cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HTS twisted stacked-tape cable conductor

The feasibility of high field magnet applications of the twisted stacked-tape cabling method with 2G YBCO tapes has been investigated. An analysis of torsional twist strains of a thin HTS tape has been carried out taking into account the internal shortening compressive strains accompanied with the lengthening tensile strains due to the torsional twist. The model is benchmarked against experimental tests using YBCO tapes. The critical current degradation and current distribution of a four-tape conductor was evaluated by taking account of the twist strain, the self-field and the termination resistances. The critical current degradation for the tested YBCO cables can be explained by the perpendicular self-field effect. It is shown that the critical current of a twisted stacked-tape conductor with a four-tape cable does not degrade with a twist pitch length as short as 120 mm. Current distribution among tapes and hysteresis losses are also investigated. A compact joint termination method for a 2G YBCO tape cable has been developed. The twisted stacked-tape conductor method may be an attractive means for the fabrication of highly compact, high current cables from multiple flat HTS tapes.
NSM CFRP composites for effective tension zone of reinforced concrete members subjected to wet-dry cycling

This article presents an experimental study concerning near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites for the effective tension zone of a reinforced concrete beam. The test specimen consists of a concrete prism with one No. 3 reinforcing steel bar, representing the effective tension zone, and is preloaded to 50% of the cracking load of the specimens to simulate existing concrete structures in service conditions. A total of 16 specimens, II of which are retrofitted with NSM CFRP strips, are monotonically loaded in axial tension until failure takes place. Of particular interest is the interaction between the concrete and the reinforcement at service load levels when exposed to wet-dry environment. Test parameters include the effect of wet-dry cycles, the type of bonding agents (epoxy adhesive and cement-grout), the number of CFRP strips, and the size of groove for the composite. The specimens with epoxy adhesive show better performance than those with cement-grout, while the contribution of the geometrical properties (e.g., groove size and number of CFRP strips) to the behavior of the retrofitted specimens is not significant. The variation of a tension stiffening index and the effective axial stiffness is studied to examine the effects of west-dry cycles on the serviceability of the retrofitted specimens.
Early days in the infrared study of adsorbed molecules

The early efforts in the development of infrared spectroscopy in studies of molecules adsorbed on catalyst surfaces are described. The effect of research atmosphere on conducting basic studies in an industrial laboratory is included. Specific examples include the chemisorption of ammonia to determine whether catalyst acidity is due to Lewis or Bronsted acids, the chemisorption of carbon monoxide on platinum, the chemisorption of nitrogen on nickel, the oxidation of carbon monoxide on nickel, and the adsorption of strongly electronegative adsorbates on impure zinc oxide which produce chemical changes within the bulk of the zinc oxide.
Structure and organization of a northern New England salt marsh plant community

Summary 1 Northern New England marshes are characterized by mid-elevation areas of sparse vegetation, but high species diversity, which are not found in the well-studied marshes further south. These forb pannes occur in habitats that are more waterlogged and anoxic than adjacent clonal turf-dominated areas. 2 When the clonal turfs were transplanted into forb pannes, they showed reduced growth with and without neighbours present, suggesting that they are physically limited from invading the forb pannes. Conversely, when forb panne species were transplanted into surrounding turf areas, they flourished when neighbours were removed, but were suppressed when neighbours were present, suggesting that interspecific plant competition restricts the forbs to panne habitats. 3 Recovery of disturbance-generated bare patches was extremely slow, taking twice as long as in southern New England marshes. Secondary succession in northern New England marshes was driven by competitive interactions rather than by facilitative processes typical in southern New England marshes. 4 Differences in the structure and dynamics between northern and southern New England marsh systems may be due to differences in climate and human impacts. Waterlogged pannes are probably more common in northern marshes because they are generally larger and less ditched and drained. Reduced solar radiation and summer heating in northern New England reduces the potential for high soil salinities seen in southern marshes. This lack of the need for amelioration by neighbours probably explains the absence of facilitation.
Elastase +/- soybean trypsin inhibitor dissociation of rat oral mucosa: ultrastructural and oxidative metabolic destructive changes in isolated, epithelial and dermal mitochondria after dissociation.

Epithelial and connective tissue compartments of rat oral mucosa were dissociated after incubation with elastase ± soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). Elastase + SBTI induced greater ultrastructural damage within the dissociated compartments than elastase alone. The basal lamina remained with the epithelial layer after elastase separation and was destroyed after exposure to elastase + SBTI. Isolated epithelial mitochondria were more severely damaged ultrastructurally after elastase + SBTI separation of the compartment than those prepared after exposure to elastase alone. Isolated fibroblast mitochondria were damaged to the same extent after dissociation of the compartment with either medium. Oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial recoveries declined significantly after exposure to either dissociating medium. Cytochrome oxidase activity was significantly greater than succinic cytochrome c reductase in the control and experimental groups. Oxidative metabolism was found to be significantly greater in the connective tissue compartment than the epithelial compartment after dissociation of immature rat oral mucose. Our data suggests that caution be utilized in assessing cellular viability and oxidative metabolism in tissue compartments immediately after their dissociation by proteolytic enzymes.
Gene polymorphisms for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1/tissue plasminogen activator and development of allograft coronary artery disease.

