cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A report of recent progress in transformation-based error-driven learning

Most recent research in trainable part of speech taggers has explored stochastic tagging. While these taggers obtain high accuracy, linguistic information is captured indirectly, typically in tens of thousands of lexical and contextual probabilities. In [Brill 92], a trainable rule-based tagger was described that obtained performance comparable to that of stochastic taggers, but captured relevant linguistic information in a small number of simple non-stochastic rules. In this paper, we describe a number of extensions to this rule-based tagger. First, we describe a method for expressing lexical relations in tagging that stochastic taggers are currently unable to express. Next, we show a rule-based approach to tagging unknown words. Finally, we show how the tagger can be extended into a k-best tagger, where multiple tags can be assigned to words in some cases of uncertainty.
Density isomerism and the Primakoff effect

Abstract We show that the decay width for π 0 →2 γ in nuclear matter could be used as a signal for phase transitions in nuclear matter. The decay width of the π 0 is experimentally measured using pion photoproduction off heavy nuclei by observing the Primakoff peak in the differential cross sections. We present calculations for the differential cross section with corrections to the γ − γ − π 0 vertex arising from the nuclear medium within the nuclear radius when the medium is in the abnormal matter phase.
Coherence for polynomial rings

Let II= IIR, be an arbitrary product of copies of R,. We say R is right n-coherent if every finitely generated submodule of Z7 is finitely presented. This notion is called strong coherence in [7], where it seems to have been invented. Here we obtain a new characterization of n-coherence, and study Z7coherence for polynomial rings. Using Goldie’s Theorem, we show that if R is a semiprime two-sided noetherian ring then R[S] is right n-coherent for any set of variables S (Theorem 6). We also obtain the same result for two-sided noetherian rings R, not assumed to be semiprime, provided R contains an uncountable field. Call ring R a left *-ring (star ring) if it has the property that HomA , RR) = ( )* takes finitely generated left R-modules to finitely generated right R modules. The above ideas are connected by the following:
Material characterization of structural adhesives in the lap shear mode

A general method for characterizing structual adhesives in the bonded lap shear mode is proposed. Two approaches in the form of semiempirical and theoretical approaches are used. The semiempirical approach includes Ludwik's and Zhurkov's equations to describe respectively, the failure stresses in the constant strain rate and constant stress loading modes with the inclusion of the temperature effects. The theoretical approach is used to describe adhesive shear stress-strain behavior with the use of viscoelastic or nonlinear elastic constitutive equations. Two different model adhesives are used in the single lap shear mode with titanium adherends. These adhesives (one of which was developed at NASA Langley Research Center) are currently considered by NASA for possible aerospace applications. Use of different model adhesives helps in assessment of the generality of the method.
Gamma-range synchronization of fast-spiking interneurons can enhance detection of tactile stimuli

We tested the sensory impact of repeated synchronization of fast-spiking interneurons (FS), an activity pattern thought to underlie neocortical gamma oscillations. We optogenetically drove 'FS-gamma' while mice detected naturalistic vibrissal stimuli and found enhanced detection of less salient stimuli and impaired detection of more salient ones. Prior studies have predicted that the benefit of FS-gamma is generated when sensory neocortical excitation arrives in a specific temporal window 20-25 ms after FS synchronization. To systematically test this prediction, we aligned periodic tactile and optogenetic stimulation. We found that the detection of less salient stimuli was improved only when peripheral drive led to the arrival of excitation 20-25 ms after synchronization and that other temporal alignments either had no effects or impaired detection. These results provide causal evidence that FS-gamma can enhance processing of less salient stimuli, those that benefit from the allocation of attention.
Effect of the Skeletonization Process on Vapor Sorption into Langmuir-Blodgett Multilayers

One of simplest Langmuir-Blodgett films is a stack of fatty acid layers bridged together by divalent cations. A certain fraction of fatty acids remain protonated, an amount dictated by aqueous subphase conditions during film deposition; these films are thus comprised of two components with different solubilities in organic solvents. We investigated the so-called skeletonization process that occurs when behenic acid multilayers are immersed in benzene. In particular, we used a quartz crystal microbalance to measure the loss of film mass and found that it agrees well with the amount of protonated acid in the original film. We also used the quartz crystal microbalance to investigate the equilibrium vapor sorption properties of unmodified films and compared them to those of skeletonized films. Both types of films take in nearly the same amount of water but absorb distinctly different amounts of selected organic vapors.
A close relationship between functional polymorphism in the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Objective This study investigated whether the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) promoter (−1562C>T) is a significant risk factor for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and if SNPs affect the transcription of the gene that elevates the MMP-9 expression level. Methods A polymerase chain reaction, followed by a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, was performed in 173 control participants and 206 AMI patients. The serum levels of MMP-9 in the groups with or without the SNP were measured using ELISA and compared. Results There was a significantly higher incidence of th-1562C>T MMP-9 polymorphism in the AMI patients compared to the control group (27.6% vs 17.9%, p =0.04). A multiple logistic regression analysis of the risk factors for coronary artery disease and the MMP-9 polymorphism showed the MMP-9 polymorphism to be an important factor in the prediction of an AMI (odds ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval 1.02–2.67, p =0.04). The serum level of MMP-9 was also higher in the group with the SNP than in the group without (494.8±3.66 ng/ml vs 309.5±2.19 ng/ml, p =0.04). Conclusion These results suggest that the −1562C>T polymorphism in the MMP-9 promoter is strongly associated with an AMI.
Adjuvant and Palliative Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer in the Elderly Patient

