cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Children: The Interplay of Household SNAP and WIC Participation.

Introduction Although sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participation, no national studies have examined the interplay between these programs. This study compares children's sugar-sweetened beverage consumption across households enrolled in one, both, or neither program. Methods A total of 4 waves (2009–2010 to 2015–2016) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were combined to obtain a sample of 4,772 children aged 0–19 years living in households eligible for both SNAP and WIC (households with income ≤130% of the Federal Poverty Level). Children were grouped as living in 4 household types: SNAP only; WIC only; SNAP + WIC; and neither program. Beverages with any added sugars were classified as SSBs. Two-part regression models examined the adjusted association between SSB consumption and program participation. Analyses were conducted in 2020. Results Compared with the SNAP‒only group, children in all other household types had lower odds of SSB consumption (AOR=0.44, p=0.002 for WIC only; AOR=0.69, p=0.020 for SNAP + WIC; AOR=0.61, p=0.025 for neither program). The lower probability of SSB consumption for children from WIC‒participating households was mostly driven by children aged 0–5 years, with the differences weakening for children aged 6–12 years and completely disappearing for those aged 12–19 years. No significant differences were observed for the amount of added sugar consumed by SSB consumers. Conclusions Household WIC participation—whether jointly with SNAP or alone—may confer protection against SSB consumption. Unlike SNAP, WIC, by design, provides participating households with more information and opportunities to access and consume healthier diets. Understanding how SNAP and WIC interact can help policymakers improve the design and nutritional benefit of the U.S. food safety net.
Contrasting cases: what we can learn from students' perceptions of good design

Set in the context of an engineering design course, this study used contrasting cases to examine undergraduates' (1) ability to discriminate poor and excellent examples of student design projects, and (2) students' justifications for their ratings. At the beginning of the yearlong course, only 76% of students correctly identified the better project. Toward the end of the course, the majority of students correctly identified the superior example; however, many failed to note serious flaws in the poor example. Analyses of student justifications showed that most students used superficial reasons (e.g., readability) initially and deeper structural reasons (e.g., process) on the post-test. Results are discussed in terms of expert-novice differences, and how educators can support students' ability to notice salient problem features.
Sensor fusion and automatic vulnerability analysis

Security analysis of networked computing systems continues to present a challenge. The growing complexity of network and computing systems, the increasing sophistication of computer attacks, and the limited supply of security specialist make automated security solutions a necessity. A number of independent solutions are often suggested for a system and then implemented as independent sensors. Little work has been done in fusing sensor outputs in a meaningful way in order to recognize an attack in progress in time to mitigate its impact.
Exact earth-flattening calculation for Love waves

abstract The calculation of the periods of the free modes of torsional oscillations of an inhomogeneous earth, as well as the phase and group velocities of Love waves on an inhomogeneous sphere, can be performed by evaluating the properties of an isotropic flat-earth structure derived from the spherical structure. The differences between spherical- and flat-earth phase and group velocities can be expressed as polynomials in the periods up to 600 sec.
Observations on the level of blood oxytocinase throughout the course of labor and pregnancy.

Abstract Serum oxytocinase (cysteine aminopeptidase activity) was measured during the course of induced human labor with the use of the hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate (cysteine aminopeptidase) technique. The results demonstrate a consistent fall at the onset of true labor with a return to prelabor levels during the accelerated phase of labor. A second fall was seen during the postpartum period. The possible significance of these results is discussed.
Bicyclist Intersection Crossing Times

In support of efforts to improve traffic signal timing to accommodate bicyclists' needs, observations were made of the timing of bicyclists' intersection crossing maneuvers. Video recordings were made of bicyclists' crossings and the video images were processed to extract the bicyclists' trajectories. These trajectories were synchronized with video images of the traffic signals so that the timing of the bicyclists' maneuvers could be determined relative to the signal phases. The processed data yielded cumulative distributions of the crossing speeds of bicyclists who did not have to stop at the intersection and the start-up times and final crossing speeds of the bicyclists who had to cross from a standing start. A unique feature of these data is the timing information relative to the traffic signal, which is used to define recommended signal times to permit most bicyclists to cross wide arterial intersections safely.
Solvent Reorganization Energies in Excited-State Electron-Transfer Reactions. Oxidative Quenching of the MLCT Excited States of Ru(II)-Diimine Complexes.

