cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chocolate para el imperio: la interiorización europea de la estética mesoamericana

Este articulo ofrece una nueva interpretacion de como y por que los europeos desarrollaron el gusto por el chocolate. Mientras estudios previos sugieren que los europeos transformaron el chocolate en terminos materiales e ideologicos para que encajara en su propio conjunto de gustos y prejuicios, aqui se demuestra que los europeos aprendieron a que les gustara el chocolate en los terminos de los indigenas como resultado de su estatus como minoria cultural en la Mesoamerica colonial. Este articulo tambien utiliza el caso historico de la transculturacion migratoria del chocolate para revisar los modelos explicativos del gusto usados en la literatura historica y antropologica. Rechaza los esencialismos biologicos y cultural-funcionalistas y muestra, en cambio, que el gusto es una variable historica independiente asociada a las circunstancias sociales.
Matrix algebra and applicative programming

The broad problem of matrix algebra is taken up from the perspective of functional programming. A key question is how arrays should be represented in order to admit good implementations of well-known efficient algorithms, and whether functional architecture sheds any new light on these or other solutions. It relates directly to disarming the “aggregate update” problem.
An efficient structure for nonlinear L- and C-filtering

The authors present a pipelined structure for real-time L- and C-filtering operations which uses a number of pipeline stages less than or equal to the number of bits in the binary representation of the input data. The method uses a bit-level thresholding operation on input data in binary representation and distributed arithmetic. >
TOFS — A Timing Optical Fiber System

A technique has been established to determine accurately the position of a high velocity liner as it slides past or impinges on another surface. A small diameter optical fiber is accurately positioned relative to a target or liner. A bright light source (such as a small He-Ne laser) illuminates one end. The output from the other end is passed through a band pass filter to a gated photomultiplier tube. Loss of the light signal thus accurately determines the time and position at which the fiber is broken by a passing liner.
THE ACTIVATED ANAPLASTIC LYMPHOMA KINASE INCREASES CELLULAR PROLIFERATION AND ONCOGENE UP-REGULATION IN RAT 1A FIBROBLASTS

More than 60% of anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (Ki-1 lymphoma) are associated with a t(2;5)(p23;q35) translocation that produces an 80 kDa hyperphosphorylated chimeric protein (p80) derived from the fusion of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) with nucleophosmin (NPM). The NPM-ALK chimeric gene is an activated tyrosine kinase that has been shown to be a potent oncogene. We have developed a cellular model for the study of p80 action in rat 1a fibroblasts. Expression of cDNA's encoding NPM-ALK (p80) in rat 1a fibroblasts induces anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and promotes foci formation in culture. Cells expressing exogenous p80 showed significantly increased proliferation characterized by accelerated cell cycle entry into S-phase. Consistent with increased G0/G1 to S-phase transition, there is also marked up-regulation of cyclin A and cyclin D1 expression. In addition, p80 transformed cells showed elevated expression of several immediate early genes involved in cellular proliferation, including fos, jun, and c-myc. DNA binding analysis of nuclear extracts prepared from p80 transformed cells reveal marked up-regulation of AP-1 DNA binding activity. Functional AP-1-specific transfection assays also show up-regulation of AP-1-dependent transcriptional activation. These finding demonstrate that p80 transformed rat 1a fibroblast can be a highly useful model system for the molecular and biochemical characterization of the mechanisms of action of this interesting new oncogene.
Preventing Substance Use, Delinquency, Violence, and Other Problem Behaviors over the Life-Course Using the Communities That Care System

This chapter describes the development and evaluation of the Communities That Care (CTC) system, a comprehensive, community-based strategy for preventing substance use, delinquency, and violence among youth. We explain how communities trained in this system access information regarding the predictors of youth crime and target these predictors using science-based and developmentally appropriate proven interventions that can be implemented from the prenatal period through young adulthood to reduce offending over the life-course. Use of this system by community coalitions has been shown to reduce the initiation and prevalence of substance use, delinquency, and violence in well-controlled scientific trials.
Action of Pseudomonas fragi on the Proteins of Pig Muscle

Considerable salt-soluble protein degradation was observed in pork muscle inoculated with Pseudomonas fragi. During a 20-day incubation period at 10 C, the samples proceeded to rank spoilage or putrefaction. There was a large decrease in the salt-soluble protein fraction and a corresponding increase in nonprotein nitrogen. Disc gel electrophoretic patterns showed that breakdown of the salt-soluble proteins had occurred after incubation for 20 days. During incubation for 10 days at 10 C, P. fragi produced large amounts of extracellular proteolytic activity in ground pork. Most of the proteolytic activity appeared immediately after spoilage occurred. However, a significant increase in the ability to hydrolyze casein and a slight increase in the ability to hydrolyze denatured hemoglobin occurred prior to spoilage.
Optimization Of Fiber Parameters For Different Applications

