cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Institutions and growth: the times-series and cross-section evidence

In his comprehensive analysis of the relationship between institutions and economic growth, Ha-Joon Chang, in his article ‘Institutions and Economic Development: Theory, Policy and History’, reviews the empirical evidence on this relationship emphasizing the contrast between the conclusions that one can derive from the time-series evidence and the claims often made in favor of ‘liberalized institutions’ based on the results of cross-section studies. Does the time-series evidence contradict the results of cross-section studies regarding the relationship between institutions and growth? In this comment, I argue that in stressing the contrast between these two kinds of evidence, Chang falls short of a full criticism, consistent with his theoretical analysis, of cross-section studies while at the same time failing to infer what the time-series evidence really shows.
Ground heat flux estimated from surface soil temperature

This paper presents a novel method that allows the diurnal variation of ground heat flux to be computed from the corresponding time series measurement of surface soil temperature. Soil temperature and soil heat flux over time at one location are uniquely related through a half-order derivative/integral operator when heat transfer in a soil matrix is described by a one-dimensional diffusion equation with a constant diffusivity parameter. Both simulated and observed data have been used to test the method. The case study suggests that the derived relationships between soil heat flux and soil temperature under idealized conditions provide satisfactory approximations for practical purposes. Close agreement of the estimated variables with observations indicates that this proposed method is promising. Its potential applications include the estimation of the regional energy balance at the land surface using remote sensing observations.
Where is the New Jewish conservatism

W 'hoever speaks of Jewish liberalism is accounted an historian or someone out of touch with the contemporary Jewish world. One prevalent recent assumption by observers of the Jewish community--at least those within--has been the growing conservatism of American Jews. By the late 1970s, Jewish liberalism is vestigial. This motif has become so dominant that it is no longer necessary to document the change. Observers either seek to explain Jewish conservatism or they state it simply as a fact taken for granted like the breakdown of the family. No one feels obligated to demonstrate that Jews have indeed become conservative. Although there is a body of literature, some of it quite sophisticated, dealing with Jewish conservatism, little attention is given to documentation. Systematic evidence is replaced by reference to the obvious nature of the phenomenon or to a small number of oft-cited examples, particularly to racial incidents in New York, especially in the late 1960s, and to perceptions of the presidential vote in 1972. Harold Schulweis' insightful article on "The New Jewish Right," published in the first volume of Moment, addresses conservatism among the intellectual Jewish right, but it contains an assumption about the spread of attitudes among the masses.
Wave interaction with a vertical cylinder: spanwise flow patterns and loading

A vertical cylinder is located in a free-surface wave, and a two-camera version of high-image-density particle image velocimetry is employed to characterize the spanwise modes of the flow structure in terms of instantaneous velocity and vorticity. These modes are classified according to organized patterns of velocity in the near wake, and are further interpreted in terms of distinctive arrangements of streamwise vorticity concentrations.At low Keulegan–Carpenter number, which corresponds to small wave height, locally two-dimensional vortices having small scale and circulation tend to form as a symmetrical pair and remain attached, or in close proximity, to the surface of the cylinder. Along the span of the cylinder, the near wake shows either a sinuous S or a unidirectional U mode. The spanwise wavelength λ of the S modes, relative to the cylinder diameter D, lies in the range 1 [lsim ] λ/D [lsim ] 4:5. These values of λ/D represent the spacing between extrema of patterns of cross flow velocity, as well as between clusters of streamwise vorticity of like sign. As the free surface is approached, the value of λ/D scales with the ratio of the minor to major axes of the elliptical particle trajectory of the wave.At moderate values of the Keulegan–Carpenter number, locally two-dimensional vortices having large scale and circulation are shed from the cylinder in an asymmetric arrangement. The corresponding spanwise mode represents the phase variation of this shedding along the span of the cylinder. These sinuous S modes involve large-scale distortions of patterns of both cross flow velocity and streamwise vorticity, which have wavelengths in the range 10 [lsim ] λ/D [lsim ] 110, in contrast to the spacing between individual concentrations of vorticity, which is 1:5D to 4D. Remarkably, it is possible to attain a unidirectional U mode, whereby the phase of the locally two-dimensional vortex shedding is preserved along the entire extent of the cylinder. Signatures of the moments due to the transverse and in-line forces on the cylinder were acquired simultaneously with the patterns of instantaneous velocity and vorticity. Severe modulations of the moment due to the transverse force are associated with spontaneous transformations between basic forms of the sinuous S and unidirectional U modes. The overall form of the signature of the moment due to the in-line force is, however, not generally affected by the spontaneous transformation between modes, but distortion of its peaks is evident.
Acute Beneficial Effect of Fluosol-DA on Urinary Excretion of Stroma-Free Hemoglobin in the Isolated Rat Kidney

