cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Execution in Managing Product Availability

This chapter explores two common problems faced by retailers, namely inventory record inaccuracy and misplaced products. These problems have substantial implications for retail performance. We find these two problems compromise the ability of a retailer to meet target service levels. Moreover, they cause a distortion in the sales and inventory data used by retailers’ automatic decision support tools. We describe the drivers of these problems and highlight existing research in this domain. More importantly, we identify the need for additional empirical research – both field based and experimental – and note analytical approaches that could benefit from the incorporation of execution problems (e.g., demand forecasting, inventory planning, and assortment choice). As retailers move to serve their customers from multiple channels and provide transparent inventory information to end-consumers, the incentive to eliminate problems such as inventory record inaccuracy and misplace products grows. This chapter helps academics and practitioners alike understand these two problems and offers insight on a variety of approaches to mitigate their negative consequences.
Interpreting the Hague Abduction Convention: In Search of a Global Jurisprudence

This Article is an expansion of the Brigitte M. Bodenheimer Memorial Lecture on the Family I delivered on February 19, 2004 at the University of California at Davis School of Law. Notwithstanding the reference to "Abduction" in its title, the Convention covers violations of custody rights more generally, encompassing wrongful removals or wrongful retentions of children up to the age of 16. The Convention takes a somewhat unique approach to the problem of international parental abduction. Rather than address the issue through jurisdictional rules and the recognition of judgments - which is the approach of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act ("UCCJA") and the more recent Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act ("UCCJEA"), as well as that of the new 1996 Protection of Children Convention - the Abduction Convention simply requires the "return" of a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained in another Contracting State. If a child (up to the age of 16) habitually resident in a Convention country is wrongfully taken or retained in another Convention country, the authorities of the country to which the child is taken are required to return the child to the country of their habitual residence. With respect to a child who is brought to the United States, this is done by filing a Hague application for return in the state or federal court of the State where the child is located.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone in the presence of MMT modified by hydroxyl-group containing alkylammonium cation (Cloisite®30B) in a single mode microwave oven. For the polymerization mixtures, plateaus or exothermal peaks were observed in their temperature-time profiles and can be attributed to the heat-generating nature of the ring-opening polymerization. The morphologies of the nanocomposites showed a predominantly exfoliated structure. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated via dynamic mechanical analysis. Compared with that of the recovered PCL matrix, the mechanical properties of the PCL/Cloisite®30B nanocomposites showed obvious improvement.
Stress-optical behavior of synthetic periclase (MgO)

The stress-birefringence constants of synthetic periclase have been measured by the photometric-integration technique. The measured results for the difference constants are q1111-q1122 = −1.25×10−13 cm2 dyne−1 and 2q1212 = −0.66×10−13 cm2 dyne−1. The absolute constants were determined by the prism deviation method: the values are q1111 = −0.9×10−13 cm2 dyne−1 and q1122 = 0.3×10−13 cm2 dyne−1. The dispersion of the difference constants throughout the visible spectrum is about 2%, in opposite directions. No hysteresis effect was observed for pressures up to 8000 psi. The results are discussed briefly with reference to bond structure.
Spit complexes along the eastern coast of the gulf of Suez

Abstract North to south longshore transport of well-sorted ooids in the northern part of the Gulf of Suez and of well-sorted quartz-feldspar particles, peloids and ooids in the southern part, results in the build up of hook-shaped spits. These spits protect coastal lagoons which become a trap for terrigenous mud. At first seasonally flooded sabkhas are formed, and eventually true supratidal sabkhas develop. Contemporaneously, spits are further developed seaward at the rate of several tens of meters during an active season.
Low Oxygen-Affinity Hemoglobin Solution Increases Oxygenation of Partially Ischemic Tissue During Acute Anemia

Background Maintenance of postsurgical tissue oxygenation depends on the ability of the specific tissue to recruit perfusion and oxygen (O 2 ) supply. When native O 2 -carrying capacity is lacking, fluids to improve O 2 -carrying capacity based in hemoglobin (Hb) could prevent partially ischemic tissue hypoxia by increasing O 2 release from the remaining red blood cells. Study Design Responses to facilitated O 2 transport after exchange transfusion with polymerized bovine Hb (PBH) were studied in a chronic partially ischemic tissue model, induced by large feeding arteriole ligation during hamster window chamber model implantation. PBH effects in microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation were studied after exchange transfusion of 40% of animal's blood volume. Experimental groups were defined by the concentration of PBH used, ie, PBH at 13 g/dL (PBH13); PBH at 4 g/dL in albumin solution to matching colloidal osmotic pressure (COP) (PBH4); and no PBH, only albumin solution at matching COP (PBH0). Results Restitution of O 2 -carrying capacity with PBH13 increased blood pressure and produced vasoconstriction compared with PBH4 and PBH0. On the other hand, PBH4 maintained blood pressure without substantial vasoconstriction, increased tissue partial pressure of O 2 , arteriolar O 2 supply, and extraction to the partially ischemic tissue compared with PBH0 and PBH13. Conclusions Results suggest the existence of an optimal concentration of low O 2 -affinity acellular Hb to increase oxygenation of partially ischemic tissue during anemic conditions.
Cross Reactivation of Genetic Loci of T2 Bacteriophage after Decay of Incorporated Radioactive Phosphorus

