cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet Remote Sensing of Volcanic Emissions

Satellite-based ultraviolet remote sensing of volcanic eruptions has produced quantitative measurements of the mass of sulfur dioxide and ash in volcanic clouds by accounting for ozone absorption and Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere. These retrieval techniques were developed with data from the total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) instruments on American, Russian, and Japanese satellites. The sulfur dioxide retrievals have been validated against ground-based Brewer and COSPEC measurements. The ash mass retrievals are in agreement with AVHRR two-band infrared ash retrievals. Daily satellite monitoring has detected, tracked, and quantified SO 2 emissions from a wide range of eruptive activity, from highly explosive to effusive types, and has produced an unprecedented 20-year record of global volcanism. Primary findings from the TOMS data are (1) observations of excess sulfur over that liberated during liquid-phase degassing have indicated the existence of a volatile phase in preerupted magma; (2) indirect evidence for co-erupted H 2 S gas from apparent increase in SO 2 mass in drifting clouds; (3) insights into the removal rates of SO 2 from the atmosphere, interactions with co-emitted ash particles, and responses to meteorological conditions; and (4) potential operational application of sulfur dioxide and ash detection for aviation hazard mitigation.
Typification of Alternaria, Stemphylium, and Ulocladium.

(1967). Typification of Alternaria, Stemphylium, And Ulocladium. Mycologia: Vol. 59, No. 1, pp. 67-92.
Transthoracic Needle Aspiration in Patients With Severe Emphysema : A Study of Lung Transplant Candidates

Purpose To describe the risks of transthoracic needle aspiration (TTNA) in a population of patients with severe lung disease: candidates for lung transplantation. Materials and methods Eight of 190 patients evaluated for lung transplantation underwent TTNA of nine pulmonary nodules (mean diameter, 14 mm; range, 0.8 to 2.2 cm). We evaluated pneumothorax rate, chest tube rate, duration of placement, and pulmonary function test results. Results All patients had emphysema; two had a 1 -antitrypsin deficiency. The mean FEV 1 of all patients was 0.64 L (22% of predicted; range, 17 to 28%), indicating severe air-flow obstruction. Six patients (75%) developed a pneumothorax. Four patients required a chest tube (50%); three chest tubes were placed emergently on the CT scanner table. Three patients required a second chest tube for persistent air leak. Tubes were in place for 1 to 22 days (mean, 10 days). One patient had chest tubes for 22 days and required intubation. Conclusion TTNA in patients with marked emphysema is complicated by a high incidence of pneumothorax, rapid development of tension pneumothorax and chest tube placement. Since nodules in lung transplant candidates may represent bronchogenic carcinoma, serial CT scans to demonstrate lesion stability or growth, or thoracoscopic resection should be considered as an alternate approach to TTNA to avoid the significant morbidity of the procedure in these patients.
17 RISK-TAKING ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR IN HEMOPHILIAC AND NON-HEMOPHILIAC ADOLESCENT BOYS

To evaluate the clinical impression that hemophiliac boys express a high level of interest in physical activities associated with a significant risk of major bleeds, a self-administered questionnaire was given to 17 hemophiliac (HPH) boys 11 to 19 years of age in a state hemophilia program and to 17 age-matched non-HPH (Control) boys at the same clinic. Scores for risk-taking attitudes (ATT), anticipated risk-taking behavior (ANT), and the likelihood of carrying out the behaviors (ACT) were calculated for 23 activities. HPH boys neither express greater risk-taking attitudes (HPH ATT = 4.0, Control ATT = 4.9, ns), anticipate greater risk-taking behavior (HPH ANT = 3.4, Control ANT = 3.5, ns), nor are more likely to carry out the behavior (HPH ACT = .59, Control ACT = .64, ns). In contrast, HPH 15-19 years old appear more likely than younger HPH (11-14 years old) to carry out risk-taking behaviors (HPH: 15-19 ACT = .34, HPH: 11-14 ACT = .82, p .10) but are no more likely than Controls 15-19 to do so (HPH: 15-19 ACT = .34, Control: 15-19 ACT = .59, ns). Hemophiliacs appear more likely to carry out greater risk-taking behavior as they get older, although they express no greater overall risk-taking than do control adolescents.
Modulation characteristics of constricted double-heterojunction AlGaAs laser diodes

Detailed experimental results are presented for three types of constricted double-heterojunction (CDH) AlGaAs laser diodes. The dynamic properties (pulsed and RF modulation, noise response, and linearity characteristics) of these devices are given for the first time. Performance in analog and digital signal transmission systems is also described for the most useful types of such devices: the standard CDH [1], [2] and the high-power CDH large optical cavity (LOC) [3], [4]. With the latter, an order-of-magnitude increase in modulated power capability over standard devices has been achieved (40-mW peak power into 0.2 NA, 50-μm core graded-index fiber). Finally, we present a detailed experimental analysis of self-oscillation phenomena in a variant type of CDH structure (CDH-AMC) (asymmetric mode confinement) [5]. These observations, although uncommon in CDH and CDH-LOC devices, provide new experimental insight on the nature of self-pulsating laser diodes.
Studies on the cyclic AMP response to prostaglandin in human lymphocytes