In a timed study over 75 min, divided into 5 15-min periods, experimental perfusions of isolated rat kidneys using Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) containing 3.5% (uncrosslinked) stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH) plus 3.5% of the perfluorochemical Fluosol-DA were found to excrete only 13% as much total hemoglobin (Hb) as control perfusions using KRB containing 7% SFH alone (controls). The glomerular filtration rate was the same for experimentals and controls in 3 periods, and slightly higher in the experimentals in 2 periods. However, urine flow was found to be significantly decreased in all 5 periods for the experimentals relative to the controls. These effects can be explained by reabsorption of glomerular filtrate containing Hb by endocytosis of renal tubular cells.
Uroporphyria in Hfe mutant mice given 5-aminolevulinate: A new model of Fe-mediated porphyria cutanea tarda

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), a liver disease with skin lesions caused by excess liver production of uroporphyrin (URO), is associated with consumption of alcoholic beverages or estrogens, and moderate iron overload. Recently, it has been shown that many PCT patients carry mutations in the HFE gene, which is responsible for hereditary hemochromatosis. Mice homozygous for either the null mutation in the Hfe gene or the C282Y missense mutation rapidly accumulate hepatic parenchymal iron similar to patients with hemochromatosis. Here we investigated whether disruption of the murine Hfe gene would result in hepatic uroporphyria. Mice homozygous for the Hfe-null mutation accumulated high levels of hepatic URO when fed 5-aminolevulinate (ALA). Hfe (+/-) mice also accumulated hepatic URO when fed ALA, but at a much slower rate. The amount of accumulated URO in the null mutant mice was similar to that in wild-type mice treated with iron carbonyl in the diet, or injected with iron dextran. Iron in both wild-type and Hfe (+/-) mice was mostly in Kupffer cells. In contrast, Hfe (-/-) mice had considerable parenchymal iron deposition as well, in a pattern similar to that observed in wild-type mice treated with iron carbonyl. URO accumulation was accompanied by 84% and 33% decreases in hepatic uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activities in Hfe (-/-) and Hfe (+/-) mice, respectively. No increases in CYP1A2 or other cytochrome P450s were detected in the Hfe-null mutant mice. We conclude that this experimental model of uroporphyria is a valid model for further investigations into the mechanism of PCT.
Principles of information structure common to six levels of the human cognitive system

Abstract It is argued that, in human cognition, information is organized as the algebraic structure G of a machine such that G is given a factorization sequence G = G 1 . G 2 G n induced by a crucial dynamical systems criterion. This criterion states that, given any representation of a stimulus set S, the cognitive system attempts to remove the properties of S in order of their decreasing instability. The successive stabilization structure is represented as a dynamical system on G such that, under the dynamic, G is given a factorization sequence G 1 . G 2 G n where the successive identity elements en, en − 1, e1, (eiϵGi) become successive sinks in the trajectory structure. It is proposed that any such decomposition G = G 1 . G 2 G n is cognized as a structure of nested control in which each factor Gi is cognized as a control group with respect to the dynamics on the cosets of its right subsequence G j + 1 . G j + 2 G i+1 G i+2 G n . We argue that human cognitive reference frames are structured as such dynamically induced algebraic decompositions G 1 . G 2 G n . Three crucial properties of such frames are that the referential structure, which is induced among the underlying stimuli, is asymmetric, sequential, and explicit, in contrast to current algebraic (group theoretic) models in cognitive psychology, where reference is symmetric, homogeneous and implicit in accord with Klein's view of geometry. Thus stimuli are referentially identified via the succession of sinks, en, en − 1, e1 in the dynamical structure, rather than by invariants under G. Research literature on six levels of human cognition is reviewed in support of these proposals. In ascending order, upward through the human cognitive system, the levels are 1. (1) simple cell function, where the local Fourier-analytic approach is reviewed; 2. (2) psychological scales, where the representation-theoretic and information-quantitative approaches are reviewed; 3. (3) perceptual organization, where classical and modern Gestalt research is reviewed; 4. (4) categorization, where Roschian theory is reviewed; 5. (5) grammatical structure, where both Chomskian and functionalist theories are reviewed 6. (6) planning, where research on biological control and trajectory planning is reviewed.
Putting thought into networks

