cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of eigenfunctions at zero for certain almost periodic operators

For every irrational number $\alpha$ satisfying the property $\lim_{n\to\infty}|\!\sin \pi\alpha n|^{-1/n}=1$ and for every number $\beta>1$, it is shown that the difference equation $$ \xi_{n+1}+\xi_{n-1} +2\beta\cos(2\pi\alpha n+\th)\xi_n=0, \quad n\in\mathbb{Z} $$ has a non-trivial solution $\{\xi_n\}$ satisfying $\mathop{\overline{\lim}}_{|n|\to\infty}|\xi_n|^{1/|n|}\le|\beta|^{-1}$ if and only if $\theta=2\pi\alpha n+2\pi k\pm{\pi/2}$ for some $n,k\in\mathbb{Z}$.
A Comparison of the Effects of Skin Implants and Skin Grafts on the Cellular Constituents of Chicken Blood

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION A BIOLOGICAL technique, which results in a quantitative measure, highly correlated with the relationship coefficient between individuals, has long been sought. Such technique would be of value in checking calculated relationship coefficients within lines under various inbreeding and selection schemes and for investigating the value of genetic diversity in predicting the amount of heterosis which may be obtained from specific crosses. Loeb and Wright (1927) employing histological observations demonstrated a definite association between the degree of reaction shown by the host to a skin graft and the host’s relationship to the donor. Other workers have suggested alternate methods for measuring this reaction, viz. the cellular infiltration of the graft, Loeb (1944); persistence of the graft, Billingham and Medawar (1951; and the change in the number of leucocytes and the percentage of lymphocytes in the circulating blood, Blumenthal (1939). Craig and Hirsch (1957) working with chickens, found a significant correlation . . .
Psychopharmacologic management of the psychiatric emergency patient

The general hospital emergency room has become the locus of care for many psychiatric patients. It has become essential for emergency department personnel to be able to manage the behavioral emergency. Critical to this management is the rational use of psychotropic drugs. The author offers guidelines for the use of antipsychotic drugs and minor tranquilizers. The importance of differential diagnosis and the correlation of drug use with patient variables are stressed. The section on anti-depressants addresses the issues of when, and under what conditions the treatment of a depressive disorder can be initiated in an emergency setting. An approach to the toxic-behavioral-confusional state is offered. The final section reviews the approach to the patient who is a diagnostic dilemma and/or mute.
Prosthetic stent for gold-grain implant to the floor of the mouth.

Abstract The evaluation, treatment planning, and treatment of a patient with a lesion on the anterior part of the floor of the mouth are described. The construction and use of a prosthetic stent as an aid to treatment are explained and the importance of adequate follow-up care is discussed as the final phase of treatment.
Uncertainty analysis of planar and spatial robots with joint clearances

Joint clearance in mechanisms and robots leads to uncertainty in function deviation. Unlike the effect of the link tolerance on the performance quality, the uncertainty effect of the joint clearance to the performance can not be eliminated by calibration because of the random nature. In this paper, based on the probability theory, a general probability density function (p.d.f.) of the endpoint of planar robots is established. The p.d.f. of the endpoint of a planer robot is equivalent to that of endpoint of a string of planar joint deviation vectors. By grouping the planar joint deviation vectors and establishing the structural constraint conditions between the vector groups, a basic approach of deriving the general p.d.f. of spatial robots is also presented. Based on the general p.d.f. of the endpoint, the distribution functions of the robot endpoint for any position tolerance zone and any joint distribution type, can be derived. The method is demonstrated by using some common types of position tolerance zones with uniform as well as normal distribution for joint clearance. The distribution functions of the robot endpoint are calculated and tabulated. These distribution functions and tables provide a convenient way to obtain the probability value for a robot to position its end point within a desired tolerance zone, and to determine the joint clearance value for the desired type of tolerance zone and the prescribed probability value of position repeatability.
MECHANISMS OF LOCOMOTION IN FLAGELLATES. I. CERATIUM.

SYNOPSIS. Observation of the longitudinal flagellum of Ceratium tripos and C. furca with stroboscopic light revealed that this flagellum beats with a planar wave very close in form to a sine wave. The transverse flagellum, however, was seen to beat with a circular or elliptical helical wave, the amplitude of which was such that about half the wave was out of the girdle. With dark-field illumination, suspensions of polystyrene spheres (1.18 μ in diameter) made possible the observation and photography of currents set up by the organism's flagella. This technique revealed an unsuspected component of the force generated by the transverse flagellum, which drives the organism forward. A wire helix, rotating under water, was found to generate a current in one direction along the axis of the helix. When a “girdle” formed from modeling clay was placed around the helix, thus simulating the transverse flagellum, the current was found to flow across the axis of the helix. The girdle in both the model and the dinoflagellate is assumed to cancel those components of force generated by the portion of the helical wave within it which would tend to cause the water to rotate about the helix. The only effective components of this force are therefore those generated by that side of the helix not enclosed in the girdle, and their action is to drive water across the girdle.
Latvia's Russian minority: balancing the imperatives of regional development and environmental justice

