cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A model for explaining and predicting the effectiveness of machine learning techniques

Several recent studies have examined the effectiveness of machine learning techniques. As a first step in building such theoretical foundation, a model based on the statistical prediction literature is developed. This literature describes statistical prediction as encompassing the following activities: (1) problem specification, (2) data collection, (3) data modeling, and (4) model application. The model is then tailored to apply specifically to classification decisions. Many managerial decisions involve placing a case (e.g., a firm) into one of multiple classes (e.g., likely to go bankrupt versus likely to remain solvent) based on currently known predictors concerning the case (e.g., financial ratios). This restriction to classification decisions increases the model is power, and the model still applies to the majority of the empirical machine learning research. Three example machine learning techniques (a backpropagation neural network, ID3, and CART), as well as the statistical technique, discriminant analysis, are analyzed to determine how they are theoretically affected by the factors of the model. The empirical portion of this research consists of two phases. The first phase concerns refinement of the theoretical model, while the second phase provides validation of the refined model. The result is a model which provides an interval-level ranking of expected technique effectiveness for classification decisions. Validation of the model occurs in two forms. In one form of validation, the factor effects of the model provide hypotheses which are tested via analysis of variance using the simulation results. Support is found for these hypotheses. As another form of validation, the model is applied by measuring the factor levels from a data set with predictor variables ease-of-use and usefulness and outcome variable software package use. Based on the factor levels, the model is employed to obtain a ranking of expected effectiveness for the three machine learning techniques and discriminant analysis. Next, the actual performance of the techniques is measured and compared with the predictions of the model. The results are statistically analyzed using analysis of variance to test support for the model. General support is found, and implications are discussed for researchers who compare machine learning techniques, developers who build new machine learning techniques, and practitioners who use machine learning techniques. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Robust PCA via $\ell _{0}$ - $\ell _{1}$ Regularization

We study the problem of low-rank and sparse decomposition from possibly noisy observations, known as Robust PCA, where the sparse component can be seen as outliers. We first propose a modified objective function where the nuclear norm captures the low-rank term, $\ell _0$ -“norm” addresses the sparse outlier term, and an $\ell _1$ -norm to deal with the additive noise term. The associated algorithm, termed sparsity regularized principal component pursuit (SRPCP), is shown to converge. Under certain model and algorithm parameter settings, it is shown that SRPCP can recover the low-rank component and sparse component exactly in the noiseless case. In the noisy case, we first prove that the widely used principal component pursuit (PCP) method, which was designed for the noiseless case, is actually stable to dense noise. Then, we show that SRPCP has smaller estimation error bound, and can identify outlier entries without any false alarm. Another important byproduct of our analysis is the result that PCP with missing entries is also stable to dense noise. We further propose another objective function which replaces the above nuclear norm by the log-determinant. The proposed algorithm, termed iterative reweighted sparsity regularized principal component pursuit, is also shown to converge. In each iteration, it solves a weighted nuclear norm regularized robust matrix completion problem. We propose an alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm to solve this nonconvex subproblem, which also converges. Empirical studies demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed $\ell _{0}$ - $\ell _{1}$ regularization framework to deal with the outliers as well as its advantage over the existing state-of-the-art methods.
Sourcing qingbai porcelains from the Java Sea Shipwreck: Compositional analysis using portable XRF

Abstract This paper evaluates the use of portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) on glazes and pastes for sourcing Chinese porcelains from the 12th-13th century Java Sea Shipwreck (JSW) collection at the Field Museum. Three types of qingbai (bluish-white) wares from the JSW collection were chosen for pXRF analysis. Samples from four kiln complexes in China—Jingdezhen, Dehua, Huajiashan, and Minqing, hypothesized to be potential sources of the shipwreck’s qingbai ceramics based on visual inspection—were also analyzed to establish reference groups. Results from kiln samples show that different kiln complexes can be clearly differentiated by pXRF analysis of glazes. Based on pXRF analysis of ceramic samples from the JSW, there appear to be four compositional groups, and each group closely matches one of the four kiln reference groups. These findings support the use of pXRF on glazes, especially when pastes are difficult to access, as a method for identifying the potential sources for overseas cargos found distant from production contexts for Chinese porcelains.
Solutions and Hints for Selected Problems

Abstract Solutions and hints for about half of selected practice problems are presented in this chapter. Each problem is labeled with an estimated level of difficulty and list of most relevant chapters.
The atmospheric system: Air quality and greenhouse gases

Trees in cities affect air quality and greenhouse gases in numerous ways and consequently affect environmental quality and human health. Urban vegetation can directly and indirectly affect local and regional air quality by altering the urban atmospheric environment. The main ways that urban trees affect air quality and greenhouse gases are through (a) air temperature reduction and other microclimatic effects, (b) removal of air pollutants and atmospheric carbon, (c) emission of volatile organic compounds and emissions associated with tree maintenance, and (d) altering energy use in buildings and consequently pollutant and carbon emissions from power plants. By understanding the effects of trees and forests on the atmospheric environment, managers can design appropriate and healthy vegetation structure in cities to improve air quality and consequently human health and well-being for current and future generations.
A Survey on Algorithmic Approaches on Electric Vehicle Adaptation in a Smart Grid: An Introduction to Battery Consolidation Systems

