cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maturity is coherent: Structural and content-specific coherence in adolescent moral identity

Identity narrative may involve considerable variations in structural and content-specific coherence. These variations are potentially relevant to the development of moral commitment in adolescence. The present study analyzed coherence in moral identity narratives for a matched comparison sample of urban adolescents. Thirty nominated adolescent moral exemplars and 30 everyday comparators were given interview prompts designed to tap identity narrative. Structural and content-specific coherence dimensions were assessed with a palette of computational techniques known as coh-metrix. Consistent with study hypotheses, exemplar adolescent moral identity narratives generally evinced greater structural and content-specific coherence than everyday comparators, particularly on causality and agentic intentionality dimensions. Findings suggest that moral identity coherence is a kind of expertise fixed in developmental processes and associated with real-world action.
Transonic small-disturbance theory for lightly loaded cascades

Analytical solutions are derived for a class of two-dimension al transonic cascade flows. In the particular limiting case studied, the airfoils are considered as lightly loaded; a similarity parameter is defined for this case. Second-order asymptotic solutions are derived for the nearly one-dimensional flow in regions directly between successive airfoils and for the periodic flow ahead of and behind the cascade. For high subsonic Mach numbers, composite solutions are obtained by a suitable joining of these results with solutions derived for thin regions containing the leading and trailing edges. Surface pressures and lines of constant Mach number are calculated for circular-arc airfoils in some specific examples. For low supersonic speeds a far-field solution, which allows calculation of the decay of shock waves at large distances, is also derived.
Preeclampsia: a renal perspective.

Preeclampsia: A renal perspective. Preeclampsia is a syndrome that affects 5% of all pregnancies, producing substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia with special emphasis on the recent discovery that circulating anti-angiogenic proteins of placental origin may play an important role in the pathogenesis of proteinuria and hypertension of preeclampsia.
The one-electron reduction of uroporphyrin I by rat hepatic microsomes

Abstract Uroporphyrin I, which accumulates in body tissues of congenital erythropoietic porphyria patients, can undergo an enzymatic one-electron reduction to the porphyrin anion radical when a suitable reducing cofactor is present. We have demonstrated, in the absence of light, that anaerobic microsomal incubations containing NADPH and uroporphyrin I give an electron spin resonance spectrum consistent with the enzymatic formation of a porphyrin anion free radical. This radical undergoes a second-order decay ( k 2 ~ 10 5 M −1 s −1 ) due to nonenzymatic disproportionation of the radical. Aerobic microsomal incubations were also investigated for the reduction of oxygen to superoxide by monitoring oxygen consumption and the spin-trapping of superoxide. These experiments demonstrate that electron transfer from the porphyrin radical to molecular oxygen does occur, but due to the slow formation of the radical anion, no oxygen consumption above the basal level could be detected in the microsomal incubations. The photoreduction of uroporphyrin I in aerobic and anaerobic incubations was also investigated.
Beam Probe Deflection Analysis of Redox Active Species Irreversibly Adsorbed on Electrode Surfaces

Theoretical aspects of probe beam deflection (PBD) as applied to voltammetric studies of redox active species irreversibly adsorbed on a flat electrode surface have been examined using Week's numerical inverse Laplace transform algorithm. Excellent agreement was found between the time-resolved profiles calculated based on this approach and those obtained via conventional space-time discretization techniques over the interval of relevance to actual experimental measurements. In agreement with the behavior reported elsewhere for related systems, the shape of the PBD response is highly sensitive to the distance between the probing beam and the electrode surface. In particular, plots of the dimensionless derivative of the concentration of the electrolyte with respect to the dimensionless distance normal to the electrode surface, X (which is proportional to the deflection), ∂θ/∂Χ vs dimensionless time, T (or, equivalently, potential, for voltammetric measurements) for small Χ, yielded curves similar to the voltammetric behavior of a redox active solution phase species in a thin layer cell configuration (which closely resemble the voltammetry of the actual adsorbed redox couple). As Χ was increased, however, the ∂θ/∂Χ vs T curves acquired characteristics reminiscent of solution-phase voltammetry recorded with a microelectrode and farther away with a larger electrode. Further evidence of the accuracy of Week's method was obtained from the analysis of square-wave periodic boundary conditions at the interface, which yielded time-resolved profiles away from the interface, in harmony with the analytical solutions published in the literature.
Chemokine IL-8 induction by particulate wear debris in osteoblasts is mediated by NF-κB

