cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structured diagnostic interviews for children and adolescents: current status and future directions.

Five structured diagnostic interviews keyed to DSM-III criteria for psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence are in varying stages of development and differ in respect to format, organization, procedures for interviewing informants, diagnostic content, scoring, and time frame for inquiries. High levels of test-retest reliability have been shown for affective disorder, attention deficit disorder, and conduct disorder on several interview schedules. Evaluation of existing psychometric assessments requires consideration of diagnostic comprehensiveness and the psychiatric treatment status and age distribution of samples. A worthwhile goal for future research is to establish an empirical rationale for all essential features of instruments, thereby reducing unnecessary diversity.
Relationship between Scores of Gifted Children on Stanford-Binet IV and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test — Revised:

Fifty-one children who were enrolled in the gifted curriculum in the public schools in a midwest community of 27,000 were tested with the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test—Revised. Correlations were calculated between the Peabody and the four area scores and the composite score of the Stanford-Binet; the correlations ranged from.30 to.57, indicating that the Peabody may be of value in screening students being considered for gifted placement.
Abstract A24: IGF2/H19 and PEG1/MEST DNA methylation in CIN1, CIN2, CIN3 and cervical cancer in Tanzanian women: In search of disease progression biomarkers

Background: Epigenetic mechanisms have been hypothesized to be etiologically involved in progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to invasive cervical cancer (ICC), although empirical data are lacking. Methods: We enrolled 148 controls, 38 CIN and 48 ICC cases at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre from 2008-2009. HPV was genotyped by HPV linear array and HIV-1 serostatus was tested by two rapid HIV tests. DNA methylation was measured at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) regulating genomic imprinting of IGF2/H19 and PEG1/MEST imprinted domains, using pyrosequencing. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odd ratios (ORs). Results: After adjusting for age, HPV infection, parity, hormonal contraceptive use, and HIV-1 serostatus, a 10% decrease in methylation at the IGF2 CTCF3 DMR was associated with a significantly higher risk of ICC (OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.14-3.44) and CIN (OR=1.51, 95% CI 1.00-2.50). We observed similar, albeit weaker pattern of associations between the H19 DMR and ICC and PEG1/MEST (OR= 1.51, 95% CI 0.90-2.53, and OR= 1.44, 95% CI 0.90-2.35, respectively). Restricting analyses to older women (>30 years old) further strengthened these associations. Conclusions: Aberrant DNA methylation at regulatory regions of imprinted genes may increase susceptibility to CIN and ICC and this association appears independent of HPV infection. While the small sample size limits inference, these findings support the hypothesis that DNA methylation at imprinted domains, including IGF2/H19 and PEG1/MEST, may represent susceptibility loci that can be exploited to identify, from among a large number of CIN, those likely to progress. Citation Format: Adriana C. Vidal, Monica Nye, Susan K. Murphy, Francine Overcash, Olola Oneko, John A. Bartlett, Zhiqing Huang, Pendo Mlay, Joseph Obure, Jennifer S. Smith, Brenda Hernandez, Cathrine Hoyo. IGF2/H19 and PEG1/MEST DNA methylation in CIN1, CIN2, CIN3 and cervical cancer in Tanzanian women: In search of disease progression biomarkers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A24.
Mice lacking G0S2 are lean and cold-tolerant.

G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2) is a protein that was first identified in a search for lymphocyte G0/G1 switch genes. A direct role for G0S2 in cell cycle regulation has proven elusive. Yet, there is prior evidence for G0S2 functioning in tumor suppression, immune regulation and lipolysis. To explore definitively G0S2 functions, mice lacking G0S2 were generated and characterized. G0S2−/− mice were born at a Mendelian ratio and were phenotypically normal, with the exception of a possible lactation defect. G0S2−/− female mice carried viable pups to term, but could not typically sustain them beyond 48 h. G0S2 is shown here to be most highly expressed in adipose tissue. It is also expressed in liver, skeletal muscle, lung, ventricles of the heart, and components of the kidney. G0S2 loss significantly decreased relative body weight gain as compared with wild-type (WT) (G0S2+/+) mice, with a significant decrease in gonadal fat pad weight and a significant increase in serum glycerol levels. This decreased relative body weight gain is not associated with a significant decrease in food intake or increase in activity of G0S2−/− mice. In fact, G0S2−/− mice were significantly less active at night than G0S2+/+ mice. When fed with a high fat diet (45% fat diet), G0S2 loss did not prevent diet-induced obesity in mice. Intriguingly, G0S2 loss improved acute cold tolerance, augmenting expression of genes involved in thermogenesis. In summary, in vivo roles for G0S2 were found in lactation, energy balance, and thermogenesis. This study provides a basis for tumor suppressive effects of G0S2 by regulating lipolysis.
An absolute silicon-dose calorimeter

Abstract An adiabatic calorimeter to measure absorbed dose in silicon due to 14 MeV X-rays is described. Design criterial leading to a simple, small and accurate instrument are discussed. Details of the fabrication and the performance of the instrument are presented.
Isolation of a fast decay in submillisecond Chlorella luminescence.

