cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization Strategies for Complex Process Models

Publisher Summary The optimization of models can be described by differential or algebraic equations (DAEs). This approach allows the direct enforcement of profile constraints for state and control variables. Also, the successive quadratic programming (SQP) algorithms can be tailored to the DAE system to allow for moving finite elements and the accurate determination of state and optimal control profiles. Parameter optimization is frequently encountered in process design and analysis. This chapter provides an overview of simultaneous optimization strategies for process engineering. Over the past decade, the recognition of the effectiveness of sophisticated nonlinear programming algorithms, such as SQP, has led to the formulation of larger and more difficult optimization problems. The key to this advance lies in flexible formulations of the optimization problems. Inefficient convergence algorithms that are incorporated within a calculation procedure can now be replaced with a simultaneous Newton-type algorithm. Finally, simultaneous solution and optimization strategies have been extended and demonstrated on large optimization problems.
Multiple scattering effects on wave propagation due to rain

The paper examines the multiple scattering of microwaves due to rain and the resulting incoherent intensity for a plane wave incident on a plane-parallel rain region. General formulations of the transfer equation using Stokes parameters are presented, and an extinction matrix which takes into account depolarization effects and nonspherical droplet shape is introduced. Scattering characteristics are calculated for spherical droplets using the Mie solution and the Laws-Parsons distributions. The ratios of incoherent to coherent received powers are calculated at 30 GHz for rain rates of 12.5, 50, 100, and 150 mm/h, rain thicknesses of 3 km and 10 km, and fields of view of 1.5, 5, and 15 deg.
Analog VLSI circuits for covert attentional shifts

In this paper we present analog very large-scale integrated (aVLSI) circuits that facilitate the selection process for initiating and mediating attentive visual processing. We demonstrate the performance of these circuits within a system that implements covert attentional shifts based on an input array that represents saliency across the visual field. The selection process, which enables the transition from preattentive to attentive processing, uses knowledge of previous selections and appropriate duration of selections to perform its task. The circuitry uses local feedback to create a hysteretic effect in the switching from one location of attention to the next. We also include an inhibition-of-return mechanism to facilitate shifting the location of attention even when the input array remains constant. We present test data from a one-dimensional version of the system.
Local and large‐scale atmospheric responses to reduced Arctic sea ice and ocean warming in the WRF model

[1] The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to explore the sensitivity of the large-scale atmospheric energy and moisture budgets to prescribed changes in Arctic sea ice and sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Observed sea ice fractions and SSTs from 1996 and 2007, representing years of high and low sea ice extent, are used as lower boundary conditions. A pan-Arctic domain extending into the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans is used. ERA-Interim reanalysis data from 1994 to 2008 are employed as initial and lateral forcing data for each high and low sea ice simulation. The addition of a third ensemble, with a mixed SST field between years 1996 and 2007 (using 2007 SSTs above 66°N and 1996 values below), results in a total of three 15-member ensembles. Results of the simulations show both local and remote responses to reduced sea ice. The local polar cap averaged response is largest in October and November, dominated by increased turbulent heat fluxes resulting in vertically deep heating and moistening of the Arctic atmosphere. This warmer and moister atmosphere is associated with an increase in cloud cover, affecting the surface and atmospheric energy budgets. There is an enhancement of the hydrologic cycle, with increased evaporation in areas of sea ice loss paired with increased precipitation. Most of the Arctic climate response results from within-Arctic changes, although some changes in the hydrologic cycle reflect circulation responses to midlatitude SST forcing, highlighting the general sensitivity of the Arctic climate.
HR systems drive successful postacquisition integration at general mills

When General Mills acquired larger rival Pillsbury in 2001, it structured its transition strategy around key HR systems and methodologies that it believed would build strong employee commitment to the new organization and a shared culture for success. Two years later all signs indicate the strategy was a winner. © 2003 General Mills
Current Developments in Dentin Bonding Systems: Major Progress Found in Today’s Products

The procedures and products used in dentin bonding systems have changed over the years. An overview of the evolving systems is provided.
Establishing and elucidating reduction as the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) by reclaimed limestone residual RLR (Modified Steel Slag).

The viability of utilizing Reclaimed Limestone Residual RLR (Modified Steel Slag) to remove hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) from the aqueous phase was investigated. A physical characterization of RLR showed that it is composed of various minerals some of which can reduce and others adsorb Cr(VI). Preliminary results showed that RLR significantly reduced the concentration of Cr(VI) from the aqueous phase. Adsorption competition tests with orthophosphate (HPO42-) and sulfate (SO42-) showed that Cr(VI) was still effectively reduced from solution regardless of the competing anions present. Kinetic tests based on the relationship d[Cr(VI)]/dt = kcr[RLR]α[Cr(VI)]β showed that under initially neutral to basic conditions kcr = 3.45 ± (0.25) × 10-4 mg0.4 L-0.4 h-1, α = 0.9, and β = −0.3, while under initially acidic conditions kcr = 5.65 ± (1.055) × 10-11 mg-0.4 L0.4 h-1, α = 2.2, and β = −0.8. Stirred batch tests with RLR in deionized water showed significant drops in the redox potential (Eh), and in the presence of o...
Effects of NH4+-ions on acid-base properties and ion movements in isolated frog skin.

