cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Transient Solutions of Fluid Queues Fed By A Single ON-OFF Source

Transient analysis of fluid queues is an open research area, where matrix analytic methods (MAMs) performed in the transform domain are used to understand time-dependent behavior. However, performing the inversion – either analytically or numerically – is impractical in most cases. This work revisits the work of a fluid-queue driven by a single "ON-OFF" source where asymptotic analysis is performed to produce equivalent representations that depict short and long-time behavior. Numerical simulations illustrate the fidelity of this analysis, where the results can be leveraged to understand transient behavior in different types of fluid models. Furthermore, these results can be adapted to provide better resource estimation of fast-packet switching within various distributed networks.
Geometry of the nuclear envelope determines its flexural stiffness

We performed computational analysis of the bending of the nuclear envelope under applied force using a model that accounts for envelope geometry. Our calculations show that the effective bending mo...
Intracranial vascular flow oscillations in Alzheimer's disease from 4D flow MRI.

Abstract Recent modeling and experimental evidence suggests clearance of soluble metabolites from the brain can be driven by low frequency flow oscillations (LFOs) through the intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) pathway. This study investigates the use of 4D flow MRI to derive LFOs from arterial and venous measures of blood flow. 3D radial 4D flow MRI data were acquired on a 3.0 T scanner and reconstructed using a low-rank constraint to produce time resolved measurements of blood flow. Physical phantom experiments were performed to validate the time resolved 4D flow against a standard 2D phase contrast (PC) approach. To evaluate the ability of 4D flow to distinguish physiologic flow changes from noise, healthy volunteers were scanned during a breath-hold (BH) maneuver and compared against 2D PC measures. Finally, flow measures were performed in intracranial arteries and veins of 112 participants including subjects diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical syndrome (n = 23), and healthy controls (n = 89) on whom apolipoprotein ɛ4 positivity (APOE4+) and parental history of AD dementia (FH+) was known. To assess LFOs, flow range, standard deviation, demeaned temporal flow changes, and power spectral density were quantified from the time series. Group differences were assessed using ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer method for pairwise comparison for adjusted means (P
Cross-cultural differences in mother-preschooler book sharing practices in the United States and Thailand.

Cross-cultural differences in book sharing practices of American and Thai mother-preschooler dyads were examined. Twenty-one Thai monolingual and 21 American-English monolingual mothers and their four-year-olds completed a book sharing task. Results revealed narrative style differences between the American and Thai groups: American mothers adopted a high-elaborative story-builder style and used affirmations, descriptions, extensions, and recasting more than Thai mothers. Thai mothers adopted a low-elaborative story-teller style and used more attention directives and expansions than American mothers. American children produced longer narratives than their Thai peers, whereas Thai children repeated their mothers’ utterances more than their American counterparts. Maternal and child narrative styles were associated. These results suggest that maternal scaffolding styles differ across cultures and influence children's developing narrative skills.
Low Omega-3 intake is associated with high rates of depression and preterm birth on the country level

Low circulating levels of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC omega-3 PUFA) have been linked to major depressive disorder (MDD) and preterm birth (PTB), and prenatal depression associates with PTB. We therefore hypothesized that low Omega-3 intake would associate with higher MDD and PTB rates on the country-level. To test this hypothesis, we obtained country-level estimates for omega-3 intake, MDD prevalence, PTB rate, and per capita income for 184 countries in 2010. We then estimated the LC omega-3 PUFA levels that these intakes produce by accounting for direct consumption and the endogenous conversion of ingested plant-based precursors. Penalized splines indicated that MDD and PTB rates decreased linearly with increasing LC omega-3 PUFA, up to ~ 1000 mg/day for MDD and up to ~ 550 mg/day for PTB. Adjusted linear regression models below these thresholds revealed that a one standard deviation increase in LC omega-3 PUFA (380 mg/day) was associated with an MDD decrease of 5 cases/1000 people and a PTB decrease of 15 cases/1000 livebirths. In light of the extensive prior evidence on the individual-level, these findings indicate that low intake of LC omega-3 PUFA and its precursors may be elevating MDD and PTB rates in 85% of the countries studied.
Should English Class Go Cross-Cultural?

