cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deficit irrigation strategies using midday stem water potential in prune

The effects of two levels of water stress on fruit yield, quality and relative economic return were investigated in French prune over a 3-year period. Water stress was achieved by allowing a progressive decrease in midday stem water potential (midday Ψstem) over the season. The control treatment (T1) received approximately 100% of the estimated seasonal crop water requirements, but did exhibit a decline in midday Ψstem during the season to below that expected for fully irrigated prune trees (–1.0 MPa). For the moderate and severe stress treatments (T2 and T3 respectively), irrigation was managed to reach a target midday Ψstem of approximately –1.5 and –2.0 MPa, respectively, by harvest. Treatments T2 and T3 received an average of 57% and 38% of estimated seasonal crop water requirements, respectively, over the 3 years of the study but this did not negatively impact fruit dry mass accumulation or fruit quality. Over a 3-year period, the stress treatments had less dry mass of fruit dropped, fewer fruit dropped, improved (lower) fruit hydration ratios, less fruit side-cracking and decreased vegetative growth compared with the control. There were no significant effects of either of the stress treatments on flowering, dry fruit yields or relative economic return for the 3-year average data. However, a significantly lower relative economic return for T3 during the third year of the study suggests that the cumulative effect of this level of stress may be detrimental to long-term prune productivity. Allowing a progressive decline in midday Ψstem to approximately –1.5 MPa by harvest appears to be an effective way to reduce irrigation and maintain economic returns in French prune.
Acceleration of Monte Carlo simulations through spatial updating in the grand canonical ensemble

A new grand canonical Monte Carlo algorithm for continuum fluid models is proposed. The method is based on a generalization of sequential Monte Carlo algorithms for lattice gas systems. The elementary moves, particle insertions and removals, are constructed by analogy with those of a lattice gas. The updating is implemented by selecting points in space (spatial updating) either at random or in a definitive order (sequential). The type of move, insertion or removal, is deduced based on the local environment of the selected points. Results on two-dimensional square-well fluids indicate that the sequential version of the proposed algorithm converges faster than standard grand canonical algorithms for continuum fluids. Due to the nature of the updating, additional reduction of simulation time may be achieved by parallel implementation through domain decomposition.
Tensor-boson condensation in superconductivity of heavy-fermion systems

A theory of heavy-fermion superconductivity is proposed based on a tensor-boson condensation within an $\mathrm{SU}(N)$ Anderson-lattice model in which ${f}^{0}$, ${f}^{1}$, and ${f}^{2}$ states are allowed. The order parameter is a multiplet for $Ng2$. In an $s$-wave model, a Kondo-like expression for the gap is obtained, and ${T}_{c}$ and ${H}_{c}$ are calculated. Estimates for Ce${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{2}$ give ${T}_{c}$ of the correct order of magnitude.
A molecular dynamics study of natural organic matter: 1. Lignin, kerogen and soot

Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on molecular models of a spectrum of natural organic matter (NOM) samples represented by two lignin samples (a softwood lignin and a hardwood lignin), a kerogen (Green River Shale kerogen) and a soot sample ( n -hexane soot). Simulated thermodynamic properties of each model, including glass transition temperature ( T g ), thermal expansion coefficient ( α ), density ( ρ ) and solubility parameter ( δ ) were compared against experimental data for corresponding samples. Results revealed relatively good agreement for glass transition temperature and solubility parameter for softwood lignin, Green River Shale kerogen and n -hexane soot models. An unexpectedly low solubility parameter for a hardwood lignin model suggests, however, certain model deficiencies in terms of intermolecular interactions. In addition, a lower density for a n -hexane soot model relative to the sample was attributed to the small cluster size and poor parallel stacking of aromatic clusters in the model. Discussion of the results is provided in the context of utilizing thermodynamic properties as constraints for improved structural modeling of NOM.
Understanding Atomic Structure: Is There a More Direct and Compelling Connection between Atomic Line Spectra and the Quantization of an Atom’s Energy?

The “atoms first” philosophy, adopted by a growing number of General Chemistry textbook authors, places greater emphasis on atomic structure as a key to a deeper understanding of the field of chemistry. A pivotal concept needed to understand the behavior of atoms is the restriction of an atom’s energy to specific allowed values. However, the historical progression of discoveries and ideas that led to this understanding is often confusing to beginning chemistry students due to the number and nature of the concepts that must be logically connected to create a navigable path to understanding. The author suggests a more direct approach that relies on fewer concepts, yet is rigorous in forging the necessary logical and mathematical connections that lead from the hydrogen line spectrum to the inevitable conclusion that the energy of the atom is quantized. A critical thinking exercise that guides students through the derivation and application of the hydrogen atom energy equation has been tested, with encouragin...
Reciprocal altruism: 15 years later