Background —Impaired fibrinolytic activity has been linked to the presence and severity of allograft vasculopathy (Tx CAD). This impairment may be associated with the presence of certain fibrinolytic protein gene polymorphisms. Methods and Results —To investigate the relation between donor-specific fibrinolytic protein genotypes and Tx CAD, we identified donor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) Hin dIII and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) Eco RI restriction fragment length polymorphisms–based genotypes by Southern blot analysis in 48 recipients of cardiac allografts and correlated these genotypes with the development of CAD. No association was found between donor TPA genotypes and the presence of Tx CAD. Among the 48 patients, 17% were homozygous for the 1/1 PAI-1 genotype, 51% for the 2/2 PAI-1 genotype, and 32% for the 1/2 PAI-1 genotype. The actuarial freedom from any CAD for the recipients with each respective donor PAI-1 genotype at 12 and 24 months was 100% and 100% for the 1/1 PAI-1 genotype, 92% and 92% for the 1/2 PAI-1 genotype, and 75% and 45% for the 2/2 PAI-1 genotype ( P =0.03). Recipients with a diseased 2/2 PAI-1 genotyped allograft had longer ischemic times ( P =0.02) than those recipients with a Tx CAD–free allograft. Conclusions —These data suggest that recipients with a 2/2 PAI-1 genotype are at a significant risk of developing Tx CAD. This genotype may serve as a useful screening tool for predicting the future development of Tx CAD.
Cardiovascular biology. Platelets and proteases.

Circulating platelets are essential for the formation of blood clots. Studies of mice reveal more about the proteins involved in activating platelets, with implications for understanding strokes and heart attacks.
3D signal reconstruction from noisy projection data for stochastic objects as a generalization of Gaussian mixture parameter estimation

A statistical estimation problem for determining 3-D reconstructions from a single 2-D projection image of each of multiple objects when the objects are heterogeneous is described. The method is based on a Gaussian mixture description of the heterogeneity and is motivated by cryo electron microscopy of biological objects.
Algebraic approach to stopping variable problems: Representation theory and applications*

Abstract We develop the relationship between distributive lattices and stopping variable problems by showing that the class of stopping variables has this structure. Using representation theory for distributive lattices we reduce the “secretary problem” and the S n /n , problem for Bernoulli trials to linear programming problems.
Mammary development meets cancer genomics

Mammary epithelial cell development is thought to progress from undifferentiated stem cells into at least two differentiated cell types. A new study has now characterized some of these distinct developmental stages and links them to tumor subtypes previously defined by gene expression profiling ( pages 907–913 ).
Ulrastructural Immunocytochemistry of Subretinal Neovascular Membranes in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Background: The authors studied various cellular and extracellular matrix components of subretinal neovascular membranes (SRNVM) from patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods: Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry was used on the subfoveal neovascular membranes surgically removed from three patients with disciform lesions due to ARMD. Findings: The SRNVMs always contained large "feeder" vessels along with many new capillaries in different stages of maturation. Capillaries were sparse and embedded in an abundant stroma. The majority of the nonvascular cells were either retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells or fibroblast-like cells. The RPE cells formed single or multiple layers on one side of the membranes. The stroma was composed mainly of collagen types I and IV and fibronectin, with small amounts of collagen types III, V, and VI. The absence of Bruch's membrane suggests that a splitting may occur between the RPE cells and Bruch's membrane with the new vessels growing into this cleft. A thickened layer of collagen type IV was often present under the RPE cells. The basement membranes of the newly formed capillaries were morphologically ill-defined, and contained substantial amounts of collagen type IV and fibronectin, but, unlike the basement membranes of normal capillaries, they lacked laminin or heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Conclusion: These results on the ultrastructural components of the SRNVMs may be useful in clarifying the nature of the disciform process in ARMD.
Valuation Resources: Industry Information Resources

This section of the Valuation Resources site (http://valuationresources.com/IndustryReport.htm) is devoted to collecting information about industries. The site uses the Standard Industrial Classifi...
Characteristics of Graduate Students in Biglan Areas of Study.