An important 21st century competency is cross-cultural knowledge and skills. The world in the 21st century increasingly globalizes, national boundaries slowly disappear culturally, and people are becoming global citizens by appreciating the cultural differences and learning the strengths of each other’s culture. The educated employable youths have become globe trotters though majority of them stay home but familiarize themselves with cultural changes that happen globally. Hence, within the academia, students should be prepared for the future life through acquisition of cross-cultural or multicultural knowledge and skills. English language and literature teachers have the covetous role of acquainting students with the spectrum of cross-cultural communication. This paper examines how English can act as a channel for the acquisition of cross- cultural knowledge and skills.
Adolescent Girls With Overweight and Obesity Feel Physically Healthy and Highlight the Importance of Mental Health

IntroductionObesity in adolescence is a significant ongoing public health problem that has not improved over the past decade.ObjectiveThis descriptive qualitative study explores the perspective of ...
A Review of Low-Frequency EPR Technology for the Measurement of Brain pO2 and Oxidative Stress

EPR can uniquely measure paramagnetic species. Although commercial EPR was introduced in 1950s, the early studies were mostly restricted to chemicals in solution or cellular experiments using X-band EPR equipment. Due to its limited penetration (< 1 mm), experiments with living animals were almost impossible. To overcome these difficulties, Swartz group, along with several other leaders in field, pioneered the technology of low-frequency EPR (e.g., L-band, 1–2 GHz). The development of low-frequency EPR and the associated probes have dramatically expanded the application of EPR technology into the biomedical research field, providing answers to important scientific questions by measuring specific parameters that are impossible or very difficult to obtain by other approaches. In this review, which is aimed at highlighting the seminal contribution from Swartz group over the last several decades, we will focus on the development of EPR technology that was designed to deal with the potential challenges arising from conducting EPR spectroscopy in living animals. The second half of the review will be concentrated on the application of low-frequency EPR in measuring cerebral tissue pO2 changes and oxidative stress in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions in the brain of animal disease models.
The impact of a gamified mobile question-asking app on museum visitor group interactions: an ICAP framing

Mobile devices and apps have become a standard for the museum experience. Many studies have begun to explore the impact mobile apps may have on user experience and informal learning. However, there has been relatively little research on how visitor groups interact collaboratively while using these devices in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments. In this paper, we explore the impact of a mobile question-asking app on museum visitor group interactions using the Interactive-Constructive-Active–Passive (ICAP) framework, a hierarchical taxonomy that differentiates modes of cognitive engagement. In a post-hoc analysis of survey findings from a study conducted at two large museums in the American southwest, we found that our app encouraged sharing of information among group members. In addition, users of a gamified version of the app were significantly more likely to report engaging in a group discussion during question-asking than groups using a non-game version of the app. We also found that group collaboration levels depended on the group-designated primary user of the app. Whenever a child or the group collaboratively asked the most questions, group discussion frequency was significantly higher. The study’s findings support mobile question-asking apps’ viability as a means to better understanding of museum visitor groups’ interactions with exhibit content and provide evidence that game-based mobile apps, designed to foster question-asking by visitors, may bolster collaborative group interactions and informal learning.
Simultaneous Measurement of Glucose and O2 Consumption in Cell Suspensions with Minielectrodes

Separation procedures which yield cell suspensions with homogeneous cell populations greatly facilitate the study of cell metabolism, but yield a limited amount of material. Multiple recording of metabolic parameters from minimum volumes is therefore useful. We have developed a method for the simultaneous recording of glucose and O2 concentrations with Polarographic electrodes in 0.26 ml suspensions of rabbit epididymal spermatozoa (RES). These cells are found “pre-separated” as a homogeneous population in the cauda epididymidis. They consume glucose and O2 and produce lactate (Murdoch and White, 1967) and so provide a useful system to test the method as well as a system in which to study the effect of perturbations on aerobic glycolysis.
Impact of Institutional Pressures on Absorptive Capacity of a Firm and Web 2.0 Assimilation

We investigate a theoretical model that combines two streams of research in IT adoption. The first is the institutional theory perspective, which provides the institutional pressures that induce a firm to align itself with the members of the institution of which it is a part. The second is the learning perspective on organization, which has been used to study firm characteristics that promote technology assimilation; it provides the mediating factor of absorptive capacity. In this study we empirically study the role of institutional factors as they are mediated by absorptive capacity in the assimilation of Web 2.0 technologies. Linear structural equation model using formative constructs are developed. Preliminary results are promising. Full results will be discussed at the conference.
Multiparadigm Logic Programming

A theory of general logics is outlined as a basis for an axiomatic notion of “logic programming language.” It is shown that a wide variety of logical programming languages are instances of the general notion. The problem of designing multiparadigm logic programming languages that overcome the present limitations faced by relational and functional logical languages in dealing with state change and reactive systems is approached by a method based on the use of the axiomatic notion of logic programming language and of mappings between logics to guide the search for a logic in which the desired multiparadigm integration can be attained. Following this method, rewriting logic is proposed as a logic in which the functional, relational, and concurrent object-oriented paradigms can be unified in a simple and rigorous way. Two languages based on this logic, Maude and MaudeLog, are briefly described and illustrated with examples.
Exact expressions for the vector potential and electric fields of a uniform current cylindrical antenna

An exact formulation for the vector potential and corresponding electric fields associated with a uniform current cylindrical dipole antenna of arbitrary radius is presented. The exact expressions converge rapidly in the induction and near field regions of the antenna. They are completely general and independent of the usual restrictions involving the wavelength, field point distance, dipole radius and length. >
Studies of Little League and Middle League Baseball