There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that geriatric patients can benefit from and tolerate standard chemotherapy similar to younger patients in the settings of both early and advanced stage colorectal cancer. Assessment of this expanding population requires more comprehensive evaluation in addition to routine history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Specific considerations of their physiologic functional changes will help physicians better manage these patients. Ongoing studies are now designed to better understand the decision-making process, safety profile, and efficacy of various treatment regimens in geriatric patients.
A feature based solution to Forward Problem in Electrical Capacitance Tomography

A new feature-based technique is introduced to solve the nonlinear Forward Problem (FP) of the Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) with the target application of monitoring the metal-fill profile in Lost Foam Casting (LFC) process. The new technique to solve the FP is based on key features extracted from the metal distributions and the Correction Factor (CF). The CF is predicted by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based on key distribution features. The CF adjusts the linear solution of the FP for nonlinear effects. The data for the ANN training was generated through ANSYS finite element analysis and the codes written in MATLAB. The ANN was implemented using MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox. This approach shows promising results. The ANN was able to learn the effect of these features on the CF with the % RMS error of 2.21 for training data. For the previously unseen test metal distributions, the average RMS error was 2.2%.
Light and electron microscopic studies of meiosis in the basidia ofPholiota terrestris

The two division of meiosis that occur in the distal portion of the basidia ofPholiota terrestris were studied with light and electron microscopy. A diglobular spindle pole body (SPB), consisting of two globular elements and a connecting, electron-dense middle piece, is closely attached to the nuclear envelope of the fusion nucleus. During prometaphase I the globular elements separate and pass to the opposite poles as the chiastic spindle is formed. Evidently, the middle piece also separates with each resulting half persisting as an eccentric, electron-dense portion of the monoglobular SPB of meta-, ana-, and telophase nuclei. Also during prometaphase I, the nuclear envelope becomes discontinuous, especially in the lower region of the spindle. Light microscopic evidence of nucleolar extrusion at prometaphase I and II was observed. At metaphase I the SPB's move away from the condensed chromatic mass as the chromatids move asynchronously along the expanding spindle, evidently, due both to the elongation of the continuous fibers and the shortening of the chromosomal fibers. Two images resembling typical kinetochroes are illustrated in anaphase I nuclei, and others were seen during the study. At early telophase I and II the nuclear envelope is present laterally, is then formed in the interpolar region, and eventually appears between the chromatin and monoglobular SPB. A perforated ER cap, which is penetrated by microtubules, delimits the SPB. The nucleus enlarges, the chromatin becomes diffused except adjacent to the SPB, and the perinuclear ER becomes uniformly oriented around the nuclear envelope. At interphase I a diglobular SPB was not clearly documented. During interphase I the ER cap disappears but the perinuclear ER persists. Division II, with the exception of prophase, is essentially identical to division I. The postmeiotic, haploid nuclei migrate to the median or proximal region of the basidium. The diglobular SPB reappears. The meiotic apparatus inP. terrestris is considered to have the same fundamental features as those of plants and animals and in detail conforms to the pattern described in several light and electron microscopic studies of other Homobasidiomycetes.
Impact of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Interventions on Improving Health Outcomes among School Children

Purpose. This review was done to explore the impact of water treatment, hygiene, and sanitary interventions on improving child health outcomes such as absenteeism, infections, knowledge, attitudes, and practices and adoption of point-of-use water treatment. Methods. A literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed and Google scholar for studies published between 2009 and 2012 and focusing on the effects of access to safe water, hand washing facilities, and hygiene education among school-age children. Studies included were those that documented the provision of water and sanitation in schools for children less than 18 years of age, interventions which assessed WASH practices, and English-language, full-text peer reviewed papers. Results. Fifteen studies were included in the final analysis. 73% (n = 11) of the studies were conducted in developing countries and were rural based (53%, n = 8). The child's age, gender, grade level, socioeconomic index, access to hygiene and sanitary facilities, and prior knowledge of hygiene practices were significantly associated with the outcomes. Nutrition practices which are key factors associated with the outcomes were rarely assessed. Conclusion. Further research is required to assess the long-term impact of such interventions in different settings.
Guest Editorial Special Issue on Plenary and Invited Papers From PPPS 2013

