cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal effects in model viscoelastic solids

As part of a general study of the behavior of materials with temperature‐dependent properties, simple models of a viscoelastic solid are considered here. Ideal experiments at constant stress and constant rate of deformation are examined. The analysis leads to yield and fracture criteria which in the usual theory are regarded as experimentally determined quantities. Rate of strain and size effects are also deduced and a phenomenon resembling strain hardening can develop. The treatment is independent of, but complementary to, the atomic scale theories of the deformation of solids. The temperature coefficient of viscosity which is introduced into the continuum theory here, is related to the energy of activation for the flow process which is accessible to the atomic scale theory. Knowledge of the temperature field in which motions of the atoms occur could improve the predictions based on dislocation theory.
Percutaneous drainage of abscesses in the postoperative abdomen that is difficult to explore

Summary We have evaluated our experience with computerized tomography and ultrasonography guided percutaneous drainage of extrahepatic abdominal fluid collections in a group of 22 patients. The most common goal was to avoid or delay surgery on abdomens in which reoperation would be difficult, mainly in high-risk patients. Drainage of pancreatic fluid collections or abscesses was also attempted in a small number of the patients. Percutaneous drainage was curative in 69 percent of those with nonpancreatic abscesses but in only 33 percent of those with abscesses associated with the pancreas. There were no complications attributable to the procedure or to delays in subsequent surgical drainage. Two patients died from problems not directly related to the use of percutaneous drainage. Percutaneous catheter drainage of nonpancreatic abdominal abscesses can play a useful role in patients who are carefully selected because they possess a complex abdominal anatomy distorted by previous surgery and infection or they are at high risk if surgical exploration is carried out.
Low biopsy volume in ureteroscopy does not affect tumor biopsy grading in upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Abstract Objectives Urothelial carcinomas (UC) from the upper urinary tract represent 7%–10% of all kidney malignancies. With current ureteroscopic (URS) techniques, small tissue samples are usually the only available histopathologic material for evaluation, representing a diagnostic challenge. Precision in diagnosis is essential for treatment decision making. There has been much debate as to whether tumor grade and stage found on biopsy agree with final pathology. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether URS biopsy volume affects tumor grading and staging agreement between biopsy and nephroureterectomy (NU) specimens. Materials and methods We reviewed 137 URS biopsies in 81 patients with suspected upper urinary tract UC performed from April 2002 to April 2011. Of those, 54 patients had both the URS biopsy and NU performed at our institution and were available for review. Biopsy dimensions were recorded to calculate estimated ellipsoid volume, and 2 urological pathologists independently evaluated histologic grade (ISUP/WHO 2004), (based on pleomorphism and mitosis) and depth of invasion. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate URS biopsy and NU specimen grade and stage concordance. In addition, univariable and multivariable analyses was performed to assess the effect of biopsy volume on agreement. Results Of the 54 patients studied, low grade and high grade UC biopsy were found in 8 (15%) and 46 (85%), URS biopsies, respectively. Regarding biopsy stage, 51 (94%), 1 (2%), and 2 (4%) were stage Ta, T1, T2, respectively. Grade concordance was 92.6%, (95% CI: 82.4%–98.0%). Stage concordance was 43% (95% CI: 28.7%–55.9%). Multivariable analysis showed biopsy volume did not affect tumor assessment of grade (P = 0.81) or stage (P = 0.44). Conclusions Histologic grade assigned on the URS biopsy sample accurately predicts histologic grade in the resected specimen (92.6%), even when the biopsy volume is small. Grading in URS biopsies provides sufficient information for clinical decision making that is independent of sample volume.
Reflections on Communication and Sport: On Strategic Communication and Management

In this essay, Paul M. Pedersen provides a personal reflection on communication and sport and examines the area of strategic communication and management. His assessment begins with an overview of the growth and significance of the sport industry and communication’s ubiquitous and influential roles within it. In tracing his scholarly journey, Pedersen comes to see communication as an essential element in the sport industry, whether viewed from individualistic, organizational, or sport-specific perspectives. The focus section in this essay examines research on the Strategic Sport Communication Model (SSCM) and its usefulness in categorizing and operationalizing the field from a strategic management perspective. Using the SSCM as the guide, this reflection provides examples of sport communication research focused on each of the model’s three components. The reflection concludes with an analysis of future research opportunities, particularly opportunities to explore strategic decisions and effectiveness in t...
Quasiclassical and Quantum Degenerate Helium Monolayers

${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ and ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ adsorbed on graphite have heat capacities qualitatively different from monolayers on other substrates. Both isotopes have quasiclassical two-dimensional gas behavior at low fractional coverage $x$ and $T\ensuremath{\gtrsim}2$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At lower $T$ and $0.14l~xl~0.39$, ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ shows quantum degeneracy, with Fermi temperatures of several degrees Kelvin. The specific heat per atom of ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ at the same coverages rises above $k$ and has pronounced peaks at low $T$.
Isolation and Characterization of Urinary Metabolites of Nalorphine in Dogs and Cats

