cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the distribution of tetrelide atoms (Si, Ge) in Gd5(SixGe1−x)4

A crystallographic study of the Si/Ge site preferences in the Si-rich regime of Gd{sub 5}(Si{sub x}Ge{sub 1-x}){sub 4} and a crystal chemical analysis of these site preferences for the entire range is presented. The room temperature crystal structure of Gd{sub 5}Si{sub 4} as well as four pseudobinary phases, Gd{sub 5}(Si{sub x}Ge{sub 1-x}){sub 4} for x>=0.6, is reported. All structures are orthorhombic (space group Pnma), Gd{sub 5}Si{sub 4}-type and show decreasing volume as the Si concentration increases. Refinements of the site occupancies for the three crystallographic sites for Si/Ge atoms in the asymmetric unit reveal a nonrandom, but still incompletely ordered arrangement of Si and Ge atoms. The distribution of Si and Ge atoms at each site impacts the fractions of possible homonuclear and heteronuclear Si-Si, Si-Ge and Ge-Ge dimers in the various structures. This distribution correlates with the observed room temperature crystal structures for the entire series of Gd{sub 5}(Si{sub x}Ge{sub 1-x}){sub 4}.
Pilot study of mucosal genetic differences in early smokers and nonsmokers.

Background: Global gene expression analysis is proving to be an important means of assessing human tumors and may identify key components of carcinogenesis or clinical prognosis. This technique has been successfully applied to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and thyroid carcinomas; however, little has been done to evaluate premalignant states. Methods: Human buccal mucosal cells were sampled from smokers and nonsmokers using a non-invasive brush technique. The method was validated by assessing the quantity and quality of RNA obtained. The purified RNA was then assayed using cDNA microarrays containing 27,323 cDNA clones to examine the buccal mucosa in these patients for differences in gene expression patterns. Using unsupervised and supervised hierarchical clustering methods, we developed a gene profile signature for an initial training set of smokers and nonsmokers and then used this to predict smoking status in a subsequent test set of subjects. Selected genes were then cross-referenced with previously published gene sets found in HNSCC identified by our group. Results: Nineteen subjects were used in this pilot analysis, 9 smokers and 10 nonsmokers. Smoking among the study group ranged from 1 to 60 pack years. RNA purified from buccal mucosal brushing demonstrated a high degree of similarity in gene expression profiles among independent samples. Through the application of supervised clustering techniques, we were able to identify 113 genes whose expression differed significantly between samples from smokers and nonsmokers (t test, P <.001). This expression signature was able to accurately predict who within the second set of subjects were smokers, with the exception of one person who had a minimal tobacco history and clustered with the nonsmokers. Cross-referencing data with that found in HNSCC, we were able to identify a tumor suppressor gene involved in the c-myc pathway (Mxil) that was similarly under-expressed in smokers and cancer patients with progressive disease. Conclusions: Although the sample size was small in this preliminary dataset, our analysis revealed several groups of genes that were either over- or under-expressed in the smokers and which could be used to predict smoking exposure. Many of these represent genes of possible interest as early molecular markers for head and neck carcinogenesis.
Neuroanatomical changes and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis abnormalities☆

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with major depression (Carroll 1982). The most extensively assessed abnormality is the early escape of cortisol from suppression after dexamethasone. Although this abnormality is state dependent (Carroll et al. 1976. 1981). its relationship to the initiation and development of depressive symptomatology remains an enigma. Ventricular enlargement and cerebral atrophy are also observed frequently in patients with major depression (Pearlson and Veroff 1981). The ventricular brain ratio (VBR) has been reported to be correlated with 24-hr urine-free cortisol (Kellner et al. 1983). Although Targum et al. (1983) did not find a relationship between VBR and the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), Rothschild et al. (1988) recently reported a statistically significant positive correlation between VBR and highest postdexamethasone plasma cortisol concentrations. In an earlier study of patients with major
Fine structure of the carotid body of Macaca mulata monkey.

The fine structure of the carotid body of Macaca mulata monkey was studied with the electron microscope; paraformaldehyde perfusion and OsO4 postfixation were employed for preparation of the specimens. Although this organ was found to be basically similar to the carotid body of the cat which was previously examined, certain variations were noted. Enclosed cells of the monkey carotid body are much more extensively in contact with each other than similar cells in the cat. Tight junctions, not elsewhere reported, as well as the more usual desmosomes, connect the enclosed cells. Fenestrated blood capillaries are the basic vascular unit, and they appear to lie at a greater distance from the glomus cells than they do in other species. Although both efferent and afferent nerve endings have been reported in the carotid body of the cat, the endings in the monkey are not clearly of two classes, and may be entirely afferent in function.
Jacobi spaces of entire functions

