cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pole mass of the W boson at two-loop order in the pure MS ̄ scheme

I provide a calculation at full two-loop order of the complex pole squared mass of the $W$ boson in the Standard Model in the pure $\overline{\text{MS}}$ renormalization scheme, with Goldstone boson mass effects resummed. This approach is an alternative to earlier ones that use on-shell or hybrid renormalization schemes. The renormalization scale dependence of the real and imaginary parts of the resulting pole mass is studied. Both deviate by about $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$ from their median values as the renormalization scale is varied from 50 to 200 GeV, but the theory error is likely larger. A surprising feature of this scheme is that the two-loop QCD correction has a larger scale dependence, but a smaller magnitude, than the two-loop non-QCD correction, unless the renormalization scale is chosen very far from the top-quark mass.
Commentary: Electroconvulsive Stimulation (ECS) Increases the Expression of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in Rat Brains in a Model of Neuropathic Pain: A Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Study, by Okabe and Colleagues

The report by Okabe and colleagues in the current issue of Pain Medicine investigates whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful for the treatment of neuropathic pain, using a lumbar nerve ligation model in the rat. Their methodology mimicked the clinical use of ECT in depressed patients in that treatments were administered every other day for several days. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were measured daily over several days after the nerve ligation surgery and prior to ECT treatments to establish a baseline. Latency to paw withdrawal for mechanical and thermal stimuli was measured in the nerve-ligated (ipsilateral) limb and contralateral limb just prior to ECT treatments. The authors found that ECT produced antinociception to thermal stimuli in the …
Apollo II evidence for the differentiation of lunar materials.

Comparative analysis of lunar rocks from Apollo 11 flight with respect to terrestrial rocks and meteorites
Isomer shifts of 121Sb in III–V semiconductors

Abstract Mossbauer spectroscopy has been used to determine isomer shifts for 121 Sb in the series InSb, GaSb, and AlSb. The data are interpreted to give a 5s electron number at Sb of about one and are correlated with previous studies of valence electron distributions in these compounds.
Lack of peptide YY immunoreactivity in adenomatous colonic polyps: Evidence in favor of an adenoma-carcinoma sequence

The aim of endoscopic polypectomy is to prevent colorectal cancer, as it is assumed that most, if not all, large bowel cancers are derived from adenomatous polyps. While it is now recognized that colonic endocrine cells, like other mucosal epithelial cells, have an endodermal origin, they are relatively sparse components of large bowel tumors. Peptide YY (PYY) is the most abundant endocrine regulatory peptide localized to the distal bowel. Endocrine cells, like the other cells of the mucosal epithelia, are derived from a common stem cell in the base of the crypts. The presence of endocrine peptides may thus be viewed as a marker for cellular differentiation in the gut. PYY was therefore measured in colonic carcinomas and adenomatous polyps, as its absence would be evidence in favor of genetic alterations in epithelial stem cell maturation. PYY concentrations in extracts of surgically removed colonic carcinomas (n = 22) from all regions were very low compared with those of adjacent normal bowel. Similarly, PYY concentrations in extracts of polyps (n = 39) obtained during endoscopic polypectomy were also very low when compared with those of adjacent normal mucosa. These varied between 1 and 11% of the normal epithelial content, depending upon the region. Low PYY levels appeared to reflect the malignant potential of these lesions: highest in tubular polyps, lower in villous polyps, and lowest in carcinomas. The very low concentrations of PYY in adenomatous polyps, like those of colonic cancer, are consistent with epithelial dysplasia and the incomplete formation of mucosal endocrine cells. These findings support the hypothesis of an adenoma to carcinoma sequence in colonic cancer.
Atrial Natriuretic Factor in Edematous Disorders

This article provides a brief overview of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Considered by many investigators to be the putative "third factor" governing sodium excretion, ANF is a peptide actively secreted by the heart, with multiple target organ effectors. As such, ANF represents the first clearly documented cardiac hormone.
Radiometric assays for glycerol, glucose, and glycogen.

Abstract We have developed radiometric assays for small quantities of glycerol, glucose and glycogen, based on a technique described by Thorner and Paulus (1971, J. Biol. Chem. 246, 3885–3894) for the measurement of glycerokinase activity. In the glycerol assay, glycerol is phosphorylated with [32P]ATP and glycerokinase, residual [32P]ATP is hydrolyzed by heating in acid, and free [32P]phosphate is removed by precipitation with ammonium molybdate and triethylamine. Standard dose-response curves were linear from 50 to 3000 pmol glycerol with
Survival and cause-specific mortality of gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in southern California

From May 1997 to July 1999, 24 gray foxes Urocyon cinereoargenteus were radio-marked and their fates monitored in a natural area of southern California to identify rates of survival and cause-specific mortality, and thus to assess population sustainability. Pup (0.4–1.0 years old) foxes had an 8-month (September–April) survival rate (0.34) that was lower than the 8-month (0.77) or 12-month (0.58) estimates for adult foxes. Interference competition was evident; 92% (11/12) of fox mortalities were the result of predation by sympatric coyotes Canis latrans or bobcats Felis rufus . Also, five of seven gray fox mortalities were outside of, or on the border of, the home range of the killed fox. Calculations indicated that the fox population would remain stable if survival of pups during their first 4 months of life was 0.68 ( vs 0.75 for adults during these months and 0.58 for older pups for 4 other months). This seems reasonable, yet sympatric carnivores, mainly coyotes, clearly influence the gray fox population in southern California.
Fine linkage and physical mapping suggests cross-over suppression with a retroposon insertion at the npc1 mutation.