Abstract This study reports the results of four questionnaires concerning the attitudes of parents and players toward Little League and Middle League competitive baseball, the selection of players for teams, and the extent of injuries received by players during one season of participation in baseball. The results indicated that boys chosen on teams show greater achievement in school subjects, possess greater motor ability and are better adjusted socially and emotionally than boys who are not members of teams. One hundred players reported a total of 244 injuries for one season of baseball. The fingers were injured most frequently by boys in both leagues. The Little League players received the greatest number of injuries while fielding batted and thrown balls, and the Middle Leaguers were injured most frequently while sliding to bases. Boys participating in the program and their parents approved the program wholeheartedly. Their main criticism was that many boys who were members of teams did not get a chanc...
Incidence of Complications During the Surgeon Learning Curve Period for Primary Total Ankle Replacement: A Systematic Review

Surgeons performing primary total ankle replacement have achieved outcomes comparable to ankle arthrodesis. However, while many reports exist suggesting the presence of a surgeon learning curve period during initial performance of primary total ankle replacement, no published analysis of the actual incidence of complications encountered during this period exists. Therefore, we sought to provide such an analysis through systematic review. A total of 2453 primary total ankle replacements with 1085 complications (44.2%) were identified. Our results revealed conflicting data whether an acceptably low incidence of high-grade complications leading to total ankle replacement failure exists during the surgeon learning curve period.
The correlation of vitrinite reflectance with maximum temperature in humic organic matter

Mean random vitrinite reflectance (Rm in %) shows a strong correlation (r2=0.7, n>600) with maximum burial temperature (Tmax in °C). These data are modelled by the linear regression equation: $$\ln (Rm) = 0.078 T_{\max } - 1.2$$ Tmax and Rm were compiled from over 35 systems, rich in humic organic matter to minimize the effect of chemical composition on Rm. The thermal maturation data span a range from early diagenesis to greenschist metamorphismover a Tmax interval from about 25 – 325° C and 0.2 – 4.0 % Rm. Burial history reconstruction indicates that the functional heating duration (elapsed time as temperature increases within 15° C of Tmax) of these systems ranges from 10,000 yr to more than 10 m.y. The strong correlation of Tmax with Rm, irrespective of functional heating duration and in diverse geologic systems, indicates that increasing time at Tmax has little influence on thermal maturation of sedimentary organic matter. Instead, uncertainty in correction of borehole temperature logs, Tmax determination, and Rm measurement explains much of the remaining variability not accounted for by the regression analysis. We did not attempt to correct the measured borehole temperature to equilibrium reservoir conditions because there is no consensus on which method to use, the necessary data is often unrecorded, and predictions made from our Tmax — Rm calibration are compared to uncorrected Tmax data. We found that Tmax is difficult to determine in sedimentary environments that have cooled because of the weak thermal imprint on the rocks in low temperature systems and poorly-known burial histories. Variability in Rm measurement appears mainly due to operator or laboratory bias, increasing bireflectance with rank, and variation in diagenetic history which causes reflectance suppression.
Species richness estimates of Blattodea s.s. (Insecta: Dictyoptera) from northern Guyana vary depending upon methods of species delimitation

Cockroaches (Order: Blattodea) comprise a taxon that, although very abundant in tropical forests, remains largely unstudied. Making sense of the diversity of species is a challenging task hindered by the large numbers of species and the abundance of cryptic or polymorphic forms. Here, we estimated species richness of cockroaches (s.s.) from northern Guyana while applying a method to deal with these confounding factors. We utilized two interpretations of abundance data, the first using only morphological information, and the second using both morphological and genetic barcode information. The two methods of species delimitation greatly influenced the resulting estimates of species richness. When incorporating genetic barcodes, our total species richness estimate decreased by 26%. Our results emphasize the importance of using independent datasets to delimit species boundaries and expert identification of specimens when possible.
CELLSIM: cell cycle simulation made easy.

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces a special purpose digital simulation language—CELLSIM. A major concern in the design of CELLSIM was to create a modular system. Adding a new command to the CELLSIM system requires inserting two instructions to an interpretation routine to recognize the command and adding the necessary subroutines that process the command. Adding new options to an already existing command requires modifying the subroutines that process that particular command. In either case, the additions or modifications are localized. The current FORTRAN program that processes CELLSIM is made up of over 125 subroutines, requiring about 5500 statements. CELLSIM applies Monte Carlo simulation to cell kinetics modeling. The modeler describes the events in the model in a probabilistic manner. During execution of the model, the program causes these events to occur according to the specified probabilities. The Monte Carlo approach recognizes and handles the variance inherent in cell population kinetics. It differs from deterministic solutions where the model is specified as a set of equations and the equations solved for an exact solution. The equations are usually differential equations that specify cell flow rates and do not include chance variations in the flow. The chapter presents several example programs that are used to demonstrate the capabilities of the CELLSIM language. Each program is used to introduce different commands and options available in the language.
IFN-α induces soluble IL-15 complexes via ADAM17 mediated cleavage (CCR3P.206)

