cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The rise and fall in information-processing rates over the life span

Abstract We surveyed studies that measured information-processing durations in groups of experimental subjects (children or elderly adults) and a group of college-aged control subjects. Some studies varied the type of processing while keeping the age of a subject group fixed. Process-durations in experimental subjects could be described by a multiplicative function of the control durations, regardless of the type of processing. Other studies varied the age of the subject groups while keeping the type of processing fixed. Process-durations declined during childhood, in a manner that could be described by a negative exponential function of age. Process-durations increased throughout middle- and old-age, in a manner that could be described by a positive exponential function of age. The sum of the two exponentials defined a U-shaped function that described process-durations over the life span. The most important studies varied both the type of processing and the age of the subject groups. An array of measurements of this kind could be described by a two-dimensional function that combined the multiplicative effect of process-duration and the exponential effects of age. The multiplicative effect of process-duration suggested that the execution of a processing sequence was conditioned by a single developmental parameter in both the experimental subject and the control subject. The exponential components determined the magnitude of the developmental parameter as the age of the subject changed. Given the global character of these effects, it seemed to us that the developmental mechanism may operate at a more elementary level than the information-processing stages conceived by cognitive theories. In a developmental framework, information processing may be reducible to a large number of small steps of a homogeneous duration or reliability, such as might be realized on a neural network. The exponential rate constants may be related to constant- probability hazards that act on one or another population of neural elements to create minute defects or incremental improvements. Their cumulative effects alter the functioning of the network over its lifetime, in a way that parallels the observed changes in process- durations.
The hydrological properties and the effects of hydration on vegetative ash from the Northern Rockies, USA

Abstract Vegetative ash is known to alter post-fire runoff rates, in some cases decreasing runoff by protecting the underlying soil and in other cases aiding in the formation of a surface seal increasing runoff. Variability in this hydrological response of ash may reflect differences in the hydrologic properties of ash caused by shifts in its physical and chemical characteristics. This study investigated the physical (particle size and shape, particle density, bulk density and porosity) chemical (mineralogy and elemental composition) and hydrologic (water retention, hydraulic conductivity, and sorptivity) characteristics of laboratory and wildfire ash from the Northern Rocky Mountain region of the United States. A variety of techniques were used including scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and conventional soil science techniques. Laboratory ash samples were prepared by combusting fuel from three dominant trees species of the region (Pinus contorta, Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii) at various combustion temperatures (300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C or 900 °C). The main objectives of this study were to determine (i) how the physical (particle size and shape, particle density, bulk density and porosity) and chemical (mineralogy and elemental composition) properties of ash might explain variations in hydrologic properties (water retention, hydraulic conductivity, and sorptivity); (ii) whether wetting alters the physical, chemical and hydrologic properties of ash; (iii) whether ash characteristics could be linked to various stages of thermal decomposition and whether ash produced in the laboratory could be beneficial to understanding wildfire ash characteristics and (iv) whether ash hydrologic properties can be linked to simple metrics, such as calcium carbonate content or color, which can be used in rapid post-fire hazard assessment. Results of this study indicate that variation in the hydrological response of ash can be partially explained by differences in ash characteristics associated with combustion temperature. Depending on ash mineralogy, which was dictated by the level of thermal decomposition of organic material, ash particles can (a) contain micro-porosity contributing to total porosity values as high as 98%; (b) shift hydraulic conductivity values orders of magnitude from 0.12 ± 0.03 to 0.002 ± 0.0003 cm s− 1; and (c) chemically transform after initial hydration suggesting that ash layers could alter post-fire runoff response by creating a chemical crust. Furthermore while ash color is often used as an indicator of burn severity it may not be an accurate indicator regarding the hydrologic response of ash in post-fire systems. Instead carbonate content is suggested as a more informative aid in predicting post-fire hydrologic response.
Jon C. Pevehouse, Democracy from Above: Regional organizations and democratization (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005)

Democracy from Above addresses the intersection of two important political phenomena: the influence and proliferation of regional international organizations (IOs), and the sources of democratization. The central finding is that regional organizations both facilitate transitions to democracy and enhance the survivability of young democracies. With respect to the democratization literature, the book’s message is that external factors must be considered alongside domestic-level variables, the primary focus of scholars in this area. For students of international relations, Pevehouse expands our understanding of how IOs matter—including their ability to penetrate domestic politics—and shows that variation among them must be taken seriously. He also provides one of the most convincing empirical refutations to date of the Realist view that institutions merely reflect the forces of power politics. Alongside its contribution to these academic debates, the book is timely from a policy standpoint. By showing that membership in regional fora can help induce and nurture democracy, the findings highlight a type of international political engagement capable of promoting liberal reform. At a time when external imposition of democracy in Iraq is proving arduous at best, the promise of alternative pathways is especially welcome. Pevehouse suggests a number of causal mechanisms—too many to summarize here—by which the salutary effects of regional IOs on democracy occur. While some of the hypothesized mechanisms are international (e.g., states can use these organizations to pressure or offer incentives to authoritarian members or would-be members), the majority transpire in the domestic realm. The most important effects come from the conditionality associated with membership in regional organizations. By accepting these conditions, reforming governments can bind themselves and enhance their legitimacy during both the transition and consolidation phases. This minimizes opposition from publics and competing elites, especially business groups
Granulysin, a new human cytolytic granule-associated protein with possible involvement in cell-mediated cytotoxicity

