cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GLACIATIONS | Neoglaciation in the American Cordilleras

Neoglaciation is the climatic episode characterized by rebirth and/or growth of glaciers following maximum shrinkage during the Hypsithermal interval. A large database of Neoglacial glacier variations in the North and South American cordilleras makes an assessment of the chronology and general pattern of these variations possible. Early Neoglacial moraines are common in southernmost South America, where they are the most extensive. In North America, Early Neoglacial deposits are rarely encountered and are typically buried beneath younger deposits. Middle Neoglacial moraines are common on both continents; in South America, they are more extensive than those of the Little Ice Age, but in North America they are typically equal or nearly equal in extent. In the Cascades, Olympics, and Rocky Mountains, Little Ice Age glacier advances of the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries were generally the most extensive of postglacial time. In southcoastal Alaska, calving tidewater glacier termini tend to fluctuate nonsynchronously, although they are broadly synchronous on a millennial timescale. Insolation appears to have played a primary role in controlling the relative extent of Neoglacial advances in each hemisphere, implying that summer temperature was a dominant factor in glacier mass balance.
PROGESTIN STUDIES: PREGNANDIOL EXCRETION12

THE EMPIRIC USE of numerous preparations of corpus luteum was enthusi′ astically, though fallaciously, practiced for years. Demonstration of an active principle, pr gestin, derived from the corpus luteum, has started a new era. At this time, it isdesirable to establish a factual basis for the new therapy, lest it also fall into disrepute. By what means can this be accom′ plishe? One would like to know the following: the normal secretion of progestin; the amount stored in the corpus luteum or other tissues; the amount in cir′ culation; its utili2ation,its excretion and physiologic action. The bioassay of corpora lutea to determine the amount of progestin present shows wide variation among different species of animals. In the human, the quantity of progestin stored in the corpus luteum is minimal. Large volumes of blood, even from pregnant women, do not contain enough for demonstration.
Altering growth and gross chemical composition of two microalgal molluscan food species by varying nitrate and phosphate

Abstract Growth and gross chemical composition of two axenically cultured algal flagellates, Dunaliella tertiolecta and Tetraselmis maculata, were related to nitrate and phosphate concentrations in an enriched seawater medium. Population growth of test species in 28-day batch cultures was compared in 16 combinations of NaNO3 (77.5, 150, 300, and 350 mg/l) and KH2PO4 (5, 10, 20, and 25 mg/l) in an experiment of factorial design. Phosphate-P was not limiting to final populations of either alga at concentrations tested, and nitrate-N did not affect final population density of D. tertiolecta at the lowest concentration. In contast, final populations of T. maculata were considerably reduced in all media containing the lowest NaNO3 concentration, but maximal populations were achieved in 150 mg/l NaNO3. This was observed at a wide range of N:P ratios and appeared to be related to available N only. Production of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid, as percentages of dry weight, was evaluated for selected concentations of NaNO 3 KH 2 PO 4 ( 77.5 5 , 150 5 , 300 5 , 300 20 mg/l) At low P, protein/carbohydrate showed a direct linear relationship to N in both species. Only D. tertiolecta cultured at low N increased lipid production. Effect of increasing P in high N cultures was to increase protein/carbohydrate in T. maculata, but to decrease this ratio in D. tertiolecta. Maximal yields per unit volume were attained in the following NaNO 3 KH 2 PO 4 , as mg/l: T. maculata, dry weight and lipid - 300 5 , protein - 300 20 , carbohydrate - 77.5 5 ; D. tertiolecta, dry weight - 150 5 , protein - 300 5 , carbohydrate and lipid - 77.5 5 .
Review: Expert systems and evolutionary computing for financial investing: A review

This innovative, experimental approach to a literature review begins with queries for finance-related articles to the Expert Systems with Applications literature database. A classification language is constructed, and retrieved articles are systematic indexed. Hypotheses are offered about the patterns in the distribution of indexed concepts. Results include that authors tended to use expert systems tools in the early 1990s but evolutionary computation tools in mid-2000s. However, the most common financial application area in both the earlier and later periods was financial accounting. One trend in the latest work is to merge both knowledge-based and evolutionary approaches. Opportunities exist to reuse the knowledge bases built for the financial accounting work for speculative investing.
Stability of Controlled Mechanical Systems With Ideal Coulomb Friction

When a mechanical system with Coulomb friction is under feedback control, the closed-loop system may asymptotically converge to a point in the equilibrium set or generate nonlinear oscillations such as limit cycles depending on the control algorithm. Thus, it is important to know how to guarantee the stability in the presence of Coulomb friction. This paper presents the stability analysis of controlled mechanical systems with multiple ideal Coulomb friction sources. Common properties of controlled mechanical systems with multiple ideal Coulomb friction sources have been explored and generalized into the state space formulation leading to a class of ideal relay feedback systems. Various stability criteria are considered and a new sufficient condition for the pointwise global stability is suggested. Simulation results for a single mass system and experimental results for a single link flexible joint mechanism are presented to confirm the analysis and to illustrate various aspects of stability conditions for controlled mechanical systems with ideal Coulomb friction. The results given in this paper can be useful for the design of mechanical systems free from the limit cycle.
A holistic, multi-scale dynamic downscaling framework for climate impact assessments and challenges of addressing finer-scale watershed dynamics