Bacteriophages containing radiophosphorus p32 of high specific activity in their desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are unstable, i.e., from day to day a progressively decreasing fraction of the initial phage population is still able to form plaques when plated on a sensitive bacterial strain.l The cause of death appears to be some direct, short-range effect of the disintegration of a phosphorus atom in the DNA chain, and not the A-radiation attending this radioactive decay.l, 2 It is the purpose of this communication to show that an appreciable fraction of p32 disintegrations destroying the plaque-forming ability of T2 bacteriophage leave the particle still able to donate some but not all of its genetic characters to the progeny of a mixed infection with an undamaged, non-radioactive phage. Materials and Methods.-Coliphage T2 (wild type), its mutant T2hri (h and rl unlinked3) and its host Escherichia coli, strains B(H) and B(H)/2, obtained from Dr. A. D. Hershey, were employed in this study. When assayed on agar plates seeded with a 1:1 mixture of 24 hr cultures of the two indicator strains, T2h+r+ make small, turbid and T2hr large, clear plaques. Their recombinants T2hr+ and T2h+r make small, clear and large, turbid plaques, respectively. The genotype spectrum of phages issuing from a mixedly infected bacterium plated before burst can be recognized according to the following schema:
Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: D. Craig Miller (1946-).

David Craig Miller (Figure 1), 88th president of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), was born on December 3, 1946, in San Francisco to Dr Charles ‘‘Bebe’’ and Helen Miller. After spending the first 9 years of his life in the San Francisco Peninsula, Miller’s father grew weary of the crowds and moved the family to the mountains in northern California. Miller grew up in Redding, where he spent his formative years alternating between being a bibliophile, a high school athlete, and a farmhand on his father’s ranch (Figure 2). Miller broke a lot of bones as a youngster on the rodeo circuit, a sport that epitomized the adventurous spirit that would dominate his future career path and extracurricular interests as an adult. Miller attended Dartmouth College for 3 years and entered Stanford University School of Medicine in 1968 without an undergraduate degree (as was then permissible). Subsequently his bachelors degree in basic medical science was awarded by Stanford in 1969 and his MD in 1972. Under the spell of Dr Norman Shumway (67th AATS president), Miller decided to pursue a career in cardiovascular surgery. Miller also credits Drs Randall Griepp and Lawrence Cohn (79th AATS president) with guiding his early career. Dr Griepp was a young faculty member at Stanford who helped convince Dr Shumway to give Miller a chance, and Dr Cohn was Shumway’s chief resident during Miller’s formative medical school years. Miller then spent 4 years in general surgical training, 1 year in peripheral vascular surgery, and 18 months in adult cardiothoracic surgery. In January of 1978, he joined the faculty of Stanford. Sometime along the way, Miller dropped his first given name, becoming ‘‘Craig’’ or, to his colleagues and residents, ‘‘DCM.’’
Analysis of dynamic voltage collapse mechanism for a three-bus power system

Abstract The phenomenon of voltage collapse is reconstructed based on a three-bus power system with dynamic on-load tap-changers (OLTC). Utilizing nonlinear stability techniques, the monotonic fall of bus voltages is derived from instability of the dynamic system. The exact stability region of the system is constructed which demonstrates the concept of voltage stability region as a tool for the prevention of voltage collapse.
Matter-microwave correlations in an open universe.

In an intriguing recent paper, Crittenden and Turok proposed cross-correlating the cosmic microwave background with tracers of the matter density to probe the existence of a cosmological constant. Here I emphasize that a similar cross correlation arises in an open universe and, depending on the redshift distribution of the tracer population and the matter density, may be comparable to or stronger than that in a flat cosmological-constant universe with the same matter density. The two cases can be distinguished through cross correlation with tracer populations with different redshift distributions.
The commons dilemma: A simulation testing the effects of resource visibility and territorial division

In a commons dilemma laboratory analog subjects were allowed individually to draw valuable points from a slowly regenerating pool. Subjects participated in groups of four and faced the dilemma of either rapidly drawing a large number of points for themselves (but thereby destroying the pool), or limiting their own harvesting so that the pool would regenerate, benefiting the group. All subjects were, in addition, informed of the optimum strategy for harvesting before the game began, but results showed that this strategy was rarely used. Two factors were added to the basic game: (1) dividing the resource pool into individual harvesting territories, and (2) making the varying levels of resources visible. Each of these increased the harvest and production of the resource, but only territoriality increased the supply. Only when both factors were applied together did the groups approach the optimal harvesting strategy earlier spelled out to them. Possible mediating variables and applications are discussed.
Synthetic aperture radar surface reflectivity estimation using a marked point-process speckle model