Abstract It is generally thought that cyclic AMP acts as the second messenger for prostaglandin E in human lymphocytes. We have recently found that the mitogen-induced proliferation of human lymphocytes is no longer inhibited by PGE 2 if the lymphocytes are preincubated overnight prior to the addition of mitogens and PGE 2 . In this paper we report that lymphocytes also lose their cyclic AMP response to mitogens after preincubation. The loss of sensitivity to PGE with preincubation can be blocked by cyclohexamide (25 μg/ml). Indomethacin (1 μg/ml) partially blocked the loss of sensitivity, but removal of the glass-adherent cells did not. Since either manipulation effectively stops prostaglandin production in the preincubation cultures, it would appear that indomethacin prevented the loss of sensitivity to PGE 2 by a mechanism other than inhibition of PG synthetase. The addition of phytohemagglutinin to the preincubation cultures also blocked the loss of sensitivity to PGE 2 .
Sorptions on lignin wood and celluloses ii. nitrosamines

Abstract Sorption of N -diethylnitrosamine depends very characteristically on the mode of preparation of lignins. Some of the enzymatically prepared lignins are strong sorbers, similar to Kraft lignin. Lignins prepared by digesting the Hurricane pulverized wood show smaller nitrosamine binding than lignins obtained from wood treated in the Wiley-mill, for a given residual saccharide content. This difference is not due solely to the difference in iron contents. For lignins prepared from wood comminuted in the Wiley-mill the binding capacity is indirectly proportional to residual sugar content. N -nitrosamine adsorption involves different binding sites than that of bile acids. Appearance of two binding sites for some lignins indicates that nitrosamines might compete for some binding sites with metal (II) ions. Nevertheless, for sorption of N -nitrosamines accessibility of the binding sites also plays a role.
Valence Tautomerism in Titanium Enolates: Catalytic Radical Haloalkylation and Application in the Total Synthesis of Neodysidenin

A direct ruthenium-catalyzed radical chloroalkylation of N-acyl oxazolidinones capitalizing on valence tautomerism of titanium enolates has been developed. The chloroalkylation method served as the centerpiece in the enantioselective total synthesis of trichloroleucine-derived marine natural product neodysidenin.
SPCE-based sensors: Ultrafast oxygen sensing using surface plasmon-coupled emission from ruthenium probes

Abstract The first surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) based oxygen sensor using two ruthenium complexes is presented. SPCE is a highly localized phenomenon occurring when excited fluorophores are within 200 nm of thin, continuous metallic films. The high sensitivity of SPCE allowed for oxygen sensing to be performed from an ultra-thin layer of ruthenium dye. The fluorophore was electrostatically attached to a protective layer of SiO 2 above a silver film deposited on a glass slide. The observed ruthenium SPCE was highly directional (at an angle of 45.5°) creating a 27-fold enhancement over the free space fluorescence. This allows for filter free detection of the emission. As expected, the close proximity of the metal reduced the intensity response range due to the metallic effects on fluorescence lifetimes. However, SPCE-based fluorescence and lifetime oxygen sensing was proven practical. Both probes show a very fast response towards oxygen. The present study opens up the possibility of low cost, high sensitivity fluorescence sensing devices not only for oxygen but any other important analyte of interest.
Internally coherent spatial memories in a mammal.

CHILDREN aged 3.5-4.0 years were shown objects being hidden in three different locations in a rectangular environment, were disoriented to disable dead reckoning, and were asked without feedback where each object was. Results showed that children's spatial memories were internally coherent: the locations subjects chose were in a correct spatial configuration relative to one another as well as to environmental geometry, despite the fact that the environment's symmetry would have revealed any individual binding of memory for object positions to local environmental features. This finding of internal coherence in the spatial representation of one mammal is discussed relative to neural and behavioral findings on navigation and spatial memory in mammals more generally.
A cavity ring-down spectroscopy sensor for real-time Hall thruster erosion measurements.

A continuous-wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy sensor for real-time measurements of sputtered boron from Hall thrusters has been developed. The sensor uses a continuous-wave frequency-quadrupled diode laser at 250 nm to probe ground state atomic boron sputtered from the boron nitride insulating channel. Validation results from a controlled setup using an ion beam and target showed good agreement with a simple finite-element model. Application of the sensor for measurements of two Hall thrusters, the H6 and SPT-70, is described. The H6 was tested at power levels ranging from 1.5 to 10 kW. Peak boron densities of 10 ± 2 × 1014 m−3 were measured in the thruster plume, and the estimated eroded channel volume agreed within a factor of 2 of profilometry. The SPT-70 was tested at 600 and 660 W, yielding peak boron densities of 7.2 ± 1.1 × 1014 m−3, and the estimated erosion rate agreed within ∼20% of profilometry. Technical challenges associated with operating a high-finesse cavity in the presence of energetic plasma are also discussed.
A De Facto Definition and Focus of Management Communication

