cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LIDORT V2PLUS: a comprehensive radiative transfer package for UV/VIS/NIR nadir remote sensing

The LIDPORT V2PLUS radiative transfer package is designed for simulation and retrieval applications for nadir viewing remote sensing instruments such as GOME, GOME-2, SCIAMACHY, OMI and MODIS. The package is based on the LIDORT family of linearized discrete ordinate models, and it will deliver earthshine radiances, analytic profile, total column and surface property Jacobians. LIDORT V2PLUS includes a quasi-exact single scatter computation for all solar beams and the line of sight direction in a curved spherical-shell refracting atmosphere, and a full treatment of the diffuse radiation field in the pseudo-spherical approximation at all points along the line-of-sight. We give examples of radiances and O3 air mass factors at 325 nm, and Jacobians for O3 total column and profiles and for surface albedos, with particular emphasis on the wide-angle spherically-corrected viewing mode. We also look at the effect of horizontal inhomogeneity caused by varying surface properties along the line of sight.
Hydraulic redistribution of water from Pinus ponderosa trees to seedlings: evidence for an ectomycorrhizal pathway

Summary • While there is strong evidence for hydraulic redistribution (HR) of soil water by trees, it is not known if common mycorrhizal networks (CMN) can facilitate HR from mature trees to seedlings under field conditions. • Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seedlings were planted into root-excluding 61-µm mesh barrier chambers buried in an old-growth pine forest. After 2 yr, several mature trees were cut and water enriched in D2O and acid fuchsin dye was applied to the stumps. • Fine roots and mycorrhizal root tips of source trees became heavily dyed, indicating reverse sap flow in root xylem transported water from stems throughout root systems to the root hyphal mantle that interfaces with CMN. Within 3 d, D2O was found in mesh-chamber seedling foliage > 1 m from source trees; after 3 wk, eight of 10 mesh-chamber seedling stem samples were significantly enriched above background levels. Average mesh-chamber enrichment was 1.8× greater than that for two seedlings for which the connections to CMN were broken by trenching before D2O application. • Even small amounts of water provided to mycorrhizas by HR may maintain hyphal viability and facilitate nutrient uptake under drying conditions, which may provide an advantage to seedlings hydraulically linked by CMN to large trees.
The alkaline tolerance in Arabidopsis requires stabilizing microfilament partially through inactivation of PKS5 kinase

Abstract High soil pH is harmful to plant growth and development. The organization and dynamics of microfilament (MF) cytoskeleton play important roles in the plant anti-alkaline process. In the previous study, we determined that alkaline stress induces a signal that triggers MF dynamics-dependent root growth. In this study we identified that PKS5 kinase involves in this regulatory process to facilitate the signal to reach the downstream target MF. Under pH 8.3 treatment, the depolymerization of MF was faster in pks5-4 (PKS5 kinase constitutively activated) than that in wild-type plants. The inhibition of wild-type, pks5-1, and pks5-4 root growth by pH 8.3 was correlated to their MF depolymerization rate. When the plants were treated with phalloidin to stabilize MF, the high pH sensitive phenotype of pks5-4 can be partially rescued. When the plants were treated with a kinase inhibitor Staurosporine, the MF depolymerization rate in pks5-4 was similar as that in wild-type under pH 8.3 treatment and the sensitivity of root growth was also rescued. However, when the plants were treated with LaCl3, a calcium channel blocker, the root growth sensitivity of pks5-4 under pH 8.3 was rescued but MF depolymerization was even faster than that of plants without LaCl3 treatment. These results suggest that the PKS5 involves in external high pH signal mediated MF depolymerization, and that may be independent of calcium signal.
Gas Turbine Drive for New High Speed Trains

After numerous tests over the last 40 years, the aircraft gas turbine of two-shaft design has emerged as the most promising power unit for high-powered, fast and lightweight rail vehicles of the future. The performance characteristics, superior to those of the diesel engine, are complemented either by an electrical transmission system or a hydraulic transmission unit. The advantage of the gas turbine lies in its compactness and lightness in weight, allowing a doubling of power and savings in space. Viewed from a commercial standpoint, this means a covering of fuel costs. In respect of noise development and exhaust gas emission, the gas turbine is also more favorable than the diesel engine. The most successful series-built vehicles powered by gas turbines are the turbotrains of the SNCF which have also been imported into the USA where they are to be built under license.Copyright © 1975 by ASME
How M.MspI and M.HpaII decide which base to methylate.

