cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bivalent-metal binding to CheY protein. Effect on protein conformation.

CheY is a 14 kDa cytoplasmic protein that is activated by the transfer of a phosphoryl moiety to Asp-57 from phosphoCheA during signal transduction in bacterial chemotaxis. It has been established that metal ions are necessary for the autophosphorylation of CheA, the transfer of phosphate from phosphoCheA to CheY and the autodephosphorylation of phosphoCheY. In this work, paramagnetic relaxation enhancement has been used in conjunction with one- and two-dimensional n.m.r. to study the interaction of CheY with bivalent metal ions. These studies have led to the discovery of two conformations of the protein in water, corresponding to the metal-free and the metal-bound states. Binding of bivalent cations like Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+ results in a conformational change from the metal-free to the metal-bound state. Preliminary assignments of the aromatic proton resonances are reported. Comparison of phase-sensitive double-quantum-filtered COSY, homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn coherence transfer and nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectra from the metal-bound and metal-free protein indicates that Trp-58, Thr-87 and Tyr-106 are particularly affected by the conformational change involved, and that this change is limited to a small number of residues. In addition, homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn coherence transfer experiments with paramagnetic Mn2+ show significant suppression of cross-peaks associated with Trp-58 and several neighbouring residues. Comparison of the distances estimated using n.m.r. with the CheY crystal structure indicates that the n.m.r. results are consistent with bivalent metal binding at the cluster of aspartic acid residues that includes Asp-13 and Asp-57. These studies also demonstrate the utility of paramagnetic metal-induced relaxation in conjunction with two-dimensional n.m.r. measurements for exploring ligand-binding sites.
Detection of equine infectious anemia viral RNA in plasma samples from recently infected and long-term inapparent carrier animals by PCR.

Control of equine infectious anemia (EIA) is currently based on detection of anti-EIA virus (EIAV) antibodies. However, serologic diagnostic methods may give false-negative results in infected horses that fail to respond adequately or are in the early stages of infection. We developed a reverse transcriptase nested PCR (RT-nPCR) assay for the detection of viral gag gene sequences in plasma from EIAV-infected horses. The ability of RT-nPCR to detect field strains of EIAV was investigated by assaying plasma samples from 71 horses stabled on EIA quarantine ranches. Positive PCR signals were detected in 63 of 63 horses with EIAV antibody test-positive histories on approved serologic tests, demonstrating that RT-nPCR was probably directed against highly conserved sequences in the viral genome. The RT-nPCR assay, agar gel immunodiffusion test, and conventional virus isolation were compared for detection of early infection in 12 experimentally infected ponies. Viral gag sequences were detected in all 12 animals by 3 days postinfection (p.i.) by RT-nPCR, whereas virus could not be routinely isolated on cell culture until 9 to 13 days p.i. and EIAV antibodies could not be detected by agar gel immunodiffusion until 20 to 23 days p.i. Finally, specificity of the RT-nPCR assay was examined by testing plasma from 43 horses with serologic test-negative histories and no known contact with EIAV-infected animals. Viral gag sequences were not detectable in this control group. These data suggest that the EIAV RT-nPCR assay effectively detects EIAV and is more sensitive than current standard methods for detection of early stages of infection.
Skeletal fixation in digital replantation.

Although the primary objective of replantation is revascularization and ultimately viability of the amputated digit(s), skeletal stabilization is an important cornerstone of the composite repair and reconstructive process. If performed rapidly and securely, anatomic (or near anatomic) fracture reduction and fixation may contribute profoundly to the protection of the revascularization and the repair or reconstruction of nerves, tendons, and integument; reliable fracture healing; functional restoration; and final outcome. Conversely, less than anatomic (or near anatomic) reduction or unreliable and insecure fixation may deter successful early revascularization and, later, good function. This article reviews the various methods of fracture stabilization that may be employed, and their advantages and disadvantages. We believe that anatomic (or near anatomic) fracture reduction, reliable and stable fracture fixation, minimal additional dissection, and early active range-of-motion exercises will have a substantial effect on both viability and functional outcome in digital replantation.
Robust fault detection and isolation for parameter‐dependent LFT systems

In this paper, we consider robust fault detection and isolation (FDI) problems for faulty linear systems with linear fractional transformation (LFT) parameter dependency and propose an observer-based solution by using multiobjective optimization techniques. To simplify the design process, a general faulty LFT system will be constructed from the standard LFT description by converting actuator/system component faults into sensor faults first. Then a bank of parameter-dependent FDI filters will be designed to identify each fault. Each FDI filter will generate a residual signal to track an individual fault with minimum error and to suppress the effects of disturbances, time-varying parameters and other fault signals. The design of LFT parameter-dependent FDI filters, as a multiobjective optimization problem, will be formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and can be solved efficiently. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the proposed fault detection and isolation approach for LFT systems with different parametric structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic nitrogen in precipitation at the mid-Atlantic U.S. Coast—methods evaluation and preliminary measurements