Intelligent networks (INs) are changing the culture and structure of the telecoms industry, and will change the way that customers think about telephone services. Yet they are doing all this largely unnoticed. The changes are gradual, the name 'intelligent network' means different things to different people, and the only glamorous technologies involved are something of a distraction. INs are a natural technological progression. They are an example of how innovation in services can result from the novel application of conventional technology. INs exploit the improvement in performance and reliability of data processing systems, which means that ordinary computer equipment can be used to control telephone calls in real time. Here, the author explains how intelligent networks are changing the way telecoms services work.
JUVENILE HORMONE REGULATION OF REPRODUCTION IN THE CYCLORRHAPHOUS DIPTERA WITH EMPHASIS ON OOGENESIS

The great diversity seen in the cyclorrhaphous dipterans suggests that it is unlikely that juvenile hormone (JH) plays a common role within the group. The role that JH does play appears to be determined by adult lifestyle and nutritional impact on the neuroendocrine system. Using Phormia regina as a model system, the importance of JH in the reproductive biology of other cyclorrhaphous dipterans are compared. The different JHs found within this group, and the species studied, are presented. The effects of JH on the disappearance of pupal fat body in adults, accessory reproductive gland development, and the ontogeny of sexual behavior are discussed. As for oogenesis, vitellogenin biosynthesis and its uptake are described in more detail. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 35:513–537, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Origin of the Horse

THE receipt of a copy of Prof. J. C. Ewart's admirable paper on “The Multiple Origin of Horses and Ponies” suggests a few remarks. The paper in question is from the Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, 1904—one could wish that it had appeared in a publication which comes more regularly under the notice of zoologists. In a previous paper (Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh, 1903) Prof. Ewart had shown conclusively that Equus prjevalskii was not a hybrid between the kiang and the common horse, and had arrived at the conclusion that it might very well rank as a valid species. Lydekker in 1902 had proposed to regard E. prjevalskii (or przewalskii) as a subspecies of E. caballus, and now Prof. Ewart does the same, while recognising also two other subspecies, E. c. typicus and E. c. celticus. The animal named typicus is the Norse horse, which is arbitrarily selected as the type of the Linnean caballus. The Celtic pony, still surviving in the pure state in Iceland, is given the new name E. c. celticus. In its way, Prof. Ewart's demonstration of the distinctive characters of this animal deserves to rank with Darwin's treatise on the primrose, as an example of genius applied to common things. The case is so clear that the author himself is evidently half inclined to regard the Celtic pony as a valid species, and it seems to me that the facts justify us in recognising three species of living horses, E. prjevalskii (Poliakoff), E. celticus (Ewart) and E. caballus (L.). The indications are that these animals were quite distinct in the wild state, and the fact that various blends between caballus and celticus exist in domestication is no more proof of specific identity than the same sort of thing is among the dogs, which nobody doubts to have originated from more than one wild species.
How Much 'Better' Is Good Enough?: The Magnitude of Treatment Effect in Clinical Trials

• Objectives. —Among the various factors required to calculate sample size for clinical trials, the magnitude of treatment effect anticipated is an important component. The objective of this report is to present some of the complexities involved in selection of treatment effect size in clinical trials. As a framework for discussion, an analysis of published reports related to surfactant therapy was carried out. Design. —Twenty-one consecutive exogenous surfactant trials for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome were analyzed. The "Methods" sections were reviewed for evaluating various components of sample size calculation, including the anticipated treatment effect size. Results. —Sixteen (76%) of the 21 reports provided a description of sample size calculations, and 12 of these gave some reasons for the choice of the anticipated treatment effect size. Expressed as percent change, the median treatment effect from intervention anticipated by the investigators was 50% (range, 15% to 90%), with a positively skewed distribution. The actual median percent reduction in adverse events from treatment (as compared with baseline) was 36% (range, 75% reduction to 5% excess). When the treatment effect was expressed as difference in adverse event rate, in the 14 (of 16) trials that could be analyzed, the median observed reduction in adverse events (death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome) was 14.5% (range, 52% reduction to 2% excess). All trials except one concluded, however, that the intervention was effective, mostly based on additional subgroup calculations. Conclusions. —Researchers often select sample sizes capable of detecting only large treatment effects, thus risking type II error, although sometimes a much smaller effect could be clinically important. While pragmatic considerations must be considered during the design of randomized clinical trials, researchers ought to present a rationale for anticipating a given magnitude of treatment effect in their sample size calculations. It may be possible to consider innovative trial designs that help determine the most appropriate treatment choice with the least possible sample size. ( AJDC . 1992;146:407-411)
Fundamental mechanisms of surface photochemistry

The fundamental mechanisms of photochemistry of molecules adsorbed on solid surfaces are revealed from results obtained by a combination of optical techniques, surface probes, and gas phase analysis. While photon-induced processes similar to those in the gas and liquid phase are observed for the adsorbed molecules, the presence of the substrate introduces important channels for energy exchange, dissipation, and adsorbate photochemistry.
Strong flow criteria based on microstructure deformation

