cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The COOH-terminal Domain of Drosophila TRP Channels Confers Thapsigargin Sensitivity

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the Drosophila cation channels designated Trp and Trpl can be functionally expressed in Sf9 insect cells using baculovirus expression vectors. The trp gene encodes a Ca-permeable channel that is activated by thapsigargin, blocked by low micromolar Gd, and is relatively selective for Caversus Na and Ba. In contrast, trpl encodes a Ca-permeable cation channel that is constitutively active, not affected by thapsigargin, blocked by high micromolar Gd, and non-selective with respect to Ca, Na, and Ba. The region of lowest sequence identity between Trp and Trpl occurs in the COOH-terminal domain. To test the hypothesis that this region is responsible for the differential sensitivity of these channels to thapsigargin, chimeric constructs of Trp and Trpl were created in which the COOH-terminal tail region of each protein was exchanged. The Trp construct with the Trpl COOH-tail was constitutively active, insensitive to thapsigargin, but retained selectivity for Ca over Na and Ba. In contrast, the Trpl construct with the Trp COOH-tail was not constitutively active, could be activated by thapsigargin, but remained non-selective with respect to Ca, Ba, and Na. These results suggest that the COOH-terminal domain of Trpl plays an important role in determining constitutive activity, whereas the COOH-terminal region of Trp contains the structural features necessary for activation by thapsigargin.
Atomistic Modeling of Ultrathin Surface Oxide Growth on a Ternary Alloy: Oxidation of Al−Ni−Fe

By employing variable-charge molecular dynamics, surface oxide film growth on aluminum−nickel−iron alloys has been studied at 300 and 600 K. The dynamics of oxidation and oxide growth is strongly d...
Intrinsic-Defect Photoluminescence in Amorphous Si O 2

The first observation of photoluminescence (PL) originating from intrinsic defects in annealed and neutron-irradiated amorphous ($a\ensuremath{-}$)Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ is reported. The PL is compared with that for $a$-${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$. The PL spectra scale with energy band gap and the temperature dependence of the PL quantum efficiencies scale with glass transition temperature. This strongly suggests that defects in $a$-Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and semiconducting chalcogenide glasses are similar.
Non-divestment laser applications in art conservation

Abstract Just as lasers have found applications in entertainment, science, industry, and medicine, numerous real and potential uses for lasers in art-conservation analyses and practice have been investigated over the past three decades. Initially, these included archival holographic recording, holographic non-destructive testing (NDT) of statues and paintings, laser-induced ultrasonic imaging of frescos and paintings, laser scattering for surface characterization of paint layers, photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) of pigments and varnishes, atomic and molecular microprobe analyses of artwork surfaces (e.g., LIBS), surface modification of stone, laser-induced chemistry (LIC), and surface divestment of art materials from leather to stone. In recent years, this list has been extended considerably. It now includes 3D replication, Raman spectroscopy and mapping, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection and imaging, object repair through laser cutting and welding, laser-doppler techniques for the study of surface motion in order to discern internal features, and laser ranging for contour mapping. Twenty-five years ago, laser divestment/cleaning was, by widespread consensus of the conservation community, the least plausible laser application in art conservation. This attitude was fostered by several circumstances. Foremost, was a general ignorance of laser technology and its potential. Second, were genuine problems with laser reliability, cost, and maintenance. Third, were technology limitations in available wavelengths and beam director options. However, after 20 years of research and development, laser divestment (principally for stone) emerged to dominate all the other initial and latter applications noted above. In light of the current widespread acceptance of radiation-induced divestment (brought about by its practical successes), it is a propitious time to revisit and review those that overshadowed early alternative laser applications in terms of their histories, status, and prognoses. Subsequent advances in laser science and technology (as well as in associated computer systems for digital signal processing and laser control) will enhance and facilitate the practical uses of those other early opportunities for lasers in art conservation. Toward this end, the initial endeavors in exploring and assessing the utility of these tools for art conservation are recounted. Together with the manifest success of laser cleaning, both in the conservation laboratory and in the field, this review may serve to reinvigorate interest in these powerful scientifically established technologies and extend their application and acceptance to the broader art-conservation community.
Toxic effects of hexachloronaphthalene on swine

Abstract Young pigs did not make normal body-weight gains after the oral administration of 10 mg per pound of hexachloronaphthalene daily for a total of 8 or 9 days. Histopathologic examination revealed the following lesions in pigs that received hexachloronaphthalene: degenerative changes of the liver and kidneys, subacute interstitial duodenitis, hyperplasia of the stratified squamous epithelium of the vaginal tissue accompanied by the formation of keratin on the mucosal surface. At 14 days after the initial oral administration of hexachloronaphthalene, the plasma vitamin A values were in the deficiency range (significant at the 0.1% level). The vitamin A values had returned to the normal range at the time of necropsy. Young growing swine tolerate the oral administration of hexachloronaphthalene better than do calves.
Computer integrated machining parameter selection in a job shop using expert systems

Abstract This paper deals with the development of MPSEL, a system for the selection of machining parameters in a job shop. An overview for the role of this research within the manufacturing system has been provided. The factors and procedures used in the selection of machines, tools, fluids, tool angles, and in the analysis of the compatibility between operations and work materials has been outlined. The methods used for data acquisition and control of inference engine have been described. The necessity of integrating expert systems with algorithms for efficient decision making has been emphasized.
Unexplained death due to possible infectious diseases in infants-United States, 2006.

