cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Mortality of Organotin Resistant and Susceptible Two spotted Spider Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) to Formulations of Cyhexatin and Fenbutatin Oxide

Field and laboratory tests were conducted during 1985 and 1986 to determine if formulation differences between cyhexatin and fenbutatin oxide affected efficacy on the two spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on pear in the Rogue River Valley of Oregon. In laboratory and field tests, flow able cyhexatin and fenbutatin oxide were significantly more effective on resistant T. urticae than wettable powder formulations. Differences in mortality and control between formulations were not as great on susceptible T. urticae .
Variations in pyrite texture, sulfur isotope composition, and iron systematics in the Black Sea: evidence for Late Pleistocene to Holocene excursions of the o2-h2s redox transition

—Time-dependent variations in the physicochemical properties of pyrite were investigated in four sediment cores from the Black Sea. In the laminated, deep-basin sediments of Unit I and Unit II, >86% of pyrite particles are present as fine-grained framboidal aggregates. In these sediments, the dominance of pyrite framboids, with a narrow size distribution and maximum size < 18 μm, is evidence of syngenetic (water column) pyrite formation subjacent to the O2-H2S boundary. Sediments from the basin margin collected below the impingement of the O2-H2S boundary contain an increased proportion of fine-grained euhedral grains of pyrite relative to framboidal aggregates, suggesting increased additions of diagenetic pyrite below the sediment-water interface. The more efficient reduction and sulfidation of iron in the water column of the central region of the basin implies a more reactive source of iron there compared to the basin margins, and is tied to increasing %pyrite as framboids and greater degrees of pyritization (DOP) in the basin center relative to the basin margins. An evaluation of Fe-S-C relations indicates that pyrite formation was limited by sulfate availability during deposition of the oldest lacustrine sediments of Unit III, C-limited for upper Unit III due to the input of sulfate-rich Mediterranean seawater, and Fe-limited in the laminated, organic carbon-rich sediments of Units I and II. These changes in pyrite-limiting factors occurred within 4 m of compacted burial representing <15 ka. Sediment fabric and framboid size distributions at a shallow, basin-margin site suggest that during two extended periods of Unit II deposition, the O2-H2S transition retreated to depths below 200 m. However, during these same intervals, the δ34S of pyrite remains uniform compared to overlying and underlying laminated sediments, implying that this chemical signature may not be uniquely tied to the position of the O2-H2S boundary relative to the sediment-water interface, but rather is likely related to biogeochemical processes.
Societal aspects of synthetic biology: organisms and applications matter!

Because the organisms, production, potential uses, and disposal practices associated with synthetic biology vary widely, so do the impacts and implications. This paper advocates that scholars crafting a research agenda and investigating societal aspects of synthetic biology do so in a way that is attentive to important specifics, such as the types of organisms involved and contexts in which synthetic organisms or biological systems will be used. Such specificity will strengthen analyses and enhance the credibility, utility, and, therefore, the impact of findings and recommendations.
Conditional Skewness with Quantile Regression Models: SoFiE Presidential Address and a Tribute to Hal White

We study a new class of conditional skewness models based on conditional quantiles regressions. The approach is much inspired by work of Hal White. To handle multiple horizons I consider quantile MIDAS regressions which amount to direct forecasting—as opposed to iterated forecasting—conditional skewness. Using this quantile-based approach I document that the conditional asymmetry of returns varies significantly over time. The asymmetry is most relevant for the characterization of downside risk. Besides empirical evidence, I also report simulation results which highlight the costs associated with mis-specifying downside risk in the presence of conditional skewness.
Pressure flux-split viscous solutions for swirl diffusers

Abstract A method for predicting flow in diffusers with inlet swirl has been developed. Solutions of the pressure flux-split reduced Navier-Stokes equations are obtained for flows in axisymmetric diffusers. Viscous-inviscid interactions and flow field with toroidal recirculation regions are efficiently captured. The computational model is verified by comparison with experimental data and other computations. The extreme sensitivity to grid, turbulent closure model and inlet profiles is discussed.
The technical variables associated with the frequencies of QFQ, RFA and CBG heteromorphisms of human chromosomes

In the 1971 Paris Conference (1972) it was established that certain regions of human chromosomes show remarkable heteromorphisms. These are the short arm of acrocentric chromosomes, the secondary constriction regions of chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and the distal 2/3rd of the long arm of the Y and the centromere of chromosomes 3, 4, and 5. There are several technical variables which affect the frequency of these heteromorphisms. These include quality of culture, age of slide, photography (filter, etc.), method of printing and method of scoring (criteria). Several other variables in the production of QFQ, RFA, and CBG heteromorphisms are discussed. In order to compare results from different laboratories these variables must be taken into consideration.
Coupling between a moving air-pressure disturbance and the sea surface