Abstract This article examines the political, economic and social marginalization of Latvia's ethnic Russian minority in the post-Soviet era, and considers the impact of marginalization on both regional development and issues of environmental justice. I argue that demographic concentration of Russians in the region known as Latgale in southeast Latvia as well as the severe marginalization of this population has led to growing economic disparities in regional development since 1991. Contrary to expectations, however, the marginalization of ethnic Russians in Latvia does not appear to have led to increased environmental injustices relative to this group; based on an examination of siting decisions of new hazardous waste facilities in post-Soviet Latvia, I argue that industrial facilities commonly viewed as environmentally hazardous in advanced capitalist democracies hold quite different connotations in struggling transitional societies. Rather than the tendencies of growing regional underdevelopment and increased environmental discrimination reinforcing each other (as is commonly observed in developed capitalist societies), in these transitional societies the two tendencies appear to work in opposition to each other. In this article, I will investigate this unexpected relationship and highlight unique aspects of post-communist transitions that provide an explanation for this outcome.
Synergistic control of plug-in vehicle charging and wind power scheduling

Significant synergy exists between plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and wind energy: PEVs can be the demand response to mitigate the intermittent wind power outputs, and wind energy can provide low-carbon electricity to PEVs. This paper presents a hierarchical control algorithm to realize this synergy by integrating the PEV charging and wind power scheduling. The control algorithm consists of three levels: the top-level controller optimizes the scheduling for the conventional power plants and wind power; the middle-level controller plans PEV charging to achieve load following based on the battery state of charge and plug-off time of each vehicle; the bottom-level controller uses grid electricity frequency as the feedback cue to control PEV charging and serves as the ancillary service to the grid. Numerical simulations show that the integrated controller can improve the grid frequency regulation and overall electricity generation cost without sacrificing the PEVs charging completion.
Active Knee Prosthesis Control With Electromyography

This paper describes a new electromyography (EMG) based control approach for powered above-knee prostheses. In the proposed control approach, the EMG signals are utilized as the direct control commands to the prosthesis, and thus enable the volitional control by the wearer, not only for locomotive functions, but for arbitrary motion as well. To better integrate the AK prosthesis into the rest of the human body, the control approach incorporates a human motor control mechanism-inspired ‘active-reactive’ model, which combines an active control component that reflects the wearer’s motion intention, with a reactive control component that implements the controllable impedance critical to the safe and stable interaction with the environment. The effectiveness of the proposed control approach was demonstrated through the experimental results for arbitrary free swing and level walking.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Affinity Isolation and Characterization of Cytochrome-P450-102 (BM-3) from Barbiturate-Induced Bacillus megaterium

Abstract Cytochrome P450 102 (BM-3) is a catalytically self-sufficient enzyme from Bacillus megaterium that is presently accepted as an important model of the mammalian microsomal P450 monooxygenase system. We have developed a novel affinity approach to purify P450 102 in a single chromatographic step and have studied the spectroscopic, catalytic, nucleotide binding, and crystallization properties of the highly purified enzyme. B. megaterium ATCC 14581 was grown to high cell density, and P450 102 was purified rapidly and in high yield by chromatography on adenosine-2′5′-diphosphate agarose from crude cell-free extract. The cytochrome bound to the column with remarkable avidity, in contrast to the significantly weaker binding observed for NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. Chromatographic behavior also showed that the cytochrome bound NADP + -type nucleotides more tightly than any other cellular polypeptide. The purified protein was electrophoretically homogeneous and had essentially theoretical contents of FAD, FMN, and heme. Optical spectra showed the expected heme and flavin absorption bands, and three previously undescribed charge-transfer-type absorptions were characterized. Molar extinction coefficients in the oxidized, fully reduced, and ferrous carbonyl states have been determined; notable is the large soret extinction in the ferrous carbonyl state (ϵ 449nm - 143,500 M −1 cm −1 ). Final preparations were active in the oxidation of a wide variety of substrates. Of the C 14 alkyl compounds studied, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide showed the highest substrate-dependent oxidation of NADPH, followed by myristate and myristyl alcohol; however, myristate exhibited the lowest K m value. Activities were tightly coupled to NADPH oxidation (>97%). Phenobarbital, benzphetamine, cocaine, cyclohexane, methanol, ethanol, retinoic acid, benzoate, heptaflouro-butyrate, and 7-ethoxycoumarin were not substrates. NADP + titrations showed, as expected, that the coenzyme was bound very tightly, with an average K d of 580 nM. Our preparations of P450 102 are of sufficient purity and stability that crystals of the native holoenzyme have been grown.
Power maximization in III–V sub-millimeter, radial front contacted cells for thin micro-concentrators

Sub millimeter scale solar cells coupled with medium concentration lenses can reduce the balance of system costs of concentrating photovoltaics by creating thin and highly efficient concentrators with relaxed tracking requirements. This paper shows the design, fabrication, simulation, and testing of micro-sized photovoltaics that have unique perimeter front contacts outside the optical collection area. The design of the device considered the need for low resistance current carrying layers while minimizing optical losses. The paper also shows the successful fabrication of InGaAs cells as well as of GaAs cells transferred onto silicon substrates. The simulations and experimental measurements show that small cells of this type 1) suffered from slightly lower voltage levels caused by proportionally larger dark currents 2) peaked their efficiencies at higher concentration levels compared to larger ones 3) performed better overall.
Chemical investigation of the sex pheromone of the house fly.

