cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Information-theoretic feature selection with discrete k-median clustering

We propose a novel computational framework that integrates information-theoretic feature selection with discrete $$k$$ -median clustering (DKM). DKM is a domain-independent clustering algorithm which requires a pairwise distance matrix between samples that can be defined arbitrarily as input. In the proposed DKM clustering, the center of each cluster is represented by a set of samples, which induce a separate set of clusters for each feature dimension. We evaluate the relevance of each feature by the normalized mutual information (NMI) scores between the base clusters using all features and the induced clusters for that feature dimension. We propose a spectral cluster analysis (SCA) method to determine the number of clusters using the average of the relevance NMI scores. We introduce filter- and wrapper-based feature selection algorithms that produce a ranked list of features using the relevance NMI scores. We create an information gain curve and calculate the normalized area under this curve to quantify information gain and identify the contributing features. We study the properties of our information-theoretic framework for clustering, SCA and feature selection on simulated data. We demonstrate that SCA can accurately identify the number of clusters in simulated data and public benchmark datasets. We also compare the clustering and feature selection performance of our framework to other domain-dependent and domain-independent algorithms on public benchmark datasets and a real-life neural time series dataset. We show that DKM runs comparably fast with better performance.
Discussion of “Investigation of underwater pressure records and simultaneous sea surface Patterns”

According to the paper prepared by Seiwell, a correction factor of about 1.35 must be applied to bottom pressure measurements of wave heights in order to obtain the correct wave-surface wave height when the theoretical equations for oscillatory flow are used in the calculations. Laboratory and field investigations by the University of California Fluid Mechanics Laboratory group have demonstrated this value to be about 1.1. The discrepancy in reported magnitudes is excessive and further investigations should be made to determine the reasons for the difference. In addition to the University of California laboratory results, ten determinations of the correction factor in the wave tank at Vicksburg gave an average magnitude of 1.07. Field observations by the University of California made with the aid of floating spar buoys and recording pressure gages at the bottom of the spar in the open ocean, admittedly rough measurements, showed the correction factor for conditions near the surface to be about 1.15. Further measurements with ocean waves in shallow water at a depth of about 20 ft show correction factors in the order of 1.1.
Optical performance evaluation of a solar furnace by measuring the highly concentrated solar flux

Abstract We evaluated optical performance of a solar furnace in the KIER (Korea Institute of Energy Research) by measuring the highly concentrated solar flux with the flux mapping method. We presented and analyzed optical performance in terms of concentrated solar flux distribution and power distribution. We investigated concentration ratio, stagnation temperature, total power, and concentration accuracy with help of a modeling code based on the ray tracing method and thereby compared with other solar furnaces. We also discussed flux changes by shutter opening angles and by position adjustment of reflector facets. In the course of flux analysis, we provided a better understanding of reference flux measurement for calibration, reflectivity measurement with a portable reflectometer, shadowing area consideration for effective irradiation, as well as accuracy and repeatability of flux measurements. The results in the present study will help proper utilization of a solar furnace by facilitating comparison between flux measurements at different conditions and flux estimation during operation.
A Model for Collaborative Teaching Teams in Counselor Education.

Teaching's importance has increased for faculty members and is reflected in the selection criteria for new faculty, particularly those in counselor education. Thus, graduate programs need to provide students with opportunities to obtain teaching experience and enhance their pedagogical training. The collaborative teaching teams model is intended to assist counselor educators in preparing doctoral-level counseling students for careers in academia. Recommendations for model implementation are provided and specific examples are presented to demonstrate the use of this model in a counselor education and supervision doctoral program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Qualities of Interest for Spontaneous Networked Organizations

Abstract In spontaneous networked organizations, or any dynamic open organizations, autonomous agents must interact among themselves to achieve their goals. Agents usually interact, with which they have no experience, due to the scale and dynamism in these organizations. Each agent must, therefore, achieve certain qualities of interests in order to be capable of amalgamating fast. In light of this, we construct qualities of interest for a spontaneous networked organization. Theoretical aspects will be described including social harmony, coherence and spontaneity and their effect on the interaction process among agents inside such a collaborative organization. This study helps to improve the social capital of any networked organization.
Bound states for a magnetic impurity in a superconductor

We discuss a solvable model describing an Anderson-like impurity in a BCS superconductor. The model can be mapped onto an Ising field theory in a boundary magnetic field, with the Ising fermions being the quasiparticles of the Bogoliubov transformation in BCS theory. The reflection S matrix exhibits Andreev scattering and the existence of bound states of the quasiparticles with the impurity lying inside the superconducting gap.
Prognostic factors for survival in patients treated in phase I clinical trials.

