cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calibration of channel 3 of the AVHRR

This study is stimulated by the finding that there is a decreasing trend of retrieved cloud droplet size during the lifetime of NOAA-9 and a sudden change of droplet size if different satellite data for the same period were used in the retrieval. This trend and sudden change in the retrieved results are apparently artifact rather than natural variations. Since channel 3 data of the AVHRR are used in the retrieval, the calibration method is examined to explore the possible explanation. Until now, no effort has been made for radiance calibrations of channel 3 although many investigations have been conducted for the visible and thermal infrared channels of AVHRR. There are two reasons for this lack of activity. First, detectors used for channel 3 of AVHRR are different from those for channels 4 and 5 and should not be subject to non-linearity. Second, the channel 3 of AVHRR has in-orbit calibration by looking at an internal calibration target (ICT) and space. This in-orbit calibration procedure is appropriate for earth temperature monitoring because the ICT radiates at around the earth surface temperature, and the intensity peaks at about 10 micrometer. There are evidences showing that the channel 3 brightness temperature does not change with satellites. However, in some other applications such as the retrievals of cloud particle sizes, the calculation of reflectance depends on the solar energy that radiates at much higher temperature (approximately 5800 K); the intensity of radiated solar energy peaks at about 0.50 micrometer. Therefore, the spectral response change of the instrument may lead to different values of in-band solar flux and thus cause errors in calculations of the reflection function of solar energy. For example, if the sensitivity of the response curve decrease is less in the short-wavelength end than at the long-wavelength end within the band after launch, then the in-band solar energy will be larger even if the channel 3 brightness temperature is calibrated against to the ICT. This will cause an overestimate of solar reflection function and an underestimation of droplet size because pre- launch value of in-band solar flux is used in the calculation. Several periods of satellite data have been used for this investigation: the overlapped AVHRR observations during January, 1985 for three weeks by NOAA-7 and NOAA-9; one month of NOAA-9 data of Oct. 1987 and Oct. 1989. The results of the study show that the ICT works well for calibration of thermal emission from the Earth's subjects. However, there are evidences showing that the in-band solar energy of channel 3 of AVHRR is underestimated for NOAA-7 comparing with NOAA-9 and this constant is increasingly underestimated during the satellite life-time of NOAA-9.
From Queshqa to Callango: a Paracas obsidian assemblage from the lower Ica Valley, Peru

AbstractObsidian constitutes a significant lithic material recovered from Paracas (first millennium B.C.) sites in south coastal Peru. Its presence in a variety of site contexts indicates that interaction with the neighboring highlands was well established, as one of the principal sources is Quispisisa at a distance of 225 km. In this study we discuss an obsidian assemblage from the Callango sector of the lower Ica Valley and the results of neutron activation analysis (NAA) that have determined Quispisisa as the source. These analyses advance and refine our understanding of local and long-distance interaction between the coast and highlands and contribute to broader concerns about the activities associated with procurement and exchange. Test results produce the first chemical signatures for a Paracas residential site in the lower Ica Valley. Our study adds to the ongoing inquiry about obsidian geochemistry and how source loci analysis complements questions about the materials and social interactions of pr...
Accuracy of an individual sample in a snow‐course

Why and how much does the water-content of a particular sample in a snow-course vary from year to year in relation to the mean water-content of the course? In the process of the study of this variation, the mean water-content for a course was obtained for each year. The percentage of the mean for each year for each sample was determined by dividing the mean water-content of the course into the water-content of each sample. These data were tabulated under the headings “Scale” for water-content and “Percentage of mean” for the percentage of the mean water-content.
Effects of the Mendelsohn Maneuver on Extent of Hyoid Movement and UES Opening Post-Stroke

The Mendelsohn maneuver, voluntary prolongation of laryngeal elevation during the swallow, has been widely used as a compensatory strategy to improve upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening and bolus flow. Recent research suggests that when used as a rehabilitative exercise, it significantly improves duration of hyoid movement and positively impacts duration of UES opening (DOUESO). The data presented here were derived from that same prospective crossover study of 18 participants with dysphagia post-stroke evaluated with videofluoroscopy after treatment using the Mendelsohn maneuver versus no treatment. Results demonstrate gains in the extent of hyoid movement and UES opening and improvements in coordination of structural movements with each other as well as with bolus flow.
Eccentricity and centrality in networks

Abstract The classic concept of centrality discovered by Camille Jordan in the 19th century is introduced as a model for social network analysis. It is generalized to include the path center of a graph and illustrated with an application to two island networks in Oceania. It is shown to be a necessary addition to the concepts of degree, closeness and betweenness centrality as distinguished by Freeman.
Blood to brain transport of interleukin links the immune and central nervous systems