Abstract 1. 1. The epidermal surface is a region of acidity, the corium a region of alkalinity. Within narrow limits the maximal spontaneous pH difference is from pH 6 to pH 8. 2. 2. In individual skins the regulation of the pH at the epidermis is remarkably precise. 3. 3. Release of acid by the epidermis can almost quantitatively be accounted for by release of respiratory CO 2 . The alkalinity of the corium results from its high HCO 3 - content. 4. 4. Within the pH limits mentioned, the results do not suggest Na + ⇌ H + exchange at the epidermis. 5. 5. Skins in NH 4 Cl-salt solutions show a diminished or reversed [H + ] gradient. Na + outflux is increased, Na + influx, net Na + flux and skin P.D. (but not O 2 consumption) are significantly decreased. H + ions of the medium are exchanged for tissue K + in nearly equivalent amounts.
Partial improvement of vitrification and acclimation of Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) tissue cultures by fish protein hydrolysates

Tissue culture based clonal propagation of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), an important technique in generating elite clonal lines, is affected by vitrification (hyperhydricity). In this study, the ability of several protein hydrolysates, yeast extract, casein, and bactopeptone, in preventing vitrification in benzyladenine-induced shoot cultures of oregano was tested. Only supplements of fish protein hydrolysates at 1000 mg/l partially prevented vitrification in oregano shoot clones regenerated from axillary bud explants. Fish protein hydrolysate treated shoots had higher chlorophyll content with reduced elongation of shoots, but water and total phenolic levels of shoots were not significantly different as compared with untreated controls or shoots treated with other commercial protein hydrolysates. These studies indicate that fish protein hydrolysates have the potential for reducing vitrification in plant tissue cultures.
An approach to multi-agent area protection using bayes risk

We introduce a novel approach to controlling the motion of a team of agents so that they jointly minimize a cost function utilizing Bayes risk. We use a particle-based approach and approximations that allow us to express the optimization problem as a mixed-integer linear program. We illustrate this approach with an area protection problem in which a team of mobile agents must intercept mobile targets before the targets enter a specified area. Bayes risk is a useful measure of performance for applications where agents must perform a classification task. By minimizing Bayes risk, agents are able to explicitly account for the cost of incorrect classification. In our application, a team of mobile agents must classify potential mobile targets as threat or safe based on the likelihood the targets will enter the specified area. The agents must also maneuver to intercept targets that are classified as threat.
A Robust Optimization Framework to Architecting System of Systems

Abstract The architecting of a System-of-Systems (SoS) is greatly challenging due to coupling of managerial independence and highly complex operational interdependence, in achieving desired overarching capabilities. Furthermore, difficulties arise when uncertainties in the performance of individual, interconnected systems, lead to significant risks of cascading modes of failure. Mitigation of these risks through appropriate selection and design of constituent systems is important to ensure resilience of SoS architectures to operational disruptions, whilst preserving resource and cost constraints. Current guidelines and tools for architecting SoS architectures are lacking sufficient capabilities in enabling effective decision-making for SoSE practitioners. This paper presents a novel robust optimization framework to architecting a System-of-Systems (SoS). Hierarchies of operationally interdependent systems are modeled as nodes on a network that work cohesively to fulfill overarching capability objectives. Inter-nodal performance and constraints associated with connectivity under performance uncertainty are addressed. Recent advances in robust optimization methods are employed within the context of a Mixed-Integer Program (MIP) for the developed framework. A simplified case scenario using the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) platform demonstrates application of the formulation.
Submillimeter resolution CT scanning of orbital diseases.

Abstract Continuous improvement in image quality produced by CT scanning has occurred since 1972 when the resolution element of the new EMI scanner was 3.0 × 3.0 × 13 mm. We are now working with a fourth generation machine with a resolution element of 0.75 × 0.75 × 2.0 mm. This hundred fold improvement in spatial resolution has had important clinical impact in analyzing diseases of the orbit.
Stochastic dominance and diversification