On 23 November 1953 an atmospheric pressure disturbance travelled eastward across Long Island Sound (east of New York City) at an average speed of 42 ft/sec. Simultaneously, abnormal water level heights were recorded with increasing amplitude in Long Island Sound eastward from New York City. This is explained as a disturbance produced by near resonant coupling between the atmospheric pressure disturbance and the free wave traveling in the region of appropriate depth in the Sound. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1969.tb00478.x
Low Schottky barriers on n-type silicon (001)

It has been reported that no metal shows a Schottky barrier of less than 0.4 eV on n-type silicon (001). This is attributed to interface states between metal and silicon (001), which pin the interface Fermi level and make the Schottky barrier more or less independent of the metal work function. We demonstrate that, by terminating dangling bonds and relaxing strained bonds on the silicon (001) surface with a monolayer of selenium, low Schottky barriers can be obtained on n-type silicon (001). Aluminum and chromium show barrier heights of 0.08 and 0.26 eV on n-type silicon (001), respectively. These results agree well with the ideal Schottky barrier heights for aluminum and chromium on n-type silicon (001), but are significantly different from the experimental barrier heights known for four decades for these metals on n-type silicon (001).
Sexual dimorphism in four species of rockfish genus Sebastes (Scorpaenidae)

Sexual dimorphisms, and factors influencing the evolution of these differences, have been investigated for four species of rockfish:Sebastes melanops, S. flavidus, S. mystinus, andS. serranoides. These four species, which have similar ecology, tend to aggregate by species with males and females staying together throughout the year. In all four species adult females reach larger sizes than males, which probably relates to their role in reproduction. The number of eggs produced increases with size, so that natural selection has favored larger females. It appears males were subjected to different selective pressures than females. It was more advantageous for males to mature quickly, to become reproductive, than to expend energy on growth. Other sexually dimorphic features include larger eyes in males of all four species and longer pectoral fin rays in males of the three piscivorous species:S. melanops, S. flavidus, andS. serranoides. The larger pectoral fins may permit smaller males to coexist with females by increasing acceleration and, together with the proportionately larger eye, enable the male to compete successfully with the female to capture elusive prey (the latter not necessarily useful for the planktivoreS. mystinus). Since the size of the eye is equivalent in both sexes of the same age, visual perception should be comparable for both sexes.
Isolation of the Copper Redox Steps in the Standard Selective Catalytic Reduction on Cu‐SSZ‐13

Operando X-ray absorption experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are reported that elucidate the role of copper redox chemistry in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO over Cu-exchanged SSZ-13. Catalysts prepared to contain only isolated, exchanged CuII ions evidence both CuII and CuI ions under standard SCR conditions at 473 K. Reactant cutoff experiments show that NO and NH3 together are necessary for CuII reduction to CuI. DFT calculations show that NO-assisted NH3 dissociation is both energetically favorable and accounts for the observed CuII reduction. The calculations predict in situ generation of Bronsted sites proximal to CuI upon reduction, which we quantify in separate titration experiments. Both NO and O2 are necessary for oxidation of CuI to CuII, which DFT suggests to occur by a NO2 intermediate. Reaction of Cu-bound NO2 with proximal NH4+ completes the catalytic cycle. N2 is produced in both reduction and oxidation half-cycles.
Pragmatic Engagement or Photo Op: What Will the G-8 Become?

The G‐8 has become a forum for the leading democracies to develop common strategies to address concerns about globalization. As the July Genoa Summit approaches, the question remains, Does George W...
Content in, content out: the dual roles of the reference librarian in institutional repositories

16 p. Also published in Reference Services Review 3(3) 2005. This item is made available under the conditions of the Creative Commons license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/
A meta‐analytic review of the effect of sentence‐combining on reading comprehension

Abstract This study extended an earlier exploratory study (Searls & Neville, 1988) of the effects of sentence‐combining on reading achievement by updating the pool of studies and using meta‐analysis as a vehicle for integration. The original pool of 34 studies was reduced to 24 by applying criteria for germaneness, methodology, independence, and effect size anomalies. The 24 studies, 19 of which were dissertations, were examined as to control of internal and external validity threats. Effect sizes were used to compare the results of the studies on types of criterion measures, grade levels, control of validity threats, length of treatment, and recency of publication. Only grade levels produced significant differences in that sentence‐combining had a greater effect at the elementary level than at the high school or college levels. Conclusions related to sentence combining as an instructional technique and implications for further research using meta‐analysis are discussed.
Coupling of diffusional mass transport and deformation in a tight rock

Abstract Simple governing equations coupling diffusional transport at a macroscopic scale and deformation in a tight rock are formulated. The deformation alone is described by a linear viscous rheology. Several deformations of geological interest are analyzed, including the folding of an embedded layer. A basic feature is the length-scale dependence of diffusional effects. Interpretation of natural structures permits the estimation of parameters governing the diffusional transport and rate of deformation.
One-Stage Urethral Reconstruction for Stricture Recurrence After Urethral Stent Placement

