cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correction of Excessive Precipitation over Steep and High Mountains in a GCM: A Simple Method of Parameterizing the Thermal Effects of Subgrid Topographic Variation

The excessive precipitation over steep and high mountains (EPSM) in GCMs and meso-scale models is due to a lack of parameterization of the thermal effects of the subgrid-scale topographic variation. These thermal effects drive subgrid-scale heated slope induced vertical circulations (SHVC). SHVC provide a ventilation effect of removing heat from the boundary layer of resolvable-scale mountain slopes and depositing it higher up. The lack of SHVC parameterization is the cause of EPSM. The author has previously proposed a method of parameterizing SHVC, here termed SHVC.1. Although this has been successful in avoiding EPSM, the drawback of SHVC.1 is that it suppresses convective type precipitation in the regions where it is applied. In this article we propose a new method of parameterizing SHVC, here termed SHVC.2. In SHVC.2 the potential temperature and mixing ratio of the boundary layer are changed when used as input to the cumulus parameterization scheme over mountainous regions. This allows the cumulus parameterization to assume the additional function of SHVC parameterization. SHVC.2 has been tested in NASA Goddard's GEOS-5 GCM. It achieves the primary goal of avoiding EPSM while also avoiding the suppression of convective-type precipitation in regions where it is applied.
(Tetramethyltetraazaannulene)chromium chloride: a highly active catalyst for the alternating copolymerization of epoxides and carbon dioxide.

A tetramethyltetraazaannulene complex incorporating a chromium(III) metal center has been shown to be highly active toward the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and carbon dioxide to afford poly(cyclohexene carbonate) in the presence of [PPN]N3 [PPN+ = bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium] as a cocatalyst. An asymptotical rate increase was observed, leveling at 2 equiv of cocatalyst with a maximum turnover frequency of 1300 h-1 at 80 °C. A benefit of this new catalyst system over that of the previously studied less-active (salen)CrX system is that the (tmtaa)CrCl catalyst has a much lower propensity toward the formation of a cyclic carbonate byproduct throughout the copolymerization reaction.
COMPUTERIZED TASK ANALYSIS

We developed an integrated computer-based procedure for conducting task analyses of the human-machine interface. The data base established with this task analysis methodology can be used by various system designers to answer questions at different levels (e.g., assessing individual keystrokes vs. overall mental workload levels) and as the system moves through the design stage. Our methodology is based upon the use of conventional task analysis procedures for data collection purposes but employs computer spreadsheet capabilities for analyzing and presenting these data.
Antibody diversity: somatic hypermutation of rearranged VH genes.

Abstract The immune response to phosphorylcholine in BALB/c mice has been well characterized. Amino acid sequence analyses of heavy-chain variable (V H ) regions from 19 myeloma and hybridoma immunoglobulins binding phosphorylcholine show that 10 are identical (the prototype T15 V H sequence) and 9 are distinct variants differing by one to eight residues. A T15 V H DNA probe was used to isolate four closely related members of the T15 V H gene family, including one encoding the T15 V H sequence, from a sperm genomic library. A comparison of the protein and germline V H sequences suggested that most of the immune response to phosphorylcholine is derived from the T15 germline V H gene segment. The variant heavy chains from the M167 and M603 α immunoglobulins differ in their V H protein sequences from T15 by eight and three residues, respectively. We analyzed the somatic variability in and around the coding regions of these two variant V H genes by comparing them with the corresponding regions of the appropriate germline gene segments. The somatic variation has three properties: it is extensive and is found in flanking as well as coding sequences (for example, at least 44 substitutions for the M167 sequence and 10 substitutions for the M603 sequence); in the coding regions, it includes many silent as well as replacement substitutions; and it is focal in nature and centered around the rearranged V H genes. Although the mutations extend into the neighboring upstream and downstream flanking sequences, sequences approximately 5 kb upstream and downstream from the V H genes show no substitutions. Moreover, the associated heavy-chain constant genes (C α from both variant α genes are unaltered, indicating that a closely linked and coexpressed gene is unmutated. We conclude that this somatic variation is generated by a special hypermutational mechanism highly localized in its site of execution and highly restricted in its time of operation during B-cell development.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis presenting as acute renal failure

Background A 60-year-old man with a history of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid and coronary vasculature presented with lower back pain and acute renal failure. Imaging studies revealed bilateral ureteral obstruction by a large retroperitoneal mass. Investigations Physical examination, urine and blood analysis, catheterization, radiography of the chest, abdominal and pelvic CT, magnetic resonance angiography, renal ultrasound and biopsy of mass. Diagnosis Retroperitoneal fibrosis. Management Ureteral stenting, laparoscopic ureterolysis, and immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil.
Couette charger for measurement of equilibrium and energization flow electrification parameters: application to transformer insulation