Abstract Using a simple He-Ne (632.8-nm) laser phosphoroscope steady-state luminescence from Chlorella pyrenoidosa was studied from 50 μs to 1.1 ms between 1 ms long exciting flashes. The following results were obtained: (1) prior freezing or ultraviolet irradiation changed the time course of the luminescence to a rapid decay with a half-time of about 110 μs; (2) 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) suppressed the 110-μs luminescence; (3) spectrally, all observed luminescence was, within possible error, identical to fluorescence; (4) no effect on the luminescence intensity from pulsed magnetic fields up to 30 kgauss was observed; (5) the relative fluorescence yield, measured simultaneously with luminescence, was found to be constant. Our principal conclusions, supported mainly by experiments with DCMU, are: (1) the 110-μs decay is a distinct component of the total steady-state luminescence; (2) prior freezing or ultraviolet irradiation isolates this component of the luminescence by suppressing all other components; (3) the half-time and intensity of this component are temperature independent in the interval 0–22 °C.
Why we do the things we do: A discussion and analysis of determinants of just treatment in layoff implementation decisions

Abstract We present a model to explain the variation that exists in how individuals are treated (e.g., notice and explanation provided) during corporate layoffs. Propensity to treat individuals justly and costs and constraints that limit just treatment in a layoff situation are discussed at the organizational and managerial levels. A survey of human resource (HR) managers (n=543) was used to examine predictors of layoff informational justice (e.g., advanced notice, method of informing, and amount of information) and interpersonal justice (e.g., manager demeanor, concerns for sabotage, and escorting layoff victims off the premises). Responses demonstrated more justice in the implementation of layoffs than is suggested from anecdotal “downsizing horror stories” found in the popular press. Informational justice dimensions were predicted by both organizational and managerial factors. For example, less advanced notice was provided when the reason for the layoff was exogenous, such as an economic downturn, then when it was endogenous, such as an organizational restructuring. Additionally, although many companies used individual meetings when informing victims of a layoff, group notification was used more as the size of the layoff increased. There was also much variation in layoff implementation that was not readily explainable by organizational and managerial factors, particularly with regard to interpersonal justice.
Acute Progression of Neuromuscular Findings in Infantile Pompe Disease

A 2-year-old girl with Pompe disease developed an acute worsening of muscle weakness during a hospitalization, and required intubation for an upper respiratory infection. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies produced results consistent with a severe chronic motor axonal peripheral polyneuropathy, with no evidence of reinnervation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated generalized hypomyelination and parenchymal volume loss, whereas magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggested neuronal injury and hypomyelination. This case provides compelling evidence for a slowly progressive neurodegenerative process in patients with infantile Pompe disease, affecting the motor neurons. Routine electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging should be considered to delineate the presence of a neurodegenerative process in infantile-onset Pompe disease.
*Assumptions in Alternate Assessment: An Argument-Based Approach to Validation

State-level testing programs continue to grow, and the challenge of validation does not wane. Although more than a decade has passed since the 1999 Joint Standards for Educational and Psychological...
Developer-induced debonding of photoresist from copper

We describe the debonding of a polymeric photoresist film bonded to a thin copper substrate as a result of the diffusion of an organic penetrant into the polymer. The diffusion profile (measured by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy) consisted of a uniformly swollen layer behind a sharp front which propagated into the polymer at a uniform velocity. Debonding always occurred when the front had penetrated about 12 μm into the polymer (about 1/5 its thickness). The debonding was driven by the release of elastic strain energy created by the swelling
Clinical and histologic predictors of response to interferon-α in patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection

To evaluate if any pretreatment characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) can be used to predict response to the current recommended dose (3 million units three times a week) and higher doses of interferon-alpha (IFN), we retrospectively assessed the response of 37 patients with HCV who were treated with IFN. Sixteen patients (43%) responded to the standard dose of IFN with normalization of ALT. Weight and liver histology were found to be significant factors for response. The responders weighed significantly less than nonresponders (161.8 +/- 35.5 lb versus 200.3 +/- 45.4 lb, P = 0.008). Seventy-five percent of patients with chronic lobular or persistent hepatitis were responders, whereas only 28% of patients with more advanced hepatitis responded (P = 0.01). There was no correlation between the degree of bile duct damage or steatosis and response rate. This study suggests that obesity and severe histologic injury are negative predictive factors of response to the current recommended dose of IFN. The adequacy of the current recommended dose of IFN in overweight patients needs to be investigated.
Controller design for delay-independent stability of linear time-invariant vibration systems with multiple delays ☆