Purpose: We report our 8-year experience with 1-stage open urethral reconstruction in 10 patients with recurrent bulbar and/or membranous strictures after UroLume® urethral stent placement.Materials and Methods: Ten consecutive referral patients underwent preoperative contrast imaging and urethroscopy followed by primary anastomotic repair or substitution urethroplasty, with concomitant open UroLume removal (when the stent was still present). Postoperative evaluation included contrast imaging 3 weeks after surgery, urethroscopy 4 months after surgery, uroflowmetry, and American Urological Association symptom score assessment.Results: At a medium followup of 51.2 months all patients remain free of bulbar or membranous stricture recurrence. No patient has required dilation or any other intervention.Conclusions: One-stage open reconstruction with stent extraction offers a definitive treatment option with a high success rate for patients with recurrent bulbar and/or membranous strictures following urethral st...
The cab-m7 gene: a light-inducible, mesophyll-specific gene of maize.

Southern blot analysis has revealed the existence in maize of perhaps 12 members of the nuclearcab multigene family encoding the chlorophylla- andb-binding proteins of the photosystem II light-harvesting complex. Hybridization with 3′ probes derived from unsequenced cDNA clones showed that six members of this family differ from one another with respect to expression in mesophyll and/or bundle sheath cells and regulation by light. An additional member of this family, designatedcab-m7, that encodes a 28 kDa primary translation product has now been identified. It has been cloned from a maize genomic library and sequenced to begin to define the bases for differences in the expression of these genes. Thiscab gene is shown to be strongly preferentially expressed in the mesophyll (vs. bundle sheath) cells of maize. Furthermore, the gene is photo-responsive; although small amounts ofcab-m7 mRNA are present in etiolated leaves, the mRNA pool is 8-fold larger after six hours of illumination. DNA sequences upstream of thecab-m7 gene resemble those found in the 5′-flanking regions of some other plant genes.
Playing Back the Nation: Waria, Indonesian Transvestites

Author(s): Boellstorff, T | Abstract: Waria (better known as banci or bencong), who can be provisionally defined as male-to-female transvestites, are well-known members of contemporary Indonesian society. Waria are best understood not as a third gender but a male femininity. By exploring how waria reconfigure concepts of authenticity, I address the relationship between the waria subject position and Indonesian national culture.
A Brief Historical and Theoretical Perspective on Patient Autonomy and Medical Decision Making: Part II: The Autonomy Model

As part of a larger series addressing the intersection of law and medicine, this essay is the second of two introductory pieces. Beginning with the Hippocratic tradition and lasting for the next 2,400 years, the physician-patient relationship remained relatively unchanged under the beneficence model, a paternalistic framework characterized by the authoritative physician being afforded maximum discretion by the trusting, obedient patient. Over the last 100 years or so, in response to certain changes taking place in both research and clinical practice, the bioethics movement ushered in the autonomy model, and with it, a profoundly different way of approaching decision making in medicine. The shift from the beneficence model to the autonomy model is governed legally by the informed consent doctrine, which emphasizes disclosure to patients of information sufficient to permit them to make intelligent choices regarding treatment alternatives. As this legal doctrine became established, philosophers identified an inherent value in respecting patients as autonomous agents, even where patient choice seems to conflict with the physician's duty to act in the patient's best interests. Whereas the beneficence model presumed that the physician knew what was in the patient's best interests, the autonomy model starts from the premise that the patient knows what treatment decision is in line with his or her true sense of well-being, even where that decision is the refusal of treatment and the result is the patient's death.
Hydrodynamics of a Chemical-Mechanical Planarization Process

The flow of a slurry in a CMP process has been investigated. This wafer-scale model provides the three dimensional flow field of the slurry, the spatial distribution of the local shear rate imposed on the wafer surface, and the streamline patterns which reflect the transport characteristics of the slurry.
Studies on the reaggregation of isolated subunits of calf lens alpha-crystallin

