cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiresolution Finite-Dimensional Adaptive Control of Distributed Parameter Systems

A multiresolution-based technique is proposed for the finite-dimensionalization of the controller parameter adaptation laws in adaptive control of distributed parameter systems (DPS) with spatially-varying coefficients. This technique permits efficient incorporation of the prior knowledge of the specific plant parameter characteristics, such as nonsmoothness, into controller implementation through the choice of parameter approximation basis, yielding a high fidelity parameter representation by a small number of basis coefficients. For this purpose, a new tool - the multiresolution Lyapunov functional is introduced. Using the latter, the existence of the wavelet-based finite-dimensional parameter adaptation law providing the desired tracking accuracy, while retaining the well-posedness of the closed-loop system with the infinite-dimensional plant is proven. The benefits of the technique in both real-time and off-line performance enhancement of the control law, such as reduction of computational demand and increase in the output convergence rate unaccompanied by the corresponding increase in the control effort are demonstrated, as well.
Isobaric analog systematics and spectroscopy in the lead isotopes

Abstract We point out certain systematic features of isobaric analog resonances observed in elastic and inelastic proton scattering from the lead isotopes, such as the properties of the 2 g 9 2 particle states and others related to them; Coulomb displacement energies for the PbBi pairs are presented.
Biodegradation of xanthan by salt-tolerant aerobic microorganisms

Three salt-tolerant bacteria which degraded xanthan were isolated from various water and soil samples collected from New Jersey, Illinois, and Louisiana. The mixed culture, HD1, contained aBacillus sp. which produced an inducible enzyme(s) having the highest extracellular xanthan-degrading activity found. Xanthan alone induced the observed xanthan-degrading activity. The optimum pH and temperature for cell growth were 5–7 and 30–35°C, respectively. The optimum temperature for activity of the xanthan-degrading enzyme(s) was 35–45°C, slightly higher than the optimum growth temperature. With a cell-free enzyme preparation, the optimum pH for the reduction of solution viscosity and for the release of reducing sugar groups were different (5 and 6, respectively), suggesting the involvement of more than one enzyme for these two reactions. Products of enzymatic xanthan degradation were identified as glucose, glucuronic acid, mannose, pyruvated mannose, acetylated mannose and unidentified oligo- and polysaccharides. The weight average molecular weight of xanthan samples shifted from 6.5·106 down to 6.0·104 during 18 h of incubation with the cell-free crude enzymes. The activity of the xanthan-degrading enzyme(s) was not influenced by the presence or absence of air or by the presence of Na2S2O4 and low levels of biocides such as formaldehyde (25 ppm) and 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (10 ppm). Formaldehyde at 50 ppm effectively inhibited growth of the xanthan degraders.
Morphologic changes induced by dilation of the pulmonary valve anulus with overlarge balloons in normal newborn lambs

Abstract The optimal method for balloon dilation valvuloplasty of congenital pulmonary valve stenosis has not been established. The cardiac damage produced by using a balloon the same size as the pulmonary anulus has not been described. The use of balloons that are larger than the anulus or of a dynamic dilation technique may enhance gradient reduction, but their added risks are not known. The pulmonary valve anuli of 14 normal newborn lambs were dilated with angioplasty balloons 20% smaller to 90% larger than the anulus; in 3 dilations, a dynamic technique was used, consisting of withdrawal of the fully inflated balloon from the anulus into the body of the right ventricle. Twelve lambs were killed immediately after the procedure and 2 were killed later, and detailed gross anatomic and microscopic observations of the heart were made. These observations support the following conclusions: (1) Dilation of the pulmonary valve anulus with overlarge balloons is “clinically” well tolerated in normal newborn lambs. (2) The major damage to the heart from any balloon is not to the pulmonary anulus, but to the right ventricular outflow tract and free wall, with mural hemorrhages of varying size. (3) Trauma is minor if the balloon is 30% larger than the anulus, but is considerable when the balloon is 50% larger; (4) Trauma is worst subjacent to the proximal end of the balloon, so that longer balloons may cause greater damage; and (5) Resolution of acute right ventricular hemorrhage occurs with small, patchy areas of fibrosis.
Job stress in police work: An exploratory analysis into structural causes

Police stress has received intermittent coverage in the literature for the last decade, and it remains a constant source of discussion today. One of the reoccurring problems with stress studies is that they attempt to examine the phenomenon globally. This almost always leads to generalized findings which may be representative of the overall problem, but certainly fail to adequately micro-examine the intracies of the issue. This article examines perceptions of stress relative to the demographic and assignment characteristics of police officers in a medium sized city. It identifies three specific patterns and suggests directions for additional research.
POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION OF LACTASE-PHLORIZIN HYDROLASE DURING DEVELOPMENT