The HpaII methylase (M.HpaII) recognizes the sequence CCGG and methylates the inner cytosine residue. The MspI methylase (MspI) recognizes the same sequence but methylates the outer cytosine residue. Both methylases have the usual architecture of 10 well-conserved motifs surrounding a variable region, responsible for sequence specific recognition, that is quite different in the two methylases. We have constructed hybrids between these two methylases and studied their methylation properties. A hybrid containing the variable region and C-terminal sequences from M.MspI methylates the outer cytosine residue. A second hybrid identical to the first except that the variable region derives from the M.HpaII methylates the inner cytosine residue. Thus the choice of base to be methylated within the recognition sequence is determined by the variable region.
Uncertainty explicit assessment of off-the-shelf software: A Bayesian approach

Assessment of software COTS components is an essential part of component-based software development. Poorly chosen components may lead to solutions of low quality and that are difficult to maintain. The assessment may be based on incomplete knowledge about the COTS component itself and other aspects (e.g. vendor's credentials, etc.), which may affect the decision of selecting COTS component(s). We argue in favor of assessment methods in which uncertainty is explicitly represented ('uncertainty explicit' methods) using probability distributions. We provide details of a Bayesian model, which can be used to capture the uncertainties in the simultaneous assessment of two attributes, thus, also capturing the dependencies that might exist between them. We also provide empirical data from the use of this method for the assessment of off-the-shelf database servers which illustrate the advantages of 'uncertainty explicit' methods over conventional methods of COTS component assessment which assume that at the end of the assessment the values of the attributes become known with certainty.
Links between religious and spiritual coping and adjustment among fathers and mothers during first pregnancy

Objective: This study examines the relationship between religious and spiritual coping with pregnancy and individual and marital adjustment of married first-time parents. Background: Pregnancy can be a time of heightened stress for fathers and mothers. To cope with these stressors, parents can turn to positive and negative forms of religious and spiritual coping. Methods: One hundred and seventy-eight married individuals who were experiencing the third trimester of pregnancy with both spouses’ first biological child were recruited for this study. Participants were administered self-report measures to assess religious and spiritual coping with pregnancy and individual and marital adjustment. Results: After controlling for demographic variables, global religious variables and pregnancy intention, Ordinary Least Squares regressions revealed that positive religious and spiritual coping predicted greater stress-related growth while negative religious and spiritual coping predicted greater depression and anxiet...
Sustained attention and aging: Overcoming the decrement?

A literature review found equivocal evidence of a performance decline at senescence on sustained attention (vigilance) tasks. The strongest evidence for such age effects was from Parasuraman and Giambra (PG; 1991). It was hypothesized that reduced perceptual and information-processing abilities of older adults (i.e., non-sustained attentional components of the task) were responsible for the age effects reported by PG and that such outcomes could be eliminated or reduced by minimizing the influence of those components. In Tasks 1 (n = 457) and 2 (n = 427), which used PG's procedure and stimulus conditions, age effects on detection accuracy and on the detection time decrement were not found. False alarms were significantly greater in the old group than in the young group. In Task 3 (n = 417), which minimized non-sustained attention components, some marginal evidence of age effects emerged. Potential explanations of these outcomes, such as an extremely small age effect, sampling bias, power differences, and undetected visual difficulties are considered, and further manipulations and controls are proposed.
Characterization of the HeLa cell 35 kDa Alu-element binding protein.

HumanAlu-elements are short interspersed DNA sequences that comprise approximately 5% of the human genome. The physiological role of Alu-elements are unknown, although they are proposed to be involved in DNA replication, transcriptional regulation and nuclear transport of signal recognition particle RNA. Proteins that bind to Alu-element and Alu RNA have been identified in human cells. In HeLa cells, two proteins of 120 kDa and 35 kDa specifically bind to Alu-elements. We find that the 35 kDa protein is localized exclusively to the nucleus, while the 120 kDa protein is distributed between nucleus and cytoplasm. The 35 kDa protein is regulated by phosphorylation. Upon dephosphorylation, its DNA-binding activity is significantly enhanced. Contrary to the recent identification of the smaller Alu-element binding protein as annexin 11, we find that annexin II is not an Alu-element binding protein. Using a variety of techniques, we demonstrate that the 35 kDa Alu-element binding protein is distinct from annexin II.
BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS AND TRANSPORTATION PLANNING: INPUTS TO TRANSIT PLANNING

The purpose of this paper is to discuss various types of behavioral data of potential relevance to transit planning. In particular a distinction is drawn between behavorial information regarding feelings, attitudes, opinions, and the like and more sophisticated types of data dealing with individuals' intentions to respond in certain ways given certain configurations of stimuli (transportation variables). The former is shown to be an important input to incremental planning, i.e., where information as to system performance is desired. The latter is shown to be critical to decisions regarding manipulations of transit system parameters, i.e., where knowledge of the outcome of manipulating system parameters is desired. A methodological example as to how the first type of data — informational level data — can be collected and utilized in system planning is presented. Specifically, data collected along the lines of traditional attitude surveys is collected in an attempt to monitor changes in public “satisfaction” with the Iowa City, Iowa, bus system before and after major system innovations. Implications of the collection and analytical procedures are discussed.
Anomalous diffusion as modeled by a nonstationary extension of Brownian motion

