cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Infants' Use of Continuity Cues in Their Perception of Causality.

Two experiments investigated the role fo continuity cues in infants' perception of launching events as causal. Experiment 1 showed that 7-month-old infants can use spatial and temporal contiguity ot perceive causality: Infants who were habituated to a causal event dishabituated to novel noncausal events, in which either spatial or temporal contiguity was violated, and those who were habituated to a noncausal event dishabituated to a novel causal but not a novel noncausal event. Experiment 2 showed that 10-month-olds, but not 7-month-olds, perceived the causality of lauching events in which the objects moved along different paths
Limits on the nucleus of Halley's Comet

We report here a limiting magnitude to the brightness of the nucleus of Halley's Comet which, together with published interpretations of the comet's visual light curve in 1910 and estimates of the magnitude of non-gravitational forces that have modified the comet's orbital motion throughout the past five apparitions, places some interesting limits on the physical properties of the nucleus. We find that the nucleus is probably ∼4km across, has a surface albedo of 0.17, and a mass of 3.4 × 1016 g. Comet Halley may not be recovered until early November 1984, but could be found as early as late September–early October 1982.
Presentation, evaluation, and treatment of nonconvulsive status epilepticus

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is much more common than is generally appreciated. It is certainly underdiagnosed, but its presentation is protean. Diagnostic criteria and treatment are controversial. Absence status is characterized by confusion or diminished responsiveness, with occasional blinking or twitching, lasting hours to days, with generalized spike and slow wave discharges on the EEG. Complex partial status consists of prolonged or repetitive complex partial seizures (with a presumed focal onset) and produces an "epileptic twilight state" with fluctuating lack of responsiveness or confusion. There is a clear overlapping of syndromes. Other confused, stuporous, or comatose patients with rapid, rhythmic, epileptiform discharges on the EEG may have "electrographic" status and should be considered in the same diagnostic category. NCSE typically occurs following supposedly controlled convulsions or other seizures, but with persistent neurologic dysfunction despite apparently adequate treatment. Confusion in the elderly or among emergency room patients is also a typical setting. The diagnosis of NCSE usually involves an abnormal mental status with diminished responsiveness, a supportive EEG, and often a response to anticonvulsant medication. All patients have clinical neurologic deficits, but the EEG findings and response to seizure medication are variable and are more controversial criteria. The response to drugs can be delayed for up to days. Experimental models and pathologic studies showing neuronal damage from status epilepticus pertain primarily to generalized convulsive status. Most morbidity from NCSE appears due to the underlying illness rather than to the NCSE itself. Some cases of prolonged NCSE or those with concomitant systemic illness, focal lesions, or very rapid epileptiform discharges may suffer more long-lasting damage. Although clinical studies show little evidence of permanent neurologic injury, the prolonged memory dysfunction in several cases and the similarities to convulsive status suggest that NCSE should be treated expeditiously. The diagnosis is important to make because NCSE impairs the patient's health significantly, and it is often a treatable and completely reversible condition.
Use of the ACT3D System to Evaluate Synergies in Children with Spastic Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study

Clinically, the presentation of upper limb movements in children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy is similar to that of adults who have had a stroke. The presence of abnormal synergies following stroke has been described qualitatively in the clinic and quantitatively under static conditions, but this quantitative data is lacking for cerebral palsy. Here, we describe the arm coordination training 3-D (ACT3D) robotic system and how its unique characteristics can provide additional insight into the dynamic expression of these synergies. Implications and clinical applications are briefly discussed.
Reality of the Schwarzschild Singularity

A spherically symmetric solution of the Einstein equations is presented that coincides with the exterior ($\mathcal{r}g2m$) Schwarzschild solution, but where the Schwarzschild "sphere" becomes a point singularity. The possible relevance of this solution to the question of gravitational collapse is discussed.
Libertarianism as if (The Other 99 Percent of) People Mattered

In this essay I wish to consider the implications for theory and practice of the following two propositions, either or both of which may be controversial, but which will here be assumed for the sake of argument:(L) Libertarianism is the correct framework for political morality.(M) The vast majority of our fellow citizens disbelieve (L).1
A Factor Analytic Study of Attitudes toward Motion Pictures

Summary The study reported here had college students (n = 170) respond to a modified version of Thurstone's 40-item movie attitude scale. Thurstone had developed his scale as a part of the Payne Fund studies (1933), in which he played a significant role. The purpose of the present study was to locate and identify underlying attitudinal dimensions in Thurstone's scale. Responses to the instrument were subjected to factor analysis which revealed nine factors accounting for 60% of the variance. Results of the factor analysis suggest that the scale taps attitudinal dimensions toward movies regarding their educational value, potential for social injury, content, and value as a leisure time pursuit, but omits other important aspects of attitude measurement as related to motion pictures.
Pycnodysostosis: Expression and Biochemical Characterization of Missense Mutations in the Cathepsin K Gene • 718

