cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some Peer-to-Peer, Democratically and Voluntarily Produced Thoughts About 'The Wealth of Networks: How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom,' by Yochai Benkler

In this review essay, Bartow concludes that The Wealth of Networks: How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom by Yochai Benkler is a book well worth reading, but that Benkler still has a bit more work to do before his Grand Unifying Theory of Life, The Internet, and Everything is satisfactorily complete. It isn't enough to concede that the Internet won't benefit everyone. He needs to more thoroughly consider the ways in which the lives of poor people actually worsen when previously accessible information, goods and services are rendered less convenient or completely unattainable by their migration online. Additionally, the Internet is easy enough to be optimistic enough as a technological achievement, but just as nuclear fission can be harnessed both for electrical power generation and annihilating destruction, the raw communicative capabilities can't be qualitatively assessed without reference to specific content. Pornography and its symbiotic relationship to the Internet require thoughtful scrutiny. Astroturf and other targeted attempts to instrumentally distort democratic discourse need to be analyzed and possibly also rechanneled or contained. The impact of moving resources online upon people who substantially live in an offline, analog world, needs to be contemplated more fully.
How IT Mediates Organizations: Enron and the California Energy Crisis

Market activity, understood as the outcome of arms-length interactions among calculative agents, often involves asymmetries due to the capability of some agents to impose events, actions, and relations that others have to take into account. Information and communication technologies are playing an increasingly significant role in amplifying such capability, and to explain this role we need frameworks that take agents as entangled within the web of relations and connections that make it possible for them to mobilize technologies along with other allies such as people and organizations. Actor-network theory (ANT) is such a framework. The paper applies ANT to the study of Enron's involvement in California's energy market. It will show, from a social-informatics perspective, how technology was variously used, both as an intra- and extra-organizational device, to proliferate links, to enroll allies, to make image, and to amplify Enron's role in the energy market. In short, the paper will argue that IT mediated Enron in more than one way.
Genetic evaluation and application of posterior cranial fossa traits as endophenotypes for Chiari Type I Malformation

Summary Chiari Type I Malformation (CMI) is characterized by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the base of the skull. Although cerebellar tonsillar herniation (CTH) is hypothesized to result from an underdeveloped posterior cranial fossa (PF), patients are frequently diagnosed by the extent of CTH without cranial morphometric assessment. We recently completed the largest CMI whole genome qualitative linkage screen to date. Despite an initial lack of statistical evidence, stratified analyses using clinical criteria to reduce heterogeneity resulted in a striking increase in evidence for linkage. The present study focused on the use of cranial base morphometrics to further dissect this heterogeneity and increase power to identify disease genes. We characterized the genetic contribution for a series of PF traits and evaluated the use of heritable, disease-relevant PF traits in ordered subset analysis (OSA). Consistent with a genetic hypothesis for CMI, much of the PF morphology was found to be heritable and multiple genomic regions were strongly implicated from OSA, including regions on Chromosomes 1 (LOD = 3.07, p = 3 × 10−3) and 22 (LOD = 3.45, p = 6 × 10−5) containing several candidates warranting further investigation. This study underscores the genetic heterogeneity of CMI and the utility of PF traits in CMI genetic studies.
The effects of refined petroleum products tax in the Philippines

This paper uses an aggregate modelling approach to assess the impact of taxes on refined petroleum products on the Philippine economy. The approach used in the analysis consists of a general equilibrium model composed of fourteen producing sectors, fourteen consuming sectors, three household categories classified by income and a government. The effects of removing the 48 per cent tax on premium and regular gasoline and the 24 per cent tax on other refined petroleum products on prices and quantities are examined. The results are revealing. For example, the consequences of a complete elimination of refined petroleum product taxes would be an increase in output by all producing sectors of about 3.7 per cent or about 2.65 hundred billion Philippine pesos, a rise in the consumption of goods and services by about 13.6 per cent or 4.2 hundred billion Philippine pesos, a rise in total utility by 14.3 or 4.5 hundred billion Philippine pesos and lower tax revenue for the government of 62.4 per cent or 2.8 hundred billion Philippine pesos. When subjected to a sensitivity analysis, the results are reasonably robust with regard to the assumption of the values of the substitution elasticities. That is, while the model's equilibrium values do vary in response to different assumptions of the values of these elasticities, the fluctuations are not so enormous as to suggest that the model is unrealistically sensitive to these parameters.
Metabolism and toxicity of cadmium, mercury, and lead in animals: a review