Abstract Nalorphine‐3‐glucuronide dihydrate and nalorphine‐6‐glucuronide were isolated as urinary metabolites of nalorphine in dogs, and nalorphine‐3‐ethereal sulfate and nalorphine‐3‐glucuronide dihydrate were isolated in cats. These metabolites were characterized by UV and IR spectra, phenolic test, nalorphine and glucuronic acid determinations, elemental analyses, and enzymatic hydrolysis.
Equalisation of specific growth rates for syntrophic associations in batch culture

This paper describes an aspect of the growth dynamics exhibited by a ‘tight’ syntrophic association of two species in batch culture. Species X utilises substrate S and forms a product P. The substance P both inhibits the growth of X, by virtue of the thermodynamic back reaction, and constitutes the growth-limiting substrate of the organism Y. It is predicted that the resulting dynamical balance in the level of P results in an equalisation of the specific growth rates of the two populations. It is demonstrated that the equalisation of specific growth rates is a characteristic property of tight syntrophic associations in general, and occurs whenever the growth dependencies on substances S and P satisfy certain qualitative conditions.
Relationships as Unfinished Business: Out of the Frying Pan and into the 1990s

This paper outlines three problems that are foreseen to face us as we enter the 1990s. These are: (1) defining the nature of relationships in the face of discrepancies between the reports of partners and outsiders about the events that occur in the relationship; (2) clarifying the nature of claims that relationships are `processes'; (3) providing a better understanding of the everyday conduct and routines of relationships, particularly the role of everyday talk. It is argued that longitudinal work and work capturing the experiences and reports of both members of a dyad must solve the first problem at a theoretical level before they can be helpful. It is suggested that, after Billig's (1987) argument that thinking and arguing characterize social behavior, relationships are best conceived phenomenally as unfinished business, just as research usually is. Several suggestions are made about the nature of relationships and, in the course of the paper, some suggestions are made for future work on social and pers...
Good enough for the Third world.

Over the past two years, much has been made by some governments and the media about the possible callous and racist distribution of Quinacrine by two Americans to sterilize women in the Third World. The main criticism of the practice is that though Quinacrine is unapproved by the developed world's health regulatory agencies for this particular use in the developed world due to inadequate testing for long-term side effects, it is used on defenseless women in the developing world.I argue that the distribution of unapproved medical and other products is morally permissible if it satisfies two conditions: agent-centered utilitarianism and Kant's Categorical Imperative. Roughly, I contend that if the situation will probably improve and no one is treated as a mere means, then it is ethical either to give or to sell the products to those who choose to have them, regardless of where in the world they live.
A model of intraurban employment location : an application to Bogota, Colombia

This report, which examines the location behaviour of manufacturing firms in urban areas, is part of a World Bank urban study project. A theoretical model of employment location is formulated and extended to an empirical specification in the multinomial logit framework. A bid-rent function is derived from the profit function and captures the firms' locational equilibrium situations. Survey data from Bogota, Colombia provides information on: (i) attributes of the establishment such as plant space; and (ii) attributes of the plant site such as access to markets. The estimated model is capable of predicting the location choices of different types of firms. Separate regression results using the same data set indicate a strong relationship between the intensity of input use and land price, supporting the hypothesis that the firms respond to the substitutability of land with respect to other inputs over space. The patterns of employment location in Bogota are by no means random; they are quite similar to those observed for large cities in the United States.
Statistical comparison of color model-classifier pairs in hematoxylin and eosin stained histological images