Pycnodysostosis (Pycno) is a rare sclerosing skeletal dysplasia inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Features include short stature, osteosclerosis, and abnormalities of cranial and facial bones. Previously, we determined by positional cloning and mutation analysis that the Pycno gene was the cysteine lysosomal protease, cathepsin K (Cat K). To date, Cat K mutations on 21 Pycno families were determined by exonic amplification and sequencing. Thirteen novel mutations were identified, including three nonsense, a stop codon (X330W), and nine missense mutations. Missense mutations have occurred in the signal peptide, pro region, and mature enzyme portion of the Cat K prepropeptide. There was no apparent phenotype-genotype correlation. Constructs for six of the missense mutations (G79E, G146R, Y212C, A277E, A277V and R312G) were created by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in the Pichia system. Mutant protein was detected by western blot and enzyme activity was assayed. All expressed mutants had immunologically detectable protein but only the Y212C mutant had residual activity. After quantitating the Y212C protein using the cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, E64, kinetic studies were performed with the fluorescent substrate Z-Leu-Arg-MCA. These studies revealed that the Km for Y212C was not significantly different from wild type enzyme while the kcat was significantly reduced to approximately 40% of the wild type value. The pH profile of the Y212C enzyme was broad with an optimum at about 6.0, similar to that of the wild type enzyme. Stability assays revealed marked instability of the Y212C protein compared to wild type Cat K. Previous molecular modeling had predicted that the G79E, G146R, and A277E mutant proteins would be stable but enzymatically inactive, findings confirmed by the expression data. In contrast, modeling of the Y212C mutation had predicted that this mutation might interfere with the C170-C210 disulfide bridge on the enzyme's surface, potentially destabilizing the molecule. The in vitro expression data for Y212C were consistent with that conclusion, since substrate binding affinity and the pH optimum were maintained and the proteolytic efficiency was only moderately reduced, but the protein was unstable. To further validate the Cat K model, a predicted revertant of the G146R mutant (S143D/G146R) was expressed and partially restored enzymatic activity at low pH. Thus, molecular modeling and mutant expression studies provide insight into the molecular basis of the Cat K deficiency caused by these Pycno mutations.
Effect of valence-subband structure on the energy relaxation dynamics of electrons in GaAs quantum wells grown on Si.

Different electron energy relaxation dynamics are observed in narrow and wide modulation Be-doped GaAs-${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As multiple quantum wells grown on Si substrates (GaAs QW's/Si) arising from different valence-subband structure. The combination of built-in biaxial stress and spatial hole confinement results in a reversal of light- and heavy-hole subbands in narrow GaAs QW's/Si structures. For narrow (wide) quantum-well structures of 40 (188) \AA{} at 4.3 K in which there is a two-dimensional light- (heavy-) hole gas, the energy-loss process of photoexcited hot electrons is extremely rapid (slow) due to strong (weak) energy exchange with the cool light (heavy) holes. The nonequilibrium phonon population was found to build up from the relaxation of hot electrons in the 188-\AA{} wells but not in the 40-\AA{} wells.
Diffusion–deformation theory for amorphous silicon anodes: The role of plastic deformation on electrochemical performance

Abstract Amorphous silicon (a-Si) is a promising material for anodes in Li-ion batteries due to its increased capacity relative to the current generation of graphite-based anode materials. However, the intercalation of lithium into a-Si induces very large elastic–plastic deformations, including volume changes of approximately 300%. We have formulated and numerically implemented a fully-coupled diffusion–deformation theory, which accounts for transient diffusion of lithium and accompanying large elastic–plastic deformations. The material parameters in the theory have been calibrated to experiments of galvanostatic cycling of a half-cell composed of an a-Si thin-film anode deposited on a quartz substrate, which have been reported in the literature. We show that our calibrated theory satisfactorily reproduces the mechanical response of such an anode — as measured by the changes in curvature of the substrate, as well as the electrochemical response — as measured by the voltage versus state-of-charge (SOC) response. We have applied our numerical simulation capability to model galvanostatic charging of hollow a-Si nanotubes whose exterior walls have been oxidized to prevent outward expansion; such anodes have been recently experimentally-realized in the literature. We show that the results from our numerical simulations are in good agreement with the experimentally-measured voltage versus SOC behavior at various charging rates (C-rates). Through our simulations, we have identified two major effects of plasticity on the electrochemical performance of a-Si anodes: • First, for a given voltage cut-off, plasticity enables lithiation of the anode to a higher SOC. This is because plastic flow reduces the stresses generated in the material, and thus reduces the potential required to lithiate the material. • Second, plastic deformation accounts for a significant percentage of the energy dissipated during the cycling of the anode at low C-rates. Hence, plasticity can have either (a) a beneficial effect, that is, a higher SOC for a given voltage cut-off; or (b) a detrimental effect, that is significant energy dissipation at low C-rates.
Personality factors related to quantitative estimation skill: confirmation and extension.