Mouse Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (npc1), formerly designated spm (sphingomyelinosis), is an autosomal recessive lipid storage disorder. We generated a high-resolution linkage map in the 2.24-cM npc1 critical region by typing eight polymorphic markers in 2322 meioses (948 of these were previously reported). A minimal set of overlapping yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) had previously been assembled (Hsu and Erickson 2000). The YAC 313-B-8, which covered this whole region, has been used to construct cosmid libraries. Three cosmid contigs were built, and one of them contained the npc1 locus. Two (CA)n microsatellites were identified, and the one new one was characterized, from the YAC-derived cosmids. The most proximal cosmid contig overlaps with markers near twirler (Tw). Both the physical map and genetic linkage map have been integrated to study the recombination frequencies in this particular region of the mouse genome, and recombination suppression due to the heterozygous insertion of DNA was suggested.
Rehabilitation programs for myocardial infarction patients: a national survey.

Abstract Considering the evidence in support of the importance of psychologic and social factors in the recovery of myocardial infarction (MI) patients, the authors studied the nationwide prevalence of psychosocial rehabilitation programs for MI patients. Findings from a survey of U.S. hospitals with coronary care units (n = 1628) included 1) widespread involvement of patients and families in inpatient programs, 2) approximately half as many continuing in outpatient programs, 3) limited use of group counseling, and 4) multidisciplinary staffing but counseling by nurses and social workers primarily. The clinical and economic benefits of group-oriented psychosocial rehabilitation programs are discussed. The authors encourage more psychologically informed intervention in the various parts of the patient's life-space and more use of groups.
Depressive symptomatology and cocaine-induced pituitary-adrenal axis activation in individuals with cocaine dependence

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a role in cocaine dependence and major depressive disorder. The authors examined the correlation between baseline depressive symptomatology and pituitary-adrenal axis activation induced by acute cocaine challenge. Twelve patients with cocaine dependence were administered an iv bolus of cocaine (0.6 mg/kg) and their plasma was assayed for levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. Depressive symptomatology was assessed with total Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD) scores and its vegetative and cognitive superfactors. Cocaine produced a mean increase from baseline of 261% for ACTH and 73% for cortisol plasma levels. Changes in ACTH (r=0.69) and cortisol (r=0.59) were positively and significantly correlated with total HRSD scores and its vegetative, but not cognitive, factor symptom cluster. These results suggest that the HPA axis may be involved in affective disturbances associated with the use of cocaine. Implications of these data for the pathophysiology of cocaine dependence are discussed.
Abstract 913: Natural product sulforaphane selectively inhibits breast cancer stem cells in basal and trastuzumab resistant Her2+ breast cancer.

The natural product sulforaphane (SF) has demonstrated efficacy against multiple forms of cancers and cancer stem cells. However, it is unclear what are the molecular targets for sulforaphane to inhibit breast cancer stem cells and how efficacy varies among four subtypes of breast cancers. In vitro assay showed that sulforaphane preferentially inhibited triple negative (TNBC) breast cancers, but did not show any efficacy to inhibit Her2+ breast cancer cells (even at >100 uM). However, when Her2+ breast cancer cells (with PTEN deletion) developed resistance to trastuzumab, sulforaphane showed more than 20-fold higher activity. Low concentration of sulforaphane (1 uM) also preferentially eliminates breast cancer stem cells from triple negative breast cancers. Her2+ breast cancer cells (with PTEN deletion and long term treatment of trastuzumab) induced resistance to trastuzumab and increase breast cancer stem cell populations by activating a positive feedback loop of IL-6 and NF-kB. Luciferase reporter assay and immunostaining showed that sulforaphane (1 uM) disrupted NF-kB translocation from cytosol to nucleus and inhibited its activity. Sulforaphane (1 uM) also inhibited endogenous IL-6 production by 50%. Sulforaphane (50 mg/kg, adjuvant therapy) reduced tumor formation rate by 70% and inhibit tumor volume by more than 90% of trastuzumab resistant Her2+ breast cancers in mouse fat pad. These data suggest that sulforaphane inhibits trastuzumab-resistant Her2+ breast cancers and breast cancer stem cells by disrupting NF-kB and IL6 positive feedback loop. Citation Format: Joseph Burnett, Hasan Korkaya, Bryan Newman, Sarah Conley, Jamie Connarn, Lichao Sun, Hsiu-Fang Lee, Maria Ouzounova, Max Wicha, Duxin Sun. Natural product sulforaphane selectively inhibits breast cancer stem cells in basal and trastuzumab resistant Her2+ breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 913. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-913
Monitoring micro floor vibrations with distributed fiber optic sensors