Interleukins (IL) are naturally occurring proteins that regulate, and thus link, both the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS). Since proteins are assumed not to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), it is controversial how this linkage could occur. We show here that after iv injection of 125I-hIL-1 alpha, radioactivity in the brain eluted on HPLC in the position of the labeled cytokine. In addition, entry was inhibited by unlabeled hIL-1 alpha. Our demonstration of a saturable, carrier-mediated system that transports recombinant human IL-1 alpha in intact form from the blood into the CNS indicates a direct immune-CNS connection.
Moral dialogue: An interactional approach to ethical decision making

Abstract This article proposes an ethical decision‐making process for clinical practitioners that bridges the gap between more abstract ethical frameworks in our current literature and the actual process of ethical decision making that occurs at the practice level. The bridge is provided by the use of the concept of “moral dialogue,” which focuses on the ongoing interactions between clients and workers. The use of preexisting clinical skills guides the process of assessment and decision making rooted in the moral aspects of the challenges often embedded in practice situations. Furthermore, this article addresses the usefulness of the emerging literature on spirituality, diversity, narratives and transpersonal theory in adding to the social workers’ capacity to enter this realm of practice from a non‐moralistic stance. Hence, this approach avoids many of the pitfalls that have plagued clients and professionals throughout our history.
Interceptives: Drugs interrupting pregnancy after implantation

The mechanism and efficacy of Oxymetholone and Durabolin for interrupting pregnancy were studied in 56 pregnant Holtzman rats. Each drug was administered individually to separate groups by subcutaneous injection for 6 days starting on the 7th day of pregnancy. Phenobarbital was administered to a third group of rats and a fourth untreated group were used as controls. 96% of the controls bore normal fetuses while the phenobarbital group showed no significant alteration of their pregnancy rate. 5 mg of Oxymetholone daily caused resorption of pregnancy in 87.5% of the animals with very small traces of remaining placentae. 2 mg of Durabolin daily caused 87.5% resorption of pregnancy while higher doses achieved 100% resorption with significant remains of placentae. When 5 mg of progesterone was administered simultaneously with the 5 mg of Oxymetholone a normal number (87.5%) of pregnancies occurred. When the Durabolin dose was reduced to 1 mg daily the 5 mg dose of progesterone accompanying it also returned the pregnancy rate to normal. Oxymetholone appears to act by suppressing gonadotropins. The action of Durabolin has yet to be determined; its mechanism is not catatoxic or antigonadotropic but probably interferes with progesterone synthesis. Further research is indicated for these "interceptives" of pregnancy which are active after implantation and could be used as a means of birth control.
Paget's Disease of Bone and Genetic Disorders of RANKL/OPG/RANK/NF-κB Signaling

Identification of the RANKL/OPG/RANK/NF-kB (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand / osteoprotegerin) signaling pathway as the major regulatory system for osteoclastogenesis began with discovery of these ligands and receptors in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. Subsequently, genetically altered mice revealed physiologic roles for these proteins in bone biology. However, full appreciation of their significance for the human skeleton came from clinical characterization of several extremely rare, heritable disorders followed by discovery of their genetic bases. Familial expansile osteolysis (FEO) is an autosomal dominant disorder featuring constitutive activation of RANK due to an 18-bp tandem duplication in its gene (TNFRSF11A). A similar, 27-bp duplication causes what has been called a familial form of early-onset Paget's disease of bone (PDB2). Expansile skeletal hyperphosphatasia (ESH) is allelic to FEO and PDB2 and involves a 15-bp tandem duplication in TNFRSF11A. Autosomal recessive inheritance of deactivating mutations of the gene encoding OPG (TNFRSF11B) causes most cases of juvenile Paget disease. These disorders feature high bone turnover, deafness during early childhood, "idiopathic external lysis" of adult teeth, and sometimes focal lesions in appendicular bones that mimic active PDB. Biochemical markers indicate rapid skeletal remodeling. In FEO, osteolysis progresses to fat-filled bone rather than to osteosclerosis. Antiresorptive therapy with bisphosphonates can be effective for each disorder.
Circulatory Reflex from Vagal Afferents in Response to Hemorrhage in the Dog

Experiments were conducted in 35 anesthetized dogs to study the circulatory adjustments, after hemorrhage, mediated by vagal afferents from the cardiopulmonary area. With the aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors denervated and carotid baroreceptor and chemoreceptor activity held constant, hemorrhage of 10% of blood volume caused an increase in heart rate and constriction of the resistance vessels of the hindlimb, renal, and mesenteric beds and of the splanchnic venous bed. Vagotomy abolished these responses to hemorrhage, resulting in a greater decrease in blood pressure. With the carotid baroreflex operative, the constriction of the renal and mesenteric resistance vessels and of the splanchnic venous bed were similar to that obtained with only the vagi operative, but the constriction of the hindlimb resistance vessels was much greater and aortic pressure was better maintained. It is concluded that receptors in the cardiopulmonary area, subserved by vagal afferents, exert their main influence on the splanchnic resistance and capacitance vessels and on the renal circulation, whereas the carotid baroreceptors predominantly affect the muscle vessels.
Crossing the divide

This essay summarizes the editor's views of publication in the field of human-computer interaction. Digital technologies have begun changing the way journal articles and conference papers are produced, reviewed, published, accessed, and used. This period of profound change presents challenges and opportunities for both new and existing channels of scientific and technical communication.
Systematics in bonding of simple adsorbates on a transition-metal surface.