The focus of Management Communication Quarterly (MCQ) during its first six years is reviewed with the question in mind, Has a theme emerged that could be a de facto definition of management communication? The founding editors initially stated that the journal would be interdisciplinary and this theme has been maintained during the first six issues. The founding editors also intended the journal to focus on managerial application. This focus has been implemented by means of publishing a majority of articles that report field research with managers and professionals as subjects and make references to management application. However, a clear definition of management communication has not emerged but it will continue to develop with subsequent issues of MCQ.
Quantizing Majorana fermions in a superconductor

A Dirac-type matrix equation governs surface excitations in a topological insulator in contact with an $s$-wave superconductor. The order parameter can be homogenous or vortex valued. In the homogenous case a winding number can be defined whose nonvanishing value signals topological effects. A vortex leads to a static, isolated, zero-energy solution. Its mode function is real and has been called ``Majorana.'' Here we demonstrate that the reality/Majorana feature is not confined to the zero-energy mode but characterizes the full quantum field. In a four-component description a change in basis for the relevant matrices renders the Hamiltonian imaginary and the full, space-time-dependent field is real, as is the case for the relativistic Majorana equation in the Majorana matrix representation. More broadly, we show that the Majorana quantization procedure is generic to superconductors, with or without the Dirac structure, and follows from the constraints of fermionic statistics on the symmetries of Bogoliubov-de Gennes Hamiltonians. The Hamiltonian can always be brought to an imaginary form, leading to equations of motion that are real with quantized real-field solutions. Also we examine the Fock space realization of the zero-mode algebra for the Dirac-type systems. We show that a two-dimensional representation is natural, in which fermion parity is preserved.
An inverse electromagnetic scattering problem for a cavity

We consider the inverse electromagnetic scattering problem of determining the shape of a perfectly conducting cavity from measurement of the scattered electric field due to electric-dipole sources on a surface inside the cavity. We prove a reciprocity relation for the scattered electric field and a uniqueness theorem for the inverse problem. Then, the near-field linear sampling method is employed to reconstruct the shape of the cavity. Preliminary numerical examples are provided to show the viability of the method.
A review of the effects of chronic exercise and physical fitness level on resting pharmacokinetics.

UNLABELLED Pharmacological intervention in cooperation with physical activity is currently being used in the prevention and treatment of diseases like cardiovascular disease and obesity. Physical activity, both acute and chronic, can cause changes in physiology that can alter the observed pharmacokinetics of drugs. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to focus on how chronic exercise can change pharmacokinetics. RESULTS Chronic exercise can affect drug absorption by the increase in collateral blood flow and absorption may also be affected by changes in gastrointestinal transit times. Chronic exercise may affect volume of distribution of drugs by the increases in lean body mass, decreased fat mass, increased plasma protein and increased plasma volume that occurs with physical conditioning. Changes in hepatic clearance of drugs may explain the differences in systemic clearance seen when comparing physically trained subjects to sedentary ones. Some studies have shown that hepatic enzymes are increased with training but other studies have found no change or lower activities. Finally, renal elimination of drugs may be altered by changes in protein binding but there is little evidence that renal elimination of drugs changes with long-term exercise. CONCLUSION Therefore, changes in pharmacokinetics associated with chronic exercise can differ from those during acute exercise and in sedentary subjects. The differences between the physically active and sedentary individuals may require individualization of dosing regimens. It should be noted that there are no standardized protocols to evaluate the influence of exercise on drug disposition.
Neighborhood-scale air quality impacts of emissions from motor vehicles and aircraft

Abstract A mobile monitoring platform (MMP) was used to measure real-time air pollutant concentrations in different built environments of Boyle Heights (BH, a lower-income community enclosed by several freeways); Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA, adjacent to BH with taller buildings and surrounded by several freeways); and West Los Angeles (WLA, an affluent community traversed by two freeways) in summer afternoons of 2008 and 2011 (only for WLA). Significant inter-community and less significant but observable intra-community differences in traffic-related pollutant concentrations were observed both in the residential neighborhoods studied and on their arterial roadways between BH, DTLA, and WLA, particularly for ultrafine particles (UFP). HEV, defined as vehicles creating plumes with concentrations more than three standard deviations from the adjusted local baseline, were encountered during 6–13% of sampling time, during which they accounted for 17–55% of total UFP concentrations both on arterial roadways and in residential neighborhoods. If instead a single threshold value is used to define HEVs in all areas, HEV's were calculated to make larger contributions to UFP concentrations in BH than other communities by factors of 2–10 or more. Santa Monica Airport located in WLA appears to be a significant source for elevated UFP concentrations in nearby residential neighborhoods 80–400 m downwind. In the WLA area, we also showed, on a neighborhood scale, striking and immediate reductions in particulate pollution (∼70% reductions in both UFP and, somewhat surprisingly, PM2.5), corresponding to dramatic decreases in traffic densities during an I-405 closure event (“Carmageddon”) compared to non-closure Saturday levels. Although pollution reduction due to decreased traffic is not unexpected, this dramatic improvement in particulate pollution provides clear evidence air quality can be improved through strategies such as heavy-duty-diesel vehicle retrofits, earlier retirement of HEV, and transition to electric vehicles and alternative fuels, with corresponding benefits for public health.
Synthesis and characterization of dialkyl carbonates prepared from mid-, long-chain, and guerbet alcohols

