cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gas-Phase Pyrolysis of Diisopropyl Methylphosphonate

Abstract Gas-phase pyrolysis studies of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) in nitrogen have been conducted to gain insight into the decomposition behavior of organophosphorus chemical warfare nerve agents. Experiments were conducted in a quartz-lined atmospheric flow reactor between 700 and 800 K, at residence times ranging from 15 to 90 ms. Propylene, isopropanol, isopropyl methylphosphonate (IMP), and methylphosphonic acid (MPA) were identified as decomposition products of DIMP. FTIR spectrometry was used to quantify parent, propylene, and isopropanol mole fractions in the reactor. The proposed pyrolysis mechanism for DIMP comprises two stages. The first corresponds to the unimolecular decomposition of the parent into IMP and propylene. The second involves two competing pathways for the unimolecular decomposition of IMP, one leading to isopropanol and the very reactive methyl dioxophosphorane; the other to propylene once again and MPA. In the range of temperatures studied, an isopropanol to propylene mole fraction ratio close to 0.25 suggests a branching ratio of 1.5 between these two pathways in favor of propylene production. The Arrhenius expression for the unimolecular decomposition of DIMP was found to be: k[s −1 ]=10 (12.0±1.5) [s −1 ] exp (−36.7±4.9[ kcal.mole −1 ]/(RT)). Pyrolysis experiments with isopropyl and t -butyl acetates, which have well-known decomposition rates, were performed to illustrate the apparatus’ ability to produce valid chemical kinetic data. An investigation of the effects of surface to volume ratio on the DIMP decomposition process shows that wall reactions are significant in a 4 mm i.d. quartz tube, but less important in an 8 mm i.d. tube. Their effects are expected to be small in the 45 mm i.d. reactor.
Lobbying: a critical dimension of business strategy

Purpose – This paper aims to prepare executives to pilot a US lobbying effort within the bounds of the US Federal law. Lobbying law may be thought of as the “regulation of regulation”, as it defines the ground rules for those wishing to have a direct impact upon all other regulatory systems. The article outlines what the US lobbying law requires, what it forbids and, perhaps most important, what the law does NOT regulate. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the full spectrum of US laws and regulations relevant to lobbying – including the Internal Revenue Service Code (tax code), the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Ethics in Government Act, the internal rules of both the House and Senate, the US Criminal Code and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act – and organizes them into a single 2 × 2 matrix, explaining what all parties must do as well as what they must not do. Via this approach, the rules that govern the “marketplace” for lobbying in the USA are explained. The competition to sha...
A study of nonstarch carbohydrate in enzyme-treated hard red spring wheat gluten

Abstract Carbohydrate structure and amino acid composition of a nonstarch carbohydrate isolated from hard red spring wheat gluten were studied. Wheat gluten was fractionated using a series of enzyme treatments and gel filtration columns. Carbohydrate and protein of the isolated fraction were eluted coincidentally with Sephacryl S-200 and hydroxylapatite chromatography suggesting a covalent bond links between them. The molecular weight of the fraction was estimated to be 7000 daltons. Hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, threonine, and serine were found in the isolated nonstarch carbohydrates-peptides fraction. The ratio of arabinose, xylose, galactose, and glucose was 1:0.95:0.45:0.28, indicating the arabinoxylan/arabinogalactan structures in the isolated fraction. Arabinoxylan content was estimated at 64%. Methylated neutral and amino sugars were quantified and identified by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results indicated N-acetyl glucosamine-asparagine as a N-glycosidic linkage and xylose-threonine and arabinose-hydroxyproline as O-glycosidic linkage. ©
Creating a mastery experience during the voice evaluation.

Summary Objectives Adherence to treatment is a common challenge when working with patients with voice disorders. Improving their self-efficacy through a mastery experience has the potential to improve treatment adherence. An ideal mastery experience gives early and quick evidence that the patient will be successful with the treatment and works for a broad range of patients. This study sought to test whether a brief stimulability trial of forward focused voice could produce sufficient change in acoustic analysis measures to provide visibly improved objective results and, thus, be a potentially useful mastery experience. Study Design Prospective, repeated measures, pre- and posttreatment. Methods Twenty-four consecutive patients with varying diagnoses referred for a voice evaluation participated in this study. Acoustic analysis was completed before and after a short stimulability trial of forward focused voice. Acoustic analysis parameters evaluated include fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and voice turbulence index. Data pre- and posttreatment were analyzed for change and compared with normative values. Results Results demonstrated a significant change from pre- to posttrial, as indicated by the objective measure transitioning from being outside to within normal limits, in 75% of patients ( P = 0.000). When less rigid criterion of a positive change in one or more of the three acoustic measures of interest is used, improvement was noted in 96% of patients. Conclusion Pairing a trial therapy with acoustic analysis during a voice evaluation is a possible mastery experience. Future research is needed to determine if this mastery experience improves self-efficacy, treatment adherence, and treatment outcomes.
Analysis of oxygen on and in beryllium using 2 MeV helium ions

