cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information fusion performance evaluation for motion imagery data using mutual information: initial study

As technology and internet use grows at an exponential rate, video and imagery data is becoming increasingly important. Various techniques such as Wide Area Motion imagery (WAMI), Full Motion Video (FMV), and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) are used to collect motion data and extract relevant information. Detecting and identifying a particular object in imagery data is an important step in understanding visual imagery, such as content-based image retrieval (CBIR). Imagery data is segmented and automatically analyzed and stored in dynamic and robust database. In our system, we seek utilize image fusion methods which require quality metrics. Many Image Fusion (IF) algorithms have been proposed based on different, but only a few metrics, used to evaluate the performance of these algorithms. In this paper, we seek a robust, objective metric to evaluate the performance of IF algorithms which compares the outcome of a given algorithm to ground truth and reports several types of errors. Given the ground truth of a motion imagery data, it will compute detection failure, false alarm, precision and recall metrics, background and foreground regions statistics, as well as split and merge of foreground regions. Using the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), Mutual Information (MI), and entropy metrics; experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for object detection, activity exploitation, and CBIR.
Variability of central United States April–May tornado day likelihood by phase of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation

[1] April–May tornado day likelihood from 1990 to 2011 was calculated for the central United States for phases of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). An April tornado day was found more likely during MJO phases 6 and 8 and less likely during phases 3, 4, and 7. A May tornado day was found more likely during phases 5 and 8 and less likely in phases 2 and 3. During phases with above-normal tornado day likelihoods, positive anomalies of convective available potential energy, bulk vertical wind shear, and storm-relative helicity were found in the central United States. Negative anomalies were found during phases with below-normal tornado day likelihoods. Anomalies of such environmental parameters were connected to the MJO via variability in tropospheric circulation. These results provide an important starting point for extended range prediction of U.S. tornado activity.
Gamma‐ray degradation of 1,1‐disubstituted vinyl copolymers

Chi-Yu Chen, Mohammad Igbal”), Charles U. Pittman, Jr.* Department of Chemistry, The University of Alabama, University, Alabama 35486, U.S.A. John N. Helbert US. Army Electronics Technology and Devices Laboratory Fort Monmouth, New Jersey 07703, U.S.A. (Date of receipt: June 5, 1978) Makromol. Chem. 179,2109-2115 (1978) Page 2112 and 2114: A. The numbers on the two figures are incorrect. The figures should be interchanged. Fig. 1 is really Fig. 2 and Fig. 2 is really Fig. 1. B. Title for Fig. 2 : It should read: “Reciprocal of molecular weight versus dose plot for poly(methy1 2-chloroacrylate-comethacrylonitrile) copolymer sample no. 7” . . .
Classification and application of problem solving quality tools: A manufacturing case study

Purpose – The complexity of problem solving requires use of quality tools to assist in the organization and analysis of information and data surrounding the concern. A proposed classification scheme for problem‐solving tools allows the user to identify the correct tool at the proper time in the problem‐solving process. This may assist the problem solver to efficiently and effectively work toward problem solution. The classification scheme, in the form of a matrix, identifies, organizes, and defines tools of the six sigma problem‐solving process as taught and implemented at a large manufacturing company.Design/methodology/approach – Development of a problem‐solving matrix to enable more efficient and effective use of tools applied to a six sigma project in a large manufacturing company.Findings – The application of the methodology to a case study in a large manufacturing company related to an Air Conditioning (A/C) No Fill concern. The exercise of applying the six sigma tools matrix to this project would h...
Estimating thermal exposure of adult summer steelhead and fall Chinook salmon migrating in a warm impounded river

Rising river temperatures in western North America have increased the vulnerability of many Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) populations to lethal and sublethal risks. There is a growing need to predict and manage such risks, especially for populations whose life history or geography increases the likelihood of warm-water exposure. We estimated thermal exposure of adult summer steelhead (O. mykiss) and fall-run Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) as they migrated through a warm (often > 20 °C), 157-km reach of the impounded Snake River, Washington. Archival temperature loggers and radiotelemetry were used to reconstruct thermal histories for 50 steelhead and 21 salmon. Encountered temperature maxima were mostly inside dam fishways and ranged from 15.8 to 24.0 °C (mean = 19.6 °C) for steelhead and from 18.0 to 21.6 °C (19.9 °C) for salmon. Behavioural thermoregulation was evident for ~50% of steelhead and ~30% of salmon in one of three reservoirs. Degree days (DDs) calculated from archival tags ranged from 74 to 973 DDs (median = 130) for steelhead and from 56 to 220 DDs (133) for salmon. Models using river temperature data and fish migration times accurately estimated total DDs for both species except some steelhead with extended thermoregulation. In a predictive application, we estimated exposure for 10,104 steelhead and 9071 Chinook salmon with passive integrated transponder-tag detections at dams and found considerable DD variability across individuals, species and years. This estimation method, combined with baseline thermal surveys and existing monitoring infrastructure, can help to address long-standing questions about how warm-water exposure affects Snake River salmon and steelhead phenology, bioenergetics, physiology, survival and reproductive success.
Altered Protein Synthesis