The reorganization energy (λ) for the oxidative quenching of *RuL32+ (L = phen, 5,6-Me2phen, 5-Clphen) by MV2+ in aqueous solution is in the order NaClO4 < NaI < NaBr < NaCl < NaF < NaH2PO4. In eac...
The effect of hydrocortisone acetate loaded poly(DL-lactide) films on the inflammatory response

Abstract Poly ( DL -lactide) (DL-PL) films loaded with hydrocortisone acetate (HCA) were prepared and the effects of this drug releasing system on the inflammatory and healing responses were investigated in vivo using a cage implant technique. Cytochemical staining procedures and extracellular enzyme activity assays were performed in order to characterize the cellular events in the inflammatory exudate over a 21-day implantation period. The results showed that the HCA/DL-PL sustained drug releasing system dramatically inhibited all aspects of inflammation. The white cell concentration in the HCA/DL-PL exudates was markedly lower than the white cell concentrations of both the empty cage and DL-PL controls throughout the implantation period. The drug inhibited the accumulation of all types of leukocytes at the site of inflammation including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes. Additionally, examination of the retrieved cages 21 days after implantation revealed minimal connective tissue development around the HCA/DL-PL implants compared to the two sets of controls. This indicated that the healing phase of inflammation was being repressed.
Lymphocyte infiltration in CAPN5 autosomal dominant neovascular inflammatory vitreoretinopathy.

Purpose To describe immunohistopathological findings in autosomal dominant neovascular inflammatory vitreoretinopathy (ADNIV).
Metabolism of host and viral mRNAs in frog virus 3-infected cells

Treatment of purified frog virus 3 (FV3) with nonionic detergent and high salt released an endoribonucleolytic activity and confirmed earlier findings of a virion-associated endonuclease. This observation, coupled with evidence implicating host and viral message destabilization in herpesvirus and poxvirus biogenesis, raised the question of what role, if any, mRNA degradation plays in FV3 replication. To answer this question, Northern analyses of mock- and virus-infected cells were performed using probes for representative host and viral messages. These studies demonstrated that the steady state level of host messages progressively declined during the course of productive FV3 infection, whereas the steady state level of viral messages was not affected. To determine whether the decline in the steady state level of host mRNA was due to virus-induced degradation or to normal turnover coupled to virus-mediated transcriptional shut-off, actin mRNA levels were examined in mock- and virus-infected cells in the presence and absence of actinomycin D. Under these conditions, actin mRNA levels declined more quickly in actinomycin D-treated, virus-infected cells, than in mock-infected cells incubated in the presence of actinomycin D suggesting that the decline in the steady state level of actin mRNA was due to degradation. However, although it appears as if host message degradation is responsible for virus-mediated translational shut-off, the ability of heat-inactivated FV3 to block cellular translation without destabilizing cellular messages indicates that message degradation is not required for translational inhibition. As noted above, the degradation of early FV3 messages was not involved in controlling the transition from early to late gene expression. Furthermore, the presence of abundant, but nontranslated, early messages late in infection, coupled with the inefficient translation of late messages in vitro supported earlier suggestions that FV3 gene expression is controlled, at least in part, at the translational level. Taken together, these results suggest that FV3 regulates gene expression in a unique manner and may be a good model to examine the mechanics of translational control.
Self-consistent calculations on confined electrons in three-dimensional geometries

Abstract We review modeling of structures with confined geometries and describe our numerical solutions of the coupled Poisson and Schrodinger equations in three spatial dimensions. We discuss the computational issues involved and present results of modeling on three structures: confining potential of a quantum dot, charge density in a quasi-periodic structure, and gate capacitance of a “Coulomb island” of electrons.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories in Hurricane Katrina affected youth

Objective: This study examined trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in Hurricane Katrina affected youth. Method: A total of 426 youth (51% female; 8-16 years old; mean age=11 years; 75% minorities) completed assessments at 4 time points post-disaster. Measures included Hurricane impact variables (initial loss/disruption and perceived life threat); history of family and community violence exposure, parent and peer social support, and post-disaster posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results: Latent class growth analysis demonstrated that there were three distinct trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms identified for this sample of youth (resilient, recovering, and chronic, respectively). Youth trajectories were associated with Hurricane-related initial loss/disruption, community violence, and peer social support. Conclusions: The results suggest that youth exposed to Hurricane Katrina have variable posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories. Significant risk and protective factors were identified. Specifically, youth Hurricane and community violence exposure increased risk for a more problematic posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectory, while peer social support served as a protective factor for these youth. Identification of these factors suggests directions for future research as well as potential target areas for screening and intervention with disaster exposed youth. Limitations: The convenience sample limits the external validity of the findings to other disaster exposed youth, and the self-report data is susceptible to response bias. Language: en
Is It Possible to Publish a Calibration Function for Radiochromic Film