"Optimization of fiber parameters" usually implies that the numerical aperture, the core/clad ratio, or the core profile is modified for the application of interest. While this is generally true, the accompanying assumption is that the materials being used have already been optimized. In this paper, the opposite tack is taken (i.e., the materials have been neither identified nor optimized). The choice of starting materials is critical, and usually understated. Because the proper choice of starting material should include consideration of the mechanical and optical properties, as well as other physical properties, the particular application should require only additional fine tuning.
A new fault location technique for two- and three-terminal lines

A method for the computation of fault location in two- and three-terminal high voltage lines is presented. It is based on digital computation of the three-phase current and voltage 60/50 Hz phasors at the line terminals. The method is independent of fault type and insensitive to source impedance variation or fault resistance. Furthermore, it considers the synchronization errors in sampling the current and voltage waveforms at the different line terminals. The method can be used online following the operation of digital relays or offline using data transferred to a central processor from digital transient recording apparatus. The authors start with a two-terminal line to explain the principles and then present the technique for a three-terminal line. The technique was first tested using data obtained from a steady-state fault analysis program to evaluate the convergence, observability, and uniqueness of the solution. The technique was then tested using EMPT-generated transient data. The test results show the high accuracy of the technique. >
Evaluation of palliative surgical procedures in unresectable pancreatic cancer.

To update our experience with palliative surgical procedures in unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, the records of 297 patients surgically treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center were reviewed. Between October 1983 and November 1989, 117 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy as a single procedure: 24 patients had gastric bypass, 38 biliary bypass, and 118 both gastric and biliary bypass. The postoperative in-hospital mortality rate was 4.4 per cent. Overall morbidity was 29.7 per cent; the morbidity rate in patients with a double bypass was 29.7 per cent. Median (s.e.m.) survival was 231(20.3) days. Statistical analysis showed a significantly increased risk of morbidity in patients who underwent one therapeutic and one prophylactic bypass. Survival was decreased in patients who had a therapeutic gastric bypass (median(s.e.m.) survival 136(70.2) days) or a combination of two therapeutic bypasses (median(s.e.m.) survival 93(85.9) days). These data emphasize the poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who cannot be resected. The need for therapeutic double bypass is a bad prognostic indicator, and a prophylactic bypass added to a therapeutic bypass increases morbidity without prolonging survival.
Tell/Make/Engage: Actions for innovation

This paper describes the development of the Tell/Make/Engage (TME) method and storytelling techniques inspired by teaching graduate engineering and design students. The TME method is intended for use during the exploration, discovery and prototyping phases of the design process. It has also been applied as a research tool to understand group engagement in a collaborative industry/academia environment. By telling stories you make connections, develop new ideas and move your design process forward. The TME method makes explicit those emotional factors of design that otherwise remain unexpressed. It provides ways for codifying the impact of a story and understanding how this contributes to real progress. Drawing upon established methods in applied psychology, the TME method reflectively employs imagination, episodic memory, emotion in motivation, sensation and perception to paint a picture of future discovery. Storytelling can create a common vision by capturing truth. The context is based on analysis of four class prototypes and 2 seminar iterations. Implications for further work and appropriate uses of the approach for engineering education are discussed.
Oscillations in the Activities of Enzymes of Nitrate Reduction and Ammonia Assimilation in Glycine max and Zea mays

The activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS), and nitrate reductase (NR) and the levels of soluble protein and NO-3 were assayed in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) leaves over a 48-h period with the initial 24 h under a light-dark cycle (LD 16:8) followed by 24 h of continuous light (LL). Plants had been entrained for 30 days under the LD regime. Maize (Zea mays) leaves (10 days old) under a LD 15:9 cycle were assayed only for NR and nitrite reductase (NiR). Data were subjected to frequency analysis by the least squares method to determine probabilities for cosine function periods (τ's) between 10 and 30 h. NR activities for both soybean and Zea leaves had 24 h τ's with P values < 0.05 indicating circadian periodicity. GDH in soybeans had a 24-h rhythm under LD conditions which lengthened under LL conditions. The 24-h rhythm of GDH displayed maximal activity toward the end of the dark period of the LD cycle whereas the highest activity of NR was early in the light period. Total soluble protein displayed a rhythm with a best fitting τ of greater than 24 h under both LD and LL. GDH, GS, NR, NO3, and soluble protein in soybeans and NiR in Zea, all displayed that were ultradian (10–18 h), indicating that a τ of about one half a circadian periodicity may be a common characteristic of the enzymes of primary nitrogen metabolism in higher plants. These data also demonstrate that although both NR and GDH are circadian in their activity, the 24-h rhythm may be greatly influenced by ultradian oscillations in activity.
Impacts of privatization: Use of multimodal survey