A sex pheromone is present in the hexane-soluble lipids of the female Musca domestica L. Progressive chromatographic refinement has given a fraction which potently affects male flies sexually in tests with olfactometers or simulated female models (“pseudoflies”). Chemical investigations suggest that the active lipophilic substance is an unsaturated, long-chain olefin.
EPA - HERL/RTP: a DBMS application using word processing

The article discusses a Management Information System (MIS) developed by the authors, with Intel contractor support, for the Health Effects Research Laboratory, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, located in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.The article describes the reasons for choosing SYSTEM 2000 as the data base language, the data base structure, and the application involving a unique mating between a data base, a Hendrix type-reader and the Lanier (LTE-2D) word-processing equipment.
Structural features of the bonin arc: Implications for its tectonic history

Abstract The Bonin Arc, from the Shikoku Basin to the trench axis, is broken into four crustal blocks, each separated by major right-lateral strike-slip faults. From north to south, they are termed the Sumisu Jima, the Sofu Gan and the Central Bonin Dislocations. These dislocations are delineated by 1. (1) changes in trends of en-echelon ridge and trough structures of the main arc. 2. (2) right-lateral offsets of the bathymetry and structure of the arc's outer ridge. 3. (3) right-lateral offsets in the free-air gravity contours. The most likely time of formation of the en-echelon structures and fracturing of the arc into the four crustal blocks is between 27 and 17 m.y. B.P. (Miocene). During this time, Japan was moving southeastward relative to Asia, and the Philippine Sea plate (including the Bonin Arc) was moving northward, subducting beneath southwest Japan. Also, convergence and subduction of the Pacific Plate was taking place along the east side of the Bonin Arc, which involved the collision of thick buoyant crustal blocks of the Marcus Necker Ridge near the south end of the Arc. These movements resulted in compressive forces acting on the Bonin Arc from the northwest and produced a clockwise torque within the arc. The response to these forces included development of NE-NNE structural trends within the arc and fracturing of the arc into four crustal blocks, offset from each other by NE-NNE right lateral displacements.
α9: An acetylcholine receptor with novel pharmacological properties expressed in rat cochlear hair cells

Abstract We report the isolation and functional characterization of a member of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene family, α9. Xenopus oocytes injected with α9 cRNA express a homomeric receptor-channel complex that is activated by acetylcholine. The α9 receptor displays an unusual mixed nicotinic-muscarinic pharmacological profile. The unique properties of the α9 receptor-channel complex closely match those described for the cholinergic receptor present in vertebrate cochlear hair cells. In situ hybridization studies reveal a restricted pattern of α9 gene expression that includes the outer hair cells of the rat cochlea. Our results suggest that the α9 receptor is involved in the cholinergic efferent innervation of cochlear hair cells and thus may modulate the encoding of auditory stimuli.
MOSSBAUER SPECTROSCOPY OF FERROCENE IN A CRYSTAL G LIQUID CRYSTAL

Abstract The Fe-57 Mossbauer Effect (ME) was used to study a 0.6 per cent (by weight) solution of 1,1′-diacetylferrocene in the liquid crystalline material N-(p-n-pentyloxybenzylidene)-p-n-hexylaniline (50.6). The ME parameters were determined for the crystalline solid phase and the cold crystal G phase. Characteristic Debye temperatures, order parameters, intramolecular and lattice contributions to the nuclear vibrational anisotropy were obtained for the crystalline solid, crystal G glass, and oriented crystal G glass phases.
Conditioning Shriveled Soybean Seed Part I. Variation in Physical Properties

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of various cleaning and upgrading equipment in removing shrivelled seeds from drought-damaged soybean seedlots. The conditioning line, consisting of an air-screen cleaner, spirals and a gravity table, successfully improved quality, but at the cost of a high number of discards. Shrivelled seeds removed during conditioning were significantly lower in seed weight, seed volume, and bulk density that the normal seeds. KEYWORDS. Soybean conditioning, Drought damage.
Ivory osteoma of the cervical spine: case report.