Objectives To quantify and examine factors related to unexplained death due to possible infectious causes (UDPIC) in infants and to analyze the associations between these factors in unexplained deaths and infants with fatal and nonfatal outcomes. Study design Infant deaths meeting the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code inclusion and exclusion criteria for UDPIC were selected from the 2006 US Linked Birth and Infant Death data set. Two control groups of surviving and nonsurviving infants were selected and compared with the infants with UDPIC using a case-control study design with multivariate logistic regression models stratified by birth weight category. Comparisons with infants with identified infectious causes of death were also made. Results During 2006, 3570 infant deaths (12.5% of all US infant deaths) were categorized as a UDPIC. The highest rates for these unexplained infants deaths were found in blacks and American Indians/Alaska Natives. Infants of black mothers were more likely to experience UDPIC. Birth weight was a significant effect modifier in these models. Conclusions Many factors may contribute to an infant's death being classified as a UDPIC, including race and marital status. Other factors, such as Hispanic ethnicity and maternal age, also may play a role. Infant characteristics, such as birth weight, may be related to factors that influence the decision not to conduct a postmortem examination in infant death cases. Additional research is needed to determine the true extent of infectious disease and its relationship to UDPIC in infants.
Knowledge integration and innovation: Securing new product advantage in high technology industry

Abstract This paper examines the impact of two processes of knowledge management, knowledge integration and innovation, on new product performance in Chinese high technology industry. The results show that knowledge integration and innovation exert significant positive effects on new product performance. The knowledge integration–performance connection is contingent on marketing and manufacturing competences and another two knowledge management processes: knowledge acquisition and dissemination. This paper concludes with a discussion of the implications and limitations of the research.
The HIRDLS science investigator-led processing system (SIPS): supporting operational processing and more

The High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS) Science Investigator-led Processing System (SIPS) is a software framework designed for operational, event-driven, instrument data processing. At its foundation are multiple open-source components that are assembled into a distributed architecture. The framework allows creation and modification of a wide array of processor and product scenarios. Java is used as the primary software language though processors can be implemented with any technology supported on the target platform. The software development approach, design and implementation technology are described along with several features and benefits of the system.
Quantitative analysis of gender differences in the effects of lateralized lesions on verbal and performance IQ

Abstract Previous studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that males have larger differences between Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Performance IQ (PIQ) following unilateral brain lesions. Several theories have been proposed as an explanation of this finding, including a greater degree of functional lateralization in males, gender differences in the organization of language centers within the left hemisphere, and differences in problem-solving strategy for PIQ. We apply quantitative methods for analysis of relations between lesion location and behavior to a sample of 64 males and females with unilateral brain lesions. Statistical test conducted in LISREL-VII suggest that in females, a single model can describe the relationships between lesion location and VIQ and PIQ, with left-hemisphere lesions producing more severe deficits on both measures. In males, separate models of the relationships between lesion location and VIQ and PIQ are required.
End-of-Life Care in the Treatment of Heart Failure in the Elderly

Much of the literature dedicated to the topic of medical care of dying patients has revolved around terminal care provided to patients who have neoplastic diagnoses. Heart failure (HF) presents its own unique challenges to the clinician. This article focuses on specific clinical recommendations and an analysis of some of the ethical issues involved in the provision of care to elderly patients in the terminal stages of HF.
The Estimation of Stationary Stochastic Regression Parameters Reexamined

Abstract This article reexamines the problem of estimation in repeated regression experiments wherein the regression parameters vary according to a stationary stochastic process with known covariance structure. Best linear unbiased estimators, more efficient than those recently proposed by Burnett and Guthrie, are derived.
Quantifying children's aggregate (dietary and residential) exposure and dose to permethrin: application and evaluation of EPA's probabilistic SHEDS-Multimedia model

