cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the kinematics and injury potential to different sizes of pedestrians impacted by a utility vehicle with a frontal guard

A review of accident data reveals that in most pedestrian accidents, the head and lower extremity injuries are the predominant areas of injury to the pedestrian. The vehicle front geometry profile and stiffness, as well as impact speed are important factors governing pedestrian kinematics. Accident data show that the fatality rate for pedestrian/utility vehicle impact is greater than that for pedestrian/passenger car impact. The addition of a front guard on light trucks and sports utility vehicles to mitigate damage during off-road activity, or to provide mounting points for extra lights, makes the pedestrian more vulnerable to the impact. In this study, a computational technique is utilised to quantify the influence of the added front guard on the impacted pedestrian. A computer-aided design model of a typical commercial frontal guard is developed, and the finite element analysis, along with impact test, is conducted to obtain the stiffness properties of the guard. Different sizes of pedestrian models in the MADYMO code are utilised, and the validated facet-surface model of a pickup truck is used to generate a vehicle front surface. The entire model is validated by comparing the pedestrian kinematics and injury parameters with the published data. This study demonstrates that for all sizes of pedestrians, the mid-body region is more vulnerable when a guard is added to the vehicle. The results from this study can be utilised in the designing of front guards, the frontal crash zone of utility vehicles and installation of these aftermarket guards in order to protect vulnerable road users.
Falls among the elderly—Human and environmental factors☆

A study was made of 150 persons age 60 or older in Chittenden County, Vermont who were treated in an emergency department for injuries from falls, and compared them with 150 elderly neighbors not known to have such injuries. About 19 out of every 1000 elderly persons in the county are treated for falls annually but at least a third of persons in this age range have falls each year, usually not requiring treatment. A third of the treated falls were precipitated by an acute health problem, usually an exacerbation of a more chronic condition, and an additional 8% involved impairment attributable to alcohol, commonly by a person with a history of frequent, heavy drinking. Problems with canes, walkers or wheelchairs appeared to contribute to several falls among impaired persons. Persons with falls because of acute impairment had chronic limitations of mobility, vision or sensorium significantly more often than did persons with other falls or with no falls. Over half of the falls not attributable to acute impairment were caused by slippery or uneven ground. The data do not support the hypothesis that falls of the elderly commonly occur because of fractures of hips or vertebrae, but they do suggest that brittleness of bone, small muscle mass or both are substantial contributors to fractures in the elderly once the fall has been initiated. The nature of the surface struck is less important, but not entirely irrelevent, in determining the severity of injury to persons in this age range. Once injury occurred appropriate first aid was rarely provided and the injured commonly delayed for six hours or longer before seeking care and used methods of transportation to the hospital that were not conducive to limiting exacerbation of the injury. Forty-four per cent of the injured were hospitalized and, of these, 22% died within a year after injury, usually within 3 months. However, the fall injury was only rarely listed on the death certificate as an associated cause of death or significant other condition although it probably should have been listed in most cases.
Isomerism in 69Se

Abstract Isomeric states of 69Se were produced via the heavy-ion compound-nucleus process and from the positon decay of 69Br, the former producing a high-spin state and the latter preferentially populating a low-spin state. Ge(Li) detectors as well as scintillation counting showed that the high-spin state decays with T 1 2 = 14.0 ± 1.0 min to levels in 69As, giving rise to γ-rays of 116, 166 and 282 keV. The low-spin state decays predominantly to a state giving rise to a 145 keV γ-ray with T 1 2 = 1.8 ± 0.2 min. The beta end-point energy of both isomers is 5.2 ± 0.2 MeV. It is deduced that the high-spin state, assigned Jπ = 9 2 +, is the ground state; the isomeric state had Jπ = 3 2 −. The angular momentum inversion as compared to neutron-excess Se isotopes is attributed to Coriolis coupling to a deformed core as described by Malik and Scholz.
A Method and FPGA Architecture for Real-Time Polymorphic Reconfiguration

Current FPGA architectures are limited in the area of granular reconfiguration. This is largely due to the limited use of reconfigurable designs and the focus on reconfiguring entire modules as opposed to fine details of a design. The ability to reconfigure a circuits' characteristics can have huge rewards in the areas of circuit survivability, fault tolerance and anti tamper. This paper addresses this need as well as a proposed dynamically reconfigurable FPGA implementing custom retiming algorithms combined with dynamic signature generation. Through the use of this design, users can significantly increase their level of control of an FPGA design in an effort to address the problems of anti-tamper, circuit survivability and fault tolerance.
The American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting 2006: advances in the treatment of connective tissue diseases

Systemic lupus erythematosus The current treatment approach of SLE includes the use of antimalarials, immunosuppressive drugs, steroids and nonsteroidal agents. The development of new biotherapies that target both the immune cells and cytokine pathways has resulted in a radical change in the management strategy of SLE. Several abstracts addressed the use of immunosuppressive agents, while presentations on new biological therapies provided insights into the changing therapeutic landscape.
Anticrack model for pressure solution surfaces