Analysis of oxygen on beryllium can be routinely performed using helium-ion backscattering (RBS). However, determination of the bulk oxygen concentration by this technique is limited to about 350 atomic parts per million (appm). We have performed simultaneous RBS and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) measurements to improve the detection limit for bulk oxygen. The RBS measurements allowed determination of the surface oxygen before and after in situ sputter cleaning by argon ions in an ultra-high-vacuum system. PIXE measurements of specimens with surfaces maintained clean by sputtering permitted assessment of the concentration of oxygen in the bulk. For our geometry and detector sensitivities, 90% of the oxygen X-ray signal originated in the first 2.1 μm of the beryllium and a detection limit of 10 appm was found.
Aerodynamic and acoustic performance of ejectors for engine-under-the-wing concepts

Subsonic thrust augmentation, exhaust plume velocity contours and acoustic characteristics of a small-scale, 6-tube mixer nozzle with ejector were obtained with and without a wing. Thrust augmentation up to 30 percent was achieved. Aerodynamic results showed that at a given location, greater downstream velocities are obtained with an ejector than with the baseline nozzle. Ejectors reduce high frequency noise; however, low frequency noise amplification also occurs. Acoustic reflections off the wing increase the noise level to a ground observer. With an ejector, the acoustic benefits of forward velocity may be significantly reduced compared with the baseline nozzle.
EFFECT‐SIZE ESTIMATION: A COMMENTARY ON WOLF AND BASSLER

Wolf and Bassler [10] have presented a general linear model approach to the estimation of a variance-accounted-for measure of effect magnitude. This commentary questions the usefulness of such a measure, citing its inconsistency with contrast estimates, problems with its interpretation in nonorthogonal designs, and its susceptibility to extraneous influence unrelated to observed differences among group means. In addition, it questions whether the term “importance” should be applied to such a measure.
The rhythm method of memory

A well-known mnemonic technique called the ‘method of loci’ was developed centuries ago to memorize large amounts of information. In the method of loci, one imagines walking step by step through a well-known place (such as one's home). At each location, one forms a vivid, mental picture of an item to be remembered occupying that place. When retrieving the information, one mentally navigates the earlier trajectory, bringing to consciousness the previously stored images of the items in their specific locations.
CRT-55 Is It Safe to Perform Staged Percutaneous Coronary Intervention On Non-Culprit Vessels During the Index Hospitalization in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease?

In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), staged non-culprit vessel PCI at a separate session is recommended. It is not known whether performing staged PCI within the same hospitalization
Intimate Partner Violence Victims’ Accuracy in Assessing their Risk of Re-abuse

Using four categories of accuracy (true positive, false positive, true negative, false negative), this study explored (1) how accurately intimate partner violence (IPV) victims are able to assess their risk of re-abuse; and (2) potential predictors of accuracy. Women seeking help for IPV (N = 246) rated the likelihood that they would experience physical re-abuse in the coming year and then reported 18 months later whether those risks had been realized. Victim assessments were more likely to be right than wrong, and were subject to neither a pessimistic nor optimistic bias. In the multivariate analysis, significant/marginally significant predictors of the accuracy categories were the history of violence from this and former partners, level of substance use, PTSD symptoms, and the recency of the violence. Among the more robust findings were the connection between level of stalking and true positives, and between substance use and false negatives. This study suggests that victim assessments have significant potential to inform practice, and deserve further exploration.
Chiral anomalies, effective lagrangians and differential geometry

Abstract Using the differential geometric approach developed by Zumino and others, we study the relation between chiral anomalies and the effective lagrangian. We present a simple formula for the non-abelian (Bardeen) anomaly in any even dimensions. This is used to introduce gauge couplings to the Wess-Zumino effective action, as suggested by Witten.
Molecular Mechanisms in the Repair of the Cyclobutane Dimer

We investigate the molecular mechanism of the repair of the cyclobutane dimer radical anion in aqueous solution using ab initio MD simulations. Umbrella sampling is used to determine a two-dimensional free energy surface as a function of the C5-C5´ and C6-C6´ distances. The neutral dimer is unable to surmount a large free energy barrier for repair. Upon addition of an electron, the splitting of the C5-C5´ coordinate is virtually barrier less. Transition state theory predicts that the splitting of the C6-C6´ bond is complete on a ps timescale. The free energy surface suggests that the splitting of the two bonds is asynchronously concerted. Our work is the first to explicitly include the electronic degrees of freedom for both the cyclobutane dimer and the surrounding water pocket. The ab initio simulations show that at least 30% of the electron density is delocalized onto the surrounding solvent during the splitting process. Simulations on the neutral surface show that back electron transfer from the dimer is critical for the completion of splitting. To maximize splitting yield, the back electron transfer should occur beyond the transition state along the splitting coordinate.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Mongolian Security in the 21st Century: In quest of Friends and Partners, Not Allies

