cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The response of thermometer probes inserted into catheters

The time constants of three commercially available thermometer probes were measured when inserted into catheters commonly used in hyperthermia. The catheter typically increases the time constant by a factor of 3. Following the transition from a constant to continuously changing temperature, the rate of change of temperature indicated by such a probe is initially incorrect, but it attains the true rate of change of temperature after an elapsed time that depends on the rate of change of temperature and the time constant of the probe. This elapsed time varies from 3.5 to 8 time constants, as the rate of change of temperature increases from 0.05 to 10 degrees C/min. The specific absorption rate determined from a least-squares fit to temperatures recorded during the first 30 s following such a transition, are typically in error by 1%, 3%, and 6% when thermometer probes having time constants of 1, 2, and 3 s are used. These errors can be reduced to less than 0.1% by excluding the data recorded during an initial period of the first 3 time constants following the transition. Errors of similar magnitude result when blood flow is determined from the first 30 s of thermal clearance. These errors are similarly reduced to typically less than 1% by excluding the data recorded during the first 3 time constants from the determination.
Tempol Lowers Blood Pressure and Sympathetic Nerve Activity But Not Vascular O2- in DOCA-Salt Rats

This study tested the hypothesis that depressor responses caused by tempol are not associated with reductions in vascular O2- levels in urethane-anesthetized deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. We compared the effects of intravenous (IV) administration of tempol, apocynin, superoxide dismutase-polyethylene glycol (PEG-SOD), and SOD on mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). In DOCA-salt rats, tempol (30 to 300 micromol/kg) dose-dependently decreased RSNA, MAP, and HR. Tempol (300 micromol/kg) decreased MAP from 140+/-5 to 83+/-4 mm Hg (P<0.05). HR decreased from 435+/-15 to 390+/-12 bpm (P<0.05). RSNA was reduced by 54%+/-6% from baseline. However, in the same rats, tempol did not reduce dihydroethidium-induced fluorescent signals in the aorta and vena cava. Apocynin (200 micromol/kg) did not lower MAP (142+/-5 mm Hg versus 140+/-6 mm Hg) or HR (428+/-15 bpm versus 420+/-13 bpm) and apocynin did not potentiate depressor responses caused by tempol. PEG-SOD (10 000 U/kg, bolus or 5000 U/kg bolus followed by a 30-minutes infusion of 500 U/kg/min) or SOD (25 000 U/kg, bolus or 10 000 U/kg bolus followed by a 30-minutes infusion of 1000 U/kg per minute) did not alter MAP or HR. It is concluded that depressor responses and decreases in HR and RSNA caused by acute tempol treatment are caused by direct sympathetic nerve activity inhibition that is not accompanied by SOD-mimetic action in the aorta or vena cava.
New architectures for constructed complex systems

This paper is an overview of our research program in intelligent systems. Our object of study is constructed complex systems, which are software and hardware systems mediated or managed by computers. We describe how biological systems provide stiff competition for constructed complex systems in the areas of autonomy and intelligence, robustness, adaptability, and communication. We describe our computationally reflective integration infrastructure, called `wrappings', and show how it can provide many of the necessary flexibilities. We also describe two directions of research in computational semiotics, which for us means the study of the use of symbols by computing systems. We describe our `conceptual categories', which are a method of knowledge representation that supports these flexibilities, and some new results on symbol systems, which leads to some new mathematical questions about what can be represented in formal systems and how they can be extended automatically. These are then combined to describe our architecture, which we are currently in the process of implementing.
Integrating Reform‐Oriented Math Instruction in Special Education Settings

This mixed-methods study assessed the effects of Enhanced Anchored Instruction (EAI) on the math performance of adolescents with learning disabilities in math (MLD). A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design with switching replications was used to measure students' computation and problem-solving skills on EAI compared to control conditions. Scores on the curriculum-aligned and standardized measures showed improved problem-solving skills but results were mixed for computation. To augment the numerical data, a qualitative inquiry captured day-to-day classroom activities. The findings showed that problem-based curricula such as EAI have the potential for helping students with MLD develop deeper understandings of math concepts but that considerable effort is required to structure and teach these concepts in ways students with MLD understand.
SYMMETRY AND QED TESTS IN RARE ANNIHILATION MODES OF POSITRONIUM

Recent experiments on positronium annihilation have confirmed QED calculations at high orders of α and tested discrete fundamental symmetries. These measurements search for rare modes of annihilation which are distinguished from backgrounds by their specific decay signatures. New developments in beyond Standard Model theory provide motivation for new measurements of such decays. A brief history of searches for rare annihilation modes of Ps is given. Recent experimental and theoretical developments are reviewed. Experiments currently being planned are discussed.
'Don't know' and 'didn't think of it': condom use at first intercourse by Latino adolescents.