Abstract Recent studies have documented the importance of inorganic nitrogen deposited from the atmosphere to coastal waters. However, due to the limited number of field measurements and concerns about the reliability of measurement techniques, the aeolian flux of organic N is very uncertain. In this study we evaluate commonly employed collection and analytical techniques for dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in precipitation, and provide preliminary estimates of organic-N wet fluxes at the mid-Atlantic U.S. Coast (Lewes, DE). Precipitation was sampled on a daily basis using an automated wet-only collector. Compared with UV photo-oxidation, persulfate wet chemical oxidation was more efficient at converting organic-N compounds to NO-3. Side-by-side comparisons of white polyethylene buckets (typically employed in “acid rain” studies) with stainless steel buckets suggest that DON is lost in varying amounts to the plastic surfaces. Stability tests reveal that organic-N in precipitation can be quite labile under field conditions, with significant losses observed within a few hours in some samples. Based on analysis of 37 events collected from October 1993 through December 1994, the volume-weighted average concentration of DON in precipitation at the mid-Atlantic coast is ≥9.1 μmol l-1. On an annual basis, organic-N comprises at least 20% of the total dissolved nitrogen in precipitation; on an event basis, it comprises as much as 64%. From the perspective of coastal ecosystem eutrophication, the atmospheric loading of DON would appear to represent an important exogenous source of N to local coastal waters such as the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.
Control of food intake in the lactating rat: role of suckling and hormones.

Abstract The research described was designed to study the relative contributions of the process of milk synthesis, the suckling stimulus, and the hormones of lactation to the hyperphagia and body weight gain occurring during lactation. In the first set of studies the role of the suckling stimulus was considered. Nursing mother rats in whom a milk withdrawal was precluded by injections of ergocornine or by galactophore ligation continued to show a modified hyperphagia in response to suckling stimulation. However, cycling females induced to respond maternally through pup-induction did not exhibit elevated food-intake in response to suckling by foster young. These results suggested that suckling stimulation is able to stimulate increased food intake only in animals possessing functional secretory mammary glands. In the second group of experiments the role of hormones associated with lactation was considered. Mothers whose pups had been removed and then injected with either prolactin alone or prolactin, hydrocortisone acetate and oxytocin showed the same pattern of lower food intake as that of saline-injected controls. Similarly, virgin animals injected with the same triad of hormones showed no elevation of food intake. These data suggest that the hormones associated with lactation do not exert a direct facilitatory effect on food intake independent of their effect on lactation.
Nutrient Dynamics of Crop Residues Decomposing on a Fallow No‐Till Soil Surface

Conservation practices retain crop residues on the soil surface that affect nutrient distribution in time and space. We hypothesized that nutrient mineralization from surface residues may not be correlated to mass loss but may depend on crop type and water availability. Frequent, moderate, and no irrigation were used to evaluate water effects on N, P, K, and mass dynamics of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), corn (Zea mays L.), grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Residues (20 g) in 10 by 10 cm, 1-mm mesh bags were placed on a Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Torrertic Paleustolls) at Bushland, TX, in August 1991 and collected monthly until August 1992. Water regime did not influence mass, N, or P dynamics but did affect K. Mass declined exponentially with decomposition coefficients (-r) of 4.4, 1.5, 2.0, 1.7, and 1.1 g kg -1 d -1 for the five crop residues listed above, respectively. Potassium loss was first order with -r ranging from 29.3 to 4.4 g kg -1 initial K d -1 , depending on crop and water. Averaged across water regimes, -r equaled 25, 9, 8, 12, and 7 g kg ' initial K d -1 for the respective crops. The water effect indicated 150-mm water removed 500 g kg -1 initial K from residues. Residue N declined from 38.7 to 16.0, 10.9 to 5.1, 12.2 to 6.4, 9.5 to 4.5, and from 7.6 to 3.4 g kg during the first 34 d for the respective crop residues, after which nonlegume residues accumulated N (0.21 to 0.96 g kg ' initial N d '), while alfalfa lost N (-0.37 g kg ' initial N d 1 ). Corn and winter wheat residue P increased from 0.7 to 1.2 and 0.5 to 1.0 g P kg ', respectively, during the first 34 d, after which all residues lost P(-1.4, -2.1, -1.3, -2.0, and -2.8 g kg -1 initial P d -1 , respectively). Nutrient dynamics were not directly related to mass loss. Water regime effects were small, so nutrient availability from residues should be similar in irrigated and dryland systems in the southern High Plains.
Sensitivity of Coulomb-explosion images to the shapes of molecular potentials: The case of He 2 2 +