During the past decade, the smart grid (SG) concept has been advancing better global acceptance of the electric vehicle (EV) notion. Additionally, the incorporation of renewable energy (RE) resources in the SG is a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions in an intelligent manner. Due to technological barriers at this moment, battery charging time is one of the most significant hurdles for wide adaptation of EVs. The average charging time for EVs is relatively long compared to conventional vehicles refueling. Battery Exchange Stations (BES), which can offer battery exchange plans, facilitate the adaptation of EVs into the SG. Optimizing the incorporation of components such as EVs, RE, and BESs into the base of the SG is a key challenge. In the literature, there are many studies on BESs, which propose algorithms in a solus manner to improve the incorporation of existing components into the SG. However, none of these studies have proposed a comprehensive model that considers the incorporation and transaction of all of the above mentioned components into the SG. In this paper, the authors present a survey on the existing algorithmic approaches to adapt EVs into the SG through BESs. They then introduce the concept of a battery consolidation system, which is a solution that focuses on optimizing the incorporation and transaction of all of the components in the SG. The authors propose a system model for a battery consolidation system, and then formulate the BES optimization problem based on the system model. Finally, the authors present different scenarios for some theoretical situations for EV adaptation in the SG.
Fundamentals of Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Biomolecules

Ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) combines complementary size- and mass-selective separations into a single analytical platform. This chapter provides context for both the instrumental arrangements and key application areas that are commonly encountered in bioanalytical settings. New advances in these high-throughput strategies are described with description of complementary informatics tools to effectively utilize these data-intensive measurements. Rapid separations such as these are especially important in systems, synthetic, and chemical biology in which many small molecules are transient and correspond to various biological classes for integrated omics measurements. This chapter highlights the fundamentals of IM-MS and its applications toward biomolecular separations and discusses methods currently being used in the fields of proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics.
Intravesicular Cidofovir in the Treatment of BK Virus–Associated Hemorrhagic Cystitis Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation:

Background: BK virus hemorrhagic cystitis (BKV-HC) is a common complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); optimal management remains uncertain. Supportive care (bladder irrigation and blood transfusions) and intravenous and intravesicular cidofovir have all been used with varying success. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of intravesicular cidofovir for BKV-HC following HSCT. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all HSCT patients with BKV-HC prescribed intravesicular cidofovir from 2012 to 2017. Results: 33 patients were treated for BKV-HC. The median age was 50 years (range 23-73), and 18 (55%) were male. The median HC symptom severity was 2, with a median BK urine viral load pretreatment of 100,000,000 IU/mL. Patients received a median of 2 intravesicular treatments (range 1-7) at a dosage of 5 mg/kg per instillation. In all, 19 (59%) patients demonstrated complete clinical resolution of symptoms; 9 (28%) had a partial response; and 4 (13%) had no change in symptoms. Patients with a high pretreatment BK viral load (>100 million) and high HC grade (2-4) had a lower frequency of complete remission. The main side effect of intravesicular instillation was severe bladder spasms in 4 patients (12%). Conclusion and Relevance: This is the largest study of intravesicular cidofovir treatment of BKV HC reported to date; 88% of patients with BVK-HC achieved clinical improvement of symptoms with minimal side effects. Clinical trials of intravesicular cidofovir could provide further evidence for this treatment for BKV-HC.
The Liberal Case Against the Modern Class Action

Professor Brian Fitzpatrick has recently written a provocative book, seeking to make the conservative case for class actions. In this essay, the author makes the liberal case against the modern class action. “Liberalism” is defined here as a process-based theory that requires constitutionally valid social policy choices to be made by those who are representative of and accountable to the electorate. It chooses this over the more popular substantive-based form of modern liberalism, because it finds adherence to the democratic process as a necessary condition for liberalism; the concept of “fascist liberalism” is oxymoronic. On the basis of this premise, the essay finds certain types of modern class actions to be fundamentally inconsistent with process-based liberalism. Where individual class member claims are so small that, as a practical matter, most claims will not be paid, and this is clear from the outset of the case, the class action undermines the foundations of controlling substantive law. It does so by ignoring the remedial element in the law being enforced: compensation to victims. And it does so not through transparent alteration in controlling substantive law, but rather through a kind of procedural process of alchemy that transforms a compensatory statute magically into a form of civil fine or qui tam action. A suit does not arise under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Rather, it arises under the underlying substantive law being enforced, and in these “faux” class actions, the procedural rule impermissibly transforms the substantive DNA of the law being enforced. In so doing it threatens to undermine the operation of representative democracy, which itself constitutes a foundational element of liberal political philosophy.
Characterizing Frequency-Selective Network Vulnerability for Alzheimer's Disease by Identifying Critical Harmonic Patterns