In certain applications, such as microelectronic manufacturing, monitoring and controlling small floor vibrations can be essential. This paper describes how an array of distributed fiber optic sensors can be used to monitor micro floor vibrations as part of an adaptive control strategy. The performance target is to limit vibrations in the 10 Hz frequency range to less than 10 microinches peak to peak. The distributed fiber optic sensors are of an interferometric design that uses a single mode to multi mode to single mode configuration. The fibers can be arranged in a grid so as to localize vibration hot spots. Data comparing the performance of the vibration sensing array with that of conventional point piezoelectric accelerometers, as well as sensing and control strategies will be presented.
Oxidation Reactions Performed by Soluble Methane Monooxygenase Hydroxylase Intermediates Hperoxo and Q Proceed by Distinct Mechanisms

Soluble methane monooxygenase is a bacterial enzyme that converts methane to methanol at a carboxylate-bridged diiron center with exquisite control. Because the oxidizing power required for this transformation is demanding, it is not surprising that the enzyme is also capable of hydroxylating and epoxidizing a broad range of hydrocarbon substrates in addition to methane. In this work we took advantage of this promiscuity of the enzyme to gain insight into the mechanisms of action of Hperoxo and Q, two oxidants that are generated sequentially during the reaction of reduced protein with O2. Using double-mixing stopped-flow spectroscopy, we investigated the reactions of the two intermediate species with a panel of substrates of varying C−H bond strength. Three classes of substrates were identified according to the rate-determining step in the reaction. We show for the first time that an inverse trend exists between the rate constant of reaction with Hperoxo and the C−H bond strength of the hydrocarbon examin...
Coming Up Short: Managing Underfunded Portfolios in a LDI-ES Framework

We employ a liability directed investment (LDI) rebalancing framework based on expected shortfall (ES), which we refer to as LDI-ES, to prescribe remedies for an underfunded portfolio. Investors in the LDI-ES framework face a risky asset, such as a stock index, and a risk-free bond. They begin with some level of current wealth and set their target wealth at the end of N periods, and their tolerance for shortfalls from that target wealth. Portfolio rebalancing in the LDI-ES framework is contrasted with common fixed-proportions rebalancing, where portfolio allocations are rebalanced to ratios, such as 60:40, at the beginning of each of N periods. We consider critical issues of underfunding, where there is no portfolio that can meet the shortfall constraint, and we explore the effectiveness of (a) portfolio infusions in resolving underfunded situations, relative to other measures such as (b) increasing risk, (c) cutting back on target liabilities/goals, and (d) extending portfolio horizon.
Unexpected progeny obtained from glasshouse study of soil pH influence onAcaulospora laevis inoculum

Potential growth stimulation of two hosts by acid-tolerantAcaulospora laevis was tested in a soil adjusted to 5 pH levels from 5.0 to 7.7. By wet-sieving methods, the field-source inoculum was essentially a pure culture ofA. laevis spores. Upon harvest of sweetgum a completely different spore-type was found in large quantities;A. laevis spores were relatively few to non-existent. The results dramatically underscore the need for caution against relying solely on pre-trial identifications of inoculum spores or presuming that apparently single-species cultures/inoculum will remain pure throughout an experiment.
Fertilization at planting impairs root system development and drought avoidance of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings

On a utilise deux categories de plants a racines nues (1 + 1) de Douglas (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) dont le volume initial des racines etait respectivement de 8 a 13 cm 3 et de 23 a 35 cm 3 . Ces plants furent installes dans une station de clairiere plutot seche, situee dans la Chaine cotiere de l'Oregon aux USA, et soumis a deux traitements : pas de fertilisation ou fertilisation avec 60 g d'Apex® introduits dans le trou de plantation. Quelque soit le volume racinaire initial, les plants fertilises revelent, au cours de l'ete, des valeurs de potentiel hydrique du xyleme en fin de nuit (Ψ xylem ) toujours inferieures a celles obtenues sur plants non fertilises. Les racines ne se sont pas developpees dans les zones en contact avec l'engrais, et les valeurs moyennes de longueur de racines laterales, de nombre de pointes racinaires, et de biomasse racinaire sont inferieures pour les plants fertilises, dans les quatre plans verticaux. Ce mauvais developpement du systeme racinaire des plants fertilises peut etre associe a la liberation rapide d'engrais a forte concentration minerale dans la rhizosphere. La croissance racinaire en volume etait correlee positivement avec le Ψ xylem ce qui permet de souligner l'importance de la croissance des racines apres plantation pour limiter les effets de la secheresse. Les criteres a adopter pour reussir une operation de fertilisation de terrain doivent donc prendre en consideration l'eventuel degre de secheresse de la station.
Meditation as psychotherapy: a review of the literature.