Sui?zvznry.-The relationships of txvo measures of quantitative estimation skill, computational estimation and numerosity estimation, were examined with the 16 PF Global Factors corresponding to the Big Five personality dimensions in a sample of 80 college students. Correlations of Computational Estimation with the 16 PF scores confirmed findings from a previous study which used the NEO-Five Factor Inventory as a measure of the Big Five, specifically showing that Computational Estimation correlated significantly with the 16 PF's Independence factor. Numerosity Estimation did not correlate significantly with any of the 16 PF Global Factors or with any of the ability measures (Computational Estimation, SAT Verbal. SAT Mathematics, and selfrated inathematics ability) used in the study.
A crystal plasticity study of heterophase interface character stability of Cu/Nb bicrystals

It has recently been shown that a highly oriented microstructure develops during severe plastic rolling deformation of Cu/Nb (fcc/bcc) nanocomposites. The deformation textures significantly deviate from those expected when rolling Cu or Nb alone, and the Cu/Nb interfaces do not correspond to those with the lowest possible formation energies. Motivated by these experimental observations, we study the heterophase interface character (HIC) stability of specific Cu/Nb bicrystal configurations under rolling conditions using a finite element crystal plasticity model. In this work, the HIC stability refers to the stability of the 5-parameter character of the interface (the orientation relationship and the interface plane) under mechanical load. Specifically, we examine how slip activity and lattice reorientation are affected by the kinematic constraint imposed by the interface. Our results show that bicrystal stability is governed by the least stable crystal.
Intravenous myocardial imaging performed serially early and late after acute myocardial infarction

The accuracy and sensitivity of myocardial imaging using intravenous Rb-81 in delineating the extent and subsequent changes in regional myocardial perfusion abnormalities were examined serially in 12 patients one to 510 days after an acute myocardial infarction. Definite regions of decreased Rb-81 uptake were noted in 10 patients with transmural infarction. There was excellent correlation between the site of perfusion abnormalities, the electrocardiographic infarct location and the region of segmental wall motion disorders. Follow-up studies revealed in 8 of 11 patients a decrease in the extent of the perfusion defect, which was associated with an improvement in the extent and/or severity of regional wall motion disorders. Conversely, wall motion abnormalities did not change in the remaining three patients in whom perfusion abnormalities persisted unchanged. We conclude that intravenous myocardial imaging permits visualization of myocardial perfusion abnormalities early after acute myocardial infarction. Serial imaging allows detection of changes in the extent of perfusion abnormalities, and, thus, might provide useful information with respect to the patient's prognosis and the effects of therapeutic interventions.
Investigation of scandate cathodes: emission, fabrication, and activation processes

Top-layer cathodes have been shown to exhibit work function values in the 1.5-eV range near 1100 K. Emission from cathodes made by sputter deposition of a Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3//W layer on top of an impregnated cathode were limited by the deposition conditions that cause dissociation of Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and/or formation of volatile oxides of W. Pure Sc/sub 2/O/sub 3/ layers were also activated by an external Ba source to the value of the work function reported above. These results and activation mechanisms and characteristics that are peculiar to the Ba-O-Sc surface are discussed. >
Shear Testing of the Porcelain-Metal Bond

A simple shear test was employed to determine the bonding strength of porcelain to a gold metal substrate and to a non-precious metal substrate after they had been aged in double-distilled water at 37°C for four and 12 months. A 7.4% and 18.1 % decrease in bond strength after four months and 12 months, respectively, was observed for the porcelain-gold system, and a decrease of 21.2% and 21.4% after four and 12 months, respectively, for the non-precious-porcelain system. A significant difference was observed between the bond strengths of the porcelain-metal composites: 51.17 ± 11.29 MPa for the porcelain-gold system and 31.83 ± 3.65 MPa for the porcelain-non-precious system.
Eyebrow segmentation using active shape models

Prior research has shown that manually-segmented eyebrows can be used for recognition purposes. However, eyebrow recognition is not as useful without an automated segmentation algorithm. We propose a method to automatically outline the eyebrows in a face using active shape models. We train several models using the images from the Face Recognition Grand Challenge and find that including more landmark points around the eyebrows and including the eyes in the model are beneficial. Our eyebrow active shape model gives a 38.6% improvement over eyebrow segmentation obtained using an open-source face active shape model. When comparing the automatically segmented regions with manual segmentation, we achieve 87% true overlap score with a 12% false overlap score.
Evolution of the Enriched Layer at the Oxide/Metal Interface during Oxidation of Recycled Steels with Copper and Copper+Nickel Residuals

