cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An explicit numerical model for the study of snow's response to explosive air blast

Abstract In this paper, an analytic tool is used to examine the internal dynamic snow response during explosive events. An explicit nonlinear dynamic model (using ANSYS/AUTODYN) is presented where the explosion, shock propagation through air and snow response is simulated in a single analysis. This versatile approach handles the complex interactions from explosive events and solids, gases and liquids. Nonlinear interactions and responses are modeled during the detonation and subsequent propagation. The model predicts internal structural response during explosive events, including important parameters such as stress, strain, density changes, velocity and acceleration. Snow shock Hugoniots are used for volumetric constitutive relationships with the deviatoric relationships modeled as linear elastic. The analysis shows stress waves in the snow resulting from the explosive shock wave traveling over the surface. While the normal load transits the weak layer, a shear stress wave concentrated above the weak layer develops. The intensity at depth and lateral extent of the stress wave may be an important consideration for initiating avalanches with explosives. Examples with charges on and above the snow surface support the well known air burst advantage, but also show that the dynamic enhancement is not due to peak air pressure alone. Results for two explosive configurations support enhanced dynamic response with increased air pressure impulse, providing further insight into the suspended charge advantage. Charge size is briefly examined with larger explosives providing an advantage in stress wave intensity and range. Various snowpack configurations and explosive charges with variable locations can be examined with this approach. The analytic approach provides a tool for future detailed examination of critical avalanche control parameters.
Unusual withanolides from aeroponically grown Withania somnifera

In an attempt to maximize production and the structural diversity of plant metabolites, the effect of growing the medicinal plant Withania somnifera under soil-less aeroponic conditions on its ability to produce withaferin A and withanolides was investigated. It resulted in the isolation and characterization of two compounds, 3α-(uracil-1-yl)-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (1) and 3β-(adenin-9-yl)-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (2), in addition to 10 known withanolides including 2,3-dihydrowithaferin A-3β-O-sulfate. 3β-O-Butyl-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (3), presumably an artifact formed from withaferin A during the isolation process was also encountered. Reaction of withaferin A with uracil afforded 1 and its epimer, 3β-(uracil-1-yl)-2,3-dihydrowithaferin A (4). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their high resolution mass and NMR spectroscopic data.
Noise and superfluid turbulence in He II: Theory

Noise may be used as a probe of the dynamics of a nonlinear system. Weak noise provides information on the local dynamics near a transition. This information can be helpful for identifying the underlying bifurcation. The normal form of the bifurcation can then be used as a starting point for a phenomenological model of the system. Such an approach furnishes a unified explanation of the experimental data near the transition between superfluid turbulent states TI and TII in liquid helium counterflow. Strong external noise probes global features of the nonlinearities of a system. It may also dramatically affect the dynamical behavior of the system and give rise to noise-induced transitions. The problems of modeling this phenomenon in the liquid helium counterflow system are discussed and a first model, providing a unified description of the experimental observations for weak and strong noise, is developed.
Epidural Stimulation : Comparison of the Spinal Circuits That Generate and Control Locomotion in Rats, Cats and Humans

Although epidural stimulation is a technique that has been used for a number of years to treat individuals with a spinal cord injury, the intended outcome has been to suppress plasticity and pain. Over the last decade considerable progress has been made in realizing the potential of epidural stimulation to facilitate posture and locomotion in subjects with severe spinal cord injury who lack the ability to stand or to step. This progress has resulted primarily from experiments with mice, rats and cats having a complete spinal cord transection at a mid-thoracic level and in humans with a complete spinal cord injury. This review describes some of these experiments performed after the complete elimination of supraspinal input that demonstrates that the circuitry necessary to control remarkably normal locomotion appears to reside within the lumbosacral region of the spinal cord. These experiments, however, also demonstrate the essential role of processing proprioceptive information associated with weight-bearing stepping or standing by the spinal circuitry. For example, relatively simple tonic signals provided to the dorsum of the spinal cord epidurally can result in complex and highly adaptive locomotor patterns. Experiments emphasizing a significant complementary effect of epidural stimulation when combined with pharmacological facilitation, e.g., serotonergic agonists, and/or chronic step training also are described. Finally, a major point emphasized in this review is the striking similarity of the lumbosacral circuitry controlling locomotion in the rat and in the human.
Argumentation as core curriculum

We report on an extended effort to introduce and evaluate argumentation as a stand-alone component of the middle-school curriculum. The dialogic-focused curriculum continued over two school years and from a research perspective benefitted from the availability of a closely-matched comparison group who participated in a parallel but non-dialogic curriculum. Following previous reports of success of the curriculum in developing both dialogic and individual argument skills, we report on results for a new cohort of middle-school students that focus on gains occurring after the first year, specifically in the use of evidence to support and to weaken claims. After two years of twice-weekly participation, students were more likely to support claims with evidence, relative to a comparison group. They continued to show difficulty, however, in using evidence to weaken claims. In addition, participants were more likely to draw on evidence from their own knowledge when debating peers than when writing an individual essay.
Congenital aural fistula.