Purpose: To assess the possibility of using a public calibration function for radiochromic film dosimetry in dose QA of highly conformal treatment plans. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2 from lots A101212 and A011713) were exposed on a Varian Trilogy at a facility to a 10 × 10 cm2 open field at doses of 80, 160, 320 cGy using 6MV photons. Together with a strip of unexposed film from the same lot, the exposed films were digitized in a single scan using different Epson 10,000 XL scanners at two different facilities. The dose-response data for each color-channel from each facility were generated using the same calibration function X(D) = a + b/(D - c), where X(D) is the response at dose D and a, b and c are the coefficients. Different batches of EBT3 film were exposed to a VMAT beam. These films, plus two reference strips exposed to doses of zero and 160 cGy, were digitized on the scanners at the two facilities. Using the multi-channel dosimetry method and One-scan protocol (Med Phys, 39: 6339-6349, 2012) the recorded doses on the VMAT films were calculated and the results were compared with the VMAT plan using a Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. Results: The passing rates obtained for dose maps calculated for all combinations of VMAT images and calibration functions were nearly unchanged, using the One-scan protocol. Also, in all cases a passing rate of >99% was obtained for Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. On the other hand, if the One-scan protocol was not employed, the dose maps for VMAT images and calibration functions from different scanners showed poor correlation with the treatment plan. This is probably due to the scan-to-scan variability. Conclusions: The authors have found that it is feasible to use a public calibration function for a given radiochromic film lot using the same methodology, One-scan protocol, for patient-specific QA.
The Nearest Neighbor Query Based on the DSB-Tree

Branch and bound algorithm (2) was presented for NN query based on R-tree by N.Roussopoulos, S.Kelly and F.vincent in 1995. The process of the NN query is divided into two independent parts, search ordering and search pruning, by the algorithm in logic. The key to branch and bound algorithm to enhance the NN query is two metrics called MinDist and MinMaxDist. These two metrics can narrow the range used to approximately express the real distance between given object and spatial entity. King Lum Cheung and Ada Wai-Chee Fu proposed that MinMaxDist was not needed in the NN query (3), but Ravi K. Kothuri and Siva Ravada suggested it could work in the KNN query (4). The introduction of inside expression of spatial entity further narrow the range construct by MinDist and MinMaxDist. The minimum enclosing circle (MEC) of the DSB-tree is just one kind of inside expressions and also has the advantage of the circle in distance computing. We adjust branch and bound algorithm to suit to the DSB-tree and the main work is adjust the algorithms to get those two metrics. The advantage of DSB-tree in NN query is realized trough these two adjusted metrics. In the next section, the index structures and some algorithm used in NN query will be discussed. Then, DSB-tree and its basic operations will be introduced. In the section 4, we will present the algorithm of NN query for DSB-tree and the metrics of adjusted branch and bound algorithm. The extensive experiments and the discussion of the results will be given in the section 6. Finally, we will give the conclusion.
Ultra-fast velocity imaging in stenotically produced turbulent jets using RUFIS

A method for rapidly producing velocity images is presented. This sequence combines a modified bipolar gradient pulse to magnitude encode the velocity with the rotating ultra-fast imaging sequence (RUFIS) to image the encoded spins. Velocity encoding is done in 3 msec, and RUFIS acquires 32 projections in 8 msec. The method is applied to turbulent jets associated with a 75% stenosis in a 15-mm inner diameter glass pipe. Data is acquired upstream and downstream from the stenosis for Reynolds numbers from 560 to 3750. In addition, a robust method of reconstructing the unobserved short time region of a free induction decay is presented and incorporated into the image processing.
Effect of counterions on the conformation of hyaluronic acid

Abstract To study the effect of metal ions on the conformation of hyaluronic acid, circular dichroism (CD) and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD), along with viscosity measurements of the Na, Li, Ca, and Mg salts of the polymer, were carried out. With divalent cations, the results show a decrease in CD minima at 210 nm and an increase in ORD troughs at 220 nm, as compared to monovalent ions. To account for this behavior, the ORD in the visible range corresponding to the observed CD bands was directly calculated from the Moscowitz equation using Kronig-Kramer's transform. The background rotation was found to be more levorotatory in bivalent than in monovalent cations. The ORD spectra of various metal hyaluronates differ significantly from each other in the far ultraviolet region, especially at lower pH values. The values of intrinsic viscosities of these hyaluronates, on the other hand, are almost the same in the pH range of 1–3. These results indicate a local conformation variation rather than any appreciable change in the chain conformation of the molecule in the presence of different counterions.
Composition of Bovine γ-Caseins A1 and A3, and Further Evidence For a Relationship in Biosynthesis of γ- and β-Caseins

Abstract Two variants, A 1 and A 3 , of γ - and β -caseins were isolated from samples of bovine milk which were typed as homozygous for β -casein A 1 or A 3 . γ - and β -Caseins A 1 and A 3 differ in amino acid composition by two residues of histidine and the data suggest that the same substitutions, His/Gln and His/Gln or His/Pro distinguish the γ - and β -variant pairs. γ - β -casein polyrnorphs A l , A 2 , A 3 and B all have a common C-terminal sequence -Ile-Ile-Val OH and they show similar chymotryptic peptide maps. They differ in their N-terminal amino acids: arginine for β -caseins and lysine for γ -caseins. γ -Casein is smaller than β -casein by about 28 amino acid residues. It is possible that γ -casein is identical with a large portion of β -casein.
Stimulation of phospholipid methylation by glucose in pancreatic islets

