cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy splitting for solutions of multi-dimensional isotropic symmetric hyperbolic systems

This note, submitted in honor of Walter Strauss’ 70th birthday, offers a new look at the elegant paper by Costa and Strauss entitled Energy Splitting, [3]. In it, they studied finite energy solutions to linear, constant coefficient, isotropic, symmetric hyperbolic systems. They showed that solutions separate, in L2, into a superposition of outgoing plane waves, using a decomposition based on the Radon transform. Our approach to energy splitting is based on the local energy decay result obtained by the author with B. Thomases in [9], for rotationally and scaling invariant isotropic systems. Inspired by Costa and Strauss, here we replace rotational invariance by the isospectral condition of [3]. This involves a nonlocal modification of the rotational vector fields. However, the final result is entirely local. Solutions are decomposed locally according to the spectral projections of the symbol, and individual wave families concentrate near characteristic cones. After a few preliminaries, we state the main result and compare it with [3]. The proof is entirely self-contained. To conclude, we illustrate with three examples. Energy splitting is closely related to the phenomenon of energy equipartition. In the context of symmetric hyperbolic systems with constant coefficients, there have been numerous works on these topics, among them [2, 4, 10, 11].
Vistas of tan spot research

(1998). Vistas of tan spot research. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 349-370.
Process Optimization for Soft Tofu

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimum combinations of four factors, solids content of soy milk (10–14 °Brix), concentration of coagulant (0.25–0.41%, W/V), mixing temperature (75–91°C) and stirring time (5–25 sec) for producing soft tofu on a small pilot scale. Neither brittleness nor elasticity of the top part of tofu were influenced significantly by any factors. Yield was affected (p < 0.05) by soymilk solids content and coagulant concentration. Solids and protein content of tofu were affected (p < 0.05) by 3 factors except mixing temperature. Solids content of soy milk was the most important factor affecting texture. Optimum combinations were soymilk solids 11.8 to 12.3 °Brix, coagulant 0.27 to 0.32%, mixing temperatures 85 to 91°C, and stirring times 5 to 11.3 sec.
Evaluation of Dispersible Formulations of Erythrosin B for Field Control of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Eight dispersants were tested in combination with free-acid erythrosin B and fluorescein to determine their toxicity. Solidogen LT-13 and Aquonium C-IV were most effective in combination with erythrosin B. Aquonium C-IV, Emulphor EL-719, Nekal BX-78, and sodium dodecyl sulfate were equally effective in combination with fluorescein. None of the dispersants alone was toxic. Four formulations of erythrosin B (free-acid dispersed with 8% sodium dodecyl sulfate, microencapsulated free-acid, aluminum lake dispersed with 8% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and microencapsulated aluminum lake) were exposed to natural sunlight and environmental conditions for up to 28 days and tested for toxicity to fourth-instar Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say. The dispersed free-acid erythrosin B was most toxic of the four formulations tested. The dispersed free-acid was significantly toxic at 0.5 ppm, and all four formulations were toxic at 4.0 ppm. Dispersed and microencapsulated free-acid formulations exhibited residual toxicity up to 7 days. In small-plot field tests, the dispersed free-acid erythrosin B caused significant reductions in larval and adult populations of C. p. quinquefasciatus at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 8.0 ppm.
Fluid-rock interactions in the lower oceanic crust: Thermodynamic models of hydrothermal alteration

Rocks from the lower oceanic crust show both petrologic and isotopic evidence for extensive alteration by circulating hydrothermal fluids derived from seawater. Deeply circulating fluids may have a substantial, but as yet largely undetermined, impact on the thermal regime of spreading centers, magmatic processes at mid-ocean ridges, and elemental fluxes at ridge hydrothermal systems. In the present study, the consequences of water-rock interactions during the penetration of seawater into hot lower oceanic crust were investigated using thermodynamic reaction path models. Alteration assemblages predicted for reaction of an evolving seawater with olivine gabbro, gabbronorite, and troctolite during heating from 300° to 900°C closely resemble alteration assemblages observed in rock samples from the lower oceanic crust. These assemblages include sodic plagioclase + actinolite ± diopsidic clinopyroxene ± epidote ± chlorite ± prehnite ± analcime ± quartz at lower temperatures (300°–500°C) and plagioclase + hornblende ± diopside ± chlorite ± trace magnetite at intermediate temperatures (500–700°C). The relative abundances of these alteration products show much greater variation with temperature than with water/rock (W/R) ratio, indicating that variations in the amounts of hydrated minerals such as amphiboles may not be an accurate indication of the W/R ratio experienced by rocks in the lower crust since the same amount of fluid may produce widely differing amounts of amphibole at slightly different temperatures. Depending on the temperature of interaction, some rocks in the lower oceanic crust may have experienced much higher W/R ratios than has previously been proposed based on the amount of amphibole present. At higher temperatures (750°–900°C),. the models predict that very little alteration occurs before the fluid equilibrates with the rock, producing only trace amounts of amphibole as an alteration phase, with the remainder of the rock retaining its igneous mineral composition essentially unchanged. This result suggests that extensive penetration of rocks by aqueous fluids may occur in the lower ocean crust at temperatures >∼700°C and leave very little conspicuous petrologic evidence for their presence. Such cryptic alteration is consistent with isotopic evidence for hydrothermal alteration of oxygen and Sr isotopes by seawater in lower ocean crust rock samples which otherwise retain their igneous compositions and textures. Taken together, the model results allow for much more extensive circulation of fluids in the lower oceanic crust and at much higher temperatures than has been proposed by previous studies based on petrologic interpretations.
Differential Effects of Chronic Partial Myelotomies on Monoamine Levels in Cat Spinal Cord

The concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were measured in samples of lumbar and cervical spinal cords from 6 cats with chronic (over 2 months) lesions of the thoracic spinal cord and from 7 unoperated cats. Lesions confined to the dorsal thoracic spinal cord significantly lowered lumbar concentrations of NE, but not 5-HT, compared with control lumbar or matched paired cervical samples. Both NE and 5-HT were significantly reduced by dorsal or ventral lesions that involved tissue ventral to the central canal. Only the largest lesion could be shown to reduce lumbar DA concentration. The supraspinai origins and spinal projections of tomical tracing techniques 3"8 do not provide the necdescending serotonin (5-HT)-, norepinephrine essary quantitaive information. As part ofastudy on (NE)- and dopamine (DA)-containing pathways the sensory-behavioral effects of partial thoracic spihave been intensively studied (for review, see nal cord transections in the cat 4, we wished to deterBjOrklund and Skagerberg2). Although it is known mine the nature and degree to which such lesions that these pathways have both dorsal and ventral might differentially affect those descending monocomponents, and there is general agreement about amine systems that may mediate modulation of sotheir origins and terminations, there is no quantita- matosensory transmission at the spinal cord level 1"16. tive estimate of the relative contribution of the dorsal Because of the long survival time necessary for beand ventral components of each pathway to the in- havioral studies, we were able to determine some of nervation of spinal segments. This becomes an im- the neurochemical effects of chronic partial spinal portant factor in considering the mechanisms by cord lesions. Some of the results of this study have which partial spinal lesions produce changes in spinal been briefly presented elsewhere 5. cord function. At any specified segmental level, for Thirteen adult female cats were used in this study. example, a lesion involving one sector of the spinal All aspects of animal care and housing and all expericord could selectively interrupt one descending mental procedures were conducted in accord with neurotransmitter system while partially or com- standards and guidelines established by the Ameripletely sparing other neurotransmitter pathways, can Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Previous studies have determined quantitatively Animal Care. The 6 cats used for partial lesion studthe regional distribution of one or more of the above ies each had a complete vertebral laminectomy over neurotransmitters at various spinal segmental levels, spinal cord segments T6_ 8 while maintained under but this information does not reveal the relative con- deep pentobarbital anesthesia (50 mg/kg) with suptribution of specific pathways 7"9"11-13'15'17. Neuroana- plemental doses sufficient to eliminate flexor re
Effects of electrical stimulation and norepinephrine on cyclic-AMP levels in the cerebral cortex of the aging rat.

Abstract One to 24 month old rats were anesthetized with α-chloralose, their cerebral cortices exposed surgically and subjected in vivo to stimulation by norepinephrine (1.0mM for 5 minutes) or electrical pulses (100 pulses/s for 10 s). After microwave fixation, cortical samples were analyzed for cyclic-AMP by the Gilman method. In similarly prepared but unstimulated control animals, cyclic-AMP levels were found to be three to four-fold lower in older than in younger rats, a pattern previously reported for unanesthetized rats. Both norepinephrine and electrical pulses led to cyclic-AMP increases. With increasing age the cyclic-AMP levels attained under both stimulus conditions declined, with the levels achieved in the two cases becoming increasingly divergent.
Characterization of the defect in a variant of HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells with reduced transferrin receptor expression