R eciprocal altruism or, as some prefer, reciprocity, has become an important part of our theoretical understanding of how behavior evolves and why it occurs the way it does. At the same time, there .have been only a very few well documented instances of its actual occurence. Fifteen years after Trivers first set forth the theory (Trivers, 1971), a workshop was held at UCLA with the aims of: a) reviewing and evaluating those instances where reciprocal altruism has been postulated, b) attempting to arrive at some generalizations about the circumstances where reciprocal altruism is found and the organisms that display it, and c) considering possible profitable directions of future research. The details of the meeting are contained in the papers in this issue. This introduction describes the meeting and highlights some of the issues addressed. There are many reasons why reciprocal altruism has a critical place in evolutionary theory. It is, for example, intertwined with the evolution of cooperation (see Axelrod and Hamilton, 1981) and most likely with the evolution of consciousness (see, e.g., Dennett, 1983; Crook, 1980) and human culture (see, e.g., Trivers, 1971; Cavalli-Sforza and Feldman, 1981; Boyd and Richerson, 1985). Acts of giving, receiving, and repaying permeate nearly every aspect of human life and, seemingly, the lives of many other species. Acts that are or appear to be altruistic have recently become the focus of debate in evolutionary circles. The critical issue in this debate is how much behavior can be explained as consequences of accident or other developmental and architectural constraints (see, e.g., Gould and Lewontin, 1979).
The free energy of a binary mixture near a surface with applications to surface enrichment

Abstract An expression for the free energy of a binary mixture near a surface has been derived by a method analogous to Debye's molecular-based model for unbounded mixtures ( J. Chem. Phys. 31, 680 (1959) ). This new expression is valid when the wall interaction is relatively long-ranged. The expression has terms containing first and second derivatives of the concentration at the surface. Our form is different from the expression for the case of short-range wall interactions which was derived by Cohen and Muthukumar (J. Chem. Phys. 90, 5749 (1989) ). We report an explicit expression for the wall interaction term. In addition, a more general equilibrium boundary condition for the surface enrichment problem has been derived.
Synthesis and application of styrene/4-hydroxystyrene gradient copolymers made by controlled radical polymerization: Compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends via hydrogen-bonding effects

Abstract Styrene (S)/4-hydroxystyrene (HS) copolymers are synthesized by hydrolysis of S/4-acetoxystyrene copolymer precursors; two gradient copolymer precursors are made by semi-batch, nitroxide-mediated controlled radical polymerization, and a random copolymer precursor is prepared by conventional free radical polymerization. Conventional heat curves from differential scanning calorimetry indicate two glass transition temperatures (Tgs) and a broad Tg in well-annealed 59/41 mol% and 25/75 mol% S/HS gradient copolymers, respectively, both of which contain short S end-blocks. In contrast, a narrow Tg is observed in a 57/43 mol% random copolymer. Each S/HS copolymer is added at 5 wt% by solution mixing to an 80/20 wt% polystyrene (PS)/polycaprolactone (PCL) blend and tested for its ability to compatibilize the blend during melt processing; the hydroxyl groups on the HS units can form hydrogen bonds with the PCL ester groups. The S/HS random copolymer fails as a compatibilizer while both gradient copolymers are good compatibilizers. Relative to the blend without copolymer, the blend with 59/41 mol% S/HS gradient copolymer also exhibits a major reduction in initial dispersed-phase domain size and irregularly shaped domains, which are indicators of a sharply reduced interfacial tension. In contrast, the blend with 25/75 mol% S/HS gradient copolymer has an average PCL domain size comparable to the blend without copolymer and a broad domain size distribution. The presence of S/HS copolymers in the blend leads to reduced PCL crystallization and melting temperatures as well as reduced enthalpies of crystallization and melting, consistent with some solubilization of copolymer in the PCL domain interiors.
Heating effects on laminar flow through a rotating square channel

A numerical study is performed to determine the effects of heating on laminar fluid flow through a square isothermal channel with radial rotation. Computations range from the channel entrance to a flow distance of 300 or 600 times the hydraulic diameter, depending upon the Reynolds number. Surface vorticity intensity is used to indicate the variation of the longitudinal vortex flow. Results reveal that heating has a significant effect on the vortex flow evolution and the change in the laminar heat transfer characters due to the centripetal buoyancy. The ranges of the Rossby number for induction of wavy vortex flow are also discussed.
Use of 3-dimensional imaging reconstruction in the treatment of advanced intra-abdominal desmoid tumors.