The presence of the residual element copper in recycled steels causes a surface cracking phenomenon during thermo-mechanical processing which is known as “hot shortness”. The cracks result from a copper-rich liquid that forms at the oxide/metal interface and subsequently embrittles austenite grain boundaries. Minimizing formation of the liquid phase would reduce or eliminate cracking. Thus, the evolution of the liquid layer is an important consideration when designing an optimal thermomechanical processing cycle in scrap-based steel plants. The time evolution of the liquid phase is dependent on the competing processes of enrichment rate due to iron oxidation and the rate of copper back-diffusion into the steel. This paper presents a fixed grid finite difference model that predicts the evolution of the enriched region as a result of a given oxidation kinetics and solution of Fick’s 2nd law. The model predictions are in agreement with measured data for the case of an iron alloy containing 0.3 wt% copper oxidized in air at 1150°C. Model predictions indicate that initial copper content, oxidation kinetics, and alloy microstructure (i.e. grain boundary diffusion) have the most significant influence on the copper-rich layer whereas the solubility increase due to nickel additions was not found to have an appreciable influence.
INTUMESCENCES ON POPLAR LEAVES. II. PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

In preceding papers (12, 13) the writer has described the occurrence and structure of intumescences on leaves of Populus grandidentata, Populus tremuloides, Eucalyptus coccifera, Eucalyptus cornuta, Hieracium venosum, Mitchella repens, and Thurberia thespesioides. In the present paper an account is given of an attempt to determine the factors involved in stimulating the cells to the unusual growth, which result in these abnormal protuberances. The hypotheses which have been developed to account for the induction of intumescences have been almost as numerous as the records of their occurrence. Sorauer (i8) believed that metabolic disturbance due to an excessive water supply and low assimilation accounted for the outgrowths. In a later paper (I9) he added another factor to the complex, namely, the effect of a high temperature. An excessive water supply due to low transpiration and a high rate of water absorption by the roots, was advanced by Atkinson (I, 2) as the stimulus to formation of oedemas on the tomato and the apple, though he considered that low illumination was favorable also, since it led to the development of "weak, watery tissue." Steiner (20) discovered intumescences on leaves of Ruellia formosa and Aphelandra Porteana which he believed were caused by high humidity. By subjecting leaves of Aphelondra to a saturated atmosphere he was able to induce these outgrowths, but he failed to secure them by treating the leaves with copper sulfate, ammonium chlorid, formic acid and various other chemicals; by keeping them in the dark; or by submerging them in water. Douglas (5) induced intumescences on leaves and stems of potato plants by covering them with bell jars. Since the intumescences occurred in either strong or weak light, but not in total darkness, she concluded that light as well as humidity played a part in the abnormal stimulation of the plants. She found also that the abnormalities could be produced by treating young potato plants with copper compounds, as Von Schrenk (23) had previously found in the case of cauliflower. Ktister (i I) secured intumescences on leaves of Populus floated on water in the presence or the absence of light. In strong light, however, the
Studies of the neutron single-particle structure of exotic nuclei at the HRIBF

The study of neutron single-particle strengths in neutron-rich nuclei is of interest for nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics. The distribution of single-particle strengths constrains the effective Hamiltonian and pairing interactions and determines neutron interaction rates that are crucial for understanding the synthesis of heavy nuclei in supernovae via the rapid neutron capture process. Particularly important are the neutron single-particle levels in nuclei near closed neutron shells. Radioactive ion beams from the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility have been used to study (d,p) reactions in inverse kinematics in order to probe neutron single-particle states in exotic nuclei. The results of a measurement with a 82 Ge beam will be presented.
Next-Generation Strategic Business Model for the U.S. Internet Service Providers: Rate-Based Internet Subscription

The (information digital) network bandwidth and its usage through Internet subscription, by far, is perhaps the only uni-modal commodity provided to today’s consumers at a flat rate. Regardless of his/her actual bandwidth usage, a consumer is charged a uniform subscription fee by the Internet Service Providers (ISP). Meanwhile, the ISPs have a considerable stake in the overall infrastructure which supports the local perimeters of the Internet. This article presents a rigorous statistical analysis with the objective of determining the optimal billing or pricing policy for the ISPs of the U.S. on the basis of the proposed ‘variable subscription-rate’ business model. Two leading global consumer profiles were selected for data comparison on a cardinal scale; NYC, NY, U.S.A. and Seoul, South Korea. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
Topological defects, orientational order, and depinning of the electron solid in a random potential.

We report on the results of molecular-dynamics simulation studies of the classical two-dimensional electron crystal in the presence of disorder. Our study is motivated by recent experiments on this system in modulation-doped semiconductor systems in very strong magnetic fields, where the magnetic length is much smaller than the average interelectron spacing [ital a][sub 0], as well as by recent studies of electrons on the surface of helium. We investigate the low-temperature state of this system using a simulated-annealing method. We find that the low-temperature state of the system always has isolated dislocations, even at the weakest disorder levels investigated. We also find evidence for a transition from a hexatic glass to an isotropic glass as the disorder is increased. The former is characterized by quasi-long-range orientational order, and the absence of disclination defects in the low-temperature state, and the latter by short-range orientational order and the presence of these defects. The threshold electric field is also studied as a function of the disorder strength, and is shown to have a characteristic signature of the transition. Finally, the qualitative behavior of the electron flow in the depinned state is shown to change continuously from an elastic flow to a channel-like, plasticmore » flow as the disorder strength is increased.« less
Aversive conditioning treatment of overweight

