cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Order of emission in continued association as a predictor of individual free recall)

It was necessary to consider the possibility that obtained data, while possibly conforming to the ex­ perimental prediction, might simply reflect greater word association strength of earlier associates rather than greater retention of earlier associates. A word association control task was devised to test this possibility. After the recall test each S was presented with 10 additional stimuli from the original normative continued association data, and was asked to associ­ ate once to each of these words. These associates were compared with the continued association data and the recall scores to determine whether as many of the original first, middle, and last associates would be given in free association as appeared in the recall data. Differences in pre-experimental associative strength may be compensated for by differential rehearsal. To examine this possibility, half of the Ss were run under incidental learning instructions and half under inten­ tional instructions. If differential rehearsal occurs, smaller differences in recall ought to obtain between levels of associative strength under intentional instruc­ tions than under incidental instructions. Materials
Pigeons exhibit contextual cueing to both simple and complex backgrounds.

Abstract Repeated pairings of a particular visual context with a specific location of a target stimulus facilitate target search in humans. We explored an animal model of this contextual cueing effect using a novel Cueing–Miscueing design. Pigeons had to peck a target which could appear in one of four possible locations on four possible color backgrounds or four possible color photographs of real-world scenes. On 80% of the trials, each of the contexts was uniquely paired with one of the target locations; on the other 20% of the trials, each of the contexts was randomly paired with the remaining target locations. Pigeons came to exhibit robust contextual cueing when the context preceded the target by 2 s, with reaction times to the target being shorter on correctly-cued trials than on incorrectly-cued trials. Contextual cueing proved to be more robust with photographic backgrounds than with uniformly colored backgrounds. In addition, during the context-target delay, pigeons predominately pecked toward the location of the upcoming target, suggesting that attentional guidance contributes to contextual cueing. These findings confirm the effectiveness of animal models of contextual cueing and underscore the important part played by associative learning in producing the effect. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: SQAB 2013: Contextual Con.
Interaction of proteins and nucleotides in buffered aqueous solutions.

A NUMBER of reports have appeared in the literature on the binding of organic ions by proteins. Klotz and Luborsky1 have discussed the influence of various solvents on the binding of such ions and the nature of the complexes which are formed. Kakuliya2, studying the interaction of proteins with electrolytes, noted a decreased rate of specific conductivity and an increased pH when adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was added to a protein solution. Tonomura and Morita3 observed the binding of pyrophosphate by myosin A and myosin B.
The actions of selective β-receptor antagonists on the guinea pig trachea

Abstract A number of beta receptor antagonists, which have been shown in intact animals to selectively block certain beta receptors, were compared according to their ability to modify the isoproterenol induced inhibitory response in isolated guinea pig tracheal spiral strips. On the basis of pA2 values the order of beta receptor blocking activity for the agents studied was propranolol > pronethalol > practolol > butoxamine = MJ 1999. Differences in regression line coefficients, which in addition to the pA2 values were obtained from the plot of log (x−1) against the log concentration of the antagonist (−pA×), and the degree of parallel shifting of the isoproterenol concentration-response curves suggest fundamental differences in the beta receptor blocking mechanisms for propranolol and pronethalol versus practolol, MJ 1999 and butoxamine. Dihydroergotamine was not a competitive beta receptor antagonist in the guinea-pig trachea.
Visual interpenetration tradeoffs in whole-hand virtual grasping

We present the first experiment on tradeoffs involving visual interpenetration in whole-hand virtual grasping, with new findings that contrast prior interpenetration research and provide a stronger understanding of user behavior and beliefs. Most notably, preventing interpenetration reduced performance by increasing real hand closure and reducing release precision. Nonetheless, most users subjectively prefer interpenetration to be prevented and even expect this to perform better. Although reduced closure and true representation of real hand pose might help users anticipate a grasp release moment more precisely, most subjects believed release moment was better anticipated with virtual fingers constrained to object surfaces. Finally, we suggest how grasping techniques can resolve the tradeoffs.
Crack propagation and arrest in polymethylmethacrylate

By use of a double-cantilever-beam specimen, fast fracture and crack arrest were studied in PMMA. The observation, that the heavily deformed region at the crack tip was confined to a thin wedge of material was confirmed. This result provided support for a onedimensional solid-mechanics analysis. The computations suggest that the average energy to propagate fast fracture from a sharp crack is only ∼2/3 of that required to initiate it. In addition, the process of very slow crack propagation, leading to arrest, was examined microscopically. At very slow rates the crack was seen to advance in a series of small jumps. The implications of these results with respect to materials development are discussed.
Benzothiazines in organic synthesis. An approach to floresolide B

The intramolecular conjugate addition of a sulfoximine carbanion to an α,β-unsaturated ester results in the formation of a benzothiaine bearing a benzylic stereocenter with extremely high fidelity. We have used this methodology to complete a formal total synthesis of the antitumor agent (+)-floresolide B.
Maternal Age and Risk of Labor and Delivery Complications

