cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal linear combinations of neural networks: an overview

Neural networks based modeling often involves trying multiple networks with different architectures and/or training parameters in order to achieve acceptable model accuracy. Typically, one of the trained NNs is chosen as best, while the rest are discarded. Hashem and Schmeiser (1992) propose using optimal linear combinations of a number of trained neural networks instead of using a single best network. In this paper, we discuss and extend the idea of optimal linear combinations of neural networks. Optimal linear combinations are constructed by forming weighted sums of the corresponding outputs of the networks. The combination-weights are selected to minimize the mean squared error with respect to the distribution of random inputs. Combining the trained networks may help integrate the knowledge acquired by the component networks and thus improve model accuracy. We investigate some issues concerning the estimation of the optimal combination-weights and the role of the optimal linear combination in improving model accuracy for both well-trained and poorly trained component networks. Experimental results based on simulated data are included. For our examples, the model accuracy resulting from using estimated optimal linear combinations is better than that of the best trained network and that of the simple averaging of the outputs of the component networks. >
Picosecond studies of vibrational energy transfer in molecules on surfaces

Chemical and physical processes occurring at solid-gas or solid-liquid interfaces may be significantly influenced by the rates and pathways of vibrational energy transfer (VET) within adsorbate and substrate surface vibrational modes. Knowledge of VET rates may enhance understanding of reactions at surfaces (e.g., heterogeneous catalysis, etching, corrosion). Interpretation of the vibrational spectroscopy of molecules on surfaces (e.g., spectral linewidths and shifts) requires similar knowledge. Energy accommodation, sticking, mobility, and desorption of molecules are all processes related to VET for molecules on surfaces.
Measurement of Strength of Thin Film Interfaces by Laser Spallation Experiment

Laser Spallation Experiment is developed to measure the strength of planar interfaces between a substrate and a thin coating(.3 to 3 μm). In this technique a laser pulse of a high enough energy and a pre-determined length is converted into a pressure pulse of a critical amplitude and width that is sent through the substrate toward the free surface with the coating. The reflected tensile wave from the free surface of the coating pries off the coating. The critical stress amplitude that accomplishes the removal of the coating is determined from a computer simulation process. The simulation itself is verified by means of a piezoelectric crystal probe that is capable of mapping out the profile of the stress pulse generated by the laser pulse. Interface strength values ranging from 3.7 to 1053 GPa are determined for the Si/SiC system, whereas for the carbon/SiC system, an average value of 6.91 GPa is obtained. Furthermore, sufficient experimental evidences are provided to show the potential of the laser technique to determine the interface toughness, provided well characterizable flaws can be planted on the interface.
Gain and stability in cortical microcircuits

Neurons in the cerebral cortex of vertebrates are arranged in functional groupings called cortical microcircuits. The dynamics of such circuits in the visual cortex of turtles have been studied using light intensity step functions. The analyses indicate that the circuits have high feedforward gains. Feedforward and feedback inhibition play important roles in controlling the responses of the circuits to visual stimuli, but are not required for the stability of the circuits because of the stability provided at the front end of the system by microcircuits in the retina.
A review of the mathematical models for traffic flow

In this paper, we critically review mathematical models for the flow of traffic that treat traffic as a continuum and provide a discussion of their shortcomings. We also review a spatially discrete traffic flow model that does not suffer from such shortcomings and provide recently collected, corroborating data for a trip-time estimation scheme based on the spatially discrete model.
Complement protein C1q promotes macrophage anti-inflammatory M2-like polarization during the clearance of atherogenic lipoproteins

Innate immune protein C1q plays a dual role in the chronic inflammatory disease of atherosclerosis. Complement activation via C1q exacerbates pathology in the atherosclerotic lesion in later stages of the disease. However, in early stages of disease C1q is protective. We hypothesize that complement-independent activities of C1q are involved in reprogramming macrophage inflammatory polarization. The influence of C1q on macrophage inflammatory responses during clearance of oxLDL was examined. Changes in cytokines at the gene and protein level were measured by quantitative PCR and ELISA assay. C1q modulated cytokine expression in Raw264.7 macrophages during ingestion of oxLDL. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were downregulated by C1q, whereas levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were increased. In addition, data from an NFκB-luciferase gene reporter assay suggest that C1q suppresses activation of NFκB during lipoprotein clearance in macrophages, providing one mechanism by which C1q downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production. C1q-polarization of macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory (M2-like) phenotype may be important in dampening inflammation in the early atherosclerotic lesion. Further investigation of molecular pathways targeted by C1q may provide novel therapeutic targets for this disease.
Bioavailability of dissolved copper to the American oyster Crassostrea virginica. I. Importance of chemical speciation

The effect of complexation on the accumulation of dissolved copper by the American oyster Crassostrea virginica was determined in chemically defined exposure media. The speciation of copper was varied by varying the concentrations of total copper and model chelator, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Accumulation of copper in 14-d experiments was related to the cupric ion activity and not the concentration of chelated copper. Rapid accumulation of copper occurred at cupric ion activities above 10-10 M and there was no measurable accumulation at 10-11 M.
Optimizing actuator locations in active noise control systems using subset selection