We examined the specific reasons Latino adolescents did or did not use condoms at first intercourse and their specific reasons for their perceived risk for contracting HIV. Latino adolescents ( n = 618), ages 11-19, completed a face-to-face interview that included information on demographics (sex, age, family-status (lives with both natural parents versus other family structure) and country of birth) and sexual behaviour. The respondents cited 'don't know' (25.9%), 'not available' (25.9%) and 'didn't think of it' (23.5%) as the most frequent reasons for not using condoms at first intercourse. Anyone can get it (41.8%), unknown knowledge of partner's serostatus (24.7%) and unprotected sex (23.8%) were the top three reasons for perceiving oneself as being at risk for contracting HIV. Sexually active adolescents were more likely to perceive themselves at risk for contracting HIV than adolescents that had not had sex. Males were significantly more likely to report using condoms for protection at first interco...
An alternative integral equation approach applied to kinked cracks in finite plane bodies

Abstract In a previous paper an integral equation representation of cracks was presented which differs from the well-known ‘dislocation-layer’ representation. In this new representation, the equations are written in terms of the displacement-discontinuity across the crack surfaces. It was shown that the new technique is well-suited to the treatment of kinked cracks. In the present paper, this integral-equation representation is coupled to the direct boundary-element method for the treatment of finite bodies containing kinked cracks. The resulting approach is shown to be simple, yet very accurate.
New insights in soft tissue tumours

This lecture will focus on three broad areas which have brought new insights or broadened our understanding of soft tissue neoplasia – specifically, selected newly recognised tumour types, conceptual advances and shifts in classification schemes. New entities will include angiofibroma of soft tissue, epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma, epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma and round cell sarcomas with CIC-DUX4 gene fusion. Evolving concepts include so-called cutaneous ‘leiomyosarcoma’, diagnostic criteria for dedifferentiated liposarcoma and increasing characterisation of myoepithelial tumours arising in soft tissue. Some issues of classification revolve around the impact of novel genetic data and uncertainties as to their significance.
A general approximation to the two‐center exchange integral between complex STOS

Starting from the formulation of the exchange integral between complex STOS due to Wahl, Cade, and Roothaan, one may obtain a rapidly calculable but approximate form for the two-center exchange integral by successive application of the mean-value theorem and an approximation to a resulting ratio of Legendre polynomials. Then keeping only the λ = M term which arises from integrating the Neumann expansion of 1/r12, we obtain a new approximation for two-center integrals which is relatively simple and general. For the case λ = M = 0, the new approximation reproduces the numerical results of the Mulliken approximation for exchange, and one can show that both approximations are equivalent in this case. The new approximate equation for two-center exchange integrals can be cast into a form proportional to an integral of the product of two differential overlap functions, and the computational time per exchange integral is found to be roughly equal to the calculational time of two overlap integrals. The new approximation has “chemical” accuracy which can be adjusted by means of a mean-value theorem parameter, which has a nonmultiplicative but fundamental effect on the exchange equation.
Reversible phosphorylation of Bcl2 following interleukin 3 or bryostatin 1 is mediated by direct interaction with protein phosphatase 2A.

Interleukin 3 (IL-3) stimulates the net growth of murine factor-dependent NSF/N1.H7 and FDC-P1/ER myeloid cells by stimulating proliferation and suppressing apoptosis. Recently, we discovered that Bcl2 is phosphorylated at an evolutionarily conserved serine residue (Ser70) after treatment with the survival agonists IL-3 or bryostatin 1, a potent activator of protein kinase (Ito, T., Deng, X., Carr, B., and May, W. S. (1997)J. Biol. Chem.272, 11671–11673). In addition, an intact Ser70 was found to be required for Bcl2's ability to suppress apoptosis after IL-3 withdrawal or toxic chemotherapy. We now show that phosphorylation of Bcl2 occurs rapidly after the addition of agonist to IL-3-deprived cells and can be reversed by the action of an okadaic acid (OA)-sensitive phosphatase. A role for protein phosphatase (PP) 2A as the Bcl2 regulatory phosphatase is supported by several observations: 1) dephosphorylation of Bcl2 is blocked by OA, a potent PP1 and PP2A inhibitor; 2) intracellular PP2A, but not PP1, co-localizes with Bcl2; 3) the purified PP2Ac catalytic subunit directly dephosphorylates Bcl2 in vitro in an OA-sensitive manner; 4) the purified PP2Ac catalytic subunit preferentially dephosphorylates Bcl2 in vitro compared with PP1 and PP2B; 5) reciprocal immunoprecipitation studies indicate a direct interaction between PP2A and hemagglutinin (HA)-Bcl2; and 6) treatment of factor-deprived cells with bryostatin 1 dramatically increases the association between PP2A and Bcl2. Increased association between Bcl2 and PP2A occurs 15 min after agonist stimulation when Bcl2 phosphorylation has peaked and immediately before dephosphorylation. An agonist-induced increased association of PP2A and Bcl2 fails to occur in cells expressing the inactive, phosphorylation-negative S70A Bcl2 mutant, which indicates that an intact Ser70 site is necessary and sufficient for the interaction to occur. Functional phosphorylation of Bcl2 at Ser70 is proposed to be a dynamic process regulated by the sequential action of an agonist-activated Bcl2 kinase and PP2A.
Sensitivity and specificity of M mode echocardiographic signs of mitral valve prolapse