Color is the most critical information for assessing histological images. However, in literature, there is no standard color space in which a particular color points are represented for computer vision tasks. In this paper, we evaluated 11 color models with three different learning schemas for their performance in classifying tumor-related colors. The color models we studied are CIELAB, CIELUV, CIEXYZ, CMY, CMYK, HSL, HSV, Hunter-LAB, NRGB, RGB, and SCT. With 11 color models, prediction accuracies of three well-known classifiers, namely SVMs, C4.5, and Naive Bayes, are statistically compared on a large dataset of 3494 Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) stained histopathologic images. Surprisingly, experiment results show that in contrast to general assumptions, there is no single model that is better than others in every case. However, C4.5 outperformed other two classifiers by obtaining average F-measure of 0.9989. Of 11 color models, we suggest the pair of C4.5-SCT as the most accurate classification framework for tumor identification in HE stained histological images.
Influence of phosphorus on the growth and ergot alkaloid content of Neotyphodium coenophialum-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) plants infected by the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum (Morgan-Jones & Gams) (Glenn et al., 1996) often perform better than noninfected plants, especially in marginal resource environments. There is a lack of information about endophyte related effects on the rhizosphere of grasses. In a greenhouse experiment, four endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue clones (DN2, DN4, DN7, DN11) and their endophyte-free (E−) forms were grown in limed (pH 6.3) Porter soil (low fertility, acidic, high aluminum and low phosphorus content, coarse-loamy mixed mesic Umbric Dystrochrept) at three soil P levels (17, 50, and 96 mg P kg-1 soil) for five months. Excluding the genotype effect, endophyte infection significantly increased cumulative herbage DM yield by 8% at 17 mg P kg-1 soil but reduced cumulative herbage DM yield by 12% at 96 mg P kg-1 soil. With increased P availability in the soil, shoot and root DM, and root/shoot ratio in E+ plants were significantly less when compared to E− plants. Endophyte infection increased specific root length at 17 and 50 mg P kg-1soil. At soil P level of 17 mg P kg-1soil, E+ plants had significantly higher P concentrations both in roots and shoots. Similar relationships were found for Mg and Ca. E+ plants had significantly higher Zn, Fe, and Al concentration in roots, and lower Mn and Al concentration in shoots when compared to E− plants. Ergot alkaloid concentration and content in shoot of E+ plants increased with increasing P availability in the soil from 17 to 50 mg P kg-1 but declined again at 96 mg P kg-1 soil. Ergot alkaloid accumulation in roots increased linearly with P availability in the soil. Results suggest that endophyte infection affects uptake of phosphorus and other mineral nutrients and may benefit tall fescue grown on P-deficient soils. Phosphorus seems also to be involved in ergot alkaloid accumulation in endophyte-infected tall fescue.
Particle Dispersion Enhancement in the Near Region of a Forced Jet

The present study examines the effects of periodic and random excitations on particle dispersion in the near field of a transitional axisymmetric jet. The study is motivated by the consideration that particle dynamics in the near-jet region is governed by vortex structures, whose behavior, in turn, can be altered through external excitations. A large eddy simulation model based on a fourth-order phase-accurate scheme is employed to simulate the dynamics of vortex rings in an unforced axisymmetric jet, and obtain the dominant frequencies associated with the vortex rings. These frequencies are then used for a periodic forcing of the jet to examine the effects of forcing amplitude and frequency on particle dispersion. A randomly forced jet is also considered to investigate whether exciting all of the dominant frequencies simultaneously can provide greater particle dispersion compared with the single-frequency excitation. Results indicate that external excitation generally leads to higher particle dispersion, with the gain in dispersion increasing with the forcing amplitude. Not only does the particle dispersion exhibit size-selective behavior for both the unforced and the forced jets, but also the dispersion enhancement exhibits a size-dependent behavior, maximizing near a Stokes number of unity. Comparison of randomly forced and periodically forced cases indicates that a single-frequency forcing is more effective in enhancing particle dispersion compared with multiple-frequency forcing. In addition, the preferred mode forcing has the maximum effect on particle dispersion, followed by forcing at the first-pairing and roll-up frequency, respectively. Based on the spectral and flow visualization results, we attribute this behavior to the fact that the preferred-mode forcing makes the second-pairing interaction become more organized and occur closer to the nozzle. This suggests that an effective method of actively controlling particle/droplet distribution in a combustor is to control the attributes of vortex rings, such as their size, frequency, and locations of pairing interactions.
Reduction of cognitive dissonance by seeking consonant information

“An experiment was conducted to test two hypotheses about the reduction of cognitive dissonance by seeking information. The hypotheses were: (a) a person in whom dissonance has been produced by exposure to a communication advocating an opinion contrary to the person's is more likely to seek informat
The FrankenPipe: a novel bagpipe controller

The FrankenPipe project is an attempt to convert a traditional Highland Bagpipe into a controller capable of driving both real-time synthesis on a laptop as well as a radio-controlled (RC) car. Doing so engages musical creativity while enabling novel, often humorous, performance art. The chanter is outfitted with photoresistors (CdS photoconductive cells) underneath each hole, allowing a full range of MIDI values to be produced with each finger and giving the player a natural feel. An air-pressure sensor is also deployed in the bag to provide another element of control while capturing a fundamental element of bagpipe performance. The final product navigates the realm of both musical instrument and toy, allowing the performer to create a novel yet rich performance experience for the audience.
Mutational spectrum in the recent human genome inferred by single nucleotide polymorphisms.

