cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moisture Effects on the Morphology of Ears, Cobs and Kernels of a South-western U.S. Maize (Zea maysL.) Cultivar, and Implications for the Interpretation of Archaeological Maize

Abstract Studies of the relative effects of growing conditions on specific maize ( Zea mays L.) characters enhance interpretation of archaeological maize specimens. To understand better the contribution of moisture as a source of maize variation, this study documents morphological variability of ear, cob and kernel characters by examining a single south-western U.S. cultivar (Tohono O'odham flour maize) grown in 2 consecutive years under five controlled irrigation treatments. Variability in timing and amounts of irrigation water, as well as differences in the timing of rain between the 2 years, resulted in several statistically significant differences in morphological characters. Particularly relevant to the south-western archaeological record of predominantly dryland farming, data from the treatment irrigated only at planting demonstrated differences in maize morphology and grain yield attributable primarily to variability in rain. One character generally recorded on archaeological specimens, row number, was among those least affected by irrigation treatment and rain timing. Cupule width, another often recorded archaeological character, was moderately affected by moisture. For the combined 2-year experiment, characters listed in order from least to most affected were: kernel weight, pith diameter, row number, kernel volume, ratio of kernel width to kernel length, ratio of ear diameter to ear length, kernel thickness, cupule depth, ratio of kernel thickness to kernel length, ear diameter, ear weight, cupule width, cob diameter, ear length, rachis segment length, kernel length, and kernel width. This single cultivar study complements earlier studies of environmental effects on the morphology of maize characters. To determine if moisture effects can mask race-identifying characters, additional controlled-environment studies of other south-western maize cultivars should be conducted. The contribution of moisture, either as irrigation treatment or rain, to reproductive part morphology and grain yield must be considered in the interpretation of archaeological maize.
Breast pump suction patterns that mimic the human infant during breastfeeding: greater milk output in less time spent pumping for breast pump-dependent mothers with premature infants

Breast pump suction patterns that mimic the human infant during breastfeeding: greater milk output in less time spent pumping for breast pump-dependent mothers with premature infants
The Case for Rules in Reasoning

analogy, and connectionist models-maintain that abstract rules ore not involved in human reasoning, or at best ploy a minor role. Other views hold that the use of abstract rules is o core aspect of human reason- ing. We propose eight criteria for determining whether or not people use abstract rules in reasoning, ond examine evidence relevant to each criterion for several rule systems. We argue thot there is substantial evidence that several different inferential rules, including modus ponens, contractual rules, cousai rules, and the law of large numbers, ore used in solving everyday problems. We discuss the implications for various theoretical positions ond consider hybrid mechanisms that combine aspects of instance and rule models.
Statistical Analyses of Temperature and Moisture Effects on Pavement Structural Properties Based on Seasonal Monitoring Data

In light of the data collected under the Seasonal Monitoring Program of the Long-Term Pavement Performance Program, the relationship between climatic factors and pavement structural properties is investigated. Using deflection data collected at a seasonal site over the course of 1 year, layer elastic moduli are backcalculated. The correlations between pavement structural properties (represented by layer elastic moduli) and climatic factors (represented by pavement temperature and moisture conditions) are studied using a series of statistical analyses. Bivariate analysis is used to evaluate linear association between pairs of variables. Principal components analysis is used to identify principal constructs of the system. Multiple regression is used to calibrate linear models. Numerical optimization is used to calibrate nonlinear models that correlate backcalculated layer moduli to pavement temperature. The latter models are then used to derive a temperature correction algorithm of backcalculated asphalt co...
On Saint-Venant’s Problem for an Inhomogeneous, Anisotropic Cylinder—Part II: Cross-Sectional Properties