Lactase specific activity(SA) rises immediately after birth in the rat, reaches a peak at 9-12 d of age and declines to adult levels shortly after weaning. These studies were intended to determine the relationship of mature(L) to precursor(ProL) forms of lactase in suckling, weanling and adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Homogenized jejunal mucosa was used for measurement of enzyme SA (μmol/min/g protein) and for immunoisolation and purification of L and ProL. The relative quantities of each polypeptide were determined by densitometry. Samples were also treated with Endo H and Endo F. Enzyme SA and distribution are shown below. All bands were sensitive to Endo F treatment, none to Endo H. These studies demonstrate that: 1)the decrease in lactase SA in adult rats is associated with an increase in the level of a 200 kDa protein, 2) these changes occur at weaning when lactase SA is decreasing and may be partially responsible for lower SA seen in older animals. We speculate that these age-related changes may result from an alteration in a post-translational event.
Role of Ti−O Bonds in Phase Transitions of TiO2

A phase transition was achieved from TiO2 particles to titanate nanotubes by the breakage of Ti−O bonds without using expensive precursors, high temperatures, high chemical concentrations of alkaline solutions, and long synthesis times. The controlled preparation of one-dimensional nanostructures of titanates (H2Ti4O9·nH2O) has been conducted at a very low concentration of alkaline solution (1 M NaOH), and in a very short time (12 h) using TiO2 anatase and TiO2 P-25 (precursors) and a microwave enhanced soft chemical process. Temperature was used as a variable, and only low process temperatures (100−110 °C) were used. A combination of anatase nanoparticles/hydrogen tetratitanate nanotubes was synthesized using TiO2 (anatase) and a temperature of only 100 °C. When TiO2 (P-25) was used with the same concentration of alkaline solution (1 M NaOH), the same processing time of 12 h, and a higher temperature at 110 °C, only hydrogen tetratitanate nanotubes were observed. The linkages of “Ti−O” play a very import...
A fast multipole method for the Rotne-Prager-Yamakawa tensor and its applications

We present a fast multipole method (FMM) for computing sums involving the Rotne-Prager-Yamakawa tensor. The method, similar to the approach in Tornberg and Greengard (2008) [26] for the Stokeslet, decomposes the tensor vector product into a sum of harmonic potentials and fields induced by four different charge and dipole distributions. Unlike the approach based on the kernel independent fast multipole method (Ying et al., 2004) [31], which requires nine scalar FMM calls, the method presented here requires only four. We discuss its applications to Brownian dynamics simulation with hydrodynamic interactions, and present some timing results.
A multiattribute analysis of goals for intelligent transportation system planning

Abstract Transportation planning in general, and planning for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in particular, are notable both for multiple goals and for multiple constituencies. In response to this policy environment, multicriteria decision analysis has often been utilized to evaluate alternative transportation investments. This approach is extended here to assess stakeholder valuation of broad goals of an ITS planning process, the FAST-TRAC operational field test in Oakland County, a suburban region of metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. Representatives of stakeholder groups, ranging from emergency response firm employees to city managers to environmental groups, were interviewed. Using a modified Analytical Hierarchy Process, implicit preference weights for transportation planning goals were derived, and inter- and intragroup comparisons made. Overall, collision reduction emerged as a dominant goal accounting for nearly 35% of the overall valuation of all goals. In contrast, travel time reduction and energy/environmental impacts each accounted for about 20% of the total valuation. Stakeholder group affiliation appeared to affect transportation system preferences most strongly with regard to environmental preferences and reduction in commercial travel time; with regard to other goals, individual interests seemed to dominate those of the ostensible stakeholder group. In an environment such as that of ITS, in which policy goals are diverse and potentially conflicting, the methodologies presented here can aid in policy and system design by gauging the relative preferences of strongly interested individuals and groups. While the specific findings presented here are not generalizable to other regions, they underscore the relative importance of a range of ITS goals apart from simple reductions in travel times.
Fluorometric documentation of increased cutaneous blood flow after topical application of a PGE2 analog in man

The present study employed fiberoptic fluorometry, a noninvasive means of documenting delivery and removal of fluorescein dye, to evaluate the local circulatory changes elicited by topical application of DHV-PGE2 ME, an investigational PGE2 analog. On Day 1, inactive vehicle was applied to a 5 X 4 cm study site on each thigh of healthy volunteer subjects (n = 12). Symmetrical perfusion was confirmed by similar determinations of dye delivery and removal at each site. On Day 2, DHV-PGE2 ME, 30 or 120 micrograms, was applied to one site while inactive vehicle again was applied to the other. After administration of 120 micrograms in a petrolatum vehicle, fluorometry detected a pronounced increase in nutritive perfusion. There was significant acceleration of dye delivery and removal (p less than 0.05 by ANOVA). Less pronounced changes were noted after the lower dose of DHV-PGE2 ME and when the drug was applied in a triethyl citrate vehicle. The local circulatory changes were not accompanied by systemic effects; there were no changes in vital signs or in fluorometric indices at remote sites.
Global Corporate Ventures: A New Trend of International Corporate Entrepreneurship