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multi-factor neurodegenerative disease that selectively affects certain regions of the brain while other areas remain unaffected. The underlying mechanisms of this selectivity, however, are still largely elusive. To address this challenge, we propose a novel longitudinal network analysis method employing sparse logistic regression to identify frequency-specific oscillation patterns which contribute to the selective network vulnerability for patients at risk of advancing to the more severe stage of dementia. We fit and apply our statistical method to more than 100 longitudinal brain networks, and validate it on synthetic data. A set of critical connectome pathways are identified that exhibit strong association to the progression of AD.
Complex Matrices and the Unitary Diagonalizabity of Hermitian Matrices

In this section, we seek to tie up some loose ends. First, although we have stated all the definitions and proved all the results in §§8–9 as if they applied only to real (n × n) matrices A, the truth is that just about everything said in §§8–9 about real matrices has its analogue in the theory of complex matrices. Let us go through §§8–9 point by point and isolate the (few) instances where realness of A makes a difference.
Neoliberal Civil Procedure

This Article argues that the current era of U.S. civil procedure is defined by its neoliberalism. The Supreme Court has over the past few decades reinterpreted the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in ways that place barriers in the way of citizens seeking to bring civil claims. The major decisions of this new era—in areas as diverse as summary judgment, pleading, class actions, and arbitration—exhibit neoliberal hallmarks. They display neoliberalism’s tendency to naturalize existing market arrangements, its focus on efficiency and obscuring of questions of power, its reduction of citizens to consumers, and its attempt to analyze government through the lens of market-modeled concepts. As the Court’s procedural decisions make it increasingly difficult for citizens to bring claims enforcing regulatory law—including antitrust, antidiscrimination, consumer protection, and worker protection law—the Court’s neoliberal orientation lurks in the background and helps to explain procedure’s modern progression. In order to fully appreciate, critique, and potentially move beyond the current era of U.S. civil procedure, it is important to understand the neoliberal logic that drives it—and the logics and values it obscures and sidelines.
Impact of radiotherapy on daily function among older adults living with advanced cancer (RT impact on function in advanced cancer).

Abstract Background While radiation therapy (RT) improves function, and quality of life for patients with advanced cancers, patients frequently experience a period of acute toxicity during which functional abilities may decline. Little is understood about changes in functional outcomes after RT in older adults. This study aims to examine changes in daily function at 1 and 6 months following RT. Methods We reviewed the charts of 117 patients who underwent palliative RT on a prospective registry. Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores ranging from 0 to 6 and 0–8, respectively, were collected at baseline, one-month, and six months post-RT. Patients were classified as low deficit for ADL/IADL if they had 0–1 deficits and high deficit if they had 2+ deficits. Results One-hundred seventy RT courses were identified; 99 were evaluable at each time point. The median age was 67 years. At baseline, 29.5 and 29.9% of patients were classified as high-deficit for ADL and IADL functioning, respectively. At one-month, the majority of patients who were low-deficit at baseline remained so for both measures while approximately one quarter of high-deficit patients showed improvement. Most patients identified as low-deficit at one-month remained so at six-months, while no high-deficit patients improved from one- to six-months. Factors associated with high ADL and IADL deficits included: time (six months), increasing age, and Hispanic/other race. Compared to those with ECOG score of 3, patients with lower scores (0–2) had lower odds of high deficit. Conclusion ADL and IADL tools may be useful in describing changes in daily function after palliative RT and in identifying groups of patients who may benefit from additional supportive geriatric care interventions.
Human endothelial cells and fibroblasts express and produce the coagulation proteins necessary for thrombin generation.

In a previous study, we reported that human endothelial cells (ECs) express and produce their own coagulation factors (F) that can activate cell surface FX without the additions of external proteins or phospholipids. We now describe experiments that detail the expression and production in ECs and fibroblasts of the clotting proteins necessary for formation of active prothrombinase (FV–FX) complexes to produce thrombin on EC and fibroblast surfaces. EC and fibroblast thrombin generation was identified by measuring: thrombin activity; thrombin–antithrombin complexes; and the prothrombin fragment 1.2 (PF1.2), which is produced by the prothrombinase cleavage of prothrombin (FII) to thrombin. In ECs, the prothrombinase complex uses surface-attached FV and γ-carboxyl-glutamate residues of FX and FII to attach to EC surfaces. FV is also on fibroblast surfaces; however, lower fibroblast expression of the gene for γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) results in production of vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteins (FII and FX) with reduced surface binding. This is evident by the minimal surface binding of PF1.2, following FII activation, of fibroblasts compared to ECs. We conclude that human ECs and fibroblasts both generate thrombin without exogenous addition of coagulation proteins or phospholipids. The two cell types assemble distinct forms of prothrombinase to generate thrombin.
Structural diversity in phenyl bismuth(III) bis(carboxylate) complexes