The mechanism by which a clone of HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells designated Tf-Gel-1 expresses reduced levels of the transferrin receptor (TfR) was investigated. Tf-Gel-1 was developed by continuous exposure of HL-60 cells to human iron-saturated transferrin covalently linked to the plant toxin gelonin (Tf-Gel); this variant was five- to sixfold more resistant to Tf-Gel than parental HL-60 cells. The amount of cell surface, as well as of solubilized, TfR and the cycling pools of TfR in Tf-Gel-1 cells, as measured by the binding of [125I]Tf, were all decreased to 20–30% of the levels present in parental cells. The growth of Tf-Gel-1 cells was independent of exogenous Fe3+ and was comparable to that of parental HL-60 cells. Despite the lower levels of TfRs, the Tf-Gel-1 clone retained the capacity to alter receptor expression, depending upon the phase of growth and the intracellular iron concentration, and to down-regulate TfRs in response to inducers of differentiation. Southern hybridization of cellular DNA with TfR cDNA did not reveal differences between parental and Tf-Gel-1 cells in the level and arrangement of the TfR gene. Basal and inducible (repressible) levels of TfR mRNA from Tf-Gel-1 cells, as measured by northern hybridization of cellular RNA with TfR cDNA, were comparable to those of parental cells. Metabolic labeling of cells with [35S]methionine, followed by immunoprecipitation of TfRs, demonstrated that the amount of radioactivity incorporated into TfRs in Tf-Gel-1 cells was reduced to a degree that approximated the decrease in [125I]Tf binding. Cell surface TfRs prepared from exponentially growing parental cells labeled with125I by the solid-phase lactoperoxidase-glucose oxidase method existed as a doublet, with one form being phosphorylated and the other not phosphorylated. In contrast, Tf-Gel-1 cells not only contained diminished amounts of TfRs but also contained only the phosphorylated form of TfRs in the surface membrane. The decrease in the surface membrane concentration of the TfR in Tf-Gel-1 cells was specific for this glycoprotein, since the levels of other cell surface antigens, such as CD13, CD15 and CD45, were normal in Tf-Gel-1 cells. A reduction in the incorporation of [3H]mannose into the acid-insoluble fraction of cells and an increase in sensitivity to ricin suggested that Tf-Gel-1 cells possessed an aberration in carbohydrate metabolism.
Regulation by cell volume of Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport in vascular endothelial cells : role of protein phosphorylation

Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransport in aortic endothelial cells is activated by cell shrinkage, inhibited by cell swelling, and is responsible for recovery of cell volume. The role of protein phosphorylation in the regulation of cotransport was examined with two inhibitors of protein phosphatases, okadaic acid and calyculin, and a protein kinase inhibitor, K252a. Both phosphatase inhibitors stimulated cotransport in isotonic medium, with calyculin, a more potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase I, being 50-fold more potent. Neither agent stimulated cotransport in hypertonic medium. Stimulation by calyculin was immediate and was complete by 5 min, with no change in cell Na + K content, indicating that the stimulation of cotransport was not secondary to cell shrinkage. The time required for calyculin to activate cotransport was longer in swollen cells than in normal cells, indicating that the phosphorylation step is affected by cell volume. Activation of cotransport when cells in isotonic medium were placed in hypertonic medium was more rapid than the inactivation of cotransport when cells in hypertonic medium were placed in isotonic medium, which is consistent with a shrinkage-activated kinase rather than a shrinkage-inhibited phosphatase. K252a, a nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor, reduced cotransport in both isotonic and hypertonic media. The rate of inactivation was the same in either medium, indicating that dephosphorylation is not regulated by cell volume. These results demonstrate that Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransport is activated by protein phosphorylation and is inactivated by a Type I protein phosphatase. The regulation of cotransport by cell volume is due to changes in the rate of phosphorylation rather than dephosphorylation, suggesting the existence of a volume-sensitive protein kinase. Both the kinase and the phosphatase are constitutively active, perhaps to allow for rapid changes in cotransport activity.
Intentionality and word learning.

Humans intuitively think about the actions of others in terms of mental states eliefs, desires, emotions and intentions. This 'theory of mind' plays a central role in how children learn the meanings of certain words. First, it underlies how they determine the reference of a novel word. When children hear a new object name (e.g. 'Look at the fendle'), they do not use spatio-temporal contiguity to determine what the word describes; instead they focus on cues to the referential intention of the speaker, such as direction of gaze. Second, an understanding of purpose and design is sometimes necessary to enable the child to understand the entities and actions that nouns and verbs refer to. This is particularly relevant for nouns that refer to collections of objects such as 'family' and 'game', and for verbs that refer to actions defined in terms of an actor's goals, such as 'give' and 'make'. Finally, intentional considerations partially underlie the generalization of names for artifact categories, such as 'chair' and 'clock', which can refer to entities of highly dissimilar appearance.
Starting out right: Kozak sequences and clots

Understanding genetic risk factors for thrombotic disorders presents a challenge: exactly how does a given polymorphism lead to thrombosis risk? A straightforward answer presents itself when polymorphisms affect coding sequences, for example factor VLeiden and resistance to activated protein C.
Convergence of the Francis shifted QR algorithm on normal matrices

We examine global convergence properties of the Francis shifted QR algorithm on real, normal Hessenberg matrices. It is shown that the algorithm will almost always produce a decoupling. Eigenvalue conditions are identified which assure decoupling. In particular a sufficient condition is that a normal matrix has more than four real eigenvalues.
A bilocal picture of quantum mechanics