If the mean-square displacement of a stochastic process is proportional to ${t}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}$, $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\ne}1$, then it is said to be anomalous. We construct a family of Markovian stochastic processes with independent nonstationary increments and arbitrary but a priori specified mean-square displacement. We label the family as an extended Brownian motion and show that they satisfy a Langevin equation with time-dependent diffusion coefficient. If the time derivative of the variance of the process is homogeneous, then by computing the fractal dimension it can be shown that the complexity of the family is the same as that of the Brownian motion. For two particles initially separated by a distance $x$, the finite-size Lyapunov exponent (FSLE) measures the average rate of exponential separation to a distance $ax$. An analytical expression is developed for the FSLEs of the extended Brownian processes and numerical examples presented. The explicit construction of these processes illustrates that contrary to what has been stated in the literature, a power-law mean-square displacement is not necessarily related to a breakdown in the classical central limit theorem (CLT) caused by, for example, correlation (fractional Brownian motion or correlated continuous-time random-walk schemes) or infinite variance (Levy motion). The classical CLT, coupled with nonstationary increments, can and often does give rise to power-law moments such as the mean-square displacement.
YBa2Cu3O7 electro-magnetic optic effects in Ba L2,3 X-ray absorption near Tc

Abstract The onset of electro-magnetic optic effects, observed at the Ba L2,3 edges synchrotron X-ray absorption by a YBa2Cu3O7 single crystal, 20 K above the transition temperature to superconductivity, Tc ∼ 92 K is used to identify the role played by the Ba donor layer in the transition to superconductivity in the CuO2 layers. Negative permeability leads to Faraday rotation of the transmitted beam below T = 112 to 56 K for the 22 μm thick single crystal (c-axis orientation of 8π/18 relative to eX-rays) and sharp changes in the density of empty final states lead to zero transmitted radiation in an interval ΔE at the given orientation. The temperature dependence: ΔE(L2) = 1.4, 3.5 and 3.9 eV, while ΔE(L3) = 5.3, 6 and 7 eV at T = 92, 74 and 63 K, respectively, indicates that the width of the empty final states bands increases as T decreases. ΔE(L3)/ΔE(L2) = 3.8 at 92 K to 1.8 at 63 K also indicates that the d5/2 symmetry bands fill faster than those of d3/2 symmetry below Tc, providing the first experimental evidence of unpaired spin-orbit states in the Ba donor layer of a superconductor. These effects, characteristic of ferromagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic materials near a resonance absorption, signal the onset of a Mott transition. The interaction between the layer states is described using 1D conjugate molecular orbitals.
Ploidy variation of pronamide-treated maize calli during long term culture.

Anther-derived calli of corn were treated with 10 μM pronamide for 2, 3 and 4 days. The ploidy level of the calli was then evaluated using flow cytometry, at different times after the treatment. Untreated haploid calli did not change in ploidy level for 97 days but by 466 days, there were up to 50% diploid or higher ploidy cells thus showing that spontaneous doubling may occur during corn calli subculture with this genotype. Pronamide treatment did increase the percentage of diploid and tetraploid cells and by 466 days, all of the lines showed an additional change toward higher ploidy levels. This change may be due to spontaneous chromosome doubling or to differential cell cycle times of cells with different ploidy levels. The ploidy level of plants regenerated from the cultures was determined by counting the guard cell chloroplast numbers and the correlation with the ploidy level of the cultures was r2=0.84. These studies show that pronamide treatments can increase haploid maize callus chromosome numbers and that spontaneous chromosome doubling can occur with time in maize callus.
Status and Geographic Distribution of the Endemic Bayou Bodcau Crayfish (Bouchardina robisoni) in Arkansas

Abstract The Bayou Bodcau crayfish, Bouchardina robisoni, is a rare endemic decapod that is considered critically imperiled (S1) in Arkansas by The Nature Conservancy. Few collections of this species have been made since 1977, with specimens previously known only from four counties of western and southwestern Arkansas. Herein, we provide two new distributional records in addition to documenting all known specimens and collection sites. We suggest updating the conservation status to threatened.
Developing knowledge-based systems: reorganizing the system development life cycle

Through methodological evolution, the development of the Knowledge-Based Development Life Cycle is supported. In this methodology, processes replace phases and stages and during system development, dynamic activation of processes allows the system to evolve.
Intramolecular isomerization of chromium and Tungsten bis(trifluorophosphine)carbonyls

Abstract The thermally induced isomerization of chromium and tungsten bis(trifluorophosphine) carbonyl compounds was analysed by gas chromatography. These hexa- coordinate chromium and tungsten compounds were found to isomerize intramolecularly without bond breakage. Rates of the isomerization were calculated from the Simplex optimized fit of first-order decay to the data. Activation parameters were also calculated. This example of intramolecular isomerization was concluded to be under steric control.
A theorem about Hamiltonian systems