Abstract In Section 1 we presented several theorems on stochastic dominance. The first two of these establish the basic relationship between stochastic dominance and preference, and as such they provide the foundation for the applicability of stochastic dominance to problems of behavior under uncertainty. The other theorems in that section deal with some properties of distributions which satisfy the stochastic dominance conditions. These results are quite general, and presumably are applicable to problems outside the domain of decision theory; in the present paper, however, they provide the basis for some of the formal results on diversification. In Section 2 we presented a number of theorems on diversification in the order of decreasing generality. One purpose of doing so was to bring together under a common framework a number of fairly general results in the area of diversification so as to permit a comparison between them. It was shown that by placing various restrictions on the distributions in question one can, in addition to demonstrating optimality of diversification, obtain preference orderings of portfolios for different values of the mixture coefficient. In two special cases—identical distributions and portfolios involving a sure prospect—one can in fact predict the particular mixture coefficient that each risk averter will actually choose. Our analysis was confined to portfolios consisting of two independently distributed random variables. It seems that the exclusion of portfolios with more than two distributions is not too serious since the critical factors relevant to diversification are easily identified in the analysis of the two-distribution case. If anything, the resulting simplification is probably advantageous from the pedagogical point of view. In any event, the results can presumably be generalized to n -distribution portfolios by mathematical induction. As for the independence assumption, since the case of interdependent prospects is quite a bit more complicated, it will be taken up in a separate study.
Positive Solutions of Discrete Third-Order Three-Point Right Focal Boundary Value Problems

We consider linear and nonlinear boundary value problems for third-order difference equations with three-point right focal boundary conditions. In the linear case, the existence of positive solutions corresponding to the first eigenvalue of the problem is established and an interval estimate for the first eigenvalue is obtained. In the nonlinear case, sufficient conditions for the existence and nonexistence of positive solutions are obtained. An example is included at the end of the paper to illustrate the sharpness of our results.
Mechanism of the effect of acrolein on rat liver enzymes.

Abstract Liver alkaline phosphatase and tyrosine-α-ketoglutarate transaminase activities were markedly increased in rats at 5–12 hours after injection or inhalation of acrolein. These effects could be prevented or substantially reduced by prior adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy or by pretreatment of the animals with chemicals which inhibit protein synthesis. The data suggest that the irritant action of acrolein stimulates the pituitary-adrenal system, leading to hypersecretion of glucocorticoids which act to induce or stimulate the synthesis of increased amounts of the enzyme proteins by the liver.
Design and analysis of braced frames with shape memory alloy and energy-absorbing hybrid devices

A hybrid seismic device that provides both energy-absorbing and re-centering capabilities to overcome external forces is developed and evaluated. The hybrid device is composed of three main components: (1) a set of re-centering wires fabricated from shape memory alloy (SMA) material, (2) two energy-absorbing struts, and (3) two high-strength steel tubes to guide the movement of the hybrid device. The SMA wires are located within the guiding high-strength steel tubes and designed to be sufficiently long such that their deformation strain is within the 6% target strain limit. A conservative value of 6% strain, instead of 8%, or 10%, is adopted to (1) avoid the SMA stiffening phase that increases strength up to 5 times that of its forward transformation yield forces, resulting in a serious damage to the adjacent structural members, and (2) to retain the full re-centering capability of the SMA wires even when the hybrid device is under large displacement. The energy-absorbing struts are pin-connected outside of the guiding steel tubes and may be fabricated of mild steel or low strength aluminum. To reduce the possibility of buckling in the energy-absorbing struts when subjected to compression, they are designed to be stocky and seismically compact, or buckling restrained. An optimal proportion of the SMA wires and energy-absorbing struts is formulated such that the hybrid device retains re-centering capability, while maximizing energy dissipation. Results obtained through the seismic analysis reveal that the hybrid braced frame system exhibits a similar energy dissipation capacity to the buckling restrained braced system, while also having excellent re-centering capabilities.
Protective role of dairy and its constituents on vascular function independent of blood pressure–lowering activities

Greater intakes of dairy are frequently associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. These observational studies have served as the basis for controlled interventions aimed at defining the cardioprotective mechanisms of dairy. Understanding these relationships is of public health importance because most of the US population fails to meet dietary recommendations for dairy, suggesting that many individuals could lower their cardiovascular disease risk by relatively simple dietary modification. Clinical studies investigating the acute ingestion of dairy or its constituents, including short-term (≤2 week) supplementation studies or those assessing postprandial responses, have largely shown benefits on vascular function without concomitant improvements in blood pressure. Chronic interventions have been less conclusive, with some showing benefits and others indicating a lack of improvement in vascular function regardless of blood pressure changes. Vasoprotective activities of dairy are likely mediated through improvements in nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Future controlled studies are needed to determine if these health benefits are mediated directly by dairy or indirectly by displacing other dietary components that otherwise impair vascular health.
Mechanical properties and interface toughness of FeCo thin films on Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract Magnetostrictive materials such as FeCo are attractive for applications as embedded thin-film sensors for detecting strains or cracks in structural components. For these applications, FeCo thin films must possess good adhesion and adequate mechanical strength such that the embedded sensors would have adequate durability, and not degrade the structural integrity of the underlying components. In this paper, we investigate the effects of thin-film thickness and the surface condition of the substrate on the mechanical properties and interface toughness of FeCo thin films deposited to a Ti–6Al–4V substrate. The Young's modulus, hardness, and yield strength of FeCo thin films were measured by nanoindentation. Furthermore, the interface toughness of FeCo/Ti–6Al–4V was determined by cross-section nanoindentation on the edge and by brale indentation on the face of the thin films. The results indicate that the interface toughness exhibit spatial variations as well as dependence on layer thickness and the surface condition of the substrate. The experimental results are combined with a theoretical analysis to predict the debonding strength of the thin films and to assess the propensity of thin-film cracking versus interface debonding. The theoretical predictions are evaluated against experimental data of the debonding strength of FeCo thin films and notch fatigue strength of Ti–6Al–4V.
Bandwidth constrained placement in a WAN