Background. Patients with advanced or metastatic cancer treated in Phase I clinical trials are considered to have a poor prognosis. Survival from first treatment in a Phase I trial was determined for 349 patients. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to determine whether potential prognostic factors and distinct risk groups could be identified. Methods. Patients were identified retrospectively from a large data base of patients with advanced or metastatic cancer treated in Phase I clinical trials at the University of Chicago between February 1987 and October 1991. Results. With a median follow-up of 29 months, 10% of patients were alive at the time of analysis. Twentynine percent were alive 1 year after the initiation of Phase I chemotherapy, and the median survival from first treatment in a Phase I study was 6.5 months. Multivariate analysis indicated that a better pretreatment performance status, a higher pretreatment serum albumin concentration, a lower pretreatment platelet count, no prior cisplatin chemotherapy, and a genitourinary or gynecologic cancer diagnosis were predictive of better survival. Three risk groups incorporating these five variables were identified, with median survivals of 12.7, 7.4, and 3.5 months for the good, intermediate, and poor risk groups, respectively. Conclusion. Patients treated in Phase I clinical trials have a median survival of 6.5 months, even though some patients have been treated at early (subtoxic and potentially subtherapeutic) dose levels. The results of this study may allow the identification of patients who are likely to survive long enough to contribute information on acute and cumulative drug-related toxicities and, possibly, tumor response.
Laser processing of channel waveguide structures in sol-gel coatings

ABSTRACT Sol-gel derived silica, siica-titania, and tantala coatings were covered with a thin metal film andtranslated across a Nd:YAG laser beam (1.06 jim). The laser energy was absorbed by the metal film, whichheated the underlying sol-gel coating. This heating densified the sol-gel coatings, thereby increasing theindex ofrefraction of the laser heated region, and forming channel waveguide structures in all three sys-tems. The channels formed by this technique were etched, to remove the undensified regions, which resultedin ridged waveguide structures. The structures were also produced by depositing a metal pattern usingphotolithographic techniques, and rastering the laser across the entire sample. The refractive indicies oflaser densifled and furnace densified silica coatings were similar. Large differences were observed in theindicies oflaser and furnace densified coatings for the siica-titania and tantala systems. . 1. INTRODUCTION One of the basic components in integrated optical circuits is the channel waveguide. The channelwaveguide provides two-dimensional confinement ofthe optical signal, which permits the routing of signalsbetween various input, output, and processing components on a chip. While most often used as a passivecomponent, channel waveguides can also be fabricated in electro-optic and semiconducting materials such asLiNbO3 and GaAs, where they actively participate in signal processing. Various geometries (e.g., ridged andimbedded channel guides and strip-loaded planar guides) can be used to synthesize channel waveguides (Fora detailed discussion see Reference 1). However, the basis for all ofthese geometries is the formation of achannel which guides light when it is surrounded on all sides by lower index material.The modal properties of the channel waveguide are determined by the index difference between thewaveguide and its surroundings, and by the waveguide dimensions. When the index differences are small,on the order of 1 to 2%, the single mode operation requires channel dimensions on the order of one to severaloperating wavelengths. For index differences of 10 to 30% these dimensions are reduced to 1/4 to 1/3theoperating wavelength. When the channel dimensions exceed these minimum values, multi-mode operationis possible. For most applications minimum operating efficiencies require that channel waveguide losses beno larger than about 1 dB/cm. However, losses approaching 0.1 dB/cm are much more desirable.A wide range of techniques have been used to synthesize both active and passive channel waveguides.These include radio frequency sputtering,2 chemical vapor deposition,3'4 liquid phase epitaxy,5 vapor phase
Microbial oxidation of methanol: Purification and properties of formaldehyde dehydrogenase from a Pichia sp. NRRL-Y-11328

Abstract An NAD+-linked, reduced glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase was purified to homogeneity from soluble extracts of methanol-grown yeast, Pichia sp. Formaldehyde and methylglyoxal are oxidized in the presence of NAD+ as an electron acceptor. NADP+ could not replace NAD+. Other straight chain aldehydes (C2–C6 tested), branched-chain aldehydes (e.g., isobutyaldehyde), aromatic aldehydes (e.g., salicylal-dehyde, benzaldehyde), glutyraldehyde, glyceraldehyde, glycoaldehyde, and glyoxal-dehyde tested were not oxidized by the purified formaldehyde dehydrogenase. The product of formaldehyde oxidation by purified enzyme was demonstrated to be S-for-mylglutathione by measuring the absorption at 240 nm due to the formation of thioester of formaldehyde and reduced glutathione. The Km values for NAD+, formaldehyde, and reduced glutathione were 0.12, 0.31, and 0.16 m m , respectively, for the forward reaction at pH 8.0. The purified formaldehyde dehydrogenase also catalyzed the reduction of S-formylglutathione in the presence of NADH. Formate was not reduced by the purified enzyme. The Km values for S-formylglutathione and NADH were 0.60 and 0.25 m m , respectively, for the reverse reaction at pH 6.0. Formaldehyde dehydrogenase has a molecular weight of 84,000 as determined by gel filtration and subunit molecular weight of 41,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. S-Formylglutathione, a product of formaldehyde oxidation, was oxidized by the partially purified formate dehydrogenase from Pichia sp. Formate dehydrogenase has a higher affinity toward S-formylglutathione (Km value 1.8 m m ) than toward formate (Km value 25 m m ). Antiserum prepared against the purified formaldehyde dehydrogenase from Pichia sp. NRRL-Y-11328 forms strong precipitin bands with isofunctional enzymes from methanol-grown Pichia pastoris NRRL-Y-7556 and Torulopsis candida Y-11419 and weak precipitin bands with Hansenula polymorpha NRRL-Y-2214. No cross-reaction was observed with isofunctional enzyme derived from methanol-grown Kloeckera sp.
Toward the Development of a Theory of Bereavement Guilt: Sources of Guilt in Bereaved Parents