This paper presents stochastic models and estimation algorithms for speckled images, with an emphasis on synthetic-aperture-radar images, and where the speckle may not be fully developed. We treat speckle from a novel point of view: as a carrier of useful surface information rather than as contaminating noise. The stochastic models for surface scattering are based on a doubly stochastic marked Poisson point process. For each of these surface-scattering statistical models, we present estimation algorithms to determine the average surface reflectivity and scatterer density within a resolution cell, using intensity measurements of speckled images. We show that the maximum-likelihood estimator is optimal in the sense that the variance of the error is the smallest possible using any conceivable estimate having the same bias with the same data.
The effects of mutual inductances in two-dimensional arrays of Josephson junctions

A model is developed to investigate the effects of mutual inductance on the voltage–field (V−B) characteristics of two-dimensional arrays of Josephson junctions. The V−B characteristics were numerically simulated for arrays with and without mutual inductance contributions. We find mutual inductances can have a strong impact on the voltage response of SQUID arrays and mutual inductance contributions from nearest neighboring SQUIDs only do not represent a good approximation.
The role of Ga-droplet formation in nanometer-scale GaAs cluster synthesis from organometallic precursors

Recently we demonstrated the formation of crystalline nanometer scale GaAs clusters from organometallic precursors using an aerosol process derived from organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) [P. C. Sercelet al., Appl Phys. Lett.61, 696 (1992)]. Here, we explore the influence of precracking the Ga precursor (trimethyl-gallium), forming nanometer scale Ga droplets, prior to introduction of AsH3 to the reaction. We find the GaAs clusters so formed have an entirely different morphology than do those formed when the reactants are pre-mixed prior to reaction. This data supports our earlier contention that homogeneous nucleation is the dominant reaction mechanism for the formation of the clusters.
Alternate day steroid therapy in diffuse pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Four patients with diffuse pulmonary sarcoidosis were treated with alternate-day corticosteroid therapy. Prompt resolution of physiologic, radiologic and symptomatic evidence of disease occurred without significant side-effects of therapy. While corticosteroid therapy may not alter the longterm prognosis in sarcoidosis, prompt complete remission can be induced safely with an alternate day regimen. Such therapy is advised for acute, symptomatic pulmonary involvement.
Effects of natriuretic peptides on vascular smooth-muscle cells derived from different vascular beds

1. This study explored the hypothesis that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) have differing antiproliferative and antihypertrophic effects on pulmonary artery (PA) and thoracic aorta (TA) smooth-muscle cells (SMCs). 2. Cultured cells were exposed to 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) and angiotensin II (A-II) to induce DNA and protein synthesis, respectively. 3. ANP (10(-7) M) significantly reduced thymidine uptake in TA by 31% +/- 2% (P or = 0.05). 4. In parallel experiments, BNP (10(-7) M) significantly reduced thymidine uptake in TA (-22% +/- 5%, P or = 0.05). 5. CNP (10(-7) M) did not significantly alter thymidine uptake in TA cells exposed to FCS, but it did significantly reduce uptake in PA (-28.5% +/- 4%) 2(P < or = 0.05). 6. Blunting by ANP (10(-7) M) of the A-II (10(-8) M)-induced increase in protein synthesis was significantly greater in PA than in TA cells. 7. However, BNP and CNP (10(-7) M) exerted similar antihypertrophic effects on TA and PA cells exposed to A-II. 8. The antiproliferative effects of BNP and ANP exceed those of CNP in TA SMCs, but CNP appears to be the most effective antiproliferative agent in PA SMCs. In addition, PA-derived SMCs are more sensitive to the antihypertrophic effects of ANP than TA-derived cells, suggesting phenotypic differences. The findings indicate that the natriuretic peptides may play complementary roles in modulating SMC proliferation and protein synthesis.
Dopaminergic regulation of protein phosphorylation in the striatum: DARPP-32

Abstract DARPP-32 is a neuronal phosphoprotein that is specifically enriched in neurons possessing D 1 dopamine receptors, including the medium-sized spiny neurons of the striatum. DARPP-32 phosphorylation is regulated by dopamine acting through cyclic AMP. Biochemical studies have shown that phosphorylated DARPP-32 functions as a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1 in vitro. In vivo , this inhibition may be an important component of the biochemical mechanisms by which dopamine, acting via D 1 receptors, exerts its neurophysiological effects. Regulation of DARPP-32 phosphorylation may also mediate specific interactions between dopamine, acting through cyclic AMP, and glutamate (or other first messengers), acting through Ca 2+ . Future studies of basal ganglion-specific phosphoproteins in general, and of DARPP-32 in particular, should lead to a clearer understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic regulation of neuronal function.
Adsorption of carbon monoxide on smaller gold-cluster anions in an atmospheric-pressure flow-reactor: temperature and humidity dependence