Cadmium, mercury, and lead are toxic to humans and animals. Although cadmium and inorganic mercury toxicities occur in humans, they have not been observed in domestic livestock under practical conditions. In contrast, cattle, especially young calves, are extremely susceptible to lead toxicity. Apparently, cattle are more tolerant of cadmium than are other animal species. Due partially to higher absorption and longer retention times in the body, the alkyl mercuries, especially methyl mercury, are more toxic than inorganic mercury compounds. Inorganic forms of cadmium, mercury, and lead are poorly absorbed from the intestine. However, due to lack of effective homeostasis, after absorption retention time is long. Injected cadmium, mercury, and lead are metabolized differently from that naturally absorbed. Most cadmium and mercury are in kidney and liver (50 and 23% of total body in goats); but highest total load of methyl mercury is in muscle (72% in cows). With low to moderate body burden, most lead is retained in the skeleton. However, beyond a certain point, the kidney accumulates large quantities. Only minute amounts of cadmium and mercury are secreted into milk, but milk is only moderately well protected from dietary lead. Likewise, little cadmium and inorganic mercury pass the placental barrier whereas lead and methyl mercury pass more readily.
Genetic linkage and color polymorphism in the southern platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus): a model system for studies of color pattern evolution.

Color pattern polymorphisms are widespread in animals, and are found within populations, among populations, and among species. The southern platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus, represents one of the most extreme examples of color pattern polymorphism. Extensive research with this model system for melanoma formation has resulted in an understanding of the underlying genetic basis of over 40 sex-linked and autosomal color patterns, including alleles that code for melanin, pterin, and carotenoid coloration. Research has also found that genes that affect sex determination, timing of sexual maturation, and coloration are genetically linked on the sex chromosomes. In many animals, color patterns often show strong sexual dimorphism, with conspicuous coloration limited to males. Although some of the color pattern alleles are sex-limited in platyfish, many are expressed by both sexes. Despite the abundance of work on this model system, little is known about the evolutionary processes responsible for this diversity of...
A light microscopic study of the saccule and lagena in certain catfishes.

The sacculi and lagenae from representatives of five species of catfishes were studied by light microscopy to provide an account of the anatomy of those structures and to determine whether phylogenetic changes can be detected in the inferior division of the membranous labyrinth among closely related ostariophysian fishes. The lagena showed little change among the forms used, while the saccule exhibited marked interspecies modifications. Anatomical variation was evident in the shape of the saccule, positioning of the interconnecting transverse canal, presence or absence of a release membrane, and, more notably, the position of the saccular macula and the shape and fluting pattern of the sagitta. Only minor variations were evident in the saccule and sagitta between the “primitive” conditions displayed in the siluroid form and those in the two bagroid representatives; in the latter forms, however, some positional modification of the posterior part of the macula from the “primitive” arrangement was present. In the bagroid representatives, the general morphology appeared to be stabilized early in the radiation, and individual changes suggest two lines of development within the group. The most significant modifications were evident in the loricaroid group where progression from the early representative to the more advanced form showed major changes in the inferior division of the labyrinth including loss of the anterior part of the saccule and sagitta, modification of the remaining part of the sagitta, and repositioning of the saccular macula. The pattern changes in the saccule generally agreed with the phylogenetic sequence proposed by Chardon (′68) for catfishes.
Bird Populations in Montana Linear Riparian Areas at 12, 28, and 40 Year Intervals

Abstract In 2008, I surveyed bird populations in two riparian areas in western Montana using territory-mapping and compared the results with surveys done in 1968 and 1980. Bird populations were assessed by mapping territories of singing males. Overall vegetation height of the ground layer increased between 1980 and 2008. A major vegetation component, mountain alder (Alnus tenuifolia), suffered massive mortality due to a freezing event in February 1989. The death of the main trunks and re-sprouting of mountain alder changed the structure of the riparian vegetation. Mean height of alder was 1.4 m less in 2008 than in 1980 along Elk Creek. It was 3.4 m lower along the North Fork. Based on male habitat-use information collected in 1968, these structural changes may have negatively impacted the Hammond's Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Redstart since males of these species were documented in 1968 to primarily use the upper level of the alder canopy for singing. The MacGillivray'...
Determination of Slung Load Divergence Speed Using Airload Measurement and Simulation

The speed at which a slung load can be carried under an aircraft is often limited by the onset of divergent oscillations. Simulations using highly-resolved airloads maps are described, in an effort to determine divergence speed. Airloads are obtained using the Continuous Rotation technique, which converts the discrete-attitude static airload measurements problem to a periodic problem amenable to closed-form analytical description. Free-swing tests of scaled models are performed in a wind tunnel with and without initial perturbations, to capture quantitative and qualitative records from encoders and from video, also capturing the likely modes that amplify. Results are presented for a cuboid and a porous box, the latter with and without one side closed. The roll divergence mechanism, the coupling of roll and yaw frequency, seen in swing tests is clearly observed in simulations run on the cuboid, both when yaw is forced and when the model is free.© 2014 ASME
Colloquium: Understanding ion motion in disordered solids from impedance spectroscopy scaling

ac impedance measurements of ion-conducting glasses provide considerable insight into the nature of the ionic motions in disordered solids. However, interpreting the ac impedance has been a matter of considerable debate, particularly in regards to how best to represent the relaxation process that is the result of a transition from correlated to uncorrelated ion hopping. Although interpretations based upon the electric modulus have featured prominently in the earlier literature, direct analysis of the complex conductivity in the frequency domain is gaining popularity as it provides direct (via Fourier transform) information regarding the microscopic mean-squared displacement of ions. Here many recent findings are summarized that emphasize the scaling features present in the impedance spectra to demonstrate how the casual researcher might interpret ac impedance results without elaborate curve fitting.
A Review of Outcome Studies of Rational Emotive Therapy, 1982-1989