Abstract To assess the sensitivity and specificity of previously described M mode echocardiographfc signs of mitral valve prolapse, 100 subjects with a mobile mid systolic click and 100 matched normal control subjects were prospectively studied. Late systolic posterior motion and holosystolic hammocking of the mitral leaflets were common, highly specific signs of mitral valve prolapse. When these signs were combined as a single criterion, sensitivity was 85 percent and specificity was 99 percent. Other signs, including systolic echoes in the mid left atrium, systolic anterior motion, early diastolic anterior motion of the posterior mitral leaflet and shaggy or heavy cascading linear diastolic echoes posterior to the mitral valve, were highly specific but uncommon. They occurred only in combination with late systolic posterior motion or holosystolic hammocking. The remaining signs tested did not differentiate subjects with mitral valve prolapse from normal persons.
The Misplaced-Objects Task: A Brief Test for Memory Dysfunction in the Aged

A brief, simple test for memory dysfunction in the aged is presented. Materials for the test consist of: 1) a board on which the cross-section of a seven-room house is imprinted, and 2) representations of 10 objects frequently misplaced in the home (e.g., keys). The task of the subject is to place the objects in rooms on the board and, after an interval of 5--30 minutes, to recall the location of each object. The measure is appropriate for a broad range of aged subjects, since performance requirements are minimal and readily apparent. The task has obvious face validity, which is essential for maintaining appropriate motivation in many aged subjects. Discriminate validity was demonstrated in a study in which significantly fewer objects were recalled by 60 aged persons with memory impairment (-x = 6.0) than by 44 unimpaired aged persons (-x = 8.9) or 63 young normal persons (-x = 9.9). Satisfactory test-retest reliability was demonstrated by a correlation of .84 between performances on two consecutive days in a subgroup of 20 impaired patients. Subjects appeared to enjoy the game-like structure of the test and clearly were not threatened by the test procedures. Suggestions are offered for further development of the measure.
Construction And Performance Of A Fabry-Perot Inteferometer Based Airborne Autonomous Wavemeter For Laser Tuning

This paper summarizes a continuing effort to develop, design, construct, and evaluate the performance of an airborne autonomous wavemeter for laser tuning. The wavemeter supports tunable solid-state lasers that are used for atmospheric remote sensing. This sensing approach is the Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique. One atmospheric species, water vapor is measured by tuning one laser to line center of a water vapor line and by tuning another laser off the line. The two sets of received backscattered radiation are ratioed and corrected to determine the vertical profiles of water vapor. On a spacecraft platform, an advanced system could monitor the global water vapor profiles. This would provide a technology improvement for meteorological forecasting. One experiment to make water vapor DIAL measurements from a down-looking airborne platform is the NASA-LASE (Lidar Atmos pheric Sensing Experiment) Project instrument1 to be flown on a NASA ER-2 aircraft. Breadboard results have been obtained that predict that a wavemeter can be built to survive the harsh air-borne environment of low temperatures and low pressures that exist in high altitude flight. Based on the breadboard results, the airborne wavemeter consist of three stages of Fabry-Perot interferometers. Stages #1 and #2 provide the necessary information to provide laser wavelength centroid measurements to the required accuracy of less than 0-.25 picometers. This provides the real-time information necessary for tuning the two tunable alexandrite lasers for the water vapor measurement. A high resolution stage #3 interferometer provides the laser spectral profile measurement with an instrumental profile less than 0.5 picometers full-width at half-maximum amplitude for the post-flight science data reduction. To maintain interferometric stability, the first two stages are thermally controlled and contained in a vacuum chamber. A two level control approach is used to stabilize the interferometers above the highest ambient temperature. Techniques have been developed to evaluate the accuracy of the wavelength centroid algorithms. By using a single wavelength stabilized He-Ne laser as a perfect source, the end-to-end random errors (short term stability) are determined in a period too short for any thermal/mechanical response. The end--to-end sys
Quantitative assessment of Chicago air pollution through analysis of covariance