A two fold stimulation in the incorporation of [3H-methyl] groups from [3H-methyl] methionine into phospholipids was seen in intact pancreatic islets within six minutes of exposure to a glucose concentration that stimulates insulin release. Nonstimulatory sugars, L-glucose and D-galactose, as well as dibutyryl cAMP, did not affect phospholipid methylation in islet cells. A calcium channel blocker, verapamil, inhibited methylation. These studies suggest that the signal for glucose-induced insulin release could involve phospholipid methylation.
Sensitivity of a Land Change Model to Pixel Resolution and Precision of the Independent Variable

It is important to know how the results from a land change model vary based on both the pixel resolution of the maps and the precision of the independent variables because subjective decisions or default values frequently determine these two factors. This paper presents an approach to measure the variation in model accuracy that is triggered by alteration of the pixel resolution and the precision of the independent variable, which are bins of distance to previously built area for our case study. We illustrate the principles with an application of the Geomod land change model contained in the Idrisi GIS, applied to simulate the gain of built land in central Massachusetts, USA. Results reveal four general principles: (1) change in pixel resolution using the majority-takes-all rule can influence quantity error, (2) change in bin width of an independent variable does not influence the quantity error, (3) resolution and bin width interact so that bin width does not have an effect on error when bin widths are smaller than the pixel resolution, and (4) researchers are wise to examine the implications of their subjective decisions by plotting clearly how the resolution and bin size influence the mathematical relationships that the model uses. We have found no universal, hard, and fast rules that dictate how to decide on an appropriate pixel resolution and bin width, but our method demonstrates how these decisions can be influential. These insights can offer scientists guidance in how to prepare data in an appropriate manner.
Reporting Effects of SFAS 143 on Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

SFAS 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, has the potential to cause significant economic consequences to firms impacted by its provisions. BKL Khurana, I. K.; Loudder, M. L. “The Economic Implications of Proposed Changes in the Accounting for Nuclear Decommissioning Costs,” Accounting Horizons, 14 (2), June 2000, pp. 211–233) suggests that companies would be required to record materially increased assets, liabilities, and expenses which may subsequently cause a significant impact to commonly used financial ratios. BK&L developed predictions of the pro forma effect on assets, liabilities, and expenses due to SFAS 143 adoption by nuclear power utilities. This study examines the actual financial statement effect on BK&L's sample firms due to the adoption of SFAS 143. Results indicate that concern voiced over the standard's requirement to capitalize asset retirement obligations and the related asset, and to record additional expenses by nuclear power companies may have been unfounded.
Scanning electron microscopy of vascular casts of the human scleral lamina cribrosa

Vascular casts of the human lamina cribrosa region were studied in three autopsy specimens utilizing scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M.) in own modified technique. The lamina cribrosa is supplied from two major sources, the short posterior ciliary artery within the sclera and the distal optic nerve sheath pial vasculature. Recurrent choroidal arteries supplied a small number of centripetal branches to the lamina cribrosa. The central retinal artery did not give off centrifugal branches as it coursed through the lamina. The findings in these three human cases in three-dimensial visualization support other recent studies using serial histologic sectioning techniques. The photomicrographs are presented as a first successful images in S.E.M. for additional appreciation of the topographic morphology of radial arterioles.
Some features of thermo-acidophilic archaebacteria preadaptive for the evolution of eukaryotic cells

Summary Several features that are often regarded as unique to eukaryotic cells can be found in thermoacidophilic archaebacteria. These include the presence of histone proteins and an amoeboid cytoskeleton regulated by Ca 2+ . Also, the pathways of glucose degradation in Thermoplasma acidophilum are similar to those found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, not including the mitochondria. Each of these features evolved apparently as an adaptation to heat, acidity, or to the mode of nutrition of these organisms. In turn, they may have pre-adapted an organism from the thermoacidophilic group to become the ancestor of the nucleus and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Enhanced sensitivity to calcium in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Abstract The ionophore A23187 causes an increase in the Ca content of human erythrocytes and a Ca-dependent increase in K efflux (Gardos effect). These changes are associated with a reduction in osmotic fragility and cell size. Treatment of erythrocytes from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with A23187 results in 45 Ca uptake comparable to that of erythrocytes from control subjects. However, the reduction in osmotic fragility and K content observed in dystrophic erythrocytes is twofold greater than in control erythrocytes. These results indicate that an alteration in the regulation of erythrocyte membrane function by Ca occurs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This alteration may be responsible for other changes in erythrocyte membrane properties observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Detailed W0 effects in e+e− → e+e−

Abstract The predicted cross section for the reaction e + e − →e + e − is presented assuming one photon and W 0 exchange. Pure W 0 terms and the W 0 width are included.
A quadrupole model for jet acoustical shielding