Abstract A primary process by which cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells lyse target cells involves the regulated exocytosis of granules present in the cytoplasm of the effector. These granules contain proteins, such as perforin and the granzymes, that play a direct role in the killing process. The localization of a human T and NK cell-specific protein, granulysin (formerly 519), to cytolytic granules suggests that additional mechanisms may be involved in granule-mediated cytolysis. This protein shares homology with small, granule-associated molecules and is a member of a larger family of proteins known as saposin-like proteins (SAPLIP). SAPLIP share common structural features allowing for association with lipids while retaining the ability to mediate a variety of different functions. Expression of granulysin is induced late after T-cell activation, similar to perforin and the granzymes. Two prominent protein products of 15 and 9 kDa were identified in CTL. The 9 kDa form localizes to dense, highly cytolytic granules and contains the SAPLIP homology domain. A recombinant granulysin protein, corresponding to the 9 kDa form, is cytolytic against tumor cell targets.
The relation of chlamydial infection of the cervix to time elapsed from the onset of menses

Abstract To investigate the relation of chlamydial infection of the cervix to time elapsed from the onset of menses, we prospectively studied 338 women receiving routine gynecologic care in two clinical sites in which the prevalence of chlamydial infection was 3 and 6%. Eleven (13%) of 86 women evaluated in the fourth or fifth week after the onset of menses (days 22–35) had chlamydial infection compared to 4 (1.6%) of 252 women seen in the first 3 weeks (days 1–21) ( p
Online Privacy: Internet Advertising Practitioners' Knowledge and Practices

Abstract Recent months have seen increased calls by both consumers and government agents for legislative action regarding privacy protection online. Both groups agree that self-regulation by the online industry does not appear to be working to protect consumer privacy on the Internet. This study investigates how Internet advertising practitioners perceive consumer attitudes towards practices involving information collection and usage, and whether these practitioners respond to known concerns in their work. A survey of practitioners suggests that practioners are aware of consumer privacy concerns. A content analysis of web sites developed by responding practitioners, however, indicates that the practitioners are failing to take appropriate actions to address these concerns. Few sites that collected information posted privacy policies, and sites with policies rarely addressed three of the FTC's four core principles of information privcy.
A Molecular Comparison of Plumage and Soil Bacteria Across Biogeographic, Ecological, and Taxonomic Scales

We used molecular methods to determine the microbial community of soil and avian plumage across biogeographic, ecological, and taxonomic scales. A total of 17 soil and 116 feather samples were collected from five avian species across multiple habitat types within one Neotropical and one temperate locality. Hypotheses regarding patterns of microbial composition relative to acquisition and dispersal of plumage bacteria in the ecosystem were tested by comparing microbial communities within and between soil and plumage. Samples from the plumage of American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla) were collected across both habitat types and geographic scales for intraspecific comparisons. The microbial diversity in avian plumage was moderately diverse and was dominated by Pseudomonas species. Despite a highly significant individual bird effect on microbial composition of the plumage, we detected significant biogeographic and type of habitat effects. Pseudomonas species were more abundant on the temperate site when all avian species were included in the analysis, and Bacillus subtilis and Xanthomonas groups were more abundant on the Neotropical site for redstarts alone. However, 16S rDNA sequence libraries were not significantly different between Jamaican and Maryland redstarts. Biogeographic and habitat effects were significant and more pronounced for soil samples indicating lower dispersal of soil microbiota. We detected a significant difference between soil and plumage microbial communities suggesting that soil plays a small role in plumage bacterial acquisition. Our results suggest bacterial communities on the plumage of birds are dynamic and may change at different stages in a bird’s annual cycle.
Determinants of peak bone mass in young adult women: A review

In concluding this review on the prevention on bone mass throughout the life, it must be emphasized that we need to learn much more about improving the development, maintenance and efficiency of the musculoskeletal system of women during all stages of the life cycle, but especially during adolescence and early adulthood when the greatest gains can be obtained. Even during the adult and postmenopausal years of life, interventions can be effectively tailored to yield significant, but small, improvements in bone mass and reductions in fracture rates. Both dietary and exercise/strength modalities need to be explored, separately and in combination, to accomplish these potentially achievable goals of improved bone mass and reduced fracture rates. Dietary calcium intakes need to be around 800–1000 mg/day (or possibly more) from early adolescence to late life, and such intake levels greatly exceed the WHO recommendation of 400–500 mg/day. In addition, vitamin D intakes need to be adequate so that calcium absorption can be optimized by postmenopausal women. Finally, excessive intakes of animal protein and phosphorus by adult women may adversely affect calcium retention by the skeleton.
Imperfect capital markets and life-cycle consumption☆