Two hot topics today in the popular press as well as academic literature are international entrepreneurship and corporate entrepreneurship. These topics challenge two traditional notions within those fields: the difficulty of established corporations to be entrepreneurial and the difficulty of entrepreneurs to go global. The current study introduces the concept global corporate ventures, which merges the concepts internal corporate ventures and “born globals.” This concept is developed and illustrated by two examples of global corporate ventures, ING Direct and HSBC Direct, two financial services e‐commerce ventures that have been launched on a global scale.
Sec24 Is a Coincidence Detector that Simultaneously Binds Two Signals to Drive ER Export

Summary Background Incorporation of secretory proteins into ER-derived vesicles involves recognition of cytosolic signals by the COPII coat protein, Sec24. Additional cargo diversity is achieved through cargo receptors, which include the Erv14/Cornichon family that mediates export of transmembrane proteins despite the potential for such clients to directly interact with Sec24. The molecular function of Erv14 thus remains unclear, with possible roles in COPII binding, membrane domain chaperoning, and lipid organization. Results Using a targeted mutagenesis approach to define the mechanism of Erv14 function, we identify conserved residues in the second transmembrane domain of Erv14 that mediate interaction with a subset of Erv14 clients. We further show that interaction of Erv14 with a novel cargo-binding surface on Sec24 is necessary for efficient trafficking of all of its clients. However, we also determine that some Erv14 clients also directly engage an adjacent cargo-binding domain of Sec24, suggesting a novel mode of dual interaction between cargo and coat. Conclusions We conclude that Erv14 functions as a canonical cargo receptor that couples membrane proteins to the COPII coat, but that maximal export requires a bivalent signal that derives from motifs on both the cargo protein and Erv14. Sec24 can thus be considered a coincidence detector that binds simultaneously to multiple signals to drive packaging of polytopic membrane proteins. This mode of dual signal binding to a single coat protein might serve as a general mechanism to trigger efficient capture, or may be specifically employed in ER export to control deployment of nascent proteins.
Cellular and Molecular Requirements for Association of the Murine Cytomegalovirus Protein m4/gp34 with Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules

The murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) protein m4/gp34 is unique among known viral genes that target the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I pathway of antigen presentation in the following two ways: it is found in association with class I MHC molecules at the cell surface, and it inhibits antigen presentation without reducing cell surface class I levels. The current study was undertaken to define more clearly the structural and cellular requirements for m4/gp34 association with the MHC class I molecule Kb. We first assessed the role of the peptide-loading complex in m4/gp34-Kb association, using cell lines lacking TAP, tapasin, or β2m. m4/gp34-Kb complexes formed in the absence of TAP or tapasin, although not as efficiently as in wild-type cells. The expression of full-length and truncation mutants of m4/gp34 in a gutless adenovirus vector revealed that the transmembrane region of m4/gp34 was required for efficient association with the Kb heavy chain. However, the peptide-loading complex was not absolutely required for the association, since m4/gp34 readily formed complexes with Kb in detergent lysates. The addition of Kb-binding peptide to the detergent lysates facilitated but was not essential for the formation of the complexes. The ease of complex formation in detergent lysates contrasted with the small fractions of m4/gp34 and Kb that form complexes in infected cells, suggesting that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) environment restricts access of m4/gp34 to Kb. Finally, although m4/gp34-Kb complexes could form when m4 was carried either by MCMV or by the adenovirus vector, they were only efficiently exported from the ER in MCMV-infected cells, suggesting that MCMV provides additional factors needed for transport of the complexes.
Wind, temperature and natural ventilation - theoretical considerations

Abstract The weather drives air infiltration by two separate physical mechanisms: (1) wind and (2) convection induced by a temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. These two mechanisms have complex interactions that are sensitive to the location of cracks in a building. The nature of the interaction of the two effects is displayed pictorially for several idealized examples. In an Appendix, the sub-additivity of the effects for a wide class of situations is proven mathematically: the combined effect of winnd and temperature is never greater than one would estimate by simple addition of the independent effects.
Fair Use and Beyond: The Status of Copyright Limitations and Exceptions in the Commonwealth of Independent States

Fair-use and other free-use limitations and exceptions in national copyright laws maintain a balance between the individual interests of creators of works and other copyright holders, and the public interest in fostering a culturally productive exchange of information and ideas. The status of fair use and free use has come into question in recent years, in part by the rapid pace of technological change, which has led to laws favoring new modes of information management. This article discusses fair-use and other copyright limitations and exceptions in an international context and their origins in international conventions, treaties, and agreements. It then offers a comparative analysis of the limitations and exceptions found in the current copyright laws of the twelve nations comprising the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), highlighting the range of limitations and exceptions found in the CIS statutes and the differences among the laws of those nations. In the current climate of change in global copyright legislation, this article provides broad perspective in an area that is of increasing relevance to the aims of academic and research libraries internationally.
Photon antibunching in a free-electron laser

