cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interdecadal variability in predator–prey interactions of juvenile North Pacific albacore in the California Current System

Predator-prey interactions are critical components of multispecies models, and most attempts to quantify these interactions in pelagic marine environments rely on observational diet studies. In conjunction with 3 historical studies, a new diet study quantifies decadal patterns of predator-prey interactions for juvenile North Pacific albacore Thunnus alalunga in the California Current System (CCS). Juvenile albacore in the CCS eat young-of-year prey and derive 68 to 89% of nutrition from fishes, 9 to 30% from cephalopods, and the remainder from crustaceans. Despite resur- gence in abundance of Pacific sardine Sardinops sagax in the CCS, only Northern anchovy Engraulis mordax, Pacific saury Cololabis saira, and cephalopods have consistently been important to albacore diet. These results support theoretical predictions of optimal foraging models that albacore will pre- fer hunting in cold, near-shore waters containing anchovy and saury while minimizing foraging in warmer, offshore waters of sardine habitat. A bioenergetics model is used to calculate daily and annual consumption rates. The importance of calculating an ensemble prey energy density (EDn) value for steady-state consumption models is demonstrated, and the relationship between EDn and consumption rates is generalized to other marine predators. Low variability in EDn consumed by juve- nile albacore translates into equally stable consumption to biomass (Q:B) ratios over decades.
Individual recognition in the banded shrimp Stenopus hispidus (Olivier)

Abstract Mated pairs of the shrimp Stenopus hispidus were given a series of tests in which individuals were temporarily isolated from conspecifics and subsequently re-paired with either their previous mate or a stranger. Each stranger was a conspecific of the same size, sex, and apparent appearance as the test individual's previous mate, but an animal with which the test individual had no previous experience. Individuals behave differently when re-paired with previous mates than when re-paired with strangers, indicating that S. hispidus can distinguish previous mates from other conspecifics. Therefore, S. hispidus is capable of individual recognition, a capability previously demonstrated in several vertebrate species but only a few inverbrates. In S. hispidus chemical stimuli are the most probable basis for individual recognition.
On the eigenvectors belonging to the minimum eigenvalue of an essentially nonnegative symmetric matrix with bipartite graph

We prove that if B is an essentially nonnegative symmetric matrix with minimum eigenvalue m(B) and if the graph of B is connected and bipartite (with bipartition V1 ∪ V2, then there exists an eigenvector x belonging to m(B) such that xi > 0 for iϵV1 and xi<0 for iϵV2. We then establish two facts concerning essentially nonnegative symmetric matrices with bipartite graph and point out how the above result can be used in conjunction with these facts to give a proof, not requiring the Perron-Frobenius theory, of the following theorem of Constantine [2]: Among all essentially nonnegative symmetric n-by-n matrices with minimum diagonal entry at least μ and maximum off-diagonal entry at most M, the matrix with smallest minimum eigenvalue is MAn+μIn where An is the adjacency matrix of the complete bipartite graph K⌊n2⌋, ⌈n2⌉.
Learning Disability, Attention-Deficit Disorder, and Language Impairment as Outcomes of Prematurity A Longitudinal Descriptive Study

A longitudinal study of mildly preterm children and full-term comparison children found a higher-than-expected percentage among preterm children of learning disabilities, attention-deficit disorder (ADD), language impairment, mild neurologic impairment, and general school concerns by Grade 5. Seventy-five percent of the preterms fell into the above outcome diagnostic categories. Examination of early developmental patterns reflected differences in attention deployment at ages 13 months and 15 months, manifesting as increased engaged time on the part of the children with ADD, with a greater number of attentional shifts, and as decreased engaged time for the other outcome diagnostic categories. At 20, 24, and 30 months, mothers' perceptions of their children's competence revealed generally strong assessment of competence among children later identified as ADD, and weak competence in the other outcome diagnostic categories. Variability distinguished the identified groups at all ages and is evident in the Stanford-Binet subscale scores at age 3.
The volume requirements of polymer molecules. I. The apparent specific volume of polystyrene in solution

Abstract The apparent specific volume of polystyrene was determined at 25.00°C. in chlorobenzene and bromobenzene. The results are compared with and discussed on the basis of recent density measurements of bulk polystyrene by Flory and Fox. It follows that at least 3% of the volume of solid bubble-free bulk polystyrene at room temperature consists of cavities and that the specific volume of bulk polystyrene at room temperature would be nearly the same as that of polystyrene dissolved in a good solvent if the apparent second-order transition could be avoided for the former. The results indicate that care must be taken in interpreting volume changes observed on mixing solid polymers with solvents. It is proposed to characterize the apparent second-order transition by an alternation of configurational probability in neighboring volume elements. The resulting “microstrain” and cavitation allow a simple explanation of phenomena associated with an apparent second-order transition such as brittleness. Slight divergencies between the apparent specific volume observed and expected in solution and an analysis of pertinent literature data show that the apparent specific volume changes appreciably with the nature of the solvent. It follows, in particular, that the number of vacant sites within a polystyrene molecule in solution is small in good solvents—where conceivably a slight solvation exists—and is very large in poor solvents. In the latter case, the free volume may exceed that found in bulk polystyrene at room temperature. The probable effect of molecular weight upon solution densities and the question of density measurements for rapid molecular weight determinations are discussed briefly by means of extrapolations from data obtained by Flory and Fox.
Decreased expression of caveolin 1 in patients with systemic sclerosis: Crucial role in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis

Objective Recent studies have implicated caveolin 1 in the regulation of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) downstream signaling. Given the crucial role of TGFβ in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc), we sought to determine whether caveolin 1 is also involved in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis in SSc. We analyzed the expression of CAV1 in affected SSc tissues, studied the effects of lack of expression of CAV1 in vitro and in vivo, and analyzed the effects of restoration of caveolin 1 function on the fibrotic phenotype of SSc fibroblasts in vitro. Methods CAV1 expression in tissues was analyzed by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The extent of tissue fibrosis in Cav1-knockout mice was assessed by histologic/histochemical analyses and quantified by hydroxyproline assays. Cav1-null and SSc fibroblast phenotypes and protein production were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. The effects of restoration of caveolin 1 function in SSc fibroblasts in vitro were also examined using a cell-permeable recombinant CAV1 peptide. Results CAV1 was markedly decreased in the affected lungs and skin of SSc patients. Cav1-knockout mice developed pulmonary and skin fibrosis. Down-regulation of caveolin 1 was maintained in cultured SSc fibroblasts, and restoration of caveolin 1 function in vitro normalized their phenotype and abrogated TGFβ stimulation through inhibition of Smad3 activation. Conclusion Caveolin 1 appears to participate in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis in SSc. Restoration of caveolin 1 function by treatment with a cell-permeable peptide corresponding to the CAV1 scaffolding domain may be a novel therapeutic approach in SSc.
Decision tree filters - a nonlinear approach to filtering for fire control applications

A new type filter, called a Decision Tree Filter, is developed that promises substantial performance benefits in a wide variety of applications. For gun fire control against a spectrum of maneuvering and non-maneuvering targets, a relatively simple Decision Tree Filter showed a performance improvement of 2 to 1 in hit probability and a 4 to 1 reduction in computation when compared to a Kalman filter.
Global sustainability: Toward definition

Sustainability is increasingly viewed as a desired goal of development and environmental management. This term has been used in numerous disciplines and in a variety of contexts, ranging from the concept of maximum sustainable yield in forestry and fisheries management to the vision of a sustainable society with a steady-state economy. The meaning of the term is strongly dependent on the context in which it is applied and on whether its use is based on a social, economic, or ecological perspective, Sustainability may be defined broadly or narrowly, but a useful definition must specify explicitly the context as well as the temporal and spatial scales being considered. Although societies differ in their conceptualizations of sustainability, indefinite human survival on a global scale requires certain basic support systems, which can be maintained only with a healthy environment and a stable human population. A clearer understanding of global sustainability and the development of appropriate indicators of the status of basic support systems would provide a useful framework for policy making.
Astronaut photography and the intelligence community: Who saw what?

Abstract Despite NASA's astronaut photography benefiting a wide range of civilian interests, it occasionally conflicted directly with the critical national security requirement to protect the National Reconnaissance Program from public disclosure or compromise. The Intelligence Community consequently imposed a number of restrictions, from reviewing the photography before public release to limiting the capabilities of NASA's image-forming sensors. At the same time, beginning in the Mercury program the Intelligence Community acquired and analyzed some of the photography as a possible source of intelligence data that otherwise was not being collected.
The new bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Purpose of review Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common severe complication of preterm birth. A number of recent animal models and clinical studies provide new information about pathophysiology and treatment. Recent findings The epidemiology of BPD continues to demonstrate that birth weight and gestational age are most predictive of BPD. Correlations of BPD with chorioamnionitis are clouded by the complexity of the fetal exposures to inflammation. Excessive oxygen use in preterm infants can increase the risk of BPD but low saturation targets may increase death. Numerous recent trials demonstrate that many preterm infants can be initially stabilized after delivery with continuous positive airway response (CPAP) and then be selectively treated with surfactant for respiratory distress syndrome. The growth of the lungs of the infant with BPD through childhood remains poorly characterized. Summary Recent experiences in neonatology suggest that combining less invasive care strategies that avoid excessive oxygen and ventilation, decrease postnatal infections, and optimize nutrition may decrease the incidence and severity of BPD.
Electronic excitation of H2 by electron impact: Close-coupling calculations using the complex Kohn variational method.

