cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new receiver for additive white Gaussian noise channels

In this paper we study the performance of a wavelet-based receiver for the various digital communications modulation techniques, when the channel corrupts the transmitted signal by the addition of additive white gaussian noise (AWGN). This receiver is similar to the well-known optimum receiver in that it uses a correlator (matched filter) and a maximum likelihood decision stage to decide which signal was transmitted. The key difference lies in the correlation part where the De-Noised wavelet coefficients of the received signal are multiplied with $M$ sets ($M$-ary system) of wavelet coefficients that correspond to $M$ prototype signals. We derive the probability density function of the decision variable, for the simplest case, Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), and then arrive at an expression for the probability of error. We use simulations to compare the performance of this receiver to that of the classical optimal receiver. We do this for the four modulation techniques; coherent $M$-ary Phase Shift Keying (MPSK), differential $M$-ary Phase Shift Keying (differential MPSK), coherent $M$-ary Frequency Shift Keying (coherent MFSK), and non-coehrent $M$-ary Frequency Shift Keying (non-coherent MFSK). We show an improvement, in terms of probability of error versus signal to noise ratio (SNR), for all four cases. This improvement ranges between 1/4 dB in the case of differential MPSK to as much as 3/4 dB in the other cases at high SNR values.
A 'Horse Race' Among Competing Option Pricing Models Using S&P 500 Index Options

The last three decades have witnessed a whole array of option pricing models. We compare the predictive performances of a selection of models by carrying out a horse race on S&P 500 index options along the lines of Jackwerth and Rubinstein (2001). The models we consider include: Black-Scholes, trader rules, Heston's stochastic volatility model, Merton's jump diffusion models with and without stochastic volatility, and more recent Levy type models. Trader rules still dominate mathematically more sophisticated models, and the performance of the trader rules is further improved by incorporating the stable index skew pattern documented in Li and Pearson (2005). Furthermore, after incorporating the stable index skew pattern, the Black-Scholes model beats all mathematically more sophisticated models in almost all cases. Mathematically more sophisticated models vary in their overall performance and their relative accuracy in forecasting future volatility levels and future volatility skew shapes.
Measurement of optical absorption by a single quantum dot exciton

We have measured the optical absorption due to an exciton confined to a single interface fluctuation quantum dot by directly measuring the transmission through both a submicron aperture and near-field microscopy. The measurements reveal large dipole moments approaching 100 D at 6 K. These results are compared to theoretical predictions based on a physical size estimated from photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. The very large dipole moment makes these quantum dots attractive candidates for use in microcavities and quantum logic gates.
Chemistry and Behavioral Significance of Rectal and Accessory Gland Contents in Camponotus pennsylvanicus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract The anatomical source of the trail pheromone in the black carpenter ant, Camponotus pennsylvanicus (De Geer), was investigated by presenting workers with hindgut extracts, testing for attractancy and trail-following behavior. Chemical analyses were used in conjunction with behavioral bioassays to detect and identify volatiles from the rectum, poison gland, and Dufour’s gland. Rectal material was also examined to determine total nitrogen levels and identify nitrogenous metabolites. Under laboratory conditions, foragers demonstrated a significant level of attraction to a combined Dufour’s gland, poison gland, and rectal extract, although no trail following was observed. Two volatiles, n-undecane and n-tridecane, were identified from Dufour’s gland. Fatty acids and esters were detected in Dufour’s and poison gland extracts. Palmitic acid was identified in the poison gland. A compound described as a component of the trail pheromone in Camponotus atriceps Smith (3,4-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-pyra...
Adolescent Obesity and School Performance and Perceptions of the School Environment Among Minnesota High School Students

This study examined associations between adolescent obesity and school performance and perceptions of the social environment and safety at school. Data are from the Minnesota Student Survey (n = 87,468 students) which was administered statewide in the spring of 2007. Student’s responses to questions about grades achieved in school, skipping school, future school plans, and perceptions of the social environment and safety in school were analyzed in relation to their weight status using logistic regression and general linear modeling. Overweight and obese adolescents were significantly less likely to plan to go to college; more likely to report skipping school because of fears of safety, lower academic grades, an individualized education plan, and negative perceptions about the social environment and safety in school than non-overweight students (all p < .001). Study findings can help guide school and other health professionals’ assessment and intervention strategies to improve the quality of life for overweight and obese youth.
Utilization of Protein Concentrates by the Growing Chick

Abstract THE generally accepted theory of protein utilization is that definite amounts of certain amino acids must be provided for the growing animal. Differences in the amino acid content of various protein concentrates is believed to account for differences in their growth-promoting value. Practical chemical methods for determining the amino acid distribution in common protein concentrates are not yet available; hence biological experimentation becomes necessary. The complementing qualities of certain combinations of protein-contributing concentrates present one of our most important nutritional problems. This problem must, of course, be considered from the standpoint both of economy and physiological quality. Cost is influenced by availability, and the six most important protein-contributing concentrates (if we except skimmilk) are meat scraps, fish meal, soybean oil meal, cottonseed meal, linseed oil meal, and dried buttermilk. From the economic viewpoint it is probably desirable that we select as wide a variety of protein concentrates as can be . . .
North American—Pacific Relative Plate Motion in Southern California from Interferometry