Objective and importance We report a unique case of ivory osteoma of the cervical spine. Clinical presentation The clinical presentation was one of polyradicular deficit without myelopathy after trauma. The imaging characteristics and histology of the lesion were those of a classic ivory osteoma. Intervention A complete surgical excision of the lesion was accomplished. Conclusion We think we have recorded the only well-documented case of ivory osteoma affecting the spine.
Use of simple tasks to test for impairment of complex skills by a sedative

Examination of the effect of three doses of pentobarbital on the comparative performance of a complex psychomotor taks with two simple neuromotor tasks, i.e., standing steady and pendulum eye tracking, revealed a high correlation. These simple tasks could be used as measures of intoxication since they do not require extensive training. Examination of the complex task impairment blood level ratio revealed that impairment relative to blood level was much greater in the absorption phase. This changing ratio underscores the point that blood levels alone are not an adequate estimate of intoxication.
Control of fingertip temperature increases via biofeedback in learning-disabled and normal children.

Summary.-Although considerable research has been done with biofeedback in adults, little is known of its effect in children of different ages or those with learning disabilities. This study assessed the effects of thermal biofeedback in 60 children (40 boys, 20 girls) aged 7 to 9 yr. (M.,. 8-6) half of whom were learning-disabled and half, normal children marched for age, sex, grade, race, socioeconomic status, and IQ. Training consisted of one 15-min. period daily for five days with three trials per period. Children (16 learning-disabled, 16 normals) received consistent reinforcement for digital temperature increases whle 28 children (14 learning-disabled, 14 normals) received mixed reinforcement after Day 1, on which all children were consistently reinforced to yield a performance baseline. Feedback was provided by a variable intensity light and toy electric train. Learning was demonstrated only for the consistently reinforced group, which performed almost twice as well as those receiving mixed reinforcement. Learning-disabled children learned thermal control even better than normals, explained in terms of biofeedback reinforcing an internal steady state conducive to learning. Younger children did better than older children, and girls did somewhat better than boys. Post-training improvement in figureground discrimination and intersensory-integration was linked with performance and learning, respectively.
Effect of body size on swarming behavior and mating success of male Anopheles freeborni (Diptera: Culicidae)

We examined whether body size affects the swarming behavior and mating success of male Anopheles freeborninear California rice fields. Swarms formed after dusk and persisted for approximately 30 min. The proportion of males in 33 swarms sampled n=6028 ranged from 100 to 92% but decreased over time (r=0.73, t=6.03, P<0.001).On average, swarming males (n=1058) were larger than males sampled from the resting population (n=735, H=35.6, P<0.0001),indicating that some males never swarm at all. Males swarming early were significantly smaller than those swarming during the peak (H=6.71, P=0.009)or final minutes of the swarm (H=4.86, P=0.002). Mated males returned to the swarm after mating, and larger males enjoyed greater mating success than did smaller ones (n=398, H=16.1, P=0.0005).
Local delivery of a tissue factor antibody reduces early leukocyte infiltration but fails to limit intimal hyperplasia in experimental vein grafts

Background.Tissue Factor-mediated thrombin generation involves the generation of VIIaand Xaand has been implicated in the pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia. In experimental vein grafts, Tissue Factor protein is increased over the first 3 days and colocalized with CD18-positive leukocytes; this increase in Tissue Factor precedes the development of intimal hyperplasia. This study further evaluates the potential role of Tissue Factor in vein graft intimal hyperplasia by directly inhibiting Tissue Factor protein. Methods.New Zealand white rabbits underwent interpositional bypass grafting of the common carotid artery using the external jugular vein. Perioperatively, murine anti-rabbit Tissue Factor antibody (109 μg/ml gel, 12,500× IC50of Tissue Factor activity) was applied to the adventitial surface of the graft, using a pluronic gel (30% soln.). Tissue Factor antibody treated vein grafts were compared to control and empty gel-treated vein grafts. Vein grafts were examined at 3 days to assess CD18-positive leukocyte infiltration and the presence of residual antibody by Western blotting. At 28 days, intimal and medial dimensions were quantified using videomorphometry. Results.At day 3, there was marked reduction in CD18-positive leukocytes in the Tissue Factor antibody versus control vein grafts (6.3 ± 4.7 vs 20.8 ± 7.4 per 200× field,P< 0.05). At 28 days, intimal hyperplasia was similar for the control (70 ± 4 μm, mean ± SEM), gel (73 ± 4 μm), and Tissue Factor antibody (75 ± 4 μm) vein grafts. However, medial thickness (76 ± 4 μm;,P< 0.05) was significantly increased compared to the gel treated vein graft (61 ± 5 μm). Conclusion.Local delivery of pharmacologic doses of an anti-rabbit Tissue Factor antibody decreased CD18-positive leukocyte infiltration but failed to limit intimal hyperplasia in experimental vein grafts. The results suggest that inhibition of Tissue Factor protein modulates polymorphonuclear leukocyte–endothelial interactions but not in the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia. It implies that the relationship between the extrinsic coagulation cascade and intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts is complex.
Case Study of the Neptune Project: Cascade Microtech Applies Its Measurement Technology to the Emerging Life Sciences Market