The fluid under test (e.g. transformer oil) fills the annulus between coaxial circular cylinders that are covered by the solid of interest (e.g., metal or oil-impregnated paper backed by metal). The inner cylinder can rotate at speeds giving controlled laminar and turbulent flows (for fluids as viscous as transformer oil). This relatively compact apparatus allows for flexibility in testing liquids, trace impurities, and solid insulation without involving large amounts of material. By virtue of the reentrant flow, it acts like a pipe of infinite length and thus provides for the measurement of basic electrification parameters even in highly insulating systems, where the electrical development length for a pipe flow system is likely to be longer than the practical length of a test section. By sampling the charge entrained in the azimuthal flow at a sufficiently slow rate, equilibrium parameters can be deduced. >
Coupled fluid-structure solver: The case of shock wave impact on monolithic and composite material plates

An unstructured adaptive mesh flow solver, a finite element structure solver and a moving mesh algorithm were implemented in the numerical simulation of the interaction between a shock wave and a structure. In the past, this interaction is mostly considered as one-way in the sense that the shock causes a transient load on the structure while it is reflected uneffected by the impact. A fully coupled approach was implemented in the present work which can account for the effects associated with a mutual interaction. This approach included a compressible flow Eulerian solver of second order accuracy in finite volume formulation for the fluid and a Langargian solver in finite element formulation for the solid structure. A novel implementation of advancing front moving mesh algorithm was made possible with the introduction of a flexible and efficient quad-edge data structure. Adaptive mesh refinement was introduced into the flow solver for improved accuracy as well. Numerical results are further validated by theoretical analysis, experimental data and results from other numerical simulations. Grid dependency study was performed and results showed that the physical phenomena and quantities were independent of the numerical grid chosen in the simulations. The results illuminated complicated flow phenomena and structure vibration patterns, which in order to be detected experimentally require capabilities beyond those of the current experimental techniques. The numerical simulations also successfully modelled the aero-acoustic damping effects on the structure, which do not exist in previous numerical models. Further analysis of the results showed that the mutual interaction is not linear and that the non-linearity arises because the wave propagation in the fluid is not linear and it cascades a non-linear and non-uniform loading on the plate. Non-linearity intensifies when the plate is vibrating at high frequency while the wave propagation speed is low.
Using a theory to understand triage decision making

The purpose of this discussion is to present triage decision making research within the context of the Revised Cognitive Continuum Theory. Triage is an essential clinical skill in emergency nursing. Understanding the best way to facilitate this skill is vital when educating new nurses or providing continuing education to practicing nurses. Delineating research evidence within a theory allows clinical educators to understand practices that foster successful triage skills and permits the grounding of educational strategies within a theoretical framework.
The effects of formal church affiliation and religiosity on the fertility patterns of Mexican-American Catholics.

The effects of religion on the fertility patterns of Mexican Americans are examined with two different path models, the Institutional Model using formal affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church as a measure of religion, and the Religiosity Model using a measure of religiosity. Each model, tested separately for husbands and wives, examines the effects of religion on types of contraceptive methods used and on wanted family size. Although the majority of Mexican Americans are Catholics and tend to have large families, religion does not seem to have the same effect on their fertility patterns as on that of other Catholics in the United States. Among the men, neither formal affiliation nor religiosity affect the fertility patterns in any way, while among the women the effect is slight. Considering the Catholic Church’s position on contraceptive usage, it is especially noteworthy that religion does not affect the use or non-use of the more effective means of contraception, a factor contributing to the generally weak association between the measures of religion and wanted family size. The last section attempts a partial explanation of why the results turned out as they did.
Massed versus Distributed Practice in Complex Skill Acquisition

A training sequence on a complex video research task was distributed over 10 days or massed within two days. Measures of fatigue and confidence were taken. A final test battery given 1 week after acquisition consisted of retention tests, a test of resistance to interference, and a test of transfer. Trainees in the Distributed condition performed better throughout. Massed and Distributed trainees showed moderate levels of fatigue and did not differ from each other. Differences in confidence could not account for the results. Theories based on massing simple task acquisition within an hour are discussed as a framework for understanding and reducing suppression caused by massing complex tasks within days.
Ribulose diphosphate carboxylase. I. A factor involved in light activation of the enzyme.