Summary We present a state-of-the-art holistic, multi-scale dynamic downscaling approach suited to address climate change impacts on hydrologic metrics and hydraulic regime of surface flow at the “scale of human decisions” in ungauged basins. The framework rests on stochastic and physical downscaling techniques that permit one-way crossing 106–100 m scales, with a specific emphasis on ‘nesting’ hydraulic assessments within a coarser-scale hydrologic model. Future climate projections for the location of Manchester watershed (MI) are obtained from an ensemble of General Circulation Models of the 3rd phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project database and downscaled to a “point” scale using a weather generator. To represent the natural variability of historic and future climates, we generated continuous time series of 300 years for the locations of 3 meteorological stations located in the vicinity of the ungauged basin. To make such a multi-scale approach computationally feasible, we identified the months of May and August as the periods of specific interest based on ecohydrologic considerations. Analyses of historic and future simulation results for the identified periods show that the same median rainfall obtained by accounting for climate natural variability triggers hydrologically-mediated non-uniqueness in flow variables resolved at the hydraulic scale. An emerging challenge is that uncertainty initiated at the hydrologic scale is not necessarily preserved at smaller-scale flow variables, because of non-linearity of underlying physical processes, which ultimately can mask climate uncertainty. We stress the necessity of augmenting climate-level uncertainties of emission scenario, multi-model, and natural variability with uncertainties arising due to non-linearities in smaller-scale processes.
Elastic moduli of superhard rhenium diboride

The elastic moduli of polycrystalline rhenium diboride are measured as a function of temperature between 5 and 325 K. The room temperature results show that ReB2 has very high values for both the bulk and shear modulus, confirming the incompressible and superhard nature of this material. With decreasing temperature, the moduli increase, with a hint of softening below 50 K.
Size regulation in larvae of the crustacean Balanus eburneus (Cirripedia: Thoracica)

We tested the hypothesis that larval size in the acorn barnacle Balanus eburneus Gould (Cirripedia Thoracica) varies in relation to food availability. In March–November 1980, and March–July 1981, larvae were obtained from adult Balanus eburneus collected in the Newport River, North Carolina, USA. Carapace length and width of larvae reared at three different food concentrations were measured. Mean naupliar instar size was independent of food concentration. Mean size of the cypris instar increased with increasing food level. Greater cypris size could be attributed to increased food reserves in the preceding naupliar stage, and was coinciden with inmarked increase in metamorphic success. Variation in instar size remained constant or declined during naupliar development, but increased sharply at the molt to the cyprid. Naupliar size regulation involved: (1) conservation of a molt increment specific for each naupliar-naupliar molt, (2) an inverse relationship between premolt size and the molt increment during the first five naupliar instars, and (3) an increase in the precision of the molt increment at the molt to the sixth naupliar instar. Experimental evidence implies that size regulation in Balanus eburneus limits variation about a fixed final naupliar size (e.g. volume). Measurement of naupliar size, accumulated energy reserves, survival and development time, and cypris metamorphic success indicated that naupliar cuticular growth is the most conservative feature of larval development. The data suggest that maximum naupliar size is limited by escalating metabolic costs during development, while minimum naupliar size is limited by size-related feeding effectiveness.
Growth hormone releasing hormone receptors on thymocytes and splenocytes from rats

In the present study, we determined that rat mononuclear leukocytes possess specific receptors for growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). The results show that the binding of 125I-labeled GHRH to spleen and thymic cells was saturable and of a high affinity, approximately 3.5 and 2.5 nM for thymus and spleen cells, respectively. The Scatchard analysis revealed a binding capacity of approximately 54 and 35 fmol per 10(6) cells on thymus and spleen, respectively. The binding of GHRH was not competed by 10(-6) M growth hormone, corticotropin releasing factor, substance P or luteinizing hormone releasing hormone and vasointestinal peptide (VIP). Partial characterization of the receptor was accomplished by crosslinking 125I-labeled GHRH to thymus cells with disuccinimidyl suberate and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Autoradiography of dried gels showed two major components in leukocytes and pituitary cells at approximately 42 and 27 kDa which could be diminished by unlabeled GHRH. The treatment of leukocytes with GHRH (10 nM) rapidly increased the intracellular free calcium concentration from a basal level of 70 +/- 20 nM to a plateau value of 150 +/- 20 nM in 6 min after stimulation. The functional activity of GHRH receptors was studied further by measuring lymphocyte proliferative responses and the increase in the level of cytoplasmic GH RNA. The presence of GHRH alone resulted in a dose-dependent increase in thymidine and uridine incorporation and a dose-dependent increase in the levels of GH RNA in the cytoplasm. Taken together, the results show that lymphocytes contain specific receptors for GHRH that are coupled to important biological responses and further support the concept of bidirectional communication between the immune and neuroendocrine tissues.
Dual-polarization radar to identify drizzle, with applications to aircraft icing avoidance