Abstract This numerical simulation uses multiple linear regression with subset selection to optimize the locations of control actuators in a feedforward active noise control system. By formulating the feedforward control problem as a regression, subset selection can find the actuator locations that provide the best system performance. Subset selection provides benefits over continuous optimization approaches because of its computational efficiency; subset selection can examine systems for which the system response is expensive to compute, such as fluid–structure interaction problems, and can efficiently optimize large numbers of actuators. This paper describes a method for exhaustive-search subset selection, and provides numerical results for a simple active structural-acoustic control problem.
Polyfluoroalkyl sugar reagents for immobilization of proteins

Abstract A new class of fluorocarbon affinity resins for the separation and purification of immunoglobulins, antibodies, and other biomolecules has been introduced by Du Pont under the trade name Pedlex®. The discovery that proteins fluoroalkylated by n -C 8 F 17 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 NCO bind strongly to fluorocarbon surfaces underlies this technology. The resins work well with proteins, but enzymes invariably lose activity when adsorbed. Moreover, their use is restricted to aqueous media since organic solvents wash the fluoroalkylated proteins off the support. Tetra-, penta-, and hexa(polyfluoroalkyl) sugar reagents ( 1, 2, 3 R  CO(CH 2 ) m (CF 2 ) n CF 3 ) that overcome these limitations have been synthesized. Their preparation, model binding studies, and use in immobilizing chymotripsin and protein A on Teflon® will be discussed.
A new search for a permanent dipole moment of the electron in a solid state system

Measurements of the electric dipole moment (EDM) of the neutron and the electron put the most stringent constraints on new sources of CP violation. CP violation is essential for generating the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe (BAU). Many models which propose large CP-odd mechanisms for BAU predict EDMs that exceed the limits of the most sensitive measurements. We are conducting a high sensitivity search for the electron EDM using a solid state system. It promises orders of magnitude improvement over atomic beam experiments solely from the available electron density. We present the experimental design and report on the current status.
A New Genus and Species of Philopteridae (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) from the Trumpeters (Aves: Gruiformes: Psophiidae)

A new chewing louse genus and species belonging to the Philopteridae, namely, Palmaellus inexpectatus n. gen., n. sp., is described. The new genus is distinguished from the other ischnoceran genera hitherto described by its peculiar characters of the dorsal anterior head plate with 2 postero-lateral projections, pterothorax and abdomen with scarce chaetotaxy, male genitalia with simple mesomere and paramere lacking inner digitiform projection, and the genital region of female with postero-vulvar plates bearing setae. It is a parasite of the trumpeters, an avian family endemic to South America's Amazon Basin.
Household production time by sex and employment status: a cross‐national comparison between Finland and the U.S.A.

Two time-budget studies, from Finland and the U.S.A., were examined across nations and across sexes with regard to household production time in two parent, two-child households. Time-use difference in various household activity categories (basic housework, child- and member-care, maintenance, and shopping and management) were analysed according to respondents' employment status. Three-way analysis of variance revealed that all three variables, nationality, sex and employment status made a significant difference in the time-use mean scores. Part-time employed Finnish men allocated more time to household production than other Finnish men. The equality ratios confirmed that women in both countries carry the heaviest burden in the house-hold work, especially in traditionally female basic housework tasks. In Finnish households the equality ratios were consistently smaller than in the U.S. households indicating a more egalitarian division of household work. Implications for future cross-national time-use research including gender issues are discussed.
The Fine Structure of the Mature Tomite of Hyalophysa chattoni

SYNOPSIS. The fine structure of the tomite stage of Hyalophysa chattoni was examined with particular attention to its kinetal apparatus. The pellicle, thick and dense compared with that of other ciliates, is formed of three layers. The inner layer is composed of short fibrils oriented perpendicular to the surface. The cytoplasm around the oral passage and beneath falciform field 8 is crowded with dense inclusion bodies of unknown function. Dorsal to the oral passage is the rosette, a disc-shaped organelle subdivided by septa in the form of incomplete radii about a central chamber containing a tuft of cilia. The septa are composed of 3 membranes enclosing a fine layer of cytoplasm. At their inner ends 20 mμ fibers run dorsally and ventrally. Dense clumps of fibrous material line the luminal surface of the septa. Rows of fusiform trichocysts parallel the kineties. The trichocysts are composed of a finely periodic, moderately electron-dense material surrounded by 20 mμ fibrils oriented along the long axis of the trichocyst. Between and below the kinetosomes and the rows of trichocysts are electron-dense vesicles 300 mμ in diameter and bounded by a loose membrane. The large “trichocysts,” the “gros trichocystes” of Chatton and Lwoff, whose appearance heralds the beginnings of trichocystogenesis, prove to be canaliculi opening to the surface. Four separate ciliary membrane systems—the oral ciliature (XYZ), falciform field 8, falciform field 9, and the ogival field—are located on the ventral surface of the tomite. Each differs from the others and from the somatic kineties in the fibrillar organization around its kinetosomes. In the somatic kineties the kinetodesmos is a dense, periodic fiber which is formed of stacks of up to 18 subfibers, each arising from the base of a kinetosome. The kinetosomes are short (300 mμ) and contain dense central granules. In some kineties, alternating between the kinetosomes, are elliptical kinetosome-like structures which do not bear cilia and perhaps provide a reservoir of kinetosomes for future growth of the kinety.
Emergency thoracotomy in an urban community hospital: initial cardiac rhythm as a new predictor of survival.