The complex Kohn variational method is employed in four-state close-coupling calculations to generate integral and differential cross sections for low-energy electron-impact excitation of the $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathrm{g}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(b $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathrm{u}}^{+}$, $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathrm{g}}^{+}$, and ${\mathit{c}}^{3}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}}_{\mathit{u}}$) transitions in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. The integral cross sections for excitation of the $^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathrm{g}}^{+}$ and ${\mathit{c}}^{3}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}}_{\mathit{u}}$ states from the ground state are found to be significantly different from earlier two-state calculations. The ${\mathit{a}}^{3}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}_{\mathit{g}}^{+}$ cross sections are also larger than the most recent experimental results. This discrepancy is traced to the behavior of the differential cross sections at scattering angles near 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, where measurements have not been carried out. The differential cross sections we find for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ are strikingly similar to cross sections for analogous transitions in He. Previous theoretical studies of these transitions in He have also shown the two-state approximation to be inadequate.
IMMUNOREGULATORY POTENTIAL OF UROTHELIUM: CHARACTERIZATION OF NF-κB SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION

Purpose: To characterize the basal and activated form of nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB) complex in normal urothelial cell cultures after stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA).Materials and Methods: Human urothelial cells cultured from normal bladder specimens underwent immunohistochemical staining and cellular extracts were prepared for Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA), Western blot analyses, RNA isolation and Northern Blot analyses before and after stimulation with TNF-α, LPS, and dsRNA.Results: In normal human urothelial cells, activation of the NF-κB complex in response to stimulation with TNF-α, LPS, and dsRNA was detected by immunohistochemical methods and EMSA. Depending on the stimulus, a specific NF-κB complex was activated as seen by supershift experiments in EMSA. By Western blot, the inhibitor of NF-κB complex, IκB-α, degraded in response to stimulation. Northern blot analysis from total RNA revealed ...
Dynamic deformable models for 3D MRI heart segmentation

Automated or semiautomated segmentation of medical images decreases interstudy variation, observer bias, and postprocessing time as well as providing clincally-relevant quantitative data. In this paper we present a new dynamic deformable modeling approach to 3D segmentation. It utilizes recently developed dynamic remeshing techniques and curvature estimation methods to produce high-quality meshes. The approach has been implemented in an interactive environment that allows a user to specify an initial model and identify key features in the data. These features act as hard constraints that the model must not pass through as it deforms. We have employed the method to perform semi-automatic segmentation of heart structures from cine MRI data.
A Connection between Interfacial Self-Assembly and the Inhibition of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide Adsorption on Silica by Poly-l-lysine

Coadsorbing poly-l-lysine hydrobromide inhibits hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide adsorption to silica surfaces. Using optical reflectometry to measure surface excess concentrations, we find that this inhibition depends on the concentration of added 1:1 electrolyte, both quantitatively and qualitatively. In the absence of added salt, the polyelectrolyte causes a rather uniform decrease in the extent of surfactant adsorption, and the shape of the surfactant coadsorption isotherm is qualitatively similar to the isotherm for adsorption in the absence of polyelectrolyte. In particular, the surfactant concentration marking the onset of cooperative adsorption, where admicelles are formed at bulk concentrations below the critical micelle concentration, is unchanged by the presence of the polyelectrolyte. In contrast, when the surfactant coadsorbs in the presence of 10 mM KBr, the polyelectrolyte eliminates this adsorption regime altogether. Admicelles do not form until the bulk surfactant concentration exceeds ...
Insect traces from nonmarine ephemeral puddles

Metz, Robert 1987 06 01: Insect traces from nonmarine ephemeral puddles. Boreas, Vol. 16, pp. 189–195. Oslo. ISSN 0300–9483. Field observations of nonmarine clay-lined ephemeral puddles have revealed numerous exogenic traces formed by a variety of insects. Most of these traces are described here for the first time. A number of different insects produced similar appearing traces. Relatively rapid drying of the shallow puddles often traps the insect, so that the trace and its maker are initially well preserved. This dessication process, in contrast to many lakes, streams and ponds having deeper water conditions, offers high potential for the exogenic trace to be preserved as a trace fossil. Trace fossil forms similar to those documented for ephemeral puddles include Gordia, Cochlichnus, Lithographus, Helminthopis and Isopodichnus. Ephemeral puddles should be considered a prime candidate for the origin of many of the trace fossils found in ancient nonmarine sedimentary rocks.
Malignant Melanocytic Lesions of Unknown Primary Site in Children and Adolescents

Background. Metastatic melanoma with an unidentified primary site represents 4% of all newly diagnosed cases of malignant melanoma in adults. Little is known of the incidence and clinicopathologic features of this clinical entity in the pediatric population. Methods. We reviewed all previously diagnosed cases of malignant melanoma in children and adolescents (<21 years) who were treated at our institution and identified three patients who presented with metastatic melanocytic lesions with an unidentified primary site. Results. This clinical presentation accounted for 9% of all malignant melanocytic lesions treated at our center over a 20-year period. The clinicopathologic features were similar to those seen in adults. Two patients died of progressive disease within two years of presentation; the third is alive and disease-free 18 years post-diagnosis. Conclusions. Although uncommon in the pediatric population, malignant melanoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of poorly differentiated disseminated malignancy that involves lymph nodes or viscera with no identifiable primary tumor. © 1995 Wi1ey-Liss, Inc.
RADIOSENSITIVITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF COMMON MACRO-FUNGI IN A CHRONICALLY IRRADIATED OAK--PINE FOREST.