Reliable, evaluated human exposure and dose models are important for understanding the health risks from chemicals. A case study focusing on permethrin was conducted because of this insecticide's widespread use and potential health effects. SHEDS-Multimedia was applied to estimate US population permethrin exposures for 3- to 5-year-old children from residential, dietary, and combined exposure routes, using available dietary consumption data, food residue data, residential concentrations, and exposure factors. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were conducted to identify key factors, pathways, and research needs. Model evaluation was conducted using duplicate diet data and biomonitoring data from multiple field studies, and comparison to other models. Key exposure variables were consumption of spinach, lettuce, and cabbage; surface-to-skin transfer efficiency; hand mouthing frequency; fraction of hand mouthed; saliva removal efficiency; fraction of house treated; and usage frequency. For children in households using residential permethrin, the non-dietary exposure route was most important, and when all households were included, dietary exposure dominated. SHEDS-Multimedia model estimates compared well to real-world measurements data; this exposure assessment tool can enhance human health risk assessments and inform children's health research. The case study provides insights into children's aggregate exposures to permethrin and lays the foundation for a future cumulative pyrethroid pesticides risk assessment.
A complex five breakpoint intrachromosomal rearrangement ascertained through two recombinant offspring.

Intrachromosomal rearrangements usually result from three of fewer breaks. We report a complex intrachromosomal rearrangement resulting from five breaks in one chromosome 10 of a phenotypically normal father of two developmentally delayed children. GTG-banding analysis of the father's rearranged chromosome 10 suggested in initial pericentric inversion followed by an insertion from the short arm into the terminal band of the long arm [der(10) (pter-->p13::q21.2-->p12.2::q22.1::-->q26.3::q22.1-->q 21.2::p12.2-->p13::q26.3-->qter)]. To our knowledge, this rearrangement is the most complex ever reported in a single chromosome. Both children inherited a recombinant chromosome 10 with loss of the insertion and the segment distal to it [rec(10)der(pter-->p13: :q21.2-->p12.2::q22.1-->q26.3:)]. Mechanisms for both rearrangements are proposed.
p-Decylphenyl isocyanide and p-decylbenzonitrile: isomorphous isonitrile/nitrile isomers.

p-Decyl­phenyl isocyanide, p-C10H21–C6H4–NC or C17H25N, and p-decyl­benzo­nitrile, p-C10H21–C6H4–CN or C17H25N, are isomorphous. The mol­ecules lie in mirror planes, with the C6 rings perpendicular to the mirror. The packing of both mol­ecules includes an aliphatic region, with close to ideal packing of the C10H21 chains, and an aromatic region, with phenyl ring–CN interactions. In addition, the CN ends of the mol­ecules are also involved in a CN⋯NC dipolar interaction.
Identification of PHLPP1 as a Tumor Suppressor Reveals the Role of Feedback Activation in PTEN-Mutant Prostate Cancer Progression

Hyperactivation of the PI 3-kinase/AKT pathway is a driving force of many cancers. Here we identify the AKT-inactivating phosphatase PHLPP1 as a prostate tumor suppressor. We show that Phlpp1-loss causes neoplasia and, on partial Pten-loss, carcinoma in mouse prostate. This genetic setting initially triggers a growth suppressive response via p53 and the Phlpp2 ortholog, and reveals spontaneous Trp53 inactivation as a condition for full-blown disease. Surprisingly, the codeletion of PTEN and PHLPP1 in patient samples is highly restricted to metastatic disease and tightly correlated to deletion of TP53 and PHLPP2. These data establish a conceptual framework for progression of PTEN mutant prostate cancer to life-threatening disease.
Counterexamples concerning the diagonal elements of normal matrices

Abstract An infinite class of conditions known to be satisfied by the diagonal elements of a normal matrix with prescribed spectrum is shown to be independent of other known conditions satisfied by the diagonal elements but nevertheless insufficient to characterize the diagonal.
Spatial Correlations in Bounded Nonequilibrium Fluid Systems

We study the influence of boundaries on the equal-time thermal correlations in a three-dimensional fluid maintained under a constant temperature gradient. Within the confines of the model for an idealized fluid bounded by two infinite, parallel walls, we show that it is crucial to retain the unbounded spatial components in the problem so that the solutions approach meaningful results as we move the walls infinitely far apart. In addition, we consider a composite system by including the dynamics of the “walls”, and we investigate the conditions for the relevant physical parameters under which the details of wall dynamics may be neglected by employing the simple boundary condition δT=0.
Stability and Alliance Cohesion The Effects of Strategic Arms Reductions on Targeting and Extended Deterrence

There are differences between what the United States says and does with regard to strategic arms. There are also differences between policies that are ideal from a uniquely U.S. perspective and from a broader alliance perspective. These two sets of differences correspond to one another; the latter help to explain the former. Furthermore, recent discussions of arms reduction options, such as Nalebuff (1988), fail to consider the differences between national and alliance points of view. Arguments for minimal deterrence do not account for the damaging effects on alliance relations. A clear understanding of the different perspectives, which consequently pull U.S. policy in different directions, is necessary to see the genuine merits of various options under discussion for future agreements. American alliance commitments help to explain the divergence.
Do long-term HDL-C declines associated with a first birth vary by apo E phenotype? The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

Background: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal women are differentially affected by exogenous sex hormones depending on their apolipoprotein E (...
The Clinical Effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy for Depression in an Outpatient Clinic

Background Cognitive therapy (CT) has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of depression in numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, little evidence is available that speaks to the effectiveness of this treatment under routine clinical conditions.
Defining the role of the axial ligand of the type 1 copper site in amicyanin by replacement of methionine with leucine.