Very long baseline interferometry measurements of baselines crossing the San Andreas fault zone in southern California have provided observational constraints on rates of elastic tectonic strain accumulation. The single site located near this fault (the Jet Propulsion Laboratory site) moves in a direction concordant with the Pacific plate motion vector but at approximately half the net rate relative to North America. This motion agrees approximately in amount with geologically determined displacement rates on the San Andreas fault alone but not with the local strike of the fault. When considered together with complementary geodetic data, these results suggest a complex relation between the short-term accumulation of elastic strain and its permanent accommodation on existing faults.
Liquid-crystal point-diffraction interferometer for wave-front measurements

A new instrument, the liquid-crystal point-diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), is developed for the measurement of phase objects. This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linnik's point-diffraction interferometer and adds to it a phase-stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wave fronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction. We describe the theory and design of the LCPDI. Afocus shift was measured with the LCPDI, and the results are compared with theoretical results.
The Splendor and Poverty of the Russian Bourgeoisie

Today's Russian entrepreneurs are appreciably inferior in their managerial competence not only to Western ones but even to Soviet managers. Only in 1994 did the better entrepreneurs of Russia, having suffered serious financial and sales problems, begin to instill rudimentary order in their firms in the areas of strategic planning, marketing, and accounting. But the overwhelming majority of the managers of private firms have not yet instilled such order.
Temperature estimation of carbon dioxide by infrared absorption spectrometry at medium resolution.

Abstract A method for estimating the temperature of a sample of CO2 gas heated above ambient temperature is evaluated. A nonlinear, least-squares regression fir for the peak absorbance of the rotation-vibration lines of the hot bands of CO2 was obtained for samples at temperatures from 90 to 190°C and at pressures from 200 to 650 torr. The i.r. spectra of CO2 gas samples in a 1 m cell were collected using a Fourier-transform i.r. spectrometer. The spectral resolution was sufficient to resolve the rotational fine structure of these bands. However, it was necessary to account for the effect of limited instrument resolution in fitting the data. The temperatures retrieved from the regression were compared with the temperature of the sample. Good agreement was obtained between the directly measured temperature and the value determined spectroscopically. The sensitivity of the fitting program to increased noise in the spectrum was also studied.
Partial Uncoupling of the Mitochondrial Membrane by a Heterozygous Null Mutation in the Gene Encoding the γ- or δ-Subunit of the Yeast Mitochondrial ATPase

Prior genetic studies indicated that the yeast mitochondrial ATP synthase can be assembled into enzyme complexes devoid of the γ-, δ-, or e-subunits (Lai-Zhang, J., Xiao, Y., and Mueller, D. M. (1999) EMBO J. 18, 58–64). These subunit-deficient complexes were postulated to uncouple the mitochondrial membrane thereby causing negative cellular phenotypes. This study provides biochemical and additional genetic data that support this hypothesis. The genetic data indicate that in a diploid cell, a heterozygous deletion mutation in the gene encoding the γ- or δ-subunit of the ATPase is semidominant negative due to a decrease in the gene number from 2 to 1. However, the heterozygous atp2Δ mutation is epistatic to the heterozygous mutation in the gene encoding γ or δ, suggesting that the semidominant negative effect is because of a gain of activity in the cells. Biochemical studies using mitochondria isolated from the yeast strains that are heterozygous for a mutation in γ or δ indicate that the mitochondria are partially uncoupled. These results support the hypothesis that the negative phenotypes are caused by the formation of a γ- or δ-less ATP synthase complex that is uncoupled.
Differences in irrational beliefs of pregnant and never pregnant adolescents

Twenty-five pregnant and/or parenting adolescents were compared with sixteen nonpregnant adolescents on two irrationality measures: The Child and Adolescent Scale of Irrationality and the Adolescent Pregnancy Beliefs Questionnaire. Findings suggest that pregnant adolescents subscribe to a greater number of general irrational beliefs; to a greater number of irrational beliefs specific to sex, dating and birth control; to a greater number of beliefs consistent with promoting pregnancy; and to fewer beliefs that might deter pregnancy when compared to never pregnant adolescents.
Anaplasmosis: opsonins and hemagglutinins in etiology of anemia.