Cross-sectional properties of a prismatic inhomogeneous, anisotropic cylinder are determined from Saint-Venant solutions for extension-bending-torsion and flexure, whose method of construction was presented in a previous paper. The coupling of extensional, bending and twisting deformations due to anisotropy and inhomogeneity leads to some very interesting features. Herein it is shown that far an inhomogeneous, anisotropic cylinder whose cross-sectional plane is not a material symmetry plane, distinct modulus-weighted and compliance-weighted centroids and distinct principal bending axes are possible. A line of extension-bending centers is given on which an axial force causes extension and bending only but no twist. Two shear centers are given, one using the Griffith-Taylor definition that ignores cross-sectional warpages and the other by stipulating a zero mean rotation over the cross section. The center of twist is discussed, and this property depends on root end fixity conditions that are prescribed in terms of their mean values based on integrals over the cross section rather than by a pointwise specification. While these shear center and center of twist definitions have some rational bases, it is recognized that other definitions are possible, for example those based on modulus or compliance-weighted integrals. Two examples, an angle and a channel, both composed of a two-layer ±30 deg angle-ply composite material, illustrate the procedures for determining these cross-sectional properties.
Preparation of Eu3+: YVO4 red and Ce3+, Tb3+: LaPO4 green phosphors by hydrolyzed colloid reaction (HCR) technique

Eu3+: YVO4 red and Ce3+, Tb3+: LaPO4 green phosphors were prepared by newly discovered hydrolized colloid reaction (HCR) technique at low temperature (< 100 °C) and atmospheric pressure utilizing subsequent calcining and reductive treatments, respectively. The incorporation of activators (Eu3+ and Ce3+, Tb3+) in these very porous powders was checked by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and luminescence investigations.
Joseph Priestley, natural philosopher.

In this two hundredth anniversary year of his death, we are met to celebrate the life and career of Joseph Priestley—and most of us celebrate the wrong man, for the wrong reasons. We celebrate the pneumatic chemist who, in a flurry of random experiments made over a period of five years, isolated and partially identified nine new gases, including oxygen—and the man who spent roughly five times as long perversely fighting the new chemistry based on his own discoveries. This man, as Georges Cuvier was to put it in the eloge written for the Academie Nationale des Sciences, was a father of modern chemistry but refused to recognize his own daughter (1).
Effect of the addition mode of cycloaliphatic diepoxide on the morphology and film properties of crosslinkable core-shell latex

Core-shell latexes (LAs) designed for crosslinking with cycloaliphatic diepoxide were synthesized. The core contained methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and the shell was prepared with MMA, BA, and methacrylic acid. The crosslinker was coemulsified with the monomer and added during the LA preparation or after the polymerization either as an emulsion or in an organic solvent. The morphology of the LA was studied with atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We used titration to establish the acid distribution. The water absorption and tensile and viscoelastic properties of the LA films were investigated as a function of the addition mode of the cycloaliphatic diepoxide crosslinker. The solution approach generally provided better mechanical properties than the emulsion approach, and the addition of epoxide during the polymerization lowered the water adsorption and hardness. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 245–257, 2003
An active interference cancellation technique with harmonic rejection for a broadband channelizer

A feedback-based active interference suppression technique employing harmonic rejection mixers (HRMs) for enhancing linearity in a broadband channelizer is proposed. In the approach, an interferer is down-converted to baseband, low-pass filtered and then up-converted, where it is subtracted from the input. Using previously reported HRMs capable of LO frequency synthesis in both the down-conversion and up-conversion paths, wideband interference cancellation is achieved without the use of a wide tuning range PLL. Limitation on the maximum achievable interference rejection due to unwanted interaction between inband and out-of-band harmonics is identified. An approach based on a 2-step up-conversion in the feedback path is proposed to remove this limitation. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified through simulation.
Continued seismic activity at the Koyna reservoir site, India

