cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propensity of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Farmers to Adopt Neem in Controlling Pest in Delta State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the factors that influence the propensity of cowpea farmers to adopt neem in controlling pests in Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from a sample population of 125 cowpea farmers from ten randomly selected Local Government Areas of Delta State. The data were elicited from the respondents with the use of structured interview schedule and questionnaire, while descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The recommended neem technologies at different stages of adoption process were neem seed oil/extract; neem leaves solution, neem seed powder, and neem kernel powder. The grand mean adoption score and adoption index were 0.70 and 0.140 respectively. The low level of adoption was attributed to lack of extension contact, scarcity of neem, and poor level of subscription to farmers’ groups. The level of education, age of farmers, farm size, farm income, household size, extension contact, membership of farmers’ groups, cost of technology were the major factors that influenced the propensity of cowpea farmers to adopt neem technologies in pest control at 0.05 level of significance. It was recommended that more extension agents be employed; progressive approaches to extension delivery be encouraged and propagation of neem plants be encouraged. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tare.v14i3.4844 Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension 14(3): 2011 63-69
The Fabrication of Bio-Inspired Chemical Vapor Sensors via Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of biologically active films is investigated for the fabrication of bio-inspired chemical vapor sensors, due to the ability to fabricate thin films with unique surface chemistries.
DOCSIS performance evaluation: piggybacking versus concatenation

Demand for high-speed internet access is growing rapidly and new technologies have been developed to supply broadband access to homes and small businesses. One of these technologies, DOCSIS, delivers high-speed internet connections through existing cable television service. While many factors affect performance, an evaluation of the process by which cable modems request upstream bandwidth has not been studied under realistic web traffic conditions. Our study uses the network simulator ns along with our own DOCSIS extension to model these conditions. We studied the DOCSIS protocol, looking specifically at the performance effects of two enhancements to the bandwidth request mechanisms: piggybacking and concatenation. Our results show that piggybacking alone is the most effective method for enhancing the overall performance of DOCSIS.
Technique for varying the conversion loss against frequency of a surface-wave transducer without apodisation

A technique for controlling the insertion loss of a surface-wave acoustic transducer as a function of frequency, which avoids apodisation and its associated problems, is described. As an example of its implementation, a flat bandpass filter of constant aperture is described.
Globalization and the inequality among nations: A VAR approach

Abstract Granger causality and impulse-response analysis are used to show that globalization-reflected by world trade and international capital flow (measured by current-account deficits) to GDP ratios—causes an increase in the inequality of per capita GDP across nations.
Immobilization of recombinant Escherichia coli in silicone polymer beads

Abstract Porous silicone polymer beads containing viable colonies of Escherichia coli were formed using dimethylsiloxane prepolymer and silicone fluid in a gentle emulsion-polymerization procedure. Viability, cell outgrowth, and amylase production were examined in studies using both batch and continuous cultivation. Significant production of viable cells and amylase was observed. Enhanced plasmid stability through immobilization was demonstrated when cells were grown in M9/glycerol medium without antibiotic.
Stability of SnO2 thin films used for photovoltaic devices

Abstract Conducting films of SnO2, prepared by RF Sputtering, were studied for their stability following a heat treatment at 200°C in air. Auger Spectroscopy was used to analyze the surface and bulk compositions both before and after the tests. The results so obtained, indicated that the main changes in the film took place in the first 400 A. This was viewed as seriously limiting the efficiency of solar cells employing transparent windown on the front surface.
An Efficient Synthesis of Ring-Opening Metathesis Monomers and Polymers Containing Carbazole and Other Electron-Rich Moieties

An efficient synthesis of ring-opening metathesis monomers and polymers containing ionizable moieties such as N-carbazolyl, 2-dibenzofuranyl, 2-dibenzothiophenyl, and 4-anisyl functionalities has been developed, using cation radical Diels-Alder cycloaddition chemistry to generate the appropriate norbornene-type monomers.
Balancing efficacy and cancer risk of cyclophosphamide for patients with Wegener's granulomatosis

Balancing efficacy and cancer risk of cyclophosphamide for patients with Wegener's granulomatosis
Serial learning, interitem associations, phrasing cues, interference, overshadowing, chunking, memory, and extinction