A covariance analysis of source-receptor relationships is reported based on a 6-month air-pollution monitoring study in Chicago. Regular simultaneous measurements were made of total and respirable particulate matter (dp, particle diameter, < 2 μm); sulfate, nitrate and 18 elemental compositions for both size ranges; electrical aerosol analyzer size distributions; condensation nuclei counts; light scatter; CO, SO2, NO, NO2 and O3; temperature, u.v. radiation, rainfall, humidity and wind speed and direction. The ratio between light scatter and respirable particle concentration was 2.72 m2g−1 which agrees well with ratios measured at a variety of other locations. Analysis of covariance by wind direction found enrichment, with respect to TSP, for Fe, V, As and NO−3. The patterns were consistent with existing point source locations and strengths. The effect of street salting was also evident as Na was enriched with respect to the winter season for dp > 2 μm. On days of low humidity (< 8 mm Hg) SO2−4 concentrations were linearly associated with SO2 levels (r2 = 0.72). This relationship probably reflects primary source contributions, defined as sulfate directly emitted or formed relatively soon after discharge. At higher humidities the SO2–SO2−4 relationship was not linear; and secondary contributions, as reflected in ozone concentrations from preceding days, appeared to be important. The average primary source contribution to SO2−4 concentration was estimated at 5.5 μg m−3 which represented about 60 % of the average level. An analysis of nitrate—NO2 concentrations suggested a linear relationship (r2 = 0.58). Analysis of covariance was found to better discriminate between source categories responsible for differences in particulate matter components than the more commonly used analysis of variance and linear regression techniques.
Chlorine as an exploration guide for the platinum-group elements in layered intrusions

Abstract Recent theoretical and experimental work has suggested that Cl may be important for the transport of the platinum-group elements (PGE). A survey of the halogen geochemistry of apatite in layered intrusions, including new data from four intrusions from the Yilgarn block of Western Australia (the Jimberlana Intrusion, the Windimurra complex and the Mount Thirsty and Ora Banda Sills) and the Duluth Complex in Minnesota, shows that apatite from most intrusions is characteristically fluorian, with endmember chlorapatite components typically less than 20 mole percent. In contrast, the cumulate sections below both the J-M reef of the Stillwater Complex and the Merensky Reef of the Bushveld Complex contain Cl-rich apatite approaching endmember chlorapatite. Although the Stillwater and Bushveld intrusions are not the only intrusions that contain zones of PGE enrichment, the chlorapatite association suggests that intrusions with Cl-rich assemblages are more likely than not to contain economic PGE deposits. Furthermore, this association is consistent with theoretical considerations supporting chlorine as important for the transport of the PGE. It is suggested that the halogen geochemistry, as recorded in primary halogen-bearing minerals, may be a useful exploration guide for layered intrusions that may contain above-average grade deposits of these elements.
Institutional change, climate risk, and rural vulnerability: Cases from Central Mexico

Summary A multiscalar, multistressor assessment of rural vulnerability is presented, illustrating how globalization, market liberalization, and climatic risk simultaneously structure the livelihood strategies of Mexican smallholders. Ethnographic data collected in three communities are used to argue that farmers’ capacities to manage climatic risk are circumscribed by the ways in which they are able to negotiate changes in agricultural policy. Four livelihood strategies are explored in detail to show that market integration does not necessarily improve risk management capacity, and that subsistence maize production—while highly sensitive to hazards—may actually serve to enhance livelihood stability. The dominance of economic uncertainty over environmental risk in households’ decision making implies a continued role for government intervention to help households adapt to climatic stress.
Hydrodynamic simulations of hypervelocity impacts

Abstract When a metal projectile hits a thin metal plate at velocity high enough to penetrate it, a cloud of debris is produced, whose structure for normal impacts provides a unique test for hydrodynamic computer simulation. We report results of benchmark calculations of hypervelocity impacts of a lead sphere on a lead plate where significant vaporization occurs. The results are sensitive to the spatial resolution of the numerical solution. At the highest accuracy, differences due to the equation of state become apparent.
Constraint handling in genetic search using expression strategies

A traditional penalty-function formulation for treatment of nonlinear constrained optimization problems in genetic search has been shown to be extremely sensitive to user-specified schedules of selecting penalty parameters. The sensitivity of such an approach is manifested in a biasing of the search toward suboptimal designs and a general increase in the number of function evaluations required to obtain a converged design. Alternative methods are described for handling constraints that are motivated by the fact that the structure of both feasible and infeasible designs is generally present in the population of designs at any generation of search. A preconditionin g of the infeasible designs prior to the genetic transformations, by an expression operation that is conceptually analogous to the theory of dominant and recessive genes in genetics, is shown to be highly effective in evolving feasible solutions, and with savings of computational resource. Two alternative implementations of this approach are described and a comparison is made of numerical efficiency vis-a-vis the penalty-function-based approach.
Gutzwiller approximation for the Emery model

Normal-state properties of the two-dimensional model proposed by Emery for copper-oxide superconductors are studied within the Gutzwiller approximation. For larger intrasite repulsion it is found that hybridization produces quasihole bands with a reduced kinetic energy. For hole densities between 1 and 2, the reduction factor q is proportional to (epsilon/sub 0//sup -1/+(u-epsilon/sub 0/)/sup -1/)/sup 2/ where epsilon/sub 0/ = deltaepsilon/t, u = U/t, deltaepsilon is the difference in energy between the copper and the oxygen levels, and t is the hybridization energy. These results differ qualitatively from those for the heavy-fermion case where q is exponentially small, resulting in small Fermi energy (large effective mass). In the present case holes are only moderately heavy so that the Fermi energy is large.
Cross Cultural Management Research Assumptions, Evidence, and Suggested Directions