A perturbative solution to the difference-differential equation describing the time evolution of a free-electron laser based on the Bambini-Renieri Hamiltonian is obtained. This solution indicates that the photon number distribution is always sub-Poissonian as long as the perturbation approximation is valid. This photon antibunching becomes much more prominent as more photons are emitted; so it can enhance the coherent properties of the free-electron-laser radiation in a way that is very welcome.
Recent Clinical Research in Geriatric Dentistry1

Current increased interest in gerontology/geriatrics has extended to various areas of dental clinical research. Dental science is still at the stage of defining many problems in this field and much emphasis is placed on epidemiological studies. Contemporary trends in clinical research are reviewed, including radiographic studies of the jaw, masticatory studies, and studies on xerostomia, periodontal disease, and root caries. An emerging priority for this research is to distinguish normal functional and morphological changes with age from pathogenic processes. A cooperative and multidisciplinary approach, spanning various disciplines and methodologies, seems to be one which will yield the most comprehensive picture of clinical changes in the elderly. Of particular interest is the recently funded dual contract to Buffalo, NY and San Antonio, TX for the study of periodontal diseases in older adults. A major emphasis has been placed on a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary approach with focus on clinical, radiological, immunological, microbiological, nutritional and psychological-social factors. While each may be considered separately, a greater emphasis is placed on the interaction of these parameters. Such a multidisciplinary project with two investigation sites needs detailed planning of the overall design and the cooperation of each discipline to insure the ultimate success of such a venture, particularly with regard to the reproducibility between the sites.
Modelling interconnect yield in reconfigurable circuits

Reconfigurable interconnect is required to implement defecttolerant circuits. The impact of this wiring on yield is usually either ignored or overstated. A method is presented here that allows the determination of the yield impact of the interconnect in reconfigurable circuits through the expanded use of critical area parameters.
When reason reigns: madness, passion and sovereignty in late 18th-century England:

In 1788–89, King George III of Great Britain became physically and mentally ill. This has been well documented, in contrast to the sudden influx of mentally distressed patients into private asylums of England shortly after the highly publicized illness of the king. As told by political and social commentators during this period, the crisis of the two bodies of the king – as head of state and as a man – represented a significant threat to the stability of the nation. This essay investigates possible reasons for the increase in asylum populations, and argues that, in the age of reason and temperance as exemplified by George III, the illness and recovery of the king created the space of the asylum as one of the last places to allow the expression of the passions.
Repeated episodes of ozone inhalation attenuates airway injury/repair and release of substance P, but not adaptation

To determine the impact of repeated episodes of ozone exposure on physiologic adaptation, epithelial injury/repair, and tracheal substance P levels, adult rats were subjected to episodes of ozone (5 days, 1 ppm, 8 h/day) followed by 9 days of filtered air for four cycles. Rats were sampled on days 1 and 5 of each episode and 9 days after day 5 of episodes 1, 2, and 4. One hour before being euthanized each rat was injected with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine to label proliferating cells. Each 5-day episode showed a characteristic pattern of rapid shallow breathing (days 1 and 2), epithelial injury, and interstitial and intraluminal inflammation. In contrast, the neutrophil component of inflammation, tracheal substance P release, and cell proliferation became attenuated with each consecutive episode of exposure. Concurrent with this cyclic and attenuated response there was progressive hypercellularity and hyperplasia in all airways studied and a progressive remodeling present in the terminal bronchioles. Our findings are consistent with the notion that the cumulative distal airway lesion is at least in part the result of a depressed cell proliferative response to injury in these airways. This depressed cell proliferative response may be in part the result of diminished neutrophil inflammation and/or release of mitogenic neuropeptides in response to ozone-induced injury.
How to estimate relative spatial resolution of different maps or images of the same area

In this paper, we describe how to estimate relative spatial resolution of different maps or images of the same area under uncertainty. We consider probabilistic and fuzzy approaches and we show that both approaches lead to the same estimate – which makes us somewhat more confident that this joint result is reasonable.
THE ACTION OF INHIBITORY NERVES ON CARBON DIOXIDE PRODUCTION IN THE HEART GANGLION OF LIMULUS

It has been shown in this paper that stimulation of the inhibitory nerves of the neurogenic heart of Limulus, which correspond to the vagus nerves of the vertebrate heart, results in a marked diminution of CO2 production in the heart ganglion, while stimulation of the ganglion, leading to increased activity of the heart, leads also to increased CO2 production by the ganglion. This shows that inhibition of the automaticity of this ganglion by the action of its inhibitory nerves consists, not in a process of blocking, but in a diminution of those chemical reactions in the ganglion cells which give rise to the production of CO2.
Identification of vascular structures as a major source of signal contrast in high resolution 2D and 3D functional activation imaging of the motor cortex at l.5T preliminary results