So far, there is no genome-wide estimation of the mutational spectrum in humans. In this study, we systematically examined the directionality of the point mutations and maintenance of GC content in the human genome using ∼1.8 million high-quality human single nucleotide polymorphisms and their ancestral sequences in chimpanzees. The frequency of C → T( G→A) changes was the highest among all mutation types and the frequency of each type of transition was approximately fourfold that of each type of transversion. In intergenic regions, when the GC content increased, the frequency of changes from G or C increased. In exons, the frequency of G:C →A:T was the highest among the genomic categories and contributed mainly by the frequent mutations at the CpG sites. In contrast, mutations at the CpG sites, or CpG →TpG/CpA mutations, occurred less frequently in the CpG islands relative to intergenic regions with similar GC content. Our results suggest that the GC content is overall not in equilibrium in the human genome, with a trend toward shifting the human genome to be AT rich and shifting the GC content of a region to approach the genome average. Our results, which differ from previous estimates based on limited loci or on the rodent lineage, provide the first representative and reliable mutational spectrum in the recent human genome and categorized genomic regions.
Sexual isolation and mating propensity among allopatric Drosophila mettleri populations

Drosophila mettleri is found in deserts of North America breeding in soil soaked by the juices of necrotic cacti. Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) and cardon (Pachycereus pringlei) are the usual host cacti in Mexico and Arizona, while prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) is used by an isolated population on Santa Catalina Island off the southern California Coast. Populations of D. mettleri show significant local genetic differentiation, especially when geographical isolation is coupled with host shifts. We tested for evidence of sexual isolation among allopatric populations of D. mettleri using a variety of choice and no-choice tests. Populations exhibited significant differences in mating propensity, which translated into significant deviations from random mating. While in some cases these deviations were consistent with sexual isolation, in others, negative assortative mating was observed. No relationship between degree of genetic differentiation and the appearance of sexual isolation was detected.
Neurodevelopment and executive function in autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication deficits, and repetitive behavior. Studies investigating the integrity of brain systems in autism suggest a wide range of gray and white matter abnormalities that are present early in life and change with development. These abnormalities predominantly affect association areas and undermine functional integration. Executive function, which has a protracted development into adolescence and reflects the integration of complex widely distributed brain function, is also affected in autism. Evidence from studies probing response inhibition and working memory indicate impairments in these core components of executive function, as well as compensatory mechanisms that permit normative function in autism. Studies also demonstrate age-related improvements in executive function from childhood to adolescence in autism, indicating the presence of plasticity and suggesting a prolonged window for effective treatment. Despite developmental gains, mature executive functioning is limited in autism, reflecting abnormalities in wide-spread brain networks that may lead to impaired processing of complex information across all domains.
Geometric optimization of a tongue-operated switch array

An oral tactile interface provides an approach for silent and hands-free communication between humans or between human and machine. An efficient tongue-operated switch array (TOSA), which provides an alternate input or manipulating method for a computer or operative system, is described. A TOSA has been designed and fabricated using printed circuit board technology and a membrane-switching mechanism, and is integrated with a dental palate mold made from a silicone impression material. The TOSA has four switches laid out in cardinal directions with a fifth switch in the center. Human subject experiments have been conducted to evaluate device performance. The characteristics of tactile sensation and mobility of the tongue are used to quantify the performance and optimize the geometric design of the TOSA. Results indicate that operation on all switches are highly accurate and fast enough for use as an alternative input method.
Efficacy of Antimuscarinic Therapy for Overactive Bladder With Varying Degrees of Incontinence Severity

ABSTRACTPurpose: We analyze the efficacy of tolterodine extended release (ER) for overactive bladder in patients with severe incontinence.Materials and Methods: Patients with urinary frequency (8 micturitions or greater per 24 hours), urge incontinence (5 episodes or greater a week) and symptoms of overactive bladder for 6 months or greater were randomized to treatment with 4 mg tolterodine ER once daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Severe incontinence was defined as 21 episodes or greater per week at baseline. Changes in the number of incontinence episodes per week and micturition frequency after 12 weeks were compared between treatments.Results: A total of 986 patients were eligible for this post-hoc analysis. After 12 weeks tolterodine ER produced a significant absolute median reduction in incontinence episodes per week compared to placebo (9.0 vs 5.0, p <0.0001). For patients with severe incontinence at baseline median absolute and percentage reductions in incontinence episodes per week were significantly...
Modulated binding of SATB1, a matrix attachment region protein, to the AT-rich sequence flanking the major breakpoint region of BCL2.

The t(14,18) chromosomal translocation that occurs in human follicular lymphoma constitutively activates the BCL2 gene and disrupts control of apoptosis. Interestingly, 70% of the t(14,18) translocations are confined to three 15-bp clusters positioned within a 150-bp region (major breakpoint region or [MBR]) in the untranslated portion of terminal exon 3. We analyzed DNA-protein interactions in the MBR, as these may play some role in targeting the translocation to this region. An 87-bp segment (87MBR) immediately 3′ to breakpoint cluster 3 was essential for DNA-protein interaction monitored with mobility shift assays. We further delineated a core binding region within 87MBR: a 33-bp, very AT-rich sequence highly conserved between the human and mouse BCL2 gene (37MBR). We have purified and identified one of the core factors as the matrix attachment region (MAR) binding protein, SATB1, which is known to bind to AT-rich sequences with a high propensity to unwind. Additional factors in nuclear extracts, which we have not yet characterized further, increased SATB1 affinity for the 37MBR target four- to fivefold. Specific binding activity within 37MBR displayed cell cycle regulation in Jurkat T cells, while levels of SATB1 remained constant throughout the cell cycle. Finally, we demonstrated in vivo binding of SATB1 to the MBR, strongly suggesting the BCL2 major breakpoint region is a MAR. We discuss the potential consequences of our observations for both MBR fragility and regulatory function.
Measuring Aggregate Agricultural Labor Effort in Dual Economies