We utilized an updated nationally representative database to examine associations between maternal age and prevalence of maternal morbidity during complications of labor and delivery. We used hospital inpatient billing data from the 2009 United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample, part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. To determine whether the likelihood that maternal morbidity during complications of labor and delivery differed among age groups, separate logistic regression models were run for each complication. Age was the main independent variable of interest. In analyses that controlled for demographics and clinical confounders, we found that complications with the highest odds among women, 11–18 years of age, compared to 25–29 year old women, included preterm delivery, chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and mild preeclampsia. Pregnant women who were 15–19 years old had greater odds for severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, poor fetal growth, and fetal distress. Pregnant women who were ≥35 years old had greater odds for preterm delivery, hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and decreased risk for chorioamnionitis. Older women (≥40 years old) had increased odds for mild preeclampsia, fetal distress, and poor fetal growth. Our findings underscore the need for pregnant women to be aware of the risks associated with extremes of age so that they can watch for signs and symptoms of such complications.
Van Allen Belt Protons from Cosmic-Ray Neutron Leakage

One of the sources of particles for the Van Allen radiation belt is the decay of cosmic-ray neutrons leaking out of the atmosphere of the earth. Recently the cosmic neutron energy spectrum was measured, and from this, by use of a multigroup neutron diffusion calculation, the neutron leakage was calculated. Some of the neutrons leaking out of the atmosphere decay in the earth's magnetic field and are trapped. From this leakage the equilibrium proton energy spectrum in the inner Van Allen belt is calculated. (W.D.M.)
Sinking rates of fecal pellets from gelatinous zooplankton (Salps, Pteropods, Doliolids)

Sinking rates were determined for fecal pellets produced by gelatinous zooplankton (salps, Salpa fusiformis and Pegea socia; pteropods, Corolla spectabilis; and doliolids, Dolioletta gegenbaurii) feeding in surface waters of the California Current. Pellets from the salps and pteropods sank at rates up to 2 700 and 1 800 m d-1, respectively; such speeds exceed any yet recorded for zooplankton fecal pellets. Fecal pellets of salps were rich in organic material, with C:N ratios from 5.4 to 6.2, close to values for living plankton. The relation between volume and sinking rate indicates that salp and pteropod pellets are slightly less dense than those of pelagic Crustacea; moreover, pellet density varied between different collection dates, probably because of differences in composition. In contrast, doliolid pellets sank at rates up to 208 m d-1, a rate much lower than would be expected from pellet size. Thus, density and sinking rates of pellets are much more variable in zooplankton than would be expected from studies of crustaceans alone. Moreover, the extraordinarily high sinking rates of fecal pellets of salps indicates that these tunicates may be disproportionately important in the flux of biogenic materials during periods when they form dense population blooms.
A complete asymmetric synthesis of polyhydroxypiperidines

A new general methodology for the asymmetric synthesis of polyhydroxypiperidines is described. The readily available achiral olefin 4 was transformed to 5-des(hydroxymethyl)-1-deoxynojirimycin (1) and its mannose analog 10 via regioselective aminohydroxylation (AA), ring-closing metathesis (RCM), and diastereoselective dihydroxylation reactions. Thus, the developed methodology made it possible to install all stereocenters in 1 and 10 in a highly stereocontrolled fashion.
Menstrual cycle influences on pain and emotion in women with fibromyalgia.

Abstract Objective This study examined the influence of the menstrual cycle on pain and emotion in women with fibromyalgia (FM) as compared with women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to healthy controls. Methods One hundred and twenty-five premenopausal women (21-45 years old) participated in this study (57 with FM, 20 with RA, and 48 controls). Pain and emotion assessments were conducted during the follicular and the luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Results Women with FM experienced more pain, menstrual symptoms, and negative affect than did women with RA and the controls. All women reported less positive affect during the luteal phase, although this pattern was more pronounced in women with FM and RA than in controls. Conclusion Although FM pain did not vary across the menstrual cycle, these results point to the importance of considering the lower level and cyclical nature of positive affect when studying women with chronic pain.
Optical PLA implementation for selected complex morphological algorithms

The watershed is a complex but very powerful morphological operation that is often used in image segmentation. It involves the iterative use of the skeleton by influence zones (SKIZ). In this paper a parallel algorithm for the determination of the SKIZ is presented. The proposed algorithm can be efficiently implemented on an optoelectronic array processor. The optoelectronic processor is constructed via multilevel, high-speed, fiber-optic programmable logic arrays.
Masculinity Scripts, Presenting Concerns, and Help Seeking: Implications for Practice and Training