Guilt has been reported as a common manifestation of grief, yet bereavement guilt is poorly understood and has not been adequately incorporated into bereavement theory. As a first step in the devel...
The Population of Weak Mg II Absorbers. II. The Properties of Single-Cloud Systems*

We present an investigation of Mg II absorbers characterized as single-cloud weak systems [defined by Wr(λ2796) < 0.3 A] at z ~ 1. We measured column densities and Doppler parameters for Mg II and Fe II in 15 systems found in High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer/Keck spectra at 6.6 km s-1. Using these quantities and C IV, Lyα, and Lyman limit absorption observed with the Faint Object Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope (resolution ~230 km s-1), we applied photoionization models to each system to constrain metallicities, densities, ionization conditions, and sizes. We find the following:
Information systems engineering for distributed decisionmaking

There are many issues associated with the design and evaluation of information systems to aid real-time dynamic decision-making in environments where decision-making responsibility and knowledge bases are physically separated and potentially geographically distributed; and where there are multiple agents, each responsible for portions of the decision-making effort. There are a great many concerns that must be addressed for the enhancement of decision flexibility and facilitation of cooperative decision making in organizational settings, and for applications such as command and control. The author discusses some of these, in terms of contemporary research and research needs in this area, and provides a partial taxonomy of distributed decision-making issues as they relate to the design of information systems.
The effects of perfluoro-n-decanoic acid (PFDA) on rat heart beta-receptors, adenylate cyclase, and fatty acid composition.

Abstract Perfluoro-n-decanoic acid (PFDA) is a member of a family of surfactants with numerous industrial applications. The acute toxicity of PFDA is characterized by body wasting and delayed lethality. Recent reports have indicated that the effects of PFDA may involve an action on the structure of biological membranes which results in an alteration of function. In the present study we extend our work on the membrane actions of PFDA by examining its effects on myocardial β-adrenoceptor binding characteristics and adenylate cyclase. Following a single injection of PFDA the apparent number of β-receptor binding sites was reduced compared to pair-fed controls. This change in β-receptor binding capacity was reflected in a reduced ability of norepinephrine to activate adenylate cyclase. No alterations were observed in basal adenylate cyclase activity or in the ability of NaF or guanylyl imidodiphosphate to stimulate the enzyme. The fatty acid composition of the heart was changed by PFDA treatment. Our results suggest that the toxic effects of PFDA may be due to an alteration of the membrane lipid bilayer leading to changes in the functional activity of myocardial membranes.
Invertibility of finite group homomorphic sequential systems

A class of systems, introduced by Brockett and Willsky, that evolve homomorphically on finite groups is considered. A general result, extending the linear sequential circuit Hankel matrix result of Massey and Sain, is derived. Also, an analog of the Brockett—Mesarovic result is obtained when we restrict our attention to abelian group systems.
Is Scanning Laser Polarimetry Ready for Clinical Practice

p q m p t s l d S NEW DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC TECHNOLogies continue to stream into the medical marketplace, their actual benefits often are difficult to stablish. Medical imaging devices that evaluate the retial nerve fiber layer (RNFL) to diagnose and monitor laucoma provide a case in point. Several RNFL imaging nstruments have been introduced during the past two ecades; however, the precise role in clinical practice still emains uncertain for any of them. Scanning laser polaimetry (SLP), one of these methods, has been proposed to bjectively estimate the thickness of the RNFL for diagosis and follow-up of glaucoma patients. Measurement of RNFL thickness with SLP is based on he principle that polarized light passing through the irefringent RNFL undergoes a measurable phase shift, nown as retardation, that is linearly related to histologially measured RNFL tissue thickness.1 SLP has undergone ignificant changes in hardware and software since being ntroduced.2,3 It was recognized during the development of SLP techology that the RNFL was not the only birefringent tructure in the eye and that anterior segment structures largely cornea) also had birefringence properties that ould have to be removed from the total ocular birefrinence to obtain RNFL measurements.4 However, early SLP nstruments were equipped with a fixed compensator of nterior segment birefringence; the compensator assumed hat all individuals had similar corneal birefringence charcteristics. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that the orneal birefringence of many patients was inadequately ompensated by the fixed compensator, and that this could ead to spurious measurements of RNFL thickness.5,6 This as particularly problematic, because it could not be lways ascertained in which patients measurement comensation was incorrect. The inaccuracy of the fixed comensator stimulated the development of a variable corneal ompensator that individually compensated each patient. The introduction of a variable corneal compensator to he SLP instrument resulted in improved diagnostic accuacy compared with earlier versions of the technology.7,8 owever, irregular patches of elevated retardation values hat did not match the expected retardation based on the NFL anatomy, so-called atypical retardation patterns ARPs), soon were observed in some patients. ARPs are an rtifact that apparently result from poor signal-to-noise
Crystal structure of a Z-DNA hexamer d(CGCICG) at 1.7 Å resolution: inosine-cytidine base-pairing, and comparison with other Z-DNA structures