A quantitative analysis of the results of a recent Coulomb-explosion experiment with He{sub 2}{sup 2+} is described. Using the adiabatic potential curve predicted for the {sup 1}{Sigma}{sub {ital g}}{sup +} ground state of this relatively simple dication, a Monte Carlo simulation of the Coulomb-explosion process was performed. The results show that such methods can faithfully reproduce the experimental results when accurate potential-energy surfaces are available. The implications for more complex systems are discussed.
Alcohol-induced suppression of the humoral immune response

The authors report here that summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) pretreated by injection of a small amount of the common alcohol, ethanol, or ethanol containing PCB, showed complete suppression of the immune response to a formalin-killed sewage sludge isolate of the human enteric bacteria, E. coli. The unresponsiveness persisted for up to 42 days after injection of bacteria. Demonstrable agglutinating antibody to E. coli was seen in unpretreated fish after seven days. A second injection of bacteria 42 days after the first in pretreated fish, now resulted in immune responsiveness although the magnitude of the response resembled a primary response, indicating that memory to the first injection was also suppressed. Slightly lower responses were seen in the groups of fish injected with ethanol containing the PCB Aroclor 1254 when compared with those given ethanol alone, but the major suppression was alcohol-induced.
Performance of a multigrid three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic generator calculation procedure

Abstract The formulation and evaluation of a recently developed multigrid finite difference calculation procedure for steady three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows are described. This procedure solves, in primitive variables, the parabolized steady-state MHD equation set, which consists of the mass continuity equation, three momentum equations, the energy equation, the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate equations, and Maxwell's equations using a full approximation storage block implicit multigrid finite difference technique. This new technique is first validated by comparing predicted results with experimental data for supersonic and subsonic Faraday generators. The performance of this technique is then assessed in terms of computational speed and solution accuracy. It is shown that the resolution of Maxwell's elliptical electrical equations is computationally speed limiting. A global improvement factor of 3–5 is obtained by using the multigrid finite difference solution procedure.
Understanding and Ameliorating Revenge Fantasies in Psychotherapy

Ellen had revenge fantasies toward her husband, Max, because she held him responsible for the accidental death of their 10-year-old son, Morgan. Instead of taking Morgan to ski on an intermediate slope as planned, Max had impulsively selected an advanced slope. Morgan hit a tree and later died of a head injury. Ellen had been diagnosed as having major depressive disorder and had received several different antidepressant medications and a course of cognitive behavior therapy. The combined treatment was largely successful, and her depression was in remission. She sought additional psychotherapy 2 years after Morgan's death because of persisting intrusive revenge fantasies and destructive acts directed at Max. She experienced depersonalization and derealization about three times a week for about an hour. The result of these symptoms was a diminished sense of self-control, confidence, and safety, although she was caring well for her 8-year-old daughter and keeping her career afloat.
THE FUNCTIONING OF T-EVEN PHAGES WITH UNGLUCOSYLATED DNA IN RESTRICTING ESCHERICHIA COLI HOST CELLS.

Abstract The DNA of the T-even bacteriophages contains glucose bound to the pyrimidine base 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Modified forms of T-even phage, designated T∗ phage, which contain little or no glucose, are produced by growth in certain bacterial mutants blocked at some step in the synthesis of uridine diphosphoglucose. The T∗ phage is able to grow on some strains of Shigella (permissive hosts) but grows poorly or not at all on various strains of Escherichia coli (restrictive hosts). Evidence is presented that the DNA of T∗ phage undergoes extensive degradation to acid-soluble fragments following infection of restricting E. coli cells, whereas infection of E. coli with wild-type phage, or of Shigella with T∗ phage, causes very little degradation of phage DNA. T∗ phage can perform certain functions after infection of restricting hosts. In these respects the T∗ forms of phages T2, T4, and T6 differ to some extent. Also, phage T∗2 can undergo extensive growth activation in E. coli cells in multiple infection, whereas T∗4 and T∗6 do not exhibit this multiplicity activation. In mixed infection of E. coli B with the mutant T4am122, unable to induce synthesis of the enzyme deoxycytidylate-hydroxymethylase, T∗2 and T∗6 are capable of complementing the missing function, whereas T∗4 cannot. Evidence is presented that T∗ phages can in fact direct synthesis of some early enzymes in restricting hosts. Despite the occurrence of some early enzyme synthesis, phage DNA synthesis does not occur after infection of restricting bacteria with T∗ phage except in the cells where restriction fails. The ability of permissive hosts to support replication of T∗ phage is not due to an initial glucosylation of the incoming nonglucosylated DNA.
Controls of sediment transport and deposition in an incised mainland marsh basin, southeastern North Carolina