We propose that discrete solution surfaces originate at stress concentrations and propagate through rock as anticracks . As material is dissolved and removed, the anticrack walls move toward each other; stress and displacement fields are identical to those for the conventional opening crack, but with a change of sign. Observations of entire traces of solution surfaces are consistent with the anticrack concept: (1) the surfaces are bounded in extent; (2) the dissolved thickness varies from a maximum near the center to zero at the tips; and (3) the maximum dissolved thickness is proportional to the length of the surface. Local dissolution and in-plane propagation are suggested by the large isotropic compressive stress at the anticrack tip. Propagating solution surfaces will interact to form a regular array corresponding to some bulk strain rate. Anticracks may also interact with opening and shear cracks; observations of interacting solution surfaces, veins, and faults illustrate these configurations. Intersecting arrays of cracks, anticracks, and shear cracks operate to yield a mode of bulk deformation similar to diffusion-accommodated grain-boundary sliding in polycrystalline solids.
Characterization of His-tagged, R6K-encoded π protein variants

Abstract The π protein of plasmid R6K is a multifunctional replication ( Rep ) protein, its different activities attributable, in part, to different oligomeric states: monomers and dimers. We have previously shown that His-tagged variants of the protein can exhibit alterations in dimer stability. Herein, we examined the functional properties of selected His-tagged derivatives of π (His-π•wt and three hyperactive replication variants) to determine if the functionality of these proteins in replication, DNA binding, and oligomerization is altered. Our results indicate that these tagged proteins retain the characteristics previously demonstrated for their non-tagged counterparts making them suitable for ongoing studies of π protein structure and functions in replication and transcription.
Correlates of endothelial function and the peak systolic blood pressure response to a graded maximal exercise test.

Abstract Purpose An elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to a graded maximal exercise stress test (GEST) may be a predictor of endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. We examined relationships among the GEST peak SBP response and indicators of endothelial function. Methods Men ( n =48, 43.7±1.4yr) with high BP (145.1±1.5/85.5±1.1mmHg) completed a GEST. Peak SBP was the highest SBP achieved during the GEST. Blood samples were taken for fasting glucose and insulin, nitric oxide (NO), and DNA. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase ( NOS3 , rs2070744) −786 T>C genotyping was determined by PCR. NOS3 genotypes were combined using a dominant model [TT ( n =24); TC/CC ( n =24)]. Brachial artery reactivity (BAR) was determined via ultrasound before, 1min, and 3min post occlusion and calculated as % change. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested changes in the peak SBP GEST response by NOS3 genotype. Multiple variable regression analyses examined relationships among the GEST peak SBP response and measures of endothelial function. Results %BAR change at 1min ( r 2 =0.093, p =0.020), glucose ( r 2 =0.062, p =0.014), NOS3 −786 T>C ( r 2 =0.040, p =0.024), NO ( r 2 =0.037, p =0.064), and age ( r 2 =0.009, p =0.014) explained 24.1% of the GEST peak SBP response ( p =0.043). The GEST peak SBP change from baseline was 11.1±5.0mmHg higher among those with the NOS3 C allele (92.4mmHg+3.8) than the NOS3 TT genotype (81.3mmHg+3.2) ( p =0.03). Conclusion Indicators of endothelial function appear to explain a clinically significant portion of the GEST peak SBP response. Further investigation is needed to unravel the mechanisms by which endothelial function influences the GEST peak SBP response.
Block of the endplate acetylcholine receptor channel by the sympathomimetic agents ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and albuterol

Recent observations suggest that some patients with congenital myasthenic syndromes respond favorably to ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or albuterol. Conventional microelectrode studies, however, provide no clear explanation for a beneficial effect of ephedrine in endplate diseases. To gain further insight into how these drugs affect neuromuscular transmission, we investigated their effects on the kinetic properties of the acetylcholine (ACh) receptor. Single channel currents were recorded from rat lumbrical muscles endplates using low concentrations of ACh and 2.5-100 microM of drugs. Between 10-100 microM, each drug progressively increased the rate of channel closure in a concentration dependent manner, consistent with an open-channel block. Albuterol acted as a sequential fast-acting channel blocker, increasing the mean burst duration in a concentration dependent manner without altering the total open time per burst or the duration of intraburst blockages. Increasing concentrations of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine also increased the number of intraburst closures but decreased the total open time per burst. None of the drugs altered single channel conductance. The channel blocking effects of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine might reduce the synaptic overactivity that occurs in the slow-channel myasthenic syndromes or in endplate ACh esterase deficiency, but these effects occur at concentrations not attainable in clinical practice.
Dinocephalians are not anomodonts