A new, bilocal picture of quantum mechanics is developed. We show that Born's rule supports a virtual probability for a particle to arrive, as a wave, at any two locations (but no more). We discuss two ways to implement twin detectors suitable for detecting bilocal arrivals. The bilocal picture sheds light on currents in quantum mechanics. We find there are two types of bilocal current density, whose polar form and related mean velocities are given. In the bilocal context, the definitions of both current types simplify. In the unilocal case, the two types become the usual current and a fluctuation current. Their respective mean velocity fields are the usual de Broglie–Madelung–Bohm velocity and the imaginary (osmotic) velocity. We obtain a new, probabilistic Schrodinger equation for the bilocal probability by itself, solve the example of a free particle, develop the dyadic stationary states, and find that the von Neumann equation for time-varying density of states follows directly from the new equation. We also show how to include the electromagnetic potentials in this probabilistic Schrodinger equation.
Optimal Copying of One Quantum Bit

A quantum copying machine producing two (in general nonidentical) copies of an arbitrary input state of a two-dimensional Hilbert space (quantum bit) is studied using a quality measure based on distinguishability of states, rather than fidelity. The problem of producing optimal copies is investigated with the help of a Bloch sphere representation, and shown to have a well-defined solution, including cases in which the two copies have an unequal quality, or the quality depends upon the input state (is ``anisotropic'' in Bloch sphere language), or both. A simple quantum circuit yields the optimal copying machine. With a suitable choice of parameters it becomes an optimal eavesdropping machine for some versions of quantum cryptography, or reproduces the Bu\ifmmode \check{z}\else \v{z}\fi{}ek and Hillery result for isotropic copies.
Government And Agriculture In Western Europe, 1880 1988

Government policy towards agriculture is one of the most emotive issues under discussion in both academic circles and the media. Food security and rural lifesytles are the focus of attention worldwide. The problems of the European Community's Common Agricultural Policy have been at the centre of much of this attention. MIchael Tracy's contribution to our understanding of these problems is unique. The book demonstrates clearly the lasting effect on the CAP ofnthis historical background and enriches our understanding of modern-day problems. Since the second edition was published in 1982 there have been major changes in the CAP with repeated attempts at reform. Michael Tracy has completely updated and revised the recent material to reflect these changes to help bring this invaluable work to the attention of the world again. Agricultural historians, agricultural economists and those involved in the agricultural policy process will find this essential reading.
Wear properties of UHMWPE/aromatic thermosetting copolyester blends in unlubricated sliding

To improve the wear resistance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), blends of UHMWPE, and an aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) (50/50, v/v) were developed, taking advantage of the crosslinked structure and good wear resistance of ATSP. As a compatibilizer, poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (PEA) was added into the blends with its contents changing from 0 to 20% (w/w). Dynamometer wear tests (sliding against stainless steel surface with contact pressure ranging from 600 to 2500 kPa) showed that the UHMWPE/ATSP blend with 10% PEA had lower wear rate than the UHMWPE sample. The improved wear resistance resulted from the change of the wear mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the worn surfaces revealed that the presence of ATSP and PEA would prevent the lamellar alignment in the UHMWPE phase and adding PEA effectively enhanced the interaction between UHMWPE and ATSP.
Some Aspects Of Anti-Reflective Coating For Optical Lithography

One major limitation in optical lithography is the resist linewidth variation across steps on a highly reflective substrate. This problem can be alleviated by using an anti-reflective (AR) coating on a planarized multilayer resist surface. A spin-on AR coating provides a simple and economical approach for this purpose. However, the curing of the AR coating is a critical process step. An insufficient bake can result in undesirable undercut of the AR coating, while over baking leads to incomplete development. The coated AR thickness, the baking conditions, the exposure dose, and the development process, among others, interact in a complicated manner to impact the patterning accuracy of the resist/AR layers. In this paper, some aspects of the AR coating will be investigated to address the process complexity. Key interactive parameters will be identified, and a guideline to improve the process latitude will be given.
Gene transfer strategies for correction of lysosomal storage disorders.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) represent a large group of monogenic disorders of metabolism, which affect approximately 1 in 5,000 live births. LSDs result from a single or multiple deficiency of s
The Politics of Precision: Specificity in State Mental Health Policy

Policy delegation is, in part, a function of the precision of statutes—the more ambiguous or open-ended the statute, the more decisions are delegated to agencies and the courts. Moreover, the study of policy detail sheds light on the objectives pursued, and constraints faced, by policy-making actors. Yet surprisingly little work in political science has concentrated on the conditions that contribute to or diminish the specificity of statutes, and the work that has been done promotes contradictory findings. This article treats the effects of institutional and political fragmentation on the specificity of mental health insurance laws across states. Using a new measure of statute specificity and identifying new sources of fragmentation as independent variables (e.g., gubernatorial power, interest group diversity, and party polarization), the author shows that fragmentation encourages ambiguity in mental health policy. This ambiguity may serve as a tool to achieve compromise when disagreement precludes precision.
A competitive-collaborative approach for introducing software engineering in a CS2 class