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i5.362 The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 5, 1998, Pages 8-19
Principles of Surgical Treatment of Malignant Melanoma

Although melanoma represents less than 5% of all skin cancers, it is responsible for the bulk of skin cancer-related deaths. Nevertheless, despite this aggressive reputation, most patients with cutaneous melanoma will be surgically cured of their disease. Early detection allows for curative resection, and 5-year survival for all stages of melanoma is 91%. This review outlines the surgical treatment of melanoma, including principles of wide local excision and management of the regional lymph nodes.
Film Oxygen Transmission Rate Effects on Ground Chicken Meat Quality

Effects of the packaging film oxygen transmission rate (OTR) on the odor, color, aerobic plate count, and cooked volatile compounds in ground chicken leg meat were evaluated over a 14-d refrigerated storage (4 C) period. Freshly desinewed and ground chicken leg meat was packaged under minimal vacuum in five films of different OTR. Films ranged from 30 to 12,000 mL oxygen/m2 per 24 h. Odor scores of meat in packages opened after 10 d were lower for the lowest OTR film than films with higher OTR. Aerobic plate counts increased at a faster rate in the higher OTR films, and cooked meat volatile profiles showed little variation due to OTR film type. Specific products will require different packaging to optimize shelf-life quality. For ground chicken leg meat, an intermediate OTR film is best to maintain a majority of the quality attributes during refrigerated storage.
Comparative analysis of sampling methods for grossing radical prostatectomy specimens performed for nonpalpable (stage T1c) prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Scant data are available comparing sampling methods of radical prostatectomy specimens performed for clinical stage T1c (nonpalpable) cancer. Seventy-eight stage T1c radical prostatectomies that had 1 or more of the following adverse pathologic findings—Gleason score ≥ 7, positive margins, and extraprostatic extension—were compared using 10 different sampling techniques. Of the 78 entirely submitted cases, 52 had Gleason score ≥ 7, 14 had positive margins, and 54 had extraprostatic extension (mean 34 slides). Of the partial sampling methods, we favor the following two methods. The first is submitting every posterior section plus 1 midanterior section from right and left sides; if either of these anterior sections show sizeable tumor, all ipsilateral anterior slides are examined. This method detects 98% of tumors with Gleason score ≥ 7, 100% of positive margins, and 96% of cases with extraprostatic extension (mean 27 slides). The second method is to use the above method but restrict it to sections ipsilateral to the previous positive needle biopsy. This method detects 92% of tumors with Gleason score ≥ 7, 93% of positive margins, and 85% of cases with extraprostatic extension (mean 17 slides). Partial sampling can detect important prognostic parameters. By balancing the extra expense and time involved to process and examine additional sections with the risk of missing important prognostic parameters, pathologists can decide which sampling method to use. HUM PATHOL 32:494-499. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
A Report on Myself: The Science and/or Art of Assessment

Disregarding my empirically documented warnings to generations of students, I am ultimately succumbing to my own eisegesis. In this article, I proffer a personal exemplar of low- and high-inference interpretation of significant persons, events, and products during my professional lifetime. These selected bits of data are contained in childhood and educational experiences, three chronological periods, three 1949 Thematic Apperception Test (Murray, 1943) stories, and bits of several poems. These data coalesce in an interpretive statement, analogous to an assessment report but ultimately something more and something less than an optimal report. As an interpretive schema, a hierarchal model of clinical inference illustrates and exemplifies employment of distinct levels to increase the reliability of high-inference interpretation. While inadequately equipped as a psychologist assessor for such self-scrutiny, this narrative may provide a case history exemplar of a process that has relevance for myself, for the ...
The effect of different intervention programs on treatment adherence of HIV-infected children, a retrospective study

In HIV-infected children, long-term adherence to combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) is difficult. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of two different treatment adherence programs on treatment adherence (as indicated by cART failures) and the need for additional supportive care measures in a cohort of 31 HIV-infected children between 3 and 18 years of age. In a follow-up period of 6 years, we evaluated the treatment adherence at baseline (before introduction of any treatment adherence program in 2004) and compared this to cART failures during two treatment adherence programs (in respectively 2006 and 2009). The need for additional supportive care measures (the frequency of hospitalizations, daily observed treatment, use of child protection service, attendance of special schools, and placement in foster homes) was also evaluated at these three time points. The first treatment adherence program focused on increasing patient's obedience by imposing negative measures in case of treatm...
Turbulence originating from convectively stable internal waves