Wide differences in labor productivity are observed between agriculture and industry in most developing countries. Research suggests that these differences - often denoted a “dual economy” effect — can explain a significant portion of low output per capita levels in these countries. A central input to the labor productivity calculation is the aggregate labor effort in the agricultural sector. Using findings from the Rural Income Generating Activity (RIGA) database, I reconsider the measure of labor productivity in agriculture and industry. I use several methods to extract information on labor effort and human capital from the household data in RIGA, and this is used to estimate the aggregate labor effort in the agricultural sector. With these new estimates, dual economy effects are found to be less severe for most of the RIGA countries. Using these estimates to adjust a wider sample of country-level data shows that the share of variation in output per capita explained by dual economy effects is around half of previous estimates.
Modeling and verifying circuits using generalized relative timing

We propose a novel technique for modeling and verifying timed circuits based on the notion of generalized relative timing. Generalized relative timing constraints can express not just a relative ordering between events, but also some forms of metric timing constraints. Circuits modeled using generalized relative timing constraints are formally encoded as timed automata. Novel fully symbolic verification algorithms for timed automata are then used to either verify a temporal logic property or to check conformance against an untimed specification. The combination of our new modeling technique with fully symbolic verification methods enables us to verify larger circuits than has been possible with other approaches. We present case studies to demonstrate our approach, including a self-timed circuit used in the integer unit of the Intel/sup /spl reg// Pentium/sup /spl reg//4 processor.
Complexity and Heterogeneity: What Drives the Ever‐changing Brain in Huntington's Disease?

Significant advances are being made in our understanding of basic pathophyiological and biochemical mechanisms that cause Huntington's disease (HD). There is increasing reason to believe that pathologic alterations occur in the brain for years before symptoms manifest. The "classic" hallmark of neuropathology in HD is selective neurodegeneration in which vulnerable populations of neurons degenerate while less vulnerable populations are spared. While the earliest and most striking neuropathologic changes have been found in the neostriatum, neuronal loss has been identified in many other regions of the brain. We report topologically selective, early, and progressive changes in the cortex, striatum, extrastriatal brain structures, and white matter throughout the spectrum of disease. Our growing understanding of HD underscores the reality that points to the complexity of HD. A single, well-defined, genetic mutation causes a cascade of events whose final result is an aggregate insult of the homeostatic process. We explore possible explanations for the selective vulnerability of the brain in HD. The ultimate goal in HD is to develop disease-modifying therapies that will prevent the onset of clinical symptoms in those individuals who are at risk and slow the progression of symptoms in those individuals already affected with symptoms. Understanding changes in brain morphometry and their relationship to clinical symptoms may provide important and new insights into basic pathophysiological mechanisms at play in the disease.
Exploring neutron scatter camera performance using MCNP-PoliMi

A Monte Carlo model has been developed for the Sandia Neutron Scatter Camera. We have used this model to optimize cell geometry and detector efficiency. The simulations have been used to improve and understand detector response and calibrations.
Foreseeability in Breach, Duty and Proximate Cause

Foreseeability in negligence law is a persistent source of frustration to students and scholars because it pops up in three of the four elements of the tort: duty, breach, and proximate cause. The forthcoming Restatement (Third) of Torts: Liability for Physical and Emotional Harm has something valuable to say about foreseeability in each. The Restatement Reporters rightly criticize some courts for merging foreseeability in duty and breach and thereby usurping the jury’s prerogative to evaluate the breach issue. And they offer a nuanced and doctrinally powerful “scope-of-the-risk” standard to complement foreseeability in the context of proximate cause (now categorized under “scope of liability”). The Reporters’ treatment of foreseeability is emblematic of commendable goals of the project: guide courts to be less invasive of the jury on breach, and provide lawyers and judges analytical tools that will help discipline causation inquiries. Yet there are serious problems with the Reporters’ treatment of foreseeability: their effort to eliminate foreseeability from duty is unjustifiable; their attempt to squeeze foreseeability of breach into the Hand formula’s “P” component is forced; and their rationale for moving to a scope-of-the-risk conception of proximate cause is scant. The article concludes on a constructive note, offering a theoretical justification for scope-of-the-risk standard of proximate cause.
Characterization of Contact Kinematics and Application to the Design of Wedge Dampers in Turbomachinery Blading: Part I — Stick-Slip Contact Kinematics

