cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate Variability in Regions of Amphibian Declines

We explored the relationship between amphibian declines and climate variations in Colorado (U.S.A.), Puerto Rico, Costa Rica-Panama, and Queensland (Australia) through two sources of data: output from the National Center for Environmental Prediction "reanalysis system" and area-averaged station data. The reanalysis system merges observations from airplanes, land stations, satellites, ships, and weather bal- loons with output from a weather-forecast model to create global fields of atmospheric variables. Station data consisted of temperature and precipitation measured with thermometers and rain gauges at fixed locations. Temperatures were near normal in Colorado when the amphibian declines occurred in the 1970s, whereas in Central America temperatures were warmer than normal, especially during the dry season. The station data from Puerto Rico and Australia indicated that temperatures were above normal during the period of am- phibian declines, but reanalysis did not show such a clear temperature signal. Although declines occurred while the temperature and precipitation anomalies in some of the regions were large and of extended dura- tion, the anomalies were not beyond the range of normal variability. Thus, unusual climate, as measured by regional estimates of temperature and precipitation, is unlikely to be the direct cause of amphibian declines, but it may have indirectly contributed to them. Previous researchers have noted that the declines appear to have propagated from northwest to southeast from Costa Rica to Panama and from southeast to northwest in Queensland, Australia. Wind has the potential to transport pathogens that cause amphibian mortality. The mean direction of the near-surface winds tended to parallel the path of amphibian declines from July-Octo- ber in Central America and from May-July in Australia. The wind direction was highly variable, however, and the propagation rate of amphibian declines was much slower than the mean wind speed. In addition, the most likely pathogen is a chytrid fungus that does not produce desiccation-resistant spores. Thus, if wind is involved in the propagation of amphibian declines, it is through a complex set of processes.
Global Precipitation Extremes Associated with Diurnally Varying Low-Level Jets

Abstract Extreme rainfall events have important societal impacts: for example, by causing flooding, replenishing reservoirs, and affecting agricultural yields. Previous literature has documented linkages between rainfall extremes and nocturnal low-level jets (NLLJs) over the Great Plains of North America and the La Plata River basin of South America. In this study, the authors utilize a 21-yr, hourly global 40-km reanalysis based on the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) to examine whether NLLJ–rainfall linkages are common elsewhere on the earth. The reanalysis is uniquely suited for the task because of its comparatively high spatial and temporal resolution and because a companion paper demonstrated that it realistically simulates the vertical, horizontal, and diurnal structure of the winds in well-known NLLJ regions. The companion paper employed the reanalysis to identify and describe numerous NLLJs across the planet, including several previously unknown NLLJs. The ...
Prolonged apomorphine-like behavioural effects of apomorphine esters

Abstract In vitro and in vivo activities of a series of O , O ′-diesters of apomorphine, including diacetyl-, dipropionyl-, diisobutyryl-, dipivaloyl-, and dibenzoylapomorphine, were evaluated in the rat. All esters provoked stereotyped gnawing behaviour in intact rats, as well as rotation in a direction contralateral to unilateral electrolytic lesions in the nigrostriatal pathway. The esters were somewhat less potent than apomorphine in inducing these behavioural responses, and had a delayed latency to maximal effect as well as a prolonged duration of action. Prolongation of the behavioural effects of the esters increased with the size of the ester substituent, the dibenzoyl ester being 5 or 6 times longer-acting than apomorphine at high doses. Acute intraperitoneal doses of all esters, up to 100 mg/kg, were well tolerated. The behavioural activity of the esters after intragastric administration was poor. None of these esters increased the synthesis of cyclic AMP in striatal homogenates exhibiting adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by apomorphine or dopamine, and the smaller esters appeared to inhibit stimulation by dopamine. We conclude that the desirable prolongation of action of labile esteric derivatives of apomorphine is probably due to their increased lipophilic properties or to slow hydrolysis of the larger esters that converts the depot “pro-drugs” to the probable active product, apomorphine. This characteristic of esteric derivatives of apomorphine may provide a strategy for the design of improved, clinically useful agents that interact with central dopamine receptors.
Degradable and injectable poly(aldehyde guluronate) hydrogels for bone tissue engineering.