Abstract The enzyme ribulose diphosphate carboxylase (RudPCase) has been shown to be present in high concentrations in chloroplasts ( Lyttleton and Tso, 1958 ) however, the measured turnover of the isolated enzyme is so low that the exact role of this enzyme in CO2 fixation has been questioned ( Trown, 1965 ; Gibbs et al., 1967 ). In addition the levels of CO2 required for efficient functioning of purified RudPCase are so high relative to the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere that calculations by various workers have concluded that the enzyme could not support the known CO2 fixation rate in intact tissue. As a result, extensive investigations have been carried out to determine means of preserving or restoring activity to the isolated enzyme. This communication describes the isolation of a small factor both from tomato leaves and from isolated chloroplasts which increases the enzyme activity of ribulose diphosphate carboxylase both in crude extracts and in the isolated enzyme preparations. The factor has a chromophoric group with absorption maxiumum at 325 mμ. Moreover, the activation of RudPCase is light dependent with a maximum in the action spectrum also a 325 mμ.
Gray Matter Differences Between Healthy and Depressed Adolescents: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study

Abstract Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently begins during adolescence and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the neurobiology of adolescent depression. A better understanding of the neurobiology will be helpful in developing more effective preventive and treatment interventions for this highly disabling illness. Methods: Using a voxel-based morphometric method, the study compared gray matter and white matter volumes in 22 adolescents with MDD and 22 age- and gender-matched normal controls. Results: Compared with controls, depressed adolescents had smaller gray matter volume in the frontal lobe and caudate nucleus bilaterally and right superior and middle temporal gyri. However, the groups did not differ significantly on white matter volume. Conclusions: These findings in depressed adolescents are consistent with the previous findings of gray matter abnormalities in frontolimbic areas and the striatum in depressed adults and suggest th...
Acute Effects of "Hyping" a Black&Mild Cigarillo.

INTRODUCTION Cigars remain a widely used tobacco product among adolescent and adult populations. The appeal of a certain type of cigar, the cigarillo, may be enhanced by users' beliefs that their harm potential can be reduced by removing the inner tobacco liner before use (a.k.a. "hyping"). The purpose of this within-subject study was to compare the acute effects of smoking an original cigarillo, a modified ("hyped") cigarillo, and an unlit cigarillo. METHODS Twenty smokers (19 males, 1 female; 19 non-Hispanic blacks, 1 Hispanic "other") of at least 7 BlackM however, ratings generally did not differ between these conditions. Overall, topography outcomes did not differ between modified and original B&M smoking. CONCLUSIONS Results are consistent with a previous report in that "hyping" may decrease users' CO, but not nicotine, exposure. While these data collectively suggest reduced exposure to CO acutely with engagement in "hyping," longer-term assessments are needed to determine the impact on individual and public health.
Increasing oral bioavailability of progesterone by formulation.

Abstract Admixture of cholesterol trimethyl acetate to progesterone in proportions that formed solid solutions resulted in significant increase of oral bio-availability in humans. Studies in rats have indicated that increased effectiveness was achieved by increasing lymph absorption.
Impact of multiple-family groups for outpatients with schizophrenia on caregivers' distress and resources.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple-family group treatment on distress and psychosocial resources among family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 97 consumers with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and their caregivers were randomly assigned to receive multiple-family group treatment (N=53) or standard psychiatric outpatient care (N=44). Reliable and valid measures were used to assess caregivers’ distress, caregivers’ resources, and consumers’ clinical status. Results: After consumers’ clinical status and baseline rates of caregivers’ distress and caregivers’ resources were controlled for, the caregivers of consumers who received multiple-family group treatment experienced greater reductions in distress but no increases in resources compared with caregivers of consumers who received standard psychiatric care. Conclusions: Multiple-family group treatment reduced caregivers’ distress but did not increase caregivers’ resources relative to standard psychiatric care. (Psychiatric Services 55:35–41, 2004)
Integrality at a prime for global fields and the perfect closure of global fields of characteristic p > 2

Let k be a global field and p any nonarchimedean prime of k. We give a new and uniform proof of the well known fact that the set of all elements of k which are integral at p is diophantine over k. Let kperf be the perfect closure of a global field of characteristic p>2. We also prove that the set of all elements of kperf which are integral at some prime q of kperf is diophantine over kperf, and this is the first such result for a field which is not finitely generated over its constant field. This is related to Hilbert's Tenth Problem because for global fields k of positive characteristic, giving a diophantine definition of the set of elements that are integral at a prime is one of two steps needed to prove that Hilbert's Tenth Problem for k is undecidable.
Location, Location, Location: The Geography of the Dot Com Problem:

Cyberspace is often portrayed as a seamless expanse, with browsers of the web rarely made aware of the geographic location of a page. For all its professed aspatiality, however, analysis of the organization of cyberspace offers continuing proof of the presence of geographically determined influences. Beyond the core domain names suffixes (.com, .gov, .net, and .org) domains usually carry geographic identification (.uk, .au, .jp, and so on). As desirable domains are registered, organizations and individuals seek web locations in new areas to claim high visibility on the Internet. After examining the regulation, legal jurisdiction, and geography of domain name registration, in this paper I analyze the experience of six countries that have commercially attractive top-level domain names: American Samoa, Moldova, Nuie, Tonga, Turkmenistan, and Tuvalu. These domains illustrate how geographic issues can emerge in the practice of electronic interaction and identity.
Biorobotics: Optimized biosignal classification using mother wavelet matrix