A series of organic carbonates derived from mid-, long-chain, and Guerbet alcohols were synthesized in good yield (69–80% isolated yields after purification by distillation or recrystallization) though a carbonate interchange reaction by heating the linear or Guerbet alcohols with diethyl carbonate in the presence of catalyst, n-dibutyltin oxide. The carbonates were isolated by Kugelrohr distillation or recrystallization from acetone and characterized using FTIR, GC, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and GC-MS. El and positive Cl mass-spectral techniques were used to characterize the carbonates. Such materials are currently of commercial interest as lubricants and additives in various industrial applications.
Partial gigantism: Overgrowth and asymmetry of bones and skeletal muscle

Abstract 1. (1) This is a case of “true hypertrophy,” that is, one in which excessive growth of isolated bones of the feet is associated with voluminous lipomatosis of the plantar surface. The hypertrophy of the bone coexists with (a) two congenital vascular tumors; (b) asymmetry of the face; (c) strabismus; and (d) anomaly of the genital organs. 2. (2) The occurrence of hypertrophy of the toes is rare; it is even more exceptional that this malformation is combined with other congenital defects. 3. (3) The statistics show that hypertrophy of the toes is more frequent in males than in females. 4. (4) The operative findings revealed the presence of additional arteries in the areolar tissue of the hypertrophied toes, satisfying the augmented requirement of blood supply in the segment. 5. (5) The pathologic report of the involved bone demonstrated the presence of osteoporosis, fatty degeneration of bone marrow and active periosteal bone formation. This corresponds to Wieland's observations. The latter stated, contrary to what was taught by Caubet and Mercade, that hypertrophy of the toe is not a mere quantitative enlargement of the bone, because it presents histologic changes connected with hyperplastic and regressive processes.
Shopping for sharpies in Seattle: mundane infrastructures of transnational design

In this paper, we describe the importance of mundane tools for design practitioners in India working with Euro-American clients. Our findings are based on a 7-week ethnographic study of a design firm based in Delhi, India. We analyze some highly-valued tools and software, such as post-its, as infrastructures with both practical and symbolic functions. These infrastructures are made meaningful in the shared practices of a transnational but primarily Euro-American design community. Designers in India employ a number of strategies we call "infrastructure work" to be able to participate as designers in this mold.
The evaluation of pediatric feeding abnormalities

An appreciation of normal age-related feeding behavior is a prerequisite for the study of pediatric feeding disorders. When faced with a child with dysphagia, the diagnostic evaluation including history, physical and developmental exam, and feeding observation, followed by appropriate diagnostic tests forms the basis for understanding the underlying pathophysiology and the anticipated developmental progression. It makes possible the formulation and implementation of an optimal treatment strategy, which can be monitored for results and modified when needed. Four case examples are provided.
Effects of H2S addition on hydrogen ignition behind reflected shock waves: Experiments and modeling

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide is a common impurity that can greatly change the combustion properties of fuels, even when present in small concentrations. However, the combustion chemistry of H2S is still poorly understood, and this lack of understanding subsequently leads to difficulties in the design of emission-control and energy-production processes. During this study, ignition delay times were measured behind reflected shock waves for mixtures of 1% H2/1% O2 diluted in Ar and doped with various concentration of H2S (100, 400, and 1600 ppm) over large pressure (around 1.6, 13, and 33 atm) and temperature (1045–1860 K) ranges. Results typically showed a significant increase in the ignition delay time due to the addition of H2S, in some cases by a factor of 4 or more over the baseline mixtures with no H2S. The magnitude of the increase is highly dependent on the temperature and pressure. A detailed chemical kinetics model was developed using recent, up-to-date detailed-kinetics mechanisms from the literature and by changing a few reaction rates within their reported error factor. This updated model predicts well the experimental data obtained during this study and from the shock-tube literature. However, flow reactor data from the literature were poorly predicted when H2S was a reactant. This study highlights the need for a better estimation of several reaction rates to better predict H2S oxidation chemistry and its effect on fuel combustion. Using the kinetics model for sensitivity analyses, it was determined that the decrease in reactivity in the presence of H2S is because H2S initially reacts before the H2 fuel does, mainly through the reaction H2S + H ⇄ SH + H2, thus taking H atoms away from the main branching reaction H + O2 ⇄ OH + O and inhibiting the ignition process.
Navigating the nucleotide excision repair threshold

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the primary DNA repair pathway that removes helix-distorting DNA strand damage induced by ultraviolet light irradiation or chemical carcinogens to ensure genome integrity. While the core NER proteins that carry out damage recognition, excision, and repair reactions have been identified and extensively characterized, and the NER pathway has been reconstituted in vitro, the regulatory pathways that govern the threshold levels of NER have not been fully elucidated. This mini-review focuses on recently discovered transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms that specify the capacity of NER, and suggests the potential implications of modulating NER activity in cancer prevention and therapeutic intervention.
Multidrug Resistance Reversal Agent, NSC77037, Identified with a Cell-Based Screening Assay:

The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a significant obstacle in treating cancer patients with chemotherapy. To identify small-molecule compounds that can reverse MDR, the authors used a cell-based screening assay with an MDR ovarian cancer cell line. Incubating MDR cells with a sublethal concentration of paclitaxel in combination with each of 2000 small-molecule compounds from the National Cancer Institute Diversity Set Library, they identified NSC77037. The cytotoxic activity of NSC77037 and the duration of its effect were evaluated in vitro using a panel of cancer cell lines expressing permeability glycoprotein (Pgp), multiple drug resistance protein 1 (MRP 1), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). The mechanism of its effects was further analyzed by assessing the retention of calcein and Pgp-ATPase activity. The relative potency of MDR reversal by NSC77037 was significantly higher than that of frequently used MDR reversal agents such as verapamil and cyclosporine A. NSC77037 reversed Pgp without reversing MRP or BCRP-mediated MDR. NSC77037, at a concentration of >10 microM, moderately inhibited the proliferation of both sensitive and resistant cell lines, but the inhibitory effect of NSC77037 was not altered by coincubation with the Pgp inhibitor verapamil, suggesting that NSC77037 itself is not a substrate of Pgp. NSC77037 directly inhibited the function of Pgp in a dose-dependent manner, but it did not alter the protein expression level of Pgp. The use of NSC77037 to restore sensitivity to chemotherapy or to prevent resistance could be a potential treatment strategy for cancer patients.
Nonparametric Context Modeling of Local Appearance for Pose- and Expression-Robust Facial Landmark Localization

We propose a data-driven approach to facial landmark localization that models the correlations between each landmark and its surrounding appearance features. At runtime, each feature casts a weighted vote to predict landmark locations, where the weight is precomputed to take into account the feature's discriminative power. The feature votingbased landmark detection is more robust than previous local appearance-based detectors, we combine it with nonparametric shape regularization to build a novel facial landmark localization pipeline that is robust to scale, in-plane rotation, occlusion, expression, and most importantly, extreme head pose. We achieve state-of-the-art performance on two especially challenging in-the-wild datasets populated by faces with extreme head pose and expression.
Altered sodium-calcium exchange in afferent arterioles of the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Altered sodium-calcium exchange in afferent arterioles of the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Studies were performed to determine if there is a derangement in Na-Ca exchange activity in afferent (AA) and efferent (EA) arterioles from 3- and 9-week-old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) was assessed using microscope-based photometry in fura-2 loaded arterioles bathed in a Ringer's solution. Baseline [Ca 2+ ] i was similar in the AA of 3- and 9-week-old WKY and SHR. In AA from 3-week-old rats, [Ca 2+ ] i increased by 89 ± 15nM in WKY and by 73 ± 13nM in SHR during decreases in bath sodium concentration ([Na + ] e ) from 150 to 2mM (Na + replaced with n-methyl-D-glucamine). In 9-week-old hypertensive SHR (SBP = 150mm Hg), increases in [Ca 2+ ] i were attenuated (24 ± 3nM) relative to 3-week-old WKY and SHR, and 9-week-old WKY (90 ± 9nM; P 2+ in the continued presence of 2mM Na e (Ca 2+ sequestration and/or extrusion) was markedly reduced in AA of 9-week-old SHR (-0.15 ± 0.03nM/second) versus 3-week-old SHR (-0.72 ± 0.12nM/second) and 3- and 9-week-old WKY (-0.49 ± 0.10 and -0.67 ± 0.14nM/second). In other experiments, AAs were preincubated in 1mM ouabain to increase intracellular [Na + ]. This maneuver augmented the increase in [Ca 2+ ] i obtained with removal of Na + e ; however, the responses obtained in 9-week-old SHR arterioles were still attenuated compared to those obtained in arterioles for 3- and 9-week-old WKY and 3-week-old SHR. These results suggest that exchanger number and/or sensitivity to the transmembrane Na gradient was reduced in the SHR AA. In EA, baseline [Ca 2+ ] i was similar in 3- and 9-week-old WKY and SHR. In contrast to AA, the magnitude of Na-dependent and Na-independent changes in [Ca 2+ ] i was not different in the EA of 3- and 9-week-old WKY and SHR. These results indicate that regulation of Na-Ca exchange activity may differ between AA and EA segments. Furthermore, diminished Na-Ca exchange and Na-independent Ca 2+ sequestering/extrusion mechanisms could contribute to altered AA [Ca 2+ ] i in the SHR.
On the passive stabilization of the equilibrium state of Lagrangian systems

The idea of passive stabilization of a dynamical system whose motion is not asymptotically stable was advanced for the first time in the monograph [1] by introducing supplementary degrees of freedom. Based on this idea, Savchenko [2] discussed the stabilization of Hamiltonian systems by a nonlinear method (namely the method of passive stabilization by defreezing parameters). The authors of this paper investigate the effectiveness of its application to a Lagrangian system by a mechanical model which has independent scientific meaning. A comparison is also made between this model and another similar mechanical model. The problem of optimal passive stabilization is solved at the end of the paper. It is shown that this problem is closely connected with the resonance situations.
The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana): A review as a model for development of a “Species Management Plan” format, Part I