ABSTRACT Watson and Romer's (1956) proposal that dinocephalians, dicynodonts, and venjukoviomorphs comprise a monophyletic Anomodontia has been supported by King (1988) on the basis of four hypothesized synapomorphies: 1) loss of the coronoid bone, 2) non-terminal nostrils with a long posterior spur of the premaxilla, 3) a grooved palatal surface of the vomer, and 4) reduction or loss of the internal trochanter of the femur. These characters, however, appear to be plesiomorphic for therapsids (long internarial process of the premaxilla, and a grooved palatal surface of the vomer), related to incisor size and/or the degree to which the premaxillary alveolar margin is elevated, and show no consistent phylogenetic pattern (position of the external nares), homoplasies (convergent reduction or loss of the internal trochanter of the femur), or not even characteristic of dinocephalians (loss of the coronoid bone). There is no evidence to support inclusion of dinocephalians in the Anomodontia.
Nonorographic generation of Arctic polar stratospheric clouds during December 1999

[1] During December 1999, polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) were observed in the absence of conditions conducive to generation by topographic gravity waves. The possibility is explored that PSCs can be generated by inertia gravity waves (IGW) radiating from breaking synoptic-scale Rossby waves on the polar front jet. The aerosol features on 7 and 12 December are selected for comparison with theory and with simulations using the University of Wisconsin Nonhydrostatic Modeling System (UWNMS). Consistent with Rossby adjustment theory, a common feature in the UWNMS simulations is radiation of IGW from the tropopause polar front jet, especially from sectors which are evolving rapidly in the Rossby wave breaking process. Packets of gravity wave energy radiate upward and poleward into the cold pool, while individual wave crests propagate poleward and downward, causing mesoscale variations in vertical motion and temperature. On 12 December the eastbound DC-8 lidar observations exhibited a fairly uniform field of six waves in aerosol enhancement in the 14–20 km layer, consistent with vertical displacement by a field of IGW propagating antiparallel to the flow, with characteristic horizontal and vertical wavelengths of ∼300 and ∼10 km. UWNMS simulations show emanation of a field of IGW upward and southwestward from a northward incursion of the polar front jet. The orientation and evolution of the aerosol features on 7 December are consistent with a single PSC induced by an IGW packet propagating from a breaking Rossby wave over western Russia toward the northeast into the coldest part of the base of the polar vortex, with characteristic period ∼9 hours, vertical wavelength ∼12 km, and horizontal wavelength ∼1000 km. Linear theory shows that for both of these cases, IGW energy propagates upward at ∼1 km/hour and horizontally at ∼100 km/hour, with characteristic trace speed ∼30 m/s. The spatial orientation of the PSC along IGW phase lines is contrasted with the nearly horizontal filamentary structures in the PSC, which are indicative of flow streamlines. It is suggested that vertical displacement is a crucial factor in determining whether a PSC will form and that most PSCs are relatable to specific synoptic and mesoscale motions.
Web based integrated framework for security applications

This paper presents a multi tier web architecture that integrates web technology, Database system, and Batch processing tools for the development of a real time threat detection system. Four data repository models are introduced for effective data storage and retrieval. The baseline feature vectors are introduced and stored in the database table using a batch job. The batch job performs load balancing by calculating the new feature vector using the offline server and updates the online database server. The illustrative application uses the Hierarchical Multi level HVS segmentation, ratio based edge detection, and support vector machine for threat recognition and detection. The 64 bit edge based feature vector is generated for the baseline images and the input test object images using the cell edge distribution approach. The experimental results demonstrate that the presented framework is efficient in facilitating accurate threat detection and support the development of portable, reusable and scalable object recognition applications for heterogeneous distributed environment.
The Har strains of rats: origins and characteristics.

Origins of the principal lines ofRattus norvegicus used in behavior genetic research are identified. Broad descriptions are provided for 15 of the Har strains and substrains of well-established inbred lines and behaviorally selected stocks. Marker genes are identified for coat and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci. Detailed characteristics are summarized for 12 of these lines using a comprehensive behavioral test battery composed of a variety of measures of expressive behavior, learning, and physiological characteristics.
Efficient use of implicit formulas with predictor-corrector error estimate

Abstract With current implementations of implicit formulas for the solution of ordinary differential equations, one first solves the algebraic equations of the formula and then tests to see if the local error is acceptable. When the local error is estimated by comparing predicted and final corrected value, an extremely cheap necessary condition on the first correction is developed which avoids the expense of solving the algebraic equations only to reject the step. This condition and another provide early prediction of all modes of failure to take a step with an implicit formula.
Fluids, both ionic and non-ionic, over wide ranges of temperature and composition

While I shall give primary attention to recent research, some historical remarks seem appropriate-especially since some will concern Dr Rossini. It was in 1935 that I started my PhD thesis research with Wendell Latimer at the University of California at Berkeley. Initially, it concerned the entropies of aqueous ions, and several papers were published in that area. Before long, the opportunity arose to collaborate with J. D. Kemp on the problem of restricted internal rotation in ethane and the determination of the barrier from the entropy and other thermodynamic data. Kemp provided the entropy value; I provided the quantum statistical mechanics. Soon thereafter, I proceeded from the ethane problem to those for several other light hydrocarbons. Next came the development of statistical thermodynamic methods for the prediction of entropies, heat capacities, and related properties for various series of hydrocarbons with experimental input required for only one or two initial members. These last capabilities caught the attention of Dr Rossini, and he asked me to cooperate or collaborate in assembling tables of thermodynamic properties for various hydrocarbons. His group measured energies of combustion and obtained thereby the enthalpies of formation while I provided heat capacities, entropies, and “free-energy functions”. This information made
Serum antioxidants and myocardial infarction. Are low levels of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol risk factors for myocardial infarction?

