cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finding a least hop(s) path subject to multiple additive constraints

In this paper, for the purpose of saving network resources, we first introduce and investigate a new problem referred to as the least hop(s) multiple additively constrained path (LHMACP) selection, which is NP-complete. Then, we propose the k-shortest paths Extended Bellman-Ford (k-EB) algorithm, which is capable of computing All Hops k-shortest Paths (AHKP) between a source and a destination. Through extensive analysis and simulations, we show that the heuristic algorithm, based on k-EB, is highly effective in finding a least hop path subject to multiple additive constraints with very low computational complexity; it achieves near 100% success ratio in finding a feasible path while minimizing its average hop count.
Oncolytic herpes simplex viral therapy effectively treats and improves survival in a murine model of pleural malignant mesothelioma

Introduction: Replication-competent, attenuated herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) selectively infect and lyse cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HSV-1 therapy was cytotoxic to malignant mesothelioma (MM) cell lines and improves survival in a murine model of MM. Methods: In Vitro: Eleven human MM cell lines were infected with HSV-1 strain, NV1066 at multiplicities of infection (MOI: number of viral particles per cancer cell) of 0.01, 0.1 or 1. Cell kill was determined by LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase release) assay and viral replication by plaque assay. In Vivo: MSTO-211H, MM cells were injected percutaneously into the pleural cavity of the nude mice. Pleural disease and body weight were monitored after treatment with intrapleural injection of either NV1066, 1x107 pfu (plaque forming units) (n = 10) or saline (n = 10). Survival was monitored after early (day 5) or late (day 11) treatment with a single dose of NV1066, 1x107 pfu or saline (n = 20 each group). Results: In Vitro: NV1066 was cytotoxic to all the cell lines (average 89 ± 3% cell kill at MOI of 1, p<0.01) with increase in viral titers to 105–3600 fold. In Vivo: Mice treated with NV1066 retained their body weights (p<0.01). By day 21, only 2/10 treated animals had pleural disease compared to 10/10 control mice. The median survival for the early treated group was 95 v/s 19 days (logrank p value <0.001) and the late treated group was 48 v/s 20 days (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Oncolytic herpes simplex viral therapy was cytotoxic against MM cell lines and improves survival in a murine model.
Kids campaign against tobacco

Counter-advertising contests, in which children are encouraged to submit artwork promoting awareness about the harmful effects of smoking, provide an effective form of education
A new vibrational genetic algorithm enhanced with a Voronoi diagram for path planning of autonomous UAV

Abstract A new optimization algorithm called multi-frequency vibrational genetic algorithm (mVGA) that can be used to solve the path planning problems of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is significantly improved. The algorithm emphasizes a new mutation application strategy and diversity variety such as the global random and the local random diversity. Clustering method and Voronoi diagram concepts are used within the initial population phase of mVGA process. The new algorithm and three additional GAs in the literature are applied to the path planning problem in two different three-dimensional (3D) environments such as sinusoidal and city type terrain models, and their results are compared. For both of the demonstration problems considered, remarkable reductions in the computational times have been accomplished.
Adaptive Radar Beacon Forming

Propagation errors along paths between an array radar and a distribution of targets cause degradations in angle measurements and detection range. The overall objective of the research described in this paper was to analyze and demonstrate the use of conjugate reflections for compensating adverse effects of path errors. The effect of reflecting the conjugate of an incident wave is described mathematically and is demonstrated by computer simulation. Repeated conjugate reflections are shown to result in the formation of a single beam usually focussed on a target highlight. Echoes from this spatial reference, or "beacon" are shown to provide the means by which aperture phase errors may be effectively compensated. Results of radar simulations include two-way patterns computed for an example involving a distribution of three-point targets and half-wave-length Gaussian aperture errors. Without compensation a gain loss of 12 dB is computed; with error correction, based on echoes from an adaptively focussed beam, the two-way pattern is within a small fraction of a dB of the ideal pattern. The effect of noise on adaptive beacon forming was considered for a case involving one target. Repeated conjugate reflections improve signal-to-noise ratio as long as the effect of noise is less than the effect of aperture dephasing on the power reflected back to the target. An example is presented in which signal-to-noise ratio at the output of the receiver combining network is increased from 4 to 11.8 dB.
DESIGN and CALIBRATION of A CONTINUOUS TEMPERATURE1 MEASUREMENT SYSTEM IN A MICROWAVE CAVITY BY INFRARED IMAGING

A method for continuous measurement of surface temperature of food materials in a microwave oven during heating was developed. the method involved using a standard 2450 MHz microwave oven modified to allow for continuous measurement of surface temperature of samples using an infrared (IR) imaging system. the oven was modified by removing the top section of the microwave cavity and replacing it with 1/8 in. square hardware cloth to allow for direct thermal imaging of the sample. It was found that the wire mesh interfered with the IR measurement such that the temperature that the IR system measured differed from the actual sample temperature. the difference was also found to be dependant upon wire screen temperature. to determine the relationship between IR temperature and actual sample temperature a calibration procedure was performed. the relation between actual temperature and temperature as measured by the IR was found to be linear, and dependant upon the temperature of the wire screen.
Nanocrystals as Stoichiometric Reagents with Unique Surface Chemistry