Men are a unique population to work with in psychotherapy, but what does research indicate about how masculinity relates to therapeutic issues? Summarizing research on masculinity's relationship to a range of presenting issues, this article organizes and discusses the findings according to masculinity "scripts" that clinicians are likely to recognize when working with male clients. The article then addresses how masculinity is also associated with less help seeking and with negative attitudes toward psychological help seeking. This irony, that traditional masculinity scripts contribute to men's presenting concerns and act as barriers to help seeking, is then addressed through recommendations for training and practice that incorporate a sociocultural context into working with men.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCES OF CHONDRULE PRIMARY TEXTURAL TYPES IN ORDINARY CHONDRITES AND THEIR BEARING ON CONDITIONS OF CHONDRULE FORMATION

A petrographic survey of > 1600 chondrules in thin-sections of 12 different mildly to highly unequilibrated H-, L-, and LL-chondrites, as well as morphological and textural study of 141 whole chondrules separated from 11 of the same chondrites, was used to determine the relative abundances of definable chondrule primary textural types. Percentage abundances of various chondrule types are remarkably similar in all chondrites studied and are ∼ 47–52 porphyritic olivine-pyroxene (POP), 15–27 porphyritic olivine (PO), 9–11 porphyritic pyroxene (PP), 3–4 barred olivine (BO), 7–9 radial pyroxene (RP), 2–5 granular olivine-pyroxene (GOP), 3–5 cryptocrystalline (C), and ≤ 1 metallic (M). Neither chondrule size nor shape is strongly correlated with textural type. Compound and cratered chondrules, which are interpreted as products of collisions between plastic chondrules, comprise ∼ 2–28% of nonporphyritic (RP, GOP, C) but only ∼ 2–9% of porphyritic (POP, PO, PP, BO) chondrules, leading to a model-dependent implication that nonporphyritic chondrules evolved at number densities (chondrules per unit volume of space) which were 102 to 104 times greater than those which prevailed during porphyritic chondrule formation (total range of ∼ 1 to ∼ 106 m−3). Distinctive “rims” of fine-grained sulfides and/or silicates occur on both porphyritic and nonporphyritic types and appear to post-date chondrule formation. Apparently, either the same process(es) contributed chondrules to all unequilibrated ordinary chondrites or, if genetically different, the various chondrule types were well mixed before incorporation into chondrites. Melting of pre-existing materials is the mechanism favored for chondrule formation.
Aberrant Overexpression of the Rgl2 Ral Small GTPase-specific Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Growth through Ral-dependent and Ral-independent Mechanisms

Our recent studies established essential and distinct roles for RalA and RalB small GTPase activation in K-Ras mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell line tumorigencity, invasion, and metastasis. However, the mechanism of Ral GTPase activation in PDAC has not been determined. There are four highly related mammalian RalGEFs (RalGDS, Rgl1, Rgl2, and Rgl3) that can serve as Ras effectors. Whether or not they share distinct or overlapping functions in K-Ras-mediated growth transformation has not been explored. We found that plasma membrane targeting to mimic persistent Ras activation enhanced the growth-transforming activities of RalGEFs. Unexpectedly, transforming activity did not correlate directly with total cell steady-state levels of Ral activation. Next, we observed elevated Rgl2 expression in PDAC tumor tissue and cell lines. Expression of dominant negative Ral, which blocks RalGEF function, as well as interfering RNA suppression of Rgl2, reduced PDAC cell line steady-state Ral activity, growth in soft agar, and Matrigel invasion. Surprisingly, the effect of Rgl2 on anchorage-independent growth could not be rescued by constitutively activated RalA, suggesting a novel Ral-independent function for Rgl2 in transformation. Finally, we determined that Rgl2 and RalB both localized to the leading edge, and this localization of RalB was dependent on endogenous Rgl2 expression. In summary, our observations support nonredundant roles for RalGEFs in Ras-mediated oncogenesis and a key role for Rgl2 in Ral activation and Ral-independent PDAC growth.
Reliability and Construct Validity of Alternate Forms of the Learning Style Inventory

Learning style assessment provides a framework within which individual differences for specific ways of learning can be described. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory has been used to assess learners' preferences for specific phases of an experiential learning cycle. This study was designed to determine the reliability and construct validity of an alternate form of the Learning Style Inventory using a semantic differential format. Results of this study suggest that the alternate form was reliable and construct valid. In addition, they indicate that this alternate form might be more reliable than a previously presented Likert-type normative form.
Dynamics of random overlayers

Abstract In this paper, a method for studying the dynamics of random overlayers based on the real-space Green's function method is presented. The method provides the framework to carry out a real-space analysis of the surface modes associated with the overlayers. As an illustrative example, the method is applied to a surface alloy system of the type A x B 1− x /B(110) where species A or B forms n FCC metal. Detailed formulation for the calculation of the layer DOSs from the surface to the deeper layers is also presented.
Detection of βig-H3, a TGFβ induced gene, during cardiac development and its complementary pattern with periostin