Type I Interferons (IFN) are potent inducers of IL-15 transcription and cell surface expression. Previous studies have shown that sIL-15 complexes, which act as IL-15 agonists, are generated by TLR stimulation and after non-myeloablative lymphodepletion. Since TLR stimulation induces type I IFNs, we investigated the role of type I IFNs in generating sIL-15 complexes. We report that treatment with a plasmid inducing IFN-α production potently increased serum sIL-15 complexes levels in mice. Production of sIL-15 complexes by bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC) also increased after treatment with IFN-α in an IFNAR-dependent manner. Increases in sIL-15 complexes after total body irradiation coincided with appearance of serum IFN-α and were significantly impaired in the absence of Type I IFN signaling. In addition, we found that IFN-α induced activity of the metalloprotease, ADAM17 in BMDCs, which was critical as induction of sIL-15 complexes by IFN-α was abolished after deleting ADAM17. We also determined whether sIL-15 complexes are generated during a Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection as VSV induces Type I IFNs. One day after infection, sIL-15 complexes are transiently induced, which was surprisingly unabated in the absence of Type I IFN signaling. Overall, our findings show that Type I IFNs induce production of sIL-15 complexes by activating ADAM17-mediated cleavage, thus identifying a new mechanism regulating sIL-15 complexes during inflammation.
Determinants of arrhythmogenic ventricular activity detected on the body surface QRS in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract The prevalence of arrhythmogenic ventricular activity (AVA) was investigated in 166 patients with coronary artery disease. Thirty patients had documented ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF). Bipolar X,Y,Z leads were signalaveraged and filtered with a 40-Hz, bidirectional, high-pass digital filter. The filtered QRS signals were analyzed for the amplitude of the last 40 and 50 ms; duration of low-amplitude potentials ( μ V) in the terminal portion; and duration of the filtered QRS. A positive AVA test result was defined as the presence of 2 or more abnormal indexes. Of the 30 patients with VT/VF, 66% had positive AVA test results (AVA-positive patients). Of the 136 patients without VT/VF, 25% had positive AVA test results. The following univariate variables showed significant correlation with an AVA-positive test: age, previous myocardial infarction, previous VT/VF, left ventricular wall motion abnormalities and left ventricular ejection fraction. Multivariate stepwise discriminant function analysis revealed that the presence of previous myocardial infarction and history of sustained VT/VF were the only independent determinants of AVA. During electrophysiologic studies, sustained VT/VF could be induced in 77% of the AVA-positive patients (24 of 31) and in 30% of the AVA-negative patients (3 of 10). The survival probabilities for 6, 12 and 18 months of follow-up were 92%, 85% and 85% for the AVA-positive and 97%, 92% and 90% for the AVA-negative patients. Our findings support the concept that a positive AVA test result reflects areas of delayed ventricular activation. The areas of delayed ventricular activation are associated with previous myocardial injury and scar tissue and serve as an anatomic basis for reentry. Quantitative analysis of the high-frequency components of the terminal portion of the signalaveraged body surface QRS may be a helpful screening test for detection of patients at high risk of VT/VF.
Behavioral sensitization after repeated formaldehyde exposure in rats

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a phenomenon whereby individuals report increased sensitivity to chemicals in the environment, and attribute their sensitivities to prior exposure to the same...
Manipulating the Profile of Nanostars

Using electron-beam lithography and ion milling techniques, we fabricate nanostar biosensors with different shapes and various designs to show tunable plasmon resonances. We also demonstrate further profile control over the outlines of nanostars and both under-and over-etched particles are achieved and compared. Moreover, the tunability of such plasmon-based sensors can find extensive and important applications in spectroscopy and enhanced biosensing.
Iterative and non-iterative triple excitation corrections in coupled-cluster methods for excited electronic states: the EOM-CCSDT-3 and EOM-CCSD(T̃) methods

Abstract New iterative and non-iterative triple excitation corrections to EOM-CCSD are presented based upon the CCSDT-3 method. This method is recommended formally, since it fully employs the EOM-CCSD Hamiltonian H = exp [−(T 1 + T 2 )]H exp (T 1 + T 2 ) in its development. This permits defining iterative EOM-CCSDT-3 and non-iterative EOM-CCSD(T) corrections correct through second-order in H . Results for some full CI examples demonstrate average errors of 0.09 eV and 0.08 eV, respectively. We also study trans-butadiene as a more demanding example. We also consider a computationally simpler but accurate approximation to EOM-CCSD(T), EOM-CCSD(T′).
Comparison of gene expression profiles between frozen original meningiomas and primary cultures of the meningiomas by GeneChip.