Nanocrystals of MgO and CaO have been prepared by a modified aerogel/hypercritical drying/dehydration method. For nanocrystalline MgO (AP-MgO) surface areas ranged from 250 to 500 m2/g, whereas for AP-CaO 100−160 m2/g. These materials have been compared with more conventional (CP) microcrystalline samples of lower surface area with regard to (1) morphology (AP-samples (autoclave preparation) are tiny polyhedral crystallites, while CP-samples (conventional preparation) are larger, hexagonal platelets and cubes); (2) residual surface OH (AP-samples have less acidic OH, which are more isolated from each other; (3) acid gas adsorption (AP-samples adsorb more SO2 and CO2 at low pressures and room temperature and prefer monodentate rather than bidentate adsorption modes, but at higher pressures CP-samples adsorb more SO2 and HCl apparently due to the formation of more well ordered multilayers); (4) destructive adsorption of organophosphorus compounds and chlorocarbons (AP-samples are superior due to higher surf...
Phosphorus-doped glass proton exchange membranes for low temperature direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract Phosphorus-doped silicon dioxide thin films were used as ion exchange membranes in low temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Phosphorus-doped silicon dioxide glass (PSG) was deposited via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The plasma deposition of PSG films allows for low temperature fabrication that is compatible with current microelectronic industrial processing. SiH4, PH3 and N2O were used as the reactant gases. The effect of plasma deposition parameters, substrate temperature, RF power, and chamber pressure, on the ionic conductivity of the PSG films is elucidated. PSG conductivities as high as 2.54 × 10−4 S cm−1 were realized, which is 250 times higher than the conductivity of pure SiO2 films (1 × 10−6 S cm−1) under identical deposition conditions. The higher conductivity films were deposited at low temperature, moderate pressure, limited reactant gas flow rate, and high RF power.
Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, Tumor Uptake, and Preliminary in Vivo Photosensitizing Efficacy of a Homologous Series of 3-(1‘-Alkyloxy)ethyl-3-devinylpurpurin-18-N-alkylimides with Variable Lipophilicity†

Starting from methylpheophorbide-a, a homologous series of purpurinimides containing alkyl substituents at two different positions [as 3-(1(1)-O-alkyl) and 13(2)-N-alkyl] were synthesized. These compounds with variable lipophilicity (log P 5.32-16.44) exhibit long wavelength absorption near lambda(max)700 nm (epsilon: 45 000 in dichloromethane) with singlet oxygen ((1)O2) production in the range of 57-60%. The shifts in in vivo absorptions and tumor/skin uptake of these compounds were determined in C3H mice bearing RIF tumors by in vivo reflectance spectroscopy. The results obtained from a set of photosensitizers with similar lipophilicity (log P 10.68-10.88) indicate that besides the overall lipophilicity, the presence and position of the alkyl groups (O-alkyl vs N-alkyl) in a molecule play an important role in tumor uptake, tumor selectivity, and in vivo PDT efficacy. At present, all purpurinimide analogues are being evaluated at various doses, and experiments are underway to establish a quantitative structure-activity relationship on a limited set of compounds. The 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry analyses confirmed the structures of the desired purpurinimides and the byproducts formed during various reaction conditions. The mechanisms of the formation of the unexpected 12-formyl- and 12-(hydroxymethyl)purpurinimides under certain reaction conditions are also discussed.
From Problems to Programs via Plans: The Content and Structure of Knowledge for Introductory LISP Programming

Typically, when a programming language is taught, the syntax and the semantics of the language are emphasized. In contrast, we report here on an organization of information for teaching LISP which puts primary emphasis on the structure of and relationships between: a problem, a program, and, an intermediate abstraction, a plan. This organization is based on an analysis of the underlying structure of ostensibly different problems and their program solutions. We present qualitative observations on the use of this organization gleaned from actual classroom teaching. Finally, we attempt to generalize these notions to other problem domains and to other programming languages.
Effect of steroid therapy on exercise performance in patients with irreversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Many patients with irreversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) claim symptomatic improvement with steroid therapy, despite a lack of objective improvement in their spirometric data. To determine if steroids actually increase the exercise capacity of these individuals, 13 clinically stable patients (mean age, 63±4 years; 12 male patients) were given methylprednisolone (32 mg once daily) or placebo in a randomized double-blind crossover fashion. Spirometric data and minute ventilation, oxygen consumption (, carbon dioxide production, and heart rate during incremental exercise were measured at each visit. Methylprednisolone did not produce a significant change in any of the measured parameters. Three patients had an increase in maximal , of greater than 2 ml/kg/min during therapy with methylprednisolone, while two experienced a decline in maximal of similar magnitude. The change in exercise capacity was unrelated to the change in the forced expiratory volume in one second in individual patients (r=0.08). We conclude that in the absence of any improvement in the usual teste of airway mechanics, steroid therapy does not improve exercise performance in patients with COPD.
Leveraging non-relevant images to enhance image retrieval performance