Cascade Microtech, a market leader in advanced electrical metrology systems for semiconductors has discovered the potential in this market and recently began a project to survey the industry to find a way to address the market with a new product initiative. This project has culminated in the release of a new product targeted at the microfluidics research market, a segment of the life sciences industry. The topic of this report is a case study of the process by which Cascade Microtech researched, identified, developed, and introduced a new product into a new market that resulted in a discontinuous innovation in life sciences research. Specifically, the company applied components of its core technology for the semiconductor industry to the very young microfluidics research market.
White Universal Identity as a "Sense of Group Position"

This article seeks to expand upon Blumer’s “Race Prejudice as a Sense of Group Position.” I argue that Blumer’s group position model invites us to critically consider the role that dominant group identity and “threats” to identity play in reproducing racial inequalities. Identities seat both material and ideal concerns, and white identities, in particular, may provide “ontological security” that whites will defensively protect. I draw on ethnographic research conducted in 1994‐96 in two demographically distinct high schools. Young whites in both schools expressed identities that positioned them as “universal,” and they responded reactively, even prejudicially, when their universal group position was threatened. Nearly fifty years ago, Herbert Blumer published “Race Prejudice as a Sense of Group Position” (1958). Much has transpired in race relations since then, and an entire field of study examining “whiteness” has come to flourish and reshape the paradigms by which studies of race, generally, are approached. Nonetheless, Blumer’s “Sense of Group Position” continues to hold radical implications for studying race and whiteness. At the core of Blumer’s model is the assertion that “threat” to group position is definitive in catalyzing feelings of prejudice and discriminatory behaviors. The sagacity of Blumer’s model lies in the way in which it synthesizes otherwise competing models of race: macro versus micro and structural versus psychological (Bobo 1999; Bobo and Hutchings 1996). Moreover, as I argue, it suggests a false dichotomy between material and ideal interests and, hence, the ways threat to group position might be experienced. In what follows, I argue that Blumer’s group position model invites us to critically consider the role that dominant group identity plays in the reproduction of racial inequalities. I assert that identities seat both material and ideal concerns and “white” identities, in particular, provide a type of “ontological security” that white
Cost-Effective School Inputs Is Class Size Reduction the Best Educational Expenditure for Florida?

The current debate about class size is not centered on whether smaller class sizes are desirable. Rather, the debate is whether the costs involved are the best ways to spend taxpayers’ monies. This analysis addresses this question for the state of Florida. Using the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test as a measure of educational achievement, a state data set containing information on all elementary schools was used to examine which government-funded inputs were most cost effective. Using a three-step methodology leading to a cost effectiveness analysis, this article finds that reducing class sizes is the most expensive of state inputs that affect achievement scores. Varying the mix of school personnel (administrators, teachers, and teacher aides) and investments in teacher quality (training and experience) are shown to produce the same results (raising test scores) at a lower cost than the reduction of class sizes.
Stability of hybrid automata with average dwell time: an invariant approach

A formal method based technique is presented for proving the average dwell time property of a hybrid system, which is useful for establishing stability under slow switching. The hybrid input/output automaton (HIOA) of Lynch et al. (2003) is used as the model for hybrid systems, and it is shown that some known stability theorems from system theory can be adapted to be applied in this framework. The average dwell time property of a given automaton is formalized as an invariant of a corresponding transformed automaton, such that the former has average dwell time if and only if the latter satisfies the invariant. Formal verification techniques can be used to check this invariance property. In particular, the HIOA framework facilitates inductive invariant proofs by systematically breaking them down into cases for the discrete actions and continuous trajectories of the automaton. The invariant approach to proving the average dwell time property is illustrated by analyzing the hysteresis switching logic unit of a supervisory control system.
Logistic Stick-Breaking Process

A logistic stick-breaking process (LSBP) is proposed for non-parametric clustering of general spatially- or temporally-dependent data, imposing the belief that proximate data are more likely to be clustered together. The sticks in the LSBP are realized via multiple logistic regression functions, with shrinkage priors employed to favor contiguous and spatially localized segments. The LSBP is also extended for the simultaneous processing of multiple data sets, yielding a hierarchical logistic stick-breaking process (H-LSBP). The model parameters (atoms) within the H-LSBP are shared across the multiple learning tasks. Efficient variational Bayesian inference is derived, and comparisons are made to related techniques in the literature. Experimental analysis is performed for audio waveforms and images, and it is demonstrated that for segmentation applications the LSBP yields generally homogeneous segments with sharp boundaries.
A new method of color image segmentation based on intensity and hue clustering

A new method of color image segmentation is proposed. It is based on the K-means algorithm in HSI color space and has the advantage over those based on the RGB space. Both the hue and the intensity components are fully utilized. In the process of hue clustering, the special cyclic property of the hue component is taken into consideration. The paper gives the definition of the distance and the center in the hue space, based on which the hue-clustering algorithm is implemented. Utilised in medical image processing, the new method gives a good performance.
Beyond Paradise–Meeting the Challenges in Tropical Biology in the 21st Century