In 1977, DiGiuseppe and Miller provided a review of the literature assessing the effectiveness of Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET). In 1984, McGovern and Silverman completed a similar review for outcome studies conducted from 1977 through mid-1981. This present study is meant as a continuation of those reviews. The 89 studies reviewed are divided into three sections: outcome studies that do not compare Rational-Emotive Therapy with other types of treatment; a review of outcome studies that do compare RET with other types of psychotherapy; and a review of Rational-Emotive outcome studies that either combine RET with other therapies or are not appropriate for the first two sections. There does appear to be some increased sophistication in the research conducted since 1982. Increases were noted in the number of control groups used in the current research as well as in the number of follow-up studies. There also appears to be an improvement in the comparison of RET with other forms of therapy, and the number of problem areas in which RET has been tested has increased. A decrease in post-test only studies and an increased variety of subjects have also improved the current research. Issues such as socioeconomic status and I.Q. of subjects, duration of treatment, and lack of longitudinal studies remain unaddressed. It is suggested that future researchers concentrate on these specific problems to improve the credibility of RET. This review coincides with the previous findings that RET is a valuable, effective therapy that warrants increased research to broaden its application.
The St. Petersburg Literacy Committee and Russian Education: Government Tutelage or Public Trust?

Although the relationship between Russian government and society in the nineteenth century is often portrayed in terms of conflict, cooperation was more typically the rule. The tsarist state encouraged, sanctioned and patronized private associations dedicated to the pursuit of national betterment and the prestige of the realm. The interests of state and society appeared to be shared interests, and on many projects monarchy and officialdom were willing to collaborate with private individuals. However, the increasing civic activism of private associations during the second half of the nineteenth century challenged the authorities' ability to control the public sphere, and the relationship between state and society turned gradually from cooperation to conflict. We may chart the trajectory from cooperation to confrontation by examining the Free Economic Society's involvement in education. Although the government bureaucracy, the zemstvos, and teachers' professional organizations have received the attention of historians, less is known about the work of Russia's science societies. The involvement of private associations in popular education during the second half of the nineteenth century demonstrates the opportunities, as well as the limitations, of nongovernmental public action. An examination of a division of the Free Economic Society known as the Literacy Committee will also provide a case study of the interaction between officialdom, an association, and the broader public as well as an example of the horizontal linkages in society that associations facilitated. The initial partnership between state and society turned into conflict, as the Literacy Committee spearheaded a rise in public activity in the 1890s. This civic activism, as well as the claim of the Literacy Committee's leaders to a voice in public policy, raised the specter of a vast archipelago of unauthorized and unscrutinized public initiative in education; conflict more and more entered into the relationship between government and society. By operating in a legally sanctioned public sphere and by mobilizing a public, the Literacy Committee, along with other education associations, the zemstvos and the city councils, were a lever used by activists in an attempt to wrest education from government tutelage. However constrained by the government, participation in nongovernmental associations gave the public a voice and allowed activists to challenge government tutelage. Using the vehicle of the association, Russian education activists framed public opinion, organized public meetings around issues of concern, and claimed an advocacy role in public policy.
Distributed model predictive control of multi-functional power conditioning system for building energy efficiency

This paper presents a model predictive control for a multi-functional power conditioning system. The major useful functions of renewable power conditioning systems in the building power systems are active/reactive power control, harmonic compensation, and unbalance compensation. The multi-functional controller needs appropriate references for multi-functions in order to maximize the utilization of power conditioning system's capacity. The model predictive control is interfaced to inputs of multi-function control by means of individual current references. A minimization cost function is defined by current components with respect to the power losses. This approach will maximize not only PV power harvest but also utilization of the power conditioning system. The expected results are: power quality improvement, energy loss reduction, system reliability improvement, and the enhancement of the life cycle of the building electrical power system. Real time digital simulator based hardware-in-the loop tests and matlab simulation results show that the proposed multi-functional power conditioning system can deliver the active power with minimized reactive power and reduce the harmonics and the unbalance.
Interpersonal Attraction and Help Volunteering as a Function of Physical Attractiveness