Abstract This paper develops a long-range consumption planning model which, unlike conventional life-cycle theory, admits a disparity between borrowing and lending rates of interest. It is shown that, when capital markets are imperfect, optimal consumption depends not only upon an arithmetic average of the household's intertemporal income distribution, the traditional life-cycle income variable, but also upon current income and higher-order moments of that income distribution. The consumption function is estimated using the 1967–1968 CEDE budget survey of four major Colombian cities. A test is made to determine whether the assumption of perfect capital markets is acceptable for empirical approximation. The results strongly indicate that, for households in middle and lower income classes, the explanatory power of the consumption function can be raised by introducing a more flexible life- time budget constraint. The model is then estimated and used to compute the marginal consumption responses of Colombian households to transitory and permanent income changes.
Intravitreal argon and carbon dioxide laser, and xenon arc photocoagulation in vitreoretinal surgery.

Argon laser, carbon dioxide laser, andxenon arc endophotocoagulators have been used intravitreally to produce chorioretinal lesions during the course of the vitrectomy procedure. The advantages and disadvantages of each method of endophotocoagulation are presented. Both the argon laser and the xenon arc have a fiber optic delivery system. The carbon dioxide delivery system has a series ofquartz waveguides transmitted through a miniature articulating arm. The advantages of using a carbon dioxide laser are its dual quality to act as both aphotocoagulator andphototransector, its lack of pigment dependence, and its ability to deposit its energy in a well-defined area without adverse effects on neighboring ocular tissue.
New York Placenames in Film Titles

AbstractFrom 1914 to 2006, 396 feature films with titles containing New York placenames were released. This pattern emerged during the silent era, peaked from the late 1920s to the early 1940s, and then dropped off steadily before rebounding in the 1970s. This article discusses the cinematic representation of cities and urban life in the movies and the special place of New York as an “imagined city” and a cultural icon. New York's associations in the popular imagination help explain the frequent occurrence of themes of negativity, violence, nightlife, and grandiosity (royalty or divinity) in these titles. The use of New York placenames in titles creates guideposts in a socio-cognitive map of the city.
E. coli adhesion to silica in the presence of humic acid

The influence of humic acid on the adhesion of Escherichia coli to silica particles or glass surfaces was investigated. After adsorbing various amounts of humic acid to the particles or surfaces, bacteria were added to the sample and allowed to adhere. For the silica particles the number of bacteria-particle couplets formed were counted from video microscopy images. For the glass surfaces, a differential electrophoresis force was applied, and the force required to detach the bacteria was quantified. These experiments showed a slight increase in the number of couplets formed in the presence of humic acid, and also showed a slight increase in the force required for detachment of the bacteria. Although an increase in adhesion number and strength was measured, the magnitude of the increase was small, indicating that humic acid plays a small role in bacterial adhesion to silica or glass surfaces.
Asymptotic normality of a smooth estimate of a random field distribution function under association

Let Zd be the lattice of points in Rd with integer coordinates, and let {Xn}, n ϵ Zd, be a random field of real-valued translation invariant random variables with unknown distribution function F. For u and v in Zd with u < v let, Buv be the box in Zd defined by Buv = {n ϵ Zd; u < n ⩽ v}, and for N = 1, 2, …, let k(N) = (k1 (N), …, kd (N)) with ki(N) → ∞ as N → ∞, i = 1, …, d. On the basis of the random variables Xn, n ϵ B0k(N), let F‖k(N)‖ be a smooth kernel-type estimate of F. Under suitable regularity conditions, including that of association, it is shown that F‖k(N)‖, properly normalized and centered, is asymptotically normal with specified parameters.
Calbindin neurons in the hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus do not exhibit a circadian variation in spontaneous firing rate.

The role of the mammalian suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in generating circadian rhythms in behaviours and other physiological processes is well established. A prominent feature of SCN neurons is the circadian oscillation in action potential firing frequency, with a peak near midday. A subset of calbindin-immunoreactive (CB + ) neurons form a compact subnucleus (CBsn) in the hamster SCN. Restoration of rhythmicity using fetal SCN grafts in SCN-lesioned hamsters is critically dependent upon the presence of CB + neurons within the transplanted grafts [LeSauter & Silver (1999) J. Neurosci., 5574-5585]. The aim of the current study was to determine whether CB + neurons within the CBsn of the hamster SCN fire action potentials in a circadian pattern as part of their output signal. Using patch-clamp recording, we demonstrated that CB + neurons in the CBsn do not express a circadian rhythm in spontaneous firing frequency under diurnal conditions in vitro. Furthermore, the percentage of silent CB - cells varies with zeitgeber time, whereas the percentage of silent CB + cells does not. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the CBsn is a nonhomogeneous nucleus, containing many more CB - than CB + cells. Our results reveal that CB + neurons within the CBsn represent a functionally distinct neuronal subpopulation in which rhythmic action potential output may not be necessary for the restoration of behavioural circadian rhythmicity.
Regulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 mRNA abundance in rat intestinal smooth muscle.