The Lindzen (1981) theory for the generation of turbulence by unstable tides and gravity omits consideration of the possibility that turbulence may be generated by gravity waves which are not convectively unstable, as suggested by the McComas and Bretherton (1977) demonstration that internal gravity waves are unstable to other gravity waves with shorter wavelengths. Attention is presently given to the estimation of the maximum turbulence that might be generated by such a process, and it is shown that even such turbulence would not significantly alter earlier results.
Recommendation for land use impact assessment: first steps into framework, theory, and implementation

This article presents research, criteria, framework, and guidance which were developed to provide recommendations for land use impact assessment specific to biofuels, but applicable to a variety of land uses. The criteria for land use modeling were developed along with a 10-step framework including a comprehensive ecosystem services valuation of scenarios. This research program is defined which includes the development of a user-friendly ecosystem services tool with accompanying default values and recommendations on input parameters which are necessary to develop the scenarios, integration curves, maps, and ecosystem profiles of each scenario. Based on these scenarios, curves, maps, and profiles, additional recommendations may be made on land use practices or regional selections. Finally, a discussion of implementation of the theory behind this methodology focuses on an analysis of biofuels.
Stability of Nonlinear Networked Control System with Uncertainties

The problems of signal transmission delay, actuator data packet dropout, and measurement quantization in nonlinear networked control systems are investigated in this paper. First, a nonlinear system is represented as a series of linear systems through T–S fuzzy modeling, then the problem of actuator data packet dropout is solved through the introduction of a diagonal matrix; second, the problem of maintaining order is solved through the ZOH, and the problem of limited bandwidth is solved through the measurement quantization; and finally, the controller is designed to compensate the actuator data packet dropout.
The roles of adulthood behavioural factors and familial influences in bone density among men.

BACKGROUND. A primary strategy in osteoporosis prevention is advice on exercise, smoking, and calcium intake, although its practical value is unclear. AIM. To investigate the roles of such factors on bone density (BMD) after considering the influences of familial aggregation (combined effects of genetics and familial influences) in Finnish men 35-69 years old. METHODS. We selected 105 male monozygotic twin pairs, with discordance in suspected determinants. RESULTS. Dietary calcium was associated with BMD of the femoral neck; and body weight and lifetime frequency of endurance and ball game sport activities were associated with both femoral neck and lumbar BMD. Occupational loading and smoking were associated with neither. However, age and familial aggregation explained 73% of the variance of BMD in both the femoral neck and lumbar spine; calcium intake explained 1% in femoral neck and lifetime exercise 1% in lumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS. The effects of dietary calcium and physical activity that are not 'embe...
Nuclear Concentration of Androgens in Rat Seminal Vesicles and Prostate Demonstrated by Dry-Mount Autoradiography11

The distribution of androgens in the ventral prostate and the seminal vesicle was studied by dry-mount autoradiography at different time intervals after the injection of tritiated testosterone. At hr, 1 hr and 3 hr, a nuclear concentration of radioactivity existed in the epithelial cells of the prostate and the seminal vesicle, whereas at 5 min radioactivity was diffusely distributed at high intensity in all structures. Maximum nuclear labeling appeared at 1 hr. With increased exposure time, at 7 hr nuclear concentration of radioactivity could also be demonstrated in the epithelial cells of both organs. The intensity of the concentration of radioactive androgens in the nuclei appeared similar in the ventral prostate and the seminal vesicle. No such selective labeling occurred in liver, diaphragm, and in the muscle layers of the prostate and the seminal vesicle. Ventral prostate from rats treated with 3H-estradiol did not show any specific nuclear concentration of estradiol. Smear autoradiograms of cell nu...
Characterization of Single-Cell Migration Using a Computer-Aided Fluorescence Time-Lapse Videomicroscopy System

Single-cell assays of cell migration, while yielding dynamic measurements of cell position and morphology, are predominantly limited by the time required for data collection and analysis. Computer-aided fluorescence time-lapse videomicroscopy (CAFTiV) was developed in order to facilitate the tracking and rapid examination of large numbers of motile cells. The system combines time-lapse videomicroscopy with epifluorescence capability, which allows full automation of image capture, sorting, and analysis due to the low background in the fluorescence images. Utilizing the CAFTiV system, data analysis time was reduced from over 125 h to less than 1 labor minute. In addition, fluorescence imaging permits cell tracking in small-volume chambers (<100 microL), which is useful should the addition of expensive reagents be required. It is anticipated that the ability to characterize both biochemical and biophysical properties responsible for cell movement will be enhanced by this methodology.
Fatigue crack propagation behavior of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene under mixed mode conditions