This study of bonding systematics for simple adsorbates on Fe(001) reveals a characteristic pattern in the p-bonding systems S/Fe, P/Fe, C/Fe and a contrasting behavior in the s-bonding system H/Fe. The self-consistent linearized augmented-plane-wave calculations also predict chemisorption-induced features that can be tested with photoemission experiments; in particular 3p-derived chemisorbed levels are predicted for c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)P/Fe(001).
Investigations of N-linked macrocycles for 111In and 90Y labeling of proteins.

Abstract To simplify the synthesis of macrocyclic chelators, commercially available macrocyclic amines were condensed with halogenated acetic acid to prepare the five chelators 12N4 (DOTA), 14N4 (TETA), 15N4, 9N3 and 12N3. Only 12N4 and 9N3 showed efficient labeling of the free chelator with 111In and 90Y. Serum stability studies at 37 °C with In-labeled DTPA, 12N4 and 9N3 showed no loss of label over 2 days whereas, with 90Y, only 12N4 showed stabilities comparable to DTPA. The 12N4 chelator was derivatized by attaching biotin on one N-acetate group to simulate the attachment to protein. The serum stability for both 111In and 90Y was identical to that of biotin derivatized DTPA and lower than that of the free chelators. Biodistribution studies in normal mice of a model protein (avidin) labeled with 90Y via biotinylated 12N4 and biotinylated DTPA showed identical distribution at 1 day except in bone where the %ID/g for the macrocyclic-conjugated protein (3.4 ± 0.5, N = 8) was significantly (P
A Percutaneous Transtubular Middle Fossa Approach for Intracanalicular Tumors.

Objective In cases of small intracanalicular tumors (≤1.5 cm), the middle fossa approach (MFA) provides the ability for adequate tumor removal with preservation of existing auditory function. Application of a minimally invasive tubular retractor in this approach may help mitigate the risk of postoperative seizures, aphasia, and venous complications by minimizing intraoperative retraction of the temporal lobe. We propose a minimally invasive microscopic and/or endoscopic percutaneous transtubular MFA for the management of intracanalicular tumors. Methods Subtemporal keyhole craniectomies were performed on 5 preserved cadaveric heads (10 sides), with 6 sides previously injected with a synthetic tumor model. A ViewSite Brain Access System tubular retractor (Vycor Medical, Inc., Boca Raton, Florida, USA) was used to provide minimal temporal retraction and protection of the surrounding anatomy. An extradural dissection of the internal auditory canal was performed under microscopic and endoscopic visualization with a minimally invasive surgical drill and tube shaft instruments, the intracanalicular tumors were removed, and degree of resection was assessed. Results All 10 approaches were completed successfully through the tubular retractor with minimal retraction of the temporal lobe. Excellent visualization of the structures within the internal auditory canal was achieved with both the microscope and 3-dimensional endoscope. On the 6 synthetic intracanalicular tumors resected, 5 gross total (Grade I) and 1 near total (Grade II) resections were achieved. Conclusion A percutaneous transtubular MFA is a feasible minimally invasive option for resection of small intracanalicular tumors with potential preservation of auditory function, reduced temporal retraction, and enhanced protection of surrounding structures.
Corneal power measurements in fixating versus anesthetized nonfixating children using a handheld keratometer

Purpose To compare keratometry measurements on a fixating patient with readings from the same nonfixating patient intraoperatively using the Nidek KM-500 handheld keratometer. Methods Consecutive patients who were scheduled for strabismus or nasolacrimal surgery between 5 and 11 years of age were included in the study. Handheld keratometry was performed preoperatively on both eyes with the child fixating and intraoperatively with the child anesthetized. Three readings were taken on each eye. The steepest and flattest corneal meridians were recorded. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess reliability, and interchangeability was assessed by the use of the Bland-Altman method. Results Included in the study were 55 eyes of 28 patients. The average fixating keratometry reading was 44.10 ± 1.45 D for right eyes and 44.12 ± 1.42 D for left eyes. The average nonfixating keratometry reading was 44.06 ± 1.62 D for right eyes and 44.02 ± 1.54 D for left eyes. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the average keratometry obtained fixating versus nonfixating was 0.96 for right eyes and 0.95 for left eyes. The Bland-Altman analysis showed fairly large limits of agreement between readings, but most readings fall within the limits of variability. The mean time to obtain the intraoperative measurements was 4.26 minutes. Conclusions In our study the Nidek KM-500 handheld keratometer provided reliable readings when used intraoperatively on anesthetized nonfixating children and required minimal time to perform.
Foundations of the New Nosology