Freezing drizzle has been identified as a primary aircraft in-flight icing hazard. New evidence shows that it can be a greater hazard than freezing rain, even though the latter can be significant. Freezing drizzle may form by droplet coalescence without an intermediate melting process, so that it also can be more difficult to detect than freezing rain. Theoretical calculations of microwave scattering and verification by the initial field studies presented here demonstrate that freezing drizzle should be detectable and distinguishable from other hydrometeor types in short-wavelength, dual-polarization radar measurements of elliptical and linear depolarization ratios. A practical procedure is suggested for identifying and monitoring this aviation hazard with the radar and concurrent atmospheric temperature measurements. The WSR-88D radar (NEXRAD) has the potential to add dual-linear polarization to operationally apply this method, within certain constraints
Ascending spinal axons that signal the position of the hindlimbs under static conditions: Location and receptor input

Psychophysical experiments have shown that signals from slowly adapting subcutaneous receptors are used to sense limb position under static conditions (i.e., when the joints are stationary). The ascending collaterals of the slowly adapting primary sensory neurons supplying the deep tissues of the hindlimb do not project to the brain via the fasciculus gracilis. In experiments on cats, we have found a population of axons in the lateral fasciculus that signal the position of the ipsilateral hindlimb with a slowly adapting discharge. In the lower thoracic cord these fibers lie between the spinocervical tract and the ventral roots. Although plentiful in the lower thoracic cord, they are sparse or absent below L3. In addition, a few position signaling axons with crossed input were found in the ventral part of the lateral white matter and in the ventral columns. Since the clinical evidence suggests that the spinal pathway for position sense is uncrossed, we propose that information used for conscious judgments of limb position when the joints are stationary initially ascends via the dorsal columns and then relays to the lateral fasciculus on the same side. These slowly adapting signals also may be used to judge limb position when the joints are moving. To determine whether this slowly adapting discharge originates from muscle or joint receptors, the tendons crossing the ankle joint were exposed but left in continuity and then pulled on while the joint was stationary. In this way individual lateral fascicular axons that signaled ankle flexion, extension, abduction or adduction could be shown to receive a strong excitatory input from muscle receptors. After the muscle tendons crossing the ankle joint were cut, tract fibers signaling ankle flexion, extension, abduction or adduction could no longer be found in this portion of the spinal white matter. Axons signaling clockwise or counterclock-wise twist of the ankle were reduced in number but a few were still present. These results suggest that muscle receptors provide the predominant signal used to sense ankle flexion, extension, abduction and adduction and that receptors in articular tissues may signal ankle twist.
Multiple recombination sites at the 5′-end of murine coronavirus RNA

Abstract Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a murine coronavinus, contains a nonsegmented RNA genome. We have previously shown that MHV could undergo RNA-RNA recombination in crosses between temperature-sensitive mutants and wild-type viruses at a very high frequency ( S. Makino, J. G. Keck, S. A. Stohlman, and M. M. C. Lai (1986) J. Virol. 57, 729–737). To better define the mechanism of RNA recombination, we have performed additional crosses involving different sets of MHV strains. Three or possibly four classes of recombinants were isolated. Recombinants in the first class, which are similar to the ones previously reported, contain a single crossover in either gene A or B, which are the 5′-most genes. The second class of recombinants contain double crossovers in gene A. The third class of recombinants have crossovers within the leader sequence located at the 5′-end of the genome. The crossover sites of the third class have been located between 35 and 60 nucleotides from the 5′-end of the leader RNA. One of these recombinants has double crossovers within the short region comprising the leader sequences. Finally, we describe one recombinant which may contain a triple crossover. The presence of so many recombination sites within the 5′-end of the genome of murine coronaviruses confirms that RNA recombination is a frequent event during MHV replication and is consistent with our proposed model of “copy-choice” recombination in which RNA replication occurs in a discontinuous and nonprocessive manner.
Torticollis acquired in late infancy due to a cerebellar gangliocytoma

Torticollis in infancy is a common disorder and is typically benign and self-limiting. However, in some instances it is the presentation of serious disease. A critical distinction is whether the condition is congenital or acquired. We present a case of acquired late infantile torticollis caused by a cerebellar gangliocytoma that underscores the importance of making this determination prior to initiating a treatment plan. A gangliocytoma presenting with torticollis has not been previously described.
CNS INDUCED NEUROGENIC CYSTITIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH BLADDER MAST CELL DEGRANULATION IN THE RAT