A quadrupole model for the prediction of the effects of acoustical shielding by a turbulent jet is developed. This is accomplished by using a reciprocal theorem applied to a known model which employed a monopole source. Results are compared to aircraft flight noise measurement data for shielding jet Mach numbers of from 0.5 to 1.3 with close correlation obtained for frequencies near the noise spectrum peak.
Another Look at Group Size, Group Problem Solving, and Member Consensus

Group size was investigated as a predictor of problem solving effectiveness and postdiscussion member consensus. Prediscussion consensus, ability of group's best member, average ability of the grou...
What Matters Most? A Survey of Accomplished Middle-Level Educators' Beliefs and Values about Literacy

Abstract Ninety teachers working in award-winning middle schools responded to a survey that explored, quantitatively and qualitatively, how they (1) defined themselves as teachers of literacy, (2) viewed multiliteracies in adolescents' lives, and (3) valued these literacies in the classroom. Mean scores indicated that Basic Literacies (e.g., comprehension, word identification, fluency, writing) were rated more favorably than New Literacies (e.g., media, Internet, critical, out of school). Strong qualitative support existed for literacy instruction in all disciplines, but interpretations varied. The most positive agreement centered on every teacher being a teacher of literacy. Little support existed for developing students' out-of-school literacies in schools. Such findings have strong implications for altering curricular emphases and merging teacher practice with adolescents' needs and interests.
A plane strain hydraulic tensile test for geotextiles

A novel tensile test method for geotextiles is described. The fabric is deformed in a tensile mode with zero transverse strain in the plane of the fabric. The force is supplied by hydraulic pressure to200- by800-mm (8- by32-in.) test specimens. Stress-strain curves, cyclic behavior, and creep tests are reported and notable differences between different geotextiles are, discussed. The test used was specifically developed to simulate fabric deformation under rutting conditions that occur in unpaved roads, but the test results are also relevant to many other field applications where the behavior involved is predominately tensile.
Psicologia moral e educação: para além de crianças "boazinhas"

As rapidas mudancas sociais tem pleiteado, nos EUA, o retorno do ensino de valores tradicionais por meio de programas de educacao do carater. Esses esforcos visam fomentar virtudes que levam as criancas a se tornarem pessoas "boazinhas", educadas, respeitosas e que tratem os outros com justica. Ainda que se concorde com esse proposito, duvidas podem ser levantadas a respeito da suficiencia dessa abordagem da socializacao no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento humano numa perspectiva moral critica. Tal perspectiva e necessaria para que uma pessoa possa avaliar, a partir de um ponto de vista moral, seus valores socialmente adquiridos. Na ausencia de tal capacidade, nao se pode evitar a reincidencia da imoralidade entranhada no conjunto existente de normas sociais. Assim sendo, o autor discute pesquisas e teorias atuais sobre o desenvolvimento social infantil que oferecem uma base a partir da qual se possam construir programas educacionais para alem da preparacao das criancas com vistas ao enquadramento no status quo moral. Este trabalho indica que, em todas as fases do desenvolvimento, as concepcoes de moralidade sao distintas daquelas oriundas de outros valores sociais e convencoes nao morais. Ao final, sao oferecidas sugestoes de como construir programas educacionais que levem em conta as complexas interacoes entre valores morais e nao morais e que ultrapassem a mera doutrinacao das criancas conforme os valores da sociedade, estimulando os alunos a empregarem seu conhecimento moral na avaliacao de situacoes sociais e guiar seu comportamento a partir de um ponto de vista moral critico.
Intestinal transplantation: a review

Parenteral nutrition is a life-saving therapy for patients with intestinal failure. Intestinal transplantation is now recognized as a treatment for patients who develop complications of parenteral nutrition and in whom attempts at intestinal rehabilitation have failed. Patients with parenteral nutrition related liver disease will require a liver graft typically part of a multivisceral transplant. Isolated intestinal transplants are more commonly performed in adults while multivisceral transplants are most commonly performed in infants. Isolated intestinal transplants have the best short-term outcome, with over 80 % survival at 1 year. Patients requiring multivisceral transplants have a high rate of attrition with a 1 year survival less than 70 %. Prognostic factors for a poor outcome include patient hospitalization at the time of transplant and donor age greater than 40 years while systemic sepsis and acute rejection are the major determinant of early postoperative outcome. For patients surviving the first year the outcome of transplantation of the liver in addition to intestine affords some survival advantage though long-term outcome does not yet match other abdominal organs. Outcomes for intestinal retransplantation are poor as a result of immunology and patient debility. Overall intestinal transplantation continues to develop and is a clear indication with cost and quality of life advantages in patients with intestinal failure that do not remain stable on parenteral nutrition.
Continues Cooling Transformation Behavior of Low Carbon Mn-Nb-B Steel