Two experiments indicated that two approaches to serial learning are too extreme—the classical view that it consists only of interitem associations and various recent views that it involves no interitem associations. The novel assumption introduced here was that phrasing cues, normally conceptualized as merely segregating long series into smaller units or chunks, may also enter into associations with items, thereby reducing interitem interference and facilitating serial learning. It was found that one item could become a signal for another item, an interitem association, or be overshadowed by a phrasing cue, such as a brightness and temporal cue, also signaling that item. The items were .045-g pellets. Rats traversed a runway for items arranged in ordered series, 14-7-3-1-0 pellets (Experiment 1) or 10-2-0-10 (Experiment 2). Complete tracking of, for example, the 10-2-0-10 series would consist of fastest running to 10 pellets and slowest running to 0 pellets. In both investigations, the interitem association overshadowed was that between 0 pellets and the subsequent rewarded item, 0 → 14 (Experiment 1) or 0 → 10 (Experiment 2). Either repetitions of the 14-7-3-1-0 subpattern (Experiment 1) or merely the terminal 10-pellet item (Experiment 2) were phrased, both methods producing identical results. Overshadowing the 0-pellet item produced superior serial learning, more rapid extinction, and, in Experiment 1, considerable elevation of responding when the brightness phrasing cue was introduced in extinction, an effect said to be conceptually identical to spontaneous recovery and one demonstrating directly that phrasing cues are in reality overshadowing cues. It was suggested that many effects attributed to forgetting may be due to unrecognized overshadowing of memory cues by phrasing cues, giving rise to exaggerated estimates of forgetting.
Relationship between intestinal volume secretion and oxygen uptake.

The effects of net volume secretion on blood flow, oxygen extraction, and oxygen uptake were analyzed in autoperfused segments of cat ileum. Intestinal secretion was induced by local intraarterial infusion of glucagon, histamine, theophylline, prostaglandin E1 or vasoactive intestinal peptide, and, by intraluminal placement of cholera toxin or ricinoleic acid. Net volume secretion rates were determined using a volume recovery method. Intestinal oxygen uptake was increased by all secretagogues. The increased oxygen uptake by the secreting intestine resulted from an increased blood flow or oxygen extraction or both. Significant positive correlations between intestinal oxygen uptake and secretion rate were acquired only during cholera toxin, theophylline, and prostaglandin E1, secretion. The results indicate that the metabolic work incurred in the small bowel during secretory states greatly exceeds that reported for the absorptive state.
Carsharing on university campus: Subsidies, commuter benefits, and their impacts on carsharing

This article examines, via a case study, what efforts a university needs to make to initiate and sustain a carsharing program. It also examines how subsidies offered to employees affect the subscription to a carsharing program and the employees’ carsharing consumption. It finds that a university must offer a significant amount of support (both financial and labor) to initaite and sustain a carshsaring program. In the case study, it shows that at least an annual subsidy of $1500/vehicle needs be offered to attract a carsharing company to serve a university. In addition, commuter benefits offered by the university help attract university carsharers and stabilize the customer pool of the carsharing program. In the studied case, 34% of all the carsharers join carsharing because of commuter benefits. Reduced carsharing subsidies (e.g., decreased free carsharing hours) significantly decrease carsharing consumption but not the overall subscriptions to the carsharing program.
Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery

As many as 20% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery will have acute respiratory distress syndrome during the perioperative period, with a mortality as high as 80%. If patients at risk can be identified, preventative measures can be taken and may improve outcomes. Care for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome is supportive, with low tidal volume ventilation being the mainstay of therapy. Careful fluid management, minimization of blood product transfusion, appropriate nutrition, and early physical rehabilitation may improve outcomes. In cases of refractory hypoxemia, rescue therapies such as recruitment maneuvers, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may preserve life.
Demographics of the sandwich generation by race and ethnicity in the United States

Abstract The Sandwich Generation comprises of people who simultaneously care for their children and the elderly parents. While current studies have focused on this group in general, our study splits the sandwich generation by race and ethnicity to focus on differential economic, social, and cultural differences among the group. Based on limited data, we find that human capital attainment, labor market status, family structure, and incomes differ significantly among different races. Additionally, beliefs, culture and social norms among the different races play important roles in the extent and nature of care giving to the elderly. Since the U.S. is transitioning into a diversified society, this multicultural approach is necessary to understand and to accommodate the various needs of the sandwich generation.
Operation and maintenance of large Exd machines

The increasing demand for oil and gas has led not only to the discovery of new sources both onshore and offshore but also for electrical machines to power the necessary pumps and compressors associated with petrochemical processes. Such equipment is usually situated in Zone 1 or Zone 2 areas where there is a risk that potentially explosive gases may be present at various times during normal operation. There is an increasing tendency for machines in these areas to be subjected to exceptionally low ambient temperatures which can present problems for the motor designer. There is a need to achieve the highest practical level of safety in a hazardous areas. Even Zone 2 areas may have machines which require purging and pressurisation. This plant must be correctly specified and designed for the application. It is also essential to ensure that a proper maintenance regime is in place which will not prejudice the original design intent. The effects of nonsinusoidal supplies or variable frequency drives also need to be considered. Flameproof (Exd) cage induction motors can be used in many such applications. They give a very high degree of assurance against the risk of an explosion and may be a practical and cost effective alternative to other types of drive motor. The author discusses the design considerations, motor certification and testing, and the technical problems presented by low ambient temperature conditions. inverter supplies and maintenance and servicing are also discussed.
Fabrication of a composite recording disc substrate