Purpose: To determine if bladder mast cell degranulation is involved in the genesis of neurogenic cystitis induced by pseudorabies virus (PRV) invasion of the central nervous system (CNS).Materials and Methods: Rats received a total of 4 × 106 plaque forming units (pfu) of PRV-Bartha in the abductor caudalis dorsalis (ACD) muscle. Granulated bladder mast cells per mm2 of bladder tissue and urine histamine content were monitored as the cystitis developed over the next few days. In a subgroup of rats, intravesical resiniferatoxin was used to remove capsaicin-sensitive sensory bladder afferents, while another subgroup was pretreated with a mast cell degranulator.Results: PRV injection into the ACD muscle leads to neurogenic cystitis. Histamine levels were elevated in the urine of virus injected rats before any behavioral or microscopical signs of cystitis were present. When the cystitis became clinically manifest, urine histamine returned to control levels, and the number of granulated mast cells dropped sig...
The influence of retinal blood flow on open-angle glaucoma in patients with and without diabetes.

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of retinal blood flow on optic nerve head (ONH) morphology in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsA total of 66 pati...
Differential Regulation of IL-1β and TNF-α RNA Expression by MEK1 Inhibitor after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Mice

Activation of the extracellular-signal-responsive kinase (ERK 1/2) by MAP kinase/ERK kinase (MEK1/2) following ischemia/reperfusion in the brain has been associated with cell death since inhibition of MEK1/2 provides neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia injury. Since inflammation has been implicated in ischemic brain injury, the present study investigated whether MEK1/2 modifies expression of two key inflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and TNFalpha, that have been shown to exacerbate ischemic brain injury. A mouse model of transient cerebral ischemia was deployed to test the effect of selective MEK1/2 inhibitor (SL327) on infarct size and cytokine expression. SL327 (100 mg/kg, i.p.) administered 15 min prior to ischemia resulted in 64% reduction in infarct size over controls (n = 8, P < 0.01). Under the same condition, SL327 significantly reduced peak expression of IL-1beta mRNA (59% reduction compared to vehicle, P < 0.01, n = 4) but not TNF-alpha mRNA. A parallel reduction in IL-1beta protein (67%, P < 0.05, n = 6) was also observed using ELISA analysis. These data suggest that the neuroprotective effect of MEK1/2 inhibition may be mediated by suppression of IL-1beta. The study also demonstrates for the first time that these two cytokines are differentially regulated by kinase mediated signaling pathways.
Role of red cells in preventing the growth of platelet aggregation

Abstract Using high-resolution real-time two-dimensional ultrasound, we have investigated the role of red cells in the growth of already established platelet aggregates under controlled flow conditions. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) was circulated in vitro in horizontally and vertically arranged tubing at mean shear rate ranging from 60 to 0 sec- , and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was used to induce platelet aggregation. ADP-induced platelet aggregates grew in size and tende to sediment ps shear rate decreased, in particular, below 10 sec. At 0 sec −1 (stasis), large clusters of platelet aggregates formed. The addition of washed red cells to produce a hematocrit of only 2% significantly interfered with the growth and sedimentation of platelet aggregates as shear rate was reduced. Formaldehyde-hardened erythrocytes had a similar effect in preventing the growth of platelet aggregates, suggesting that mechanical collision of red cells with platelet aggregates may be the cause of growth inhibition. Therefore, the thrombotic process may be enhanced in red cell poor zones in circulation resulting from flow disturbances associated with vascular stenosis or within artificial organs and extracorporeal systems. The present study also suggested that red cell free PRP should be carefully administered therapeutically.
A Wind Tunnel Study of Gaseous Pollutants in City Street Canyons

Steady state mean concentrations of tracer gas were measured in a 400:1 scale model of an idealized city with variable geometry placed within a wind tunnel at various orientations to the mean flow for a free stream velocity of 6.8 ft/sec. The tracer gas was released from two parallel line sources to simulate lanes of traffic in an effort to quantify the persistence of pollution as well as the mean values realized at street levels. An aerodynamically rough turbulent boundary layer of neutral thermal stratification was employed to simulate the atmosphere. Values of concentration measured in the model city were converted to prototype concentrations in ppm and compared to National Ambient Air Quality Standards. It was shown that single isolated structures may cause favorable mixing of pollution downwind but very high concentrations exist in the immediate leeward vicinity of the building. Two favorable geometries for city blocks tested were found to reduce pedestrian exposure to pollution both near heavy traff...
Blood Viscosity and Fibrinogen Concentration Following Cerebral Infarction

The viscosity of blood is significantly increased in persons with recent cerebral infarction. This is particularly true at slower rates of shear. This increase in viscosity is undoubtedly linked to an increase in fibrinogen concentration and erythrocyte concentration.
Virulence in Trypanosoma cruzi infection correlates with the expression of a distinct family of sialidase superfamily genes.