Holt B.R. Radiosensitivity and distribution of common macro-fungi in a chronically irradiated oak-pine forest . Radiation Botany 12 , 339–342, 1972.-The maximum radiation tolerances observed among the macro-fungi in the Brookhaven Irradiated Forest were intermediate between those previously observed for angiosperms and micro-fungi. Reproduction of Armillaria mellea (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) and Lycogala epidendrum (Myxomycota, Liceales) was more sensitive to radiation-induced changes in microclimate and the rapidity of host death than it was to radiation itself. Lycoperdon pyriforme (Basidiomycota, Lycoperdales) apparently responded directly to radiation.
Early vestibular physical therapy rehabilitation for Meniere's disease

Meniere disease includes symptoms of fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and subjective ear fullness accompanied by episodic vertigo. Along with these symptoms, patients with chronic Meniere often develop symptoms of disequilibrium and unsteadiness that extend beyond the episodic attacks and contribute to the total disability and reduced quality of life attributed to the disease. Vestibular rehabilitation physical therapy has been used only after vestibular ablation has stabilized the vestibular loss, and for patients stably managed on medical therapy who exhibit no fluctuation in symptoms. This article reviews the data substantiating current applications of vestibular therapy, including improvements in subjective and objective balance outcome measures, and explores the possible extension of vestibular rehabilitation to treatment of patients exhibiting continued fluctuating vestibular loss.
The distribution of repressive coping styles among non-metastatic and metastatic breast cancer patients as compared to non-cancer patients

Abstract Recent investigations have shown increased disease progression among breast cancer patients with a “repressive” coping style characterized as: passive, conforming, inclined to deny physical symptoms and emotionally unexpressive. The Millon Behavioral Health Inventory (MBHI) scales which delineate three discrete repressive coping styles include the: Introversive, Cooperative and Respectful. Forty-four women recently diagnosed (within four weeks) with non-metastatic (N=32) or metastatic (N=12) breast carcinoma, responded to the MBHI upon admission for treatment of their disease at a cancer treatment unit. All subjects received mastectomy as well as chemotherapy, radiation and/or endocrine therapy. These 44 Cancer patients were compared to 34 control subjects, comprising women who were seen at a colposcopy clinic for follow-up of a suspicious pap smear which was ultimately shown to be benign or consisted of mild dysplasia. Non-metastatic, metastatic and control subjects were compared with respect to...
Effect of Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1) infection on Cpkk1, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase of the filamentous fungus Cryphonectria parasitica

Abstract We screened Cryphonectria parasitica genomic and cDNA libraries with a probe obtained from the amplification of a conserved region among the sequence of known mitogen activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKK) and obtained genomic and cDNA clones. Sequence comparisons of the clones obtained confirmed the identification of a C. parasitica homologue to other fungal MAPKK, which we named Cpkk1. Polyclonal antibodies raised against a purified Cpkk1 fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli were used to detect Cpkk1 protein in extracts of CHV1-infected and uninfected C. parasitica grown in liquid culture. Differences in the dynamics of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation were noticed. Under the conditions investigated, Cpkk1protein expression is associated with active mycelial growth, before the onset of a senescent developmental stage. We hypothesize that differences in Cpkk1 phosphorylation state between CHV1 infected and virus free strains are due to a delay of the onset of the developmental stage caused by the presence of the virus.
Fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging response acutely to hypoxia‐ischemia predicts postnatal outcome

Objective: Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by either hypoxia-ischemia (H-I) or long-standing causative factors such as inflammation or genetics. Multiple pathophysiological events over time are thought to contribute eventually to cerebral palsy. Our objective was to examine whether the immediate response of the fetus to an acute H-I event determined the motor deficits associated with cerebral palsy. Methods: Serial diffusion-weighted imaging were performed on 79% gestation New Zealand white rabbits using a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance scanner during 40 minutes of uterine ischemia, 20 minutes of reperfusion, and at 4, 24, and 72 hours. Individual fetuses were tracked to near term, and the delivered kits were divided into hypertonic H-I (n 18), nonhypertonic H-I (n 9), stillbirth H-I (n 4), and control groups (n 16). Results: The hypertonia group had significantly less of a nadir in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) during H-I (71.6 23.8% vs 84.5 9.3% baseline) and slower and incomplete recovery of ADC during reperfusion compared with the nonhypertonic group. All fetuses in the hypertonic and stillbirth groups had an ADC nadir of less than 0.83m 2 /msec (70.3% decrease from baseline), whereas 94% of control animals had an ADC nadir greater than this value. The difference between outcome groups was the largest at 4 hours reperfusion and persisted for 24 hours. Interpretation: Serial fetal brain scans indicate that the immediate response of a fetus to H-I is crucial to the development of hypertonia. If the fetal brain can be scanned at the time of insult, ADC changes can predict which fetuses will have an unfavorable outcome. Ann Neurol 2007;61:307–314
Playing with words: from intuition to evaluation of game dialogue interfaces