Inherent subjectivity in user's perception of an image has motivated the use of relevance feedback (RF) in the image desigined output's retrieval process. RF techniques interactively determine the user's query concept, given the user's relevance judgments on a set of images. In this paper we propose a robust technique that utilizes non-relevant images to efficiently discover the relevant search region. A similarity metric, estimated using the relevant images is then used to rank and retrieve database images in the relevant region. The partitioning of the feature space is achieved by using a piecewise linear decision surface that separates the relevant and non-relevant images. Each of the hyperplanes constituting the decision surface is normal to the minimum distance vector from a non-relevant point to the convex hull of relevant points. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvement in retrieval performance for the small feedback size scenario over two well established RF algorithms.
Tumorigenic potential of aldrin and dieldrin for mice.

Abstract Feeding 10 ppm of Aldrin or Dieldrin to C 3 HeB Fe mice for two years shortened their average life span by two months; significantly increased the incidence of histologically benign liver tumors; decreased the incidence of pneumonia (possibly owing to less cage crowding); and had no discernible effect on the incidence of mesenteric disease, intussusception, and other lesions of less frequent occurrence.
Inhalation Toxicology of Acute Exposure to Aliphatic Nitriles

Abstract Male CD-1 mice were exposed for 60 min to toxic concentrations of acetonitrile, propionitrile, or n-butyronitrile and were maintained for the following 14 d. The LC50 values for acetonitrile, propionitrile, and n-butyronitrile were 2,693, 163, and 249 ppm, respectively. Pretreatment with Na2S2O3 or NaNO2, two common inorganic cyanide antagonists, can provide significant (p < 0.05) protection against the mortality associated with exposure to lethal concentrations of these nitriles. Administration of Na2S2O3 consistently provided a greater measure of protection than did NaNO2 against nitrile poisoning. Pretreatment with a heptatotoxic dose of CCl4 can protect mice against death from inhalation of lethal concentrations of these nitriles. The present results are compared with those of previous studies, and the conclusions support the rationale for administration of inorganic cyanide antagonists to individuals poisoned by inhalation of acetonitrile, propionitrile, or n-butyronitrile.
Markov chain analysis of genetic algorithms in a wide variety of noisy environments

We examine the convergence properties of genetic algorithms (GAs) in a wide variety of noisy environments where fitness perturbation can occur in any form for example, fitness functions can be concurrently perturbed by additive and multiplicative noise. We reveal the convergence properties of such GAs by constructing and analyzing a Markov chain that explicitly models the evolution of the algorithms. We compute the one-step transition probabilities of the chain and show that the chain has only one positive recurrent communication class. Based on this property, we establish a condition that is necessary and sufficient for GAs to eventually find a globally optimal solution with probability 1. We also identify a condition that is necessary and sufficient for GAs to eventually with probability 1 fail to find any globally optimal solution. Our analysis also shows that in all the noisy environments, the chain converges to stationarity: It has a unique stationary distribution that is also its steady-state distribution. We describe how this property and the one-step transition probabilities of the chain can be used to compute the exact probability that a GA is guaranteed to select a globally optimal solution upon completion of each iteration.
An Educational Tool for Teaching Medication History Taking to Pharmacy Students

Objective. To implement and evaluate the use of a situated-learning experience to prepare second-year pharmacy students to conduct medication history interviews in preparation for introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPE) at ambulatory clinic sites. Design. Second-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students (n=200) used the Medication Mysteries Infinite Case Tool, a game-like educational tool in which groups of 3 students assumed the roles of pharmacist, patient, and observer and rolled a die and drew cards to determine the drugs, patient personality, medication problems, and other variables that guided a medication history taking session. Assessment. After the laboratory session, faculty members assessed students’ medication history-taking skills. One hundred sixteen (58%) and 78 (39%) of 200 students achieved excellence or competence, respectively, on the final assessment. Two weeks after the assessment, 53 of 200 (26.5%) students completed a survey instrument. The respondents indicated that their self-confidence in conducting medical history taking significantly improved following completion of the learning experience. Conclusion. Using the Medication Mysteries Infinite Case Tool increased students’ confidence and skills in conducting medication history taking prior to their clinical IPPE experience.
Peirce's Truth-functional Analysis and the Origin of the Truth Table

We explore the technical details and historical evolution of Charles Peirce's articulation of a truth table in 1893, against the background of his investigation into the truth-functional analysis of propositions involving implication. In 1997, John Shosky discovered, on the verso of a page of the typed transcript of Bertrand Russell's 1912 lecture on ‘The Philosophy of Logical Atomism’ truth table matrices. The matrix for negation is Russell's, alongside of which is the matrix for material implication in the hand of Ludwig Wittgenstein. It is shown that an unpublished manuscript identified as composed by Peirce in 1893 includes a truth table matrix that is equivalent to the matrix for material implication discovered by John Shosky. An unpublished manuscript by Peirce identified as having been composed in 1883–1884 in connection with the composition of Peirce's ‘On the Algebra of Logic: A Contribution to the Philosophy of Notation’ that appeared in the American Journal of Mathematics in 1885 includes an ex...
PROPERTIES OF THE DWARF IRREGULAR GALAXY DDO 169