Abstract Several authors have reviewed their experience with emergency thoracotomy in the university hospital setting. However, physicians in urban community hospitals are treating increasing numbers of patients who require emergency thoracotomy. To compare such experiences, the charts of all patients who underwent emergency thoracotomy in an urban community hospital during the years 1981 and 1982 were reviewed. In addition, the presenting cardiac rhythm was evaluated as a potential new prognosticator for survival in these patients. Forty-seven thoracotomies were performed during the two-year period. Thirty-nine (83%) were for penetrating trauma, of which 31 (66%) were for gunshot wounds and eight (17%) were for stab wounds. Eight patients (17%) underwent thoracotomy for blunt trauma. Of the 13 patients (28%) who survived and were discharged from the hospital, eight (17% of the total) had no neuorological deficit. Twenty-five patients (53%) presented in sinus rhythm, 23 in sinus tachycardia, and two in normal sinus rhythm. All survivors beyond the operating room were in this group (P
Avid Na+-dependent, high-affinity uptake of alpha-ketoglutarate by nerve terminal enriched material from mouse cerebellum.

Abstract A vigorous Na + -dependent, high-affinity (K m = 10 μ M) uptake of α-ketoglutarate is present in a nerve terminal enriched fraction derived from the cerebellum of 10 to 24 day old mice. This uptake is inhibited by L-glutamate, L-aspartate, N-acetylaspartate, N-acetylglutamate, pyruvate and cyclic AMP, but not by malonate (an inhibitor of mitochondrial uptake). The rate of uptake was increased by glutamine, and marginally increased by GABA, L-α-alanine and fluoride ion. These data are consistent with the hypotheses that α-ketoglutarate is a metabolic precursor of the neurotransmitter pools of glutamate and GABA, and that this substrate is supplied in part by a source external to the nerve terminals.
Therapy of ovarian carcinoma: The relationship of dose level and treatment intensity to survival

Following primary maximal cytoreduction, 71 previously untreated patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma received at least six courses of combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. The cumulative dose (CD) through three (CD3) and six (CD6) courses was calculated for each drug and for all drugs combined. The dose intensity (DI) through three (DI3) and six (DI6) courses was calculated for each drug by dividing CD3 and CD6 by the interval (in weeks) between surgery and the third and sixth course. The interval from surgery to the third or sixth course had no effect on survival. Similarly, there was no significant difference in survival between patients with high and low CD3 or CD6 for any drug or for all drugs combined. Patients with high DI6 for cisplatin, doxorubicin, and all drugs combined survived significantly longer than those with low DI6. The survival difference for patients with high and low DI6 for cyclophosphamide approached, but did not attain, statistical significance at the 0.05 level. The intensity with which combination chemotherapy is administered may have an impact upon survival in patients with ovarian carcinoma.
Electrophysiological responses of nucleus accumbens neurons to novelty stimuli and exploratory behavior in the awake, unrestrained rat

To establish a physiological correlate of goal-directed and reward-seeking non-operant behaviors, we studied the electrophysiological activity of NAcc neurons in unrestrained, naive Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results showed an inhibitory response in 21% (7/34) of the recorded NAcc neurons during spontaneous nosepoking behavior and in 16% (4/25) of the NAcc neurons when rats were fed with a favorite novel food morsel (popcorn). These data suggest that a subgroup of NAcc neurons is actively modulated during motivated behavior and during consummatory events resulting in a suppression of neuronal activity.
Factors Related to Reported Problems of Adolescents

A randomly selected group of 720 adolescents responded to the Mooney Problem Check List. The relationship between the problems reported for each of the 11 problem areas of the MPCL (dependent variables) and the 14 independent variables was analyzed statistically by employing the least-squares analysis of variance technique. This analysis yielded significant differences for 7 of the 14 independent variables. Possible implications of the findings of this study for educational planning are discussed, and recommendations made for a more comprehensive study of the problems of adolescents at the local level.
From lung to liver: How does airborne particulate matter trigger NASH and systemic insulin resistance?

