cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct Extraction of Cohesive Fracture Properties from Digital Image Correlation: A Hybrid Inverse Technique

The accuracy of an adopted cohesive zone model (CZM) can affect the simulated fracture response significantly. The CZM has been usually obtained using global experimental response, e.g., load versus either crack opening displacement or load-line displacement. Apparently, deduction of a local material property from a global response does not provide full confidence of the adopted model. The difficulties are: (1) fundamentally, stress cannot be measured directly and the cohesive stress distribution is non-uniform; (2) accurate measurement of the full crack profile (crack opening displacement at every point) is experimentally difficult to obtain. An attractive feature of digital image correlation (DIC) is that it allows relatively accurate measurement of the whole displacement field on a flat surface. It has been utilized to measure the mode I traction-separation relation. A hybrid inverse method based on combined use of DIC and finite element method is used in this study to compute the cohesive properties of a ductile adhesive, Devcon Plastic Welder II, and a quasi-brittle plastic, G-10/FR4 Garolite. Fracture tests were conducted on single edge-notched beam specimens (SENB) under four-point bending. A full-field DIC algorithm was employed to compute the smooth and continuous displacement field, which is then used as input to a finite element model for inverse analysis through an optimization procedure. The unknown CZM is constructed using a flexible B-spline without any “a priori” assumption on the shape. The inversely computed CZMs for both materials yield consistent results. Finally, the computed CZMs are verified through fracture simulation, which shows good experimental agreement.
Substrate specificity of glycogen synthase phosphatase from bovine heart: action on phosphorylase a and histone.

Abstract Glycogen synthase phosphatase has been purified from bovine heart. This preparation catalyzes conversion of synthase D into I and phosphorylase a into b and is able to dephosphorylate synthase D, phosphorylase a , active phosphorylase kinase, and phosphorylated histone and casein. The activity of phosphatase was assayed with synthase D, phosphorylase a , and histone as substrates after chromatography on Sephadex G-100, after sucrose gradient centrifugation, and after isoelectric focusing in a sucrose gradient. In all cases no separation of enzyme activity was observed with the above substrates. The phosphatase activity on all substrates was lost at the same rate by heat denaturation. These results indicate that this enzyme preparation contains a single phosphoprotein phosphatase which is responsible for the activity observed on the above substrates.
Phase Separation and the Superfluid Transition in Liquid He 3 - He 4 Mixtures

The phase-separation and superfluid-transition temperatures of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$-${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ liquid mixtures have been investigated as functions of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ concentration under conditions of saturated vapor pressure by means of dielectric-constant and thermal-equilibrium time-constant measurements. The $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ line, which divides the normal and superfluid phases in the temperature-concentration plane, is found to intersect the phase-separation curve at its peak.
The evolution of argon laser photocoagulation scars in patients with the ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.

• In 34 patients (35 eyes) with successfully treated histoplasmic choroidal neovascular membranes with a mean follow-up of 10.1 years, neither the neovascular membrane size nor the distance to the center of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) affected final visual acuity. For a subgroup of 18 patients who had a two-year follow-up visit, the average chorioretinal scar expanded in area 50.1% per year for the first two years and 4.6% per year thereafter. This corresponded to a migration rate toward the FAZ of 152 μm/y for the first two years and 22 μm/y thereafter. After ten years, the average scar was 3.23 times larger than the initial treatment area and 480 μm closer to the FAZ than the initial treatment edge. Of the eight patients whose scars expanded to involve the center of the FAZ, six had final visual acuities either equal to or better than the initial visual acuities.
Effect of Fiber Positioning on the Effective Physical Properties of Composite Materials

Bounds that incorporate both fiber shape information — i.e., 3 shape factors — and fiber positioning information — i.e., 2 packing parameters — are derived for the transverse effective thermal conductivity of a fiber reinforced composite. Comparisons are made with the previously presented bounds by Hashin [3] and by Beran and Silnutzer [2]. An illustration is presented to demonstrate the potential utility of controlling fiber posi tioning to improve the design of a composite material.
Flipping a high school classroom as a response-to-learner intervention

This study examines a flipped, high school classroom that used instructional videos as a performance intervention over the course of one academic year. Seventy-five high school students in an urban setting used a flipped model of instruction to support their mastery of mathematics benchmarks. Survey data and benchmark assessment results were collected to determine if the flipped classroom intervention prepared students to pass benchmark assessments, what students perceived to be the advantages of a flipped classroom, and whether students preferred having access to online course material. This study suggests that transferring course material online to flip instruction can promote student success, responsibility, control, and satisfaction.
A 100MHz fifth-order low-pass gm-C filter using folded stages

