cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Unstructured C-terminal Tail of Yeast Dpb11 (Human TopBP1) Protein Is Dispensable for DNA Replication and the S Phase Checkpoint but Required for the G2/M Checkpoint

Budding yeast Dpb11 (human TopBP1, fission yeast Cut5) is an essential protein required for replisome assembly and for the DNA damage checkpoint. Previous studies with the temperature-sensitive dpb11–1 allele, truncated at amino acid 583 of the 764-amino acid protein, have suggested the model that Dpb11 couples DNA replication to the replication checkpoint. However, the dpb11–1 allele shows distinct replication defects even at permissive temperatures. Here, we determine that the 1–600-amino acid domain of DPB11 is both required and sufficient for full replication function of Dpb11 but that this domain is defective for activation of the principal checkpoint kinase Mec1 (human ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related) in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, mutants of DPB11 that leave its replication function intact but abrogate its ability to activate Mec1 are proficient for the replication checkpoint, but they are compromised for the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint. These data suggest that replication checkpoint defects may result indirectly from defects in replisome assembly. Two conserved aromatic amino acids in the C terminus of Dpb11 are critical for Mec1 activation in vitro and for the G2/M checkpoint in yeast. Together with aromatic motifs identified previously in the Ddc1 subunit of 9-1-1, another activator of Mec1 kinase, they define a consensus structure for Mec1 activation.
Computational materials science — a personal perspective of an industrial scientist

Abstract “…there is a tendency to forget that all science is bound up with human culture in general, and that scientific findings, even those which at the moment appear the most advanced and esoteric and difficult to grasp, are meaningless outside their cultural context. A theoretical science unaware that those of its constructs considered relevant and momentous are destined eventually to be framed in concepts and words that have a grip on the educated community and become part and parcel of the general world picture — a theoretical science, I say, where this is forgotten, and where the initiated continue musing to each other in terms that are, at best, understood by a small group of close fellow travelers, will necessarily be cut off from the rest of cultural mankind; in the long run it is bound to atrophy and ossify however virulently esoteric chat may continue within its joyfully isolated groups of experts.”
Evolutionary characteristic length method for smeared cracking finite element models

The fixed smeared crack concept with strain decomposition is reformulated utilizing a self-adaptive strategy at the constitutive level. This formulation focuses on continuous adaptation of the crack band width based on the incremental finite element solution and the idea of nonlocal continuum. The required nonlocal forms are obtained by means of the superconvergent patch recovery procedure. Comparison with experimental results indicates the superiority of the present formulation over the standard smeared cracking.
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method of urine analysis for determining human variation in carcinogen metabolism

Abstract We developed a solid-phase extraction LC–MS–MS method for the analysis of the four major metabolites of PhIP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) in human urine after a meal of well-done chicken. Ten volunteers each ate either 150 or 200 g of well-done chicken breast containing 9–21 μg of PhIP. Among the individual volunteers there is 8-fold variation in the total amount of metabolites and 20-fold variation in the relative amounts of individual metabolites, showing individual differences in carcinogen metabolism. PhIP metabolites were also detected in urine from a subject consuming chicken in a restaurant meal, demonstrating the method’s sensitivity after real-life exposures.
Transport modeling of membrane extraction of chlorinated hydrocarbon from water for ion mobility spectrometry

Membrane-extraction Ion Mobility Spectrometry (ME-IMS) is a feasible technique for the continuous monitoring of chlorinated hydrocarbons in water. This work studies theoretically the time-dependent characteristics of sampling and detection of trichloroethylene (TCE). The sampling is configured so that aqueous contaminants permeate through a hollow polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane and are carried away by a transport gas flowing through the membrane tube into IMS analyzer. The theoretical study is based on a two-dimensional transient fluid flow and mass transport model. The model describes the TCE mixing in the water, permeation through the membrane layer, and convective diffusion in the air flow inside membrane tube. The effect of various transport gas flow rates on temporal profiles of IMS signal intensity is investigated. The results show that fast time response and high transport yield can be achieved for ME-IMS by controlling the flow rate in the extraction membrane tube. These modeled time-response profiles are important for determining duty cycles of field-deployable sensors for monitoring chlorinated hydrocarbons in water.
Glutamine synthetase-I. A comparative study of its distribution in animals and its inhibition by DL-allo-σ-hydroxylysine