College women volunteers for a weight reduction program were assigned to one of three treatment conditions. Twelve subjects received olfactory aversion therapy, while another group of 12 received attention-placebo treatment. A third group of 14 served as waiting-list controls. Weight losses over time were statistically significant, but there were no differences among groups. The losses were clinically trivial, and both aversion therapy and placebo treatments were considered to be ineffective in the treatment of obesity. The aversion therapy and attention-placebo groups both downrated the palatability of favorite (target) foods, found the experiment to be helpful and sensible, and claimed reduced food intake. These subjective reports were discussed in terms of demand characteristics and suggestion effects.
Local Dynamics of Poly(ethylene oxide) in Solution. 1. Localization of Chain Motion

Fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on a solution consisting of a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chain of 54 repeat units and 207 toluene molecules at 338 K and 1 bar. The local dynamics of the PEO chain have been examined. Equilibration in a given torsional potential well occurs in about 1.5 ps. Average conformational transition times are 7.4 and 9.0 ps for CO and CC torsions, respectively. Changes in atomic positions or torsional angles accompanying conformational transitions are localized within 8−10 atoms along the polymer chain, in good agreement with simulations of hydrocarbon polymers. About 15% of transitions are correlated with a second transition at the next-neighbor position. In addition to trans-centered cooperative transition pairs that have previously been observed in polyethylene simulations, a variety of types of gauche-centered pairs occur quite frequently.
Experimental Implementation of Migrations in Multiple-Attractor Systems

It was shown by Jackson and Grosu [1995a] that entrainment control of a complex dynamic system could be achieved by using an open-plus-closed-loop (OPCL) control action. Jackson [1995] showed that, for multiple-attractor systems, it is also possible to transfer the dynamics of a system between arbitrary attractors, using this control only for a limited period of time ("migration control"). In the case of the Chua system [1986], Jackson and Grosu [1995b] showed that this migration action can be achieved using only a limited pre-recorded signal of one variable of the "target" attractor. Here we study the experimental implementation of this migration action on a Chua circuit with five attractors (fixed points, a limit cycle, and chaotic attractors) [Wu & Pivka, 1994]. It is shown that reliable migrations are possible with a pre-recorded signal of one target variable, provided that the signal is longer than a minimal time, dependent on an adjustable control strength. The minimal time for successful migration ...
Metall‐Bis(silyl)chelat‐Komplexe

The reaction of poly(silyl)benzenes with Co2(CO)8, Fe2(CO)9, Ru3(CO)12 or (Ph3P)2Pt · C2H4 affords the bis(silyl)chelate complexes of Co, Fe, Ru and Pt. Infrared, proton magnetic resonance and mass spectra are reported.
Regulation of the psoriatic chemokine CCL20 by E3 ligases Trim32 and Piasy in keratinocytes.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder with aberrant regulation of keratinocytes and immunocytes. Although it is well known that uncontrolled keratinocyte proliferation is largely driven by proinflammatory cytokines from the immunocytes, the functional role of keratinocytes in the regulation of immunocytes is poorly understood. Recently, we found that tripartite motif-containing protein 32 (Trim32), an E3-ubiquitin ligase, is elevated in the epidermal lesions of human psoriasis. We previously showed that Trim32 binds to the protein inhibitor of activated STAT-Y (Piasy) and mediates its degradation through ubiquitination. Interestingly, the Piasy gene is localized in the PSORS6 susceptibility locus on chromosome 19p13, and Piasy negatively regulates the activities of several transcription factors, including NF-κB, STAT, and SMADs, that are implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In this study, we show that Trim32 activates, and Piasy inhibits, keratinocyte production of CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), a psoriatic chemokine essential for recruitment of DCs and T helper (Th)17 cells to the skin. Further, Trim32/Piasy regulation of CCL20 is mediated through Piasy interaction with the RelA/p65 subunit of NF-κB. As CCL20 is activated by Th17 cytokines, the upregulation of CCL20 production by Trim32 provides a positive feedback loop of CCL20 and Th17 activation in the self-perpetuating cycle of psoriasis.
Using OFDM pilot tones for spectrum sensing with applications to mobile WiMAX

Spectrum sensing is an important functionality for cognitive radio (CR) systems and enables more efficient spectrum utilization in wireless systems through spectrum sharing. In this paper, we consider a CR system that uses spectrum sensing based on the Time-Domain Symbol Cross-correlation (TDSC) technique, and study its application in the context of the mobile WiMAX standard for which the TDSC method is explained analytically and illustrated with numerical results obtained from simulations.
Intervention Research Approaches