DSM-III and its revisions have provided little in the way of explicit historical or philosophical foundations. The logical empiricism embedded in its operational criteria and its external approach to validation are inadequate to account for the presumption of nosological regularities or the specific categories endorsed by the taxonomy. The nosologic operation that Jaspers referred to as the "synthesis of disease entities" is explored in connection with the central distinction in DSM-IV between mood disorders and schizophrenic disorders. This synthetic operation is analyzed in terms of the paradigmatic shift from the mania-melancholia matrix of pre-modern psychiatry to the manic-depression/dementia praecox model defined by the work of Kraepelin. In the context of this analysis the self-evidence of these regularities is questioned.
A study of the 99Tc(p, d)98Tc reaction

Abstract The energy levels of 98Tc were studied with the 99Tc(p, d)98Tc reaction at a bombarding energy of 22.9 MeV and 15 keV resolution (FWHM). The Q-value for this reaction was found to be −6.755 ± 0.009 MeV and the 98Tc mass excess was calculated to be −86.421 ± 0.011 MeV. This reaction provided the excitation energies for 49 neutron hole states below 1.5 MeV excitation. Comparison of experimental angular distributions with DWBA calculations permitted assignment of lf-values and the extraction of spectroscopic factors for 44 of these levels. Extensive configuration mixing is observed except in the low-lying multiplet. Effective proton-particle, neutron-hole interaction matrix elements were obtained from the low-lying positive-parity multiplet of 98Tc.
Group velocity diagrams for a ferrite medium

A procedure for obtaining the group velocity diagrams for a magnetized ferrite medium is given. Some results of group velocity diagrams are presented for the purpose of illustrating their general features.
Phonon scattering at a crystal surface from in situ -deposited thin films

We have studied diffuse scattering of phonons from in situ-deposited thin films (average thicknesses from 1 \AA{} to 1 \ensuremath{\mu}m) using boundary-limited thermal conductivity measurements of the Si substrate. Our temperature range is 0.05-2 K corresponding to dominant phonon frequencies from 5 to 180 GHz. We show that the scattering occurs within the films themselves, not at the sample-film interface, and give evidence that this scattering is caused by structural irregularities of the thin films. Our findings have a direct bearing on the Kapitza resistance problem.
Does the thermal motion of macromolecules really influence the fluorine-atomic concentration of plasma-fluorinated polyolefin surfaces?

The relative fluorine-atomic concentrations and the abundance of CFx functionalities from CF4- and C6F6-RF-plasma treated polypropylene (PP) film surfaces were evaluated. Survey and high resolution (HR) ESCA data indicate that intense surface fluorination can be carried out, from both fluorine precursors, under relatively low power and treatment time conditions. However, it was found that the stability (under open laboratory conditions and under various solvent and temperature environments) of plasma implanted fluorine based groups significantly depend on the nature of plasma gases involved. Simulation of plasma induced molecular fragmentation, at different electron energy MS conditions, indicates the presence of a much higher fluorine atom concentration from a CF4-plasma in comparison to a C6F6-plasma. It is suggested that fluorine atom mediated fragmentation of macromolecular backbones is probably responsible for the erosion of plasma fluorinated surfaces, rather than thermal motion induced burying processes.
Alkali vapor phase doping of polyacetylene

Abstract We have discovered a vapor phase doping process of polyacetylene by alkali metals. The existence of a threshold temperature and nucleation characterize the doping as an intercalation process. The transport and optical properties, as obtained by dc conductivity and photoabsorption studies, imply a high intrinsic conductivity.
Molten flux growth of cubic zinc sulfide crystals

Abstract Cubic ZnS crystals have been grown from molten halide solutions by use of a 1–2 °C temperature gradient between the feed and the crystal growth region. Although all crystals were cubic, as shown by X-ray diffraction, the morphology was affected by growth temperatures and flux composition. Crystals grown from a KCl melt at ⩽800°C were dendritic or feather-like in shape, while crystals grown at > 800°C and ⩽830 °C were shaped as thin platelets. Growth from mixed halide fluxes at ⩾ 830 °C produced either large platelets or thick, well faceted crystals of up to 1 cm on an edge. The mixed halide fluxes such as KI-ZnCl 2 were selected to form complexes, possibly of the type 2KI · ZnS or KCl · KI · ZnS. Conductivity measurements and infrared absorption data indicate complex formation between ZnS and the mixed halides. It is suggested that complexes affect crystal habit through control of supersaturation. The predominance of different activation energies which vary with temperature may cause the different temperature morphology effects.
Multiplex inhibitor screening and kinetic constant determinations for yeast hexokinase using mass spectrometry based assays