Summary The effects of physical attractiveness on both interpersonal attraction and help-volunteering behavior were measured. First, 20 male and 20 female undergraduates viewed two male stimulus persons in a short videotape debate and rated them on a semantic differential scale. The “debaters” were discrepant both in physical attractiveness and behavior, adopting either a “nice” or “obnoxious” demeanor. In the second phase E asked subjects to help one of two female stimulus persons who were also discrepant in physical attractiveness. In both phases subjects were affected significantly by the physical attractiveness of the stimulus persons regardless of the sex of the subjects. The more attractive male was rated higher on favorable traits, and the more attractive female stimulus person more readily drew volunteers; in neither phase was there a significant sex of S × sex of stimulus person interaction. Added strength is given to this finding by virtue of a behavioral measure.
Intermittent leuprolide acetate for the nonsurgical management of women with leiomyomata uteri

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of intermittent 6-month courses of leuprolide acetate for the long-term control of symptoms attributed to leiomyomata uteri. Design: Prospective open-label feasibility study. Setting: University department of obstetrics and gynecology. Patient(s): Thirty women with abnormal bleeding or discomfort (pain or pressure) due to leiomyomata uteri. Intervention(s): Patients received an initial 6-month course of the GnRH agonist leuprolide acetate, after which they were observed for symptom recurrence. Symptom recurrence was managed by repeated 6-month courses of leuprolide acetate. Main Outcome Measure(s): Relief of symptoms, responses on a quality-of-life questionnaire, serum lipid levels, blood count, and ferritin level. The number of doses of leuprolide acetate required to maintain symptom control was recorded. Serial bone mineral density measurements were made in selected patients. Result(s): Twenty of the 30 women who began therapy with leuprolide acetate continued in the protocol. Each individual 6-month course of leuprolide acetate therapy was followed by a median of 9 additional months of symptom control (range, 2 to >25 months). Women remaining in the protocol experienced a mean decrease of 2.4% in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine; bone mineral density of the hip did not change. Conclusion(s): Intermittent courses of leuprolide acetate can be used in the nonsurgical management of women with symptomatic leiomyomata uteri. Use of antiresorptive add-back therapy and monitoring of bone mineral density can be considered when repeated courses of leuprolide acetate are given.
The pharyngeo-tracheal lumen airway: An assessment of airway control in the setting of upper airway hemorrhage

Aspiration of blood from nasal and upper airway injuries is a common problem in trauma patients. The pharyngeo-tracheal lumen (PTL) airway uses a large balloon to occlude the oropharynx. We conducted a postmortem radiographic evaluation of the PTL airway's ability to control simulated upper airway hemorrhage using a barium solution. The PTL airway was inserted in ten patients and the barium solution was instilled in the nose until it was full. Radiographs were taken to determine the extent of containment of the radiopaque liquid. The PTL airway successfully controlled the simulated upper airway hemorrhage in nine of the ten cases studied including one patient with a cleft palate. There was leakage in the tenth case due to a balloon leak. The PTL airway may be the prehospital airway of choice in trauma patients due to its ability to control upper airway hemorrhage, but it requires further clinical testing.
Functional mapping of the human visual cortex by magnetic resonance imaging

Knowledge of regional cerebral hemodynamics has widespread application for both physiological research and clinical assessment because of the well-established interrelation between physiological function, energy metabolism, and localized blood supply. A magnetic resonance technique was developed for quantitative imaging of cerebral hemodynamics, allowing for measurement of regional cerebral blood volume during resting and activated cognitive states. This technique was used to generate the first functional magnetic resonance maps of human task activation, by using a visual stimulus paradigm. During photic stimulation, localized increases in blood volume (32 +/- 10 percent, n = 7 subjects) were detected in the primary visual cortex. Center-of-mass coordinates and linear extents of brain activation within the plane of the calcarine fissure are reported.
Alternative forms in bioenergetics

Physics of Bioenergetic Processes. By L.A. Blumenfeld. Springer-Verlag: 1984. Pp.132. DM 70, $27.20.
A DIFFERENTIAL SLICE APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM OF RETAINING WALL LOADING

A differential slice technique is applied in order to obtain the solution for the pressure distribution on rigid retaining walls. The technique is based on a statical analysis of a plane differential slice, for which only the global equilibrium is required. An analytical solution to the problem is found for a non-cohesive material and a linear slip surface. For more complicated cases the numerical solution is required. (Author/TRRL)
Epibenthic invertebrates of natural and constructed marshes of San Diego Bay

To aid in assessing the functioning of a constructed salt marsh and the acjacent natural marsh, we conducted a one-year study of epibenthic invertebrates using a new sampling method. Invertebrates were trapped in litter bags (5-mm mesh) filled withSpartina foliosa; these were compared with bags containing other substrates (plastic grass,Typha, andScirpus, all of which trapped fewer individuals thanSpartina-filled bags. A total of 168Spartina-filled bags trapped 43,531 individuals over 8 sampling dates. Invertebrate abundances differed by season, elevation, cover ofSpartina, and marsh type. There were more invertebrates trapped in fall than in winter; there were more in the lower than higher elevation, and in the natural marsh, there were twice as many invertebrates in areas with ⋝80% cover ofSpartina than with ⋜20% cover. The strongest pattern was with marsh type. Natural, fully vegetated marsh had 2—3 times as many individuals as the sparsely-vegetated, 4-year-old constructed marsh. Overall, the most abundant species was a larval dipteran,Pericoma sp., which was up to 9 times more abundant in the natural marsh. An anemone,Diadumene franciscana, was virtually restricted to the natural marsh. However, the more open constructed marsh had significantly moreHemigrapsus oregonensis crabs and more exotic mussels (Musculista senhousia). The invertebrate assemblage in the 4-year-old marsh was not equivalent to that of the natural marsh. Both marshes had 37 species, but species lists were 46% similar for all sites and dates combined, and relative abundances were 67% similar. Coarser sediment, lower organic matter, and sparse vegetative cover were potential causes of significantly lower abundances in the constructed marsh.
Recent Developments Concerning Saint-Venant’s Principle: An Update