The effects of replacing the axial methionine ligand of the type 1 copper site with leucine on the structure and function of amicyanin have been characterized. The crystal structures of the oxidized and reduced forms of the protein reveal that the copper site is now tricoordinate with no axial ligand, and that the copper coordination distances for the two ligands provided by histidines are significantly increased. Despite these structural changes, the absorption and EPR spectra of M98L amicyanin are only slightly altered and still consistent with that of a typical type 1 site. The oxidation−reduction midpoint potential (Em) value becomes 127 mV more positive as a consequence of the M98L mutation, most likely because of the increased hydrophobicity of the copper site. The most dramatic effect of the mutation was on the electron transfer (ET) reaction from reduced M98L amicyanin to cytochrome c551i within the protein ET complex. The rate decreased 435-fold, which was much more than expected from the change ...
Analyzing data reuse for cache reconfiguration

Classical compiler optimizations assume a fixed cache architecture and modify the program to take best advantage of it. In some cases, this may not be the best strategy because each nest might work best with a different cache configuration and transforming a nest for a given fixed cache configuration may not be possible due to data and control dependences. Working with a fixed cache configuration can also increase energy consumption in loops where the best required configuration is smaller than the default (fixed) one. In this paper, we take an alternate approach and modify the cache configuration for each nest, depending on the access pattern exhibited by the nest. We call this technique compiler-directed cache polymorphism (CDCP). More specifically, in this paper, we make the following contributions. First, we present an approach for analyzing data reuse properties of loop nests. Second, we give algorithms to simulate the footprints of array references in their reuse space. Third, based on our reuse analysis, we present an optimization algorithm to compute the cache configurations for each loop nest. Our experimental results show that CDCP is very effective in finding the near-optimal data cache configurations for different nests in array-intensive applications.
Maturational differences in thalamocortical white matter microstructure and auditory evoked response latencies in autism spectrum disorders

White matter diffusion anisotropy in the acoustic radiations was characterized as a function of development in autistic and typically developing children. Auditory-evoked neuromagnetic fields were also recorded from the same individuals and the latency of the left and right middle latency superior temporal gyrus auditory ~50ms response (M50)(1) was measured. Group differences in structural and functional auditory measures were examined, as were group differences in associations between white matter pathways, M50 latency, and age. Acoustic radiation white matter fractional anisotropy did not differ between groups. Individuals with autism displayed a significant M50 latency delay. Only in typically developing controls, white matter fractional anisotropy increased with age and increased white matter anisotropy was associated with earlier M50 responses. M50 latency, however, decreased with age in both groups. Present findings thus indicate that although there is loss of a relationship between white matter structure and auditory cortex function in autism spectrum disorders, and although there are delayed auditory responses in individuals with autism than compared with age-matched controls, M50 latency nevertheless decreases as a function of age in autism, parallel to the observation in typically developing controls (although with an overall latency delay). To understand auditory latency delays in autism and changes in auditory responses as a function of age in controls and autism, studies examining white matter as well as other factors that influence auditory latency, such as synaptic transmission, are of interest.
The potency of anti-oxidants in attenuating superantigen-induced proinflammatory cytokines correlates with inactivation of NF-kappaB.

Excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines mediates the toxic effects of superantigenic staphylococcal exotoxins (SE). We evaluated the potency of two anti-oxidants, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) in inhibiting the staphylococcal enterotoxin B and staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome-1-induced activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Both NAC and PDTC dose-dependently inhibited SE-stimulated T-cell proliferation (by 98%), production of cytokines and chemokines by PBMC and expression of SE-induced cell surface activation markers. The potency of both NAC and PDTC corresponded to their ability to inhibit NF-κB activation. Our results suggest that anti-oxidants might be useful to mitigate the pathogenic effects of SE by blocking transcriptional signaling activated by superantigens.
Rapid retrograde transport of dopamine-β-hydroxylase as examined by the stop-flow technique