The continues cooling transformation (CCT) of a low carbon Mn-Nb-B steel in the undeformed and deformed conditions were investigated, respectively. The CCT diagrams of the steel were constructed. The microstructures and microhardness were analysized. The results showed that the microsructures contains ferrite, pearlite, granular bainite, acicular ferrite and lath bainite depending on cooling rate; Deformation moved the CCT curve to the top left corner, increased the transformation start temperatures slightly, and promoted the formation of ferrite and pearlite. Furthmore deformation also fined the transformed microstructures.
Iteratively coupled mixed and Galerkin finite element methods for poro-elasticity

We present a finite element formulation for coupled flow and geomechanics. We use mixed finite element spaces to approximate pressure and continuous Galerkin methods for displacements. In solving the coupled system, pressure and displacements can be solved either simultaneously in a fully coupled scheme or sequentially in a loosely coupled scheme. In this paper we formulate an iterative method where pressure and displacement solutions are staggered during a time step until a convergence tolerance is satisfied. A priori convergence results for the iterative coupling are also presented, along with a summary of the convergence results for the fully coupled scheme. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 23: 785-797, 2007
Dynamic stability analysis of undrained simple shear on water‐saturated granular soils

Dynamic stability of undrained, simple-shear deformations on water-saturated granular soil specimens is discussed. The soil is described by a 2D-flow theory of plasticity for frictional and dilatant material. Contractant material becomes unstable (liquefies) at the state of maximum shear stress, whereas dilatant material becomes unstable after the state of maximum effective stress obliquity is reached in the softening regime of the background drained behaviour. In both cases the correct evolution equations for the growth coefficient of the instability are derived and compared with the results of the inertia-free formulation of the problem.
Surface preparation for selective tungsten deposition on MEMS structures

Selectively deposited tungsten films on MEMS surfaces that are subject to friction and wear can substantially reduce wear-related failures. Because deposition of the tungsten film is highly selective to silicon, a pristine surface is required to obtain high quality, contiguous films. Vapor phase HF was used to remove the thin chemical oxide that resides on the surface following traditional liquid phase dissolution of sacrificial oxide films and supercritical CO 2 drying of MEMS devices. The use of vapor phase HF after mechanical parts have been released, rather than liquid processes, mitigates potential device damage and surface tension-induced stiction that may occur during liquid phase processing. Tungsten film thickness and morphology were identical to films that were obtained through the use of liquid phase pre-cleaning processes.
Cytological and ultrastructural preservation in Eocene Metasequoia leaves from the Canadian High Arctic

The ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy of 45-million-year-old mummified leaves of Metasequoia extracted from the Upper Coal member of the Buchanan Lake Formation in Napartulik on Axel Heiberg Island revealed the preservation of intact chloroplasts and chloroplast components. Abundant tanniferous cell inclusions may indicate that the 3-mo period of constant daylight during the Artic summer induced high concentrations of tannins in the leaf tissues, which may have arrested microbial degradation of the litter. Quantified differences in the extent of chloroplast preservation through a vertical section of the lignite suggest that short-term shifts in the depositional environment took place, perhaps influencing the exposure of the leaf tissues to conditions that would either promote or inhibit decomposition.
Reduction in thromboxane formation by n-3 fatty acids enriched lung microsomes from rat and guinea pig following the ingestion of dietary menhaden oil.

Abstract Feeding rats and guinea pigs on a diet containing 5% menhaden oil altered the fatty acid composition of lung microsomes. The lung microsomal phospholipids contained increased amounts of n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic (20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (20:6), following the ingestion of menhaden oil. There was a concomitant decrease in arachidonic acid (20:4) levels in rat lung microsomes, but no significant change of this fatty acid was observed in the microsomes from guinea pigs. The ability of lung microsomes to convert 14C-arachidonic acid. into thromboxane (TXB) was reduced by the enrichment of n-3 fatty acids in the microsomal lipids.
Mutations in G proteins and G protein-coupled receptors in endocrine disease

Naturally occurring mutations in the G protein Gs-α subunit and in a number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified in human diseases. Such mutations may lead to loss or gain of function of the encoded protein. Study of such naturally occurring, disease-causing mutations offers unique insights into G protein and GPCR structure and function. In general, diseases caused by GPCR loss-of-function mutations are inherited in autosomal recessive fashion, and those caused by gain-of-function mutations are inherited in autosomal dominant fashion. Endocrine gland dysfunction is the most frequently recognized consequence of GPCR mutation. Loss-of- function mutations in GPCRs for various hormones lead to hormone resistance, manifested as hypofunction of the gland expressing the affected GPCR. Conversely, GPCR gain-of-function mutations lead to hormone-independent activation and hyperfunction of the involved gland.
The use of amalgam electrodes in biamperometry

Abstract Direct chelatometric titrations of lead with biamperometric indication produce fairly good results when lead amalgam electrodes are used.
Metal clusters on supports: synthesis, structure, reactivity, and catalytic properties.