DESMOID TUMORS are histologically benign but locally aggressive neoplasms of fibroblast origin. They are sporadic or associated with familial adenomatous polyposis and may arise from any musculoaponeurotic structure in the body. The treatment of choice for advanced and symptomatic intra-abdominal desmoid tumors is operative excision, which is challenging because of their propensity to involve major vascular structures such as the root of the mesentery. Most current imaging modalities, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, offer limited information on the true extent of the tumor, making operative planning a complex task for patients with substantial tumor burden and/or poorly defined margins. Threedimensional (3D) imaging has been used successfully in the last decade in a number of operative procedures to understand spatial relationships between vascular and other anatomic structures and thereby to minimize intraoperative complications. We describe 2 patients with advanced intraabdominal desmoid tumors in which 3D imaging technology (MeVis Technology, Bremen, Germany) allowed for precise preoperative planning and optimization of the surgical outcome.
Calculation of bulk modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of glass

Abstract Combining Gruneisen's equation with our Young's modulus equation of glass, new formulae were semi-empirically derived for the calculation of bulk modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio of glass. Considering packing density of atoms and bond energy in unit volume the elastic moduli of glass can be calculated. The agreements between calculated and observed values of the moduli of glass are satisfactory for more than 30 glasses.
Chronic hydrocephalus associated with short stature and growth hormone deficiency

A 28-year-old man with chronic hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis was found to have a subnormal response of growth hormone to arginine infusion. It is postulated that compression of the pituitary by the enlarged third ventricle produced a deficiency of growth hormone and short stature.
The molecular structure of the receptor-ionophore complex at the neuromuscular junction.

A general theory of the molecular structure of receptors for transmitters based only on protein has been presented elsewhere (Smythies, 1974a,b). The acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction is postulated in particular to be based on a Kusnetsov-Ghokov grid with four sequencestwo “primary” chains A-x-B-cys-A-x-B where A = arg or lys and B = glu or phosphoser and two “secondary” chains of sequence -gly-x-gly-pro-x-ile-cys-asp-x- forming a symmetrical receptor cup of rectangular form. The present paper extends the model to include the gate over the adjacent ionophore (or “ion conductance modulator”: ICM) and the linking mechanism from receptor to gate. These are postulated to consist of a second Kusnetsov-Ghokov grid generated by a third “primary” chain along the side that covers the orifice to the ion conducting channel. The action of ACh is postulated to be to displace an hydrated Ca++ ion from the receptor cup and to disrupt the AB rungs in the receptor grid. The middle primary chain then slides 14 A and the AB links reform. This replaces a bulky amino acid pair normally blocking the ion channel by a less bulky amino acid pair and so hydrated ions can be transmitted. It is further postulated that snake neurotoxins (ACh blockers) in a specified conformation bind mainly to the ionophore grid and prevent the sliding filament mechanism from opening; whereas the snake “cardiotoxins” (ACh agonists)—in a specified conformation—bind to the same sliding filament mechanism in its “open” ionophore gate and prevent it being closed: and histrionicotoxin binds to the same open “gate” but blocks it physically. The hypothesis may rigorously be tested by experiment as it makes detailed predictions on the X-ray structure of the snake neurotoxins and cardiotoxins.
Nagasawa vs. Nagel: Omnipotence, Pseudo‐Tasks, and a Recent Discussion of Nagel's Doubts About Physicalism1

In his recent “Thomas vs. Thomas: A New Approach to Nagel's Bat Argument”, Yujin Nagasawa interprets Thomas Nagel as making a certain argument against physicalism and objects that this argument transgresses a principle, laid down by Thomas Aquinas, according to which inability to perform a pseudo‐task does not count against an omnipotence claim. Taking Nagasawa's interpretation of Nagel for granted, I distinguish different kinds of omnipotence claims and different kinds of pseudo‐tasks, and on that basis show that Nagasawa's criticism of Nagel is unsuccessful. I also show how his reflections do nonetheless point to a limitation of the approach he means to criticize.
THE PARABOLIC p-LAPLACE EQUATION IN CARNOT GROUPS

By establishing a parabolic maximum principle, we show uniqueness of viscosity solutions to the parabolic p-Laplace equation and then examine the limit as t goes to infinity. Additionally, we explore the limit as p goes to infinity. 1. Background and motivation In (7), uniqueness of viscosity solutions to a class of fully nonlinear subelliptic equations in Carnot groups was established. The key tool used was the Carnot Group Maximum Principle, which is a sub-Riemannian analog of the Euclidean version of (10). In particular, the following theorem was proved:
Analysis of the basic curve of obstacle negotiation

Abstract The analytical and geometrical properties of a curve generated by the apex of an inverted V-shaped obstacle are investigated in a co-ordinate system fixed to a wheeled vehicle which is passing over the obstacle. It is established that the curve is a Pascal's spiral. The equation of the curve is presented in a parametric form and a procedure for constructing the curve is described. It is shown how this information is used for establishing whether the vehicle would encounter “hang-up-failure” over more complex obstacles.
Effects of semantic and nonsemantic cued orienting tasks on associative clustering in free recall

During presentation of a randomized list of nonadjacent associative pairs, Ss heard a cue after each word designating the task to be performed. All Ss performed two tasks. In the identical condition, Ss performed the same task on both members of an associative pair. In the nonidentical condition, Ss never performed the same task on pair members. Semantic tasks led to greater recall than did nonsemantic tasks. Also, percentage of clustering was greater when the second member of a recalled cluster had been used in a semantic task rather than a nonsemantic one. Identical and nonidentical conditions did not differ in the measure of recall. When the two tasks were a combination of one semantic and one nonsemantic task, the identical condition showed a greater percentage of clustering than the nonidentical condition. However, when the two tasks were both semantic, no difference in clustering was obtained.
Children with retinopathy-negative cerebral malaria: a pathophysiologic puzzle.