Degradable and injectable hydrogels may be ideal for bone-tissue engineering, especially in the craniofacial region because of the ease of access for injection. Alginate hydrogels potentially could be used as injectable cell delivery vehicles, but they exhibit a limited range of mechanical properties and uncontrollable disintegration time. Therefore we synthesized new hydrogels, composed of poly(aldehyde guluronate) (PAG) and adipic acid dihydrazide, that have a wide range of mechanical stiffness and controllable degradation rate. MC3T3-E1 cells adhered and multiplied on PAG hydrogels in vitro. When primary rat calvarial osteoblasts were mixed with PAG hydrogels and subcutaneously injected into the backs of mice, mineralized bone tissues were formed 9 weeks following implantation. These hydrogels may find wide utility as an injectable delivery system for bone precursor cells as well as for other applications in tissue engineering.
The hydrogen atom in the hydrogen molecule

Accurate two-electron wavefunctions which are localized in the sense that they are least distorted from a product of hydrogen atom wave functions, have been calculated for the X, 1∑+ and the b3∑+ states of H2 at nuclear separations of 1.0 to 4.0 bohrs. The calculations were done in the full configuration interaction approximation. These localized wavefunctions have been used as the basis for an analysis of the interaction energies in the manner of Heitler and London. The analysis shows the importance of the exchange energy for bonding. In addition, the localized wavefunctions have been used to define and calculate the densities of the H atoms in the molecule and to define an electronic exchange density. Contour plots of the densities are used to show how the atoms adjust to the molecular environment and how these changes are reinforced by exchange to give the molecular electronic density.
Multidisciplinary Wireless Technologies for Ubiquitous Connectivity [From the Guest Editor's Desk]

The need for ubiquitous connectivity to achieve an always-on, always-connected world is driving the recent developments in multidisciplinary wireless technologies and applications. Different IEEE Societies, such as the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S), the IEEE Communications Society (COMSOC), and the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) are coming together in an effort to revolutionize the required technology developments in this ever-increasing interdisciplinary landscape.
Intramyocardial Dissecting Hematoma: An Unusual Form of Subacute Cardiac Rupture

Intramyocardial dissecting hematoma following myocardial infarction is an unusual form of subacute cardiac rupture that tends to develop along naturally occurring dissection planes between the spiral muscles of the ventricle. The diagnosis has commonly been made at surgery, postmortem examination, or by echocardiography. Most are associated with acute transmural inferior infarction. Few patients survive without surgical intervention. Fourteen cases have appeared in the literature. One additional case is described. Ten cases were treated medically with one survivor (10%). Five cases were treated surgically with five survivors. Surgical treatment of intramyocardial dissecting hematoma is preferable to medical treatment. Proper and timely diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment are necessary before complete myocardial rupture ensues. Diagnosis is facilitated through the use of two-dimensional echocardiography. Successful surgical management of this condition requires an appreciation of commonly associated pathoanatomical conditions, and the utilization of appropriate methods of repair in the presence of potential ventricular septal and ventricular free wall rupture.
Does Cobol exist

At first glance, asking whether Cobol exists might seem like a ploy, a setup for describing how the billions of lines of Cobol in the world are responsible for almost every facet of daily life: from paychecks and utility bills to the entire computer based corporate infrastructure. Yet, although thousands of Cobol programmers are alive and well, keeping the wheels of commerce turning, there is a large contingent in the software world for whom Cobol does not exist. Academia barely teaches it, Java and C programmers ignore it, and many look with disdain both at Cobol and the lowly Cobol programmer toiling away at mundane data processing tasks. The irony is that more than the Java, C, or language-of-the-month programmers, Cobol programmers understand data, and in case you haven't noticed, data is back. Not that data ever went away. It's still the driving force behind most of the applications we write. It's just that the Internet has forced the data issue: how to integrate and move data across platforms, build data warehouses and repositories for data mining and e-commerce, and share data and maintain semantics. These are hard problems; ones that Cobol and Cobol programmers have been wrestling with since the 1960s. Now that we perceive data as being "hot", Cobol is taking on a new lustre and even getting a second look, especially given the notoriously poor data handling capabilities of "cooler" languages such as C, C++, and Java.
Strangeness-changing response functions: an alternative approach to hypernuclear structure

We study strangeness-changing response functions as an alternative description of hypernuclear structure. Hypernuclear states are treated in the same manner as any other conventional nuclear excitation that emerges from the response of the nuclear ground state to an external probe. The nuclear response is calculated using a random-phase approximation to an effective relativistic mean-field model that reproduces bulk properties of normal nuclei. The relevant meson-baryon vertices are constrained by imposing SU(3)-flavour symmetry, while the residual hyperon-particle-nucleon-hole interaction is assumed to be mediated by the two lightest S = -1 mesons: the pseudoscalar kaon and its vector partner K*(892). We use this model to analyse the spectra of 16YO and 40YCa hypernuclei.
Care-seeking behavior among positive screenees.