This article reviews the process of intervention research, with particular emphasis on interventions with and for older adults. First, we consider the context of intervention research: What are the resources and constraints that shape the process of intervention and research? Second, we outline a taxonomy of interventions, reflecting different combinations of level and timing of interventions. Third, we consider the types of research designs that are most appropriate in the different contexts of applied research.
Late-Holocene Vegetation Changes at Bluff Swamp, Louisiana

Stratigraphic pollen studies on two short cores taken from Bluff Swamp, a cypress backwater swamp in southeastern Louisiana, have provided a proxy record of late-Holocene vegetational changes in the area. Results show that during AD 1100-1700, the area was dominated by a dense Taxodium (cypress) swamp. Throughout this time, cypress populations declined steadily, perhaps due to a gradual rise in the water level of the swamp. Around AD 1700 there was a dramatic change in the environment, marked by a sudden decrease in Taxodium and a subsequent rise in heliophytic, early-successional taxa, due to European settlement. In 1950, the U.S. Corps of Engineers constructed a levee that bisects the swamp. This, and other recent anthropogenic disturbance, has resulted in massive cypress die-off due to the widespread ponding of this fragile environment.
An optimization algorithm driven by probabilistic simulation

In this short paper we present an algorithm for optimization problems in which the evaluation of the objective function and of its gradient requires Monte Carlo-type probabilistic simulation. The algorithm is based on the gradient method and the paper also presents its convergence analysis.
A PETROGRAPHIC APPROACH FOR EVALUATING TRACE-ELEMENT MOBILITY IN A BLACK SHALE

ABSTRACT At the time of deposition, black shales record geochemical information related to the provenance and conditions of deposition for that rock. These initial geochemical conditions are susceptible to alteration and overprinting by the aggressive processes of black-shale diagenesis. In this study, we evaluate a sequence of Ordovician black shales from the southern Welsh Basin for the presence of such a diagenetic overprint. Through use of cathodoluminescence, backscattered electron imaging, reflected-light microscopy, fission tracks, and microprobe elemental mapping, we can discern textural relationships with in the Welsh black shales. The relationships observed constrain a paragenetic sequence and overall diagenetic history including the early diagenetic formation of pyrite, apatite (rare earth element (REE)-rich) and carbonate and later formation of diagenetic monazite (REE-, U-rich) and late-stage carbonate. The chemical reactions necessary to produce this mineral sequence require postdepositional redistribution of REE (including changing cerium anomalies (Ce/Ce*)) and uranium. As a result, REE, U, and their associated isotopic systems (Sm-Nd and U-Pb) can reflect a diagenetic overprint rather than the source area and depositional conditions. The paragenetic sequence described in this study records several postdepositional changes in the whole-rock mineralogy. Among these changes are the formation of REE-rich apatite and REE- and U-rich monazite. The formation of these phases requires that REE and U are being redistributed on at least a mineral scale and that the initial depositional and provenance information recorded by the whole rock has been disturbed. Therefore, the approach used in this study to carefully characterize the paragenetic sequence from the Llandeilo-Caradoc black shales should be considered necessary in order to fully evaluate the usefulness of trace-element proxies susceptible to diagenetic redistribution.
Peak Daily Water Demand Forecast Modeling Using Artificial Neural Networks

Peak daily water demand forecasts are required for the cost-effective and sustainable management and expansion of urban water supply infrastructure. This paper compares multiple linear regression, time series analysis, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) as techniques for peak daily summer water demand forecast modeling. Analysis was performed on 10 years of peak daily water demand data and meteorological variables (maximum daily temperature and daily rainfall) for the summer months of May to August of each year for an area of high outdoor water usage in the city of Ottawa, Canada. Thirty-nine multiple linear regression models, nine time series models, and 39 ANN models were developed and their relative performance was compared. The artificial neural network approach is shown to provide a better prediction of peak daily summer water demand than multiple linear regression and time series analysis. The best results were obtained when peak water demand from the previous day, maximum temperature from the current and previous day, and the occurrence/nonoccurrence of rainfall from five days before, were used as input data. It was also found that the peak daily summer water demand is better correlated with the rainfall occurrence rather than the amount of rainfall itself, and that assigning a weighting system to the antecedent days of no rainfall does not result in more accurate models.
Human endothelial cells regulate polymorphonuclear leukocyte degranulation

Neutrophil degranulation is an important event in inflammatory responses. We examined the regulation of neutrophil (PMN) degranulation by resting and activated human endothelial cells. Whereas PMNs adherent to endothelial cells that were stimulated to express P-selectin and platelet-activating factor did not release the specific granule marker lactoferrin or the primary granule enzyme, elastase, PMNs adherent to endothelial cells stimulated with interleukin-1 (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor secreted both. PMN degranulation was dependent on the time of incubation of endothelial cells with the cytokine, its concentration, and the time of incubation of the PMNs with endothelial cells. Degranulation of PMNs and their adhesion to stimulated endothelial cells are correlated events, but they could be dissociated by blocking the tethering molecules used by the endothelial cells and neutrophils under these conditions. This suggested that paracrine signaling molecules that induce PMN degranulation are produced by cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells. We found that endothelial cells stimulated with IL-1 release newly synthesized degranulating factors that require transcription and translation. IL-8 was synthesized, released, and signaled granular secretion by PMNs. However, experiments with blocking antibodies indicated the presence of an additional degranulating factor not accounted for by IL-8. These experiments demonstrate that human endothelial cells regulate degranulation of neutrophils by generating signaling factors that are expressed differentially depending on the endothelial agonist and other features. Active modification of neutrophil granular secretion by endothelial cells can influence physiologic acute inflammatory responses but may also contribute to pathologic vascular and tissue damage.
Dynamic control and accuracy of the p/sub i/-persistent protocol using channel feedback