Tropical ecosystems support a diversity of species and ecological processes that are unparalleled anywhere else on Earth. Despite their tremendous social and scientific importance, tropical ecosystems are rapidly disappearing. To help tropical ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them better face the challenges of the 21st century, tropical biologists must provide critical knowledge in three areas: (1) the structure and functioning of tropical ecosystems; (2) the nature and magnitude of anthropogenic effects on tropical ecosystems; and (3) the socio-economic drivers of these anthropogenic effects. To develop effective strategies for conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of tropical ecosystems, scientific perspectives must be integrated with social necessities. Three principles for guiding tropical biological research are suggested: (1) broadening the set of concerns; (2) integration of biological knowledge with the social sciences and traditional knowledge; and (3) linking science to policy and action. Four broad recommendations are proposed for immediate action in tropical biology and conservation that are fundamental to all biological and social disciplines in the tropics: (1) assemble and disseminate information on life's diversity in the tropics; (2) enhance tropical field stations and build a worldwide network to link them with tropical field biologists at their field sites; (3) bring the field of tropical biology to the tropics by strengthening institutions in tropical countries through novel partnerships between tropical and temperate zone institutions and scientists; and (4) create concrete mechanisms to increase interactions between tropical biologists, social scientists, and policy makers.
Numerical Simulation of Plunge Force During the Plunge Phase of Friction Stir Welding and Ultrasonic Assisted FSW

Ultrasonic assisted friction stir welding (UaFSW) is an hybrid welding technique, where high frequency vibration is superimposed on the movement of a rotating tool. The benefit of using ultrasonic vibration in the FSW process refers to the reduction in the welding force and to the better welding quality. The UaFSW system is being developed and its mechanism needs to be understood using both the experiments and the numerical simulations. In this paper, FE simulations of FSW and UaFSW using ABAQUS/Explicit were carried out to examine plunge forces during the plunge phase of FSW and UaFSW, respectively. First, the simulations of the conventional FSW process were validated. Then, simulation of UaFSW process was performed by imposing sinusoidal horizontal ultrasonic vibrations on the tool.
The influence of sperm morphology on preimplantation genetic diagnosis cycles outcome.

Objective To evaluate the impact of abnormal sperm morphology on the rates of aneuploidy, implantation, and clinical pregnancy. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University-based IVF center. Patient(s) Fifty-two patients undergoing their first IVF–preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cycle. Intervention(s) The PGD analysis of embryos. Main Outcome Measure(s) Patients were divided into two groups based on sperm morphology: teratospermic group (TSG) and normal sperm group (NSG). The primary outcome measures of rates of aneuploidy, implantation, clinical pregnancy rate (PR) per cycle, and clinical PR per embryo transfer were compared between TSG and NSG according to PGD analysis results. Results A higher percentage of normal embryos was seen in the NSG (32%) versus the TSG (20%). Overall, 30% of IVF–PGD cycles had no normal embryos for transfer. The clinical PR per cycle was 44% in the NSG compared to 14% in the TSG (relative risk [RR] = 3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–9.0). A similar trend was noted with the clinical PR per embryo transfer with 57% patients becoming pregnant in the NSG versus 20% patients in the TSG (RR = 2.76; 95% CI 1.2–7.2). Implantation was twice as likely to occur in the NSG as compared to TSG (RR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.1–7.2). Conclusion(s) Rates of euploidy, implantation, clinical PR per cycle, and clinical PR per embryo transfer were higher in the NSG compared to the TSG, suggesting that sperm morphology plays an important role in the outcome of IVF–PGD cycles.
The enzymic activity of trypsin autolysis products.

Abstract Sedimentation experiments on trypsin and trypsin derivatives have shown that a small residual enzymic activity is present in the degradation products after autolysis of the enzyme.
Democracy and Trade Policy in Developing Countries: Particularism and Domestic Politics with a Case Study of India 1

What explains the variation in trade policy among democracies in developing countries? Why have some liberalized trade more than others? We analyze the impact of political particularism - defined as the degree of party discipline and the incentives for politicians to cultivate a personal vote - on trade protection. We present theoretical results from a model of particularism and its effects on tariffs; we present quantitative evidence to test the model; and then we develop a case study of India to illuminate it. Our model analyzes how an increase in particularism (that is, a shift from a party-centered to a more candidate-centered system) interacts with the degree of inter-industry occupational mobility of labor and the asset-specificity of industries to influence trade policies in developing democracies. Our model suggests that an increase in particularism induces leaders from the ruling and opposition parties to shift trade policy in equilibrium to the median voter's optimal preference, who in a developing society is a worker; and this means a reduction in trade barriers when labor mobility is high. Our data strongly support this conclusion. Our case study of India shows how the dynamics of a party-centered system operate to maintain higher trade barriers.
History Taking Differences in Acute Heart Failure Patients by Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine Physicians Leads to Differing Initial Management

Logistic regression analysis showed time since Biv implant (p50.012) and a higher baseline NYHA class (p5 0.011) as predictors of Biv optimization response. An 8% increase in SET during optimization had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 83% in predicting response. A 10% increase in mitral inflow filling time (MIFT) had 80% specificity but 26% sensitivity in predicting response. Conclusions: Biv pacemaker optimization improves functional class. Dilated LV, ischemic cardiomyopathy and remote history of Biv pacemaker implant predict poor response to echo-guided optimization whereas high NYHA class predicts a greater benefit from echo-guided optimization. An acute 8% increase in SET during optimization predicts an improvement in NYHA class.
Effect of thermochemotherapy on the development of spontaneous lung metastases.