Summary Congenital aural fistula represents a frequently overlooked hereditary defect which becomes of clinical importance when local infection occurs. In cases of swelling or abscesses of or near the ear, physicians would do well to investigate the possible presence of congenital auricular sinuses and fistulas in order to insure proper and successful treatment.
Delayed Neutrons from 15.5-sec Br 88

A description is given of a gas-flow system which permits quick chemical isolation of bromine fission fragments. By use of this system, ${\mathrm{Br}}^{88}$ was found to be a delayed-neutron precursor resulting from the fission of ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$. The half-life measured by neutron counting is 15.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 sec, in agreement with that previously measured for ${\mathrm{Br}}^{88}$ by radiochemical techniques. It is a relatively abundant source of delayed neutrons, producing per fission 3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.5 times the number of neutrons in the 54-sec group having ${\mathrm{Br}}^{87}$ as a precursor. ${\mathrm{Br}}^{88}$ is the first definitely established case of a delayed-neutron precursor of odd proton and odd neutron number. Qualitative arguments are given to show that such nuclei are about as likely to be delayed-neutron precursors as are those of odd $Z$ and even $N$, although only the latter have been reported previously.
Why is the neurobiology of nausea and vomiting so important

Nausea and vomiting are important as biological systems for drug side effects, disease co-morbidities, and defenses against food poisoning. Vomiting can serve the function of emptying a noxious chemical from the gut, and nausea appears to play a role in a conditioned response to avoid ingestion of offending substances. The sensory pathways for nausea and vomiting, such as gut and vestibular inputs, are generally defined but the problem of determining the brain's final common pathway and central pattern generator for nausea and vomiting is largely unsolved. A neurophysiological analysis of brain pathways provides an opportunity to more closely determine the neurobiology of nausea and vomiting and its prodromal signs (e.g., cold sweating, salivation).
Exploring variation in teenage mothers' and fathers' educational attainment.

A 5% increase in the U.S. teenage birthrate between 2005 and 2007 brought renewed focus to the issue of teenage childbearing,1 and an estimated 18% of all teenage girls will give birth before age 20.2 The large and growing body of literature on teenage childbearing generally focuses on one of two areas: preventing teenage pregnancy or documenting its consequences for young people and their families. This study falls into the second category, but it does not take the usual route of comparing teenage parents with their childless peers. Instead, it examines differences among young parents, using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS) to explore which teenage parents finish high school and which do not. This question is an important and conceptually distinct one, whose answers should lead to preliminary recommendations for policies targeting teenage parents.
MTI Clutter Locking for Arbitrary Clutter Spectral Shapes

Clutter-locking criteria for various types of cancellers and clutter spectra are discussed. It is shown that the proper locking criterion for general asymmetric clutter spectra is different from that applicable to those spectra which have even symmetry or are very narrow.
Particulate air quality model predictions using prognostic vs. diagnostic meteorology in central California

Abstract Comparisons were made between three sets of meteorological fields used to support air quality predictions for the California Regional Particulate Air Quality Study (CRPAQS) winter episode from December 15, 2000 to January 6, 2001. The first set of fields was interpolated from observations using an objective analysis method. The second set of fields was generated using the WRF prognostic model without data assimilation. The third set of fields was generated using the WRF prognostic model with the four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) technique. The UCD/CIT air quality model was applied with each set of meteorological fields to predict the concentrations of airborne particulate matter and gaseous species in central California. The results show that the WRF model without data assimilation over-predicts surface wind speed by ∼30% on average and consequently yields under-predictions for all PM and gaseous species except sulfate (S(VI)) and ozone(O3). The WRF model with FDDA improves the agreement between predicted and observed wind and temperature values and consequently yields improved predictions for all PM and gaseous species. Overall, diagnostic meteorological fields produced more accurate air quality predictions than either version of the WRF prognostic fields during this episode. Population-weighted average PM2.5 exposure is 40% higher using diagnostic meteorological fields compared to prognostic meteorological fields created without data assimilation. These results suggest diagnostic meteorological fields based on a dense measurement network are the preferred choice for air quality model studies during stagnant periods in locations with complex topography.
The Future of Online Gambling in the United States and Elsewhere

Abstract This article examines the current economic characteristics of online gambling and the implications of current U.S. policies to prohibit its emergence. The author discusses online gambling’s fundamental economic, political, and legal dimensions, as well as its current institutional setting. The present U.S. strategy is intended to marginalize online gambling, purportedly because of concerns about adverse social impacts. However, because of actions abroad to create legal regulatory regimes to govern online gambling, and because the Internet is becoming increasingly worldwide, U.S. attempts to prohibit online gambling are likely to be futile in the long run.
Chronic potassium depletion induces renal injury, salt sensitivity, and hypertension in young rats.