This paper investigates the H i, optical, and dark matter properties of the dwarf irregular galaxy DDO 169. The galaxy shows signs of being tidally disrupted. Evidence of this can easily be seen in the galaxy's velocity field. We also show that DDO 169, which was thought to have a companion galaxy, does not. On obtaining a satisfactory result with the edited calibrator data, the gain, phase, and bandpass calibrations were determined. The calibration was then applied to the channel-zero data set and was checked for problems. The few that were identified were edited out, and the calibration was then applied to the line data set. The (u, v) data were examined very carefully to see whether anyfurthereditingwasnecessarybeforebeingtransformedinto images. The C-configuration source line data showed signs of solar contamination.Hence,allfluxvaluesabove1Jywereeditedfrom the C-configuration source data. After each configuration data set for the galaxy was individu- allycalibratedandedited,thecontinuumemissionwassubtracted. This was done by making linear fits to the (u, v) data set in the H i lineYfree channels. A fast Fourier transform was then ap- plied to the individual data sets to produce a cube (� , � , v )o f im- ages. During the imaging process, each channel in the cube was CLEANed (Hogbom 1974; Clark 1980) to reduce the effects of sidelobes produced by non-Gaussian features of the synthesized
Superior Division Paresis of the Oculomotor Nerve

Five patients with isolated ptosis and a paresis of ocular elevation in abduction consistent with an isolated superior division III nerve palsy are reported. In all instances the III nerve appeared to be involved before its reported anatomic bifurcation into a superior and an inferior division, in the anterior cavernous sinus.
The molecular structure of green fluorescent protein

The crystal structure of recombinant wild-type green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been solved to a resolution of 1.9 A by multiwavelength anomalous dispersion phasing methods. The protein is in the shape of a cylinder, comprising 11 strands of s-sheet with an α-helix inside and short helical segments on the ends of the cylinder. This motif, with s-structure on the outside and α-helix on the inside, represents a new protein fold, which we have named the s-can. Two protomers pack closely together to form a dimer in the crystal. The fluorophores are protected inside the cylinders, and their structures are consistent with the formation of aromatic systems made up of Tyr86 with reduction of its Cα-Cs bond coupled with cyclization of the neighboring glycine and serine residues. The environment inside the cylinder explains the effects of many existing mutants of GFP and suggests specific side chains that could be modified to change the spectral properties of GFP. Furthermore, the identification of the dimer contacts may allow mutagenic control of the state of assembly of the protein.
Canalicular transport: discovery of ATP-dependent mechanisms

Biliary excretion is well recognized as a major pathway for the elimination of xenobiotics which are amphipathic and of high molecular weight. Excretion in bile thus complements the renal elimination of hydrophilic compounds of low molecular weight. The liver metabolizes many endogenous and exogenous compounds, frequently by oxidation reactions followed by conjugation pathways that yield substrates, particularly glucuronide and glutathione conjugates, suitable for secretion into bile. The features of a compound which make it a substrate for biliary secretion, other than that it must be an amphipathic molecule with a high molecular weight, are still not clearly defined. However, the recent discovery of ATP-dependent transport of glucuronide and glutathione conjugates in canalicular membranes has provided the opportunity to understand the mechanism of transport and the substrate specificity and regulation of the transporter(s). It is the purpose of this article to review these discoveries and their implications for toxicology.
Imperatives and modals

Imperatives may be interpreted with many subvarieties of directive force, for example as orders, invitations, or pieces of advice. I argue that the range of meanings that imperatives can convey should be identified with the variety of interpretations that are possible for non-dynamic root modals (what I call ‘priority modals’), including deontic, bouletic, and teleological readings. This paper presents an analysis of the relationship between imperatives and priority modals in discourse which asserts that, just as declaratives contribute to the Common Ground and thus provide information relevant to the interpretation of epistemic modals in subsequent discourse, imperatives contribute to another component of the discourse context, the addressee’s To-Do List, which serves as a contextual resource for the interpretation of priority modals. This analysis predicts that the interpretation of imperatives and modals in discourse is constrained in surprising ways; these predictions are borne out.
A Frequency-Domain Approach for Max-Plus Linear Systems