Regulation of normal cardiac development involves numerous transcription factors, cytoskeletal proteins, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix proteins. These key molecular components act in concert to induce morphological changes essential for the proper development of a functional four-chambered heart. Growth factors such as BMPs and TGFβ’s play a role in migration, proliferation and differentiation during cardiac development and are important regulators of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Genes responsive to these morphogens are likely to play an equally significant role during cardiac development. Therefore, we sought to clone the chicken TGFβ induced gene βig-H3 and evaluate its spatio-temporal expression during heart morphogenesis. Our studies show by Northern analysis, whole mount and section in situ hybridization experiments that βig-H3 is expressed primarily in the mesenchyme of the atrioventricular and outflow tract cushions and later in the right and left atrioventricular valve leaflets and supporting valve structures. The mRNA expression domains of βig-H3 show a complementary pattern compared to that of its highly homologous relative, periostin.
Newtonian viscous creep in metals

All materials exhibit Newtonian viscous creep behavior at low stresses and high temperatures. We review here such creep behaviors in metals comprising of pure metals and alloys. The underlying creep mechanism(s) depends mainly on the grain size and test temperature while other factors such as the initial dislocation density might also be a factor. Coble creep due to diffusion of point defects through grain boundaries is known to be the dominant creep mechanism in metals with very small grain sizes and relatively low temperatures while Nabarro-Herring creep becomes important for intermediate grain sizes and/or high temperatures. Large grain size and bulk single crystalline metals exhibit Harper-Dorn creep due to dislocation motion rather than point defect diffusion-dominated mechanisms albeit the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Microstructural studies of the specimens deformed in the Harper-Dorn regime have provided some insights. Recent studies suggest that microstructural characterization of deformed specimens is necessary for accurate determination of the rate controlling mechanism. The aim of this paper is two fold namely, to first review the viscous creep mechanisms and to present recent results on Ti3Al2.5V alloy emphasizing the importance of post creep microstructural characterization in establishing the rate controlling mechanism(s).
Generation of Her-2/neu vaccine utilizing idiotypic network cascade

Our goal is to apply an anti-idiotype (Id) antibody based vaccine approach for the treatment of Her-2/neu-positive human cancer. Amplification and/or over-expression of Her-2/neu occur in multiple human malignancies and are associated with poor prognosis. The Her-2/neu proto-oncogene is a suitable target for cancer immunotherapy. Our strategy is active specific immunotherapy in which patients immunized with an anti-Id antibody mimicking Her-2/neu will generate sustained high titer Her-2/neu specific protective antibodies. We have used an anti-Her-2/neu murine monoclonal antibody 4D5 as the immunizing antibody (Ab1) against which monoclonal anti-Ids or Ab2s were generated in syngeneic mice. We have characterized one such anti-Id (Ab2) designated 6D12, which mimics a specific epitope of Her-2/neu as defined by Trastuzumab, and can be used as a surrogate antigen for Her-2/neu across the species barriers. Immunization of allogeneic mice or rabbits with 6D12 induced anti-anti-Id (Ab3), that specifically recogn...
Pyrolysis–molecular weight chromatography–vapor‐phase infrared spectrophotometry: A new on‐line system for analysis of polymers. I. Instrumentation

An instrumental system consisting of a combination in series of a programmable pyrolyzer, a thermal conductivity detector, a mass chromatograph, and a fast-scan vapor-phase infrared spectrophotometer is described.
Finite Newton method for Lagrangian support vector machine classification

Abstract An implicit Lagrangian [Math. Programming Ser. B 62 (1993) 277] formulation of a support vector machine classifier that led to a highly effective iterative scheme [J. Machine Learn. Res. 1 (2001) 161] is solved here by a finite Newton method. The proposed method, which is extremely fast and terminates in 6 or 7 iterations, can handle classification problems in very high dimensional spaces, e.g. over 28,000, in a few seconds on a 400 MHz Pentium II machine. The method can also handle problems with large datasets and requires no specialized software other than a commonly available solver for a system of linear equations. Finite termination of the proposed method is established in this work.
Human γ-globin gene promoter element regulates human β-globin gene developmental specificity

The persistence of fetal hemoglobin in many patients with deletion type β thalassemias and the expression patterns of human globin genes in transgenic mice suggest that γ- to β-globin gene switching results primarily from competition of γ- and β-globin genes for interaction with the β-globin locus control region (LCR). To define regulatory sequences that are essential for the competitive advantage of the γ gene at early developmental stages, stable transgenic mouse lines were produced with LCR γ-β constructs containing deletions of γ 5′-flanking DNA. All cons­tructs contained the full 22 kb LCR, a 4.1 kb β-globin gene and a γ-globin gene with 1348, 383, 202, 130, 72 or 52 bp of 5′-flanking sequence. Primer extension analysis of yolk sac, fetal liver and blood RNA from these lines demonstrated that a region between –202 and –130 of the human γ-globin gene promoter was required to suppress β-globin gene expression at early developmental stages. Four transcription factor binding sites within this region [GATA(p), Oct1, GATA(d) and CACCC] were mutated independently in LCR γ-β constructs and transgenic mouse lines were produced. Only the γ CACCC box mutation resulted in high levels of β-globin gene expression in early embryos. These results demonstrate that the CACCC box of the human γ-globin gene plays a critical role in human β-globin gene developmental specificity. The data also suggest that γ CACCC box binding factors mediate LCR–γ interactions which normally enhance γ-globin and suppress β-globin gene expression in fetal erythroid cells.
Toward energy efficient multistream collaborative compression in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks possess significant limitations in storage, bandwidth, and power. This has led to the development of several compression algorithms designed for sensor networks. Many of these methods exploit the correlation often present between the data on different sensor nodes in the network; however, correlation can also exist between different sensing modules on the same sensor node. Exploiting this correlation can improve compression ratios and reduce energy consumption without the cost of increased traffic in the network. We investigate and analyze approaches for compression utilizing collaboration between separate sensing modules on the same sensor node. The compression can be lossless or lossy with a parameter for maximum tolerable error. Performance evaluations over real world sensor data show increased energy efficiency and bandwidth utilization with a decrease in latency compared to some recent approaches for both lossless and loss tolerant compression.
The effect of maquiladora employment on the monthly flow of Mexican undocumented immigration to the U.S., 1978-1982.