Abstract A simple theorem in Hamiltonian mechanics is pointed out. One consequence is a generalization of the classical result that symmetries are generated by Poisson brackets of conserved functionals. General applications are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation.
Development of compartment models with Markov-chain processes for radionuclide transport in repository region

Abstract This paper presents a new radionuclide transport model for performance assessment and design of a geologic repository for high-level radioactive waste. The model uses compartmentalization of a model space and a Markov-chain process to describe the transport. The model space is divided into an array of compartments, among which a transition probability matrix describes radionuclide transport. While similar to the finite-difference method, it has several advantages such as flexibility to include various types of transport processes and reactions due to probabilistic interpretation, and higher-order accuracy resulting from direct formulation in a discrete-time frame. We demonstrated application of this model with a hypothetical repository in porous rock formation. First we calculated a three-dimensional steady-state heterogeneous groundwater flow field numerically by the finite-element method. The transition probability matrix was constructed based on the flow field and hydraulic dispersion coefficient. The present approach has been found to be effective in modeling radionuclide transport at a repository scale while taking into account the effects of change in hydraulic properties on the repository performance. Numerical exploration results indicate that engineered barrier configuration and material degradation have substantial effects on radionuclide release from the repository.
MenA is a promising drug target for developing novel lead molecules to combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract Potent inhibitors of MenA (1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphtoate prenyltrasferase) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis are identified, and are also effective in inhibiting growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at low concentrations. The MenA inhibitors possess common chemical structural features of (alkylamino)oalkoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methanones. Significantly, the MenA inhibitors can be synthesized in a few steps with high overall yields. The representative MenA inhibitors are highly effective in killing nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is evaluated by using the Wayne low oxygen model. In addition, a series of drug resistant Mycobacterium spp. are sensitive to the MenA inhibitors. The results are expected to be of significance in terms of discovering new lead compounds that can be developed into new drugs to combat unmet diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Remembrance: Irwin Freedberg.

With the passing of Irwin M. Freedberg, dermatology has lost one of its giants, and I have lost a dear mentor and friend.
Interactions of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Structural Proteins with HeLa Plasma Membranes

THE processes whereby nucleoprotein core particles of certain animal viruses become enveloped by and bud off from host cell membranes can be studied by preparing membrane1,2 or “sedimentable”3 fractions from infected cells and examining them for the presence of virus proteins. We find that similar experiments designed to monitor assembly of vesicular stoma-titus virus (VSV) at sites along the plasma membranes of HeLa cells are best interpreted after first investigating the possibility that virus proteins adsorb to plasma membranes during cell fractionation and membrane isolation. In this report, we show that at 0° C the membrane protein of VSV, among other virus proteins, adsorbs to plasma membranes isolated from uninfected HeLa cells. With appropriate pulse-chase experiments, however, we are able to demonstrate the progressive association, in vivo, of VSV core protein with plasma membranes of infected HeLa cells.
Selection of new biological activities from random nucleotide sequences: evolutionary and practical considerations.

Recent advances in the selection of biologically active DNA sequences from random populations are reviewed. Within the framework of evolution, forces are considered that have precluded the testing ...
The synthesis and activity in vitro of 25-masked-1α-hydroxylated vitamin D3 analogs

1alphaHydroxylated-25-masked-vitamin D3 and analogs were synthesized as probes to help evaluate the role of 25-hydroxyl group in hormone-receptor interactions of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (13a). Synthetic work on model systems showed that the steroidal 25-hydroxyl group could be easily fluorinated in high yield with diethylaminosulfur trifluoride. Treatment of 25-fluoro compound with acetic acid resulted in both elimination and displacement of fluorine by acetate. The desired 1alpha-hydroxy-25-fluoro-vitamin D3 (14b) was obtained efficiently by fluorination and subsequent deacetylation of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 1,3-diacetate (13b). Also obtained was a mixture of 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3-24- and 25-enes (15b). Both 14b and 15b were 300-400 times less active than 13a in the chick intestinal cytosol protein binding assay, making these analogs similar in potency to 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 in vitro. The essentially equivalent activity of 14b and 15b with 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 indicates that in the absence of a 25-hydroxyl group some alterations to the side chain carbons of 13a may be tolerated without further weakening analog-protein interactions. The fluoroanalog 14b was also about 250 times less potent than 13a in stimulating bone resorption in vitro. These compounds should prove to be valuable tools in aiding understanding of the salient structural features of the vitamin D3 metabolites.
Cell‐to‐cell communication in osteoblastic networks: Cell line–dependent hormonal regulation of gap junction function