Abstract 1. 1. The optimal conditions for assaying glutamine synthetase activity in tissue homogenates have been investigated. 2. 2. The distribution of the synthetase activity in seventeen species of the vertebrates and one species of Protozoa (Tetrahymena pyriformis) has been studied. 3. 3. The present study shows that a definite correlation exists between the distribution of glutamine synthetase in animals and the phylogenetic classification. (a) The enzyme activity was found in the brain of all vertebrates examined. From the fishes to the ureotelic reptiles, brain was also the only organ where the enzyme activity could be found. (b) The enzyme activity occured in the liver of all animals from the uricotelic reptiles to the mammals. (c) The enzyme activity was detectable in the kidney of some mammals, in the heart of the birds, and in the pancreas of the uricotelic animals. It was present also in the spleen, lung, and testis of some species of animals. (d) The enzyme activity was not observed, however, in the blood, skeletal muscle, skin, or small intestine of any species used. 4. 4. The significance of the synthetic reaction in the detoxication of ammonia and in the maintenance of balance of the glutamic acid-glutamine system is discussed. 5. 5. The glutamine content in the liver of many species of animals was not related to the synthetase activity in either the liver or the brain of these animals. 6. 6. The protozoan possessed the enzyme activity also. 7. 7. DL -Allo-σ-hydroxylysine inhibited glutamine synthetase activity in a variety of tissues from many species of animals. The inhibition was non-competitive with respect to glutamate.
Electroproduction of pions from complex nuclei

Abstract The amplitude for the electroproduction of pions from nuvleon deduced by Fubini, Nambu and Wataghin is used for the study of electroproduction from complex nuclei. This extension is made using the impulse approximation. The structure of the single-nucleon transition amplitude is rather complex, and hence there are inherent difficulties in evaluating the transition probability in the case of a nucleus. In this paper, it is shown how these difficulties can be overcome. The general expression for the cross section is deduced using the shell-model description for the nucleus, and the theory is illustrated by making numerical computation in the simple case of coherent electroproduction of pions from 12C and 16O.
Heterozygous protein C deficiency presenting as severe protein C deficiency and peripartum thrombosis: successful treatment with protein C concentrate.

Background Complications of pregnancy, including thrombosis and increased fetal loss, have been described in women with heterozygous protein C deficiency. Case We report an unusual case of umbilical cord thrombosis, acute renal failure, and cutaneous venous thrombosis associated with severe protein C deficiency in the heterozygous infant of a normal mother. Repeated infusions of protein C concentrate made successful heparinization of the infant possible, with the subsequent resolution of cutaneous thrombosis and improvement of renal status. Conclusion Heterozygous protein C deficiency in the fetus may result in perinatal thrombosis, which can be treated with viral-inactivated protein C concentrate. Heterozygous protein C deficiency should be considered in cases of fetal compromise or death associated with umbilical vein thrombosis.
Linear optics simulations of the quantum baker’s map

The unitary evolution of linear optics can be used to model quantum computational networks. In this paper, a quantum simulation of a classically chaotic map (the baker's map) is developed using linear optics. Two different models are presented. The first model employs only 50-50 beam splitters and phase shifters to simulate universal 2-qubit gates of a quantum computer. The second model uses the discrete Fourier transform generated by symmetric $N\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}N$ fiber couplers. If single photons are used as inputs for these linear optics models, the result is a physical realization of the quantum baker's map.
A new method for predicting crashworthiness

Consumer information concerning the predicted 'safeness' of a new car model is based on the results of crash tests. Unfortunately, because it allows comparisons only within size/weight groups, the information is somewhat incompatible with the normal car-purchase decision process since consumers often consider cars within different groups. In addition, based on past research, the association of the crash-test information with real-world crash outcomes is, at best, somewhat limited. The goal of this study was to explore a methodology for improving this information, a methodology which incorporates not only the crash-test information, but also information concerning real-world occupant injury experience in prior crashes involving similar vehicles ('clones'). The clone information included both driver injury severity in past clone crashes from the North Carolina accident file and various indicators of relative driver injury in clones extracted from published insurance-related data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Final models developed included both measures of the Head Index Criteria (HIC) from the crash test and some measure of clone performances as significant predictors. While the North Carolina clone data is intuitively 'cleaner' in that it describes injury level per crash rather than per insured year, the medical claims indices from the HLDI data consistently were shown to be the stronger predictors. Future research will need to look at ways of better combining the crash-test variables and of possible modifications to the HLDI indices. In general, the analyses generated encouraging results that appear to point to possible improvements in the crashworthiness information.
Winter Temperature Structure in Lake Huron

Abstract Water temperatures at depths 15, 25, and 50 m below the surface and 2 m above the bottom were continuously recorded at 17 mooring sites in Lake Huron during the 1974–75 winter. Monthly isotherm patterns show that the shore regions rapidly cooled to near 0° C by early February, while the deep northern basin reached a minimum of 1.5° C in mid-April. The initial stages of the fall overturn at depths greater than 100 m exhibited temperature fluctuations due to wind mixing and advection. By mid- to late December, Lake Huron was isothermal at all recording stations and remained so through April, except in the deep basins where a weak winter thermocline developed in March.
CONGENITAL ANTERIOR URETHROCUTANEOUS FISTULA