Abstract In a follow-up survey of persons advised in a cancer screening program to seek additional medical care, the postscreening behavior of positive screenees was studied to determine what factors may be useful in predicting compliance with screening recommendations. Responses to mail and telephone inquiries were obtained from 88% of the 156 surveyed. Stepwise multiple discriminant analysis of measures obtained at the time of original screening was performed on a group of 101 patients. The significant predictors of compliance to screening recommendations were a personal history of cancer and a history of prior screening participation. These variables, which permitted correct classification of 63.5% of positive screenees with respect to compliance status of all 156 persons studied, may be of value in developing future procedures to enhance postscreening compliance.
An algebraic model for exchange organs

A vector-matrix model and a matrix-matrix model for the representation of the total input and output of an exchange organ are constructed. The technique is the same as that used previously in air-pollution problems
Relationship enhancement with premarital couples: An assessment of effects on relationship quality

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a relationship enhancement program on the relationship adjustment; trust and intimacy; empathy, warmth and genuinesness; and communication of premarital couples. Twenty-five experimental couples were given the Guerney Relationship Enhancement program over an eight-week period, while 29 couples participated in a relationship discussion group over the same period of time. Self-report measures designed to assess the dependent variables were administered to the experimental and control groups at pretest and posttest. Results showed that following training the experimental group, relative to the control group, made significant increases on all dependent variables. Discussion centered on the benefits of relationship enhancement on improving both the empathy and self-disclosure behavioral skill levels and the self-report indices of relationship quality.
GEOMETRY AND THE NORMS OF HADAMARD MULTIPLIERS

Abstract The norm of a matrix B as a Hadamard multiplier is the norm of the map X → X • B where • is the Hadamard or entrywise product of matrices. We give a geometric interpretation to a criterion of Haagerup and use this interpretation to find an explicit formula for the Hadamard multiplier norms of real 2 × 2 matrices. For Hermitian matrices with one positive eigenvalue, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the norm to be the magnitude of the largest entry.
Effect of insulin on potassium transfer in human and chicken erythrocytes.

La conservazione al freddo degli eritrociti umani e di pollo per 6 giorni causa una fuoruscita di potassio dai globuli. Parte del potassio rientra nelle cellule durante incubazione a 37° C.
Interaction-based discovery of functionally important genes in cancers

A major challenge in cancer genomics is uncovering genes with an active role in tumorigenesis from a potentially large pool of mutated genes across patient samples. Here we focus on the interactions that proteins make with nucleic acids, small molecules, ions and peptides, and show that residues within proteins that are involved in these interactions are more frequently affected by mutations observed in large-scale cancer genomic data than are other residues. We leverage this observation to predict genes that play a functionally important role in cancers by introducing a computational pipeline (http://canbind.princeton.edu) for mapping large-scale cancer exome data across patients onto protein structures, and automatically extracting proteins with an enriched number of mutations affecting their nucleic acid, small molecule, ion or peptide binding sites. Using this computational approach, we show that many previously known genes implicated in cancers are enriched in mutations within the binding sites of their encoded proteins. By focusing on functionally relevant portions of proteins--specifically those known to be involved in molecular interactions--our approach is particularly well suited to detect infrequent mutations that may nonetheless be important in cancer, and should aid in expanding our functional understanding of the genomic landscape of cancer.
Gray-scale image compression with wavelet transforms

The wavelet transform has recently become popular as a tool for multiresolution image decomposition. Simultaneous localization of spatial and spectral information makes the wavelet transform an excellent candidate for the decorrelation stage of an image compression algorithm. This paper describes a simple but effective method of grayscale image compression that uses the wavelet transform. Nonuniform quantizers are applied to the detail subimages of the transform. Detail subimages are then grouped by decomposition level and entropy coded. The lowest resolution image, which results from the all low-pass path through the decomposition, is uniformly quantized and coded directly. Reductions in output bit rate to those of interest to the NITF low bitrate evaluation are achieved through simple scaling of the quantizers and inclusion of run-length coding.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A type-specific antiserum induced by a major herpesvirus type 1 glycoprotein

Abstract A type-specific antiserum was prepared against VP 7/8, the major HSV-1 type-specific glycoprotein. The specificity of this antiserum was demonstrated by both neutralization of HSV-1 infectivity and immunoprecipitation followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitates. Only minimal cross-reactivity with HSV-2 was observed. This major VP 7/8 glycoprotein was also purified from a host of virus-induced proteins with the specific immunoadsorbent prepared with anti-VP 7/8 serum The one-step purification of this type-specific neutralizing antigen of HSV-1 should allow the development of a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay.
Alternative procedures for macrosociological theorizing