Chronic potassium depletion induces renal injury, salt sensitivity, and hypertension in young rats. Background Chronic hypokalemia has been associated with renal hypertrophy, interstitial disease, and hypertension in both adult animals and humans. However, the effects of potassium (K + ) depletion on the rapidly growing infant have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of severe chronic dietary K + depletion on blood pressure (BP) and renal structural changes in young rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats (50 ± 5g) were fed either a control or a potassium-deficient diet ( + ) for 14 to 21 days. At the end of this period, the blood pressure (BP) was measured in all rats, and six rats in each group were sacrificed to determine changes in renal histology and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity. The remaining rats in each group were then switched to a high-salt (6% NaCl)-normal-K + (0.5%) diet or were continued on their respective control or K + -deficient diet for an additional six days. Blood pressure measurements were done every three days until the end of the study. Results K + -depleted animals had significant growth retardation and increased RAS activity, manifested by high plasma renin activity, recruitment of renin-producing cells along the afferent arterioles, and down-regulation of angiotensin II receptors in renal glomeruli and ascending vasa rectae. K + -depleted kidneys also showed tubulointerstitial injury with tubular cell proliferation, osteopontin expression, macrophage infiltration, and early fibrosis. At week 2, K + -depleted rats had higher systolic BP than control rats. Switching to a high-salt (6% NaCl)-normal-K + diet resulted in further elevation of systolic BP in K + -depleted rats, which persisted even after the serum K + was normalized. Conclusion Dietary potassium deficiency per se increases the BP in young rats and induces salt sensitivity that may involve at least two different pathogenic pathways: increased RAS activity and induction of tubulointerstitial injury.
Three approaches to spectral-spatial EPR imaging

Abstract Spectral-spatial EPR imaging provides the EPR spectrum as a function of position in the sample. Three approaches were examined: (1) complete set of 64 projections and spectral window that encompasses the full spectrum, (2) complete set of 64 projections and spectral window that does not encompass the full spectrum, and (3) 60 experimental projections and 4 estimated projections with a spectral width that encompasses the full spectrum. Options (2) and (3) permit imaging of wider spectra than option (1) without the loss of spatial resolution that would result with option (1).
Thermovibrational convection in a vertical cylinder

Abstract We have completed a study of thermovibrational convection in a vertical, cylindrical cavity for Rayleigh numbers, Ra , of 0, 10 4 and 10 5 , and vibrational Grashof numbers, Gr v of 10 5 and 10 6 . Results indicate that vibrational convection greatly increases heat transfer rates over the unmodulated case-by 7–15% at Gr v = 10 5 and by 50–65% at Gr v = 10 6 . The observed resonant frequencies seem to agree reasonably well with the predictions given by the resonance frequency expression derived by Fu and Shieh [Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer 35, 1695–1710 (1992)]. However, this equation has been modified to include the effect of a static gravitational component and this modified equation appears to give better results when Ra and Gr v are roughly comparable in magnitude.
Vasopressin antagonism: potential impact on neurologic disease.

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder frequently associated with central nervous system (CNS) diseases, neurosurgical procedures, and the use of neurotropic drugs. The clinical manifestations of hyponatremia are attributable to an increase in brain water content that occurs in response to a decrease in serum osmolality. Hyponatremia triggers adaptive processes in the brain to limit this cerebral swelling, but a rapid fall in serum [Na + ] may overwhelm this adaptive mechanism. Patients with hyponatremia for more than 48 hours are at risk for developing osmotic demyelination when overly rapid correction of hyponatremia restores serum osmolality before this adaptive process can be reversed. The infusion of hypertonic saline for the restoration of serum [Na + ] should therefore be carefully controlled to avoid this potentially devastating complication. Other options currently available for the treatment of hyponatremia, including strict restriction of fluid intake, are limited by their inconsistent response, poor tolerability, and frequent adverse effects. Arginine vasopressin (AVP)-receptor antagonists promote aquaresis (electrolyte-sparing excretion of free water) by blocking the antidiuretic action of the hormone at the level of the collecting ducts. In clinical trials, AVP-receptor antagonists increased serum [Na + ] in patients with euvolemic or hypervolemic hyponatremia associated with various conditions, including syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Patients who have neurologic disease with SIADH-related hyponatremia may be good candidates for treatment with AVP-receptor antagonists. Careful assessment of intravascular volume status before initiation of therapy and strict monitoring of the serum [Na + ] during treatment are necessary to avoid complications.
Ada System Dependency Analyzer tool