ABSTRACTPurpose: Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula is a rare anomaly that may present in an isolated fashion or in association with other penile abnormalities, such as chordee or hypospadias. There have been 18 cases of congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula reported in the literature. We present 14 additional cases of congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula.Materials and Methods: We treated 14 patients with congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula, of whom 9 were uncircumcised at presentation. Two patients had evidence of chordee and 4 had distal hypospadias.Results: The type of repair was determined by the anatomical variations of this anomaly. All cases were corrected electively by various techniques based on the degree of the defect, including primary closure via a Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty, pedicle flap urethroplasty, hinged flap urethroplasty and interpositioned island pedicle tube or onlay urethroplasty.Conclusions: To our knowledge the embryological events that cause ...
Variational calculation of the spectrum of two-dimensional φ 4 theory in light-front field theory

We demonstrate that a coherent state may be a valid vacuum in light-front field theory. Then by minimizing the sum of the expectation values of the light-front Hamiltonian and the momentum operators in a variational trial state, we evaluate the ground state (vacuum) of two-dimensional ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ field theory. The resulting expectation value in the coherent state is identical with the result of the effective-potential method in the equal-time formulation. Thus we demonstrate how to solve for the ground state of the strong-coupling (${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$${)}_{2}$ problem on the light front. We also discuss the calculation of excited states.
Orbital forcing and Eocene continental temperatures

Abstract The ability to define terrestrial paleotemperatures is a key issue for understanding past climate states and the processes that produced them. Paleotemperatures are defined, ideally, by proxy data interpretations, and supported by theoretical modeling results that provide physical explanations for the temperatures. Such explanations are especially critical for paleoclimates substantially warmer than present, for which we have no modern or recent examples. Model results and geologic data describing continental mean annual temperatures for the warm Early Eocene Earth as well as other time periods are generally in agreement. However, there are persistent discrepancies between climate model results and proxy data interpretations for temperature seasonality estimates. In this paper we test the idea that orbital forcing and resulting distributions of solar radiation played a role in determining continental interior temperatures during the Eocene. Specification of extreme values of orbital parameters (within the range of calculated Pleistocene values) produces a wide range of continental temperatures. These include cooler Northern Hemisphere continental summer temperatures and milder winter temperatures by up to 30%, and an annual temperature range reduced by 75%, relative to temperatures produced at the same location with modern orbital configuration. Temperature responses to the specified orbital forcing are most evident at middle and high latitudes. The results produced with one specification of extreme orbital configurations are more similar to proxy data interpretations than any previous results of these temperature parameters. We suggest that orbital variation and resulting insolation responses must be included in paleoclimate modeling studies that aim to explain proxy data and paleoclimate conditions for specific times in Earth's history.
Fabrication of channel waveguides from sol-gel-processed polyvinylpyrrolidone/SiO 2 composite materials

Sol-gel-processed composite materials of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and SiO2 were studied for optical waveguide applications. PVP is a polymer that can be crosslinked, so it is expected to have high thermal stability after crosslinking. However, thermal crosslinking and thermal decomposition of pure PVP take place around the same temperature, 200 °C, therefore pure PVP had a high optical propagation loss as a result of the absorption of the decomposed molecules after crosslinking. The incorporation of sol-gel-processed SiO2 prevented the thermal decomposition of PVP and provided remarkably low optical propagation losses. The PVP/SiO2 composite material also produced thick (>2-μm) crack-free films when the PVP concentration was 50% or higher. An optical propagation loss of 0.2 dB/cm was achieved at 633 nm in the 50% PVP/SiO2 composite planar waveguide. Several aspects of the thermal stability of the waveguides were evaluated. The slab waveguide was then used for fabrication of channel waveguides with a selective laser-densification technique. This technique used metal lines fabricated with photolithography on the slab waveguide as a light absorbent, and these metal lines were heated by an Ar laser. The resultant channel waveguide had an optical propagation loss of 0.9 dB/cm at 633 nm. This technique provides lower absorption loss and scattering loss compared with the direct laser-densification technique, which uses UV lasers, and produces narrow waveguides that are difficult to fabricate with a CO2 laser.
Bovine Immunoglobulins: A Review