In this paper, we examine the bandwidth-constrained placement problem, focusing on trade-offs appropriate for wide area network (WAN) environments. The goal is to place copies of objects at a collection of distributed caches to minimize expected access times from distributed clients to those objects subject to a maximum bandwidth constraint at each cache. We develop a simple algorithm to generate a bandwidth-constrained placement by hierarchically refining an initial per-cache greedy placement. We prove that this hierarchical algorithm generates a placement whose expected access time is within a constant factor of the optimal placement's expected access time. We then proceed to extend this algorithm to compute close to optimal placement strategies for dynamic environments.
Information gatekeepers and price discrimination on the internet

Abstract When identical firms pay a fee to list prices at a price comparison site and can price discriminate between consumers who do and don’t use the site, prices listed at the site are dispersed but lower than at firms’ own websites
Use of Enteric Vaccines in Protection against Chlamydial Infections of the Genital Tract and the Eye of Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs in a test group were fed living guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis (GPIC) organisms classified as Chlamydia psittaci in 60% yolk-sac suspensions as enteric vaccines, while animals in a control group received uninfected yolk sac. Seven test animals and 14 control animals were challenged 11 or 22 days later with 1,000 50% infectious doses of GPIC organisms in either the conjunctiva or the vagina. Evidence of protection from mucosal infection in both sites was noted in test animals. Clinically, the disease was less severe, and microbiologically, lower percentages of mucosal cells were infected. The results suggest that enteric vaccination against mucosal infections of the eye and the genital tract with chlamydial agents is possible. Chlamydial infections of the conjunctivae are the leading cause of blindness in the world; chlamydial infections of the genital tract are among the most frequent sexually transmitted diseases. An effective vaccine against these mucosal infections is needed. We present here studies in guinea pigs suggesting that immunization via the gut may induce protection against chlamydial infection in the eye and the genital tract. Over 70 years ago the concept of oral vaccination of humans against disease was first contemplated; this procedure has been used sporadically
Multiple paradigms in affective computing

This brief essay considers the three papers of the special issue of Interacting with Computers by Picard and colleagues, from several perspectives. First, I question two aspects of the work: the Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) approach, and the use of psychophysiological measurements of emotion without a stated theory of emotion. Despite these criticisms, the contributions of Picard and colleagues are valuable and powerfully challenging. I suggest three convergent ways of to pursue this important research program. I am grateful to Gilbert Cockton for the privilege and responsibility of commenting on the ground-breaking papers in Interacting with Computers by Rosalind Picard and associates (Klein, Moon, and Picard, 2002; Picard and Klein, 2002; Schreirer, Fernandez, Klein, and Picard, 2002). Although in many ways preliminary, their research calls us to reflect on the formal study of emotional interactions as conducted with and through computers, which until now have largely “reflect[ed] a view of the user as part of a productivity equation” (Picard and Klein, 2001). This is an original, provocative, and important challenge. As Cockton reminds us (2002), this work requires us to reconsider many of our theoretical and practical ideas about what emotion is, how it happens, and what we may want to do about it as we continue to do research and design with computers. In a similar vein – but with a very different methodology – Gaver and Martin (2000) have challenged what they call the “simple dichotomy between work and play” that can cause “[m]any devices [to] import values from the workplace into the home, emphasizing the requirement of ‘domestic work’ by allowing chores to be done more efficiently or productively.” McCarthy (2001) elaborates on some of these ideas in his argument to move from an HCI based in function to an HCI of “enchantment,” emphasizing delight, with overtones of magic. In another related development, Monk and colleagues have proposed alternatives to what Cockton has criticized (2002) as the “usability hardcore” approach to HCI, through a series of conferences called Computers and Fun (Computers and Fun, 1998, 2001).
The sugarcane borer sex attractant