Background Cerebral malaria, defined as otherwise unexplained coma in a patient with circulating parasitemia, is a common disease in the developing world. The clinical diagnosis lacks specificity and children with other underlying causes of coma might be misdiagnosed as having cerebral malaria. The presence of malarial retinopathy can be used to differentiate children whose comas are caused by Plasmodium falciparum and its attendant pathophysiologies from those with other reasons for their abnormal mental status. Children with cerebral malaria who lack malarial retinopathy have not previously been described.
Macaroons: Cookies with Contextual Caveats for Decentralized Authorization in the Cloud

Controlled sharing is fundamental to distributed systems; yet, on the Web, and in the Cloud, sharing is still based on rudimentary mechanisms. More flexible, decentralized cryptographic authorization credentials have not been adopted, largely because their mechanisms have not been incrementally deployable, simple enough, or efficient enough to implement across the relevant systems and devices. This paper introduces macaroons: flexible authorization credentials for Cloud services that support decentralized delegation between principals. Macaroons are based on a construction that uses nested, chained MACs (e.g., HMACs [43]) in a manner that is highly efficient, easy to deploy, and widely applicable. Although macaroons are bearer credentials, like Web cookies, macaroons embed caveats that attenuate and contextually confine when, where, by who, and for what purpose a target service should authorize requests. This paper describes macaroons and motivates their design, compares them to other credential systems, such as cookies and SPKI/SDSI [14], evaluates and measures a prototype implementation, and discusses practical security and application considerations. In particular, it is considered how macaroons can enable more fine-grained authorization in the Cloud, e.g., by strengthening mechanisms like OAuth2 [17], and a formalization of macaroons is given in authorization logic.
Realization of an interacting two-valley AlAs bilayer system.

By using different widths for two AlAs quantum wells comprising a bilayer system, we force the X-point conduction-band electrons in the two layers to occupy valleys with different Fermi contours, electron effective masses, and g factors. Since the occupied valleys are at different X points of the Brillouin zone, the interlayer tunneling is negligibly small despite the close electron layer spacing. We demonstrate the realization of this system via magnetotransport measurements and the observation of a phase-coherent, bilayer v = I quantum Hall state flanked by a reentrant insulating phase.
A new technique for detecting the presence of weak interfering digital signals in radiometric noise

A technique for the detection of the presence of a broad but limited class of interfering signals resulting from common modulation methods in radiometer data is presented. The technique exploits the asymmetry of the signals' modulation constellation in I-Q space and the resulting effect on the statistical 2D probability distribution of a low SNR signal when demodulated and distributed in I-Q space. The statistical limitations of this technique and its application to radiometry are discussed.
Simulating Quantitative Cellular Responses Using Asynchronous Threshold Boolean Network Ensembles

With increasing knowledge about the potential mechanisms underlying cellular functions, it is becoming feasible to predict the response of biological systems to genetic and environmental perturbations. Due to the lack of homogeneity in living tissues it is difficult to estimate the physiological effect of chemicals, including potential toxicity. Here we investigate a biologically motivated model for estimating tissue level responses by aggregating the behavior of a cell population. We assume that the molecular state of individual cells is independently governed by discrete non-deterministic signaling mechanisms. This results in noisy but highly reproducible aggregate level responses that are consistent with experimental data. We developed an asynchronous threshold Boolean network simulation algorithm to model signal transduction in a single cell, and then used an ensemble of these models to estimate the aggregate response across a cell population. Using published data, we derived a putative crosstalk network involving growth factors and cytokines - i.e., Epidermal Growth Factor, Insulin, Insulin like Growth Factor Type 1, and Tumor Necrosis Factor α - to describe early signaling events in cell proliferation signal transduction. Reproducibility of the modeling technique across ensembles of Boolean networks representing cell populations is investigated. Furthermore, we compare our simulation results to experimental observations of hepatocytes reported in the literature. A systematic analysis of the results following differential stimulation of this model by growth factors and cytokines suggests that: (a) using Boolean network ensembles with asynchronous updating provides biologically plausible noisy individual cellular responses with reproducible mean behavior for large cell populations, and (b) with sufficient data our model can estimate the response to different concentrations of extracellular ligands. Our results suggest that this approach is both quantitative, allowing statistical verification and calibration, and extensible, allowing modification and revision as guided by experimental evidence. The simulation methodology is part of the US EPA Virtual Liver, which is investigating the effects of everyday contaminants on living tissues. Future models will incorporate additional crosstalk surrounding proliferation as well as the putative effects of xenobiotics on these signaling cascades within hepatocytes.
Justification and refinements of model B3 for concrete creep and shrinkage 1. statistics and sensitivity