Sedimentation on the surface of tidal marshes is a process that is controlled by the interactions of a complex set of variables. To adequately describe the patterns of sediment transport and deposition in any particular system requires extensive sampling of biological, physical, sedimentological, and geomorphological parameters. In this study, measurements of sediment deposition, marsh elevation, water level, total suspended solid (TSS) loads, overmarsh current speeds, and vegetative cover were used to determine which of these factors control sediment distribution patterns in a small marsh basin in southeastern North Carolina. The results of this study suggest that marsh elevation exerted significant control over deposition but that its effects were largely muted by other processes. Creek hydrology, sediment instability associated with areas of new creek development, plant/flow interactions, and tidal creek TSS concentrations also influenced sediment deposition in the study area. Flow patterns, resulting from the interaction between tidal stage and marsh topography, controlled the dispersal of particulate matter across the marsh surface and contributed to significant depositional differences among sampling sites as a function of tidal stage. The results of this study indicate that tidal creek geometry, creek channel position, and tidal stage interact synergistically to control sediment/particulate delivery on the surfaces of tidal wetlands.
Molecular hydrogen in interstellar dark clouds

A simplified H2 formation mechanism is proposed in which small interstellar grains furnish the reaction sites. This mechanism results in a maximum value for the rate constant of about 2 by 10 to the -18th power per cu cm/sec for dark clouds at 10 K. Also, the nascent molecules are ejected in excited states, in qualitative agreement with Copernicus observations. A time-dependent treatment of the chemical evolution of a dark cloud with little or no ionizing radiation shows that the clouds require more than 10 million years to achieve chemical equilibrium. The observed residual atomic hydrogen in several dark clouds suggests that the clouds are 1 to 10 million years old. Other consequences of the temporal cloud model are in accord with astronomical observations.
Updating the triangular factorization of a matrix

When one column of a square nonsingular matrix, say $B^0 $, is replaced by another, the Bartels–Golub update of the LU factors of $B^0 $ forms a product form representation that is suitable for the efficient solution of associated systems of linear equations. However, it does not update the factors so as to obtain (even implicitly) the LU factors of the new matrix. In this note an exceedingly simple modification of the Bartels–Golub technique that yields the true LU factors is described, and it is shown to be mathematically equivalent to the update (specifically the partial pivoting version) recently proposed by Fletcher and Matthews [Math. Programming, 30 (1984), pp. 267–284]. The other commonly used update, Forrest–Tomlin, is quite evidently a mathematical variant of the Bartels–Golub technique, so this result enables a common ground for the three major updating techniques of linear programming to be established.
Hybrid virtual prototype for analyzing cable shovel component stress

In this paper a hybrid virtual prototype is developed for analyzing the stress applied on cable shovel components by integrating flexible bodies into rigid multi-body model. The general mechanical system of the cable shovel is modeled as a seven-bar linkage with four degrees of freedom. The relevant theories applied for the dynamic model are described in terms of Lagrangian dynamics equation. The flexible body stress related to the body deformation is obtained by the dynamic equilibrium equation for a structural component based on the finite element method. A P&H 4100A cable shovel is used to validate the hybrid virtual prototype by loading the motions and loads on the model. Von Mises stress distributions of the boom, handle, hoist rope and sheave are visualized during cable shovel operation 3 sec. The results show that a high stress field is around the hoist rope. The maximum stress of 313.31 MPa occurs at node 441. By comparing the simulation results with reliability analysis results, the former is found to match well with the latter. Attention of this study is devoted to the mechanisms of damage of the cable shovel and also the critical high stress areas.
The reinforcement of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) interfaces using alternating copolymers

Asymmetric double cantilever beam studies are presented that document the ability of alternating copolymers to strengthen a polymer/polymer interface. For polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) interfaces, these results show that the alternating copolymer is the least effective sequence distribution of a linear copolymer at strengthening the polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) interface, where the copolymers that are compared all have similar molecular weight and composition. The results also demonstrate that the effect of copolymer molecular weight on the ability of the copolymer to strengthen an interface is controlled by the balance between the increased entanglements and decreased miscibility of the copolymer with the homopolymers with increasing molecular weight.
Climatology and Environmental Characteristics of Extreme Precipitation Events in the Southeastern United States

AbstractThis paper documents the characteristics of extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in the southeastern United States (SEUS) during 2002–11. The EPEs are identified by applying an object-based method to 24-h precipitation analyses from the NCEP stage-IV dataset. It is found that EPEs affected the SEUS in all months and occurred most frequently in the western portion of the SEUS during the cool season and in the eastern portion during the warm season. The EPEs associated with tropical cyclones, although less common, tended to be larger in size, more intense, and longer lived than “nontropical” EPEs. Nontropical EPEs in the warm season, relative to those in the cool season, tended to be smaller in size and typically involved more moist, conditionally unstable conditions but weaker dynamical influences. Synoptic-scale composites are constructed for nontropical EPEs stratified by the magnitude of vertically integrated water vapor transport (IVT) to examine distinct scenarios for the occurrence of EPEs. Th...
Industrial problem solving using infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy

Until recently photoacoustic detectors coupled to infrared spectrophotometers were low signal-to-noise devices. Often long acquisition times and low resolution were used in order to obtain any spectrum at all.
Toward Better Theories of the Policy Process

Any theory of the manner in which governmental policies get formulated and implemented, as well as the effects of those actions on the world, requires an understanding of the behavior of major types of governmental institutions (legislatures, courts, administrative agencies, chief executives), as well as the behavior of interest groups, the general public, and the media. The dominant paradigm of the policy process, the stages heuristic popularized by Jones (1970), Anderson (1975), and Peters (1986), has outlived its usefulness and must be replaced, in large part because it is not a causal theory. In the course of their empirical work, policy scholars have highlighted a number of phenomena that need to be incorporated into theories of the policy process. The development of such theories requires an integration ‘of both political scientists’ knowledge of specific institutions and behavior and policy scholars' attention to policy communities, substantive policy information, etc.Innovations by Policy Scholars in Understanding the Policy ProcessAt least since World War II, most political scientists have tended to focus on either a specific type of institution (legislatures, the presidency, courts, interest groups, administrative agencies, local governments, political parties) or on specific types of political behavior outside those institutions (public opinion, voting, political socialization). These have become the standard subfields within the discipline.In contrast, scholars interested in public policy have not been able to stay within these subfields because the policy process spans all of them. In the course of empirical work, policy scholars have highlighted a number of phenomena often neglected by political scientists without a policy focus:a) The importance of policy communities/networks/subsystems involving actors from numerous public and private institutions and from multiple levels of government;b) The importance of substantive policy information;c) The critical role of policy elites vis-a-vis the general public;d) The desirability of longitudinal studies of a decade or more;e) Differences in political behavior across policy types.
Can growth hormone (GH) accelerate aging? Evidence from GH-transgenic mice.

Overexpression of heterologous growth hormone (GH) in transgenic mice results in numerous phenotypic effects, including a drastically shortened life span. Early onset of pathological changes in the kidneys, glomerulosclerosis and glomerulonephritis, undoubtedly contributes to and perhaps accounts for reduced longevity of these animals. However, GH-transgenic mice exhibit various symptoms of accelerated aging, including increased astrogliosis, shortened reproductive life span, and early onset of age-related changes in cognitive function, hypothalamic neurotransmitter turnover, and plasma corticosterone levels. The hypothesis that supraphysiological levels of GH can accelerate aging derives indirect support from findings in GH-deficient and GH-resistant mutant mice in which aging is delayed and the life-span is increased and from the reciprocal relationship of body size and longevity within species.
The Vold-Sutherland and Eden models of cluster formation

Abstract Large clusters or flocs have been grown on the computer using the models introduced by Vold and Sutherland and by Eden. Some of the properties of these clusters have been analyzed and compared with the same properties of clusters grown using the diffusion limited growth process of Witten and Sander. For all three models the radius of gyration (Rg) is related to the number of particles in the cluster (N) by an expression of the form RgNβ (in the limit of large cluster sizes). In two-dimensional simulations the Eden (surface growth) model gives compact clusters with a radius of gyration exponent (β) very close to 1 2 . For the Vold-Sutherland (linear particle trajectory) model the exponent β has a value close to 1 2 for two-dimensional clusters and close to 1 3 for three-dimensional clusters, if they are sufficiently large. For the Witten-Sander model β is definitely larger than 1 2 in two dimensions ( ∼3 5 ) and larger than 1 3 in three dimensions ( ∼2 5 ). Other geometric properties of the clusters have been determined such as the density-density correlation function and the number of particles N(l) within a distance (l) of the center of mass. For the two dimensional Witten-Sander model the dependence of Rg on N1 the dependence of N(l) on l, and the density-density correlation function can be described in terms of a single parameter (the Hausdorff dimensionality—D). The significance of the Hausdorff dimensionality is outlined and the concept of Hausdorff dimensionality is used in the discussion of the structures generated using all three models.
Job satisfaction and life satisfaction: A profile analysis

The form of the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction was examined through a profile analysis of subgroups of respondents. Survey respondents were classified as high on job satisfaction and life satisfaction, low on job satisfaction and life satisfaction or in two intermediate categories (low on one, high on the other). Results of discriminant analysis indicated that the four subgroups could be systematically characterized by different profiles. Prediction of the subgroup in which an individual would be classified, based on the profile, was not highly reliable, however.
Fast cyclic solid phase transformations in shape memory alloys