Analytical studies of the stresses on and within ultra high molecular weight polyethylene joint components suggest that damage modes associated with polyethylene fatigue failure are caused by a combination of surface and subsurface crack propagation. Fatigue crack propagation tests under mixed mode loading conditions were conducted on center-cracked tension specimens machined from extruded blocks of sterilized polyethylene in an attempt to determine how fatigue cracks change direction in this material. Cyclic testing was performed using a sinusoidal wave form at a frequency of 5 Hz and an R-ratio (minimum load/maximum load) of 0.15. Specimens had the notch oriented perpendicular to the direction of applied load and at angles of 60 degrees and 45 degrees to the loading direction. Numerical analyses were used to interpret the experimental test and to predict the fatigue behavior of polyethylene under mixed mode conditions. It was found that all cracks eventually propagated horizontally, regardless of the initial angle of inclination of the notch to the direction of applied cyclic load. In fact, the extent of the curvilinear crack growth was quite limited. An effective range of cyclic stress intensity factor was calculated for correlation with the rate of crack growth. The results followed a Paris relation, with crack growth rate linearly related to a power of the range of stress intensity, for all three crack orientations. The numerical analyses adequately modeled the experimental fatigue crack growth results.
CAN MODELING IMPROVE ESTIMATION OF DESERT TORTOISE POPULATION DENSITIES

The federally listed desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is currently monitored using distance sampling to estimate population densities. Distance sampling, as with many other techniques for estimating population density, assumes that it is possible to quantify the proportion of animals available to be counted in any census. Because desert tortoises spend much of their life in burrows, and the proportion of tortoises in burrows at any time can be extremely variable, this assumption is difficult to meet. This proportion of animals available to be counted is used as a correction factor (g0) in distance sampling and has been estimated from daily censuses of small populations of tortoises (6-12 individuals). These censuses are costly and produce imprecise estimates of g0 due to small sample sizes. We used data on tortoise activity from a large (N = 1 50) experimental population to model activity as a function of the biophysical attributes of the environment, but these models did not improve the precision of estimates from the focal populations. Thus, to evaluate how much of the variance in tortoise activity is apparently not predictable, we assessed whether activity on any particular day can predict activity on subsequent days with essentially identical environmental conditions. Tortoise activity was only weakly correlated on consecutive days, indicating that behavior was not repeatable or consistent among days with similar physical environments.
A COMPARISON OF DECISION QUALITY UNDER NOMINAL AND INTERACTING CONSENSUS GROUP FORMATS: THE CASE OF THE STRUCTURED PROBLEM*

The applicability of the Nominal Grouping Technique (NGT) to a structured problem was investigated. NGT and interacting consensus groups were compared on the criteria of decision quality, utilization of best resource, and improvement in quality over average-member decision quality. Nominal groups' decisions were significantly (p = .005) better than those of interacting groups on all three criteria. Problems with criteria assessment in unstructured tasks were discussed, as were the implications of the present study for prescriptions for NGT use.
Planar extensional viscosity of corn meal dough

Abstract The application of the entrance pressure drop method to evaluate the extensional viscosity of corn meal during extrusion-cooking was investigated. An approximate planar extensional flow was generated by forcing the dough from a circular channel barrel into a slit die. The pressure drop along the contraction was calculated to obtain the entrance pressure drop Δ P en . Both Cogswell's and Binding's analyses were applied to estimate the apparent planar extensional viscosity η pa from Δ P en . The magnitude of η pa from Cogswell's analysis was found to be much larger than that predicted by Binding's analysis. In addition, the severe extension-thinning behavior exhibited by the fluid introduced problems in the calculations of Binding's analysis for some cases. Calculation and interpretation of the Trouton ratios have to be done carefully when extrapolation of the viscosities is required. Moderate to large entrance corrections were obtained, with lower values obtained for the lower moisture contents and temperatures of extrusion. In all cases the entrance correction decreased with increasing flow rate.
Consistent subcutaneous prepectoral implantation of a new implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Objective To describe the use of a new implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) that can be placed in the prepectoral region rather than implanted in the abdominal wall. Design We report the experience of placement of this new ICD in the prepectoral region in 13 patients from Sept. 28, 1993, through Jan. 10, 1994, at the Mayo Clinic. Material and Methods Thirteen consecutive patients offered this new ICD underwent placement of transvenous defibrillation leads, and the pulse generator was placed in a pocket formed in the subcutaneous, prepectoral space. Testing ensured a defibrillation threshold of 24 J or less. Results In all 13 patients, the pulse generator could be placed in the subcutaneous, prepectoral space. In all except one patient, acceptable defibrillation thresholds were achieved by using lead systems placed totally transvenously. Only one patient required placement of a subcutaneous patch. All but two patients were dismissed from the hospital within 3 days after the ICD implantation. Conclusion Consistent subcutaneous, prepectoral placement of this new ICD pulse generator is possible. Because the entire procedure can be performed in the pacemaker implantation room, the potential exists for decreasing the duration of the hospitalization and associated costs.
Reversals prior to solution of concept identification in children