Abstract Given current local government fiscal stress, the privatization of public services has been considered as a way to balance local government budgets and improve community service efficiencies. However, along with economic efficiency, the social efficiency of the privatization should be considered. Social efficiency not only incorporates economic efficiency but also includes accountability and equity. In this study, the economic and social impact of the potential privatization of a local utility (Churchill County Communications) is estimated. A web-based questionnaire was employed to collect data quickly and efficiently from CC Communication's employees and employ the questionnaire results in the analysis. Using and augmented input–output model of Churchill County, the analysis showed that privatization would reduce Churchill County employment by 279 jobs and reduce county household income by $36.171 million. In addition, the county could lose up to 14,735 hr of volunteer time and $85,233 in charitable donations if CC Communications were privatized.
Male parental care and its adaptive significance in a neotropical frog

Abstract In the Puerto Rican frog Eleutherodactylus coqui, parental care is performed exclusively by males, and consists of attending the eggs and hatchlings at a terrestrial oviposition site. The two major behavioural components of parental care are egg brooding and nest defence against conspecific egg cannibals. Defence behaviour includes aggressive calling, biting, sustained biting, wrestling, and blocking directed against nest intruders. Parental care lasts from oviposition to hatching (17–26 days) and often for several days after hatching. During pre-hatching development, males are present in their nests 97.4% of the time during the day and 75.8% of the time at night. A large portion of this time is spent brooding eggs. In a field experiment, males were removed from their nests and the fate of clutches was monitored. Compared to control clutches (males not removed), experimental clutches had significantly lower hatching success and suffered significantly greater mortality from desiccation and cannibalism. Hence, parental care yields significant benefits to male fitness via increased offspring survival.
Structure of the lower east rift zone of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, from seismic and gravity data

Abstract Two seismic refraction surveys were carried out in 1976 and 1977 on the east rift zone of Kilauea volcano as part of an exploratory program for geothermal resources. The short traverse seismic refraction survey of January 1976 delineated the upper surface structure of the east rift, revealing velocities of 2.5 km/s under the Kalapana line and 3.1 km/s under the Leilani line beneath a surface layer of low, but variable velocity. This survey was not successful in determining the depth of the high-velocity material. The longer traverse seismic refraction survey of 1977 outlined a high-velocity body at a depth of 2.1–2.3 km. Crustal layer velocities of 3.0, 5.25 and 7.0 km/s were observed with “kinks” in the travel-time curves suggesting that the 7.0 km/s material is intruding into the 5.25 km/s zone. The high-velocity body was interpreted to be a complex of dikes containing solidified magma from past volcanic eruptions that provide energy for the hydrothermal processes associated with the rift zone. Analysis of gravity data from a survey of 1975 provided constraints on the horizontal extent of the dike complex indicating a width varying from 12 to 17 km. Density contrasts of 0.4–0.6 were obtained by using velocity-density systematics demonstrating that the extruded surface lava is quite different from that which remains at depth. One possible conclusion is that magma differentiation has taken place.
Studying Dynamics and Conformational Changes in the Glycine Riboswitch using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is used to study dynamics and conformational changes in the RNA glycine riboswitch. The dynamic role of the leader-linker interaction within glycine riboswitch conserved sequences is probed through site directed spin labeling and continuous wave EPR. Inter-aptamer and aptamer-expression platform interactions are elucidated through double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy. Incorporation of spin labels is achieved through optimized ligation methodologies allowing synthetically modified RNA to be joined to larger RNA sequences. Expected folding and burial of riboswitch elements will lead to restricted motion of the spin label and, additionally, pulsed EPR experiments yield distance distribution profiles indicating conformational exchange between states in the absence and presence of glycine.
Zinc-finger nuclease mediated correction of α-thalassemia in iPS cells

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology holds vast promises for a cure to the hemoglobinopathies. Constructs and methods to safely insert therapeutic genes to correct the genetic defect need to be developed. Site-specific insertion is a very attractive method for gene therapy because the risks of insertional mutagenesis are eliminated provided that a “safe harbor” is identified, and because a single set of validated constructs can be used to correct a large variety of mutations simplifying eventual clinical use. We report here the correction of α-thalassemia major hydrops fetalis in transgene-free iPS cells using zinc finger–mediated insertion of a globin transgene in the AAVS1 site on human chromosome 19. Homozygous insertion of the best of the 4 constructs tested led to complete correction of globin chain imbalance in erythroid cells differentiated from the corrected iPS cells.
Image interpolation using multiscale geometric representations

With the ever increasing computational power of modern day processors, it has become feasible to use more robust and computationally complex algorithms that increase the resolution of images without distorting edges and contours. We present a novel image interpolation algorithm that uses the new contourlet transform to improve the regularity of object boundaries in the generated images. By using a simple wavelet-based linear interpolation scheme as our initial estimate, we use an iterative projection process based on two constraints to drive our solution towards an improved high-resolution image. Our experimental results show that our new algorithm significantly outperforms linear interpolation in subjective quality, and in most cases, in terms of PSNR as well.
Endodermal sinus tumor in children.