The crystal structure of the deoxyhexamer, d(CGCICG), has been determined and refined to a resolution of 1.7A. The DNA hexamer crystallises in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with unit cell dimensions of a = 18.412 +/- .017 A, b = 30.485 +/- .036A, and c = 43.318 +/- .024 A. The structure has been solved by rotation and translation searches and refined to an R-factor of 0.148 using 2678 unique reflections greater than 1.0 sigma (F) between 10.0-1.7 A resolution. Although the crystal parameters are similar to several previously reported Z-DNA hexamers, this inosine containing Z-DNA differs in the relative orientation, position, and crystal packing interactions compared to d(CGCGCG) DNA. Many of these differences in the inosine form of Z-DNA can be explained by crystal packing interactions, which are responsible for distortions of the duplex at different locations. The most noteworthy features of the inosine form of Z-DNA as a result of such distortions are: (1) sugar puckers for the inosines are of C4'-exo type, (2) all phosphates have the Zl conformation, and (3) narrower minor grove and compression along the helical axis compared to d(CGCGCG) DNA. In addition, the substitution of guanosine by inosine appears to have resulted in Watson-Crick type base-pairing between inosine and cytidine with a potential bifurcated hydrogen bond between inosine N1 and cytidine N3 (2.9 A) and O2 (3.3-3.A).
Rough energy landscapes in protein folding: dimeric E. coli Trp repressor folds through three parallel channels.

The folding mechanism of the dimeric Escherichia coli Trp repressor (TR) is a kinetically complex process that involves three distinguishable stages of development. Following the formation of a partially folded, monomeric ensemble of species, within 5 ms, folding to the native dimer is controlled by three kinetic phases. The rate-limiting step in each phase is either a non-proline isomerization reaction or a dimerization reaction, depending on the final denaturant concentration. Two approaches have been employed to test the previously proposed folding mechanism of TR through three parallel channels: (1) unfolding double-jump experiments demonstrate that all three folding channels lead directly to native dimer; and (2) the differential stabilization of the transition state for the final step in folding and the native dimer, by the addition of salt, shows that all three channels involve isomerization of a dimeric species. A refined model for the folding of Trp repressor is presented, in which all three channels involve a rapid dimerization reaction between partially folded monomers followed by the isomerization of the dimeric intermediates to yield native dimer. The ensemble of partially folded monomers can be captured at equilibrium by low pH; one-dimensional proton NMR spectra at pH 2.5 demonstrate that monomers exist in two distinct, slowly interconverting conformations. These data provide a potential structural explanation for the three-channel folding mechanism of TR: random association of two different monomeric forms, which are distinguished by alternative packing modes of the core dimerization domain and the DNA-binding, helix-turn-helix, domain. One, perhaps both, of these packing modes contains non-native contacts.
Propagation of transversely narrow shear Alfven waves: Structure and radiation of electrostatic plasma waves

[1] Using two-dimensional (2-D) particle-in-cell simulations, the propagation of a shear Alfven wave (SAW) with narrow structures across an ambient magnetic field B o is studied. The structures in the electric and magnetic fields, plasma density, and current in the entire SAW structure are examined. The SAW propagating along the x direction has bipolar transverse electric (Ey) and magnetic (B z ) fields. The ponderomotive force associated with these fields generates density enhancements and depletions in the bipolar SAW structure. The leading head of the SAW has the narrowest structure and carries a large parallel current. The head is dominated by large-amplitude fluctuations in both the parallel component (E x ) and the transverse component (Ey) of the electric fields. When the parallel component is integrated, a parallel potential drop is seen in the leading head. Electrons accelerated in the potential drop generate a broadband turbulence, including high-frequency electrostatic whistlers. The SAW head radiates the whistler waves along the whistler resonance cones, and they appear as streaks of enhanced fields in the region ahead of it. The SAW structure behind the head radiates ion cyclotron waves at large oblique angles from B o . The relevance of these findings to satellite observations on Alfven wave solitary structures is discussed, especially emphasizing that such a solitary structure could radiate plasma waves in a broadband frequency range from near the ion cyclotron to the lower hybrid frequency.
Stability of a Cylinder Under Dynamic Radial Pressure