Forty years ago sociology possessed a plethora of broad theories, some untestable and others merely untested. Merton rightly argued that global theorizing could be premature if the middle-range groundwork were not properly accomplished. At the present time sociology possesses a plethora of middle-range theories, and is close to paralyzing fragmentation. This paper argues that the time has come for a return to classical concerns as a complement (not an alternative) to continuing middle-range theorizing. Three strategies for macrosociological theorizing are presented: the divisive, aggregative, and direct. The divisive strategy is largely nonexistent, and Merton argued strongly against the direct, leaving the aggregative as his method of choice. We argue here that the concept of middle-range theory is vague, and it is exceedingly difficult to distinguish middle-range from non-middle-range theories. Out of 27 cells in our table, only 14 are identifiable as middle-range, and 9 are indeterminable. We argue that the aggregative strategy is probably not feasible at this time, but that all three strategies should be used, with an emphasis on the direct.
Information Technology, Type II Classroom Integration, and the Limited Infrastructure in Schools

Abstract In this second special issue on Type II applications of information technology in education, the focus is on classroom integration. This editorial explores some possible explanations for the fact that information technology in schools has not fulfilled its considerable potential. One reason may be that individualized instruction is not part of the subculture of public schooling. This, in turn, may have been caused by the lack of a widespread and effective instructional infrastructure in schools. However, some educators have been able to implement Type II applications of information technology in their educational settings, even without such an infrastructure. The present special issue presents articles by such individuals.
Some Effects of Protein Deficiency on the Rat Thyroid

The response of the thyroid of young growing rats exposed to protein deficiency was studied, and the effects of prolonged administration of propylthiouracil were measured. Control animals received a normal protein diet isocaloric with the average amount of food consumed by the deficient rats. The growth response was measured by gland weight, percentage of nuclei labeled with 3Hthymidine, and mitotic counts. Thyroid to serum radioiodide concentration ratios (T/S) were also determined as a functional index. A marked reduction in the growth response of the thyroid was observed in protein-deficient animals in comparison with the controls. This was associated with a striking 2- to 3-fold increase in the iodide concentrating ability of the thyroids in the deficient group as measured by the T/S ratio. No consistent changes were found in the distribution of labeled iodine or in the ratios of the iodinated amino acids among the thyroid cell particles and the soluble component. (Endocrinology 77: 87, 1965)
Evaluation of an Innovative Tool for Child Sexual Abuse Education

Child sexual abuse poses a serious threat to public health and is often unreported, unrecognized, and untreated. Prevention, early recognition, and treatment are critically important to reduce long-term effects. Little data are available on effective methods of preventing child sexual abuse. The current research demonstrates a unique approach to promoting awareness and stimulating discussion about child sexual abuse. Qualitative methods have rarely been used to study child sexual abuse prevention. Qualitative inductive analyses of interviews from 20 key informants identified both positive and negative assessments with six emergent themes. The themes revealed inherent tensions in using narrative accounts to represent the complex cultural context within which child sexual abuse occurs. More research is needed, but the program shows potential as a methodology to raise awareness of child sexual abuse.
533 WAGNER-STICKLER SYNDRCME: A GENETIC STUDY

Based on our study of 32 affected individuals in 10 families, we suggest that the Wagner and the Stickler syndromes could be the same disorder. Both the Wagner and the Stickler syndromes are autosomal dominant disorders with a similar pattern of eye abnormalities, including myopia, presenile cataracts, strabismus, vitreo-retinal degeneration, retinal detachment and retino-schisis. Only the Stickler syndrome has been associated with non-ocular problems, such as cleft palate, micrognathia, mid facial hypoplasia, hearing loss and degenerative arthritis. All of the index cases in our study were ascertained because of their retinal symptoms as having the Wagner syndrome. Three families were included in a report on Wagner syndrome in Arch Ophthal. 89:176, 1973 by Hirose et al.
On the use of spreading activation methods in automatic information

Spreading activation methods have been recommended in information retrieval to expand the search vocabulary and to complement the retrieved document sets. The spreading activation strategy is reminiscent of earlier associative indexing and retrieval systems. Some spreading activation procedures are briefly described, and evaluation output is given, reflecting the effectiveness of one of the proposed procedures.
Mitral valve prolapse and infective endocarditis.

It is now more than 20 years since it was first suggested that mitral valve prolapse (MVP) was associated with an increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE).’ Support for the existence of this association was initially provided by case reports of IE in patients with preexisting MVP,2 series of IE patients in which persons with MVP appeared to be overrepresented,3.6 and small follow-up studies of patients with MVP documenting a relatively high incidence of IIL6eQ More recently, several casecontrol studies have been conducted in an effort to determine more accurately the magnitude of the association between MVP and IE.10-‘2 These studies have provided estimates of the relative risk of IE in persons with MVP in comparison with those without MVP. However, it is also possible to make some estimate of the absolute risk of IE (i.e., the actual probability of IE developing over a specific time intervaI) using the results of these studies together with data about the incidence of IE and prevalence of MVP in the general population. In an effort to produce the best estimates of the relative and absolute risks of IE in patients with MVP, we examine the published results of the relevant studies together with new data from a study conducted at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. We consider the risks in the total population of persons with MVP and the risks in certain subgroups identified by various characteristics postulated to be associated with a higher than average risk of IE. We consider the implications of our estimates of the risks of IE for decisions about strategies for antibiotic prophylaxis in persons with MVP.
A genetic view of iron homeostasis.