We have characterized the distribution, expression, and hormonal regulation of gap junctions in primary cultures of rat osteoblast-like cells (ROBs), and three osteosarcoma cell lines, ROS 17/2.8, UMR-106, and SAOS-2, and a continuous osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1. All cell lines we examined were functionally coupled. ROS 17/2.8 were the more strongly coupled, while ROB and MC3T3-E1 were moderately coupled and UMR-106 and SAOS-2 were weakly coupled. Exposure to parathyroid hormone (PTH) for 1 h increased functional coupling in ROB cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, PTH(3-34), an analog of PTH with binds to the PTH receptor and thus attenuates PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation, also attenuated PTH-stimulated functional coupling in ROB. This suggests that PTH increases functional coupling partly through a cAMP-dependent mechanism. A 1 h exposure to PTH did not affect coupling in ROS 17/2.8, UMR-106, MC3T3-E1, or SAOS-2. To examine whether connexin43 (Cx43), a specific gap junction protein, is present in functionally coupled osteoblastic cells, we characterized Cx43 distribution and expression. Indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies to Cx43 revealed that ROS 17/2.8, ROB, and to a lesser extent MC3T3-E1 and UMR-106, expressed Cx43 immunoreactivity. SAOS-2 showed little if any Cx43 immunoreactivity. Cx43 mRNA and Cx43 protein were detected by Northern blot analysis and immunoblot analysis, respectively, in all cell lines examined, including SAOS-2. Our findings suggest that acute exposure to PTH regulates gap junction coupling, in a cell-line dependent manner, in osteoblastic cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The rate of convergence of expansions on freud polynomials

Abstract For a function f of bounded variation on compact intervals, satisfying certain growth conditions, we estimate the rate of convergence of its expansion in a series of polynomials orthogonal on the whole real axis with respect to a weight function, now known as a Freud weight. The case where f has higher order derivatives of bounded variation is also studied. The principal techniques include the finite-infinite range inequalities due to the author and Saff, and Freud's theorems on one-sided weighted L 1 -approximation. Our theorem holds, in particular, when the weight function is exp( − x m ), m a positive even integer.
Wafer examination and critical dimension estimation using scattered light

We have applied optical scatter techniques to improve several aspects of microelectronic manufacturing. One technique involves characterizing light scattered from two dimensional device structures, such as those from VLSI circuitry etched on a wafer, using a frosted dome which is imaged by a CCD camera. Previously, limited dynamic range available from affordable digital imaging systems has prevented the study of two dimensional scatter patterns. We have demonstrated a simple technique to increase the dynamic range by combining multiple images taken at different intensities. After the images have been acquired, image processing techniques are used to find and catalog the diffraction orders. Techniques such as inverse least squares, principal component analysis, and neural networks are then used to evaluate the dependence of the light scatter on a particular wafer characteristic under examination. Characterization of surface planarization over a VLSI structure and measurement of line edge roughness of diffraction gratings are presented as examples.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Treatment of a patient with post-TURP hemorrhage using bilateral SAPE

Although rare, life-threatening hemorrhage remains a challenging complication of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). In this Case Study, authors from Singapore present a 74-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia who experienced post-TURP hemorrhage, complicated by TURP syndrome, which was ultimately successfully treated by bilateral selective arterial prostatic embolization. Background. A 74-year-old man developed severe, life-threatening bleeding refractory to endoscopic fulguration from a prostatic capsular perforation while undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) for complicated benign prostatic hyperplasia. At the time of the procedure the patient had several comorbidities, including hypertension and associated nephropathy, and erectile dysfunction. Investigations. CT angiography and pelvic arteriography. Diagnosis. Post-TURP arterial hemorrhage refractory to conventional methods of hemostasis, complicated by TURP syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Management. Bilateral selective arterial prostatic embolization, after endoscopic hemostasis and continuous catheter balloon traction failed to stop the hemorrhage.
PARTITIONED SOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR SIMULTANEOUS INTEGRATION OF COUPLED-FIELD PROBLEMS

SUMMARYAn implicit unconditionally stable partitioned solution procedure for the simultaneous integration oftransient coupled ﬁeld problems is presented. The procedure does not require that the full system of coupledequations be assembled, and allows use of existing single-ﬁeld analysis software modules to solve thecoupled ﬁeldproblem. An iterative partitioned conjugategradient procedureis usedtoavoid having toformand assemble the Schur complement matrix. The coupling matrices never need be formed, thus resulting insubstantial computational savings. # 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Commun. numer. meth. engng.,vol. 13, 239–247 (1997). (No. of Figures: 2 No. of Tables: 1 No. of References: 20) 1. INTRODUCTIONThe transient response analysis of coupled-ﬁeld problems is becoming a major challenge inmany engineering disciplines. In coupled problems two or more physical entities interact witheach other, with the independent solution of any one entity being impossible without simul-taneous solution of the others. Some problems, such as dynamic ﬂuid-structure interaction,may be characterized by distinct spatial subdomains (e.g. ﬂuid and structure) with distinctsets of dependent variables (e.g. ﬂuid pressure and solid displacements). In that case, neithersubsystem can be solved independently of the other due to the unknown interface inter-action forces. Other problems are characterized by the interaction of essentially di•erentphysical phenomena within the same material domain, e.g. thermal and mechanical interaction.Although it is believed that the proposed procedure could also be useful for the ﬁrst class ofproblems, it is this last class of problems which is of primary concern in this paper. In thisclass of problems the coupling occurs through the di•erential governing equations describingthe di•erent physical phenomena. Each component ﬁeld is then spatially discretized into aﬁnite number of degrees of freedom through a ﬁnite element method and called a subsystem.The goal is then to integrate in time the resulting coupled semi-discrete matrix equations ofmotion.A typical system of equations which arises in linear thermo-elasticity is given asM000uy⁄C0y
Correlation of EPR and electro-optical measurements in ZnS