OBJECTIVE In vitro experiments are performed on a daily basis to study the molecular biology of tumors. For some benign tumors, however, established cell lines are not always available, or it may not be feasible to establish new ones. In such cases, primary cultures are used to perform in vitro experiments. Gene expression profiles in vitro differ from those in vivo, but information as to which genes have significantly altered levels is limited. In this study, gene expression profiles of meningiomas in primary cultures and frozen tumors were compared. METHODS Affymetrix U95A chips were applied to three sets of meningiomas. For each tumor, the gene expression profiles in frozen specimens (Fr) and primary cultures from the same tumor at Pass 5 (P5) and Pass 10 (P10) were compared. A paired t test (P < 0.025) was applied between Fr and P5, and then between Fr and P10. Genes that demonstrated significantly different expression levels in both comparisons were then identified. The expression levels for a subset of these genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Among 12,000 genes examined, up-regulation of 51 genes by fivefold or more and down-regulation of 19 genes by twofold or more was found in primary cultures (P5 and P10) compared with the corresponding Fr. Up-regulation of genes encoding for extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and cell surface receptors was particularly notable. CONCLUSION Gene expression of tissue-cultured meningiomas and in situ meningiomas is significantly different for a large number of genes. Therefore, gene expression and therapeutic studies on cultured meningiomas need to be interpreted with caution.
The effect of piethora on erythropoietin levels.

SummaryThe mechanism by which plethora suppresses erythropoiesis in experimental animals has been assumed to be related to a decrease in erythropoietin (Ep) levels. Prior to the advent of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for Ep this theory could not be confirmed because of the insensitivity of the bioassay for Ep. In the present study hypertransfusion induced plethora was associated with approximately a 50% reduction in plasma Ep levels in CF1 mice.The technical assistance of Ms. Greta Duke and Mr. David Wei is gratefully acknowledged.
Residual Stress Modeling in Orthogonal Machining

A predictive model for residual stresses in orthogonal cutting is presented. It uses process conditions as inputs and predicts surface and sub-surface residual stress profiles due to machining. The model formulation incorporates cutting force and cutting temperature predictions and utilizes those parameters to define the thermo-mechanical loading experienced by the workpiece. The stresses at the cutter edge hone and in the shear plane are considered in a rolling/sliding contact algorithm which admits kinematic hardening for non-proportional plasticity with subsequent stress relaxation to meet boundary conditions. Model predictions are compared to experimentally-measured residual stresses under various cutting conditions for validation.
Next Generation Interferometers for Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Kilometer scale interferometers (such as LIGO) are now being used to search for gravitational waves; fluctuations in space-time. I will describe the new generation of interferometric gravitational wave detectors and future prospects.
Economic analysis of step-wise treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Background : To expose patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to the least amount of medication and to reduce health expenditures, it is recommended that their treatment is started with a small dose of an antisecretory or prokinetic medication. If patients fail to respond, the dose is increased in several consecutive steps or the initial regimen is changed to a more potent medication until the patients become asymptomatic. Although such treatment strategy is widely recommended, its impact on health expenditures has not been evaluated. Methods : The economic analysis compares the medication costs of competing medical treatment strategies, using two different sets of cost data. Medication costs are estimated from the average wholesale prices (AWP) and from the lowest discount prices charged to governmental health institutions. A decision tree is used to model the step-wise treatment of GERD. In a Monte Carlo simulation, all transition probabilities built into the model are varied over a wide range. A threshold analysis evaluates the relationship between the cost of an individual medication and its therapeutic success rate. Results : In a governmental health care system, a step-wise strategy saves on average $916 per patient every 5 years (range: $443–$1628) in comparison with a strategy utilizing only the most potent medication. In a cost environment relying on AWP, the average savings amount to $256 (–$206 to +$1561). The smaller the cost difference between two consecutive treatment steps, the longer one needs to follow the patients to reap the benefit of the small cost difference. However, even a small cost difference can turn into tangible cost savings, if a large enough fraction of GERD patients responds to the initial step of a less potent but also less expensive medication. Conclusions : The economic analysis suggests that a step-wise utilization of increasingly more potent and more expensive medications to treat GERD would result in appreciable cost savings.
Influence of the nuclear medium on the lifetime of the proton

The paper presents a calculation indicating that, due to two-nucleon collision processes, proton decay in the nucleus may be speeded up by about a factor of two with respect to decay in free space. Types of particles which may provide signatures for such proton decay events are suggested.
Relationship of Locus of Control Inventory for Three Achievement Domains (LOCITAD) to Two Other Locus of Control Measures: A Construct Validity Study