Abstract Malignant germ cell tumors account for about 3% of neoplasms in children, and endodermal sinus tumor (EST) is the most common histological subtype. The authors reviewed 22 years' experience (at their institution) in the management of 37 patients with this tumor. Fifteen of them (41%) had a sacrococcygeal primary, 10 had a testicular tumor (27%), 6 had an ovarian tumor (16%), 3 had a vaginal tumor (8%) and 3 had tumors at other sites (8%). Seven (19%) patients presented with metastatic disease, primarily pulmonary. The serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated in all cases tested. The initial chemotherapy regimen included vincristine, actinomycin, cyclophosphamide (VAC), and Adriamycin (6 patients), but since 1985 the regimen has been changed to include cisplatin or Carboplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (21 patients). Eight patients with testicular tumors initially were treated with surgical excision alone. Computed tomography results were a poor predictor of recurrence, but AFP surveillance was extremely sensitive. No second-look operation detected residual tumor in the absence of AFP elevation. Initial relapse for all patients tended to occur early (within 2 years), locally, and often with pulmonary metastases. Although historically the prognosis for patients with EST has been poor, the overall 2-year survival rate in this series was 70%. The best prognosis was among the children who has a testicular primary tumor (survival rate, 100%). The 2-year survival rate for patients with ovarian tumors was 67%; for those with sacrococcygeal primaries it was 60%. These results suggest that the prognosis for children with EST has improved significantly over the past decade. Contributing factors include therapy based on cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin, and relapse surveillance with serial AFP determinations. Second-look procedures should be reserved for patients who have an increasing level of serum AFP, suspicious computed tomography findings, and no obvious evidence of metastatic disease.
Predicted NETD performance of a polarized infrared imaging sensor

Polarization filters are commonly used as a means of increasing the contrast of a scene thereby increasing sensor range performance. The change in the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is a function of the polarization of the target and background, the type and orientation of the polarization filter(s), and the overall transparency of the filter. However, in the mid-wave and longwave infrared bands (MWIR and LWIR), the noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD), which directly affects the SNR, is a function of the filter’s re-emission and its reflected temperature radiance. This paper presents a model, by means of a Stokes vector input, that can be incorporated into the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) in order to predict the change in SNR, NETD, and noise equivalent irradiance (NEI) for infrared polarimeter imaging systems. The model is then used to conduct a SNR trade study, using a modeled Stokes vector input, for a notional system looking at a reference target. Future laboratory and field measurements conducted at Night Vision Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) will be used to update, validate, and mature the model of conventional infrared systems equipped with polarization filters.
“I’m not a lesbian; I’m just a freak”: A Pilot Study of the Experiences of Women in Assumed-Monogamous Other-Sex Unions Seeking Secret Same-Sex Encounters Online, their Negotiation of Sexual Desire, and Meaning-Making of Sexual Identity

This pilot study looked to examine the experiences of women who are “undercover,” the meaning-making of their sexual identity, how they came to negotiate their same-sex sexual desires alongside their primary other-sex unions, and their experience of a secret, compartmentalized life. The study sought to understand their experiences as well as their meaning-making in the course of maintaining a public heterosexual persona while balancing their secret desire for sex with women. The thirty-four women in this study report lifelong incidence of attraction to and encounters with other women as well as men. They are not transitioning toward a lesbian identity nor experiencing fluidity; rather, clandestine encounters are part of an ongoing means to negotiate their opposite-sex marriages. For them, our culture’s limited notions of sexual identity are less than useful. It was important to their self-concept that their sexuality be understood in terms of its intensity and their desire for frequency and diversity of acts. They defined themselves on their own terms and by their sexual personalities and inclination toward what they considered “hypersexuality” or “freakiness.” Despite conventional ideas that women are emotionally driven in their extra-relational affairs and need to “fall in love” to participate in extra-relational sexual activity, all of the women were clear in their desire to limit their association with their same-sex partners to sexual encounters only.
The Assessment of Children with Learning Problems

Planning and evaluating the success of short-term objectives can too easily be overlooked due to the demands that surround IEP construction. Rather than increase teacher dependence on evaluation teams and their diagnostic findings, the author proposes a planning process designed to enhance individual problem-solving. — G.M.S.The role of the special resource teacher is redefined as that of a consultant to the classroom teacher in increasing the teacher's awareness of his or her own problem-solving experiences with the referred child. A specified planning process emphasizing what has been accomplished and what has been effective is carried out. The product of this ongoing staff development program is greater participation by the classroom teacher in writing plans and greater awareness of the process of problem solving itself. This process of independent problem solving may then be transferred to the child.
Simultaneous computation of jet turbulence and noise

The existing flow computation methods, wave computation techniques, and theories based on noise source models are reviewed in order to assess the capabilities of numerical techniques to compute jet turbulence noise and understand the physical mechanisms governing it over a range of subsonic and supersonic nozzle exit conditions. In particular, attention is given to (1) methods for extrapolating near field information, obtained from flow computations, to the acoustic far field and (2) the numerical solution of the time-dependent Lilley equation.
A systematic approach to enhance machine tool accuracy for precision manufacturing