Abstract Cattle infected with Anaplasma marginale produced autohemagglutinins and opsonins which were detected in the sera and eluted from erythrocytes of these animals. Autohemagglutinins were apparently directed against antigens situated inside the erythrocytic membrane, were beta 2M-globulins, and were destroyed by mercaptoethanol. The appearance of autohemagglutinins in the sera of infected cattle was associated with the onset of erythrophagocytosis in the bone marrow of both infected and noninfected erythrocytes. By an in vitro erythrophagocytosis test, serum opsonins or those eluted from erythrocytes of infected animals were shown to sensitize autologous and homologous bovine erythrocytes to phagocytosis by mouse reticuloendothelial cells. The periods of maximal opsonic activity coincided with the time of anemic crisis and erythrophagocytosis in the bone marrow. Fractionation and purification of both serum opsonins and erythrocytic eluate opsonins showed that the opsonic activity resided in both IgG and IgM classes but the preponderance of this activity resided in the IgG. Treatment of IgG opsonins with 2-mercaptoethanol (ME) and exposure to 56 C for over 15 min did not destroy their activity. Treatment of bovine erythrocytes with pepsin, lipase, and alpha-amylase eliminated opsonic activity. Erythrocytes of animals other than cattle were not sensitized by opsonins described here.
Differential biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids by Tetrahymena supplemented with ergosterol.

Abstract Tetrahymena grown with foreign sterols such as ergosterol incorporate them into cellular membranes at the expense of the native compound, tetrahymanol. It is shown that cells grown with ergosterol have a lessened capacity to produce the polyunsaturated linoleic and γ-linolenic acids from [14C] oleic acid. However, the same cells have normal capacities to introduce double bonds at C-6 into linoleate, α-linolenate, or cis-vaccenate. Thus, a presumed 12-desaturase is inhibited in the presence of ergosterol, while desaturation at C-6 is unaffected.
Data analysis of the smart sports injury registry for high school athletes

Background Due to the lack of comprehensive high school athletes9 sports injury surveillance data in Florida, an injury registry was developed by the Sports Medicine and Athletic Related Trauma Institute (SMART) of the University of South Florida (USF), utilising Simtrak software. Data are collected by SMART-hired certified athletic trainers (ATCs) placed in Florida high schools. Aims/Objectives/Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide the latest surveillance data (2010–2011) for injured high school athletes from the two large public high schools that have participated in the project since 2007. Methods The ATCs collected practice and competition exposure, injury, and treatment data for leading high school sports. Data were analyzsd using Excel and SAS (V.9.2) at USF. Results/Outcomes The ATCs supervised 713 athletes and were present at 1142 practices and 225 games. The leading rate of injury per 1000 athlete exposures for practices was for spring football (6.69), followed by football (2.97), and men9s soccer (2.21). For competitions, the injury rates were greatest for women9s track (12.4) followed by flag football (10.5), and football (9.82). Nearly 25% of the injuries were from students playing multiple sports. Sprains and strains were the leading injuries and leading body sites injured were the ankles, knees, and head. Significance/Contribution to the Field The results of the SMART injury surveillance have led to targeted sports injury interventions and enhanced health of athletes.
Overexpression of IL-1α in skin differentially modulates the immune response to scarification with vaccinia virus

Transepidermal inoculation of vaccinia virus (VV), or scarification, has been used effectively for the induction of specific and long-lasting immunity to smallpox and is superior to other routes of immunization. Scarification of individuals with atopic skin disease or immune deficiency, however, can lead to persistent viral replication and result in significant morbidity and mortality. These effects of scarification presumably reflect the unique immunological properties of skin and the immune cells resident in, or recruited to, the site of inoculation. To explore these phenomena, we utilized transgenic mice engineered to overexpress IL-1α, a critical mediator of cutaneous inflammation, in the epidermis. Following scarification with VV, both transgenic and wild-type mice develop local pox. At high doses of VV, IL-1α transgenic mice recruited immune cells to the inoculation site more rapidly and demonstrated enhanced T-cell and humoral immune responses. At limiting doses, however, IL-1α transgenic mice could effectively control virus replication without formation of pox lesions or activation of a memory response. This study suggests that IL-1 might be useful as an adjuvant to enhance antiviral immunity and promote safer vaccination strategies; however, understanding the balance of IL-1 effects on innate and adaptive immune functions will be critical to achieve optimal results.
Contrasting population genetic structures of sympatric, mass-spawning Caribbean corals

Coral reef conservation management policy often focuses on larval retention and recruitment of marine fish with scant data available on important, less motile reef-building species such as corals. To evaluate the concept of population connectivity in corals, we tested whether broadcast spawning reproduction per se confers the same degree of dispersal to two sister species, Montastraea annularis (Anthozoa: Scleractinia; Ellis and Solander 1786) and M. faveolata (Ellis and Solander 1786), both dominant taxa in reefs of the northern Caribbean. Genetic analyses of ten nuclear DNA loci (seven microsatellite and three single-copy RFLP) reveal strikingly different patterns of population genetic subdivision for these closely related, sympatric species, in spite of likely identical dispersal abilities. Strong population genetic structure typified the architecture of M. annularis, whereas M.faveolata populations were principally genetically well mixed. A higher level of clonality was observed in M. annularis potentially because of a susceptibility to physical fragmentation. Clonality did not, however, significantly contribute to population genetic structure or low-level Hardy–Weinberg and linkage disequilibria observed in some populations. The lack of consistent association between reproductive mode and dispersal reinforces the perspective that population connectivity is not so much a function of predictable marine population source and sink relationships as is due to a more complex interface of oceanic currents interacting with and amplifying stochastic fluctuations in larval supply and settlement success. Our results support others promoting an overall ecosystem approach in marine protected area design.
A laboratory demonstration illustrating bioseparations using colorful proteins