The p/sub i/-persistent protocol is based on a probabilistic scheduling mechanism (see Mukherjee and Meditch, 1988). The authors further develop the protocol to make it easily implementable, by allowing it to be sensitive to changing load conditions. They study various properties of a simple algorithm which stations execute independently by using channel feedback information. This results in a fully distributed control mechanism that continuously adjusts the station probabilities p/sub i/ at their proper levels as governed by the offered traffic. An extensive simulation model has been developed to study properties of this control mechanism such as p/sub i/ settling time and accuracy, behavior under step changes in traffic load, effect of injection of additional packets, and effect of various parameters associated with the underlying algorithm. These experiments indicate that this algorithm is suitable for implementing the protocol. >
Exchangeable Cation and Solvent Effects upon the Interlamellar Environment of Smectites: ESR Spin Probe Studies

The ESR spin probe, TEMPAMINE +, was used to study the interlamellar behavior of adsorbed organic cations on hectorites solvated with water, ethanol, and water-ethanol mixtures, and saturated with several monovalent and divalent metallic cations. The mobility and orientation of the probe was affected greatly by the solvent, and to a lesser extent by the predominant exchangeable cation on the silicate surface. Most of the effects could be interpreted in terms of the basal spacings of the hectorite. In all instances, the adsorbed probe was much less mobile than in solution despite the different interlamellar volumes available for molecular motion.
Language Induction by Phase Transition in Dynamical Recognizers

A higher order recurrent neural network architecture learns to recognize and generate languages after being "trained" on categorized exemplars. Studying these networks from the perspective of dynamical systems yields two interesting discoveries: First, a longitudinal examination of the learning process illustrates a new form of mechanical inference: Induction by phase transition. A small weight adjustment causes a "bifurcation" in the limit behavior of the network. This phase transition corresponds to the onset of the network's capacity for generalizing to arbitrary-length strings. Second, a study of the automata resulting from the acquisition of previously published languages indicates that while the architecture is NOT guaranteed to find a minimal finite automata consistent with the given exemplars, which is an NP-Hard problem, the architecture does appear capable of generating nonregular languages by exploiting fractal and chaotic dynamics. I end the paper with a hypothesis relating linguistic generative capacity to the behavioral regimes of non-linear dynamical systems.
Improved Oxide Ion Electrolytes

Systematic experiments on anion-deficient ABO3-δ perovskites are reviewed with a view to the development of a strategy for the design of improved oxide-ion electrolytes. Ba0.6 La0.4 1nO2.7 is shown to be competitive with the best yttria-stabilized zirconia and La0.9 Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.202.85 to be a superior oxide-ion electrolyte suitable for fuel-cell applications.
Design and Implementation of Educational Information Resource Management System Based on SOA

The educational information resource management system, which is based on SOA, achieves the goal of "change as need" for the system, ensures rapid update of the businesses and functions, improves the services of reuse, shortens the system development cycle, and cuts down the developed costs. This paper firstly analyzed the current educational resources management system, and found the existing problems, so it is suggested to developed resource management system based on the SOA, and it also demonstrates the advantages of the SOA based resource management system. Then the paper introduces detailedly the Overall design of the educational resource management system based on the SOA, the system functions, and the system business process, and this paper also focuses on the implementation of the services related to the system,services Registration, discovery and call and the key technology of the services combination and flow arrangement.
Constitutive Activation of Smoothened Leads to Female Infertility and Altered Uterine Differentiation in the Mouse