Abstract Inherited disorders of iron metabolism are invariably disorders of iron balance or distribution. This review describes the proteins known to be involved in establishing and maintaining iron balance, and discusses regulation of iron homeostasis in the context of three cell types: intestinal enterocytes, reticuloendothelial macrophages, and hepatocytes. It emphasizes information gleaned from the use of genetic analyses, particularly in mice, and poses new questions to help advance our understanding of iron balance. Semin Hematol 39:227-234. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
The innovations initiative: Technological approaches for addressing maternal, newborn and child health

coverage and quality of critical interventions. A key constraint in many low resource settings is the lack of available health facilities capable of delivering critical MNCH interventions, leading to large investments in expanding physical infrastructure and human resources. Efficient allocation of resources requires information about the existing availability of services and key gaps in service configuration. However, this information is not often available. The University of Manitoba’s Centre for Global Public Health is implementing a Technical Support Unit embedded within the Government of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP) to provide support for the planning and implementation of MNCH programs under the National Health Mission. There is a specific focus on 25 high priority districts (population approximately 60 million), which contribute disproportionately to maternal, neonatal and infant mortality. To improve the GoUP’s planning and scale-up of the availability of MNCH services, we mapped facilities in the public and private sectors to assess availability, identify gaps and develop a planning roadmap for efficiently increasing service availability through the National Health Mission. Methods: We conducted a rapid, large scale mapping and assessment of health facilities in the public and private sectors in 25 high priority districts of Uttar Pradesh in India. The mapping tools were designed to capture details of population, physical infrastructure, staff, drugs, equipment, supplies, services (antenatal care, delivery, postpartum, postnatal, abortion, newborn and child health), certain service statistics and use of facilities’ untied funds. The mapping occurred over a three month period and covered a total of 7,560 public facilities (90% response rate) and 1,150 private facilities (63% of those identified as providing delivery care). Consent was obtained from the primary respondents at the facilities. Findings: The mapping found that only 44% of an estimated 429,315 deliveries occurred in public facilities (39%) or identified private facilities (5%). The large majority of deliveries in public facilities occurred in block (sub-district) level facilities (52%) or district hospitals (15%). There were large gaps in the availability of delivery points, general infrastructure, human resources, equipment, drugs and supplies in the public sector at all levels of care, with large disparities between and within the 25 districts. Interpretation: Facility mapping data were used to develop a strategic plan to expand service delivery points across the state and within each district, through a mix of enhancing the signal functions of existing facilities and activating dormant delivery points. This planning was incorporated into the National Health Mission project implementation plans at the district and state levels, and these plans are being tracked through ongoing assessments of the expansion of service availability. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Abstract #: 01ITIS027
World Bank Environmental Reform: Revisiting Lessons from Agency Theory

Daniel Nielson and Michael Tierney’s article, “Delegation to International Organizations: Agency Theory and World Bank Environmental Reform” ~International Organization, Spring 2003!, makes a strong argument for ways in which principalagent ~P-A! models advance theoretical explanations of the behavior and performance of international organizations ~IOs!+ Most IOs suffer from widely recognized gaps between their mandates and their performance, gaps not well explained by the major theories in our field+ P-A models are premised on the assumption that performance problems naturally arise when one actor ~the principal! delegates to another actor ~the agent! the authority to act in the former’s interests+ The models seek to explain why and how the divergence of interests between the two parties may result in the agent’s actions differing from the principal’s intentions, how agents may be better controlled, and the costs of doing so+ The article is a straightforward application of the basic insights of the P-A model to the case of the World Bank’s environmental behavior+ The authors want to explain what they identify as sudden and significant environmental reform at the Bank in 1994, after previous Bank reforms fell short of altering its behavior+ The authors argue that the successful reform efforts reflect the convergence of preferences among the Bank’s major member state principals, and their use of a variety of screening, oversight, and contracting tools to reduce slippage between their interests and those of the Bank staff agents+ The authors test their model by examining the Bank’s environmental behavior from 1980–2000 and use descriptive statistics to assess Bank environmental lending behavior during the same period+ They conclude that a comparison of lending patterns in 1994–2000 with the 1987–93 period shows
Intergenerational Comparisons of Paternal Korean Child Rearing Practices and Attitudes