Introductory Computer Science (CS) classes are typically competitive in nature. The cutthroat nature of these classes comes from students attempting to get as high a grade as possible, which may or may not correlate with actual learning. Further, there is very little collaboration allowed in most introductory CS classes. Most assignments are completed individually since many educators feel that students learn the most, especially in introductory classes, by working alone. In addition to completing “normal” individual assignments, which have many benefits, we wanted to expose students to collaboration early (via, for example, team projects). In this paper, we describe how we leveraged competition and collaboration in a CS2 class to help students learn aspects of computer science better - in this case, good software design and software testing - and summarize student feedback.
Late Paleozoic Glaciation: Part IV, Australia

The distribution of striated pavements, tillite, outwash deposits, faceted and striated stones, boulders preserved in laminated sequences and interpreted as dropped by ice floes, and other records, show that a large part of Australia was glaciated during the late Paleozoic. Alpine glaciers grew in the Carboniferous upon mountain ranges bordering the Tasman geosyncline in Queensland and northern New South Wales, beginning in the latest Namurian and culminating during the Westphalian and early Stephanian. Later, following deep erosion, continental ice sheets expanded at the end of the Carboniferous (latest Stephanian), and reached their maximum extent in the Early Permian (Sakmarian), when they spread across Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and much of New South Wales. They reached the Northern Territory in central Australia, and covered a large part of Western Australia, with centers in regions bordering the Perth, Carnarvon, Canning, Officer, and Bonaparte Gulf basins. A broad arcuate depression, at times occupied by the sea, crossed the continent from Western Australia, through central South Australia, and northeastward into Queensland. The ice sheets rapidly dwindled in the Artinskian; although in eastern Australia and Tasmania, large blocks were dropped into marine sediments from distant glaciers, continuing into the Late Permian (early Kazanian). The piecemeal stratigraphic record indicates that continental ice spread northeastward into Tasmania from highlands bordering the region on the southwest, and northward through glacial valleys along the coast of South Australia. The apparent source region is now under the deep ocean, but in the late Paleozoic was probably occupied by then-adjacent Antarctica. The spread northward of continental ice sheets at the end of the Carboniferous corresponds with a rapid shift of paleolatitude as determined from published paleomagnetic studies. Continental glaciers apparently grew when Gondwanaland moved near the South Pole and an unfrozen paleo-Pacific was close by to provide abundant moisture.
Evaluating the unfastening effort in design for disassembly and serviceability

Disassembly is the process of physically separating a product into its parts or subassemblies. Recently, product designers are being challenged to address the concept of ‘ease of disassembly’ while configuring new designs. This is driven by the need for new products to undergo a design for disassembly and serviceability (DfDS) analysis. DfDS promotes design features and attributes, which reduce the subsequent disassembly costs. The disassembly process commonly involves an unfastening action. In this paper we present the unfastening effort analysis (U-effort) model, which helps designers to evaluate and select their fastener options. The U-effort model was developed from an experimental investigation of the most common fastener types used in industry. For each fastener type, the U-effort model identifies several causal attributes, and uses these to derive the U-effort index for a given case. From our experiments, we found that the most significant causal attributes are usually related to fastener size, sha...
A mission-based and student-oriented model for e-commerce curriculum development

The primary purpose of this paper was to present a model for developing an e-commerce curriculum in the College of Business. Several universities that already have implemented e-commerce curriculums, either at the master's level or undergraduate level, were studied for purposes of validating the model we are proposing. The authors give a five-step plan for universities to consider when implementing an e-commerce curriculum or programme.
Subchronic Phencyclidine Administration Reduces Mesoprefrontal Dopamine Utilization and Impairs Prefrontal Cortical-Dependent Cognition in the Rat

Repeated ingestion of phencyclidine by humans induces enduring schizophrenic symptomatology, particularly cognitive dysfunction. In the presently described series of experiments, the neurochemical and cognitive consequences of subchronic phencyclidine administration in the rat were explored. Repeated phencyclidine exposure led to a selective reduction in basal and stress-evoked dopamine utilization in the prefrontal cortex. In addition, rats previously subchronically-treated with phencyclidine were impaired on performance of a spatial working memory task in a delay-dependent manner. Importantly, these dopaminergic and cognitive deficits were observed after withdrawal from phencyclidine, and as such, the neurochemical and behavioral effects were due to drug-induced neurobiological changes rather than direct drug effects. These biochemical and behavioral data show that repeated phencyclidine administration induces prefrontal cortical cognitive deficits in rats, as in humans, and offer a biochemical perspective of the neural substrate underlying this cognitive impairment: inhibition of mesocortical dopamine neurons. Thus, these data may have relevance to psychiatric disorders involving prefrontal cortical dopaminergic hypoactivity and cognitive dysfunction, as has been hypothesized in schizophrenia.
Rapid method of determination of carrier mobility against temperature in GaAs MESFETs