A 100MHz fifth-order Butterworth gm-C low-pass filter using folded stages is presented. Leapfrog architecture is used to synthesize the filter. The proposed gm stage topology allows the using of telescopic operational transconductor amplifier (OTA) which generates lower noise and is more suitable for high frequency operation compared to traditional folded-cascode transconductor. Accumulation mode N-well capacitor is used as the load capacitor instead of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor to save area without sacrificing linearity. Designed in a 0.13µm CMOS process, the simulation results show the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is 43dB at 40MHz with 400mV Vpp input and 49dB at 10MHz with 400mV Vpp, in-band IIP3 is 21dBm, the power consumption is 11mW from a 2.2V power supply.
Regulation of Na+/H+ exchanger-NHE3 by angiotensin-II in OKP cells

Previous studies have shown that circulating Angiotensin II (A-II) increases renal Na+ reabsorption via elevated Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) activity. We hypothesized that prolonged exposure to A-II leads to an increased expression of renal NHE3 by a transcriptionally mediated mechanism. To test this hypothesis, we utilized the proximal tubule-like OKP cell line to evaluate the effects of 16-h treatment with A-II on NHE3 activity and gene expression. A-II significantly stimulated NHE3-mediated, S-3226-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange. Inhibition of transcription with actinomycin D abolished the stimulatory effect of A-II on NHE3-mediated pH recovery in acid-loaded OKP cells. This prolonged exposure to A-II was also found to elevate endogenous NHE3 mRNA (by 40%)-an effect also abolished by inhibition of gene transcription. To evaluate the molecular mechanism by which A-II regulates NHE3 expression, the activity of NHE3 promoter driven reporter gene was analyzed in transient transfection assays. In transfected OKP cells, rat NHE3 promoter activity was significantly stimulated by A-II treatment, and preliminary mapping indicated that the A-II responsive element(s) is present between 149 and 548 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site in the NHE3 gene promoter. We conclude that a transcriptional mechanism is at least partially responsible for the chronic effects of A-II treatment on renal NHE3 activity.
A plan for the development of a conceptually-based mathematics curriculum for disadvantaged children I: Theoretical foundations

The purpose of this two-part article is to point the way towards more sophisticated educational technologies with specific reference to educating the disadvantaged. In Part I, after summarizing some of the current problems in educating the disadvantaged, a new theory of structural learning is proposed and relationships between this theory, educational technology, and curriculum development are made explicit. This conceptual framework then is used as a basis for planning curriculum development in education. Part II shows in more detail how this plan may be applied in the real world with special reference to three specific projects: (1) An efficient and self-instructional way to diagnose and teach the basic arithmetical skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. (2) A systematic way of teaching children how to read critically based on a behavioral analysis of the process in terms of logical reasoning. (3) A plan for in-service teacher education which deals with mathematical processes (as opposed to content).
Trp2063 and Trp2064 in the factor Va C2 domain are required for high-affinity binding to phospholipid membranes but not for assembly of the prothrombinase complex.

Interactions between factor Va and membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) regulate activity of the prothrombinase complex. Two solvent-exposed hydrophobic residues located in the C2 domain, Trp 2 0 6 3 and Trp 2 0 6 4 , have been proposed to contribute to factor Va membrane interactions by insertion into the hydrophobic membrane bilayer. However, the prothrombinase activity of rHFVa W(2063, 2064)A was found to be significantly impaired only at low concentrations of PS (5 mol %). In this study, we find that 10-fold higher concentrations of mutant factor Va are required for half-maximal prothrombinase activity on membranes containing 25% PS. The ability of the mutant factor Va to interact with factor Xa on a membrane was also impaired since 4-fold higher concentrations of factor Xa were required for half-maximal prothrombinase activity. The interaction of factor Va with 25% PS membranes was also characterized using fluorescence energy transfer and surface plasmon resonance. We found that the affinity of mutant factor Va for membranes containing 25% PS was reduced at least 400-fold with a K d > 10 - 7 M. The binding of mutant factor Va to 25% PS membranes was markedly enhanced in the presence of factor Xa, indicating stabilization of the factor Va-factor Xa-membrane complex. Our findings indicate that Trp 2 0 6 3 and Trp 2 0 6 4 play a critical role in the high-affinity binding of factor Va to PS membranes. It remains to be determined whether occupancy of this PS binding site in factor Va is also required for high-affinity binding to factor Xa.
Psychosocial Predictors of Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Bother in Black Men: The Flint Men's Health Study

Purpose: Despite the importance of lower urinary tract symptom related bother to health related quality of life and treatment use little is known about factors contributing to perceived bother. We examined associations between several psychosocial measures and lower urinary tract symptom related bother in a population based sample of black men.Materials and Methods: In 1996, 361 black men 40 to 79 years old from Genesee County, Michigan with no history of prostate cancer/surgery provided information on lower urinary tract symptom bother and several psychosocial factors, including perceived stress, social support, stressful life events, and self-rated physical and emotional health. Associations between these factors and perceived bother were examined, controlling for age and lower urinary tract symptom severity.Results: Overall 39.3% of men reported moderate/severe lower urinary tract symptom related bother. Men with poor emotional health and low social support were 2.25 (95% CI 1.05, 4.85) and 2.89 (95% C...
Effects of bromodichloromethane on ex vivo and in vitro luteal function and bromodichloromethane tissue dosimetry in the pregnant F344 rat.