An electrospray ionization mass spectrometry based assay was developed for kinetic measurements and inhibitor screening of yeast hexokinase. There is considerable discrepancy in the literature as to the accuracy of kinetic data obtained for hexokinase. In the assay described herein, the product, glucose 6-phosphate was directly monitored by ion trap mass spectrometry and quantified using an internal standard, 2 deoxy-glucose 6-phosphate. The kinetic parameters, KM and Vmax for the two substrates were determined without using a coupling enzyme as is normally employed in the traditional spectrophotometric assay for systems lacking a chromophore. In addition, hexokinase was successfully immobilized onto an amino-link gel, and a mock library was screened against the immobilized enzyme for the identification of possible inhibitors. After comparing the mass spectra of the library before and after incubation, trehalose 6-phosphate, ADP, and oxidized glutathione were differentiated from other weak or non-inhibitors. Inhibition behavior of ADP with respect to ATP was further evaluated with the ESI-MS assay and the value of Ki was determined. This ESI-MS assay was demonstrated to be both accurate and precise for determining kinetic constants and for identifying enzyme inhibitors.
A Dynamic Timing Error Prevention Technique in Pipelines With Time Borrowing and Clock Stretching

This paper presents a dynamic timing control technique to prevent timing errors in a pipeline under variations. Timing errors in a pipeline are prevented by borrowing time from the following stage and resolving the borrowed time by stretching the next clock cycle. This paper analyzes the operating principles of the proposed technique; presents the design of the required circuit components; and demonstrates its operation through fabrication and measurement of a prototype test-chip designed in an 180 nm CMOS process. The measurement results demonstrate that a system employing the dynamic timing control technique can operate in a wider frequency and voltage range.
Chemistry operations at Purdue's accelerator mass spectrometry facility

Abstract The present status of chemistry operations of PRIME Lab, Purdue's Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility, is reviewed. The capabilities and performance of sample preparation for the three nuclides 10Be, 26Al and 36Cl in a variety of different sample types are found to be adequate for the current performance figures of the AMS facility. Standard materials prepared and in use at PRIME Lab are described. Future plans are directed toward standardization and automation of analytical techniques as well as the addition of the nuclides 14C, 41Ca, and 129I.
Developmental Effects on Odor Learning and Memory in Childrena

The child version of the California Odor Learning Test (COLT) was designed to assess cognitive functioning in impaired and healthy children. The COLT's rationale was based on two assumptions. First, measures of cognitive functioning are a good index of severity or extent of brain damage if compared between normal and clinical populations. Second, the cognitive-mediated tasks of verbal odor recall, recognition and identification were suitable to evaluate cognitive functioning. The focus of this study was to determine the COLT's ability to detect developmental differences in odor learning and memory. The participants were 51 healthy children who were twice administered the COLT with a weekly delay between tests. They were ascribed to two age-groups (7-10 and 11-15 years old) according to levels of cognitive development. The COLT employed 22 common odors and included two sessions. In the first session, children learned two sets of six odors. The first set was presented three times, the second one once, during a single learning episode. Following learning, children recalled the odors of the first set by name at free recall and category-cued recall. The second session included the following tasks: long-term free odor recall and category-cued odor recall, odor recognition-memory and verbal odor identification. A series of analyses of variance (ANOVAs, p < 0.05) with age as between-subject variable and repeated measurements on recall revealed significant differences between the two groups on the number of odors correctly recalled by name both at free recall, category-cued recall, recognition and identification. There were differences in false alarms at odor recognition between the two groups. Children from both groups benefited from a learning effect over odor trials. A gender effect was found for odor free recall at retest. These results suggest that the COLT has the potential to serve as a useful tool in the assessment of cognitive functioning in children.
An air-breathing H2/air cell design suitable for fast screening of electrolytes

Abstract An air-breathing H 2 /air cell was designed for fast screening of electrolytes. In this study various electrolytes, including organic, inorganic, acidic, and basic electrolytes, were screened by comparing their effect on cell discharge performance. Focusing on organic alkaline electrolytes, several tetraalkyl ammonium hydroxide electrolytes with different molecular size and concentrations were investigated at different operating temperatures. Both electrolyte concentration and operating temperature significantly affect the cell's performance. The effect of CO 2 and some acids on alkaline electrolyte's impedance and cell's discharge performance was also investigated.
Joint Parameter Estimation for UWB Energy Detectors Using OOK

In this paper, joint estimation of the optimal threshold, synchronization point, and integration interval is developed for ultrawideband (UWB) energy detectors employing on-off keying (OOK) modulation. Gaussian approximation of the received signal statistics is shown to enable low complexity solutions at the expense of some performance degradation. The performances of the optimal and suboptimal solutions are evaluated and compared. It is shown that explicit BER minimization is required for parameter optimization. Using simulations, number of training symbols required to converge to ideal parameter estimates is demonstrated to be increasing with increasing SNR.
Social support, accommodation to stress and adjustment to breast cancer

A woman's emotional adjustment to breast cancer is the focus of this study. The social support the woman experiences is predicted to affect the adjustment process by improving her ability to cope. Current clinical research indicates that background factors, such as marital status, age, SES and life change, also affect adjustment; these variables are incorporated into the model as controls. Using multiple regression analysis (N = 130), the control variables are entered simultaneously with the indicators of social support to assess the independent effect of social support on adjustment. The relationship between social support, coping, and adjustment, as measured by psychological distress, self concept, and sense of power, is then examined. Two indicators of social support, perception of family cohesiveness and the amount of social contact have direct effects on coping and indirect effects on all three measures of adjustment, indicating that coping mediates the relationship between social support and adjustment. Contrary to predictions, being employed and of higher social status have significant effects on adjustment when it is measured by either self concept or sense of power.
Analysis of a frequency-domain adaptive IIR filter