In the absence of moisture and at room temperature, the activity and saturation of CO on gold cluster anions, AuN−, are known to be highly dependent on the size of the cluster. Small AuN− clusters (N = 2,3) showed no adsorption activity, and the saturation CO adsorption values did not increase proportionately to cluster size or area. Here, we report on the effects of water vapor and temperature on the ability of AuN− clusters to adsorb CO in a high-pressure, fast-flow reactor. In contrast to all earlier reports, our results using this method show that smaller gold-cluster anions bind single and multiple CO groups at ambient temperature and above. In particular, species previously unseen at room temperature, corresponding to Au2(CO)−, Au3(CO)− and Au4(CO)2−, have been observed. Apparently, the presence of water vapor facilitates the adsorption of CO on the smaller clusters, possibly by aiding in the release of adsorption energy. As the number of studies concerning gold catalysis has continually increased over the past decade, these results provide important new information on the possible role of moisture in gold catalysis.
The engineer and job related learning

Abstract Employers are spending billions of dollars each year training their engineers in a variety of work-related tasks. At the same time engineers are spending a considerable amount of time (both at their place of employment and on their own time) learning about a variety of topics that are of interest to them. This article stems from a research study focusing on the learning undertaken by engineers. The learning in which a typical engineer was engaged during the preceding year is examined. Based on the findings of the study and the learning pursued by the individual engineer, suggestions are offered for engineering managers to enhance job related learning undertaken by their employees.
Turbulence in Accretion Disks

An accretion disk is an inevitable part of the star forming process. Recent years have witnessed dramatic progress in our understanding of how turbulence arises and transports angular momentum in astrophysical accretion disks. The key conceptual point is that the combination of a subthermal magnetic field and outwardly decreasing differential rotation is subject to the magnetorotational instability. This rapidly generates magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) turbulence, leading to greatly enhanced angular momentum transport. Purely hydrodynamic disks, on the other hand, are stable. Disks that are too cool to couple effectively to the magnetic field will not be turbulent. Fully global three dimensional MHD simulations are now beginning to probe the properties of accretion disks from first principles.
Analysis of morphologically stable horizontal ribbon crystal growth

The HRG process (also known as the low-angle silicon sheet [LASS] process) has been analysed from the standpoint of a quasi steady-state heat flow analysis, subject to the assumption of a parabolic ribbon cross-section. It is demonstrated that under reasonable operating conditions the convective heat transport term in the moving ribbon can be neglected. A solution to LaPlace’s equation in parabolic coordinates is found which satisfies the solidification boundary conditions corresponding to the so-called heat clamp case, wherein the free surface of the ribbon is subject to a fixed temperature below the fusion point. Operating states were found corresponding to a Peclet number, which is defined as the pull speed, V, multiplied by the ribbon tip radius, R, divided by the thermal diffusivity of the solid a, i.e. Pe ≡ VR/2α. The analysis shows that Pe is proportional to the temperature difference between the solid-liquid interface and the heat clamp, and only slowly varying with position along the ribbon. The Peclet number is singular near the ribbon tip, but this behavior merely reflects the artificial nature of the boundary conditions at the ribbon tip. The growth conditions described imply inherent morphological stability (except for the singular behavior near the tip) which indicates that smooth, nondendritic ribbon should in principle be a possible solidification product of the HRG process.
Ultrasonic scattering from complex crack morphology features

In a typical ultrasound measurement, only the scattering cross-section features are considered involving the overall crack profile. A realistic crack, however, can have local curvature and sharpness features, which can have an effect on the ultrasonic scattering response and detected signal content. A study of crack morphology effects on ultrasonic scattering in the near- and far-field is described. Finite element models, scanning laser vibrometry, and optical microscopy measurements are used to study ultrasound scattering from realistic cracks in superalloy materials, where three primary length scale effects are considered - 1) overall crack profile, 2) local variations in crack profile, and 3) local roughness features. Ultrasonic frequency/wavelength and crack length scale features are considered for both near-field and far-field regions, where direct comparisons of model predictions and experimental measurements are made. Local crack roughness features produced very localized and complex wave scattering effects in the extreme near-field of the crack site, while crack profile variations on the order of, or larger than, the ultrasonic wavelength produced coherent scattered field patterns that diverged, were directional in nature, and extended well into the far-field.
Leiomyosarcoma in a series of hysterectomies performed for presumed uterine leiomyomas