Presented is a characterization of a novel phenomenon in shape-memory alloys experimentally observed in our laboratory. The observed phenomenon is a relatively fast cyclic solid phase transformation of elastically restrained SMA Nitinol wires subjected to cyclic pulses of voltage showing a maximum vibration frequency of about 13 Hz at which the amplitudes of oscillations become vanishingly small. However, our conclusion is that wider bandwidth for such vibrational solid phase transformations is possible under different types of restraining forces and heat transfer conditions. In our case free convection in air was the case. The observed meso-phases may very well be different combinations of Martensite and Austenite solid phases of shape memory alloys such as Nitinol. Our system was in the form of a parallel assembly of 0.8 mm diameter, 238 mm long Nitinol wires acquired from Dynaloy, Inc., circumscribed inside a helical compression spring with flat heads, end-capped by two parallel circular plates with embedded electrodes to which the ends of the SMA wires are secured. Thus, the wires can be electrically heated and subsequently contracted to compress the restraining helical spring back and forth. The question answered is; how fast a cyclic voltage can be applied to the system to induce cyclic Martensite-Austenite solid phase transformations. The answer appears to depend on the voltage pulse amplitude, its frequency, stress level in the wire bundle, ambient temperature, aerodynamic environment, and initial wire temperature. Regardless of the initial wire temperature, the equilibrium temperature set in the wires appears to have a value midway between the Martensitic transition temperature Ms and Austenitic transition temperature As. These vibrations appear to have potential for micro-electro- mechanical actuations and micro-robotic applications for biotechnological and medical uses. A mathematical model is also presented to simulate the electro-thermo-mechanics of such vibrational solid phase transformations. The proposed model takes into account all pertinent variables such as the strain (epsilon) , the temperature of the fibers T(t) as a function of time t, the abient temperature T0, the Martensite fraction (xi) , the helical compression spring constant k, the frictional effect and the coefficient of friction (mu) and the overall heat transfer coefficient h. Numerical simulations are then carried out and the results are compared with experimental observations.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phonon anomalies and elastic constants of cubic NiAl from first principles

The phonon dispersion relation of NiAl in the cubic B2 structure is calculated using ﬁrst-principles density-functional perturbation theory with pseudopotentials and a plane-wave basis set. Anomalies are present inacoustic branches along three major symmetry directions: G-X, G-M, and G-R, with the positions being inexcellent agreement with experiment. Analysis of the Fermi surface and the generalized susceptibility showsthat these are Kohn anomalies. Overall, the computed phonon frequencies signiﬁcantly decrease with increas-ing lattice parameter. This unusual sensitivity is attributed to a two-dimensional van Hove singularity in theelectronic density of states near the Fermi level. The phonon dispersion is compared with that of B2 NiTi, andthe origin of phonon anomalies in the high-temperature phase is found to be different in the two systems.DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.70.064301 PACS number(s): 63.20.Dj, 71.18.1y, 71.20.BeI. INTRODUCTION
GEOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS IN THE INCIDENCE OF ABDOMINAL WALL BIRTH DEFECTS IN OHIO. • 1605

Birth certificate data of all 482,842 infants born in Ohio to Ohio residents in 1991-1993 were analyzed. Of 114 infants coded as having abdominal wall birth defects (gastroschisis or omphalocele) 25 infants with complex additional birth defects were excluded. Incidence by county of maternal residence was then plotted for the remaining 89 infants. The overall incidence was 1:5425 live births; no racial difference in incidence was found.
Notes on two sample tests for partially correlated (paired) data

We provide several methods to compare two Gaussian distributed means in the two sample location problems under the assumption of partially dependent observations. Simulation studies indicate that our test procedure is frequently more powerful than other methods depending on the ratio of the unpaired data and the strength and direction of the correlation between the two variables. The tests used in our comparative study are illustrated with an example based on data from a small gynecological study.
40Ar/'39Ar mineral ages within the Western Gneiss Terrane, Troms, Norway: evidence for polyphase Proterozoic tectonothermal activity (svecokarilian and sveconorwegian)

Abstract Hornblende concentrates from units of the Western Gneiss Terrane exposed on Kvaloy and northeastern Senja, Troms, Norway, display variably discordant 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age spectra. They suggest a complex Precambrian tectonothermal evolution involving: (1) middle Proterozoic (∼ 1700–1800 Ma) partial rejuvenation of older (> 2000 Ma) intracrystalline argon systems; and (2) variable rejuvenation of argon systems by a late Proterozoic tectonothermal event. Samples completely rejuvenated during the lastest event record plateau isotope correlation ages of 941 ± 6 Ma and 916 ± 5 Ma. There is no record of any Caledonian rejuvenation in the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar results. This contrasts markedly with southwestern Senja where previously reported 40 Ar/ 39 Ar mineral ages indicate a penetrative, polyphase Caledonian history. This indicates that the intervening Svanfiellet shear zone may have profound tectonic significance. The record of late Proterozoic tectonothermal history provided by the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar results suggests that at least local sectors of the Western Gneiss Terrane must be comprised of relatively high-level Caledonian structural units, which include elements of Baltic continental crust derived west (present reference) of the Sveconorwegian-Grenville ‘front’ extrapolated from southern Scandinavia.
Predictors of Male and Female Servers' Average Tip Earnings