Abstract IGF-I increases abundance of IGFBP-5 mRNA in rat intestinal smooth muscle cells (RISM), and IGFBP-5 protein in RISM conditioned media. The translational blocker, cycloheximide, decreased the abundance of IGFBP-5 mRNA to undetectable levels, suggesting that IGFBP-5 mRNA integrity is linked to protein synthesis. We studied the mechanism of IGF-I's effect on IGFBP-5 mRNA, and the role of cytoplasmic proteins in modulating IGFBP-5 mRNA abundance. Anisomycin, emetine, and puromycin abolished IGFBP-5 mRNA as seen with cycloheximide. Cycloheximide had a dose- and time-dependent effect on IGFBP-5 mRNA. IGF-I increased IGFBP-5 nuclear transcripts by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), suggesting that IGF-I acts at least partially by increasing IGFBP-5 mRNA transcription. Protein synthesis inhibitors did not affect IGFBP-5 nuclear transcripts, therefore, they affect only mature mRNA. The IGFBP-5 mRNA 3′ and 5′ UTRs were cloned and their sequences searched for adenosine-uridine rich elements (AUREs), elements shown to regulate RNA stability. RNA mobility gel shift assay showed two protein activities that bind to nt 922 to 2076 of the 3′ UTR, a region that contains an AURE. One protein activity (BA2) was decreased in cytoplasmic extracts from cycloheximide-treated RISM. These data demonstrate that IGFBP-5 mRNA integrity is dependent on protein synthesis. The 3′ UTR of IGFBP-5 contains elements shown to bind proteins important for RNA stability regulation. This region binds RISM cytoplasmic proteins, and may mediate the dramatic effect of cycloheximide on IGFBP-5 abundance. RNA–protein interactions may be important to IGFBP-5 mRNA stability and ultimately, to IGFBP-5 actions.
Life Stress and Symptomatology: Determinants of Suicidal Behavior in Children

Seventy-six children, aged 5 to 14, consecutively discharged from an inpatient psychiatric unit, were assigned by stringent operational criteria to either suicidal, depressed, or psychiatric control groups. Through a review of medical records, children were compared on measures of life stress and symptomatology for their total lifespan, for four defined developmental periods, and for the year preceding admission. Compared to both depressed and psychiatric control children, suicidal children experienced increasing and significantly greater amounts of stress as they matured, including a number of specific chaotic and disruptive family events which resulted in losses and separations from important people. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry , 21, 2:178–186, 1982.
Gain-Scheduled Approximations to H-Infinity Controllers for the F/A-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing

The Active Aeroelastic Wing will demonstrate technologies related to aeroservoelastic effects such as wing twist and load minimization. This paper presents a control design based on H-infinity synthesis that simultaneously considers the multiple objectives associated with handling qualities, actuator limitations, and loads. The controller is realized as a filter and gain set approximation to a state-space H-infinity controller. This approximation allows scheduling of the controller over a flight envelope.
Partial characterization of the leukotoxin of Pasteurella haemolytica-like bacteria isolated from swine enteritis

Pasteurella haemolytica-like (PHL) strains isolated from diarrheic pigs are known to produce a leukotoxin that is lethal to ruminant leukocytes. In the present study, 12 PHL strains were screened for leukotoxin production using a tetrazolium dye-reduction assay. Sterile culture supernatant from strain 6213A, the maximum leukotoxin producer, was used as the crude leukotoxin for characterization studies. The leukotoxin was inactivated by heat at 60 degrees C and by trypsin, protease, and amylase. Toxicity was retained over a pH range of 3.0-11.0. The leukotoxin was lethal to polymorphoneutrophils (PMNs) of cattle, sheep, goat, and swine. Chromosomal DNA of all 12 PHL strains hybridized with a 3.9 kb Pasteurella haemolytica A1 leukotoxin probe, indicating similarities between the leukotoxin genes of P. haemolytica and PHL strains.
Computational Investigation of Tower Shadow Effects on Wind Turbines

In this paper, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of tower shadow effect associated with downwind configuration horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) is presented. This work is part of a large project focused on the design and installation of a multi-megawatt, downwind configuration, offshore HAWT in Lake Erie. The numerical tool is a dedicated commercial CFD solver, capable of performing accurate simulations in three dimensions, by solving the Navier-Stokes equations in turbulent regime. The tower shadow effect is analyzed by comparing results from the downwind configuration to results from the corresponding upwind configuration and free rotor.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATIONS OF SUCROSE MONOSTEARATE STRUCTURAL ISOMERS