A fundamental problem is to determine the invariant subspaces of any given transformation and to write the transformation as an integral in terms of invariant subspaces. The aim of the paper is to add an example to the list of transformations with known invariant subspaces. The determination of invariant subspaces is a difficult problem which cannot be solved unless the transformation has special properties which aid the computation. Such transformations are found in connection with the theory of the hypergeometric function. The transformations which we study are unbounded and partially defined. Before we can think of solving the structure problem for such a transformation, we have to clarify the meaning of “invariant subspace”. We do this using the theory of Hilbert spaces whose elements are entire functions and which have these properties:
Examples of nonuniqueness for an inverse problem of geophysics

Two different velocity profiles and a source term are constructed such that the surface data are the same for all times. The governing equation is c−2(x)utt−Δu = f(x, t) in D×[0, ∞), u = 0 for t 0}. The data are the values u(x, t), ∀x ϵ S, ∀t > 0. Here S is the part of ∂D which lies on the plane xn = 0, D = {x : aj ≤ xj ≤ bj, 1 ≤ j ≤ n, an = 0}.
Rapid synthesis of AlPO4-11 and cloverite by microwavehydrothermal processing

Abstract This study focuses on the rapid preparation of AlPO4-11 and cloverite by microwave-hydrothermal (M-H) heating and the comparison of this heating technique with the conventional-hydrothermal (C-H) heating technique in the synthesis of these phases. By M-H heating, pure AlPO4-11 phase was synthesized from boehmite at 70 psi (~150 C) within 2.5 h without pretreatment of the hydrogels. C-H preparation of AlPO4-11. on the other hand, requires an aging step for about a day at 90 C prior to crystallization at 200 C. In the M-H heating system, pure cloverite was crystallized at 30 psi (~120C) within 2.7 h. whereas C-H heating at 120 C required more than 24 h for its crystallization. Large single crystals of dense GaPO4 phase were crystallized at 70 psi (~150 C) within 2.5 h by M-H treatment. This study shows that the crystallization kinetics of AlPO4-11 and cloverite were enhanced by more than an order of magnitude in the M-H system compared with the C-H system.
Explanation of anomalous Curie constants of Cd1−xMnxTe alloys

Abstract The anomalous Curie-constant data for Cd1−xMnxTe alloys are explained in terms of spin-polarization of the valence band s and p states by Mn. The theory, which is based on an a priori spin-unrestricted pseudofunction local-density approximation, illustrates the consequences of Hund's first rule in solids.
Dynamic Behavior of an Inherently Compensated Air Squeeze Film Damper

Experimental values of damping and stiffness were determined for an externally pressurized, inherently compensated, compressible squeeze-film damper up to excitation frequencies of 36,000 cycles/min. Experimental values of damping were higher than predicted by a small pressure perturbation theory at low squeeze numbers and less than predicted at high squeeze numbers. Experimental values of air film stiffness were less than the theory predicted at low squeeze numbers and much greater at higher squeeze numbers.
Integrating shallow geophysical survey: archaeological investigations at Totógal in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México

The Postclassic site of Totogal in the western Tuxtla Mountains of Veracruz, Mexico contains rare examples of stone architectural features in the southern Gulf Lowlands. Today, the partial remains of one such structure are highly visible; however, the amount of wall fall, looters' pit destruction and over-growth masks the extent and form of the feature. Local histories ascribe these ruins to early Colonial construction periods, however Postclassic Aztec-style artifacts recovered near this architecture question the occupational sequence of the site and its constructions. To better examine the extent of construction, as well as the occupation associated with them, we conducted a program of shovel testing, topographic mapping, electromagnetic induction survey and excavation. We discuss our findings in this paper and demonstrate the utility of geophysical surveys as complementary field strategies in the Tuxtla Mountains and other volcanic regions.
Empirical Orthogonal Representation of Time Series in the Frequency Domain. Part II: Application to the Study of Tropical Wave Disturbances

Abstract Rawinsonde data from the western Pacific region for the summer of 1967 are expanded in terms of complex empirical orthogonal functions and the results are compared with those of previous investigations based on the same data set. The results and conclusions are consistent with those based on spectrum analysis and compositing, except in a few cases where it has been possible to resolve ambiguities in the earlier work. The new method has been particularly helpful in clarifying the relationship between the mixed Rossby-gravity waves of the upper troposphere and the synoptic-scale, westward propagating waves of the lower troposphere. The new results indicate that these two disturbance types are so strongly coupled that it is not possible to separate them.
Climatic, depositional and burial controls on diagenesis of Appalachian Carboniferous sandstones: qualitative and quantitative methods