The 2013 IEEE Pulsed Power and Plasma Science Conference (PPPS 2013) was held at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, CA, USA in June 2013. The PPPS 2013 combined the 19th IEEE Pulsed Power Conference (PPC) and the 40th IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS). This conference marks the third combined IEEE PPPS meeting, following the very successful PPPS 2001 in Las Vegas, NV, USA, and the PPPS 2007 in Albuquerque, NM, USA. The most recent ICOPS was held in 2012 in Edinburg, Scotland, and the most recent PPC was held in 2011 in Chicago, IL, USA.
Quantitative Research Methodology: Common Pitfalls and Recommended Solutions

Quantitative research methodology, which is characterized by positivism, measurement, and statistics, has dominated the scientific literatures in many disciplines. Clinical research, in particular, often relies on quantitative data to describe, predict, and explain the complex phenomena at work. Other disciplines sometimes turn to medical paradigms as learning models and benchmark standards for improving scientific rigor and assessing intellectual merit. During the past few decades, quantitative research methodology has undergone many scientific breakthroughs. Paradigmic shifts and complex statistical models, coupled with technological advancements, open up a whole new horizon for quantitative researchers. Unfortunately, despite these exciting new developments, many fallacies and misconceptions continue to infiltrate the way quantitative researchers conceive, collect, and analyze their data. In fact, all too often, researchers associate “quantitative research” with “statistics,” failing to realize that a lot needs to happen before a statistical procedure can be applied to analyze the data. Without a rigorous research design, a sound sampling scheme, a reliable and valid instrument, and a meticulous data cleaning mechanism in place, no sophisticated statistic procedures can evade the Garbage In, Garbage Out fallacy. Unique in its multidisciplinary approach, this special issue brings together renowned and aspiring scholars from nursing, psychology, and education in their collective effort to shape the future of quantitative research methodology. By offering a platform for critically rethinking the current practices of quantitative research, this issue focuses on finding new ways of addressing major methodological challenges. It is my contention that with a little imagination and creativity, researchers from different disciplines can actually “talk” to each other because we are unified by the methodology we use to investigate a phenomenon. In a very real sense, we speak the same language of methodology that is boundary-free. This special issue addresses eight major methodological challenges in the various stages of a research process. The eight articles are organized in such a way that they generally follow
A technique for quadrant interocclusal records

Summary A technique is presented for making accurate interocclusal records especially suited for preparations on the most distal tooth in the arch. The technique is limited to teeth having essentially acceptable occlusion, either normal or adjusted, since maximum intercuspation is verified on mounted casts as demonstrated in the mouth.
Release of the sigma subunit from Escherichia coli RNA polymerase transcription complexes is dependent on the promoter sequence.

The sigma subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase is required for the specific initiation of transcription at promoter sites. However, sigma is released from the transcription complex shortly after transcription is initiated, and elongation proceeds in the absence of sigma. In order to study the position of sigma release, we have developed a method to quantify the photoaffinity labeling produced by an aryl azide positioned at the leading (5'-) end of nascent RNA, as a function of the transcript length [Stackhouse, T.M., & Meares, C.F. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 3038-3045]. Here we compare photoaffinity labeling of transcription complexes containing three natural bacteriophage promoters (lambda PR, lambda PL, and T7 A1) and two recombinant constructs, A1/PR (T7 A1 promoter with the lambda PR transcribed region) and PR/A1 (lambda PR promoter with the T7 A1 transcribed region). Significant photoaffinity labeling of the sigma subunit was observed only on the templates containing the lambda PR promoter region, regardless of the sequence of the transcribed region. These results indicate the molecular interactions responsible for the position of sigma release from the transcription complex mainly involve the nucleotide sequence of the promoter region--rather than the transcribed region--of the DNA template. Further studies on transcription complexes containing the A1/PR and the PR/A1 templates were performed, using polyclonal antibodies against the holoenzyme or against the sigma subunit. These experiments corroborate the promoter dependence of sigma release. They also show a correlation between the release of sigma and stable binding of the transcript by the transcription complex.
Effectiveness of numerical techniques for calculating the quantity of Ca2+ species during calcium sparks in heart muscle