Abstract Bromodichloromethane (BDCM), a drinking water disinfection by-product, causes pregnancy loss, i.e. full-litter resorption, in F344 rats when treated during the luteinizing hormone (LH)-dependent period. This effect is associated with reduced maternal serum progesterone (P) and LH levels, suggesting that BDCM disrupts secretion of LH. To test the hypothesis that BDCM also affects luteal responsiveness to LH, we used ex vivo and in vitro approaches. For the ex vivo study (i.e., in vivo exposure followed by in vitro assessment), dams were dosed by gavage on gestation days (GD) 6–9 (plug day = GD 0) at 0 or 100 mg/kg/d. One hour after the GD-9 dose, rats were killed, blood was collected, and tissue concentrations of BDCM were assessed. Corpora lutea (CL) were incubated with or without hCG, an LH agonist, to stimulate P secretion. For the in vitro study, CL were pooled from untreated F344 rats on GD 9 and cultured with BDCM at 0, 0.01, 0.10 or 3.0 mM. BDCM was found at highest concentrations in adrenal, ovarian, adipose, and hypothalamic tissues. BDCM treatment decreased serum P and LH levels in vivo. Ex vivo, however, BDCM-exposed CL showed >2-fold increases in P secretion relative to controls. Both control and BDCM-exposed CL displayed a 2.4-fold increase in P secretion in response to hCG challenge. In contrast, in vitro exposures reduced CL responsiveness in a dose-related fashion while baseline levels were unaffected. It is unclear if the ex vivo ‘rebound’ reflects the removal of the CL from a possible direct inhibitory influence of BDCM, or a response to diminished LH stimulation in vivo. Thus, these data suggest that BDCM disrupts pregnancy in F344 rats via two modes: disruption of LH secretion, and disruption of the CL’s ability to respond to LH.
The Effects of Vertical Rank and Border on Aggregated Search Coherence and Search Behavior

Aggregated search is the task of blending results from different search services, or verticals, into a set of web search results. Aggregated search coherence is the extent to which results from different sources focus on similar senses of an ambiguous or underspecified query. Prior work investigated the "spill-over" effect between a set of blended vertical results and the web results. These studies found that users are more likely to interact with the web results when the vertical results are more consistent with the user's intended query-sense. We extend this prior work by investigating three new research questions: (1) Does the spill-over effect generalize across different verticals? (2) Does the vertical rank moderate the level of spill-over? and (3) Does the presence of a border around the vertical results moderate the level of spill-over? We investigate four different verticals (images, news, shopping, and video) and measure spill-over using interaction measures associated with varying levels of engagement with the web results (bookmarks, clicks, scrolls, and mouseovers). Results from a large-scale crowdsourced study suggest that: (1) The spill-over effect generalizes across verticals, but is stronger for some verticals than others, (2) Vertical rank has a stronger moderating effect for verticals with a mid-level of spill-over, and (3) Including a border around the vertical results has a subtle moderating effect for those verticals with a low level of spill-over.
Airway epithelial cells activate TH2 cytokine production in mast cells through IL-1 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin.

Background Airway epithelial cells are important regulators of innate and adaptive immunity. Although mast cells are known to play a central role in manifestations of allergic inflammation and are found in the epithelium in patients with T H 2-related diseases, their role is incompletely understood. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the role of airway epithelial cells in the production of T H 2 cytokines in mast cells. Methods Normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were stimulated with TNF, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17A, and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) alone or in combination. Human mast cells were stimulated with epithelial cell–derived supernatants or cocultured with NHBE cells. T H 2 cytokine responses were blocked with neutralizing antibodies. Results Supernatants from IL-4– and dsRNA-stimulated NHBE cells significantly enhanced T H 2 cytokine production from mast cells. The combination of IL-4 and dsRNA itself or supernatants from NHBE cells stimulated with other cytokines did not activate mast cells, suggesting that mast cell responses were induced by epithelial cell factors that were only induced by IL-4 and dsRNA. Epithelial supernatant-dependent T H 2 cytokine production in mast cells was suppressed by anti–IL-1 and anti– thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and was enhanced by anti–IL-1 receptor antagonist. Similar results were observed in coculture experiments. Finally, we found dsRNA-dependent production of IL-1, TSLP, and IL-1 receptor antagonist in NHBE cells was regulated by T H cytokines, and their ratio in NHBE cells correlated with T H 2 cytokine production in mast cells. Conclusions Pathogens producing dsRNA, such as respiratory viral infections, might amplify local T H 2 inflammation in asthmatic patients through the production of TSLP and IL-1 by epithelial cells and subsequent activation of T H 2 cytokine production by mast cells in the airways.
Effects of gentamicin on growth of shoot initiation from cultured tobacco callus and salpiglossis leaf discs