Model B3 for creep and shrinkage prediction in the design of concrete structures, presented as a RILEM Recommendation inMater Struct.28 (1995) 357–365, is calibrated by a computerized data bank comprising practically all the relevant test data obtained in various laboratories throughout the world. The coefficients of variation of deviations of the model from the data are distinctly smaller than for the latest CEB model, and much smaller than for the previous ACI model (which was developed in the mid-1960's). The effect of concrete composition and design strength on the model parameters is identified as the main source of error. The model is simpler than the previous models (BP and BP-KX) developed at Northwestern University, yet it has comparable accuracy and is more rational.
Composition and control of secretions from tracheal bronchial submucosal glands

TRACHEAL bronchial submucosal (TBS) glands are thought to supply a significant fraction of respiratory tract fluid (RTF)1, which is critically important in cleaning the airways of the lung. In the cleaning process, cilia in the tracheal bronchial tree continuously sweep the RTF, with debris, out of the lung. But abnormalities in the physicochemical properties of the RTF may impair this clearance, resulting in fluid stagnation, infection and obstruction of the airways. Unfortunately, because of the small size and inaccessibility of TBS glands and the difficulty in collecting their uncontaminated secretions, little is known about their physiology. We have developed methods for collecting and analysing secretions from single TBS glands of the cat in vitro, and we describe here the composition and control of the fluid secreted by these glands. We have found that the composition of the secreted fluids is very similar to that of the extracellular fluid and that secretion flow rates are influenced predominantly by α-adrenergic and cholinergic agonists. In view of the well known exocrinopathy in the lethal genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF)2, we believe these findings to have implications for pathological changes in the airways in this disease.
Interactions of kinins with angiotensin I converting enzyme (kininase II)

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) was purified to homogeneity from porcine kidney in order to determine whether iodobradykinins bind to the enzyme and, if so, whether pGlu-Trp-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gln-Ile-Pro-Pro, SQ20881, a competitive ACE inhibitor, changes the conformation of the enzyme in such a way that it binds kinins with an affinity and specificity expected of a bradykinin (BK) receptor, i.e. where the BK potentiating action of SQ20881 involves an increase in the number of BK receptors due to a conformational change in ACE. 125I-Labeled derivatives of [Tyr1]-kallidin and [Tyr8]-bradykinin bound to the EDTA-inhibited enzyme, and binding was inhibited by nonradioactive BK. [125I-Tyr5]-BK was not bound by the enzyme. Specificity of [125I-Tyr1-kallidin (TlK) binding was tested with forty-eight BK analogs, and the concentrations of analogs that inhibited 50% of T1K binding were determined. BK at 1.6 ± 0.3 × 10−8 M inhibited 50% of T1K binding. In addition, the concentrations of analogs that decreased by 50% the rate of [3H]-Hip-Gly-Gly ([3H]-HGG) hydrolysis by ACE were assessed. BK at 1.2 ± 0.2 × 10−6 M decreased the rate of [3H]-HGG hydrolysis by 50%. A comparison between these concentrations of analogs for inhibition of TlK binding and [3H]-HGG hydrolysis yielded a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.85). The specificity of ACE binding was clearly different from that expected of a BK receptor. Compounds structurally unrelated to BK, such as 5Q20881, pGlu-Lys-Trp-Ala-Pro-OH (BPP5a) and angiotensin I, inhibited T1K binding and [3H]-HGG hydrolysis by ACE.
Clusters of chromosome 9 aberrations are associated with clinico-pathologic subsets of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

In this study we analyzed nonrandom aberrations affecting chromosome 9 in a series of 426 consecutively ascertained, karyotypically abnormal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) tumors derived from 407 patients. Cytogenetic abnormalities were correlated with clinical, histologic, and immunologic features. Structural abnormalities of chromosome 9 were identified in 60 specimens derived from 59 patients. The recurring abnormalities among these were associated with 4 clinico-pathologic subsets. The first comprised 7 cases of t(9;14)(p13;q32), 6 of which had small lymphocytic lymphoma, plasmacytoid subtype, and an indolent clinical course. The second group included 12 cases with breaks at 9q11–13 and diffuse lymphomas with a large-cell component and a typical response to combination chemotherapy. The third group was comprised of 7 cases with 9q deletions, with a common deleted region encompassing 9q31–32. These cases were characterized by diffuse B-cell histology, young age, and poor clinical outcome. The fourth subset included 5 intermediate- to high-grade T-cell tumors with breaks at 9q34. This analysis of chromosome 9 aberrations in NHL comprises the first such effort based on a large series of tumors. We identify and report here new clinico-pathologic subsets with shared abnormalities of chromosome 9, which should facilitate new approaches to the analysis of the etiology and clinical behavior of NHL. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alterations in unit activity of hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei by stimuli which affect gonadotropic hormone secretion