Abstract The Bower-Trabasso test for noncontinuity processes in simple concept identification was applied in a series of experiments with children. The essential feature of the procedure is that Ss are given reversals of cue-reward assignments on every alternate error. Fifth-grade children trained in this manner made the same number of informed errors to criterion as did Ss trained without reversals, a finding in keeping with the performance of college Ss. A group of kindergarten and first-grade children trained under the presolution reversal procedure made significantly more informed errors to criterion than did controls, and this was true whether or not Ss received explicit instructions as to the set of possible cues and the rule of the game. A study of hypothesis behavior in this situation found no difference between age levels in frequency of appropriate hypotheses, but the younger Ss exhibited a significantly greater tendency to abandon reinforced hypotheses at the outset of training. This set of experiments suggests certain refinements in mediation theories of discrimination learning; and the overall data are consistent with a response-set interpretation of the age-difference in outcome of presolution reversals.
Stereo-matching approach based on wavelet analysis for 3D reconstruction in neurovision system

In this paper, a stereo matching approach for 3D reconstruction based on wavelet analysis is presented. It can be used in neuro-vision system. The approach can be divided into two parts. First, the stereo matching problem is solved with wavelet analysis. Dyadic discrete wavelet analysis is adopted in this process and stereo matching process is realized with global optimization. A coherent hierarchical matching strategy is constructed, so that the stereo matching process can be accomplished with coarse to fine techniques. Second, a 3D object reconstruction neural network is constructed by using BP neural network. By feeding the image corresponding points between the left image and right image in a stereo image pair, the 3D coordinates of points on object surface can be obtained using this neural network and the configuration and shape of the object can be reconstructed. With multiple 3D reconstruction neural networks the 3D reconstruction processes can be performed in parallel. The examples for both synthetic and real images are shown in the experiment, and good results are obtained.
The Dot-Com Boom and Bust in the Context of Regional and Sectoral Changes

This paper examines the effects of the dot-com boom and bust on firm survival, migration and growth in other sectors. Dot-com expansion revived a slowing central city economy but also raised issues regarding displacement of manufacturing, distribution, social services and other non-profits from San Francisco's “South of Market”. This study uses the National Establishment Time Series (NETS) database to examine how the growth of dot-com businesses affected San Francisco and surrounding counties. We find that start-ups were central to San Francisco's job growth. Relocations also were a significant aspect of job change. Dot-com growth was positively associated with propensity for pre-boom information and professional services establishments and for non-high-tech manufacturing or distribution establishments to move, while arts, social services and non-profits remained in the city.
Prognosis in autism: a follow-up study.

A follow-up study involving 85 autistic boys and 35 girls, c. 5 1/2 years of age at initial evaluation and 12 years at follow-up, is presented and discussed in considerable detail. Measures, also applied to 26 non-psychotic subnormal controls, included speech, social, educational, and family adequacy ratings, IQ's, and neurological data. Most autistic children remained educationally retarded and 42% were institutionalized. Good agreement with 2 studies by other authors indicated the following prognosis in autism: 1–2% recovery to normal, 5–15% borderline, 16–25% fair, and 60–75% poor. The best predictor of functional capacity in a work/school setting was the child's rating at intake. Performance IQ and severity of illness were next to best predictors. Case histories of 20 children with the best outcome, including 2 functioning normally, are compared and analyzed. Also, etiological implications of results are outlined in support of theories linking the cause of autism to biological factors.
Muscarinic receptors in diabetic rat prostate.

To investigate the effects of experimentally-induced diabetes on prostatic muscarinic cholinergic receptors, the binding characteristics of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) to prostatic membrane participates were examined in four groups of rats: control, diabetic, diabetic insulin treated, and diabetic myo-inositol treated. Diabetes was induced by i.v. injection of streptozotocin (STZ), 65 mg/kg. Diabetic and diabetic myo-inositol-treated rats had hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, glucosuria, polydipsia, and polyuria as well as significantly smaller prostates and lower body weights compared to control and diabetic insulin-treated animals. The densities of muscarinic receptors (Bmax) as determined by saturation studies with [3H]QNB in the prostatic plasma membranes of control, diabetic, diabetic insulin-treated and diabetic myo-inositol-treated rats were 80 ± 8, 51 ± 5, 78 ± 3, and 47 ± 7 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. [3H]QNB binding to muscarinic receptors was inhibited by muscarinic antagonists with the following rank order of Ki, values: atropine ⪡ pirenzepine < AF-DX 116. The pharmacological profile of the muscarinic receptors was similar in all groups examined and was consistent with the predominance of the M3 muscarinic receptor subtype in prostatic membrane particulates. Our data indicate that STZ-induced diabetes caused a variety of abnormalities including a down-regulation in the density of M3 muscarinic receptors in the rat prostate and that insulin, but not myo-inositol could prevent the development of these abnormalities.
Happe Honeywell Associative Parallel Processing Ensemble