Saint-Venant’s principle plays a central role in the theory and applications of elasticity. A comprehensive review of contemporary research on this topic was given by Horgan and Knowles (1983), and updated by Horgan (1989a). Since these articles were written, several developments in the subject area have taken place. In his second update, we review some of this progress, including a discussion of analogous issues arising in entry flow problems for viscous incompressible fluids.
Lattice imaging using plasmon energy-loss electrons in an energy-filtered transmission electron microscope

Abstract Lattice images formed by plasmon energy-loss electrons in an energy-filtered transmission electron microscope are compared for different experimental parameters. The image resolution is primarily determined by chromatic aberration which is controlled by the width of the energy selection window. With an energy slit 3 eV in width, the plasmon loss electron image shows the same resolution and contrast as that recorded using the zero-loss electrons in a 300 kV transmission electron microscope equipped with a LaB 6 gun. A discussion on the image resolution in reference to the width of the energy window is given.
Is Social Anxiety Associated With Both Interpersonal Avoidance and Interpersonal Dependence

We tested the hypothesis that social anxiety is associated with both interpersonal avoidance and interpersonal dependency. Specifically, we predicted that dependence would be evident in developmentally salient close relationships upon which socially anxious people may rely. One hundred sixty-eight young people undergoing the transition to adulthood completed self-report measures of anxiety and interpersonal patterns. Results indicated that both dependent and avoidant interpersonal styles in romantic relationships, but not other relationships, were uniquely associated with social anxiety. These results remained when controlling for depressive symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and trait anxiety. Our findings illustrate that social anxiety is not characterized solely by interpersonal avoidance as current conceptualizations suggest. Implications for models and treatment of social anxiety are discussed.
Plasma free MHPG and neuroendocrine responses to challenge doses of clonidine in Tourette's Syndrome: Preliminary report

The metabolic response to clonidine was examined in a pilot study of several patients with Tourette's Syndrome (TS). Preliminary results in a small number of patients suggested hypotheses for further investigation. Plasma free MHPG was reduced in three clinically responsive patients following a challenge dose of clonidine or haloperidol. During maintenance treatment with clonidine, a challenge dose of clonidine continued to elicit a decrease in plasma free MHPG, and CSF free MHPG was reduced. On the other hand, a clinically non-responsive TS patient on maintenance clonidine failed to show this decrease in plasma free MHPG. Prolactin, TSH, cortisol, T3, and thyroxine indices were not changed by clonidine administration to TS patients. There was a variable GH response to clonidine. Neuroendocrine responses of patients to single oral doses of clonidine may provide a useful method of differentiating subgroups of childhood neuropsychiatric patients.
Jokes, gender, and discursive distance on the Tamil popular stage

In this article, I analyze a sequence of dirty jokes embedded in a monologue performed on the south Indian Tamil popular stage. In this performance I do not find vulgarity but rather a reflection of its practiced, anxious use-in-avoidance. I analyze the two separate linguistic footings the performer uses for making moral and immoral comments and the social values that are affirmed by this split. I highlight the narrative connections established in this context between fear of the foreign and fear of the female, consider what such connections index about the remnants of Victorian sexuality in postcolonial Tamilnadu, and discuss the locally reinscriptive effects of such a gendered performance.
Spectral analysis for categorical time series: Scaling and the spectral envelope

SUMMARY Many studies produce categorical time series in which harmonic analysis is of interest. Although there exist time domain approaches for the analysis of categorical time series such as Markov chains or link function based regression models, there is apparently little statistical theory or methodology for analyzing qualitative-valued time series in the frequency domain. The purpose of this paper is to initiate the development of a general framework for the frequency domain analysis of categorical time series. In doing so, we discuss the scaling of categorical time series and introduce a new concept that we call the spectral envelope of a categorical time series. We demonstrate our methodology on a data set from a problem in molecular biology.
Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy.