Abstract In order to probe the effect of solvent and substituents on the formation of bismuth carboxylates, triphenylbismuth (BiPh3) was treated with salicylic acid, 5-bromosalicylic acid, 3-methoxysalicylic acid, 5-nitrosalicylic acid, 3-methylanthranilic acid, 5-chloroanthranilic acid, and N-acetylanthranilic acid in a 1:2 ratio in a variety of solvents. The following compounds were isolated and structurally characterized: [PhBi(5-Br-2-OH-C6H3CO2)2(Me2CO)], 1; [PhBi(5-Br-2-OH-C6H3CO2)2(EtOH)]·(EtOH) (H2O), 2; [PhBi(5-O2N-2-OH-C6H3CO2)2(4,4′-bipy)]·EtOH (4,4′-bipy = 4,4’-bipyridine), 3; [PhBi(5-Cl-2-NH2-C6H3CO2)2], 4; [Ph2Bi2(3-MeO-2-OH-C6H3CO2)4(EtOH)], 5; [Ph2Bi2(3-MeO-2-OH-C6H3CO2)4(i-PrOH)], 6; [PhBi(2-MeC(O)NH–C6H3CO2)2]·EtOH, 7; [PhBi(3-MeO-2-OH-C6H3CO2)2]∞·PhCH3, 8; [PhBi(3-Me-2-NH2-C6H3CO2)2(2,2′-bipy)]·0.42MeCN; (2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), 9; cis-[PhBi(5-Br-2-OH-C6H3CO2)2]2, 10; trans-[PhBi(5-Br-2-OH-C6H3CO2))2]2·2MeCN, 11; [PhBi(5-Br-2-OH-C6H3CO2))2]2·2MeOH, 12, trans- [PhBi(2-OH-C6H4CO2)2]2, 13. Compounds 1 and 2 are monomeric possessing a coordinated solvent molecule in an equatorial coordination site of a pentagonal pyramidal bismuth(III) center. The same coordination geometry is found in 3 where two such units are tethered together via the 4,4’-bipyridine ligand. Compounds 5 and 6 form dimers in which one Bi atom attains a pentagonal pyramidal geometry via coordination of the solvent and the other via binding to the phenol group of a 3-methoxysalicylate ligand attached to the other Bi atom. Compounds 7 and 8 are polymeric. In 7, a coordination polymer is created by the donation of the acetyl oxygen atom of the [PhBi(2-MeC(O)NHC6H3CO2)2] unit to an adjacent [PhBi(2-MeC(O)NHC6H3CO2)2] center, while in 8 a similar situation arises but through the phenolic and methoxy oxygen atoms of a 3-methoxysalicylate ligand, giving rise to the first observed hexagonal pyramidal coordination complex of a bismuth carboxylate. In 9, one of the carboxylate ligands is bidentate while the other remains monodentate, displaying the same structural geometry as previously reported for [PhBi(2-MeO-C6H4CO2)2(2,2′-bipy)]·0.5EtOH and [PhBi(4-Me-2-OH-C6H3CO2)2(2,2′-bipy)]. Compounds 10–13 are dimeric structures arising from shared carboxylate oxygen atoms that bridge the two bismuth atoms.
The effect of plausibility on eye movements in reading: Testing E-Z Reader’s null predictions

Abstract The E-Z Reader 10 model of eye movements in reading (Reichle, Warren, & McConnell, 2009) posits that the process of word identification strictly precedes the process of integration of a word into its syntactic and semantic context. The present study reports a single large-scale ( N = 112) eyetracking experiment in which the frequency and plausibility of a target word in each sentence were factorially manipulated. The results were consistent with E-Z Reader’s central predictions: frequency but not plausibility influenced the probability that the word was skipped over by the eyes rather than directly fixated, and the two variables had additive, not interactive, effects on all reading time measures. Evidence in favor of null effects and null interactions was obtained by computing Bayes factors, using the default priors and sampling methods for ANOVA models implemented by Rouder, Morey, Speckman, and Province (2012). The results suggest that though a word’s plausibility may have a measurable influence as early as the first fixation duration on the target word, in fact plausibility may be influencing only a post-lexical processing stage, rather than lexical identification itself.
Gerrymandering and the Voting Rights Act of 1982: A public choice analysis of turnover in the U.S. House of Representatives

The present paper uses various data sets and statistical techniques to examine the outcome of gerrymandering under the Voting Rights Act of 1982 on turnover rates in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the competitiveness in Party primaries for House seats. Evidence presented here suggests that political redistricting at the federal level (namely for U.S. House seats) has tended to favor incumbents in both the Party primaries and general elections. In fact, some results suggest that turnover rates (for 1988) are between 8.9 and 10.3 percentage points lower within states that engaged in such redistricting efforts. Our findings generally support the main tenets of the public choice view of legislator behavior.
Position of the patella in adults in central India: evaluation of the Insall-Salvati ratio.