Abstract Chemokines, or chemotactic cytokines, are major regulators of the inflammatory response and have been identified as pathogenic factors in the periprosthetic soft tissue. Particulate wear debris induced NF-κB activation, the major transcriptional regulator of IL-8 and MCP-1 pro-inflammatory genes and, indeed, both IL-8 and MCP-1 chemokine gene expressions were upregulated in titanium particulate-stimulated human osteoblasts. Here, we demonstrate that phagocytosed particles activate the IL-8 gene promoter via a NF-κB-mediated mechanism. Transfection of a dominant negative mutant IκBα protein that cannot be serine phosphorylated led to suppression of IL-8 promoter activity. The p65/RelA NF-κB subunit activity was affected in both a time- and titanium particle concentration-dependent fashion. Titanium particles led to increased ERK, JNK, and p38 activation in MG-63 osteoblast cells, and IL-8 protein release was suppressed by specific inhibitors of the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. Together, our results suggest that wear debris particles induce chemokine expression in osteoblasts via NF-κB-mediated transcriptional activation, which is controlled by the MAPK signal transduction pathway.
Dispersion in Unconsolidated Aquatic Sediments

Inert tracer breakthrough experiments were used to parameterize hydrodynamic dispersion in undisturbed cores of surface sediment from lacustrine, estuarine, and marine depositional environments. The sediments studied cover wide ranges of composition, porosity (46 to 83%), mean grain size (10−5to 10−2 cm), and sorting (0·48–1·26). As expected, hydrodynamic dispersion depends on the average longitudinal fluid flow velocity through the sediment plug. At linear flow velocities exceeding 10−4 cm s−1, mechanical dispersion exceeds diffusion in all sediment cores studied. Compared to the classical studies on dispersion in sand columns, however, Peclet numbers based on particle size measurements do not provide a reliable guide for predicting the transition from molecular diffusion-dominated to mechanical dispersion-dominated flow regimes in the sediments. It is believed that the influence of pore structure on dispersion is much larger than that of particle size and that the characteristic pore lengths in the finest, highly porous sediments are orders of magnitude larger than the mean grain size. Aggregation, microlaminations, and a heterogeneous pore size distribution may all contribute to non-ideal flow conditions in the sediments. Tailing of the breakthrough curve occurred occasionally in fine grain sediment, signifying micro and macro scale dispersion and non-ideal flow behavior. Experiments showing significant non-ideal flow through the sediment plug were not used for calculation of hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient.
Doctor–patient relationships in primary care: Doctor, help! My child has cancer.

The following extracts are first, from an article by the mother of a child who had died of neuorblastoma. In it, she argued that her general practitioner, although generally supportive, should have taken more of the initiative in offering help during her child’s illness. Second, are extracts from her general practitioner’s response. The parent A call for help may be an obvious one, from parents trying to come to terms with their child having cancer, or a hidden plea from parents outwardly coping with the demands thrust upon them, but who are inwardly desperately struggling. Are both these calls for help recognized and responded to by their family doctor? Our family doctor, contrary to my expectations, did not maintain contact with us during our son’s illness until the final stages. We were surprised and hurt by his attitude and mistakenly took his lack of contact as a lack of interest. Regular contact with us should have been an integral part of his role as our family doctor. Poor communication is the root of many problems – communication between treatment centre and general practitioner; between local hospitals and general practitioner; and between general practitioner and family. The doctor At the base of these (contradictory thoughts and emotions) is the unique and multilayered relationship between general practitioner and patient, whether an individual or a family. We are still a long way from a satisfactory team approach to serious and terminal childhood illnesses . . .
Multidentate aminophenol ligands prepared with Mannich condensations

Abstract Mannich condensations were used to prepare a series of multidentate aminophenol compounds from ethylenediamine, various amounts of paraformaldehyde and 2,4-disubstituted phenols. One of these diaminotetraphenol compounds was reacted with Zn(OAc) 2 ·2H 2 O and the resulting solid state structure of the pentacoordinated Zn(II) compound was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Effect of TTX suppression of hippocampal activity following status epilepticus

Summary Status epilepticus (SE) is a severe neurological condition that can result in brain damage. In animals, SE is associated with cell loss and aberrant synaptogenesis. These pathological processes appear to be activity-dependent and may continue after the SE has ended. We postulated that suppression of electrical activity following SE at the site of the epileptic focus will reduce seizure-induced damage. To achieve this goal, tetrodotoxin (TTX) was used to suppress electrical activity in the hippocampi bilaterally following SE. Adult rats experienced lithium–pilocarpine-induced SE for 2h while controls underwent sham-SE with saline injections. Starting 12h after the SE or sham-SE rats received either continuous TTX (1μM) or saline infusions through cannulas implanted in the bilateral hippocampi for 5h daily for 4 days. TTX resulted in significant EEG suppression and reduction in spikes and sharp waves. Rats were sacrificed 2 weeks after SE and the brains examined for cell loss and sprouting. Rats receiving TTX following SE had significantly more cell loss as well as a trend toward more mossy fiber sprouting than saline-treated rats following SE. TTX injection in sham-SE rats caused no cell loss or mossy fiber sprouting. These results suggest that suppression of electrical activity following SE is detrimental.
Excitation of low-energy H atoms in H+Ne collisions