This study examined the relationship between the six scales of Locus of Control for Three Achievement Domains (LOCITAD) and scores on the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale and the Rotter Internal-External Scale. Subjects were 140 students (78 boys and 62 girls) who ranged in age from 11-14 years. Results revealed significant correlations between scores on the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale and the Success Intellectual Domain (r = -.57, p < .01), Failure Intellectual Domain (r = -.21, p < .05), Success Social Domain (r = -.46, p < .01), Success Physical Domain (r = -.48, p < .01) measures of the LOCITAD. Scores from the Rotter I-E Scale were significantly correlated with the Success Intellectual Domain (r= -.37) and Success Physical Domain (r = -.34) scores of the LOCITAD with both coefficients significant beyond the .01 level. It was concluded that some support for the validity of the LOCITAD was evident. It was recommended that cross-validation investigations be conducted.
Greedy hierarchical binary classifiers for multi-class classification of biological data

Multi-class classification is an important and challenging problem for biological data classification. Typical methods for dealing with multi-class classification use a powerful single classifier such as neural networks to classify the data into one of many classes. Alternatively, the binary classifiers are used in one-versus-one (OVO) and one-versus-all (OVA) classifier schemes for multi-class classification. However, it is not clear whether OVO or OVA yields good performance results. In this paper, we propose a greedy method for developing a hierarchical classifier where each node corresponds to a binary classifier. The advantage of our greedy hierarchical classifier is that at the nodes any type of classifier can be used. In this paper, we analyze the performance of the proposed technique using neural networks and naive Bayesian classifiers and compare our results with OVO, OVA, and exhaustive methods. Our greedy technique provided better and more robust accuracy than others in general for biological data sets including 3- to 8-classes.
Consultation with the Specialist: Screening for Scoliosis

Introduction Screening programs for scoliosis have been in effect in the United States and Canada for 30 years. The belief is that with early detection, treatment of scoliosis may be instituted sooner, thereby reducing the number of patients who will require surgery or have crippling deformities. In addition, some of the cost of treatment may be reduced. Currently, school screening for scoliosis has been challenged as a viable means of achieving these goals, and such screening programs have been discontinued in Great Britain and parts of Canada. In the United States, as well as Great Britain and Canada, research has been devoted to issues of cost-effectiveness of these programs as well as the emotional side effects of being misdiagnosed as having scoliosis. School Screening The advocates of school screening espouse the philosophy that if a single case of scoliosis can be treated adequately and surgery avoided, cost is irrelevant. Those who criticize school screening note many flaws in the system. To screen in such a manner that no one with scoliosis is missed, many individuals are identified falsely as having scoliosis and are referred for confirmation by the pediatrician or orthopedist. Because so many patients are identified falsely, the true cost of screening is unacceptably high.
Coalesce or collide? Ethics, technology, and TV journalism 1991

By strict definition, television journalism, like every form of journalism, has always been “unreal”; some form of constructed mediated reality.1 But now, television journalism is coming to a crossroads—one where ethics and technology will meet squarely at right angles if not head‐on. And it is reality, even the constructed mediated kind, that will be at risk. In a few years, television journalism at the network and local levels will have the capability, through television's emerging conversion from analog to digital technology, to easily manipulate video and audio in utterly fundamental ways. It will be simple to completely re‐shape, even to create, reality. The question won't be: “Is it live or is it Memorex?"2 rather, it will be something like: “Is it real or is it digitex?"3This article explores this new technology and the concomitant merger of form and substance in television journalism; it presents several hypothetical examples of this kind of unethical behavior and the motivations behind them; and,...
Role of adaptation level in stimulus intensity dynamism

Thirty female college students were first adapted to either a 40 db tone, a 100 db tone, or to silence (N = 10), then given 48 reaction time (RT) trials with randomly ordered presentations of 40, 60, 80, and 100 db auditory signals. RT at all levels of signal intensity was fastest for Ss adapted at 40 db, slowest for Ss adapted at 100 db, and intermediate for Ss adapted to silence. These findings are predicted by Helson’s adaptation-level theory but not by Hullian theory.
Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America – By Michael Beschloss

Employing the theme of courage, the author here runs the gamut of presidential history and finds courage everywhere, which may not be a theme all that plentiful if one, say, puts it into a shallow ...
Neuroretinitis Caused by Bartonella henselae (Cat-Scratch Disease) in a 13-Year-Old Girl

Cat-scratch disease-related neuroretinitis is a relatively unusual pathology, with suspicious clinical epidemiological and serological diagnosis. We present a case of an adolescent suffering from unilateral neuroretinitis associated with Bartonella henselae infection characterized by abrupt loss of vision, optic disc swelling, and macular star exudates with optimal response to antibiotic treatment.
Infant feeding and phonologic development.