Friction dampers are often used in turbine design to attenuate blade vibration to acceptable levels so as to prolong blades’ service life. A wedge damper, also called a self-centering blade-to-blade damper, can provide more design flexibility to meet various needs in different operating conditions when compared with conventional platform dampers. However, direct coupling of the two inclined friction interfaces of the wedge damper often leads to very complex contact kinematics. In Part I of this two-part paper, a dual-interface friction force model is proposed to investigate the coupling contact kinematics. The key issue of the model formulation is to derive analytical criteria for the stick-slip transitions that can be used to precisely simulate the complex stick-slip motion and, thus, the induced friction force as well. When considering cyclic loading, the induced periodic friction forces can be obtained to determine the effective stiffness and damping of the interfaces over a cycle of motion. In Part II of this paper, the estimated stiffness and damping are then incorporated with the harmonic balance method to predict the forced response of a blade constrained by wedge dampers.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Importance of succession, harvest, and climate change in determining future composition in U.S. Central Hardwood Forests

Most temperate forests in U.S. are recovering from heavy exploitation and are in intermediate successional stages where partial tree harvest is the primary disturbance. Changes in regional forest composition in response to climate change are often predicted for plant functional types using biophysical process models. These models usually simplify the simulation of succession and harvest and may not consider important species-specific demographic processes driving forests changes. We determined the relative importance of succession, harvest, and climate change to forest composition changes in a 125-million ha area of the Central Hardwood Forest Region of U.S. We used a forest landscape modeling approach to project changes in density and basal area of 23 tree species due to succession, harvest, and four climate scenarios from 2000 to 2300. On average, succession, harvest, and climate change explained 78, 17, and 1% of the variation in species importance values (IV) at 2050, respectively, but their contribution changed to 46, 26, and 20% by 2300. Climate change led to substantial increases in the importance of red maple and southern species (e.g., yellow-poplar) and decreases in northern species (e.g., sugar maple) and most of widely distributed species (e.g., white oak). Harvest interacted with climate change and accelerated changes in some species (e.g., increasing southern red oak and decreasing American beech) while ameliorated the changes for others (e.g., increasing red maple and decreasing white ash). Succession was the primary driver of forest composition change over the next 300 years. The effects of harvest on composition were more important than climate change in the short term but climate change became more important than harvest in the long term. Our results show that it is important to model species-specific responses when predicting changes in forest composition and structure in response to succession, harvest, and climate change.
Cloning and sequence analysis of the circadian clock genes period and timeless in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).

ABSTRACT The genes period (per) and timeless (tim) are core components of the circadian clock that regulates a wide range of rhythmic biochemical, physiological, and behavioral processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We used degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) to clone and sequence the entire cDNAs of both the per and tim genes in Aedes albopictus (Skuse). We also used the 5′ end of the Ae. albopictus per cDNA to identify previously unannotated sequence coding for the N-terminal region of the PERIOD protein in Aedes aegypti L. We sequenced genomic DNA of one mosquito from each of three geographically distinct populations (New Jersey, Florida, and Brazil), and identified three introns in the per gene and eight introns in the tim gene. Phylogenetic analyses and comparison of functional domains support the orthology of the newly identified per and tim genes. Analysis of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rates indicates that both the per and tim genes...
Government Restrictions for Land and Permits: Firm-Level Evidence on Obstacles to Economic Development in Transition Countries

Misallocation of land resources can be a substantial hindrance to economic development in a developing or transition economy. If access to land resources is limited by the government or if the ability to gain appropriate permits to use the land is subject to delays, required bribes, or corruption, the efficiency of the land allocation mechanism is hindered and overall economic growth can be limited. In this paper I examine the extent to which limited access to land and the inability to gain permits in a reasonable manner are cited by businesses in transition economies as substantial impediments. Using the 2009 World Bank-EBRD BEEPS data, I empirically model how firm characteristics and country characteristics affect access to land and building permits. Results reveal key factors that affect access to land and the ability to use land with corresponding building permits. Limited access to land is also demonstrated to contribute to increased bribery requests by government officials. Policy recommendations are discussed.
DNase I-Like Endonuclease in Rat Kidney Cortex That Is Activated during Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