Dialogue systems are central to role-playing games, adventure games, interactive fictions, and some forms of interactive drama and cinema---but we have little empirical evidence about how, or even whether, the design of dialogue system interfaces shapes gameplay experience. In this paper we present the results of a study directly comparing three different dialogue system interfaces implemented over the complete course of a dramatic, story-focused game. We find that, holding the rest of the game steady, changing the dialogue interface produces significant changes in gameplay experience. Further, these changes shape perceptions of the system well beyond the interface and its operation. The changes are also sometimes resonant with, and sometimes at odds with, conventional wisdom about these interface options in the game design and writing communities. Our study compared three interfaces: a sentence selection interface (which appears to maximize story involvement), an abstract response menu interface (which maximized reasoning about the underlying game structures), and a natural language understanding interface (which maximized a sense of presence and engagement with the overall experience). Our full results provide valuable future guidance for those seeking a dialogue interface that is resonant with their gameplay experience goals.
Combined therapy for Sézary syndrome with extracorporeal photochemotherapy and low-dose interferon alfa therapy. Clinical, molecular, and immunologic observations.

• Extracorporeal photochemotherapy is a well-tolerated treatment of palliative benefit for patients with the Sezary syndrome, but up to 25% of patients do not respond to this form of therapy. Interferon alfa is a glycoprotein with immunomodulatory properties that is also an active agent in the treatment of Sezary syndrome; however, dose-related toxic effects often limit its long-term use. A patient with rapidly advancing Sezary syndrome was treated with a combination of extracorporeal photochemotherapy and low doses of subcutaneous interferon alfa-2b. In addition to the almost complete clearing of his skin lesions and the marked diminution of his extensive lymphadenopathy after 16 weeks of combined therapy, disappearance of the malignant T-cell clone from the peripheral blood was documented by Southern blot analysis. Normalization of the peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotypic profile and an increase in natural killer cell activity were also observed. The excellent clinical response to combined therapy has been sustained, without adverse effects, during 18 months of treatment and 22 months of continued follow-up. The long-term disappearance of the malignant clone from the blood of a patient with Sezary syndrome in response to therapy has not been previously described and thus represents a novel observation. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy and low-dose interferon alfa are well-tolerated therapies that, when combined, may have additive efficacy in the treatment of Sezary syndrome. These results suggest that further exploration of this therapeutic combination is warranted. ( Arch Dermatol. 1991;127:1535-1540)
Vertebrate homologs of Drosophila suppressor of fused interact with the gli family of transcriptional regulators.

The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is crucial for pattern formation during metazoan development. Although originially characterized in Drosophila, vertebrate homologs have been identified for several, but not all, genes in the pathway. Analysis of mutants in Drosophila demonstrates that Suppressor of fused [Su(fu)] interacts genetically with genes encoding proteins in the Hh signal transduction pathway, and its protein product physically interacts with two of the proteins in the Hh pathway. We report here the molecular cloning and characterization of chicken and mouse homologs of Su(fu). The chick and mouse proteins are 27% identical and 53% similar at the amino acid level to the Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis proteins. Vertebrate Su(fu) is widely expressed in the developing embryo with higher levels in tissues that are known to be patterned by Hh signaling. The chick Su(fu) protein can physically interact with factors known to function in Hh signal transduction including the Drosophila serine/threonine kinase, Fused, and the vertebrate transcriptional regulators Gli1 and Gli3. This interaction may be significant for transcriptional regulation, as recombinant Su(fu) enhances the ability of Gli proteins to bind DNA in electrophoretic mobility shift assays.
Twist filter for the removal of macroparticles from cathodic arc plasmas

Abstract Cathodic arc plasmas are known to be contaminated with macroparticles. A variety of magnetic plasma filters have been used with various success in removing the macroparticles from the plasma. In this publication, an open-architecture, double-bent filter that is twisted (‘Twist Filter™’) is described. A cathodic arc plasma deposition system was designed around this novel, very compact and efficient filter. Its major application is the deposition of ultrathin amorphous hard carbon (a-C) films for the magnetic storage industry.
A new approach to stability analysis of variable speed machining systems

Abstract This paper presents a new method for the stability analysis of variable speed machining systems. By using spindle angular position as the independent variable, the system dynamics are modeled as a linear periodic time-varying system with fixed delay. This representation is proven much easier to analyze and to numerically simulate than the time-varying delay representation, which traditionally uses the real-time as the independent variable. With a finite difference scheme, the infinite dimensional periodic time-varying system is approximated by a finite dimensional periodic time-varying discrete system, which in turn is converted to a time-invariant system by multiplying the time-varying state transition matrix over one period of speed variation. System-relative stability becomes tractable by spectral radius analysis. This approach makes possible the quantitative characterization of system stability as a function of variable speed profiles as well as other system parameters such as stiffness and damping of the cutting process and the tool/workpiece structure. Verifications for the face milling process by numerical simulation and experiment for both constant and variable speed are given.
Operations research from the viewpoint of general systems theory