Abstract A recent publication (1) by one of us describes an optically stimulated e.p.r. spectrum in ZnS doped with various amounts of Al. On the basis of the experimentally observed decrease in the optical energy required to excite the e.p.r. spectrum, which was due to Al 2+ , with increasing aluminum, a model was proposed. The model involved two major assumptions: (1) increasing association of aluminum ions and zinc vacancies with increasing aluminum concentration and (2) a direct, optically induced transfer of charge between these two centers. The present work describes measurements of luminescence and d.c. photoconductivity in these same powder samples which are in disagreement with this model. A second model involving a doubly ionizable center and indirect optical transfer of charge from this center to the Al 2+ via the conduction band is proposed which is in agreement with all of the available data.
On Route Discovery Success in Ad hoc Networks

The lack of infrastructure inherent to wireless ad hoc networks leads to the problem of distributed route discovery and maintenance. We introduce an analytical model and perform a quantitative analysis of the route discovery process (RDP) in wireless ad hoc networks. Bounds on RDP performance in terms of pertinent system parameters are determined. We apply our analytical RDP model to specific system models and compare analytical results with those obtained by numerical simulations. Our results give insight into the sustainable level of RDP in an ad hoc network and allude to the possible impact on throughput as seen in a companion paper.
Nitrogen pollutant formation in a pulverized coal combustor: Effect of secondary stream swirl

Concentrations of NO, NH/sub 3/ and HCN, together with particle burnout and gas composition were measured during combustion of a bituminous coal. Control of incoming secondary gas swirl level and overall stoichiometric ratio led to significant reductions in nitrogen oxide pollutant concentration. In situ measurement showed that coal particles were confined near the reaction centre during rapid particle reaction. This took place in a locally fuel-rich environment, producing near-quantitative conversion of fuel nitrogen to NH/sub 3/ and HCN, with some NO. Subsequent gas phase reactions of these nitrogen species were identified as important in establishing the ultimate NO concentration.
History of wildlife toxicology

The field of wildlife toxicology can be traced to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Initial reports included unintentional poisoning of birds from ingestion of spent lead shot and predator control agents, alkali poisoning of waterbirds, and die-offs from maritime oil spills. With the advent of synthetic pesticides in the 1930s and 1940s, effects of DDT and other pesticides were investigated in free-ranging and captive wildlife. In response to research findings in the US and UK, and the publication of Silent Spring in 1962, public debate on the hazards of pollutants arose and national contaminant monitoring programs were initiated. Shortly thereafter, population-level effects of DDT on raptorial and fish-eating birds were documented, and effects on other species (e.g., bats) were suspected. Realization of the global nature of organochlorine pesticide contamination, and the discovery of PCBs in environmental samples, launched long-range studies in birds and mammals. With the birth of ecotoxicology in 1969 and the establishment of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in 1979, an international infrastructure began to emerge. In the 1980s, heavy metal pollution related to mining and smelting, agrichemical practices and non-target effects, selenium toxicosis, and disasters such as Chernobyl and the Exxon Valdez dominated the field. Biomarker development, endocrine disruption, population modeling, and studies with amphibians and reptiles were major issues of the 1990s. With the turn of the century, there was interest in new and emerging compounds (pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, surfactants), and potential population-level effects of some compounds. Based upon its history, wildlife toxicology is driven by chemical use and misuse, ecological disasters, and pollution-related events affecting humans. Current challenges include the need to more thoroughly estimate and predict exposure and effects of chemical-related anthropogenic activities on wildlife and their supporting habitat.
Enhanced photonic band edge laser emission in a cholesteric liquid crystal resonator.