Purpose. To assess the Insall-Salvati ratio in normal Indian adults to determine its applicability and the incidence of patella alta and baja in Indian populations. Methods. 800 knees in 200 men and 200 women aged 18 to 50 (mean, 30) years were evaluated using lateral radiographs. The knee was set in semi-flexion (30o) to enable good visualisation of the patellar tendon and its insertion into the tibia on radiographs. The length of the patellar tendon (LT) over the length of the patella (LP)—the Insall-Salvati ratio—was measured, using a vernier caliper. Results. The mean LT/LP ratio was 1.14 (standard deviation, 0.18). Based on the 95% confidence interval, the ratio was considered normal if within ±40%. The LT/LP ratio was significantly higher in females than males (1.17 vs. 1.12, p 1.5 vs. >1.2, p 1.5) and patella baja (ratio, <0.7) were 2.8% and 1%, respectively. Conclusion. The use of the Insall-Salvati ratio to determine the patellar position is less applicable to Indian populations in which squatting, sitting crosslegged, and kneeling are customs. We propose that the normal range of the ratio for squatters among Indian populations be 0.7 to 1.5.
Ensuring the Public Trust at the Municipal Level: Inspectors General Enter the Mix

Although federal, state and local government officials are subject to applicable codes of ethical conduct and are under the jurisdiction of ethics enforcement agencies created pursuant to these laws, ethics oversight agencies are limited in the breadth and scope of covered activities. With an increase in reported allegations of corruption, particularly at the local government level, this article explores the addition of the audit function, through inspectors general, to ensure greater transparency and accountability of public officials. The article begins with a very brief historical overview of the emergence of the inspector general concept in Europe and its adoption in the United States at the federal and state levels. The article continues with a focused examination of the reasons behind the creation of inspectors general at the municipal level and the various models or forms that have emerged in the establishment, jurisdiction, the operation of these offices and budget issues. The next section examines the interplay between inspectors general, ethics commissions and law enforcement agencies. Consideration is then given to the cost-benefit analysis of the municipal inspector general, exploring whether the expense can be justified by the savings and other associated benefits. Finally, the article concludes with a recommendation that in the current era of scarce fiscal resources, especially at the local level, municipalities should consider whether the establishment of an inspector general office can assist in not only furthering a commitment to ethical government, but in identifying cost-savings for the locality.
Process-specific constraints in Optimality Theory

Similar phonological processes can be governed by different constraints. Davis (1995) claims that the effect of such process-specific constraints cannot be obtained in Optimality Theory (OT), exemplifying this point with material from harmony in Palestinian Arabic. On the contrary, I show that process-specific constraints are a natural and expected result of constraint ranking, the fundamental idea of OT. Furthermore, OT makes a restrictive prediction, the subset criterion, about coexistent process-specific constraints within a single grammar - a prediction supported by the Palestinian material. Davis also presents evidence that epenthetic segments have featural specifications, claiming that OT says they are featureless. This is incorrect; OT is a model of constraint interaction, not of the representation of epenthetic segments
A Constructive Move

We have had occasion to observe how often logicians, linguists and grammarians have propounded all too-simple theories concerning the seemingly simple problem: What is in a name?
Integral Uniform Flows in Symmetric Networks

We study the integral uniform (multicommodity) flow problem in a graph G and construct a fractional solution whose properties are invariant under the action of the automorphism group Aut(G) of G. The fractional solution is shown to be close to an integral solution (depending on properties of Aut(G)), and in particular becomes an integral solution for a class of graphs containing Cayley graphs. As an application we estimate asymptotically (up to error terms) the edge congestion of an optimal integral uniform flow (edge forwarding index) in the cube connected cycles and the butterfly.
The relationship of autophagy defects to cartilage damage during joint aging in a mouse model.

Objectives Aging is a main risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Defects in autophagy, an essential cellular homeostasis mechanism, have recently been observed in OA articular cartilage. The objectives of this study were to establish the constitutive level of autophagy activation in normal cartilage and monitor the temporal relationship of changes in autophagy and aging-related cartilage degradation.
5,5′-Dimethyl-2,2′-bipyrazine

The crystal structure of the title compound, C10H10N4, a mol­ecule synthesized as a dye, was determined by X-ray diffraction at room temperature. The mol­ecule has a center of inversion located midway between the pyrazine units.
Existence of linear feedback control for certain types of global stability

Deals with a class of nonlinear control systems of the form x'=Ax+f(x)+Bu where the nonlinear term f(x) is quadratic and has the orthogonality property x/sup T/f(x)=0 for all x. In the context of Lyapunov's second method, the existence of a linear feedback control u=Kx is examined. Sufficient conditions are discussed for the system to be controlled to a system with the origin as a global asymptotic stable point or to a system which is point dissipative. A system is point dissipative if there exists a bounded region into which every trajectory eventually enters and remains. >
Incorporating Regional Priorities into Global Conferences: A Review of the Regional Preparatory Committee Meetings for Rio+20