Abstract This paper examines the operations research process from the viewpoint of General Systems Theory. The components of the OR process and the relations between them are critically examined. The five components are: (1) the “reality” of the problem situation, (2) the conceptual model of the problem situation, (3) the scientific model of the conceptual model, (4) the solution to the scientific model, and (5) the implementation of the solution. The paper argues that we have sub-optimized both our knowledge (study) and our application of the OR process. That is, there have been extremely few studies and applications of OR which have concerned themselves with OR from a whole systems point of view. The paper argues that without a whole systems perspective OR can neither be understood nor effectively applied.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to external insult: an overview of the quantitative analysis of pigmentation.

Context: Despite new technologies, few studies have quantified changes in melanocyte numbers associated with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) secondary to exogenous causes.Objective: This article aims to review what is known about the pathogenesis of PIH secondary to external insults and its relationship to the resultant degree of quantitative changes in melanocytes.Methods: We performed a review of articles exploring PIH resulting from external cutaneous insults retrieved through database searching. We reviewed relevant articles for the pathogenesis, histopathology, and quantitative changes in melanocytes related to specific etiologies of PIH. Methodologies to quantify pigmentation changes in dermatologic conditions with clinical hyperpigmentation were also explored.Results: Significant increases in melanocyte counts of irritant affected skin is seen compared with melanocyte counts of unaffected skin. An increase in melanocyte counts was also found for spontaneous inflammatory dermatoses, even in...
A theoretical algorithm for the closest matrices in the space of Doubly Stochastic Matrices

Let denote the set of Generalized Doubly Stochastic n × n real matrices, and Ωn denote the set of Doubly Stochastic n × n nonnegative matrices ; that is, matrices whose row and column sums are 1. T...
The theory of electron-scattering coincidence experiments

Abstract A general expression for the electron-scattering coincidence cross section for the reaction A1(e, e′ X) A2 with a nuclear target is derived in the one-photon exchange approximation. The result is exact to lowest order in α, the fine-structure constant. It is expressed in terms of four kinematic factors involving the electron scattering variables in the laboratory frame, and four combinations of transition matrix elements of the nuclear current operator expressed in the center-of-momentum (COM) frame. The nuclear matrix elements are decomposed into transition amplitudes of definite angular momentum using a helicity analysis. General expressions for the angular distribution of particle X in the COM frame are then derived. The analysis is independent of the detailed structure of the nucleus and particle X and depends only on general symmetry considerations and the existence of a local electromagnetic current operator for the hadronic target. A unitary transformation from the helicity basis for the final particle X and A2 to an LS coupling basis is relevant if X is massive and a finite number of total angular momenta J are involved in the reaction. Tables of angular correlation coefficients are given for the case where the initial nucleus A1 has J1π = 0+. They constitute one of the most useful results of this paper. Connection is made in the “static limit,” and with the assumption that the reaction proceeds through a finite number of Breit-Wigner resonances with a corresponding factorization of the electroproduction transition matrix elements, to the familiar electromagnetic transition multipole moments involving excitation of a nuclear state Jπ. The relation to previous work by de Forest and by Drechsel and Uberall is discussed. Analytic expressions for the coincidence cross sections are given for spin-zero systems and some very simple, basic models of nuclear “giant resonance” excitations. It is hoped that they will be useful in obtaining insight into the coincidence cross section and in planning future experiments. Finally, a reanalysis of the recent Stanford data of Calarco et al. on 12 C (e, e′ p 0 ) 11 B ( 3 2 − ) in the vicinity of the giant dipole resonance in 12C is carried out using a very simple nuclear model but retaining all the terms in the coincidence cross section, some of which were previously neglected.
A novel G6PD mutation leading to chronic hemolytic anemia.

G6PD deficiency is an important cause of hemolytic anemia worldwide. Severely affected patients have chronic hemolysis with exacerbations following oxidative stress. Mutations causing severe chronic non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia commonly cluster in Exon 10, a region important for protein dimerization. An African-American male presented at age two weeks with pallor and jaundice, and was found to have hemolytic anemia with G6PD deficiency. His severe clinical course was inconsistent with the expected G6PD A- variant. DNA sequencing revealed two common mutations (A-) and a third novel Exon 10 mutation. This inherited haplotype represents a novel triple G6PD coding mutation causing chronic hemolysis.
Quantitative Comparison of Temperature Control of Reactors with Jacket Cooling or Internal Cooling Coils