Many problems, inherent in air traffic control, weather analysis and prediction, nuclear reaction, missile tracking, and hydrodynamics have common processing characteristics that can most efficiently be solved using parallel “non-conventional” techniques. Because of high sensor data rates, these parallel problem solving techniques cannot be economically applied using the standard sequential computer. The application of special processing techniques such as parallel/associative processing are still resisted because it is a change from the norm. Past implementations utilized special hardware, custom circuits and complex designs. The Honeywell Associative Parallel Processing Ensemble (HAPPE) was built to demonstrate the basic simplicity of hardware concepts inherent in parallel associative processing. HAPPE is implemented with the same standard circuit building blocks (MSI's, ROM's, and RAM's) that are used in all conventional computers. By using standard building blocks a long time objection to associative memory systems, that of requiring special purpose (low usage) circuits is overcome. The parallel/associative processing element can be both powerful and versatile. The HAPPE architecture proves that one processor element can perform both correlation (associative) and arithmetic processing. The HAPPE demonstrator has become a valuable tool in training system designers and programmers to recognize that new “thinking” can be applied to advanced processing system implementations.
Extending Accountability: From compliance to learning

The mandates of the US National Reporting System (NRS) accountability framework presented adult education at the state and local levels with a quantitative, outcomes-based, mandatory system. In the early years of the NRS, researchers explored the challenges of implementing largescale accountability systems and documented its early impact. With the continued implementation of the NRS over the past four to five years, this paper takes a fresh look at the impact of those accountability requirements with particular reference to implementation by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). It presents some positive developments with respect to curriculum, instruction, and the use of data, while highlighting some of the shortcomings within the NRS approaches. It discusses the organisational implications for local programs, presents strategies for state agencies, and offers suggestions for improving the NRS.
On Errors-in-Variables in Binary Regression—Berkson Case

Abstract In binary regression, the predictor variables may be measured with error. The Berkson case of the errors-in-variables problem is considered, under which the values of the predictor variables are set by the experimenter but not achieved exactly. A particular model for this case is considered, with probit regression and normally distributed errors of observation. The regression parameters for intercept and slope are to be estimated. Two estimators are studied, the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and a modification of it. In a simulation study, the modified MLE is shown to improve on the MLE in a situation with substantial measurement error. Quantal bioassay is an important field of application of the Berkson case of the binary regression model. In quantal bioassay, there is a stimulus, perhaps a carcinogen or poison, with doses X to be determined by the experimenter. To address questions on carcinogenicity or toxicity of the stimulus, each experimental animal is assigned a dose of the stimulus, ...
Relationships Between Settlements of Circular and Square Bearing Plates/Footings and Deformation Zones Developing Beneath Them

ASTM Standards instruct experimenters to use circular or square bearing plates/footings having areas ranging between 0.073 and 0.456 m2. In general, researchers and contractors perform loading bearing plate/footing tests using plates/footings which have dimensions exceeding the ones recommended by the Standards. This paper offers formulas describing relationships between settlements of square and circular plates/footings having areas ranging between 0.5 and 4.0 m2 and deformation zones developing beneath them. The proposed formulas are verified by the results of field tests performed with circular and square plates or footings supported by cohesive soils.
Clusters of temporal discordances reveal distinct embryonic patterning mechanisms in Drosophila and anopheles.

Evolutionary innovations can be driven by spatial and temporal changes in gene expression. Several such differences have been documented in the embryos of lower and higher Diptera. One example is the reduction of the ancient extraembryonic envelope composed of amnion and serosa as seen in mosquitoes to the single amnioserosa of fruit flies. We used transcriptional datasets collected during the embryonic development of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, to search for whole-genome changes in gene expression underlying differences in their respective embryonic morphologies. We found that many orthologous gene pairs could be clustered based on the presence of coincident discordances in their temporal expression profiles. One such cluster contained genes expressed specifically in the mosquito serosa. As shown previously, this cluster is redeployed later in development at the time of cuticle synthesis. In addition, there is a striking difference in the temporal expression of a subset of maternal genes. Specifically, maternal transcripts that exhibit a sharp reduction at the time of the maternal-zygotic transition in Drosophila display sustained expression in the Anopheles embryo. We propose that gene clustering by local temporal discordance can be used for the de novo identification of the gene batteries underlying morphological diversity.
Physical deposit measures and commercial potential: The case of titanium-bearing heavy-mineral deposits