Abstract Carboniferous quartz-, lithic- and feldspar-rich sandstones from different stratigraphic intervals within the central Appalachian Basin contain evidence for eogenetic and mesogenetic diagenesis. Important eogenetic products include Fe-oxide/oxyhydroxide, siderite, kaolinite, chlorite and calcite, whereas quartz, albite, illite/sericite, Fe-carbonate, and secondary porosity are the most important mesogenetic components. Correspondence and Detrended Correspondence Analysis of the framework grain and diagenetic mineral data set has guided diagenetic interpretations and leads to two major conclusions. First, minerals that formed early appear to have been influenced by stratigraphic position. The distribution of siderite and iron-oxide/oxyhydroxide is considered to reflect a second-order paleoclimatic signature recognized throughout the Carboniferous, where siderite formed during everwet periods and iron-oxide/oxyhydroxide during semi-arid conditions, reflecting differences in redox. Second, framework grain composition controlled the distribution of diagenetic products in the burial environment. Lithic arenites are deficient in authigenic quartz, yet have undergone various degrees of illitization. Quartz deficiency is attributed to compaction-related loss of primary porosity relatively early, which inhibited sufficient fluid flow to account for much higher concentrations of quartz cement in the more competent quartz-rich sandstones.
Polhode Motion, Trapped Flux, and the GP-B Science Data Analysis

Magnetic field trapped in the Gravity Probe B (GP-B) gyroscope rotors contributes to the scale factor of the science readout signal. This contribution is modulated by the rotor’s polhode motion. In orbit, polhode period was observed to change due to a small energy dissipation, which significantly complicates data analysis. We present precise values of spin phase, spin down rate, polhode phase and angle, and scale factor variations obtained from the data by Trapped Flux Mapping. This method finds the (unique) trapped field distribution and rotor motion by fitting a theoretical model to the harmonics of high (gyroscope spin) frequency signal. The results are crucial for accurately determining the gyroscope relativistic drift rate from the science signal.
Isospin-mixed states in 8Be

Abstract The isospin mixing of states in 8 Be near 17 MeV was investigated by comparison of cross sections for the 9 Be(d, t) 8 Be and 9 Be(d, 3 He) 8 Li reactions. For the 2 + doublet at 17 MeV, our results are inconsistent with previous measurements of the isospin mixing unless the theoretical T = 0, p 3 2 spectroscopic amplitude is changed by ≈ 20%. For the 1 + states near 18 MeV we find an isospin amplitude impurity of 0.21±0.03. For the 3 + states near 19 MeV no new information could be obtained due to the complex peak shape.
Numerical Simulation of Blood Flow Through Mechanical Heart Valves Using Meshless Techniques

Heart valve disease is a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. While bioprosthetic valves have satisfactory hemodynamic performance, mechanical heart valves (MHVs) are more durable, so their clinical use is increasing [1]. Unfortunately, current MHVs cause flow abnormalities, thrombosis and hemolysis [2]; they are therefore at a stage far from duplicating the function of natural valves. Recent improvements in computer performance and numerical methods have resulted in significant breakthroughs in MHV design [2]. In particular, computational fluid dynamics has been used to redesign valves to minimize the production of turbulence, regions of high shear stresses, pressure loss and stagnation regions in the vicinity of the leaflets [3]. These studies have, for the most part, used numerical techniques that require domain discretization such as finite element methods (FEM) or finite difference methods (FDM). However, these methods cannot represent the complexity of the moving and deforming boundaries present in an operating valve without extraordinarily high computational costs. That is, methods that use domain discretization require a fine mesh in small gaps between leaflets and near the valve housing. As a result, simplifying assumptions are typically made which introduce error into the results. We have recently implemented two meshless numerical techniques — the boundary element method (BEM) and the radial functions method (RFM) — that compute fluid flow fields without domain discretization and thus can model valve leaflet motions and unsteady flow with reasonable computational costs. The goal of this study was to model blood flow through mechanical heart valves using these techniques. In this paper we present the results of BEM simulations of heart valves in a range of open states. RFM techniques, which can efficiently simulate the nonlinear effects of inertia in the domain, are also described.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The influence of different light intensities on the growth of the tobacco aurea mutant Su/su.

Chlorophyll mutants in higher plants are often injured by high light intensities [see 14, 24]. By contrast a dominant aurea mutant in tobacco, Su/su, which was discovered by Burk and Menser in 1964 [2], requires high light intensities for normal growth. The mutation has apparently produced a sun plant in which the inherited loss of light-absorbing pigments has been made up by an increased capacity for using light. Numerically, this characteristic is expressed by a maximal rate of photosynthesis of 230 μl O2 evolved/mg chlorophyll per min, whereas the green control var. John Williams Broadleaf only gives 45 μl O2 evolved/mg chlorophyll per min. Similar, but not as large, metabolic ratios seem to prevail between other normal green plants and their yellow-green derivatives, like Nicotiana tabacum Rg, Fla. 15, No. 63 and Dixie Shade.
Lack of relationship between psychological denial and unawareness of illness in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