BACKGROUNDIn vitro, animal and epidemiological studies suggest that lipoprotein oxidation may play an important role in atherosclerosis. Antioxidants may protect against lipoprotein oxidation and in that way inhibit atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae. To investigate this possibility, we examined the association between levels of several antioxidants and myocardial infarction using serum specimens collected 7 to 14 years before the onset of myocardial infarction.METHODS AND RESULTSA nested case-control design was used. Cases and control subjects were selected from the 25,802 persons who had donated 15 mL of blood in 1974 for a serum bank. Cases comprised 123 persons with a subsequent first diagnosis of myocardial infarction who ranged from 23 through 58 years of age in 1974 and who had had their first diagnosis of myocardial infarction during 1981 to 1988. Two groups of control subjects matched to the cases for sex and age were selected from donors to the serum bank, one from those with hospital adm...
Population growth, age structure, and environmental impact

We develop and use a simulation model that considers sustainability on several levels by calculating production, consumption, investment, population growth/change, and environmental pollution less environmental quality upgrading investment. Our model allows us to consider population's impact on per capita consumption as well as the social interdependencies among populations, per capita consumption, and technology. Under certain population growth scenarios we find some countries ultimately consume less pollution, and less pollution is consumed on a system-wide basis. We arrive at this apparently counterintutive result because: (1) we explicitly model the decision to invest in environmental quality upgrading; and (2) we consider the impact of population age structure on investment, not only the impact of total population and population growth on total consumption.
Preconditions of three types of alienation in young managers and professionals

SUMMARY The study tested predictions derived from Korman (1977) and from Sarason (1977) about factors leading to alienation among occupationally-successful young adults. The sample consisted of 434 college graduates (median age = 29 years), 85 per cent of whom were employed full-time. Respondents completed self-report questionnaires including measures of family and college background; expectations at college graduation for positive outcomes in personal, interpersonal, and work areas; current fulfilment in each of these areas; and alienation (estrangement from self, other people, and occupation or profession). Results of subgroup analysis showed that respondents whose backgrounds included high socio-economic status and graduation from elite colleges were more likely than other subjects to experience alienation when encountering lack of fulfilment. However, moderator regressions failed to show similar moderator effects, indicating that family and college backgrounds may produce discontinuous and qualitatively different subgroup effects. One implication of this study is to suggest more care in selecting individuals for high-risk job assignments with low probability of success.
Bridged tetrahydroisoquinolines as selective NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) inhibitors

(1SR,4RS)-3,3-Dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-(epiminomethano)naphthalenes were synthesized in 2–3 steps from commercially available materials and assessed for specificity and effectiveness across a range of Nox isoforms. The N-pentyl and N-methylenethiophene substituted analogs 11g and 11h emerged as selective Nox2 inhibitors with cellular IC50 values of 20 and 32 μM, respectively.
DSPM: Dynamic Security Policy Management for Optimizing Performance in Wireless Networks

Military wireless networks suffer from privacy and performance concerns due to their shared radio medium and off-the-shelf products. Therefore, robust and efficient security management is essential in these networks, especially for the transmission of sensitive data. However, security solutions based on static-configuration paradigm do not adapt to changing network conditions, such as variations in wireless link characteristics, leading to degradation in system performance. The rationale for advocating dynamic security paradigm is to achieve optimized network performance and security based on network conditions. Therefore, we propose a dynamic security policy management (DSPM) in which security policies can be changed on the fly based on the network feedback about wireless link conditions. DSPM is analyzed by using semi-Markov decision process to determine the optimal instances for switching security policies. The results show that DSPM provides enhanced security and improved performance than static security.
Suppression of the later stages of radiation-induced carcinogenesis by antioxidant dietary formulations.

Abstract We have previously reported data from a long-term carcinogenesis study indicating that dietary antioxidant supplements can suppress radiation-induced malignant lymphoma and harderian gland tumors induced by space radiations (specifically, 1 GeV/n iron ions or protons) in CBA/J mice. Two different antioxidant dietary supplements were used in these studies: a supplement containing a mixture of antioxidant agents [l-selenomethionine (SeM), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), ascorbic acid, co-enzyme Q10, α-lipoic acid and vitamin E succinate], termed the AOX supplement, and another supplement known as Bowman-Birk Inhibitor Concentrate (BBIC). In the present report, the results from the earlier analysis of the harderian gland data from the published long-term animal study have been combined with new data derived from the same long-term animal study. In the earlier analysis, harderian glands were removed from animals exhibiting abnormalities (e.g. visibly swollen areas) around the eyes at the time of euthanasia ...
High Pressure Raman Spectroscopy Of TiO 2 Thin Films