This paper presents a quantitative comparison of the effectiveness of two alternative heat-removal schemes in the control of continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). The chemistry features an exothermic irreversible reaction A → B, and different design levels of conversion are explored. Two mechanisms for removing the heat of reaction are studied: (1) a cooling jacket surrounding the vessel or (2) an internal cooling coil. Controllability is shown to become more difficult as the design conversion decreases. Results demonstrate that internal coil cooling provides better dynamic controllability than jacket cooling in terms of being able to handle larger disturbances. A generic “reactor controllability index” (RCI) is proposed that can be used to assess the dynamic robustness of any CSTR. The RCI is the dimensionless ratio of the temperature difference between the reactor and jacket (or the log-mean temperature difference for coil cooling) and the maximum available temperature difference (reactor temperatu...
Results of a year-long incentives-based worksite smoking-cessation program

This study evaluated the impact of a year-long incentives-based worksite smoking-cessation program. Nineteen moderate-sized worksites, employing a total of approximately 1100 smokers, were randomized to Incentive or No Incentive conditions. All identified smokers in the worksite were considered as subjects, whether or not they participated in the intervention. Analyses were conducted at both the worksite and individual level, and using both self-reported and biochemically validated cessation as endpoints. The incentive program did not significantly improve cessation rates at either the 1-year or 2-year follow-up assessments. We conclude that more broadly focused interventions that also address worksite smoking policies, skills training, and cessation resources, or programs that target additional risk factors are needed to substantially enhance quit rates.
Weight Discriminability and Subjective Assessment of Load Heaviness: A Pilot Study

The main objectives of this pilot study were to investigate human ability to: 1) estimate weight of boxes on a lifting task, 2) discriminate among different levels of load, and 3) relate this ability to subjective perception of load heaviness expressed in terms of linguistic descriptors. The effects of color and load differential, defined as a constant weight difference among a series of five boxes, on perception of load heaviness, were also studied. It was shown that the human ability to discriminate among weights of boxes lifted is severely impaired as the load differential decreases below 4 lbs. In addition, as weight of the box exceeds 30 lbs., the difficulty in load differentiation and load estimation, as measured by the number of errors made, significantly increases. This study also suggests that the use of linguistic (verbal) descriptors in the estimation of weights of boxes lifted from the floor to table height, allows for better judgement than the use of numerical values alone.
Symplectites in upper mantle peridotites: Development and implications for the growth of subsolidus garnet, pyroxene and spinel

Silicate-oxide symplectites in complex mineral intergrowths are relatively common in upper mantle xenoliths and in xenoliths in the Jagersfontein Kimberlite, South Africa.Harzburgites of olivine and high-Al (1.9–3.6 wt%), Ca (0.6–0.9 wt%) and Cr (0.3–0.9 wt%) enstatite contain symplectites of spinel and diopside, or spinel, diopside and lower-Al (0.8–2.2 wt%), Ca (0.1–0.4 wt%) and Cr (0.02–0.8 wt%) enstatite. From textures and mineral chemistries these symplectites are interpreted to have formed by mineral unmixing and migration from Al−Ca−Cr discrete enstatite to adjoining mineral interfaces.Garnet harzburgites are composed of large (0.5–1 cm) olivine, equally large discrete low-Al (0.6–1.1 wt%), Ca (0.1–0.5 wt%), and Cr (0.1–0.3 wt%) enstatite and smaller interstitial garnet, diopside, and high-Cr and low-Al spinel. Symplectites are composed of either spinel+diopside+garnet, or garnet+spinel. Spinel diopside garnet symplectites have cores of spinel+diopside, resembling symplectites inharzburgites, but surrounded by rims of garnet or garnet+undigested globular spinel. From textures and chemistries we suggest that the spinel+diopside cores formed from Ca-Al-Cr-rich orthopyroxene initially as a nonstoichiometric homogeneous single phase clinopyroxene enriched in Fe, Cr and Al. This was followed by decomposition of the clinopyroxene to diopside+spinel, and subsequent garnet formation in a prograde reaction with olivine or enstatite. In bothharzburgites andgarnet harzburgites the metastable cellular structures may also have formed by the simultaneous precipitation of pyroxene and spinel. In all cases there is a strongly preferred embayment of symplectite bodies into olivine. Olivine appears to have activated adjacent
Relationship between the presentation of the MOMMY AND I ARE ONE stimulus and mood.