Investigations with the sugarcane borer sex pheromone have been conducted in the laboratory and field since 1964 to: (1) develop a suitable synthetic diet for rearing large numbers of larvae; (2) develop a reliable bioassay to aid chemical studies of the pheromone; (3) study male response in the field to the pheromone; (4) determine the effects on natural populations of trapping males in small field plots; and (5) identify the pheromone. More than 1,000,000D. saccharalis have been reared on synthetic diets during the past 4 years. Bioassay techniques for detecting active fractions separated during chemical studies have been developed. Statistically significant reductions in sugarcane borer infestations and damage to sugarcane have been attained in small replicated field plots. Male movement in the field has been studied utilizing marking and release techniques. About 1400 males of the bluegrass webworm,C. teterrellus, responded to cagedD. saccharalis females during two years of field work, thus providing evidence for a lack of species specificity of the pheromone.
Evidence for a 16.6 day period from Circinus X-1

Analysis of All-Sky Monitor observations of Cir X-1 (3U 1516-56) over the period from October 1975 to April 1976 has revealed a well-defined modulation of the 3-6-keV flux at a period of 16.585(+ or - 0.01) days. The light-curve is characterized by an abrupt drop in emission occurring on a time scale of no more than about 0.07 day, with epoch JD 2,442,877.181(+ or - 0.07). No clear correspondingly sharp increase in emission is observed during the cycle, so a noneclipse origin for this effect cannot be ruled out.
Investigation of Capacitors for Static Inverter Space Applications

Capacitor sinusoidal alternating current characteristics were obtained as a function of temperature and frequency. Calorimeter measurements of capacitor heat loss rates were used to determine dissipation factors and to correct impedance bridge data. Application of dissipation factor data to the rms component values of the commutating capacitor complex waveforms yielded excellent agreement with commutating capacitor losses as measured by calorimeter.
Vibroacoustical Analysis of Multiple-Layered Structures with Viscoelastic Damping Cores

This paper presents a modeling technique to study the vibroacoustics of multiple-layered viscoelastic laminated beams using the Biot damping model. In this work, a complete simulation procedure for studying the structural acoustics of the system using a hybrid numerical model is presented. The boundary element method (BEM) was used to model the acoustical cavity, whereas the finite element method (FEM) was the basis for vibration analysis of the multiple-layered beam structure. Through the proposed procedure, the analysis can easily be extended to another complex geometry with arbitrary boundary conditions. The nonlinear behavior of viscoelastic damping materials was represented by the Biot damping model taking into account the effects of frequency, temperature, and different damping materials for individual layers. The curve-fitting procedure used to obtain the Biot constants for different damping materials for each temperature is explained. The results from structural vibration analysis for selected beams agree with published closed-form results, and results for the radiated noise for a sample beam structure obtained using a commercial BEM software are compared with the acoustical results of the same beam by using the Biot damping model.
Dynamic time course of typical childhood absence seizures: EEG, behavior, and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Absence seizures are 5–10 s episodes of impaired consciousness accompanied by 3–4 Hz generalized spike-and-wave discharge on electroencephalography (EEG). The time course of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes in absence seizures in relation to EEG and behavior is not known. We acquired simultaneous EEG–fMRI in 88 typical childhood absence seizures from nine pediatric patients. We investigated behavior concurrently using a continuous performance task or simpler repetitive tapping task. EEG time–frequency analysis revealed abrupt onset and end of 3–4 Hz spike-wave discharges with a mean duration of 6.6 s. Behavioral analysis also showed rapid onset and end of deficits associated with electrographic seizure start and end. In contrast, we observed small early fMRI increases in the orbital/medial frontal and medial/lateral parietal cortex >5 s before seizure onset, followed by profound fMRI decreases continuing >20 s after seizure end. This time course differed markedly from the hemodynamic response function (HRF) model used in conventional fMRI analysis, consisting of large increases beginning after electrical event onset, followed by small fMRI decreases. Other regions, such as the lateral frontal cortex, showed more balanced fMRI increases followed by approximately equal decreases. The thalamus showed delayed increases after seizure onset followed by small decreases, most closely resembling the HRF model. These findings reveal a complex and long-lasting sequence of fMRI changes in absence seizures, which are not detectable by conventional HRF modeling in many regions. These results may be important mechanistically for seizure initiation and termination and may also contribute to changes in EEG and behavior.
CLUSTERS OF IDENTICAL NEW MUTATION IN THE EVOLUTIONARY LANDSCAPE

In contrast to the common assumption that each new mutant results from a unique, independent mutation event, clusters of identical premeiotic mutant alleles are common. Clusters can produce large numbers of related individuals carrying identical copies of the same new genetic change. By entering the gene pool in multiple copies at one time, clusters can influence fundamental processes of population genetics. Here we report evidence that clusters can increase the arrival and fixation probabilities and can lengthen the average time to extinction of new mutations. We also suggest it may be necessary to reconsider other fundamental elements of population genetic theory.
Novel intergenic repeats of Escherichia coli K-12.