A major thrust of modern software engineering methods, languages, and tools is to promote software visibility and to present information about the underlying software architecture. With large, complex software systems, automated tools are indispensable for identifying the architectural components, the structure that interconnects them, and other subtle dependencies. This article describes the construction of an Ada System Dependency Analyzer (SDA), a software architecture analysis tool that generates a quantitative snapshot of an Ada application's software architecture. The SDA can process thousands of Ada source files during a single run and report on them as a group of files comprising a single Ada system. Our SDA tool identifies Ada source code dependencies on COTS products such as operating systems, compilers, the X Window System, and on routines written in other languages, and can thus predict software portability and reliability problems. It rapidly and accurately processes 24,000 lines of code per minute (a time-consuming, if not impossible, operation if done manually) and has successfully processed more than seven million lines of code in eight complex systems. Although originally developed for Ada, our methods and the technology we adopted will let us construct analogous tools for other programming languages such as C, C++, Cobol; and PL/I. >
An experimental model and automated methodology for the analysis of the effects of ambient levels of air pollutants on the lung

This article discusses a series of studies designed to develop and automate a method for quantitation of type II pneumocyte populations of the lung and their changes in response to 2 ppm NO"2 exposure. The validity and sensitivity of the automated approach were strongly supported by high correlations between manual and automated cell counts (r>0.8, P<10^-^6) and between their respective baselines -numbers of alveoli and alveolar wall area (r=0.56, P<.002)-as well as by the automated detection of significant hypertrophy of type II cells following the NO"2 exposure (P<.025). The speed and versitility of the automated image analyzer create the capability for a comprehensive quantitation of the lungs at the cellular level, and the methodology as used could be applied immediately to the study of tissue loss and emphysema, and to the establishment of air quality standards through the measurement of cell population alterations.
Multiple-antenna interference channel with receive antenna joint processing and real interference alignment

We consider a constant K-user Gaussian interference channel with M antennas at each transmitter and N antennas at each receiver, denoted as a (K, M, N) channel. Relying on a result on simultaneous Diophantine approximation, a real interference alignment scheme with joint receive antenna processing is developed. The scheme is used to provide new proofs for two previously known results, namely 1) the total degrees of freedom (DoF) of a (K, N, N) channel is NK/2; and 2) the total DoF of a (K, M, N) channel is at least KMN/(M+N). We also derive the DoF region of the (K, N, N) channel, and an inner bound on the DoF region of the (K, M, N) channel.
Mixing Small Volumes for Continuous High-Throughput Flow Cytometry: Performance of a Mixing Y and Peristaltic Sample Delivery

Background Online mixing for continuous high-throughput flow cytometry has not been previously described. A simple, general high-throughput method for mixing and delivery of submicroliter volumes in laminar flow at low Reynolds numbers would be widely useful. Materials and Methods We describe a micromixing approach that is compatible with commercial autosamplers, flow cytometry, and other detection schemes that require mixing of components that have been introduced into laminar flow. The scheme is based on a previous approach to high-throughput flow cytometry (HyperCyt™, Kuckuck et al.: Cytometry 44:83–90, 2001). We showed that samples from multiwell plates that have been picked up by an autosampler can be separated during delivery by the small air bubbles introduced during the transit of the autosampler probe from well to well. Here, a particle sample flowing continuously is brought together in a Y with reagent samples from wells, which have been separated by bubbles. Results In the effluent stream, the particles and reagents are mixed, most likely as a result of peristaltic action, and reagents from individual wells can be resolved. The sample volumes that can be mixed with this technology are submicroliter in volume, and samples can be mixed at rates up to at least 100/samples per minute. With the current device, carryover between samples can be eliminated if the mixing system is flushed with several volumes of buffer. The anticipated throughput for screening is expected to be at least 20 samples per minute. Conclusions The high-throughput approach and peristaltic mixing in HyperCyt™ serve to integrate autosamplers with submicroliter detection volumes for analysis in flow cytometry or in microfluidic channels. Cytometry 47:183–191, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Oral tolerance in a murine model of relapsing experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU): induction of protective tolerance in primed animals

Oral administration of uveitogenic retinal antigens suppresses the expression of EAU induced by a subsequent immunization with these antigens. Effectiveness and mechanisms of oral tolerance in EAU have mainly been studied in the acute, monophasic model in Lewis rats by feeding antigen prior to induction of disease. In this study we investigated the effect of oral tolerance induction in the acute as well as the chronic-relapsing models in the B10.A mouse. In acute murine EAU we could effectively suppress disease by induction of oral tolerance prior to immunization. In the chronic-relapsing EAU, antigen feeding was started only after the animals had recovered from their first attack of uveitis. Under these experimental conditions the subsequent relapse was largely prevented. These experiments demonstrate that oral tolerance may have practical clinical implications in uveitis, which is predominantly a chronic-relapsing condition in humans.
Variables Affecting High School Students’ Perceptions of School Foodservice