Surnrna~.-In 1992 Weinberger suggested the effects of the presentation of MOWMY AND I ARE ONE might be mediated by its capacity to produce positive mood changes. Later support for this idea is unconvincing because these experiments lock the converging operations required to support the assumption that participants can encode the complete meaning of MOWMY AND I ARE ONE. Furthermore, without justification, they bypassed several variables of importance in prior research. Wide acceptance of findings in this area requires convincing evidence chat participants can encode much more information from MOMMY AND I ARE ONE than from other types of subliminal stimuli and from supraliminal stimuli presented briefly. Und such evidence is available, attempts to explore individual differences UI neurophysiological responses to MOMMY AND I ARE ONE, after it has been assumed to be encoded, are premature. In subhinal psychodynamic activation research, stimuli with a psychodynamic content are presented to clinical and nonclinical populations to increase or decrease unconscious confhcts and as an adjunct to therapeutic and educational programs (Silverman, 1983). Positive findings have been considered as evidence for its basic research assumption: that participants can encode the meaning of a complete message as it is intended by the experimenter (Fudin, 1986). This assumption is an obstacle to the wide acceptance of findings because, among other things, it posits a greater capacity to encode information from subluninal than from supraliminal stimuli presented briefly (Fudin, 1986). There is no evidence to support such a supersensitive unconscious (Dixon, 1981), a situation unchanged in the last 20 years. Weinberger's proposal (1992) of positive mood as a mediator of the effects of presenting the stimulus MOMMY AND I ARE ONE therefore is, potentially, an important contribution. This paper will try to show that investigations of a connection between this stimulus and mood have not advanced research in subliminal psychodynamic activation because researchers have ignored suggestions for improvements in methodology (Fudin, 1986, 1999) and, without explanation, bypassed variables of importance in prior research.
Estimations of atmospheric boundary layer fluxes and other turbulence parameters from Doppler lidar data

Methods for extraction of boundary layer parameters from measurements of a short pulse CO2 Doppler lidar are presented. Assuming that the turbulence is horizontally homogeneous, the mean wind, its standard deviations, and the momentum fluxes are estimated. Regarding the analysis method, it is shown that for a horizontally homogeneous turbulence the mean wind, its variance and the vertical momentum fluxes can be determined from single Doppler lidar data.
Monotherapy with Gabapentin for partial epilepsy: A review of 30 cases

We attempted to evaluate the efficacy of Gabapentin (GBP) monotherapy as a treatment for partial epilepsy. We reviewed the medical records of 30 consecutive patients treated with GBP monotherapy at our epilepsy center. Twenty-nine of these patients had previously been treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (median number of two drugs). Only one patient had taken GBP as an adjunctive medication. Median duration of GBP monotherapy was 6 months, and the median daily dose was 1200 mg. During treatment with GBP, 17 patients (57%) experienced a ⩾ 25% reduction in seizure frequency, with nine patients reporting a ⩾ 90% reduction. Twelve patients reported no change in seizure frequency; however, six of these patients had experienced less than one seizure every 6 months prior to treatment with GBP, and therefore maintained fairly good control. Six patients discontinued GBP due to poorly controlled seizures. Adverse effects were experienced by 13 patients, but led to discontinuation of GBP in only four cases. Our results suggest that monotherapy with GBP can be effective in partial epilepsy and is often well tolerated.
Chemiluminescence detection of hydrazine vapor.

An efficient, real-time chemiluminescence detector for hydrazine vapor, N(2)H(4)(g), is described, capable of monitoring sub part-per-billion levels of hydrazine in air. The catalytic oxidation of hydrazine by colloidal platinum forms an intermediate, oxidizing agent (e.g. OH or OOH) which subsequently oxidizes luminol, generating a chemiluminescence signal that is proportional to the hydrazine concentration. Major components of the instrument include a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a short length of glass tubing coiled directly in front of the PMT cathode surface, a vacuum pump for sampling the air, and a peristaltic pump for circulating the liquid reagent. The liquid reagent, a basic solution (pH 13) of luminol and colloidal platinum, is continuously recycled. The detection sequence is initiated by pumping the hydrazine vapor through a short length of teflon tubing that is concurrently transporting the liquid reagent. The liquid is separated from the gas stream in an impinger and quickly pumped to the PMT. We have evaluated the effect of solution pH, luminol and platinum concentrations, and air and liquid flow rates on the analytical characteristics of this system. A linear, dynamic detection range for hydrazine has been obtained from 1 to 2000 ppb in air, with an instrument response that is fully reversible and achieves plateau response in less than 2 min.
A Reexamination of 'Glanzer v. Shepard': Surveyors on the Tort-Contract Boundary

In international commodity transactions, intermediary certifiers of quantity and quality play a crucial role. Sometimes they err, and when they do, the aggrieved party can pursue remedies against the counterparty or against the intermediary, either in contract or tort. The remedy against the intermediary has depended, at least in part, on whether the plaintiff was in privity. Even absent privity, the aggrieved party could possibly recover in tort (or perhaps as a third-party beneficiary). So held Cardozo in the leading New York case Glanzer v. Shepard. Section I of this paper reviews the Glanzer litigation, with special emphasis on how the court suppressed many of the significant facts. Section II then turns to restitution by the principals. Section III explores the courts’ general hostility to intermediaries’ attempts to limit their liability by contract, and Section IV considers the judiciary’s sporadic efforts to place extra-contractual limits on intermediaries’ liability. Section V examines the surveyors’ response.
Trail Marking by Larvae of the Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Eastern tent caterpillars that are successful foragers deposit trails as they return to the tent that are more attractive than the exploratory trails of the unfed larvae. The trails of these fed returning larvae attract unfed tentmates to food finds anre chemical factors account for the attractiveness of these trails.