A simple in class laboratory illustrating the principles of ion exchange chromatography as a bioseparation technique is described. A protein's isoelectric point as a driving force for ion exchange chromatography is easily demonstrated by using combinations of proteins with natural color or fluorescence, such as DsRed2, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and flavodoxin. Simple equipment is required for this separation which can be performed on a desk top. The experiment can stimulate a range of discussion about process parameters that would create a more efficient separation of the proteins, other types of chromatography, and bioseparations in general.
Mutational alteration of the breakage/resealing subunit of bacteriophage T4 DNA topoisomerase confers resistance to antitumor agent m-AMSA.

Bacteriophage T4 provides a simple model system in which to examine the mechanism of action of antitumor agents that have been proposed to attack type II DNA topoisomerases. Prior results demonstrated that T4 type II DNA topoisomerase is the target of antitumor agent 4′-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA) in phage-infected Escherichia coli: a point mutation in topoisomerase structural gene 39 was shown to confer both m-AMSA-resistant phage growth and m-AMSA-insensitive topoisomerase activity. We report here that a point mutation in T4 topoisomerase structural gene 52 can also independently render both phage growth and topoisomerase activity resistant to m-AMSA. The DNA relaxation and DNA cleavage activities of this newly isolated mutant topoisomerase were significantly insensitive to m-AMSA. The drug-resistance mutation in gene 52, as well as that in gene 39, alters the DNA cleavage site specificity of wild-type T4 topoisomerase. This fording is consistent with a mechanism of drug action in which both topoisomerase and DNA participate in formation of the drug-binding site.
Redox-Directed Cancer Therapeutics: Molecular Mechanisms and Opportunities

Abstract Redox dysregulation originating from metabolic alterations and dependence on mitogenic and survival signaling through reactive oxygen species represents a specific vulnerability of malignant cells that can be selectively targeted by redox chemotherapeutics. This review will present an update on drug discovery, target identification, and mechanisms of action of experimental redox chemotherapeutics with a focus on pro- and antioxidant redox modulators now in advanced phases of preclinal and clinical development. Recent research indicates that numerous oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes exert their functions in part through redox mechanisms amenable to pharmacological intervention by redox chemotherapeutics. The pleiotropic action of many redox chemotherapeutics that involves simultaneous modulation of multiple redox sensitive targets can overcome cancer cell drug resistance originating from redundancy of oncogenic signaling and rapid mutation. Moreover, some redox chemotherapeutics may function a...
Transesophageal Echocardiography of Intracardiac Thrombus in Congenital Heart Disease and Atrial Flutter: The Importance of Thorough Examination of the Fontan

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used in atrial flutter or fibrillation (AFF) before electric cardioversion to detect intracardiac thrombi. Previous studies have described the use of TEE to diagnose intracardiac thrombi in the left atrium and left atrial appendage, which has an incidence of 8 % among patients without congenital heart disease (CHD). In their practice the authors have noted a significant incidence of intracardiac thrombi in other structures of patients with CHD and AFF. This study aimed to determine the incidence and location of intracardiac thrombi using TEE in patients with CHD requiring electric cardioversion of AFF and to compare the use of TEE and transthoracic echo (TTE) to detect intracardiac thrombus in this population. A retrospective chart review of TEE and TTE findings for all patients with CHD who had electric cardioversion of AFF at our institution from 2005 to 2013 was conducted. The diagnosis, presence, and location of intracardiac thrombus were determined. The TEE and TTE results were compared. The study identified 27 patients with CHD who met the study entry criteria at our institution between 2005 and 2013. Seven of these patients had a single ventricle with Fontan palliation. All the patients presented with AFF and had TEE before electric cardioversion. No patients were excluded from the study. The patients ranged in age from 2 to 72 years (median, 21 years) and weighed 17–100 kg (median, 65 kg). The duration of AFF before TEE and attempted cardioversion ranged from 1 day to 3 weeks (median, 3.5 days). Intracardiac thrombus was present in 18 % (5/27) of the patients and in 57 % (4/7) of the Fontan patients with AFF. No embolic events were reported acutely or during a 6-month follow-up period. Among patients with CHD who present with AFF, a particularly high incidence of intracardiac thrombi is present in the Fontan patients that may be difficult to detect by TTE. Thorough TEE examination of the Fontan and related structures is indicated before electric cardioversion of AFF. The incidence of intracardiac thrombus in CHD patients is more than double that reported in non-CHD patients.
Loss of tumorigenicity in a methotrexate-resistant human leukemia cell line