Abstract High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas—liquid chromatography (GLC) methods are described for separating sucrose monostearate isomers. The HPLC procedure provides baseline separation of purified monoester isomers into three main peaks at room temperature, and completely separates monoesters with different acyl chain lengths (C14, C16, C18). The TLC method separates up to six of the eight possible positional monostearate isomers, which can be further differentiated by specific color development with a visualizing agent. The GLC technique used resolves monoesters with different acyl chain lengths, and partially separates monostearate isomers. Isomers collected from HPLC were subjected to treatment with invertase, then resolved and detected by TLC to determine fatty acid substitution patterns on the sucrose molecule.
The First Spectrum of Iodine in the Region Between 0.8 and 2.2 μ

The infrared spectrum of iodine, excited in an electrodeless lamp, has been observed in the region between 0.8 and 2.2 μ. Wave number and intensity measurements have been made on thirty-one lines with an infrared recording spectrograph. Several new levels, probably derived from the 5p4 6p configuration, are indicated by these new measurements.
Fabrication and characterization of hermetic solid oxide fuel cells without sealant

Abstract A simplified solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) design has been developed that would eliminate the need for external sealants yet maintains the hermetic requirements necessary for separation of fuel from oxidant. This hermetic seal is based on the formation of a solid-state interface, between the electrolyte and the interconnect. The novel SOFC design eliminates unnecessary interface formation and material addition, thus greatly simplifying fuel cell stacks. Overcasting and co-casting techniques were used to fabricate symmetric cell and lateral geometries in order to examine the interfacial characteristics of the hermetic structure and particularly the solid-state seal. Leakage rates determined from mass spectrometry were about 4.57 * 10 − 7 L/s at 750 °C.
Assessment of an Active Electromagnetic Sensor for Hunting Buried Naval Mines, Part II

Electromagnetic (EM) sensors potentially provide a valuable tool for buried naval mine classification in fusion with acoustic sensors because their sensor modalities are very distinct from imaging sonars. Passive magnetics provide moderate ranges against ferrous mines and shorter ranges against low-ferrous mines. While active EM sensors, limited by practical constraints on size and power, would provide only shorter-range sensing against sea mines, their ranges against low-ferrous mines are projected to approach those obtained by passive magnetic sensors. In addition, active EM sensors can detect and characterize nonferrous metallic objects, and in some circumstances even nonmetallic objects. Given new tactics in which short-range sensors are incorporated into reacquisition minehunting systems for short-range classification, active EM sensors using multifrequency sources for target illumination can provide valuable multispectral discrimination for the classification of buried mines. The US Navy is investigating use of active broadband EM sensors as a candidate technology for its Buried Minehunting (BMH) sensor suite. Geophex, Ltd. has demonstrated that broadband EM sensors can detect metallic ordnance buried in the ground and under the sea bottom at short ranges. Geophex also demonstrated that electromagnetic induction spectroscopy (EMIS) techniques could be used to measure the spectral "fingerprint" of a target, which is a function of the shape and metallic composition of the target. In this paper, we report results of initial investigations to measure the performance of Geophex active EM sensors moving past ferrous and nonferrous targets in seawater under controlled conditions. Results would be used to provide guidance for design of an active EM sensor as part of a multisensor suite in a BMH reacquisition and identification system.
Abnormal degradation of macroaggregated albumin particles in patients with asthma.

Abstract We had previously reported prolonged retention of radioactivity by the lungs of asthmatic patients when lung scans were performed with radioiodinated macroaggregated albumin ( 131 I-MAA). Swiss-Webster mice intraperitoneally vaccinated with 10 9 Bordetella pertussis organisms also had prolonged retention of radioactivity in the lungs following intravenous 131 I-MAA. The 131 I-MAA particles are degraded when incubated with normal plasma or with leukocytes suspended in plasma. This was measured by an increase in supernatant radioactivity following termination of the reaction by low-speed centrifugation. The supernatant radioactivity at this point is still protein-bound, being precipitated by 10 per cent trichloroacetic acid. The leukocyte-plasma mixture from patients with both allergic and infectious asthma had a reduced ability to degrade the 131 I-MAA particles. Normal leukocytes suspended in plasma from asthma patients also had a reduced capacity in this in vitro reaction.
Histological changes in the epidermis of the subdigital lamellae of Anolis carolinensis during the shedding cycle.