Numerous theories have been proposed to explain the unawareness of illness that is commonly seen in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, including the theory that unawareness is the result of a psychological denial mechanism used to mitigate the emotional consequences of having a psychiatric illness. The present study was an attempt to determine whether increased denial (in the form of self-deception) is associated with impaired awareness, consistent with the denial theory. Participants included 40 patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and 25 healthy comparison participants. Patients’ levels of awareness and symptom attribution were assessed through interview, and all participants completed self-report questionnaires measuring mood symptoms as well as their use of self-deception. Awareness of negative symptoms was associated with increased depression. However, self-deception was not significantly correlated with awareness measures. When patients were divided on the basis of their awareness and attribution scores, no group differences emerged regarding use of self-deception. The patient group and the healthy comparison group did not differ in their use of self-deception. The current results do not support the psychological denial theory of unawareness of illness in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
Evaluation of Trapping and Vacuuming Compared with Low-Impact Insecticide Tactics for Managing German Cockroaches in Residences

In field studies, sticky traps and vacuum cleaners were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in the control of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), infesting multifamily housing. Trapping and vacuuming treatments were compared with insecticide baiting and residual spraying methods. At 4-wk posttreatment in 1995 tests, the percentage of cumulative population reductions caused by Siege gel bait, Victor Roach Pheromone sticky traps, flushing and vacuuming, vacuuming, and Empire spray treatments reached 82.4, 79.3, 80.2, 72.5, and 72.0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in cockroach catch between treatments at all sampling periods after treatment, indicating that the treatments were equally effective in controlling B. germanica infestations. At 8 wk after treatment in 1996 tests, the percentage of cumulative population reductions caused by Knockdown Pheromone Boric Acid bait, Victor Roach Pheromone sticky traps, and Suspend spray treatments reached 83.7, 80.1, and 68.5%, respectively. As in 1995 tests, there were no significant differences in cockroach catch between treatments at all sampling periods after treatment. Trapping with sticky traps and the use of the vacuuming technique led to significant reductions in trap catch at all sampling times after treatments. In total, 7,543 cockroaches were caught on Victor Roach Pheromone traps removed from 11 apartments during the 4-wk test period in 1995. In total, 3,554 cockroaches were caught on Victor Roach Pheromone traps removed from 5 apartments during the 8-wk test period in 1996. The use of the flushing agent before vacuuming led to a greater population reduction and removal of hard-to-reach gravid females. Sticky traps and vacuum cleaners also were effective as monitoring devices and provided acceptable control for B. germanica .
Magnetic ordering in YbEu alloys

Abstract Magnetization measurements of alloys of 10–40 at.% Eu in Yb have revealed a broad isofield magnetic moment peak at 8 K for the forty atomic percent alloy. The peak moves to lower temperatures with decreasing Eu content. At low Eu concentrations evidence for ferromagnetic ordering is seen in the magnetization data.
Visualizing reality in an augmented virtual environment

An Augmented virtual Environment (AVE) fuses dynamic image with 3D models. An AVE provides a unique approach to visuaiizing spatial relationships and temporal events that occur on real world environments, A geornetric scene model provides a 3D substrate for the visualization of multiple Image sequences gathered by fixed or moving image sensors. The resulting viualization is that of a world in-miniature that depicts the corresponding real-world scene and dynamic actrvities, This paper describes the core elements of aN AV£ system, including static and dynamic model construction, sensor tracking, and image projection for 3D visualization.
Affective computing meets design patterns: a pattern-based model for a multimodal emotion recognition framework

There is a growing interest in how to leverage information about user's emotions as a mean of personalizing the response of computer systems. This is particularly useful for computer-aided learning, health, and entertainment systems. However, there are few architectures, frameworks, libraries, or software tools that allow developers to easily integrate emotion recognition into their software projects. The work reported in this paper offers a way to address this shortcoming in models by proposing the use of software design patterns for modeling a multimodal emotion recognition framework. The framework is designed to: (1) integrate existing sensing devices and SDK platforms, (2) include diverse inference algorithms, and (3) correlate measurements from diverse sources. We describe our experience using this model and its impact on facets, such as creating a common language among stakeholders, supporting an incremental development, and adjusting to a highly shifting development team, as well as the qualities achieved and trade-offs made.
Guest Editors' Introduction: History of Database Management Systems

This issue tells the history of database management systems through a series of pioneer recollections, principally from people who founded the major DBMS companies or were heavily involved in the growth and development of these products and companies. These eight recollections cover the principal DBMS software products for IBM mainframe computers. IBM itself was a significant player in this marketplace with its IMS product, but all the other products were produced and marketed by independent software companies. Many historians and industry analysts believe that these products and these companies formed the foundation on which the mainframe software products industry was built.
Adapted concept generation and computational techniques for the application of a transformer design theory