Abstract This paper surveys recent investigations on a frequency-domain approach to study max-plus linear systems, which can be used to model queueing systems, communication networks, and manufacturing systems. The challenging problem for a well-developed frequency-domain theory of such systems is the lack of inverse operations. This paper proposes a frequency-domain approach by revisiting Kalman's original realization theory for max-plus linear systems. The main advantage of Kalman's theory is that the frequency-domain method and the state-variable method merge into a single framework. Moreover, it introduces the concepts of poles and zeros as semimodules instead of point poles and zeros, which cannot be traditionally defined without inverse operations. Moreover, the pole and zero semimodules can characterize the common Petri net components in the solutions to the model matching problem.
Concentrations of Metals in a Soil Moisture Film

ATTEMPTS at determining metal concentrations in films of water surrounding soil particles at normal (subsaturated) moisture content have been plagued by a two-sided problem: ordinary analytical techniques require large amounts of moisture for trustworthy analysis, but the collection methods involved in taking large samples alter the composition of moisture films which exist in undisturbed soil (see ref. 1 for review).
Thiophene Hydrodesulfurization over Alumina-Supported Molybdenum Carbide and Nitride Catalysts: Effect of Mo Loading and Phase☆

Alumina-supported β-Mo2C, α-MoC(1−x)(x ≈ 0.5) and γ-Mo2N catalysts with Mo loadings in the range 1.5–20 wt% have been synthesized and characterized by X-raydiffraction and pulsed chemisorption (CO and O2) measurements. Thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activities weremeasured for the alumina-supported Mo carbide and nitride catalysts as well as sulfided Mo/Al2O3catalysts with the same Mo loadings. The HDS activities of the catalysts after 24 h at 693 K were observed to increase according to the trend: sulfided Mo ≈ α-MoC(1−x) < γ-Mo2N <β-Mo2C. The HDS activities of the different catalysts were found to correlate in a linear fashion with their CO and O2chemisorption capacities for the wide range of Mo loadingsinvestigated. Thiophene HDS turnover frequencies for the Mo carbide, nitride, and sulfided Mo catalysts are nearlyidentical, providing further evidence that the higher HDS activity of alumina-supported β-Mo2C and γ-Mo2N catalysts stems from ahigher density of active sites.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF CARRIER-FREE LEAD-212

A procedure is described for preparing carrier-free Pb/sup 212/ from a nitric acid solution of thorium nitrate that is refluxed in a modified Soxhlet extractor. The thoron escaping the boiling solution is carried into the upper part of the apparatus where the water vapor condenses; the thoron is collected there and decays to Po/sup 216/, which decays to Pb/sup 212/; the Pb/sup 212/ is subsequently washed onto and retained by the resin column, which replaced the extraction thimble in the apparatus. The lead activity is eluted from the resin and removed from the condenser walls with 1N hydrochloric acid. The results of several experiments are summarized as: dependence of recovery of reflux time; effect of HNO/sub 3/ concentration on recovery; and dependence of recovery on solution volume. The yield was essentially independent of reflux times less than 15 hr, decreased slightly with increase in volume of solution, and was only slightly dependent on HNO) concentration; the yield was highest ( yields 45%) at a HNO/sub 3/ concentration of lM. (B.O.G.)
Projectile motion in a resistant medium Part II: approximate solution and estimates

The motion of a particle which is projected into a resistant medium and subjected to a uniform gravitational field is considered. The drag force that acts upon the particle within the medium is proportional to the particle speed squared. The problem is formulated in terms of particle-speed and local-path-angle variables, and the equations of motion that result are non-linear and coupled. An exact solution to these equations can be obtained but involves quadratures which cannot be analytically evaluated in terms of standard functions. An approximate solution that is remarkably accurate is presented. This solution is based upon the so-called cubic law, which is motivated by certain properties of the exact solution. This solution is also utilized to obtain estimates for the maximum projectile range, optimal projection angle, and other quantities of interest related to the particle motion.
Avoiding the Perils of “Teacher-Proof” Online Design: A Content Analysis

This content analysis explored how previously validated Web-based inquiries (WBIs) for science instruction are designed and to what extent they match the proposed teacher-support guidelines of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Examined WBIs implemented few recommended teacher-support mechanisms. This article explores the reasons why so few mechanisms were supported and proposes ways to enhance the curricular usefulness of WBIs by incorporating more recommended mechanisms.
Foraminiferal Studies: Wilkinson Basin, Gulf of Maine: ABSTRACT

Sediment samples from a 280-m core taken in the Wilkinson basin, Gulf of Maine, have been studied for foraminiferal content. The sediments are dusky yellowish-brown silty clay and presumably represent particles carried by glacial meltwater into the Atlantic Ocean during the latest period of continental deglaciation. Several features set the foraminiferal fauna apart from the normal open-shelf fauna. There is a distinct lack of arenaceous species in these sediments. Eggerella advena, customarily abundant, is lacking, and only Hyperammina elongata and Trochammina inflata are present in trace quantities. Bolivina fragilis and B. pseudoplicata dominate the calcareous fauna, with fewer Glandulina laevigata, Guttulina glacialis, and Nonionella labradorica present. The species abundance and diversity are large and compare favorably with other northern areas. The faunal list from the basin does not compare with species found at comparable depths on normal shelves. The fauna appears mixed with shallow-water elements derived from relict sediments on the shelf and bordering the basin. By far the majority of species found are from depths of 60-75 m. A few ubiquitous species, Bulimina marginata and Cassidulina norcrossi are found at greater depths. Planktonic/benthonic ratios increase upward attesting to an influx of planktonic forms associated with rising sea level. End_of_Article - Last_Page 337------------
Assisting children through transition: Helping parents protect their children from the toxic effects of ongoing conflict in the aftermath of divorce.