This paper presents a new technique to optimally classify forearm electromyographic (EMG) measures using proposed mother wavelet matrix (MWM) for biorobots. Among 324 mother wavelet candidates, a MWM including 15 potential mother wavelet functions were selected to optimally classify surface and intramuscular EMG signals collected from multiple locations on the upper forearm of six subjects for nine classes of hand motions plus a rest state.
GPU-to-GPU and Host-to-Host Multipattern String Matching on a GPU

We develop GPU adaptations of the Aho-Corasick and multipattern Boyer-Moore string matching algorithms for the two cases GPU-to-GPU (input to the algorithms is initially in GPU memory and the output is left in GPU memory) and host-to-host (input and output are in the memory of the host CPU). For the GPU-to-GPU case, we consider several refinements to a base GPU implementation and measure the performance gain from each refinement. For the host-to-host case, we analyze two strategies to communicate between the host and the GPU and show that one is optimal with respect to runtime while the other requires less device memory. This analysis is done for GPUs with one I/O channel to the host as well as those with 2. Experiments conducted on an NVIDIA Tesla GT200 GPU that has 240 cores running off of a Xeon 2.8 GHz quad-core host CPU show that, for the GPU-to-GPU case, our Aho-Corasick GPU adaptation achieves a speedup between 8.5 and 9.5 relative to a single-thread CPU implementation and between 2.4 and 3.2 relative to the best multithreaded implementation. For the host-to-host case, the GPU AC code achieves a speedup of 3.1 relative to a single-threaded CPU implementation. However, the GPU is unable to deliver any speedup relative to the best multithreaded code running on the quad-core host. In fact, the measured speedups for the latter case ranged between 0.74 and 0.83. Early versions of our multipattern Boyer-Moore adaptations ran 7 to 10 percent slower than corresponding versions of the AC adaptations and we did not refine the multipattern Boyer-Moore codes further.
Changes in Prefrontal Neuronal Activity after Learning to Perform a Spatial Working Memory Task

The prefrontal cortex is considered essential for learning to perform cognitive tasks though little is known about how the representation of stimulus properties is altered by learning. To address this issue, we recorded neuronal activity in monkeys before and after training on a task that required visual working memory. After the subjects learned to perform the task, we observed activation of more prefrontal neurons and increased activity during working memory maintenance. The working memory–related increase in firing rate was due mostly to regular-spiking putative pyramidal neurons. Unexpectedly, the selectivity of neurons for stimulus properties and the ability of neurons to discriminate between stimuli decreased as the information about stimulus properties was apparently present in neural firing prior to training and neuronal selectivity degraded after training in the task. The effect was robust and could not be accounted for by differences in sampling sites, selection of neurons, level of performance, or merely the elapse of time. The results indicate that, in contrast to the effects of perceptual learning, mastery of a cognitive task degrades the apparent stimulus selectivity as neurons represent more abstract information related to the task. This effect is countered by the recruitment of more neurons after training.
Hydrophobicity of transmembrane proteins: spatially profiling the distribution.

A hallmark of soluble globular protein tertiary structure is a hydrophobic core and a protein exterior populated predominantly by hydrophilic residues. Recent hydrophobic moment profiling of the spatial distribution of 30 globular proteins of diverse size and structure had revealed features of this distribution that were comparable. Analogous profiling of the hydrophobicity distribution of the α-helical buried bundles of several transmembrane proteins, as the lipid/protein interface is approached from within the bilayer, reveals spatial hydrophobicity profiles that contrast with those obtained for the soluble proteins. The calculations, which enable relative changes of hydrophobicity to be simply identified over the entire spatial extent of the multimer within the lipid bilayer, show the accumulated zero-order moments of the bundles to be mainly inverted with respect to that found for the soluble proteins. This indicates a statistical increase in the average residue hydrophobic content as the lipid bilayer is approached. This result differs from that of a relatively recent calculation and qualitatively agrees with earlier calculations involving lipid exposed and buried residues of the α-helices of transmembrane proteins. Spatial profiling, over the entire spatial extent of the multimer with scaled values of residue hydrophobicity, provides information that is not available from calculations using lipid exposure alone.
Tailor-made composite functions as tools in model choice: the case of sigmoidal vs bi-linear growth profiles.