We have measured the T2* signal response associated with cortical activation due to finger motion at 1.5 Tesla. Both thin slice 2D and 3D images show signal intensity changes which vary from 2% to 32% depending on volunteer, echo time, slice thickness, and in-plane resolution. The largest signal change occurred for the thinnest slices and highest resolution (2 mm3). This is consistent with reducing partial volume effects and a simple difference in phase between the intravascular signal and surrounding parenchyma. No inflow enhancement was seen on the 2D or 3D scans, confirming the nature of the signal difference for this approach was due to local field in-homogeneity effects. Using 3D imaging, multiple effects can be seen simultaneously. With a 3D MRA method, it was possible to locate the vessel that was the source of the T2* behavior; it was in each case a vein on the surface of the cortical parenchyma.
Real-time focusing of light through a multimode fiber

We report real-time focusing of light through a 25-μm-core, 0.1-NA multimode fiber by phase-only wavefront shaping, which results in 48% of the available energy converged into a single spot with a response time of 0.3 second.
A fast model for the simulation of non-round particles

This paper describes a new, computationally efficient model for the discrete element simulation of a certain class of non-round particles. The boundaries of the particles in this model are constructed from the circular segments of different radii in such a way that connections between these segments are continuous. As such, the model does not permit the simulation of arbitrarily shaped particles, but it does allow a wide enough variety of shapes to assess the effects of non-round shapes (in particular, particle interlocking) in an efficient manner. A direct test of the models performance demonstrates that the model is much more efficient than other models for non-round particles currently available and is less than two times slower than models for the same number of round particles.
A simple synthesis of [11C]dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ)

[11C]Dihydrotetrabenazine (2-hydroxy-3-isobutyl-9-[11C]methoxy-10 -methoxy-1,2,3,4,6,7,- hexahydro-11bH-bezo[alpha]-quinolizine) ([11C]DTBZ) was synthesized by reacting the 9-hydroxy precursor in DMSO with gas-phase [11C]methyl iodide on a column of alumina impregnated with KOH. The reaction was instantaneous at room temperature. This column was then connected to the inlet of a short column containing basic alumina. Elution with cyclohexane removed radioactive contaminants. The radioactive product was then eluted with a few milliliters ether containing 1% ethanol. The [11C]DTBZ was obtained in isolated yields of > 200 mCi and specific activities > 1600 Ci/mmol.
Wetland Sedimentation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

More than 131 x 10(6) metric tons (MT) of inorganic sediments accumulated in coastal wetlands when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita crossed the Louisiana coast in 2005, plus another 281 x 10(6) MT when accumulation was prorated for open water area. The annualized combined amount of inorganic sediments per hurricane equals (i) 12% of the Mississippi River's suspended load, (ii) 5.5 times the inorganic load delivered by overbank flooding before flood protection levees were constructed, and (iii) 227 times the amount introduced by a river diversion built for wetland restoration. The accumulation from hurricanes is sufficient to account for all the inorganic sediments in healthy saltmarsh wetlands.
A Tandem Queueing model for an appointment-based service system

We develop a queueing model for an appointment-based service system that consists of two queues in tandem: the appointment queue followed by the service queue. Customers join the appointment queue when they call for appointments, stay there (not physically) until the appointment time comes, and then leave the appointment queue and may physically join the service queue, and wait there until served, or become a no-show. The probability of becoming a no-show depends on the time spent in the appointment queue. We build a Tandem Queue model that explicitly captures the dependence between these two queues. We then derive several performance measures of interest, such as service utilization and customer long-run average waiting times in both queues. We also develop several approximation methods to compute the long-run average waiting time in the service queue, including one which is particularly useful when service times in that queue are not exponential.
Diagnosing prosthetic vascular graft infection with the antigranulocyte antibody 99mTc-fanolesomab

AimThe objectives of this retrospective investigation were to determine the accuracy of 99mTc-fanolesomab, an antigranulocyte antibody, for diagnosing prosthetic vascular graft infection, ascertain optimum imaging times for this indication, and assess safety of this agent.MethodsEighteen patients wi
Becoming-forest, becoming-local: transformations of a protected area in Honduras

Abstract Neotropical cloud forests have been locked away in protected areas that conservationists seek to fashion into spaces exclusively for “Nature,” but they often cannot do so because of the pressure of migrant agriculture, among other factors. The author documents the case of a protected area in Honduras that, while it fails to evolve into an idealized “conservation space,” nevertheless undergoes transformations until it becomes accepted by local actors as a space that provides protection for marginalized groups under threat from a hydroelectric project that seeks to dislodge them. A Deleuzian theoretical approach loosely drawing from complexity theory is utilized to explain the process whereby diverse and conflicting land-use spatialities come to embrace an alien and imposed national park and in the process ally with each other against a perceived greater threat from the outside. The author shows the transformative potentials of protected areas as allies, rather than enemies, of spatial justice movements currently confronting the challenges of “regional economic integration” initiatives such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement.
Hope, Agency, or Disconnect Scale Construction for Measures of Black Racial Cohesion and Dissonance