Summary We have studied the retrograde axonal transport of dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) with the aid of a new stop-flow technique. Rabbit sciatic nerves in vitro were incubated in chambers which exposed different regions to oxygenated physiological saline solution at different temperatures. These chambers contained no mechanical barriers that could generate local compression or anoxia. When the proximal halves of nerves were cooled to 2°C while the distal halves were kept at 37°C, a peak of DBH activity began to accumulate in the middle. Accumulation was detectable after 1.5 h of proximal cooling, and the amount of activity in the peak increased linearly with time for up to 4.5 h. The rate of this accumulation was only about 20% of the rate at which DBH activity accumulates proximal to locally cooled regions. Retrograde accumulation of DBH activity is not an artifact that depends upon the simple juxtaposition of cooled and warmed regions; it does not occur when nerves are locally warmed to 37°C while being kept elsewhere at 2°C. When nerves that had been proximally cooled for 3 h were rewarmed, the accumulated DBH activity was asymmetrically displaced toward the proximal end. The migrating wave lacked a definite peak, but appeared as a shoulder with a well-defined front that moved steadily at about 12 mm/h. We take this as direct evidence for retrograde axonal transport of DBH. The maximum velocity of this transport is very similar to the velocity of orthograde transport previously determined by stop-flow techniques.
Offshore outsourcing: a managerial framework

Purpose – This paper aims to present a managerial framework that facilitates successful supplier selection and ongoing management for purchasing services from offshore suppliers.Design/methodology/approach – This research is grounded in transaction cost theory and developed using data from case studies of six Fortune 500 firms that have a minimum of three years experience purchasing services from suppliers located in India.Findings – Viewing the selection and management of suppliers for the purchase of offshore outsourced services as strategic in nature helps organizations ensure quality and low cost in the service delivery and also reduces complexity and associated risk to the organization.Research limitations/implications – The overarching limitation is the number and size of the companies being researched.Practical implications – This research presents a framework to guide managers in reducing risk and improving performance in these complex service purchases. Formalizing the selection and management of...
The effects of martian orbital variations upon the sublimation and relaxation of north polar troughs and scarps

Abstract The North Polar Layered Deposits (PLD) of Mars are climatologically significant because they represent the largest actively-exchanging reservoir of martian water. The kilometer-scale topography of the North PLD is dominated by troughs and scarps, which exhibit highly-correlated surface slopes and total depths. The most widespread theories of PLD evolution presume that the asymmetrical nature of North PLD troughs (characterized by equatorward-facing slopes that are generally steeper than poleward-facing slopes) is the result of preferential H 2 O sublimation from equatorward-facing trough walls. However, our orbitally-modulated simulations indicate that there is no long-term sublimation advantage of equatorward-facing trough walls, because of the effects of obliquity upon the slope dependence of sublimation rate. In contrast, we propose that viscous relaxation of subsurface water is consistent with the slope and depth distributions of North PLD troughs and scarps. The results of our finite element simulations suggest that a mere 2 K difference in the subsurface temperatures of opposing trough walls is sufficient to produce the observed slope disparity, due to the slower rate of uplift of colder poleward-facing trough walls. Both our sublimation and relaxation simulations indicate that present-day North PLD troughs have formed since 5 Ma and are not sites of long-term deposition; additionally, our results imply that glacial flow may govern the large-scale evolution of the North PLD, especially at high obliquity.
Chlorophyll-a degradation during cellular senescence and death

Abstract The present study consisted of two parts. First, baseline pigment distributions and potential analytical alterations in 29 microalgal species using ion-paired RP-HPLC/PDA methodology were established. The conversion of chlorophyll-a to chlorophyllide-a easily divided the organisms studied into high and low chlorophyllase activity groups. The idea of species specificity, as to chlorophyllase activity, was reinforced as different species in the same genus behaved differently. A novel compound, tentatively identified as 131-oxydeoxo-chlorophyll-a, was isolated from Euglena gracilis, Thalassiosira sp., Gymnodinium sp. and Dictyota dichotoma. The second and major portion of the study consisted of the dark aging of 9 microalgal clones under anoxic or oxic, warm or cold conditions for periods of up to 31 months. Species with very high chlorophyllase activity produced pheophorbide-a and/or pyropheophorbide-a, usually with chlorophyllide-a being observed as an intermediate. Other species produced only the isomers of pheophytin-a. Four organisms (Anabaena flos-aquae, Closterium sp., Vaucheria sessilis and Nitzschia) were found to produce an early (2–4 months) predominance of pheophorbide-a which, as aging lengthened (4, 6 and 10+ months), gave way to pheophytin-a dominance. As pheophorbide-a is obviously not being converted to pheophytin-a, we propose that pheophorbide-a is being destroyed, possibly enzymatically, to leave pheophytin-a as a more stable survivor in these species. Chlorophyll-b degradation tracked the “a-series”. That is, pheophytin-b or pheophorbide-b dominated according to species patterns for chlorophyll-a. In the green alga Closterium sp., having been aged for 7–31 months, a pigment (3–9% of total a-series) which we have tentatively identified as purpurin-18-phytyl ester was produced and was accompanied by relatively large amounts of pheophytin-a-allomer. We suggest that this compound, formed via the oxidative cleavage of the isocyclic ring, serves as a potential precursor to several open-β position geo-etioporphyrins. The overall degradation of chlorophyll-a and the overlap of catabolic biochemistry with true organic diagenesis is discussed.
Institutional Investor Heterogeneity: Implications for Strategic Decisions