It has been widely argued that meditation has psychotherapeutic potential. Research on meditation has yielded 3 sets of findings: (a) experienced meditators who are willing to participate without pay in meditation research appear happier and healthier than nonmeditators; (b) beginning meditators who
Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia; a defense of the entity.

IN 1937 and 1938 the author and his colleagues published two papers (1, 2) in which they described the clinical findings of 7 patients with a bizarre syndrome characterized by “osteitis fibrosa disseminata, areas of pigmentation, and precocious puberty in females.” Since that time some authors (3,4,5,6) have been so flattering to the present author as to publish similar cases under the heading of “Albright's Syndrome” others (7, 8) have questioned the entity of the syndrome. It is the purpose of this paper to defend the entity; a few words pertaining to terminology will be added. For the time being let us call the condition under discussion, “Syndrome X.” Is Syndrome X a Form of Lipoid Granulomatosis? Snapper (7) feels that Syndrome X is a form of Hand-Schuller-Christian's Disease (xanthomatosis) which he prefers to call “lipoid granulomatosis” and which is closely akin to, if not identical with, eosinophilic granulomatosis. He points out that, whereas the classical case of lipoid granulomatosis is charac...
Coherent combination of multiline lasers

Coupled unstable resonators and phase-matched amplifiers with a master oscillator (MOPA) are studied in the framework of coherent beam combination. Coherent combination is accomplished on multiline CW HF lasers by both approaches. It is shown that the MOPA approach requires a master oscillator with good beam quality in order to diagnose the mutual coherence of the two amplified beams and to demonstrate the narrowing of the far-field central lobe. The coupled-unstable-resonators approach is found to be more difficult due to the coupling-path alignment requirement. Attention is focused on a procedure for equalizing external paths for optimum far-field brightness of multiline phased arrays.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Endgame knowledge inference machine in computer Chinese chess

Endgame is a challenging topic in computer Chinese chess. In order to enhance the computer's strength in endgame, some techniques are put forward, e.g. endgame knowledge base and endgame database. This article introduces an inference machine based on endgame knowledge base, and discuss its operating principle even the effectiveness to the play strength. The method is originated from NEUCHESS program, which had won three world championships and reaches the level of human Chinese chess grand master level. Facts prove that the technique is advanced and efficient.
Computing shortest homotopic cycles on polyhedral surfaces with hyperbolic uniformization metric

The problem of computing shortest homotopic cycles on a surface has various applications in computational geometry and graphics. In general, shortest homotopic cycles are not unique, and local shortening algorithms can become stuck in local minima. For surfaces with a negative Euler characteristic that can be given a hyperbolic uniformization metric, however, we show that they are unique and can be found by a simple locally shortening algorithm. We also demonstrate two applications: constructing extremal quasiconformal mappings between surfaces with the same topology, which minimize angular distortion, and detecting homotopy between two paths or cycles on a surface.
Marital satisfaction as a function of dyadic gender-role constellations

Abstract Forty-eight married couples completed Snyder's Marital Satisfaction Inventory and were also categorized with the Bern Sex-role Inventory as androgynous, gender role congruent, gender role incongruent, or undifferentiated. Analyses of variance showed that androgynous couples featured more wives who were dissatisfied regarding child issues. Data are also presented for differential patterns for the individual marital satisfaction indices. Results are compared to data on individual gender-role determinants and are conceptualized in terms of gender-role and communication theory.
Crucible damascus steel: A fascination for almost 2,000 years

Whether you call it Indian wootz, Central Asian Pulad, Bulat, or Oriental Damascus, crucible steel has fascinated craftsmen, scientists, and laymen for almost 2,000 years. This paper will present current research on the origins of crucible steel, its influence on the history of ferrous alloys, and the current interest in this decorative, yet functional, metal.
Structure-activity relationship studies on a novel series of (S)-2beta-substituted 3alpha-[bis(4-fluoro- or 4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues for in vivo investigation.

In general, 3α-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane (benztropine)-based dopamine uptake inhibitors do not demonstrate cocaine-like pharmacological activity in models of psychostimulant abuse and have been proposed as potential medications for the treatment of cocaine addiction. However, several (S)-2-carboalkoxy-substituted-3α-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues were discovered to stimulate locomotor activity and substitute in subjects trained to discriminate cocaine, suggesting a role of the 2-position substituent in mediating these cocaine-like actions. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a series of novel N- and 2-substituted-3α-[bis(4-fluoro- or 4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues. Most of these analogues demonstrated high affinity binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT; Ki = 1.8−40 nM), and selectivity over the other monoamine transporters and muscarinic M1 receptors. When the (S)-2-carboalkoxy substituent was replaced with (S)-2-ethenyl, the resulting analogue 11 demonstrated the highest DAT b...
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF NO-GROWTH