1 Luskin, L. and Lapin, E., "An Analytical Approach to the Fuel Sloshing and Buffeting Problems of Aircraft," J. Aeronaut. Sci., vol. 19, no. 4, April 1952, pp. 217-228. 2 Graham, E. W. and Rodriquez, A. M., "The Characteristics of Fuel Motion Which Affect Airplane Dynamics," J. Appl. Mech., vol. 19, no. 3, September 1952, pp. 381-388 (see also Douglas Aircraft Co. Rep. No. SM-14212). 3 Kachigan, K., "Forced Oscillations of a Fluid in a Cylindrical Tank," Convair Rep. ZU-7-046, October 1955. 4 Schmitt, A. F., "Forced Oscillations of a Fluid in a Cylindrical Tank Undergoing Translation and Rotation," Convair Rep. ZU-7-069, October 1956. 5 Bauer, H. F., "Pluid Oscillations in a Circular Cylindrical Tank," ABM A Rep. DA-TR-1-58, April 1958. 6 Bauer, H. F., "Fluid Oscillations in a Cylindrical Tank With Damping," ABM A Rep. DA-TR-4-58, April 1958. 7 Miles, J. W., "On the Sloshing of Liquid in a Cylindrical Tank," Ramo-Wooldridge Rep. AM6-5, April 1956. 8 Bauer, H. F., "The Moment of Inertia of a Liquid in a Circular Cylindrical Tank," ACM A DA-TR-5-58, April 1958. 9 Chu, W. H., "Free Surface Condition for Sloshing Resulting From Pitching and Some Corrections," ARS JOURNAL, vol. 30, no. 11, November I960, pp. 1093-1094. 10 Abramson, H. N. and Ransleben, G. E., Jr., "Simulation of Fuel Sloshing Characteristics in Missile Tanks by Use of Small Models," ARS JOURNAL, vol. 30, no. 7, July 1960, pp. 603-612. 11 Abramson, H. N. and Ransleben, G. E., Jr., "Liquid Sloshing in Rigid Cylindrical Tanks Undergoing Pitching Motion," Tech. Rep. no. 11, Contract no. DA 23-072-ORD-1251, Southwest Research Inst . , May 1961.
Diatoms as an aid in identifying late-Holocene tsunami deposits

Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) help identify the onshore deposits of tsunamis from earthquakes on the Cascadia subduction zone along the Pacific coast of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, and on faults high in the North American plate in the Puget Sound area of Washington. At the Copalis River, Washington, diatom analyses suggest that a tsunami deposit about 300 calendric years old (300 yr BP) originated from sandy shoals of the lower estuary rather than nearby beaches or coastal dunes. At Cultus Bay and West Point, Washington, well-preserved benthic estuarine diatoms in sand sheets overlying tidal-marsh peat indicate that the deposits came from intertidal or nearshore areas of Puget Sound. On an abruptly uplifted mudflat at the landward end of Hood Canal at Lynch Cove, Washington, tidal-flat diatoms refute the possibility of a terrestrial source for the sand. Diatoms in 300-yr-BP tsunami deposits on the Niawiakum River, Washington, confirm that the sand in these deposits had a marine source, and help ...
Association of arsenic with kidney function in adolescents and young adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2012.

Background Long-term exposure to arsenic is a major public health concern. Emerging evidence suggests adverse health effects even at low levels of exposure. This study examined the association of arsenic exposure with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and compared methods of adjustment for urinary dilution in a representative sample of U.S. adolescents and young adults.
Presence of cepstral peak in random reflected ultrasound signals

Abstract A peak in the power cepstrum, or the squared magnitude of the Fourier transform of the data log-power spectrum, is commonly observed when processing reflections from plate-like structures, such as membranes. In this case, the cepstral peak at the smallest nonzero time lag, or quefrency, value can be used to determine the thickness of the plate. For reflections from a medium composed of randomly distributed scatterers, such as liver tissue, a cepstral peak is also commonly observed, but cannot be so intuitively explained as in the deterministic case above. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the presence of a cepstral peak depends on the form of the probability density function (pdf) of the separation between reflectors. In the case where the pdf is uniform from 0 to S M , the cepstral peak is found to occur at the quefrency corresponding to S M . For simple unimodal pdfs, a cepstral peak will occur at the location of the maximum probability. These observations are shown analytically and verified through simulations. The diagnostic value of these results lies in the interpretation of the relation of the cepstral peak location to the spacing of the scattering elements in the tissue.
Associates of self-reported fertility status and infertility treatment-seeking in a rural district of Malawi