Abstract The dynamics of fluid systems which consist of a suspended material in a Newtonian continuous phase is investigated theoretically. Criteria are derived to predict conditions under which the strength of a flow, i.e. a measure of the form and magnitude of the velocity gradient tensor, is sufficient to induce significant deformation and/or orientation of the fluid microstructure, that is, the elements which collectively comprise the suspended phase. The development relies upon the choice of a model to describe the microstructure, and the form of the criteria reflects this choice. Once the choice is made, however, the detailed material properties of a particular fluid system enter only as parameters in the resulting equations, and thus, the results encompass a large class of systems, including particulate suspensions and macromolecular solutions. Two microstructure models are investigated here. When the microstructure is characterized by a vector, the flow strengths of all linear flows are displayed in a single figure from which the strength of a particular flow can be evaluated directly. A comparison is then made for selected flows between these results and those for the case where an irreducible second order tensor is employed to describe the microstructure. A significant difference between the two models derives from the fact that the “volume” of the microstructure must be conserved in the second-order tensor case. The criteria are finally used to predict the degree of macromolecular stretching in a model turbulent flow and the breakup of immiscible liquid drops in simple shear flow. A comparison between the flow strength predictions and experimental data yields good qualitative agreement in the latter case.
The German Resources Project: the promise of technology in fostering international collaboration

The American Association of Universities/Association of Research Libraries (AAU/ARL) German Resources Project was reorganized in 1998 to include formal working partnerships with German research libraries in pursuing its objective of cooperative collection development. The intent has been to make use of technological developments in telecommunications and computing in addressing the serious challenges arising from stagnant collection development budgets and rapidly rising prices of library materials. Because of their rich traditions and strong support, as well as their sharing similar aims with their American counterparts, German research libraries represent valuable international partners for ARL member libraries in fostering innovative research services for scholars. Explores the conceptual and historical background of cooperative collection development in North America, as well as of German publishing and library history, and in so doing delineates the many points of contact between American and German research libraries.
Approximations to camera sensor noise

Noise is present in all image sensor data. Poisson distribution is said to model the stochastic nature of the photon arrival process, while it is common to approximate readout/thermal noise by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Other sources of signal-dependent noise such as Fano and quantization also contribute to the overall noise profile. Question remains, however, about how best to model the combined sensor noise. Though additive Gaussian noise with signal-dependent noise variance (SD-AWGN) and Poisson corruption are two widely used models to approximate the actual sensor noise distribution, the justification given to these types of models are based on limited evidence. The goal of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive characterization of random noise. We concluded by presenting concrete evidence that Poisson model is a better approximation to real camera model than SD-AWGN. We suggest further modification to Poisson that may improve the noise model.
NEW PHOTOMETRIC STUDY OF THE INTERACTING BINARY STAR SYSTEM Y PISCIUM

We present a new photometric study of Y Piscium (Y Psc), which includes BVI light curves and a period analysis. With an orbital period of 3.77 days, this neglected system undergoes period changes described by an overall quadratic ephemeris with oscillating variability superimposed. Variations in the light curve and ephemeris curve, possibly resulting from changes in the accretion structure and mass transfer rate, suggest that Y Psc may be a direct-impact system like U Coronae Borealis and U Sagittae, which are known to exhibit variable accretion states. The 0.46 m modified Cassegrain telescope at the Kutztown University Observatory (Kutztown, PA) was used to obtain the new CCD photometry over 18 nights of observation between 2011 October 5 and 2012 January 15. We present a new photometric model that was determined using the computer program PHOEBE and suggest a reclassification of the spectral type of the primary star. An analysis of previously recorded times of minimum, in conjunction with our observations, was used to suggest possible physical mechanisms intrinsic to the system. These include magnetic activity (Applegate mechanism) and angular momentum transfer, while the possibility of a third body is ruled out. The results presented here demonstrate that Y Psc is an excellent candidate for a high-resolution spectroscopic study.
The woolly flying squirrel and gliding: does size matter?