Abstract An efficient numerical algorithm based on the convolution of functions and on finite difference approximations for the diffusion equation is utilized to determine the quantity of calcium ions (Ca2+) participating in unitary Ca2+ release events, termed “Ca2+sparks”, in heart muscle. Output images of localized increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]), due predominantly to Ca2+ release from intracellular storage sites, are obtained using fluorescent calcium indicators and confocal microscopy. To obtain the quantity of Ca2+ underlying these localized increases of cytosolic [Ca2+], one-dimensional output images are deconvolved with a point spread function that describes the optical properties of the microscope. The resulting input image is then reconstructed, assuming symmetry, in a threedimensional image of [Ca2+] and all Ca2+-bound species. Temporal information about free and bound Ca2+ species can be obtained by performing convolutions on a series of output images recorded in time and the...
Cortisol-mediated downregulation of the serotonin 1A receptor subtype in the Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta

In both mammals and teleost fish, serotonin stimulates cortisol secretion via the 5-HT1A receptor. Additionally, a negative feedback loop exists in mammals whereby increased circulating levels of cortisol inhibit 5-HT1A receptor activity. To investigate the possibility of such a feedback mechanism in teleosts, plasma cortisol levels and signaling in Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) were manipulated and the role of cortisol in the control of 5-HT1A evaluated. Despite a significant 4-fold increase in plasma [cortisol], crowded toadfish expressed similar amounts of 5-HT1A mRNA transcript as uncrowded toadfish; whereas, cortisol-implanted fish possessed 41.8% less 5-HT1A mRNA transcript compared to vehicle-implanted controls. This cortisol effect appeared to be reversed in RU486-injected fish, which blocks glucocorticoid receptors, as these fish expressed nearly twice as much 5-HT1A receptor transcript as the vehicle-injected fish despite significantly elevated cortisol levels. The binding affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor in the brain did not vary between any groups; however, maximum binding was significantly higher in uncrowded toadfish compared to crowded, and the same significant difference was observed between the maximum binding of vehicle and cortisol-implanted fish. The opposite trend was seen in RU486-injected and vehicle-injected fish, with RU486-injected fish having significantly higher maximal binding compared to vehicle-injected controls. Injection with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin revealed an inhibition of cortisol secretion that was independent of 5-HT1A transcript and protein binding. These results suggest that cortisol plays a role in regulating the 5-HT1A receptor via GR-mediated pathways; however, further study is necessary to elucidate how and where this inhibition is mediated.
Rotenone Persistence in Freshwater Ponds: Effects of Temperature and Sediment Adsorption

Abstract The persistence of rotenone was compared between a cement-lined pond (0.04 hectare) and an earthen-bottom pond (0.02 hectare) treated with 5 μL Noxfish/L (250 μg rotenone/L) during spring, summer, and fall. Water temperatures on the days of treatment in each season were 8, 22, and 15°C, respectively. Both ponds were filled with pond water from a common source 1 week before each of the three treatments. Water samples (filtered and unfiltered) and sediment samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography to monitor the decrease of rotenone until residues were at or below the detection limit (<2.0 μg/L for water and < 25 ng/g for sediments). The loss of rotenone from water generally followed a first-order rate ofdecay. Rotenone disappeared two to three times faster in the earthen pond than in the concrete pond. The rotenone half-life times in the spring, summer, and fall treatments were 3.7, 1.3, and 5.2 d, respectively, in the concrete pond, and 1.8, 0.7, and 1.8 d in the earthen pon...
Suppression of simian immunodeficiency virus replication in primary peripheral mononuclear cells by antisense RNA.

It has been demonstrated that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication can be effectively blocked by an antisense sequence that was introduced into the lymphoid cell line through retroviral-mediated gene transfer. In this study, it is demonstrated that antisense RNA can also inhibit simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) of healthy donors. MNCs were transduced with amphotropic recombinant virus encoding either sense or antisense constructs of SIV DNA fragments. After challenge with SIV, the viral replication was suppressed in the an-tisense-recombinant virus-transduced MNCs compared to sense-recombinant virus-transduced and untransduced MNCs. These data indicate that amphotropic retroviral vectors can be used to introduce antiviral factors (antisense sequence) into human primary MNCs and render them resistant to viral replication. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Calculation of Current-Voltage properties of Biological Ion Channel, using Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) Theory