Convergence of frequency-domain adaptive pole-zero IIR (infinite impulse response) filter is studied. The algorithm is shown to converge in probability to an associated ordinary differential equation (ODE) which in turn converges to a local minimum of its performance surface. An analysis of the performance surface shows that the algorithm converges to one of N-factorial members in an equivalence class of global minimum points, where N is the number of adaptive poles. Saddle points exist on manifolds that separate members in the equivalence class. This explains 'shoulders' in the MSE convergence curves and also suggests one way of avoiding these shoulders which cause slow convergence. A second-order simulation example confirms the above results. >
Application of a scenario-based modeling system to evaluate the air quality impacts of future growth

Abstract The structure and design of future urban development can have significant adverse effects on air pollutant emissions as well as other environmental factors. When considering the future impact of growth on mobile source emissions, we generally model the increase in vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) as a function of population growth. However, diverse and poorly planned urban development (i.e., urban sprawl) can force higher rates of motor vehicle use and in return increase levels of pollutant emissions than alternative land-use scenarios. The objective of this study is to develop and implement an air quality assessment tool that takes into account the influence of alternative growth and development scenarios on air quality. The use of scenario-based techniques in land use planning has been around since the late 1940s and been tested in many different applications to aid in decision-making. In this study, we introduce the development of an advanced interactive scenario-based land use and atmospheric chemistry modeling system coupled with a GIS (Geographical Information System) framework. The modeling system is designed to be modular and includes land use/land cover information, transportation, meteorological, emissions, and photochemical modeling components. The methods and modularity of the developed system allow its application to both broad areas and applications. To investigate the impact of possible land use change and urbanization, we evaluated a set of alternative future patterns of land use developed for a study area in Southwest California. Four land use and two population variants (increases of 500k and 1M) were considered. Overall, a Regional Low-Density Future was seen to have the highest pollutant emissions, largest increase in VKT, and the greatest impact on air quality. On the other hand, a Three-Centers Future appeared to be the most beneficial alternative future land-use scenario in terms of air quality. For all cases, the increase in population was the main factor leading to the change on predicted pollutant levels.
Influence of Turbidity on Survival, Growth, and Distribution of Larval Lake Herring (Coregonus artedii)

Abstract Influence of red-clay turbidity on survival, growth, and distribution of larval lake herring, Coregonus artedii, was measured by holding larvae for 62 days at 9 levels of suspended solids varying from 0 to 48 FTU (1 to 28 ppm). Test concentrations included the normal turbidity range of the red-clay area in western Lake Superior. The bioassay was conducted in a continuous-flow system using chambers designed to elicit normal behavioral responses to turbidity and light. Growth and survival were not influenced at the range of concentrations studied. Larvae in the higher suspensions were distributed closer to the surface of the test chambers, a condition which may indirectly influence survival in Lake Superior.
Haidt's Moral Intuitionist Theory: A Psychological and Philosophical Critique:

Jon Haidt's (2001) proposal for a moral intutionist theory of morality is criticized on psychological and philosophical grounds, including (a) the apparent reduction of social influence to one kind...
Déjà vu: the evolution of feeding morphologies in the Carnivora

The fossil record of the order Carnivora extends back at least 60 million years and documents a remarkable history of adaptive radiation characterized by the repeated, independent evolution of similar feeding morphologies in distinct clades. Within the order, convergence is apparent in the iterative appearance of a variety of ecomorphs, including cat-like, hyena-like, and wolf-like hypercarnivores, as well as a variety of less carnivorous forms, such as foxes, raccoons, and ursids. The iteration of similar forms has multiple causes. First, there are a limited number of ways to ecologically partition the carnivore niche, and second, the material properties of animal tissues (muscle, skin, bone) have not changed over the Cenozoic. Consequently, similar craniodental adaptations for feeding on different proportions of animal versus plant tissues evolve repeatedly. The extent of convergence in craniodental form can be striking, affecting skull proportions and overall shape, as well as dental morphology. The tendency to evolve highly convergent ecomorphs is most apparent among feeding extremes, such as sabertooths and bone-crackers where performance requirements tend to be more acute. A survey of the fossil record indicates that large hypercarnivores evolve frequently, often in response to ecological opportunity afforded by the decline or extinction of previously dominant hypercarnivorous taxa. While the evolution of large size and carnivory may be favored at the individual level, it can lead to a macroevolutionary ratchet, wherein dietary specialization and reduced population densities result in a greater vulnerability to extinction. As a result of these opposing forces, the fossil record of Carnivora is dominated by successive clades of hypercarnivores that diversify and decline, only to be replaced by new hypercarnivorous clades. This has produced a marvelous set of natural experiments in the evolution of similar ecomorphs, each of which start from phylogenetically and morphologically unique positions.
An extension of stakeholder theory research: developing surrogates for net organizational capital