Previous work has identified Indian hedgehog (Ihh) as a major mediator of progesterone signaling during embryo implantation. Ihh acts through its downstream effector smoothened (Smo) to activate the GLI family of transcription factors. In order to gain a better understanding of Ihh action during embryo implantation, we expressed a Cre-recombinase-dependent constitutively activated SMO in the murine uterus using the Pgrtm2(cre)Lyd (PRcre) mouse model [Pgrtm2(cre)Lyd+Gt(ROSA)26Sortm1(Smo/EYFP)Amc+ (PRcre/+SmoM2+)]. Female PRcre/+SmoM2+ mice were infertile. They exhibited normal serum progesterone levels and normal ovulation, but their ova failed to be fertilized in vivo and their uterus failed to undergo the artificially induced decidual response. Examination of the PRcre/+SmoM2+ uteri revealed numerous features such as uterine hypertrophy, the presence of a stratified luminal epithelial cell layer, a reduced number of uterine glands, and an endometrial stroma that had lost its normal morphologic characteristics. Microarray analysis of 3-mo-old PRcre/+SmoM2+ uteri demonstrated a chondrocytic signature and confirmed that constitutive activation of PRcre/+SmoM2+ increased extracellular matrix production. Thus, constitutive activation of Smo in the mouse uterus alters postnatal uterine differentiation which interferes with early pregnancy. These results provide new insight into the role of Hedgehog signaling during embryo implantation.
The Extracellular Linker of Muscle Acetylcholine Receptor Channels Is a Gating Control Element

We describe the functional consequences of mutations in the linker between the second and third transmembrane segments (M2–M3L) of muscle acetylcholine receptors at the single-channel level. Hydrophobic mutations (Ile, Cys, and Phe) placed near the middle of the linker of the α subunit (αS269) prolong apparent openings elicited by low concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh), whereas hydrophilic mutations (Asp, Lys, and Gln) are without effect. Because the gating kinetics of the αS269I receptor (a congenital myasthenic syndrome mutant) in the presence of ACh are too fast, choline was used as the agonist. This revealed an ∼92-fold increased gating equilibrium constant, which is consistent with an ∼10-fold decreased EC50 in the presence of ACh. With choline, this mutation accelerates channel opening ∼28-fold, slows channel closing ∼3-fold, but does not affect agonist binding to the closed state. These ratios suggest that, with ACh, αS269I acetylcholine receptors open at a rate of ∼1.4 × 106 s−1 and close at a rate of ∼760 s−1. These gating rate constants, together with the measured duration of apparent openings at low ACh concentrations, further suggest that ACh dissociates from the diliganded open receptor at a rate of ∼140 s−1. Ile mutations at positions flanking αS269 impair, rather than enhance, channel gating. Inserting or deleting one residue from this linker in the α subunit increased and decreased, respectively, the apparent open time approximately twofold. Contrary to the αS269I mutation, Ile mutations at equivalent positions of the β, e, and δ subunits do not affect apparent open-channel lifetimes. However, in β and e, shifting the mutation one residue to the NH2-terminal end enhances channel gating. The overall results indicate that this linker is a control element whose hydrophobicity determines channel gating in a position- and subunit-dependent manner. Characterization of the transition state of the gating reaction suggests that during channel opening the M2–M3L of the α subunit moves before the corresponding linkers of the β and e subunits.
Tracking gaze direction from far-field surveillance cameras

We present a real-time approach to estimating the gaze direction of multiple individuals using a network of far-field surveillance cameras. This work is part of a larger surveillance system that utilizes a network of fixed cameras as well as PTZ cameras to perform site-wide tracking of individuals. Based on the tracking information, one or more PTZ cameras are cooperatively controlled to obtain close-up facial images of individuals. Within these close-up shots, face detection and head pose estimation are performed and the results are provided back to the tracking system to track the individual gazes. A new cost metric based on location and gaze orientation is proposed to robustly associate head observations with tracker states. The tracking system can thus leverage the newly obtained gaze information for two purposes: (i) improve the localization of individuals in crowded settings, and (ii) aid high-level surveillance tasks such as understanding gesturing, interactions between individuals, and finding the object-of-interest that people are looking at. In security application, our system can detect if a subject is looking at the security cameras or guard posts.
Robustness in large-scale random networks

We consider the issue of protection in very large networks displaying randomness in topology. We employ random graph models to describe such networks, and obtain probabilistic bounds on several parameters related to reliability. In particular, we take the case of random regular networks for simplicity and consider the length of primary and backup paths in terms of the number of hops. First, for a randomly picked pair of nodes, we derive a lower bound on the average distance between the pair and discuss the tightness of the bound. In addition, noting that primary and protection paths form cycles, we obtain a lower bound on the average length of the shortest cycle around the pair. Finally, we show that the protected connections of a given maximum finite length are rare. We then generalize our network model so that different degrees are allowed according to some arbitrary distribution, and show that the second moment of degree over the first moment is an important shorthand for behavior of a network. Notably, we show that most of the results in regular networks carry over with minor modifications, which significantly broadens the scope of networks to which our approach applies. We present as an example the case of networks with a power-law degree distribution.
Recursive identification in the behavioral setting: an abstract

Summary form only given. We propose an approach to identification which is based on the assumption that an upper bound on the norm of the perturbation affecting the data is a priori known. As a consequence, an uncertain family of systems is obtained which under mild assumptions, is guaranteed to contain the system which generated the data. This family of systems is given in terms of a behavioral kernel representation. One important feature of this approach is that the family of systems can be easily updated in a recursive manner. The parametrization is suitable for applying robust control methods, for instance H/sub /spl infin// control in the behavioral setting.