The incidence of leiomyosarcoma in uterine leiomyomas is estimated to be between 0.13 to 0.29%. However, the exact incidence of leiomyosarcoma in uteri removed with a preoperative diagnosis of benign uterine leiomyomas has not been previously reported. Between 1983 and 1988, a total of 1432 patients in Women's Hospital, a self-referred indigent population, had a hysterectomy planned because of abnormal uterine bleeding or abdominal pain associated with the presence of uterine leiomyomas, or because of a pelvic mass thought to be uterine leiomyoma of sufficient size or character to warrant surgical exploration. The ages of these women ranged from 36 to 62 years and the presence of leiomyosarcoma in the hysterectomy specimens increased steadily from the fourth to seventh decades of age (0.2%, 0.9%, 1.4%, and 1.7%, respectively). Preoperative histologic examination of the endometrium was performed in eight patients. Three of the eight patients had a preoperative tissue diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma that was clinically confined to the uterus. After the hysterectomy in the 1429 patients with presumed benign disease, histologic diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was made in seven (0.49%). There was no evidence of malignancy in the endometrial sampling of any of these seven patients and the diagnosis was suspected intraoperatively in only three. Preoperative uterine size ranged from 8 to 20 weeks' gestational size and postoperative uterine weight ranged from 120 to 1100 gm. Seven of the 10 patients had symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding. Between the ages of 40 and 60 years, 1% (8 of 817) of women with presumed uterine leiomyomas producing symptoms that necessitated hysterectomy in this series had leiomyosarcoma diagnosis postoperatively. Such treatments as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, endometrial ablation, myomectomy by hysteroscopy or laparotomy instead of hysterectomy in such women could delay the diagnosis and definitive treatment of leiomyosarcoma.
The temperature-composition phase diagram of monomyristolein in water: equilibrium and metastability aspects

The temperature-composition phase diagram of monomyristolein in water was constructed using x-ray diffraction. Low- and wide-angle diffraction patterns were collected from samples of fixed hydration as a function of temperature in the heating direction on x-ray-sensitive film and/or image plates. The phases identified in the system include the lamellar crystalline phase, the lamellar liquid crystalline phase, the fluid isotropic phase, and two inverted cubic phases. Particular attention has been devoted to the issues of phase equilibrium and phase boundary verification. Cubic phase undercooling was examined by adjusting the temperature of several samples in the cubic phase to a value where the lamellar liquid crystalline phase represents equilibrium behavior. Cooling-induced structure and phase changes were monitored continuously over a 30-min period by recording low-angle diffraction patterns from the samples using a streak camera. The cubic-to-lamellar transition rate decreased with increasing sample hydration. Additionally, the transition proceeded more rapidly at an incubation temperature of 25 degrees C compared to that at 0 degrees C. A mechanism is proposed that accounts for the hydration and temperature sensitivity of the phase transition under nonequilibrium conditions.
Safety and diagnostic yield of transjugular renal biopsy.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and tissue acquisition with transjugular renal biopsy (TJRB) by using the Quick-Core method in patients who were at high risk for complications with percutaneous renal biopsy. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study, and indication for the transjugular route, complications, clinical and laboratory data, and adequacy of samples were abstracted from patient records. TJRB was performed when the patient had thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy and was at high risk for bleeding from percutaneous renal biopsy. Follow-up images were available in 25 patients; nine underwent abdominal ultrasonography (US) and 17 underwent computed tomography (CT) (one patient underwent both US and CT). The hemoglobin level, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio (INR), partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, and serum creatinine level were obtained before and after biopsy, and these findings were correlated with clinical outcomes. Results Thirty-nine patients underwent 39 TJRB procedures and comprise the current study population. The procedure was technically successful in 38 of the 39 patients (97%). Twenty-four of 39 patients (63%) had a platelet count of less than or equal to 75 × 10 9 /L, 11 (29%) had an elevated INR of more than 1.4, and seven received therapeutic anticoagulation. Patients with a platelet count of less than or equal to 75 × 10 9 /L or those with an elevated INR of more than 1.4 after transfusion were not at increased risk of hematoma formation ( P = not statistically significant). The mean serum creatinine level at biopsy was 283 μmol/L ± 150. A mean of 1.8 cores ± 1.1 were obtained, with 5.0 glomeruli ± 3.8, 2.1 glomeruli ± 2.8, and 2.4 glomeruli ± 3 at light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, respectively. The renal tissue was sufficient for diagnosis in 92% of patients. Major complications occurred in one patient (2.6%). Minor complications—primarily renal hematoma—occurred in 52% of the patients. Contrast medium–induced nephropathy occurred in three patients (7.8%), two of whom also had renal hematomas. Conclusions TJRB is a relatively safe and effective diagnostic tool in high-risk patients with coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia who require renal tissue for accurate diagnosis.
Resistance Curve Calculations for a Soloflex Machine

A Soloflex machine was analyzed mathematically. Dimensions of the components of the machine were measured, and calculations were made to determine a resistance curve. The machine consists of a mainframe bent into an L-shape, having a vertical post height of 6 ft. A loading post with 27 drilled holes is attached along the back of the vertical post. The loading piece receives a bench pin and the barbell arm pin. To perform an exercise, the barbell arm is attached with the barbell arm pin to the loading piece. Weight straps of equal rating are placed on both sides of the load and barbell arm pins. Pushing upward on the barbell arm will stretch the weight straps which provides resistance to the motion of the barbell arm. The weight straps behave like springs. The straps were stretched with a Tinius-Olsen machine to determine the force vs deflection behavior for a standard set of weight straps, including one pair each of 2.5 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, 25 lb, 50 lb and 100 lb weight straps. The objective of this study was to make measurements of force versus deflection for each matched pair of weight straps, and then to calculate the force required at the barbell arm to perform an exercise for a particular "weight." Although several different exercises can be performed, the focus here is on a simple bench press, for which the resistance curve was determined.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Deformed states of neutron-deficient cerium and neodymium nuclei