The pressure dependences of the Raman active modes in submicrometer films of the anatase and rutile crystalline phases of TiO2 have been determined at pressures approaching 90 Kbar. Films investigated have been prepared by reactive sputter deposition and sol-gel techniques. Band frequency shifts as a function of applied pressure for the rutile phase are in agreement with measurements from single crystal samples. However, sol-gel films (anatase) exhibit larger frequency shifts than powder or single crystal samples, and do not undergo the expected pressure-induced phase transformation to the Ti02-II phase. This anomalous pressure response is discussed in terms of the complex film microstructure evaluated from TEM cross-sectional measurements.
Chemical studies of L chondrites. V: compositional patterns for 49 trace elements in 14 L4-6 and 7 LL4-6 falls

Abstract To study compositional trends associated with open-system thermal metamorphism and shock-induced collisional breakup of L4-6 chondrite parent(s), we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and radiochemical neutron activation analysis to determine 49 trace elements in 62 falls. Trends for the 49 elements, especially of the 14 rare earth elements in 5 members of a putative L/LL group (Bjurbole, Cynthiana, Holbrook, Knyahinya, Sultanpur) and 9 additional L chondrites (Air, Aumieres, Bachmut, Forksville, Kandahar, Kiel, Milean, Narellan, Santa Isabel) differed markedly from those in the remaining normal 46 samples. Here, we report the data for the 14 L and putative L/LL chondrites and 7 LL (Appley Bridge, Athens, Bandong, Ensisheim, Mangwendi, Olivenza, Soko-Banja), analyzed to test the affinity of the putative L/LL suite to well-characterized LL chondrites. Compositional trends of the 14 atypical L chondrites (including Air’s unique and possibly contaminated signature) and Mangwendi, an LL6 chondrite, indicate that each is compositionally unrepresentative of well-sampled, whole-rock chondrites. Indeed, half of the unrepresentative chondrites were ≤ 2-g samples. Compositionally, members of the putative L/LL chondrites demonstrate no affinities to normal LL chondrite falls. To establish compositional trends accompanying open-system, thermal episodes involving the L chondrite parent(s), we should ignore data for the 14 unrepresentative L chondrites reported here.
Optical Sensors for Corrosion Systems: I. Oxygen Sensing

Sensing the chemical environment in confined spaces that characterize localized corrosion requires special instrumentation beyond the capability of classical electrochemical instrumentation. We describe a fiber-optic oxygen sensor based on fluorescence quenching of a ruthenium phenanthroline complex that is small, fast, and rugged enough to be used in the field. The sensitivity of the dual-fiber probe is 0.9 Torr and 0.01 mg/L oxygen in the gas and aqueous phases, respectively. The sensor utilizes a polydimethylsiloxane matrix for the dye that will facilitate further miniaturization for corrosion studies.
Saline ingestion stimulates the in situ molar activity of tyrosine hydroxylase in the median eminence and superior cervical ganglion.

The effects of drinking saline for 7 days on the mass and in situ activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the median eminence (ME) and superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of rats were investigated. TH mass was quantified by immunoblot assay. In situ TH activity was calculated from the rate of intracellular accumulation of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). In rats that drank 10 mM, 30 mM, and 100 mM NaCl for 7 days, TH activity in the ME was 34 +/- 4, 36 +/- 5, and 45 +/- 3 (mean and S.E.M.) mol of DOPA.h-1.mol of TH-1, respectively, compared to 30 +/- 2 for rats that drank water. The activity of TH in the SCG of animals that drank 10 mM, 30 mM, and 100 mM NaCl was 143 +/- 24, 167 +/- 12, and 272 +/- 13 mol DOPA.h-1.mol TH-1, respectively, compared to 119 +/- 10 for animals that drank water. The mass of TH in the ME and SCG decreased as a function of the concentration of NaCl in the drinking water. In animals that drank water, 10 mM, 30 mM, and 100 mM NaCl, the amounts (pmol) of TH were, respectively, 0.28 +/- 0.03, 0.31 +/- 0.04, 0.23 +/- 0.02, and 0.21 +/- 0.01 per ME and 0.67 +/- 0.06, 0.72 +/- 0.11, 0.37 +/- 0.01, and 0.34 +/- 0.02 per SCG. TH activity in the ME or SCG was unaffected by treatment for 7 days with arginine vasopressin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Partial molar volumes of gases dissolved in liquids. Part II. A dilatometer for measuring infinite-dilution partial molar volumes, and results for 40 liquid-gas systems☆

Abstract A dilatometer with an imprecision of less than 0.4% is described for the determination of partial molar volumes of gases dissolved in liquids. Measurements at 298.15 K are reported for 40 liquid-gas systems having n-alkanes and 1-alkanols as the liquid component. The results are interpreted in terms of a number of empirical and semiempirical correlations.
Theory of three-photon ionisation of 2S metastable helium