Abstract Composite magnetic recording discs, comprising carbon fibre- and glass fibre-reinforced epoxies clad by stainless steel foils, were fabricated by press moulding of prepregs, post-moulding machining of the inner and outer diameter (169 mm and 356 mm respectively) and surface polishing. The optimum flatness achieved was within 80 μm. Vacuum deposition of magnetic thin films on top of such composite substrates is feasible. Environmental humidity probably does not cause warpage or substrate weight increase exceeding the requirements for magnetic recording discs. However, the printing of fibre tows through the metal foils must be avoided, as must warpage caused by post-polishing.
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Compounds from the Mycelia of the Edible Mushroom Grifola frondosa

The bioassay-guided isolation and purification of the hexane extract of the cultured mycelia of Grifola frondosa led to the characterization of a fatty acid fraction and three compounds, ergosterol (1), ergostra-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (2), and 1-oleoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-palmitoylglycerol (3). The composition of fatty acid fraction was confirmed as palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids by GC-MS and by comparison with the retention values of authentic samples. The structures of compounds 1−3 were established by spectroscopic methods. The fatty acid fraction and compounds 1−3 showed cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities. The inhibition of COX-1 enzyme by the fatty acid fraction and compounds 1−3 at 250 μg/mL were 98, 37, 55, and 67%, respectively. Similarly, COX-2 enzyme activity was reduced by fatty acid fraction and compounds 1−3 at 250 μg/mL by 99, 37, 70, and 4%, respectively. The inhibitions of liposome peroxidation by the fatty acid fraction and compounds 1 and 2 at 100 μg/mL ...
Rutile solubility in supercritical NaAlSi3O8–H2O fluids

Abstract Rutile solubility was measured in the supercritical NaAlSi 3 O 8 –H 2 O system using hydrothermal piston–cylinder methods at 900 °C. Solubility in intermediate albite–H 2 O fluids varies as a function of both pressure ( P ) and fluid composition ( X ). Rutile solubility increases with increased albite content of the fluid, and is on the order of ~1000 to ~5000 ppm for all P–X conditions investigated here. The relationship between solubility and pressure is complex, and solubility decreases with increasing pressure for intermediate fluid compositions (35–75 wt.% H 2 O). Ti contents of glasses indicate that, with rising pressure at 900 °C, the liquid–vapor miscibility gap in the albite–H 2 O system closes at 0.9–1.0 GPa. A single supercritical fluid is stable above this pressure, to 2.0–2.2 GPa when further compression induces a return to a subcritical state. Supercritical fluids could be plausible transfer agents for Ti and other HFSE in high- P metasomatic environments, but the results show that their stability may be more limited than previously recognized.
A convergence of weapons

Over the course of the post‐war era, two types of weapons—weapons of mass destruction (WMD) (traditionally nuclear arms, biological and chemical weapons, and their delivery systems), and conventional arms, such as tanks, artillery, aircraft, and naval vessels—have become separated conceptually by scholars and policy makers. This has, in turn, produced separate research agendas among scholars. Proliferation research focuses on the countries acquiring WMD technologies, on how WMD technologies are acquired, on the impact of such diffusion, and on what might be done about it. Conventional arms research focuses on arms exports and imports—principally the transfer of major weapons by firms and governments, their motivations, and their consequences. The conceptual division between WMD and conventional arms has also produced separate weapons policies, pursuing separate paths. The Gulf War, for example, induced the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and UNSCOM (United Nations Special Commission) to try to v...
EFFECT OF DIFFERENTIAL LEVELS OF AMBIENT NOISE ON VIGILANCE PERFORMANCE

Research has indicated that high intensity white noise may affect performance, particularly if long-term attention is required. Ambient white noise is often used in vigilance experiments in order to mask equipment and extraneous noise and/or to provide a constant background of auditory stimulation. However, an acceptable intensity level has not been established and a wide range of noise levels has been used. The question immediately apparent is whether or not noise level itself becomes a variable in these studies and interacts with other variables under investigation. If this is the case, the results are confounded, and investigators would be faced with the problem of re-examining the literature and reinterpreting the studies which do not consider this factor. The present study was a test of this question, i.e., does the intensity level of ambient white noise have any effect upon vigilance performance. Ss were 27 male undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course. Nine Ss each were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: 50 db, 75 db, and 90 db ambient noise levels. S's task in all conditions was to monitor a visual display for 40 min. in order to detect aperiodic signals against a background of regularly occurring events. Forty-eight signals in a 40-min. period were presented for a signal probability of .04. The procedure and apparatus were identical to those previously reported by Halcomb and Blackwell ( 1969). A split-plot analysis of variance was used to analyze the number of errors (misses) and false alarms made by each S during each 5-min. period. The results of the analysis of variance showed a significant decrement over time for both misses and false alarms (indicating that the task was indeed measuring vigilance behavior). No significant differences were found for the three intensity levels for either misses or false alarms nor were there significant interactions between noise levels and time-on-task. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that the intensity level of ambient white noise has no significant effect upon vigilance performance.
The subcutaneous array: a new lead adjunct for the transvenous ICD to lower defibrillation thresholds.