Abstract One of the critical parameters that can deteriorate the effectiveness of active vibration control (AVC) is the delay in sensors. Especially, in remote sensing where delays are large, and in high-speed applications with even small delays, instability can be inevitable. This paper presents algebraic approaches to design controllers in order to achieve stability regardless of the amount of delays for AVC applications modeled by linear time-invariant systems with “multiple” constant delays. The approaches are based on a nonconservative framework, and can identify the regions in the controller gain space where delay-independent stability (DIS) is achievable. With these controllers, we demonstrate via simulations that vibration suppression, within certain excitation frequency bands, can be improved or be as effective as those in AVC applications without delays.
Demography as social science and policy science

Demography as an activity has historically contained ele- ments both of a social science and a policy science. From Malthus's day to the present, the study of population dynamics has attracted those wishing to understand and those wishing to influence. These two activities are quite dif- ferent in nature. The demographer as social scientist seeks knowledge about conditions. His stance requires no commitment to change. He is interested in "what is" and strives to apprehend reality. The demographer as policy scientist seeks to alter current conditions in a specific direction. His stance is necessarily one committed to change. He is interested in "what can be" and strives to produce a desired state. Historically demography has passed through periods when one or the other of these motivating forces predominated among students of population. The shift in perspective from a social scientific orientation to a policy orientation and back again is a major leitmotif of the history of the field, one that has had a profound influence on the evolution of demographic thought. Since the dual nature of demography is unlikely to change, this influence can be expected to continue. For the past 30 years global population dynamics have attracted the attention of most demographers, and the majority have assumed a policy- oriented stance. The major controversy of the period—between the "devel- opmentalists" and the "family planners"—was an expression of conflicts attendant upon pursuing policy-oriented research within an academic discipline. To offer advice on how to produce beneficial social change without doing violence to "facts" as best they are known is a difficult and stressful task. With fertility decline now becoming a pronounced trend in the developing world, there will probably be a renewed emphasis on the social scientific perspective. The goal of demographers will increasingly become to "under- stand" what is happening rather than to "make" something happen. What will
Nucleus-nucleus collisions at ultra-relativistic energies: Status and prospects

Physics with ultra-relativistic heavy ions at three different accelerators SPS at CERN and AGS and RHIC at BNL is reviewed. The physics discussed ranges from global event characteristics through direct photon production, proton-proton correlation studies to Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) phase trasition signatures via dileptonic, photonic and hadronic signals.
Atomic force microscopy : a key to direct wafer bonding technology

Wafer bonding is the dedicated joining of two semiconductor wafer surfaces without the use of adhesives. Specific applications include silicon-oninsulator (SOI), sensors and actuators, and threedimensional integrated microstructures [1-5]. Although a complete theory has not been presented to explain the bonding process, it is generally accepted that the attractive interfacial force between the two surfaces that are separated only by atomic distances is responsible for the initial bonding. These attractive interracial forces are believed to be either electrostatic or chemical in nature. When the two wafers are contacted a relatively weak adhesive force is developed between the surfaces. This initial bond can be strengthened by additional processing such as thermal annealing. The sum of the attractive chemical or ionic interfacial forces balance against the mechanical forces exerted by surface contaminants, roughness, waviness, and wafer bow to determine if an initial bond will form [6]. It is obvious, therefore, that surface-related defects such as particulate contamination, surface roughness, and surface waviness must be minimized and controlled in order to optimize the initial contact for successful bonding to take place. Due to this fact the development of wafer bonding has been highly focused on smooth films such as thermal oxides and bare silicon surfaces. Chemically vapour deposited (CVD) oxides are widely used for the development of integrated circuit (IC) technologies. These CVD oxides may be good candidates for low-temperature wafer bonded surfaces. Structures that do not have surfaces that naturally bond may still be bonded by using deposited films such as oxides as an intermediate layer. P r e v i o u s l y , Si3N 4 and TiN deposited films have been found to form low-temperature bonds [7, 8]. Two other possibilities for low-temperature bondable deposited films are borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), and low pressure chemically vapour deposited (LPCVD) undoped SiO2. BPSG is used extensively in microelectronics device fabrication as an interlayer dielectric film due to its excellent planarization, gettering and flow properties [9]; LPCVD SiO2 is used in applications where there are stringent step coverage and gap-filling requirements [10]. The successful and reliable bonding of these films would be a very important milestone in the realization of novel structures such as three-dimensional ICs
On Learning to See the World Religiously: Moral Awareness, Faith, and Public Moral Discourse

AbstractOur moral awareness directs our attention to salient ethical cues. This article discusses how mistaken presumptions about the ways faith can inform moral awareness can cloud our understanding of the role of religious convictions in public discourse. The article then explores how an understanding of the dynamics of moral awareness can enable people to ground their moral outlooks in their faith commitments while at the same time remaining open to dialogue with people of other faith commitments so that they are able to discuss moral issues in the religiously diverse public places (the public squares) of our global, postmodern age.
A formal approach to the design of feature-based multi-sensor recognition systems