Some controversy has surrounded the extent to which employment in maquiladoras (assembly plants located along the Mexican border) has stimulated undocumented immigration to the United States. This study uses monthly data of maquiladora employment and INS [Immigration and Naturalization Service] apprehensions in a push-pull migration framework to study the association between these two variables during the April 1978 to January 1982 period. The findings suggest that there is a significantly negative relationship between the one month lag of maquiladora employment and INS apprehensions. Employment growth in the maquiladora sector tends to be followed by a reduction of apprehensions one month later. The study also finds that male and female apprehensions appear to respond to relatively similar economic factors. (EXCERPT)
Oxidation of fatty acid by heart mitochondria of chickens with endogenous hyperlipidemia.

Abstract The lipid composition of blood plasma and heart, and fatty acid oxidation rates of heart mitochondria in layers, hereditary nonlaying hens, and roosters were determined. The plasma cholesterol levels were normal in layers and roosters (100–130 mg/dl) whereas nonlayers were hypercholesterolemic (640 mg/dl). Plasma triglyceride levels were also strikingly different between layers, nonlayers, and roosters, 850, 5300 and 152 (mg/dl) respectively. A moderate elevation of phospholipid level was also noted in nonlayers. Unlike plasma, no significant difference was found in cholesterol and phospholipid content of the heart between layers and nonlayers. The lipid content of rooster hearts was lower in all three lipid classes than hens. The fatty acid oxidation rate in heart mitochondria revealed that nonlayers catabolized both oleic and stearic acids at significantly faster rates than layers. Roosters exhibited the slowest fatty acid oxidation rates. Oleic acid was oxidized at a significantly higher rate than stearic acid in all chickens examined.
The immune system in space and microgravity

Space flight and models that created conditions similar to those that occur during space flight have been shown to affect a variety of immunological responses. These have primarily been cell-mediated immune responses including leukocyte proliferation, cytokine production, and leukocyte subset distribution. The mechanisms and biomedical consequences of these changes remain to be established. Among the possible causes of space flight-induced alterations in immune responses are exposure to microgravity, exposure to stress, exposure to radiation, and many more as yet undetermined causes. This review chronicles the known effects of space flight on the immune system and explores the possible role of stress in contributing to these changes.
Cu Surface Characterization after Wet Cleaning Processes

In damascene architecture, widely used both in flash memories and in DRAM as interconnect scheme since 90 nm node, copper surface is exposed after via etch. A deep understanding of the effect of different wet cleanings on Cu surface is therefore mandatory, not only to ensure an efficient post etch polymer removal, but also to provide a better surface termination, capable to minimize Cu oxidation kinetic and to reduce the growth of Cu-rich precipitates which may negatively effect contact resistance. In this work we have analyzed the Cu surface after processing with several cleaning chemistries -often present in BEOL cleaning processes- using XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and ToF-SIMS (Time of Flight – Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy), fast and powerful techniques widely used in Cu surface characterization [1]. In addition, the evolution of the surface with storage time has been monitored using the same techniques, in order to better understand the effect of the different cleaning chemistries. XPS has been proven to be very sensitive to monitor Cu oxidation, while ToF-SIMS has been used to reveal organic species adsorbed on the surface.
Investigations of photochemical transformations of aqueous mercury: implications for water effluent treatment technologies.

Abstract Photochemical transformations of mercury were studied to determine its potential as a treatment mechanism to reduce mercury laden waters to trace concentrations. In this study, aqueous solutions of mercury nitrate in deionized water were exposed to UV irradiation and a gas purge. The impacts of purge gas (including rate and bubble size), UV irradiation wavelength, initial mercury concentration and time on mercury removal have been studied. Nitrogen purge with 254 nm UV irradiation resulted in the greatest net production of elemental mercury for all initial concentrations. These conditions followed pseudo first order kinetics and achieved the highest rate constant of 0.18 s −1 . As oxygen was introduced into the solution, the quantity of elemental mercury volatilized decreased but still resulted in significant mercury losses through volatilization up to 90% in 60 min. Overriding, the loss of elemental mercury from the solution is dependent upon the gas purge rate and bubble size.
Model for the Propagation of Pulsed Surface Polaritons with Quasi-Self-Induced Transparency.