A simple method of measurement for the determination of μ against T at fixed depths in GaAs MESFET ion-implanted layers has been devised. Typical results showing μ against T at different depths are presented that indicate the relative effects of both the shallow and compensating deep levels near the surface and deep in the channel.
Multiple importance sampling for first- and second-order polarization-mode dispersion

A simulation method that targets all possible combinations of first- and second-order polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) is described. Use of this method in importance-sampled Monte Carlo simulations yields a more comprehensive determination of PMD-induced system penalties than first-order biasing alone and significantly speeds up the calculation of outage probabilities, particularly when PMD compensation is employed. The technique is demonstrated by using it to calculate the probability distribution function (pdf) of second-order PMD and the joint pdf of the magnitude of first- and second-order PMD.
NUMERICAL TREATMENT OF MIXED BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELASTOSTATICS.

Abstract : Finite difference treatment of two-dimensional problems in elastostatics is usually based on the differential equations for the displacement vector or the Airy stress function, depending on whether boundary conditions are on displacement or stress. In either case, determination of stresses requires numerical differentiation and therefore use of a rather fine grid. Moreover, neither method is suited to the treatment of mixed boundary conditions. The alternative method developed in this paper uses the first derivatives of the displacement components at the grid points as basic variables and hence does not require numerical differentiation in the evaluation of stresses. Appropriate finite difference equations are established, and their use is discussed in connection with a specific example with known explicit solution. (Author)
Single and multiobjective structural optimization in discrete-continuous variables using simulated annealing

A multivariable optimization technique based on the Monte-Carlo method used in statistical mechanics studies of condensed systems is adapted for solving single and multiobjective structural optimization problems. This procedure, known as simulated annealing, draws an analogy between energy minimization in physical systems and objective function minimization in structural systems. The search for a minimum is simulated by a relaxation of the statistical mechanical system where a probabilistic acceptance criterion is used to accept or reject candidate designs. To model the multiple objective functions in the problem formulation, a cooperative game theoretic approach is used. Numerical results obtained using three different annealing strategies for the single and multiobjective design of structures with discrete-continuous variables are presented. The influence of cooling schedule parameters on the optimum solutions obtained is discussed. Simulation results indicate that, in several instances, the optimum solutions obtained using simulated annealing outperform the optimum solutions obtained using some gradient-based and discrete optimization techniques. The results also indicate that simulated annealing has substantial potential for additional applications in optimization, especially for problems with mixed discrete-continuous variables.
Small watersheds used to study water transport, pollution, more

As John Muir, the eminent American naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club wrote, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” Attempting to understand and predict the response of an ecosystem to large-scale stresses such as acid deposition, nonpoint source pollution, or climate change exemplifies this truth. This effort requires the integration of knowledge from a range of physical and biological sciences spanning hydrology and geochemistry to microbial and community ecology. One approach to studying ecosystems is to divide the landscape into small watersheds, which enables input and output budgets for solutes to be constructed. Such budgets can constrain the the problem of comprehending and quantifying mechanisms operating in the ecosystem. The hydrochemistry and biogeochemistry of small watersheds are the subject of “Comparative Analyses of Small Watersheds,” session H-16 of the Fall Meeting.
In situ observations from STEREO/PLASTIC: a test for L5 space weather monitors

Abstract. Stream interaction regions (SIRs) that corotate with the Sun (corotating interaction regions, or CIRs) are known to cause recurrent geomagnetic storms. The Earth's L5 Lagrange point, separated from the Earth by 60 degrees in heliographic longitude, is a logical location for a solar wind monitor – nearly all SIRs/CIRs will be observed at L5 several days prior to their arrival at Earth. Because the Sun's heliographic equator is tilted about 7 degrees with respect to the ecliptic plane, the separation in heliographic latitude between L5 and Earth can be more than 5 degrees. In July 2008, during the period of minimal solar activity at the end of solar cycle 23, the two STEREO observatories were separated by about 60 degrees in longitude and more than 4 degrees in heliographic latitude. This time period affords a timely test for the practical application of a solar wind monitor at L5. We compare in situ observations from PLASTIC/AHEAD and PLASTIC/BEHIND, and report on how well the BEHIND data can be used as a forecasting tool for in situ conditions at the AHEAD spacecraft with the assumptions of ideal corotation and minimal source evolution. Preliminary results show the bulk proton parameters (density and bulk speed) are not in quantitative agreement from one observatory to the next, but the qualitative profiles are similar.
Adaptive Evolution of Signaling Partners

