TiO2 Films through Phenyleneethynylene (OPE) Linkers: Effect of the Linkers Length on Electron Injection Rates

Three rigid-rod Ru-bpy sensitizers with linkers made of an oligo(phenyleneethynylene) (OPE) bridge varying in length (9.6−23.3 A) and ending with an isophthalic acid anchroing unit were bound to TiO2 (anatase) nanoparticle films, and the photoinduced electron injection rates for all three compounds were studied by femtosecond laser spectroscopy. The sensitized films were excited at 530 nm, in the MLCT region, and the injection dynamics was probed in the 600-1000 nm range. The excited state for all three compounds (τ ∼ 2 μs in acetonitrile solution) was readily quenched upon binding to TiO2. All injection traces could be fitted with bi-exponential decays on a measured timescale of 130 ps. Plots of the fast or slow component of the electron injection time constants probed at 670 nm vs the spacer length yielded a very low value for the attenuation factor (β ∼ 0.04 A-1). Although the dependence was weak, the length of the linker clearly resulted in slower injection rates. The weak and monotonic linker length ...
Acyclovir therapy for acute herpes zoster.

Abstract 31 adults took part in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of intravenous acyclovir therapy (500 mg/m 2 intravenously 3 times daily for 5 days) for acute herpes zoster. Acyclovir reduced pain, decreased erythema, prevented the formation of new lesions, and healed skin faster than did placebo. The duration of viral shedding was also significantly shorter in acyclovir recipients (2 days versus 5 days). However, 6 (35%) of 17 acyclovir recipients had recurrence of pain after the drug was discontinued, and acyclovir did not appear to affect post-herpetic neuralgia. Acyclovir therapy was associated with a transient rise in serum creatinine levels, and may have been related to nausea and vomiting. Intravenous acyclovir was effective therapy for acute herpes zoster but the ideal treatment regimen might be a lower daily dose given for a longer period.
Analytical results concerning linkage disequilibrium in models with genetic transformation and conjugation

Expressions are obtained for the expected levels of linkage disequilibrium under three different equilibrium neutral models that make different assumptions about how recombination takes place. A transformation model is considered in which exchange events involve only one locus at a time. Two conjugation models are considered one with a linear genome and one with a circular genome. In the conjugation models large blocks of genes can be transferred with each conjugation. Consistent with published simulation results, it is found that if the transformation rate per locus is more than twenty times the mutation rate per locus, then the levels of linkage disequilibrium are quite low. If the number of loci being sampled is greater than 10, conjugation with a circular genome can be considerably more effective than transformation in reducing linkage disequilibrium. When recombination rates are high, expected linkage disequilibrium is shown to be proportional to the inverse of the transformation rate (or conjugation rate.)
The application of class B insulation to auxiliary-type D-C motors in severe duty service

IN three papers,1,2,3 recently presented before the AIEE the life characteristics of class A insulation were discussed along with the rating, duty cycles, temperature measurements, and application of class A insulated induction motors. It is believed that a paper covering the application of class B insulation to electric motors would be in order. This paper is intended to show the advantages of class B insulation for certain applications, especially in d-c motors for severe duty service. The d-c motors covered by this paper are for: 1. Steel-mill auxiliary drives (totally enclosed and forced ventilated): screwdown, manipulators, side guards, table, shear, pinch roll, cranes, etc.
THE ENZYMATIC RESPONSE OF ASTROCYTES TO VARIOUS IONS IN VITRO.

The effect of environmental ion concentration on the enzyme activity of astrocytes was investigated in tissue cultures of rat cerebral cortex. It was found that the oxidative enzymatic activity (succinic dehydrogenase, DPN-diaphorase, and several other enzymes) of astrocytes depended on the concentration of NaCl in the environment. This response was not specific for NaCl, but was also elicited by MgCl2 and LiCl; the response was less consistent, and often questionable for KCl. However, only NaCl could elicit enzymatic changes in astrocytes at concentrations known to be present in a living organism. Astrocytes were the only cells which responded this way; it appeared that the foot-plates were particularly involved in the response since increase of enzyme activity occurred earlier in the foot-plates than in the perikarya. It was concluded that astrocytes are metabolically involved in the maintenance of the ionic and osmotic environment of the central nervous system, particularly in regard to the active transport of sodium.
New Support for the Research Process: Desktop Delivery of Microform Content.