Abstract High-spin levels in Ce and Nd isotopes excited by the reactions 120,122Sn(16O, 3n) 133, 135Ce and 122, 124Te(16O, 3n)135, 137Nd have been studied by in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic methods (prompt and delayed spectra, excitation functions, angular distributions and γ-γ coincidences). Bands built on the 11 2 − isomeric levels in 135Ce and 137Nd and on the 9 2 − ground states in 133Ce and 135Nd have been found. A prolate deformation is required for these nuclei in order to explain the E2/M1 mixing ratios and the level ordering of these bands.
Increasing incidence and geographic distribution of neonatal abstinence syndrome: United States 2009 to 2012.

Increasing incidence and geographic distribution of neonatal abstinence syndrome: United States 2009 to 2012
Microbial communities of the carapace, gut, and hemolymph of the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

The Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus is an important fisheries resource that is subject to mortality and morbidity from hemolymph infections. We used culture-independent methods based on the analysis of 16S rRNA genes to characterize and quantify the microflora from the carapace, gut, and hemolymph of C. sapidus with the goals of (1) characterizing the C. sapidus microbial assemblage and (2) identifying the reservoirs of potential pathogens associated with the crab. We found that the carapace, gut and hemolymph microflora have a core Proteobacteria community with contributions from other phyla including Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Spirochetes, and Tenericutes. Within this Proteobacteria core, γ-Proteobacteria, including the members of the Vibrionaceae that are closely related to potential pathogens, dominate. Bacteria closely related to hemolymph pathogens were found on the carapace, supporting the hypothesis that punctures, molting damage, or broken dactyls may be routes for hemolymph infections. These results provide some of the first data on the blue crab microbial assemblage obtained with culture-independent techniques and offer insights into the routes of infection and potential bacterial pathogens associated with blue crabs.
Fear Conditioning Enhances Gamma Oscillations and Their Entrainment of Neurons Representing the Conditioned Stimulus

Learning alters the responses of neurons in the neocortex, typically strengthening their encoding of behaviorally relevant stimuli. These enhancements are studied extensively in the auditory cortex by characterizing changes in firing rates and evoked potentials. However, synchronous activity is also important for the processing of stimuli, especially the relationship between gamma oscillations in the local field potential and spiking. We investigated whether tone/shock fear conditioning in rats, a task known to alter responses in auditory cortex, also modified the relationship between gamma and unit activity. A boost in gamma oscillations developed, especially at sites tuned near the tone, and strengthened across multiple conditioning sessions. Unit activity became increasingly phase-locked to gamma, with sites tuned near the tone developing enhanced phase-locking during the tone, whereas those tuned away maintained a tendency to decrease their phase-locking. Enhancements in the coordination of spiking between sites tuned near the tone developed within the first conditioning session and remained throughout the rest of training. Enhanced cross-covariances in unit activity were strongest for subjects that exhibited robust conditioned fear. These results illustrate that changes in sensory cortex during associative learning extend to the coordination of neurons encoding the relevant stimulus, with implications for how it is processed downstream.
What Schools Are Doing around Career Development: Implications for Policy and Practice.

This article describes the role that schools are playing in supporting career development for young people. It examines the history of career-related programming in schools, including school-to-work programs, career and technical education, the college and career readiness movement, and current school reform initiatives. This understanding of schools' history, roles, opportunities, and constraints can help practitioners and policymakers think about how to build a system that supports youth development.
RNA polymerase II carboxyl-terminal domain phosphorylation regulates protein stability of the Set2 methyltransferase and histone H3 di- and trimethylation at lysine 36

Methylation of lysine 36 on histone H3 (H3K36) is catalyzed by the Set2 methyltransferase and is linked to transcriptional regulation. Previous studies have shown that trimethylation of H3K36 by Set2 is directed through its association with the phosphorylated repeats of the RNA polymerase C-terminal domain (RNAPII CTD). Here, we show that disruption of this interaction through the use of yeast mutants defective in CTD phosphorylation at serine 2 results in a destabilization of Set2 protein levels and H3K36 methylation. Consistent with this, we find that Set2 has a short half-life and is co-regulated, with RNAPII CTD phosphorylation levels, during logarithmic growth in yeast. To probe the functional consequence of uncoupling Set2-RNAPII regulation, we expressed a truncated and more stable form of Set2 that is capable of dimethylation but not trimethylation in vivo. Results of high throughput synthetic genetic analyses show that this Set2 variant has distinct genetics from either SET2 or set2Δ and is synthetically sick or lethal with a number of transcription elongation mutants. Collectively, these results provide molecular insight into the regulation of Set2 protein levels that influence H3K36 methylation states.
"You Never Call, You Never Write": Call and SMS Logs Do Not Always Indicate Tie Strength