Biological ion channels are integral membrane proteins that are usually formed by relatively large proteins. Studying current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of channels is commonly used to understand how channels function and estimate effectiveness of existing and potential drugs. The current - voltage characteristics of a channel depend on the channel's structure and conformation. Current conduction through a channel in the protein is a slow process, which makes the traditional methods for theoretical modeling of proteins (such as molecular dynamics or Monte-Carlo simulations) practically inapplicable for direct modeling of channel function. Therefore other simplified theoretical methods have been developed. One such method is the Poisson-Nernst-Plank (PNP) theory of electro-diffusion, where a set of partial differential equations (the Poisson and the Nernst-Plank equations) are solved self-consistently. We are developing the PNP equations solver (PNPS) for calculating current-voltage properties of ion channel proteins. To improve computational efficiency the solver was parallelized. The new solver has been applied to predict ion conductance properties of the α-Hemolysin channel, a robust and well studied pore forming heptameric protein complex. Because of the asymmetry of the protein structure its position with respect to the lipid bilayer has not been well determined. We performed a series of calculations in which the membrane position has been varied. pKa calculations show that the protonation state of some residues depends on the membrane position. The results of PNP calculation are compared with experimental data on channel conductance, ion selectivity, reverse potential, rectification properties. Such detailed analysis allowed us to pinpoint position of the protein in the membrane. Several methods for setting diffusion coefficients were tested. We have also investigated models for interaction of a permeant ion with the protein and its mobility in the constricted environment of the protein pore.
Arsenic diffusion in boron-doped germanium

Arsenic (As) diffusion in germanium (Ge) has been studied by implanting As in a Ge substrate with high boron (B) background doping. The high hole density induced by the B doping suppresses negatively charged vacancies (V) in Ge. Under this condition, we have investigated the dependence of As diffusion on the dopant-vacancy pairs As + V 0 by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. After rapid thermal annealing at 600-750-C, the chemical profiles of As do not change in the highly B doped Ge. Experimental results suggest that the As + V 0 pairs are not the diffusion vehicles of As in Ge. Activation energy of the As + V 0 pairs has to be larger than 3.25 eV.
Test driving three 1995 genetic algorithms: New test functions and geometric matching

Genetic algorithms have attracted a good deal of interest in the heuristic search community. Yet there are several different types of genetic algorithms with varying performance and search characteristics. In this article we look at three genetic algorithms: an elitist simple genetic algorithm, the CHC algorithm and Genitor. One problem in comparing algorithms is that most test problems in the genetic algorithm literature can be solved using simple local search methods. In this article, the three algorithms are compared using new test problems that are not readily solved using simple local search methods. We then compare a local search method to genetic algorithms for geometric matching and examine a hybrid algorithm that combines local and genetic search. The geometric matching problem matches a model (e.g., a line drawing) to a subset of lines contained in a field of line fragments. Local search is currently the best known method for solving general geometric matching problems.
The Forgotten Face of Postcoloniality: Moroccan Prison Narratives, Human Rights, and the Politics of Resistance

This article argues that the promise of postcolonial discourse to expose the ramifications of the colonial encounter has been lacking insofar as it ignored many constituencies who write in indigenous languages. Within this context, this article examines three novels by Moroccan writers in Arabic, 'Abd al-Qādir al-Shāwī's Al-Sāhatu al-sharafiyah (The Square of Honor, 1999), Khadījah al-Marwāzī's Sīrat al-ramād (Biography of Ash, 2000), and Sa'īd Hajī's Dhākiratu al-fīnīq: sīratun dhātiyatun li wajhin min sanawāt al-rasās (Memory of the Phoenix: An Autobiography from the Years of Lead, 2006). These texts chronicle the lives of political prisoners and their experiences inside Moroccan prisons during the 1970s and 1980s. As testimonial narratives they expose the relationship between the social, cultural, religious, and political in postcolonial Morocco and show how these discourses shape its system of government and cultural practices. The article thus highlights violations of human rights in post-independence Morocco and the literature that came out to expose and eventually resist these violations. Such focus, the article argues, would perhaps invite a new critical interest in Maghrebian literature that looks beyond the identity politics and cultural othering so familiar in the francophone text.
Quantitation of Melatonin and N-acetylserotonin in Human Plasma by Nanoflow LC-MS/MS and Electrospray LC-MS/MS

Melatonin (MEL) and its chemical precursor N-acetylserotonin (NAS) are believed to be potential biomarkers for sleep-related disorders. Measurement of these compounds, however, has proven to be difficult due to their low circulating levels, especially that of NAS. Few methods offer the sensitivity, specificity and dynamic range needed to monitor MEL and its precursors and metabolites in small blood samples, such as those obtained from pediatric patients. In support of our ongoing study to determine the safety, tolerability, and PK dosing strategies for MEL in treating insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder, two highly sensitive LC-MS/MS assays were developed for the quantitation of MEL and precursor NAS at pg/mL levels in small volumes of human plasma. A validated electrospray ionization (ESI) method was used to quantitate high levels of MEL in PK studies and a validated nanospray (nESI) method was developed for quantitation of MEL and NAS at endogenous levels. In both assays plasma samples were processed by centrifugal membrane dialysis after addition of stable isotopic internal standards, and the components were separated by either conventional LC using a Waters SymmetryShield RP18 column (2.1×100 mm, 3.5 μm) or on a polyimide-coated, fused-silica capillary self-packed with 17 cm AquaC18 (3 μm, 125 A). Quantitation was done using the SRM transitions m/z 233→174 and m/z 219→160 for MEL and NAS, respectively. The analytical response ratio vs. concentration curves were linear for MEL (nanoflow LC: 11.7–1165 pg/mL, LC: 1165–116500 pg/mL) and for NAS (nanoflow LC: 11.0–1095 pg/mL).
An assessment of the energy tax burden on the Philippine economy