National culture is widely viewed as a constraint on management practice. However, that view is increasingly inconsistent with available empirical evidence. Building on earlier work, this article maps out the key assumptions that must be met for cross cultural management research that uses national culture (mean) scores, such as those available from Hofstede and the GLOBE project, to yield relevant and interpretable findings. It is found that these assumptions are either inconsistent with available empirical evidence or have not been adequately addressed empirically. For example, for national culture to act as a constraint on management, cultural differences within countries should be small relative to differences between countries. Evidence shows, however, that this is not the case. As a consequence of the lack of support for this and other assumptions, the article suggests that cross cultural management research needs to proceed differently in the future and provides specific recommendations in this regard.
VEHICLE POOLING IN TRANSIT OPERATIONS

The benefits of pooling vehicles among routes that emanate from a common focus terminal are examined. In this strategy, trips are still scheduled, but vehicles are not assigned to specific trips. Instead, vehicles belonging to the pool serve all of the round trips leaving that terminal in a first in/first out sequence. Pooling improves schedule adherence, since in a pooled system a bus returning early can “cover” for a bus returning late. Pooling also facilitates interlining (sharing of buses among routes), which reduces the need for slack time. A procedure is developed for estimating schedule reliability. This procedure is applied to a set of 8 routes emanating from a Boston area terminal where it was found that with pooling the fleet size could be reduced by 11% while at the same time improving schedule adherence.
An Assessment of Collaborative Governance in a Network for Sustainable Tourism: The Case of RedeTuris

This article presents a case study of a cross-sectoral organizational network created to promote sustainable tourism in Rio de Janeiro. We briefly introduce the topics of collaborative governance and sustainable tourism, and then describe the focal network and the methods used for the research. Findings are discussed in terms of three themes: 1) key elements of collaborative governance; 2) aspects of the network formation and development process; and 3) features of the Brazilian context that may influence the network's likelihood of success. We conclude with a comment on the role of public managers in a network such as this.
Computers in the teaching of differential equations

Abstract The purposes, methodology and contents of a computer oriented first course in differential equations are described. The course is open to those in the life sciences as well as to mathematics and physical science majors and presumes neither previous computer experience nor more than a minimal background in calculus. One of the features of the course is the parallel treatment given to analytic and numeric solution approaches. The latter uses a flowchart language as its teaching medium with computer library programs being available for extensive numerical work.
Taking advantage of chemical shift imaging: using opposed-phase images to locate the normal appendix on MR.

Abstract Multiple sequences of 50 consecutive adult pelvic MRI exams were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists to determine if opposed-phase T1 gradient echo imaging can assist in locating the normal appendix on pelvic MRI. If the appendix was visualized, it was always seen on the T2 sequence, except for one exam. The opposed-phase sequence had the second highest visualization rate, and the appendix was identified the least on the post-gadolinium sequence. The presence of a “button nose” sign was also assessed and was present in one third of cases.
The Transport Properties and Defect Chemistry of La2-XSrXCuO4-δ

La2-xSrxCuO4-δ has been studied to determine the role of dopants and oxygen stoichiometry on the transport properties and defect chemistry of this system. The conductivity was found to reach a maximum for 0.2 0.6 for temperatures below ∼ 600°C. However, the source of this behavior is not clear, given that an increasing amount of second phase was observed for x > 0.4. The conductivity and thermoelectric power (TEP) of La2CuO4 show a Po21/6 dependence and a temperature independence, implying that the hole mobility is not thermally activated and the enthalpy of oxidation is nearly zero. This last conclusion is confirmed by TGA data.
A study of acid phosphatase of the mosquito Aedes aegypti L.

Abstract Acid phosphatase has been studied in total homogenates of adult females of Aedes aegypti L. Acid phosphatase when studied on disodium β-glycerophosphate possesses the following characteristics: soluble in water; confined to the supernatant fraction of centrifuged homogenates; kinetics zero order; pH optimum 4·6-5·3; temperature optimum 45°C; Q10 2·13 (25–35°C); activated by Mg (optimum 0·08-0·16 M); Ca, Co, and Fe; inhibited by Mg (0·30 M or higher), fluoride, azide, and oxalate.
ECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON END-OF-LIFE CARE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE AND ETHICAL SPECULATION

Although very little actual evidence on the issue is available, much ethical speculation has been voiced about the probable impact of the current cost containment oriented economic climate in the United States on decisions that are being made and implemented in the context of end-of-life medical care. This article, after noting that numerous factors besides money drive the behavior of various actors in the health care system, turns to the economic influences on care for dying patients. These influences, both real and imagined, may be manifested in the amount of de facto health care rationing by age that occurs, the prevalent fears of older persons regarding both overtreatment and undertreatment, the financial expectations as well as disappointments emanating from the practice of advance medical planning, and the paucity of options from which many impoverished individuals must choose at the end of their lives. It is too early to judge specifically the impact of managed care on end-of-life decisions, but po...
Biocultural diversity and indigenous ways of knowing: human ecology in the Arctic