While trying to access microform content, patrons at the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources at Valparaiso University were often hampered by unfamiliar equipment, temperamental software, and a puzzling file management system. In an effort to address these problems, the Access Services Department launched a pilot program for the electronic delivery of microform content. It was decided to discontinue the self-service model and design a system in which patrons could request specific items from the microform collection, which would then be retrieved and scanned by the staff and made available electronically through the interlibrary loan client. After describing the problems a typical user might encounter with the existing system, the author explains the solution piloted by the library, outlines the policies and procedures, reviews the outcomes, and finally draws attention to the considerable potential of such a service.
Mechanisms for the formation and maintenance of traditional night roost aggregations in a territorial damselfly.

Communal roosting has been studied extensively in birds, but the mechanisms and functions of this taxonomically widespread behaviour pattern remain poorly understood. We studied the roosting behaviour of rubyspot damselflies, Hetaerina americana, in relation to sex and territorial status, and conducted field experiments to test for specific mechanisms of roost formation and maintenance. Both sexes tended to return close to their previous night’s roost, but only males were significantly more roost site faithful than chance expectations based on individual day ranges. Males were more roost site faithful when they held mating territories. After acquiring a territory, males usually began roosting closer to the territory after a delay of a few days. Roosts were not located at sites that reduced the daily commuting distance between hunting areas and territories; males generally hunted closer to their territories than to their roosts. In field experiments, sites ‘seeded’ with synthetic models of male rubyspots attracted more recruits than vacant control sites and control sites seeded with nonrubyspot (clear-winged) damselfly models. Sites seeded repeatedly with rubyspot models often remained popular for roosting after the models were removed, suggesting that the models established new traditional roosts. These results indicate that conspecific attraction and individual spatial memory together may be sufficient to explain, at a proximate level, the traditional night roost aggregations of this species. We discuss these results in relation to functional hypotheses for roost site choice and fidelity.  2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Adaptive-Bandwidth Phase-Locked Loop With Continuous Background Frequency Calibration

This brief presents an adaptive-bandwidth (BW) phase-locked loop (PLL) that retains the optimal jitter performance over a wide frequency range via continuous background frequency calibration. The effective center frequency of the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is calibrated by adjusting the feedforward division factor while a dual-PLL architecture hides the switching transients. As a result, the core ring oscillator only needs to operate over a narrow frequency range of 2 : 1 that is optimal for the jitter, supply sensitivity, and charge pump current mismatch over process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) conditions. The prototype PLL was fabricated in a 0.13-mum CMOS process, consumed 36 mW of power, and occupied 1.1 x 0.46 mm2 of area. The measured root-mean-square (RMS) tracking jitter was less than 0.2% of the reference clock period for the wide range of output frequency (2 MHz-1 GHz) and multiplication factor (20-9), which supports that the PLL BW scales adaptively with the reference frequency. Compared to a PLL without frequency calibration, the proposed PLL demonstrated the jitter reduction up to 80%.
Dynamic Channel Allocation in Wireless Networks using Adaptive Learning Automata

The bandwidth utilization of a single channel-based wireless networks decreases due to congestion and interference from other sources and therefore transmission on multiple channels are needed. In this paper, we propose a distributed dynamic channel allocation scheme for wireless networks using adaptive learning automata whose nodes are equipped with single radio interfaces so that a more suitable channel can be selected. The proposed scheme, Adaptive Pursuit Reward-Inaction, runs periodically on the nodes, and adaptively finds the suitable channel allocation in order to attain a desired performance. A novel performance index, which takes into account the throughput and the energy consumption, is considered. The proposed scheme is adaptive in the sense that probabilities in the each step are updated as a function of the error in the performance index. The extensive simulation results in static and mobile environments provide that using the proposed scheme for channel allocation in the multiple channel wireless networks significantly improves the throughput, drop rate, energy consumption per packet and fairness index.
The Brazilian business and growth cycles