Abstract Following the impounding of the Shivaji Sager Lake in 1962, tremors became prevalent in the Koyna region, considered previously to be aseismic. During ensuing years the tremor frequency appears to have been dependent on the rate of increase of water level, maximum water level reached, and the period for which high levels were retained. This culminated in a burst of seismic activity from September 1967 to January 1968 following the record water levels in the reservoir and included the earthquake of September 13, 1967 with magnitude 5.5 and the damaging December 10, 1967 earthquake of magnitude 6.0. During the next five years water levels were kept low and no significant earthquakes occurred subsequent to the October 29, 1968 earthquake of magnitude 5. The reservoir was filled to maximum capacity during September 1973 and this was followed by a conspicuous increase in seismic activity which included an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on October 17, 1973. However, seismic activity during 1973 was much less severe than that of 1967. This relative decrease in seismicity may indicate that (a) the “threshhold level” for relatively large magnitude earthquakes had increased; (b) a major portion of the accumulated strains had been released; and/or (c) the importance of the longer period of high loading in 1967. Similar observations have been made at other seismically active reservoir sites.
Cognitive and Language Assessment of 3.25 Yr Old Children Fed Formulas with or without Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LCP) in the First Yr.• 1428

The brain is rich in two LCP, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Small amounts of LCP are present in human milk, but not in most formulas. Studies of the effects of infant feeding regimens on visual and cognitive development in term infants have provided inconsistent results and few extend beyond 1 yr. Objective: This study evaluated development of children at age 3.25 yrs fed infant formulas with or without LCP through the first yr. Design: Infants 2 days of age were randomized to a control (no LCP), an AA+DHA (0.43 wt% AA and 0.12% DHA both from egg yolk phospholipid) or a DHA (0.20% DHA from a low-EPA fish oil) formula; breast fed infants served as a reference group. No differences in growth or development were found in the first yr and the DHA group at 14 mos had lower vocabulary scores (Pediatr Res 1997;41:1-10 & 1995;37:310A). Preplanned regression analyses controlled for birthweight, gender, ethnicity, maternal education, maternal age, child's exact age at testing, and site. Results: 157 of 196 (80%) eligible subjects were tested. There were no effects of LCP supplementation on test results in the 107 formula fed children. Stanford Binet IQ scores for the control, AA+DHA and DHA groups were(mean±SD) 103±15, 101±12, and 100±12, respectively. Scores for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised were 97±14, 97±16 and 96±13; mean length of utterance(morphemes) was 3.6±0.9, 3.7±0.9, 3.9±0.8. The breast fed group had higher scores in some comparisons. Conclusion: We found no evidence of effects of LCP supplementation in the first yr on cognitive function and language development at 3.25 yrs. We speculate that positive effects of supplementation reported in previous studies relate to the composition of the control formula (e.g., marginal levels of the DHA precursor, linolenic acid).Funded by Ross Products Division.
A comparison of foreign exchange forward and futures prices

Abstract In theory, futures resettlement should create systematic pricing differences between futures and forward contracts; however, previous empirical studies do not demonstrate such differences in the foreign exchange markets. On the other hand, inferences from these studies are suspect since they do not directly implement theortical measures of resettlement effects and are unadjusted for sub-Gaussian data properties. In this paper, these limitations are addressed through the use of the Multivariate Autoregressive Moving-Average model. Our findings provide evidence of systematic pricing influences arising from futures resettlement.
Effects of coating properties on crack propagation in Nicalon-fiber/SiC-matrix composites

A finite element technique has been used to study the effects of coating properties on the propagation of cracks which terminate perpendicular to the fiber coating or coating/matrix interfaces. Four types of coatings are considered for Nicalon/SiC composites. The hoop and tangential stresses and the energy release rates are analyzed for the various coatings. Although the change in the thickness of coatings has a very small effect on the stress ratio (ratio of hoop stresses along the crack and at the interface) and energy release rate ratio (ratio of energy release rates for the crack penetration and crack deflection), the magnitudes of the stresses and energy release rates change substantially. The finite element results for Nicalon/SiC composites with a carbon coating are in agreement with previous experimental findings.
Relative Reactivities of the Olefinic and Cyano Links of Acrylonitrile in the Diels-Alder Reaction