Abstract Objective To determine if student satisfaction with high school foodservice is directly related to participation in the foodservice. Design A valid and reliable survey was conducted in a variety of classes such as English, history, and health science in grades 9 through 12, representing students aged 13 through 19 years. Students were asked 38 questions concerning variety of food, food quality, foodservice staff, aesthetics of the serving and dining area, and demographics. Subjects/setting The study was conducted with 1,823 students from 9 schools representing 4 geographic regions. Statistical analysis Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine the independent variables (attributes desired by the students) that most highly correlated with the dependent variable (satisfaction with the school foodservice overall). Results Variables most highly correlated with overall satisfaction were variety of food offered, flavor of food, attractiveness of food on the serving line, staff smiling and greeting students, quality of food choices, choices that allow students to meet cultural and ethnic preferences, courteousness of the staff, and quality of ingredients. Variety of food offered was the best predictor of satisfaction. A statistically significant difference was found ( P Applications School foodservice and nutrition programs are critically important for providing nutrition to millions of our future leaders. Today it is not enough to prepare healthful, good-tasting food. High school students are sophisticated and are exposed at an early age to a variety of dining experiences including fast foods, ethnic cuisine, and fine dining. These factors have influenced the attributes students use to evaluate school foodservice. To maintain participation levels and financial stability, school foodservice professionals should evaluate student satisfaction with food quality, variety, and other variables that affect overall satisfaction and participation. These data may then be incorporated into continuous quality improvement and strategic planning. Marketing must be incorporated into the strategic plan to influence student participation. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:1424–1428,1431 .
Efficiency and costs in education: year-round versus traditional schedules

Abstract This study explores the cost savings (efficiency) of a year-round schedule versus a traditional 9-month schedule for schools in Clark County, Nevada. Unlike many previous studies, the cost of real estate capital is included in the estimated cost functions. The sample includes 115 elementary schools, 26 with a year-round schedule, and the study finds that this schedule not only produces efficiencies in the cost of capital area but also in other areas such as operations. These efficiencies are evident after taking into account the usual average daily attendance, test performance scores, and socioeconomic variables that are customarily used in such studies. The existence and size of efficiencies discovered in this study have implications for those school districts that face a rapidly growing student population.
Serum CA19-9 response as a surrogate for clinical outcome in patients receiving fixed-dose rate gemcitabine for advanced pancreatic cancer

The use of serial serum measurements of the carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) to guide treatment decisions and serve as a surrogate end point in clinical trial design requires further validation. We investigated whether CA19-9 decline represents an accurate surrogate for survival and time to treatment failure (TTF) in a cohort of 76 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer receiving fixed-dose rate gemcitabine in three separate studies. Statistically significant correlations between percentage CA19-9 decline and both overall survival and TTF were found, with median survival ranging from 12.0 months for patients with the greatest degree of biomarker decline (> 75%) compared with 4.3 months in those whose CA19-9 did not decline during therapy (P or = 25% decline in CA19-9 during treatment had significantly better outcomes than those who did not (median survival and TTF of 9.6 and 4.6 months vs 4.4 and 1.5 months; P < 0.001). Similar results were seen using both 50 and 75% as cutoff points. We conclude that serial CA19-9 measurements correlate well with clinical outcomes in this patient population, and that decline in this biomarker should be entertained for possible use as a surrogate end point in clinical trials for the selection of new treatments in this disease.
A Retropharyngeal Mass in a Young Boy

Ayoungboywasnotedduring routineadenotonsillectomytohave a large firm mass in the posteriolateral pharyngeal wall and was referredtoatertiarymedicalcenter.Postoperatively,hedevelopedmild velopharyngeal insufficiency.Onflexibleendoscopy,theposteriorpharyngeal mass was clearly visible. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) oftheneckrevealeda3 × 2 × 1-cmfusiformlesionattachedtothemedial aspect of the left carotid space, extending to the midline retropharyngealspaceatthe levelofC2toC4(Figure,A).Themassshowed homogenous enhancementwith gadolinium contrast (not shown). The patient was taken to the operating room, and a transoral approach via horizontal incision in the level of orohypopharynx was performed. The firm encapsulated mass was easily identified and dissected free from surrounding tissue (Figure, B). The mass showed a narrow extension to the carotid space. On gross examination, the mass was firm and encapsulated. Hematoxylin-eosin–stained slides at low power (original magnification ×40) revealed a Schwannian-like background of eosinophilic, spindle-shaped cells (Figure, C). At higher power (original magnification ×100), clusters of well-differentiated ganglion cells with large round nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and granular basophilic Nissle substance (endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes present in the cytoplasm of neural cells) were seen (Figure, D). Postoperatively, the patient was noted to have unilateral mild drooping of his eyelid, and his left pupil was constricted (yet responded to light) on the side of the resected lesion. Repeated MRI 6 months later showed no recurrence. What is your diagnosis? A B
The Supreme Court, Critical Nominations, and the Senate Confirmation Process