Abstract The preoptic area (POA) appears to be closely related to the ventromedial-arcuate nuclei (VMN) of the hypothalamus in the control of gonadotropin secretion. The present work attempts to analyze the alterations produced in VMN unit activity after electrical excitation of the POA or after peripheral stimulation by pain, cold, and vaginal cervix probing. Cortical EEG and VMN unit activity were recorded simultaneously in all experiments. Stimulation of POA increased the firing rate of 44% of VMN cells while 44% were inhibited and 12% remained unresponsive. Cold and pain predominantly accelerated whereas vaginal cervix probing predominantly inhibited VMN units. In contrast, these peripheral stimuli primarily accelerated thalamic neuron firing. Also, the discharge patterns of VMN cells were frequently altered by electrical POA or peripheral sensory stimuli. Cortical EEG activity was positively correlated with about 50% of VMN unit activity; in the remainder, cell firing rates were either independent of or opposite to EEG changes. While this study does not offer specific proof that the response of VMN cells to electrical stimulation of vaginal cervix probing is directly related to gonadotropin secretion, the data suggest this conclusion as one possibility. In addition, the high degree of independence of VMN unit activity with respect to EEG changes after electrical stimulation or vaginal cervix probing suggests a certain degree of specificity of such VMN units regardless of more general CNS responses.
A Crack in a Confocal Elliptic Inhomogeneity Embedded in an Infinite Medium

A family of confocal ellipses may be characterized by a single parameter, ρ>1. In the limit as ρ→1, the ellipse degenerates into a straight line of length 2. It tends to a circle of infinite radius as ρ→∞. The geometry of the title problem is fixed by the crack (ρ=1) and the size of an elliptic inhomogeneity (ρ=ρ 0 ). Both the inhomogeneity and the infinite medium are assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic
Implicit Causality and Memory: Evidence for a Priming Model

Previous research has demonstrated an asymmetrical bias in attributions of causality for events described by interpersonal verbs. The authors used a cued recall procedure to examine possible explanations for this implicit causality effect. Subjects in four experiments were asked to form impressions of the people described in minimal sentences containing either action verbs (e.g., help) or state verbs (e.g., hate). Later, subjects were unexpectedly asked to recall the names associated with the verbs. As expected, subjects recalled more names that occupied the agent role than the patient role (Experiments 1 and 2) and more names that occupied the stimulus role than the experiencer role (Experiments 3 and 4). These results lend support to a priming process account of the implicit causality effect.
Pneumonia in unexpected locations: An occult cause of pediatric abdominal pain

Although pneumonia is a known cause of pediatric abdominal pain, it may go unrecognized on a patient's initial evaluation. This is particularly true when the infection lies outside of the typically described basilar location. We report three pediatric patients in whom acute abdominal pain was the sole or primary manifestation of a nonbasilar pneumonia.
Analysis of mode coupling on printed transmission lines using Morse critical points

A new insight on mode coupling in waveguiding structures is proposed using the concept of Morse critical points from catastrophe theory. It is shown that the traditional coupled-mode formalism has clear analytical connection with functional properties of the characteristic determinant in the vicinity of the Morse critical point, which determines the minimum of coupling. Numerical results for various printed transmission line circuits demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach for the rapid identification of mode coupling regions, and for reconstruction of dispersion behavior in those regions via simple analytic (normal) forms.
External Proton Beam Tune Calculations including Targets at Consecutive "Focii"

A beam transport program for the CDC-924A Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS) control computer has been prepared which includes the change in phase space properties caused by multiple scattering in target material at the various consecutive experimental user stations ("focii"). The beam envelope, continuous across targets, can be displayed on an oscilloscope and the beam parameters can be adjusted to fit desired conditions. The phase space ellipse at any specified position in the beam can also be displayed. Average energy loss is included in the computations to update the beam momentum. Experimental tests will be made to determine the validity of the computations.
A dynamically reconfigurable folded-path time delay buffer for optical packet switching

A novel all-optical buffer based on adjustable time delay line is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. This physically compact buffer can be used in optical packet routers and is dynamically reconfigurable within nanoseconds. By using a flexible folded-path architecture design, packets are controlled to exit the buffer immediately or after a variable delay time. Furthermore, this functionality is achieved without sacrificing the scalability and compactness of the design.
An effective algorithm for gate-level power-delay tradeoff using two voltages

We present an approach for applying two supply voltages to optimize power in CMOS digital circuits under the timing constraints. Given a technology-mapped network, we first analyze the timing slack distribution and power/delay model within the circuit. The power reduction is then translated into the Maximal-Weighted-Independent-Set (MWIS) problem. We develop an effective power optimization algorithm based on MWIS. To reduce the possible power penalty of level converters (LCs) at the interface of two supply voltages, we use a "constrained" F-M algorithm to minimize the number of LCs. Experimental results show that the total power saving up to 35% (average of about 19%) is achieved without degrading the circuit performance. The power-delay tradeoff is provided by specifying different timing constraints for power optimization.
Analyzing weak lensing of the cosmic microwave background using the likelihood function