How effective are call and SMS logs in modeling tie strength? Frequency and duration of communication has long been cited as a major aspect of tie strength. Intuitively, this makes sense: people communicate with those that they feel close to. Highly cited research papers have pushed this idea further, using communication as a direct proxy for tie strength. However, this operationalization has not been validated. Our work evaluates this assumption. We collected call and SMS logs and ground truth relationship data from 36 participants. Consistent with theory, we found that frequent or long-duration communication likely indicates a strong tie. However, the use of call and SMS logs produced many errors in separating strong and weak ties, suggesting this approach is incomplete. Follow-up interviews indicate fundamental challenges for inferring tie strength from communication logs.
Saddle-like deformation in a dielectric elastomer actuator embedded with liquid-phase gallium-indium electrodes

We introduce a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) composed of liquid-phase Gallium-Indium (GaIn) alloy electrodes embedded between layers of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and examine its mechanics using a specialized elastic shell theory. Residual stresses in the dielectric and sealing layers of PDMS cause the DEA to deform into a saddle-like geometry (Gaussian curvature K<0). Applying voltage Φ to the liquid metal electrodes induces electrostatic pressure (Maxwell stress) on the dielectric and relieves some of the residual stress. This reduces the longitudinal bending curvature and corresponding angle of deflection ϑ. Treating the elastomer as an incompressible, isotropic, NeoHookean solid, we develop a theory based on the principle of minimum potential energy to predict the principal curvatures as a function of Φ. Based on this theory, we predict a dependency of ϑ on Φ that is in strong agreement with experimental measurements performed on a GaIn-PDMS composite. By accurately modeling electromechanical coupling in a soft-matter DEA, this theory can inform improvements in design and fabrication.
Early-Emerging Social Adaptive Skills in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Item Analysis

Individuals with ASD have significant impairments in adaptive skills, particularly adaptive socialization skills. The present study examined the extent to which 20 items from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Socialization Domain differentiated between ASD and developmentally delayed (DD) groups. Participants included 108 toddlers with ASD or DD under the age of 3 years. Nine of the 20 items significantly distinguished the groups. The ASD group demonstrated significantly weaker socialization skills, including deficits in basic social behaviors. The results support the notion that (a) socialization deficits in ASD impact foundational social skills typically emerging in the first year of life, (b) examination of specific social adaptive behaviors contribute to differential diagnosis, and (c) foundational social behaviors should be targeted for intervention.
Effect of seeding duration on the strength of chondrocyte adhesion to articular cartilage

Chondrocyte adhesion to cartilage may play an important role in the repair of articular defects by maintaining cells in positions where their biosynthetic products can contribute to the repair process. The objective of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of the duration of seeding time on the ability of chondrocytes to resist detachment from cartilage when subjected to mechanical perturbation (fluid-induced shear stress). Suspensions of adult bovine articular chondrocytes were prepared from primary, high-density monolayer cultures and infused into a parallel-plate shear-flow chamber where they settled onto 50-microm-thick sections of bovine articular cartilage at a density of approximately 20,000 cells/cm2. The chondrocytes were seeded and allowed to attach to the cartilage surface for specific durations (5-40 minutes) in medium including 10% serum at 22 degrees C, after which the cells were exposed to fluid flow-induced shear stresses (6-90 Pa). The fraction of detached cells at each shear stress was calculated from microscopic images. Shear stress was applied for 1 minute because this length of time was sufficient to induce steady-state cell detachment. Increasing the duration of cell seeding led to a more firm attachment of chondrocytes to cartilage. After 9 minutes of seeding, 50% cell detachment was induced by gravitational force alone. After 40 minutes of seeding, 50% detachment required 26 Pa of shear stress. Extrapolation of the data to account for the effect of repeated applications of cell suspensions to an individual cartilage substrate indicated that for a freshly prepared cartilage section, 50% detachment was induced by gravity after 25 minutes of seeding and by 2.3 Pa of shear stress after 40 minutes of seeding. The increase in resistance to shear stress-induced cell detachment with increasing seeding duration suggests that it may be beneficial to allow chondrocytes to stabilize in the absence of applied load for some time after chondrocyte transplantation for cartilage repair in vivo.
Radial penetration of a viscous liquid into a planar anisotropic porous medium

Abstract The equations describing the radial encroachment of a viscous liquid into a homogeneous, anisotropic porous medium are formulated and solved by two approximate methods. An analytical approximation is in good agreement with a finite element numerical solution, provided the angular component of the pressure gradient in an elliptical coordinate system is small. In the specific case where one of the principal flow directions is perpendicular to the flow plane, treatment of experimental flow data in accord with the analytical approximation determines the principal in-plane permeabilities and the degree of in-plane anisotropy. In the general case, the analysis yields effective permeabilities that are functions of the principal permeabilities and the orientation of the principal coordinate system.
Lithium Pnictidoaluminates (Et2O)2Li[μ-E(SiMe3)2]2AlH2 (E = P, As): New Mixed-Metal Pnicogen-Bridged Four-Membered Ring Compounds