There has been much attention given to the growing activism of institutional investors in corporate governance. However, past research has been unable to establish a consistent relationship between institutional investors and firm behavior. This may have occurred because institutional investors have been assumed to be a homogenous group possessing the same objectives and behaviors. For a sample of 271 U.S. Fortune 500 firms for the years 1990 to 1992, we categorized the firms' institutional investors into four distinct types: pension funds, mutual funds, banks, and insurance companies. We found significantly different relationships between these categories of institutional investors and firms' strategic investments.
Moment-tensor solutions estimated using optimal filter theory: global seismicity, 1988–1989

Moment-tensor solutions, estimated using optimal filter theory, are listed for 201 moderate-to-large earthquakes occurring from 1988 to 1989.
Emotional Reactions During and After Trauma: A Comparison of Trauma Types

Peri- and posttraumatic emotional responses have been understudied, and furthermore, have rarely been compared among trauma types. The current study compared college students' retrospective self-reports of peri- and posttraumatic responses of fear, shame, guilt, anger, and sadness among four types of traumatic events: sexual assault, physical assault, transportation accident, and illness/injury. Overall emotional responding was generally high for all trauma types, and for those in the sexual assault group, emotion increased sharply from the peri- to posttraumatic time point. Generally, fear was higher during the trauma compared to after the trauma, whereas the other emotions tended to remain stable or increase posttrauma. The sexual assault group tended to report higher levels of posttrauma emotion than the other trauma type groups.
Model-based evolution of collaborative agent-based systems

As demands for behaviorally sophisticated software grow, agent-based systems are increasingly being employed. Software agents are frequently applied to large, complex systems that involve interdisciplinary development teams. These complex systems have proved to be challenging to develop and evolve, even for the most competent software engineers. Taking lessons learned in other engineering disciplines such as computer and architectural engineering we investigated a model-based engineering approach called Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) to automate, whenever possible, the development and evolution of agent-based applications. In our investigation, we use the Cognitive Agent Architecture (Cougaar); one of the most mature and sophisticated collaborative agent-based architectures. MDA and Cougaar served as the primary components and implementation platform for our research. In this paper we present our approach and demonstrate how MDA is effective for producing sophisticated agent-based systems. A key challenge was found in designing a flexible meta-model framework that would accommodate both top-down domain information and bottom-up platform specific constructs, as well as the transformations and mappings between them. We employed a General Domain Application Model (GDAM) as the platform-independent model layer and General Cougaar Application Model (GCAM) layer as the platform specific model respectively. Domain-level requirements are formulated using a XML Process Definition Language (XPDL) based graphical editor and are the refined through a series of model transformations (via the underlying metamodel) to systematically generate the agent-based software system. Through an illustrative case-study, we report on the feasibility, strengths and limitations of the model-based approach as it was investigated with the Cougaar.
Isotopic and kinetic assessment of the mechanism of methane reforming and decomposition reactions on supported iridium catalysts

Isotopic tracer and kinetic measurements were used to determine the identity and reversibility of elementary steps required for CH4–CO2, CH4–H2O and CH4 decomposition reactions on supported Ir clusters. The results led to a simple and rigorous mechanism that includes steps required for these reactions as well as water–gas shift reactions. All three CH4 reactions gave similar forward rates, rate constants, activation energies, and kinetic isotopic effects, indicating that C–H bond activation is the only kinetically relevant step on Ir surfaces. CO2 and H2O activation is quasi-equilibrated and intermediates derived from these co-reactants are not involved in kinetically-relevant steps. Isotopic cross-exchange during CH4/CD4/CO2 and CH4/CD4/H2O reactions is much slower than chemical conversion, indicating that C–H bond activation is irreversible. Identical 13C contents in CO and CO2 formed from 12CH4/12CO2/13CO reactions showed that CO2 activation is reversible and quasi-equilibrated. Binomial isotopomer distributions in water and dihydrogen formed from CH4/CO2/D2 and CD4/H2O mixtures are consistent with quasi-equilibrated hydrogen and water activation and recombinative desorption during CH4 reforming on Ir surfaces. Taken together with the quasi-equilibrated nature of CO2 activation steps, these data require that water–gas shift reactions must also be at equilibrium, as confirmed by analysis of the products formed in CH4 reforming reactions.
Channel Structures in Aerobic Biofilms of Fixed-Film Reactors Treating Contaminated Groundwater