The possibility of quasi-self-induced transparency for the propagation of pulsed surface polaritons on a gas-solid interface is investigated. A theoretical model combining the optical Bloch and Maxwell equations is presented. The boundary conditions of the interface system lead to a closed relation between the laser pulse velocities in each of the two media. The behavior of transverse phase oscillations in hyperbolic secant pulses, due to the properties of the interface and the restriction of the pulse duration, are discussed. The treatment is extended to a slab (two-interface) configuration, where there is a restriction on the envelope of the pulsed slab mode such that quasi-self-induced transparency is no longer observed.
A GENERALIZED MODEL OF ACOUSTIC RESPONSE OF TURBULENT PREMIXED FLAME AND ITS APPLICATION TO GAS-TURBINE COMBUSTION INSTABILITY ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT An analytical model is developed to study the combustion response of turbulent premixed flames to acoustic oscillations. The analysis is based on a level-set flamelet model, and accommodates spatial variations in chamber geometry and mean-flow properties. All known factors affecting the flame response to local flow disturbances are analyzed. A triple decomposition technique, which expresses each flow variable as the sum of a long-time-averaged, a periodic, and a turbulent component, is used to examine the interactions between acoustic and turbulent motions and their collective influence on the flame dynamics. As specific examples, both a simple and an enveloped flame commonly observed in a swirl-stabilized combustor are studied. The resultant flame response is incorporated into a three-dimensional acoustic analysis to determine the stability characteristics of a model gas-turbine combustor. Results are consistent with experimental observations and numerical simulations in terms of the stability b...
Good Crystals, Still a Challenge for Structural Biology†

The 11th International Conference on the Crystallization of Biological Macromolecules (ICCBM-11) organized by S.-X. Lin was held in Quebec City, Canada, Aug 16–21, 2006, supported by the International organization of Biological Crystallization and Laval University Medical Center. It was preceded by a Workshop on Advanced Crystallization Methods for Structural Biologists.
Mathematical models of passive, pressure-controlled ventilation with different resistance assumptions

A class of one-compartment models for pressure controlled mechanical ventilation is studied. The resistive pressure term in the general model is of the form: R"1Q + R"2Q|Q| where Q denotes the flow in and out of the compartment. This Rohrer-type model (R"1 0 and R2 0) is compared against the special cases: 1.(i) R"1 = R"L and R"2 = 0 (linear model); 2.(ii) R"1 = 0 and R"2 = R"N (nonlinear model). For clinical ranges of resistances (R"2 and R"2), compliance (C), applied pressure (P"s"e"t), frequency (f), and inspiratory time-fraction (D), the Rohrer model is used to compute the key outcome variables: tidal volume, average volume, end-expiratory pressure, and mean alveolar pressure. These values are compared against those obtained using equivalent RL and RN values. It is demonstrated that for clinically relevant ranges of the physiologic and ventilator parameters, little difference is observed between the Rohrer and nonlinear model.
A sex-specific endogenous stimulatory rhythm regulating prolactin secretion.

In the rat, PRL secretion is under inhibitory control by tuberoinfiindibular dopaminergic neurons. The levels of dopamine (DA) in hypophysial portal blood decline during surges of PRL secretion (e.g. suckling and cervical stimulation). However, this decline alone is not sufficient to account for the amount of PRL released. In this study we investigated the possible existence of an endogenous stimulatory rhythm for PRL secretion that may be masked by the tonic inhibitory tone of DA and unmasked by the DA-lowering effects of cervical stimulation. The PRL secretory response to pharmacological depression of DA-ergic tone was studied in ovariectomized (OVX) female, adult castrated (AC) male, neonatally androgen-sterilized (TP) female, and neonatally castrated (NC) male rats. Since mated rats have serum PRL surges at 0300 and 1700 h, these groups were treated with 200 μg/kg domperidone (DOM), N, at 0300 h, 1700 h, or the intersurge interval, 1200 h. Serial blood samples were collected immediately before and at ...
Multiple-surface sliding control of a class of uncertain nonlinear systemsm

We develop a ‘multiple-surface’ sliding control for a class of single-input single-output nonlinear systems whose uncertainties do not satisfy the standard matching condition. A coordinate dependence condition on the uncertainty bound is assumed. A ‘computed normal form’ is defined to handle such uncertainties instead of the normal form used in conventional input-output linearization. A control algorithm which can be applied to global tracking problems has been developed and evaluated for a benchmark example.
Phenylene-Bridged Cyclic Siloxanes as Precursors to Nonshrinking Sol-Gel Systems and Their Use as Encapsulants.