We have studied the tumorigenicity of a CCRF-CEM-derived cell line (CEM/MTX-3) resistant to MTX. Eight of nine mice inoculated with drug-sensitive CEM cells developed tumors within 5 weeks, but 16 weeks after inoculation with CEM/MTX-3 cells, none of nine mice developed tumors. We were unable to detect dihydrofolate reductase gene overexpression, amplification, or rearrangement in CEM/MTX-3 cells. Instead, the resistance in CEM/MTX-3 cells appeared to be due largely to decreased methotrexate accumulation. Because tumorigenicity could have been related to intracellular folate levels, we cultured CEM and CEM/MTX-3 cells in folate-rich and folate-deprived media. When inoculated in mice, CEM cells cultured in either medium rapidly formed tumors. As before, CEM/MTX-3 cells grown in either medium did not, suggesting that factors other than low folate levels contributed to the inability of CEM/MTX-3 cells to form tumors. Cytogenetic analysis revealed that the CEM/MTX-3 karyotype contained a unique and complex translocation marker chromosome that was not observed in the CEM cell line and which involved chromosomal breakpoints at bands 11p14, 22p11, and 22p13. Although biochemical mechanisms are not yet delineated, this remodeled chromosome could be related to the loss of tumorigenicity in CEM/MTX-3 cells.
Spring and Fall Cattle Grazing Effects on Components and Total Grain Yield of Winter Wheat

(...) Heavy (H) and light (L) fall (F) grazing intensities caused lower (P<0.05) grain yields compared to controls (C) in 1983 to 1984 (2.94[F-L] and 2.53 [F-H] vs. 3.51 [C] Mg ha −1 ); lower, but nonsignificantly different grain production after spring (S) grazing in 1984 to 1985 (2.73 [S-L] and 2.44 [S-H] vs. 2.60 [C] Mg ha −1 ); and mixed results with fall-only, spring-only, and two levels of fall and spring grazing in 1985 and 1986 (2.41 [F-L], 1.37 [S-L], 1.80 [F,S-L], and 1.46 [F,S-H] vs. 1.90 [C] Mg ha −1 ). (...)
Endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding in pediatrics

Gastrointestinal bleeding in the pediatric population is a rare but serious event. The pediatric gastroenterologist must have an understanding on the need to perform an endoscopy as well as the proper timing of the procedure. It is important for the endoscopist to have an understanding of the different modalities for endoscopic therapy, but it is just as important to know when therapy is not indicated. Endoscopic treatment modalities are divided into injection, mechanical, and thermal therapies. This article discusses common treatments and therapies with a pediatric perspective to equipment and management.
In Vitro Investigation of Contrast Mixability for Functional Angiography

Ever since x-ray cine-angiography was employed to visualize blood vessels, the observed flow of contrast through the vasculature enticed researches to attempt evaluation of blood flow or its velocity through the observed contrast dispersion. However, despite considerable efforts that were expended both in vitro on phantoms and in vivo, the determination of blood flow from the observed contrast remains elusive. What conspired to frustrate these efforts are the complex physical phenomena that govern the dispersion of a bolus of contrast in the pulsatile flowing blood solvent. Further, what compounded the difficulties is the deteriorating visibility of the contrast as it dispersed in the blood. In this experiment we investigate the dispersion of iodine based contrast material as is settles in slender glass vials filled with various fluids that are commonly used to either dilute the contrast material for in vivo application or as fluid media into which the contrast is injected both in vivo and in vitro.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Lectinhistochemical investigations of fetal cultivated pancreatic tissue

The terminal glycoproteins of fetal, cultivated (7-12 days), and adult nondiabetic and diabetic pancreatic tissues (Balb c, C3h mice) were investigated by lectin histology (peanut-, phytohemagglutinin, wheat germ agglutinin, Ulex europeus I, concanavalin A and Ricinus communis agglutinin, PaP method +/- neuraminidase). Anti-insulin and -glucagon were used to identify islet cells. S-100 antibody showed dendritic reticulum cells, anti-IAK proved MHC II antigens (C3h). Cultured tissue was partly incubated with anti-IAK and complement for lysis of MHC II antigens. On the 19th gestational day fetal pancreatic tissue did not bind peanut agglutinin, Phytohemagglutinin, or wheat germ agglutinin, whereas concanavalin A and Ricinus communis were weakly bound. Terminal fucose residues were not expressed by C3h fetal islet cells in contrast to Balb c. Following neuraminidase digestion peanut agglutinin and phytohemagglutinin were strongly bound, indicating sialic acid-substituted terminal glycoproteins. Cultivated tissue (Day 7) bound all investigated lectins (except Ulex europeus I in C3h mice), indicating maturation of islet cells. In spite of the peak of insulin concentration in the medium we observed a faint binding of anti-insulin and investigated lectins following 12 days of cultivation. This indicates a disorder of terminal glycoprotein synthesis at this point. There was no difference in lectin binding patterns of adult nondiabetic islet cells compared to the cultivated tissue (7 days), but no Ulex europaeus I binding of the adult Balb c mice was observed. S-100 binding decreased during the cultivation period as dendritic reticulum cells became destroyed by cultivation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Socializing experiences as predictors of performing arts patronage behavior