Abstract Three classes of immunoglobulins have been identified in the cow: IgG, IgA, and IgM. The IgG immunoglobulins can be divided into two subclasses, IgG1 and IgG2. IgG1 is selectively transported by the udder from the circulation to the lacteal secretions by a mechanism yet to be elucidated. Hence, IgG1 is the principal immunoglobulin for passive immunization of the calf. IgG1 also fixes complement and sensitizes bovine skin. IgG2 appears more homogeneous than IgG1 and occurs in high concentrations in bovine serum. Bovine IgM occurs in serum, colostrum, and milk. IgM is important in the primary immune response, complement fixation, and as an agglutinating antibody of the serum. IgM seems to be especially associated with parasitic infections of Anaplasma . Bovine IgA occurs as "secretory IgA" in milk and colostrum. Whether secretory IgA, or any other immunoglobulin, is synthesized locally is unknown. Also unknown is the precise role that each immunoglobulin plays in bovine pathology. Transfer of immunity to the offspring is by way of the milk and colostrum, and there is sufficient evidence that colostrum is necessary for immunity to disease. Although IgG1 is selectively concentrated by the bovine mammary tissue, no selectivity has been demonstrated for the highly permeable calf's gut. The reason for the failure of some calves to absorb colostral immunoglobulins is unknown. Additional research endeavors into the distribution, genetics, function, and synthesis of the bovine immunoglobulins are most needed.
Selectivity in multiple methylation of MCln(Pr3)m compounds

Abstract Reaction of RhCl3L3 (L = PMe2Ph or PMePh2) with excess MeLi or MeMgCl reveals a distinct tendency to stop at the RhMe2ClL3 stage. This behaviour is attributed to the concentration of all Cl → Rh π-donation into the single remaining metal-halogen bond, and is shown to be a phenomenon of even broader occurrence and greater potential generality. For cis, mer-RhMe2ClL3 containing the bulkier ligand PMePh2, variable temperature 1H and 31P NMR studies reveal the occurrence of two dynamic processes: hindered rotation about RhP and PC bonds and also dissociation of the unique phosphine trans to one methyl group.
Controlling cell responses to cyclic mechanical stretching.

In most cell culture studies, cells are grown on smooth culture surfaces. Using microfabrication technology, we have developed microgrooved silicone surfaces to grow cells and subject them to repetitive mechanical stretching. When human patellar tendon fibroblasts were plated on these microgrooved surfaces, the cells had an elongated shape and underwent cyclic uniaxial stretching parallel to their long axes, all of which closely mimic conditions of tendon fibroblasts in vivo. Also, when fibroblasts were grown on microgrooves oriented at 45 and 90 degrees with respect to stretching direction, they did not change alignment or shape under cyclic mechanical stretching. Furthermore, compared to nonstretched cells, 8% cyclic stretching of tendon fibroblasts oriented at 0 (i.e., parallel to stretching direction), 45, and 90 degrees was found to increase α-SMA protein expression level by 46, 31, and 14%, respectively. In addition, 8% cyclic stretching tendon fibroblasts for 4 and 8 h oriented parallel to stretching direction increased α-SMA protein expression level by 25 and 57%, respectively. Thus, the results of this study showed that α-SMA protein expression levels of tendon fibroblasts depend on cell orientation with respect to stretching direction and stretching duration. We suggest that microgrooved silicone substrates can be used to study biological responses of tendon or ligament fibroblasts to repetitive mechanical stretching conditions in a more controlled manner.
Studies on the Marinating of Chicken Parts for Deep-Fat Frying

Eight-piece-cut broiler parts were either still-marinated or marinated in a hexagonal shaped drum rotated at 31.5 rpm. The marinated parts were coated and deep-fat fried at 168°C for 12 minutes. The marinating process increased frying yields of fried parts. Although the longer rotary-marinating time resulted in higher marinade absorption as compared to the still-marinated ones, the frying yields were about the same. The variance of marinade penetration between part types was smaller for those still-marinated than for those rotary-marinated. Except for the drumsticks, marinade penetration from 4 hrs. of still-marinating can be accomplished by rotary-marinating the parts for 10 min.
Bridging security and good design: Understanding perceptions of expert and novice shoplifters

The retail environment has been identified as having great capacity for crime reduction through improved design. Building on the classic work of Weaver and Carroll, the purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of 42 expert and novice shoplifters using verbal protocol. The study objectives were to examine shoplifter perceptions, investigate deterrents and facilitators to crime and explore the relationship between security techniques and design features. Findings indicated significant differences between expert and novice shoplifters in regard to the proportion of protocol dedicated to shoplifting, and the number of cited risks and judgments, security techniques and design practices. Other results identified specific security and design techniques as both deterrents and facilitators to shoplifting. Overall, the study illustrates the potential of the physical environment to deter shoplifting, especially in the case of novice shoplifters, and proposes solutions that marry security and good design.
Impaired cognitive control mediates the relationship between cortical thickness of the superior frontal gyrus and role functioning in schizophrenia