The characteristic anoline climbing organ consists of a number of lamellar scales, on whose outer scale surface are numerous keratinized setae which contact the substrate. These setae are derived from the Oberhautchen of the epidermal generation, and as such are renewed and shed periodically along with the rest of the epidermal material. The histological development of the setae is described, and modifications of the surrounding elements are noted. The relative lengths of the setae and their congregation to form a pad unit poses certain mechanical problems during morphogenesis, simply in terms of accommodation between the functional outer epidermal generation and dermal core of each lamella. Regression of the dermal core and a distal migration of some cells permits accommodation within the lamella for the distal aspect of the Oberhautchen layer, or free margin. Additionally, changes in the gross shape of the lamella occur throughout the sloughing cycle, and a swelling of the cells of the lacunar tissue results in a gap between the stratum corneum of inner and outer epidermal generations. There is a considerable amount of variation in mitotic activity between the germinal layers of opposite sides of the lamella.
DESIGN OF FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS AND OVERLAY USING AN EXPERT SYSTEM

EXSPAV is an expert system program established for use in flexible pavement and overlay design. It helps transfer and facilitate the knowledge of experts and results of research and practice to the hands of the less experienced design engineer. It incorporates a versatile design approach, which also facilitates the prediction of the structural performance of pavements. EXSPAV was developed in the EXSYS environment and assimilates Ohio State University's predictive program of flexible pavement structural performance. It also has an overlay design module. EGYPAV is a knowledge-based pavement design program developed in the structure of EXSPAV. Its knowledge base was compiled through consultation with experts from the Roads and Bridges Authority, local universities, and construction companies. The base reflects experience, data, and research results for traffic, environmental conditions, pavements, and material characterization in Egypt. It also includes suggested designs of pavement structure for various combinations of design parameters. The program user may check the suggested design and find its structural performance through the inference engine-deterministic model interaction of the EGYPAV itself.
FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION IN A DUAL-PHASE PLAIN-CARBON STEEL

The need for economical higher strength steels with good formability has led to the development in recent years of a class of low carbon steels with duplex ferrite-martensite, or dual-phase, microstructures. Such steels, which do not require extensive alloying to attain their desired properties, can be produced with a wide variety of strength and ductility combinations simply by intercritical heat treatment, involving quenching from the two-phase (..cap alpha.. + ..gamma..) field. The principle behind this is analogous to that of a composite, in that the strengthening is due primarily to the load carrying capacity of the martensite, which is located within the softer ferrite matrix which provides for ductility. The objective of this note is to demonstrate that the same concept can be applied to achieve even greater resistance to fatigue crack propagation in common mild steels. By developing a coarse duplex ferritic/martensitic microstructure to promote crack deviation and closure in AISI 1008 steel, we show that fatigue thresholds exceeding 20 MP a square root of m can be obtained, representing roughly a 50% increase over conventionally heat-treated mild steels at the same strength level.
Hydrogen bonding. Part 62. Effect of sodium fluoride on the dissolution of 1-methyl-4,5-dicarboxyimidazole

Abstract The IR spectrum and p K a values of 1-methyl-4,5-dicarboxyimidazole (H 2 MDCI) support a zwitterionic structure with one acidic hydrogen on the non-methylated nitrogen (N3) and the second acidic hydrogen involved in a covalent three-center hydrogen bond between carboxylate groups; the N3 hydrogen is involved in strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding. On half-neutralization the carboxylate hydrogen is removed, and the remaining N3 hydrogen acts as a weak hydrogen bond donor. The solubility of the diacid in H 2 O is increased by the addition of fluoride ion. The stoichiometry of the dissolution process is H 2 MDCI + 4F − = MDCI 2− + 2HF − 2 . The unexpected removal of both acidic hydrogens in the presence of undissociated diacid is driven by strong chelation of sodium ion by MDCI 2− . Evaporation of a 3:1 NaF to H 2 MDCI solution yields Na 2 MDCI and NaH 2 F 3 ; with excess NaF, Na 2 MDCI and NaHF 2 are obtained. With quantities of NaF below a 3:1 stoichiometry, various mixtures of H 2 MDCI, NaHMDCI, and Na 2 MDCI are obtained on evaporation.
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Regulates Translation by Binding Directly to the Ribosome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited mental retardation, and it is caused by loss of function of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that is involved in the translational regulation of several neuronal mRNAs. However, the precise mechanism of translational inhibition by FMRP is unknown. Here, we show that FMRP inhibits translation by binding directly to the L5 protein on the 80S ribosome. Furthermore, cryoelectron microscopic reconstruction of the 80S ribosome⋅FMRP complex shows that FMRP binds within the intersubunit space of the ribosome such that it would preclude the binding of tRNA and translation elongation factors on the ribosome. These findings suggest that FMRP inhibits translation by blocking the essential components of the translational machinery from binding to the ribosome.
PDES—An expert system for constructing the precedence diagram