Abstract The overall success of Trypanosoma cruzi depends on its ability to invade the host and establish a long-term infection. Little is known of the genetic factors responsible for observed differences in virulence from strain to strain in T. cruzi . A virulent T. cruzi line was derived from an attenuated parental line by two passages through mice. To identify virulence genes a subtraction library was constructed and screened for cDNA expressed exclusively in the virulent line. One cDNA hybridized to 3.5 and 4.5 Kb RNA present in virulent trypomastigotes but absent in attenuated trypomastigotes. Sequence analysis showed the cDNA to encode an 85 kDa protein with homology to members of the sialidase/ trans -sialidase superfamily and has been designated vp85.1. The highest amino acid sequence similarity was to a previously described T. cruzi sialidase-homologue pseudogene [Takle, G.B., O’Conner, J., Young, A.J. and Cross, G.A.M. (1992) Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 56, 117–128]. The vp85.1 amino acid sequence has higher homology to members of the 160 kDa flagellar-associated antigen family, FL-160, than to other 85 kDa expressed sialidase superfamily members. Southern blot analysis of virulent and attenuated lines demonstrated a complex hybridization pattern consistent with a multiple gene copy family that was identical in both lines. Antibody directed against recombinant vp85.1 peptide recognized proteins between 95 and 115 kDa in total virulent parasite lysates which were absent in attenuated lysates. Peptide N-glycosidase F treatment reduced the high molecular weight bands to 85 kDa, indicating vp85 is an N-linked glycoprotein. Immunofluorescence with anti-vp85.1 demonstrated surface localization of vp85.1 on virulent, but not attenuated, trypomastigotes. We postulate this new subfamily of trans -sialidases may play a role in virulence.
Manimal: relational optimization for data-intensive programs

The MapReduce distributed programming framework is very popular, but currently lacks the optimization techniques that have been standard with relational database systems for many years. This paper proposes Manimal, which uses static code analysis to detect MapReduce program semantics and thereby enable wholly-automatic optimization of MapReduce programs. For example, a programmer's map function that emits data only when an if... statement holds true is essentially encoding a selection condition; code analysis can detect and characterize these conditions. If Manimal has an appropriate index available, it can then alter MapReduce execution to use it.Manimal can address many different optimization opportunities, including projections, structure-aware data compression, and others. However, this paper illustrates the system by focusing on one: efficient selection. We give a static analysis algorithm that can detect selections in user programs, and cover how Manimal can employ a B+Tree to execute these selections efficiently at runtime. Testing Manimal on several standard MapReduce programs, we show that selection alone can automatically reduce a standard program's runtime to 63% of conventional MapReduce execution time on identical hardware. We also give an in-depth discussion of other optimization targets and detection techniques.
A simple algorithm for delta method variances for multinomial posterior bayes probability estimates

The uncertainty in the estimated posterior multinomial probabilities which results from applying Bayes rule using conditional probabilities estimated from a limited data base is investigated. The first order Taylor series estimator for the variance of the estimated posterior probabilities was developed. A simulation study was conducted to ascertain the accuracy of these approximate variance estimates. In addition, the accuracy of both posterior probability estimates and the variance estimates is evaluated for data bases of various sizes. The method is appropriate for any of the usual medical diagnostic problems in which Bayesian methods are applied
Caregivers' perceptions of the relationship between the family day care business and their own families

The present study, which uses survey data from 185 family day care providers, suggests that providers perceived stress and frustration in their family members related to the family day care business. In turn, the attitudes and cooperation of family members were related to the provider's satisfaction with the business and enjoyment of the work itself. Using a family systems framework, issues related to the day care business included the family's use of time, energy, and space. While the majority of providers reported satisfaction with the business and with the work itself, about a fourth of the sample expressed lower levels of satisfaction. This less satisfied group perceived more family stress related to the FDC business, was less likely to receive help from the family, and was more likely to consider giving up providing family day care.
The treatment of strabismus in the four to ten year old child

Approximately 6% of children have strabismus, a condition where the eyes are not straight and do not work together. The condition is described and the problems created are discussed, including its effect on appearance and performance. Treatments available to correct strabismus and their success rates are presented. Most children can be treated effectively to restore normal appearance and binocular function.
Undecussated Superior Cerebellar Peduncles and Absence of the Dorsal Transverse Pontine Fibers: a New Axonal Guidance Disorder?