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. ‘Wisconsin 38’) callus growth was inhibited progressively by gentamicin sulfate at all concentrations tested. Gentamicin inhibited shoot initiation from tobacco callus and salpiglossis [Salpiglossis sinuata (Ruiz and Pav.) ‘Bolero’] leaf discs at concentrations above 25 mg/l. At 100 mg/l the antibiotic suppressed completely organogenesis from explants of both tobacco and salpiglossis.
Spot Chromatography Identification of Citrus Rootstocks

THE importance of knowing the variety of the rootstock in a citrus orchard is more than academic. The tolerance of an orange tree to infectious diseases; the size, the number and quality of its fruits; the palatability of its fresh and processed juice; its rate of growth and its expected longevity are all dynamically affected by the rootstock on which it is growing. Many of the citrus trees in California and elsewhere are growing on rootstocks the identity of which is not definitely known.
Marked Differences between Pigmented and Albino Rabbits in the Concentration of Clindamycin in Iris and Choroid-Retina

The concentrations of clindamycin were significantly higher in iris and choroid-retina or pigmented rabbits than in those of albino rabbits after subconjunctival injection. Equilibrium dialysis experiments showed no affinity of clindamycin for synthetic melanin or for collagenase digests of pigmented tissues. In contrast, strips of iris and choroid-retina took up clindamycin rapidly from solution, achieving concentrations substantially higher than those in the medium. Uptake by tissue strips was not influenced by temperature (4 C vs. 37 C), cyanide, or ouabain. However, N-ethylmaleimide, which reacts with sulfhydryl groups, decreased the tissue-to-medium ratios by about 50% for both albino and pigmented choroid-retina. Even in the presence of this inhibitor, the ratio for pigmented tissues remained higher than that for albino specimens. These findings suggest the existence of one, or possibly two, mechanisms of energy-independent accumulation of clindamycin by pigmented ocular tissues: one may relate to protein sulfhydryl bonds that are present in both breeds; the other may involve the pigmentation apparatus.
The decline of older, inner suburbs in metropolitan America

Abstract This article develops an index of suburban decline for 3,428 U.S. suburbs. The results of this index were used to measure the prevalence and extent of decline for older, inner suburbs and newer suburbs across the nation and in different regions from 1980 to 2000. The general pattern is one of decline in selected older, inner suburbs, especially those with housing built between 1950 and 1969 and those with increasing minority populations. Regional analysis reveals that the South and the Midwest had the highest proportion of older, inner suburbs in crisis. Suburbs with housing built before 1939 emerged as areas of continuing affluence.
Seamless Integration of Ethics.

The ineffectiveness of business ethics education has received attention from the popular press and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business after repeated ethics scandals. One possibility is that teaching ethics is different from other content areas because ethics is best learned when the student does not know it is being taught. This paper examines a teaching technique that could be used in any business class to incorporate ethics education with a significant advantage over current methods. Students learn to recognize ethical dilemmas without prompts and by making bad decisions and suffering the consequences (in class). The results of pre- and posttest measures are reported as well as several advantages of the technique.
Green's function for steady-state heat conduction in a bimaterial composite solid

The derivation of a Green's function for steady-state heat conduction in anisotropic bimaterials is presented. The Green's function is obtained through a Fourier representation to obtain both free-space, singular parts and region-dependent, regular parts. To obtain the region-dependent parts of the Green's function, the homogeneous solution is written using the virtual force method. Full details of the necessary inversion integrals are provided. The Green's function is shown to degenerate to the usual logarithmic potential for steady-state heat conduction in isotropic solids. The normal derivatives necessary for implementation of the Green's function in boundary integral equations are provided, and an example calculation of the Green's function in a quartz-copper material system is presented.
Thermodynamic and Kinematic Structure of a Snowband and Freezing Rain Event during STORM-FEST

Abstract A unique wintertime storm occurred on 12 February 1992 during the Stormscale Operational and Research Meteorology-Fronts Experiment Systems Test (STORM-FEST) field project. This storm consisted of a narrow east–west-oriented snow swath (max 20-cm snow depth) with an extensive area of freezing rain to the south. The event was well observed by various networks and systems. Included in these systems were about twice the normal sounding sites, which released rawinsondes every 3 h, single- and dual-Doppler capabilities, and NCAR King Air and Wyoming King Air aircraft. Four aspects of the storm were investigated: the temporal evolution of the low-level jet, the vertical stability of various layers, the development of isothermal layers, and the dynamical effects resulting from melting. The freezing rain related to this storm was a result of an overrunning situation, and the snow swath was produced from conditional symmetric instability with respect to the ice process in the overrunning cloud layer. The ...
Association between interleukin-8 receptor-α (CXCR1) polymorphism and disease incidence, production, reproduction, and survival in Holstein cows