This paper discusses certain characteristics of graduate students in relation to their chosen areas of study, as defined by the three dimensions developed by Biglan to classify academic departments. The Biglan dimensions are used as dependent variables in three separate linear regression models, and each of the following student characteristics is analyzed for its explanatory impact: age, citizenship, gender, Graduate Record Examination scores, level of degree being pursued, and undergraduate gradepoint average. The amount of variance explained in each dimension ranges from 10% in the pure/applied research dimension to 37% in the hard/soft dimension. The validity of the dimensions is also verified using discriminant function analysis.
Anion-dependent fluorescence in bis(anilinoethynyl)pyridine derivatives: switchable ON-OFF and OFF-ON responses.

Urea and sulfonamide derivatives of 1 exhibit ON–OFF and OFF–ON switchable fluorescent and colorimetric responses upon protonation. The magnitude of the fluorescence event is dictated by the anion, resulting in a rare, fully organic “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for chloride.
Signet ring stromal tumor of the ovary occurring in conjunction with brenner tumor.

Abstract Objective. A case is presented of a single ovarian mass that had elements of both signet ring stromal tumor of the ovary and Brenner tumor. Methods. The histologic features and the results of histocytochemical, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies are presented. Results. The signet ring component of the mass demonstrated features consistent with the few other cases previously reported. A positive immunohistochemical stain for the peptide hormone inhibin provides additional evidence for an ovarian stromal origin for this tumor. Conclusion. The tumor produced no hormonally related symptoms and has shown no evidence of recurrence. Signet ring stromal tumor of the ovary is an uncommon benign tumor that may be confused with metastatic signet ring carcinoma. The significance of the signet ring cells is not certain. Their association with Brenner tumor has not been previously described.
Aerostructural Safety Factor Criteria Using Deterministic Reliability

The primary function of most metallic structures is to sustain operational loads with no detrimental deformation. The current practice of specifying a universal ultimate safety factor, or reliability, biases the operation margin by the selection of material. By expressing the deterministic safety factor in probabilistic tolerance limits, the included three safety design factors are specified independently by loads, materials, and stress criteria. The minimum limit of the stress safety design factor was determined to be the ultimate-to-yield stress ratio. This ratio was combined with estimated modeling and complexity uncertainty factors to redefine the conventional safety factor. The metallic structural safety with the modified conventional safety factor and the loads and material safety design factors was expressed by a safety index and reliability. Although the resulting reliability varies with material selection, the suggested criteria provide a uniformly efficient and safe operational structure.
A note on holomorphic approximation in Banach spaces

Given a complex Banach space X and a holomorphic function f on its unit ball B, we discuss the problem whether f can be approximated, uniformly on smaller balls, by functions g holomorphic on all of X.
Lattice energies and structural distortions in Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 solid solutions

The changes in Madelung and non-electrostatic energies of Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 (PZT) solid solutions in the high-symmetry (Pm3m) phase have been calculated using the heats of formation from the oxides. The non-electrostatic contribution (ΔEN) decreases with decreasing x and becomes negative for compositions x ≤ 0.35, corresponding to perovskite tolerance factors t ≥ 1. Correlation of the strong increase in tetragonal distortion in the ferroelectric phase with more exothermic values of ΔEN suggests a softening of short-range repulsions for Ti-rich compositions. The influence of complex solid solution behaviour on the character of Pm3m ↔ P 4mm transition is investigated by high-temperature specific heat and unit-cell parameter measurements. The implications of the thermochemical results with respect to mean-field theoretical descriptions of lattice instabilities and phase boundaries in the PZT system are briefly discussed.
Antibodies targeting extracellular domain of connexins for studies of hemichannels.

Abstract Hemichannels are transmembrane channels composed of either a connexin or pannexin hexamer. The docking of the extracellular domains of connexin hemichannels contributed by neighboring cells forms a gap junction channel that joins the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Connexins are expressed ubiquitously in different organs, but some subtypes are expressed exclusively in certain tissues and tumors. Both gap junction channels and hemichannels participate in diverse physiological and pathological responses. However, the lack of specific reagents that inhibit only gap junction channels or hemichannels is a challenge that makes it different to discern the specific roles of either channel. Fortunately, the available information regarding the connexin sequence, secondary and tertiary structure, and their biochemical and physiological properties permits the development of strategies to block exclusively the hemichannel activity exclusively, with no effect on gap junction activity. This task is accomplished through the use of specifics antibodies that target the extracellular sites of desired connexin subtype. However, the underlying mechanism of how antibodies targeting extracellular connexin epitopes actually inhibit hemichannels remains unknown. Although these antibodies are being used for detecting and blocking of hemichannels in normal and tumor cells, they can also be potentially used for tissue-specific treatment and drug delivery in clinical applications. In this article, we will first review the literature concerning the structure of connexins and the unique properties of extracellular loop domains of the connexins. Furthermore, we will discuss briefly the development of connexin (Cx) 43(E2) antibody, a specific antibody which detects the second extracellular loop of Cx43 and specifically prevents the opening of Cx43 hemichannels. We will then summarize the reported studies of specific reagents used for the inhibition of connexin hemichannels including antibodies developed against extracellular loop domains. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled ‘Current Pharmacology of Gap Junction Channels and Hemichannels’.
Sequential delivery of BMP-2 and IGF-1 using a chitosan gel with gelatin microspheres enhances early osteoblastic differentiation