Excitation of 0.05--2.5-keV H atoms in H+Ne collisions has been examined by measuring the absolute emission cross sections for Balmer-..cap alpha.., Balmer-..beta.., and Lyman-..cap alpha.. radiations resulting from the collisions. Lyman-..cap alpha.. emission was also observed when an electric field was applied in the interaction region to investigate excitation of H atoms to the (metastable) 2s state. The radiation polarization for each of the above emissions was measured. A new method for absolute calibration of the Lyman-..cap alpha.. detector is described, and Lyman-..cap alpha.. emission cross sections for H/sup +/+Ar and e/sup -/+H/sub 2/ collisions are compared with previous results, the latter reaction giving a significantly smaller cross section than generally accepted. The peculiar behavior of the H+Ne interaction indicated by the measurements is discussed.
D-branes and phases on string worldsheet

We generalize the worldsheet derivation of the topological open/closed string duality given in hep-th/0205297 to cases when there are different types of D-branes on the open string side. We use the mirror Landau-Ginzburg description to clarify the correspondence between D-branes on the open string side and C phases on the closed string side. We also discuss the duality from the point of view of the B-model.
Underemployment: Individual and marital adjustment to income loss

Psychological and interpersonal adjustments to income loss were investigated by comparing 25 couples in which husbands were underemployed to 88 couples in which husbands had been continuously employed. Husbands were considered underemployed if they had lost 20% of their annual earnings. Via questionnaires, husbands and wives reported on attitudes and on attributions for their present financial circumstances. Underemployed husbands and their wives were less satisfied with their finances and their marriages than the comparison group. The components of depression and marital dissatisfaction, for under-employed and continuously employed couples, and the importance of gathering data from both spouses, are discussed.
Zinc Fingers 1–7 of EVI1 Fail to Bind to the GATA Motif by Itself but Require the Core Site GACAAGATA for Binding

EVI1 is a zinc finger oncoprotein that binds via fingers 1-7 to the sequence GACAAGATAA. The target genes on which EVI1 acts are unknown. This binding motif overlaps with that for the GATA transcription factors, (T/A)GATA(A/G), and GATA-1 can bind to and activate transcription via a GACAAGATAA motif. The possibility has been raised that, when overexpressed in leukemogenesis, EVI1 may function by interfering with the differentiation-promoting action of GATA factors. To explore this, we have assessed the affinity of EVI1 for the GATA binding sites derived from erythroid-specific GATA-1 target genes, and found only low affinity interactions. We examined the contacts between EVI1 and DNA by methylation interference studies, which revealed extensive contacts between EVI1 and its binding site. The importance of the contacts for high affinity binding was shown by in vitro quantitative gel shift studies and in vivo cotransfection studies. To examine what types of sequences from mouse genomic DNA bind to EVI1, we isolated and sequenced five EVI1-binding fragments, and each showed the GACAAGATA site. The data presented contribute to our knowledge of the binding specificity of EVI1, and yield a clearer picture of what sequences can, and cannot, act as targets for EVI1 action.
Clinical recommendations for repair of isolated orbital floor fractures: An evidence-based analysis

Abstract Purpose To assess the quality of information in the literature and suggest guidelines for repair of isolated orbital floor fractures. Clinical relevance Orbital floor fractures are a common result of orbital injury. Enophthalmos, diplopia resulting from extraocular muscle dysfunction, and infraorbital nerve hypesthesia may occur. The indications and timing for fracture repair are still controversial. Literature reviewed A MEDLINE literature review was performed using PubMed. Articles published from 1983 to the present were retrieved using the key words, "orbital floor fracture, orbital trap-door fracture, and orbital blow-out fracture." Suggested indications and timing for repair of isolated orbital floor fractures were extracted from selected articles. Each recommendation was rated according to its importance in the care process and strength of evidence supporting the given recommendation. Results No prospective randomized clinical trials on the treatment of orbital floor fractures have been performed. Despite this, most recommendations were rated as most important to patient care (A) and had strong support for treatment (level I). Conclusions The timing and treatment indications for orbital floor fractures are evolving. Nonresolving oculocardiac reflex, the "white-eyed" blowout fracture, and early enophthalmos or hypoglobus are indications for immediate surgical repair. Surgery within 2 weeks is recommended in cases of symptomatic diplopia with positive forced ductions and evidence of orbital soft tissue entrapment on computed tomography examination or large orbital floor fractures that may cause latent enophthalmos or hypo-ophthalmos.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN ROUS SARCOMA WITH VIRUS, TUMOR CELLS, AND CHICK EMBRYO CELLS TRANSFORMED IN VITRO BY VIRUS I. PRODUCTION OF MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES

The chick embryo fibroblast infected by Rous sarcoma virus in vitro acquires the capacity to produce the acid mucopolysaccharides which are found in the tumors caused by this virus and which are also produced by tumor cells in vitro. The transformed cell acquires synthetic as well as morphologic, metabolic, and proliferative properties characteristic of Rous sarcoma tumor cells in vivo and in vitro and the transformed cell may be analogous to the tumor cell produced by virus infection in vivo.
Effect of using frozen-thawed boar sperm differing in post-thaw motility in the first and second inseminations on pregnancy establishment, litter size, and fetal paternity in relation to time of ovulation.