Social cohesion and agency in Blacks have not been sufficiently explored in a culturally relevant context. The current study (n = 242 Black college students) explores the concept of racial cohesion...
Repair of an ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm by way of superior ministernotomy

A wide ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm occurring 10 years after uncomplicated aortic valve replacement was successfully repaired using a superior ministernotomy and femoral-femoral cannulation. In this setting, a limited sternal incision minimized the risk of pseudoaneurysm rupture during dissection and allowed safe isolation of the target cardiac structures.
Analysis of community interactions using linear transfer function models

Abstract Interactions among populations simulated with several ecosystem models and the interactions among populations in a sealed aquatic microcosm were analyzed using linear transfer function models. A transfer function is composed of the sum of three components: a deterministic transfer function (F), a stochastic input function (G), and a white-noise error time series (e). The model has the form: y(t) = F{x(t), y (t−1)} + G{n(t), r (t−1)} + e(t) , where y(t) is an output time series, x(t) is an input time series, ^y(t−1) is the estimate of y(t−1) based on F alone, n(t) is an unobserved white-noise time series, and r (t−1) is the estimate of the residual series r(t−1) = y(t−1) − y (t−1) based on G alone. The deterministic transfer function accounts for the pattern in the output time series that is attributable to the interaction between the input and output variables. The stochastic input function accounts for the remaining pattern in the output time series. The deterministic portion of these simple linear models could recover most of the pattern in complex modeled systems (r-square generally greater than 0.9). Deterministic interactions were not as readily detected in the microcosm although a significant portion of the pattern could often be recovered with the stochastic input function. The ability to detect relationships among variables in modeled systems but not in the living system suggests that may extant ecological models may be poorly posed. Temporal correlation between variables is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for a mechanistic model based on the interaction between these variables to be successful. The transfer function estimation procedure, therefore, can be a useful tool for identifying potentially important interactions in poorly understood systems before more mechanistic models are developed.
Sub-millikelvin stabilization of a closed cycle cryocooler

Intrinsic temperature oscillations (with the amplitude up to 1 K) of a closed cycle cryocooler are stabilized by a simple thermal damping system. It employs three different materials with different thermal conductivity and specific heat at various temperatures. The amplitude of oscillations of the sample temperature is reduced to less than 1 mK, in the temperature range from 4 K to 300 K, while the cooling power is virtually undiminished. The damping system is small, inexpensive, can be retrofitted to most existing closed cycle cryocoolers, and may improve measurements of any temperature-sensitive physics properties.
Decoherence and lead-induced interdot coupling in nonequilibrium electron transport through interacting quantum dots: A hierarchical quantum master equation approach

The interplay between interference effects and electron-electron interactions in electron transport through an interacting double quantum dot system is investigated using a hierarchical quantum master equation approach which becomes exact if carried to infinite order and converges well if the temperature is not too low. Decoherence due to electron-electron interactions is found to give rise to pronounced negative differential resistance, enhanced broadening of structures in current-voltage characteristics, and an inversion of the electronic population. Dependence on gate voltage is shown to be a useful method of distinguishing decoherence-induced phenomena from effects induced by other mechanisms such as the presence of a blocking state. Comparison of results obtained by the hierarchical quantum master equation approach to those obtained from the Born-Markov approximation to the Nakajima-Zwanzig equation and from the noncrossing approximation to the nonequilibrium Green's function reveals the importance of an interdot coupling that originates from the energy dependence of the conduction bands in the leads and the need for a systematic perturbative expansion.
Theory of dilute solutions of3He in superfluid4He. I. Perturbation theory in a nonorthogonal basis

A new procedure is presented which enables the development of perturbative expansions for the energies and transition amplitudes in systems described by nonorthogonal basis functions. The procedure is based upon defining a new metric matrix, that is, by redefining the quantum-mechanical scalar product. The results justify certain previous applications of the Schmidt orthogonalization method. It is shown that the same results can be obtained using Lowdin orthogonalization. While the procedure was developed for application with the correlated basis function (CBF) approach to dilute3He-4He solutions, it can be applied in any nonorthogonality situation.
Photoreceptor cell apoptosis induced by the 2-nitroimidazole radiosensitizer, CI-1010, is mediated by p53-linked activation of caspase-3.