The negative effects of prolonged interparental conflict on children are well documented. This article describes a preventive intervention designed to help separating parents to (a) reduce the stress of a breakup on their children and (b) learn skills for protecting them from the toxic effects of ongoing conflict. Assisting Children through Transition-(A.C.T.) For the Children is based on a risk and resilience model emphasizing skills training and effective parenting practices. Post-program results from 609 participants indicate that the majority of male and female participants reported an increased awareness of the deleterious effects of interparental conflict on children and learned skills for protecting children from ongoing conflict. Most participants reported firm intentions to continue to use skills for reducing conflict with a former spouse and to support their children's healthy relationship with both parents. Study limitations, directions for future research, and implications for legal and mental health practitioners are discussed.
Reduced-order modeling of parametrically excited micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)

Reduced-order modeling is a systematic way of constructing models with smaller number of states that can capture the “essential dynamics” of the large-scale systems, accurately. In this paper, redu...
Corporate Finance and Financial Institutions

Many corporate finance researchers have avoided analyzing financial institutions, perhaps on the grounds that they are “unique” or “different” from other types of firms. This assessment reflects some unusual features of financial firms' liabilities and a set of governmental regulatory restrictions that have become less pervasive in recent years. In fact, corporate finance theory applies equally well to financial firms, although some modifications are required to recognize the effects of government safety and soundness regulation. Regulated firms' private incentives account for most of the difficulties regulators encounter when trying to craft appropriate oversight mechanisms.
Analysis of Vorticity Amplification in the Flow Approaching a Two-dimensional Stagnation Point

In the recent past measurements of stagnation-point heat-transfer and skin friction on cylinders in cross flow have given evidence to a rather remarkable sensitivity of these transport phenomena to the presence of free-stream turbulence. The interest in this problem was originally generated by the considerable discrepancies among the various experimental results and between experiment and theory based on laminar flow hypothesis. An extensive discussion of the background of the subject can be found in a report by Kestin and Maeder [1]. Additional history on the subject, including reviews of previous attempts to explain the experiments in mathematical terms can be found in the papers by Sutera, Maeder and Kestin [2], Sutera [3] and Kestin [4]. Since the background literature is readily accessible, a thorough review will not be given here. The following paragraphs will concentrate on a few papers which are particularly pertinent to the work presented herein. A theory which could explain satisfactorily the mechanism through which relatively small turbulent fluctuations in the free stream can provoke such large effects at the wall was put forth by Sutera et al. [2]. This theory proposed that vorticity amplification due to stretching of vortex filaments in the strongly diverging flow near the stagnation point is the underlying mechanism. A detailed review of the basic ideas of this theory is presented later. Three more recent papers are relevant to this work and merit discussion here. Weiss [5] reported the results of a combined analytical and experimental investigation on the stability of a two-dimensional stagnation flow to three-dimensional disturbances. Making the approximation of inviscid flow for the purpose of stability analysis, he considered the time-rate of decay or amplification of the streamwise vorticity. He also
Energy- and Angle-Resolved Fragmentation of Ethyl Bromide on GaAs(110)

Angle- and mass-resolved time-of-flight (TOF) measurements are used to probe the photodynamics and molecular orientation of C2H5Br on GaAs(110). Temperature-programmed desorption measurements indicate that this species is molecularly adsorbed with a binding energy of 0.43 eV. After photoinduced C−Br bond cleavage two channels for ethyl fragments ejected are observed in the TOF: one resulting from direct ejection along the C−Br bond with a kinetic energy that varies from 0.6 to 1.1 eV, depending upon incident excitation wavelength, and the other, resulting from transient scattering from the surface potential energy well with a kinetic energy of 0.4 eV. Additionally, the kinetic energy of the directly ejected fragments varies with detection angle, a behavior consistent with a fragment−surface potential with normal energy scaling. The TOF measurements also indicate that, at coverages of <1 ML, the C2H5Br is oriented with the C−Br bond at an angle near 30° from the surface normal in the [01] direction. This...
A new hypothesis for the Holocene appearance of coccolithophores in the Black Sea

A recent accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) radiocarbon study of Black Sea Holocene sediments has resolved a long-standing chronology controversy involving radioisotope and varve- counting methodologies. The revised chronology combined with model results of the salinity evolution of the Black Sea since the last glacial maximum does not support the hypothesis of a salinity-controlled Holocene invasion of the Black Sea by coccolithophores, a planktonic golden-brown unicellular marine algae. Rather, evidence presented here is used to suggest these organisms were inadvertently transported from the Mediterranean Sea by sailing vessels during the Greek exploration and colonization of the Black Sea in the seventh and eighth centuries BC. As such this may be one of the earliest examples of anthropogenic transport of marine organisms between ocean basins, and a good example of the difficulties inherent in distinguishing natural from anthropogenic effects when studying Holocene biological systems.
'Catatonia' due to Disulfiram\ Toxicity