The purpose of this study was to develop and characterize a chitosan gel/gelatin microsphere (MSs) dual delivery system for sequential release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to enhance osteoblast differentiation in vitro. We made and characterized the delivery system based on its degree of cross-linking, degradation, and release kinetics. We also evaluated the cytotoxicity of the delivery system and the effect of growth factors on cell response using pre-osteoblast W-20-17 mouse bone marrow stromal cells. IGF-1 was first loaded into MSs, and then the IGF-1-containing MSs were encapsulated into the chitosan gel which contained BMP-2. Cross-linking of gelatin with glyoxal via Schiff bases significantly increased thermal stability and decreased the solubility of the MSs, leading to a significant decrease in the initial release of IGF-1. Encapsulation of the MSs into the chitosan gel generated polyelectrolyte complexes by intermolecular interactions, which further affected the release kinetics of IGF-1. This combinational delivery system provided an initial release of BMP-2 followed by a slow and sustained release of IGF-1. Significantly greater alkaline phosphatase activity was found in W-20-17 cells treated with the sequential delivery system compared with other treatments (P<0.05) after a week of culture.
Tinsley on Holland: A Misshapen Argument

Abstract In response to Tinsley (2000) we dispute his conclusions that congruence is a myth and the Holland hexagonal model lacks validity. We suggest that existing meta-analyses on the congruence–satisfaction relationship fail to account for significant sources of error, resulting in inaccurate conclusions. Tinsley's assertions concerning Holland's model are demonstrated to be based on a misunderstanding of Holland's hexagonal model and misrepresentation of Hubert and Arabie's inferential strategy for evaluating order relations. Once it is clear that Holland's model is a RIASEC order model (and not an equilateral hexagon) that enjoys strong support, Tinsley's argument fails.
Altered Growth, Hypoglycemia, Hypoalaninemia, and Ketonemia in the Young Rat: Postnatal Consequences of Intrauterine Growth Retardation

We characterized some of the consequences of intrauterine growth retardation in rat pups growth retarded [small for gestational age (SGA)] due to bilateral maternal uterine artery ligation. Pups of sham and nonoperated (normal) mothers served as controls. SGA pups had significantly reduced body and carcass mass throughout the study while body mass did not differ between sham and normal pups after 4 days. Brain mass was similar in the three groups at any age, while at 21 days and later, SGA liver weight as % body mass exceeded that of sham or normals. At 21 days, a 48-h fast reduced plasma glucose significantly in SGA compared to sham and normal pups; SGA plasma insulin was decreased and glucagon increased. Hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and glycogen content were similar among groups. SGA pups did have significantly reduced plasma alanine and elevated betahydroxybutyrate levels. No differences in the responses to fasting occurred at 28 or 35 days. These data indicate that intrauterine growth retardation has profound effects on postnatal growth and metabolism.
The thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test: A methodological study

Abstract Repeated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) determinations were carried out for 90 or 180 minutes following thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation in 160 euthyroid psychiatric patients, most of whom had a symptomatic affective disorder. The purpose was to determine which of the simple TSH measurements from the TRH stimulation test (TRH-ST) yield(s) the most accurate index of pituitary TSH reserves and to clarify the relationship between the various TRH-ST methods reported in the literature. The area beneath the 180 minute TSH response curve, the best available parameter of pituitary TSH stores, was calculated and compared to simple indices of absolute TSH level and increase from 0 minute baseline. Fourteen parameters of the TSH response were determined; TSH 0, TSH 15, TSH 30, and TSH 45 represent the absolute levels at 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes after TRH administration, respectively. TSH Max is the maximum TSH level attained after TRH infusion among all TSH measures. Δ TSH measures are the increase in TSH relative to baseline. The Δ Max TSH and Δ TSH 30 were highly correlated with the ideal index of pituitary TSH reserve (0 – 180 minute area). Subjects were classified as either blunted or normal over a broad range of Δ Max TSH criteria or thresholds. The number of misclassified subjects (false positives) at each criterion was counted for each of the seven possible combinations of Δ TSH 15, Δ TSH 30, and/or Δ TSH 45. The simplest index which produced the smallest number of false positives was Δ TSH 30 whereas Δ Max TSH (15, 30, and 45) produced no false positives. Overall, Δ TSH 30 was a very good simple index of pituitary TSH stores. This may be the preferred index when economy of time, expense, or blood samples is desired. However, it results in 5–7% false positives, which will compromise specificity somewhat. The preferred simple index of pituitary TSH reserves when accuracy is of highest priority is Δ Max TSH (15, 30, and 45). These data reveal that the TRH-ST can be simplified to include only four TSH levels: TSH 0, TSH 15, TSH 30, and TSH 45.
A Tramsistorized Reactivity Computer