This paper uses an aggregate modelling approach to assess the impacts of a redistribution of the taxes and duties that currently exist on crude oil and refined petroleum products in the Philippine economy. The approach used in the analysis consists of a general equilibrium model composed of fourteen producing sectors, fourteen consuming sectors, three household categories classified by income and a government. The effects of replacing the taxes and duties on crude oil and refined petroleum products with a more broad-based tax on manufacturing and service sectors output on prices and quantities are examined. The results are revealing. For example, the consequences of redistributing the tax burden away from petroleum products to the manufacturing and service sectors of the Philippine economy would be an increase in output by all producing sectors of about 3.5% or about 2.4 hundred billion Philippine pesos, a rise in the consumption of goods and services by about 6.1% or 1.6 hundred billion Philippine pesos, a rise in total utility by 6.9% or 1.9 hundred billion Philippine pesos and virtually no change in tax revenue for the government. When subjected to a sensitivity analysis, the results are reasonably robust with regard to the assumption of the values of the substitution eleasticities. That is, while the model's equilibrium values do vary in response to different assumptions of the values of these elasticities, the fluctutations are not so enormous to suggest that the model is unrealistically sensititve to these parameters.
Image-Guided Acoustic Therapy

The potential role of therapeutic ultrasound in medicine is promising. Currently, medical devices are being developed that utilize high-intensity focused ultrasound as a noninvasive method to treat tumors and to stop bleeding (hemostasis). The primary advantage of ultrasound that lends the technique so readily to use in noninvasive therapy is its ability to penetrate deep into the body and deliver to a specific site thermal or mechanical energy with submillimeter accuracy. Realizing the full potential of acoustic therapy, however, requires precise targeting and monitoring. Fortunately, several imaging modalities can be utilized for this purpose, thus leading to the concept of image-guided acoustic therapy. This article presents a review of high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy, including its mechanisms of action, the imaging modalities used for guidance and monitoring, some current applications, and the requirements and technology associated with this exciting and promising field.
Role of intestinal bacteria in aromatization of quinic acid in man and guinea pig.

Summary and ConclusionsWhen quinic acid is given orally to man and to guinea pigs, it is aromatized and appears in urine as hippuric acid. Neomycin, in doses sufficient to inhibit bacterial multiplication in the intestinal tract, prevents conversion of quinic to hippuric acid in man. When quinic acid is given parenterally to guinea pigs, it is not converted to hippuric acid. It is concluded that aromatization of quinic acid in man and in guinea pig is achieved by intestinal bacteria.
Characteristics and Antibiotic Use Associated With Short-Term Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection Among Hospitalized Patients.

Clostridium difficile was not identified as the causative bacterial agent for antibiotic-related diarrhea until the late 1970s1-3 and is now recognized as the leading cause of infectious nosocomial (hospital-acquired) diarrhea.3,4 The median onset of symptomatic infection after colonization with toxigenic C difficile spores is typically 2 to 3 days.5 Recently, molecular testing has been recognized as an important tool for C difficile infection (CDI) diagnosis, with a sensitivity and specificity of 73% to 100% and 91% to 100%, respectively.6 Due to the high specificity of the test, most institutions using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose CDI advocate against repeat testing within 7 days of an initial negative test.7 Short-term acquisition of CDI, meaning a positive PCR test on repeat testing after an initial negative test within 14 days, is rare, but it does occur in 1% to 4% of patients who undergo repeat testing, and the specific risk factors are unknown.7-12 Patients with short-term acquisition of CDI are exclusively inpatients since they are most likely to undergo expedited repeated testing.7,8 Since repeat PCR testing for C difficile is costly, determining which patients would likely benefit from repeat testing could be used to guide laboratory policies.13 The overall goal of this study was to determine if identifiable patient characteristics would improve the efficiency of a short-term repeat testing protocol for detecting C difficile. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of short-term acquisition (within 14 days) of CDI after an initial negative PCR in our institution and to determine patient characteristics and antibiotic regimens associated with acquisition.
Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Replication during Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Transgenic Mice