THE Diels–Alder reaction, in which a stable six-membered ring is formed by 1,4-addition of an unsaturated linkage to a diene, has wide synthetic application. The role of the olefinic group as a dienophile is well known1. More recently, the addition of the cyano group to dienes with the formation of pyridinic products has been reported2. Acrylonitrile presents an interesting example in which the groups (C = C) and (C ≡ N), both dienophilic, are present. The present communication reports the results of a study on the reactions of acrylonitrile with butadiene. The relative reactivity of these two links of acrylonitrile in this reaction can be predicted from thermo-dynamic and kinetic considerations. The free energy changes at 700° K. for the formation of cyanocyclo-hexene and vinylpyridine are −21 and −14 kcal./mol. respectively. These results are qualitative, since the data for the cyclic products were estimated by the method of group increments3; but they show that the two reactions are both thermodynamically feasible in this temperature-range. The ultimate yields are a concern of reaction kinetics. The relative rates of these two reactions, assuming the cyclization to be the rate-controlling step, were calculated from the expression: using the kinetic data of related high-temperature Diels–Alder associations. From a consideration of the activation energies of the reactions of acrolein4 and cyanogen5 respectively with butadiene, a minimum value of − 11.9 kcal. was obtained for (Ea–Eb). The magnitude of for the activated complexes was taken as approximately − 1.1 e.u. from the difference in entropy of 3-cyanocyclohexene and 2-vinyldihydropyridine. Accordingly, at 400° C. in the homogeneous gas phase, it is predicted from these data that the formation of cyanocyclohexene is 5,800 times more rapid than the formation of vinylpyridine.
Mechanism of reductive activation of potato tuber ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase.

The potato tuber (Solanum tuberosumL.) ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity is activated by a incubation with ADP-glucose and dithiothreitol or by ATP, glucose- 1-phosphate, Ca2+, and dithiothreitol. The activation was accompanied by the appearance of new sulfhydryl groups as determined with 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). By analyzing the activated and nonactivated enzymes on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions, it was found that an intermolecular disulfide bridge between the small subunits of the potato tuber enzyme was reduced during the activation. Further experiments showed that the activation was mediated via a slow reduction and subsequent rapid conformational change induced by ADP-glucose. The activation process could be reversed by oxidation with 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). Incubation with ADP-glucose and dithiothreitol could reactivate the oxidized enzyme. Chemical modification experiments with [14C]iodoacetic acid and 4-vinylpyridine determined that the intermolecular disulfide bridge was located between Cys12 of the small subunits of the potato tuber enzyme. Mutation of Cys12 in the small subunit into either Ala or Ser eliminated the requirement of DTT on the activation and prevented the formation of the intermolecular disulfide of the potato tuber enzyme. The mutants had instantaneous activation rates as the wild-type in the reduced state. A two-step activation model is proposed.
Estimation of optical fluorescent impulse response kernel in combined time and wavelength spaces

Current state of the knowledge in the field of optical diagnostics indicates that application of both steady state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy permits the discrimination among normal and pathological tissues. Most data analysis algorithms, however, separately address either the spectral profile of the fluorescence emission or the time domain features of fluorescence decay of tissue sample. We present a novel system identification technique that allows for intrinsic Fluorescent Impulse Response Kernel (FIRK) estimation in combined time and wavelength spaces. The fluorescence experiment is described as a discrete two-dimensional single input - single output system. Modeling of FIRK is based on the characteristics of spectro-temporal fluorescence waveforms. Taking advantage of the exponentially decaying temporal behavior of the fluorescent output, we use a linear combination of Laguerre functions to model the fluorescence response as a function of time. To address the large variability of spectral profiles from different biological samples, we use the discrete Fourier series expansion to model the variation of fluorescence intensity across wavelength. The validation of the proposed approach is performed on simulated fluorescence data and fluorescence data measured from fluorescence lifetime standards. The algorithm is applicable for an effective recovery of intrinsic FIRK from any excitation light probe spectro-temporal waveforms. The retrieved FIRK can be further used for modeling and/or classification of pathological and physiological conditions of tissues.
The multi-iterative closest point tracker: An online algorithm for tracking multiple interacting targets