The lithium pnictidoaluminates (Et2O)2Li[μ-E(SiMe3)2]2AlH2, E = P (1) and As (2), were obtained from the reactions between LiAlH4 and E(SiMe3)3 in diethyl ether by following dehydrosilylation chemi...
Distribution of ent-kaurene synthetase in Helianthus annuus and Marah macrocarpus

Abstract Kaurene synthetases catalyse the biosynthesis of ent -kaurene, a precursor of the gibberellins. In 4-day-old dark- or light-grown Helianthus annuus seedlings, the cotyledons contained over 90% of the synthetase activity. The low enzyme activity in the seedling hypocotyls and roots is not a consequence of inhibitory factors in these tissues. The cotyledons not only have the highest kaurene synthetase activity, but also have the highest inhibitory activity. The differences in kaurene synthetase activities in the different tissues cannot be explained on the basis of the levels of inhibitor(s) in the extracts. The mature perennial root of Marah macrocarpus has very low kaurene synthetase activity, in contrast to the liquid endosperm of immature seeds of the same plant which is a rich source of the enzyme.
Exchange coupling and coercivity in ferro-antiferromagnetic bilayers

Abstract A microscopic Heisenberg model which includes the magnetostatic interactions is constructed for CoO/Co bilayers. The Landau–Lifshitz equation of motion is used to study the equilibrium properties of spin configurations and it is shown how magnetization curves can be calculated. Flat interfaces with compensated antiferromagnetic interface planes show spin-flop coupling but no exchange bias. The magnetization reversal is however irreversible with very large coercivity.
The scenic beauty of shelterbelts on the Great Plains

Abstract Shelterbelts on the Great Plains have changed the landscape of the region. A common belief exists that this change has added aesthetic value to the landscape; however, this has not been scientifically documented. This study assessed the scenic beauty of shelterbelts. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the relationship among shelterbelts, other landscape characteristics, and scenic beauty, (2) determine differences in scenic beauty judgments based on background characteristics of the observers, and (3) determine if scenic beauty judgments remained the same over two separate viewings of the same scenes by the same observers. One hundred and eighty students viewed 60 slides of plains landscapes with and without shelterbelts. Twenty-four viewers saw the slides twice. Viewers were asked to rate the slides for scenic beauty on a scale of 0 (low) to 9 (high). They also answered demographic and background characteristic questions. The scenic beauty scores were scaled to form Scenic Beauty Estimates. Simple correlation and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Findings show that shelterbelts contribute to scenic beauty in the plains landscape, viewers' background characteristics do not affect scenic beauty ratings, and scenic beauty evaluations remain consistent over a repeat viewing.
Quantification of NTproBNP in Rat Serum Using Immunoprecipitation and LC/MS/MS: a Biomarker of Drug-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NTproBNP) are well established in the clinic as biomarkers of heart failure. BNP hormone and the inactive NTproBNP are predominantly secreted in the ventricles of the heart in response to pressure overload and, consequently, are being investigated as markers of drug-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rat to support drug development. In the work presented here, an immunoaffinity-based LC/MS/MS assay was developed and validated to measure a selective tryptic fragment of NTproBNP in rat serum. The assay covers the range of 13-329 pg/mL of the tryptic fragment LLELIR, corresponding to 0.1-2.5 ng/mL intact NTproBNP. A stable isotope-labeled version of NTproBNP containing the tryptic fragment LLELI[13C615N1]R was prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis and was used as an internal standard to minimize assay variability. Due to endogenous NTproBNP present in rat serum, human serum was used as the control matrix, and parallelism between rat and human serum was established by standard addition. Assay accuracy (% RE) and precision (% CV) were measured at three concentrations on each of 4 days and did not exceed 4.2 and 14.5%, respectively. Additionally, study data are presented from the application of this assay in which rats demonstrated a significant increase in NTproBNP serum concentration following administration of an agent known to induce cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, the relationship between serum NTproBNP and cardiac hypertrophy was corroborated by increases in heart weight and magnetic resonance imaging of the test subjects' left ventricle. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported assay for NTproBNP in preclinical species for the assessment of cardiac hypertrophy.
BIOALKYLATION OF BENZ(A)ANTHRACENE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CARCINOGENESIS

Previous studies on the metabolic activation of unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have largely focused on the formation of oxidation products as a result of reaction of the parent hydrocarbon with microsomal enzymes. These products of reaction have included both epoxide as well as a diol epoxide metabolites. In addition, formation of quinones as well as hydroxyl substituted derivatives of various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been investigated as metabolic endpoints. Several studies have taken place illustrating the formation of these metabolites, as well as the formation of biologically relevant adducts in a variety of animal models as well as cell culture preparations. Although these metabolic products have been widely characterized and studied in a variety of systems, there have been limited studies characterizing the formation of methyl substituted derivatives of unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and the subsequent formation of hydroxyalkyl derivatives of various compounds. The...