Frozen-thawed boar sperm (FTS) has reduced motility and viability compared to cooled semen. Motility of FTS is related to in vitro and in vivo fertility, but this effect has not been determined in relation to the timing of ovulation. To test the effect of variable FTS motility in a multiple-AI system, ejacu- lates from 38 boars were collected and frozen in 0.5-mL straws. Upon thawing, samples were classified (mean ± SEM) by motility as poor (P, 20.2% ± 1.1%), moder- ate (M, 31.3% ± 0.9%), or good (G, 43.5% ± 0.8%). In replicates, mature gilts were synchronized and checked for estrus at 12-h intervals and assigned (n = 207) to receive 4.0 billion total sperm in each AI at 24 and 36 h after onset of estrus using the treatments: 1) P and M (P-M), 2) M and P (M-P), 3) G and M (G-M), and 4) M and G (M-G). For each treatment combination, a set of 3 boars was randomly selected within motility class for their allelic distinction with M sperm from a single boar represented across all treatments and sires used in both first and second inseminations. The insemination to ovulation interval (IOI) was determined using ultra- sound every 12 h. Reproductive tracts were collected at approximately d 32 after AI. Treatment did not interact with IOI (P > 0.10) and did not affect (P > 0.10) preg- nancy rate (57%, 67%, 71%, 76% ± 7.2%, pooled SEM) or total number of fetuses (9.2, 9.1, 9.5, 10.0 ± 0.8) for P-M, M-P, G-M, and M-G treatments, respectively. Treatment did affect (P < 0.05) the number of fetuses sired from the first AI (3.1, 7.2, 6.4, 6.3 ± 1.2) and second AI (5.7, 2.6, 3.0, 3.6 ± 0.9) for the P-M, M-P, G-M, and M-G treatments, respectively. The IOI also influenced (P < 0.05) the proportion of offspring sired by the sec- ond AI (30.0%, 57.7%, 51.3%, 18.3% ± 6.5%), as well as the number of fetuses sired by each AI. These results indicate FTS motility had no effect on pregnancy rate or litter size but did affect the number of fetuses sired from the first and second inseminations. The first AI appears to sire most of the litter except when P sperm was used. Number of fetuses sired was reduced when P sperm was used in either insemination compared to M, although no difference was evident between M and G. Fetal paternity appears to be a more sensitive marker for identifying the effects of sperm quality and IOI in a multiple-AI system with use of FTS. These results suggest that use of semen of various qualities can be used in combinations to aid in pregnancy establishment and contribute to litter size.
Ethanol vapor self-administration in adult C57BL/6J male mice

To determine if ethanol vapor is reinforcing, chambers with two nose-poke devices were used. First, C57BL/6J mice were trained to nose-poke at one (FR port) and then to hold a nose-poke for at least 1 s at the second (reward port) for 10% sucrose reinforcement. When mice held reward port nose-pokes for > or = 1 s on 95% of session trials, ethanol vapor (0.05%, w/v) or clean air replaced sucrose. In experiment 1, the FR requirement at the FR port was incremented from 1 to 8. Ethanol vapor (n=3) or clean air (n=3) was delivered for 1 s following a single nose-poke at the reward port after completing response requirements at the FR port. Nose-pokes at the FR port increased with increasing FR to maintain ethanol vapor intake, while clean air intake and its associated responding extinguished. In experiment 2, mice (n=4) controlled the duration of ethanol vapor delivery by providing vapor for as long as the mouse held a single poke in the reward port after completing response requirements at the FR port. Nose-pokes at the FR port increased with increasing FR to maintain ethanol vapor intake at the reward port. These findings indicate that ethanol vapor is reinforcing in adult C57BL/6J male mice.
Revenue and Cost Uncertainty, Generalized Mean-Variance and the Linear Complementarity Problem: Comment

In articles (including one in this Journal), Quirino Paris (1978, 1979) adapted the symmetric quadratic programming structure of Cottle to handle limiting stochastic inputs in a way analogous to stochastic revenues. Within the last decade, several researchers have employed the method. Kramer, McSweeny, and Stavros (KMS); McSweeny and Kramer; and McSweeny applied this method to soil conservation decisions in the presence of both output price and input availability risk. Shortle and Stefanou recently extended the method to include dynamics for soil conservation decisions. Paris and Easter, Easter and Paris, and Easter used a further result of this method to make the application of chance constraints to asymmetric quadratic meanvariance analysis more manageable. Paris's technique deals with inputs with uncertain availabilities such as field hours (KMS), ground water for irrigation (Paris 1979), family labor (Paris 1978), and rainfall. These inputs are not readily traded on an open market, and their availability is difficult to supplement with additional purchases. Inputs with uncertain availability may be viewed as inputs that were endowed prior to production but yield an uncertain flow of services during the production period. In most agricultural settings, these inputs are possible limits to production. Paris's technique represents an effort to incorporate the uncertainty of these input supplies into the optimal planning model. Concerns about Paris's method have been raised (for example, see McCarl or Falatoonzadeh, Conner, and Pope). This comment examines the appropriateness of the risk adjustment term for the stochastic inputs in Paris's constraint and shows this term is inappropriately signed. This will be established for a single stochastic input model, for the general model, and by a comparison to chance constraints. The Single Stochastic Input Case
Input Parameters of Discrete Element Methods