Despite the benefits of transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), concern exists that patients with high defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) have an inadequate safety margin between the DFT and the maximum defibrillator energy. A new transvenous ICD lead adjunct, a subcutaneous lead array (SQ Array), was developed to increase safety margins by lowering DFTs. Composed of three lead elements joined in a common yoke, the SQ Array is tunneled subcutaneously in the left lateral chest. Serving as their own controls, 20 patients were studied intraoperatively comparing transvenous lead-alone DFTs with lead-SQ Array DFTs. Seventeen males and three females were randomized to receive the SQ Array through the CPI Ventak PRx/Endotak 70 series protocol. Mean patient age was 63.7 +/- 2.5 years and mean ejection fraction 0.34 +/- 0.04. DFTs were determine using a precise protocol of step-down/step-up testing commencing at 20 joules. Lead-alone DFTs were tested using the proximal coil as the anode (+). For the lead-SQ Array, the proximal coil and the array were linked as a common anode. The lead-SQ Array resulted in a statistically significant reduction in mean monophasic DFT from 23.3 +/- 2.3 joules (lead-alone) to 13.5 +/- 1.9 joules (lead-SQ Array) (P 25 joules but did not require thoracotomy because of adequate DFT reduction with the SQ Array. We conclude that the SQ Array adjunct to the transvenous ICD lead lowers monophasic DFTs an average of 9.8 joules (40.6%) obviating the need for a thoracotomy in selected patients.
A fast, high-order solver for the Grad-Shafranov equation

Abstract We present a new fast solver to calculate fixed-boundary plasma equilibria in toroidally axisymmetric geometries. By combining conformal mapping with Fourier and integral equation methods on the unit disk, we show that high-order accuracy can be achieved for the solution of the equilibrium equation and its first and second derivatives. Smooth arbitrary plasma cross-sections as well as arbitrary pressure and poloidal current profiles are used as initial data for the solver. Equilibria with large Shafranov shifts can be computed without difficulty. Spectral convergence is demonstrated by comparing the numerical solution with a known exact analytic solution. A fusion-relevant example of an equilibrium with a pressure pedestal is also presented.
Three-dimensional adaptive evolution of gravitational waves in numerical relativity

Adaptive techniques are crucial for successful numerical modeling of gravitational waves from astrophysical sources such as coalescing compact binaries, since the radiation typically has wavelengths much larger than the scale of the sources. We have carried out an important step toward this goal: the evolution of weak gravitational waves using adaptive mesh refinement in the Einstein equations. The 2-level adaptive simulation is compared with unigrid runs at coarse and fine resolution, and is shown to track closely the features of the fine grid run.
The electromotive force of the leadacid cell and its half-cell potentials

Abstract The literature values of the activity coefficients of sulfuric acid, and the activities of water as a function of the molality of aqueous sulfuric acid and temperature, are reviewed and evaluated. Approaches to fitting these values to a suitable equation are also reviewed. A self-consistent set of values for acid and water activities and the standard potentials of the leadacid cell and mercurous sulfatemercury electrode are identified. These values are used to calculate the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the leadacid cell from 0.1 to 30 m H 2 SO 4 . Temperature coefficients for the e.m.f. are also available from 0 to 60 °C. Accurate half-cell potentials versus a mercurous sulfatemercury electrode can be calculated for molalities from 0.1 to 7.2 and for temperatures from 0 to 55 °C.
The effects of surface roughness on low haze ultrathin nanocomposite films

Abstract Control of surface roughness in optical applications can have a large impact on haze. This work compares surface roughness and haze for self-assembled experimental surface structures as well as simulated surface structures for ultrathin nanocomposite films. Ultrathin nanocomposite films were synthesized from an acrylate monomer as the continuous phase with monodisperse or bidisperse mixtures of silica nanoparticles as the dispersed phase. An in-house spin coating deposition technique was used to make thin nanocomposite films on hydrophilic (glass) and hydrophobic (polycarbonate) substrates. Manipulating the size ratios of the silica nanoparticle mixtures generated multimodal height distributions, varied the average surface roughness ( σ ) and changed lateral height–height correlations ( a ). For the simulated surfaces, roughness was estimated from their morphologies, and haze was calculated using simplified Rayleigh scattering theory. Experimental data for haze and morphologies of nanocomposite films corresponded well to these properties for simulated tipped pyramid surfaces. A correlation based on simple Rayleigh scattering theory described our experimental data well, but the exponent on the parameter, σ / λ ( λ is the wavelength of incident light), does not have the expected value of 2. A scalar scattering model and a prior Monte Carlo simulation estimated haze values similar to those of our experimental samples.
Synthesis and structure of some new mixed amido, aryloxide compounds of Group 4, 5 and 6 metals containing the 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-phenylphenoxide ligand