Biocultural diversity and indigenous ways of knowing: human ecology in the Arctic, by Karim-Aly S. Kassam, Calgary, The University of Calgary Press, 2009, 270 pp., CAD/US$34.95 (paperback), ISBN 97...
A methodology for deriving ensemble response from multimodel simulations

Summary Multimodel ensembles are widely used to quantify uncertainties of climate model simulations. Previous studies have confirmed that a multimodel ensemble approach increases the skill of model simulations. However, one may need to know which ensemble member is more likely to be true, particularly when the ensemble is spread out over a wide area. Typically, ensemble response (climate response) is derived by taking the mean or median of ensemble members. However, strong similarities exist between models (members of an ensemble) which may cause biased climate response toward models with strong similarities. In this study, a model is proposed for deriving the climate response (ensemble response) of multimodel climate model simulations. The approach is based on the concept of Expert Advice (EA) algorithm which has been successfully applied to the financial sector. The goal of this methodology is to derive an ensemble response that at every time step is equal or better (less error) than the best model. The methodology is tested using the CMIP5 historical temperature simulations (1951–2005) and Climatic Research Unit observations, and the results show that the EA algorithm leads to smaller error compared to the ensemble mean.
Economic determinants of annual hours worked by registered nurses.

This study was guided by the economic theory of the decision to work, with secondary survey data (N=16,880) derived from the National Sample Survey of the Population of Registered Nurses, November 1984, used to analyze the effects of economic and sociodemographic variables on the number of hours wor
Medial axis representation and encoding of scanned documents

Abstract The medial axis transform (MAT) is a sparse representation of shape, which, being reversible, has potential for binary image compression. The MAT also provides structural information not accessible with alternative binary image codes. This structural information is often used for line extraction and pattern recognition. Therefore, the MAT occupies an interesting middle ground between lower-level, compressible image codes and higher-level, meaningful image representations. In an attempt to realize this middle ground, a MAT-based coding scheme which respects its structural properties is developed. The MAT-based coding method is applied to the CCITT facsimile test images. The resulting compression is comparable to that of known coding schemes for textual and somewhat better for graphical data. Some simple modifications to improve skeleton coding performance are suggested. To substantiate the claim that the MAT is effective for higher-level processing, the representation is extended to perform line segment and curve extraction. The extraction takes place under the control of a global error tolerance parameter and thus provides a new method to trade off data compression with distortion for binary images.
The role of translation in neoplastic transformation from a pathologist's point of view

Increased cell proliferation, which is a hallmark of aggressive malignant neoplasms, requires a general increase in protein synthesis and a specific increase in the synthesis of replication-promoting proteins. Transient increase in the general protein synthesis rate, as well as preferential translation of specific mRNAs coding for growth promoting proteins (e.g. cyclin D1), takes place during normal mitogenic response. A number of extensively studied growth signal transduction pathways (Ras, PI3K, MAPK, mTOR-dependent pathways) activate the function and expression of various components of the translational machinery. In abnormal situations, constitutive activation of signal transduction pathways (e.g. oncogenic activation of Ras or Myc) leads to continuous upregulation of key elements of translational machinery. On the other hand, tumor suppressor genes (p53, pRb) downregulate ribosomal and tRNA synthesis, and their inactivation results in uncontrolled production of these translational components. During recent years, a significant effort has been dedicated to determining whether expression of translation factors is increased in human tumors using clinical biopsy specimens. The results of these studies indicate that expression of particular translation initiation factors is not always increased in human neoplasms. The pattern of expression is characteristic for a particular tumor type. For example, eIF-4E is usually increased in bronchioloalveolar carcinomas but not in squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. Interestingly, in certain highly proliferative and aggressive neoplasms (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, melanoma), the expression of eIF-4E is barely detectable. These findings suggest that mechanisms for increasing general protein synthesis in various neoplasms differ significantly. Finally, the possibility of qualitative alterations in the translational machinery, rather than a simple increase in the activity of its components, is discussed along with the possibility of targeting those qualitative differences for tumor therapy.
Neuroprotective effect of α2 agonist (brimonidine) on adult rat retinal ganglion cells after increased intraocular pressure