This study demonstrates all nominations to the U.S. Supreme Court are not equal. I focus on nominations which are "critical" in the sense that, if successful, they would result in important shifts in partisan coalitions on the Court, and, as a consequence, are of considerable importance so far as the policy outcomes of that institution are concerned. An empirical test of the impact of critical nominations clearly demonstrates the importance of the nature of the vacancy in confirmation outcomes. While almost half of the critical nominations to the Court have failed, the model shows nominations outside this category are 12 times more likely to be confirmed by the Senate. Furthermore, the success of the model in predicting nomination outcomes suggests the notion of critical nominations fills a large gap in our understanding of the dynamics of the confirmation process. The model correctly predicts 94% of successful nominations and an impressive 74% of those nominations that have failed. When the model is appl...
Heat flow in atomized metal droplets

The solidification of spherical droplets with a discrete melting temperature is analyzed using an enthalpy model. Equations describing the cooling of the initially superheated liquid droplet and a numerical heat flow model for its subsequent solidification are presented. Important parameters like times for initiation and completion of solidification, cooling rates and interface velocities in aluminum, iron, and nickel are related to the process variables governing the rate of heat extraction from the droplets. The analysis is performed for the range of Biot numbers of practical interest where Newtonian cooling models are not considered applicable, 0.01 ≤ Bi ≤ 1.o, and the results are presented in the form of normalized or dimensionless quantities. It is shown that the average cooling rate in the liquid prior to solidification can be computed with the Newtonian cooling expressions. However, significant temperature gradients are noted at the droplet surface even for Biot numbers as low as 0.01. Reducing the droplet diameter reduces the time necessary for the initiation and completion of solidification, increases the interface velocities at equivalent fractions solidified and decreases theG L /R ratio. Although smaller droplet diameters promote higher cooling rates in the liquid at the beginning and in the solid at the end of solidification, the effect at the intermediate stages is more complex and depends on the initial superheat, the Biot number and the thermophysical properties of the material.
Electronic and magnetic properties of rare-earth-transition-metal glasses

Abstract We have studied the magnetic and electrical properties of several amorphous rare-earth—transition-metal alloys obtained by splat cooling. Low-field susceptibility, high-field magnetization and electrical resistivity measurements were made between 1.6 and 300 K. Mossbauer results are reported for (Gd 65 Fe 35 ) 90 B 10 at the temperatures of 80 and 300 K. Resistivity measurements show both positive and negative coefficients and in some cases maxima or minima that are associated with magnetic ordering or Kondo-type scattering, respectively.
MELD and prediction of post–liver transplantation survival

The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was developed to predict short-term mortality in patients with cirrhosis. It has since become the standard tool to prioritize patients for liver transplantation. We assessed the value of pretransplant MELD in the prediction of posttransplant survival. We identified adult patients who underwent liver transplantation at our institution during 1991–2002. Among 2,009 recipients, 1,472 met the inclusion criteria. Based on pretransplant MELD scores, recipients were stratified as low risk (≤15), medium risk (16–25), and high risk (>25). The primary endpoints were patient and graft survival. Mean posttransplant follow-up was 5.5 years. One-, 5- and 10-year patient survival was 83%, 72%, and 58%, respectively, and graft survival was 76%, 65%, and 53%, respectively. In univariable analysis, patient and donor age, patient sex, MELD score, disease etiology, and retransplantation were associated with posttransplantation patient and graft survival. In multivariable analysis adjusted for year of transplantation, patient age >65 years, donor age >50 years, male sex, and retransplantation and pretransplant MELD scores >25 were associated with poor patient and graft survival. The impact of MELD score >25 was maximal during the first year posttransplant. In conclusion, older patient and donor age, male sex of recipient, retransplantation, and high pretransplant MELD score are associated with poor posttransplant outcome. Pretransplant MELD scores correlate inversely with posttransplant survival. However, better prognostic models are needed that would provide an overall assessment of transplant benefit relative to the severity of hepatic dysfunction. Liver Transpl 12:440–447, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
The Effect of Detergent on the Oligomerization of a 7-Transmembrane Protein