As competitive pressures demand higher levels of productivity and automation, accuracy and reliability of products become increasingly important. Innovations in manufacturing technology also are driven by demands to shorten production cycle time and to maintain a consistently high level of product quality in an advanced manufacturing environment. Innovative and cost-effective methods must be developed to advance precision manufacturing technologies to compete in the global economy. In this paper, a systematic approach is presented to advance the accuracy and functionality of multi-axis machines for precision manufacturing. Four major steps are introduced. First, a method is presented for rapid characterizing of the accuracy of multi-axis machines. Detailed derivation of a generalized error model is given. Second, a method is discussed on the feasible applications of on-machine sensing and analysis. The information obtained from on-machine sensing process is used with the information collected from post-process inspection to improve the machine performance. Third, a method is presented for utilizing post-process inspection and innovative data analysis techniques to decouple the effects of process- and machine-related errors. Finally, an adaptive error correction system is outlined for iterative identification of the residual error and the fine-tuning of the error model for more accurate error modeling and compensation.
Range of HOX/TALE Superclass Associations and Protein Domain Requirements for HOXA13:MEIS Interaction

AbdB-like HOX proteins form DNA-binding complexes with the TALE superclass proteins MEIS1A and MEIS1B, and trimeric complexes have been identified in nuclear extracts that include a second TALE protein, PBX. Thus, soluble DNA-independent protein-protein complexes exist in mammals. The extent of HOX/TALE superclass interactions, protein structural requirements, and sites of in vivo cooperative interaction have not been fully explored. We show that Hoxa13 and Hoxd13 expression does not overlap with that of Meis1-3 in the developing limb; however, coexpression occurs in the developing male and female reproductive tracts (FRTs). We demonstrate that both HOXA13 and HOXD13 associate with MEIS1B in mammalian and yeast cells, and that HOXA13 can interact with all MEIS proteins but not more diverged TALE superclass members. In addition, the C-terminal domains (CTDs) of MEIS1A (18 amino acids) and MEIS1B (93 amino acids) are necessary for HOXA13 interaction; for MEIS1B, this domain was also sufficient. We also show by yeast two-hybrid assay that MEIS proteins can interact with anterior HOX proteins, but for some, additional N-terminal MEIS sequences are required for interaction. Using deletion mutants of HOXA13 and HOXD13, we provide evidence for multiple HOX peptide domains interacting with MEIS proteins. These data suggest that HOX:MEIS interactions may extend to non-AbdB-like HOX proteins in solution and that differences may exist in the MEIS peptide domains utilized by different HOX groups. Finally, the capability of multiple HOX domains to interact with MEIS C-terminal sequences implies greater complexity of the HOX:MEIS protein-protein interactions and a larger role for variation of HOX amino-terminal sequences in specificity of function.
Future of Physics with Heavy Ions

If we define a heavy-ion "space" bounded by the three axes of mass, energy, and intensity, it becomes clear that there are large parts of this space which are completely unexplored. This, by itself, is an attractive situation since unexpected phenomena will almost certainly be found. However, I believe that on the basis of what we already know about nuclei, atoms, and the solid state, there is ample justification to push the physics of these unexplored regions. The recent discovery that "deep inelastic scattering" is a principal reaction mechanism between two heavy nuclei was largely unexpected and this experiment will be briefly discussed. Several examples of interesting future measurements in nuclear and atomic physics with heavy-ions in the energy range of 100 MeV/AMU will be discussed.
Molecular statics calculations of proton binding to goethite surfaces: A new approach to estimation of stability constants for multisite surface complexation models

Abstract A new approach to estimating stability constants for proton binding in multisite surface complexation models is presented. The method is based on molecular statics computation of energies for the formation of proton vacancies and interstitials in ideal periodic slabs representing the (100), (110), (010), (001), and (021) surfaces of goethite. Gas-phase energies of clusters representing the hydrolysis products of ferric iron are calculated using the same potential energy functions used for the surface. These energies are linearly related to the hydrolysis constants for ferric iron in aqueous solution. Stability constants for proton binding at goethite surfaces are estimated by assuming the same log K- ΔE relationship for goethite surface protonation reactions. These stability constants predict a pH of zero charge of 8.9, in adequate agreement with measurements on CO2-free goethite. The estimated stability constants differ significantly from previous estimations based on Pauling bond strength. We find that nearly all the surface oxide ions are reactive; nineteen of the twenty-six surface sites investigated have log Kint between 7.7 and 9.4. This implies a site density between fifteen and sixteen reactive sites/nm for crystals dominated by (110) and (021) crystal faces.
Exploring the climate problems of Brazil’s Nordeste: a review