Although coinfection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Schistosoma mansoni is a frequent event in humans, little is known about the interactions between these two pathogens. S. mansoni infection induces T helper cell type 2 (Th2)–type cytokines in the liver of humans and mice. The intrahepatic induction of nitric oxide (NO) and Th1-type cytokines, such as interferon (IFN)-γ and IFN-α/β, inhibits HBV replication noncytopathically in the liver of transgenic mice. To examine whether S. mansoni infection and the accompanying induction of Th2-type cytokines could interfere with HBV replication in the liver, HBV transgenic mice were infected with S. mansoni. By 5 wk after infection, HBV replication disappeared concomitant with the intrahepatic induction of NO and Th1-type cytokines, and in the absence of Th2-type cytokines. By 6–8 wk after infection, HBV replication remained undetectable and this was associated with further induction of NO and Th1-type cytokines together with the appearance of Th2-type cytokines. The S. mansoni–dependent antiviral effect was partially blocked by genetically deleting IFN-γ, although it was unaffected by deletion of IFN-α/β. These results indicate that IFN-γ (probably via NO) mediates most of this antiviral activity and that Th2-type cytokines do not counteract the antiviral effect of IFN-γ. Similar events may suppress HBV replication during human S. mansoni infection.
Spatial behaviour of translocated African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in a novel environment: using behaviour to inform conservation actions

[When animals encounter a novel environment they can either reject it and leave or accept it and explore their new home. It is important to understand what governs animals' response to a novel place because of the fitness consequences and wildlife management implications entailed. Here I examine the spatial behaviour of translocated African elephants (Loxodonta africana) upon arrival at a novel environment. I monitored the movement patterns of 12 radio-collared elephants for a year post-translocation. I documented the first account of both female and male African elephants homing back to their natal habitat. More males than expected left the release site, but female–calf units also homed to their natal habitat, demonstrating that homing is not confined to one sex or age. When examining the spatial behaviour of elephants that remained near the release site I did not find a relationship between habitat exploration and last distance from release site, elephant age, or social association. However, I did find a negative correlation between habitat exploration and distance from human activities. This work provides biological insights regarding individual variation in spatial activity of animals in a novel environment and offers recommendations for future management actions., When animals encounter a novel environment they can either reject it and leave or accept it and explore their new home. It is important to understand what governs animals' response to a novel place because of the fitness consequences and wildlife management implications entailed. Here I examine the spatial behaviour of translocated African elephants (Loxodonta africana) upon arrival at a novel environment. I monitored the movement patterns of 12 radio-collared elephants for a year post-translocation. I documented the first account of both female and male African elephants homing back to their natal habitat. More males than expected left the release site, but female–calf units also homed to their natal habitat, demonstrating that homing is not confined to one sex or age. When examining the spatial behaviour of elephants that remained near the release site I did not find a relationship between habitat exploration and last distance from release site, elephant age, or social association. However, I did find a negative correlation between habitat exploration and distance from human activities. This work provides biological insights regarding individual variation in spatial activity of animals in a novel environment and offers recommendations for future management actions.]
THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE U.S. IN WORLD DAIRY MARKETS

U.S. dairy companies became more important exporters beginning in the mid-2000s when international and domestic developments changed the economic environment facing the U.S. dairy industry. This paper looks at five U.S. dairy firms and how their domestic and international strategies will influence the size of the U.S. dairy industry's dairy exports and foreign direct investment in dairy-food businesses.
Explaining Bootstraps and Robustness

In this note we consider several versions of the bootstrap and argue that it can be helpful in explaining and thinking about such procedures to use an explicit representation of the random resampling process. To illustrate the point we give such explicit representations and use them to produce some results about bootstrapping linear models that are, apparently, not widely known, at least in the econometric literature. Among these are a demonstration of the equivalence, to order n 1 of the covariance matrix of the bootstrap distribution of the least squares estimator and the Eicker(1967)/White(1980) heteroscedasticity robust covariance matrix estimate. The method also shows the precise relations between an Efron(1979) bootstrap procedure and the Bayesian bootstrap of Rubin(1981)
Anomalous phases in TE-mode magnetotellurics

ABSTRACTThis paper has been retracted by the author on 10 March 2015. It was brought to the author’s attention that equation 3 of this paper has the incorrect sign. This error has the serious consequence that the anomalous phases for the system discussed in the paper are much smaller in amplitude than reported, and hence the main conclusion, that any phase may be found in TE mode induction, has not been demonstrated and is likely incorrect.
A Switch Box for Use in Multicontact Depth Electrode Studies

The more frequent use of standardized multiple contact depth probes has increased the sites for EEG recording.
A distorted wave Born approximation target strength model for Bering Sea euphausiids

Acoustic surveys monitor euphausiid populations in the Bering Sea because of their importance as prey for walleye pollock and other organisms. Various scattering models exist to convert acoustic backscatter data to estimates of euphausiid numerical density or biomass, but a target strength (TS) model specific to Bering Sea euphausiids has not been available. This study parameterized a distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) scattering model using physical (length and body shape) and material (density contrast, g, and sound speed contrast, h) properties measured from live euphausiids. All model parameters (length, shape, material properties, orientation) were evaluated for their effect on predicted TS. A polynomial function was used to describe animal shape and produced smaller TS estimates compared to a taper function, as is traditionally used in DWBA scattering models of euphausiids. Animal length was positively correlated with TS, but variations in other parameters (including material properties and orientation) also produced large changes in TS. Large differences in TS between estimates calculated using measured versus literature material property values caused large variations in acoustic estimates of euphausiid numerical densities (animals m) which emphasizes the importance of collecting site-specific g and h measurements when possible.
On optimal treatment regimes selection for mean survival time.