Abstract This paper shows an example of developing a fusion system in a formal framework, i.e., through the use of formal operators in the development process. Two main concepts of formal methods are theories and models. In our approach, the development of a fusion system consists of operations on theories and models. We show, on a simple example, how theories and models are combined in the process of designing a fusion system. We also compare the performance of a system developed according to our approach with a more traditional system.
Microenvironment-Controlled Encapsulation (MiCE) Process: Effects of PLGA Concentration, Flow Rate, and Collection Method on Microcapsule Size and Morphology

To evaluate the real-time effects of formulation and instrumental variables on microcapsule formation via natural jet segmentation, a new microencapsulation system termed the microenvironment-controlled encapsulation (MiCE) process was developed. A modified flow cytometer nozzle hydrodynamically focuses an inner drug and outer polymer solution emanating from a coaxial needle assembly into a two-layer compound jet. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) dissolved in a water-miscible organic solvent resulted in formation of reservoir-type microcapsules by interfacial phase separation induced at the boundary between the PLGA solution and aqueous sheath. The MiCE process produced microcapsules with mean diameters ranging from 15–25 μm. The resultant microcapsule size distribution and number of drug cores existing within each microcapsule was largely influenced by the PLGA concentration and microcapsule collection method. Higher PLGA concentrations yielded higher mean diameters of single-core microcapsules. Higher drug solution flow rates increased the core size, while higher PLGA solution flow rates increased the PLGA film thickness. The MiCE microencapsulation process allows effective monitoring and control of the instrumental parameters affecting microcapsule production. However, the microcapsule collection method in this process needs to be further optimized to obtain microcapsules with desired morphologies, precise membrane thicknesses, high encapsulation efficiencies, and tight size distributions.
Sham feeding is inhibited by dietary-induced obesity in rats

A group of six female, albino rats were maintained on a cafeteria diet of cookies, milk, and elevated-fat (shortening), rat-chow mixture and rat chow while a similar group received only rat chow ad lib for 17 weeks. When the groups differed significantly in mean body weight (obese—387.5 g, controls—287.2 g; p<0.001), gastric fistulas were implanted in each animal. After recovery, the rats were adapted to a liquid diet and assessed for sham feeding. Control-fed, normal-body-weight subjects showed substantial sham feeding when ingesting the Vivonex with the fistulas open compared to fistula-closed intake; meal frequency, meal size (apart from the initial meal) and total food intake were significantly increased while the satiety ratios following each meal were significantly decreased. Obese animals showed no significant increased feeding and satiety ratios were unreliably altered; while normal-body-weight controls increased 4-hr food intakes by 93% and halved their mean satiety ratios the obese animals showed an 8% increase in 4-hr food intake and only a 22% decrease in mean satiety ratios. We offer the hypothesis that, when animals are induced to become obese by palatable and varied diets which are then terminated, the anorexia produced is independent of gastrointestinal interactions inasmuch as that anorexia extends to sham feeding.
Comparison of the UV flow dichroism spectra of TMV and several of its mutants.

The dichroic ratio spectra of TMV and four of its mutants (YTAMV, GTAMV, HR, and CV4) were determined from 320 to 240 nm. Measurements were also made on particles of ATMV (TMV protein reconstituted with polyadenylic acid) and rods of repolymerized TMV, YTAMV and GTAMV protein, respectively. These cylindrical molecules were oriented in a flow gradient with their degree of orientation being determined from anisotropic light scattering measurements. Taking length distributions into account, the dichroic ratios were then extrapolated to values characteristic of perfect particle alignment. Due to the large number of overlapping absorbing bands in the whole viruses, it is very difficult to separate out specific contributions to the total spectra. Since, however, the spectra for the whole viruses were similar, this would suggest an overall likeness in structure for all the virus particles studied. Because the repolymerized proteins did not have the four RNA chromophoric groups present, their spectra would be more sensitive to protein contributions to the total spectrum. Repolymerized rods of YTAMVP yielded results similar to those for TMVP, while the spectrum for repolymerized rods of GTAMVP was significantly different from that obtained for TMVP. Dichroic ratio spectra of the nucleic acids, as they exist within the whole particles, were also calculated by subtracting protein absorptivities from their respective viral absorptivities. The spectra indicates similar results for the various nucleic acids in all the particles studied.
A novel hybrid fusion algorithm to bridge the period of GPS outages using low-cost INS