A format is suggested for a “Species Management Plan”; the model for this presentation is the pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). By using the Species Management Plan format, the captive maintenance of pronghorn is analyzed in relation to habitat and microhabitat needs, behavioral requirements, and nutritional needs. A strategy for captive maintenance of pronghorn in relatively wet climates is presented. It is suggested that development of a Species Management Plan is necessary before any new species is acquired for captive maintenance and reproduction.
Unearthing the Molecular Phylodiversity of Desert Soil Green Algae (Chlorophyta)

Deserts are not usually considered biodiversity hotspots, but desert microbiotic crust communities exhibit a rich diversity of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic life forms. Like many communities dominated by microscopic organisms, they defy characterization by traditional species-counting approaches to assessing biodiversity. Here we use exclusive molecular phylodiversity (E) to quantify the amount of evolutionary divergence unique to desert-dwelling green algae (Chlorophyta) in microbiotic crust communities. Given a phylogenetic tree with branch lengths expressed in units of expected substitutions per site, E is the total length of all tree segments representing exclusively desert lineages. Using MCMC to integrate over tree topologies and branch lengths provides 95% Bayesian credible intervals for phylodiversity measures. We found substantial exclusive molecular phylodiversity based on 18S rDNA data, showing that desert lineages are distantly related to their nearest aquatic relatives. Our results challenge conventional wisdom, which holds that there was a single origin of terrestrial green plants and that green algae are merely incidental visitors rather than indigenous components of desert communities. We identify examples of lineage diversification within deserts and at least 12 separate transitions from aquatic to terrestrial life apart from the most celebrated transition leading to the embryophyte land plants. [Bayesian phylogenetics; biodiversity; exclusive molecular phylodiversity; microbiotic crusts.].
Computer-aided instruction in a physiological psychology course

A simulation/tutorial sequence was introduced into an undergraduate physiological psychology class (N=32) to provide a laboratory experience. The college computer center managed the IBM-PC-compatible networked facility. The sequence included neuroanatomy, stereotaxic surgery, histology, electrical self-stimulation, and use of the polygraph. All the software was off the shelf except for the stereotaxic surgery/histology/self-stimulation package, which was written by the authors using ToolBook running under Windows.
TROPHIC POLYMORPHISM AND BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES DECREASE INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION IN A CICHLID, HERICHTHYS MINCKLEYI

Resource polymorphisms, or morphological variations related to resource use, are common in fishes and are thought to be a possible step in speciation. This study experimentally tests the hypothesis that fitness (as estimated by growth rates) is increased by the presence of multiple trophic morphotypes (or morphs) within a population. Cage experiments were used to quantify the intraspecific competitive interactions between morphs of the polymorphic cichlid Herichthys minckleyi in Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico. Results sug- gest that competition is reduced between morphs in mixed-morph treatments relative to equal-density single-morph treatments. Field studies revealed that the morphs feed in dif- ferent microhabitats and use different feeding behaviors within these microhabitats. These results suggest that the polymorphism is maintained in the population because it decreases competition between the morphs, and that differences in feeding behavior facilitate resource partitioning.
ABSOLUTE STEREOCHEMISTRY OF CHIRAL MOLECULES FROM AB INITIO THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MOLECULAR OPTICAL ROTATIONS

Optical rotations of a diverse set of chiral molecules have been calculated ab initio. In a majority of the molecules considered, the signs of the calculated optical rotations are in agreement with those of the corresponding experimental observations, and the magnitudes are in reasonable agreement. It is thus suggested that the ab initio optical rotations provide a convenient alternative approach to determine the absolute stereochemistry of chiral molecules. A group of molecules has also been identified where the sign of optical rotation predicted for a given configuration is at variance with the literature assignments, and further investigations are needed.
Locating Backup Facilities to Enhance Supply Chain Disaster Resilience

The use of emergency backup and storage facilities to supplement existing facilities in response to the potential effects of various natural and anthropogenic hazards (e.g., floods, fires, outages, and acts of malice) can be an effective way of reducing vulnerability and enhancing the resilience of supply chain and other logistics functions. Although there can be additional costs associated with utilizing emergency backup and storage facilities, they can be a particularly attractive and cost-effective alternative in those cases where long-term disruptions can, or should, be expected. In this paper we use set cover location modeling as a decision to determine the number of backup facilities to locate under varying cover, anticover, and complementary anticover distances. We then add the flexibility of allowing existing facilities to serve as backup facilities and explore the interrelationships among hazards, vulnerability, and location. Finally, these model formulations are applied to an example data set over 900 cities and towns in New England and New York.
Classical and alternate complement pathway activities in paired dairy cow--newborn calf sera.