Axonal guidance disorders are a newly recognized group of diseases of the human central nervous system. These disorders are characterized by white matter tracts with abnormal course and failure to cross the midline or presence of ectopic white matter tracts. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tractography are suitable neuroimaging tools to detect morphological abnormalities in the course, decussation, and location of white matter tracts. We report on a 6.5-year-old child with significant global developmental delay. Axial color-coded fractional anisotropy (FA)-maps revealed absence of (1) the midline “focal red dot” at the level of the pontomesencephalic junction representing absence of decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncles and (2) the dorsal component of the transverse pontine fibers. These findings are highly suggestive of an axonal guidance disorders. The complete neuroimaging phenotype of this child does not match well-known diseases with similar DTI findings. We show how DTI reveals important information of microstructural brain malformations that may go undetected or remains underestimated and consequently DTI may suggest the possible pathomechanism. We conclude that this child may be suffering from a not yet described subtype of an axonal guidance disorder.
Large-scale statistical inverse computation of inelastic accretion in transient granular flows

Abstract In this work, the accretion of fine-grained particulate matter into larger objects in high-speed granular flows, due to sudden disturbances in their mean velocity field, is investigated. A multibody collision model is developed whereby the coefficients of restitution and friction, as well as quantities such as the contact area and collision duration time, are implicit functions of the relative collision velocities and surfacial thermochemical reactions during impact. A recursive fixed-point multilayered staggering scheme is developed to simulate the resulting coupled non-linear system. Inverse problems are then constructed whereby transient flow conditions, reaction rates, particulate volume fractions, hardnesses, etc., are sought which deliver prespecified aggregate growth from a base starting particulate size. Classical gradient-based methods perform poorly, to this class of problems due to the fact that the associated objective functions depend in a non-convex and non-differentiable manner on the mentioned starting-state parameters. Furthermore, the results are very sensitive to the size of the control volumes selected. Therefore, due to the lack of robustness of classical gradient-based minimization schemes, a statistical genetic algorithm is developed whereby (I) the starting state-variables are represented by a “genetic string”, and concepts of evolutionary behavior, such as selective reproduction, are applied to a population of such strings in order to determine an optimal set of starting state-parameters and (II) sequences of control volumes, each containing a finite number of particles, are adaptively computed until the sequential change in the ensemble average of a population of control volumes all fall below a given tolerance. Three-dimensional numerical examples are given to illustrate the behavior of the model and the overall solution process.
Factors affecting flight capacity of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) is a highly destructive invasive pest of annual and perennial crops in the eastern United States and is an increasing threat to agriculture in the Pacific Northwest. Flight mills were used to examine flight capacity of H. halys in order to better understand its invasive characteristics. Specifically, we examined generational, sexual, and phenotypical effects on flight distance, frequency, velocity, and diel flight patterns of field-collected H. halys from two seasons. There was a clear dichotomy in total flight distance for insects that flew 5 km or less and those that flew more than 5 km in 24 h. The tendency for long distance flight of H. halys changed over the course of a given season, peaking at the end of the growing season. Summer generation H. halys flew farther and faster than overwintered adults, but not as frequently. Males and females had similar numbers of flights, but females went farther. Pre-flight weight of insects was correlated flight activity of adults in terms of speed, frequency, and distance. Overwintered H. halys lost a greater proportion of their pre-flight body weight during the assay than did the summer generation adults. Despite many limitations extrapolating flight mill data to the field, this study nonetheless provided evidence that H. halys has the capacity for long distance flight, particularly in the summer generation. The nutritional status and fat reserves of overwintered versus summer generation adults are discussed as potential explanations for the flight patterns found in this study.
Numerical analysis of the influence of experimental conditions on the accuracy of dielectric parameters derived from electrorotation measurements

Abstract Two approaches were used to analyze the accuracy with which the dielectric properties of a particle may be deduced from experimental electrorotation (ROT) data. Firstly, the dependence of ROT spectra on individual dielectric parameters was assessed by a sensitivity analysis. Secondly, simulated rotational spectra were used to investigate the effects of typical experimental errors on the confidence levels with which dielectric parameters can be derived from ROT data by parameter optimization procedures. The focus was on the single-shell, spherical dielectric model most widely applied for analyzing cellular dielectric properties, but the methods are applicable to any model. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) ROT spectra show different sensitivities to different parameters, resulting in different accuracy levels when these parameters are derived by optimization; (2) each rotation peak in a ROT spectrum can only be used to determine uniquely two parameters; (3) unless the experimental field strength and frictional forces are precisely known, the scaling factor in the ROT spectrum should not be fixed; instead, the ROT optimization should either be constrained by additional experimental information or determination of the membrane conductance should be sacrificed; (4) experimental conditions should be chosen carefully to maximize the sensitivity of the ROT spectrum to the parameters of interest; (5) ROT spectra should be taken to as high a frequency as possible to allow accurate determinations of interior parameters; (6) the analysis techniques used here can be applied to other models and experimental conditions in order to substantiate the accuracy level of parameters in other applications.
Causal Relationship from Exposure to Chemicals in Oil Refining and Chemical Industries and Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma has been thought to be related mainly to exposure to the sun or radiation. A review of the scientific literature reveals many significant correlations between benzene and benzene-containing solvents in the workplace and the occurrence of malignant melanoma, particularly in sites that have never been exposed to sunlight. A comparison of positive correlations between such exposure and malignant melanoma by independent investigators and negative findings by investigators with industry affiliations reveals that this difference, at least in part, may account for the discrepant findings. Based on independent studies, it is reasonable to conclude that malignant melanoma is causally related to employment-related chemical exposures in the petroleum refining industry.
Uteroplacental insufficiency alters rat hippocampal cellular phenotype in conjunction with ErbB receptor expression