Membrane proteins serve a broad range of functions necessary for life; in fact, they are coded for by 30% of genes in the human genome. Unfortunately, the complex native membrane is irreproducible for many spectroscopic methods, and the necessary use of solubilizing detergents for biochemical and biophysical characterization can alter protein stability and function. We explore the effects of such environments on Proteorhodopsin (PR), a proton-pumping membrane protein from marine bacteria. PR has significant structural and dynamical commonalities to mammalian seven-transmembrane proteins, including the G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). Furthermore, PR associates with itself in the membrane to form oligomers similarly to GPCRs, and these different forms are thought to play a significant role in function. Using fast protein liquid chromatography and optical absorption experiments we show that the hexameric state of PR in the nonionic dodecylmaltoside (DDM) detergent has a lower pKa value for the primary proton-acceptor residue than both the monomeric and dimeric protein, suggesting that the hexamer is more optimized for proton transport. We have also observed this phenomenon in the zwitterionic detergent dodecylphosphocholine (DPC). Next, we studied the environmental effects on PR's oligomeric state, using crosslinking followed by SDS-PAGE, and found hexamers in DDM, DPC, and E. coli membranes expressing PR. Additionally, we examine structure and dynamics using continuous wave Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). Site-directed spin-labeling EPR elucidates site-specific dynamics and detects short distances (<2 nm), making it useful for studying these complex environments. We thereby determine that a change in detergent type can change side-chain dynamics. Our work lends insight into the study of more complex mammalian proteins by demonstrating the effect of detergent on function, dynamics, and protein-protein complexes.
Resonance excitation and dynamic collision‐induced dissociation in quadrupole ion traps using higher‐order excitation frequencies

Fragmentation of the pentapeptide leucine enkephalin (YGGFL) is accomplished via higher-order resonances combined with simultaneous analysis of low-mass product ions. Two methods of achieving excitation are explored: (1) 0.5 ms resonant excitation at the omega and at Omega-omega secular frequencies of ion motion (where Omega is the radio-frequency (rf) drive frequency) in a manner similar to both pulsed q collision-induced dissociation (PQD) and high amplitude short time excitation (HASTE), and (2) 0.5 ms pulse of the omega or at Omega-omega excitation frequencies when the secular frequency of the ions is quickly swept across resonance conditions (pulsed q dynamic CID, PqDCID). In both methods of excitation, the rf amplitude on the ring electrode is rapidly decreased after excitation, therefore enabling analysis of low-mass product ions. Maximum fragmentation efficiencies of approximately 20% can be obtained with pulsed CID with both regular and high-order frequency excitation, while pulsed DCID offers maximum efficiencies of approximately 12%. All the excitation methods studied offer increased internal energy depositions when compared to conventional CID, as measured by the a4/b4 product ion ratios of leucine enkephalin. These ratios were as high as 13:1 for pulsed CID and 8:1 for PqDCID. Successful mass analysis of the low-mass ions is observed with both pulsed CID and PqDCID. The combined benefit of high internal energy deposition and wider dynamic mass range offers the possibility of increased sequence coverage and the identification of unique internal fragments or high-energy product ions which may provide complementary information to biological applications of conventional CID. This is the first report on deliberate fragmentation of precursor ions at a higher-order component of the ion secular frequency combined with a successful mass analysis of the low-mass ions through pulsed CID and PqDCID.
Assessment of various biomarkers in winter flounder from coastal Massachusetts, USA

Since 1992, the Massachusetts Water Resource Association has organized a Fish Day to assess the health of winter flounder in Boston Harbor and nearby areas. This report describes the levels of metal contaminants and selected biomarkers in flounder from Fish Day, 1996. Mean age for males and females was 3.5 years, which is lower than the age reported for fish collected during previous efforts. Body weight/body length ratios were significantly higher in females versus males. Liver Cd, As, Zn, and Cu, and muscle As were all elevated relative to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designations for marine fish liver and muscle tissue in all animals from all sites. Male flounder from Boston Harbor had significantly higher liver Cd levels than female flounder from Cape Cod and Boston Harbor. Female flounder from Boston Harbor showed significantly less metallothionein (MT) protein and lower liver metal levels than those from Cape Cod. Metallothionein mRNA did not significantly differ between sites nor did MT protein or mRNA between males and females from Boston Harbor. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)-like and CYP1A1 activities were significantly higher at optimal temperatures than activity measured at field temperatures. No differences between groups were observed for either parameter at ambient temperatures, but at optimal temperature(s), Boston Harbor females had significantly higher CYP2E1-like and CYP1A1 activities than Boston Harbor males. A negative correlation was found between maximal CYP1A1 activity and age for the Boston Harbor fish and a positive correlation for all fish between CYP2E1-like activity at ambient temperature and percent liver lipid. No differences were observed for liver lipid and microsomal protein between any of the groups. Liver glycogen showed a sex-dependent difference for the Boston Harbor group with levels in females significantly higher than males. These differences in contaminant levels and biomarkers are discussed within the context of data from previous Fish Days and the implications for flounder health within Boston Harbor.
The Application of Curriculum-Based Evaluation to Social Skills