The authors present calculations of three-photon ionisation generalised cross sections of metastable 2S helium. The results are compared with experiment as well as with previous calculations. Although some of the existing calculations are in reasonable agreement with experiment considerable discrepancies still exist between calculations.
Loss of Heterozygosity of Chromosome 3p Sequences Is an Infrequent Event in Endometrial Cancer

The genetic events associated with endometrial cancer are at present poorly understood. Frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in a particular chromosomal region is often indicative of the involvement of a tumor suppressor gene. Previous studies are in disagreement over the involvement of a tumor suppressor gene(s) on the short arm of chromosome 3 in endometrial tumorigenesis. A set of 75 endometrial carcinomas was examined for the presence of LOH using 10 microsatellite repeat polymorphisms which are localized to chromosome 3p. In addition, these tumors were examined for the presence of replication errors (RER). Eleven of the 64 RER-negative tumors (17.2%) displayed LOH at one or more loci on chromosome 3p. The highest frequency of LOH at a single marker was 10.8% (4/37) at the locus D3S1312. The tumors investigated did not suggest that there was any common region of deletion. There was a significant increase in the frequency of 3p LOH in high-grade versus low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that it is unlikely that a tumor suppressor gene on the short arm of chromosome 3 plays a major role in endometrial tumorigenesis.
Nonperturbative lattice simulation bounds on high multiplicity cross sections in {phi}{sup 4}{sub 2}

We have looked for evidence of large cross sections at large multiplicity in weakly coupled scalar field theory in two dimensions. We use sum rules to derive bounds on total cross sections, where the quantity determining the bound can be measured by a Monte Carlo simulation in Euclidean space. We see no evidence for large cross sections in the range where tree diagram estimates suggest they should exist.
Stimuli-Responsive Surface Localized Ionic Cluster (SLICs) Formation From Nonspherical Colloidal Particles

Structural features of phospholipids provide a unique opportunity for utilizing these amphiphilic species to stabilize the synthesis of colloidal dispersion particles by controlling concentration levels relative to dispersion synthesis components. 1,2-Bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DCPC) phospholipid was utilized as cosurfactant in the synthesis of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (SDOSS) stabilized methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate (MMA/nBA) colloidal dispersions. Aqueous dispersions containing various concentration levels of DCPC result in the formation of cocklebur particle morphologies, and when prepared in the presence of Ca 2+ and annealed at various temperatures, stimuli-responsive behaviors of coalesced films were elucidated. The formation of surface localized ionic clusters (SLICs) at the film-air (F-A) and film-substrate (F-S) interfaces is shown to be responsive to concentration levels of DCPC, Ca 2+ /DCPC ratios, and temperature. These studies show that it is possible to control stratification and mobility to the F-A and F-S interfaces during and after coalescence. Using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and internal reflection infrared imaging (IRIRI) spectroscopies, molecular entities responsible for SLIC formation were determined. These studies also show that stimuli-responsive behaviors during film formation can be controlled by colloidal solution morphologies and synergistic interactions of individual components.
Chemical‐modification rescue assessed by mass spectrometry demonstrates that γ‐thia‐lysine yields the same activity as lysine in aldolase

The role of active site residues in fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase is investigated by chemical-modification rescue. An active-site mutation, K107C, is constructed in a background where the four solvent-accessible cysteine residues are converted to alanine. The resulting mutant, tetK107C, when reacted with bromoethylamine (BrEA), shows a 40-fold increase in activity (to 80% that of wild type). Determination of the sites and their degree of modification using electrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (ESI-FTMS) is developed, allowing correlation of activity after chemical modification rescue to the degree of modification. The stoichiometry of the reaction is 2.5 aminoethylations per subunit, as measured by ESI-FTMS. Protein modification with a double-labeled mix (1:1) of natural abundance isotope (d0-BrEA) and 2-bromoethyl-1,1,2,2-d4-amine hydrobromide (d4-BrEA), followed by dialysis and trypsin digestion, shows aminoethylated peptides as "twin peptides" separated by four mass units in ESI-FTMS analysis. Using this detection procedure under nondenaturing (native) conditions, C107 is aminoethylated, whereas the four buried thiols remain unlabeled. Aminoethylation of other residues is observed, and correlates with those peptides containing histidine, methionine, and/or the amino terminus. Quantification of the aminoethylation reaction is achieved by labeling with nondeuterated d0-BrEA under denaturing conditions following double labeling under native conditions. In addition to complete labeling all five thiols, the intensity of the d0-BrEA peak for C107 containing peptides increases, and the change in the d0/d4 ratio between native and denaturing conditions shows 82 ± 4.5% aminoethylation at C107. This correlation of modification with the recovered activity, indicates that γ-thia-lysine replaces lysine in the catalytic mechanism. Kinetic constants measured for the rescued K107C mutant enzyme with the substrates fructose 1-phosphate and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate are consistent with the role of the positively charged lysine binding to the C6-phosphate. ESI-FTMS, combined with this double-labeling procedure, allows precise identification of sites and measurement of degree of protein modification.
Effects of root restriction and growth regulator treatments on the growth of carrot (Daucus carota L.) seedlings