Structural abnormalities in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) are well-documented in schizophrenia and recent evidence suggests that these abnormalities relate to functional outcome. Cognitive control mechanisms, reliant on the LPFC, are impaired in schizophrenia and predict functional outcome, thus impaired cognitive control could mediate the relationship between neuroanatomical abnormalities in the LPFC and functional outcome. We used surface-based morphometry to investigate relationships between cortical surface characteristics, cognitive control, and measures of social and role functioning in 26 individuals with schizophrenia and 29 healthy controls. Results demonstrate that schizophrenia participants had thinner cortex in a region of the superior frontal gyrus (BA10). Across all participants, decreased cortical thickness in this region related to decreased cognitive control and decreased role functioning. Moreover, cognitive control fully mediated the relationship between cortical thickness in the superior frontal gyrus and role functioning, indicating that neuroanatomical abnormalities in the LPFC adversely impact role functioning via impaired cognitive control processes.
Lava dome collapse causes pyroclastic flows

Growth of lava domes is common at many volcanos, especially those around the Pacific rim, and the pyroclastic flows associated with these domes constitute one of the most serious of all volcanic hazards. Over thirty-five scientists from Japanese and U.S. universities and government agencies gathered in Palo Alto, Calif., from March 8–12, to discuss and plan new joint research aimed at improving our understanding of collapsing volcanic domes and the destructive pyroclastic flows and surges they generate. This workshop was the first of several to be held in accordance with the Panel for Volcanic Disaster Prevention under the Japan-United States Science and Technology (JUST) Agreement of 1988 and was part of both countries' response to the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR).
Positive Phototaxis of Adult Alfalfa Weevils to Visible and near-Infrared Radiation

The action spectrum of positive phototaxis in adult alfalfa weevils, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), was evaluated by placing groups of 50 starved weevils in a closed cylindrical orientation chamber illuminated at one end by a Bausch and Lomb monochromator. Weevils responded well to green light (500–550 nm), but they were most strongly attracted to wavelengths in the far red and near infrared region. The response to red light was almost completely eliminated when the vertex of each weevil's head capsule was covered with an opaque lacquer. Weevils with clear shellac over the top of the head capsule had the same bimodal response to colored light as unpainted weevils, so illumination of the head must either stimulate an extra-ocular photoreceptor or else somehow change the sensitivity of the compound eyes. Three structures which lie just below the cephalic exoskeleton have been identified as possible photoreceptors: the brain, a pair of tegumentary nerves, and an elongate pit at the top of the frons which could mark the site of an internal ocellus.
Cultures of innovation among chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering students: A qualitative study

Innovation has received particular emphasis in engineering education due to implications of global challenges, diverse human needs, and economic competitiveness. As such, many instructors explore new methods to help engineering students develop innovation-related competencies and researchers seek to understand how students connect with and learn about innovation. This study adds to that growing knowledgebase by investigating the ways engineering students in different disciplines view and approach engineering innovation. Nine students in chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering participated in a two-hour laboratory protocol consisting of an idea generation task, a process mapping task, and a semi-structured interview. This qualitative study used a multiple case analysis approach to compare student perspectives in each discipline. Analysis revealed that students in each discipline demonstrated different perspectives along nine aspects of innovation: context, criteria, stakeholder involvement, teamwork, design process, iteration, knowledge, challenges, and personal motivation. These differences link to core aspects of each discipline. Since a qualitative approach with a localized sample was used, this work does not explain all differences or the extent to which they manifest, but this paper contributes to an emerging understanding of how work in different engineering disciplines can connect with innovation from a student perspective.
Unilateral renal actinomycosis.

Abstract A case report of renal actinomycosis is presented with a brief review of the literature. Pathogenesis of the lesion, diagnostic problems, and management are discussed.
The long-term retention of events in monkey memory

Abstract Nine monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ) demonstrated long-term memory for objects in a recognition task based on the non-matching-to-sample (NMTS) paradigm. In this task, the subjects were required to choose a novel object when it was paired with an alternative that had become familiar in previous NMTS training. When the familiar objects had been experienced an average of 3.4 times 4–9 months previously, 5 monkeys made 79% correct choices of the novel object. Three other monkeys exposed to the objects a mean of 12.8 times were 65% accurate at retention intervals of 20 months. A ninth subject achieved an accuracy of 68% after a retention interval of 34 months based on an exposure frequency of 10.6. These levels of performance indicate that in monkey event memory the mnemonic representation of an object is quite durable and a proportion of visual information may last for at least 3 years.
Differential Binding of Ligands to the Apolipoprotein E Receptor 2

Apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (apoER2) is an important participant in the Reelin signaling pathway that directs cell positioning during embryogenesis. ApoER2 is a cell surface molecule that elicits intracellular signal transduction through binding of Reelin. The structural requirements for Reelin binding to apoER2 and the receptor domains involved in this process are unclear at present. Using a series of receptor mutants, we characterized the interaction of apoER2 with Reelin and compared this interaction to that of apoER2 with the receptor-associated protein (RAP), an apoER2 ligand that does not induce signaling. By surface plasmon resonance we demonstrate that apoER2 exhibits 6-fold higher affinity for Reelin than the very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), which also functions as a Reelin receptor (KD 0.2 nM versus KD 1.2 nM). Acidic amino acid residues in complement-type repeat domains 1 and 3 of apoER2 are required for Reelin binding. The same regions of the receptor are also bound by RAP with a...
Numerical properties of a fast algorithm for QR factorization