Over the past ten years, research on consumer patronage of the performing arts has moved through a process of primarily descriptive studies of audiences, to one of examining the various dynamics of audience behavior wherein current audience factors are used to explain and predict patronage behavior. Early studies involved developing audience profiles based on demographic and socio-economic constructs, with comparisons made between patrons and non-patrons [5, 6]. A thorough review of these early audience research studies by DiMaggio, Useem and Brown [4] provides evidence suggesting that art patronage is positively correlated with age, income, education, racial status (white), and that these patrons have a broad base of attendance to many live events. Further refinements in the conceptualization of art patronage studies produce results that are predictive as well as descriptive of behavior, and these results have been adapted to managerial planning and decision making. More recent research examines in detail some of the consumer dynamics involved in art patronage such as degre e of audience involvement to an organization over time [7] , and tangible and intangible motivators of performing arts patronage [3]. Well defined profiles of art patrons have been shown to be useful in market segmentation strategies [8], while Andreasen and Belk [1] have presented data which suggests that life-style, attitudes and socialization to the arts provide better predictors of attendance for marginal attenders than do demographic or socio-economic descriptors. While many studies have sought to predict arts attendance using current consumer characteristics, very few studies have investigated in any detail the effects of early arts experiences and family influences on current art patronage behavior. A belief widely held among behavioral scientists is that childhood and adolescent experiences are of paramount importance in shaping later patterns of adult behavior. "At least some patterns of adult
The relation of the drought of 1934 to ground-water supplies in the James and Sheyenne River-Basins of North And South Dakota

The water-shortage caused by the drought of 1934 in the Middle West drew nation-wide attention to the lack of adequate information on the relation of precipitation to water-supplies. The shortage was especially severe in the Dakotas because precipitation had been below normal in North Dakota since 1930 and in South Dakota since 1931. Many wells and springs failed, numerous streams ceased to flow, and levels of water in lakes and ponds declined until some of them became completely dry. Many of the inhabitants felt great concern lest the water-supplies of the area had been permanently depleted.
Adaptive image interpolation using a multilayer neural network

Image resizing is an important operation that is used extensively in document processing to magnify or reduce images. Standard approaches fit the original data with a continuous model and then resample this 2D function on a few sampling grid. These interpolation methods, however, apply an interpolation function indiscriminately to the whole image. The resulting document image suffers from objectionable moire patterns, edge blurring and aliasing. Therefore, image documents must often be segmented before other document processing techniques, such as filtering, resizing, and compression can be applied. In this paper, we present a new system to segment and label document images into text, halftone images, and background using feature extraction and unsupervised clustering. Once the segmentation is performed, a specific enhancement or interpolation kernel can be applied to each document component. In this paper, we demonstrate the power of our approach to segment document images into text, halftone, and background. The proposed filtering and interpolation method results in a noticeable improvement in the enhanced and resized image.
Analysis of the role of RecQ helicases in RNAi in mammals.

The identity of mammalian genes involved in RNA interference (RNAi), the targeted sequence-specific mRNA degradation by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), is poorly defined. Here we report the analysis of mice with null mutations of Wrn, Blm, and RecQ1 genes that are related to Mut-7 and Qde3, two genes essential for RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans and quelling in Neurospora, respectively. Our results suggest that Wrn, Blm, and RecQ1 are not involved in sequence-specific mRNA degradation in mammals in response to dsRNA, suggesting potential differences in the mammalian RNAi pathway.
Rapid and reliable biomechanical screening of injectable bone cements for autonomous augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral bodies: appropriate values of elastic constants for finite element models.