The sections in this article are: 1 Inhibition of Protein Synthesis 1.1 Puromycin 1.2 Ethionine 1.3 Sparsomycin 1.4 Hypertonicity of Portal Blood 2 Enhancement of Protein Synthesis 2.1 Alterations or Imbalances in Nutrition 2.2 Hormones, Toxins, Physical Agents, Chemicals 2.3 Altered Metabolic States 2.4 Induced Synthesis of Specific Proteins 3 Correlation Between Structural and Functional Changes 4 Discussion
Evaluation of injury criteria for the prediction of commotio cordis from lacrosse ball impacts

Commotio Cordis (CC) is the second leading cause of mortality in youth sports. Impacts occurring directly over the left ventricle (LV) during a vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle can cause ventricular fibrillation (VF), which results in CC. In order to better understand the pathophysiology of CC, and develop a mechanical model for CC, appropriate injury criteria need to be developed. This effort consisted of impacts to seventeen juvenile porcine specimens (mass 21-45 kg). Impacts were delivered over the cardiac silhouette during the venerable period of the cardiac cycle. Four impact speeds were used: 13.4, 17.9, 22.4, and 26.8 m/s. The impactor was a lacrosse ball on an aluminum shaft instrumented with an accelerometer (mass 188g-215g). The impacts were recorded using high-speed video. LV pressure was measured with a catheter. Univariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive ability of ten injury criteria. A total of 187 impacts were used in the analysis. The criteria were evaluated on their predictive ability based on Somers' D (D) and Goodman-Kruskal gamma (γ). Injury risk functions were created for all criteria using a 2-parameter Weibull distribution using survival analysis. The best criteria for predicting CC were impact force (D=0.52, and γ=0.52) force*compression (D=0.49, and γ=0.49), and impact power (D=0.49, and γ=0.49). All of these criteria proved significant in predicting the probability of CC from projectile impacts in youth sports (p Language: en
Central Administration of Benzodiazepines Alters Water Absorption by the Rat Ileum In Vivo

Abstract Two types of benzodiazepine receptors have been identified in the central nervous system. The aim of these experiments was to determine if ligands for these receptors alter basal water absorption by rat ileum in vivo after central administration. Specifically, the effects on net water flux of the systemic and central administration of diazepam and the central administration of RO 5-4864, a "peripheral" receptor agonist, and of the "central" receptor agonists clonazepam and lorazepam were determined. Diazepam increased absorption at 4.3 mg/250 g body wt i.p. but not at 430 μg/250 g body wt. Intracerebroventricular diazepam (28 μg) increased water absorption. Larger doses had a greater effect. Intracerebroventricular RO 5-4864 (100 μg) increased net water absorption; intracerebroventricular lorazepam (50 or 100 μg) or clonazepam (100 μg) reduced basal water absorption. Systemic atropine (2 mg/kg i.v.) abolished the effect of lorazepam (100 μg i.c.v.). To evaluate the possibility that diazepam and RO 5-4864 have effects similar to those of calcium channel antagonists, nifedipine, nitrendipine, and diltiazem were administered intracerebroventricularly. The dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists nifedipine and nitrendipine increased basal water absorption. Diltiazem, a benzothiazepine compound, did not alter basal water absorption. We conclude that the binding of benzodiazepine agonists to receptors located in the central nervous system alters net water absorption by the rat ileum. Agonists of the central benzodiazepine receptor reduce basal water absorption via a cholinergic neural pathway. Peripheral agonists increase net water absorption. In this model, diazepam behaves as a peripheral receptor agonist. This study provides further evidence of a role for the central nervous system in the regulation of intestinal absorption of water and ions.
Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) in critically ill children with encephalitis and meningoencephalitis: morbidity and risk factor analysis. (P6.264)