In an alcoholic patient, catatonia developed while he was receiving disulfiram (Antabuse). Resolution of the question whether his state was classically catatonic required a detailed review of the literature on the subject. The conclusion reached is that the original definition still holds for psychiatric illness, but application of the term to neurological and metabolic states has often been based on imprecise criteria and failure to consider akinetic mutism and extrapyramidal motor disturbances as factors. The action of disulfiram as an inhibitor of dopamine beta hydroxylase provides a possible mechanism for the cerebral toxic effect, but nonetheless the various interpretations remain largely speculative.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with disability in cognitively impaired Latino elderly with and without dementia: results from the Sacramento Area Latino study on Aging.

Objective To examine the relationship between neuropsychiatric symptoms burden and disability in cognitively impaired older Latinos. Methods Subjects in the cross-sectional study were 95 cognitively impaired (both demented and non-demented) non-institutionalized Latino elderly participating in an epidemiological cohort study and their family caregivers. Care recipient neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and level of functional impairment (i.e. impairment in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living) were assessed through interviews with family caregivers. Results Both NPI total score and NPI depression subscale score were significantly associated with disability before and after controlling for potential confounding variables. The strength of the association between higher neuropsychiatric symptom levels and higher disability was similar for both the cognitively impaired not demented and demented groups. Conclusions Neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with increased disability in a community sample of cognitively impaired Latino elderly. More effective identification and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms may improve functioning in older Latinos and reduce health disparities for this population. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Policy Diffusion and Innovation: Media and Experts in Colorado Recreational Water Rights

Abstract Beginning in 1998, an innovation in water rights policy took place in Colorado. This paper analyses the diffusion of the recreational in-channel water right policy innovation among Colorado communities. This research involved in-depth case studies in 12 Colorado communities. Data include interviews, legal and legislative documents, and mass media coverage. These new water rights spread among Colorado communities through two processes. First, experts acted as information entrepreneurs providing both technical and policy information to other communities. Through repetitive journalistic sourcing, media coverage spread the influence and reputation of certain experts who then influenced internal policy decisions in subsequent communities.
Effectiveness of antithetic sampling and stratified sampling in Monte Carlo chronological production cost modeling (power systems)

Sampling error detracts from the usefulness of estimates of mean hourly marginal cost produced by Monte Carlo chronological production cost models. Variance reduction techniques commonly used in other Monte Carlo simulation applications can significantly improve the precision of estimates. Two such techniques, antithetic sampling and stratified sampling, are tested for a fictitious system. The number of iterations needed to reach a precision target falls significantly. The estimated savings in total computing time could exceed 50% for a full one-year forecast. Both techniques are easily implemented and should be used in Monte Carlo production costing efforts to estimate hourly marginal cost. >
Renal dopamine receptors and hypertension

Dopamine has been recognized as an important modulator of central as well as peripheral physiologic functions in both humans and animals. Dopamine receptors have been identified in a number of organs and tissues, which Include several regions within the central nervous system, sympathetic ganglia and postganglionic nerve terminals, various vascular beds, the heart, the gastrointestinal tract, and the kidney. The peripheral dopamine receptors influence cardiovascular and renal function by decreasing afterload and vascular resistance and promoting sodium excretion. Within the kidney, dopamine receptors are present along the nephron, with highest density on proximal tubule epithelial cells. It has been reported that there is a defective dopamine receptor, especially D1 receptor function, in the proximal tubule of various animal models of hypertension as well as in humans with essential hypertension. Recent reports have revealed the site of and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the defect in D1 recepto...
A numerical solution of Duffing's equations including the prediction of jump phenomena