and insulin resistanceAs the saying goes ‘‘What’s good for the liver is bad for the heart.’’What is bad for the liver, however, is not necessarily good for theheart especially when it comes to the inhalation of ambient par-ticulate matter (PM). In 1993, the Six Cities study [1] providedevidence that airborne PM increases overall mortality, and fol-low-up studies [2,3] demonstrate it speciﬁcally increases cardio-vascular mortality. Twenty years after this landmark study,Zheng et al. demonstrate that PM exposure is also detrimentalto the liver wherein short-term exposure (10 weeks) of mice ona low-fat diet to concentrated ambient PM
A MIN-MAX MPC ALGORITHM FOR LPV SYSTEMS SUBJECT TO ACTUATOR SATURATION

Abstract In this paper, a new MPC algorithm is dev eloped for the polytopic LPV systems subject to actuator saturation. First, set in variance of discrete-time LPV systems subject to actuator saturation is analyzed and the invariant set is determined by solving an LMI optimization problem. Then, based on set invariance, a min-max MPC algorithm is proposed for LPV systems subject to actuator saturation. A gain-scheduling MPC algorithm is also proposed for the design of a parameter-dependent controller.
Mucosal Bridge Formation in the Esophagus Caused by Injury From a Nasoenteric Feeding Tube

We report the first case of an esophageal mucosal bridge that was caused by a nasoenteric feeding tube or its placement. The mucosal bridge was diagnosed by esophagoscopy and was nearly resolved 3 weeks later after removal of the feeding tube and treatment with histamine antagonists. Although uncommon, esophageal injury may occur in relation to the use of small-bore nasoenteric feeding tubes and great care should be taken during tube placement and use.
Filling the Void: Spiritual Development Among Adolescents of the Affluent

Building on both the spiritual development and affluent youth literature, the current study explores spiritual development and health outcomes in a sample of upper-middle-class youth. Exploratory analyses indicate long-term stability in religiosity and spirituality from late adolescence (mean age 18) well into emerging adulthood (mean age 24); specifically, a strong personal relationship with a Higher Power, that carries into the broader arena of life, appears to be the primary source of spiritual life in adolescence that transitions into young adulthood. Moreover, cross-sectional associations at age 24 suggest spiritual development may have important implications for increased mental health and life satisfaction, as well as decreased antisocial behaviors.
Calorimetric studies of the interactions of cytochrome c with dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol extruded vesicles: ionic strength effects

Abstract Cytochrome c has been studied as an example of a peripheral membrane protein which interacts with the lipids as well as the proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane. In order to elucidate the thermodynamic properties of these interactions, isothermal titration calorimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the binding of cytochrome c to negatively charged dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) extruded vesicles as a function of ionic strength. The binding constant and enthalpy of association decrease with increasing ionic strength, with no binding detected above 0.5 M NaCl. The enthalpy of the binding of cytochrome c to DOPG-extruded vesicles was 15 kcal/mol, and the binding constant was 6·10 6 M −1 at the lowest ionic strengths. The minimum size of the lipid cluster to which the protein bound was found to be approx. 9 lipid molecules in the titration calorimetry measurements and as low as 5 lipid molecules in the DSC measurements. The stability of the bound cytochrome c was found to be reduced; the thermal denaturation temperature was lowered from 83 to 50 degrees when bound to DOPG. The results of this study support previous suggestions that cytochrome c may undergo a conformational change when it binds to charged lipids such as DOPG. The results also support the suggestion that the protein penetrates partially into the lipid bilayer.
Visual noun navigation framework for the blind

Propose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a local orientation and navigation framework based on visual features that provide location recognition, context augmentation, and viewer localization information to a blind or low‐vision user.Design/methodology/approach – The authors consider three types of “visual noun” features: signage, visual‐text, and visual‐icons that are proposed as a low‐cost method for augmenting environments. These are used in combination with an RGB‐D sensor and a simplified SLAM algorithm to develop a framework for navigation assistance suitable for the blind and low‐vision users.Findings – It was found that signage detection cannot only help a blind user to find a location, but can also be used to give accurate orientation and location information to guide the user navigating a complex environment. The combination of visual nouns for orientation and RGB‐D sensing for traversable path finding can be one of the cost‐effective solutions for navigation assistance for blind and lo...
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement in Patients with Severe Glenoid Bone Loss

A commonly cited contraindication to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is deficient glenoid bone stock. Deficient glenoid bone stock can lead to inadequate glenoid baseplate fixation and, eventually, glenoid component loosening and prosthesis failure. However, with improved prosthetic designs and increased surgeon experience, indications for use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty continue to expand to include shoulders that would have previously seemed doomed to failure if treated with a reverse prosthesis. In this article, 3 cases are presented, 1 of cuff tear arthropathy and 2 of chronic anterior dislocations, in whom primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was performed despite the presence of severe glenoid bone deficiency. Corticocancellous bone grafting was used at the time of the reverse arthroplasty to augment the deficient glenoid and allow for simultaneous and adequate glenoid component fixation. All 3 cases showed excellent results in short-term follow-up, providing surgeons with an option for how to treat these difficult shoulders.
Stem Cell Antigen 1-Positive Mesenchymal Cells Are the Origin of Follicular Cells during Thyroid Regeneration