ABSTRACT. Ischemia/reperfusion is known to result in DNA fragmentation and cell death in kidney tubular epithelium, but the endonucleases responsible for this DNA damage have not been identified. DNA substrate gel analysis of extracts from normal rat kidney cortex revealed the presence of a DNase with an apparent molecular mass of 30 to 34 kD. This enzyme is not a dimer of the previously described nuclear 15-kD endonuclease in kidney cells. Partially purified DNase exhibited characteristics similar to those of rat DNase I. The DNase was able to digest circular DNA (endonuclease), required both Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions, and was inhibited by Zn 2+ and by aurintricarboxylic acid; it was not inhibited by G-actin. Rat kidneys were subjected to 40 min of ischemia, followed by 0, 1, 4, 16, or 48 h of reperfusion. The activity of the DNase in cytosolic and nuclear extracts, the 200-bp ladder-generating activity, and 3′OH strand breaks in nuclear DNA were simultaneously increased after ischemia, during the first hours of reperfusion. Oxidative DNA damage, measured as 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine content, did not coincide with endonuclease-generated DNA breaks. Oxidative DNA damage was increased during ischemia and gradually decreased during reperfusion. Phosphorothioated DNase I antisense oligodeoxynucleotide introduced into cultured NRK-52E rat kidney epithelial cells inhibited DNA fragmentation and attenuated cell death induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in vitro . The data indicate that the DNase I-like endonuclease may contribute to DNA fragmentation in reperfused rat kidneys.
Learning juntas

We consider a fundamental problem in computational learning theory: learning an arbitrary Boolean function which depends on an unknown set of k out of n Boolean variables. We give an algorithm for learning such functions from uniform random examples which runs in time roughly (nk)ω/(ω + 1), where ω
Environmental uses for bovine collagen nanofibrils

In this research, we examined the wall mechanics and sounds produced by two vessel models designed to represent early and late stages of carotid stenosis. A constant flow rate was passed through the lumen of the diseased vessel models, and the wall deflection magnitude, wall vibrations, and sounds produced were obtained. An optical sensor, a piezoelectric material and an electronic stethoscope were used to measure the models corresponding responses. The results shows that the early stage model produces lower sounds, but greater wall deflection upstream and downstream of the stenosis, with higher frequencies than the late stage model. Our findings indicate that carotid stenosis can be detected during its early stages by the presence of vessel wall vibrations.
On the sum of two N 0-matrices

In this paper, we study the Fan product of two N 0-matrices and inequalities for two N 0-matrices A,B with A  B. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the sum of two symmetric N 0-matrices to be an N 0-matrix.
The Effects of Time Interval between Slaughter and Freezing on Toughness of Fryers

ABSTRACT MOST fryers become relatively tender when cooked. There are times, however, when an individual bird or an entire lot becomes tough and rubbery. Such birds are frequently found in frozen lots and are considered undesirable by consumers. The incidence of tough poultry has increased with improvements in speed and efficiency in processing plants, and with the increased use of low temperature blast freezers. This may indicate that sufficient time is not always allowed for cooling prior to freezing. Tenderness of chicken muscle is affected by a number of factors. One of the major factors is the extent of aging of the carcass after slaughter and prior to freezing. Lack of tenderness, frequently called “toughness” of the meat, is connected primarily with muscle fibers, and the biophysical changes which take place following slaughter. Immediately after slaughter, the pliable yet viscous muscle fibers of the living animal pass into a state of . . .
Stratigraphic Coordinate System

Seismic image flattening plays an important role in both interpretation and processing of seismic data. We introduce a new algorithm for seismic image flattening. The algorithm transfers seismic data to a new coordinate system and consists of two steps. First, local slopes of seismic events are estimated by plane-wave-destruction , then information is spread along the seismic data and horizons are picked by predictive painting algorithm. These picked horizons can be considered as level sets of the first axes of the new coordinate system. Next, an upwind finite-difference scheme is used to find the other axes which are perpendicular to the first axis by solving the relevant gradient equation. This method may find different applications in interpretation, velocity analysis, and seismic imaging. We demonstrate the performance of our method using synthetic and real data examples.
Laboratory diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

In man M. pneumoniae most often causes a primary atypical pneumonia. The serum of many patients so afflicted will quickly show positive cold agglutinin and complement-fixation tests. Although nonspecific, these tests are rapid. Laboratories can also culture organisms from throat swabs and sputum in special mediums, but growth takes at least seven days and sometimes six weeks.
Does Economic Development Require ‘Certain’ Property Rights?

The purpose of this chapter is to re-examine the conventional wisdom regarding the impact of increased levels of secure property rights on the level of income per capita across the world. Rather than focus on increasing the level of security for property rights, economic development involves identifying the optimal level of property rights insecurity. In order to understand the role of insecure property rights in promoting economic development, we apply Allan Schmid's (2006) basic insight - sometimes property is excessively secure - into understanding the relative economic performances of Great Britain in the years prior and following the Glorious Revolution, France in the decades before and after the French Revolution, and the United States from independence to the Civil War. In each instance, reforms moved the level of insecure property rights closer to their optimal level.
The FDA pesticides monitoring program.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carries out an extensive program to monitor foods for pesticide residues. The 2 main objectives of the program are to enforce tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency for pesticide residues on foods and feeds and to determine the incidence and level of pesticide residues in the food supply. Because of the wide diversity of pesticide/commodity combinations encountered, FDA uses a number of different approaches to achieve effective consumer protection. The components of the FDA Pesticides Monitoring Program and the strategy used in its development are described.
Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase and pulmonary microvascular permeability.