Physical measures of mineral deposit characteristics, such as grade and tonnage, long have been used in both subjective and analytic models to predict favorability of areas for the occurrence of mineral deposits of particular types. After a deposit has been identified, however, the explorationist must decide whether to continue data collection, begin an economic feasibility study, or abandon the prospect. The decision maker can estimate the probability that a deposit will be commercial by examining physical measures. The amount of sampling data required before such a probability estimate can be considered reliable can be determined. A logit probability model estimated from onshore titanium-bearing heavy-mineral deposit data identifies and quantifies the relative influence of a deposit's physical measures on the chances of the deposit becoming commercial. A principal conclusion that can be drawn from the analysis is that, along with a measure of deposit size, the characteristics most important in predicting commercial potential are grades of the constituent minerals. Total heavy-mineral-bearing sand grade or even total titanium grade (without data on constituent mineral grades) are poor predictors of the deposit's commercial potential.
Designing a modern memory hierarchy with hardware prefetching

In this paper, we address the severe performance gap caused by high processor clock rates and slow DRAM accesses. We show that, even with an aggressive, next-generation memory system using four Direct Rambus channels and an integrated one-megabyte level-two cache, a processor still spends over half its time stalling for L2 misses. Our experimental analysis begins with an effort to tune our baseline memory system aggressively: incorporating optimizations to reduce DRAM row buffer misses, reordering miss accesses to reduce queuing delay, and adjusting the L2 block size to match each channel organization. We show that there is a large gap between the block sizes at which performance is best and at which miss rate is minimized. Using those results, we evaluate a hardware prefetch unit integrated with the L2 cache and memory controllers. By issuing prefetches only when the Rambus channels are idle, prioritizing them to maximize DRAM row buffer hits, and giving them low replacement priority, we achieve a 65 percent speedup across 10 of the 26 SPEC2000 benchmarks, without degrading the performance of the others. With eight Rambus channels, these 10 benchmarks improve to within 10 percent of the performance of a perfect L2 cache.
In situ vaginal wall sling.

Abstract Introduction. Recent reviews have noted failures of transvaginal surgical procedures designed to cure female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Slings for SUI appear to sustain continence over time but have been reserved for the more complex cases of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency because of the perception by many surgeons of increased technical difficulty and complication rates. However, this very success in complex cases of SUI bespeaks the need to develop modifications to simplify sling surgery so as to encourage sling use in all women with SUI. Modifications continue to be applied, including anchoring the supporting sutures to the pelvic bones and reducing the transvaginal dissection to prevent further prolapse. I review the use of the in situ anterior vaginal wall sling using bone anchoring techniques with preservation of the endopelvic fascia. Technical Considerations. The in situ sling is performed with the patient in the dorsal lithotomy position under regional or general anesthesia, with a 16F Foley catheter placed in the bladder and a weighted vaginal speculum on the posterior vaginal wall. An anterior vaginal suburethral patch is supported by nonabsorbable sutures anchored to the pubic bone. Conclusions. The use of bone anchoring techniques with preservation of the endopelvic fascia appears to enhance the success rate of autologous vaginal wall slings without increasing the risk to the patient and, as minimally invasive procedures, these techniques appear to reduce surgical time and length of hospitalization, thus reducing costs.
Silicon photonics: opportunity, applications & recent results

This presentation will give an overview of research being done at Intel in the area of silicon photonics. Recent breakthroughs in high speed optical modulation and Raman amplification in SOI waveguides will be discussed
Performance of turfgrass under supplemental irrigation and rain-fed conditions in the Central Great Plains of USA

Identifying drought tolerant turfgrass for semiarid Central Great Plains (CGP) of Wyoming is imperative because of limited water availability for irrigation. This study evaluated the performance and quality of different turfgrass species/cultivars under irrigated and rain-fed conditions in southeastern Wyoming. The species/cultivars evaluated in the study included Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L. ‘Bandera’, ‘Common 85/80’ and ‘Midnight’), tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus [Schreb.] Dumort., formerly Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; ‘Blackwatch’, ‘Tar Heel II’ and ‘Watchdog’), buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides [Nutt.] J.T. Columbus; ‘Bison’, ‘Bowie’ and ‘Cody’), and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [Willd. ex Kunth] Lag. ex Griffiths; ‘Alma’, ‘Bad River’ and ‘Hachita’). The study was planted in a randomized complete block with four replicates in a factorial design. Coverage of turfgrasses used in the study was similar in both irrigated and rain-fed conditions. In general, better performance and turf quality in terms of vigor and color were obtained in irrigated conditions compared to rain-fed. Plant vigor and color rankings were in the order of tall fescue > Kentucky bluegrass > buffalograss > blue grama under irrigated conditions. However, plant vigor and color were superior for the warm-season turfgrass species (buffalograss and blue grama) under rain-fed conditions. Overall performance of the turfgrass species tested in the study was tall fescue ≥ Kentucky bluegrass > blue grama ≥ buffalograss. Tall fescue cultivars ‘Tar Heel II’ and ‘Watchdog’, blue grama cultivar ‘Bad River’, and buffalograss cultivar ‘Cody’ were among the most promising drought tolerant cultivars.