We performed finite element analysis studies on 3 three-dimensional representations of a single vertebral body: a regular cube, made of low-density polyurethane foam (foam cube analog); a regular cube considered composed of cancellous bone only (bone cube analog)); and the body of the L2 vertebra (full anatomical body model). Each finite element model was subjected to a compressive load of 2300 N, uniformly distributed over its superior surface. The cancellous and cortical bones were assigned anisotropic elastic properties, while the foam and the endplate material were considered to have isotropic properties. In each representation, the elastic properties of the material(s) were adjusted (from the initial values that were used) to give a stiffness of the representation that was equal to that of the mean result for fresh cadaveric osteoporotic single vertebral bodies, as obtained from ex vivo experimental studies reported in the literature (1226 ± 996 N mm−1). Thus, any one of these representations, when used with the final adjusted value(s) of the elastic constants and modified to include a cylindrical hole filled with a specific volume of bolus of an injected bone cement, may be utilized in the rapid and reliable experimental ex vivo and/or numerical screening of these cements for use in autonomous vertebral body augmentation. This approach has many advantages over those that are currently being used, which are either characterization of the cement in isolation from the vertebral body or use of cadaveric vertebral bodies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Phaeohyphomycosis complicating compound skull fracture

Intracranial infection is a well-recognized complication of compound skull fractures. In most cases various bacteria are identified as the etiologic agents. Fungal infection complicating open head trauma is unusual. We describe a patient who contracted fatal meningoencephalitis due to Drechslera spicifera, a rarely pathogenic soil saprophyte, after open head trauma.
A case study reportedly involving possession

The following case report documents the efficacy of a behavioral intervention in the case of a reportedly possessed adolescent female. The intervention used was the differential reinforcement of other behavior which involved monetary and social reinforcement for appropriate behaviors and inattention to inappropriate and unusual behaviors, i.e. the incidents of possession behavior. The procedure was formalized in a contingency contract. The entire intervention was successfully implemented by the subject's great-grandmother.
From Vertical to Horizontal Inequality: The Case of the Soviet Union

Whatever superficial similarities there may be between the systems of inequality in Western and socialist societies, the causes of inequality are rooted in divergent social structures and are entirely distinct. The Soviet Union and some other socialist countries are characterized by the ascendance of professional politicians who attempt to transform the decision-making process into a public service, independent of class and other interests. A precondition for the survival of professionalized politics is the successful neutralization of the power of traditional classes and interest groups. Effective control of the competing sources of power is achieved by the systematic introduction of regulated inequality, transforming the society from a “class hierarchy” into a “ladder hierarchy.” A planned hierarchy, bureaucratically imposed on every community, group, and aggregate, facilitates control over the clients and transforms potential interest groups in Soviet society into horizontal structures. As a result, Soviet society cannot be said to stratify vertically in the way that “class hierarchies” do, but is more accurately described as stratifying horizontally.
Modulation of Immune Cell Function by the Autonomic Nervous System

This review discusses some of the major findings implicating the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of immune function. The sympathetic nervous system, the primary focus of this line of research, directly innervates the major lymphoid organs, and physiological release of sympathetic neurohormones at these sites has been documented. Leukocytes have been shown to express receptors for catecholamines, as well as neuropeptide Y, and studies in vitro and in vivo have indicated that occupation of these receptors by the appropriate ligands produces functional changes in immunological cells. Finally, altered sympathetic regulation may underlie some of the immunological abnormalities observed in chronic stress, clinical depression, and ageing.
Triptan Therapy in Migraine

A 23-year-old woman presents with migraine headaches that are unresponsive to analgesics. Triptan therapy is recommended. Triptans are serotonin agonists that were originally thought to provide migraine relief by causing cranial vasoconstriction; other mechanisms are now also proposed. Chest pain is a common side effect, but cardiac ischemia is rare and usually associated with known cardiovascular disease or risk factors.
DAQV: distributed array query and visualization framework

This paper describes the design and implementation of the distributed array query and visualization (DAQV) framework, a project sponsored by the Parallel Tools Consortium. DAQV's reference implementation targets High Performance Fortran (HPF) and leverages the HPF language, compiler, and runtime system to address the general problem of providing high-level access to distributed data structures. DAQV supports a framework in which visualization and analysis clients connect to a distributed array server (i.e., the HPF application with DAQV control) for program-level access to array values. Implementing key components of DAQV in the parallel language (e.g., HPF) itself has led to a robust solution in which clients do not need to know how data is distributed. The framework is highly portable to different computing environments as well as other languages where distributed data is involved.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG OF THE MACKEREL AT DIFFERENT CONSTANT TEMPERATURES

1. Mackerel egg development was followed to hatching at constant temperatures of 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, and 24°C. Experiment showed that typical development could be realized only between 11° and 21°. 2. The length of the developmental period increases from 49.5 hours to 207 hours when the temperature is lowered from 21° to 10°C. 3. The calculated µ for the development of the mackerel egg is about 19,000 at temperatures above 15° and approximately 24,900 for temperatures below 15°C. 15° is, apparently, a critical temperature for this process. 4. The calculated values of µ for eight stages of development preceding hatching, i.e. 6 somites, 12 somites, 18 somites, 24 somites, three-quarters circles, four-fifths circles, five-sixths circles, and full circles, are essentially the same as the µ's for hatching, indicating that the rate of differentiation up to hatching is governed by one process throughout. Critical temperatures for these stages approximate 15°. 5. The total mortality during the incubation period was least at 16°C. where it amounted to 43 per cent. At temperatures above and below this there was a steady increase in the percentage of mortality which reached 100 per cent at 10° and 21°.
Warming climate extends dryness-controlled areas of terrestrial carbon sequestration