Brimonidine, a selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, has recently been shown to be neuroprotective as it significantly improves survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after calibrated optic nerve injury in rats. In the present study, we examined the effect of brimonidine (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist) on RGC survival after increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult rats. RGCs were prelabeled by bilateral tectal injection of 5% Fluoro-Gold (FG). Two days later, unilaterally IOP was increased 2.2-2.5 times (28-30.5 mmHg) that of the normal pressure (12.5-14.5 mmHg) by cauterization of three episcleral veins. The elevated IOP was maintained throughout the duration of the experiment. Rats were treated intraperitoneally with brimonidine (1 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) once per week beginning either before (group A) or after (group B) increasing the IOP. Another group of rats was left as the control with elevated IOP but without any brimonidine/PBS treatment. Rats were euthanized at 3, 4 and 5 weeks after IOP elevation. Identifiable RGCs were counted and compared between control and experimental groups. Brimonidine significantly protected RGCs from elevated IOP-induced cell death. In control rats with three-vein cauterization, there was 5-6% cell death per week. Almost all RGCs were protected following brimonidine treatment for 3 weeks both in groups A and B. At 4 weeks, there was 4.5% cell death in group A and 6.5% in group B. At 5 weeks, cell death was 5.9% in group A and 6.2% in group B. The difference in cell death in groups A and B was insignificant. No significant differences were observed between PBS-treated and control groups. No significant changes in elevated IOP was found after brimonidine or PBS treatment when compared with the nontreated control group. Although pressure remained elevated throughout the length of the experiment, 3 weeks later the amount of cell death gradually increased in brimonidine-treated animals.
Learning Prolog in a schema-based environment

A set of basic construct Prolog schemata are presented as the basic constructs of a structured Prolog for recursive list processing. Prolog schema hierarchies are given that group classes of Prolog programs within each of the basic construct Prolog schemata via most-specific schemata which high-light their similarities and differences. A schema-based instructional approach based upon this classification of Prolog programs is provided as a method of introducing recursion to novice Prolog programmers. The incorporation of this approach to teaching recursive Prolog programming in an intelligent tutoring system is presented. Finally, a schema-based Prolog programming environment embedding this tutoring system in addition to a standard Prolog development system is proposed which promotes the acquisition and use of structured programming constructs in Prolog.
An epidemiological study of deciduous tooth emergence and growth in white and black children of southeastern Michigan

A study of the relation between deciduous tooth emergence and growth in 376 White and Black children, ages 4–33 months, of the lower socioeconomic level was conducted in southeastern Michigan. Age adjusted partial correlation coefficients (r12.3) between the total number of teeth present and the selected measures of growth were all positive. The early stages of tooth emergence were better correlated with birth weight, while the later stages were better correlated with stature. In comparison to White children, Black children weighed less at birth, were slightly smaller at 12 months, but were bigger at age 24 months. Interrace comparisons for tooth emergence revealed this same pattern. The findings suggest that the timing of deciduous tooth emergence is significantly correlated with child growth. These observations, however, need to be confirmed for the individual child by longitudinal study. The limitations of the use of “dental age” when chronological age is not known are discussed.
Biordered sets and complemented modular lattices

In this paper we give a structure theorem for the biordered set of a strongly regular Baer semigroup. As a result we shall be able to construct the biordered set of the multiplicative semigroup of a regular ring in terms of the complemented modular lattice which is coordinatized by this regular ring.
BILATERAL RENAL ARTERY AND TOTAL AORTIC THROMBOSIS: SUCCESSUL NON-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

Thrombosis and renovascular hypertension are complications of umbilical artery catheters (UAC). There are no reported cases of resolution of bilateral renal artery thromobosis leading to complete renal failure. We report an infant with complete aortic occlusion. A 1.3 kg 30 week gestation male infant was delivered via cesearean section for pre-eclampsia. UAC and umbilical venous catheter (UVC) were placed. Respiratory distress was managed with CPAP and oxygen therapy. UAC was removed on day 5. Complete renal failure (max: BUN 40, Creat 4.2) and hypertension (systolic BP > 110 mmHg) presented on day 8; UVC was removed. Renal scan showed no perfusion; abdominal ultrasound demonstrated complete aortic thrombosis from the superior mesenteric artery to the iliac arteries and including both renal arteries. Renal failure was managed with peritoneal dialysis without complications. Hypertension was controlled with hydralazine (max. 4.6 mg/kg/24 hr), propranolol (max. 0.5 mg/kg/24 hr), alphamethyldopa (35 mg/kg/24 hr), and intermittent diazoxide (2.5 mg/kg/dose). Urine production resumed (0.6 cc/kg/hr) on day 22 and increased progressively without surgical or thrombolytic therapy. Renal function was markedly improved (BUN 3, Creat 1.4) at three months. Previous reports of management of renovascular hypertension have suggested revascularization, thrombectomy or thrombolysis. Management with invasive therapy must be carefully considered as supportive management of this infant resulted in resolution of arterial obstruction and return of reasonable renal function.
The effect of air bubbles on the diffusion-controlled solidification of water and aqueous solutions of ammonium chloride

Abstract Gas pores appear during solidification when the gas concentration in the liquid is higher than the gas solubility at a certain location. Since the thermal conductivity of the gas can be orders of magnitude lower than that of the solid phases, the effective thermal conductivity of the porous solid may be lower when gas bubbles are present. In this study, experiments have been carried out to determine the effect of air bubbles on the process of solidification and solid formation. Water and ammonium chloride solutions have been solidified under diffusion controlled conditions and the temperature distributions as well as the interface positions have been measured during the experiments. The amount of dissolved air in the liquid was determined by controlling the pressure of the test cell, which was placed under a bell jar. The results of the experiments show that nucleation of air bubbles at the interface does not significantly affect the effective thermal conductivity of the solid. The results are supported using microscopic experimental observations of the bubble nucleation and growth.
Sequential Search and Selection Problem Under Uncertainty