Objective: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and morbidity of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity (PSH) in critically ill children with bacterial and non-bacterial meningoencephalitis. Background: Autonomic dysfunction in children with acquired brain injury is understudied and difficult to identify. Diagnostic complexities include the insidious onset, broad differential diagnosis, lack of objective measurements and poorly defined pathophysiology. Methods: Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with encephalitis were identified from a Neurocritical Care database. Patients were stratified as having bacterial or non-bacterial cause of meningoencephalitis/encephalitis. Data from hospitalization was supplemented with retrospective review of the medical record. PSH was defined as episodes of at least 4 of the 8 following: tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, encephalopathy, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, diaphoresis and midriasis. Results: Fifty-nine patients were analyzed. PSH was noted in 41[percnt] (51[percnt] in non-bacterial 27[percnt] in bacterial). In the non-bacterial group, seizures upon presentation were more common in patients with PSH (88[percnt]) than in patients without (50[percnt]) (p=0.02). Fever upon presentation was more common in patients with PSH (94[percnt]) than in those without (62[percnt]) (p=0.03). This difference was not appreciated in the bacterial group. In patients with bacterial meningoencephalitis with PSH, median length of ICU stay was 23 days [5-54] and 6 [3-10] in patients without (p= 0.009). Median length of hospital stay in patients with PSH was 49 days [10-73] and 14 [8-23] in those without (p= 0.005). In patients with non-bacterial encephalitis PSH did not significantly lengthen hospitalization. In patients with bacterial meningoencephalitis and PSH, radiographic involvement of the diencephalon or brainstem was seen in 4 (57[percnt]) compared to 3 (16[percnt]) without (p=0.036). This association was not observed in the non-bacterial group. Conclusions: PSH was found in high percentage of patients with significant variation in risk factors and outcome noted between patients with bacterial and non-bacterial causes of meningoencephalitis/encephalitis. Disclosure: Dr. Farias-Moeller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wells has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dean has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carpenter has nothing to disclose.
Positive chemical ionization triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry and ab initio computational studies of the multi‐pathway fragmentation of phthalates

We report the first positive chemical ionization (PCI) fragmentation mechanisms of phthalates using triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry and ab initio computational studies using density functional theories (DFT). Methane PCI spectra showed abundant [M + H](+), together with [M + C(2)H(5)](+) and [M + C(3)H(5)](+). Fragmentation of [M + H](+), [M + C(2)H(5)](+) and [M + C(3)H(5)](+) involved characteristic ions at m/z 149, 177 and 189, assigned as protonated phthalic anhydride and an adduct of phthalic anhydride with C(2)H(5)(+) and C(3)H(5)(+), respectively. Fragmentation of these ions provided more structural information from the PCI spectra. A multi-pathway fragmentation was proposed for these ions leading to the protonated phthalic anhydride. DFT methods were used to calculate relative free energies and to determine structures of intermediate ions for these pathways. The first step of the fragmentation of [M + C(2)H(5)](+) and [M + C(3)H(5)](+) is the elimination of [R-H] from an ester group. The second ester group undergoes either a McLafferty rearrangement route or a neutral loss elimination of ROH. DFT calculations (B3LYP, B3PW91 and BPW91) using 6-311G(d,p) basis sets showed that McLafferty rearrangement of dibutyl, di(-n-octyl) and di(2-ethyl-n-hexyl) phthalates is an energetically more favorable pathway than loss of an alcohol moiety. Prominent ions in these pathways were confirmed with deuterium labeled phthalates.
Comparative Studies of HighMrSubunits of Rye and Wheat. I. Isolation and Biochemical Characterisation and Effects on Gluten Extensibility

Abstract The structural features of high M r glutenin subunits of wheat were compared with those of analogous proteins from rye. Subunits of two rye cultivars (Danko and Halo) and of the wheat cultivar Rektor were isolated from defatted flours by extraction with 50% (v/v) aqueous propan-1-ol under reducing conditions at 60°C followed by precipitation using a 60% concentration of propan-1-ol. The yields of dialysed and freeze-dried subunits were 0·33% and 0·32% (w/w of flour), respectively (rye cultivars), and 0·91% (Rektor). SDS–PAGE revealed that the rye cultivars contained at least five subunits with mobilities corresponding to the x-type subunits of wheat. Separation by RP–HPLC indicated that the rye cultivars did not differ in the qualitative composition of subunits, but in their quantitative proportions. The surface hydrophobicities of the rye subunits were significantly lower than those of wheat subunits. The amino acid compositions of single rye subunits were characterised by high contents of Glx, Gly and Pro, and they were closely related to those of wheat subunits, except that the Glx content was generally lower and the Cys content higher. Notable differences between rye and wheat subunits were found in their contributions to gluten strength. Whereas wheat subunits, reoxidised with potassium bromate and mixed with a standard wheat flour, caused a significant increase in gluten strength, reoxidised rye subunits had the opposite effect.
Dieting and depression: a critical review

Investigations of affective changes during weight reduction have produced sharply conflicting results. Studies conducted through the 1950s and 1960s indicated that weight reduction was accompanied by a high incidence of affective disturbance ranging from simple dysphoria to clinical depression and psychosis. More recently, studies of behavioral programs have suggested that weight reduction may actually improve mood. A critical and systematic review of the literature revealed that the conflicting evidence is best explained by differences in mood assessment. The method of mood assessment consistently predicted the affective changes observed in previous reports. Other variables previously thought to influence affective response to weight reduction, including duration of treatment and weight loss, did not independently predict outcome.
A single substitution in amino acid 184 of the NP protein alters the replication and pathogenicity of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in chickens.