This year, the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) marks the fortieth anniversary of the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, the twentieth anniversary of the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro and the tenth anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. As part of the preparations for Rio+20, the five UN Regional Economic Commissions convened regional preparatory meetings. These regional meetings have become de rigueur in the run-up to international conferences or summits. This article examines the regional contribution to Rio+20 by looking at the history of the UN Regional Economic Commissions and their role in preparing for the global sustainable development conferences, with specific emphasis on the Rio+20 process, and how the regional preparatory meetings examined some of the major issues on the agenda.
The Logic and Rhetoric of a Table of Contents

Much like a sentence or paragraph, the table of contents for a technical report can be designed systematically on the basis of a logic and rhetoric developed from experience. Being true to technica...
Cholinergic role in alcohol's effects on evoked potentials in visual cortex of the albino rat

Photic evoked potentials were recorded from the visual cortex of chronically implanted albino rats. Since photic evoked potential components are representations of neural pathways which are activated during photic stimulation, study of the effects of alcohol on these components may help to trace pathways which are affected by alcohol. In the present study, evoked potentials were recorded at 5, 20, and 40 min following IP injections of saline, ethanol (2.0 g/kg), physostigmine (0.6 mg/kg) or atropine (15.0 mg/kg) on separate days. Ethanol depressed the amplitudes of most evoked potential components in comparison to saline administration. Component P2, however, was increased in amplitude. Physostigmine briefly reduced the amplitude of most components, including P2. In contrast, atropine increased the amplitudes of components P1 and P2, while decreasing components N1, N2 and N3 for varying durations of time. Physostigmine pretreatment augmented the depressant effect of alcohol on the early components P1 and N1, while attenuating alcohol's influence on components P2 and P3. Pretreatment with atropine likewise further reduced the amplitudes of components P1 and N1, and produced a similar effect on component N3. Atropine, either alone or in combination with alcohol, produced approximately the same degree of enhancement of component P2. In comparison to saline values, all three agents produced reliable increases in peak latency for most of the components, with only N3 showing no effects. The amplitude data from this study suggest that ethanol's augmentation of component P2 may result, at least in part, from alterations in cholinergic functions.
Charge Transfer in Na + -O - Collisions at Low Relative Energy

Total cross sections have been measured for electron transfer from ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ to ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$, resulting in optically allowed transitions to $\mathrm{Na}(^{2}S)$ ground state. A merged-beam technique was used to study the collisions in the energy range 0.1-7 eV. Structure in the curves of cross sections vs relative energy indicates that the excitation of oxygen plays an important role in the charge-transfer process. Cross sections for an endoergic process, giving $\mathrm{Na}(4p)$, are of order ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$; cross sections for the exoergic processes leading to production of $\mathrm{Na}(3d)$ and $\mathrm{Na}(3p)$ are of order ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Production of $\mathrm{Na}(3d)$ is nearly a resonant process; production of $\mathrm{Na}(3p)$ is apparently due to a cascade from $\mathrm{Na}(3d)$.
Metaphysical Elements in Physics

Our time appears to be distinguished by its taboos, among which there is to be found the broad convention that the word metaphysics 1 must never be used in polite scientific society. When I infringe upon this custom, and the title of this paper leaves me without defense to this accusation, the reaction is likely to take one of two standard forms: the so-called “working” physicist will say (after muttering one of his milder oaths), “Why bother about metaphysics when there is enough physics to occupy every one’s attention, and even more? A person who talks metaphysics nowadays gives evidence of an outmoded taste and of insufficient knowledge.” Well-meaning friends and kinder souls will tolerate the infraction of etiquette, expecting that I shall redeem myself by digging up some unfortunate bits of metaphysics which have still been hidden in modern physics, by exhibiting them with scorn and disapproval and finally disposing of them in a fitting manner.
Serum IGFBPs Levels Prior to and During Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Children. Differences Related to Chronological Age (CA)

Serum IGFBPs Levels Prior to and During Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Children. Differences Related to Chronological Age (CA)
Pineal Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase: Expression Cloning and Molecular Analysis

Pineal serotonin N-acetyltransferase (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, or AA-NAT) generates the large circadian rhythm in melatonin, the hormone that coordinates daily and seasonal physiology in some mammals. Complementary DNA encoding ovine AA-NAT was cloned. The abundance of AA-NAT messenger RNA (mRNA) during the day was high in the ovine pineal gland and somewhat lower in retina. AA-NAT mRNA was found unexpectedly in the pituitary gland and in some brain regions. The night-to-day ratio of ovine pineal AA-NAT mRNA is less than 2. In contrast, the ratio exceeds 150 in rats. AA-NAT represents a family within a large superfamily of acetyltransferases.
Mechanics of Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells in Tissue Constructs: Effects of Matrix Composition