Uteroplacental insufficiency alters rat hippocampal cellular phenotype in conjunction with ErbB receptor expression
Design and Packaging of a Vertical Free-Space Opto-electronic Interconnect System

The performance requirements of computer, telecommunication, and data-communication systems have increased considerably in recent years to the point that large-scale electronic systems are suffering from an interconnection bottleneck.
Targeting dysfunctional family interactions and high expressed emotion in the psychosocial treatment of bipolar disorder

Expressed emotion (EE) is discussed in relation to bipolar affective disorder, a major psychiatric illness involving fluctuating periods of mania and depression. High levels of EE among relatives of bipolar clients are conceptualized as reactions to the stress of adjusting to the acute illness period and the post-episode aftercare period. EE has an associated cognitive component involving certain styles of attribution about illness in the client, and a behavioral component involving aversive interaction patterns between the bipolar client and his or her relatives. Family-focused psychoeducational treatment—consisting of psychoeducation about bipolar disorder, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training—addresses high EE on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels. A case study illustrates the approach. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The theory of symbolic transformations

Abstract This monograph presents the theory of symbolic transformations. The theory consists of two postulates which are meant to give an account of the qualities or characteristics of human experience. In their most general terms the postulates can be expressed in the following way: Postulate I. If no physiological stimulation is present, our experiences will equal our symbolized meaningful representations (PS=O, E=SMR). Postulate II. If no symbolized meaningful representations are present, our experiences will equal our physiological stimulation (SMR=O, E=PS). The exposition of the theory was preceded by a presentation of Newton's laws of motion which provide the model by which the theory of symbolic transformations is to be evaluated. Newton's laws were examined and they were found to be abstract postulates or axioms rather than empirical generalizations. Furthermore, they are axioms about events that can never occur as empirical happenings. The postulates of the theory of symbolic transformations follow immediately the presentation of Newton's laws so that the adherence to that model can be judged readily, for here too the postulates are abstract idealizations about events that can never occur. The postulates are followed by some deductions and the deductions are formulated as empirical predictions about the seeing of colors, of motions, of spatial orientation, and of size (the seeing of shape is dealt with in a later section). Empirical information about the seeing of apparent motion had already been provided by other investigators and their results, in each instance, confirmed the predictions deduced from the postulates of the theory.
Dynamics of HCl collisions with hydroxyl- and methyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers.

Molecular beam scattering techniques are used to explore the energy exchange and thermal accommodation efficiencies of HCl in collisions with long-chain OH- and CH3-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. Upon colliding with the nonpolar methyl-terminated SAM, HCl (Ei = 85 kJ/mol) is found to transfer the majority, 83%, of its translational energy to the surface. The extensive energy loss for HCl helps to bring the molecules into thermal equilibrium with the monolayer. Specifically, 72% of the HCl approaches thermal equilibrium prior to desorption. For the molecules that do not thermally accommodate, but scatter after an impulsive collision with the surface, the final translational energy is observed to be directly proportional to the surface temperature as the thermal surface energy and gas translational energy exchange during the collision. For the OH-terminated SAM, the impulsively scattered HCl escapes from the surface with slightly more average energy. The rigid nature of the OH-terminat...
Monitoring attention deployment by random number generation: An index to measure subjective randomness

The generation of random number sequences as a measure of attention deployment has been limited due to the lack of a satisfactory index of pseudorandomness for relatively short response sequences (Wagenaar, 1972). A new index of subjective randomization (RNG) is presented that provides a sensitive measure of departures from randomness (reflecting the disproportion with which any number follows any other number) in a series as short as 100 responses, typically verbalized at a rate of 1/sec. The RNG index of sequential response bias is a minor modification of Tulving’s (1962) subjective organization index that measures clustering in the repeated free recall of randomly presented word lists. Calculation of the practice-free RNG index and comparisons with another common measure are illustrated with individual data and with data obtained from random number tables. The use of RNG as a probe or simultaneous task to measure the deployment of attention or attentive effort is discussed.
Determination of the Rate Constants for the NCO(X2Π) + Cl(2P) and Cl(2P) + ClNCO(X1A‘) Reactions at 293 and 345 K