Future experiments will produce high-resolution temperature maps of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and are expected to reveal the signature of gravitational lensing by intervening large-scale structures. We construct all-sky maximum-likelihood estimators that use the lensing effect to estimate the projected density (convergence) of these structures, its power spectrum, and cross-correlation with other observables. This contrasts with earlier quadratic-estimator approaches that Taylor expanded the observed CMB temperature to linear order in the lensing deflection angle; these approaches gave estimators for the temperature-convergence correlation in terms of the CMB three-point correlation function and for the convergence power spectrum in terms of the CMB four-point correlation function, which can be biased and nonoptimal due to terms beyond the linear order. We show that for sufficiently weak lensing, the maximum-likelihood estimator reduces to the computationally less demanding quadratic estimator. The maximum likelihood and quadratic approaches are compared by evaluating the root-mean-square (rms) error and bias in the reconstructed convergence map in a numerical simulation; it is found that both the rms errors and bias are of order 1 percent for the case of Planck and of order 10–20 percent for a 1 arcminute beam experiment. We conclude that for recovering lensing information from temperature data acquired by these experiments, the quadratic estimator is close to optimal, but further work will be required to determine whether this is also the case for lensing of the CMB polarization field.
A Tradable Obligation Approach to the Community Reinvestment Act

This chapter revisits a proposal I made fifteen years ago to redesign CRA in a way that harnesses market forces. Specifically, I proposed that banks be permitted to trade their CRA obligations with one another in a manner analogous to 'cap and trade' regimes used to address environmental pollution. A tradable obligation approach to CRA has the potential to enhance the provision of financial services to low- and moderate-income communities. The potential advantages stem from three sources: The allocation of CRA obligations to banks best able to fulfill them; the promotion of specialization in serving CRA-qualified communities; and increased concentration of lenders in CRA-qualified communities. Specialization and concentration could promote cost efficiencies, the amelioration of information-based market imperfections, and the internalization of externalities associated with CRA-qualified services. Changes in the financial services sector and in community development institutions make this approach potentially more attractive today than it was when I first proposed it. Banks’ lending outside the areas in which they are physically located has expanded substantially; other types of financial institutions not currently subject to CRA now make a high volume of home mortgage loans; and community development financial institutions have developed that could facilitate the allocation of services to CRA-qualified communities.
The Ozone Component of Global Change: Potential Effects on Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Yield, Product Quality and Interactions with Invasive Species

The productivity, product quality and competitive ability of important agricultural and horticultural plants in many regions of the world may be adversely affected by current and anticipated concentrations of ground-level ozone (O3). Exposure to elevated O3 typically results in suppressed photosynthesis, accelerated senescence, decreased growth and lower yields. Various approaches used to evaluate O3 effects generally concur that current yield losses range from 5% to 15% among sensitive plants. There is, however, considerable genetic variability in plant responses to O3. To illustrate this, we show that ambient O3 concentrations in the eastern United States cause substantially different levels of damage to otherwise similar snap bean cultivars. Largely undesirable effects of O3 can also occur in seed and fruit chemistry as well as in forage nutritive value, with consequences for animal production. Ozone may alter herbicide efficacy and foster establishment of some invasive species. We conclude that current and projected levels of O3 in many regions worldwide are toxic to sensitive plants of agricultural and horticultural significance. Plant breeding that incorporates O3 sensitivity into selection strategies will be increasingly necessary to achieve sustainable production with changing atmospheric composition, while reductions in O3 precursor emissions will likely benefit world food production and reduce atmospheric concentrations of an important greenhouse gas.
Observation of closed loops in high-voltage discharges: a possible precursor of magnetic flux trapping

In multimegavolt electrostatic generators, the accidental sparkover discharges change in character as the voltage and stored energy increase. The usual forked, unidirectional discharges are replaced by complex discharges containing numerous closed loops. It is suggested that this is an example of the formation of closed-current loops that generate magnetic fields in astrophysics. >
Counseling techniques to address male communication characteristics: an application of the extended parallel process model.

Evidence shows that the male ideology has a significant impact on men’s health status. Men who adhere to the traditional masculine ideology may find messages regarding healthcare to be threatening. Pharmacists can use the Extended Parallel Process (EPP) Model to counsel men in a manner that reduces their feelings of fear and danger regarding their health while controlling feelings of vulnerability and susceptibility. When counseling men using the EPP Model, pharmacists are encouraged to use universal statements and open-ended questions to create patient awareness of the disease state and foster discussion. Furthermore, since men engage in limited nonverbal communication, pharmacists need to be direct and ask for feedback to gauge the patient’s understanding of the counseling.
The Mothers, Omega-3, and Mental Health Study: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