Abstract The subunits of low molecular weight alpha-crystallin have been studied with Sephadex G-100 columns in the presence of 5 m guanidine · HCl. Such experiments indicate that more than 50% of the material is present in the dimer form and a small fraction (5–9%) is of higher molecular weight, the remainder being represented by the monomer fraction. The relative amounts of these fractions vary somewhat depending on the method used for the isolation of alpha-crystallin. Analysis of the major fractions suggest that the dimers are composed of A chains while the monomers are predominantly B chains. No disulphides are present in the dimer, but sulfhydryl groups appear to be involved in the dimerization. A chelatable component has been shown to participate in the dimerization process. The A chains can be purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography in the presence of 7 m urea and the purified polypeptides appear similar to A chains isolated by other methods. Reaggregation studies in the ultracentrifuge after the removal of guanidine · HCl from these Sephadex fractions suggest the following conclusion: combination of all the fractions, i.e. the minor high molecular weight fraction, the dimer and the monomer fractions, resulted in reaggregation to an s value expected for alpha-crystallin. Reaggregation of the starting alpha-crystallin after treatment with 5 m guanidine · HCl indicated no change in the s value of the material (S20w = 17·4 s). The dimer material alone reaggregated to give a large S20w value of 29·2 s while the monomer material reaggregated to a value of 18·1 s, which approximates the size of the precursor alpha-crystallin. Recombination of mixtures of the dimer and monomer give S20w values reflecting the relative proportion of the components; e.g. a mixture of 55% dimer and 45% monomer, a composition similar to alpha-crystallin, gives an S20w value of 24·4 s. Since the control experiments with all the fractions give an S20w value of 17·0 s, the minor subunit component must be of fundamental importance in controlling the size of the alpha-crystallin aggregates.
Mobilization of iron from the plasma membrane of the murine reticulocyte. The role of ferritin.

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma membranes prepared by pre-incubation of mouse reticulocytes with 125 I, 59 Fe-labeled murine transferrin were able to release 59 Fe in preference to 125 I when incubated in the presence of murine reticulocyte cytosol, demonstrating that the latter mobilized iron which had been dissociated from transferrin. 2. 2. 59 Fe in the cytosol was associated with at least two components in addition to hemoglobin, a high molecular weight component, identified as ferritin by specific immunoprecipitation, and an as yet unidentified, low molecular weight component of approx 17 000. 3. 3. Ferritin itself, in the absence of added cytosol, was able to mobilize 59 Fe from 59 Fe-labeled reticulocyte plasma membranes. 4. 4. Lysates of reticulocytes synthesized 59 Fe-labeled heme when incubated with 59 Fe-labeled ferritin. 5. 5. These findings reflect a pathway of iron uptake and incorporation into heme in which ferritin plays an active role.
Gender in mathematics relationality: counseling underprepared college students

As a professional tutor practicing primarily in the Northeast of the USA, I have noticed gender differences in how college students approach required mathematics courses and in how I approach tutoring them. I conducted a relational mathematics counseling pilot study, where I was a participant researcher in an introductory statistics for psychology class, ran a study group for the class, and offered individual tutor-counseling to ten volunteer participants, four males, and six females. I found that while students’ expressions of gender were unique and more or less salient to their mathematical progress, there were also some patterns of interest. My analysis suggests that gender difference in underprepared students, on whom I focus in this paper, was a key in the development of differing efforts to protect underdeveloped mathematics selves: typically overconfident grandiosity and/or resistance in the men and underconfident depression or anxiety and troubled tutor attachment relationships in the women. To the concomitant question with respect to effective support that emerged, I show that key relational changes I made and approaches I developed to help, needed also to be gender-sensitive.
Why Does Music Express Only Some Emotions? a Test of a Philosophical Theory:

Two experiments empirically tested a philosophical theory propounded by Kivy (1980, 1990) and Putnam (1987) about what distinguishes emotions that can or cannot be readily expressed by music (“musical relevance”). A unidimensional scaling was performed for 183 emotion terms. Four subsets of 17 words were extracted, the subsets being positively valenced, musically relevant, positive irrelevant, negative relevant, and positive irrelevant. The musical relevance of each word was judged directly by college professors, and indirectly by students, using a sentence frame methodology. The results favored the theory that musically relevant emotions are ones that are general, mood based, and do not require conscious knowledge of the causal source.
The Composition of Silk Oak Gum

Silk oak gum is a mixture of polyuronides which differ slightly in their composition and solubility in water. The polyuronides consist of the calcium and magnesium salts of d-glucuronic acid to which are attached D-galactose and L-arabinose. The purest samples of the crude gum analyzed contained approximately 2.66 units of anhydro D-galactose and 2.23 units of anhydro L-arabinose for each unit of D-glucuronic acid. A mild acid hydrolysis liberates all of the L-arabinose but leaves most of the D-galactose attached to the D-glucuronic acid. More vigorous acid hydrolysis liberates all but one D-galactose unit and leaves an aldobionic acid consisting of D-glucuronic acid combined with one unit of D-galactose.
7.2.2 Learning from Lessons Observed–Mitigating Resistance to SE Process Change

Changing a Systems Engineering process culture is difficult. There can be organizational and individual resistance to change that needs to be effectively overcome. As good systems engineering practices call for, at the start of the change activity the process change team needs to look back on the problems faced by similar programs. Most importantly, the team must learn from those ‘lessons observed’ and implement improvements in conducting their activity. Fifteen critical lessons observed about resistance and the mitigations applied are summarized. A highly successful process improvement program was achieved by applying mitigations learned from earlier problems. The lessons apply to changing SE processes in a government and commercial organization. For anyone seeking to change the culture and systems engineering processes, acquisition methods or business methods, these findings are their head start to identifying problems and reducing change activity failures.
A comparison of solution and solid state electronic absorption spectra of pyridinium iodides