Hemolytic assays were used to compare alternate and classical C pathway activities in sera obtained from clinically normal newborn dairy calves and their mothers at the time of delivery. Mean alternate and classical CH50 concentrations in sera from newborn calves were both significantly lower than in their dams (P < 0.001). The titer of alternate C pathway activity, expressed as CH50 units/ml, in sera from 17 calves was 12.9 ± 5.5, whereas for the cows it was 25.8 ± 6.2. The ratio of cow:calf serum alternate CH50 titers averaged 2.25 ± 0.80 and ranged from 0.88 to 4.14. Classical CH50 titers were 78.0 ± 42.7 units/ml in calf sera and 246.0 ± 44.5 in cow sera. The ratio of cow:calf serum classical CH50 titers averaged 3.71 ± 1.49 and ranged from 1.19 to 6.87. The wide range of values, noted for both the alternate and classical C pathways, within maternal and neonatal groups was assumed to reflect the biologic variability of complement levels in bovine serum. The possible relationships between deficient levels of alternate and classical CH50 activity in newborn calves and their susceptibility to infections is discussed.
Classification using splines

Abstract In a J class classification problem with data of the form: (yn, xn), n = 1,…,N, where yn ϵ{1,…,J} and xn = (x1n,…, xMn), linear discriminant analysis produces estimated class boundaries which are linear in x1,…, xM. In this paper, a method is developed which estimates the conditional class probabilities in a function space which is bigger than the linear function space. The decision rule based on those estimated conditional class probabilities can have very nonlinear class boundaries. The method projects the conditional class probabilities onto a space spanned by cubic splines, and, hence, is called classification using splines (CUS). This new method seems to achieve comparable and in some cases lower misclassification error rates than existing methods like CART or the back-propagation neural network classifier.
Effect of electron radiation on polymer matrix systems

Abstract The use of graphite-polymer composite materials in space is increasing in the number of applications and system requirements. A primary concern for any polymeric material for use space is its environmental durability, particularly its mechanical properties. One well-documented space environmental concern is degradation by electron radiation because electrons have a high penetration ability and high natural flux rate in the space environment near the earth. Three polymer composite matrix systems were evaluated: a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) toughened polycyanate, a carboxy terminated butyl nitrile (CTBN) toughened epoxy and a PES toughened epoxy/dicyanate. The resin systems were evaluated at electron radiation levels of zero control, 10 Mrad and 1000 Mrad total dose to evaluate changes in their glass transition, linear thermal expansion and dynamic modulus. Properties of the pure matrix were measured from −100°C to the glass transition temperature.
Mixing and combustion in a shallow coal-limestone fluidized bed combustor

A model based on the Monte Carlo approach was developed to simulate the mixing and combustion behavior of a shallow coal-limestone fluidized bed combustor. The model involved the coupling of two sub-models: a combustion sub-model based on the two-phase concept of fluidization and a mixing sub-model based on our previously developed dynamic mixing model. The combustion sub-model considered both the volatile and char combustion. It assumed that the combustor consisted of three distinct phases, i.e., jet, bubble and emulsion, with combustion occurring only in the emulsion phase. The mixing sub-model considered the upward or downward movement of a coal particle in the bed as being governed by certain probability laws; these laws were, in turn, affected by the bubbling hydrodynamics. In all, the combustor simulation model took into consideration the effects of coal feed rate, coal size distribution, limestone size, air flow rate and combustor temperature on the combustor behavior. The simulation results included the dynamic response of coal concentration profile, coal size distribution, coal particle elutriation rate as well as the mixing status between the coal and limestone particles.
Calcium Release and Influx in Yeast: TRPC and VGCC Rule Another Kingdom

Calcium is one of the most ubiquitous second messengers, in addition to being a fundamentally important cofactor for many proteins' functions. Thus, cells from fungi to plants to animals have evolved mechanisms for carefully controlling calcium concentrations in their organelles and cytosol. This perspective discusses the similarities and differences between yeast and animals in cation channels of two families: the transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). One of the key differences highlighted is in the channels implicated in the response of yeast and animal cells to depletion of calcium from intracellular stores, and the differences in localization of these channels between yeast and animal cells. Understanding the logic of fungal Ca(2+) channels, therefore, may provide new insights into the organization and regulation of cellular calcium signaling networks in animals.
Site-specific methylated reporter constructs for functional analysis of DNA methylation.

Methods to experimentally alter and functionally evaluate cytosine methylation in a site-specific manner have proven elusive. We describe a site-specific DNA methylation method, using synthetically methylated primers and high fidelity PCR coupled with ligation of reporter constructs. We applied this method to introduce methylated cytosines into fragments of the respective DAPK and RASSF1A promoters that had been cloned into luciferase reporters. We found that methylation of 3-7 residue CpG clusters that were 5' adjacent to the transcription start site (TSS) of the DAPK gene produced up to a 54% decrease in promoter activity (p 8-80-fold) binding to native methylated vs. unmethylated chromatin. These results suggest that: (1) site-specific, precision DNA methylation of a reporter construct can be used for functional analysis of commonly observed gene promoter methylation patterns; (2) the reporter system contains key elements of the endogenous chromatin machinery.
Atomic wavefunction initialization in ab initio molecular dynamics using distributed Lanczos