Abstract The reaction of 2, 4-di-tert-butyl-6-phenylphenol with dimethylamido compounds of the metals Ti, Nb and W has been investigated. The three new mixed amido, aryloxide complexes [Ti(OC 6 H 2 -2, 4-Bu t 2 -6-Ph) 2 (NMe 2 ) 2 ] ( 1 ), [Nb(OC 6 H 2 -2, 4-Bu t 2 -6-Ph) 2 (NMe 2 ) 3 ] ( 2 ) and [W 2 (OC 6 H 2 -2, 4-Bu t 2 -6-Ph) 2 (NMe 2 ) 4 ] ( 3 ) have been isolated and structurally characterized. Extended heating of these compounds does not lead to cyclometallation of either the aryl or tert-butyl group of the aryloxide ligand. Crystallographic parameters are as follows. [Ti(OC 6 H 2 -2, 4-Bu 1 2 -6- Ph) 2 (NMe 2 ) 2 ] ( 1 ): space group P 2 1 / c (No. 14), a =11.868(2), b =24.340(5), c =14.328(2) A, β=96.65(1)°, V =4111(2) A 3 and Z =4 (20 °C). [Nb(OC 6 H 2 -2, 4-Bu 1 2 -6-Ph) 2 (NMe 2 ) 3 ] ( 2 ): space group P 2 1 / c (No. 14), a =20.172(1), b =12.094(2), c =18.620(2) A, β=105.413(7)°, V =4379(2) A 3 and Z =4 (20 °C). [W 2 (OC 6 H 2 -2, 4-Bu 1 2 -6-Ph) 2 (NMe 2 ) 4 ] ( 3 ): space group P 2 1 / c (No. 14), a =11.751(3), b =29.29(1), c =15.220(5) A, β=100.24(3)°, V =4915(5) A 3 and Z =4 (20 °C).
Principles, exemplars, and uses of history in early 20th century genetics.

Abstract This paper is concerned with the uses of history in science. It focuses in particular on Anglo-American genetics and on university textbooks—where the canon of a science is consolidated, as the heterogeneous approaches and controversies of its practice are rendered unified for its reproduction. Tracing the emergence and eventual standardization of geneticists’ use of a case-based method of teaching in the 1920s–1950s, this paper argues that geneticists created historical environments in their textbooks—spaces in which students developed an understanding of the laws of genetics through simulations of their discovery and use. Witnessing the unfolding of Mendel’s and Morgan’s experiments and performing genetic crosses on paper, students learned not only the rules that were explicitly taught as such, but also the experientially-based, tacit skills needed to find and follow these rules. This didactic system taught them how to go on when confronting new situations, and in doing so, provided geneticists with an important disciplinary tool, freeing the first steps of their student’s enculturation from the physical infrastructure of the laboratory.
Neonatal circumcision for HIV prevention: Cost, culture, and behavioral considerations.

Decades of epidemiological studies and three carefully controlled randomized clinical trials have definitively shown that male circumcision (MC) reduces risks for HIV transmission from women to men by as much as 55%. Male circumcision is therefore more protective against HIV transmission than even the most promising vaccines and topical microbicides. .... MC offers one of the few available effective HIV prevention interventions. Scaling up MC in southern Africa has the potential to stem entire HIV epidemics saving countless lives. Lifetime protection against HIV and therefore reductions in population levels of HIV/AIDS can be realized when circumcision occurs prior to sexual debut. The cost-savings of neonatal MC are compelling and suggest that implementation is economically feasible in developing countries hit hardest by HIV/AIDS. Neonatal MC should therefore be considered a priority in comprehensive HIV prevention plans for southern Africa. (excerpt)
An Electrostatic Precipitator System for the Martian Environment

Abstract Human exploration missions to Mars will require the development of technologies for the utilization of the planet's own resources for the production of commodities. However, the Martian atmosphere contains large amounts of dust. The extraction of commodities from this atmosphere requires prior removal of this dust. We report on our development of an electrostatic precipitator able to collect Martian simulated dust particles in atmospheric conditions approaching those of Mars. Extensive experiments with an initial prototype in a simulated Martian atmosphere showed efficiencies of 99%. The design of a second prototype with aerosolized Martian simulated dust in a flow-through is described.
Reconstructing rigid moving targets using structural and kinematics information from radar data

Three-dimensional image reconstruction of moving targets from one-dimensional radar information traditionally has been challenging. Range and Doppler (range rate) measurements of prominent, radar scattering centers are rich with information for image reconstruction. Target kinematics and structural rigidity produce invariant parameters that support mathematical reconstruction solutions. Relating two frames of reference, one based on the radar source and the other on target motion, generate innovative range and Doppler equations. Solutions of these equations provide the basis for determining the three-dimensional location of scattering centers and target image reconstruction.
Using Local Regression in Monte Carlo Tree Search

In this non-comparative study paper, local regression modeling is added to Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS). This local regression modeling is used to replace the random action selection in the simulation part of MCTS. The modified MCTS method and the regular MCTS method were tested against each other on the tic-tac-toe and the connect four games. The results of the experiment indicated that local regression helped the modified MCTS to outperform the regular MCTS on moderately memory demanding games, such as connect four. The performances of the two approaches appear to equal each other on low branching factor and less memory demanding games similar to tic-tac-toe.
The ethics of immanence: The metaphysical foundations of Spinoza's moral philosophy