The woolly flying squirrelEupetaurus cinereus! Thomas, 1888 is the longest sciurid and most massive mammalian glider in the world. Because of this, there has been some question about the squirrel’s gliding ability. I document three glide events performed by this species. These glide events, coupled with comparisons of glide ratios, ponderal ratios, and a log-log plot of head + body length versus body mass with other flying squirrels, demonstrates that the woolly flying squirrel, despite its size, is a capable glider and is no more robust than other flying squirrels. Predation attempts that were observed during glide events are discussed within an evolutionary context.
Sovereignty in the Balance: Claims and Bargains at the UN Conferences on the Environment, Human Rights, and Women

States vary the content and subject matter of their claims to sovereignty. In an analysis of when states invoked sovereignty at recent UN World Conferences on the environment (1992), human rights (1993), and women (1995), the authors revise and extend Litfin's (1997) notion of bargains among components of sovereignty. At the conferences, states invoked sovereignty in debates over cultural and religious values, economics, and increased international accountability. The authors interpret the debates based on how four elements of sovereignty—autonomy, control, and legitimacy in the eyes of other states and nonstate actors—are traded by states through implicit or explicit bargaining. They identify patterns that vary by issue area. The authors argue that nongovernmental organizations as well as other states may legitimate or delegitimate states' sovereign claims. They find that countries of the global South made more sovereignty claims of all kinds than Northern states. And, sovereignty bargains may be struck more easily over power and economics than social values.
The potential response of eolian sands to greenhouse warming and precipitation reduction on the Great Plains of the U.S.A.

Abstract Sand dunes and sand sheets are extensive on the semi-arid Great Plains but are at present stabilized by a sparse vegetation cover. Use of a dune mobility index, which incorporates wind strength and the ratio of mean annual precipitation to potential evapotranspiration, shows that under predicted greenhouse climate effects of increased temperature and reduced precipitation, sand dunes and sand sheets on the Great Plains are likely to become reactivated over a significant part of the region.
Effects of parity nonconserving internucleon potentials on the photoeffect in H2

Abstract The effect of parity nonconservation on the photodisintegration of the deuteron and on the radiative capture of neutrons by hydrogen is studied. Photodisintegration is calculated at laboratory photon energies of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 140 MeV, and n-p capture at laboratory neutron energies of 0.1 and 0.548 MeV. The internucleon potential of Hamada plus the parity nonconserving potential of Blin-Stoyle are used to represent the proton-neutron interaction. The following experimental ratios (which would vanish for parity conserving forces) have been calculated and all found to be less than 10−7, and therefore too small to be measurable. For photodisintegration: 1. a. The asymmetry of the cross section with respect to the plane of γ-ray polarization. 2. b. The nucleon polarization in the plane of scattering for unpolarized incident γ-rays. For n-p capture: 1. a. The up-down asymmetry in the cross section with polarized incident neutrons. 2. b. The net circular polarization of the outgoing photons with unpolarized incident neutrons.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN THE CARE OF THE CRITICALLY ILL

Abstract Physicians caring for critically ill patients find it extremely difficult to accept responsibility for decisions concerning discontinuation of care. Central to this difficulty is the physician's non-acceptance of his own ultimate mortality. The issue of life versus death is placed in sharper focus than ever before because our ability to keep people alive for weeks or more with critical illness has improved greatly with advances in technology, the facilities and personnel to care for such patients are limited, and the cost is often astronomical. The pressures of intensive care for all critically ill patients often force us to make decisions about discontinuation of care or discharge long before brain death is a certainty. Evasion of this responsibility produces a serious deterioration in the morale of devoted intensive-care-unit personnel who strive to provide the best chance of survival for those whose illness is catastrophic but not necessarily lethal.
Preventing alcohol use among urban American Indian youth : The Seventh Generation program

SUMMARY In comparing alcohol use between American Indian and non-Indian youth, the age at first involvement with alcohol is younger, the frequency and amount of drinking are greater, and negative consequences are more common for Indians. This article presents the results from the first phase of an innovative alcohol prevention program targeting urban Indian youth. Urban Indian youth were chosen as the participants since the majority of the roughly two million American Indians now live in urban areas. The Seventh Generation Program described in this article is unique in that it blends mainstream prevention approaches with American Indian culture to produce a program that is culturally sensitive to and appropriate for the urban Indian community in which it was developed. A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate the Generation Program.
Service pricing: a multi‐step synthetic approach

Examines the advantages and disadvantages of six service pricing approaches in the service literature including: traditional cost‐oriented approach; traditional competitive‐oriented approach; extended cost‐oriented approach; differentiation premium approach; client‐driven approach; and bundle pricing approach. Proposes a multi‐step synthetic pricing approach and a framework to deal with the complexity of service pricing. Compared with other pricing approaches, the multi‐step synthetic service pricing approach has the advantages of considering simultaneously the crucial aspects of service pricing: market competitiveness; internal cost‐profit structure; bundling and unbundling service pricing; service characteristics premium; price standard limits; client‐oriented price/demand sensitivity; and client‐oriented profit maximization. Provides an example to demonstrate the managerial application of the proposed approach.
Cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of shale oil byproducts I. Activation of retort process waters with near ultraviolet light

Cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were exposed to dilutions of shale oil retort process waters obtained from three different retorting processes located in the Green River oil shale formations in the western part of the United States. Although the intensity of the response was dictated by thd process water used, all induced a cytotoxic (reduction in colony-forming ability) and mutagenic (induced at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) locus) response in cells pretreated with dilutions of the waters and subsequent exposure to near ultraviolet light (NUV). Combinations of process water plus NUV yielded mutation frequencies as great as 50% that witnessed for the mutation frequency induced by the potent carcinogen far ultraviolet light. NUV alone was nontoxic and nonmutagenic at the doses of radiation used. Exposure of CHO cells in the dark to nontoxic dilutions of the process waters resulted in small but significant increases in 6-thioguanine resistant mutants. (1-2 time background rates). The biological consequences resulting from the disposal of retort process waters into the delicate environment present in this oil shale region could be further complicated by this photoactivating process.
A Machine Learning Evaluation of an Artificial Immune System

ARTIS is an artificial immune system framework which contains several adaptive mechanisms. LISYS is a version of ARTIS specialized for the problem of network intrusion detection. The adaptive mechanisms of LISYS are characterized in terms of their machine-learning counterparts, and a series of experiments is described, each of which isolates a different mechanism of LISYS and studies its contribution to the system's overall performance. The experiments were conducted on a new data set, which is more recent and realistic than earlier data sets. The network intrusion detection problem is challenging because it requires one-class learning in an on-line setting with concept drift. The experiments confirm earlier experimental results with LISYS, and they study in detail how LISYS achieves success on the new data set.
EXAMINATION OF THE CRYSTALLINITY OF FOOD GELS BY X‐RAY DIFFRACTION

Various concentrations of agar, carrageenan, and gelatin gels made by adsorption and desorption processes were examined for evidence of crystallinity by x-ray diffraction methods in an attempt to correlate this with a measure of water binding. As an approach to quantify the degree of crystallinity, the diffraction photographs were also measured for the amount of adsorbed light using a general purpose densitometer, and for the amount of reflected light using a computerized digitizer and false coloring program. Only an amorphous phase was found in the unstressed desorption gels, indicating that the hypothesis of a high degree of oriented crystalline regions forming a capillary-like matrix is not representative of the true nature of a dilute gel and thus water binding can be based on water-water and water-solute interactions alone. Adsorption gels of carrageenan did show a higher degree of crystallinity in the intermediate water activity range. It is suggested that the thermal and mechanical stress during preparation forced the helices to orient into a capillary network. Densitometer scans were unsuccessful in measuring the degree of order in the gel systems as compared to visual observation of the film.
A renewable flocculant from a poultry slaughterhouse waste and preliminary estimate of production costs

Polymeric flocculants are widely used in industrial and municipal applications to remove solids from waste water and to inhibit soil erosion. Currently used polymeric flocculants are prepared from non-renewable materials. Recent research has revealed that some proteins can be excellent flocculants. The purpose of this research was to determine if protein-rich, but low value chicken blood can be used as a renewable flocculant. Fractions of chicken blood (CKB) were assayed for flocculation activity, and the magnitude of the activity exhibited by these fractions was compared to that of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), the most widely used polymeric flocculant. Activity of the CKB fractions was found to be equivalent to that of PAM at slightly acidic pH values. Since, commercial viability requires retention of activity after dehydration, flocculation trials were conducted with reconstituted samples of freeze and spray dried CKB fractions. Some of the reconstituted samples retained satisfactory flocculation activity. Citric, phosphoric and sulfuric acids were tested to determine if their addition stimulated the flocculation activity of a CKB fraction by slightly decreasing the media pH value. All of the acids were effective, but sulfuric acid is the least costly. A preliminary costs estimate of preparing an active spray dried CKB fraction was completed. The cost of an appropriate amount of sulfuric acid is included in the estimate. The estimate shows that spray dried flocculant prepared from CKB is cost competitive to PAM.
Trends and outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery in North America: an analysis of more than 50,000 patients from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database.

Background This study evaluated trends and outcomes of tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) in North America over the past decade. Methods Adults undergoing TVS between 2000 and 2010 were identified in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database. Trends were evaluated using linear regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted using covariates from the STS valve risk model to identify significant predictors of operative mortality. Results A total of 54,375 patients underwent TVS during the study period. The majority of cases were repairs (89%; n = 48,322) and were performed concomitant with another major procedure (86%; n = 46,593). The proportion of TVS that were repairs increased from 84.6% in 2000 to 89.8% in 2010 ( p = 0.01). Trend analysis revealed significant changes in patient characteristics with time, including increasing age, a higher comorbidity burden, and a higher proportion of emergency cases. Despite worsening risk factors, unadjusted operative mortality for TVS declined from 10.6% in 2000 to 8.2% in 2010 ( p Conclusions During the past decade, repair rates for TVS have increased significantly. Although patients undergoing TVS have demonstrated worsening risk factors, unadjusted and adjusted operative mortalities have declined. Finally, the data suggest that tricuspid valve repair when technically feasible, together with early elective surgical intervention, should be emphasized as potential candidates for continued outcome improvement.
Fluvial, coastal, nearshore, and shelf deposition in the Upper Proterozoic (?) to Lower Cambrian Addy Quartzite, northeastern Washington