This review of structurally simple and essentially molecular metal clusters on solid supports addresses synthesis, characterization, reactivity, and catalysis. Examples of supported clusters made in high yields are Os3, Ir4, Ir6, and Rh6, and typical supports are MgO, γ-Al2O3, and zeolites. Supported clusters are synthesized by adsorption of ligated molecular metal clusters, deposition of bare size-selected metal clusters from the gas phase, and adsorption of metal complexes followed by treatment to form clusters. Some metal clusters on supports have been imaged with atomic resolution. Reactions of supported metal clusters include ligand modifications, oxidative fragmentation, and migration leading to aggregation. Reactivities and catalytic properties of the clusters (e.g., for alkene hydrogenation and epoxidation) depend on the cluster size and the support (which acts as a ligand) and are distinct from those of supported particles that resemble bulk metals. Opportunities for deeper understanding of the chemistry of supported metal clusters hinge on improvements in characterization techniques such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Operative Trichter- und Kielbrustkorrektur nach einer modifizierten Methode von Mark Ravitch

Ziel unserer retrospektiven Untersuchung war es, die Ergebnisse der operativen Behandlung von Trichter- und Kielbrusten in der Orthopadischen Klinik der Charite zu objektivieren. Die Operation erfolgte nach einem modifizierten Verfahren von Mark Ravitch, bei dem die subperichondrale Resektion der den Trichter bildenden knorpligen Rippenteile erfolgt und mit einer Fixation des Sternums durch einen lyophilisierten Knochenspan erganzt wird.
A full tangent stiffness field-boundary-element formulation for geometric and material non-linear problems of solid mechanics

The field-boundary-element method naturally admits the solution algorithm in the incompressible regimes of fully developed plastic flow. This is not the case with the generally popular finite-element method, without further modifications to the method such as reduced integration or a mixed method for treating the dilatational deformation. The analyses by the field-boundary-element method for geometric and material non-linear problems are generally carried out by an incremental algorithm, where the velocities (or displacement increments) on the boundary are treated as the primary variables and an initial strain iteration method is commonly used to obtain the state of equilibrium. For problems such as buckling and diffused tensile necking, involving very large strains, such a solution scheme may not be able to capture the bifurcation phenomena, or the convergence will be unacceptably slow when the post-bifurcation behaviour needs to be analysed. To avoid this predicament, a full tangent stiffness field-boundary-element formulation which takes the initial stress–velocity gradient (displacement gradient) coupling terms accurately into account is presented in this paper. Here, the velocity field both inside and on the boundary are treated as primary variables. The large strain plasticity constitutive equation employed is based on an endochronic model of combined isotropic/kinematic hardening plasticity using the concepts of material director triad and the associated plastic spin. A generalized mid-point radial return algorithm is presented for determining the objective increments of stress from the computed velocity gradients. Numerical results are presented for problems of diffuse necking, involving very large strains and plastic instability, in initially perfect elastic–plastic plates under tension. These results demonstrate the clear superiority of the full tangent stiffness algorithm over the initial strain algorithm, in the context of the integral equation formulations for large strain plasticity.
Value of Flight Cancellation and Cancellation Decision Modeling: Ground Delay Program Postoperation Study

Flight cancellations are costly to airlines and air passengers, but the question is, how costly? Little quantitative analysis about cancellation cost has been done, and current studies are focused on flight delays. However, cancellations should be studied to supplement delay metrics to assess the performance of the National Airspace System, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of air traffic management. Postoperation data of the ground delay program were explored, and relative value of cancellations in terms of delay savings were inferred. Two cancellation metrics were developed for this purpose. In addition, flight cancellation decisions were modeled with a discrete choice model by using the two cancellation metrics that were generated as well as some other flight characteristics. Three models are presented in this study. The results reveal the value of a flight cancellation and airline preference structure in making decisions in canceling a flight in response to schedule disturbance. The study contributes to the literature in a distinct way: postoperation data are used to understand airline flight cancellation behavior in the context of ground delay programs.
Buoyancy-induced flows in water under conditions in which density extrema may arise

The temperature dependence of the density of both pure and saline water, even to very high salinity and pressure levels, decreases at decreasing temperature toward an extremum. The nature of this variation precludes approximating the buoyancy-force density difference linearly with a temperature difference. This peculiar density variation of water has very significant effects, even at environmental temperature levels. A new equation has appeared which relates density to temperature, salinity and pressure with very high accuracy. Its form is especially suited to the analysis of convective motions. We consider here vertical boundary-layer flows. Analysis of flows arising from thermal buoyancy and from combined buoyancy effects shows the simplicity of the formulation. Relatively few new parameters arise. Extensive calculations for thermally buoyant flows show the large magnitude of the effects of the complicated density variation on transport. Buoyancy-force reversals and convective inversions are predicted. The latter are in close agreement with past experiments. A new Grashof number arises which is an accurate indication of the actual local flow vigour. The effects of specific temperature conditions are given in detail. The appreciable effect of the Prandtl number is calculated. Transport parameters are given for salinities and pressures up to 40 p.p.t. and 1000 bars, respectively.
Repeated postnatal phencyclidine administration in female juvenile rat delays onset of puberty but has no effect on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure-susceptibility