Transformers are a class of products with great potential in a number of markets and applications. These are systems that exhibit a change in state to facilitate new or enhanced product functionality. The historical children’s toys known as “transformers” provide a mental picture of this definition. Working examples are vertical lift aircraft that function as helicopters for take-offs but transform to propeller-driven airplanes for point-to-point travel. This paper builds on research into developing principles and design methodologies for the creation of transforming products. We summarize this research and demonstrate an approach for implementing Transformer Design Principles as part of an ideation and computational design process. An application to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV-TACMAV) illustrates the utility of the approach.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Potential neurotoxic “agents provocateurs” in Parkinson's disease

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders associated with aging, is characterized neurochemically by abnormal and profound loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons. A prominent current view is that the excessive degeneration of the dopaminergic system is the outcome of extended insults by environmental neurotoxins or endogenous neurotoxic factors in genetically vulnerable or susceptible individuals. Recent insights into the identities and mechanisms of potential neurotoxic species, which span pesticides, environmental contaminants including heterocyclic amines with β-carboline (βC) and isoquinoline (IQ) structures, endogenous DA metabolites or intermediates, neuromelanin, metals, and infectious agents, are presented.
The role of correlation in analysis of variance

A test of the significance of a row or column agent in an analysis of variance may be expressed in the form of correlation between the agent and the variate. A test of the significance of interaction variance may be expressed in the form of correlation between the agents. These expressions are principally of theoretical interest in that the degree of significance in anF test or the value of a correlation coefficient may be controlled at will, or inadvertently, within certain limits.
Demonstration of a video frame rate full Muller-metric eye-safe imaging laser radar

We report a video frame rate eye-safe imaging laser radar that can detect all four components of the Stokse parameters in the reflected signal, with a variable input polarization state, capable of full Mueller-metric imaging.
Estimation of the Weight of Vegetation Using Microwave Transmission Measurements

This work reports on a technique for inferring the weight of standing vegetation from microwave transmission measurements. This nondestructive technique is invaluable when it is necessary to remeasure vegetation plots to examine effects with time. Such applications include ecological studies of the forest understory. Results are reported for field tests with pine trees in Virginia and stands of softwood, hardwood, and mixed-wood in Maine. It was found that depolarization-compensated attenuation at 12 GHz is highly correlated with the weight of vegetation and woody shoots less than 1.27 cm (one-half inch) in diameter along the signal path. The method was applied to ecological studies into ways of reducing spruce budworm defoliation.
Stochastic Models of Crime Rates

Empirical-stochastic models of index crimes are developed in ten major metropolitan areas. Detailed examples of the model building and forecasting ability of the models are illustrated. Characteristics of the resulting model forms are briefly discussed relative to their use in forecasting and resource assignment in criminal justice planning. The existence of uniform underlying causal mechanisms for given crime types are also discussed from re-occurring model forms.
Violaceous plaques and breast tenderness in a 71-year-old breast cancer survivor. Cutaneous radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast

A 71-year-old woman presented for evaluation of breast tenderness and erythema. Her medical history was significant for a 4-cm, poorly differentiated, ER/PR/Her2-negative adenocarcinoma of the right breast treated with lumpectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy a decade prior to presentation. Two years prior to her current presentation, the patient developed lymphedema of her right breast, which was treated intermittently with physical therapy. Over the past month, the patient had developed redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling of the same breast. The patient denied fevers, chills, and nipple discharge. She was treated with oral clindamycin, 300 mg every 8 hours, for presumed cellulitis, without resolution, at which time she was referred to the dermatology department. A physical examination revealed several violaceous-indurated plaques on the right breast, with a dominant lesion surrounding the nipple (Figure 1 and Figure 2). A shave biopsy was performed and the sample sent for pathologic evaluation (Figure 3). What is your diagnosis?
Impaired insulin but normal pentagastrin effect on gastric acid secretion in diabetic rats: a role for nitric oxide

Significant changes in gastrointestinal function, decreased gastric secretion and motility in particular, are often observed in patients with chronic diabetes. The mechanisms leading to those remain unclear. In these studies we evaluated the gastric acid secretory response to insulin and pentagastrin in normal Wistar and streptozotocin diabetic rats. We also sought to determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in this process. The animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Warm saline was perfused through a polyethylene tube placed in the oesophagus and collected from the duodenum at 10 min intervals. Following a 50 min equilibration period, a bolus intra-jugular infusion of insulin (4.0 U/kg), 2-deoxyglucose (200 mg/kg) or pentagastrin 4.0 (ug/kg) was started and samples of the gastrointestinal perfusate were collected for an additional 80 min. Insulin-stimulated acid secretion peaked 60 min after bolus infusion in normal animals; a response that was significantly decreased in the diabetic rats. Similarly, 2-deoxyglucose-induced glucopenia increased gastric acid secretion to a lower extent in diabetic versus normal rats. The stimulatory response to pentagastrin was prompt and essentially equal in normal and diabetic animals. However, when hypoglycemia was prevented by glucose infusion, insulin did not stimulate gastric acid secretion in normal rats. Further, glucose infusion in these animals actually enhanced the secretory response to pentagastrin. Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME 20 mg/kg i.v.), an inhibitor of NO synthetase, also prevented the secretory response to insulin but not to pentagastrin. Preinfusion of arginine (100 mg/kg i.v.) in diabetic rats restored the gastric secretory response to insulin toward that of normal animals. We conclude that the gastric acid secretory response to insulin, but not to pentagastrin, is decreased in diabetic animals, that this response may operate through a NO mediated mechanism possibly set in motion by central nervous system glucopenia and that this NO-mediated mechanism is attenuated in diabetes.
A comparison of standardized methods for measuring the biological activity of pesticides to the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris

Standardized methods for determining LC and LD50 values to the earthworm were compared. An LC50 is most quickly determined by exposing the worms to an ethanolic dip for 30 min. LC50 values can also be determined by soil-incorporation, a route which simulates natural exposure, although mortality sufficient for the estimation of an LC50 is not generated until 7-14 days have elapsed. Injection into the hemocoel proved most efficacious for determining an LD50; topical application was vitiated by irritation by the compound and the solvent. The symptoms which result from exposure are distinct and dose responsive. When using a standardized procedure for assessing toxicity, these symptoms are useful in gauging nonlethal effects of the compound and in facilitating comparison of data.
Comment on Tobin

I. The influence of money on business, 318. — II. Evidence for the independent influence of money on business, 320. — III. Tobin's two models, 322. — IV. The Friedman model, 325. — V. Conclusion, 326.
A distributed, utility-based architecture for task assignment in tactical WSNS

This paper develops an architecture for task assignment in wireless sensor networks in support of tactical operations. Our approach is based on a mathematical framework, which, based on multi-attribute utility theory, allows mobile end-users to easily express the value (utility) that they would attach to sensor information based on features associated with the data. We have applied the utility-based architecture framework in the design of a distributed task assignment algorithm for a simple pursuit-evasion (patrol) scenario. Simulation studies based on this scenario show that in terms of mission-level objectives utility-based task assignment can significantly improve upon a baseline solution, in which each sensor indiscriminately reports all data to all available users.
The use of stimulated primary spleen cell cultures in evaluating cell cycle response to toxicant insult

Isolated rodent spleen cells, cultured for 48 hours with the mitogen Concanavalin A (Con A), consistently provide a cycling population with which to test the cell cycle effects (both temporal and quantitative) of various toxicants. Any modification in the cell cycle is then analyzed by flow cytometric techniques and computer-aided statistical comparisons of the DNA histogram of the cell populations.
Infant Perception of Non-Native Consonant Contrasts that Adults Assimilate in Different Ways:

Numerous findings suggest that non-native speech perception undergoes dramatic changes before the infant's first birthday. Yet the nature and cause of these changes remain uncertain. We evaluated the predictions of several theoretical accounts of developmental change in infants' perception of non-native consonant contrasts. Experiment 1 assessed English-learning infants' discrimination of three isiZulu distinctions that American adults had categorized and discriminated quite differently, consistent with the Perceptual Assimilation Model (PAM: Best, 1995; Best et al., 1988). All involved a distinction employing a single articulatory organ, in this case the larynx. Consistent with all theoretical accounts, 6-8 month olds discriminated all contrasts. However, 10-12 month olds performed more poorly on each, consistent with the Articulatory-Organ-matching hypothesis (AO) derived from PAM and Articulatory Phonology (Studdert-Kennedy & Goldstein, 2003), specifically that older infants should show a decline for non-native distinctions involving a single articulatory organ. However, the results may also be open to other interpretations. The converse AO hypothesis, that non-native between-organ distinctions will remain highly discriminable to older infants, was tested in Experiment 2, using a non-native Tigrinya distinction involving lips versus tongue tip. Both ages discriminated this between-organ contrast well, further supporting the AO hypothesis. Implications for theoretical accounts of infant speech perception are discussed.
Formation of aluminum oxide thin films on FeAl(1 1 0) studied by STM

The surface morphology and atomic structure of clean and oxidized FeAl(1 1 0) surfaces have been investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). An incommensurate reconstructed structure, having FeAl2 stoichiometry confined to the outmost layer, is observed on the clean surface due to preferential Al segregation upon annealing to 1125 K. When the reconstructed clean surface is exposed to oxygen at elevated temperatures, an ordered ultra-thin aluminum oxide film is formed. Based on STM data, a structural model of the oxide film is proposed, which exhibits a quasi-hexagonal oxygen layer and accommodates an even mix of octahedral and tetrahedral occupancy of Al ions arranged in an alternating zigzag–stripe structure. STM imaging with tunnel voltages in the range of the bulkband gap implies that the thin film oxide electronic structure differs substantially from the bulkoxide, and indicates a local density of states around the oxide constituents within the bulkband gap. 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The perceived cultural compatibility index: an extension