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore possible antecedents of paternal child rearing in middle‐class, two‐parent, Korean families. Design. This study first addressed the intergenerational similarities and differences in child rearing practices and attitudes of fifty‐seven pairs of Korean grandfathers and fathers who were each interviewed individually with the Sears Interview Schedule. This study also examined the extent of the importance of fathers’ educational level, job satisfaction, marital relationship, and childhood relationships with own parents, for predicting fathering practices and attitudes. Results. Fathers reported disciplinary practices, such as strictness with parental rules/discipline and permissiveness for child aggression toward others, similar to those of their own fathers. Fathers reported significantly more nurturance and acceptance/flexibility compared with grandfathers. Paternal job satisfaction and relationship with own mother as well as educational attainment predicted...
Image indexing using a texture dictionary

We propose a new method for indexing large image databases. The method incorporates neural network learning algorithms and pattern recognition techniques to construct an image pattern dictionary. Image retrieval is then formulated as a process of dictionary search to compute the best matching codeword, which in turn indexes into the database items. Experimental results are presented.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Daniel , the Three Youths fragment and the transmission of Old English verse

The theories of oral-formulaic composition advanced by Albert B. Lord, his mentor and collaborator Milman Parry, and their later twentieth-century followers have been adduced frequently in studies of Old English verse, elements of whose language must go back ultimately to an oral tradition. After decades of research, however, scholars have yet to find conclusive answers to some basic questions: did literate Anglo-Saxons continue to practise techniques of extemporaneous versification? If so, did they continue to develop the mnemonic skills attributed to oral poets? It is clear that the monuments of Old English verse reveal many examples of formulaic language (for example, se maera maga Healfdenes, se maera mago Healfdenes and se maera maga Ecgðeowes ); but should we regard this language as a reliable witness to oral-formulaic versification or, perhaps, as a hybrid, ‘literary-formulaic’ idiom? Finally, if we accept the synchronic (or achronic) models of the formulaic ‘word-hoard’ that inform many Old English studies, is it pointless even to speculate about poetic influence, direction of borrowing and similar concerns? If so, how should we regard, say, two parallel uses of the unusual phrase enge anpaðas , occurring verbatim in Beowulf and the poetic Exodus but nowhere else among the surviving monuments? Must we view these parallels as isolated outcroppings in the trackless expanse of the Old English poetic corpus? Largely as a result of the scarcity of verse preserved in multiple copies, such questions have remained debatable into the present century.
Call transcript segmentation using word cooccurrence model

In this paper, we propose a word cooccurrence model to perform topic segmentation of call center conversational speech. This model is estimated from training data to discriminatively represent how likely various pairs of words are to cooccur within homogeneous topic segments. We show that such model provide an effective measure of lexical cohesion and hence provide useful evidence of topical coherence or lack thereof between various parts of the call transcripts. We propose two approaches of utilizing such evidence for segmentation: 1) An efficient dynamic programming algorithm to perform segmentation simply utilizing the word cooccurrence model. 2) Extracting features based on word cooccurrence model to utilize them as additional features in conditional random field (CRF) based segmentation. Experimental evaluation of these approaches against state-of-the-art approaches show the effectiveness of word cooccurrence model for the topic segmentation task.
Evaluating alternative architectures for lightweight space telescopes using parameterized models

An approach to the conceptual design of next-generation telescopes is proposed using parameterized models to explore the design space. A parameterized model of an advanced space telescope concept has been created as a tool for evaluating spacecraft architectures and for identifying which combinations of advanced technologies best meet mission requirements. The model can be used to generate multiple unique realizations of a system based on the selection of several high-level design variables. For any set of design variables, a structural finite element model is automatically generated in MATLAB, and analyzed using NASTRAN. Following this, a complete dynamic analysis is performed on the system, outputting performance and system metrics. The initial model compares two aperture configurations. The vehicle dimensions, property parameters and finite element mesh fidelity can all be varied over the course of a trade space analysis. The modular form of the model allows new or updated components to be added to the system for even larger architecture surveys. A trade space analysis is run by varying key variables in the design space, and the superior architectures from over 1500 spacecraft realizations are identified.
Monocular vision and IMU based navigation for a small unmanned helicopter

Focusing on the problem of autonomous flight for a small unmanned helicopter in GPS-denied environments, this paper proposes a navigation system which combines monocular visual and inertial measurements. The homography based visual odometry, as well as the inertial measurement from an IMU, can estimate the motion of a small unmanned helicopter. An extended Kalman filter is used to fuse the estimations of both visual and inertial sensors to provide the available navigation data. Finally, the effectiveness of this system is verified by real experiments. The Vision/IMU navigation has almost the same performance as the traditional GPS/IMU navigation.
Mechanism for epitaxial breakdown during low-temperature Ge(001) molecular beam epitaxy