Changes in the NP gene of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have previously been shown to affect viral replication, alter host gene expression levels and affect mean death times in infected chickens. Five amino acids at positions 22, 184, 400, 406, and 423 were different between the two recombinant viruses studied. In this study, we individually mutated the five amino acids that differed and determined that the difference in virus pathogenicity after NP gene exchange was a result of an alanine to lysine change at position 184 of the NP protein. Infection with viruses containing a lysine at NP 184 induced earlier mortality in chickens, increased virus titers and nitric oxide levels in tissues, and resulted in up-regulated host immune genes, such as α-interferon (IFN-α), γ-interferon (IFN-γ), orthomyxovirus resistance gene 1 (Mx1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). This study underlines the importance of the NP in avian influenza virus replication and pathogenicity.
Individuals and the Variation Needed for High Species Diversity in Forest Trees

In the past, explanations for high species diversity have been sought at the species level. Theory shows that coexistence requires substantial differences between species, but species-level data rarely provide evidence for such differences. Using data from forests in the southeastern United States, I show here that variation evident at the individual level provides for coexistence of large numbers of competitors. Variation among individuals within populations allows species to differ in their distributions of responses to the environment, despite the fact that the populations to which they belong do not differ, on average. Results are consistent with theory predicting that coexistence depends on competition being stronger within than between species, shown here by analysis of individual-level responses to environmental fluctuation.
Apples and oranges again: comment on 'Conceptual premises in experimental design and their bearing on the use of analogy: an example from experiments on cut marks'

Abstract Dominguez-Rodrigo (2008) recently evaluated several studies of butchery experiments designed to interpret cut-mark patterns on fossil bones from FLK Zinj. He critiques my dissertation work, yet I neither conducted butchery experiments nor attempted to interpret cut marks at FLK Zinj. His hypothesis that the presence of cut marks on upper or ‘meaty’ limb elements (and especially midshafts of these meaty limb elements) is a zooarchaeological signal of hominin early access to carcasses is based in part on observations of flesh yield on felid kills. My research is relevant because my observations increase the range of variation in flesh yield of abandoned felid kills and document variability in intra-limb patterns of flesh distribution. Dominguez-Rodrigo's approach to Early Pleistocene hominin carcass acquisition and/or processing strategies must take this variability into account.
Resolution of severe pulmonary hypertension after heterotopic cardiac transplantation

Abstract In patients with severe congestive heart failure, a marked elevation in pulmonary vascular resistance limits the success of orthotopic cardiac transplantation, thus providing the rationale for heterotopic transplantation. To determine the changes in pulmonary hemodynamics after heterotopic cardiac transplantation, postoperative right heart pressures were serially measured in five patients who underwent this operation for end-stage congestive heart failure accompanied by severe secondary pulmonary hypertension and elevation in calculated pulmonary vascular resistance. Hemodynamics were compared with those of a matched group of 10 orthotopic cardiac transplant recipients. Preoperatively, pulmonary artery mean and wedge pressures, pulmonary vascular resistance and transpulmonary pressure gradient (pulmonary artery mean minus wedge pressure) were significantly higher in the heterotopic group. Postoperatively, significant improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics occurred in both groups and, by 12 months, the pulmonary artery mean pressure, wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and transpulmonary pressure gradient were similar in the two groups. These findings suggest that pulmonary hypertension secondary to congestive heart failure, even when severe and associated with a high pulmonary vascular resistance, is to a great extent reversible.
The extended tanh method for new compact and noncompact solutions for the KP–BBM and the ZK–BBM equations

Abstract This paper is devoted to studying the KP–BBM and the ZK–BBM equations. The extended tanh method is used to conduct the analysis. The KP–BBM and the ZK–BBM equations give rise to compactons solutions: solitons with the absence of infinite tails, solitons: nonlinear localized waves of infinite support, solitary patterns solutions having infinite slopes or cusps, and plane periodic solutions. The work confirms the power of the proposed method.
Large Telescope Designs With A Spherical Primary Mirror

Very large telescopes of the future will be much more practical to build if the large primary mirror can have a spherical surface. This greatly reduces the time and expense required to optically figure a large surface. Several two-mirror designs are discussed which have a spherical primary mirror and a sub-aperture diameter aspheric secondary mirror. The light path reflects off of both mirrors twice, and the system is corrected for spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism. Designs with small obscuration are possible if astigmatism correction is dropped. Scanning arrangements for huge Arecibo-type systems are also discussed.
Searching for the standard model Higgs particle in Bs decays

Abstract Purely leptonic Bs decay, Bs→τ+τ− and Bs→μ+μ− are shown to be very sensitive to a standard model (SM) Higgs particle, for a t quark of mass ≳ 100 GeV, and for a Higgs mass of up to about 7 GeV, the latter being exchanged in the s-channel. Bd→l+l− decays are also discussed. Theoretical cleanliness (i.e. absence of long-distance effects) of these modes also suggests that they should be very useful as precision tests of the SM and indicators of new physics.
Cardiorespiratory Effects of the Beach-chair Position in Shoulder Surgery: A Comparison between Sevoflurane and Propofol