This article reviews the exploration of the climate dynamics of Brazil’s Nordeste in the course of a century. The drought-prone and semi-arid northern Nordeste of Brazil experiences a short rainy season around March–April, when the interhemispheric gradient of sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Atlantic is weakest and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) reaches its southernmost position in the course of the annual cycle. The recurrent Secas (droughts) have a severe socio-economic impact. During drought years, the interhemispheric SST gradient in the tropical Atlantic is steep and the ITCZ stays far North, while the waters of the eastern equatorial Pacific tend to be anomalously warm. Based on the extensive diagnostic exploration of the circulation mechanisms of interannual climate variability, empirical methods have been developed for the forecasting of the Nordeste rainy season. These have been applied in the real-time prediction of seasonal rainfall anomalies throughout the last decade of the 20th century.
The rotational spectrum of epifluorohydrin measured by chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy

Abstract The rotational spectrum of epifluorohydrin measured by chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy is presented. A new CP-FTMW spectrometer capable of measuring the entire 7.5–18.5 GHz spectrum with a single polarizing pulse is described briefly. The CP-FTMW spectrometer takes advantage of recent advances in digital electronics by utilizing a 4.2 GS/s arbitrary waveform generator as a frequency source and a 12 GHz digital oscilloscope to digitize the down converted molecular free induction decay (FID). Signal averaging in the time domain is used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The rotational constants of three unique conformers of epifluorohydrin were measured, as well as the rotational constants of the three unique 13 C isotopomers and the 18 O isotopomer (in natural abundance) of the most stable conformer. The rotational constants of the two less stable conformers differ significantly from those previously reported [F.G. Fujiwara, J.L. Painter, H. Kim, J. Mol. Struct. 41 (1977) 169–175]. Ab initio calculations were performed for all three conformations and are compared to experimental values.
A Novel Agent-Based Distributed Power Flow Solver for Smart Grids

The goal of this paper is to present a novel agent based distributed power flow solver for general unbalanced radial distribution systems utilizing multiagent system communication. The distributed solver makes use of intelligent agents, which possess three key characteristics, namely autonomy, local view, and decentralization. Comprehensive models of distribution systems will be considered, including lines, switching devices, voltage regulators, transformers, shunt capacitors, distributed energy storage systems, and different load types. The distributed intelligent agents will use the backward/forward sweep technique to iteratively solve the power flow. A distinguishing feature of the new solver is that it deals with the problem from a completely distributed perspective. The proposed solution algorithm is evaluated on three standard IEEE distribution test systems with very promising results.
Prediction of stationary Gaussian random fields with incomplete quarterplane past

Let { X m , n : ( m , n ) ? Z 2 } be a stationary Gaussian random field. Consider the problem of predicting X 0 , 0 based on the quarterplane Q = { ( m , n ) : m ? 0 , n ? 0 } ? { ( 0 , 0 ) } , but with finitely many observations missing. Two solutions are presented. The first solution expresses the best predictor in terms of the moving average coefficients of { X m , n } , under the assumption that the spectral density function has a strongly outer factorization. The second solution expresses the prediction error variance in terms of the autoregressive coefficients of { X m , n } ; it requires the reciprocal of the density function to have a strongly outer factorization, and relies on a modified duality argument. These solutions are extended by allowing the quarterplane past to be replaced with a much broader class of parameter sets. This enables the solution, for example, of the quarterplane interpolation problem.
A Technique for Screening Grape Germplasm for Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita

ABSTRACT A technique to evaluate the root-knot nematode resistance of grape seedlings was developed. Seedlings of rootstock crosses and nematode-susceptible Vitis vinifera cvs. Colombard and Carignane were inoculated with Meloidogyne incognita juveniles. Reproduction of nematodes on individual plants was measured by counting the number of egg masses stained with eosin and the number of eggs present. Egg mass counts were highly correlated with egg counts. Resistant and susceptible cultivars could be clearly distinguished by the number of egg masses produced on vegetatively propagated cuttings. It is concluded that egg mass counting can substitute for the more laborious and time-consuming methods of counting nematode eggs or juveniles in the evaluation of root-knot nematode resistance in Vitis.
Cui Bono? Employee Benefit Packages

Recent difficulties in obtaining quality child care by Clinton administration nominees underscore the shortcomings in employee benefits available to the U.S. labor force. The author uses data from ...
Phase explosion and its time lag in nanosecond laser ablation