Land Vehicle Navigation (LVN) mostly relies on integrated system consisting of Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). The combined system provides continuous and accurate navigation solution when compared to standalone INS or GPS. Different fusion methodology such as those based on Kalman filtering and particle filtering has been proposed that estimates and models the INS error during the GPS signal availability. In the case of outages, the developed model provides an INS error estimates, thereby improving its accuracy. However, these fusion approaches possess several inadequacies related to sensor error model, immunity to noise and computational load. Alternatively, Neural Network (NN) based approaches has been proposed. In the case of low-cost INS, the NN suffers from poor generalization capability due to the presence of high amount of noises. The paper thus introduces a novel and hybrid fusion methodology utilizing Dempster-Shafer (DS) theory augmented by Support Vector Machines (SVM), known as DS-SVM. The INS and GPS data fusion is carried using DS fusion whereas SVM models the INS error. During GPS availability, DS provides accurate solution; whereas during outages, the trained SVM model corrects the INS error thereby improving the positioning accuracy. The proposed methodology is evaluated against the existing Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the Random Forest Regression (RFR) methodology. A total of 20-87% improvement in the positional accuracy was found against ANN and RFR.
Genetic implications of the trace element distribution pattern in the upper knox carbonate rocks, copper ridge district, East Tennessee

Abstract The Lower Ordovician, Upper Knox Group rocks (the Kingsport and Mascot formations) in the Copper Ridge district consist predominantly of fine-grained dolostones, medium and coarser grained dolostones, and limestones. Dolomite crystals of medium and coarser grained dolostones show up to eight cathodoluminescent zones of variable width and intensity. Electron microprobe analyses indicate that the zoning is related to variation in Fe/Mn ratios, the brighter luminescent zones corresponding to lower ratios. Superposed on this growth zoning is a compositional zoning characterized by a general increase in Fe from core to rim of individual dolomite crystals. Field and petrographic studies (Churnet, 1979; Churnet et al., 1981) indicate that the fine-grained dolostones formed in supratidal to upper intratidal environments, whereas the precursor lime muds of the limestones as well as of the medium and coarser grained dolostones formed in shallow subtidal to lower intertidal environments. The large areal extent of the dolostones must have required a regionally abundant source of Mg such as marine water. Yet, both limestones and dolostones have low Na and Sr contents suggestive of their formation in solutions more dilute than normal marine water. It is proposed that the fine-grained dolostones formed by aggradation of initially very fine-grained dolostones in presence of fresh water, and that the limestones stabilized and the medium and coarser grained dolostones formed in environments of mixed marine and fresh waters. Considered in the light of ordering of partition coefficients, such a mixing model can account for the observed correlation pattern of trace elements (especially, SMn and SrFe) as well as the Fe distribution in the zoned dolomite crystals. Variation of the partition coefficient of Mn due to fluctuations in the relative proportions of fresh and marine waters in the diagenetic solution may explain the different Fe/Mn ratios observed in the growth zones (luminescence bands) of zoned dolomite crystals.
Assessing preference and reinforcer effectiveness in dogs

The paired-stimulus (PS) preference assessment has been shown to be effective in assessing preference with animal subjects, including dogs; however, evaluations on whether preferred stimuli would also function as reinforcers are lacking. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the use of the PS preference assessment as a predictor of reinforcer effectiveness in eight dogs. The assessment was followed by concurrent and progressive ratio schedules to evaluate the reinforcer efficacy of food items. Results showed that the preference assessment predicted reinforcer efficacy for all subjects. Benefits of using this assessment with dogs are discussed.
The Onset of Flow Instability for Downward Flow in Vertical Channels

A simple analytical model to predict the onset of Ledinegg instability in vertical channels under downflow conditions has been developed and evaluated. The model divides the flow field into three regions based upon the fluid temperature. The pressure drop is then found by solving an appropriate set of equations for each region. The theoretical results are compared to an extensive set of experimental data covering a range of channel diameters and operating conditions. Agreement is excellent, and the prediction of the velocity at which the minimum point in the demand curve occurs is within 12 percent over the range of experimental results. A parameter, the ratio between the surface heat flux and the heat flux required to achieve saturation at the channel exit for a given flow rate, is found to be a very accurate indicator of the minimum point velocity.
Effect of low solids retention time and focused pulsed pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge

The interacting effects of Focused Pulsed (FP) treatment and solids retention time (SRT) were evaluated in laboratory-scale digesters operated at SRTs of 2-20 days. Anaerobic digestion and methanogenesis of waste activated sludge (WAS) were stable for SRT ≥ 5 days, but the effluent soluble organic compounds increased significantly for SRT=2 days due to a combination of faster hydrolysis kinetics and washout of methanogens. FP treatment increased the CH(4) production rate and TCOD removal efficiency by up to 33% and 18%, respectively, at a SRT of 20 days. These effects were the result of an increase in the hydrolysis rate, since the concentrations of soluble components remained low for SRT ≥ 5 days. Alternately, FP pre-treatment of WAS allowed the same conversion of TCOD to CH(4) with a smaller SRT and digester size: e.g., 40% size savings with a CH(4) conversion of 0.23 g CH(4)-COD/g COD(in).
Mesoscale modeling: solving complex flows in biology and biotechnology