BACKGROUND: This study examines the demographic, fertility preference, health/infection and behavioural factors associated with self-reported fertility problems and infertility treatment-seeking in a rural district of Malawi. METHODS: Data come from a population-based survey of 678 women and 362 men. RESULTS: Having a higher ideal number of children than actual number of children, i.e. a ‘child deficit’, is highly associated with women’s reported fertility impairment and treatment-seeking. Other factors associated with women’s infertility treatmentseeking are being educated and reporting infertility in self or spouse. In contrast, being in a polygamous union, having exchanged money or goods for sex, and having multiple sex partners are significantly associated with men’s reported fertility impairment. Significant factors associated with men’s infertility treatment-seeking are having no education, having a long waiting time to pregnancy and having a ‘child deficit’. CONCLUSIONS: There is a sex difference in which factors are associated with reported fertility impairment. Fertility preference variables are more often significantly related to women’s reported fertility impairment, whereas sexual behaviours are more often significantly related to men’s reported fertility impairment.
SemEval-2010 Task 7: Argument Selection and Coercion

In this paper, we describe the Argument Selection and Coercion task, currently in development for the SemEval-2 evaluation exercise scheduled for 2010. This task involves characterizing the type of compositional operation that exists between a predicate and the arguments it selects. Specifically, the goal is to identify whether the type that a verb selects is satisfied directly by the argument, or whether the argument must change type to satisfy the verb typing. We discuss the problem in detail and describe the data preparation for the task.
The transatlantic divide over brain death determination and the debate

In 1976, the Royal College of Physicians published neurological criteria of death. The memorandum stated that-after preconditions and exclusion criteria were met-the absence of brainstem function, including apnoea testing, would suffice. In the USA, many experts felt that brain death could be only determined by demonstrating death of the entire brain. In the history of further refinement of UK and USA brain death criteria, one particular period stands out that would bring about an apparent transatlantic divide. On 13 October 1980, the British Broadcasting Corporation aired a programme entitled 'Transplants: Are the Donors Really Dead?' Several United States experts not only disagreed with the United Kingdom criteria, but claimed that patients diagnosed with brain death using United Kingdom criteria could recover. The fallout of this television programme was substantial, as indicated by a media frenzy and a 6-month period of heated correspondence within The Lancet and The British Medical Journal. Members of the Parliament questioned the potential long-term effect on the public's trust in organ transplantation. Given the concerns raised, the British Broadcasting Corporation commissioned a second programme, which was broadcast on 19 February 1981 entitled 'A Question of Life or Death: The Brain Death Debate.' Two panels debated the issues on the accuracy of the electroencephalogram and its place, the absolute need for assessing preconditions before an examination, the problems with recognition of toxins and the feasibility of doing a new prospective study in the United Kingdom, which would follow patients' examination assessed with United Kingdom criteria until cardiac standstill. The positions of the United States and United Kingdom remained diametrically opposed to each other. This article revisits this landmark moment and places it in a wider historical context. In the USA, the focus was not on the brainstem, and the definition of brain death became rapidly infused with terms such as whole brain death (all intracranial structures above the foramen magnum), cerebral death (all supratentorial structures) or higher brain death (cortical structures) virtually synonymous with persistent vegetative state. This review also identifies the fortitude of neurosurgeon Bryan Jennett and neurologist Christopher Pallis by introducing new corroborative data on the diagnosis of brain death and clarifying the United Kingdom position. Both understood that brainstem death was the infratentorial consequence of a supratentorial catastrophe. With the 1995 American Academy of Neurology practice parameters, the differences between the UK and USA brain death determination would become much less apparent.
Financial system design and liquidity provision by banks and markets in a dynamic economy

This paper contributes to the literature on financial system design by comparing markets and banks in a dynamic economy. Investors trade off their liquidity needs against the high returns on illiquid investments. Both the banking system and the market can provide partial liquidity insurance to investors. We consider full market participation as well as limited market participation. We demonstrate that the full-participation market with intergenerational trading can provide more liquidity than one without. Insurance is provided through wealth transfer across generations, instead of cross-subsidization across contemporaneous types as is the case in the finite economy. Given a full-participation market that allows trading across generations, only banks with initial capital can provide additional liquidity. In a limited-participation market with uncertainty about trading types, an intergenerational bank (with or without initial capital) provides additional insurance to investors. The need for trade is eliminated. Finally, if there is no uncertainty about trading types, then an intergenerational bank with initial capital eliminates the need for trading and improves welfare for all. An intergenerational bank without initial capital improves welfare for people who do not trade.
Generating dynamic shadows for virtual reality applications

In this paper, we discuss the benefits of including shadows in virtual reality applications and we propose a solution to the problem of generating shadows for dynamic scenes. In order to achieve interactivity, we restrict the problem to the case of polyhedral objects and planar surfaces. We propose a new mode as an extension to VRML that automatically generates the shadow of the underlying polygonal model in user-defined surfaces.
Asynchronous Variational Integrators