The usual reactor kinetics equations are shown to consist of three major camponents, a fast term; a product or quotient, and a summation of transient terms. These can be synthesized by using a number of simple R.C. networks having time constants related to the fast time constant and to the decay constants of the various groups of delayed neutron emitters, plus either an analog multiplier or divider. If an input signal proportional to neutron flux or reactor power is applied to this network, the output will be proportional to reactivity. A circuit is shown which incorporates these principles, using a diode divider. Curves are presented of output reading, indicating transient reactivity, for input currents having constant positive period, as obtained from a motor-driven potentiometer. It is shown that these curves are in reasonable agreement with calculated curves of reactivity for such periods.
Improved performance of SPECT-CT In-111 capromab pendetide by correlation with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for identifying metastatic pelvic lymphadenopathy in prostate cancer.

Purpose To preliminarily evaluate the potential for an improvement in diagnostic performance by a combined interpretation of In-111 capromab pendetide single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) including computed tomography (CT) image fusion with magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) for identifying prostate cancer in pelvic lymph nodes thru correlation with histopathology.
Communication of ClpXP protease hypersensitivity to bacteriophage Mu repressor isoforms.

Abstract The immunity repressor (Rep) of bacteriophage Mu establishes and maintains lysogeny by shutting down transposition functions needed for phage DNA replication. Although Rep is stable in vivo , an altered immunity repressor (Vir) encoded by virulent, trans -dominant Mu mutants is rapidly degraded by Escherichia coli ClpXP protease. Rep and Vir are degraded at approximately the same maximal velocity ( V max ) by ClpXP, but the K m for Rep (3.6 μM) is over 20-fold higher than the K m for Vir (0.15 μM). Rep is also highly resistant to degradation in the presence of DNA whereas Vir is not. Vir increases the rate of Rep degradation by reducing its K m and imparts to Rep ClpXP sensitivity in the presence of DNA. Vir can drive at an accelerated rate the complete degradation of Rep molecules that outnumber Vir by eightfold or more. So long as Vir is present at a concentration of 0.1 μM or higher, Rep is degraded with a K m that is indistinguishable from that of Vir. These characteristics of repressor may be an important means of transducing physiological signals that induce Mu transposition in response to growth conditions or environmental stress, ClpXP hypersensitivity being disseminated among Rep molecules for the induction of Mu transposition.
Detecting Dependence in the Sensitive Parameter Space of a Model Using Statistical Inference and Large Forecast Ensembles

AbstractThis study looks for evidence of correlation among model physical parameters in the sensitive parameter space defined by those randomly sampled physical parameter vectors that induce the most notable response in some forecast metric. These “sensitive parameter vectors” are identified through an ensemble methodology. The correlation analysis is facilitated by two established techniques from statistical inference theory. The random parameter vectors are found to induce a considerable range of forecast responses in terms of five metrics, such as bias and variance. The metrics enable measurement not only of the biggest forecast response but also of the most beneficial forecast response (e.g., in terms of reduction of forecast error). For most metrics, multiple parameter pairs exhibit significantly more correlation than would be expected from random sampling processes. The correlations frequently involve parameters from two different physical routines. These inference results are independently supporte...
Identification of Effector Residues on Photoreceptor G Protein, Transducin

Transducin is a photoreceptor-specific heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein that plays a key role in the vertebrate visual transduction cascade. Here, using scanning site-directed mutagenesis of the chimeric Gαt/Gαi1 α-subunit (Gαt/i), we identified Gαt residues critical for interaction with the effector enzyme, rod cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE). Our evidence suggests that residue Ile208 in the switch II region directly interacts with the effector in the active GTP-bound conformation of Gαt. Residues Arg201, Arg204, and Trp207are essential for the conformation-dependent Gαt/effector interaction either via direct contacts with the inhibitory PDE γ-subunit or by forming an effector-competent conformation through the communication network between switch II and the switch III/α3-helix domain of Gαt. Residues His244 and Asn247 in the α3 helix of Gαt are responsible for the conformation-independent effector-specific interaction. Insertion of these residues rendered the Gαt/i chimera with the ability to bind PDE γ-subunit and stimulate PDE activity approaching that of native Gαt. Comparative analysis of the interactions of Gαt/i mutants with PDE and RGS16 revealed two adjacent but distinct interfaces on transducin. This indicates a possibility for a functional trimeric complex, RGS/Gα/effector, that may play a central role in turn-off mechanisms of G protein signaling systems, particularly in phototransduction.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Saccoglossus kowalewskyi (Agassiz)