Abstract The relationship between breastfeeding and speech development was examined to determine what duration (if any) of breastfeeding is associated with better performance on a measure of phonologic development. Twenty-nine children aged 36–48 months and their parents were recruited from preschools to serve as subjects. The children's durations of exclusive breastfeeding ranged from 0 (always bottle fed) to 6 months. Phonologic development was assessed using an instrument known as the Percentage of Consonants Correct (PCC) [12]. Feeding histories were obtained by retrospective interviews with parents. Parents and teachers also made ratings of children's speech and total communication on a 5-point scale. This study fails to replicate earlier researchers' findings of an association between breastfeeding and phonologic development. No evidence was found of an association between any duration of either exclusive or partial breastfeeding and PCC scores. Pearson r correlations between parents' and teachers' ratings and PCC scores were weak. Results are discussed in comparison with previous reports of a correlation between breastfeeding and phonologic development.
Kainic acid depresses the ex vivo release of dynorphin B and glutamate from rat hippocampal mossy fiber synaptosomes.

Abstract This experiment examined the effects of intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered kainic acid (KA) on the subsequent ex vivo release of l -glutamate (Glu) and dynorphin B-like immunoreactivity (Dyn B-LI) from isolated rat hippocampal mossy fiber (MF) synaptosomes at 4.5 h, 20 h or 48 h after administration of 0.5 μg/μl KA. The Dyn B-LI content in the synaptosomal fraction initially decreased at 4.5 h and then rebounded and remained elevated above control levels at 20 h and 48 h. The K + -evoked release of Dyn B-LI from the synaptosomes was markedly depressed at 4.5 h after KA and remained significantly below control levels at 20 h and 48 h. In contrast, KA caused no change in the K + -evoked release of Glu at 4.5 h as compared to control levels, but did result in a significant decrease in Glu release at 20 h and 48 h. These data indicate a persistent effect of i.c.v. KA on neurotransmission at MF-CA3 synapses in rat hippocampus, resulting in a suppression of the release of Glu as well as the opioid peptide, Dyn B.
Vascular plant species richness in Alaskan arctic tundra: the importance of soil pH

Summary 1 Species diversity in the Arctic varies dramatically across abiotic gradients, including topography, moisture, pH and nutrient availability. We hypothesized that vascular plant species density, richness and diversity in Alaskan tundra would be correlated with: (i) site age, (ii) soil pH, (iii) above-ground productivity and biomass, and (iv) spatial heterogeneity. We sampled moist tussock, snowbed and watertrack communities in three sites that differed in substrate age (11 000–4.5 million years since deglaciation) for a variety of environmental and vegetation data over one growing season. 2 Productivity, biomass and heterogeneity were not consistently correlated with species density. However, variation in canopy height was correlated with species density and richness in a unimodal fashion, suggesting that heterogeneity of the light regime may be important for maintaining higher species numbers. 3 The 11 000-year-old site supported more vascular plant species than the two older sites, primarily due to greater numbers of forb species on the youngest site. 4 Soil pH was significantly positively correlated with species richness (R2 = 0.82) and species density (R2 = 0.61). In general the species found on acidic substrates (pH 5.5). 5 This pattern of higher richness with higher pH occurs across other tundra types throughout the Arctic, suggesting that soil pH is an important filter of the regional species pool within northern regions, although other factors may become more important at local scales.
Abnormal lipid-linked oligosaccharides in class E Thy-1-negative mutant lymphomas.

Abstract The glycosylation defect of Thy-1 − mutant lymphomas of the class E complementation group has been identified as a block in the synthesis of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide precursor of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. Two major lipid-linked oligosaccharides were isolated from the mutant cells. Both oligosaccharides were smaller than the lipid-linked oligosaccharides of wild-type lymphomas and, in contrast to the lipid-linked oligosaccharides isolated from wild-type cells, both were resistant to digestion with endoglycosidase H. The oligosaccharides of newly synthesized polypeptides in class E Thy-1 − cells were also resistant to endoglycosidase H digestion, providing strong evidence that they are derived from the abnormal lipid-linked oligosaccharides.
Game theory and the law and policy of outer space

Abstract Cooperation is a major theme of international space law but the law and history also recognize the existence of competition and conflict. What are the trend lines in terms of promoting collective goods, commercialization and new military uses of space? An overview of selected major laws and policies, as they relate to cooperation, competition and conflict, combined with a theoretical examination of game theory (zero-sum and non-zero sum games), will enable us to obtain an overall understanding of the space age and the choices that space lawyers and policy makers face in the future.
Performance templates and the regulation of learning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed, theoretical underpinning for the training and performance improvement method: performance template (P‐T). The efficacy of P‐T, with limitations, has been demonstrated in this journal and in others. However, the theoretical bases of the P‐T approach had not been well‐developed. The other purposes of this paper are to: explain the features and functions of the P‐T and to highlight the action theory of Frese as the theory supports P‐T and offers trainers some information regarding the regulation of feedback and learning. This paper adds to the procedures and practices of human resource development.Design/methodology/approach – The approach in this paper is to explain how a training and development partnership among trainers, managers, and employees is forged so as to create P‐T for use in the field. The main aspect of the methodology was to attempt to map the elements of action theory onto the specific steps (phases) of the P‐T approach. This mapp...
Imaging mammalian nerve cells and their connections over time in living animals