A highly efficient photonic band edge dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) laser is demonstrated. By sandwiching an active CLC cell within a resonator consisting of two passive CLC reflectors, the lasing efficiency is dramatically enhanced. Theoretical analysis using the improved $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4$ transfer matrix and scattering matrix shows that the band edge laser mode can be supported by the external CLC resonator and its optimal output can be achieved by a relatively thin active CLC layer and thin passive CLC reflectors. Theoretical analysis agrees well with the experimental results.
Hybrid constraint tightening for solving hybrid scheduling problems

Hybrid Scheduling Problems (HSPs) contain both temporal and finite-domain variables, as well as constraints between them. A hybrid constraint over temporal and finite-domain variables often models situations where different assignments to a subset of finite-domain variables result in different bounds on temporal constraints. The insight we examine in this paper is that some temporal constraint propagation is possible even before finite-domain variables are assigned, by giving the temporal constraint the tightest bound consistent with all (remaining) feasible finite-domain variable values. We describe a hybrid constraint-tightening algorithm that can proactively prune the search space of HSPs and is run as a preprocessing step independently of the search algorithm used. We examine the efficiency of this algorithm analytically, and give preliminary results showing that it reduces the expected runtime of search by a significant margin in the kinds of HSPs we are studying.
Is parenting style related to children's healthy eating and physical activity in Latino families?

Parenting styles influence a child’s risk forobesity. Thegoalsofthisstudyaretoevaluatetheinfluence of(i)parentingstyleonchildren’shealthbehaviors (physical activity and dietary intake), (ii) children’s sociodemographic characteristics on parenting style and on children’s health behaviors and (iii) parents’ sociodemographic characteristics on their use of controlling styles to promote a healthy home environment. Survey and anthropometric data were collected from a community sample of Latino parents (n 5 812) and their children in kindergarten through second grade. Parental use of positive reinforcement and monitoring was associated with children’s healthy eating and exercise. Also, parents’ use of appropriate disciplining styles was associated with healthier eating, while parental use of control styles was associated with unhealthy eating. The daughters of parents who used controlling styles ate more unhealthy foodsthandidthesons.Older,employedandmore acculturated parents used less controlling styles than their counterparts. Parenting interventions targeting children’s dietary intake and physical activity should encourage parents to use more positive reinforcement and monitor their children’shealthbehaviorsastheseparentingstylesare associated with healthier behaviors. Moreover, intervention researchers may want to encourage Latino parents to use less controlling styles with girls as this parenting style increased girls’ risk for unhealthy eating.
Women's stories of abortion in southern Gabon, Africa.

The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons women in rural, southern Gabon, Africa, chose to terminate their pregnancies, the methods used to induce abortions, and postabortion effects experienced by these women. Abortion is illegal in this country. A descriptive qualitative design guided the methodology for this study. Five women with a history of induced abortion were interviewed in-depth for their abortion story. Reasons cited for an abortion included lack of financial and partner support. Abortion methods included oral, rectal, and vaginal concoctions of leaves, bark, and water and over-the-counter medications, including misoprostol. Affects were physical, spiritual, and relational. Health care professionals need to provide women with guidance for appropriate contraceptive usage. Abortion after-care of women with physical and spiritual needs is important. Future research is suggested on the use of misoprostol in Gabon to understand its affects on women’s reproductive health.
Physiological Mechanisms of Sexual Dysfunction Side Effects Associated With Antidepressant Medication

Sexual dysfunction side effects have been associated with antidepressant medication, especially with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Neurotransmitters appear to be involved, especially dopamine and serotonin, but the processes by which they influence sexual dysfunction are not clear.
Chiari Malformation Type I: A Neuropsychological Case Study

ABSTRACT Chiari Malformation type I (CM-I) is a congenital anomaly that occurs when the cerebellar tonsils protrude through the foramen magnum. Individuals with this condition are typically asymptomatic and the identification of the malformation is usually an incidental finding during the course of treating another disorder. This case study explores the neuropsychological sequelae of two unique cases of CM-I in combat veterans. Neuropsychological evaluation revealed that both patients demonstrated preserved general cognitive functioning but had varying patterns of performance on measures of visuospatial, executive functioning, and processing speed. In terms of affective functioning, both endorsed significant depressive symptomatology, but had varying patterns of severity on other estimates of psychiatric symptomatology. Overall, results suggest that there is not one pattern of cognitive and affective functioning associated with CM-I and that environmental and psychological rather than neurological factors...
Method of moments solution of volume integral equations using parametric geometry modeling

[1] A higher-order geometry modeling technique is presented for the solution of volume integral equations (VIEs) involving arbitrarily shaped inhomogeneous dielectric structures. Conformal basis functions defined in curved hexahedral finite elements are used to develop a moment method solution of the VIE. Results are compared with available analytical solutions, and the method is shown to deliver higher accuracy using coarser meshes as compared to partial differential equation solvers. INDEX TERMS: 0619 Electromagnetics: Electromagnetic theory; 0644 Electromagnetics: Numerical methods; 0669 Electromagnetics: Scattering and diffraction
Prostacyclin stimulates relaxin release from cultured porcine luteal cells.