This paper uses several produceres to date and analyse the Brazilian business and growth cycles. In particular, a Markov switching model is fitted to quarterly and annual real production data. The smoothed probabilities of the Markov states are used as predictive rules to define different phases of cyclical fluctuations of real Brazilian production. The results are compared with different non-parametric rules. All methods implemented yield similar dating and reveal asymmetries across the different states of the Brazilian business and growth cycles, in which slowdowns and recessions are short and abrupt, while high growth phases and expansions are longer and less steep. The resulting dating of the Brazilian economic cycles can be used as a reference point for construction and evaluation of the predictive performance of coincident, leading, or lagging indicators of economic activity. In addition, the filtered probabilities obtained from the Markov switching model allow early recognition of the transition to a new business cycle phase, wich can be used, for example, for evaluation of the adequate strength and timing of countercyclical policies, for reassessment of projected sales or profits by businesses and investors, or for monitoring of inflation pressures.
Revisiting the celestine question in "Inferno" III: "vidi e conobbi l'ombra di colui che fece per viltade il gran rifiuto"

This study aims to respond to those who have identified Celestine V as the unquestionable referent of colui (him who) in Dante´s Inferno III, II.58-60.
Phytoplankton Community Structure, Biomass, and Off-flavor: Pond Size Relationships in Louisiana Catfish Ponds

.— Many aquaculture studies are conducted in relatively small research ponds and the results are then extrapolated to larger commercial ponds. Implicit in this research is the assumption that there is no relationship between pond size and phytoplankton composition. Study objectives were to assess phytoplankton composition and biomass by several methods in 17 channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus ponds at the Aqua-culture Research Station, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. Pond size ranged from 0.04–0.60 ha. Sampling occurred weekly from 10 September – 1 October 1997. Water temperatures coincided with a transition from summer to fall-winter conditions. Biomass was assessed by cell counts and quantification of photopigments. Concentrations of dissolved off-flavor compounds (2-methylisoborneol and geosmin) were assessed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy of water column samples. Cell count data showed differences in dominant species, biovolume, and diagnostic pigment signatures among ponds. The smaller ponds had more diverse phytoplankton composition compared to the larger ponds, whereas chlorophyll levels were nearly an order of magnitude lower in the smaller ponds. Ultraplanktonic (2–20 μm) unicellular cyanobacteria dominated the numerical counts on most sampling dates; however, biovolume transformations of cell count data reduced the dominance of this component relative to cryptophytes, diatoms, and filamentous cyanobacteria. Pigment and microscopic analyses were well correlated. Unialgal isolates of dominant taxa from these samples indicated the presence of at least five genera of off-flavor producers in these ponds; these taxa included Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Pseudanabaena, as well as two species of Oscillatoria. Care in extrapolating results from smaller-sized research ponds to larger commercial ponds is warranted, as is the potential for taxa other than Oscillatoria and Anabaena in forming off-flavor compounds.
Motion estimation from disparity images

A new method for 3D rigid motion estimation from stereo is proposed in this paper. The appealing feature of this method is that it directly uses the disparity images obtained from stereo matching. We assume that the stereo rig has parallel cameras and show, in that case, the geometric and topological properties of the disparity images. Then we introduce a rigid transformation (called d-motion) that maps two disparity images of a rigidly moving object. We show how it is related to the Euclidean rigid motion and a motion estimation algorithm is derived. We show with experiments that our approach is simple and more accurate than standard approaches.
A General Strain Approach to Psychological and Physical Bullying: A Study of Interpersonal Aggression at School