A combination of in situ and post-deposition experiments were designed to probe surface roughening pathways leading to epitaxial breakdown during low-temperature ${(T}_{s}=95--190\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}\mathrm{C})$ growth of Ge(001) by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). We demonstrate that epitaxial breakdown in these experiments is not controlled by background hydrogen adsorption or gradual defect accumulation as previously suggested, but is a growth-mode transition driven by kinetic surface roughening. Ge(001) layers grown at ${T}_{s}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}170\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}\mathrm{C}$ remain fully epitaxial to thicknesses $hg1.6$ \ensuremath{\mu}m, while deposition at ${T}_{s}l170\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}\mathrm{C}$ leads to a locally abrupt transition from epitaxial to amorphous growth at critical film thicknesses ${h}_{2}{(T}_{s}).$ Surface morphology during low-temperature Ge(001) MBE evolves via the formation of a periodic array of self-organized round growth mounds which, for deposition at ${T}_{s}g115\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}\mathrm{C},$ transform to a pyramidal shape with square bases having edges aligned along 〈100〉 directions. Surface widths w and in-plane coherence lengths d increase monotonically with film thickness h at a temperature-dependent rate. As $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{h}{h}_{1}{(T}_{s}),$ defined as the onset of epitaxial breakdown, deep cusps bounded by {111} facets form at the base of interisland trenches and we show that epitaxial breakdown is initiated on these facets as the surface roughness reaches a critical ${T}_{s}$-independent aspect ratio $w/d\ensuremath{\simeq}0.02.$ ${h}_{1}{(T}_{s})$ and ${h}_{2}{(T}_{s})$ follow relationships ${h}_{1(2)}\ensuremath{\propto}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}{E}_{1(2)}{/kT}_{s}),$ where ${E}_{1}$ is 0.61 eV and ${E}_{2}=0.48$ eV. ${E}_{1}$ is approximately equal to the Ge adatom diffusion barrier on Ge(001) while ${(E}_{1}\ensuremath{-}{E}_{2})=0.13$ eV is the free energy difference between crystalline and amorphous Ge. We summarize our results in a microstructural phase map vs ${T}_{s}$ and h, and propose an atomistic growth model to explain the epitaxial to amorphous phase transition.
Frequency-Domain Channel Estimation and Equalization for Continuous-Phase Modulations With Superimposed Pilot Sequences

This paper proposes a new frequency-domain channel-estimation and equalization method for continuous-phase modulation (CPM) block transmissions with superimposed pilot signals. Our method provides spectral and power-efficient broadband CPM wireless communications with less complexity than previous methods. The proposed frequency-domain channel estimation uses the superimposed pilot sequence as a reference signal to reduce the throughput loss caused by traditionally multiplexed pilots. The proposed CPM frequency-domain decision feedback equalizer (DFE) eliminates the complexity overhead of conventional decomposition-based CPM receivers.
Large amplitude convection in porous media

The properties of convective flow driven by an adverse temperature gradient in a fluid-filled porous medium are investigated. The Galerkin technique is used to treat the steady-state two-dimensional problem for Rayleigh numbers as large as ten times the critical value. The flow is found to look very much like ordinary Benard convection, but the Nusselt number depends much more strongly on the Rayleigh number than in Benard convection. The stability of the finite amplitude two-dimensional solutions is treated. At a given value of the Rayleigh number, stable two-dimensional flow is possible for a finite band of horizontal wavenumbers as long as the Rayleigh number is small enough. For Rayleigh numbers larger than about 380, however, no two-dimensional solutions are stable. Comparisons with previous theoretical and experimental work are given.
Asset Pricing Theory

An investor must decide how much to save and how much to consume, and what portfolio of assets to hold. In this chapter, we shall introduce the basic theory of asset pricing and portfolio management in the discrete time case.
SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM AND THE EXCHANGE OF BEQUESTS FOR ELDER CARE

The majority of elderly Americans who receive long-term care outside of institutions are cared for in part by their children. We have little evidence, however, on the financial and social mechanisms securing the supply of elder care. In recent data on older U.S. families, I find that children rarely receive direct payment for their help. Further, inter-vivos transfers from unmarried parents to their adult children do not favor caregivers. Given the lack of evidence of any spotmarket for family care, the central question of this study is whether end-of-life transfers act as compensation for caregiving children. An empirical study of parents' division of bequests and life insurance among their children shows a positive association between children's transfer shares and both current and predicted caregiver status. In order to investigate the dependence of family care outcomes on children's time costs and parents' wealth and care needs, I present a dynamic model of the asset choices of an elderly parent who wishes to elicit care from her children. Model estimates indicate that children respond to parents' care needs and bequeathable wealth in the decision to provide care, and that children with greater time costs provide care only at higher levels of bequeathable wealth. Finally, a policy simulation based on model estimates predicts that a 5 to 6 percentage point increase in the rate at which unmarried elderly parents receive family care would result from reforms in which the expected present values of both public and private pensions were included in parents' bequests. However, a more modest change in public retirement benefits, designed to mimic the broad-brush characteristics of an existing proposal for Social Security reform, is predicted to have a negligible effect on care rates.
A floating point unit for the 68040