We study the numerical stability of the Schur-Levinson type fast Toeplitz QR factorization algorithm. Our results show that the algorithm gives good results for a well-conditioned Toeplitz system of equations. We present a technique for improving the conditioning of the matrix arising in the AR modeling problem.
Coupling of Angular Momenta in Odd-Odd Nuclei

The coupling of the angular momenta of individual particle states in odd-odd nuclei is shown to be generally describable as spin-spin coupling if the asymptotic-quantum-number description of particle states is used for deformed nuclei. Coupling rules for these nuclei are given, and all available data are treated by them. The results are compared with results based upon a $j\ensuremath{-}j$ coupling model for a spherical nucleus. A formula based upon the present coupling description is given for calculating magnetic moments of deformed nuclei, and magnetic moments calculated by it are compared to the experimental moments and to those calculated assuming the gyromagnetic ratios of the odd nucleons are those given by the Schmidt formulas. A qualitative theoretical discussion of the basic validity of the coupling rules is given.
Work in Progress: Bro-LAN Pervasive Network Inspection and Control for LAN Traffic

Network intrusion detection and prevention systems (NIDS and NIPS) have to date focused on protecting external access links, or, when internally deployed, links between major enclaves in an enterprise. As previously argued, major threats (worms, insiders, and attackers with a toehold) come from inside the local network, rather than outside. Recently, two approaches have arisen to address this threat: ubiquitous deployment of end system monitors and custom hardware to replace switching infrastructure. This paper presents a third way: exploiting the VLAN capabilities of modern switches to enforce that all LAN communications must traverse and meet the approval of an intrusion detection monitor that operates separately from the switches. This architecture can realize two key benefits: (1) deployment and operation in today's enterprise networks without requiring replacement of existing network infrastructure, and (2) the use of highly flexible, commodity PCs for LAN monitoring, rather than algorithms embedded in difficult-to-reprogram custom hardware
Validation of a model for estimating state and local prevalence of serious mental illness.

This study addresses an ongoing problem in mental health needs assessment. This involves estimating the prevalence of an identified problem, specifically serious mental illness (SMI), for local areas in a reliable, valid, and cost-effective manner. The aim of the study is the application and testing of a recently introduced methodology from the field of small area estimation to determining SMI rates in the 48 contiguous US states, and in local areas of Massachusetts. It uses ‘regression synthetic estimation fitted using area-level covariates’, to estimate a model using data from the 2001–2002 replication of the National Comorbidity Study (n = 5593) and apply it, using 2000 STF-3C Census data, to various state and local areas in the United States. The estimates are then compared with independently collected SMI indicators. The estimates show not only face validity and internal consistency, but also predictive validity. The multiple logistic model has a sensitivity of 21.1% and a specificity of 95.1%, based largely on socio-economic disparities. Pearson r validity coefficients for the area estimates range from 0.43 to 0.75. The model generates a national estimate of SMI adults of 5.5%; for the 48 states, rates ranging from 4.7% to 7.0%; and for Massachusetts towns and cities, 1.1% to 7.5%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidemiology of problem drinking among elderly people

The prevalence of alcohol use and misuse declines with age, but mis use remains an important public health problem among older people. Between 2 and 4% of the United States elderly population meet DSM-III criteria for “alcohol abuse” or dependence. Up to 10% are ldquo;heavy” or problem drinkers. Alcohol use and misuse are both more common among men than women. Since the elderly population is expanding, we will see an increase in the absolute number of older problem drinkers over the next few decades even if the prevalence of problem drinking remains constant. It is incumbent on health care providers and administrators to plan for the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems among these people.
A phase II study of weekly alternating chemotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

Despite the recent development of new chemotherapeutic agents with activity in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the long-term prognosis of patients with extensive-stage disease remains poor and has not improved in the past 20 years. The present study was designed to evaluate the activity and toxicity of weekly, alternating-regimen chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage SCLC. Patients with previously untreated extensive-stage SCLC and performance status 0–2 were treated with cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2, etoposide 100 mg/m2, and cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on day 1; vincristine 1 mg/m2 on day 8; and ifosfamide 1.2 gm/m2 on days 8 and 9 with the entire treatment repeated every 14 days. Eighteen patients received chemotherapy for a median of 14 weeks (range, 1–35 weeks). Seventeen patients (94%) required dose delays and 16 patients (89%) required at least one dose reduction due to toxicity. Twelve patients (67%) exhibited an objective response (1 complete response, 11 partial response) with a median duration of re...
Performance, Cost, and Maintenance Requirements of Austin Sand Filters