Effect of local hyperthermia given alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide and/or hyperglycaemia on the development of lung metastasis was studied using a non-immunogenic mouse fibrosarcoma, FSa-II. Incidence of lung metastasis was dependent upon the tumour size, and was increased when tumour-bearing mice were restrained in animal holders which were used for heat-treatment of animal tumours. The frequency of the metastatic spread was decreased following local hyperthermia at 41.5° and 45.5°C when compared to that following sham treatment. This decrease was independent of the heat dose. Similar reduction in the incidence of metastasis was observed after hyperthermia given following glucose administration. The administration of cyclophosphamide effectively inhibited the development of lung metastasis. However, the magnitude of the inhibition was identical to that following hyperthermia alone. In conclusion, hyperthermia given alone, or in combination with hyperglycaemia or cyclophosphamide, inhibited ...
Alice: lessons learned from building a 3D system for novices

We present lessons learned from developing Alice, a 3D graphics programming environment designed for undergraduates with no 3D graphics or programming experience. Alice is a Windows 95/NT tool for describing the time-based and interactive behavior of 3D objects, not a CAD tool for creating object geometry. Our observations and conclusions come from formal and informal observations of hundreds of users. Primary results include the use of LOGO-style egocentric coordinate systems, the use of arbitrary objects as lightweight coordinate systems, the launching of implicit threads of execution, extensive function overloading for a small set of commands, the careful choice of command names, and the ubiquitous use of animation and undo.
Salivary Gland Tumors

Malignant neoplasms of the salivary glands are rare in the pediatric population. The vast majority of those that do occur arise in the parotid gland. An asymptomatic firm mass in the preauricular region is the most common presentation. Surgical resection is the principal treatment. Adjuvant radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be indicated depending on clinical presentation and tumor type. Prognosis is chiefly determined by histopathologic findings.
There are No Straightforward Conversations

This article summarizes some of the typical exchanges that occur among students participating in the class, Interpersonal Dynamics for Attorneys. As students progress through the class, they have opportunities to learn how to express their feelings directly, to become more aware of them, and begin to gain awareness of the attributions and automatic thoughts that lead them to have these feelings. Over the course of a typical semester, students will become more skilled at checking out the conclusions they draw, able to assume more responsibility for their responses, and begin to communicate their own feelings more accurately.
Shortening of bleeding time by a water-soluble adrenochrome derivative.

SummaryTrimethylammoniumacethydrazone hydrochloride of L-adrenochrome (T.A.L.) is a potent hemostatic agent. It shares this property with the parent substance adrenochrome, but surpasses it by stability and solubility in aqueous solution. It may be injected intramuscularly in children in amounts of 10 mg without producing local reactions. A single injection of this amount shortens the bleeding time, as measured by Ivy's method, by an average of 38% in 32 subjects; except for 7 non-responsive cases with short pre-injection bleeding time, the mean bleeding time in the remaining 25 cases is cut in half. Only individuals with a short bleeding time fail to respond. Control tests show that the concomitant surgical intervention has no influence on bleeding time.
Obstetric Therapeutics—How Pharmacogenetics May Inform Drug Therapy for Pregnant Women in the Future

Most pregnant women take prescription medications. There are many factors related to pregnancy that make finding the most effective and safe dose of a therapeutic drug difficult for providers. Genetic differences in drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and receptors may also account for some of
Concentrations of Sulfadiazine in Human Saliva Attained by Chewing Paraffin Containing Sulfadiazine

SummaryKhen 0.325 g of sulfadiaziue is incorporated into approximately 1.5 g of parafin, and the paraffin-sulfadiazine mixture is chewed by human subjects, hieh concentrations of free sulfadiazine were attained in the saliva. Such a procedure may favorably affect the course of acute hemolytic streptococcic infections such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis without recourse to larger systemic doses.
Male description and generic review of Agyrtolasia Szymczakowski, with key to genera of Agyrtodini (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Camiarinae: Agyrtodini)

The male of Agyrtolasia calliptera Szymczakowski is described and new collecting records are provided. The range and habitat of Agyrtolasia resemble those of Australian Agyrtodes Portevin, with A. calliptera found in fungus and forest leaf litter from New South Wales to Southeast Queensland. Pertinent diagnostic and systematic characters are discussed for adult Agyrtodini. The probable phylogenetic placement of Agyrtolasia is very close to Agyrtodes; adult morphology suggests the former is either within or sister to the latter. An illustrated key to world agyrtodine genera is provided.
Quantitative contribution of NHE2 and NHE3 to rabbit ileal brush-border Na+/H+ exchange