Abstract The nitroimidazole radiosensitizer CI-1010 ((R)-alpha-[[(2-bromoethyl)-amino]methyl]-2-nitro-1H-imidazole-1-ethanol monohydrobromide) causes selective, irreversible, retinal photoreceptor apoptosis in vivo. The mouse 661W photoreceptor cell line was used as a neuronotypic model of CI-1010-mediated retinal degeneration. Exposure to CI-1010 for 24 h induced apoptosis in 661W cells, as determined by ultrastructural analysis, agarose electrophoresis and analysis of TUNEL-positive nuclei. CI-1010 caused a loss of viability in 661W cells, as measured by the reduction of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). A clear link was established between the onset of apoptosis and activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8, prior to poly[ADP-ribose]polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Pretreatment with caspase inhibitors, ZVAD.fmk or DEVD-CHO, prevented morphological changes in most CI-1010-treated cells. Evaluation of mitochondrial inner membrane potential (Δψm) in live 661W cells using the fluorescent dye, tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester revealed retention of (Δψm) until after caspase activation. Absence of cytochrome c in the cytoplasm in treated cells further supports the hypothesis of a mitochondrial-independent mechanism of cell death. Significant increase in DNA crosslinks observed in 661W cells correlates with induction and phosphorylation of p53 at multiple serine sites. Cell cycle analysis of 661W cells reveals a G2 arrest in response to CI-1010-induced DNA damage and neuronal cell death. Increased protein expression of Bax, Fas, and FasL, concomitant to the loss of Bcl-xL in treated 661W cells may be modulated by p53. This study evaluates in vitro mechanisms of CI-1010-induced cell death in photoreceptors and provides evidence in support of a p53-linked activation of caspase-3 in response to DNA damage caused by CI-1010.
Glenohumeral rotation and scapular position adaptations after a single high school female sports season.

Abstract Context: Anterior instability and impingement are common in overhead athletes and have been associated with decreases in internal rotation (IR) and increases in external rotation (ER) moti...
Lengthened Intraaortic Balloon Tubing for Intraoperative Use

The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is being used with increasing frequency during surgical procedures. The standard length of balloon tubing requires the IABP console to be close to the operating table. This creates a possibility of contamination. A longer balloon tubing is described that permits an increased distance between console and operating table without decreasing effective augmentation.
Student perception of clicker usage in nursing education

Abstract Nurse educators must explore innovative ways to engage students and stimulate learning. Student response system (SRS) technology is one tool educators can use to increase participation, provide immediate feedback, and encourage critical thinking. This study evaluated perceptions of first-year nursing students using SRS technology. The findings support the use of SRS technology as a positive pedagogical approach to incorporate in teaching associate degree nursing students.
Competitive mechanisms ofn-butane isomerization on sulfated zirconia catalysts

Isotopic analysis ofn-butane isomerization over sulfated zirconium oxide, using double13C-labelledn-butane, shows that at low temperature this isomerization is an inter-molecular process. Probably, a C8 surface intermediate is formed which isomerizes and undergoes β-fission; the iso-C4 fragments are desorbed asi-butane. Previously, the same mechanism was indicated for Fe, Mn promoted catalysts. The isomerization rate at 130°C is drastically lowered by gaseous H2, because the concentration of the unsaturated species, required for the formation of the C8 intermediate, is low under such conditions. Whereas13C-scrambledi-butane is a true primary product, isotopic scrambling ofn-butane continues after chemical equilibrium betweenn-butane andi-butane has almost been reached; i.e.13C scrambledn-butane is a secondary product. Intra-molecular rearrangement of carbon atoms inn-butane precedes intermolecular scrambling. The similarity of the isomerization mechanism over unpromoted sulfated zirconia and Fe, Mn promoted sulfated zirconia is paralleled by an equal strength of the acid sites in both catalysts. The shift in the FTIR band of CO adsorbed on the Lewis sites indicates that these sites, presumably surface Zr4+ ions, are weaker acids than A13+ in dehydrated alumina.
Determining the composition of late Quaternary marine sediments from NUV, VIS, and NIR diffuse reflectance spectra

Abstract As the length of marine cores increases and sampling intervals decrease, the need for rapid and inexpensive means of determining sediment composition has become apparent. In this study we examine one potentially useful technique for assessing compositional changes in marine cores, diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry. We examined nearultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared reflectance spectra from five data sets. Each data set consists of calibration samples and test samples. The calibration samples' spectra were related to a sediment component using multiple linear regression. The resulting regression or calibration equations were then evaluated using the test samples. Calibration equations were written relating spectra to several sediment components including carbonate (Atlantic and east Pacific Rise ODP Site 847), organic carbon content (Atlantic and east Pacific Rise), and opal content (east Pacific Rise). The correlation coefficients for the regression equations ranged from a high of 0.99 for carbonate and opal at ODP Site 847 to a low of 0.97 for Atlantic carbonate indicating that spectral variations are highly correlated to sediment composition. All of the equations include a substantial number of variables from shorter visible and longer near ultraviolet wavelengths suggesting that these wavelengths are especially important for devices designed specifically to scan marine cores. Although equations for estimating organic and carbonate content appear independent of other sediment components, the opal equation is strongly dependent on carbonate content indicating that opal concentration is correlated to carbonate content. Tests of the calibration equations indicated that all our equations reasonably estimate the pattern of changes, either down core or in surface sediments. Where our spectral estimates have difficulty is with absolute values, frequently over or underestimating observed values by a substantial amount. Within these limitations diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry can be a useful tool for characterizing marine cores and as our understanding of the relationship between spectra and mineralogy improves so will estimates of absolute values.
Dasatinib promotes the expansion of a therapeutically superior T-cell repertoire in response to dendritic cell vaccination against melanoma.