The objective was to evaluate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism at position +735 in the interleukin-8 receptor-α (CXCR1) gene (CXCR1c.735) and disease incidence, milk production, reproductive performance, and survival in Holstein cows. Three-hundred fifty Holstein cows were enrolled. No association was found between CXCR1c.735 genotype and retained fetal membranes, metritis, or endometritis. Incidence rate of clinical mastitis was associated with CXCR1c.735 genotype; cows with genotypes CC and GC had a decreased incidence rate of clinical mastitis compared with GG cows. Milk yield was associated with CXCR1c.735 genotype; cows with genotype GC had greater milk yield than GG cows. Hazard of pregnancy was not associated with CXCR1c.735 genotype. Cows that had clinical mastitis had decreased hazard of pregnancy, and cows that had endometritis tended to have a decreased hazard of pregnancy. Hazard of death or culling was not associated with CXCR1c.735 genotype. Multiparous cows and cows that had mastitis had increased hazard of death or culling. In contrast to what we expected, cows with the genotype GG had an increased incidence rate of clinical mastitis and decreased milk yield.
Empirical Analysis of Toll-Lane Processing Times Using Proportional Odds Augmented MARS

A large deal of research has been conducted on toll roads to better comprehend the characteristics of the tolling operations. Several researchers indicated that toll-lane processing time (or service time) is the most significant key parameter in calibrating simulated toll plazas and one of the central variables affecting toll-lane capacity. This paper analyzes the effects of various factors on toll-lane processing times including traffic characteristics, vehicle characteristics, and toll plaza characteristics. The proportional odds augmented multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model outperformed the proportional odds model and was used as the final model in interpreting the results. Results indicate that plazas charging higher tolls and plazas requiring drivers to pay with inexact bills have larger processing times. Increased demand and increased interarrival times at the toll plaza's outermost right lane also have higher processing times. Finally, results indicate that processing times during the p.m. peak hour are higher than the a.m. peak hour.
Heterogeneity of molecular targets on clonal cancer lines derived from a novel hormone-refractory prostate cancer tumor system.

OBJECTIVE We recently described a new hormone refractory prostate cancer cell line, CL1, derived from LNCaP via in vitro androgen deprivation. To study gene expression during prostate cancer progression and to identify molecular targets for therapy, a pure clonal tumor system was generated. METHODS Limiting dilution of CL1 stably transfected with a green fluorescent protein, generated 35 single-cell clones, which were expanded into stable cell lines. In vitro responses to various therapeutic modalities were assessed in each clone. Gene expression was determined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and oligonucleotide microarrays. In vivo biology was assessed following orthotopic injection into intact and castrated severe combined immunodeficient mice. RESULTS In vitro, all clones demonstrated similar resistance to traditional therapeutic efforts including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but differential sensitivity to cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The clones demonstrated differential gene expression relative to each other and to the parental CL1 and LNCaP cell lines. Following orthotopic injection into mice, three distinct growth patterns were observed: fast growth with widespread metastasis; slower grower with widespread metastasis; and no tumor formation. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, several genes were identified as differentially expressed between the most aggressive and the nontumorigenic clone. CONCLUSIONS We have described a novel fluorescent-labeled clonal hormone refractory prostate cancer tumor system that exhibited marked heterogeneity in its response to various therapeutic modalities, gene expression, and in vivo biology. Our data suggests that given the marked clonal heterogeneity, multi-modality approaches directed against multiple molecular targets rather than single agent therapy will be necessary to adequately eradicate the entire malignant cell population. Clonal tumor lines may allow more accurate examination of molecular pathways involved in tumor progression and resistance to treatment. Prostate 55: 299–307, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The FX iron–sulfur cluster serves as the terminal bound electron acceptor in heliobacterial reaction centers

Phototrophs of the family Heliobacteriaceae contain the simplest known Type I reaction center (RC), consisting of a homodimeric (PshA)2 core devoid of bound cytochromes and antenna proteins. Unlike plant and cyanobacterial Photosystem I in which the FA/FB protein, PsaC, is tightly bound to P700–FX cores, the RCs of Heliobacterium modesticaldum contain two FA/FB proteins, PshBI and PshBII, which are loosely bound to P800–FX cores. These two 2[4Fe–4S] ferredoxins have been proposed to function as mobile redox proteins, reducing downstream metabolic partners much in the same manner as does [2Fe–2S] ferredoxin or flavodoxin (Fld) in PS I. Using P800–FX cores devoid of PshBI and PshBII, we show that iron–sulfur cluster FX directly reduces Fld without the involvement of FA or FB (Fld is used as a proxy for soluble redox proteins even though a gene encoding Fld is not identified in the H. modesticaldum genome). The reduction of Fld is suppressed by the addition of PshBI or PshBII, an effect explained by competition for the electron on FX. In contrast, P700–FX cores require the presence of the PsaC, and hence, the FA/FB clusters for Fld (or ferredoxin) reduction. Thus, in H. modesticaldum, the interpolypeptide FX cluster serves as the terminal bound electron acceptor. This finding implies that the homodimeric (PshA)2 cores should be capable of donating electrons to a wide variety of yet-to-be characterized soluble redox partners.
Effect of surfactant addition on boiling heat transfer in a liquid film flowing in a diverging open channel