Background: Sevoflurane and propofol have different cardiorespiratory effects on postural changes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on hemodynamics and gas exchange index when patients are raised from the supine position to the beach chair position. Methods: Forty patients requiring beach chair position for shoulder surgery were randomly assigned to receive sevoflurane (end-tidal concentration 1 vol%, n = 20) or propofol (target concentration 3μg/ml, n = 20). Hemodynamic variables and arterial blood gas analysis data were recorded and gas exchange indices were calculated before induction (baseline), 20 min after endotracheal intubation (supine position), and 20 min after beach chair position. Results: There were significant decreases in mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and central venous oxygen saturation after beach chair position. There were no significant changes in gas exchange indices after the position changes. There were no significant differences between groups in hemodynamics and gas exchanges indices. Conclusions: Raising healthy patients from the supine to the beach-chair position produced a significant decrease in hemodynamic indices with little changes in gas exchange indices. However, the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on the both hemodynamic and gas change indices were not significantly different. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2007; 52: 23～8)
Electronic structures and spectral properties of endohedral fullerenes

Abstract Endohedral fullerenes belong to a new class of compounds which are technologically and scientifically important owing to their unique structures and optoelectronic properties. This review focuses on theoretical calculations and spectroscopic (electronic, vibrational, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)) studies of endohedral fullerenes thus far published. A theoretical background, with various computational methods used for determining energy-optimized electronic structure and calculation of vibrational spectra, is presented. Further, theoretical and spectroscopic investigations of individual endohedral fullerenes are discussed. Such studies provide structural information about the carbon cage, position of the encapsulated species, and the degree of charge transfer. In particular, 13C NMR spectroscopy is indispensable for the determination of the cage symmetry. In some cases, NMR signals from 45Sc encapsulated species yield information about dynamic behavior inside the cage. Vis–NIR absorption spectra determine the HOMO–LUMO band-gap energy. IR and Raman spectroscopy play an important role in elucidating the nature of interaction between the cage and encapsulated species. Novel vibrations resulting from these interactions appear in the low-frequency region, and the corresponding force constants serve as a measure of the strength of their interaction.
Lipid bilayer coated Al 2 O 3 nanopore sensors: towards a hybrid biological solid-state nanopore

Solid-state nanopore sensors are highly versatile platforms for the rapid, label-free electrical detection and analysis of single molecules, applicable to next generation DNA sequencing. The versatility of this technology allows for both large scale device integration and interfacing with biological systems. Here we report on the development of a hybrid biological solid-state nanopore platform that incorporates a highly mobile lipid bilayer on a single solid-state Al2O3 nanopore sensor, for the potential reconstitution of ion channels and biological nanopores. Such a system seeks to combine the superior electrical, thermal, and mechanical stability of Al2O3 solid-state nanopores with the chemical specificity of biological nanopores. Bilayers on Al2O3 exhibit higher diffusivity than those formed on TiO2 and SiO2 substrates, attributed to the presence of a thick hydration layer on Al2O3, a key requirement to preserving the biological functionality of reconstituted membrane proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the electrostatic repulsion between the dipole of the DOPC headgroup and the positively charged Al2O3 surface may be responsible for the enhanced thickness of this hydration layer. Lipid bilayer coated Al2O3 nanopore sensors exhibit excellent electrical properties and enhanced mechanical stability (GΩ seals for over 50 h), making this technology ideal for use in ion channel electrophysiology, the screening of ion channel active drugs and future integration with biological nanopores such as α-hemolysin and MspA for rapid single molecule DNA sequencing. This technology can find broad application in bio-nanotechnology.
The long-term use of lithium in aggressive prisoners.

Abstract Lithium was given to 27 recurrently violent convicts for 3–18 months. Characteristics of the population included inability to delay expression of aggressive feelings, strong suggestion of brain damage and a long history of violent behavior both in and out of prison. Assessments of change were composed of incidence and type of disciplinary actions and the number and type of security changes for identical time periods before and during lithium plus subjective reports by staff and subject. As a group, the average number of disciplinary actions for violent behavior decreased significantly whereas the average number of disciplinary actions for non-violent behavior did not decrease significantly. Individually considered, subjects received fewer disciplinary actions for violence. Security classifications improved. Subjective reports included: (1) An increased capacity to reflect on the consequences of actions; (2) increased capacity to control angry feelings when provoked; (3) diminished intensity of angry affect; and (4) generally a more reflective mood.
Do Managers Time Securitization Transactions to Obtain Accounting Benefits

Relative to recording securitizations as collateralized borrowings, the "gain on sale" treatment allowable under SFAS 125/140 has several accounting benefits such as reducing leverage, increasing profits, and improving efficiency ratios. We argue that to maximize these accounting benefits managers will want to engage in securitizations at the end of the quarter. We document that securitization transactions occur with greater frequency in the last few days of the third month of the quarter. We also find that the end-of-quarter effect is stronger after the introduction of SFAS 125 that made it easier for firms to meet criteria for "gain on sale" treatment. We provide various robustness tests that suggest that the clustering is not due to the demand for the underlying assets, demand for financing, or a decision on the part of firms to systematically perform securitizations at month-end. Overall the consistent explanation for our findings is that flexibility to window-dress the financial statements is an attractive side benefit of engaging in securitizations.
Sex Differences in Social Support and Self-Efficacy Within a Recovery Community