Fluids are involved in practically all physiological activities of living organisms. However, biological and biorelated flows are hard to analyze due to the inherent combination of interdependent effects and processes that occur on a multitude of spatial and temporal scales. Recent advances in mesoscale simulations enable researchers to tackle problems that are central for the understanding of such flows. Furthermore, computational modeling effectively facilitates the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Among other methods, dissipative particle dynamics and the lattice Boltzmann method have become increasingly popular during recent years due to their ability to solve a large variety of problems. In this review, we discuss recent applications of these mesoscale methods to several fluid-related problems in medicine, bioengineering, and biotechnology.
Bad Science Used to Support Torture and Human Experimentation

of operation and black sites Intelligence They this the fact each considered torture by the United Nations ( 1), and the United States recognized them on human rights practices ( 2). Although legal sources and trained interrogation experts warned of the unreliability and questionable legality of coerced confessions ( 3), EITs
Time-related changes in snow chemistry — Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Abstract Snow from seven two-meter deep pits on the Ross Ice Shelf has been analysed for Na, Mg, Ca and K. The concentrations vary with depth, the peaks and minima covering ranges of 10:1. The changes in concentration for all four elements were found to be coincident in depth at any one site. When concentrations are highest, elemental ratios are close to sea-water values, indicating a predominantly marine influence. At lower concentrations the chemical ratios are different from sea water and the Mg, Ca and K are enriched with respect to Na. The chemical profile characteristics have been found to be highly correlated between sites. The slopes of the regression lines describing the correlations provide a means for estimating the ratios of the snow accumulations at these sites. The ratios agree well with independent determinations of accumulation based upon β-activity measurements. The concentration changes do not appear to be entirely seasonal in nature. The present interpretation is that the variations in chemical concentrations are caused by meteorological events (storms) large enough to influence substantial geographical areas simultaneously. The frequency and intensity of these events are known to be greatest in autumn and spring, and hence there are probably some seasonal relationships, but these are expected to vary from year to year. The results obtained lead to the development of a hypothesis that the shearing stress conditions in the boundary layer in proximity to the Ross Ice Shelf have a strong influence on the concentrations and ratios of chemical components in the snow on the Shelf. High-shearing-stress conditions in the boundary layer in proximity to the Ross Ice Shelf are conducive to the production of extensive snow storms (particularly in the autumn months), over substantial areas of the Shelf. The trajectories of these storms across southern oceans suggests the sea surface as the principal source of chemical impurities observed in the snow over wide areas of the Shelf. Low-shearing-stress (stable) conditions lead to precipitation events in which the chemistry manifests elemental enrichment with respect to Na. Under these conditions the crustal origin impurities become a more predominant component of the snow chemistry.
Factitious disease of periocular and facial skin

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the clinical appearance of factitious (or self-inflicted) lesions on periocular skin and face. METHODS: All patients with factitious cutaneous disease who were examined at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between 1985 and 1997 were identified. For patients with lesions on the face and periocular skin, the demographic features, clinical descriptive characteristics of their lesions, associated psychopathology, and treatments were ascertained. RESULTS: Of 38 patients with factitious dermatitis, 18 (47%) had facial lesions. Of these 18 patients, 15 (83%) were female. The mean age (± SD) of the patients with facial lesions was 35.2 ± 15.7 years (range, 9 to 66 years). Eight patients (44%) had neurotic excoriations, nine (50%) had dermatitis artefacta, and one (6%) had trichotillomania. The working diagnoses of five patients cared for initially in the Department of Ophthalmology were corneal epithelial and facial desquamation associated with severe pain of unknown cause, medial cicatricial ectropion of probable vasculitic cause, basal cell carcinoma of the nasojugal fold, recurrent preseptal cellulitis resistant to medical treatment, and madarosis of the upper eyelids of unknown cause. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous factitious disease may masquerade as numerous clinical entities and should be included in the differential diagnosis of lesions of the periocular skin.
Single layers of inorganic extended lattices formed at Langmuir-Blodgett templates

Abstract Zirconium octadecylphosphonate monolayer and multilayered films have been prepared and characterized by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, ellipsometry, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). BAM data reveal the rigid nature of a Langmuir monolayer of octadecylphosphonic acid compressed on a Zr 4+ ion subphase; therefore a deposition procedure combining Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self-assembly techniques has been developed. First, an octadecylphosphonic acid organic template is prepared by the LB technique and then Zr 4+ ions are self-assembled onto the template from solution. Finally, a capping layer of octadecylphosphonic acid is transferred to the zirconated template to complete the bilayer assembly. The asymmetric methylene stretch frequency υ a (CH 2 ) appears at 2918 cm −1 and possesses a full width at half-maximum of 20 cm −1 for the template layer, a bilayer and a multilayered film. The position and width of the ν a (CH 2 ) band indicates that close-packed well-ordered films are formed. Ellipsometry demonstrates a layer-by-layer deposition in multilayered films, while X-ray diffraction proves that the films are indeed layered, possessing a d spacing of 52 A. XPS analysis of the template layer shows a Zr:P ratio of 1:1 within 10% error, while the bilayer and multilayered films possess a Zr:P ratio of 1:2 consistent with the stoichiometry of the bulk zirconium phosphonates.
Factors Affecting Worker Exposures to Metal-Working Fluids During Automotive Component Manufacturing