Abstract A variety of technical advances have provided a means of following individual nerve cells and their connections over intervals of weeks or months in living animals. Such observations allow an assessment of the stability of pre- and postsynaptic elements in several regions of the nervous system of adult mammals.
Moderation Time for Nuclear Capture of Negative Pions in Liquid He 4

A beam of slow mesons( pi /sup -/) was introduced into a He/sup 4/ bubble chamber to measure the mean time spent by a meson( pi /sup -/) in going from an initial velocity to nuclear capture and to obtain an accurate range spectrum of the prong produced in the nuclear capture of a meson( pi /sup -/) by He/sup 4/. (C.E.S.)
Phase transitions in polyphosphazenes

Abstract Halogenated phenoxyphosphazenes have been prepared by solution polymerization and characterized by g.p.c., d.s.c., Fourier transform i.r. spectroscopy, optical microscopy, solution and solid state n.m.r., dilatometry and diffraction techniques (WAXS and electron diffraction). Phase transitional behaviour was monitored above the thermotropic transition [T(1)] for each polymer and a general transformation scenario was established depending upon side group chemistry. It has been determined that side group size and substitution affects the glass transition temperature (Tg), T(1) and the melting temperature (Tm) in a way that can be scaled linearly with T(1) T m providing a useful guide to polyphosphazene behaviour. Through measuring properties as a function of temperature, a unifying perspective of the transitional characteristics of PB(4-H)PP and PB(3-H)PP polymers below as well as above T(1) has been established. A smectic mesophase where the chain backbone is extended and packed (accommodated) into pseudohexagonal arrays is primarily responsible for the properties of polyphosphazene above T(1). This arrangement also facilitates the ability of the thermotropic state to organize and solidify into an orthorhombic three-dimensional phase upon cooling from the two-dimensional thermotropic state. The polymers as crystallized from solution are of relatively low crystallinity in the monoclinic form, the level depends upon the nature and size of the side group and the conditions of precipitation.
Effect of fluorinated analogues of phenol and hydroxybenzoates on the anaerobic transformation of phenol to benzoate.

The effects of fluorinated analogues on the anaerobic transformation of phenol to benzoate were examined. At ≥250 μM 2- or 3-fluorophenol, phenol transformation was delayed. 2-Fluorophenol had no apparent effect on subsequent degradation of benzoate, but benzoate accumulated in the presence of ≥250 μM 3-fluorophenol. In contrast, 4-fluorophenol at ≤2 mM had no effect on either phenol transformation or benzoate degradation. Phenol and 2-, or 3-fluorophenol were transformed simultaneously, but phenol was transformed more rapidly than either fluorophenol. Thus, fluorinated analogues of phenol did not prevent anaerobic transformation of phenol to benzoate. 2-Fluorophenol was converted to 3-fluorobenzoate, and phenol enhanced the rate and extent of its transformation. 3-Fluorophenol was transformed to 2-fluorobenzoate to a limited extent (≈3%) when phenol was present. 4-Fluorophenol was not transformed regardless of the presence of phenol. 3-Fluoro-4-hydroxybenzoate, a potential fluorinated intermediate product of para-carboxylation, was transformed rapidly to 2-fluorophenol and 3-fluorobenzoate, irrespective of the presence of phenol, indicating that both dehydroxylation and decarboxylation occurred. Initially, 2-fluorophenol and 3-fluorobenzoate were rapidly formed in an approximate molar ratio of 2 : 1. Once 3-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzoate was completely removed, the 2-fluorophenol, initially formed, was converted to 3-fluorobenzoate at a slower rate. Thus, phenol enhanced transformation of the fluorinated analogues, and the products of transformation suggested para-carboxylation. 3-Fluoro-2-hydroxybenzoate was not transformed in either the presence or absence of phenol, indicating that ortho-carboxylation did not occur.
The early management of flap necrosis in breast reconstruction.

Flap necrosis is a potential complication of any type of breast reconstruction. Of 302 breast reconstructions performed by the author at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, some degree of flap necrosis occurred in 59 (19.5 percent). Small areas of flap necrosis can be managed with s
ANALYSIS AND QUANTIFICATION OF DATA ASSIMILATION BASED ON SEQUENTIAL MONTE CARLO METHODS FOR WILDFIRE SPREAD SIMULATION

Data assimilation is an important technique to improve simulation results by assimilating real time sensor data into a simulation model. A data assimilation framework based on Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods for wildfire spread simulation has been developed in previous work. This paper provides systematic analysis and measurement to quantify the effectiveness and robustness of the developed data assimilation method. Measurement metrics are used to evaluate the robustness of SMC methods in data assimilation for wildfire spread simulation. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the influences of important parameters to the data assimilation results. This work of analysis and quantification provides information to assess the effectiveness of the data assimilation method and suggests guidelines to further improve the data assimilation method for wildfire spread simulation.