Abstract The techniques of assembly planning have been studied for many years. One of these techniques is the precedence diagram, which shows the precedence or sequential restrictions graphically for assembly. It is an effective tool to analyze the assembly line logically and systematically. It can be used for line balancing so as to enhance productivity and reduce cost. However, it is very tedious to draw a precedence diagram for most assembly operations. This paper presents an expert system approach to the precedence diagram. A new PC-based expert system, PDES, has been developed. PDES can help users to learn about and draw a precedence diagram. The knowledge base of this expert system has been built. It has a hierarchical structure and uses backward chaining in its inference engine. It is menu-driven and very user-friendly. Computer graphics have been used in PDES for explanation purposes. It provides engineers with an effective tool to construct precedence diagrams. Also, the user can learn the precedence diagramming procedure step-by-step via PDES. It also contains many diagramming examples under various situations. In simple words, this system is very beneficial for the assembly planner.
An improved lower bound for load balancing of tasks with unknown duration

Suppose there are n servers and a sequence of tasks, each of which arrives in an on-line fashion and can be handled by a subset of the servers. The level of the service required by a task is known upon arrival, but the duration of the service is unknown. The on-line load balancing problem is to assign each task to an appropriate server so that the maximum load on the servers is minimized. The best known lower bound on the competitive ratio for this problem was Sqrt(n). However, the argument used to prove this lower bound used a sequence of tasks with exponential duration, and therefore this lower bound does not preclude an algorithm with a competitive ratio that is polylogarithmic in T, the maximum task duration. In this paper we prove a lower bound of sqrt(T), thereby proving that a competitive ratio that is polylogarithmic in T is impossible. This should be compared to the analogous case for known-duration tasks, where it is possible to achieve competitive ratio that is logarithmic in T.
Empirical Stratification Theory: Ibn Khaldun (1377) to Today

The current dispersion of stratification research into several seemingly unrelated topics such as social mobility and various kinds of inequality (racial, ethnic, gender, income, etc.) is unfortunate and unnecessary. It is unfortunate because a good theory can improve understanding of each of these and goes on to open new avenues for the development of theory itself. It is unnecessary because a general theory of stratification in fact exists, though this is not immediately obvious because its expressions have evolved with the passage of time, and because its basic unity is obscured by terminological differences among its contributors. The theory's original form was written in 1377 by Ibn Khaldun as the basis of his theory of human organization (sociology), and was buttressed by his profound knowledge of pre-14 th Century societies. His form of it is a conceptually simple framework consisting of a two-class hierarchy of absolute power, together with an analysis of the rise, dissolution, and replacement of power holding groups. Beginning around a century ago this framework was augmented and elaborated both in terms of a more refined set of dimensions of types of power and of modern statistical concepts by which to describe the structural variations of power in societal stratification systems in any society. The paper reviews the evolution of the theory and brings it up to date. Measurement methods as well the theory's implications are discussed.
Distinct and dramatic water dissociation on GaP(111) tracked by near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Water adsorption and dissociation on a GaP(111) crystal surface are investigated using near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP XPS) in a wide range of pressures (∼10−10–5 mbar) and temperatures (∼300–773 K). Dynamic changes in chemical evolution at the H2O/GaP(111) interface are reflected in Ga 2p3/2, O 1s, and P 2p spectra. In the pressure-dependent study performed at room temperature, an enhancement of surface Ga hydroxylation and oxidation with an increase in H2O pressure is observed. In the temperature-dependent study performed at elevated pressures, two distinct regions can be defined in which drastic changes occur in the surface chemistry. Below 673 K, the surface Ga hydroxylation and oxidation progress continuously. However, above 673 K, a large-scale conversion of surface O–Ga–OH species into non-stoichiometric Ga hydroxide along with oxidation of surface P atoms occurs through an intermediate state. The NAP XPS technique enabled us to experimentally track the chemistry at the H2O/GaP interface under near-realistic conditions, thereby providing evidence to compare with recent theoretical efforts to improve the understanding of water-splitting mechanisms and photo-corrosion on semiconductor surfaces.
Mercury-binding proteins in the slipper limpet,Crepidula fornicata, exposed to increased soluble mercury

Crepidula fornicata were held in a flow-through bioassay system and exposed to sand-filtered seawater to which no soluble mercury (control) was added or to which either 5, 25, or 50 μg 1−1 soluble Hg was added. At specific intervals during the 16-week experiment, a group of limpets was removed from each tank; one subgroup was exposed for 48 h to high concentrations of Hg, and another was analyzed for Hg-binding proteins by gelpermeation chromatography and spectrometry. Mortality from exposure to Hg in the 48-h acute toxicity tests was related to concentrations of Hg experienced both during the long-term exposure period and the 48-h exposure period. Chronic exposure to low levels of Hg resulted in increased amounts of total Hg in the whole body and in the low-molecular-weight Hg-binding proteins. No evidence was found for increased tolerance to Hg with preexposure.
Georges Guillain's neurologic exploration of America