L'objectif de cet article est d'etudier la metaphysique de Spinoza, notammant dans son oeuvre L'ethique, et d'examiner comment la conception de Spinoza de la relation Dieu-monde, le soi et la liberte, soustend son programme ethique. Cela fait apparaitre que la philosophie de l'immanence de Spinoza, plutot que d'offrir un fondement solide et coherent pour un nouveau systeme ethique, cree en fait autant de difficultes qu'elle avait pour but d'en resoudre.
On the nature of boundary conditions for flows with moving free surfaces

Abstract We consider small perturbations of plane parallel flow between a wall and a moving free surface. The problem is posed on a rectangle with inflow and outflow boundaries. The usual boundary conditions are posed at the wall and the free surface, and the fluid satisfies the Navier-Stokes equations. We examine the nature of boundary conditions which can be imposed at the inflow and outflow boundaries in order to yield a well-posed problem. This question turns out to be more delicate than is generally appreciated. Depending on the precise situation and on the regularity required of the solution, boundary conditions at just one or both endpoints of the free surface need to be imposed. For example, we show that if the velocities at te inflow and outflow boundaries are prescribed, then the position of the free surface at the inflow boundary can be prescribed, but not at the outflow if an H1-solution is desired. Numerical simulations with the FIDAP package are used to illustrate our analytical results.
Induction of Apoptosis in Human T-Cells by Organomercuric Compounds: A Flow Cytometric Analysis☆

Abstract Although several lines of investigation demonstrate that many heavy metals are cytotoxic to host defense cells, the mechanism of killing is poorly understood. The major focus of this investigation was to determine if organic mercuric compounds kill human lymphocytes by inducing the cells to undergo apoptosis and to evaluate possible flow cytometric systems for assessing cell death. T-cells were exposed to 0.6–5 μ m MeHgCl, EtHgCl, or PhHgCl for up to 24 hr and then analyzed by flow cytometry. Mercury-treated cells exhibited increased Hoechst 33258 and 33342 fluorescence while maintaining their ability to exclude the vital stain 7-AAD. Furthermore, T-cells exposed to mercury exhibited changes in light scatter patterns that included decreased forward light scatter and increased side scatter. The light scatter and fluorescent changes were consistent with changes that cells display during apoptosis. To further evaluate cell death and to distinquish between apoptosis and necrosis, merocyanine 540 staining and annexin V binding to the plasma membrane as well as DNA fragmentation were assessed. Mercury-treated cells exhibited increased merocyanine 540 fluorescence and annexin V binding along with changes in nuclear morphology consistent with the notion of apoptosis. Conventional agarose gel electrophoresis failed to demonstrate low-molecular-weight DNA bands; however, when probed by flow cytometry using both nick translation and a modified TUNEL assay, patterns consistent with nuclear fragmentation were evident. We noted that the percentage of T-cells undergoing apoptosis was dependent upon the amount of serum present in the medium; as serum concentrations were increased from 0 to 10%, cell death declined. Apoptosis (33%) was observed within 1 hr of exposure to MeHgCl; maximum cell death (67%) occurred after 24 hr exposure. Induction of apoptosis was dependent on the mercury concentration and independent of the hydrophobicity of the mercury ligand. Finally, we assessed mercury-dependent apoptosis in activated T-cells. When treated with mitogen, mercury failed to induce apoptosis in these cells. Indeed, there was no evidence of either apoptosis nor necrosis in these populations. It was concluded that the activation process prevented development of a metabolic state that was required for induction of apoptogenic genes.
Interactions among sea otters, sea stars, and suspension-feeding invertebrates in the western Aleutian archipelago

The structuring and organizing effects of apex predators on ecosystems are becoming increasingly well documented. The enhancement of kelp forests via sea otter predation on herbivorous sea urchins is among the earliest and best known examples. This study provides evidence for direct and indirect trophic interactions among sea otters, predatory sea stars, and filter-feeding mussels (Mytilus trossulus) and barnacles (Semibalanus cariosis). In western Massacre Bay at Attu Island (173°E, 53°N), subtidal transects showed sea star body size and biomass density declined markedly between 1983 and 1994 as sea otters reinhabited this area. Mussels and barnacles translocated from the rocky intertidal zone to shallow subtidal habitats to assess loss rates from sea star predation showed lower mortality rates after the arrival of sea otters. Prey mortality rates in subtidal caged controls were consistently low and similar to those of intertidal controls in both years. These findings elucidate a trophic pathway by which sea otters can influence ecosystems separate from the well-known sea otter/sea urchin/macroalgae cascade.
Mitochondrial Complex II Prevents Hypoxic but Not Calcium- and Proapoptotic Bcl-2 Protein-induced Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Loss