Many tissues are thought to contain adult stem/progenitor cells that are responsible for repair of the tissue where they reside upon damage and/or carcinogenesis, conditions when cellular homeostasis becomes uncontrolled. While the presence of stem/progenitor cells of the thyroid has been suggested, how these cells contribute to thyroid regeneration remains unclear. Here we show the origin of thyroid follicular cells and the process of their maturation to become follicular cells during regeneration. By using β-galactosidase (β-gal) reporter mice in conjunction with partial thyroidectomy as a model for thyroid regeneration, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) long label-retaining cell analysis, we demonstrated that stem cell antigen 1 (Sca1) and BrdU-positive, but β-gal and NKX2-1 negative cells were found in the non-follicular mesenchymal area 7 days after partial thyroidectomy. They temporarily co-expressed cytokeratin 14, and were observed in part of follicles by day 35 post-partial thyroidectomy. Sca1, BrdU, β-gal, and NKX2-1-positive cells were found 120 days post-partial thyroidectomy. These results suggested that Sca1 and BrdU positive cells may participate in the formation of new thyroid follicles after partial thyroidectomy. The process of thyroid follicular cell regeneration was recapitulated in ex vivo thyroid slice collagen gel culture studies. These studies will facilitate research on thyroid stem/progenitor cells and their roles in thyroid diseases, particularly thyroid carcinomas.
Specific inhibition of bacteriophage SPO1 DNA-directed protein synthesis by the SPO1 transcription factor, TF 1☆

Abstract TF 1, a protein found in B. subtilis infected with bacteriophage SPO1, specifically inhibits protein synthesis directed by SPO1 DNA in vitro . TF 1 does not inhibit in vitro protein synthesis directed by T4 DNA or by RNA taken from T4-infected E. coli or SP01-infected B. subtilis .
Evaluation of rigid internal fixation of mandible fractures performed in the teaching laboratory

Rigid internal fixation of mandible fractures is advocated as an effective means of providing undisturbed healing and immediate function. However, its application in the clinical setting has resulted in many technique-related failures. To determine the reasons for clinical failure and to help develop improved means of providing successful fixation, the results of plate application in the teaching laboratory were evaluated. Seventy-four surgeons taking the AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) maxillofacial course in Davos, Switzerland and 56 surgeons taking the advanced AO/ASIF course in Naples, FL applied rigid internal fixation devices to a mandibular fracture model. Treatment was evaluated for anatomic morbidity and effectiveness. In Davos, 92 of 121 subcondylar, body, symphysis, and ramus fractures (76%) were treated effectively. This included 22 of 34 symphysis fractures (65%). In Naples, 11 of 28 symphyseal fractures (39%) were fixed effectively with lag screws without anatomic morbidity. Technique failure is a frequent event in the application of rigid internal fixation devices to mandible fractures. Lag screw fixation of symphyseal fractures had a particularly high rate of technique-related failure.
Photosynthesis and nitrogenase activity in soybean treated with sulphur dioxide and molybdenum

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) plants were treated with molybdenum (Mo, 0, 1 or 2 mg kg−1 soil dry weight) and exposed to sulphur dioxide (SO2, 0.0, 0.05 or 0.1 μ1 1−1) at the flowering stage. Photosynthetic rate (PN), specific root nodule nitrogenase activity (SNA) and leaf nitrogen (N) were measured after SO2 exposure (4 h day−1 for 5 days). Treatment with 2 mg Mo resulted in a decrease in PN of 22%. The PN decreased by 45% on exposure to 0.1 μl 1−1 SO2 but no change was noticed on exposure to 0.05 μl 1−1 SO2. The PN on treatment with 0.05 μl 1−1 SO2 and 2 mg Mo was the same as that of the control plants. The SNA did not change on treatment with Mo but was reduced on exposure to SO2. Treatment with Mo of plants exposed to SO2 (0.05 μl 1−1) resulted in an increase of SNA to a level similar to that of the control plants. The leaf N results were similar to that of PN and SNA; addition of 2 mg Mo ameliorated the negative impact of SO2 (0.05 μl 1−1).
Elucidation of the mechanism of the reaction between phenylboronic acid and a model diol, Alizarin Red S.