Abstract A two-stage personal impactor was used to collect fullshift exposure measurements of metal-working fluid exposures from workers in three automotive component manufacturing facilities. The 403 workers exposed to metal-working fluid in machining and grinding operations had an average total particulate exposure of 706 μg/m3 (standard error = 21 μg/m3). For a subset of 309 workers, information on factors that might influence the exposure level was also collected. This information included the metal-working fluid type, the machine type, the presence of local exhaust, the degree of machine enclosure, the age of the machine, the distance of the worker from the machine, and the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity. Statistical analysis was used to investigate which factors contribute most significantly to the variability in exposures to large (> 9.8 μm aerodynamic diameter) and small (<3.5 μm) particles. For large particles, the factors of greatest importance in a stepwise analysis of covariance (...
Some aspects of the growth and yield of Gracilaria tikvahiae in culture

Abstract A series of outdoor, continuous-flow seawater cultures (50 l; 0.23 m2) were used to investigate the effects of culture density (kg/m2), nutrient loading (total nitrogen input/day) with both NH4+N and NO3−N, and turnover rate ( flow rate culture volume ) on the growth and yield of Gracilaria tikvahiae. Although specific growth rates as high as 60% per day were recorded for Gracilaria at low densities (0.4 kg wet wt/m2) in summer conditions, maximum year-round yields were obtained at densities of 2.0–3.0 kg wet wt/m2. Above a minimal daily nitrogen loading the yield of Gracilaria was independent of (1) nutrient concentration, (2) nitrogen loading, or (3) whether nitrogen was in the form of NH4+N or NO3−N, but was (4) highly dependent upon flow rate. The time weighted mean annual production during 1976–1977 was 34.8 g dry wt/m2·day or 127 t/ha·yr based on 12-months continuous operation at near optimal densities and flow rates in the non-nutrient limited culture system.
The cis-Acting Gibberellin Response Complex in High-pl [alpha]-Amylase Gene Promoters (Requirement of a Coupling Element for High-Level Transcription)

In cereal alpha-amylase gene promoters the cis-acting gibberellin response element (GARE) is required for increased transcription in the presence of gibberellin. In low-isoelectric point (pI) alpha-amylase gene promoters a second type of cis element, termed a coupling element, must also be present in a specific position near the GARE; otherwise, the level of transcription in the presence of gibberellin is only a few percent of maximum. The coupling element may help determine where and when in development high-level, hormonally regulated transcription will occur. Such coupling elements have not yet been shown to be necessary for high-level transcription from high-pI alpha-amylase gene promoters. Here we use quantitative transient expression assays to show that a high-pI promoter truncated to -300 is a weak promoter due to the absence of a functional coupling element in the vicinity of the GARE. Gibberellin-induced transcription increases substantially when coupling element function is provided, either by appending upstream regions normally attached to the promoter or by inserting a defined coupling element from a low-pI promoter. Thus, in a second type of gibberellin-regulated promoter coupling element function was found to be crucial for hormone regulation to result in high-level transcription.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Graduated Driver Licensing Legislation.

Problem: Many states have enacted graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems in an effort to reduce the very high crash rates of young beginning drivers. This article addresses how to achieve the maximum benefit from GDL by ensuring compliance with protective restrictions. Enhancing GDL through system structure: The major crash reductions due to GDL systems result from the protective restrictions during the initial two levels, which isolate novice drivers from the highest risk driving situations. Accordingly, GDL systems should include protective restrictions that adequately control the greatest dangers facing young drivers: multiple teen passengers and night driving before midnight. Encouraging compliance through system structure: Including protective restrictions that are supported by parents and teens will encourage compliance. Furthermore, linking a teen’s advancement through GDL to demonstrated responsible driving will likely encourage compliance more than threatening punishment for violations. Encouraging compliance through enforcement: Parents are in a prime position to enforce most GDL restrictions, but there is some evidence they do not enforce those restrictions that they consider too extreme. Little is currently known about the involvement of law enforcement in GDL systems, but there is potential for high visibility law enforcement activities to encourage compliance with restrictions. Impact on research, practice, and policy: There is a need for better designed GDL systems in many states; more research is needed to examine compliance with restrictions and to evaluate enforcement efforts by parents and law enforcement. D 2002 National Safety Council and Elsevier Sciene Ltd. All rights reserved.
Flammability characteristics and structure of a pulverized coal, laminar opposed jet diffusion flame