An online catalog of intergenic DNA repeat sequence elements is added to the EcoGene Escherichia coli K-12 genome sequence annotation and analysis project (bmb.med.miami.edu/EcoGene). A library of noncoding (intergenic) DNA sequences depleted of known intergenic repeat classes was searched for DNA sequence similarities to identify novel DNA repeat sequence classes.
TETRODOTOXIN RESISTANCE IN GARTER SNAKES: AN EVOLUTIONARY RESPONSE OF PREDATORS TO DANGEROUS PREY.

The use of the "arms race" analogy as a conceptualization of evolutionary predator- prey interactions has been criticized because of the lack of evidence that predators can and do adapt to increased antipredator ability of prey. We present evidence that the garter snake Tham- nophis sirtalis has evolved resistance to tetrodotoxin (TTX) in response to the toxicity of the newt Taricha granulosa on which the snake feeds. A bioassay (locomotor performance before and after injection of TTX) was used to obtain repeated measures of resistance for individual snakes. We studied interpopulation and interspecific variation by comparing resistance in Thamnophis sirtalis from populations occurring sympatrically and allopatrically with Taricha granulosa, and in Tham- nophis ordinoides (which does not feed on the newt) occurring sympatrically with Taricha granulosa. We also examined intrapopulation variation in TTX resistance using snakes from a population known to feed on Taricha granulosa. Resistance differed significantly among individuals and litters; repeatability and heritability estimates of the assay were significantly different from zero, dem- onstrating the potential for response to selection. The population of Thamnophis sirtalis that occurs with Taricha granulosa exhibited levels of resistance much greater than either of the other groups. These results suggest that the predator-prey arms race analogy may be applicable to this system.
Index of Suspicion in the NurseryCase 1: 6-Day-Old Boy With Limited Movement of the Left Hip

A 6-day-old, African American, male newborn presents with limited movement at the left hip. The patient had received his hepatitis B vaccine in the left lateral thigh on day 2 after birth. His mother reports that since then she has noticed that the patient cries when the left hip is manipulated during diaper changes and that he does not move it as much as the right hip. There is no history of fever or decreased activity and no swelling or redness at the vaccination site. He is feeding, voiding, and stooling adequately. The mother was group B Streptococcus status negative, the rest of her prenatal laboratory values were within normal limits, and she …
Effects of thermomechanical treatments on the mechanical behavior of eutectoid steel

High strength, good ductility, and superior fatigue behavior were produced in fully pearlitic steel by thermomechanical treatments (TMT) in which heavy amounts of cold rolling were followed by rapid annealing above theA1 temperature. Alignment of the cementite fibers in a soft ferrite matrix by TMT gives a number of beneficial effects on mechanical behavior without the brittleness inherent to cold rolling alone. A linear regression equation was developed to quantitatively relate prior austenite grain size and interlamellar spacing with the yield strength. TMT involving lower annealing temperatures for short times resulted in optimal fatigue behavior relative to both random coarse pearlite and 75 pct cold rolled pearlite. This superiority was manifested by higher fatigue ratios (stress at 107 cycles/UTS) and higherS/N curves normalized with respect to either UTS or hardness. Transverse samples showed better fatigue strength than longitudinal ones because of anisotropy in both mechanical fibering of the microstructure and in the crystallographic texture of the ferrite matrix.
Role Modeling, Risk, and Resilience in California Adolescents

Purpose: To examine the relationship between role model presence, type of role model, and various health-risk and health-protective behaviors among California adolescents. Methods: We used cross-sectional data on 4,010 multiethnic adolescents aged 12–17 years from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey, a population-based random-digit dial telephone survey of more than 40,000 California households. The survey, conducted every other year since 2001, collects extensive demographic, health, and health-related information. Results: Fifty-nine percent of adolescents identified a role model. Affluent teens were more likely to have a role model than lower income teens. Role models were generally of the same ethnicity and gender as the teens; ethnic congruence was higher among African Americans and whites than Latinos and Asians; gender congruence was higher among males. Type of role model was significantly associated with health-related behaviors. Identification of a teacher was strongly associated with positive health behaviors. Correlations with health-promoting behaviors were generally smaller in magnitude but consistently positive among family member and athlete role models. Peer or entertainer role models were associated with health-risk behaviors. Conclusion: Not only role model presence but also the type of role model is an important predictor of adolescent health-related behaviors. Our findings have implications for designing youth targeted interventions and policies involving role models. 2011 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.
Redescription of Cosmolaelaps simplex Berlese (Acari: Laelapidae) with notes on its male

Abstract Cosmolaelaps simplex Berlese was collected from soil samples including leaf litter under citrus trees at Lake Alfred, Polk County, Florida. The adult female is redescribed and the male is described and illustrated for the first time.
Electromagnetic-field calculations for a sphere illuminated by a higher-order Gaussian beam. I. Internal and near-field effects