For those interested in studying the effects of stakeholder theory on organizational performance, the establishment of measures that represent both explicit and implicit claims on the firm’s outputs is vital. While net organizational capital (NOC) has been shown to represent the value of the firm after honouring implicit claims of stakeholder groups, practical application requires the use of surrogates such as net intangible assets (NIA). Attempts to extend research in this area by establishing additional surrogates, segment sales (SS) and research and development intensity (RD), which can be easily calculated and reflect operating characteristics of the organization being observed. Concludes that RD is a reasonable indicator of the firm’s NIA for both bond upgrade and downgrade situations, but that SS can be viewed as a surrogate for NIA during upgrade situations. Both, however, can provide great insights to the researcher and can be used to assist in classifying firms with respect to stakeholder group influence.
Nearshore distributional gradients of larval fish (15 taxa) and planktonic crustaceans (6 taxa) in Hawaii

Fifteen taxa of fish larvae (most identified to species) and 6 taxa of crustaceans (most identified to species) were studied in zooplankton samples collected 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 km off the leeward coast of Oahu, Hawaii in May and July 1975. The following distributional patterns were elucidated: inshore (2 spp); inshore-neritic (2 spp); neritic (7 spp); and offshore-neritic (7 spp). Three of these 18 species had age-related differences in behaviour that led to age-dependent distributional patterns, and 4 further species had a random distribution. All abundant types of fish larvae were either oceanic as adults or were hatches from the demersal or brooded eggs of reef species. The larvae of reef fishes with pelagic eggs were not abundant in the nearshore region sampled and were probably to be found more than 3 km offshore. The offshore-neritic distributional pattern evidently resulted from relatively passive movement with currents. In contrast, maintenance of inshore and neritic patterns probably required relatively active swimming by the animals. The current regime, including a tidal eddy and possible nearshore upwelling, probably helped maintain the inshore and neritic patterns of such animals. The limited area occupied by these inshore coastal plankton communities could make them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, including anthrogenic ones.
Genetic analysis of leg problems and growth in a random mating broiler population

Improvement in growth has been widely reported as the cause of increased incidence of leg problems in broiler chickens. We report herein the genetic relationship between growth and leg problems in a random mating broiler control population. The traits studied were valgus (VL), varus (VR), and tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), which were expressed on a binary scale of 0 (normal) and 1 (abnormal); growth rates from 0 to 4 wk (BWG 0-4) and from 0 to 6 wk of age (BWG 0-6); and residual feed intake from 5 to 6 wk of age (RFI 5-6). A threshold-linear mixed model was employed for the joint analysis of the categorical and linear traits. Incidences of VL, VR, and TD were 26, 4, and 2%, respectively. Heritability of leg problems ranged from 0.11 to 0.13. Phenotypic correlations alluded to an unfavorable relationship between growth and leg problems; however, the genetic relationship between growth and leg problems was extremely weak, ranging from 0.01 to 0.08. There is, therefore, a basis for genetic improvement in leg problems. However, improved management practices would also be important to reduce incidence of leg problems in broiler chickens.
Detailed Seismicity of the Alpine Fault Zone and Fiordland Region, New Zealand

A study of the Alpine fault zone and the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand from February through April 1972 indicates high but diffuse microearthquake activity. Composite focal mechanism solutions show that a regional northwest-southeast compression dominates the tectonic pattern. This direction is nearly normal to the Alpine fault, indicating that the Alpine fault is now undergoing a large component of thrust faulting. This agrees with geologic data for uplift of the Southern Alps along the Alpine fault beginning in mid-Miocene time and accelerating in the Pliocene, the time of the Kaikoura orogeny. Before the Kaikoura orogeny, the Alpine fault apparently was a transcurrent fault. This major change in the New Zealand tectonic pattern could have been produced by a relatively minor migration of the nearby Indian-Pacific pole of rotation. Incipient underthrusting of the Tasman Sea appears to be occurring off the Fiordland coast, terminating at the point where the Lord Howe Rise intersects the coast. To the north is a zone of oblique continental convergence, with the Southern Alps being rapidly uplifted along the Alpine fault. North of the Alps, much of the motion is transferred to several faults that have more easterly strike; these formed in the Kaikoura orogeny and constitute a new transform fault system.
Distributions of pure-tone hearing threshold levels among adolescents and adults in the United States by gender, ethnicity, and age: Results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