A new class of thermally robust sol-gel polymers have been prepared from the disilaoxacyclopentane derivative 1 by ring-opening polymerization to form nonshrinking polysiloxanes. This reaction, which does not need solvent or water, can be used for, amongst other things, the encapsulation of an electronic microchip.
Multi gigabit per second optical interconnects technology for computer and communication applications

SUMMARY:We are approaching an era in which people will need I Gb/s communications ports in their offices, 200 Mb/s in their homes, I GHz processors on their laptops, and 100 Gbyte storage for their families. These high-speed communication links and computation powerwill enable tele-communting, tele-medicne, tele-education, and a veriety of multimedia applications for entertainment and computing. These demands for high-speed communications will require new telecommunications and datacommunications infrastructure with terabit/s data rates. Additionally, these communications networks willrequire very high-speed computers (Tflop/s), very high-speed instrumentation (THz) andlarge information storage (Tbytes). The technology needed to reach these rates are beingworked on at many R&D organizations around the world. In fact, many demonstrationshave been completed in 1996-1997 showing I Tb/s communications links over more than100 kilometers, I Tflop/s computers, and I THz instrumentation. We see the Tera Era onthe horizon.
MODELING ICE PASSAGE AT NAVIGATION LOCKS

Physical and numerical models were used to assess ice passage at navigation locks, focusing on key factors such as the design of the lock filling and emptying system and the intakes to the lock filling culverts. Unconventional ice passage techniques such as manifolds in the miter gates were also evaluated. Physical model results were compared to field observations and to a parallel series of tests using the DynaRICE ice-hydraulic numerical model. The study focused on three general ice processes at locks: (1) ice accumulating near culvert intakes during lock filling; (2) drawing ice into the lock chamber; and (3) flushing ice out of the lock. Ice accumulation thickness in the upper lock approach was found to be the most important parameter affecting ice passage into the lock chamber. Physical and numerical model results compared reasonably well, proving DynaRICE to be a useful tool for assessing ice passage for new lock designs.
A radial basis meshless method for solving inverse boundary value problems

In this paper, we develop a new non-iterative numerical method for solving inverse boundary value problems for linear elliptic equations of second order. Here we assume that the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions are given only on part of the domain, we have to reconstruct the solution and its normal derivative on the unaccessible part of the domain, which is the well-known ill-posed Cauchy problem. We propose to solve such inverse problems directly by using the recently developed radial basis meshless method. Several numerical experiments are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for concentration of urinary immunoreactive insulin

Insulin is readily concentrated from 10 to 50 ml of urine with better than 75% recovery using octadecylsilyl (ODS) silica columns (C18Sep-Pak cartridge) and can then be measured by radioimmunoassay. Fractionation on Sephadex G50 gel filtration reveals that the apparent immunoreactivity corresponds for the most part to 6000 dalton insulin. Renal clearance of insulin in 5 normal subjects does not appear to differ in the fasted or fed state and ranged from 0.34 to 0.58 ml/min with an average of 0.44 +/- 0.10 (S.D.) ml/min. Increased urinary insulin output was observed following feeding and fell during prolonged fasting. Insulin output in urine from 7 non-diabetic subjects ranged from 11 to 39 mU/24 hr, averaging 25 +/- 10 mU/24 hr. In normal subjects without renal disease a single determination of renal insulin clearance and a timed urinary insulin output appear to be sufficient for determination of mean plasma insulin during that time period. Concentration of urine using this methodology could provide the material for HPLC screening for abnormal insulins and for their subsequent purification to determine the site of change in amino acid sequence.
Effect of Gas Chromatography Temperature Program on the Association and Discrimination of Diesel Samples

Five diesel samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using six GC temperature programs, aiming to investigate the effect of temperature program on association and discrimination of the samples. Temperature programs varied by ramp rate and incorporated one- or two-step temperature ramps. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients and principal components analysis were used to evaluate differences in discrimination among the diesel samples afforded by each temperature program, based on the total ion chromatogram (TIC) and selected extracted ion profiles (EIPs). Association of diesel replicates and discrimination among samples based on the TIC and aromatic EIP were similar for all temperature programs based on scores plots. The alkane EIP was not useful in discriminating samples regardless of temperature program, because of similar alkane content of the diesel samples. The association and discrimination of diesel samples was largely unaffected by temperature programs that incorporated one- or two-step temperature ramps.
Self-Assembly of One-Dimensional Surface Structures: Long-Range Interactions in the Growth of Ir and Pd on W(110)

Self-assembly of one-dimensional surface structures is examined by tracking single Ir and Pd atoms on W(110) as they incorporate into chains of Ir and Pd, respectively. Ir adatoms move parallel to the chains, but do not come close to the chain sides; incorporation occurs only at the ends. Pd adatoms also migrate parallel to Pd chains, and incorporate at the ends. Occasionally, in the end region, they do jump to the side of a chain, and migrate there until they find an end site. Incorporation behavior for both Ir and Pd is driven by highly anisotropic, long-ranged interactions between atoms on the surface.
Microscopic examination of nanosized mixed Ni-Al hydroxide surface precipitates on pyrophyllite.