Abstract The effects of chronic phencyclidine (PCP) treatment on sexual maturation and seizure-susceptibility in the developing female rat were studied. Postnatal female rats were injected once daily with 5 mg/kg PCP from Day 5 till Day 15 and were observed for sexual maturation — vaginal opening and estrus cyclicity were used as indices of sexual maturation. PCP-treated rats showed a delay in both vaginal opening and in estrus cyclicity compared to saline-treated pair-fed controls. On postnatal Day 21, PCP-treated rats and saline-treated controls were tested for seizure-susceptibility using the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure paradigm. PCP-treated female rats did not differ from saline-treated controls in their susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizures. In conclusions chronic PCP administration during development in female rats disrupts sexual maturation but has no short-term effect on seizure susceptibility.
Rod-cone dysplasia in Irish setters: a defect in cyclic GMP metabolism in visual cells

An abnormality in retinal guanosine 3,5-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) metabolism is demonstrated in the inherited rod-cone dysplasis of Irish Setter dogs. Affected visual cells are deficient in cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase activity and have elevated levels of cyclic GMP. The biochemical abnormalities observed in affected retinas of Irish Setters are similar to those in the retinas of mice with inherited retinal degeneration before visual cell degeneration begins. A defect in cyclic GMP metabolism may be characteristic of early-onset degenerative diseases of the retina, possibly including those that affect humans.
Active conformation of the erythropoietin receptor: random and cysteine-scanning mutagenesis of the extracellular juxtamembrane and transmembrane domains.

In the absence of erythropoietin (Epo) cell surface Epo receptors (EpoR) are dimeric; dimerization is mediated mainly by the transmembrane domain. Binding of Epo changes the orientation of the two receptor subunits. This conformational change is transmitted through the juxtamembrane and transmembrane domains, leading to activation of JAK2 kinase and induction of proliferation and survival signals. To define the active EpoR conformation(s) we screened libraries of EpoRs with random mutations in the transmembrane domain and identified several point mutations that activate the EpoR in the absence of ligand, including changes of either of the first two transmembrane domain residues (Leu226 and Ile227) to cysteine. Following this discovery, we performed cysteine-scanning mutagenesis in the EpoR juxtamembrane and transmembrane domains. Many mutants formed disulfide-linked receptor dimers, but only EpoR dimers linked by cysteines at positions 223, 226, or 227 activated EpoR signal transduction pathways and supported proliferation of Ba/F3 cells in the absence of cytokines. These data suggest that activation of dimeric EpoR by Epo binding is achieved by reorienting the EpoR transmembrane and the connected cytosolic domains and that certain disulfide-bonded dimers represent the activated dimeric conformation of the EpoR, constitutively activating downstream signaling. Based on our data and the previously determined structure of Epo bound to a dimer of the EpoR extracellular domain, we present a model of the active and inactive conformations of the Epo receptor.
Involvement of JunD in transcriptional activation of the orphan receptor gene nur77 by nerve growth factor and membrane depolarization in PC12 cells.

Abstract nur77, an immediate-early gene that encodes an orphan nuclear receptor, is rapidly and transiently induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation or membrane depolarization in the rat pheochromocytoma-derived cell line PC12. The Nur77 protein can act as a potent transcription activator and may function to regulate the expression of downstream genes in response to extracellular stimuli. We show here that activation of nur77 by NGF treatment and membrane depolarization is signalled through distinct pathways. These distinct signals appear to converge on the same transcription factors acting on the same promoter elements. We show that nur77 activation by both processes requires two cis-acting AP1-like elements, NAP1 and NAP2, which contain the core sequence TGCGTCA centered at 67 and 38 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start site. The NAP elements can confer inducibility by NGF and membrane depolarization on an otherwise unresponsive heterologous promoter. We identified JunD as a key mediator of nur77 activation by reason of the following observations. (i) JunD, but not CREB or other members of the Fos/Jun family, is a component of NAP binding activity in PC12 cell nuclear extracts. (ii) JunD, but not other Fos/Jun family members, specifically transactivates the nur77 promoter through the NAP elements (iii) A dominant-negative mutant of JunD effectively abolishes the activation of nur77 by either NGF treatment or membrane depolarization. These data draw a contrast between the regulation of nur77 with that of c-fos, in which the sequence requirements for activation by NGF treatment and membrane depolarization appear separable, and CREB appears to play a role in activation by both NGF and membrane depolarization.