Proteins that interact coevolve their structures. When mutation disrupts the interaction, compensation by the partner occurs to restore interaction otherwise counterselection occurs. We show in this study how a destabilizing mutation in one protein is compensated by a stabilizing mutation in its protein partner and their coevolving path. The pathway in this case and likely a general principle of coevolution is that the compensatory change must tolerate both the original and derived structures with equivalence in function and activity. Evolution of the structure of signaling elements in a network is constrained by specific protein pair interactions, by requisite conformational changes, and by catalytic activity. The heterotrimeric G protein-coupled signaling is a paragon of this protein interaction/function complexity and our deep understanding of this pathway in diverse organisms lends itself to evolutionary study. Regulators of G protein Signaling (RGS) proteins accelerate the intrinsic GTP hydrolysis rate of the Gα subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein complex. An important RGS-contact site is a hydroxyl-bearing residue on the switch I region of Gα subunits in animals and most plants, such as Arabidopsis. The exception is the grasses (e.g., rice, maize, sugarcane, millets); these plants have Gα subunits that replaced the critical hydroxyl-bearing threonine with a destabilizing asparagine shown to disrupt interaction between Arabidopsis RGS protein (AtRGS1) and the grass Gα subunit. With one known exception (Setaria italica), grasses do not encode RGS genes. One parsimonious deduction is that the RGS gene was lost in the ancestor to the grasses and then recently acquired horizontally in the lineage S. italica from a nongrass monocot. Like all investigated grasses, S. italica has the Gα subunit with the destabilizing asparagine residue in the protein interface but, unlike other known grass genomes, still encodes an expressed RGS gene, SiRGS1. SiRGS1 accelerates GTP hydrolysis at similar concentration of both Gα subunits containing either the stabilizing (AtGPA1) or destabilizing (RGA1) interface residue. SiRGS1 does not use the hydroxyl-bearing residue on Gα to promote GAP activity and has a larger Gα-interface pocket fitting to the destabilizing Gα. These findings indicate that SiRGS1 adapted to a deleterious mutation on Gα using existing polymorphism in the RGS protein population.
Where do introns come from

In eukaryotes (and viruses), genes may be organized into coding and noncoding regions, called exons and (spliceosomal) introns, respectively (Box 1). Both types of sequences are transcribed into pre-mRNA, but whereas exons are used for protein synthesis, introns are spliced out during/immediately after transcription [1] (Figure 1). Although spliceosomal introns are widespread in the eukaryotic tree, they are unequally distributed across species as a consequence of ongoing intron gain and loss [2,3]. So for instance, 287 spliceosomal introns populate the entire genome of the baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) [4], but this number increases to ~4,760 in a different yeast species (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) and reaches ~38,000 and ~140,000 in the genomes of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and Homo sapiens, respectively [5]. Explaining the causes and functional implications of this uneven distribution requires understanding why spliceosomal introns exist in the first place and what the evolutionary origin(s) of these sequences are—a problem that has proved a conundrum for the past 30 years [6].
Kernels for small molecules and the prediction of mutagenicity, toxicity and anti-cancer activity

Motivation: Small molecules play a fundamental role in organic chemistry and biology. They can be used to probe biological systems and to discover new drugs and other useful compounds. As increasing numbers of large datasets of small molecules become available, it is necessary to develop computational methods that can deal with molecules of variable size and structure and predict their physical, chemical and biological properties. Results: Here we develop several new classes of kernels for small molecules using their 1D, 2D and 3D representations. In 1D, we consider string kernels based on SMILES strings. In 2D, we introduce several similarity kernels based on conventional or generalized fingerprints. Generalized fingerprints are derived by counting in different ways subpaths contained in the graph of bonds, using depth-first searches. In 3D, we consider similarity measures between histograms of pairwise distances between atom classes. These kernels can be computed efficiently and are applied to problems of classification and prediction of mutagenicity, toxicity and anti-cancer activity on three publicly available datasets. The results derived using cross-validation methods are state-of-the-art. Tradeoffs between various kernels are briefly discussed. Availability: Datasets available from http://www.igb.uci.edu/servers/servers.html Contact: pfbaldi@ics.uci.edu
Principles for Managing Community Relocation as a Hazard Mitigation Measure

Permanent relocation of communities away from hazard-prone areas is becoming an important mitigation option for emergency management authorities throughout the world. By moving citizens permanently, one realizes two special benefits. First, relocation prevents death or injury from hazards that are minimally subject to human control ‐ that is, where structural mitigation measures are ineffective and forewarning is insufficient for simple evacuation. Secondly, relocation provides monetary saving so that government hazard insurance programs need not pay for repeated restorations of the same residences in the same hazard areas over a period of years. Simultaneously, there are two inherent problems with the use of a relocation policy: it constitutes a serious intrusion into citizens’ lives; and non-hazard related relocations (such as for dam construction or urban redevelopment) have a long history of negative outcomes. This paper traces the history of a community relocation in the southwestern United States, documenting citizen needs and responses to the event. Then, based on the hazards research literature and the case data, a series of principles are elaborated for creating ‘positive’ relocation experiences. In closing, the paper looks at the international use of relocation and the potential for applying the principles.
Genetic characterization of the bovine leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) gene: isolation and sequencing, chromosome assignment and microsatellite analysis