A novel use of the opposed jet diffusion flame in an experimental study of laminar, pulverized coal flames is described. The opposed jet configuration has previously only been used to study gaseous diffusion flames stabilized either between two jets or off evaporating surfaces. In those cases it yielded information on fuel pyrolysis and so its extension to pulverized coal seems well motivated. It is shown, both theoretically and experimentally, that the p.f. laminar opposed jet flameis one dimensional in species concentration and temperature. Particle size segregation does occur but, provided Stokes drag is applicable, the one dimensionality holds for particle size and number density even when particles do not follow gas streamlines. In general, the opposed jet configuration allowed investigation of the effects of non-premixingof pulverized fuel and oxygen on flame structure and characteristics. Although fundamentally different, this flame possessed some surprising similarities to premixed pulverized coal-air flames. Because of its one dimensionality in temperature and species concentrations and because of apparent similarities in propagation mechanisms, the opposed jet flame can be viewed as the diffusion flame analog to more traditional premixed flame studies.
Polyadenylation and transcription termination in gene constructs containing multiple tandem polyadenylation signals

The processes of pre-mRNA 3'-end cleavage and polyadenylation have been closely linked to transcription termination by RNA polymerase II. We have studied the relationship between polyadenylation and transcription termination in gene constructs containing tandem poly(A) signals, at least one of which is the inefficient polyomavirus late poly(A) site. When identical tandem viral signals were separated by fewer than 400 bp, they competed for polyadenylation. The upstream site was always chosen preferentially, but relative site choice was influenced by the distance between the signals. All of these constructs showed the same low level of transcription termination as wild type polyomavirus, which contains a single late poly(A) site. When tandem poly(A) signals were not identical, a stronger downstream signal could outcompete a weaker upstream signal for polyadenylation without altering the efficiency of transcription termination characteristic for use of the upstream signal. Thus, if a weak polyoma virus late poly(A) signal (associated with inefficient transcription termination) preceded a strong rabbit beta-globin signal (associated with efficient transcription termination), termination remained inefficient, but the distal signal was most often chosen for polyadenylation. These results are consistent with independent regulation of polyadenylation and transcription termination in this system and are discussed in light of current models for the dependence of transcription termination on a functional poly(A) site.
Sulfation of guinea pig megakaryocyte and platelet proteins.

This study has explored the sulfation of proteins by guinea pig megakaryocytes and platelets and by human platelets. Guinea pig megakaryocytes were incubated in vitro with [35S]sulfate, and the sulfated proteins were separated from proteoglycans by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The megakaryocytes esterified sulfate to a number of proteins, with the most extensive label migrating at Mr 42,000, and a second heavily labeled band at Mr 103,000 in the 0.1 M NaCl DEAE eluate, and 50 and 180 kDa in the 0.23 M NaCl eluate. [35S]-Labeled GPIbα was immunoprecipitated from megakaryocyte Triton X-100 extracts. Guinea pig platelet proteins were labeled in vivo by injection of the animals with a single dose of H235SO4. The platelets were activated with thrombin, and cytoskeletal proteins were isolated after treatment of the activated platelets with Triton X-100. About 20% of the platelet macromolecule-associated [35S]sulfate was incorporated into sulfated proteins, which were recovered primarily in the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton-associated sulfate radiolabel migrated on SDS-PAGE primarily with actin and additionally with several higher molecular weight proteins. A Mr 42,000 [35S]-labeled protein was immunoprecipitated by a monoclonal anti-actin antibody, along with molecules of Mr 160,000 and 180,000 and some higher Mr material, from the megakaryocytes labeled in vitro with [35S]sulfate. Actin was labeled on 2D isoelectric focusing/SDS-PAGE gels. In addition, there was a very acidic series of heavily [35S]-labeled 42 kDa proteins with about eight components of different isoelectric points with a pattern identical to the Mr 40,000 cytoskeletal-associated glycoprotein Pltpg40 isolated by Hildreth et al. (1991, Blood 77:121). We hypothesize that sulfation of the cytoskeletal proteins might be involved in cytoskeletal protein interactions and function. © 1994 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multiaxis Inertial Sensing with Long-Time Point Source Atom Interferometry

We show that light-pulse atom interferometry with atomic point sources and spatially resolved detection enables multiaxis (two rotation, one acceleration) precision inertial sensing at long interrogation times. Using this method, we demonstrate a light-pulse atom interferometer for $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ with 1.4 cm peak wave packet separation and a duration of $2T=2.3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{s}$. The inferred acceleration sensitivity of each shot is $6.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}g$, which improves on previous limits by more than 2 orders of magnitude. We also measure Earth's rotation rate with a precision of $200\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{nrad}/\mathrm{s}$.