Problems of scarcity generate critical political issues as advanced industrial societies shift away from growth-oriented economies. This analysis recommends substituting more abundant political resources for scarce economic ones. Appropriate scenario resulting from these substitution patterns are subjected to speculative analysis.
Educational social linking in example authoring

Each educational resource management website relies on an authoring tool to provide example content. It takes time and experience for authors to create valuable content. Providing support during authoring can affect the quality and quantity of the examples. In this paper we propose a mashup solution to automatically link community wisdom to authors and ease various difficulties in authoring.
Antibacterial activity of polymer coated cerium oxide nanoparticles

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have found numerous applications in the biomedical industry due to their strong antioxidant properties. In the current study, we report the influence of nine different physical and chemical parameters: pH, aeration and, concentrations of MgSO4, CaCl2, KCl, natural organic matter, fructose, nanoparticles and Escherichia coli, on the antibacterial activity of dextran coated cerium oxide nanoparticles. A least-squares quadratic regression model was developed to understand the collective influence of the tested parameters on the anti-bacterial activity and subsequently a computer-based, interactive visualization tool was developed. The visualization allows us to elucidate the effect of each of the parameters in combination with other parameters, on the antibacterial activity of nanoparticles. The results indicate that the toxicity of CeO2 NPs depend on the physical and chemical environment; and in a majority of the possible combinations of the nine parameters, non-lethal to the bacteria. In fact, the cerium oxide nanoparticles can decrease the anti-bacterial activity exerted by magnesium and potassium salts.
Symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome in patients with fibromyalgia. A study utilizing the Nielsen test, digital photoplethysmography, and measurements of platelet α2‐adrenergic receptors

Twenty-nine female patients with fibromyalgia were questioned about symptoms of cold intolerance and Raynaud's syndrome; objective documentation of cold-induced vasospasm was obtained by a Nielsen test. Twelve patients (41%) had abnormal Nielsen test results, and 11 patients (38%) had elevated levels of platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. There was a positive correlation between the percentage of change in finger systolic pressure on cooling (Nielsen test) and the number of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. There was poor correlation between Raynaud's syndrome symptoms and an abnormal Nielsen test result. Digital photoplethysmography showed a normal waveform in 2 of 3 patients. We hypothesize that a subgroup of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome have an up-regulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors as a cause of their exaggerated reaction to cold.
Binding of adenine nucleotides to the purified 13S coupling factor of bacterial oxidative phosphorylation

Abstract The 13S coupling factor of oxidative phosphorylation from Alcaligenes faecalis forms an unusually stable complex with ADP which can be isolated by simple gel filtration. Most preparations of enzyme exhibit an apparent binding ratio of 1 mol of ADP per mol of enzyme with a dissociation constant of approximately 15 μ m . One mol of adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) also binds, with a dissociation constant of about 3 μ m . A constant could not be obtained from ATP binding studies because this nucleotide is hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Competition studies suggest that both ADP and AMP-PNP bind to the same site. Bound nucleotides are in a very slow equilibrium with free nucleotides, with a turnover time of 1–2 h. The rate of radionucleotide dissociation from the isolated enzyme-nucleotide complex increases when unlabeled nucleotide is added, suggesting that binding of nucleotide to one site on the enzyme allosterically promotes dissociation of nucleotide from another site. A nucleotide-induced “flip-flop” type of oscillation of the properties of the nucleotide binding sites on the coupling factor is proposed. From a comparison of the kinetic parameters of the intrinsic adenosinetriphosphatase activity and the nucleotide binding parameters of the enzyme population in toto, it is suggested that the enzyme exhibits functional polymorphism.
Effect of variable carbonate concentration on the solidus of mantle peridotite

To explore the effect of variable CO 2 concentrations on the solidus of natural carbonated peridotite, we determined near-solidus phase relations of three different nominally anhydrous, carbonated lherzolite bulk compositions at 6.6 GPa. Starting mixes (PERC, PERC2, and PERC3) were prepared by adding variable proportions of a carbonate mixture that has the same Ca:Mg:Fe:Na:K ratio as the base silicate peridotite [MixKLB-1: Mg no. = 89.7; Ca no. = molar Ca/(Ca + Mg + Fe*) = 0.05]. For all three bulk compositions, the subsolidus assemblage includes olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, garnet, and magnesite solid solutions. Above the solidus, crystalline carbonate disappears and quenched Fe, Na-bearing dolomitic carbonatite melts were observed. For PERC3 (1.0 wt% bulk CO 2 ; Na 2 O/CO 2 weight ratio = 0.30), the observed solidus is between 1190 and 1220 °C; for PERC (2.5 wt% bulk CO 2 ; Na 2 O/CO 2 = 0.12), it is between 1250 and 1275 °C; and for PERC2 (5.0 wt% bulk CO 2 ; Na 2 O/CO 2 = 0.06), it is between 1300 and 1330 °C. At 6.6 GPa, experimental solidi of natural magnesite peridotites are 100–200 °C lower than the CMAS-CO 2 solidus, chiefly owing to the fluxing effect of alkalis, and solidus temperatures increase with increasing bulk CO 2 (i.e., decreasing bulk Na 2 O/CO 2 ), owing to dilution of Na 2 O in near-solidus melt. The effects of Mg no. and Ca no. on carbonated peridotite solidi appear to be less significant than that of Na 2 O/CO 2 . Trends of decreasing solidus temperature with increasing Na 2 O/CO 2 and with decreasing CO 2 indicate that natural mantle peridotite with ~100–1000 ppm bulk CO 2 will have solidus temperatures ~20° to ~100° lower than that determined experimentally. The solidus of peridotite drops discontinuously by ~600 °C (at 6.6 GPa) at the CO 2 bulk concentration (~5 ppm) at which carbonate is stabilized, but then varies little with increasing bulk CO 2 . This result contrasts with the effect of H 2 O, which lowers the solidus continuously with increasing concentration.
Multiple-model algorithm for passive ranging and air-to-air missile guidance systems