This paper presents a sensitivity analysis of the input parameters of a program based on the discrete element method (DEM). Triaxial compression simulations were conducted on an assembly of ellipsoids with two particle shapes. We examine four input parameters including shear modulus of particles, density of particles, time step, and damping. Generally, these parameters are chosen by calibrating the result with certain known behavior of granular materials. In dynamic simulations, these input parameters are bounded by their physical attributions that should not be altered. However, in static simulations, they do not have the same physical implication. Validity of results may be questionable when input parameters are used without justification. A sensitivity analysis of the input parameters should shed light on this issue. In this paper, we will study the effect of the input values within the range of (1∕10) –10 times the benchmark value. The benchmark values are commonly used by the writer. The results are ...
Drug and Alcohol Use in the Former Soviet Union: Selected Factors and Future Considerations

As new nations form out of the wreckage of the Soviet Empire, they will be encumbered by the persistent political, economic, and social problems that have plagued this region for centuries. Today, the leaders of the emerging central Eurasian area are focused solely on political and economic concerns. They are paying little attention to the drug use that, like the more traditional heavy alcohol use, is a means by which many people of this region escape the reality and manifold uncertainties of today's world. If and when the political and economic climate of the central Eurasian area stabilizes, regional leaders will face an addiction problem that will have, by then, become the region's greatest obstacle to social progress and sound public health.
Hepatoprotective role of Sestrin2 against chronic ER stress

When exposed to chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, cells downregulate protein synthesis by inhibiting mTOR signalling. Park et al. identify Sestrin2 as a transcriptional target of the ER stress pathway and an important mediator of this protective response in the liver.
Non-random segregation of DNA strands in Escherichia coli B-r.

Abstract The segregation of DNA strands during growth of Escherichia coli B r has been studied under conditions in which the chromosomal configuration and the ancestry of the cells during growth and division were known. Cells containing either one or two replicating chromosomes were pulse-labeled with [3H]thymidine, and the location of the radioactivity within chains of cells formed by growth in methylcellulose was determined by autoradiography. The locations of the radioactive cells within chains obtained after the second, third and fourth divisions were consistent with the co-segregation of only one of the replicating strands of each chromosome and a fixed region of the cell into daughter cells. The attachment of this strand to the region appeared to become permanent at the time the strand was used for the first time as a template. It is concluded that the segregation of DNA molecules into daughter cells is non-random in E. coli B/r.
Fluctuation-induced conductivity above the superconducting transition temperature in polysulfur nitride, (SN)x☆

Abstract Measured excess conductivity above the superconducting transition temperature in polymeric (SN) x is found to be consistent with fluctuation conductivity of the one-dimensional Aslamasov—Larkin type. The dominant “wire diameter” deduced from these measurements is several hundred angstroms.
Endogenous nitric oxide inhibits neutrophil adherence to lung epithelial cells to modulate interleukin-8 release.

Abstract To investigate the effect of neutrophil adherence to epithelial cells on the release of interleukin 8 (IL-8), we measured neutrophil adherence in the presence or absence of IFN-γ+TNF-α+IL-1β (cytomix) stimulation on cultured A549 epithelial cells. The extent of neutrophil adherence to A549 epithelial cells was measured and the concomitant production of IL-8 and nitrite were assayed. The roles of adhesion molecules and nitrite in modulation of neutrophil adherence were examined by pretreatment with oversaturating ICAM-1 blocking antibody and L-NAME (1mM), respectively. There was a time-dependent spontaneous and cytomix-induced release of IL-8 from epithelial cells, as well as a time-dependent increase in the magnitude of neutrophil adherence to epithelial cells. Stimulation of epithelial cells with cytomix induced a further increase in neutrophil adherence. Pretreatment with oversaturated ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody inhibited neutrophil adherence with or without cytomix stimulation. The inhibition of neutrophil adherence to epithelial cells with ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody or a semipermeable membrane downregulated the release of IL-8 with or without cytomix stimulation. Stimulation with cytomix decreased nitrite production. Both neutrophil adherence and L-NAME pretreatment significantly inhibited the production of nitrite. The inhibition of neutrophil adherence to epithelial cells with ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody or a semipermeable membrane upregulated nitrite production. Pretreatment with L-NAME failed to modify the spontaneous release of IL-8, but significantly enhanced the response to adherence and cytomix. In conclusion, endogenous nitric oxide may play a role in preventing neutrophil adherence to lung epithelial cells, thus modulating concomitant IL-8 release.
A flexible compressed text retrieval system using a modified LZW algorithm