We describe and evaluate a greedy detection-based algorithm for tracking a variable number of dynamic targets online. The algorithm leverages the well-known iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm for aligning target models with target detections. The approach differs from trackers that seek globally optimal solutions because it treats the problem as a set of individual tracking problems. The method works for multiple targets by sequentially matching models to detections, and then removing detections from further consideration once models have been matched to them. This allows targets to pass close to one another with reduced risks of tracking failure due to “hijacking,'' or track merging. There has been significant previous work in this area, but we believe our approach addresses a number of tracking problems simultaneously that have only been addressed separately before. The algorithm is evaluated using four to eight laser range finders in three settings: quantitatively for a basketball game with 10 people and a 25-person social behavior experiment, and qualitatively for a full-scale soccer game. We also provide qualitative results using video to track ants in a captive habitat. During all the experiments, agents enter and leave the scene, so the number of targets to track varies with time. With eight laser range finders running, the system can locate and track targets at sensor frame rate 37.5 Hz on commodity computing hardware. Our evaluation shows that the tracking system correctly detects each track over 98% of the time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Separation of iodo compounds in serum by chromatography on Sephadex columns.

Abstract The migration of iodothyronines through Sephadex columns is greatly influenced by the pH and ionic strength of the eluents. By controlling these variables, a method has been developed for separating the iodo compounds of serum into four discrete fractions: iodoprotein, iodide, triiodothyronine and thyroxine, during a single passage through a column of Sephadex G-25. The method is relatively rapid (less than 3 h per column run), and cam be employed with large samples of serum. Recovery of labeled iodothyronines added to serum is essentially complete. Chromatography of purified labeled compounds showed less than 0.2% deiodination; no conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine during the procedure could be demonstrated.
Stability of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine and tetrahydrouridine in combination

In vivo, the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-fluoro-2′-deoxycytidine (FdCyd, NSC-48006), is rapidly converted to its unwanted metabolites. Tetrahydrouridine (THU, NSC-112907), a cytidine deaminase inhibitor can block the first metabolic step in FdCyd catabolism. Clinical studies have shown that co-administration with THU can inhibit the metabolism of FdCyd. The National Cancer Institute is particularly interested in a 1:5 FdCyd/THU formulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro pH stability of FdCyd and THU individually and in combination. A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of both compounds and their degradants was developed using a ZIC®-HILIC column. The effect of THU and FdCyd on the in vitro degradation of each other was studied as a function of pH from 1.0 to 7.4 in aqueous solutions at 37°C. The degradation of FdCyd appears to be first-order and acid-catalyzed. THU equilibrates with at least one of its degradants. The combination of FdCyd and THU in solution does not affect the stability of either compound. The stability and compatibility of FdCyd and THU in the solid state at increased relative humidity and at various temperatures are also evaluated.
Exploratory Analysis of High CT Scan Utilization in Claims Data

Purpose This study explores characteristics that distinguish higher and lower CT use by patients and referring physicians in a population of members of a large health insurance plan. Methods We analyzed 310,467 CT scan claims from 2009-10 in a health plan serving approximately 1.5 million members. Patients who used CT scans and their referring physicians were classified into utilization categories. Characteristics distinguishing higher from lower utilization categories were identified. Results Among patients receiving CT scans, patient characteristics that distinguished higher from lower utilization of scans were: male, older, seeing more total providers, using more prescription and total resources, classified as frail, having higher treatment group severity, and having government insurance. Among physicians ordering scans, physician characteristics that distinguished higher from lower referrals for CT scans were: male, board-certified, in group practice, and in particular specialties. Ownership interest was associated with higher claim volumes in a curvilinear manner but was not associated with claims per physician. Higher total referral counts were related to single-specialty practice type and larger group size. External reviewers (4 physicians) observed that the empirical relationships had plausible explanations based on reasonable medical decision-making. Conclusions Aggregate-level review of claims for CT scans in a health plan revealed no striking anomalies in associations of patient and referring physician characteristics with higher utilization. Claims research that examines particular conditions and patients with high utilization rates and physicians with high referral rates would advance the evidence base for quality improvement.
Algorithm and implementation of digital calibration of fast converging Radix-3 SAR ADC