Passive guidance schemes that employ measurement of relative bearing to the target via an angle-or-arrival mechanism (such as optical telescope or radar antenna) offers several strategic benefits but suffer from the unavailability of measurement of range or range-rate. Passive ranging, i.e ., estimation of range information from available measurements, is fraught with many technical challenges, and particularly in an air-to-air missile guidance context is complicated by a stubborn observability problem. As a missile maneuvers for an optimal intercept solutions, range and range-rate observability are degraded and, in the presence of measurement noise and target acceleration, become completely unobservable. Available schemes that typically employ extended Kalman filter solutions perform well against non-maneuvering targets but suffer estimation bias and divergence as intercept is approached. Interactive Multiple Model solutions promoted in prior works show promise in removing estimation bias due to target maneuver but have so far been restricted to active ranging problems. In this paper we shall present a novel Multiple Maneuver Model Filter (termed M 3 F in the following) that employs a suite of constant acceleration models in order to reliably estimate any target maneuver executed in the vertical as well as the horizontal plane. To quantitatively demonstrate the tracking performance of this filter, a set of benchmark tracking scenarios which present a broad range of problems relevant to passive ranging in an air-to-air missile context is also developed in this work. It should be emphasized that while several benchmark tracking problems in a surveillance radar context are recently developed, especially for testing the beam steering efficiency of a phased array system, these are not particularly useful for evaluating the performance of an air-to-air missile guidance scheme, and hence the benchmark scenarios developed in this work are of independent interest. Simulations of the M 3 F against the benchmark cases are also included to demonstrate the superior performance offered by the present algorithm in reducing estimation bias compared to existing techniques.
Outsourcing cataloging functions in South Carolina public libraries

Describes how outsourcing cataloging functions in public libraries enhanced the availability of materials, control costs, and helped to meet deadlines. In the state of South Carolina, ten public library systems have used outsourcing cataloging functions for the following reasons: opening day collections, cost effectiveness, removal of backlog, improve staff efficiency, shelf ready books, and personal issues. The survey provides the names of vendors who performed the cataloging functions. The research provides a discussion on outsourcing cataloging functions in public libraries and provides an outsourcing survey.
ACGME duty-hour restrictions decrease resident operative volume: a 5-year comparison at an ACGME-accredited university general surgery residency.

Objective We compared the operative experience of chief residents at the Michigan State University Integrated Residency Program in General Surgery before and after duty-hour restrictions mandated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Summary Background Data Conflicting evidence exists regarding the influence of duty-hour restrictions upon resident operative experience. Methods Resident self-reported operative experience submitted to the Residency Review Committee (RRC) for Surgery was tabulated. To control for a possible overall decrease in surgical procedures, for example, a decrease in referrals to the institution, the departmental database of surgical billings that is maintained independently from resident operative experience data also was reviewed. Results An overall decrease of nearly 20% occurred in resident operative volume after promulgation of duty-hour restrictions. All residents met minimum RRC operative experience requirements. Over the same period, no decrease was found in the number surgical procedures performed by the department. Conclusions Our data suggest that restriction of resident duty hours is associated with a significant decrease in operative experience.
U.S. interindustry cost structure of the energy sectors, 1958, 1967, and 1968

Abstract The purpose of this research has been 1. (1) to examine the similarity in the cost structure of energy sectors in the 86-order input-output tables (1967) 2. (2) to examine changes for the periods 1958–1967 and 1967–1968, in energy sector cost structures. This analysis provides information on which non-energy sectors have been most influenced by both technological and price changes in the energy sectors.
On the Potential Change in Surface Water Vapor Deposition over the Continental United States due to Increases in Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases

Abstract Characteristics of surface water vapor deposition (WVD) over the continental United States under the present climate and a future climate scenario reflecting the mid-twenty-first-century increased greenhouse gas concentrations were evaluated by using a regional climate model forced by initial and lateral boundary conditions generated by a GCM. Simulated seasonal WVD frequency and daily amounts are presented and elaboration on their relation to potential surface dew/frost is also provided. The climate scenario showed in winter a noticeable decline in WVD frequency over snow-covered areas in the Midwest and over most of the elevated terrain in the western United States, contrasted by an overall increase in the eastern United States. In summer, a decline in frequency was simulated for most of the United States, particularly over the mountains in the west. A spatially mixed trend of change in the frequency was indicated in spring and fall. The trend of change in WVD amount resembled that of the frequ...
Flow-Injection Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry with a Multielement Photodiode-Array Spectrometer:

A multichannel photodiode-array spectrometer was used to monitor the transient multielement atomic-emission signal generated by an inductively coupled plasma utilizing flow-injection sample introduction. The linearity, dynamic range, sensitivity, and precision of the technique were assessed for three different sample-loop volumes (110, 290, and 500 μL). With a fixed, optimized integration time, a linear dynamic range of 3.5 orders of magnitude was established for five elements—Cd, Cr, Cu, Mg, and Zn—when the 290- and 500-μL sample loops were used. Because the lateral dispersion of the transient sample plug was low and because efforts were made to optimize the signal-to-background ratio by synchronizing the integration period of the photodiode-array detector with the transient signal, detection limits for the flow-injection system were comparable with those obtained with the use of continuous-nebulization sample introduction. An interface is described which enables temporal synchronization of the transient flow-injection signal with the signal integration period of the photodiode array.
Probabilistic analysis of mean-response along-wind induced vibrations on wind turbine towers using wireless network data sensors

Wind turbine systems are attracting considerable attention due to concerns regarding global energy consumption as well as sustainability. Advances in wind turbine technology promote the tendency to improve efficiency in the structure that support and produce this renewable power source, tending toward more slender and larger towers, larger gear boxes, and larger, lighter blades. The structural design optimization process must account for uncertainties and nonlinear effects (such as wind-induced vibrations, unmeasured disturbances, and material and geometric variabilities). In this study, a probabilistic monitoring approach is developed that measures the response of the turbine tower to stochastic loading, estimates peak demand, and structural resistance (in terms of serviceability). The proposed monitoring system can provide a real-time estimate of the probability of exceedance of design serviceability conditions based on data collected in-situ. Special attention is paid to wind and aerodynamic characteristics that are intrinsically present (although sometimes neglected in health monitoring analysis) and derived from observations or experiments. In particular, little attention has been devoted to buffeting, usually non-catastrophic but directly impacting the serviceability of the operating wind turbine. As a result, modal-based analysis methods for the study and derivation of flutter instability, and buffeting response, have been successfully applied to the assessment of the susceptibility of high-rise slender structures, including wind turbine towers. A detailed finite element model has been developed to generate data (calibrated to published experimental and analytical results). Risk assessment is performed for the effects of along wind forces in a framework of quantitative risk analysis. Both structural resistance and wind load demands were considered probabilistic with the latter assessed by dynamic analyses.
Molecular genetic diagnosis of pediatric cancer: current and emerging methods.

Although huge strides have been made in characterizing molecular abnormalities in pediatric cancer, the application of this information to an individual child with cancer often remains limited. Our ability to recognize significant molecular abnormalities and, more importantly, use this information to guide our management of children with cancer is restricted by the diagnostic tools available to us. This article provides an overview of current and emerging technologies as they relate to the molecular genetic diagnosis of pediatric cancer. It focuses on diagnostic tests that are routinely available in most children's hospitals and provides examples of their application to pediatric cancer. An introduction to some of the emerging technologies is also provided.
Distribution of fingerling brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill), in dissolved oxygen concentration gradients

A self-recording linear gradient tank and procedures are described in which individual brook trout fingerlings unstressed by recent transfer, unaccustomed surroundings or the presence of an observer could move freely in 16 oxygen concentration gradients within the limits of 1 and 8.9 mg O21−1. They avoided oxygen concentrations below 4 mg 1−1 most of the time and preferred 5 mg 1−1 or higher more than half the time, which supports the field-derived belief that fish avoid oxygen concentrations below 5 mg l−1 in the natural environment if they can.
A computer model and program for xenobiotic disposition during pregnancy