We describe a class of asynchronous variational integrators (AVI) for nonlinear elastodynamics. The AVIs are characterized by the following distinguishing attributes: i) The algorithms permit the selection of independent time steps in each element, and the local time steps need not bear an integral relation to each other; ii) the algorithms derive from a spacetime form of a discrete version of Hamilton’s principle. As a consequence of this variational structure, the algorithms conserve local energy and momenta exactly, subject to solvability of the local time steps. Numerical tests reveal that, even when local energy balance is not enforced exactly, the global and local energy behavior of the AVIs is quite remarkable, a property which can probably be traced to the symplectic nature of the algorithm.
Complications of parotid surgery

The facelift incision and allograft dermis implants have been used in parotid surgery to improve esthetic outcomes. We commonly use these techniques in patients with benign parotid tumors. Forty-two percent of our parotidectomy patients have had facelift incisions, and 50% have had allograft dermis implants for reconstruction. The rate of temporary facial nerve paralysis was 64% for the modified Blair incision and 28% for the facelift incision. We did not have any patients with superficial parotidectomy for benign tumors with long-term facial paralysis. Our rate of Frey's syndrome was low (14%) but did not differ between patients with and without allograft dermis implants. In patients with allograft dermis implants, the initial rate of seroma/salivoma was 45% but decreased to 19% with prolonged drainage and antibiotics. In this patient population, we believe that the risk of complication is outweighed by the improved esthetic outcomes.
Herbal extracts and memory enhancement: response to Scholey et al.

Reply by the current author to the comments made by Scholey et al. (see record 2005-04969-023) on the original article (see record 2004-13858-010). The letter by Scholey et al. contains several accounts of criticism. The principal claim that they make is that, although negative findings of cognition-enhancing effects have been found in several studies, this is not enough evidence to conclude that these products do not improve cognitive performance. The authors emphasize that the methods used in these studies need careful examination and they identify a number of criteria that, preferably, should be met for these studies to be "adequately powered". The problem is (and this is also discussed by Scholey et al.) that even if these criteria are met, there are still negative findings.
Comparative Evaluation of Combustion Codes for Low-Btu Gas Applications

Four computer codes (PHOENICS, PCGC, FLUENT and INTERN) representing a spectrum of existing combustion modeling capabilities were evaluated for low-Btu gas applications. In particular, the objective was to identify computer code(s) that can be used effectively for predictions of (a) the flow field to yield efficient combustion, (b) the temperature field to ensure structural integrity and (c) species concentrations to meet environmental emission standards in a gas turbine combustor operating on low-Btu coal gas. Detailed information on physical models, assumptions, limitations and operational features of various codes was obtained through a series of computational runs of increasing complexity and grouped as (a) experimental validation, (b) code comparison and (c) application to coal gas combustion.INTERN is not suitable for the present application since it has been tailored to model combustion process of premixed hydrocarbon fuels. FLUENT is easy to use and has detailed combustion models (in Version 3), however, it is not favored here because the user is unable to alter, modify or change the existing model(s). While PCGC-2 has the most comprehensive models for combustion, it is not user friendly and is inherently limited to axisymmetric geometry. PCGC-3 is expected to overcome these drawbacks. Built in combustion models in PHOENICS are similar to those in FLUENT. However, the user can implement advanced models on PHOENICS leading to a flexible and powerful combustion code.Copyright © 1991 by ASME
Effective Thermal Conductivity of Gas Diffusion Layers Used in PEMFC: Measured with Guarded-Hot-Plate Method and Predicted by a Fractal Model

An experimental setup to determine thermal conductivity and thickness of a gas diffusion layer (GDL) as a function of compression was developed and calibrated. The actual thermal conductivities, based on compressed thickness, of plain Toray TGP-H gas diffusion layer (GDL) at compression pressures of 0.04 to 1.5 MPa and over temperature range of 25 C to 75 C are reported in this paper. The thermal conductivity of TGP-H GDL was found to decrease with temperature and to increase with compression. An effort was made to numerically account for the effective thermal conductivity by using theoretical models. Krischer model was found to be able to match with the experimental data, but this model relied on a priori knowledge of the thermal properties of the solid matrix. A new analytical model based on fractal analysis of GDL microstructure is proposed to account for GDL thermal conductivity as well as its variation with compression without using any empirical parameter.
Alexander's Genius

Larry Alexander is one of the most creative, penetrating, and wide-ranging legal theorists working today. This short essay, prepared as a tribute for a special issue of the APA Newsletter on Philosophy and Law, aims to convey a flavor of his work by introducing, and causing some trouble for, just a few of his more heterodox and provocative positions. The principal critical target of the essay is Alexander’s contention (a contention that he has pressed both alone and with Saikrishna Prakash) that extreme partisan gerrymandering does not violate the U.S. Constitution. The most persuasive grounding for the unconstitutionality of (extreme) partisan gerrymanders, I argue, is that partisan advantage is a consideration that legislators may not properly take into account (or may not weigh too heavily) when crafting electoral districts. This is a view about what inputs to certain types of legislative decisionmaking are impermissible, and does not rest upon, or imply, any views about what electoral rules or outputs are constitutionally optimal or required. Simply put, Alexander and Prakash never adequately rebut this particular, and common, grounding of the orthodox view that partisan gerrymandering can be unconstitutional. Circling outward, the essay then considers three other striking Alexanderian positions that lend support to his position on partisan gerrymandering but are of substantial independent interest: that the constitutionality of given state action never depends upon the purposes that animate it; that there are no such things as legal principles; and that constitutional interpretation is necessarily the activity of trying to discern the meaning that the Constitution’s authors intended to convey by means of the language they used. The essay casts doubt on each of these claims.
Bistatic SAR imaging: A novel approach using a stationary receiver