Dasatinib (DAS) is a potent inhibitor of the BCR-ABL, SRC, c-KIT, PDGFR, and ephrin tyrosine kinases that has demonstrated only modest clinical efficacy in melanoma patients. Given reports suggesting that DAS enhances T cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment, we analyzed whether therapy employing the combination of DAS plus dendritic cell (DC) vaccination would promote superior immunotherapeutic benefit against melanoma. Using a M05 (B16.OVA) melanoma mouse model, we observed that a 7-day course of orally-administered DAS (0.1 mg/day) combined with a DC-based vaccine (VAC) against the OVA257–264 peptide epitope more potently inhibited tumor growth and extended overall survival as compared with treatment with either single modality. The superior efficacy of the combinatorial treatment regimen included a reduction in hypoxic-signaling associated with reduced levels of immunosuppressive CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) populations in the melanom...
Feeding and ranging in the Mentawai Island langur (Presbytis potenziani)

Presbytis potenziani is found only on the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, and its ecology and feeding and ranging behavior have been little studied. I studied 10 groups ofPresbytis potenziani in the primary forests of North Pagai Island, Mentawai, Indonesia.P. potenziani used primarily the upper strata of the forests for feeding, movement, and resting. Groups remained cohesive during their daily activities, ranged between 100 to > 1000 m daily, and occupied home ranges of ≤ 40 ha. Neither sex predominantly initiated group movement. Locomotion was primarily quadrupedal, with frequent leaping. P. potenziani showed two feeding peaks, one in early morning and one during midafternoon. P. potenziani fed mainly on climbers and trees of the Dipterocarpaceae. They ate primarily leaves, but also fed on fruits and other plant parts.
DECAY OF ORDER IN ISOTROPIC SYSTEMS OF RESTRICTED DIMENSIONALITY. II. SPIN SYSTEMS.

The ordering of one- and two-dimensional spin systems of finite thickness and cross section is considered in the presence and absence of a symmetry-breaking magnetic field. The exchange interactions are allowed to vary randomly or regularly throughout the lattice. It is shown rigorously by applying Bogoliubov's inequality to a subdomain of the system that, provided the (suitably averaged) exchange interactions do not fall off too slowly, no spontaneous ordering can occur. Explicit bounds on the spin-spin correlation function, summed over the sites in a subdomain, are obtained which indicate how the short-range order decays with distance. Detailed numerical plots for the order as a function of the subdomain size are presented for various realistic values of the temperature. Conditions under which these curves yield bounds on the spatial decay of the spin-spin correlation function are also discussed.
Do biphasic uterine contractions imply poor uterine function

In a retrospective study of 362 cardiotocographic recordings of primigravidae in labour we found 8% biphasic or coupled uterine contractions. In augmented labour, biphasic contractions occurred almost twice as often as in spontaneous and induced labour. The duration of labour complicated with biphasic contractions was increased significantly in all types of labour. Therefore biphasic contractions may reflect uneffective uterine function. Contrary to other studies, the appearance of biphasic contractions showed no correlation with epidural analgesia and the incidence of instrumental deliveries or caesarean sections was not increased.
An ELDOR study of hydrogen—deuterium exchange reactions in irradiated glycine-d2 crystals

Abstract ESR and ELDOR studies of glycine-d2 crystals irradiated at −196°C and warmed to 22°C show that the radicals CD2ĊOO− and NH+3ĊDCOO− stable between −140°C and −40°C undergo irreversible deuterium—hydrogen exchange reactions above −40°C to form the radicals ĊHDCOO− and ĊH2COO− by a step-wise decay of ĊD2COO− at −32°C and −17°C respectively and to form a mixture of NH+3ĊHCOO− and NH+3ĊDCOO− above −5°C.
On the Possibility of the Existence and Measurement of Negative Inputs in Social Exchange

Negative inputs cause problems for the equity formula proposed by Adams (1965). Walster, Berscheid, and Walster (1973) have suggested revising the model to accomodate negative inputs. But the nature of negative inputs has not been explicitly defined, and no strategy for measuring negative inputs currently exists. The possibility of negative inputs is discussed here by considering two examples from other theoretical discussions. It is argued that this construct is not needed to understand social exchange relationships in which a person exhibits behaviors that are considered to be contributions to the exchange but are assigned a negative value.
Ultrasonic reflection and material evaluation

An overview is given describing the physical basis of ultrasonic reflectivity as it relates to solid material characterization. The examples given illustrate critical angle reflection, Rayleigh and Lamb waves, and crystal orientation via reflection measurements On donne dans l'article un panorama des principes physiques de base concernant la reflectivite ultrasonore en relation avec la caracterisation de materiaux solides. Les exemples donnes se rapportent a la reflexion critique, aux ondes de Rayleigh et de Lamb et a l'orientation cristalline effectuee au moyen de mesures de reflexion