Mitochondrial membrane potential loss has severe bioenergetic consequences and contributes to many human diseases including myocardial infarction, stroke, cancer, and neurodegeneration. However, despite its prominence and importance in cellular energy production, the basic mechanism whereby the mitochondrial membrane potential is established remains unclear. Our studies elucidate that complex II-driven electron flow is the primary means by which the mitochondrial membrane is polarized under hypoxic conditions and that lack of the complex II substrate succinate resulted in reversible membrane potential loss that could be restored rapidly by succinate supplementation. Inhibition of mitochondrial complex I and F0F1-ATP synthase induced mitochondrial depolarization that was independent of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) family proteins, or high amplitude swelling and could not be reversed by succinate. Importantly, succinate metabolism under hypoxic conditions restores membrane potential and ATP levels. Furthermore, a reliance on complex II-mediated electron flow allows cells from mitochondrial disease patients devoid of a functional complex I to maintain a mitochondrial membrane potential that conveys both a mitochondrial structure and the ability to sequester agonist-induced calcium similar to that of normal cells. This finding is important as it sets the stage for complex II functional preservation as an attractive therapy to maintain mitochondrial function during hypoxia.
The Use of Tree Derivatives and a Sample Support Parameter for Inferring Tree Systems

Tree systems have been studied in the theoretical setting as an extension of finite automata. They have been found useful in the practical domain when applied to syntactic pattern recognition. The practical applications of tree systems have motivated the examination of inference techniques for tree grammars and tree automata. In this paper we present a tree automaton inference algorithm which incorporates three concepts-tree derivatives, grammatical expansion, and inferential strength. Tree derivatives are used for comparing tree forms. Grammatical expansion is a feedback mechanism which effectively enlarges the user sample. An inferential strength parameter is input by the user to indicate the amount of support required from the sample for inferences. The algorithm is also applied for inferring finite-state machines. Finally, we address an open problem posed by Joshi and Levy by demonstrating the use of our algorithm for the design of programming languages.
FACT: Financial accounting computerized tutor

Abstract This paper describes a tutorial financial accounting instructional case study entitled FACT. The case is designed for use in the introductory financial accounting course or as a review resource in the intermediate accounting course. It is a comprehensive practice set that demonstrates the integrative nature of the accounting cycle in the microcomputer environment. The case focuses on the conceptual analysis of the accounting transactions from the inception of a company to preparation of the classified financial statements. The main features of this computerized case distinguish it from the other manual and computerized accounting practice sets. These features include: user-friendliness, advanced graphical user interface, automatic grading system, statistical analytical report of students' performance, automatic errors detection routine, and on-line textbook and tutorial assistance. The software has proved its versatility in reinforcing students' comprehension of the accounting cycle through its experimental use by over 36 universities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and England. The flexibility of the software program provides the instructor with a number of options for use as a classroom instructional tool, test materials, short assignments, or a comprehensive course review. The average completion time for the case is four hours. No additional materials or previous knowledge of microcomputer applications are needed to complete the case study. (A free copy of the software can be obtained directly from the author.)
Partitioning: A unifying framework for adaptive systems, II: Control

In this paper, partitioning and the associated partitioned adaptive control algorithms are shown to constitute a unifying framework for adaptive control. Moreover, the partitioned adaptive controls (PAC's) are shown to have several interesting properties as well as a decoupled parallel-processing structure that is computationally attractive. Finally, using the partitioning framework and a related general class of PAC's the adaptive control problem is treated from a global viewpoint that unifies seemingly unrelated previously obtained suboptimal adaptive controls, and, most importantly, yields fundamentally new adaptive control algorithms. These new control algorithms are shown to have several important properties from both a theoretical and a realization or computational standpoint.
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF HEALTH VALUE AS A MODERATOR OF THE LINK BETWEEN AGE AND LIFE SATISFACTION

In the present study of the influence of health value as a potential moderator of age and life satisfaction, 157 undergraduate students (M = 20.8 yr.) completed a battery in which they provided dem...
Catecholamine stimulated myocardial adenylate cyclase: effects of phospholipase digestion and the role of membrane lipids.

Abstract Phospholipase digestion of myocardial membranes causes a reduction in basal and fluoride stimulated adenylate cyclase and an abolition of catecholamine stimulated activity. The effects were seen with phospholipases A, C and D, although A was most potent. The effects of phospholipase A could be prevented by the synthetic phospholipase A inhibitor 2,3 distearoyloxpropyl (dimethyl) β-hydroxyethylammonium acetate or by the calcium chelator Ethyleneglycolbis-(β-aminoethylether) N,N′tetra-acetic acid (EGTA). Several lipids were tested for their ability to restore catecholamine responsiveness to the phospholipase treated membranes. Only the total lipids extracted from the membranes with chloroform methanol were effective. Reconstitution was not achieved with pure phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, lecithin or lysolecithin. Optimal restoration of hormone response occurred at a lipid concentration of 20 μg/ml.
A lightweight image retrieval system for paintings