Intracellular mechanisms responsible for endothelial cell disruption are unknown, although either elevated cytosolic Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) or decreased adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) promotes permeability. Recent identification that Ca 2+ -inhibitable adenylyl cyclase establishes an inverse relationship between [Ca 2+ ] i ; and cAMP in macrovascular endothelial cells provided a possible mechanism of development of permeability. However, these data utilized an in vitro model; lacking was evidence supporting 1) expression of Ca 2+ -inhibitable adenylyl cyclase in pulmonary microvascular endothelium and 2) Ca 2+ inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and cAMP content as a paradigm for inflammatory mediator-induced permeability in the intact circulation. We therefore addressed these issues in microvascular endothelial cells derived from rat lung and in an isolated perfused rat lung preparation. Results demonstrate expression of a Ca 2+ -inhibitable adenylyl cyclase in microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, data suggest that Ca 2+ inhibition of adenylyl cyclase is necessary for development of microvascular permeability in the intact circulation. We conclude Ca 2+ inhibition of cAMP represents a critical step in genesis of microvascular permeability in the intact pulmonary circulation.
Managing the effect of the average sales price

This interview was conducted February 24, 2006, with George Carro, senior director of oncology pharmacy services at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. Carro was interviewed by Donna Young, news writer for the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy . The questions are focused on the effects of the
W:Al2O3 Nanocomposite Thin Films with Tunable Optical Properties Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition

A systematic alteration in the optical properties of W:Al2O3 nanocomposite films is demonstrated by precisely varying the W cycle percentage (W%) from 0 to 100% in Al2O3 during atomic layer deposition. The direct and indirect band energies of the nanocomposite materials decrease from 5.2 to 4.2 eV and from 3.3 to 1.8 eV, respectively, by increasing the W% from 10 to 40. X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals that, for W% < 50, W is present in both metallic and suboxide states, whereas, for W% ≥ 50, only metallic W is seen. This transition from dielectric to metallic character at W% ∼ 50 is accompanied by an increase in the electrical and thermal conductivity and the disappearance of a clear band gap in the absorption spectrum. The density of the films increases monotonically from 3.1 g/cm3 for pure Al2O3 to 17.1 g/cm3 for pure W, whereas the surface roughness is greatest for the W% = 50 films. The W:Al2O3 nanocomposite films are thermally stable and show little change in optical properties upon annealing i...
Trellis coded spread-spectrum for fading channels

A direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DS/SS) communication system that uses a form of trellis coding is considered. In this system, the trellis code is used to select the signature sequence which is transmitted. This system is analyzed for a channel model which includes the effects of multiple-access interference, Gaussian noise, and Rician fading. Analytic performance results are reported for several systems in the form of bit error rate (BER). These results are shown to compare favorably with uncoded systems over a aide range of fading channels. The tradeoff is a modest increase in system complexity. The trellis coded system is shown to offer performance improvements over the uncoded system for a wide range of channels. The techniques presented can be adapted to the case of random signature sequences, but the results for a deterministic signal constellation are presented. >
Surface Reactivity of Silica and Alumina Ceramic Powders

Colloidal and surface properties of powders control aqueous ceramic suspension properties such as agglomeration, viscosity, and ordering. The important particle-particle interactions are controlled by the charge and potential distributions in the ion cloud surrounding particles in suspension, the electrical double layer (EDL). These interactions arise, in turn, from acid-base reactions that occur on the powder surface as a function of pH and electrolyte concentration. Consequently, understanding these mechanisms is critical for controlling ceramic suspensions during processing of high quality pieces (Bleier, 1983).
Social Norms Shift Preferences for Healthy and Unhealthy Foods

This research investigated whether people change their food preferences and eating behavior in response to health-based social norms. One hundred twenty participants rated a series of healthy and unhealthy food images. After each rating, participants sometimes viewed a rating that ostensibly represented the average rating of previous participants. In fact, these average ratings were manipulated to convey a particular social norm. Participants either saw average ratings that favored healthy foods, favored unhealthy foods, or did not see any average ratings. Participants then re-rated those same food images after approximately ten minutes and again three days later. After the norm manipulation, participants were given the chance to take as many M&Ms as they wanted. Participants exposed to a healthy social norm consistently reported lower preferences for unhealthy foods as compared to participants in the other two conditions. This preference difference persisted three days after the social norm manipulation. However, health-based social norm manipulations did not influence the amount of M&Ms participants took. Although health-based social norm manipulations can influence stated food preferences, in this case they did not influence subsequent eating behavior.