Charge-transfer (CT) absorption spectra from CH2C12 solutions and Nujol mulls of a variety of pyridinium iodides have been compared. Factors such as hand grindings vs. mechanical milling, milling time, and support medium were examined with respect to effects on the position of the absorption bands in the solid state. Generally, the position of the low energy CT band appeared at lower wavelengths in mulls between CaF2 plates than in CH2Cl2 solutions. However, it was interesting to discover that the same mulls on filter paper or glass microfiber paper exhibit the CT band at energies higher than those found between CaF2 plates or in CH2Cl2 solution. As might be expected, small changes in structure such as differences in alkyl chain length influence the CT band position significantly more in the solid state than in solution.
Noniterative three-dimensional grid generation using parabolic partial differential equations

A new algorithm for generating three-dimensional grids has been developed and implemented which numerically solves a parabolic partial differential equation (PDE). The solution procedure marches outward in two coordinate directions, and requires inversion of a scalar tridiagonal system in the third. Source terms have been introduced to control the spacing and angle of grid lines near the grid boundaries, and to control the outer boundary point distribution. The method has been found to generate grids about 100 times faster than comparable grids generated via solution of elliptic PDEs, and produces smooth grids for finite-difference flow calculations.
The frequency of dry periods in Maryland

Precipitation data from 31 stations were analyzed for the purpose of determining the frequency and intensity of dry periods. Dry periods of at least 10 days in length can be expected about 4, 5 and 8 times a year for sequences where precipitation for each day is less than .01, .10, and .25 inch, respectively. The geometric distribution provides an acceptable fit to the data for the more common frequencies. Extreme-value analysis was used to determine the probabilities of occurrence of long dry periods; i.e., dry periods equal to or longer than the 2-year value. The onset of about 80 percent of these dry periods occurs during the second half of the year with about 50 percent starting in September and October.
Provider-patient dialogue about Internet health information: an exploration of strategies to improve the provider-patient relationship.

Abstract Objective This study examined patients' experiences talking to their providers about internet health information. Methods Participants ( n =770) recruited from internet health message boards completed an online survey, including questions focusing on a recent interaction with a provider about internet health information. Results Face-saving patient introduction strategies were associated with providers validating patients' efforts. Providers' validation of patients' efforts was associated with higher patient ratings of satisfaction, validation, and reduced concern, while providers' disagreement with the information was associated with lower ratings. The provider taking the information seriously was associated with higher patient satisfaction. Conclusion An understanding of the occurrence of provider–patient talk about internet health information and its relationship to patient satisfaction, validation, and reduced concern is important for providers and medical educators who seek to better understand, and thus improve, provider–patient communication. Practice implications Showing the patient that the information is being seriously considered and validating the patients' efforts in researching the information may ameliorate some of the negative effects of disagreement.
Optimization of photoluminescence and electroluminescence of silicon nanocrystals in a superlattice host

The use of silicon superlattices is a well established technique for creating nanocrystals. Depositing superlattices allows for adjustment of nanocrystal properties, such as the emission wavelength, by varying the silicon layer thickness. Opposed to the silicon layer, the silicon dioxide thickness effects are not documented as extensively. This study looks at superlattice films with silicon and silicon dioxide layers varying from 0.4 to 0.8 nm and 2.7 to 5.1 nm respectively, deposited via a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Photoluminescence and electroluminescence measurements were taken to show an increase in the output intensity increased oxide thickness.
Trypanosoma cruzi: Effect of ethidium bromide on growth, dyskinetoplasty, and respiration of the Y and Costa Rica strains

Abstract Incubation of Trypanosoma cruzi in 0.5 μg/ml of ethidium bromide for 8 days resulted in 56% inhibition of cell growth and 87% dyskinetoplasty in Y strain, and 64% inhibition of cell growth and 78% dyskinetoplasty in Costa Rica epimastigotes. The differences in drug-caused growth inhibition and dyskinetoplasty between the two strains was not significant. Y strain epimastigotes cultured in ethidium bromide showed ~50% loss in endogenous respiration when compared with control cells whereas Costa Rica strain cells showed no significant difference in endogenous respiration between control and drug-treated cells.
Naturally Occurring Polymers of IgA Lacking J Chain

Two of twenty IgA myeloma proteins studied were found to lack J chain. Both IgA proteins contained dimers and higher polymers (trimers, tetramers, pentamers) in proportions similar to those found in most classical 'J-positive' proteins. Both the 'J-negative' proteins contained bound albumin and alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1AT),and reduction with mercaptoethylamine caused a release of albumin and alpha1AT concomitant with depolymerization of the higher polymers of IgA. These proteins formed complexes with secretory component (SC) in vitro, indicating that the presence of J chain is not a requirement for SC binding.
Customizable description and dynamic discovery for web services