This paper formulates and discusses a series of sequential decision problems of the following common structure: A decision alternative of multiple attributes-that is, a job, an employee, or an investment alternative-is to be selected within a certain fixed length of time. An unknown number of alternatives are presented sequentially, either deterministically or in a random manner. The decision maker can rank all the alternatives from best to worst without ties, and the decision to accept or reject an alternative is based solely on the relative ranks of those alternatives evaluated so far. The nonparametric sequential decision problem is first studied for a model involving a discrete time period and then generalized in terms of continuous time. Also considered is a variant of this problem involving a Bayesian estimation of (1) the uncertain probability of having an alternative at a given stage in the discrete-time model and (2) the arrival rate of alternatives in the continuous-time model. The optimal selection strategy that maximizes the probability of selecting the absolute best alternative is illustrated with the job search problem and the single-machine job assignment problem.
Semantics of Historical Representation in Terms of Aspects

Abstract In his latest book, Frank Ankersmit proposes an original theory of historical representation. In this review I focus on what I take to be his most important semantic points with respect to representation, meaning, truth, and reference. First, I provide a short summary of the book. Second, I explore his semantics in terms of aspects and compare it with a different account inspired by the Fregean notion of mode of presentation. As my examination shows, Ankersmit’s analysis faces the problem of “loosing indirectness” and, moreover, there seems to exist an alternative and plausible view that does not suffer from this problem. Finally, I conclude with a couple of comments on the Copernican Revolution advocated in the book.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Ovine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-β Gene by Activin and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Involvement of Two Proximal Activator Protein-1 Sites for GnRH Stimulation*

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that a transgene consisting of the promoter for the ovine FSH β-subunit gene and a luciferase reporter (wt-oFSHβLuc) was expressed and regulated like the FSHβ gene in vivo and in vitro. In the present study pituitary cultures were prepared from these transgenic mice as well as mice carrying mutated oFSHβLuc lacking two functional activator protein-1 (AP-1) sites at −120 and −83 bp (mut-oFSHβLuc). These AP-1 sites were reported necessary for induction of oFSHβLuc by GnRH in a HeLa cell system. To examine the importance of the two AP-1 sites in mediating GnRH and activin effects in primary gonadotropes, pituitary cultures derived from transgenic mice were pretreated with follistatin to remove activin or activin-like factors present in the cultures. Follistatin lowered luciferase expression in cultures carrying both wt-oFSHβLuc and mut-oFSHβLuc transgenes by 74–86%, and subsequent addition of activin induced luciferase expression of both wt- and mut-transgene...
Measuring length of exposure to fluoridated water

Previous studies have measured subjects' exposure to fluoridated water in two ways: number of years exposed to fluoridation and a dummy variable indicating the fluoridation status of the subjects' present community. The former assumes that fluoride concentrations of water supplies are constant across years, while the latter assumes subjects have never changed residences. Measurement error may occur when either assumption is not satisfied. These two sources of error may be reduced in a newly developed measure of lifetime fluoridation exposure (LFE) containing residence history and fluoride level elements. The aim of this paper is to examine the accuracy of the three measures. Results reveal that the number of years measure and LFE are highly correlated (0.98) and have similar effects in a regression model, indicating both are valid measures of fluoridation exposure. LFE also appears to be fairly insensitive to measurement error due to inaccurate recall of residence histories. Measuring fluoridation exposure with a dummy variable is not recommended.
Don't stop thinking about tomorrow: Individual differences in future self-continuity account for saving.

Some people find it more difficult to delay rewards than others. In three experiments, we tested a “future selfcontinuity” hypothesis that individual differences in the perception of one’s present self as continuous with a future self would be associated with measures of saving in the laboratory and everyday life. Higher future self-continuity (assessed by a novel index) predicted reduced discounting of future rewards in a laboratory task, more matches in adjectival descriptions of present and future selves, and greater lifetime accumulation of financial assets (even after controlling for age and education). In addition to demonstrating the reliability and validity of the future self-continuity index, these findings are consistent with the notion that increased future self-continuity might promote saving for the future.
The Jordan curve theorem is non-trivial

The formal mathematical definition of a Jordan curve (a non-self-intersecting continuous loop in the plane) is so simple that one is often lead to the unimaginative view that a Jordan curve is noth...
Power-Aware Routing in MANETs

Operating power is one of the most important resources required by wireless devices Min and Chinchuluun [2006]. For practical use, wireless devices can only store electricity in relatively small quantities. This make it necessary to consider conservation measures that reduce consumption of electricity by the equipment.