Abstract Introduction. Retrograde distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy is the standard procedure for cancers of the body and tail of the pancreas. However, this procedure has limitations in terms of the posterior extent of resection and the ability to achieve a complete N1 node resection. Methods. A new antegrade procedure has been developed that provides improved visibility, removes N1 nodes, and permits adjustment of the depth of the posterior extent of resection coupled with early rather than late control of the vasculature. Results. Ten patients, 6 with adenocarcinomas of the body of the pancreas, have undergone the procedure since 1999. Nine of 10 patients had negative resection margins, and the median node count in patients who did not receive neoadjuvant radiation was 9 nodes. Three patients had complications develop; no postoperative deaths occurred. Conclusion. Early results with the procedure are encouraging. (Surgery 2003;133:521-7.)
Spectral Curvature Clustering (SCC)

This paper presents novel techniques for improving the performance of a multi-way spectral clustering framework (Govindu in Proceedings of the 2005 IEEE Computer Society Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR'05), vol. 1, pp. 1150---1157, 2005; Chen and Lerman, 2007, preprint in the supplementary webpage) for segmenting affine subspaces. Specifically, it suggests an iterative sampling procedure to improve the uniform sampling strategy, an automatic scheme of inferring the tuning parameter from the data, a precise initialization procedure for K-means, as well as a simple strategy for isolating outliers. The resulting algorithm, Spectral Curvature Clustering (SCC), requires only linear storage and takes linear running time in the size of the data. It is supported by theory which both justifies its successful performance and guides our practical choices. We compare it with other existing methods on a few artificial instances of affine subspaces. Application of the algorithm to several real-world problems is also discussed.
DATA BANK PROXIMATE AND WATER SOLUBLE VITAMIN COMPOSITION OF GRAPEFRUIT AND ORANGES

The proximate composition and water soluble vitamin content of Tenas Ruby Red grapefnrit, Florih pink grapefnrit and Florih oranges was determined. Niacin, thiamin, vitamin B6 and total folacin were signijicantly (α= 0.01) higher in Florih pink grapefnrit than in Texas Ruby Red grapefnrit. Ribojlavin, free folacin and total pantothenic acid were signijicantly (α= 0.01) higher in the Texas Ruby Red variety. Ribojlavin and total pantothenic acid were significantly (α= 0.01) higher in oranges sampled at a marketing time representing maximum availability to the consumer while free pantothenic acid concentration was signijicantly (α= 0.01) higher in oranges sampled near minimum availability. Although some differences were observed between values obtained and those reported in Handbook 8–9, mean values approximated those previously reported.
Pressure surge protection

The author describes a number of devices designed to protect pressurized systems against damage from pressure surges. Some of the devices are familiar and have been used for a period of years, while others represent new developments.
On the nature of human interlimb coordination

Movement time varies as a function of amplitude and requirements for precision, according to Fitts' law, but when subjects perform two-handed movements to targets of widely disparate difficulty they do so simultaneously. The hand moving to an "easy" target moves more slowly to accommodate its "difficult" counterpart, yet both hands reach peak velocity and acceleration synchronously. This result suggests that the brain produces simultaneity of action not by controlling each limb independently, but by organizing functional groupings of muscles that are constrained to act as a single unit.
Classification and distribution of soils with lamellae in the USA

article i nfo Article history: Lamellae are thin, often discontinuous layers of clay-enriched material that are associated with iron oxides and may occur in Alfisols, Ultisols, Mollisols, Entisols, Inceptisols, or Spodosols. Our analysis of the SSURGO database revealed that there are 118 soil series with lamellae that represent six orders, 14 suborders, and 25 great groups, and 25 subgroups. In Soil Taxonomy, lamellae are identified at the subgroup level, and a ho- rizon is classified as lamellic if the combined thickness of the lamellae is less than 15 cm. Lamellae occur primarily in soils with a mixed mineral class (73%), a sandy or sandy-skeletal textural class (59%), a frigid or cryic soil-temperature regime (59%), and a udic or ustic soil-moisture regime (89%). The lamella (Bt hori- zon) most commonly has a loamy sand (33% of total pedons), loamy fine sand (33%), or sandy loam (29%) texture and is usually one soil textural class finer than the interlamellae areas. Differences in clay content between the interlamellae areas and Bt average over 5%. Two or more lamellae are common in soils with lamellae, and the thickness of a single lamella commonly ranges between 6 and 22 mm. The depth to the surface of the first lamella averages 72 cm; the maximum depth exceeds 155 cm. The pedogenic origin of lamellae involves clay movement (argilluviation), with clays bridging and coating sand grains and the even- tual formation of micro-laminae in response to a varying wetting front. In the USA, soils with lamellae cover 3.6 million ha and occur in 30 states. Lamellae play a role in the flux of water and nutrients in the soil, and have been used as soil stratigraphic markers and relative-age indicators in archeological and soil geomorpho- logical studies.
Effects of age on the protein binding and disposition of propranolol stereoisomers.