In clinical studies with time-to-event as a primary endpoint, one main interest is to find the best treatment strategy to maximize patients’ mean survival time. Due to patient’s heterogeneity in response to treatments, great efforts have been devoted to developing optimal treatment regimes by integrating individuals’ clinical and genetic information. A main challenge arises in the selection of important variables that can help to build reliable and interpretable optimal treatment regimes since the dimension of predictors may be high. In this paper, we propose a robust loss-based estimation framework that can be easily coupled with shrinkage penalties for both estimation of optimal treatment regimes and variable selection. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are studied. Moreover, a model-free estimator of restricted mean survival time under the derived optimal treatment regime is developed and its asymptotic property is studied. Simulations are conducted to assess the empirical performance of the proposed method for parameter estimation, variable selection, and optimal treatment decision. An application to an AIDS clinical trial data set is given to illustrate the method.
Initializing Partition-Optimization Algorithms

Clustering datasets is a challenging problem needed in a wide array of applications. Partition-optimization approaches, such as k-means or expectation-maximization (EM) algorithms, are sub-optimal and find solutions in the vicinity of their initialization. This paper proposes a staged approach to specifying initial values by finding a large number of local modes and then obtaining representatives from the most separated ones. Results on test experiments are excellent. We also provide a detailed comparative assessment of the suggested algorithm with many commonly-used initialization approaches in the literature. Finally, the methodology is applied to two datasets on diurnal microarray gene expressions and industrial releases of mercury.
FDTD analysis of Apache helicopter HF antennas

The FDTD method with the Berenger perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary conditions (ADCs) is used to analyze the radiation characteristics of an HF antenna on a metallic airframe of the AH-64 Apache helicopter. The antenna of interest is an experimental 14' "towel bar" used in the 2-30 MHz band. A companion 24' HF antenna is mounted on the opposite side of the helicopter tail boom. The FDTD predictions compare well with experimental results from an operational Apache helicopter and with measured data obtained using an approximate 10:1 scale model of the Apache.
Acquiring visibly intelligent behavior with example-guided neuroevolution

Much of artificial intelligence research is focused on devising optimal solutions for challenging and well-defined but highly constrained problems. However, as we begin creating autonomous agents to operate in the rich environments of modern videogames and computer simulations, it becomes important to devise agent behaviors that display the visible attributes of intelligence, rather than simply performing optimally. Such visibly intelligent behavior is difficult to specify with rules or characterize in terms of quantifiable objective functions, but it is possible to utilize human intuitions to directly guide a learning system toward the desired sorts of behavior. Policy induction from human-generated examples is a promising approach to training such agents. In this paper, such a method is developed and tested using Lamarckian neuroevolution. Artificial neural networks are evolved to control autonomous agents in a strategy game. The evolution is guided by human-generated examples of play, and the system effectively learns the policies that were used by the player to generate the examples. I.e., the agents learn visibly intelligent behavior. In the future, such methods are likely to play a central rule in creating autonomous agents for complex environments, making it possible to generate rich behaviors derived from nothing more formal than the intuitively generated example, of designers, players, or subject-matter experts.
Reactive uptake of acetic acid on calcite and nitric acid reacted calcite aerosol in an environmental reaction chamber

The heterogeneous chemistry of gas-phase acetic acid with CaCO3(calcite) aerosol was studied under varying conditions of relative humidity (RH) in an environmental reaction chamber. Infrared spectroscopy showed the loss of gas-phase reactant and the appearance of a gaseous product species, CO2. The acetic acid is observed to adsorb onto the calcite aerosol through both a fast and a slow uptake channel. While the fast channel is relatively independent of RH, the slow channel exhibits enhanced uptake and reaction as the RH is increased. In additional experiments, the calcite aerosol was exposed to both nitric and acetic acids in the presence of water vapor. The rapid conversion of the particulate carbonate to nitrate and subsequent deliquescence significantly enhances the uptake and reaction of acetic acid. These results suggest a possible mechanism for observed correlations between particulate nitrate and organic acids in the atmosphere. Calcium rich mineral dust may be an important sink for simple organic acids.