Five Austin-style sand filters were constructed by the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) as retrofit projects for maintenance yards and park-and-ride facilities in the Los Angeles and San Diego metropolitan areas. Each of these filter systems included storm-water monitoring equipment for collection of flow weighted composite samples. In addition, detailed records were compiled of the design elements, construction costs, and type and amount of maintenance required at each of the sites. The construction costs were relatively high because of the retrofit nature of the project and the integration of the CALTRANS storm-drain system with those of the adjoining metropolitan areas, which eliminated any opportunities for economies of scale. An analysis of performance using linear-regression techniques indicated that for sediment and almost all particle associated constituents, effluent concentration was independent of influent concentration. For instance, the average suspended solids concentration in treated runoff was 7.8–1.2 mg/L (at the 90% confidence level) regardless of observed influent concentration. The constant effluent quality produced for the particulate constituents indicates that the calculation of a percent reduction is more indicative of the influent concentration rather than the performance of the filter itself. Rejuvenation of the filter bed was required at three sites after 3 years of operation when the solids loading to the system was between 5 and 7.5 kg/m² of filter area. However, the clogging may have been accelerated by problems with the pumps that resulted in standing water on the filter for extended periods. Other maintenance activities consisted mainly of inspections, pump repair, and activities to reduce mosquito breeding. The main impediment to widespread implementation is the initial construction cost; however, modifications of the filter configuration and media may reduce these costs and increase effectiveness, thereby making the technology more attractive.
Sex Trafficking: Trends, Challenges, and the Limitations of International Law

The passage of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children in 2000 marked the first global effort to address human trafficking in 50 years. Since the passage of the UN Protocol international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individual states have devoted significant resources to eliminating human trafficking. This article critically examines the impact of these efforts with reference to the trends, political, and empirical challenges in data collection and the limitations of international law. I argue that current international law disproportionately addresses the criminal prosecution of traffickers at the expense of trafficking victims’ human rights, and has therefore not yet reached its full potential in the fight against human sex trafficking.
Characteristics of upper oesophageal sphincter and oesophageal body during maturation in healthy human neonates compared with adults.

Abstract We evaluated the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) relationship with oesophageal body during primary peristalsis (PP) sequences in healthy human neonates during maturation and compared with that of healthy adult volunteers. Forty-nine studies were performed using a water perfusion manometry system and a specially designed oesophageal catheter with a UOS sleeve concurrent with submental electromyogram in 31 subjects in supine position (18 preterm neonates, 29.9 ± 2.5 weeks gestation; four full-term neonates, 39.3 ± 1.0 weeks gestation; and nine adults, 18–65 years). The preterm neonates were studied longitudinally at 33 and 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) and full-term born at 40 weeks PMA. Data were compared between the groups to recognize the effects of gestation, postnatal age and ageing. We evaluated 403 consecutive spontaneous solitary swallows during maturation (preterm at time-1 vs time-2) and growth (preterm and full-term vs adults) and observed significant (P < 0.05) differences in the basal UOS resting pressure, UOS relaxation characteristics, proximal and distal oesophageal body amplitude, duration, propagation and peristaltic velocity. Characteristics of UOS and PP are well-developed by 33 weeks PMA and undergo further maturation during the postnatal period, and are significantly different from that of adult.
The effects and interactions of scopolamine, physostigmine and methamphetamine on human memory

Seventy college age subjects learned and recalled a series of word lists prior to being injected with methamphetamine (0.2 mg/kg or 0.3 mg/kg), scopolamine (8 microgram/kg), or a placebo. Following the injection subjects were tested for their free recall and recognition of the words and they completed a short-term digit recall task. Subjects who had previously received scopolamine were next injected with either methamphetamine (0.2 mg/kg or 0.3 mg/kg), physostigmine (32 microgram/kg), or placebo, while other subjects received a placebo injection. The above memory procedure was then repeated with a second series of word lists. In addition, subjective feelings were measured with a questionnaire. Scopolamine and methamphetamine did not affect recall of information learned prior to injection. Scopolamine did, however, impair performance in both the digit recall task and in the second series of memory tests. Physostigmine and methamphetamine alleviated most of the memory deficits and sedation produced by scopolamine. Methamphetamine alone produced subjective arousal and a small improvement in recall of words learned after injection and a large increase in incorrect responding.
Large amplitude oscillatory shear flow of gluten dough: A model power-law gel

In a previous paper [T. S. K. Ng and G. H. McKinley, J. Rheol. 52(2), 417–449 (2008)], we demonstrated that gluten gels can best be understood as a polymeric network with a power-law frequency response that reflects the fractal structure of the gluten network. Large deformation tests in both transient shear and extension show that in the absence of rigid starch fillers these networks are also time-strain factorizable up to very large strain amplitudes (γ∗>5). In the present work, we further explore the nonlinear rheological behavior of these critical gels by considering the material response obtained in large amplitude oscillatory shear over a wide range of strains and frequencies. We use a Lissajous representation to compare the measured material response with the predictions of a network theory that is consistent with the proposed molecular structure of gluten gels. In the linear viscoelastic regime, the Lissajous figures are elliptical as expected and can be quantitatively described by the same power-l...
Partisan Representation, Realignment, and the Senate in the 1980s