AbstractCumulative distributions of audiometric pure-tone thresholds for a non-occupationally noise-exposed population vary with demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, ethnicity, age), tested ear, and stimulus frequency. However, commonly-used audiometric databases either do not take these differences into account, or account for them using data not easily generalized to the US population. The objective of this study was to obtain distributions that are generalizable to the US population without significant history of exposure to occupational noise. Cumulative pure tone threshold distributions from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III and the 1999–2004 data from the continuous NHANES were fitted with an asymmetric sigmoid function with reverse asymmetry, by gender, ethnicity, age, ear, and the stimulus frequency. Results indicated that conditional distributions based on these factors are warranted. Percentiles on the cumulative distribution functions can be transformed into...
An intra-oral cone for an 18 MeV linear accelerator☆

A set of intra-oral cones has been constructed for electron beam therapy from a linear accelerator. We have modified the 4 cm X 4 cm treatment accessory provided with this machine by simply removing the lower collimator and replacing it with a brass plate into which all the cones can fit, so that they are easily interchangeable. Six circular cones, with diameters ranging from 27 mm and to 45 mm, plus two elliptical cones are currently in use. A light field system has been built that fits into the acrylic compartment directly above the base, and provides a clear, well-illuminated view of the treatment field. The dosimetry for these cones shows that the percent depth dose curve for a 41 mm diameter field is the same as that obtained with the 4 cm X 4 cm treatment accessory, and that the isodose curves are very similar. This intra-oral cone system has been in operation for over two years and we have found it very useful in boosting the dose to specific primary lesions in the oral cavity, for example, oral tongue, floor of mouth, retromolar trigone, and soft palate.
A nested approach to evaluating dose-response and trend☆

Abstract PURPOSE: Conventional dose-response and trend analysis fits either a linear or categorical logistic model and tests the resulting coefficients. These analyses, however, are based on implausible assumptions. METHODS: We present an alternative approach that uses likelihood ratio tests to compare nested regression models and determine when a model is rich enough to capture the data trends. RESULTS: For illustration, we apply this approach to data on diet and colorectal polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of linear and quadratic spline logistic models indicates that the conventional approach of using only a linear logistic model would not appropriately describe the association between intake of fruits and vegetables and colorectal polyps in our data. Graphical checking further supports this conclusion.
Generalized Congenital Hypotrichosis in a Female Rottweiler

— Generalized congenital hypotrichosis is reported in a female Rottweiler. This is only the second report of this genodermatosis in a female dog. The dog was predominately hairless except for bilaterally symmetric tufts of hair on the head, dorsal midline and umbilical region. Most skin biopsy sections revealed a total lack of epidermal appendages representing a complete failure of follicular development. Occasionally, small rudimentary follicular structures were subtended by melanophages and vertically oriented collagen suggesting the possibility of previously more extensive development followed by subsequent involution. According to a new classification scheme for ectodermal dysplasia proposed by Dr Carol Foil, this dog would be classified as 1–4 defect, cogenital hypotrichosis. Resume— Une hypotrischose congenitale generalisee chez une chienne Rotweiler est rapportee. Il s'agit du second cas de cette genodermatose decrit chez une chienne. Le chien etait nu exception faite de touffe de poils sur les flancs et la tete, la ligne du dos et la region ombilicale. La plupart des biopsies ont revele une absence totale d'annexe et de developpment folliculaire. Parfois quelques structures folliculaires rudimentaires etaient subtentes par la presence de melanophages et une orientation verticale des fibres de collagene. En suivant la nouvelle classification des dysplasies ectodermiques proposee par le Dr Carol Foil, cet animal a ete classe en hypotrychose congenitale de defaut 1–4. Resumen En este articulo se describe un caso de hipotricosis congenita de tipo generalizado en una hembra de la raza Rottweiler. Este es el segundo caso de genodermatosis reportado en una perra. Este animal padecia de una perdida de pelo general exceptuando algunas mechas aisladas en la cabeza, linea media dorsal y region umbilical, de una manera bilateral y simetrica. La mayoria de las biopsias cutaneas revelaron una falta total de apendices cutaneos, lo cual representaba una fallo completo en en desarrollo del foliculo. De manera esporadica, se observaron estructuras foliculares rudimentarias invadidas de melanofagos y con fibras de colageno orientadas verticalmente sugiriendo la posibilidad de desarrollo previo mas extensivo seguido de posterior involucion. De acuerdo con la nueva clasificacion de displasia ectodermica propuesta por Foil, este animal seria clasificado con un defecto de 1–4 de hipotricosis congenital.
A Comparison of Conventional and Internet Political Mobilization

The high cost of contacting individuals encourages mobilizing institutions to maximize resources by targeting those most likely to effectively respond, resulting in stimulation of the politically engaged, civically skilled, and socioeconomically advantaged. By dramatically reducing communication costs, the Internet should eliminate the underpinning of this “rational prospecting.” However, because most e-mail addresses are not available in public directories and cultural norms make sending unsolicited e-mail politically risky, individuals generally must provide their e-mail address before receiving e-mail messages from political organizations. Online mobilization campaigns should disproportionately contact those with the political motivation and technical ability to submit their e-mail. The author tests these expectations about online political mobilization using a probability sample survey. Although most of the long-standing determinants of offline political mobilization fail to predict online mobilizatio...