An experimental study was conducted to investigate how the addition of small amounts of a surfactant influences the heat transfer characteristics in a thin boiling liquid film flowing in a diverging open channel. Heat transfer experiments were conducted with fluid inlet temperatures from 40 °C to 92 °C. The flow field on the plate included thin film supercritical flow upstream of a hydraulic jump and thick film subcritical flow downstream of a hydraulic jump. Nusselt numbers for the non-boiling heat transfer without surfactant addition scaled linearly with the film Reynolds number. The boiling heat transfer produced higher Nusselt numbers with a weaker dependence on the Reynolds number. Experimental results showed that a boiling surfactant solution created a thick foam layer with high heat transfer rates and Nusselt numbers that are very weakly dependent on the inlet flow rate or the inlet Reynolds number.
Dominant convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) grow faster than subordinates when fed an equal ration

Previous studies indicate that dominant fish grow faster than subordinate fish when fed equal rations. It is unclear, however, whether this growth differential is caused by intrinsic differences related to their propensity to become dominant, or by the extrinsic effect of the social stress experienced by subordinates. We first tested whether dominant convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) grew faster than subordinates when fed an equal amount of food. Second, we tested whether the growth advantage of dominants occurred when only visual interactions were allowed between pairs of fish. Third, we randomly assigned social status to the fish to rule out the possibility that intrinsic differences between fish were responsible for both the establishment of dominance and the growth differences. In three separate experiments, dominant fish grew faster than size-matched subordinate convict cichlids, but the growth advantage of dominants was higher when there were direct interactions between fish compared to only visual interactions. Our results provide strong support for the hypothesis that the slower growth rate of subordinate fish was due to the physiological costs of stress.
How Does Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Work? Resonance, the Baroreflex, and Other Mechanisms

Heart rate variability biofeedback is known to have multiple effects on the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and emotional reactivity. This paper reviews the origins of work on heart rate variability biofeedback, and mechanisms for its various effects, including direct effects on the baroreflex system and gas exchange efficiency, as well as indirect effects on emotional reactivity and possibly inflammatory activity. Resonance in the cardiovascular system is explained, as well as ways that heart rate variability biofeedback stimulates these resonance effects, through interactions between respiratory sinus arrhythmia and the baroreflex system. Relationships of these mechanisms to various clinical applications of heart rate variability biofeedback are explored, as are future extensions of biofeedback to the vascular tone baroreflex.
Statistical and Queuing Analyses of Freeway Incidents in Washington State

Freeway incidents cause major traffic operational problems in the State of Washington. In order to alleviate the severity of incident-induced congestion, a better understanding of incident causes, features, and impacts is indispensable. To accomplish this goal, extensive incident data from the Washington state incident tracking system (WITS) database were statistically analyzed. The queuing analysis, by the use of archived loop detector data, was also applied to evaluate the possible incident impacts on traffic flow during incident duration. Incorporating the statistical and queuing analyses help identify the main categories of incidents on Washington state's freeways and the relationships between incident parameters and incident impacts on freeway traffic. Benefits of reducing incident response times and incident clear times were also discussed based on the queue length information. The analysis results can be applied as the guidance for an incident response team to select most effective countermeasures against incident-induced congestion.
The Accuracy of Trajectory Models as Revealed by the Observing System Simulation Experiments

Abstract Fourteen observing system simulation experiments (OSSE) wore conducted using the results from a mesoscale model on the Oxidation and Scavenging Characteristics of April Rains(OSCAR) experiment to test the accuracy of trajectory models. Our results indicate that the current synoptic network and observational frequency over North America are inadequate for accurate computation of long-range transport of episodic events. It appears that improving the Observational frequency would be more cost effective than improving the spatial resolution for the existing network. Reducing the three-dimensional air flow to two dimensions leads to a substantial amount of error for air parcel trajectories. Among the three simplifying assumptions—isobaric, isosigma, and isentropic—the isentropic model gives considerably better results than the isobaric or isosigma models, especially for the vertical transport.
MASS SPECTRA OF SOME 1,2,4-TRIAZINE 1- AND 2-OXIDES

A study of the fragmentation patterns of a variety of substituted 1,2,4-triazine 1- and 2-oxides has been undertaken. It is shown that the fragmentation patterns of the 1- and 2-oxides are extremely similar with the relative peak intensities varying with the type of substituents present.
A configurable timing and communications engine for radio positioning with implementations for an FPGA or an ASIC

Executing various combinations of external locating techniques provides many benefits over tracking and locating systems based on radar or GPS. These embedded radio positioning applications are built on a common set of functional capabilities. Development of a specific positioning system involves selection of a subset of these capabilities and implementation into a physical form that meets the size, weight and power requirements of the application while meeting cost, schedule and risk constraints. In this paper we present the design of a timing and communications engine, which is a highly configurable resource for radio positioning applications. We also present an analysis of the design trades in implementing this functionality in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
Enantioselective Synthesis of ansa-Zirconocenes