Abstract Quartzose and lesser argillaceous strata of the approximately 1300 m thick Upper Proterozoic (?) to Lower Cambrian Addy Quartzite of northeastern Washington record shelf, coastal, and continental sedimentation on an actively subsiding, relatively young passive margin. The lower 400 to 500 m of the Addy Quartzite was deposited immediately following the initiation of subsidence in a wave-dominated coastal and eventually storm-dominated shelf environment. This sequence records relative sea level rise that culminated in high-stand conditions. These sediments grade upwards into approximately 150 m of fluvial strata that record progradation of terrestrial environments during a period of relative sea level fall and a regional low-stand. The upper 700 m of the Addy Quartzite fines upwards from nearshore- to shallow-marine-dominated sediments into shelf-dominated deposits. This sequence marks the reestablishment of net sea level rise. The overall fining-upwards trend displayed by the Addy Quartzite indicates that regional subsidence of the newly formed passive margin was one of the most important factors controlling Addy sedimentation. However, variation seen in this trend throughout the Addy Quartzite indicates that rates of sea level rise associated with subsidence fluctuated and occasionally even reversed. Causes for the variation are inferred to be related to variations in subsidence rates and sediment supply. Textural and compositional data suggest Addy detritus was derived from relatively proximal recycled sedimentary source terranes and more distal continental crystalline terranes.
Deception detection in speech using bark band and perceptually significant energy features

This paper presents the initial results of analysis of nonlinear spectral features for classifying truthful and deceptive speech. These features are derived on a Bark scale based on the psychoacoustic masking property of human speech perception. Truthful and deceptive speeches are established a posteriori by a male speaker under jeopardy. Test results using significant energy features at Bark bands and a neural network have a potential to show delicate variations between truthful and deceptive utterances.
Nitrogen fertilizer requirements for maize produced in the tropics: A comparison of three computer-based recommendation systems

Abstract Nitrogen (N) is often the most limiting nutrient for tropically produced maize ( Zea mays ), yet in many tropical countries, N fertilizer field trials are beyond the institutional and financial capabilities of governments. Under such conditions, simple models to predict N fertilizer requirements can be useful tools. In this study, three methods of predicting N fertilizer requirements, the Stanford, the Transfer Coefficient, and the N Mass Balance models, were selected for evaluation. An expert system was developed to estimate model parameters from qualitative and quantitative information. Six published data sets, encompassing a range of tropical agro-ecological conditions, were used to validate model performance. For the majority of the data sets, the Stanford model predicted average N fertilizer requirements most accurately, whereas predictions made using the N Mass Balance model and the Transfer Coefficient models were less accurate.
The Classical Liberals Were Half Right (or Half Wrong): New Tests of the ‘Liberal Peace’, 1960-88:

Classical liberals such as Kant argued that expanding political participation and increasing economic interdependence would promote peace among states. Recent empirical support for both propositions has led to a growing consensus on the power of the liberal peace'. This article challenges one pillar of the liberal peace. Using a dataset of international disputes from 1960 to 1988, the authors find that there is no statistical evidence of the pacifying effect of economic interdependence. Findings in the existing literature appear to be due to the improper use of the classic logit (or probit) method despite the existence of the simultaneity problem' between the use of force and interdependence (i.e. reciprocal causation). In this study, the authors employ a two-stage probit least squares method to control this problem. Although Kant's prediction with respect to regime type is supported by the analysis, the claim that economic interdependence will decrease conflict is not. The two-stage results reveal that international conflict reduces economic interdependence (rather than interdependence reducing conflict). The findings are robust using five alternative operationalizations of the economic interdependence variable. Finally, a re-analysis of the Russett & Oneal dataset using a two-stage probit model also indicates that the impact of economic interdependence evaporates after correcting for the simultaneity problem.
Laparoscopic Radical Adrenalectomy With Adrenal Vein Tumor Thrombectomy: Technical Considerations