This paper introduces a novel approach to bistatic radar imaging. The proposed technique utilizes a synthetic transmit aperture and a stationary receiver to create a high resolution, 2-D bistatic SAR image of a given target scene. The technique can also be used to generate 3-D SAR images simply by utilizing a second, coherent receiver; hence operating in an interferometric bistatic SAR mode. The new technique is validated through both indoor and outdoor experiments.
Static and temporal gravity field recovery using grace potential difference observables

Abstract. The gravity field dedicated satellite missions like CHAMP, GRACE, and GOCE are supposed to map the Earth’s global gravity field with unprecedented accuracy and resolution. New models of Earth’s static and time-variable gravity field will be available every month as one of the science products from GRACE. Here we present an alternative method to estimate the gravity field efficiently using the in situ satellite-to-satellite observations at the altitude and show results on static as well as temporal gravity field recovery. Considering the energy relation between the kinetic energy of the satellite and the gravitational potential, the disturbing potential difference observations can be computed from the orbital parameter vectors in the inertial frame, using the high-low GPS-LEO GPS tracking data, the low-low satelliteto- satellite GRACE measurements, and data from 3-axis accelerometers (Jekeli, 1999). The disturbing potential observation also includes other potentials due to tides, atmosphere, other modeled signals (e.g. N-body) and the geophysical fluid signals (hydrological and oceanic mass variations), which should be recoverable from GRACE mission with a monthly resolution. The simulation results confirm that monthly geoid accuracy is expected to be a few cm with the 160 km resolution (up to degree and order 120) once other corrections are made accurately. The time-variable geoids (ocean and ground water mass) might be recovered with a noise-to-signal ratio of 0.1 with the resolution of 800 km every month assuming no temporal aliasing. Key words. GRACE mission, Energy integral, Geopotential, Satellite-to-satellite tracking, Temporal gravity field
Future perspectives on selective sentinel lymphadenectomy.

To date, ample evidence has been shown that selective sentinel lymphadenectomy (SSL) is a standard staging procedure for patients with malignant melanoma and is rapidly evolving into a standard procedure for breast cancer as well. Although SSL requires the surgeon to master the dissection technique, it is equally important for the nuclear medicine physician and the pathologist to master their respective roles. SSL is a multidisciplinary approach in the management of melanoma, requiring preoperative and intraoperative mapping of the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), and subsequent identification by an experienced pathologist. To shorten the learning curve, it is imperative for a new multidisciplinary team, consisting of the surgeon, the nuclear medicine physician, and the pathologist, to master the mapping procedure together as a team. Although the surgeon usually takes a central role in coordinating the multidisciplinary team, it is incumbent on all the team members to learn the technique thoroughly through available literature and educational courses. After learning the technique, the team should proceed to the actual procedure under appropriate proctorship of other expert teams. With the appropriate guidance, new teams may master this technique relatively quickly, avoiding the pitfalls of investigators who have experienced them in the past.
Metrics for quantifying system performance in intelligent, fault-tolerant multi-robot teams

Any system that has the capability to diagnose and recover from faults is considered to be a fault-tolerant system. Additionally, the quality of the incorporated fault-tolerance has a direct impact on the overall performance of the system. Hence, being able to measure the extent and usefulness of fault- tolerance exhibited by the system would provide the designer with a useful analysis tool for better understanding the system as a whole. Unfortunately, it is difficult to quantify system fault-tolerance on its own for intelligent systems. A more useful metric for evaluation is the "effectiveness" measure of fault- tolerance. The influence of fault-tolerance towards improving overall performance determines the overall effectiveness or quality of the system. In this paper, we outline application- independent metrics to measure fault-tolerance within the context of system performance. In addition, we also outline potential methods to better interpret the obtained measures towards understanding the capabilities of the implemented system. Furthermore, a main focus of our approach is to capture the effect of intelligence, reasoning, or learning on the effective fault-tolerance of the system, rather than relying purely on traditional redundancy based measures. We show the utility of the designed metrics by applying them to different fault-tolerance architectures implemented for multiple complex heterogeneous multi-robot team applications and comparing system performance. Finally, we contrast the developed metrics with the only other existing method (HWB method) for evaluating (that we are aware of) effective fault-tolerance for multi-robot teams and rate them in terms of their capability to best interpret the workings of the implemented systems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first metric that attempts to evaluate the quality of learning towards understanding system level fault-tolerance.