Summary form only given. With an increasing amount of text data being stored in compressed format, being able to access the compressed data randomly and decode it partially is highly desirable for efficient retrieval in many applications. The efficiency of these operations depends on the compression method used. We present a modified LZW algorithm that supports efficient indexing and searching on compressed files. Our method performs in a sublinear complexity, since we only decode a small portion of the file. The proposed approach not only provides the flexibility for dynamic indexing in different text granularities, but also provides the possibility for parallel processing in both encoding and decoding sides, independent of the number of processors available. It also provides good error resilience. The compression ratio is improved using the proposed modified LZW algorithm. Test results show that our public trie method has a compression ratio of 0.34 for the TREC corpus and 0.32 with text preprocessing using a star transform with an optimal static dictionary; this is very close to the efficient word Huffman and phrase based word Huffman schemes, but has a more flexible random access ability.
MAP Kinase Pathways

MAP kinases are activated within protein kinase cascades that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. In mammals, MAP kinases are grouped into three families: ERKs, JNKs, and p38/SAPKs.
Seeing “us vs. them”: Minimal group effects on the neural encoding of faces

Abstract Faces are inherently social, but the extent to which social group information affects early face processing remains unknown. To address this issue, we examined cortical activity associated with structural encoding of novel ingroup vs. outgroup faces. Participants were assigned to one of two arbitrarily-defined groups using the minimal group procedure, and event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants categorized faces of people identified as members of their novel ingroup vs. outgroup. Our analysis focused on the N170 component of the ERP, which peaks 170 ms following face onset and reflects face structural encoding. Ingroup faces elicited larger N170 amplitudes than outgroup faces, suggesting that mere group information affects this initial stage of face perception. These findings show that social categories influence how we “see” faces, thus providing insight into the process through which categorizations may lead to biased intergroup perceptions.
Ablation of the heat shock factor-1 increases susceptibility to hyperoxia-mediated cellular injury.

High concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) are known to cause cellular injury and death. The heat shock response is a highly conserved cellular defense mechanism that protects cells against various environmental stressors, including hyperoxia. Herein we determined the role of heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1), a major component of the heat shock response, in protecting cells against hyperoxia. Embryonic fibroblasts from HSF-1-null mutant mice (HSF-1 -/- cells) were compared to wild-type embryonic fibroblasts (HSF-1 +/+ cells) following 24 hours' exposure to room air or hyperoxia (95% O 2) . Acute survival in hyperoxia was decreased in HSF-1 -/- cells as compared to HSF-1 +/+ cells. Intracellular ATP levels were significantly lower in the HSF-1 -/- cells as compared to the HSF-1 +/+ cells exposed to hyperoxia. Isoprostane levels, a marker of membrane lipid peroxidation, were significantly higher in the HSF-1 -/- cells as compared to the HSF-1 +/+ cells exposed to hyperoxia. Restoration of HSF-1 in the HSF-1 -/- c...
Analyzing architectural styles

The backbone of most software architectures and component integration frameworks is one or more architectural styles that provide a domain-specific design vocabulary and a set of constraints on how that vocabulary is used. Today's architectural styles are increasingly complex, involving rich vocabularies and numerous constraints. Hence, designing a sound and appropriate style becomes an intellectually challenging activity. Unfortunately, although there are numerous tools to help in the analysis of architectures for individual systems, relatively less work has been done on tools to help in the design of architectural styles. In this paper we address this gap by showing how to map an architectural style, expressed formally in an architectural description language, into a relational model that can then be checked for properties, such as whether a style is consistent, whether a style satisfies some predicates over its architectural structure, and whether two styles are compatible for composition.
Earthquake Magnitude Scales

The use and meaning of earthquake magnitude scales are examined. Common misunderstandings regarding local magnitude, surface wave magnitude, and body-wave magnitude, are discussed and clarified. It is shown that no single magnitude will adequately describe the size of an earthquake, and that different geographic regions pose different requirements. Inter-relations between seismic moment and the various types of magnitude are examined. Magnitudes are recommended for equations or curves which specify the strong ground-motion acceleration, velocity, displacement, or response spectra as a function of distance from the earthquake source.
Letter to the editor: The use of quantitative genetic methodology to gain insights into the origins of individual differences in later life

There is great interest in the interindividual variability in aged populations. Knowledge of the etiology of these individual differences may lead to a more comprehensive understanding of aging. The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of quantitative genetic (or behavioral genetic) methodology to identify sources of individual variation in later life. These methods can provide insights into the proportion of environmental and genetic influences on behavior. Some of the basic procedures used in quantitative genetic analyses and their rationales are provided. In addition, the use of structural equation modeling to model genetic and environmental effects is discussed. Lastly, some of the special issues involved in quantitative genetic research on aged populations are discussed.
Empirical Bayes and Hierarchical Bayes Estimation of Skew Normal Populations