This paper presents a calibration technique for radix-3 successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that was proposed in [1]. The main advantage of radix-3 SAR ADC is it generates 1.6 bits per conversion cycle which is 60% faster than the conventional radix-2 SAR. However the performance largely depends on matching of capacitors in digital to analog converter (DAC). Effect of capacitor mismatches on signal-to-quantization-noise ratio (SQNR) is demonstrated and calibration technique is simulated in 180nm CMOS technology. This calibration technique does not require any extra capacitor DAC and is programmable for any radix-3 SAR ADC. 7 bit Radix-3 ADC is designed which can achieve signal to noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) of 67 dB up to 10% capacitor mismatch.
Adaptive estimation of Raman chemical mixture spectra

We introduce an adaptive mixing algorithm for estimating the relative ratios of chemicals in a mixture spectrum. This procedure is particularly well suited to mixtures with a large dynamic range of mixture weights. It has the advantage of being able to be used in conjunction with a band-pass (difference-to-Gaussian or DOG) filter, and a correction of baseline off-set and tilting of the spectrum. Output of these filtering techniques is a cleaner signal retaining most of the relevant Raman spectral signature while minimizing artifacts due primarily to Rayleigh, dust, and atmospheric aerosols. We will describe the results of applying these algorithm to mixture spectra with both real and simulated additive noise.
The Role of Adaptation in Advocate Burnout: A Case of Good Soldiering

Domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, unlike other social service workers, experience only moderate burnout. The present study extends burnout research, exploring simultaneous effects of job demands and adaptation factors as they relate to burnout in the advocacy population. The authors identify the good soldiering phenomenon in which advocates adapt to work that is worthwhile, but risky, demanding, and resource poor. Good soldiering is related to, but distinct from, a “calling” because it links to the position, not simply intrinsic motivation. The authors find that though job demands significantly increase burnout, advocates who identify with good soldiering experience significantly lower levels of burnout.
Static and Low Velocity Impact Behavior of Composite Sandwich Panels with an Aluminum Foam Core

The static and low velocity impact response of aluminum foam based sandwich structures manufactured using thermoplastic composite skins has been studied. The three-point bend (3PB) test geometry wa...
Upper bounds for port bond causal orientations of weighted junction structures

Abstract Three upper bounds are given for the number of distinct sets of port variables which can be used to specify weighted junction structure input-output relattions. Each successive bound is shown to be numerically smaller and computationally more expensive than its predecessor. Examples are given which use the established bounds.
Ion/surface reactions and ion soft-landing

Ion/surface collision phenomena in the hyperthermal collision energy regime (1-100 eV) are reviewed, with emphasis on chemical processes associated with the impact of small organic and biological ions at functionalized self-assembled monolayer surfaces. Inelastic collisions can lead to excitation of the projectile ion and can result in fragmentation, a process known as surface-induced dissociation which is useful in chemical analysis using tandem mass spectrometry. Changes in charge can accompany ion/surface collisions and those associated with a change in polarity (positive to negative ions or vice versa) are an attractive method for ion structural characterization and isomer differentiation. The surface-induced charge inversion of nitrobenzene and other substituted aromatics is discussed. Reactive collisions occurring between gaseous ions and surfaces depend on the chemical nature of the collision partners. These reactions can be used for selected chemical modifications of surfaces as well as for surface analysis. Particular emphasis is given here to ion soft-landing, another type of ion/surface interaction, in which the projectile ion is landed intact at the surface, either as the corresponding neutral molecule or, interestingly but less commonly, in the form of the ion itself. The ion soft-landing experiment allows for preparative mass spectrometry; for example the preparation of pure biological compounds by using the mass spectrometer as a separation device. After separation, the mass-selected ions are collected by soft-landing, at different spatial points in an array. If the experiment is performed using a suitable liquid medium, in the case of some proteins at least, biological activity is retained.
Activation of membrane protein-tyrosine phosphatase involving cAMP- and Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinases.