Numerical methodology for the solution of Duffing's differential equation is presented. Algorithms for the prediction of multiple equilibrium solutions and jump phenomena are developed. In addition, a filtering algorithm for producing steady state solutions is presented. The problem of a rigidly clamped circular plate subjected to cosinusoidal pressure loading is solved using the developed algorithms (the plate is assumed to be in the geometrically nonlinear range). The results accurately predict regions of solution multiplicity and jump phenomena.
Characterization of a first-pass gradient-echo spin-echo method to predict brain tumor grade and angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No widespread clinical method provides specific information about the angiogenic characteristics of gliomas. We characterized blood volume and vascular morphologic parameters from combined gradient-echo (GE) and spin-echo (SE) MR imaging and assessed their relationship to tumor grade, a known correlate of glioma angiogenesis. METHODS: Simultaneous GE and SE echo-planar imaging was performed with bolus gadolinium administration (0.20–0.25 mmol/kg) in 73 patients with glioma. To diminish possible T1 changes due to contrast agent extravasation, a preload (0.05–0.10 mmol/kg) was administered before the study, and a postprocessing correction algorithm was applied. Image maps of total (GE) and microvascular (SE) relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and the mean vessel diameter (mVD) calculated from the ratio of GE and SE relaxation rate changes (R2*/R2) were compared with tumor grade. A nonparametric K nearest-neighbor decision rule was applied to determine if the combined data could be used to distinguish low-grade (I–II) from high-grade (III–IV) tumors on a per-patient basis. RESULTS: For whole tumors, significant correlations were found between GE rCBV and grade (P < .0001) and between mVD and grade (P .0001) but not between SE rCBV and grade (P .08). For areas of highest SE rCBV (microvascular hotspots), SE rCBV and tumor grade were significantly correlated (P .0007). In terms of differentiation, 69% of low-grade tumors and 96% of high-grade tumors were correctly classified. CONCLUSION: Combined GE and SE MR imaging provides information consistent with neoplastic angiogenesis, demonstrating its potential to aid in optimizing treatments, categorizing lesions, and influencing patient care.
Contractile Filament Stress in the Left Ventricle and its Relationship to Wall Stress

A three-dimensional composite model of heart muscle is proposed, consisting of one-dimensional (uniaxial) active contractile filaments embedded in a passive elastic binder. Equations are developed which relate the force developed by the filaments to the local tissue stress. An approximate analysis is employed to determine the time variation of the contractile filament stress throughout the cardiac cycle from catheterization data. Results from 15 patients with normal left ventricles demonstrate that the stress developed by the contractile filaments is up to 25 percent more tensile than the wall stress, and that the binder stress is compressive during most of systole. In contrast, the one-dimensional lumped parameter muscle models previously employed predict active (CE) stresses less tensile than the wall stress and binder (PE) stresses that are tensile. We conclude that the use of a one-dimensional muscle model results in a significant underestimation of the active force generation required for pressure development and the power requirements for ejection. Prior studies relating muscle work and power to ventricular oxygen consumption should be re-examined in this light.
Dynamic aspects of the supramolecular organization of intermediate filament networks in cultured epidermal cells

Abstract We have shown, by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using an antiserum against the mouse keratin subunit K2 and by electron microscopy, that transformed (PAM) and primary (PME) mouse epidermal cells possess extensive networks of IF bundles. Following trypsinization and replating of PAM cells, IF bundles are seen to move as a continuous network from a perinuclear zone into the peripheral cytoplasmic regions. In PAM cells lysed in high-ionic-strength solutions containing Triton X-100 and DNAase-1, IF bundles appear to be closely associated with nuclear envelope remnants and, in some cases, appear to be attached to nuclear pore complexes. PME cells cultivated in low Ca2+-containing medium possess perinuclear birefringent arrays of IF bundles. Within 2 hours of switching the cells to normal Ca2+ levels, the PME IF bundle network moves towards and establishes contact with the cell surface as desmosomes form. Live cells observed by phase contrast and fixed cells observed by immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrate that desmosomes can be distinguished as dark bands separating neighboring cells. There is little difference between the major proteins seen in SDS-polyacrylamide gel profiles of isolated IF bundle networks from PME cells before and after the Ca2+ switch. Therefore, a reorganization of relatively insoluble membrane-associated protein following the Ca2+ switch may be involved in desmosome formation. The isolated IF networks from PAM cells differ in protein composition compared to the PME IF networks. This may be related to the greatly reduced number of desmosomes in PAM cells. The IF bundle system in epidermal cells appears to be involved in shape formation, shape maintenance, the establishment of desmosomes, nuclear centration, and cell-cell contact.
Discrete Gaussian sampling for low-power devices

Sampling from the discrete Gaussian probability distribution is used in lattice-based cryptosystems. A need for faster and memory-efficient samplers has become a necessity for improving the performance of such cryptosystems. We propose a new algorithm for sampling from the Gaussian distribution that can efficiently change on-the-fly its speed/memory requirement. The Ziggurat algorithm that attempted to do this requires up to 1000 seconds of computation time to change memory requirements on-the-fly. Our algorithm eliminates this large computational overhead.
Disorders of Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation and Related Metabolic Pathways

More than a dozen genetic defects in the fatty acid oxidation pathway are currently known. Nearly all of these defects present in early infancy as acute life-threatening episodes of hypoketotic, hypoglycemic coma induced by fasting or febrile illness (for recent reviews, see [1] [2] [3] [4]). In some of the disorders there also may be chronic skeletal muscle weakness or acute exerciseinduced rhabdomyolysis and acute or chronic cardiomyopathy. Recognition of the fatty acid oxidation disorders is often difficult because patients can appear well until exposed to prolonged fasting, and screening tests of metabolites may not always be diagnostic. Rare related disorders include a transport defect of fatty acids, and secondary (as in the Sjogren-Larsson syndrome), or primary defects in the metabolism of leukotrienes.