Background: Roots are the classical model system to study the organization and dynamics of organ growth zones. Profiles of the velocity of root elements relative to the apex have generally been considered to be sigmoidal. However, recent high-resolution measurements have yielded bilinear profiles, suggesting that sigmoidal profiles may be artifacts caused by insufficient spatiotemporal resolution. The decision whether an empirical velocity profile follows a sigmoidal or bilinear distribution has consequences for the interpretation of the underlying biological processes. However, distinguishing between sigmoidal and bi-linear curves is notoriously problematic. A mathematical function that can describe both types of curve equally well would allow them to be distinguished by automated curve-fitting. Results: On the basis of the mathematical requirements defined, we created a composite function and tested it by fitting it to sigmoidal and bi-linear models with different noise levels (Monte-Carlo datasets) and to three experimental datasets from roots of Gypsophila elegans, Aurinia saxatilis, and Arabidopsis thaliana. Fits of the function proved robust with respect to noise and yielded statistically sound results if care was taken to identify reasonable initial coefficient values to start the automated fitting procedure. Descriptions of experimental datasets were significantly better than those provided by the Richards function, the most flexible of the classical growth equations, even in cases in which the data followed a smooth sigmoidal distribution. Conclusion: Fits of the composite function introduced here provide an independent criterion for distinguishing sigmoidal and bi-linear growth profiles, but without forcing a dichotomous decision, as intermediate solutions are possible. Our function thus facilitates an unbiased, multiple-working hypothesis approach. While our discussion focusses on kinematic growth analysis, this and similar tailor-made functions will be useful tools wherever models of steadily or abruptly changing dependencies between empirical parameters are to be compared.
Effects of Propellant Temperature Gradients on Thrust Imbalance of the Space Shuttle

The internal ballistic effects of combined radial and circumferential grain temperature gradients are evaluated theoretically for the Space Shuttle solid rocket motors (SRM's). A simplified approach is devised for representing with closed-form mathematical expressions the temperature distribution resulting from the anticipated thermal history prior to launch. The internal ballistic effects of the gradients are established by use of a mathematical model which permits the propellant burning rate to vary circumferentially. Comparative results are presented for uniform and axisymmetric temperature distributions and the anticipated gradients based on an earlier two-dimensional analysis of the center SRM segment. The thrust imbalance potential of the booster stage is assessed based on the difference in the thermal loading of the individual SRM's of the motor pair which may be encountered in both summer and winter environments at the launch site. Results indicate that grain temperature gradients could cause the thrust imbalance to be approximately 10% higher in the Space Shuttle than the imbalance caused by SRM manufacturing and propellant physical property variability alone.
Excitation and habituation of the crayfish escape reflex: the depolarizing response in lateral giant fibres of the isolated abdomen.

The tail-flip escape reflex of the crayfish shows marked habituation and is very amenable to detailed electrophysiological study. It thus provides a model system for comprehending the neural basis for one sort of learning phenomenon. This paper describes the electrical events which can be recorded by micropipettes placed in lateral giant axons of isolated crayfish abdomens. 1. There is little spontaneous activity. Depolarizing responses can be evoked in a given segment by natural or electrical stimulation ipsilateral or contralateral to the recording electrode and at any of a number of segments. 2. Electrical shocks to the ipsilateral second root of the impaled ganglion evoke a depolarization with an early stable phase and a later labile phase which shows largely reversible decrements when stimulated as seldom as once a minute. Only the labile portion is ever big enough to trigger a propagated response. 3. The initial, potentially spike initiating, and largest portion of the labile phase has a sufficiently short latency to suggest that it arrives along a disynaptic or at most trisynaptic pathway. 4. The labile phase appears to be built up of a number of measurably large, unitary, subcomponents. Decrements during repetitive stimulation seem to result from the all-or-none dropping out of these subcomponents following increases in their latency. This suggests that blockage of transmission occurs at synapses on to neurones intercalated between afferents and giant fibres or at parts of the axonal tree which are electrotonically remote and support branch spikes. 5. The lability described here is probably not sufficient to account for habituation in the intact animal.
Ordinal Analysis of Behavioral Data

This chapter discusses statistical methods that make use of ordinal information. There are two main sections, the first covers ordinal measures of correlation and the second covers ordinal measures for group comparisons. The correlation section focuses on descriptive and inferential methods for the bivariate case. There is also a discussion of the comparison of ordinal correlations and a type of ordinal multiple regression. The group comparison section focuses on dominance analysis using the delta measure. Two-group and multiple-group situations are discussed as well as factorial designs and designs with correlated data. The methods of the chapter have many desirable properties that argue for their general use. Much data in the social sciences has only ordinal justification and ordinal methods are based on operations consistent with ordinal data. Many research questions in the social sciences are ordinal in nature and ordinal methods provide answers to ordinal questions. The ordinal methods have the advantage of invariance under monotonic transformations so that results obtained on raw data are exactly the same under any order-preserving transformation. Finally, the ordinal methods have desirable statistical qualities, including few distributional assumptions, resistance to extreme values, and applicability to nonlinear but monotonic relationships. Keywords: concordance; delta; distribution-free; dominance; nonparametric; ordinal; tau
Improving time-domain measurements with a network analyzer using a robust rational interpolation technique