Tips represent a substantial portion of restaurant waiters' and waitresses' incomes. We report a study that examines several potential predictors of the differences in servers' average tip earnings. Our results indicate that servers earn larger average sales-adjusted tips if they are attractive females, better service providers, and high self-monitors. However, these effects hold up only for evening tips. None of the variables in this study predicted servers' average lunch tips. The methodological, theoretical, and managerial implications of these findings are discussed.
Measurement of process-induced strains in composite materials using embedded fiber optic sensors

This paper presents the results of experiments to measure the internal strains and temperatures that are generated in graphite/epoxy composite specimens during processing using embedded fiber optic strain sensors and thermocouples. Measurements of strain and temperature, combined with a computational model, offer the potential for non-destructive, real-time determination of residual stress in composites, and may be useful for process monitoring and control. Extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer, Bragg grating strain sensors, and thermocouples were embedded in graphite/epoxy composite laminates prior to cure. The specimens were cured in a press, and the internal strains and temperatures developed during processing were monitored and recorded. The results are compared with expected values, and limitations of the experimental technique are discussed.
How Do HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Prevent Stroke?

Stroke is a heterogeneous disorder with significantly high morbidity and mortality. The relationship between serum cholesterol level and the incidence of stroke remains controversial. Recent evidence from primary and secondary prevention trials suggests that treatment with hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors may reduce the incidence of stroke in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In this review, we attempt to outline and describe the potential mechanisms of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in the prevention of stroke. In addition to their lipid-lowering action HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors appear to exert their beneficial effects by various nonlipid-lowering mechanisms including anti-inflammatory effects, effect on endothelial function and coagulation cascade. Treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is associated with decreased progression, plaque stablization and even regression of atheromatous plaque in the carotid arteries. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors also inhibit the coagulation cascade at various levels such as activation of prothrombin, factor V, factor X and liberation of tissue factor in response to vascular injury. Inhibition of fibrinolysis occurs secondary to inhibition of plasmin generation. Pravastatin therapy is associated with a reduction in the size of aortic atheroma which is an independent risk factor for stroke. Lastly, left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of stroke and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may indirectly decrease the incidence of stroke by reducing coronary events. Most of these effects are independent of the cholesterol-lowering effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In conclusion, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may have a role in primary prevention of stroke in patients with CAD.
Correction of normal mode frequencies and amplitudes for the effect of spheroidal-toroidal coupling

SUMMARY Expressions are developed for the frequencies and amplitudes of spheroidal and toroidal modes, taking into account the rotational coupling between modes nSl - nTl+1. and nSl - nTl-1. Starting from quasi-degenerate perturbation theory, we derive coupled wave equations which clearly show the additional restoring force due to Coriolis coupling. We employ the subspace projection method to obtain asymptotic expressions for the perturbed amplitudes and frequencies, accurate to first order in coupling strength e and zeroth order in 1/l. The resulting expressions may be used to correct free oscillation amplitudes and frequencies in the fundamental Coriolis coupled band for the spheroidal-toroidal coupling. Data examples using preferentially aligned source-receiver paths verify the predicted patterns of amplitude and frequency perturbations.
Short- and long-term costs of laparoscopic colectomy are significantly less than open colectomy

The financial impact of laparoscopic colectomy remains poorly defined. We report the short-term costs of laparoscopic colectomy (LC) as compared with open colectomy (OC) in a high-volume tertiary care hospital, and are the first to incorporate the costs of late, colectomy-related complications in an analysis of long-term costs. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic (n = 76) or open (n = 162) colon resection between January 2004 and December 2006 was performed. Primary endpoints were total hospital cost of the index admission and total hospital cost for any subsequent admission for treatment of a colectomy-related complication. Two-hundred thirty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. Mean total hospital cost was significantly greater for patients undergoing OC (US $17,686 per patient versus US $14,518, P = 0.0003). Mean total operative costs were equivalent (US $7,451 OC versus US $7,794 LC, P = 0.274). Average length of stay was shorter for LC (5.2 versus 6.9 days, P < 0.0001). Late complication rates were 5.6% (OC) and 2.6% (LC). Integrating the cost of late complications further increased the disparity between the total cost of OC (US $18,296 per patient, 3.4% increase) as compared with LC (US $14,789, 1.9% increase). We demonstrate both short- and long-term financial benefits of LC in a high-volume tertiary care hospital.
A comparative evaluation of expert system tools

The results of an assessment of the functionality and performance of tools with different architectural approaches are presented. The goal was to gain insight into the advantages and disadvantages of the various architectures. The tools evaluated in the study were (1) the Automated Reasoning Tool for Information Management (ARTIM), (2) the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS), (3) the Knowledge Engineering System (KES), (4) Level 5, and (5) VAX OPS5. Emphasis was on tools implemented in languages other than Lisp. KES and Level 5 were found to be inadequate for an application that required constructive problem solving, but both tools could be expected to provide improved performance for problems based on a heuristic classification approach due to their backward-chaining orientation. On the other hand, ART-IM, CLIPS, and VAX OPS5 might prove less effective for heuristic classification problem solving than for synthesis because they lack support for backward chaining. The results reinforce the fact that all expert system tools have strengths and weaknesses and that no single tool is dominant for a wide spectrum of applications or over a wide range of functionality. >
Developmental maturation of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor channel complex in postnatal rat brain.