Despite the increased interest in social skills instruction, educators have failed to extend the principles of curriculum-based evaluation to social-skill assessment. We argue that instruction and evaluation in social skills can most profitably be aligned by applying procedures of curriculum development to the concept of social competence. To illustrate this application, a rubric, generated by combining variables related to social competence, is used to generate a device for summarizing the status of a student's social skills.
Simulations applications in industry

This paper shows the steps involved in developing a simulation model of industry. The General Purpose Simulation System (GPSS) has been selected to show an example of an industry simulation and how the simulation can help management in decision making problems. The paper furthermore is trying to show the effectiveness of GPSS as a simulation language. It is my hope that simulation can someday be economical enough for all business to use as a practical tool for decision making.
Stomatal Response of Citrus jambhiri to Water Stress and Humidity

Seven-month-old rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) seedlings were subjected to high- and low-humidity treatments (vapor pressure deficits of 8.0 and 19.6 mbar) for 3 weeks. Half of each group was well supplied with water and half was subjected to a series of three drying cycles in which xylem pressure potential fell to below −25 bar. The relationship between leaf conductance and xylem pressure potential was similar during each drying phase and was unaffected by atmospheric humidity. Several days elapsed after rewatering before normal stomatal opening occurred. When all the plants were subsequently kept well watered, leaf conductances decreased as the leaf-to-air vapor pressure difference was increased. However, the conductances of previously stressed plants were lower than those of unstressed plants, and consequently previously stressed plants had lower transpiration rates.
Political Cleavage in Gubernatorial and Legislative Elections: Party Competition in New York, 1970-1982

INTERPARTY competition and its effects on public policy are of enduring concern to students of state politics. Party competition is so important because it presumably (Dawson and Robinson 1963: 273-74; and Dye 1968: 253) captures the competition of ideas between "cohesive and enduring" interests in politics that Key discussed (1949: 309-12). Indexes of this competition are commonly constructed by using the proportion of the party vote won by governors and the proportion of seats won by legislative parties (e.g., Ranney 1954, 1976; Schlesinger 1976; Golembiewski 1958; Hofferbert 1964; Bibby et al. 1983). Using aggregate proportions to construct these indexes requires assuming these indicators reasonably capture electoral cleavage. It must be assumed, as some do, that state party bases are essentially similar to those of national parties (Ranney and Kendall 1954: 484-85; Hofferbert 1964: 551; and Wright et al. 1985: 482). The electoral cleavages and party issue differences accompanying state elections may not, however, reflect the cleavages that exist for national parties. Different cleavages may exist even though state aggregate vote proportions may mirror national vote proportions within that state (Key 1949; Fenton 1966; Jennings 1977; Krane and Allen 1980; and Stonecash 1986, 1987-88). This approach to assessing competition also presumes that gubernatorial and legislative parties draw similar, relatively stable, electoral bases such that both branches of the same party focus on essentially the same electoral concerns. If gubernatorial and legislative electoral bases are the same it also makes sense to conduct "coattail" studies. These studies correlate changes in aggregate gubernatorial vote proportions and the proportion of seats a party holds in the legislature (Campbell 1986; and Chubb 1988). The presumption is that the movement of the two is somehow linked by their commonality of partisanship and electoral bases. This assumption of equivalence of electoral bases is questionable. Analyses of presidential elections indicate that executive electoral bases are often variable, but this variability may not carry over to legislative elections (Petrocik 1979; Sundquist 1983: 284-87). Gubernatorial choices and the electoral bases of governors within the same party could also vary from election to election and diverge from legislative party bases.
Electronic memory effects in self-assembled monolayer systems

Abstract We report stable and reproducible switching and memory effects in Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs). We demonstrate realization of negative differential resistance (NDR) and charge storage in electronic devices that utilize single redox-center-contained SAM as the active component; and compare the effects of various redox centers to switching and storage behavior. The devices exhibit electronically programmable and erasable memory bits with bit retention times greater than 15 min at room temperature.
Factors affecting parasitism of the face fly by Aphaereta pallipes in laboratory studies.

The biology of Aphaereta pallipes (Say), a braconid parasite of the face fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer, was studied with particular emphasis on ovipositional habits and factors affecting oviposition in the laboratory. Larval hosts were found to migrate into successively deeper layers of an artificial manure pile as time progressed. This habit influences contact with hymenopterous parasites. The parasites oviposited in all 3 instars of face fly larvae but showed a definite preference for the 1st and 2nd instars. Ovipositing females were evidently unable to place eggs normally in the haemocoel of older larvae, for the number of eggs found just under the cuticle of the host increased as the host age during exposure increased. Parasites developing to the adult stage were fewer in larval attacked in the 3rd instar than those attacked in the 1st and 2nd instars. A greater number of eggs of the parasite were found in larval hosts when Sphaeridium scarabadcoides (L.) beetles were present.