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe the technique of adrenal vein tumor thrombectomy during laparoscopic radical adrenalectomy for cancer.Materials and Methods: During laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a heterogeneous 7 cm left adrenal mass an adrenal vein thrombus was detected intraoperatively. Laparoscopic ultrasonography was used to delineate precisely the tumor thrombus and its extension into the left main renal vein. The left renal artery and vein were transiently controlled with atraumatic vascular clamps. The renal vein was incised and the intact tumor thrombus was removed en bloc with the radical adrenalectomy specimen. The renal vein was suture repaired with 4-zero prolene and the kidney was revascularized.Results: Renal warm ischemia time was 21 minutes, blood loss was 300 cc and operative time was 6.2 hours. Pathological evaluation revealed a 7.5 cm 68 gm adrenal cortical cancer with tumor thrombus. Soft tissue and adrenal vein margins were negative for cancer.Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical adrenalect...
Plasma deposition and characterization of acrylic acid thin film on ZnO Nanoparticles

Acrylic acid polymer thin films were deposited on the surfaces of nanoparticles of ZnO using a plasma polymerization treatment. The average size of nanoparticles was on the order of 50 nm in irregular shapes. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) experiments showed that an extremely thin film of the acrylic acid layer (15 nm) was uniformly deposited on the surfaces of the nanoparticles. The HRTEM results were confirmed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The effect of plasma power on the polyacrylic thin film was studied by Fourier transform infrared experiments. The deposition mechanisms and the effects of plasma treatment parameters are discussed.
Role of Monitoring Changes in Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I Assay Results for Early Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction and Prediction of Risk of Adverse Events

Background: We sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) VITROS® Troponin I-ES assay for early detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and for risk prediction of adverse events in patients with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: cTnI was measured on admission and approximately 6 h postadmission in 381 patients. The 99th percentile cTnI concentration (0.034 μg/L) and change [delta (δ)] between admission and follow-up concentrations were evaluated in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity calculations. Risk of cardiac event or death within 60 days was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: AMI occurred in 52 patients. Diagnostic sensitivities (95% CI) of admission and follow-up cTnIs for AMI were 69% (55%–81%) and 94% (84%–99%), respectively. The corresponding specificities (95% CI) were 78% (73%–82%) and 81% (77%–85%), and ROC curve areas were 0.82 vs 0.96 ( P 30% had a sensitivity of 75% (95% CI 61%–86%) and a specificity of 91% (95% CI 87%–94%). During follow-up, 1 cardiac death, 2 noncardiac deaths, 52 AMIs, 6 coronary artery bypass grafts, and 43 percutanous coronary interventions occurred in 62 patients. A δ cTnI >30%, when added to either initial cTnI >0.034 μg/L or follow-up cTnI >0.034 μg/L, improved risk stratification for cardiac event or death ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Admission cTnI measured by the VITROS ES assay is a sensitive biomarker for detection of AMI. Utilizing >30% cTnI δ in addition to either the baseline or follow-up concentration improved both specificity and risk assessment in patients presenting with symptoms of ACS.
Clean air and the Adirondacks: science, politics, and policy choice

Abstract Science is linked inextricably to environmental policy choices. That relationship is at least as important in clean air policy as it is in other areas of environmental protection and management of natural resources. Yet there is no guarantee that scientific knowledge will dominate the policymaking process, or even be given serious consideration by key policy actors. This is particularly so when health and ecological risks remain uncertain, short-term political and economic factors loom large, and the costs and benefits of dealing with environmental problems are inequitably distributed across geographic boundaries. A review of the history of clean air policy developments both nationally and within New York state and the Adirondack region illuminates these relationships. This paper examines policy activities related to major air quality issues that are pertinent to the Adirondacks, including acid rain and ozone levels. It focuses on the ways in which environmental science and other factors have affected perception of air quality problems and judgments about policy options. It also suggests what might be done to strengthen the relationship between science and policy in future decisions.
Statistical dependency in visual scanning

A method to identify statistical dependencies in the positions of eye fixations is developed and applied to eye movement data from subjects who viewed dynamic displays of air traffic and judged future relative position of aircraft. Analysis of approximately 23,000 fixations on points of interest on the display identified statistical dependencies in scanning that were independent of the physical placement of the points of interest. Identification of these dependencies is inconsistent with random-sampling-based theories used to model visual search and information seeking.
SCDL-NL as a Structured Annotation Language

In this paper, we categorize “semantics” into “taxonomical semantics”, “syntactical semantics” and “formal semantics”. We propose a declarative meta-language SCDL-NL as the foundation of a general annotation language in which “taxonomical and syntactical semantic” information of a sentence can be clearly defined. Since pure natural language is too complicated to be used as a general annotation language, the general annotation language imposes some restrictions on the English grammar so that it can be easily translated into SCDL-NL to facilitate information retrieval.