We develop empirical and hierarchical Bayesian methodologies for the skew normal populations through the EM algorithm and the Gibbs sampler. A general concept of skewness to the normal distribution is considered throughout. Motivations are given for considering the skew normal population in applications, and an example is presented to demonstrate why the skew normal distribution is more applicable than the normal distribution for certain applications.
Proton NMR Spin-Lattice Relaxation Time Characterization of a-Si(H) Structure

NMR data are presented for reactively sputtered amorphous silicon-hydrogen alloys (a-Si(H)). Measured differences in two of the samples are attributed to two distinct morphologies: a mixed phase (monohydride and dihydride) and a purely monohydride composition. Features of the mixed phase morphology have been modeled. Room temperature, 35 MHz spin-lattice relaxation times are presented for a series of monohydride samples prepared with systematically varied sputtering parameters. A correlation of proton T/sub 1/ with the density of ESR states is suggested.
The Significance of HEP Observations

The subject of determining the significance of observations in particle physics is discussed. Several dangers are identified, all related to the problem of knowing the sampling probability distribution. Techniques for mitigating these pitfalls are presented.
Stimulation of mitosis in cultured limb blastemata of the newt, Notophthalmus viridescens

Experiments were performed in vitro to assess the mitogenic activity of brain homogenates and cyclic nucleotides on adult newt limb blastemal cells. Early cone stage blastemata were explanted into organ culture, and thus denervated. The mitotic index (M.I.) of each was calculated and shown to decline steadily in vitro. The inclusion in the medium of newt brain homogenate (NBH) or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) delayed the loss of mitotic activity. Cyclic GMP alone or in combination with theophylline was ineffective as a mitogen. Bovine serum albumin and fetal calf serum were also ineffective, thus the mitogenic activity of brain homogenate appears to be distinct from a simple enrichment of the culture medium. Preliminary characterization of the active principles in NBH revealed a mitogenic activity that was both heat labile and trypsin sensitive. In related experiments, control cultures were maintained for 54 hours, roughly equivalent to one urodele blastemal cell cycle. When the decline in M. I. had stabilized, NBH or dbcAMP were added to the medium. A burst of mitotic activity was observed in both cases 8 hours later. Cyclic GMP was again ineffective. Since the G2 phase of the blastemal cell cycle lasts approximately four to eight hours, this result lends support to the hypothesis that blastemal cells are blocked in G2 in the absence of nerves. Cyclic AMP mimics the effect of brain homogenates at a specific phase of the blastemal cell cycle in vitro, and may therefore play some as yet undefined role in this neurotrophic process in vitro.
Clapper rails as indicators of mercury and PCB bioavailability in a Georgia saltmarsh system

Clapper rails (Rallus longirostris) were used as an indicator species of estuarine marsh habitat quality because of their strong site fidelity and predictable diet consisting of mostly benthic organisms. Mercury (Hg) and the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1268 con- centrations were determined for sediments, crabs, as well as clapper rail adults and chicks collected from salt mar- shes associated with the LCP Superfund site in Brunswick, Georgia. Home ranges were established for adult rails, and sediment and crab samples were taken from each individ- ual's range. The study was designed to minimize the spatial variability associated with trophic transfer studies by choosing an endpoint species with a potentially small home range and specifically sampling its foraging range. The mean home range for clapper rails was 1.2 ha with a median of 0.28 ha. Concentrations of Hg and Aroclor 1268 were shown to increase with each trophic level. Transfer factors between media followed the same pattern for both contaminants with the highest between fiddler crabs and clapper rail liver. Hg and PCB transfer factors were similar between sediment to fiddler crab and fiddler crab to mus- cle, however the PCB transfer factor from fiddler crabs to liver was over twice as large as for Hg. PCB congener profiles did not significantly differ between media types.
Muzzle-fed railgun experiments with 3-D electromagnetic simulations

The UTSI 2.4 m transaugmented railgun was reconfigured so that current was fed from the breech to the muzzle along the outer rails and then returned to the armature along the inner rails. Experiments were performed using plasma armatures at peak currents of 70 and 100 kA. At a peak current of 100 kA the measured increase in projectile velocity was approximately 500 m/s; less than half of that obtained from a conventional configuration in the same railgun, and considerably less than predicted for the muzzle-fed configuration. B-dot probes showed that the armature was very compact, but separated from the projectile soon after fusing. Three-dimensional (3-D) finite element electromagnetic simulations on the UTSI railgun structure showed that the electromagnetic force on the armature was much less than predicted by the simple force model. The reduction in force was due primarily to axial forces exerted in the rails. >
What Determines Management Cash Flow Forecasts in the Oil and Gas Industry