In this work, the reaction between phenylboronic acid and the diol-containing, fluorescent dye Alizarin Red S (ARS) was probed. Fluorescence titrations, 11B NMR measurements, and both pre- and steady-state kinetic experiments were used for the characterization of this reaction over a large pH range (4–10.5). It was shown that ARS preferentially reacted with the boronic (neutral, trigonal) form of phenylboronic acid; however, the boronate (anionic, tetrahedral) form was also reactive. All in all, four reactant species were implicated in the formation of four different adduct species. The rate of a given adduct formation depended on the combination of the solution pH and the pKa’s of both ARS and the arylboronic acid. The reaction was found to proceed in two distinct kinetic steps with the products and starting materials in facile exchange. In addition, the elucidation of the mechanism indicated the presence of two fluorescent products with the structure of the major contributor differing from what had been...
Using Covariance Modeling for Estimating Reliability on Scales with Ordered Polytomous Variables

This study explores the use of covariance modeling for estimating reliability on ordered polytomous variable models. Using Browne's (1984) general family of fit functions, the writer employed three different correlation matrices (PEARSON, POLYCHORIC, and TOBIT) to obtain reliability estimates. Based on the results of a Monte Carlo study using different levels of variable asymmetry, reliability estimates obtained from the PEARSON matrix did not perform so well as estimates obtained from the POLYCHORIC or TOBIT matrices across the different asymmetry levels. Little difference was detected between the use of the POLYCHORIC and TOBIT matrices, with both providing small bias in the estimates of reliability.
Static and dynamic light‐scattering studies of poly(vinyl acetate) in the glass transition region

An optically clear sample of undiluted poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) has been prepared by UV-initiated bulk polymerization of monomer at 42°C. Measurements of light-scattering intensities in the temperature range Tg − 30°C > T > Tg + 50°C have been carried out. Photon correlation spectroscopy has been performed in the temperature range Tg + 5°C > T > Tg + 23°C. Intensity data for T δρ2; below Tg statistical thermodynamic formulation of >δρ2, evaluated using experimental equation-of-state information, is found to be in accord with the light-scattering results. Photon correlation functions are well described by a single Williams–Watts function. Mean relaxation times and associated activation energies are compared with results of other relaxational studies of PVAc. Discrepancies observed are interpreted to be due in part to variability of sample histories as well as to problems in analytical treatment of the pertinent relaxation spectra.
Mechanical behavior of bio-inspired laminated composites

To investigate if the relative high strength and stiffness of biological composites can be translated into man-made materials, innovative bio-inspired laminated composites with commercial materials (glass epoxy prepreg) were designed and manufactured by incorporating the distinctive helicoidal morphology observed in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. The helicoidal structure is characterized by a stacking sequence consisting of a gradual rotation of each lamina in the multi-layered laminated composites. Variations of the helicoidal structure were designed and produced to address some important issues encountered in the practical composites manufacturing process, including mid-plane symmetry. In addition, composite structures with a general quasi-isotropic configuration were made as a baseline structure. Selected material properties (flexural properties, shear strength) were evaluated through appropriate ASTM tests and laminated composites theory. Structure post-damage behavior was also investigated. Significant improvement in the mechanical performance of the bio-inspired structure was observed over the baseline structure.
Numerical integration of periodic orbits in the main problem of artificial satellite theory

We describe a collection of results obtained by numerical integration of orbits in the main problem of artificial satellite theory (theJ 2 problem). The periodic orbits have been classified according to their stability and the Poincare surfaces of section computed for different values ofJ 2 andH (whereH is thez-component of angular momentum). The problem was scaled down to a fixed value (−1/2) of the energy constant. It is found that the pseudo-circular periodic solution plays a fundamental role. They are the equivalent of the Poincare first-kind solutions in the three-body problem. The integration of the variational equations shows that these pseudo-circular solutions are stable, except in a very narrow band near the critical inclincation. This results in a sequence of bifurcations near the critical inclination, refining therefore some known results on the critical inclination, for instance by Izsak (1963), Jupp (1975, 1980) and Cushman (1983). We also verify that the double pitchfork bifurcation around the critical inclination exists for large values ofJ 2, as large as |J 2|=0.2. Other secondary (higher-order) bifurcations are also described. The equations of motion were integrated in rotating meridian coordinates.
Local administration of nitric oxide donor significantly impacts microvascular thrombosis.

Objectives/Hypothesis Clinical pharmacotherapy has demonstrated a role in preventing microvascular thrombosis in both experimental and clinical settings. Previous studies in the rabbit model have noted an increased rate of thrombosis with intravenous infusion of nitric oxide antagonists. The study assessed the effects of local application of nitric oxide agonists and antagonists on microvascular anastomotic patency rates. Study Design A randomized, prospective analysis. Methods An arterial inversion graft microvascular thrombosis model was used in New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were randomly assigned to nitric oxide agonist, antagonist, and control groups. In each rabbit, the common femoral artery was surgically exposed and a 2-mm arterial inversion graft was harvested. The anastomosis of the graft to the common femoral artery was performed in solutions of either 100 μmol/L spermine NONOate (nitric oxide donor), 100 μmol/L nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), or 0.9% sodium chloride (control) solution. The contralateral common femoral artery also underwent arterial inversion graft testing with the use of the same solution. Arterial patency was assessed 1 hour after anastomosis. Results Sixteen of 22 arterial inversion grafts performed in the spermine NONOate solution remained patent, and 6 of 22 clotted. Eleven of 21 arterial inversion grafts performed in the control solution remained patent, and 10 clotted. Seven of 21 arterial inversion grafts performed in the L-NAME solution remained patent, and 14 clotted. These results were found to be statistically significant using the χ2 test with a P value of less than .05. Conclusions In the rabbit model, local application of nitric oxide agonists and antagonists can significantly impact anastomotic patency rates. Further studies may demonstrate a role for the clinical use of nitric oxide in microvascular surgery.
Hybrid optimization schemes for simulation-based problems.