The growth of carrot (Daucus carota L.) seedlings in clear polystyrene vials (7.5 × 2.5 cm diameter) which were either perforated or unperforated and suspended in a large container containing nutrient solution was compared with that of similar seedlings grown directly in the main container. After 28 days plants grown in the perforated, aerated vials had smaller shoots, tap roots (c 20 percent reduction) and fibrous roots (c 60 percent reduction) than unrestricted plants. In the absence of adequate aeration, the effects of root restriction were greater. Foliar applications of ethephon to the leaves of unrestricted plants reduced shoot weights but had little effect on either tap root or fibrous root weights, or even increased tap root weight at lower concentrations. Silver thiosulphate, aminovinylglycine and a highly mobile cytokinin (SD8339) all slightly enhanced shoot growth of restricted plants but had no effect on either tap roots or fibrous root development. It is suggested that although root restriction effects may be partly mediated by endogenous hormones, it seems unlikely that such effects are due solely to stimulation of ethylene production or a reduction in endogenous cytokinin levels.
An analysis of the equilibrium stage separations problem—formulation and convergence

The formulation of a solution method for the equilibrium stage model equations involves six major decisions. Each of these decisions is analyzed and the proper choices indicated. One major contribution of the analysis was a clearer understanding of why any one solution method is not convergent on both distillation and absorber types of problems. A correct solution method is formulated for absorption and extraction problems. This method when programed in parallel with a distillation method works all but a few unusual problems with a minimum of computer time. Another contribution was the development of a procedure for solving the concentration or component rate matrix equations which avoids the computational difficulties of the Lewis-Matheson and Thiele-Geddes methods; that is the procedure avoids truncation error build up, does not require mesh points, works equally well for any number of feeds and side streams, and handles nondistributed components in the same way as distributed ones.
Middle School Teachers' Planning for Students with Learning Disabilities

The flow of the planning process model was used to investigate one science and two social studies middle school teachers' preplanning, interactive planning, and postplanning for students with learning disabilities who were mainstreamed into their general education classes. Data were collected from interviews, classroom observations, free-flowing commentary of their lesson plans (think alouds), teachers' planning, videotaped teaching episodes, stimulated recalls, rating scales, and open-ended questions. data analysis revealed that content coverage, classroom/student management, and interest/motivation of the individual student are themes that guide teachers' planning. Teachers' practices and comments reflected little discourse pertaining to knowledge acquisition or planning for students with learning disabilities.
Estimation risk in portfolio selection: the mean variance model versus the mean absolute deviation model

Konno and Yamazaki Konno, H., K. Yamazaki. 1992. Mean-absolute deviation portfolio optimization model and its applications to Tokyo stock market. Management Sci.39 519-531. propose the mean absolute deviation MAD model as an alternative to the mean variance MV model. They claim it retains all the positive features of the MV model, saves the investor computing time, and does not require the covariance matrix. This paper shows that ignoring the covariance matrix results in greater estimation risk that outweighs the benefits. In both models, estimation error is more severe in small samples small observations relative to the number of assets and for investors with high risk tolerance. The MV model's lower estimation risk is most striking in small samples and for investors with a low risk tolerance.
Effects of climate on chemical_ weathering in watersheds

Abstract Climatic effects on chemical weathering are evaluated by correlating variations On solute concentrations and fluxes with temperature, precipitation, runoff, and evapotranspiration (ET) for a worldwide distribution of sixty-eight watersheds underlain by granitoid rock types. Stream solute concentrations are strongly correlated with proportional ET loss, and evaporative concentration makes stream solute concentrations an inappropriate surrogate for chemical weathering. Chemical fluxes are unaffected by ET, and SiO2 and Na weathering fluxes exhibit systematic increases with precipitation, runoff, and temperature. However, warm and wet watersheds produce anomalously rapid weathering rates. A proposed model that provides an improved prediction of weathering rates over climatic extremes Os the product of linear precipitation and Arrhenius temperature functions. The resulting apparent activation energies based on SiO2 and Na fluxes are 59.4 and 62.5 kJ · mol-1, respectively. The coupling between temperature and precipitation emphasizes the importance of tropical regions On global silicate weathering fluxes, and suggests it is not representative to use continental averages for temperature and precipitation On the weathering rate functions of global carbon cycling and climatic change models. Fluxes of K, Ca, and Mg exhibit no climatic correlation, implying that other processes, such as ion exchange, nutrient cycling, and variations On lithology, obscure any climatic signal. The correlation between yearly variations On precipitation and solute fluxes within individual watersheds Os stronger than the correlation between precipitation and solute fluxes of watersheds with different climatic regimes. This underscores the significance of transport-induced variability On controlling stream chemistry, and the importance of distinguishing between short-term and long-term climatic trends. No correlation exists between chemical fluxes and topographic relief or the extent of recent glaciation, implying that physical erosion rates do not have a critical influence on chemical weathering rates.
Parameter estimation of the intensity process of self-exciting point processes using the EM algorithm