Summary The bovine leukaemia inhibitory factor was isolated from a phage library and sequences for the gene, in addition to 1213 bp of 5' and 432 bp of 3' sequences, were obtained and compared with other mammalian leukaemia inhibitory factor genes. Comparisons indicated amino acid homologies ranging from 89·6% to 77·2% with the human and mouse homologues, respectively. Analysis of 500 bp of 5' regulatory regions indicated homologies ranging from 83·6% to 74·4% with the corresponding human and sheep sequences, respectively. Additionally, bovine leukaemia inhibitory factor-specific primers were prepared, and a panel of bovine 〈 hamster somatic cell lines were analysed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data indicated 93% concordance of leukaemia inhibitory factor with aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 located on bovine chromosome 17, and concordance of 81% with myelin basic protein situated on bovine chromosome 24. Southern analysis of selected hybrids confirmed the PCR results, thus conclusively assigning the bovine leukaemia inhibitory factor gene to chromosome 17. Sequence analysis also revealed a microsatellite in intron 2 of the bovine leukaemia inhibitory factor. Analysis of this region by PCR in 22 unrelated Bos taurus and 19 unrelated Bos indicus cattle detected nine different alleles. Polymorphic information content values were 0·53 and 0·80 in B. taurus and B. indicus, respectively. Additionally, the same leukaemia inhibitory factor primers successfully detected allelic variants at this locus in Bos javanicus, Bos guarus and Bison bison but not in Odocoileus virginianus.
Alias annotations for program understanding

One of the primary challenges in building and evolving large object-oriented systems is understanding aliasing between objects. Unexpected aliasing can lead to broken invariants, mistaken assumptions, security holes, and surprising side effects, all of which may lead to software defects and complicate software evolution.This paper presents AliasJava, a capability-based alias annotation system for Java that makes alias patterns explicit in the source code, enabling developers to reason more effectively about the interactions in a complex system. We describe our implementation, prove the soundness of the annotation system, and give an algorithm for automatically inferring alias annotations. Our experience suggests that the annotation system is practical, that annotation inference is efficient and yields appropriate annotations, and that the annotations can express important invariants of data structures and of software architectures.
Do large-scale inhomogeneities explain away dark energy?

Recently, new arguments [E. Barausse, S. Matarrese, and A. Riotto, Phys. Rev. D 71, 063537 (2005).][E. W. Kolb, S. Matarrese, A. Notari, and A. Riotto, hep-th/0503117 [Phys. Rev. Lett. (to be published)].] for how corrections from super-Hubble modes can explain the present-day acceleration of the universe have appeared in the literature. However, in this paper, we argue that, to second order in spatial gradients, these corrections only amount to a renormalization of local spatial curvature, and thus cannot account for the negative deceleration. Moreover, cosmological observations already put severe bounds on such corrections, at the level of a few percent, while in the context of inflationary models, these corrections are typically limited to {approx}10{sup -5}. Currently there is no general constraint on the possible correction from higher order gradient terms, but we argue that such corrections are even more constrained in the context of inflationary models.
Natural convection enhancement by a discrete vibrating plate and a cross-flow opening: a numerical investigation

In this study, a unique combination of a vibrating plate and a cross-flow passage is proposed as a means of enhancing natural convection cooling. The enhancement potential was estimated based on numerical studies involving a representative model which includes a short, transversely oscillating plate, placed over a transverse cross-flow opening in a uniformly heated vertical channel wall dividing two adjacent vertical channels. The resulting velocity and temperature fields are analyzed, with the focus on the local thermal effects near the opening. The simulation indicates up to a 50% enhancement in the local heat transfer coefficient for vibrating plate amplitudes of at least 30% of the mean clearance space and frequencies of over 82 rad/s.
Dose-response characteristics of nebulized albuterol in the treatment of acutely ill, hospitalized asthmatics.

We investigated the bronchodilator dose-response to nebulized albuterol and the dose of albuterol which produces maximal bronchodilation in the acutely ill, hospitalized asthmatic. Consecutively admitted patients from the emergency room in status asthmaticus who fulfilled the inclusion criteria (age 0.05). Pulse rate and arterial oxygen saturation were not significantly affected by nebulized albuterol up to a total dose of 10 mg. No arrhythmias were noted. In summary, most hospitalized asthmatics (72%) required a cumulative dose of 7.5 mg of nebulized albuterol to achieve maximum bronchodilation and a large fraction (50%) required higher albuterol doses than the standard 2.5 mg. The bronchodilatory response to nebulized albuterol varied widely among patients in status asthmaticus and could not be predicted from the initial severity of airflow obstruction. Because side effects were minimal, it would be reasonable to use 7.5 mg of nebulized albuterol as initial therapy. Alternatively, dose-response titration with albuterol would be advantageous.