Hydrocarbon extracts were analyzed from Saccoglossus kowalewskyi, a deposit-feeding enteropneust worm, and from surface sediments from Cape Cod, MA. Worms were held in experimental aquaria in sieved sediments and flowing seawater for four months and then fed sediments mixed with creosote, lampblack or clean sediment for two weeks as analogues of sediments containing degraded oil and pyrogenic compounds. Worms from all treatments contained polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in amounts and composition that indicate that the worms were contaminated with weathered No. 2 fuel oil before our experimental treatment and that the contamination persisted for four months in clean conditions. The contamination was not detected in the clean sediments used in the experiment. The worms accumulated steroid transformation products in greater abundance than the odd chain n-alkanes that dominated the sediment extractions. This may indicate selective assimilation of algal detritus and microbial products over salt marsh detritus. Worms, actively feeding during the experiment, contained 1–3 × 10−6 g g−1 dry weight of unknown brominated compounds which were not detected in the sediments. These compounds are similar to bromopyrroles found elsewhere in enteropneusts, polychaetes and bacteria and may cause substantial interference in analyses for some industrial pollutants.
A rotary voltmeter

A new electrostatic voltmeter for measuring either a-c or d-c potentials has been developed; it has a range limited only by its insulation, possesses high accuracy, and draws no current. This article describes the new meter and some of its uses.
Postfertilization development in Clathromorphum, Melobesia and Mesophyllum with comments on the evolution of the Corallinaceae and the Cryptonemiales (Rhodophyta)

Abstract The history of classification of the Corallinaceae and the nomenclature of suprageneric taxa in the family are reviewed. The formation of connecting filaments and the presence of an auxiliary complex at the periphery of the female disc are demonstrated in Clathromorphum, Melobesia and Mesophyllum. It is postulated that the progenitor of the Corallinaceae formed conceptacles in which all disc filaments developed receptive carpogonia and post-fertilization development was procarpial. The evolution of the Corallinaceae is hypothesized as involving a gradual reduction of peripheral carpogonial branch systems and a change in the site of initiation of carposporangia from fertilized to unfertilized carpogonial branch systems, resulting in a non-procarpial condition. It is hypothesized that the families of the Cryptonemiales can be grouped into three lines of evolution: the fertile axial line (e.g. Cryptonemiaceae), the scattered polycarpogonial line (e.g. Kallymeniaceae) and the condensed polycarpogonia...
The basal slip in zinc under static and dynamic loading

This paper presents the results of an investigation of static and dynamic shear behaviour of two purities of zinc single crystals. All the crystals tested were in the form of cylindrical rods with the [0001] crystallographic direction parallel to the rod axis. The static tests were performed by applying simple transverse shear loading in one of the slip directions to one end of the crystals with the other end of the crystals rigidly clamped. The static shear stress vs. shear strain relations are obtained from these tests. The dynamic tests were conducted by suddenly stopping (within a period of about 25 × 10^(−6) sec) one end of the crystals which were moving in the slip direction with various velocities. The resulting waves of plastic shear deformation which propagate from the stopped ends of the crystals toward the free ends are analysed. The analysis is based upon the assumption that elastic strains may be neglected in comparison with the plastic strains. The use of the results of this analysis in conjunction with measurements of the permanent lateral deflections of the crystals resulting from the dynamic tests leads to the determination of dynamic shear stress vs. shear strain relations. The results of this study show that the stress required to produce a given permanent basal shear strain in single crystals of zinc is considerably greater under the dynamic conditions employed than under static conditions. This stress decreases with increasing temperature.
Time-dependent difference theory for noise propagation in a two-dimensional duct

A time dependent numerical formulation was derived for sound propagation in a two dimensional straight soft-walled duct in the absence of mean flow. The time dependent governing acoustic-difference equations and boundary conditions were developed along with the maximum stable time increment. Example calculations were presented for sound attenuation in hard and soft wall ducts. The time dependent analysis were found to be superior to the conventional steady numerical analysis because of much shorter solution times and the elimination of matrix storage requirements.
Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on the Vibrations of p-Benzosemiquinone Radical Anion

The vibrational bands experimentally observed for aqueous p-benzosemiquinone radical anion are analyzed by use of electronic structure calculations. To clarify the effects of solvation, calculations on the isolated semiquinone anion are compared to those on supermolecule clusters having two to four water molecules strongly hydrogen-bonded at the semiquinone oxygen atoms. The results allow satisfactory assignment of all experimentally known aqueous vibrational bands, some being assigned here for the first time. The clusters considered give reasonable accounts both of the observed frequencies in water and of the frequency shifts between acetonitrile and water that arise from hydrogen bonding.
North Atlantic Multidecadal SST Oscillation: External forcing versus internal variability