We present a framework for developing ontologies suitable for a dynamic environment, such as that for web services, and describe itsuse in a commercial system for resource discovery. This framework recognizes the importance of standards but allows for evolution in away that doesn't disrupt those adhering to the standards. The framework is based on the notion of discoverable resources which offer extensibility and security. The specific ontology we use in thesystem includes some salient features, such as attribute based matching rules and the corresponding constraint based search, attributes with dynamic values, and active queries.
Studies on the Protoplasmic Nature of Stimulation and Anesthesia

Uneven pressure and hypertonic sucrose solutions decrease the structural viscosity of protoplasm in cells of Spirogyra as evidenced by the fact that an acceleration which would not displace the chloroplasts in most cells of control filaments would displace the chloroplasts in most cells of filaments which had been stimulated by uneven pressure or hypertonic sucrose solutions. Presumably the decrease in structual viscosity results from the separation of the proteins from the protoplasmic network and their concomitant change from a chain to a globular form.Following short immersions in ether the structural viscosity of Spirogyra protoplasm, as determined by the centrifuge method, is less than that of normal protoplasm. After longer immersions in ether the structural viscosity returns to approximately normal. Although the structural viscosity returns to approximately normal the protoplasmic pattern does not, because the altered protoplasmic pattern cannot be stimulated by an electrical current as can the normal protoplasmic pattern; that is, after long immersions in ether the protoplasm is anesthetized as evidenced by the observations that in normal cells an electrical current of 2 ma. acting for 2 minutes causes a decrease in structural viscosity whereas in anesthetized cells the electrical current does not cause an appreciable decrease in the structural viscosity. Biochemically the course of anesthesia may be as follows: the initial break down of the protoplasmic network (as evidenced by the decrease in structural viscosity) is followed by a rearrangement of the network constituents. The rearranged pattern is a relatively non-sensitive one. However, the original sensitive pattern can be obtained again by allowing the anesthetized filaments to remain in water for 60 or more minutes following the ether treatment.
Use of dispersant in high K polymer-ceramic nano-composite to improve manufacturability and performance of integral capacitors

Integral or embedded capacitor technology could increase packaging density, improve electrical performance and reduce assembly cost compared with traditional discrete capacitor technology. Developing a successful dielectric material that satisfies electrical, reliability and processing requirements is one of the major challenges for incorporating capacitors into the large-area substrates. Polymer-ceramic nano-composites have been of great interest as the high dielectric constant (K) material because they combine the processability of polymers with the desired electrical properties of ceramics. Nevertheless, there are some technical barriers for the polymer-ceramic composites to be used in the organic substrates. Most significantly, for a very high dielectric constant of about 150 as reported so far by our group, a necessary rather high ceramic filler loading (85% by volume) gave problems in well dispersion of the ceramic fillers within the organic matrix, and there was almost no adhesion towards other layers in the printed circuit board structure. In order to develop polymer-ceramic nano-composites with a dielectric constant as high as possible together with compatibility toward manufacturing process of organic printed circuit boards, we have introduced dispersants into the formulations. Comprehensive formulation techniques have resulted in a much higher dielectric constant (e.g., typically over 65 at a ceramic loading of 40% by volume) as well as excellent adhesion performance.
Racial variations in quality of care and outcomes in an ambulatory heart failure cohort.

Background Few recent studies have demonstrated similar quality of care for hospitalized black and white patients with heart failure (HF). However, systematic evaluation of racial differences in both the quality of care and outcomes is needed in the outpatient setting, where most patients with HF are treated and where care may be more fragmented. Methods We examined racial differences in quality-of-care measures and outcomes of 1-year mortality and hospitalization in a national cohort of 18 611 ambulatory patients with HF treated at Veterans Affairs medical centers between October 2000 and September 2002. Results Black patients were more likely to have left ventricular ejection fraction assessment than whites (risk-adjusted OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.11-1.49). In patients with left ventricular ejection fraction Conclusions In a financially “equal access” health care system, the quality of outpatient HF care assessed by select quality measures and 1-year mortality was similar in black compared to white patients. However, blacks were more likely to be hospitalized, especially with HF. Identifying and targeting potentially modifiable factors such as uncontrolled hypertension in black patients may narrow the racial gap in hospitalizations.
Random access wireless networks with controlled mobility

This paper considers wireless networks where messages arriving randomly (in time and space) are collected by a mobile receiver. The messages are transmitted to the mobile receiver according to a random access scheme and the receiver dynamically adjusts its position in order to receive these messages in minimum time. We investigate the use of wireless transmission and controlled mobility to improve the delay performance in such systems. In particular, we characterize the tradeoff between wireless transmission and physical movement of the mobile receiver. We derive a lower bound for the delay in the system and show how it is affected by different communication parameters. We show that the combination of mobility and wireless transmission results in a significant improvement in delay as compared to a system where wireless transmission is not used.
Factors associated with peridomestic Triatoma sanguisuga (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) presence in southeastern Louisiana.