This is a study of the status of American neurology at the beginning of the 20th century as perceived by European neurologist Georges Guillain. Guillain trained in Paris, the international "Mecca" of neurology at that time. Whereas many Americans traveled and studied in Europe, very few European neurologists made the reverse journey to the United States. In 1902 Georges Guillain, age 26, traveled to the United States with the specific aim of evaluating neurologic services in America. Recent access to Guillain9s personal travel journal and an article in French that he wrote after his return to Europe provide first-hand documentation of American neurology at the turn of the century from a European perspective. Using introductory references from his teacher, Pierre Marie, Guillain visited New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. He studied hospitals, outpatient departments, laboratories, and universities, comparing them with institutions in his native France and other European capitals. Guillain was particularly struck by the creative energy of American neurologists, the broad-ranging programs in research and patient care, and the strong financial support provided by local philanthropists, universities, and governments. Guillain clearly foresaw the rising international role of American neurology and the prominence it would gain by the end of his career in the 1950s.
High critical current “weld” joints in textured YBa2Cu3Ox

Abstract A technique has been developed to “weld” parts made from textured high T c superconductors of the type RBa 2 Cu 3 O x (R=Y or rare earth element). The weld joint supports a supercurrent comparable to that carried by the joined parts. Welding is accomplished by using the textured parts to seed a spacer material which has a lower decomposition temperature than the material comprising the parts. In this paper, we demonstrate the technique by welding YBa 2 Cu 3 O x parts with a TmBa 2 Cu 3 O x spacer layer. The weld joints were evaluated with SEM, optical and magneto-optical imaging techniques.
Illness Beliefs in African Americans With Hypertension

Guided by Leventhal's common sense model of illness representations, this study examined the relationship between hypertension beliefs and self-care behaviors necessary for blood pressure (BP) control in a sample of 111 community-dwelling African Americans with hypertension. Participants completed the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, BP Self-Care Scale, and a demographic data sheet, and had BP measured. Analyses revealed that beliefs about the causes of hypertension differed by gender and educational level. Stress-related causal attributions accounted for 34.7% of the variance in hypertension beliefs. Participants who believed stress or external factors caused hypertension were less likely to engage in healthy self-care behaviors (e.g., keeping doctor visits, eating low-salt, low-fat diets). Results suggest that patients who are nonadherent with hypertension self-care recommendations may hold hypertension beliefs that are not consistent with the medically endorsed views of this disease. To more effectively treat and control BP, providers should assess patients' hypertension beliefs.
Molecular identification of weedy glyphosate-resistant Lolium (Poaceae) in California

The origins of invasive weed populations can involve multiple species, introductions and genotypes. In California, USA, self-incompatible (SI) Lolium species are highly successful agricultural weeds. During the last decade, resistance to glyphosate has evolved in California populations of Lolium. However, the species identity of glyphosate-resistant populations is unclear. Occurrence of three SI species, L. multiflorum, L. rigidum and L. perenne, and the lack of reproductive barriers between them, suggests that any or all species may be contributing to resistant populations. To elucidate the identity and evolutionary history of resistant Lolium, we assessed genetic variation of known species and unknown California individuals using five simple sequence repeat loci, a nuclear DNA sequence and a chloroplast DNA sequence. Employing two analytical approaches, we identified three major genetic groups within the accessions of SI species that were similar, but not identical, to the taxonomic species identities. California glyphosate-resistant and susceptible plants were most closely related to the L. multiflorum group. However, a few glyphosate-resistant plants and a third of the glyphosate-susceptible plants also identified with L. rigidum and L. perenne. While L. rigidum and L. perenne contribute to invasive populations within California, the majority of glyphosate-resistant individuals tested were L. multiflorum.
Adeno-Associated Virus Vector-Mediated Transgene Integration into Neurons and Other Nondividing Cell Targets

The site-specific integration of wild-type adeno-associated virus (wtAAV) into the human genome is a very attractive feature for the development of AAV-based gene therapy vectors. However, knowledge about integration of wtAAV, as well as currently configured recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors, is limited. By using a modified Alu-PCR technique to amplify and sequence the vector-cellular junctions, we provide the first direct evidence both in vitro and in vivo of rAAV-mediated transgene integration in several types of nondividing cells, including neurons. This novel technique will be highly useful for further delineating the mechanisms underlying AAV-mediated integration, including issues of frequency, site preference, and DNA rearrangement in human as well as animal cells. Results from these studies should be beneficial for the development of the next generation of gene delivery vectors.
Effects of Advance Organizers and Reader's Purpose on the Level of Ideas Acquired from Expository Text--Part II.

Part I of this article, pp. 259-272, reviewed the relevant literature on advance organizers and suggested that methodological problems in previous advance organizer studies has not resolved the question of whether advance organizers facilitate the acquisition of subordinate information from text. This question is not an unimportant issue to technical communicators, whose readers often need to acquire factual information as well as more general concepts from the expository text they read. In two studies we investigated the influences of reader's background knowledge, advance organizers, relative importance of idea units, and idea units'position within a text structure on the recall of textual information