Intestinal neutral NaCl absorption, which is made up of brush-border (BB) Na+/H+exchange linked to BB Cl−/ HCO 3 − exchange, is up- and downregulated as part of digestion and diarrheal diseases. Gl...
The Simulated Annealing Algorithm

Most placement and global routing problems belong to the class of NP-complete problems.1 For problems in this class, there is no known exact algorithm whose worst-case time complexity is bounded by a polynomial in the size of the input. Consequently, heuristic algorithms are used to find solutions to these problems. These algorithms explore a discrete space of admissible configurations S in a deterministic fashion. Starting from an initial configuration i 0 ∈ S, a sequence of configurations are explored until a satisfactory one is found. The algorithm is specified by the rules according to which configurations are generated and accepted. Often the search terminates in a local minimum, at a state ĵ ∈ S such that c(j) ≥ c(ĵ) for all j ∈ Ŝ(ĵ) where c( ) is the cost function defined on the configuration space and where Ŝ(ĵ) represents the states of S reachable from ĵ. The state ĵ is a local minimum if there exists a state \( \bar{j} \in S \) such that\( c\left( {\bar{j}} \right) < c\left( {\hat{j}} \right) \). In many cases, the quality of the local minimum states, or configurations, are quite inferior in comparison to the global minimum state. Heuristic algorithms often end at these local minimum states because their behavior is essentially greedy, that is, they only accept new states which maximally reduce the cost.
ABSTRACT VOLTERRA EQUATIONS WITH INFINITE DELAY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the abstract Volterra equations with infinite delay. It discusses the stability, representation, and approximation of a class of nonlinear Volterra equations that involve infinite delay and have a linear evolution operator as convolution kernel. The chapter discusses the existence of solutions to equation and defines a nonlinear evolution operator U(t,s). It discusses the space of initial functions. Two classes of initial functions are considered: (1) Cu = Cu ((−∞,0],X) is the Banach space of uniformly continuous X valued functions endowed with the supremum norm ∥ · ∥ Cu and (2) the spaces of so called fading memory.
Biaxial properties of individual bonds in thermomechanically bonded nonwoven fabrics

Thermomechanically bonded nonwoven fabrics contain discrete bonds that are formed from melted and fused fibers. In these fabrics, the fibers are loosely organized although they lie predominantly in...
Computerized Treatment Planning Directives for Adaptive Radiation Therapy Management

Treatment planning directives have been developed for radiation therapy process and workflow improvement. Initial plan directives were developed on paper forms. These directives have improved our department’s workflow based on a lean thinking approach to process improvement. Treatment plan directives describe a standard path for each type of case in the belief that standard work leads to fewer quality problems, less rework, better attention to patient needs, more effective communication, and more efficient use of resources. The standard planning patterns represent a clinical consensus for each type of case. The directives lead to better-documented decisions and instructions, and more easily allow specification of non-standard instructions.
Mycobacterial pseudotumors of lymph node: a report of two cases diagnosed at the time of intraoperative consultation using touch imprint preparations

Objective. ― The purpose of this report is to emphasize the diagnostic utility of intraoperative touch imprint preparations in the evaluation of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare-infected lymph node biopsy specimens obtained from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Patients. ― Two human immunodeficiency virus-positive men, 41 and 29 years of age, with marked lymphadenopathy clinically suspicious for malignant neoplasm. Results. ― Intraoperative touch imprints of two lymph node biopsy specimens rapidly demonstrated the presence of numerous intracellular organisms in Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare-infected lymph nodes, including one case of mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor. Conclusions. ― Intraoperative touch imprint preparations are helpful in the evaluation of lymph node biopsy specimens obtained from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients and allow rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection.
Neural Oscillation Dynamics of Emerging Interest in Neuroergonomics

Abstract Neuroergonomists seek to apply knowledge and tools from neuroscience to optimize tracking and regulation of human factors in everyday and working environments; for example, assessing and tracking mental workload using electroencephalography. The study of neural oscillations in neuroscience using electrophysiology continues to generate notable interest, knowledge, and tools for neuroergonomists. Problematically, one finds little discussion of the application of what we know about neural oscillations in this nascent field of neuroergonomics. Pioneers such as Gevins and Smith provided a solid foundation that needs building upon, especially since new tools and interpretations have arisen since their work. Thus this chapter introduces neural oscillations and relates their dynamics to neuroergonomic states of interest; particularly mental workload, decision making, vigilance, fatigue, situational awareness, skill retention, and user error. The chapter concludes with a practical vision of how neural oscillations might be leveraged in neuroergonomics, suggesting methodology and next steps to interested neuroergonomists.
Associations between Maternal Tobacco Smoke Exposure and the Cord Blood [Formula: see text] DNA Methylome.

Background: Maternal tobacco smoke exposure has been associated with altered DNA methylation. However, previous studies largely used methylation arrays, which cover a small fraction of CpGs, and fo...