ABSTRACT Although rare, there have been isolated reports of autochthonous transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas in the United States. In June 2006, a human case of domestically transmitted T. cruzi was identified in southern Louisiana. To examine the localized risk of human T. cruzi infection in the area surrounding the initial human case, environmental surveys of households in the area and a serological survey of the residents were performed between September 2008 and November 2009. Human T. cruzi infection was determined using a rapid antigen field test, followed by confirmatory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing in the laboratory. A perimeter search of each participating residence for Triatoma sanguisuga (LeConte), the predominant local triatomine species, was also performed. No participating individuals were positive for antibodies against T. cruzi; however, high levels of T. cruzi infection (62.4%) were detected in collected T. sanguisuga. Households with T. sanguisuga presence were less li...
A tool for simulating neural models

SFINX, a simulation environment for modeling a wide spectrum of neural architectures with both regular and irregular connectivity patterns, is discussed. SFINX is not based on a specific neural paradigm; it supports a variety of computational models ranging from simple convolution filters such as difference-of-Gaussians receptive fields used in image processing to learning paradigms such as backward error propagation. SFINX's main components and data are described, and the representation of explicit and implicit networks is examined. An explicit network is a collection of data structures that contain information about each node in the network. The name implicit networks reflects the fact that a node's activation value, output value, etc., are all distributed across a set of buffer array data structures and that the connectivity information is stored inside the node function. A simulation example is given to illustrate the use of SFINX. >
Value of primary operative drain placement after major hepatectomy: a multi-institutional analysis of 1,041 patients.

Background The value of routine primary (intraoperative) drain placement after major hepatectomy remains unclear. We sought to determine if primary drainage led to decreased rates of complications, specifically, intra-abdominal biloma or infection requiring a secondary (postoperative) drainage procedure. Study Design All patients who underwent major hepatectomy (≥3 hepatic segments) at 3 institutions, from 2000 to 2012, were identified. Patients with biliary anastomoses were excluded. Primary outcomes were any complication, rate of secondary drainage procedures, bile leak, and 30-day readmission. Results There were 1,041 patients who underwent major hepatectomy without biliary anastomosis; 564 (54%) had primary drains placed at the surgeon's discretion. Primary drain placement was associated with increased complications (56% vs 44%; p Conclusions Primary intraoperative drain placement after major hepatectomy does not decrease the need for secondary drainage procedures and may be associated with increased bile leaks and 30-day readmissions. Routine drain placement is not warranted.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the largest of them all? The features and phenomenology of muscle dysmorphia.

(2001). Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Largest of Them All? The Features and Phenomenology of Muscle Dysmorphia. Harvard Review of Psychiatry: Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 254-259.
Effects of learning styles on the application of search tactics: A preliminary result

In this study, we investigated how searchers' learning styles would influence their application of search tactics. We measured searchers' learning styles including Active/Reflective and Sensing/Intuitive dimensions using Felder and Silverman's (1988) instrument. Then, based on multiple regression, the effects of learning styles on searchers' application patterns of search tactics were examined. Preliminary results of this study indicates that (1) active searchers spent more time in accessing forward tactics, (2) sensing searchers spent more time in visiting previous pages and in evaluating search results, and (3) reflective searchers spent more time in evaluating individual items.
The IBM system for the NIST-2002 cellular speaker verification evaluation

This paper presents an overview of the architecture and algorithms implemented in IBM's text-independent speaker verification system developed for the 2002 NIST speaker recognition evaluation, particularly for the 1-speaker detection task using cellular test data. We describe individual components including a Gaussianization front-end, celluar-codec post-processing, modeling, discriminative optimization and scoring steps. A combination of multiple, data-perturbed systems using a discriminative objective so as to achieve optimum performance for a low false alarm operating region obtained the top performance in the NIST 2002 1-speaker detection task.
Axiomatic Approach To Developing Partial Automation Concepts for Deployment of Automated Highway Systems and Partial Invocation of Vision-Based Lane-Keeping and Adaptive Cruise Control

Discussions about the pros and cons of the automated highway system (AHS) visions are nothing but intellectual exercises unless the issue of how to evolve the current highway system toward this end state can be resolved. The primary motivation for the AHS is its potential for considerable highway capacity gain without major acquisition of right-of-way. Many believe that such capacity gain is possible only when lanes are dedicated to the use of those vehicles equipped for full automation. However, to avoid the empty-lane syndrome, there must exist a sufficient population of automation-equipped vehicles that can use the dedicated lane at once or shortly thereafter. Also, if such automation-equipped vehicles can be used only on such dedicated lanes, few people would purchase such vehicles before dedication of lanes on a network basis, the well-known "chicken-and-egg" problem. In this paper partial-automation concepts are proposed that help solve this chicken-and-egg problem. Because of the futuristic nature ...
Part VIII introduction: new directions: cochlear implants.