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic computer model and program have been developed that depict internal disposition of chemicals during pregnancy in the mother and embryo/fetus. The model is based on human physiology but has been extended to simulate laboratory animal data. The model represents the distribution, metabolism, and elimination of two chemicals in both the maternal and embryo/fetal systems; the program handles the two chemicals completely independently or interactively with the two chemicals sharing routes of metabolism and/or elimination. The FORTRAN program computes the concentration of the two chemicals in 26 organs/tissues in the pregnant mother and 15 organs/tissues in the embryo/fetus using a 486DX4 or Pentium PC. Adjustments for embryo/fetal organ and tissue volumes as a function of developmental age are made utilizing the Gompertz growth equation for the developing embryo/fetus and allometric relationships for the developing organs. Various changes in the maternal compartments which could affect the distribution of a xenobiotic during pregnancy are also included in the model. Input files require estimates of binding coefficients, first- and/or second-order metabolism constants, level of interaction between the two chemicals, and dosing information. Different possible routes of administration are included (e.g., i.v., infusion, oral, dermal, and inhalation, as well as repeated doses or exposures). Regression analysis can be conducted on any combination of these various parameters to fit actual data. Output concentration-time curves are available simultaneously from all 82 differential equations. An illustrative example compares observed data with simulations for imipramine and its demethylated metabolite, desipramine, in both the maternal rat and her fetuses. Methyl mercury data for the non-pregnant and pregnant rat also are compared with human data. Based on parameters determined from analysis of rat data, the model is readjusted for human physiology and predicts human maternal and fetal tissue concentrations as a function of time.
A computer-aided system for linear production designs

Abstract Given a design problem of production systems with multiple criteria and multiple levels of resource availability, we want to select the best subset from a set of possible products as the optimal production system for production and to construct the corresponding optimal contingency plans for coping with the changes of decision parameters. In this paper, by using the multi-criteria and multi-constraint-level (MC 2 ) simplex method, we develop a computer-aided system for identifying the optimal production systems and their corresponding optimal contingency plans for production.
Similar risk profiles for post-transplant renal dysfunction and long-term graft failure: UNOS/OPTN database analysis.

Similar risk profiles for post-transplant renal dysfunction and long-term graft failure: UNOS/OPTN database analysis. Background Renal dysfunction measured by serum creatinine (>1.5 mg/dL) at 1 year post-transplant correlates with long-term kidney graft survival. The purpose of this study was to compare the risk factors for elevated serum creatinine (SCr) >1.5 mg/dL at 1 year post-transplantation, and for long-term graft failure. Methods Between 1988 and 1999, 117,501 adult kidney transplants were reported to Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS). Of these, 96,091 were functioning at 1 year and SCr was available on 85,135 transplants. Donor and recipient demographics (age, sex, and race), transplant [living vs. cadaveric, previous transplantation, panel reactive antibody (PRA), human leukoocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch, cold ischemic time (CIT) and post-transplant delayed graft function (DGF), use of azathioprone vs. mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), cyclosporine A (CsA) vs. tacrolimus (Tac)], induction antibody, acute rejection within 1 year variables were used in the logistic regression model to estimate odds ratio (OR) for elevated 1 year serum creatinine (SCr). A Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) for long-term kidney graft failure with and without censoring for death with a functioning graft. Results Five-year actuarial graft survival for living donor transplant with SCr >1.5 and ≤1.5 mg/dL at 1 year post-transplant was 83% and 88.6% (P 1.5 mg/dL) declined from 54.5% in 1988 to 42.3% in 1999. There was a strong concordance between the key variables, such as cadaveric transplant, increasing CIT, HLA mismatch, DGF, and acute rejection, recipient race (black), younger age, and nondiabetics status; and donor race (black) and older age for elevated SCr and long-term graft failure. Conclusion Donor (age), race (black), recipient race (black), immunologic variables (HLA mismatch, DGF, acute rejection) were identified as important risk factors for elevated SCr at 1 year post-transplantation and long-term graft failure. Elevated SCr should be used as a short-term marker for predicting long-term transplant survival.
Influences of span and wrist posture on peak chuck pinch strength and time needed to reach peak strength

Abstract Evaluation of pinch strength is useful in alleviating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and when peak strength is reached (denoted as T MVC ), may be a useful and interesting index for evaluating strength generation and the relationship between resistance and response time. This paper intends to investigate the effects of pinch span and wrist posture on how much time is required to reach MVC ( T MVC ), as well as MVC. Thirty right-handed subjects including 15 males and 15 females volunteered for this experiment. A nested-factorial design was employed with four fixed independent variables of gender, subject (nested within gender), span (2, 4, 6, and 8 cm) and wrist posture (neutral, maximal extension and maximal flexion). The ANOVA results indicate that male MVC is greater than female MVC at any given span or wrist posture. On average, male MVC is 89.6 N, and female MVC is 53.6 N, nearly 60% that of males. For both genders and under four spans, neutral MVC is the greatest and maximal-flexion MVC is the least. Additionally, both neutral and maximal-extension MVCs increase as span increases, but maximal-flexion MVC increases up to 6 cm, and then decreases at 8 cm. On the other hand, only the gender effect on T MVC is significant. Average male T MVC is 1.828 s, and it is 1.346 s for females. Notably, the effects of span and wrist posture are not able to affect T MVC at all, even if they affect MVC pronouncedly. Relevance to industry Present data provide useful information about the effects of grip span and extreme wrist posture on tool/task design requiring pinch strength. The T MVC possible becomes the upper limit of response time to overcome resistance in tools/tasks.