A method to efficiently and accurately compute a time-domain waveform from a network-analyzer frequency-domain measurement is presented in this paper. The method is based on a robust interpolation technique to construct a pole-residue representation of the response of the device-under-test. First, the rational function is expressed in terms of Chebyshev polynomials, instead of the usual power series, to accurately determine the poles of the network over a wide frequency range. The properties of a passive system are then utilized to efficiently calculate the residues. The resulting pole-residue model is analytically transformed to obtain the time-domain response in any time window, beyond the limitations of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) technique. Unlike the DFT technique, the method does not require a large number of equally spaced harmonically related frequency points. The parametric model can also be used to economically store large measurement data. The proposed procedure is computationally inexpensive and less sensitive to numerical instability. To illustrate the validity of the method, examples of frequency- and time-domain measurements of a Beatty structure and simulation data of a low-pass Butterworth filter are given.
Homoclinic and non-wandering points for maps of the circle

For continuous maps ƒ of the circle to itself, we show: (A) the set of nonwandering points of ƒ coincides with that of ƒn for every odd n; (B) ƒ has a horseshoe if and only if it has a non-wandering homoclinic point; (C) if the set of periodic points is closed and non-empty, then every non-wandering point is periodic.
Ignition Behavior Of Live California Chaparral Leaves

Current forest fire models are largely empirical correlations based on data from beds of dead vegetation. Improvement in model capabilities is sought by developing models of the combustion of live fuels. A facility was developed to determine the combustion behavior of small samples of live fuels, consisting of a flat-flame burner on a moveable platform. Qualitative and quantitative combustion data are presented for representative samples of California chaparral: manzanita (Arctostaphylos parryana); oak (Quercus berberidifolia); ceanothus (Ceanothus crassifolius), and chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Times to ignition were significantly influenced by shape effects, whereas ignition temperature was more dependent on chemical composition.
Marine Planktonic Archaea Take Up Amino Acids.

Archaea are traditionally thought of as "extremophiles," but recent studies have shown that marine planktonic Archaea make up a surprisingly large percentage of ocean midwater microbial communities, up to 60% of the total prokaryotes. However, the basic physiology and contribution of Archaea to community microbial activity remain unknown. We have studied Archaea from 200-m depths of the northwest Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean near California, measuring the archaeal activity under simulated natural conditions (8 to 17 degrees C, dark and aerobic [corrected]) by means of a method called substrate tracking autoradiography fluorescence in situ hybridization (STARFISH) that simultaneously detects specific cell types by 16S rRNA probe binding and activity by microautoradiography. In the 200-m-deep Mediterranean and Pacific samples, cells binding the archaeal probes made up about 43 and 14% of the total countable cells, respectively. Our results showed that the Archaea are active in the uptake of dissolved amino acids from natural concentrations (nanomolar) with about 60% of the individuals in the archaeal communities showing measurable uptake. Bacteria showed a similar proportion of active cells. We concluded that a portion of these Archaea is heterotrophic and also appears to coexist successfully with Bacteria in the same water.
Interprocessor Communication In Multiprocessor Simulation Systems

Summary This paper describes a new, high-speed interprocessor communication mechanism for interconnecting up to 256 processing elements in a multiprocessor used for simulation and related applications. The method exploits the iterative computing requirements of this class of problems. It uses parallel buses in conjunction with address-mapping memories to attain high effective interprocessor transfer rates and efficient use of processingelement address space during the problem-solving phase of a simulation study. problem set-up operations and user interaction with the simulated system. Comparison to a broadcast interprocessor communication scheme indicates that this approach outperforms the broadcast scheme in meeting the communication requirements typically found in simulation problems requiring solution of a large system of differential equations. It also supports
Unified analysis of perfectly matched layers using differential forms

The perfectly matched layer PML concept is interpreted as a change in the metric of space. By using the language of differential forms applied to the electromagnetic fields and exploring the metric inariance of Maxwell's equations, thearious prealent PML formula- () tions Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian are unified. The analysis also reeals that other PML formulations are also possible, embodying the preious PML formulations as special cases. Q 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 20: 124)126, 1999.
An Assessment of a Low-Cost Visual Tracking System (VTS) to Detect and Compensate for Patient Motion During SPECT