Abstract The Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) depicts the swings of North Atlantic basin-wide sea surface temperature (SST) between warm and cold phases on a multi-decadal time scale. The 20th Century instrumental record indicates a relative cold period in the beginning of the 20th Century, a warm period in the 1940s and 50s, another cold period in the 1970s and 80s, followed by the recent warming period. These multi-decadal temperature swings coincide with an upward warming trend throughout the 20th Century. One of the central questions concerning these changes is whether they were caused by human activities, including aerosols and greenhouse gas forcing, or whether they reflect some combination between natural factors and human activity. Using both observations and CMIP3 model simulations, we argue that the overall changes are due to the combination of natural multidecadal variability and anthropogenic forcing. We also examine the regional surface temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric circulation features associated with the externally forced and internal North Atlantic SST multidecadal variability using both 20th Century observations and CMIP3 model simulations of the 20th, 21st, and pre-industrial forcing.
Early establishment of seafloor hydrothermal systems during structural extension: paleomagnetic evidence from the Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus

Abstract Paleomagnetic data from the Troodos ophiolite are used to help constrain models for the relationship between extensional normal faulting and hydrothermal alteration related to production of large-tonnage sulfide deposits at oceanic ridges. We have sampled dikes from the Troodos sheeted complex that have been subjected to variable hydrothermal alteration, from greenschist alteration typical of the low water/rock mass ratio interactions outside of hydrothermal upflow zones as well as from severely recrystallized rocks (epidosites) altered within high water/rock mass ratio hydrothermal upflow zones in the root zones beneath large sulfide ore deposits. These dikes are moderately to highly tilted from their initial near-vertical orientations due to rotations in the hangingwalls of approximately dike-parallel, oceanic normal faults. Comparison of characteristic remanence directions from these dikes with the Late Cretaceous Troodos reference direction, therefore, allows a tilt test to determine whether remanent magnetizations were acquired prior to or subsequent to tilting. Remanence directions for both greenschist and epidosite dikes show similar magnitudes of tilting due to rotational normal faulting and restore to the Late Cretaceous Troodos reference direction upon restoration of dikes to near-vertical positions about a NNW-trending, horizontal axis. These data, along with field observations of focused alteration along normal faults, suggest that epidosite alteration occurred during the early stages of extensional tilting and prior to significant rotation. This sequence of events is similar to that observed for creation of large-tonnage sulfide bodies at intermediate to slow spreading centers which form soon after cessation of magmatism and during the early stages of structural extension. We suggest that the dike-parallel normal faults were initiated as extensional fractures during this early stage of crustal extension, thus providing the necessary permeability for focused fluid flow, and that later slip along these structures during rotational-planar normal faulting caused reduction in permeability due to gouge formation.
The effects of instructions and calculation procedures on observers' accuracy, agreement, and calculation correctness

Although the quality of observational data is generally evaluated by observer agreement, measures of both observer agreement and accuracy were available in the present study. Videotapes with a criterion protocol were coded by 16 observers. All observers calculated agreement scores both on their own and their partner's data and on a contrived data set misrepresented as data collected by other observers. Compared with agreement scores calculated by the experimenter, observers erroneously inflated their own agreement scores and deflated the agreement scores on the contrived data. Half of the observers (n = 8) had been given instructions emphasizing the importance of accuracy during observation while the other half had been given instructions emphasizing interobserver agreement. Accuracy exceeded agreement for the former group, whereas agreement exceeded accuracy for the latter group. The implications are that agreement should be calculated by the experimenter and that the accuracy-agreement relationship can be altered by differential observer instructions.
The collapse of tubes of uranium and silicon carbide

Abstract The deformation is considered which occurs when a long hollow cylinder of silicon carbide surrounded by a concentric cylinder of uranium is cooled under pressure. To avoid collapse of such a cylinder its dimensions must be suitably chosen and so maximum values of the inner radius of the silicon carbide tube are calculated for various values of the other radii, the temperatures and the maximum stress permissible in the ceramic. If the silicon carbide is replaced by graphite and the cylinders cooled through more than 50°C, no value of the inner radius could be found for which the compressive stress was less than the maximum permissible value.
p39 activates cdk5 in neurons, and is associated with the actin cytoskeleton

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) is a small serine/threonine kinase that displays close sequence homology to the mitotically active cyclin-dependent kinases. Cdk5 has been shown to play an essential role in the development of the nervous system, including neuronal migration and neurite outgrowth. Cdk5 activation requires the presence of a regulatory activator such as p35. cdk5 -/- mice have much more extensive defects in the development of the nervous system than p35 -/- mice, leading to the speculation that other regulatory activators of cdk5 exist. Indeed, p39 is a p35 related protein isolated by sequence homology to p35. We show here that p39 associates with cdk5 in brain lysates, and that this complex is active in phosphorylation of histone H1. By extensive characterization of p39 subcellular localization in different cell types, we demonstrate the presence of p39 in lamellipodial and fillopodial structures of cells and in growth cones of neurons. We show that p39 colocalizes with actin, and cofractionates with the detergent insoluble cytoskeleton from brain. Further, p39 coimmunoprecipitates with actin in brain lysates. Finally, disruption of the actin cytoskeleton alters p39 subcellular localization as well as kinase activity of the p39/cdk5 complex. Therefore, our results reveal the existence of the p39/cdk5 complex in vivo and suggest that it might play a role in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics in cells.
Large Scale Online Learning