The nature of Ni-hydroxide precipitates on pyrophyllite were re-examined by analytical electron microscopy (AEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Chemical analysis of precipitates showed that the precipitate contains about 20% Al. HRTEM imaging showed that the precipitate was amorphous and PXRD failed to find any crystalline peaks associated with crystalline Ni−Al layered double-hydroxide (LDH) or α-Ni(OH)2. These results confirmed the conclusion from EXAFS spectroscopic data that Al coprecipitated with Ni on Al-rich substrates to form Ni−Al LDH surface precipitates. However, the HRTEM data clarifies that although the bonding environment of the precipitate is like that of Ni−Al LDH, no long-range ordering of the structure exists. The study illustrates the need for TEM observations to complement EXAFS data and the potential importance of am...
Work in progress - enhancing reinforcement learning class curriculum using a Matlab interface library for use with the Sony AIBO robot

In an effort to mitigate the inherent complexities of embedded robotics programming, a novel Matlab-based interface library with matching firmware is presented. The platform was developed at the University of Tennessee for use in a course on reinforcement learning. Using this software interface, students were able to easily implement machine learning schemes and apply them to the Sony AIBO robot, a flexible platform with diverse capabilities. The behavior development process for the AIBO is traditionally limited to programming in a C++ environment. To avoid the overhead of such tedious programming, the Matlab interface was designed to allow the user to both implement functions and behaviors already developed for the AIBO, as well as to construct new behaviors using existing components as building blocks. Moreover, since the interface relies on a bidirectional network socket connection, the user is offered full control of the robot from any (remote) networked computer.
Comparison of minimally invasive transspinous and open approaches for thoracolumbar intradural-extramedullary spinal tumors

OBJECT Spinal tumor resection has historically been performed via open approaches, although minimally invasive approaches have recently been found to be effective in small cohort series. The authors compare surgical characteristics and clinical outcomes of surgery in patients undergoing mini-open and open approaches for intradural-extramedullary tumor resection. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive intradural-extramedullary tumor resections performed at their institution from 2007 to 2014. Patients with cervical tumors or pathology demonstrating neurofibroma were excluded (n = 14). The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson chi-square test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Fifty-one thoracolumbar intradural-extramedullary tumor resections were included; 25 were performed via the minimally invasive transspinous approach. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, preoperative symptom duration, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class, tumor size, or tumor location. There was no statistically significant difference between groups with respect to the duration of the operation or extent of resection, but the mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) cohort (142 vs 320 ml, p < 0.05). In each group, the 2 most common tumor pathologies were schwannoma and meningioma. There were no statistically significant differences in length of hospitalization, ASIA score improvement, complication rate, or recurrence rate. The mean duration of follow-up was 2 years for the MIS group and 1.6 years for the open surgery group. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the largest comparisons of minimally invasive and open approaches to the resection of thoracolumbar intradural-extramedullary tumors. With well-matched cohorts, the minimally invasive transspinous approach appears to be as safe and effective as the open technique, with the advantage of significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss.
Changes in Calcitonin Gene RNA Processing during Growth of a Human Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Line

The ratios of calcitonin (CT) to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mRNA, both generated by alternative RNA processing from the same primary RNA transcript, are shown by Northern blotting of cytoplasmic RNA to vary as a function of growth in a human medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line (TT). Upon initial seeding, CT mRNA levels are relatively high, and CGRP mRNA levels are relatively low. During the early logarithmic growth phase, CGRP mRNA levels rise severalfold, while CT mRNA levels change only slightly. As the cells approach confluence, both CT and CGRP mRNA levels rise. Subsequently, CGRP mRNA levels fall substantially in postconfluent cells, while CT mRNA levels remain high. By actinomycin D blocking of nascent transcription, we have shown that these growth-related, reversible changes in the ratio of CT to CGRP mRNA are not due to changes in mRNA stability. Our data rather suggest that TT cells reversibly alter alternative RNA-processing patterns dependent upon growth conditions in vitro, such that CT mRNA is lowest and CGRP mRNA is highest during rapid growth. The mechanisms underlying this RNA-processing alteration may play a role in certain patients with aggressive forms of medullary thyroid carcinoma, in whom a decrease or loss of CT levels heralds a poor prognosis.
Psychotherapy for Vietnam-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

There are a wide range of psychotherapeutic treatments for Vietnam-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. This paper reviews some of the more commonly used interventions which are the behavioral, psychodynamic, family, and group therapies. Commonalities among these diverse treatments are shown to involve reconfronting trauma stimuli and the attempt to reintegrate traumatic experiences into ongoing personality functioning. It is shown that there are virtually no methodologically sound, empirically based studies that compare two or more treatments within a given study. Experimentally controlled, comparative studies are needed to advance our knowledge of effective treatments of this disorder.