Patient motion is inevitable in SPECT and PET due to the lengthy period of time patients are imaged and patient motion can degrade diagnostic accuracy. The goal of our studies is to perfect a methodology for tracking and correcting patient motion when it occurs. In this paper we report on enhancements to the calibration, camera stability, accuracy of motion tracking, and temporal synchronization of a low-cost visual tracking system (VTS) we are developing. The purpose of the VTS is to track the motion of retro-reflective markers on stretchy bands wrapped about the chest and abdomen of patients. We have improved the accuracy of 3D spatial calibration by using a MATLAB optical camera calibration package with a planar calibration pattern. This allowed us to determine the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters for stereo-imaging with our CCD cameras. Locations in the VTS coordinate system are transformed to the SPECT coordinate system by a VTS/SPECT mapping using a phantom of 7 retro-reflective spheres each filled with a drop of Tc99m. We switched from pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) network cameras to fixed network cameras to reduce the amount of camera drift. The improved stability was verified by tracking the positions of fixed retro-reflective markers on a wall. The ability of our VTS to track movement, on average, with sub-millimeter and sub-degree accuracy was established with the 7-sphere phantom for 1 cm vertical and axial steps as well as for an arbitrary rotation and translation. The difference in the time of optical image acquisition as decoded from the image headers relative to synchronization signals sent to the SPECT system was used to establish temporal synchrony between optical and list-mode SPECT acquisition. Two experiments showed better than 100 ms agreement between VTS and SPECT observed motion for three axial translations. We were able to track 3 reflective markers on an anthropomorphic phantom with a precision that allowed us to correct motion such that no loss in visual quality was noted in motion corrected slices relative to motion free slices.
Managing temporal data in a comprehensive modeling environment

Numerous graphical pre- and post-processors have been developed for numerical modeling. Many of these systems support numerical models that can be used for both steady state and transient simulations. Dealing with transient data can be particularly difficult in such an environment due to the differing time scales and units associated with transient field data and boundary conditions. A data model and a set of functions are presented in this paper as a simple, yet powerful strategy for managing temporal data in a comprehensive modeling environment. The strategy makes it possible to seamlessly integrate multiple types of transient data and convert the data to the appropriate values at the desired computational time intervals. In addition to simplifying the creation of transient models, the strategy makes it possible to automate much of the data manipulation required for model calibration.
Larsen Syndrome Sonographic Findings

Larsen syndrome is a rare inherited disorder of collagen formation with multiple joint dislocations, cardiac abnormalities, short stature, talipes equinovarus, short and broad fingertips, spatula-l...
A Fossil Skull of the Extant Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans Lacepède, 1802) from the Late Miocene of Orange County, California

Abstract A nearly complete fossil skull, including the rostrum, of blue marlin, Makaira nigricans Lacepede, 1802 (Perciformes: Xiphioidei: Istiophoridae), was collected from the Oso Member (latest Miocene) of the Capistrano Formation, Mission Viejo, Orange County, California. The specimen is compared with extant and fossil istiophorids, and 19 of its 20 morphological variables are within the range of values observed for extant M. nigricans, whereas only 13 or less variables are within the observed range of other extant istiophorids. Because extant M. nigricans usually inhabits a water column with a height of about 200 m or more and is the most tropical of all xiphioid species, its presence supports the hypotheses that the Oso Member was deposited at upper bathyal depths or greater and that the coastal paleoclimate of southern California was warmer during the late Miocene than at present.
Deviant Family Systems

A child is brought to a clinic for being noncompliant. A nonbehavioral child psychologist, such as Thomas Gordon (Gordon, 1970), might ask, “who owns the problem, the parent or the child?” Gordon would probably suggest the parent “owns the problem.” To some extent, behavioral psychologists have looked at the child as “owning” the problem. That is, it is the child’s behavior that must be corrected. A more recent view is that neither the parent nor the child “owns” the problem, but that there is a problem in the family system. That is, in any unit consisting of a dyad or larger, several environmental sources, including all members of the unit, act upon the members to produce the individual’s behavior in that setting. A child’s behavior is influenced by the behavior of his/her parent(s), any siblings, and others, such as babysitters and relatives. Similarly, in school the child is affected by teachers, aides, peers, and the principal. In addition, the parents’ behavior is affected by the behavior of the child(ren), other social agents in the parents’ environment, and a host of other variables, such as current socioeconomic conditions, marital satisfaction, and more. This view of the family as a system is certainly in accord with an environmental view of the control of behavior.
Trade Secrets: South Korea versus United States

South Korea is one of the world's largest economies experiencing rapid growth of the high tech sector. As a result of this, there is a growing awareness of the importance of trade secrets as valuable corporate property among the South Korean corporations that invest extensively in R&D capacities. In the past, South Korean law has traditionally been scarcely protective of trade secrets of companies. However, the rapid South Korean economic development, the globalization of the South Korean corporations and the penetration of big multinational enterprises into the South Korean market has triggered development of dynamic domestic market of intangibles. This in turn triggered several major trade secret infringement cases and since then has put a pressure on the South Korean government to undertake measures directed towards trade secrets legal regime's strengthening. It is believed that stronger legal protection of trade secrets and other intangibles will secure further development of the intangibles' market and attract more investments and technology transfer from abroad, especially from the United States.
Footnotes: A Story Of Seduction