The goal of the current study was to replicate and extend the perceived cultural compatibility index developed by Veiga et al. and Very et al. In extending their work, the sample studied was large enough to allow use of confirmatory factor analysis for examining the index beyond the exploratory factor analysis used in its development. Further, the paper treated organizational culture as a socially constructed phenomenon and included all employee classifications in the study. The results show evidence of a second‐order factor model for perceived cultural compatibility rather than the single factor view of culture offered by Veiga et al. and Very et al.
Single-Molecule Diffusion Measurements Indicate Independent Membrane Insertion by the Tandem C2 Domains of Synaptotagmin 7

The synaptotagmin (Syt) family of proteins is characterized by the presence of tandem C2 domains, C2A and C2B, which sense Ca2+ to trigger vesicle fusion during exocytosis. The widely studied Syt1 is central to rapid neurotransmitter release, while Syt7 is involved in slower secretion of large dense-core vesicles and has C2 domains that dock much more tightly to target membranes. Despite recent progress in understanding mechanisms of vesicle fusion, the molecular mechanisms of synaptotagmin C2AB membrane docking remain incompletely characterized. For example, the two C2 domains of Syt1 are reported to cooperatively insert into target membranes, but specific interdomain contacts have not been identified. To test whether the two C2 domains from Syt7 interact on a planar lipid bilayer, lateral diffusion constants of fluorescent-tagged C2A, C2B, and C2AB domains from human Syt7 were measured on PC:PS (3:1) bilayers using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with single-particle tracking. The Syt7 C2AB tandem exhibits a lateral diffusion constant half the value of the isolated single domains, and does not change when additional residues are engineered into the C2A-C2B linker. This is the expected result if C2A and C2B are separated when membrane-bound; theory predicts that C2AB diffusion would be faster if the two domains interact. Furthermore, ensemble stopped-flow measurements of membrane dissociation kinetics also support an absence of interdomain interactions, as EDTA-induced dissociation kinetics of the C2AB tandem are similar to the isolated C2A domain and remain unchanged when rigid or flexible linker extensions are included. Together, the results suggest that the two C2 domains of Syt7 bind independently to membranes. Ongoing efforts seek to perform analogous measurements with Syt1, whose C2 domains have much shorter membrane-bound lifetimes.
Incorporating decision makers’ risk preferences into real options models

This study develops a framework to link the expected utility analysis to real options models in order to capture the joint effects of risk aversion and irreversibility. It aims at modifying the theory of investment under uncertainty by incorporating decision makers’ risk preferences and allows explicitly analysing the impacts of risk aversion, uncertainty and irreversibility on decisions such as investment and resource allocations. It addresses the shortcomings of the commonly used expected utility and investment under uncertainty models by generalizing the theory of irreversible investment to allow for risk-averse investors. It was found that uncertainty, irreversibility and risk aversion are important determinants of the optimal timing of irreversible decisions. Ignoring risk preferences in real options models would lead to overestimation or underestimation of the magnitude of investments.
Discontinuous DNA replication and molecular events preceding DNA replication in Bacillus subtilis

Abstract DNA synthesis has been examined as a function of the cell generation cycle in parasynchronous cultures of Bacillus subtilis . Spore germination was used to obtain synchrony. Isotopically labeled precursor incorporation, DNA content measurements and buoyant density-shift experiments have been used to show that at 30 °C in Penassay medium that DNA synthesis occurs in a stepwise manner shortly after cellular division. The average rate of DNA synthesis during the synthetic period has been estimated to be greater than 4.0 × 10 5 base-pairs/cell, minute. Variations in the properties of the DNA in lysate of B. subtilis have been examined as a function of time in the cell cycle. The intrinsic viscosity was observed to decrease just before DNA replication and to increase during DNA replication. Sedimentation coefficients were observed to increase slightly just prior to DNA replication. The biological activity as measured by transformation decreased just prior to DNA replication. The interpretation of these data is that the DNA of B. subtilis undergoes sequential unwinding followed by sequential replication.
The Effects of Landscape Transformation in a Changing Climate on Local Water Resources