This study examines the determinants of management cash flow forecasts in the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry is one of the most important industries worldwide. Oil is considered the number one commodity, which accounts for roughly ten percent of world trade (Wright and Gallun 2008). The industry is characterized by unstable prices, diminishing supplies, and increasing demand. As suggested by prior research and current accounting standards, cash flow information is especially relevant for understanding the operations of oil and gas firms. We identify firm characteristics that affect oil and gas firm managers’ decision to forecast cash flows. We find that managers of the firms 1) in financial distress, 2) with higher leverage, 3) obtaining more debt in the following year, 4) with more intensive capital investment, and 5) with higher earnings volatility are more likely to issue cash flow forecasts. The decision to provide such forecasts is negatively related to growth opportunities and cash flow volatility. Our study contributes to the understanding of why some oil and gas firms provide specific guidance of cash flows beyond the required disclosure, while others do not.
An activity for learning to find percentiles

Summary This classroom activity is designed to help students practice calculating percentiles. The approach of the activity involves physical sorting and full classroom participation in each calculation. The design encourages a more engaged approach than simply having students make a calculation with numbers on a paper.
Algorithmic computation of generalized symmetries of nonlinear evolution and lattice equations

A straightforward algorithm for the symbolic computation of generalized (higher‐order) symmetries of nonlinear evolution equations and lattice equations is presented. The scaling properties of the evolution or lattice equations are used to determine the polynomial form of the generalized symmetries. The coefficients of the symmetry can be found by solving a linear system. The method applies to polynomial systems of PDEs of first order in time and arbitrary order in one space variable. Likewise, lattices must be of first order in time but may involve arbitrary shifts in the discretized space variable. The algorithm is implemented in Mathematica and can be used to test the integrability of both nonlinear evolution equations and semi‐discrete lattice equations. With our Integrability Package, generalized symmetries are obtained for several well‐known systems of evolution and lattice equations. For PDEs and lattices with parameters, the code allows one to determine the conditions on these parameters so that a sequence of generalized symmetries exists. The existence of a sequence of such symmetries is a predictor for integrability.
Temperature and Time Effects on the Closure of a Gravel Room in Permafrost

Underground excavations in arctic and subarctic regions will increase in numbers as the northern regions are developed. Excavations in frozen ground are subject to significant creep deformation which is highly temperature and time dependent. The U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (USA CRREL) permafrost tunnel was monitored to investigate these dependencies. The creep behavior of the gravel room was described by a combined exponential and power relationship between closure rate, time factor, and ground temperature. For the long term stability of an underground opening in frozen ground, the time effect upon the closure rate is secondary to the influence of temperature. The strata separation in the gravel roof of the tunnel opening was also studied. The partings were observed only during periods of high temperature and closure. The results of the study suggest that after consideration of factors such as ground temperature and time dependency, underground chambers in permafrost can be designed and utilized for long term applications.
Tubal Irrigation of Supprative Arthritis of the Knee Joint

Supprative arthritis in adult represents a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The purpose of this study is to describe the method of treatment and the results. Seven patients with supprative arthritis of the knee joint were treated. The patients ranged in age from fourty seven to eighty four years with an average age of sixty-four years. Five patients were male and two were female.The mean interval between various predisposing factors and onset of symptoms was 4.4 days. Pain, swelling, fever and impossible to walk were most prevalent complaints. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was accelerated in five patients and the leucocyte count was elevated in four patients. The organisms cultured from the joint fluid were staphyrococcus aureus and streptococcus pneumoniae. The possible predisposing factors are intraarticular injection of corticosteroids, postoperative infection and systemic administration of corticosteroids.All cases were treated with tubal irrigation with the antibiotic saline. The Trocar Catheter was used and it was soft and flexible and did not destroy the articular cartilage. The joint that contained pus and nectotic debris was washed out with much saline till washings were clear. All patients made an eventful recovery from their infection.Adequate treatment of supprative arthritis is dependent of early suspiction, diagnosis, identification of the organism, prompt institution of adequate antibiotical regimen and tubal irrigation with antibiotic saline.
The contribution of stress, cultural factors, and sexual identity on the substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression syndemic among Hispanic men.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to confirm the substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression syndemic among Hispanic men, and to test whether stress and sociocultural factors, including acculturation, family support, and sexual orientation, predict this syndemic. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 164 Hispanic men using standardized measures for Hispanic Stress (Cervantes, Padilla, & Salgado de Snyder, 1991), substance abuse (Kelly et al., 1994), violence (Peragallo et al., 2005), risk for HIV (Gonzalez-Guarda, Peragallo, Urrutia, Vasquez, & Mitrani, 2008), and depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Scale, CES-D; Radloff, 1977). RESULTS: Results from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) supported the syndemic factor among Hispanic men. While family/cultural stress and homosexual identity were risk factors for the syndemic factor, family support was protective. CONCLUSIONS: More longitudinal research is needed to identify influences on the syndemic factor among diverse Hispanic communities. Interventions that address stress and enhance family supports may show promise in addressing and preventing syndemics among Hispanic men. (PsycINFO Database Record(c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en