Abstract This work investigates interface kinetics during nanosecond pulsed excimer ablation of a metal. During laser heating, the surface can reach a temperature higher than the normal boiling point, resulting in a superheated, metastable state. Phase explosion occurs as the temperature approaches the thermodynamic critical point, which turns the melt into a mixture of liquid and vapor. However, for phase explosion, there is a certain time needed for a vapor embryo to grow to a critical nucleus, called the time lag of nucleation . This time lag becomes important in ablation induced by nanosecond or shorter pulsed lasers. This paper discusses experiments for investigating non-equilibrium phase change phenomena during nanosecond excimer laser ablation of a metal. Evidences of the metastable state in liquid and phase explosion are presented. The surface temperature–pressure relation is found to deviate from the commonly used equilibrium Clausius–Clapeyron equation. Also, for the first time, the time lag of nucleation during nanosecond laser ablation is found to be around 5 ns.
The Significance of Macrocephaly or Enlarging Head Circumference in Infants with the Triad: Further Evidence of Mimics of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Infants with the triad (neurologic dysfunction, subdural hematoma [SDH], and retinal hemorrhage) are often diagnosed as victims of shaken baby syndrome. Medical conditions/predisposing factors to developing the triad are often dismissed: short falls, birth-related SDH that enlarges, macrocephaly, sinus/cortical vein thrombosis, and others. Six infants with the triad are described in which child abuse was diagnosed, but parents denied wrongdoing. All 6 had either macrocephaly or enlarging head circumference, which suggested medical explanations. Three infants incurred short falls, 1 had a difficult delivery in which there was likely a rebleed of a birth-related SDH, 1 had a spontaneous SDH associated with increased extra-axial fluid spaces, and 1 had a sinus thrombosis. Following legal proceedings, all 6 infants were returned to their parents, and there has been no child maltreatment in follow-up, suggesting child abuse never happened. The results indicate that alternative medical explanations for causing the triad should be considered and that macrocephaly or an enlarging head circumference raises the possibility of a medical explanation.
Short- to medium-range superensemble precipitation forecasts using satellite products: 1. Deterministic forecasting

[1] As a comprehensive extension of the previous multimodel/multianalysis superensemble (SE) studies of rainfall forecasts, the benefits and prospects of the SE precipitation forecasts are explored using satellite products. Three different precipitation ensemble configurations are first established from a great number of numerical experiments. These configurations are multianalysis (MA), multicumulus-scheme (MC), and multimodel (MM) configurations. A set of MA ensemble comes from the use of several different satellite-derived rain rates through the physical initialization procedure within the Florida State University Global Spectral Model (FSUGSM) system. Six different state-of-the art cumulus parameterization schemes are incorporated into the FSUGSM in order to introduce the MC ensemble configuration. The MM configuration is composed of an FSU control forecast and those provided by five operational numerical weather prediction centers. In addition to the original technique, a possible deterministic SE enhancement technique (regression dynamic linear model) is then proposed and applied to the above three configurations of ensemble members as well as all of them together. The impact of a higher resolution family of models on the performance of SE forecasts is extensively investigated by repeating the above procedure with T170 resolution precipitation forecasts. Results show that short- to medium-range SE forecasts are generally superior in skill to various conventional forecasts. A notably improved (∼20%) quantitative precipitation forecast is exhibited by the newly proposed SE technique. The MM configuration proved to be the most effective ensemble prediction system. Although a higher-resolution SE forecast requires a large amount of computing time, it turns out that the impact is significant not only in skill scores but also in resolving mesoscale-based convective disturbances.
Evaluation of childhood pseudoseizures using EEG telemetry and video tape monitoring.

Pseudoseizures, clinical events that superficially resemble epileptic attacks but which are not associated with central nervous system paroxysmal activity, are often difficult to differentiate from epileptic seizures. To evaluate the frequency and clinical manifestations of pesudoseizures in children with intractable seizures, children admitted to a Comprehensive Epilepsy Unit received prolonged simultaneous EEG telemetry and video recording. Pseudoseizures occurred in 11 of 53 pediatric patients admitted during the study period. Eight of the 11 patients with pseudoseizures also had documented epileptic seizures. Clinical characteristics of pseudoseizure and epileptic seizures documented by TEEG-VR were compared. Degree and duration of the postictal state, incontinence, combativeness, relationship to stress, and response to anticonvulsant medication were useful differentiating criteria. Pseudoseizures are not unusual in pediatric patients, often occur concurrently with epileptic seizures, and may be difficult to diagnose. However, careful clinical observation may offer clues in differentiating pseudoseizures from epileptic seizures.
Density-functional theory investigation of oxidative corrosion of UO2

Abstract Corrosion and weathering of uranium dioxide (UO 2 ) is a serious concern in a broad range of technological and environmental systems. Oxidation of UO 2 can compromise the integrity of nuclear fuel rods, as well as result in the bioavailability of uranium in contaminated ground water at mines, mills, and nuclear waste storage facilities. How the oxidation proceeds, however, is not well understood. In this work, density-functional theory and ab initio thermodynamics are used to delineate the initial stages of surface and subsurface oxidation of UO 2 at the (1 1 1) surface as a function of temperature and oxygen pressure. Initially, chemisorption of oxygen on the clean stoichiometric surface results in formation of highly stable triple-bonded uranyl groups and oxidation of the topmost uranium atoms to U 6+ at a minimal p (O 2 ) near 0 K. Once the surface is saturated with uranyl groups and the oxygen chemical potential increases above −1.0 eV, subsurface oxidation becomes thermodynamically favored. The degree of oxidation of the subsurface uranium atoms is determined by quantifying the transfer of electrons from the localized U 5 f bands to those dominated by the delocalized O 2 p bands as oxygen atoms occupy octahedral interstitial sites in the UO 2 lattice. Occupation of the octahedral site nearest the surface results in an expansion of the lattice, whereas movement of the oxygen interstitial to deeper sites results in a net contraction.
Agonist-directed desensitization of the β2-adrenergic receptor.