The reaction of the chiral chelated bis-amide complex Zr{(2R,4R)-PhNCHMeCH2CHMeNPh}Cl2(THF)2 (R,R-7) with lithium ansa-bis-indenyl reagents Li2[SBI](Et2O) (8a, SBI = (1-indenyl)2SiMe2) or Li2[EBI](Et2O) (8b, EBI = 1,2-(1-indenyl)2ethane) in THF affords the corresponding ansa-zirconocenes S,S-(SBI)Zr{(2R,4R)-PhNCHMeCH2CHMeNPh} (S,S,R,R-9a) or S,S-(EBI)Zr{(2R,4R)-PhNCHMeCH2CHMeNPh} (S,S,R,R-9b) in >95% isolated yield and >99% enantiomeric excess. Compound 9b was converted to the corresponding enantiomerically pure dichloride S,S-(EBI)ZrCl2 (S,S-10b) in 91% isolated yield by reaction with HCl in Et2O. The chiral diamine (2R,4R)-HPhNCHMeCH2CHMeNHPh (R,R-5) was recovered from this reaction.
Order Reduction of Nonlinear Time Periodic Systems Using Invariant Manifolds

The basic problem of order reduction of linear and nonlinear systems with time periodic coefficients is considered. First, the equations of motion are transformed using the Lyapunov-Floquet transformation such that the linear parts of new set of equations are time invariant. At this stage, the linear order reduction technique can be applied in a straightforward manner. A nonlinear order reduction methodology is also suggested through a generalization of the invariant manifold technique via Time Periodic Center Manifold Theory. A ‘reducibility condition’ is derived to provide conditions under which a nonlinear order reduction is possible. Unlike perturbation or averaging type approaches, the parametric excitation term is not assumed to be small. An example consisting of two parametrically excited coupled pendulums is given to show applications to real problems. Order reduction possibilities and results for various cases including ‘parametric’, ‘internal’, ‘true internal’ and ‘combination’ resonances are discussed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
HPLC WITH EVAPORATIVE LIGHT SCATTERING DETECTION AS A TOOL TO DISTINGUISH ASIAN GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG) AND NORTH AMERICAN GINSENG (PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUS)

A high performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) method was developed to identify Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) and North American ginseng (P. quinquefolius L.), and their products. The method is based on the baseline chromatographic separation of ginsenoside Rf and 24(R)-pseudoginsenoside F11, two potential chemical markers present in the methanolic extracts of ginseng roots and their products, and their on-line detection using an evaporative light scattering detector. As a result, ginsenoside Rf could be detected only in Asian ginseng and 24(R)-pseudoginsenoside F11 could only be detected in North American ginseng in the current study. The method developed is very simple and highly sensitive down to the nanogram level.
The two divergent PEP-carboxylase catalytic subunits in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii respond reversibly to inorganic-N supply and co-exist in the high-molecular-mass, hetero-oligomeric class-2 PEPC complex

Abstract Our recent molecular studies revealed two divergent PEP-carboxylase (PEPC [Ppc]) encoding genes in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, CrPpc1 and CrPpc2, which are coordinately responsive to changes in inorganic-N and -C supply at the transcript level [Mamedov, T.G., Moellering, E.R. and Chollet, R. (2005) Identification and expression analysis of two inorganic C- and N-responsive genes encoding novel and distinct molecular forms of eukaryotic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in the green microalga C. reinhardtii, Plant J. 42, 832–843]. Here, we report the distribution of these two encoded catalytic subunits in the minor Class-1 and predominant Class-2 PEPC enzyme-forms, the latter of which is a novel high-molecular-mass, hetero-oligomeric complex containing both CrPpc1 (p109) and CrPpc2 (p131) polypeptides. The Class-1 enzyme, however, is a typical PEPC homotetramer comprised solely of p109. We also document that the amount of both CrPpc1/2 catalytic subunits is up-/down-regulated by varying levels of NH 4 + supplied to the culture medium.
Change of nuclear protein phosphatase activity in the liver of old rats

Abstract Nuclear protein phosphatase (NPP-ase) activity was measured in non-histone protein (NHP) preparations obtained from liver nuclei of young and old rats with exogenous substrates labelled with 32 P. NPP-ase activity can be measured in a rather broad range of pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and it shows several characteristic differences between young (4–6 months) and old (24–28 months) animals: (a) under the effect of NPP-ase a limited dephosphorylation of nuclear phosphoprotein (NPP) substrate ensues reaching a 25 per cent liberation maximum of incorporated 32 P in the case of NHP preparations from young animals; the same liberation maximum is over 45 per cent in the case of old animals, (b) an age-related change of NPP-ase activity is assumed to occur in old rats in comparison with young ones. The NPP-ase activity measurable for its homologous—NPP—substrate increases in old animals while there is a concomitant decrease of casein phosphatase activity. The possible implication of the phosphorylation of chromosomal non-histone proteins in the cellular aging is discussed.
Impact of electronic faculty evaluation on resident return rates and faculty teaching performance