This study examined similarities and differences in social support and self-efficacy for abstinence between women and men recovering from substance addiction. The sample consisted of 87 residents of Oxford House (OH) self-run, community-based recovery homes. Analyses revealed similarities between women and men in terms of the composition and utilization of support networks and abstinence self-efficacy. Also, for both sexes, length of residency in OH was significantly related to decreased social support for alcohol and drug use and increased self-efficacy for abstinence. However, multiple-group SEM analyses demonstrated that social support for alcohol/drug use fully mediated the link between length of residency and abstinence self-efficacy for women, but not for men. Findings suggest that the process of gaining self-efficacy to remain abstinent is distinct for women and men, and that social support plays a different role in women's recovery than it does in men's.
Plasmapheresis for Recurrent Posttransplant Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

The high recurrence rate of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in kidney transplant recipients suggests that such patients have a circulating factor that alters glomerular capillary permeability. Serum from patients with FSGS increases glomerular permeability to albumin. This permeability factor has been partially identified as a protein. The removal of this protein by plasmapheresis (PP) decreases proteinuria. In this study we report data on the therapeutic effects of PP in FSGS children with recurrence in the transplanted kidney. Three hundred pediatric (age 1 g/m(2) per day) within 1 month after transplantation. Mean age patient was 12 +/- 4.3 years, including 83.3% Caucasians and 70.2% recipients of living donor grafts. Nine were treated with 10 cycles of PP (3 cycles/weekly), initiated immediately after recurrence (<48 hours). Immunosuppression included high doses of cyclosporine (C(2) levels of 1700-1800 ng/mL), mycophenolate sodium or mofetil, and prednisone. Thirteen patients were induced with anti-IL2 receptor monoclonal antibody (daclizumab/basiliximab). Among the patients who underwent PP, five (55.5%) achieved a complete remission and one (12%), a partial remission (1 g/24 hours). There were no cases of remission among the five patients who were not treated with PP. Those who achieved remission after PP experienced no recurrences during the 2.6 +/- 1.4 years follow-up. PP appears to be effective to treat recurrent FSGS following kidney transplantation. It should be started as soon as possible.
Fusion of multiple quadratic penalty function support vector machines (QPFSVM) for automated sea mine detection and classification

The high-resolution sonar is one of the principal sensors used by the Navy to detect and classify sea mines in minehunting operations. For such sonar systems, substantial effort has been devoted to the development of automated detection and classification (D/C) algorithms. These have been spurred by several factors including (1) aids for operators to reduce work overload, (2) more optimal use of all available data, and (3) the introduction of unmanned minehunting systems. The environments where sea mines are typically laid (harbor areas, shipping lanes, and the littorals) give rise to many false alarms caused by natural, biologic, and man-made clutter. The objective of the automated D/C algorithms is to eliminate most of these false alarms while still maintaining a very high probability of mine detection and classification (PdPc). In recent years, the benefits of fusing the outputs of multiple D/C algorithms have been studied. We refer to this as Algorithm Fusion. The results have been remarkable, including reliable robustness to new environments. The Quadratic Penalty Function Support Vector Machine (QPFSVM) algorithm to aid in the automated detection and classification of sea mines is introduced in this paper. The QPFSVM algorithm is easy to train, simple to implement, and robust to feature space dimension. Outputs of successive SVM algorithms are cascaded in stages (fused) to improve the Probability of Classification (Pc) and reduce the number of false alarms. Even though our experience has been gained in the area of sea mine detection and classification, the principles described herein are general and can be applied to fusion of any D/C problem (e.g., automated medical diagnosis or automatic target recognition for ballistic missile defense).© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Is happy better than sad even if they are both non-adaptive? Effects of emotional expressions of talking-head interface agents

Hedonic preference and contextual appropriateness are two general principles governing humans' emotional expressions. People in general prefer perceiving and expressing positive emotions to negative ones, but also modulate their emotional expressions to be appropriate to social contexts. Although computer-based characters such as interface agents are able to express basic human emotions, they cannot yet automatically and effectively adapt their emotional expressions to the changing context. Would hedonic preference hold up without contextual appropriateness? A 2x2 mixed-design experiment (happy vs. sad expression by happy vs. sad context) (N=24) was conducted with a talking-head agent presenting happy and sad novels to users. Supporting the hedonic preference principle, results showed that although both happy and sad agents were non-adaptive to the varying emotional tone of the context, the happy agent elicited greater intent to consume the books, more positive evaluation of the book reviews, more positive attitudes towards the agent and the interface, and more positive user experience than the sad agent.
Certain immunological relationships between human erythrocytes and selected mouse cells.