A theoretical procedure has been developed for the determination of internal and external electromagnetic fields that result from the interaction of a higher-order Gaussian beam with a homogeneous sphere. Specific calculations are performed for (1, 0), (0, 1), and (1, 1) mode Hermite-Gaussian beams and for doughnut mode beams of four different polarizations (radial, angular, arced, and helix). The effects of incident beam type on resonance excitation, and on the spatial distribution of the internal and near-surface electromagnetic fields, are examined.
Unusual phase properties of the zn-symmetric quartet fcc model

A ZN-symmetric theory with four-spin interactions on a three-dimensional FCC lattice is analysed. The model possesses an unusual semi-local symmetry and is self-dual. For N or=Nc it exhibits two continuous transitions which may or may not be infinite order. The intermediate phase appearing between the ferromagnetic ordered and disordered phases for N>or=Nc is a massless phase with no long-range order. The behaviour of the theory is strongly reminiscent of that of the two-dimensional ZN spin models and the four-dimensional ZN gauge theories and, quite naturally, constitutes a three-dimensional interpolating model. The possible relevance of this and related models to the Lifshitz point problem in certain helical magnetic and liquid crystal systems is briefly discussed.
JunD activates transcription of the human ferritin H gene through an antioxidant response element during oxidative stress

Ferritin is the major intracellular iron storage protein that sequesters excess free iron to minimize generation of iron-catalysed reactive oxygen species. We previously demonstrated that expression of ferritin heavy chain (ferritin H) was induced by pro-oxidants, which is a part of cellular antioxidant response to protect cells from oxidative damage. In this study, we have identified that the antioxidant/electrophile response element (ARE) located 4.5 kb upstream to the human ferritin H transcription initiation site is responsible for the oxidant response. The human ferritin H ARE comprises two copies of bidirectional AP1 motifs. Mutations in each AP1 motif significantly impaired protein binding and the function of the ARE, indicating that both of the AP1 motifs are required for pro-oxidant-mediated activation of the ferritin H gene. We identified that JunD, an AP1 family basic-leucine zipper (bZip) transcription factor, is one of the ferritin H ARE binding proteins and activates ferritin H transcription in HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells. Gel retardation assay demonstrated that H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) or t-BHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone) treatment increased total protein binding as well as JunD binding to the ferritin H ARE. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that H2O2 treatment induced JunD binding to the ferritin H ARE. Both H2O2 and t-BHQ induced phosphorylation of JunD at Ser-100, an activated form of JunD. Furthermore, overexpression of JunD induced endogenous ferritin H protein synthesis. Since JunD has recently been demonstrated to protect cells from several stress stimuli including oxidative stress, these results suggest that, in addition to NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a major ARE regulatory protein, JunD is another ARE regulatory protein for transcriptional activation of the human ferritin H gene and probably other antioxidant genes containing the conserved ARE sequences by which JunD may confer cytoprotection during oxidative stress.
Comparison of immittance spectroscopy analyses of ultra-pure and “pure” water in the lower frequency regime

Abstract Two different analyses of impedance data obtained from ultra-pure water allowed to equilibrate with the atmosphere have recently appeared. They both thus show much smaller low-frequency resistances than does ultra-pure water. Different fitting models were used in these analyses and led to appreciably different parameter estimates from their data fits. Their two “pure” water experimental data sets are here analyzed with a Poisson-Nernst-Planck model that incorporates the possibility of dissociation of a neutral species to positive and negative charges of arbitrary mobilities, anomalous diffusion in the interface region, and reaction of mobile ions at the electrodes. Complex-nonlinear-least-squares fitting of these data sets with either charges of a single sign mobile or with those of both signs mobile showed that the one-mobile choice was far superior to the two-mobile one. These results were compared both with newly calculated theoretical ultra-pure water immittance ones and with the results obtained in the earlier two papers, where different Poisson-Nernst-Planck-related fitting models were employed. Both involved the restrictive assumptions of full dissociation and two-mobile behavior with equal mobilities of the positive and negative charges. The dominant mobile charge species present in the equilibrated “pure” water data sets (protons for the ultra-pure water), involved mobile impurity ions, possibly oxygen ones. The Poisson-Nernst-Planck model used here is simpler than the other models, and it led to better fits of the data sets and to more physically significant parameter estimates than did the earlier fits.
Unsteady Heat Transfer From a Sphere at Small Peclet Numbers