At biome-scale, terrestrial carbon uptake is controlled mainly by weather variability. Observational data from a global monitoring network indicate that the sensitivity of terrestrial carbon sequestration to mean annual temperature (T) breaks down at a threshold value of 16°C, above which terrestrial CO2 fluxes are controlled by dryness rather than temperature. Here we show that since 1948 warming climate has moved the 16°C T latitudinal belt poleward. Land surface area with T > 16°C and now subject to dryness control rather than temperature as the regulator of carbon uptake has increased by 6% and is expected to increase by at least another 8% by 2050. Most of the land area subjected to this warming is arid or semiarid with ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to drought and land degradation. In areas now dryness-controlled, net carbon uptake is ~27% lower than in areas in which both temperature and dryness (T 16°C has implications not only for positive feedback on climate change, but also for ecosystem integrity and land cover, particularly for pastoral populations in marginal lands.
Effects of ionomer characteristics on reactions and properties of poly(lactic acid) ternary blends prepared by reactive blending

Abstract Toughening of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was studied by reactive blending PLA with ethylene/n-butyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (EBA-GMA) terpolymer and zinc ion-containing ionomer. The ionomer was prepared by neutralizing the ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAA), i.e., ionomer precursor, with ZnO. The reactive interfacial compatibilization between PLA and EBA-GMA and the crosslinking of EBA-GMA during blending was studied in detail. Fractography and FT-IR analysis indicated that both the degree of neutralization (DN) of ionomer and methacrylic acid (MAA) content of ionomer precursor exhibited significant effects on interfacial compatibilization. Dynamic mechanical analysis also suggested that the crosslinking level of EBA-GMA varied with these two factors. Particle size and polydispersity of the dispersed phase were measured by image analysis of TEM micrographs of the ternary blends and correlated with the impact strength of the blends and the characteristics of the ionomer. Ionomers derived from precursor of high MAA content and/or having high DN tended to yield superior impact strength of the PLA blends.
Scale and scope economies for drug abuse treatment costs: evidence for Washington State

Drug abuse treatment has been pervasive in the US in the recent years, and the associated direct treatment costs approached $18 billion in 2001. However, there have been few published studies on scale economies, and none on scope economies, for drug abuse treatment costs. We estimate a restricted cost function for 17 hospitals in Washington State that provided inpatient and/or outpatient drug abuse treatment during the years 1997–2004. We find significant evidence of scale economies for hospitals that provide only outpatient drug abuse treatment services. The marginal costs of outpatient services are even smaller for hospitals that produce both outpatient and inpatient drug abuse treatment services. Further, these joint-production hospitals exhibit diseconomies of scope, or specialization economies. These results all imply that recent trends towards additional outpatient treatment services will enhance cost efficiency.
Desk Placement in the Faculty Office: Effect of Camera Angle in Slide-Simulated Office Studies

Summary.-Inconsistent effects of desk placement on visitors' reactions are examined in light of methodological differences employed in studies of office design. Data from a slide-simulated office study based on slides constructed from a "visitor's chair" perspeccive were compared to previous data. Subjects' reactions to visitor's chair-constructed slides were different from the more traditional "doorway"-constructed slide-simulation studies. The results did, in fact, support findings attained using an actual visit. The use of slides as a means of operationalizing office design is discussed along wich the theoretical implications of utilizing different simulation methods. Recent research on single-occupant offices has yielded mixed results concerning the impact of desk placement on visitors' feelings and perceptions of the office occupant (Campbell & Herren, 1978; Campbell, 1979; Morrow & McElroy, 1981). Campbell and Herren (1978) concluded, on the basis of subjects' office visits, that desk placement had no demonstrable effects on visitors. Using a slide-simulation technique depicting offices from the doorway, the latter two studies reported statistically significant effects of desk placement. The purpose of this work was to understand these contradictory findings and to discuss some substantive issues implicit in the use of slide simulations. A possible explanation for these discrepant findings is the perspective the method imposes on the subject. The doorway slide-simulations place the subject in the role of a detached observer (Bouchard, 1976) in that they are asked to "imagine" themselves seated in the visitor's chair. Being actually seated in that chair might make certain informational cues more or less salient than simply viewing an offite from the doorway. To test this notion of difference in method, a third slide-simulated office study was designed duplicating procedures previously used with the exception of positioning the camera where a visitor would normally be seated. Thus, the slides show what a visitor would actually see if seated in the office. This simulation more closely approximates the Campbell and Herren visit approach. We hypothesized that the results of the chair-simulation will replicate Campbell and Herren's conclusions, underscoring the importance of vantage point for visitor's involvement in studies of desk placement. Should the findings reconfirm the results of the two previous simulations, at least two interpretations are possible. One