The inclusion of computer simulations in the study and design of complex engineering systems has created a need for efficient approaches to simulation-based optimization. For example, in water resources management problems, optimization problems regularly consist of objective functions and constraints that rely on output from a PDE-based simulator. Various assumptions can be made to simplify either the objective function or the physical system so that gradient-based methods apply, however the incorporation of realistic objection functions can be accomplished given the availability of derivative-free optimization methods. A wide variety of derivative-free methods exist and each method has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, to address such problems, we propose a hybrid approach, which allows the combining of beneficial elements of multiple methods in order to more efficiently search the design space. Specifically, in this paper, we illustrate the capabilities of two novel algorithms; one which hybridizes pattern search optimization with Gaussian Process emulation and the other which hybridizes pattern search and a genetic algorithm. We describe the hybrid methods and give some numerical results for a hydrological application which illustrate that the hybrids find an optimal solution under conditions for which traditional optimal search methods fail.
Geomicrobiological Changes in Two Ephemeral Desert Playa Lakes in the Western United States

The geochemistry and microbiology of two ephemeral playa lakes in the Western United States, Surprise Valley Alkali Lake (SVAL) and Eldorado Playa (EP), were examined over one wetting cycle, revealing dramatic temporal changes in suspended mineralogy, aqueous chemistry, and bacterial populations. In SVAL the predominant suspended mineral changed from smectite to vermiculite and clinoptilolite, which led to a depletion of soluble Mg2+. Nitrate became depleted in both playas as a result of biological nitrogen demand imparted by unusually dense microbial communities reaching ∼1 × 108 cultivable heterotrophs per ml of water. One hundred eighty eight bacterial isolates were obtained, representing sixty phylotypes and four phyla: Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the microbial communities reflected different phases of succession, with SVAL changing from a diverse community with abundant Yonghaparkia to a less diverse late summer community with ab...
Intramolecular π-Type Hydrogen Bonding and Conformations of 3-Cyclopenten-1-ol. 2. Infrared and Raman Spectral Studies at High Temperatures

The vapor-phase infrared and Raman spectra of 3-cyclopenten-1-ol (3CPOL) have been collected at temperatures ranging from 25 to 267 °C. These clearly show the presence of four conformations of 3CPOL with the one with intramolecular π-type hydrogen bonding being most abundant. The spectra of all four conformations have been assigned, and these agree well with the computed values from the DFT calculation. The frequency shifts observed for the different conformations are in accord with the predicted values. In the O−H stretching region the conformer A with the π-type intramolecular hydrogen bond has the lowest stretching frequency at 3623.4 cm−1 while the three higher energy conformers have frequencies 14.2, 32.0, and 36 cm−1 higher. In the C═C stretching region conformer A again has the lowest frequency at 1607.3 cm−1 while the other conformers have bands 2.1, 8.0, and 13.4 cm−1 lower. Both the O−H stretching and the C═C stretching force constants are decreased about 2% by the hydrogen bonding. Five of the ...
Levosimendan, a novel myofilament calcium sensitizer, allows weaning of parenteral inotropic therapy in patients with severe congestive heart failure

Abstract Twenty-four patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) who were dependent on intravenous inotropic support were enrolled in a pilot study to test the ability of oral levosimendan to facilitate weaning of patients from parenteral inotropes. Twenty patients were successfully weaned from intravenous inotropes and remained off these agents for a minimum of 10 days (the primary endpoint of the study). Seven patients were maintained on oral levosimendan for >90 days. The preliminary data, obtained from a population with extremely severe CHF, suggest that oral levosimendan may be used instead of intravenous inotropic support in CHF patients who are dependent on parenteral inotropes.
The Systematic Position of Canimartes? From The Upper Pliocene of Idaho

Based on similarities of the dentition, especially the diagnostic triangular shape and development of the slight cingular shelf on the P4 and the notched protoconic crest of the M1, Canimartes? idahoensis (Gazin, 1937) and Canimartes ? cookii (Gazin, 1937) are assigned to the genus Trigonictis . Statistical analyses of various parameters in certain Recent mustelids show that although sexual dimorphism can account for great differences in size, comparison with the results obtained for the fossil forms seems to indicate that Trigonictis idahoensis (Gazin) and T. cookii (Gazin) are valid species.
Studies of the peptic degradation of bovine bradykininogen