This paper presents a method of estimating the parameters of intensity processes in the self-exciting point process (SEPP) with the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. In the present paper, the case is considered where the intensity process of SEPPs is dependent only on the latest occurrence, i.e., one-memory SEPPs, as well as where the impulse response function characterizing the intensity process is parameterized as a single exponential function having a constant coefficient that takes a positive or negative value, i.e., making it possible to model a self "-exciting" or "-inhibiting" point process. Then, an explicit formula is derived for estimating the parameters specifying the intensity process on the basis of the EM algorithm, which in this instance gives the maximum likelihood (ML) estimates without solving nonlinear optimization problems. In practical computations, the parameters of interest can be estimated from the histogram of time intervals between point events. Monte Carlo simulations illustrate the validity of the derived estimation formulas and procedures.
Assessing self-selection and endogeneity issues in the relation between activity-based costing and performance

Abstract Studies investigating the relation between ABC adoption and performance are inconclusive and plagued with econometric problems. This study extends prior research to investigate the association between ABC adoption and four manufacturing plant performance measures (cycle-time improvement, quality improvement, cost improvement, and profitability) and to assess selection bias and the endogenous nature of their relationship. I use the Heckman (1979) model to assess sample selection bias and the Wooldridge (2002) 2SLS-IV approach, to investigate endogeneity. After controlling for sample selection bias and endogeneity, the coefficient of ABC under the Heckman method and ABCfit under the 2SLS-IV method becomes significantly higher compared to the coefficient of ABC under the OLS method. In addition, both the inverse Mills ratio, under the Heckman model, and Hausman F-test, under the Wooldridge 2SLS approach, are positive and significant, confirming the presence of both sample selection bias and endogeneity. Overall, I find that controlling for sample selection bias and endogeneity is essential in properly assessing the significance of ABC-performance association.
A Database Information Storage and Reporting System for Videofluorographic Oropharyngeal Motility (OPM) Swallowing Evaluations

This article describes a computer database system for standardized recording and reporting of information regarding videofluorographic oropharyngeal motility (OPM) evaluations of swallowing. The sy...
DEFT: Distributed Exponentially-Weighted Flow Splitting

Network operators control the flow of traffic through their networks by adapting the configuration of the underlying routing protocols. For example, they tune the integer link weights that interior gateway protocols like OSPF and ISIS use to compute shortest paths. The resulting optimization problem -to find the best link weights for a given topology and traffic matrix -is computationally intractable even for the simplest objective functions, forcing the use of local-search techniques. The optimization problem is difficult in part because these protocols split traffic evenly along shortest paths, with no ability to adjust the splitting percentages or direct traffic on other paths. In this paper, we propose an extension to these protocols, called Distributed Exponentially-weighted Flow SpliTting (DEFT), where the routers can direct traffic on non-shortest paths, with an exponential penalty on longer paths. DEFT leads not only to an easier-to-solve optimization problem, but also to weight settings that provably perform no worse than OSPF and IS-IS. Furthermore, in our optimization problem, both link weights and flows of traffic are integrated as optimization variables into the formulation and jointly solved by a two-stage iterative method. Our novel formulation leads to a much more efficient way to identify good link weights than the local-search heuristics used for OSPF and IS-IS today. DEFT retains the simplicity of having routers compute paths based on configurable link weights, while approaching the performance of more complex routing protocols that can split traffic arbitrarily over any paths.
Progressive impairment of muscle regeneration in muscleblind-like 3 isoform knockout mice

The muscleblind-like (MBNL) genes encode alternative splicing factors that are essential for the postnatal development of multiple tissues, and the inhibition of MBNL activity by toxic C(C)UG repeat RNAs is a major pathogenic feature of the neuromuscular disease myotonic dystrophy. While MBNL1 controls fetal-to-adult splicing transitions in muscle and MBNL2 serves a similar role in the brain, the function of MBNL3 in vivo is unknown. Here, we report that mouse Mbnl3, which encodes protein isoforms that differ in the number of tandem zinc-finger RNA-binding motifs and subcellular localization, is expressed primarily during embryonic development but also transiently during injury-induced adult skeletal muscle regeneration. Mbnl3 expression is required for normal C2C12 myogenic differentiation and high-throughput sequencing combined with cross-linking/immunoprecipitation analysis indicates that Mbnl3 binds preferentially to the 3' untranslated regions of genes implicated in cell growth and proliferation. In addition, Mbnl3ΔE2 isoform knockout mice, which fail to express the major Mbnl3 nuclear isoform, show age-dependent delays in injury-induced muscle regeneration and impaired muscle function. These results suggest that Mbnl3 inhibition by toxic RNA expression may be a contributing factor to the progressive skeletal muscle weakness and wasting characteristic of myotonic dystrophy.