Abstract Essential to signal transduction are mechanisms of "cross-talk" to coordinate different pathways. This study shows that stimulation of serine/threonine protein kinases activates protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase; protein-tyrosine-phosphate phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.48). More than 95% of intracellular PTPase was in the particulate fraction of various cell lines and was extracted with detergent as a 150-kDa complex that contained a 55-kDa catalytic subunit. The complex was activated by protease digestion, which changed its substrate specificity coincident with reduction in size. The complex was dissociated by treatment of the membrane fraction with 3 M LiBr. Treatment of intact cells with isoproterenol, forskolin, or cAMP analogues to stimulate cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) or with phorbol ester or dioctanoylglycerol to stimulate Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC) produced activation of membrane PTPase complex without a change in its size. Inhibition of protein-serine/threonine phosphatases with okadaic acid or fluoride also resulted in activation of the membrane PTPase. These results support a model for regulation of PTPase by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of serine/threonine residues in a regulatory component complexed with the 55-kDa PTPase catalytic subunit. This mechanism may be important in regulating sensitivity to extracellular signals transduced via tyrosine phosphorylation and in the synchronization of events during the cell cycle.
Prediction of Delamination in Wind Turbine Blade Structural Details

Delamination between plies is the root cause of many failures of composite materials structures such as wind turbine blades. Design methodologies to prevent such failures have not been widely available for the materials and processes used in blades. This paper presents simplified methodologies for the prediction of delamination under both static and fatigue loading at typical structural details in blades. The methodology is based on fracture mechanics. The critical strain energy release rate, GIC and GIIC , are determined for opening mode (I) and shearing mode (II) delamination cracks; fatigue crack growth in each mode is also characterized. These data can be used directly for matrix selection, and as properties for the prediction of delamination in structural details. The strain energy release rates are then determined for an assumed interlaminar flaw in the structural detail. The flaw is positioned based on finite element analysis (FEA), and the strain energy release rates are calculated using the virtual crack closure feature available in codes like ANSYS. The methodology has been validated for a skin-stiffener intersection. Two prediction methods differing in complexity and data requirements have been explored. Results for both methods show good agreement between predicted and experimental delamination loads under both static and fatigue loading.© 2003 ASME
Stomatal behavior and photosynthetic performance under dynamic light regimes in a seasonally dry tropical rain forest

Rates of photosynthetic induction upon exposure to high light and rates of induction loss after darkening the leaf were measured in the field for four species of tropical shrubs in the family Rubiaceae. During wet season mornings, stomatal conductance (g s) in the shade prior to induction was generally high enough so that the time course of induction was determined primarily by rates of activation of biochemical processes. During wet season afternoons, however, g s values in the shade tended to be considerably lower and photosynthetic induction following a light increase exhibited a slower time course. In the afternoon, the time course of induction was determined by a combination of stomatal opening time and the rates of activation of light regulated enzymes. Stomatal behavior was also correlated with patterns of induction loss following a transfer from high light to darkness. In the afternoon, maximum g s was lower for all species, and for a given time in the darkness, leaves showed a greater loss of induction in the afternoon than in the morning. During the dry season, maximum g s and average values for g s in the shade were reduced in all species. Along with these shifts in stomatal behavior, reduced rates of photosynthetic induction were observed. In the high-light species, the lower maximum g s values observed during the dry season were also correlated with increased induction loss for a given time in the darkness. For all species, stomatal behavior was affected by season and time of day and, with the exception of wet season mornings, stomata appeared to exert significant control over rates of induction and patterns of induction loss. The results of simulation modeling suggest that the observed seasonal and diurnal changes in rates of induction and induction loss can have significant consequences on sunfleck carbon gain under a dynamic light regime.
Modelling of elastic continua using a grillage of structural elements based on discrete element concepts