The rate constant for the reaction of the isocyanato radical, NCO(X2Π) with chlorine atoms, Cl(2P), has been measured at 293 ± 2 and 345 ± 3 K to be (6.9 ± 3.8) × 10-11 and (4.0 ± 2.2) × 10-11 cm3 molecules-1 s,-1 respectively, where the uncertainties include both random and systematic errors. The measurements were carried out at pressures of 1.3−6.2 Torr with either Ar or CF4 as the bath gas and were independent of both pressure and nature of the third body. Equal concentrations of NCO and Cl atoms were created by 248 nm photolysis of ClNCO. The reaction was monitored by following the temporal dependence of NCO(X2Π) using time-resolved infrared absorption spectroscopy on rotational transitions of the NCO(1011) ← (0010) combination band. The reaction rate constant was determined by using a simple chemical model and minimizing the sum of the residuals between the experimental and computer generated temporal NCO concentration profiles. The reaction Cl + ClNCO → Cl2 + NCO was found to contribute to the obser...
Extraction of giant fullerene molecules, and their subsequent solvation in low boiling point solvents

Abstract Carbon soot produced by the graphite arc-synthesis method was solvated to varying extents in four different solvents, after previous removal of some fullerenes, particularly C60 and C70, by toulene extraction. The solvents and weight percentages of soot solvated (in parentheses) are: xylene (3.5), 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (7.4), 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (31.1), and 1-methylnaphthalene (22.5). If one accounts for the C2n fullerene molecules, primarily C60 and C70, extracted from virgin soot by toluene, roughly 37% of the virgin carbon soot can be solvated by the use of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. A rough value for the enthalpy of solvation difference is determined for C70 and C60, by van't Hoff analysis, to be ΔΔH = 5 kcal/mol. This method is suggested as a valuable indicator for the difference of enthalpies of binding of C2n molecules to the soot matrix. After filtration and removal of the solvents used in the extractions, the residues can be redissolved in low-boiling-point solvents such as methylene chloride and toluene, two solvents which dissolved essentially none of the (previously) toluene-extracted starting material. This underscores the importance of the soot matrix in inhibiting solvation of C2n fullerene molecules, and suggests that chromatographic separation of large fullerene molecules can be done with low-boiling-point solvents, and may therefore be feasible.
Variations in the spacing of expressive writing sessions

Objectives. In a test to determine whether a brief version of the expressive writing (EW) method was viable, 106 college students participated in an experiment dealing with the study of life transitions. Design. Individuals were randomly assigned to write for 15 minutes on three occasions: either three times separated by 10-min break (1-hour condition), 35-min break (3-hour condition), or 24-hour break (3-day condition). Methods. Participants were randomly assigned to write about their thoughts and feelings about the transitions (N = 80), or to describe daily behaviours surrounding the transitions in a non-emotional way (N = 26). Results. The three emotional writing conditions did not vary in terms of their engagement with writing, their emotional reactions, short- or long-term reactions to the intervention. Compared to controls, those in the experimental conditions evidenced fewer symptom reports 9 months after writing. Conclusions. The findings suggest that a brief 1-hour EW is more emotionally demanding, but that it has comparable effects on physical symptoms as the traditional 3-day method.
Interferon-stimulated transcription and innate antiviral immunity require deacetylase activity and histone deacetylase 1

The use of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors has revealed an essential role for deacetylation in transcription of IFN-responsive genes. The HDAC1 protein associates with both signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 and STAT2, and IFN-α stimulation induces deacetylation of histone H4. Inhibition of HDAC1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreases IFN-α responsiveness whereas expression of HDAC1 augments the IFN-α response, demonstrating that HDAC1 modulates IFN-α-induced transcription. Importantly, the innate antiviral response is inhibited in the absence of deacetylase activity. The requirement for deacetylase is shared by IFN-γ transcription response and may represent a general requirement for STAT-dependent gene expression.
Clinical characteristics predict response to antithymocyte globulin in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Seven patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) were treated with antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Each patient received ATG (20 mg/kg/d) for 8 d and prednisone to prevent or control serum sickness. Three patients experienced a sustained improvement in at least one peripheral blood cytopenia, including one patient who had a complete trilineage response. Several pretreatment clinical features appeared to be associated with response to ATG. All responding patients had hypoproliferative features including depressed platelet counts ( 100 x 10(9)/l), lactate dehydrogenase (> 2000 U/l) and total bilirubin (> 17 mumol/l) levels. The impaired haemopoiesis that occurs in hypoproliferative PNH may respond to ATG treatment, but the haemolytic component of the disease, and hence the PNH clone, is not altered by immunosuppressive therapy.
The decoupling point of the axial next-nearest-neighbour Ising model and marginal crossover

The axial next-nearest-neighbour Ising (or ANNNI) model and the four-state asymmetric clock model both exhibit a decoupling multicritical point where they decompose into two uncoupled Ising models at criticality. The corresponding scaling exponents for various operators are given generally, the leading modulation or chiral crossover exponent being phi = gamma - nu , where gamma and nu are the pure Ising susceptibility and correlation exponents. Implications for the ANNNI model phase diagrams are discussed. Crossover scaling forms appropriate to logarithmic and marginal behaviour, with non-universal exponents, are presented.