Summary1. It was found that erythrocytes and leucocytes from Webster mice and erythrocytes and L-strain fibroblasts from C3H mice contain antigens related to A and B human blood group substances. 2. There was an indication of the presence of further immunological relationships between human erythrocytes and mouse cells independent of group A and B substances and in the Rh factor.
Microstructural Evolution in Inhomogeneous Elastic Media

We simulate the diffusional evolution of microstructures produced by solid state diffusional transformations in elastically stressed binary alloys in two dimensions. The microstructure consists of arbitrarily shaped precipitates embedded coherently in an infinite matrix. The precipitate and matrix are taken to be elastically isotropic, although they may havedifferentelastic constants (elastically inhomogeneous). Both far-field applied strains and mismatch strains between the phases are considered. The diffusion and elastic fields are calculated using the boundary integral method, together with a small scale preconditioner to remove ill-conditioning. The precipitate?matrix interfaces are tracked using a nonstiff time updating method. The numerical method is spectrally accurate and efficient. Simulations of a single precipitate indicate that precipitate shapes depend strongly on the mass flux into the system as well as on the elastic fields. Growing shapes (positive mass flux) are dendritic while equilibrium shapes (zero mass flux) are squarish. Simulations of multiparticle systems show complicated interactions between precipitate morphology and the overall development of microstructure (i.e., precipitate alignment, translation, merging, and coarsening). In both single and multiple particle simulations, the details of the microstructural evolution depend strongly on the elastic inhomogeneity, misfit strain, and applied fields.
Maturation and diel reproductive periodicity of round scad (Carangidae: Decapterus punctatus )

The diel reproductive periodicity of Carangidae is poorly known but appears to be highly variable between species. Some species spawn during the day, others are believed to spawn at night, and it is demonstrated here that round scad, Decapterus punctatus, spawn at dusk. We collected D. punctatus in the eastern Gulf of Mexico during three April cruises (1995, 1996, and 1997). Based on histological criteria, size at 50% maturity was 113 mm fork length (FL) for males and 128 mm FL for females. The gonad-somatic index (GSI) of mature males was significantly different between hours and appeared to show diel periodicity. Diel periodicity was also observed in changes in female GSIs, whole oocyte diameters, and ovarian histology. The average GSI of mature females fluctuated two-fold between day and night, and the size distribution of whole oocytes in some fish was bimodal (at 0.3–0.4 and 0.7–0.8 mm diameter) at dusk rather than unimodal during most of the diel cycle. Histological preparations revealed that these rapid changes in ovarian GSIs and oocyte size distributions were the result of final oocyte maturation. Germinal vesicle migration was observed from 0900 to 1400 hours eastern standard time (EST), germinal vesicle breakdown was evident as early as 1100 hours EST, and ovulation occurred as early as 1800 hours EST. Spawning frequency (approximately every 5 days) was similar whether calculated from the proportion of females with hydrated oocytes during the afternoon or from the proportion of females with postovulatory follicles during the morning. Batch fecundity correlated with fish size and ranged from 5,500 to 34,700 hydrated eggs per individual. These findings do not support published hypotheses that young-of-the-year D. punctatus reproduce before their first winter or that D. punctatus reproductive output is bimodal within a year.
The electron exchange reaction between uranium (IV) and thallium (III) in water-methanol media

Abstract The kinetics of the reaction U(IV) + Tl(III) → U(VI) + Tl(I) were studiedat 15, 20, and 25° in 25, 50, and 75 weight per cent methanol-water-perchloric acid solutions. Orders with respect to U(IV), Tl(III) and perchloric acid were found to depend strongly on the solvent composition. Specific velocity constants and thermodynamic quantities of activation are presented. A mechanistic expression is developed to account for these orders in 25 per cent methanol solutions. The effect of variation of ionic strength and the specific effects of various anions and cations on the rate were examined in 75 per cent methanol solutions. The salt effects are strikingly different from those found in aqueous solutions.
The macroeconomic effects of government debt in a stochastic growth model

Abstract This paper studies how government liabilities affect macroeconomic aggregates in a standard general equilibrium growth model. There are two principal results: (i) Though it is often thought that fiscal deficits crowd out investment, this paper shows that deficit-financed cuts in distortionary income taxation may stimulate investment even if agents expect future taxes on capital income to be higher. This result is dependent on the values of two key parameters: the elasticity of labor supply and the degree of persistence in the government debt process. (ii) The economy's response to an increase in government expenditure depends on how it is financed. Distortionary tax finance may lead to a decline in output, consumption, and investment. In contrast, deficit finance may increase output and consumption.
Nondeterministic approaches in data fusion: a review