Previous studies of the effects of age on the disposition of propranolol have produced variable results. We evaluated the stereoselective disposition and protein binding of propranolol enantiomers in 10 young (mean age, 28 years) and 10 older (mean age, 64 years) healthy subjects. After receiving racemic propranolol orally for 6 days, the oral clearances of d-propranolol and 1-propranolol were lower by 13% and 17% in the older group compared to the young group, but these differences were not statistically significant. The older subjects had higher α1-acid glycoprotein concentrations (p < 0.05) and lower unbound fractions of 1-propranolol (p < 0.05). After protein binding was accounted for, the unbound oral clearance of each enantiomer was similar in both groups. 1-Propranolol was more highly protein bound than d-propranolol (p < 0.05) in both young and older subjects. The unbound oral clearance d/1 ratio was not different from unity in either group, indicating that the stereoselective differences in oral clearance were largely attributable to the stereoselective differences in protein binding. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1990) 47, 447–455; doi:10.1038/clpt.1990.56
War or peace in Israel? The Bin Baz–Qaradawi debate

Would it be permissible (halal) for Palestinian Muslims to sign a peace treaty with Israel? In the mid-1990s, with Oslo Accords in the background, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Bin Baz (1910–99), issued a fatwa affirming the permissibility and indeed desirability of such a treaty. In response, the ever-prominent Egyptian jurist Yusuf al-Qaradawi (1926–) issued a counter-fatwa in which he asserted that making peace with Israel would be impermissible (haram) and detrimental to the Palestinians. By the second round of this debate, the Bin Baz–Qaradawi dispute had captured the attention of the Arab and Muslim world. The present paper will examine each scholar's specific arguments and assessment of the facts on the ground. It will also situate this discourse in relation to classical and modern conceptions of jihad, including those advanced by contemporary scholars of Islam, particularly Sherman A. Jackson (in his article “Jihad and the Modern World”). It is argued that while Bin Baz might have been the peac...
COUNTERBALANCING AND FAKABILITY OF THE GORDON PERSONAL INVENTORY AND PROFILE

Studies designed to investigate the impact of order of administration on the observed fakability of the GPI and GPP were conducted on two groups of upper-division college Ss. When honest preceded f...
Catalogue of Nonnative Vascular Plants Occurring Spontaneously in California Beyond Those Addressed in the Jepson Manual – Part II

ABSTRACT We present Part II of a catalogue documenting nonnative vascular plant taxa occurring spontaneously in California beyond those addressed in The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California (Hickman 1993). Here we document an additional 117 taxa occurring spontaneously in California that were not accounted for in Part I (Hrusa et al. 2002) or in The Jepson Manual. The catalogue was compiled from new collections by the authors and others, previously existing herbarium specimens, peer-reviewed publications, other printed reports, and direct communications with field botanists. Only reports backed by herbarium vouchers are accepted as adequately documented. Of the 117 taxa, 42 are fully or sparingly naturalized in relatively undisturbed wildland habitats, 14 are naturalized in non-wildlands (roadsides, fallow fields, croplands, other disturbed areas), 13 are tenuously established or locally persisting, 22 are weeds of greenhouse or other horticultural environments, 7 are presumed to be non-persisting c...
Sulfur embrittlement on γ/γ′ interface of Ni-base single crystal superalloys

Abstract The impurity sulfur embrittlement on γ/γ′ interface of Ni-base single crystal superalloys has been investigated by first principles quantum mechanics DMol calculations. Using a local sum of vertical (∑BOv) and horizontal (∑BOh)Mayer bond orders, we proposed a new method to evaluate the competition between the shear and cohesive strengths of the interface. Coupled with the phenomenological theory of fracture, we define the ratio of RBO=∑BOh/∑BOv to assess the embrittlement trend of the interface related to sulfur doping or sulfur doping combined with Re substitution. It is shown that sulfur increases RBO by 121% relative to the sulfur-free γ/γ′ interface, which could induce interface embrittlement from the electron bonding point of view. Calculations of both BO and charge density distribution reveal that it is the strong bonds between sulfur and Ni atoms lying within the interface that contribute to the interface embrittlement. The substitution of Re for Al at the γ/γ′ interface results in reduced RBO, thus relieving the tendency of interface embrittlement. Furthermore, our model on sulfur embrittlement is compared with previous models.
Maillart and the Salginatobel Bridge, Switzerland

This paper presents impressions on Robert Maillart’s works particularly the Salginatobel Bridge in Switzerland.
SUMMARY OF TRANSITION RESULTS FROM THE F-16XL-2 SUPERSONIC LAMINAR FLOW CONTROL EXPERIMENT

A variable-porosity suction glove has been flown on the F-16XL-2 aircraft to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology for the proposed High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). Boundary-layer transition data have been obtained on the titanium glove primarily at Mach 2.0 and altitudes of 53,000-55,000 ft. The objectives of this supersonic laminar flow control flight experiment have been to achieve 50- to 60-percent-chord laminar flow on a highly swept wing at supersonic speeds and to provide data to validate codes and suction design. The most successful laminar flow results have not been obtained at the glove design point (Mach 1.9 at an altitude of 50,000 ft). At Mach 2.0 and an altitude of 53,000 ft, which corresponds to a Reynolds number of 22.7 X 10(exp 6), optimum suction levels have allowed long runs of a minimum of 46-percent-chord laminar flow to be achieved. This paper discusses research variables that directly impact the ability to obtain laminar flow and techniques to correct for these variables.
Neonatal hormonal influences on the development of proceptive and receptive feminine sexual behavior in rats