For describing and analyzing digital images of paintings we propose a model to serve as the basis for an interactive image retrieval system. The model defines two types of features: palette and canvas features. Palette features are those related to the set of colors in a painting while canvas features relate to the frequency and spatial distribution of those colors. The image retrieval system differs from previous retrieval systems for paintings in that it does not rely on image or color segmentation. The features specified in the model can be extracted from any image and stored in a database with other control information. Users select a sample image and the system returns the ten closest images as determined by calculating the Euclidean distance between feature sets. The system was tested with an initial dataset of 100 images (training set) and 90 sample images (testing set). In 81 percent of test cases, the system retrieved at least one painting by the same artist suggesting that the model is sufficient for the interactive classification of paintings by artist. Future studies aim to expand and refine the model for the classification of artwork according to artist and period style.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optical font recognition using conditional random field

Automated publishing systems require large databases containing document page layout templates. Most of these layout templates are created manually. A lower cost alternative is to extract document page layouts from existing documents. In order to extract the layout from a scanned document image, it is necessary to perform Optical Font Recognition (OFR) since the font is an important element in layout design. In this paper, we use the Conditional Random Field (CRF) model to perform OFR. First, we extract typographical features of the text. Then, we train the probabilistic model using a log-linear parameterization of CRF. The advantage of using CRF is that it does not assume that the typographical features are independent of each other. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on a set of 616 fonts.
Direct measurement of fast axonal transport rates in corticospinal axons of the adult rat

The bi-directional movement of proteins from the soma to the axon terminal is called axonal transport. Fast anterograde transport moves organelles and membrane-bound proteins distally. Fast transport rates were measured in corticospinal tract axons of male Sprague-Dawley rats by microinjection of tritiated proline into the sensorimotor cortex. Animals were killed after 3-5 h and the tract cut into 1 mm segments. A bimodal wave of radiolabeled proteins was evident, with the first peak at the spino-medullary junction and the second peak in cervical spinal segments. The fast transport rate was calculated at the leading edge of the distal wave, and found to be 303 +/- 44 mm/day.
An Assessment of Land Availability and Price in the Coterminous United States for Conversion to Algal Biofuel Production

Abstract Realistic economic assessment of land-intensive alternative energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, and biofuels) requires information on land availability and price. Accordingly, we created a comprehensive, national-scale model of these parameters for the United States. For algae-based biofuel, a minimum of 1.04E+05 km2 (1.3% of coterminous United States land area) of land is needed to meet the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 advanced biofuels target of 1.04E+8 m3 yr−1, to be achieved by the year 2022. We locate and quantify land categories where land acquisition costs and economic disruption are minimized. A data-driven model calculates the incentive to sell and a fair compensation value (real estate and lost future income). 1.02E+06 km2 (14% of CONUS) of low-slope, non-protected land is relatively available including croplands, pasture/grazing, and forests. Within this total there is 2.64E+5 km2 of shrub and barren land available. The Federal government has 7.68E+4 km2 available for lease. Targeting unproductive lands minimizes land costs and impacts to existing industries. However, many shrub and barren lands are limited by other resources (water) and logistics, so land use conversion requires careful consideration in tradeoff analysis.
DNA Ploidy, Proliferation Index, Grade, and Stage as Prognostic Factors for Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinomas

DNA analysis by flow cytometry has been reported to be a useful prognostic technique for a variety of malignant tumors. The goal of this study was to examine DNA ploidy status and proliferation index as potential predictors of recurrence and survival for patients with squamous cell vulvar carcinomas. The DNA ploidy, percentage of cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle, stage, and histologic grade were analyzed in 42 patients. Flow cytometry was performed on archival paraffin-embedded tissue. The histologic specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist. Thirty-four tumors (81%) were diploid and eight (19%) demonstrated an aneuploid peak. The percentage of cells in the S-phase (proliferation index) was calculated for all patients. The 5-year survival rate was 68% for diploid tumors and was 75% for aneuploid tumors. The difference between these rates was not statistically significant (P < or = 0.65). S-phase fraction was also not a useful predictor for recurrence or overall survival. FIGO stage and histologic grade were accurate predictors for both recurrence and 5-year survival. Multiple predictor analysis using stage, grade, ploidy status, and proliferation index did not identify any subgroup which would predict recurrence better than FIGO stage and grade. DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction analysis do not appear to be clinically useful prognostic factors for vulvar squamous cell carcinomas.
Study of the conical spiral antenna for use in ground-penetrating radars: initial results

In this paper, we examine the conical spiral antenna (CSA) for use in ground-penetrating radars (GPR). When this antenna is isolated in free space, its performance, e.g., input impedance, is nearly frequency independent over a broad range of frequencies, and it has a nearly unidirectional far-field pattern with circular polarization. An antenna with these characteristics would be useful for application in GPRs. However, in a GPR the antenna is placed close to the ground, and the near field of the antenna in the air and ground is of primary importance, not the far field. It is not clear that the desirable characteristics of the CSA in free space, mentioned above, will be preserve din this new situation. This is the motivation for the research described in this paper.