Scanning electron microscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy, and fatty acid methyl ester profiles were used to study the development, organization, and structure of aerobic multispecies biofilm communities in granular activated-carbon (GAC) fluidized-bed reactors treating petroleum-contaminated groundwaters. The sequential development of biofilm structure was studied in a laboratory reactor fed toluene-amended groundwater and colonized by the indigenous aquifer populations. During the early stages of colonization, microcolonies were observed primarily in crevices and other regions sheltered from hydraulic shear forces. Eventually, these microcolonies grew over the entire surface of the GAC. This growth led to the development of discrete discontinuous multilayer biofilm structures. Cell-free channel-like structures of variable sizes were observed to interconnect the surface film with the deep inner layers. These interconnections appeared to increase the biological surface area per unit volume ratio, which may facilitate transport of substrates into and waste products out of deep regions of the biofilm at rates greater than possible by diffusion alone. These architectural features were also observed in biofilms from four field-scale GAC reactors that were in commercial operation treating petroleum-contaminated groundwaters. These shared features suggest that formation of cell-free channel structures and their maintenance may be a general microbial strategy to deal with the problem of limiting diffusive transport in thick biofilms typical of fluidized-bed reactors.
Indexing non-uniform spatial data

Non-uniformity in data extents is a general characteristic of spatial data. Indexing such non-uniform data using conventional spatial index structures such as R/sup */-trees is inefficient for two reasons: (1) the non-uniformity increases the likelihood of overlapping index entries, and (2) clustering of non-uniform data is likely to index more dead space than clustering of uniform data. To reduce the impact of these anomalies, we propose a new scheme that promotes data objects to higher levels in tree-based index structures. We examine two criteria for promotion of data objects and evaluate their relative merits using an R*-tree. In experiments on cartographic data, we observe that our promotion criteria yield up to 45% improvement in query performance for an R*-tree.
Physical Therapy Competencies in Clinical Education

General principles for using the physical therapy competencies in clinical education are presented. Several systems for using the competencies in a physical therapy internship curriculum are described.
Evaluation of resistive faults in high current starter cables

Arcing and arc damage in an electrically energized cable is often recognized as a result of insulation failure of the cable and a possible cause for the ignition of a fire. However, the presence of arcing does not necessarily indicate the point of origin of a fire. It only implies that the cable was energized at the time of the fire. Typically, cables routed in an automobile are protected by a combination of fusible links, circuit breakers and fuses. The exception is the starter cable, which, due to the intrinsic nature of its application, is not protected by circuit breakers or fuses. In motor homes and RVs, the starter cable may be routed for a considerable length and pass through several openings in the chassis and/or body structure. Cable insulation failure can result in the energized conductor contacting the vehicle chassis, which may then result in a high-current, low resistance fault. The objective of this paper is to investigate the electrical characteristics of a commonly used starter cable during a low resistance fault between the energized cable and vehicle ground.
The effect of current and speed on perimeter erosion in recovered armatures

This paper describes a continuation of earlier reported work in which C-armatures were launched and recovered for the purpose of studying melt-wave erosion (MWE) damage on the contact surface of the trailing arms. The purpose of the experiments reported here is to begin linking experimental results to theoretical predictions of the erosion process. Specifically, we sought to test a claim made in many of the two-dimensional (2-D) analytical models of MWE that the speed of the erosion front should be proportional to velocity and to the square of current. To this end, we performed two series of tests in which velocity and current were varied while controlling other variables. Peak currents ranged from 400 to 1200 kA, and exit speeds ranged from 100 to 700 m/s. Results reported include mass and volume of eroded material measured by mechanical profilometry and qualitative observations of the damage. The erosion rates are in reasonable agreement with the scaling relations predicted by 2-D theory. The erosion patterns, however, are qualitatively different from 2-D predictions.
Comparing the modern, Quaternary, and Neogene records of climate-controlled hillslope sedimentation in southeast Nevada

The vast majority of all sediment is derived from hillslopes. Attempts to understand what controls variability in the sedimentary record should therefore consider the primary variability of hillslope sediment yield to depositional basins. But our understanding of controls on sedimentation, particularly climatic controls, is limited by poor understanding of the links between hillslopes and depositional systems. This is partly because the applications of geomorphic research to sedimentology are not fully realized. The long-term hillslope stratigraphic records of this study provide a crucial physical link between hillslope sediment sources and depositional basins, and between geomorphology and sedimentology. We compare rare Neogene colluvium and buried hillslopes preserved in superproximal basin-fill exposures to their Quaternary and modern equivalents in two tectonically quiescent basins in southeastern Nevada. Field and laboratory geomorphic and sedimentologic methods are employed to document the provenance of proximal basin sediment, the character and relative amount of sediment produced on local hillslopes at different times, the hillslope weathering and transport processes occurring through time, and the role that rock-type differences have played. Physical weathering processes have dominated the production of angular, pebbly colluvium on both ancient and modern slopes, and overland flow has been the main process transporting detritus off slopes. Although hillslope processes and products in the study area remained the same in upper Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, and modern records, process rates have varied greatly, indicating that orbital-scale climatic cyclicity can be, but is not always, well expressed in the stratigraphy of continental basins. The vast majority of basin sediment in the study area is derived from hillslopes underlain by volcanic rather than carbonate bedrock, and rock type is the dominant control on sediment yield and landscape development in this tectonically inactive, dry setting.
Understanding media development: A framework and case study