The release of relaxin from cultured porcine luteal cells (derived from pregnant sows) was detected by a reverse hem olytic plaque assay. In this assay, luteal cells are co cultured in mono layers with protein -A-coupled ovine erythrocytes. In the presence of porcine relaxin antiserum and complement, a zone of hemolysis-a plaque-develops around relaxin -releasing luteal cells. Treatment with a prostacyclin analogue (carba-prostacyclin; 10 and 100 ng/ml) significantly accelerated the rate of plaque formation in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the culture of luteal cells in the presence of cyclooxygenase inhibitors (indomethacin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac sodium) resulted in no change in the rate of basal relaxin release. These results add weight to the view that prostacyclin may contribute alone, or perhaps in combination with other prostanoids, to the overall regulation of ovarian endocrine function and relaxin release during pregnancy in the pig. However, the data are inconsistent with the possibility that prostacyclin arises from relaxin-releasing luteal cells themselves.
An entropy metric for software maintainability

An entropy metric that can be calculated from readily available data for existing software is presented. Commercially available software provides data on the message flow in software, which are used to calculate changes in the entropy loading during software maintenance. Since entropy increases indicate increases in the disorder of the software system, entropy loading can be used as a metric in software maintenance. >
FEC-based AP downlink transmission schemes for multiple flows: Combining the reliability and throughput enhancement of intra- and inter-flow coding

We consider downlink access point (AP) networks and the corresponding reliable transmission schemes. It is well known that one can protect the network traffic against packet erasures by forward-error-correcting-codes (FEC). In addition to ensuring reliable delivery, FECs could substantially reduce the amount of feedback traffic, which is critical when designing high-performance AP protocols. In this work, we generalize the FEC-based schemes, also known as intra-flow coding schemes, for multiple downlink flows. In contrast with the classic approach that performs FEC separately on individual flows, we propose a new protocol MU-FEC, which incorporates the recent idea of inter-flow coding to further enhance the achievable throughput. Specifically, MU-FEC guarantees 100% reliability, is oblivious and robust to the underlying erasure probabilities, has near-optimal throughput higher than any existing inter-flow coding protocols, and can be practically implemented on top of 802.11. The design of MU-FEC consists of three components: batch-based operations, a systematic phase-based network coding decision policy, and smooth integration of inter-flow and intra-flow coding. We analytically show that MU-FEC can achieve much higher throughput than intra- or inter-flow coding alone, and validate its performance gain via extensive simulations. To our knowledge, MU-FEC is the first practical protocol that leverages both intra-flow and inter-flow network coding to solve a real-world problem in single-hop wireless networks.
Semiparametric approach for non‐monotone missing covariates in a parametric regression model

Missing covariate data often arise in biomedical studies, and analysis of such data that ignores subjects with incomplete information may lead to inefficient and possibly biased estimates. A great deal of attention has been paid to handling a single missing covariate or a monotone pattern of missing data when the missingness mechanism is missing at random. In this article, we propose a semiparametric method for handling non-monotone patterns of missing data. The proposed method relies on the assumption that the missingness mechanism of a variable does not depend on the missing variable itself but may depend on the other missing variables. This mechanism is somewhat less general than the completely non-ignorable mechanism but is sometimes more flexible than the missing at random mechanism where the missingness mechansim is allowed to depend only on the completely observed variables. The proposed approach is robust to misspecification of the distribution of the missing covariates, and the proposed mechanism helps to nullify (or reduce) the problems due to non-identifiability that result from the non-ignorable missingness mechanism. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator are derived. Finite sample performance is assessed through simulation studies. Finally, for the purpose of illustration we analyze an endometrial cancer dataset and a hip fracture dataset.
Percutaneous tendo Achillis lengthening to promote healing of diabetic plantar foot ulceration.

The etiology of ulcerations related to increased plantar pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus is complex but frequently includes a component of gastrocnemius soleus equinus. One viable treatment option is percutaneous tendo Achillis lengthening as a means of increasing dorsiflexory range of motion and decreasing forefoot shear forces. This article presents three case reports illustrating the importance of reducing plantar pressure as a crucial component of treatment of diabetic forefoot ulcerations. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(3): 281–284, 2005)
An Overview of Soil/plant/animal Relationships with Respect to Utilization of Trace Elements

A general review is presented of the relationships between trace elements and the biotic components of terrestrial ecosystems. The implications of these transfer relationships to the use of ground disposal for sewage sludge is discussed.
Henry George and His Philosophy: He Sought Equality of Opportunity to Use the Earth's Resources as Well as the End of Land Monopoly

. The George scholars today appear to be interesting the academic community in re-evaluating Henry George and his ideas. George, the 19th century American economist and social philosopher, dedicated himself to ending poverty by giving everyone equal access to the earth and its resources. He believed that land monopoly could be ended by taking the economic rent of all land and natural resources to meet the costs of government in lieu of taxes on labor and capital. George's writings revived interest in the ethos of the early settlers a time when sight was being lost of Pioneer America's contribution to the world's march toward freedom.