In a recent paper by Michaelides and Feng (1994) it was discovered that there are history terms in the unsteady heat conduction equation from a small sphere. The history terms are analogous to the terms found in the equation of motion of the sphere, which sometimes are called Basset terms. An analysis is presented here for the unsteady heat transfer from a sphere, when its surface temperature undergoes a step change. The singular perturbation technique is used to obtain short and long-time solutions, first in the vicinity of the sphere and then far from the sphere. The solution obtained is for finite but low Peclet numbers. It appears that in the case of the step temperature, change, the history terms are reduced to an analytical expression of the error function.
Enabling genomic analysis on federated clouds

Genomic research involves a considerable amount of intensive computational and data management challenges including varying demand for computing resources, large data staging, management of complex workflows, and managing data and metadata across thousands of experiments and datasets. To address these challenges, researchers are typically forced to acquire and maintain experienced IT staff and informatics infrastructure. Increasingly researchers have explored cloud technologies, yet these lack key capabilities for data and workflow management. We introduce work to address these issues through use of federated cloud infrastructure coupled with data and workflow management technology. We present preliminary work toward the integration of three major technologies: ExoGENI, integrated Rule Oriented Data System (iRODS), and Pegasus/HTCondor, to develop a software infrastructure that better supports data-and workflow-centric genomic analysis.
Tobacco “chippers” —individual differences in tobacco dependence

This study explores the behavior of tobacco “chippers” — very light smokers who regularly use tobacco without developing dependence. Eighteen chippers (CHs) who averaged a maximum of five cigarettes per day, but who smoked at least 4 days per week, were compared to 29 dependent smokers (DSs). Laboratory data showed that CHs inhale cigarette smoke and are exposed to nicotine. In both experimental and retrospective self-report data, CHs showed no signs of tobacco withdrawal when abstinent. CHs also differed from DSs in their pattern of smoking: their smoking was less linked with mood states. However, the hypothesis that they were “social” smokers was contradicted. CHs also differed on psychosocial variables relevant to a stress-coping model of smoking: they reported less stress, better coping, and more social support, but these differences were small. Although the two groups were demographically similar, smoking behavior differences between CHs and DSs were long-standing: the two groups differed in their responses to initial smoking and in their family histories of smoking and cessation. CHs' smoking behavior challenges classical theories of dependence; further research is needed on the factors that may protect CHs from addiction.
Neural Correlates of Three Neurocognitive Intervention Strategies: A Preliminary Step Towards Personalized Treatment for Psychological Disorders

Brain-based behavioral interventions targeting specific neurocognitive mechanisms show initial promise in the treatment of emotional disorders, but personalization of such approaches will be facilitated if brain targets are empirically established. As a preliminary step, we conducted a proof-of-concept study to test whether particular emotion regulatory neural circuitry can be differentially targeted by specific neurocognitive tasks, and whether these tasks effectively inhibit amygdala activity. Eleven healthy individuals underwent an idiographic sadness and guilt induction. Brain response was measured via fMRI during 4 subsequent emotion regulation conditions: fixation, cognitive reappraisal (selected to target the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex), working memory practice (selected to target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), and visual distraction (Tetris; selected to target occipital cortex). In whole-brain comparisons to fixation, hypotheses were upheld. Reappraisal uniquely activated left venrolateral prefrontal cortex, working memory practice uniquely activated left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and Tetris uniquely activated bilateral occipitoparietal cortex, activations that were largely robust at the single-subject level. All tasks inhibited amygdala activity relative to fixation. Data support examining whether repeated exposure to these tasks in psychiatric patients affects neural abnormalities implicated in emotional disorders. Ideally, psychiatric treatment will be accelerated by matching specific treatments to patients with specific neural profiles.
Multiple-soliton solutions of two extended model equations for shallow water waves

Abstract Multiple-soliton solutions for two extensions of model equations for shallow water waves, presented in [M.J. Ablowitz, D.J. Kaup, A.C. Newell, H. Segur, The inverse scattering transform – Fourier analysis for nonlinear problems, Stud. Appl. Math. 53 (1974) 249–315; R. Hirota, J. Satsuma, N -soliton solutions of model equations for shallow water waves, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 40 (2) (1976) 611–612] are obtained. The two extensions possess identical dispersion relations but with different structures for the N -soliton solutions for N > 1 . The Hirota bilinear method is used to determine multiple-soliton solutions of sech-squared type for these extended equations. The tanh–coth method is used to obtain single soliton solutions.
The contribution of agricultural erosion to reservoir sedimentation in the Dominican Republic

Abstract It is often assumed that the main cause of contemporary erosion and dam sedimentation in tropical watersheds is the cultivation of steep slopes. This study, using fallout 137 Cs to estimate net sediment loss since 1963 found erosion in the Nizao watershed of the Dominican Republic to be much lower than often reported for steep tropical hillsides. Because only 17% of the sediment moving into the reservoirs can be attributed to surface agricultural erosion, policies to eliminate upland agriculture will have limited benefits if the principal sources are of natural origin or associated with construction of the dams, and rural roads and trails.