Although studies have been conducted to examine the applicability of Agnew's general strain theory (GST) to the explanation of school bullying, GST research on the phenomenon remains limited in number and scope. To fill this gap in research, using data from a sample of 296 middle school students in a southwestern state of the United States, this article examined whether different types of strain and negative emotions are positively associated with psychological, physical, and general bullying. Overall findings of negative binomial regression analyses tended to be consistent with our expectations, while some aspects of GST received more empirical support than others. Strains and negative emotions were mostly related positively either to psychological or physical bullying, with negative emotions, anger and depression, partly mediating the strain-bullying relationship. However, we found mixed patterns of interactions among strains, negative emotions, and conditioning factors. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Hypoxanthine Ratio Determination in Fish Extract Using Capillary Electrophoresis and Immobilized Enzymes

Fish freshness was assessed using capillary electrophoresis and an immobilized enzyme procedure to monitor degradation of inosine-5′-monophosphate (IMP), inosine (HxR) and hypoxanthine (Hx). The enzymatic method used an amperometric probe at + 0.7 V (platinum vs silver/silver chloride) with immobilized xanthine oxidase, catalase, nucleoside phosphorylase, and nucleotidase for converting Hx, HxR or IMP to uric acid. Capillary electrophoresis resolved IMP, inosine and Hx by migration rates resulting from an applied electric field (416 V/cm, 50 μA). Components were detected at 250 nm. The H ratio of Hx/[IMP + HxR + Hx] and simplified K value of [HxR + Hx]/ [IMP + HxR + Hx] were determined in cod, salmon and trout stored on ice (0-4°C) and at 20°C. The two procedures agreed and for all species H ratio and K values increased with storage time.
Adaptive matrix integration for real-time simulation

The theory of weak stability of linear multistep methods for real-time simulation of nonlinear systems leads to the design of a class of linear multistep methods with varying coefficients. These methods do not suffer from weak instability and are generally very useful, especially for real-time simulation of stiff nonlinear systems. An adaptive technique for numerical integration that allows the simulation stepsize to be chosen independently of the system eigenvalues is presented. The method tracks most changes in the dynamics of the system, and changes accordingly the integration coefficients to ensure accuracy and stability of the simulation. >
Moral Psychology and the Unity of Morality

Jonathan Haidt's research on moral cognition has revealed that political liberals moralize mostly in terms of Harm and Fairness, whereas conservatives moralize in terms of those plus loyalty to Ingroup, respect for Authority, and Purity (or IAP). Some have concluded that the norms of morality encompass a wide variety of subject matters with no deep unity. To the contrary, I argue that the conservative position is partially debunked by its own lights. IAP norms’ moral relevance depends on their tendency to promote welfare (especially to prevent harm). I argue that all moral agents, including conservatives, are committed to that claim at least implicitly. I then argue that an evolutionary account of moral cognition partially debunks the view that welfare-irrelevant IAP norms have moral force. Haidt's own normative commitments are harmonized by this view: IAP norms are more important than liberals often realize, yet morality is at bottom all about promoting welfare.
Asymptotically optimal sequential tests for nonhomogeneous processes

It is shown that under certain conditions the matrix sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) and the combinations of "rejecting" SPRTs minimize all moments of the stopping time distribution in the problem of sequential testing of several simple hypotheses for nonhomogeneous processes when probabilities of errors tend to zero. We consider the general case of observation process with discrete or continuous time parameter and asymmetric (relative to probabilities of errors) classes of tests.
Model order estimation from covariance matrix eigenvectors

An algorithm for estimating pole-zero system model orders is described which looks at covariance matrix eigenvectors. When model orders are overestimated, zeros appear in the noise subspace eigenvectors. The number of zeros present can be used to estimate model orders. >
Multiarticular chronic tophaceous gout with severe and multiple ulcerations: a case report

Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis caused by articular precipitation of monosodium urate crystals. It usually affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot and less commonly other joints, such as wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. We report the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian man with tophaceous multiarticular gout, soft-tissue involvement and ulcerated tophi on the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the left foot, on the first interphalangeal joint of the right foot and on the left thumb. Ulcers due to tophaceous gout are currently uncommon considering the positive effect of pharmaceutical treatment in controlling hyperuricemia. Surgical treatment is seldom required for gout and is usually reserved for cases of recurrent attacks with deformities, severe pain, infection and joint destruction.
Transitory neurological signs in sleeping sickness

Summary A case of sleeping sickness, probably Rhodesian, in which the patient developed transitory signs in the nervous system, viz. , a facial palsy, extensor plantar response and unilateral optic neuritis, is described. As it was not initially appreciated that these fleeting neurological phenomena may occur in the disease, its recognition was thereby rendered more difficult and was delayed.
Evaluations of E-Tailers’ Delivery Fulfillment Implications of Firm Characteristics and Buyer Heterogeneity

This study investigates how buyers evaluate an e-tailer’s delivery performance. The authors first develop an integrated conceptual framework that focuses on the e-tailer attributes. Buyer characteristics are also considered as covariates to control for heterogeneity. Then, the authors estimate an empirical model using the latent class technique. The estimation results show that if one is satisfied with the e-tailer’s product price, one is likely to have a more positive evaluation of its delivery fulfillment. Another factor with a significant impact is the e-tailer’s order-tracking system. The authors also find that e-tailers with a positive inventory policy receive significantly more positive evaluations from about 15% of the buyers. An integrated hybrid e-tailer also receives significantly more positive evaluations from about 15% of the buyers. Managerial implications are provided.
Testing Hypotheses about Linkage Disequilibrium with Multiple Alleles.

ABSTRACT For loci with multiple alleles, hypotheses about linkage disequilibrium may be tested on the complete set of gametic data, or on various collapsed sets of data. Collapsing data into a few alleles at each locus can change the power of the tests, as implied in a recent paper by Zouros, Golding and Mackay (1977). We show that the nature of such changes can be found from properties of the noncentral chi-square distribution, and that the magnitude and direction of these changes depend on the levels of linkage disequilibria, allelic frequencies and degrees of freedom.
Grido - an architecture for a grid-based overlay network

Grido is an architecture that targets a network operator intending to provide enhanced services to its customers. This is achieved by setting up a "backbone" overlay network. A backbone overlay is a set of Internet hosts dedicated to providing overlay services. A network operator can view Grido as a sandbox for rapid prototyping and market adoption assessment of novel services. In the past, overlay networks have been designed to mitigate deployment issues of functionalities such as multicast and QoS at the network layer. Grido provides a WS-agreement based negotiation interface complying with the current Global Grid Forum (GGF) standards. We propose to use a novel virtual coordinates-assisted overlay construction and maintenance protocol. We demonstrate using simulations, that Grido incurs a low latency overhead while maintaining sparse connectivity on the backbone overlay. Grido also incurs low overhead for virtual coordinates estimation and chooses the closest 5% overlay node to any IP address, 95% of the time
Differential effects of an infusion of endotoxin on proximal and distal feline jejunal permeability

The effects of an intravenous infusion of endotoxin (750 μg/kg) or an equal volume of saline solution (control) on the proximal and distal jejunal permeability and blood flow were evaluated in cats. In 8 cats, proximal and distal jejunal segments were isolated and mucosal clearance of 51Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was measured. The mucosal clearance in the distal loop was not altered by endotoxin infusion in 6 cats given endotoxin or 2 cats given saline solution. In 6 cats given endotoxin, the proximal jejunal segment exhibited a 10-fold increase in mucosal permeability. In contrast, mucosal clearance remained stable in the proximal jejunal loop in 2 cats infused with saline solution.In a second group of 13 cats (7 cats infused with endotoxin; 6 cats infused with saline solution), blood flow to the proximal and distal segments was measured. Either endotoxin (n = 7) or saline solution (n = 6) did not significantly alter blood flow to the proximal and distal jejunum in these experiments.Sample...