We consider situations where training data is abundant and computing resources are comparatively scarce. We argue that suitably designed online learning algorithms asymptotically outperform any batch learning algorithm. Both theoretical and experimental evidences are presented.
Inhibitor Binding in the Transition State for Unfolding of Adenosine Deaminase

Abstract Inhibitors protect calf intestinal adenosine deaminase from reversible denaturation by guanidine hydrochloride, and from heat inactivation. In the presence of saturating concentrations of ligands, the first-order rate constant for reversible denaturation of this enzyme in 3.0 M guanidine hydrochloride is reduced 6-fold by pteridine or 6-dimethylaminopurine ribonucleoside, and 60-fold by purine ribonucleoside; these compounds provide similar protection against thermal inactivation at 70°C. These protective effects indicate that in the transition state for denaturation by heat or guanidine hydrochloride, the enzyme retains much of its native structure, exhibiting 60-70% of the free energy of association with these ligands that was present in the native enzyme in the ground state. However, neither these ligands nor the extremely powerful inhibitor 2′-deoxycoformycin affect the rate of refolding of enzyme denatured in guanidine hydrochloride.
Cryogenic fracturing of calcite flowstone in caves: theoretical considerations and field observations in Kents Cavern, Devon, UK.

Several caves in Devon, England, have been noted for extensive cracking of substantial flowstone floors. Conjectural explanations have included earthquake damage, local shock damage from collapsing cave passages, hydraulic pressure, and cryogenic processes. Here we present a theoretical model to demonstrate that frost-heaving and fracture of flowstone floors that overlie wet sediments is both a feasible and likely consequence of unidirectional air flow or cold-air ponding in caves, and argue that this is the most likely mechanism for flowstone cracking in caves located in Pleistocene periglacial environments outside of tectonically active regions. Modeled parameters for a main passage in Kents Cavern, Devon, demonstrate that 1 to 6 months of -10 to -15° C air flow at very modest velocities will result in freezing of 1 to 3 m of saturated sediment fill. The resultant frost heave increases with passage width and depth of frozen sediments. In the most conservative estimate, freezing over one winter season of 2 m of sediment in a 6-m wide passage could fracture flowstone floors up to ~13 cm thick, rising to ~23 cm in a 12-m wide passage. Natural flaws in the flowstone increase the thickness that could be shattered. These numbers are quite consistent with the field evidence.
Quality-monitoring program for bar-code-assisted medication administration.

Purpose. The implementation of a quality-monitoring program that identifies and corrects problems associated with using a bar-code-assisted medication administration (BCMA) system is described. Summary. In November 2004, the Bar Code Resource Office assembled a work group to develop a quality program to improve machine-readable, bar-coded medications. The project scope involved the development of a pharmacy-based quality program for unit-dose packaging and bar-code labeling to improve the scanning success rate of bar-coded medications at the point-of-care. Data were collected from facility-based BCMA coordinators at each medical center regarding specific reasons for bedside scanning circumvention, as well as successful scan rates in the pharmacy and at the bedside. The pharmacy and bedside scanning data were aggregated and the baseline of successful scans was determined to be 95%. The reported reasons for scanning circumvention were grouped into six categories: bar-code labeling, missing doses, labels not scanning, error messages, mispackaged medications, and mislabeled medications. The work group developed strategies to mitigate problems in each of the areas. As a result of this effort, the Department of Veterans Affairs created a directive that outlined the best practices for unit-dose packaging and labeling, as well as requirements for ongoing data collection and reporting. Conclusion. A quality-monitoring program that identified and provided best-practice recommendations corrected problems associated with using a BCMA system and improved bar-code labeling processes.
Deciding on human embryonic stem cell research

This paper examines the influences that congressional staff people viewed as important in shaping legislators' voting decisions on the human embryonic stem (ES) cell research bill in the 109th Congress, the first legislation vetoed by President George W. Bush. The analysis illuminates factors that impact congressional decision making on a salient issue with a strong moral component. Constituent concerns, ideology, and a desire to make good public policy all centrally affected members' choices; however, moral overtones permeated considerations relevant to the human ES cell research question. In addition, at least three influences that directly reflect or relate to members' moral claims — religious convictions, personal connections to potential beneficiaries of human ES cell research, and moral pressure from outside interests — were important also. The analysis draws on data gathered from interviews with congressional aides.