In this narrative piece, the author uses footnotes and personal history to analyze the term lesbian in legal scholarship.
Ensuring clinical validity

Transitioning a technology like next-generation sequencing, with its attendant preparatory procedures, data volumes, and analytical overhead into a clinical environment presents new and unique challenges. The application of comprehensive assays in the diagnostic setting involves multiple disciplines and a sequencing pipeline that moves smoothly from sample intake through the completion of a molecular diagnostic ‘report’ with pathology sign-off. My lecture will focus on specific details of our current diagnostic approaches, how they are presented to the signing pathologist, and how we maintain the integrity and clinical validity of the variants we report.
Development and validation of a risk factor scoring system for first-trimester prediction of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a multiparameter risk-based scoring system for first-trimester prediction of preeclampsia and to validate this scoring system in our patient population. STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of 1,200 patients presenting for first-trimester aneuploidy screening. Maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels were measured and bilateral uterine artery (UA) Doppler studies performed. Using the first half of the study population, a prediction model for preeclampsia was created. Test performance characteristics were used to determine the optimal score for predicting preeclampsia. This model was then validated in the second half of the population. RESULTS Significant risk factors and their weighted scores derived from the prediction model were chronic hypertension (4), history of preeclampsia (3), pregestational diabetes (2), body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) (2), bilateral UA notching (1), and PAPP-A MoM < 10 th percentile (1). The area under the curve (AUC) for the risk scoring system was 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.83), and the optimal threshold for predicting preeclampsia was a total score of ≥ 6. This AUC did not differ significantly from the AUC observed in our validation cohort (AUC, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.69-0.86]; p = 0.75]. CONCLUSION Our proposed risk factor scoring system demonstrates modest accuracy but excellent reproducibility for first-trimester prediction of preeclampsia.
Nonmagnetic Doping Effect on the Magneto-Transport Properties of Mn Doped ZnO Dilute Magnetic Semiconductors

In this paper we report non magnetic elements (Al and Cu) doping effect on the structural and magneto-transport properties of Zn0.85Mn0.15O dilute magnetic semiconductors. Thin films of undoped Zn0.85Mn0.15O (ZnMnO), Al doped Zn0.80Al0.05Mn0.15O (ZnMnAlO), and Cu doped Zn0.85Cu0.05Mn0.15O (ZnMnCuO) were grown on sapphire single crystals using pulse laser deposition technique. X-Ray Diffraction and Raman Spectra confirm the epitaxial growth with a strong orientation along the c-axis. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy reveals surface microstructure of all the films. Magneto transport properties quantify the carrier concentrations and mobilities at room temperature in all the films.
429 TREATMENT OF CATHETER-ASSOCIATED BACTEREMIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Infections are second only to cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis patients. In the United States, there is a high incidence and prevalence of tunneled dialysis catheters. The incidence and optimal treatment of catheter-associated bacteremia (CAB) have not been clearly defined. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of all causes of bacteremia in 62 patients with tunneled catheter access in our hemodialysis program through the period from May 1, 2000 to May 1, 2004. We compared outcomes in patients whose catheters were promptly removed (within 72 hours) vs. those who received continued antibiotic without early catheter removal (catheter salvage attempted). Catheter-associated infections were defined as positive blood cultures without another identifiable source. Data recorded for each patient included the number of catheter days, the identity of the infecting organisms, methods of treatment (catheter removal within 3 days or attempted salvage with antibiotics alone), complications and outcomes. Successful treatment was defined as non-recurrence with the same organism for at least two months post treatment. All patients with CAB were treated with at least a 14-day course of intravenous antibiotics regardless of whether the catheter was exchanged. During the 48-month study period, 62 patients developed 146 episodes of bacteremia (21.5 episodes per 1000 catheter-days). Forty of 62 patients (65%) had fever and shaking chills while on HD. 116 of 148 infections (78%) were caused by gram-positive cocci, 22 of 148 (15%) were caused by gram-negative rods, 8 (5%) gram-positive rods and two episodes (1%) were yeast infections. Attempted catheter salvage with antibiotics alone was successful in 29 of 76 episodes (38.1%) vs. 59 of 70 episodes (84.2%) who underwent catheter exchange in addition to antibiotic therapy (p
The role of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in evaluation of erectile dysfunction.

AbstractThe Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory represents an important adjunct in the screening process for erectile dysfunction. In 69 impotent patients who underwent Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory evaluation the configuration of inventory scales could not identify a specific impotent personality type.The use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory does not definitively reveal the etiology of the dysfunction but it offers an understanding of the emotional reaction of the patient to penile implantation. Thus, it can prevent the use of inappropriate treatment and the development of adverse reactions to implantation.