The Motorola 68040 floating point unit (FPU) combines three independent state machines, two data paths, and over 100000 transistors to achieve 8-Mflops peak performance and over 3-Mflops Linpack double-precision performance at the introductory speed of 25 MHz. It is optimized for minimum latency and maximum pipelined performance on frequently used double-precision floating point instructions. The FPU is architecturally divided into three piped stages, the conversion unit (CU), the execution unit (XU), and the normalization unit (NU). The control logic is tested using scan to achieve very high ATPG fault coverage while the data paths are tested using functional patterns. >
Chronic Unloading by Left Ventricular Assist Device Reverses Contractile Dysfunction and Alters Gene Expression in End-Stage Heart Failure

Background—Left ventricular (LV) assist devices (LVADs) can improve contractile strength and normalize characteristics of the Ca2+ transient in myocytes isolated from failing human hearts. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether LVAD support also improves contractile strength at different frequencies of contraction (the force-frequency relationship [FFR]) of intact myocardium and alters the expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in Ca2+ handling. Methods and Results—The isometric FFRs of LV trabeculae isolated from 15 patients with end-stage heart failure were compared with those of 7 LVAD-supported patients and demonstrated improved contractile force at 1-Hz stimulation, with reversal of a negative FFR after LVAD implantation. In 20 failing hearts, Northern blot analysis for sarcoplasmic endoreticular Ca2+-ATPase subtype 2a (SERCA2a), the ryanodine receptor, and the sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger was performed on LV tissue obtained before and after LVAD implantation. These p...
Lysine flux in dry and lactating dairy goats.

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that the physiological state of lactation is accompanied by both an increase in total plasma lysine flux (rate of loss and replacement of lysine) and a net reduction in flux through the plasma lysine pool after accounting for lysine secreted in the milk. Eight lactating French Alpine does were primed and infused for three hours with solutions of α15N L-lysine HCl in 0.9% saline through indwelling jugular vein catheters. Enrichment of circulating plasma lysine by continuous intravenous infusion of α15N L-lysine was used to estimate whole body lysine flux. This procedure was repeated one month after cessation of milking. Total plasma lysine flux was similar for dry and lactating does (116.6 and 123.0 mmol/d, SEM 16.6 mmol), but 54.2 mmol/d lysine was secreted as milk protein during lactation. Direct measurement of lysine absorption from the lower tract and independent measurement of lysine degradation are needed to provide a more complete portrait of caprine lysine kinetics.
Anaesthetic Concerns for Patients Undergoing Neurosurgical Procedures Utilising Intra-operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) is an evolving technology that offers precise intra-cranial lesion localisation and intraoperative navigation by combining the high-resolution imaging capabilities of MRI with an operative suite. Developed in the 1990s, ioMRI presents caregivers with a variety of unique challenges revolving around performing surgical procedures in an operating theatre with a high-strength magnetic field. Different types of ioMRI systems exist, differentiated by the relative mobility of the patient and magnet. As with any MRI environment, safety is of paramount concern. Published safety guidelines exist from both the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. A variety of checklists can be used to enhance the safety of the ioMRI suite. There are a variety of anaesthetic considerations when caring for patients in this environment including concerns related to the anaesthesia equipment, the patient and the general MRI environment. A multidisciplinary approach can encourage safety and efficiency in this unique operating room. The purpose of this review is to discuss the variety of topics that anaesthesiologists need to consider using this technology, including the indications, specific equipment considerations and unique safety aspects of caring for patients in the ioMRI suite. While performing surgery in a high-strength magnetic field environment carries its own special risks, each type of ioMRI suite presents its own unique challenges to patient safety. Although the challenges are significant, safe care and optimal outcomes are certainly possible with appropriate understanding of the factors unique to the ioMRI environment, good communication, a collaborative approach and proper procedural planning.
Definitions and Nomenclature

Dengue is the accepted name of an acute infectious disease of man characterized by fever, aches and pains in various parts of the body which may range from mild to excruciatingly severe, generalized rash, lymphadenopathy and leukopenia. Its effects may be debilitating to the point of prostration, but uncomplicated classical (primary) dengue is rarely, if ever, fatal. It is caused by at least four antigenically distinct viruses constituting the dengue subgroup of group B togaviruses (see Section IV on Classification). By definition, they are transmitted to man by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (Stegomyia). It follows that the occurrence of the disease (and the viruses) is restricted to those geographic areas in which suitable vector species are prevalent or in which, once imported, they can maintain themselves.