Integrated watershed studies can provide insight into the ways land-use change and climate change interact to transform regional and local hydrology. Most past work has treated baseflow and streamflow separately, and focused either on land-use change or climate change. To assess the relative role of climate change and land-cover change on baseflow, streamflow and peak runoff events for the rapidly urbanizing area surrounding Indianapolis, Indiana, we analyzed long-term records of streamflow, rainfall and land-use data, and performed modeling studies of water fluxes based on reconstructed land-cover change. Statistically significant increasing trends for streamflow and baseflow were present throughout the record, although precipitation did not show similar increases. This indicates that other factors, such as land-use change, had greater influence on watershed hydrology in this area than climate. However, large-scale modeling was not able to demonstrate that changes in hydrology were driven by land-cover c...
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: newer therapeutic strategies.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Despite recent advances in therapy, reversal of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is rarely possible. A review of vasculogenic ED may further our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and help develop more effective curative therapy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the mechanisms of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction and discuss the therapies currently available or being developed for possible future use.Results: Penile erection is a complex neurovascular phenomenon that may be affected by hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerotic vascular occlusive disease, veno-occlusive dysfunction and cavernosal fibrosis. Animal models of diffuse pelvic atherosclerosis can be maintained by feeding oral cholesterol and injuring the arterial endothelium. Impaired inflow may be addressed by penile revascularization but this strategy is applicable only in select cases. Neovascularization using vascular growth factors has recently been demonstrated to be feasible in animal models. Permanent rev...
Multi-sensor Data fusion in wireless sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks, the sensor nodes usually use battery power, one of the main design challenges is to obtain long system lifetime. In a sensor network, the nodes usually sense several kinds of information. These kinds of data have different characteristics. In this paper, the sensed data from the sensor nodes are divided into two types; they are emergent data and usual sensed data. And a data fusion layer is proposed. By using the data reduction algorithm, sensor nodes only transfer the emergent data and the changed information of usual sensed data to sink node. And the sink node recruits the full sensed data. Finally, we implement the data reduction algorithm in TinyOS. Experiment results show that the data reduction algorithm can save energy without losing the sensed information.
Variable Selection via Nonconcave Penalized Likelihood and its Oracle Properties

Variable selection is fundamental to high-dimensional statistical modeling, including nonparametric regression. Many approaches in use are stepwise selection procedures, which can be computationally expensive and ignore stochastic errors in the variable selection process. In this article, penalized likelihood approaches are proposed to handle these kinds of problems. The proposed methods select variables and estimate coefficients simultaneously. Hence they enable us to construct confidence intervals for estimated parameters. The proposed approaches are distinguished from others in that the penalty functions are symmetric, nonconcave on (0, ∞), and have singularities at the origin to produce sparse solutions. Furthermore, the penalty functions should be bounded by a constant to reduce bias and satisfy certain conditions to yield continuous solutions. A new algorithm is proposed for optimizing penalized likelihood functions. The proposed ideas are widely applicable. They are readily applied to a variety of ...
Unconstrained static scheduling with communication weights

In this paper, we present some new theoretical results for unconstrained static scheduling with communication weights, i.e. multiprocessor scheduling of tasks with no precedence constraints, but with arbitrary communication and computation weights. The results are obtained for a cost function that extends completion time with a simple model of communication overhead. This cost function and its variants have been studied in past work. The main results of this paper are as follows: (1) it is shown that no single-pass priority-list algorithm can yield a constant performance bound for this cost function, (2) a two-pass approach is proposed as a heuristic solution, (3) the two-pass approach is shown to have a performance bound of (1 + δ), where δ is the performance bound for the first step (scheduling on an unbounded number of processors), and (4) it is shown that no greedy-merge clustering algorithm can deliver a constant performance bound, δ, even for the first step. We also present some experimental results obtained by applying different scheduling algorithms to 150 randomly generated task graphs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wall shear stress sensor based on the optical resonances of dielectric microspheres

We report an optical wall shear stress sensor based on the whispering gallery mode (WGM) shifts of dielectric micro-resonators. The optical resonators are spheres with a typical diameter of several hundred microns and they serve as the sensing element. The wall shear force acting on a movable plate is transmitted mechanically to the microsphere. As a result of the applied force, the shape of the resonator is perturbed leading to a shift of the optical resonance (WGM). The one-dimensional wall shear stress is measured by monitoring these WGM shifts. Shape perturbations of the order of a nanometer can be detected with this optical method. The measurement resolution and range can be optimized by using dielectric sphere materials of different stiffness covering a wide range of flows. Prototype sensors using PDMS spheres have been built and validated in a laminar Poiseuille flow and in a plane wave acoustic tube.
The Generality Constraint and Categorial Restrictions

We should not admit categorial restrictions on the significance of syntactically well formed strings. Syntactically well formed but semantically absurd strings, such as ‘Life's but a walking shadow’ and ‘Caesar is a prime number’, can express thoughts; and competent thinkers both are able to grasp these and ought to be able to. Gareth Evans’ generality constraint, though Evans himself restricted it, should be viewed as a fully general constraint on concept possession and propositional thought. For (a) even well formed but semantically cross-categorial strings often do possess substantive inferential roles; (b) hearers exploit these inferential roles in interpreting such strings metaphorically; (c) there is no good reason to deny truth-conditions to strings with inferential roles.