Abstract The N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays an important role in developmental plasticity. Previous studies have reported differences between the NMDA receptor-channel complex in the rat pup brain and the adult brain. In the present study, modulation of the NMDA channel complex as a function of age was measured to determine when the temporal switching of the NMDA receptor from the immature form to the adult mature form takes place. [3H]MK-801 binding was measured in the rat forebrain from postnatal day 1 to day 21. Our data suggest the presence of two types of NMDA receptors — an immature type and a mature type. The immature NMDA receptor, seen during the early postnatal period (day 1–day 14) is highly sensitive to spermidine, l -glutamate alone potentiates [3H]MK-801 binding, and glycine failed to potentiate an l -glutamate-induced increase in [3H]MK-801 binding. During the late postnatal period (after day 14) spermidine alone did not increase [3H]MK-801 binding as potently as it did during the early postnatal period, high-affinity [3H]MK-801 binding was not seen in the presence of l -glutamate alone, and l -glutamate and glycine or l -glutamate and spermidine or l -glutamate, glycine and spermidine together, significantly increased [3H]MK-801 binding in a manner similar to that reported in the adult brain. Together, the pharmacology of the NMDA receptor during the early postnatal period differs from the adult-like receptor seen during the late postnatal period, and that in rats the apparent switching of the NMDA receptor from the immature type to the mature type takes place after the second postnatal week.
Determination of wheat nitrogen status with a hand‐held chlorophyll meter: Influence of management practices 1

Abstract The nitrogen (N) status of wheat at specific growth stages has potential in predicting yield goals and supplemental N fertilizer requirements but there is a need for a simple and reliable method for field determination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) N status under different management schemes. This field study was conducted for two seasons (1989–90 and 1990–91) on a Norfolk sl (fine‐loamy, siliceous thermic Typic Kandiudults) in east‐central Alabama. Treatment variables were tillage, fungicide and N rate. Tillage treatments were disk/harrow or paraplow. Fungicide treatments were no fungicide or propiconazole (Tilt®) applied at Feekes growth stage (GS) 8. Nitrogen rates were a 0‐N control and 45, 90, 134, or 179 kg N/ha applied in a two‐way split with 22.5 kg N/ha applied at planting and the remainder applied in mid‐February. Whole plant samples at GS 3 and 5, and flag leaf samples at GS 10.51 were analyzed for N; a hand‐held meter was used to measure chlorophyll concentrations at these sampling ...
Controlled sensory input: a note on the technic of drug evaluation with a preliminary report on a comparative study of sernyl, psilocybin, and LSD-25.

Summary Sensory attenuation, a modified form of sensory deprivation where sensory inputs are controlled, is described as a method useful for the study of drug responses. The above is a preliminary report about a comparative study, using this technic, of the following three psychotomimetic drugs: o 1. Sernyl 1—(1-phenylcyclohexyl) piperidine monohydrochloride (May and Baker CI395) 2. Psilocybin, a tryptamine derivative: isolated active principle of Psilocybe Mexicana Heim, a Mexican mushroom. (Sandoz) 3. LSD-25, D. lysergic acid diethylamide. (Sandoz)
The Personal Organization of Electronic Mail Messages in a Business Environment: An Exploratory Study

Abstract In the business world, electronic mail (e-mail) has emerged as a widely used communication tool for transmitting knowledge between managers. As a result, these messages will require organization should future access to this trapped knowledge be expected and desired. A manager's e-mail classification scheme should be logically constructed in anticipation of future need, but future need may be driven by the information needs of other people within the organization such as superiors or subordinates. This researcher explored the nature of e-mail classification and documented the emergence of a high utility, multi-stage, classification process. The resulting framework consists of four categories that help explain how managers classify business-related e-mail. The first category reflects the immediate needs of the manager and the behavior of establishing relationships between messages. The second category reflects the manager's use of the in-box as a crude task-manager. The third category aligns with the manager's interest in scanning the environment. The fourth category reflects the managers perceived future need for the captured knowledge. The subjects rejected automatic classification and preferred an enumerative scheme. The researcher illustrates how the results of this study align with Marco and Navarro's three stage cognitive process that leads to stored knowledge (On some contributions of the cognitive sciences and epistemology to a theory of classification, Knowledge Organization, 20(3), 126–132). The cognitive processes that underlie classification are an essential component in understanding knowledge organization and have remained in focus during this study.