Abstract Investigations into the manner in which bradykinin is linked in the bradykininogen molecule has led to the degradation of bovine bradykininogen by the enzyme pepsin. The degradative products include dialyzable polypeptides which contain bradykinin of bradykinin-like peptides as part of their structure. Partial purification of these peptides has been accomplished by Dowex 1-X2 chromatography. Purification has been aided by the use of p -toluenesulfonic acid, an agent found to protect, bradykinin and bradykinin-like peptides during concentration procedures.
Radiation therapy and breast reconstruction

Mastectomy will continue to play a substantial role in the treatment of breast cancer, because many women either are not candidates for or do not desire to have breast conservation. Many patients treated with mastectomy will desire reconstruction, and many of these will be advised to receive adjuvant radiotherapy, which has been shown to increase overall survival in certain high risk patients. There continues to be considerable controversy regarding the compatibility of radiation therapy and breast reconstruction due to increased complications and decreased cosmetic outcome. These can be minimized by careful modern surgical and radiation techniques, and in most cases the result is acceptable, including for reconstructions with prosthetic implants as well as autogenous myocutaneous flaps. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 6:81–89, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Application of real time spectroscopic ellipsometry for analysis of roll-to-roll fabrication of Si:H solar cells on polymer substrates

Real time spectroscopic ellipsometry (RTSE) has been developed to monitor the cassette roll-to-roll deposition of thin film Si:H n-i-p solar cells on flexible polymer substrates coated with a back-reflector (BR). The methodology is first demonstrated here in growth studies from nucleation to the final thickness for a magnetron sputtered ZnO layer on top of opaque Ag in the BR structure. The methodology is then extended to plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of the i and p-layers in succession on the BR/n-layer stack. RTSE data collection is initiated before the plasma is ignited so that the nucleation of the layers can be observed. The film thickness increases with time until a steady state is reached, after which the bulk layer thickness at the monitoring point is constant with time. This occurs when the elapsed deposition time equals the time required for the moving substrate to travel from the leading edge of the deposition zone to the monitoring point. Although a constant substrate speed is selected such that the final film thickness is achieved in the time required to move through the entire deposition zone, this speed does not permit study of film growth that occurs after the substrate passes the monitoring point. To address this deficiency, the substrate speed is reduced only over an initial length of the roll such that the final film thickness of interest is reached at the monitoring point. In this way, RTSE can be used to analyze the entire layer on an initial length of the roll before its full length is coated. The goal of this work is to develop and verify optimum deposition procedures based on optical monitoring of thin film Si:H solar cell structures in roll-to-roll multi-chamber deposition.
Observation of the Taylor instability in a dusty plasma

Observations of the Taylor instability in a laboratory dusty plasma are presented. The dust cloud, formed in a dc argon glow-discharge plasma, is stratified into regions of high and low dust densities. The instability was triggered by a spontaneous intrusion of the low density dust fluid into the high density dust fluid at the interface. The instability in the dust fluid was phenomenologically similar to the hydrodynamic Taylor instability that occurs when a light fluid is accelerated into a heavy fluid.
Habitation in Space: The Relationship between Aesthetics & Dwelling

[Abstract] As goals in Space exploration expand from short-term scientific missions to the eventual colonization of the Moon and Mars, new ‘human factors’ criteria need to be developed to address a different set of physical and psychological requirements. The designing of living conditions for long-duration stays should take into account quality-of-life considerations, as well as those of survival and functionality. To that end, this paper discusses the necessity of an aesthetic perspective in this process.
S6 phosphorylation accompanies recruitment of ribosomes and mRNA into polysomes in response to dichlororibofuranosyl benzimidazole

Dichlororibofuranosyl benzimidazole (DRB), a potent inhibitor of nuclear RNA synthesis and messenger RNA (mRNA) accumulation, produces a paradoxical mobilization of rRNA and mRNA from the subpolysomal pool into polysomes in HeLa cells during the first 40 min of treatment. S6 is phosphorylated concurrently with polysome accumulation, and ribosomal subunits containing phosphorylated S6 are preferentially localized in polysomes, indicating that they form initiation complexes more readily than their non-phosphorylated counterparts.
A hydrostatic Michell framework supports frog lungs.

A braced framework of tubular struts, in the walls and air spaces of frog lungs, suspends the respiratory surface and holds the lung open at zero transmural pressure withstanding imploding forces created by abdominal viscera, much as would the supports of a bell tent. The struts are tubes, having a larger second moment of area than do solid struts of the same cross-sectional area, and so are stronger, and contain pulmonary vessels within a flexible wall. The orthogonal arrangement of the struts in the framework, explained in part by Maxwell’s Lemma and Michell’s Theorem, strengthens the framework and minimizes its weight; orthogonality is maintained as the lungs change size. A model is presented, in which a frog might control pre-and post-pulmonary vascular resistances and, hence, blood volume in the struts, without compromising pulmonary perfusion. Such adjustments could vary the area of lung and the extent of perfused capillaries exposed to pulmonary gas, helping match the lung’s surface area, weight and metabolic load to activity.