The 1980 election was heralded by a number of observers as the beginning of one of those rare periods of partisan realignment in American politics. The capture of control of the Senate by the Republican party gave some credence to this prediction, yet the Congressional elections of 1982, 1984, and 1986 failed to sustain the realignment process. This paper advances the thesis that the failure of realignment in the 1980s is connected to the failure of the Congressional Republican party to represent adequately the policy concerns of independents and dissident Democrats as well as some existing Republican identifiers. The thesis is tested by examining trends in partisan representation (defined as the extent of congruence between Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the electorate, as groups, and the Congressional Republican and Democratic parties, as groups) between 1980 and 1986. The analysis focuses principally on representation in the Senate. As expected, the level of congruence between the Republic...
Imaging Tumor Acidity: pH-Low Insertion Peptide Probe for Optoacoustic Tomography

Optoacoustic tomography has been used for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma targeted by pH-low insertion peptide (pHLIP) conjugated to near-infrared fluorescent dye. It was proved that tumor targeting is pH dependent. The approach could have major implication for detection and monitoring of pancreatic and other cancers.
Bootstrap algorithms for dynamic stereo vision

Summary form only given. The use of stereo vision is significantly simplified by using depth information computed from a narrow-baseline image pair to constrain the search for correspondence in wider-baseline images. Such images can be acquired by using a combination of motion and multiple cameras. This approach has been in terms of random field models and Bayesian estimation. Experimental results have demonstrated the success of the approach. Algorithms that are efficient, produce accurate depth maps, and impose fewer constraint on scene geometry than previous approaches to stereo have been obtained and demonstrated with images of a realistic, outdoor scene model. The algorithms were developed as part of a larger scenario in which small camera motions will be used to bootstrap stereo correspondence. >
Educating Surgeons May Allow for Reduced Intraoperative Costs for Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

Background Our aim was to determine the impact of surgeon education regarding disposable supply costs to reduce intraoperative costs for a common procedure such as inguinal hernia repair. Study Design At the end of the 2013 fiscal year (FY 13), surgeons in our department were provided with information about the cost of disposable equipment and implants used in common general surgery operations. Surgeons who historically had lower supply costs demonstrated individual techniques to their colleagues. No financial incentive or punitive measures were used to encourage behavior change. Surgical supply costs for laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair in FY13 were then compared with costs during fiscal year 2014 (FY14) using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results The average cost of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs decreased from an average $1,088 ± 473 (±SD) in FY13 (n = 258) to $860 ± 441 (n = 274) in FY14 after surgeon education, representing a 21.0% reduction in intraoperative costs (p Conclusions Surgeon education and empowerment may significantly reduce the cost of disposable equipment in laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair. This simple educational technique could prove financially beneficial throughout various procedures and disciplines.
Modeling non-linear propagation of femtosecond pulses in fiber gratings

Using non-linear coupled-mode equations and a Bloch-wave approach, we show that the nonlinear propagation of femtosecond pulses and supercontinuum light inside fiber grating can be modeled by nonlinear Schrodinger equation with modified dispersion profile.
Differential sensitivity to androgens within a sexually dimorphic muscle of male frogs (Xenopus laevis)

Male frogs use their forelimb flexor muscles to clasp females during the mating behavior known as amplexus. We investigated the effects of testosterone on a principal forelimb flexor, the flexor carpi radialis muscle (FCR), using morphological and histochemical techniques. Male Xenopus laevis were surgically manipulated to produce high or low levels of circulating testosterone for an 8-week period. After this treatment, measurement of fibers in muscle cross-sections revealed that average fiber size was positively correlated with testosterone level. This effect was not the same for all muscle fibers, however. Fibers in the shoulder region were more sensitive to testosterone than fibers in other regions of the muscle. Histochemical staining of cross-sections showed that the patterns of staining for myosin ATPase or succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) were not influenced by testosterone levels, but total SDH activity was increased by testosterone treatment. When sensitivity to testosterone was correlated with ATPase activity, fibers with high ATPase activity were found to be more sensitive to testosterone than fibers with low activity, regardless of position within the muscle. Most fibers with high ATPase activity were located in the shoulder region of the muscle. These fibers are innervated by different motor axons than are fibers in the elbow region of the muscle, and contractions of shoulder (but not elbow) region fibers, elicited by stimulation of motor axons, are slowed by testosterone treatment (Regnier and Herrera, 1993, J. Physiol. 461:565-581).