Information gathered by different knowledge sources from the same scene are often uncertain, imprecise, fuzzy, vague, or incomplete. Numerous papers have appeared in the literature dealing with the fusion of this kind of information using different frameworks. In this paper, we review a number of non-deterministic methods for solving the fusion problem. The use of Bayes’ rules in resolving ambiguities and conflicts associated with given bodies of evidence is examined. We also present the theory of belief (i.e., Dempster’s rule of combination) and its use in evidence fusion. The theory of possibility, which has emerged from the theory of fuzzy sets, the sym metric sums, and other hybrid’ techniques are also examined. A meaningful comparison among all these methods is carried out using the same set of synthetic data presented in various frameworks. This example is inspired from a real robotic experiment. The strengths and weaknesses of these techniques are discussed in some detail. Based upon the performance of each method on this particular fusion problem, general comparative remarks are given.
Correlation of pediatric echocardiographic Doppler and catheter-derived valvar aortic stenosis gradients and the influence of aortic regurgitation

This report suggests that in the absence of aortic regurgitation, Doppler peak and mean gradients are useful predictors of catheter peak-to-peak aortic stenosis gradients >50 mm Hg; however, in the presence of aortic regurgitation, the predictive value diminishes dramatically, but improves when electrographic data are incorporated. We present potentially useful equations to help predict the need for interventional catheterization for valvar aortic stenosis.
Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Investigation of CO Adsorption on Hydrated Ru/Al2O3

The adsorption of CO on hydrated 5 wt % Ru/Al2O3 produced νCO absorbance features at ∼2048, 1992, and 1924 cm-1 that are red-shifted by 50−116 cm-1 from those seen in the absence of water (2020−2040, 2080, and 2140 cm-1). This red-shift most likely arises from dipole−dipole interaction between coadsorbed CO and water molecules since (1) the exact frequency of the νCO absorbance feature depends upon the amount of coadsorbed water and (2) the presence of flowing liquid water further red-shifts the frequencies. These νCO absorbance features are uncorrelated, since the relative intensities of the νCO absorbances at 2049, 1992, and 1924 cm-1 depend on the amount of coadsorbed water and CO on the surface. Temperature programmed desorption done with TGA-MS indicated three different high-temperature CO2 desorption peaks. These CO2 peaks (T ≈ 350, 400, and 550 °C) are most likely the result of the oxidation of adsorbed CO reacting with surface adsorbed water (COads + H2Oads → H2 + CO2) and/or the disproportionatio...
General Action and Inaction Goals Their Behavioral, Cognitive, and Affective Origins and Influences

Since the 1970s, researchers on motivation and behavior have taken the stance that important human behaviors are determined by specific attitudes, intentions, and goals. In the present article, we review evidence suggesting that, in addition to specific motivational constructs, general goals of action and inaction are also vital determinants of many important human behaviors. This research examines the effects of these goals on motor behavior, cognitive performance, and political participation. Furthermore, we connect these general action and inaction goals with other important areas in psychology, including affect, approach/avoidance, energization, material resources, mindsets, and power. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of individual and regional/cultural differences in action and inaction. Overall, general goals for action and inaction are shown to influence a vast array of important behaviors, suggesting that in addition to considering specific attitudes, intentions, and goals, researchers may gain important insight into human behavior by considering general motivations.
Systematic nomenclature of the nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur functional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The nomenclature used in the literature for the heterocyclic and exocyclic PAC is often diversified and confusing. Different preferences for naming generic classes and individual heterofunctional PAC are common. An increase in the number of papers presented in the PAH symposium proceedings on N-, O- and S-PAC has prompted a brief compilation of the key rules of nomenclature for these classes of compounds. Hence, a synopsis of the current rules for nomenclature applied to monofunctional N-, O-, and S-PAC as published by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is presented here in an effort to clarify and unify nomenclature used in the proceedings of these symposia. The nomenclature methods that are abridged and presented in this paper were taken mainly from Sections A, B, and C of the IUPAC rules on nomenclature of organic chemicals. In this paper, the nomenclature for the nonfunctional PAH is first briefly reviewed, followed by three sections devoted to outlining the key aspects of naming the N-, O-, and S-PAC.
IndexFS: scaling file system metadata performance with stateless caching and bulk insertion

The growing size of modern storage systems is expected to exceed billions of objects, making metadata scalability critical to overall performance. Many existing distributed file systems only focus on providing highly parallel fast access to file data, and lack a scalable metadata service. In this paper, we introduce a middleware design called Index FS that adds support to existing file systems such as PVFS, Lustre, and HDFS for scalable high-performance operations on metadata and small files. Index FS uses a table-based architecture that incrementally partitions the namespace on a per-directory basis, preserving server and disk locality for small directories. An optimized log-structured layout is used to store metadata and small files efficiently. We also propose two client-based storm free caching techniques: bulk namespace insertion for creation intensive workloads such as N-N check pointing, and stateless consistent metadata caching for hot spot mitigation. By combining these techniques, we have demonstrated Index FS scaled to 128 metadata servers. Experiments show our out-of-core metadata throughput out-performing existing solutions such as PVFS, Lustre, and HDFS by 50% to two orders of magnitude.