Thirty years ago we never could have imagined the widespread success that cochlear implants (CIs) have achieved today. Although the sound that is heard by the CI wearer is quite different from what a person with normal hearing perceives, CI users of all ages learn to decipher the electrical signal generated by the CI, and with time are able to (re)gain the ability to understand speech in quiet environments. For individuals with sensory hearing loss, CIs restore partial hearing through direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve, the neural connection between the ear and the parts of the brain involved in the earliest stages of neural processing. Before the acoustic signal is converted to an electrical impulse, it passes through a sound processor. However, the processing strategies that are optimal for speech are not optimal for music, leading to a distorted and atonal signal. It is not surprising then, that music perception and enjoyment decline after implantation. However, now that speech perception ability is approaching near-normal levels, more resources are being devoted to improving music perception through a CI. In this section entitled “New Directions: Cochlear Implants,” we bring together a collection of chapters by Robert Shannon, Sandra Trehub, and Nina Kraus and their respective research teams to represent this relatively new, yet burgeoning field of research. By developing new scientific frameworks to study how music is perceived through a CI, and unlocking how
An optimal depletion CGE model: A systematic framework for energy-economy analysis in resource-based economies

Numerical economic models of energy fall into two general categories: models analyzing within energy sector issues and models examining the interaction between the energy sector and the rest of the economy. The first category are mostly partial equilibrium models with a very detailed and disaggregated representation of the energy sector. Although very useful for sector planning purposes this class of models essentially neglect the interdependence of the energy sector and the rest of the economy. The second category, appropriately called energy-economy interaction models, are multisectoral and general equilibrium models focusing on the relationship between the energy sector and the rest of the economy. These models offer a rich economy-wide picture but are not as detailed as the first category in their specification of the energy sector. Models employed for energy-economy interaction analysis include input-output, macro-econometric, and computable general equilibrium (CGE), as well as hybrid of these types. With advances in computation capabilities, however, CGE models have become the standard tool and dominate the mainstream of the economic discipline. The model presented in this paper belongs to the optimal depletion category of computable general equilibrium models. It is an optimization model that solves the inter-temporal depletion problem subject to workings of a multi-sector market economy, where relative prices play a crucial role. Such a formulation establishes general equilibrium linkages between the optimal depletion of the resource and the rest of the economy and thus it provides a systematic framework to analyze energy-economy interactions in resource-based economies.
The consequences of delayed greening during leaf development for light absorption and light use efficiency

Many species of rainforest plants have an unusual form of leaf development such that leaves delay greening until after full leaf expansion. Chlorophyll accumulation was measured during leaf development in five woody rainforest species, three with white young leaves, and two with 'normal' greening. In the three species with white leaves, the chlorophyll content of the expanding leaves was about 0 4mg dm ^ , whereas in the two species with green young leaves, chlorophyll content was about 2-1 mg dm ^ . Chlorophyll accumulation in greenhouse and field experiments was independent of light level. During leaf expansion, species with delayed chloroplast development only absorb 18-25% of the maximum possible light, compared with 80% for species with normal greening. Furthermore, species with delayed greening have low chlorophyll contents and reduced absorption for at least 30d after full expansion. At a PPFD typical of the forest understory, the photosynthetic light use efficiency based upon incident radiation was 0-0300-036 for species with delayed chloroplast development and 0-068-0-085 for the two species with normal greening. The lower light use efficiency of white species was primarily due to decreased light absorption. However, they also had a slightly lower light use efficiency based upon absorbed radiation, suggesting that development of other components of the photosynthetic apparatus also may be delayed. Despite the fact that delayed greening decreases light absorption and light use efficiency during leaf development, it is extremely common in shade-tolerant species. We suggest that an advantage of delayed greening is that resources are not invested in the leaf until it is fully expanded and better defended from herbivores. Key-words: Annonaceae] chlorophyll; light use efficieticy; leaf angle; leaf developmetit; chloroplast developmetit; ligbt absorption; delayed greening; ligbt gaps; rainforest; understory.
Neural networks using analog multipliers

A neural network implementation using MOSFET analog multipliers to construct weighted sums is described. This scheme permits asynchronous, analog operation of Hopfield style networks with fully programmable binary weights. This approach avoids the use of large-valued resistors which waste chip area or require special processing. Using this approach, analog neurons can be constructed in as few as 2+2 K transistors per Kb connection weight. An analytical model for the analog multipliers has been derived. This model has been used to stimulate a complete neural network for the traveling salesman problem. >