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the influence of androgen and of the inhibiting of aromatization of androgen to estrogen during the early neonatal period on the development of receptive (lordosis and acceptance of stimulus male mounting attempts) and proceptive (affiliation with and solicitation of stimulus males) feminine sexual behavior. Within 8 hr of birth, male rats were castrated or received subcutaneous implants of the aromatase inhibitor androst-1,4,6-triene-3, 17-dione (ATD) while females received injections of testosterone propionate (TP). At 90 days of age all treated animals and controls were tested for receptive and proceptive feminine sexual behavior. It was found that androgen present neonatally blocked proceptive as well as receptive behavior patterns in adult rats. The proceptive and receptive feminine sexual behavior patterns displayed by adult males deprived of the effects of androgen neonatally either by castration or by treatment with ATD were comparable to those of normal females.
Proton-coupled electron-transfer reactions at a distance in DNA duplexes: Kinetic deuterium isotope effect

Kinetic solvent isotope effects on the electron-transfer kinetics associated with the oxidation of guanine by a 2-aminopurine (2AP) neutral radical separated by 2 or 3 thymine, or 6 adenine residues on the same strand in 15-mer double-stranded oligonucleotides in H2O or D2O were measured. The evolution in time of the oxidized form of guanine, the neutral radical G(−H)•, and the electron acceptor, the neutral 2AP(−H)• radical, were followed directly by a spectroscopic laser pulse-induced transient absorption technique on a 1−200 μs time scale. About 70−100% of this one-electron-transfer reaction occurs on this relatively slow time scale in the three oligonucleotide duplexes studied. The rate constants of formation of G(−H)• in the oligonucleotides are larger in H2O than in D2O by a factor of 1.3−1.7. This kinetic isotope effect suggests that the electron-transfer reaction from G to 2AP(−H)• is coupled to a deprotonation of G•+, and a protonation of 2AP-, the primary products of the electron-transfer reacti...
Square-planar nickel(II) in an oxygen-bridged dimer

Abstract The structure of the complex of nickel(II) and the dianion of CH3C(O)CH2C(CH3NCH2CH2OH has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study: the ligand (hereafter abbreviated EIA), obtained by the condensation of 2,4-pentanedione and 2-aminoethanol, forms a 1:1 complex with nickel(II). The compound crystallizes a monoclinic crystals (a = 16.99(2) A, b = 7.45(1) A, c = 14.02(2) A, and β = 112.93(4)°) of space group C2/c with eight formula units (four dimers) per unit cell (ϱobsd. = 1.61 g/cm3; ϱcalcd. = 1.62 g/cm3). The structure was solved from Patterson and electron density maps and refined by least-squares methods to a conventional R value of 6.6% for 884 independent, non-zero reflections. The structure consists of oxygen-bridged dimers with square-planar coordination about the nickel; the four-membered nickel-oxygen ring is considerably bent. In the coordination sphere of nickel, the NiO bonds vary from 1.81 to 1.88 A and the NiN distance is 1.85 A.
A Study Comparing Several Isocyanate and Isothiocyanate Derivatives of Porasil C for the Separation of Lower Hydrocarbons by GC

Several isocyanate and isothiocyanate derivatives of Porasil C were synthesized and evaluated for the separation of the low-molecular-weight saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. It was shown that different functional groups significantly affect the retention behavior of the more polar unsaturated hydrocarbons, and that reproducible results can be obtained if dry carrier gas is used.
A stochastic model for drilling optimization

Drilling optimization problems in oilfields are usually formulated and solved by using deterministic mathematical models, in which uncertain (indeterminate) factors or random issues are not taken into consideration. However, it has been widely experienced that random factors (such as those from soil layers, drill bits, and surface equipment) greatly affect the drilling performance. This paper introduces a new stochastic model for describing such random effects. This model, when used to optimization design, is more practical and provides a better characterization for real oilfield situations as compared with other deterministic models, and has been demonstrated to be more efficient in solving real design problems of drilling optimizations.
Thoughts about food and their: Relationship to obesity and weight control

Participants drawn from two separate populations completed an instrument designed to measure food-and-eating-related cognitions. Responses of both undergraduates and participants in a commercial weight-loss program supported the distinction between thoughts that are facilitative and problematic regarding weight-loss efforts. Among the undergraduate sample food-related thoughts were more predominant among heavier individuals. Weight loss among participants in the weight loss program was related to the prevalence of problematic (negative) cognitions. The results are discussed in terms of the assumptions underlying cognitive contributions to behavioral weight-loss programs.