Remodeling of arteries in response to altered loads is an area of intense interest to cardio-vascular clinicians and researchers. In humans, changes due to cardiovascular diseases (e.g. aortic dilatation) may occur slowly over many years, and mathematical models that describe the remodeling response are needed for predicting the course, and possible treatment, of these diseases. Recently, Humphrey and coworkers have proposed constrained mixture models [1] that can describe these acute and chronic changes[2, 3]. These models consider local stresses in the arterial wall to be the sum of individual contributions from collagen, elastic fibers, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) Therefore, the mechanical behavior of VSMCs (presumed to be mechanically in parallel) should be independent of the exact composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) at any specified stage of tissue remodeling. Previously we have studied the mechanics of VSMCs in 3-D bio-artificial tissue constructs made with collagen [4]. In this study, we made 3-D constructs using fibrin, and investigated whether VSMC morphology and mechanics are dependent on the ECM composition. Because previous studies have shown that VSMCs respond to cyclic stretch by increasing alignment and extra-cellular matrix production[5], we measured the mechanical responses of the VSMCs under continuous cyclic stretch.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Piezoelectric properties of sol-gel-derived samarium-dysprosium-modified lead titanate ceramics

Samarium- and dysprosium-modified lead titanate ceramics have been prepared by a sol-gel route to utilize the finer control of the process on homogeneity and microstructure. By varying the sintering schedule (temperature and time) for samarium-modified PbTiO3, ceramics with grain sizes ranging from submicrometre to 4 μm have been prepared. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of ceramics poled sequentially from 0 to 60 kV cm−1 are reported. The dependence of the electromechanical properties on grain size and poling conditions is discussed. It is shown that dysprosium behaves very differently to samarium, and the successful insertion of dysprosium into the Pb2+ sites to produce true dysprosium-modified PbTiO3 ceramics was not possible.
Small nerve fiber dysfunction in diabetic neuropathy

Sensory and autonomic small nerve fiber function was studied in 142 type I diabetics and 45 control subjects. Thermal sensitivity (TS), hot pain sensitivity, and the activity of sweat glands (SGs) were quantitated on the dorsum of the hand and the foot. TS was abnormal in 86% of patients in the foot and 66% in the hand. TS was more sensitive than the hot pain threshold, the number of pilocarpine activated SGs, or the amount of sweat secreted, all of which were abnormal in about 50% of patients for the foot and less than 25% in the hand. Thermal and sweating tests correlated significantly with the scores of abnormal temperature and pinprick sensation obtained by physical examination but not with the duration of the diabetes. TS was also correlated with motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters, but SG number was not. The results indicate that diabetic neuropathy has a variable presentation in different types of nerve fibers.
LOSS OF THE BCL-2 PHOSPHORYLATION LOOP DOMAIN INCREASES RESISTANCE OF HUMAN LEUKEMIA CELLS (U937) TO PACLITAXEL-MEDIATED MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION AND APOPTOSIS

The impact of ectopic expression of an N-terminal phosphorylation loop deletant Bcl-2 protein (Bcl-2Delta32-80) on the response of U937 monoblastic leukemia cells to paclitaxel was examined. In contrast to recent findings in HL-60 cells (Fang et al., Cancer Res. 58, 3202, 1998), U937 cells overexpressing Bcl-2Delta32-80 were significantly more resistant than those overexpressing full-length protein to caspase-3 and -9 activation, PARP degradation, and apoptosis induced by paclitaxel (500 nM; 18 h). Bcl-2Delta32-80 was also more effective than its full-length counterpart in opposing paclitaxel-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, e.g., loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) and cytochrome c release into the cytoplasm. Enhanced resistance of U937/Bcl-2Delta32-80 cells to paclitaxel was observed primarily in the G2M population. Together, these findings demonstrate that deletion of the Bcl-2 phosphorylation loop domain increases resistance of U937 leukemia cells to paclitaxel-mediated mitochondrial damage and apoptosis and suggest that factors other than, or in addition to, phosphorylation contribute to Bcl-2-related cytoprotectivity against paclitaxel in this model system.
Exercise Holds Immediate Benefits for Affect and Cognition in Younger and Older Adults

Physical activity is associated with improved affective experience and enhanced cognitive processing. Potential age differences in the degree of benefit, however, are poorly understood because most studies examine either younger or older adults. The present study examined age differences in cognitive performance and affective experience immediately following a single bout of moderate exercise. Participants (144 community members aged 19 to 93) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: (a) exercise (15 min of moderate intensity stationary cycling) or (b) control (15 min completing ratings of neutral IAPS images). Before and after the manipulation, participants completed tests of working memory and momentary affect experience was measured. Results suggest that exercise is associated with increased levels of high-arousal positive affect (HAP) and decreased levels of low-arousal positive affect (LAP) relative to control condition. Age moderated the effects of exercise on LAP, such that younger age was associated with a drop in reported LAP postexercise, whereas the effects of exercise on HAP were consistent across age. Exercise also led to faster RTs on a working memory task than the control condition across age. Self-reported negative affect was unchanged. Overall, findings suggest that exercise may hold important benefits for both affective experience and cognitive performance regardless of age.
Tableaux and hypersequents for justification logics