The ongoing evolution of communications technologies and systems creates significant challenges for any effort to understand the role of media in the lives of children and adolescents. The dominant paradigm in studying the relationship between children and media has been one of media effects. However, we propose a reciprocal relationship in which human capabilities and motivation affect the development of media, while media affect human development. In order to investigate this reciprocal relationship, we need not only theories of human development (which are already well established); we also need a theoretical framework for media development, one which has a strong human factors component to it. Without such a framework, the media side of our developmental research will be limited to mere description of a particular local media practice at a particular moment. The purpose of this paper is to sketch part of such a framework and offer an example of its application in a study of the evolution of interactive games.
Low cost underwater robot sensor suite

One of the most expensive parts of underwater robotics is the sensors. This paper looks at modifying off the shelf components to create a sensor suite on a small budget. A big saving is made with sonar using a cheap commercial product to create a four sonar array. A depth sensor and acceleration navigation system are also developed.
The N-Terminal Extension of KChIP3 is Responsible for KChIP3-Calmodulin Complex Formation

Potassium channel interacting proteins (KChIPs), belong to the family of neuronal calcium sensors that are expressed in brain, lung and heart tissue. KChIPs bind to Kv4 channels and regulate channel trafficking, membrane association, and current kinetics. Among them, KChIP-3, also known as Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonistic Modulator (DREAM) and calsenilin, interacts with other intracellular partners (presenilin, calmodulin, and DNA) and was implied in Alzheimer's disease and pain sensing, although a molecular mechanism of KChIP-3 interactions with distinct intracellular partners remains unknown. The objective of this study is to provide a molecular insight into the mechanism of KChIP-3 interactions with calmodulin and determine the role of the N-terminus of KChIP-3 in the formation of calmodulin:KChIP-3 complex. Full length KChIP-3 (residue 1-256) and ΔN KChIP-3 (residue 65-256) were over-expressed in E. coli and purified according to an established protocol. In addition, a peptide that corresponds to residues 29-44 in KChIP-3 N-terminus was synthesized. The equilibrium dissociation constants and rotational correlation times for calmodulin: KChIP-3 complexes were determined using fluorescence anisotropy. Molecular dynamic simulations were implemented to provide an insight into the potential molecular structure of the calmodulin:KChIP-3 protein complex. Calmodulin interaction with KChIP-3 shows a Kd=3.3 µM whereas the peptide analogous to KChIP-3(29-44) binds with Kd=150 nM, deletion of 64 residues from the KChIP-3 N-terminus abolishes the complex formation. The interactions between KChIP-3 and calmodulin are regulated by the presence of Ca2+. A rotational correlation time of 35ns was determined for the KChIP-3:calmodulin complex, in agreement with a heterodimer of ellipsoidal shape. These results show that interactions between calmodulin and KChIP-3 are controlled by the intracellular calcium concentration and that the N-terminal extension in KChIP-3 provides a binding interface for calmodulin.
Frame occupancy-based round-robin matching scheme for input-queued packet switches

The use of virtual output queues (VOQ) in input-queued (IQ) switches can eliminate the head-of-line (HOL) blocking phenomenon, which limits switching performance. An effective matching scheme for IQ switches with VOQ must provide high throughput under admissible traffic patterns while keeping the implementation feasible. This paper proposes a matching scheme for IQ switches that provides high throughput under uniform and a nonuniform traffic pattern, called unbalanced. The proposed matching scheme, FORM, is primarily based on round-robin selection and the captured-frame concept. We show via simulation that this scheme delivers over 99% throughput under unbalanced traffic and retains the high performance under uniform traffic that round-robin matching schemes are known to offer.
Multiband chirp synthesis for frequency-hopped FMCW radar

This paper presents a method for increasing radar range resolution by stitching together non-contiguous frequency-hopped FMCW radar sweeps across different dwells. The work extends previous bandwidth extrapolation methods, designed for radar imaging of space-based objects, to applications involving clutter-dominated downward-looking radars. Multiband chirp synthesis (MCS) uses an AR model for the de-chirped radar return in frequency-separated sub-bands across multiple dwells to interpolate missing fast-time data. The method aims to achieve range resolution commensurate with the full frequency-hopped band of the radar rather than the much narrower sub-bands used during each dwell. Both pre- and post-Doppler MCS methods are discussed. Real data results are presented using a 2.4 GHz laboratory radar to synthesize a 600 MHz bandwidth return from multiple fractional sub-band dwells.