Paper-based evaluation systems require considerable administrative effort for data collection, analysis, archiving and dissemination of results to faculty in a timely manner. Replacement of a paper-based faculty evaluation system with a web-based evaluation system resulted in a dramatic increase in return rates. This study was carried out to determine the reason for the increase in return rates and the educational impact of faculty being able to access feedback data on their teaching performance electronically. Residents returned more web-based evaluations because of the convenience of the system and prompting by electronic reminders. Most faculty agreed that their electronic feedback data were useful to identify their teaching strengths and areas for improvement. Most faculty also perceived that they made minor to moderate changes in their teaching practices based on their feedback data. The most common changes were to increase bedside teaching and physical diagnosis, perform quicker rounds, provide more...
Feasibility study of a micromachined single-axis vibratory gyroscope using piezoelectric PNZT thin films for actuation and sensing

Vibratory gyroscopes measure the angular velocity of a system by making use of the Coriolis effect. We have proposed a new design using double-sided piezoelectric Nb-doped Pb(Zr20, Ti80)O3 films for actuation as well as sensing of a rate gyroscope. This design has the potential to increase the resolution of the device by increasing the mass of the gyro, that is, produce a meso-scale gyro using MEMS technology. Further, it could increase output signal amplitude by generating a higher Coriolis force, since PNZT films exhibit higher values of the effective transverse and longitudinal piezoelectric coefficients than some other piezoelectric materials. A three-dimensional finite element code, 'BAMAFEM', for dynamic analysis of gyroscopes was developed in-house. Validity of the new design was confirmed by simulations. The resonance frequency of the gyroscope was measured to be 12.60 kHz, which matches very well with the simulated results. In this paper are described the design and simulation of the gyroscope, the fabrication process, and testing of the device.
Lung sulfhydryl changes in rats following chlorine inhalation

Abstract Respiratory tract irritation by chlorine (Cl2) may be associated with tissue sulfhydryl (-SH) oxidation. This study examined the effects of Cl2 on lung -SH content and on the enzymes which maintain non-protein -SH levels, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD) and glutathione reductase (GSSG-RED). Male Fischer-344 rats were exposed to 12 ppm Cl2, 6 hr/day for 1,5, or 10 days. Following Cl2 exposure, rats were sacrificed immediately or after a 3- to 17-day recovery period. A study using pair-fed nonexposed rats was carried out to clarify possible nonspecific malnutrition effects. No alterations in lung protein -SH, nonprotein -SH, G-6PD, or GSSG-RED were observed in rats sacrificed immediately following 1, 5, or 10 days of Cl2 exposure. Rats allowed to recover 3 days following 10 days of Cl2 treatment had a 20% increase in lung -SH above the values for controls fed ad libitum while G-6PD and GSSG-RED activities increased 98 and 39% above controls, respectively. Similar increases in lung -SH, G-6PD, and GSSG-RED were observed after 6 days recovery. Biochemical alterations returned to control values by 10 days recovery. The observed increases in pulmonary -SH, G-6PD, and GSSG-RED were not the result of decreased food consumption. In conclusion, oxidation of lung -SH content immediately following Cl2 exposure was not observed. An increase in lung -SH and enzyme activities during recovery periods may reflect reparative processes subsequent to Cl2-induced lung damage.
The influence of vegetation, salinity, and inundation on seed banks of oligohaline coastal marshes

Sea level rise may alter salinity and inundation regimes and create patches of open water in oligohaline coastal marshes, potentially affecting the composition and germination of seed bank species. We conducted seedling emergence experiments to: (1) examine the effects of standing vegetation on the seed banks of three oligohaline marsh communities in coastal Louisiana (dominated by Paspalum vaginatum Sw., Sagittaria lancifolia L., or Spartina patens (Ait.) Muhl., respectively); and (2) investigate the effects of salinity and inundation regime on germination of seed bank species. We also studied the effect of a temporary increase in salinity (to simulate a salt water intrusion event) on the viability of buried seeds. We found that the presence or absence of vegetation within a community affected the abundance of some species in the seed bank but had little effect on species composition. Also, the seed banks of the three communities exhibited considerable overlap in species composition and had similar species richness (10-11) and diversity (antilog Shannon-Weaver diversity index = 6.5-7.1), despite differences in vegetation type. Higher salinities and flooding reduced seedling emergence for most species; few species emerged at salinities above four parts per thousand (ppt), and only Sagittaria lancifolia and Eleocharis parvula germinated well under flooded conditions. A temporary increase in salinity did not affect species richness or seedling emergence of most species. Our results suggest that differences in vegetation may have little effect on the composition of seed banks of oligohaline marshes. However, higher salinities and greater depth and duration of inundation (anticipated as global sea level continues to rise) may decrease recruitment of seed bank species, reducing their abundance in oligohaline marsh communities.