We present a distributed scheme for initialization from atomic wavefunctions in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Good initial guesses for approximate wavefunctions are very important in order to enable practical simulations with thousands of atoms. The new scheme is based on a distributed implementation of the Lanczos algorithm for very large dense eigenproblems. We show that the massively parallel BG/L (Blue Gene/L) supercomputer with its very fast separate network for collective communications is an ideal platform for the parallel Lanczos algorithm. We have implemented the new scheme in the popular plane-wave code CPMD. We showcase the applicability of the distributed initialization by a series of examples on a family of Silicon super cells ranging from 512 to 2048 atoms.
The Friction and Wear of Lubricated Si3N4/SiC(w) Composites

The friction and wear of a 20 via silicon carbide whisker-silicon nitride matrix composite was measured at room temperature in both lubricated and unlubricated sliding. A pin-on-disk test configuration was used in which the pin member was a 9.53 mm diameter sphere. Silicon carbide and silicon nitride spheres were tested against the composite in both unidirectional and reciprocating sliding. The range of experimental parameters included normal forces from 1 to 45 N, velocities of 0.1 and 0.3 m/s and test durations of five minutes to three hours. The lubricant used in the room temperature tests was a commercial synthetic, fully formulated engine oil (5W30). In unlubricated sliding, silicon nitride produced more severe wear of the composite than did silicon carbide. In lubricated sliding, very little wear occurs in either sliding pair at even the longest test exposure. The data are presented in “wear space” co-ordinates and this form of presentation is compared to other wear mechanism map concepts presently ...
Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon, ribavirin, and infliximab in a patient with Crohn's disease.

Successful Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C With Pegylated Interferon, Ribavirin, and Infliximab in a Patient with Crohn's Disease
Inhibition of initiation of hela cell replicons by methyl methanesulfonate

Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) in the culture medium inhibits the rate of DNA synthesis in HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. By using short (5 min) incubations with [3H]thymidine and analyzing the newly made DNA by velocity sedimentation on alkaline sucrose gradients, we found that the first effect of MMS on DNA replication, at 0.5 h after treatment, was inhibition of initiation of replicons. Recovery from this effect seemed to have begun by 2¾ h after treatment. The second effect of MMS, which was evident at 2 h after treatment, was to slow or block chain elongation.
Launching denial-of-service jamming attacks in underwater sensor networks

Recent surges in the development of Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSNs) have lead to a rapid acceptance of this technology in scientific, commercial, and military applications. However, there is limited work on secure communication mechanisms and techniques to protect these networks. Security mechanisms are widely studied in terrestrial networks and various defense mechanisms have been developed as safeguards. Due to the difference in communication mediums and physical environments, the existing solutions for terrestrial networks cannot be directly applied for UWSNs. In this paper, we study the effects of denial-of-service jamming attacks on UWSNs in real-world field tests. We develop our own jammer hardware and signals in order to analyze the characteristics of different jamming attack models on a network. Our tests are performed on existing commercial brand acoustic modems and an OFDM modem prototype. We show that UWSNs can be easily jammed using carefully timed attacks which are energy efficient.
CFD modelling and validation of wall condensation in the presence of non-condensable gases

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present and validate a mathematical model implemented in ANSYS CFD for the simulation of wall condensation in the presence of non-condensable substances. The model employs a mass sink at isothermal walls or conjugate heat transfer (CHT) domain interfaces where condensation takes place. The model was validated using the data reported by Ambrosini et al. (2008) and Kuhn et al. (1997) .
The Earth's magnetopause as a source and sink for equatorial nightside energetic charged particles

Abstract. The Imaging Proton Spectrometer (IPS) and the Imaging Electron Spectrometer (IES) on the Polar satellite have measured temporary deviations in the isotropy of the pitch angle distributions (PADs) of charged particles in the inner magnetosphere. As Polar passes through the nightside equatorial region, the IPS and IES observe dropouts of charged particles with pitch angles near 90°, known as butterfly distributions caused by the shadowing of the magnetopause. Additionally, Polar observes a lower energy (
Discussion of How Representative Are Firms That Are Cross-Listed in the United States? An Analysis of Accounting Quality

Lang, Raedy, and Yetman (hereafter, LRY) document how firms crosslisted (CL) on U.S. exchanges differ systematically from a matched sample of firms not cross-listed (NCL) in the United States in terms of accounting quality.' Specifically, the authors find that post-cross-listing CL firms manage earnings less and recognize losses in a more timely fashion than do NCL firms. Earnings of CL firms also exhibit a stronger post-listing association with share price and return than do earnings of NCL firms. In additional analysis, LRY show the observed post-listing differences result partially from pre-listing differences in accounting quality and partially from changes around cross-listing. LRY further document that CL firms exhibit higher quality than firms trading on the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market or firms cross-listed on other non-U.S. exchanges, thereby confirming the unique implications of cross-listing in the United States on accounting quality. LRY conclude that their evidence shows CL firms exhibit higher accounting quality than do NCL firms, consistent with the notion that crosslisting in the United States presents CL firms with stringent SEC disclosure requirements and signals their commitment to higher quality reporting.