Abstract Justification logic is a new generation of epistemic logics which along with the traditional modal knowledge/belief operators also consider justification assertions ‘ t is a justification for F .’ In this paper, we introduce a prefixed tableau system for one of the major logics of this kind S4LPN , which combines the Logic of Proofs ( LP ) and epistemic logic S4 with an explicit negative introspection principle ¬ t : F → □ ¬ t : F . We show that the prefixed tableau system for S4LPN is sound and complete with respect to Fitting-style semantics. We also introduce a hypersequent calculus HS4LPN and show that HS4LPN is complete. We establish this fact by using a translation from the prefixed tableau system to the hypersequent calculus. This completeness result gives us a semantic proof of cut-admissibility for S4LPN . We conclude the paper by discussing a subsystems of S4LPN , namely S4LP .
Using early care and education quality measures with dual language learners: A review of the research

Abstract As the number of young dual language learners (DLLs) in early care and education (ECE) programs is increasing, it is critical to examine how well measures of the quality of practices in these settings reflect the needs of the diverse groups of children being served. This review of the research literature addressed these questions for ECE settings serving children birth-five: whether quality differs for settings serving high proportions of DLLs compared to typical samples, whether existing quality measures exhibit similar psychometric characteristics and associations with child outcomes in settings serving DLL and non-DLL children, and whether DLL-specific measures perform differently than general measures of quality. The search procedure produced 10 research studies that met the criteria for inclusion in the review out of approximately 3800 that were found initially and more than 300 that were reviewed. These studies included 10 out of 46 identified measures of ECE quality, including both general and DLL-specific measures. Findings suggested that widely used general ECE quality measures function similarly for DLLs compared to typical populations with regard to overall quality, psychometric characteristics, and child outcomes. Further research is needed to broaden the knowledge base for a wider variety of measures, beyond center-based settings, and beyond Spanish-speaking DLLs, as well as to enhance methodological approaches. There appear to be potential research opportunities through numerous existing studies that included DLL populations but had not analyzed their data in regard to these groups.
His bundle electrocardiography in digitalis-induced "atrioventricular junctional" Wenckebach periods with irregular H-H intervals.

Abstract His bundle electrograms were recorded during catheter insertion for prophylactic demand pacing in two patients with accelerated or nonaccelerated “atrioventricular (A-V) junctional” rhythms associated with A-V junctional Wenckebach periods. This appears to be the first published report of so-called A-V junctional Wenckebach periods in which the characteristic irregularities of the H-H intervals were recorded. Patient 1 had an additional area of “complete” anterograde A-V nodal (A-H) block. In Patient 2 the rate of impulse formation was consistent with nonparoxysmal A-V junctional tachycardia. The His bundle recordings were obtained in patients with digitalis toxicity and should be interpreted in that context. The integration of clinical and intracardiac findings with extrapolations from microelectrode and pharmacologic studies and with deductions from the clinical electrocardiograms suggests that the conduction disturbances probably occurred within the A-V node itself (in its AN region). This hypothesis implies that automaticity also originated in the A-V node because the site of impulse formation must have been proximal to the site of the Wenckebach periods. However, conclusive proof of these postulates will require further studies with refined techniques.
Comments on Hamre's Stuttering Prevention

In recent years, the concept of stuttering prevention has gained much professional attention. In two articles, Hamre (1992a, 1992b) makes a critical analysis of the conceptual and methodological bases of stuttering prevention. He concludes that the available research evidence and technology does not support the concept of stuttering prevention. According to Hamre, early treatment of stuttering, not its prevention, should be emphasized until both research and technology support prevention. Although Hamre’s basic thesis that stuttering prevention is currently an unsupported assumption seems appropriate, the road he travels to reach this conclusion seems problematic. It appears to me that Hamre places some valid arguments in a dubious context. A particularly troublesome context for this conclusions is Bloodstein’s continuity hypothesis,
Sunfleck dynamics in relation to canopy structure in a soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) canopy

Abstract The spatial and temporal distributions of sunflecks in a soybean canopy were quantified with an array of photocells and a data logger that measured photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD) at either 0.05-or 1-s intervals. The number of sunflecks recorded per day ranged from 500 to 1800 at cumulative leaf area indices (LAI) of 0.5, and from zero to 500 at positions with cumulative LAI > 3. The most frequent class of sunflecks was 0.4–0.8 s in duration. However, sunflecks shorter than 1.6 s contributed only 6.7% of the PFD available for photosynthesis. Most sunflecks were separated by only a short low-light interval with > 60% occurring within 6 s of a previous sunfleck. Sunflecks contributed 20–93% of the total daily PFD at locations receiving sunflecks. The potential role of the observed sunfleck characteristics in photosynthesis is discussed.
Nickel catalysis for ethylene homo- and co-polymerization

Nickel compounds based upon phosphorus-oxygen chelate ligands, Ph2PCR=CRO−, are effective catalysts for the homopolymerization of ethylene to high molecular weight polyethylene. They will also copolymerize ethylene with alpha-olefins, and more importantly, with polar monomers and carbon monoxide.