The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonists with reduced tachyphylaxis may offer new therapeutic agents with improved tolerance profile. However, receptor desensitization assays are often inferred at the single signaling molecule level, thus ligand-directed desensitization is poorly understood. Here we report a label-free biosensor whole cell assay with microfluidics to determine ligand-directed desensitization of the β2AR. Together with mechanistic deconvolution using small molecule inhibitors, the receptor desensitization and resensitization patterns under the short-term agonist exposure manifested the long-acting agonism of salmeterol, and differentiated the mechanisms of agonist-directed desensitization between a full agonist epinephrine and a partial agonist pindolol. This study reveals the cellular mechanisms of agonist-selective β2AR desensitization at the whole cell level.
Analysing collimator structure effects in head-scatter calculations for IMRT class fields using scatter raytracing

The frequent blocking of the irradiated volume in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) makes the head-scatter fraction of the incident photon fluence more significant than that in conventional therapy with open fields. On the other hand, certain collimator configurations block scatter photons directed to a given observation point while allowing primary photons to be transmitted. The `anomalous blocking' makes the primary field a poor indicator of the scatter fluence. Since large MU-to-cGy ratios in IMRT can magnify head-scatter uncertainties, it becomes necessary to accurately model both the effective scatter source and the collimator structure that limits the scatter reaching the irradiated volume. First we obtain a dual-source model, using a Taylor series expansion to derive the effective scatter source distribution from the data measured for the Elekta SL20 linac equipped with a multi-leaf collimator (MLC). Then, using a raytracing algorithm, we calculate the transmission of scatter rays from the effective scatter source plane to points in the patient plane. The method can account for the anomalous blocking of scatter by the MLC leaves and the back-up diaphragms. For a variety of collimator settings tested, the calculations agree with measurements to an accuracy of 0.002Ψ10×10, where Ψ10×10 is the total (primary + scatter) photon fluence of an open 10×10 cm2 field for the same MU delivered. Although the significance of collimator structure in IMRT depends strongly on fields shapes employed for the delivery, potential cumulative errors on the order of a few per cent can be avoided in fluence calculations if the proposed method is used.
Current therapy of myelodysplastic syndromes

After being a neglected and poorly-understood disorder for many years, there has been a recent explosion of data regarding the complex pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). On the therapeutic front, the approval of azacitidine, decitabine, and lenalidomide in the last decade was a major breakthrough. Nonetheless, the responses to these agents are limited and most patients progress within 2 years. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only potentially curative therapy, but it is associated with significant toxicity and limited efficacy. Lack or loss of response after standard therapies is associated with dismal outcomes. Many unanswered questions remain regarding the optimal use of current therapies including patient selection, response prediction, therapy sequencing and combinations, and management of resistance. It is hoped that the improved understanding of the underpinnings of the complex mechanisms of pathogenesis will be translated into novel therapeutic approaches and better prognostic/predictive tools that would facilitate accurate risk-adaptive therapy.
Inhibition of breast tumor growth and angiogenesis by a medicinal herb: Ocimum gratissimum

Ocimum sp. is a traditionally used medicinal herb, which shows anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, radio-protective and free radical scavenging properties. So far no detailed studies have been reported on its effects on human cancers. Thus, we analyzed its effects on human breast cancer utilizing in vitro and in vivo methodologies. Aqueous extracts were prepared from the mature leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) cultivated devoid of pesticides. Tumor progression and angiogenesis related processes like chemotaxis, proliferation, apoptosis, 3D growth and morphogenesis, angiogenesis and tumor growth were studied in the presence or absence of the extract, and in some experiments a comparison was made with purified commercially available eugenol, apigenin and ursolic acid. Aqueous OG leaf extract inhibits proliferation, migration, anchorage independent growth, 3D growth and morphogenesis and induction of COX-2 protein in breast cancer cells. A comparative analysis with eugenol, apigenin and ursolic acid showed that the inhibitory effects on chemotaxis and 3D morphogenesis of breast cancer cells were specific to OG extract. In addition, OG extracts reduced tumor size and neoangiogenesis in a MCF10 DCIS.com xenograft model of human DCIS. This is the first detailed report showing that OG leaf extract may be of value as a breast cancer preventive and therapeutic agent and might be considered as additional additive in the arsenal of components aimed at combating breast cancer progression and metastasis.