Objectives Maternal deficiency of the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been associated with perinatal depression, but there is evidence that supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may be more effective than DHA in treating depressive symptoms. This trial tested the relative effects of EPA- and DHA-rich fish oils on prevention of depressive symptoms among pregnant women at an increased risk of depression. Study Design We enrolled 126 pregnant women at risk for depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score 9-19 or a history of depression) in early pregnancy and randomly assigned them to receive EPA-rich fish oil (1060 mg EPA plus 274 mg DHA), DHA-rich fish oil (900 mg DHA plus 180 mg EPA), or soy oil placebo. Subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview at enrollment, 26-28 weeks, 34-36 weeks, and at 6-8 weeks' postpartum. Serum fatty acids were analyzed at entry and at 34-36 weeks' gestation. Results One hundred eighteen women completed the trial. There were no differences between groups in BDI scores or other depression endpoints at any of the 3 time points after supplementation. The EPA- and DHA-rich fish oil groups exhibited significantly increased postsupplementation concentrations of serum EPA and serum DHA respectively. Serum DHA- concentrations at 34-36 weeks were inversely related to BDI scores in late pregnancy. Conclusion EPA-rich fish oil and DHA-rich fish oil supplementation did not prevent depressive symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum.
Simulation of three‐dimensional turbulence with given second‐order statistical structure

A method is presented for generating a turbulent, three-dimensional flow field with correct mean flows, Reynolds' stresses, and energies, along with boundary layer structure. The details of the simulation of turbulent plane Poiseuille flow are given as an example. Plane Poiseuille flow was chosen because it is a useful model for many applications, and has available reliable and extensive measurements. All nine of the components of the spectral matrix are included, from actual measurements, along with incompressibility, a sheared mean flow, and measured boundary-layer structure of the turbulence. The results appear to be realistic, and the statistical structure imposed is adequate for a variety of turbulence studies of three-dimensional flows, in particular turbulent dispersion. Compared with finite-difference methods for solving the dynamic flow equations, with comparable resolution, the method presented here requires some two orders of magnitude less storage, and some four orders of magnitude less computer time.
Hierarchical path computation approach for large graphs

Time is a critical factor in several path planning problems such as flood emergency rescue operations, escape planning from fires and chemical warfare agents dispersed in large buildings, evacuation from urban areas during natural disasters such as earthquakes, and military personnel movement. We propose a hierarchical path planning algorithm (HIPLA) for real time path planning problems where the computational time is of critical significance. The main idea of HIPLA is to significantly reduce the search space for path computation by searching in a high-level abstraction graph, whose nodes are associated with precomputed risk estimates. The cumulative risk associated with all nodes along a path determines the quality of a path. We present a detailed experimental analysis of HIPLA by comparing it with two well-known approaches viz., shortest path algorithm (SPAH) [1] and Dijkstra's algorithm with pruning [2] for large node-weighted graphs.
A waveguide fed composite horn antenna

The design, development, and testing of a dual-polarized waveguide-fed horn antenna is highlighted. The antenna is to be used for the wind scatterometer radar, NSCAT, to be placed upon the NROSS satellite. The dual polarized NSCAT antenna consists of a pair of slotted waveguides fed through horns. The edge-wall 202-element slot array excites an H-plane flared horn; the broad-wall 202-element slot array excites a corrugated E-plane flared horn. The antennas are designed to have nearly identical far-field patterns. It is noted that careful attention to all construction tolerances was extremely important for maintaining proper beam pointing and scale lobe levels. This was particularly true for the edge-wall slot design. >
Bone morphogenetic protein-5 (BMP-5) promotes dendritic growth in cultured sympathetic neurons

Background BMP-5 is expressed in the nervous system throughout development and into adulthood. However its effects on neural tissues are not well defined. BMP-5 is a member of the 60A subgroup of BMPs, other members of which have been shown to stimulate dendritic growth in central and peripheral neurons. We therefore examined the possibility that BMP-5 similarly enhances dendritic growth in cultured sympathetic neurons.
Shock-induced transition of quartz to stishovite

The transformation of quartz to stishovite has been studied by X-ray and optical examination of a series of experimentally shock-loaded specimens of a quartz-copper mixture. Shock pressures of 68 to 260 kb and peak temperatures of 320 to 870 K were achieved. Stishovite was identified from quartz shock-loaded above 90 kb; the quantity increases with increasing pressure, but is not dependent on temperature. The formation of stishovite under shock conditions appears to be intimately related to a short-range order phase.
Climate Feedbacks in CCSM3 under Changing CO2 Forcing. Part I: Adapting the Linear Radiative Kernel Technique to Feedback Calculations for a Broad Range of Forcings

AbstractClimate feedbacks vary strongly among climate models and continue to represent a major source of uncertainty in estimates of the response of climate to anthropogenic forcings. One method to evaluate feedbacks in global climate models is the radiative kernel technique, which is well suited for model intercomparison studies because of its computational efficiency. However, the usefulness of this technique is predicated on the assumption of linearity between top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes and feedback variables, limiting its application to simulations of small climate perturbations, where nonlinearities can be neglected. This paper presents an extension of the utility of this linear technique to large forcings, using global climate model simulations forced with CO2 concentrations ranging from 2 to 8 times present-day values. Radiative kernels depend on the model’s radiative transfer algorithm and climate base state. For large warming, kernels based on the present-day climate significantly u...