A framework is described for modelling an elastic continuum using a grillage of beam-like structural elements derived from discrete element concepts. The beam element properties are derived in detail and implemented in a structural analysis code for validation against classical two-dimensional plane elasticity solutions. The framework offers the possibility of modelling the onset and propagation of fracture in materials that are initially continuous, without the need for specialized elements or remeshing in the context of traditional finite elements. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymmetry of Intracranial Hemodynamics as an Indicator of Mass Effect in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage A Transcranial Doppler Study

Background and Purpose Hematoma volume is an important determinant of outcome and predictor of clinical deterioration in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. In many cases, worsening results from herniation due to compartmentalized pressure gradients. We used transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) to assess the impact of hematoma volume on symmetry of intracranial hemodynamics in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. The goal was to evaluate TCD as a noninvasive method for monitoring compartmentalized mass effect. Methods TCD was performed an average of 1.1 days (range, 0 to 3 days) after onset in 30 patients with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage. Hematoma, hematoma+edema, and intraventricular hemorrhage volumes were calculated from admission CT scans using computerized planimetry and were compared with combined TCD values from the middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries. Results Ipsilateral pulsatility indexes were consistently elevated and mean velocities consistently depressed wh...
Estimating net efficiency of a survey trawl for flatfishes

Net efficiency, or the proportion of fish within the path of a trawl net that are captured, of the 83-112 Eastern bottom trawl was estimated for four flatfish and one roundfish species encountered on the stock assessment surveys of the eastern Bering Sea. Net efficiency data was collected by repeatedly towing with an experimental trawl consisting of the usual trawl net with an auxiliary net attached underneath which is designed to capture all fish escaping under the trawl footrope. Efficiency was estimated by the ratio of the catch from the trawl net to the combined catch from both nets. Estimates of net efficiency as a function of fish length were obtained by sequentially fitting a nested hierarchy of statistical models to the efficiency and length data for each species and choosing the best model using likelihood ratio tests. For flathead sole, Hippoglossoides elassodon; northern rock sole, Lepidopsetta sp. cf. bilineata; Pacific halibut, Hippoglossus stenolepis and Pacific cod, Gadus macrocephalus, net efficiency did not vary with body length and was always >0.94. For yellowfin sole, Limanda aspera, net efficiency increased with body length and reached an asymptotic maximum of 0.77.
Retinal Burn Hazard Detector for Flash Optical Radiation Sources

Abstract Novel detectors and analysis techniques developed by the U.S. Army have been used to quickly evaluate the optical radiation hazards to personnel from single flash events within harsh test environments. This paper deals with the construction and use of the Big-Eye (BE) detector to estimate retinal exposure and perform an evaluation of retinal injury potential. This detector, which can yield data that is biologically significant, has been used to evaluate retinal hazards from single flash events within harsh test environments. The BE detector simulates the human eye and employs a light sensitive paper that shows physical changes at exposure levels near conservative occupational exposure limits developed for viewing a diffuse reflection of a visible laser beam. The use of optoelectronic instrumentation in harsh measurement environments can introduce greater uncertainties, and such measurements could be less reliable than data obtained using the detector described in this paper. Lyon, T.L.: Retinal B...
Credit rationing, budget constraints, and salaries in Yugoslav firms

Abstract Labor-managed firms are noted for the ability of workers to make decisions such as the setting of salaries and the choice of investments. This paper analyzes the short-run salary, investment, and investment finance decisions of a Yugoslav labor-managed firm facing constraints such as credit rationing, upper limits on salaries, and social ownership of capital. These constraints create a discontinuous cost-of-capital schedule that favors firms with large amounts of retained earnings and causes switching between self-financed and credit-financed investment. While credit rationing and salary constraints offset a preference for credit finance, lax enforcement of an enterprise budget constraint strengthens it.
Multidimensionality and Asymmetry in Religious Switching Behavior1

Rokeach proposed that switching between denominations is governed by their perceived similarity on a unidimensional continuum. Resulting research has been based on unidimensional methods assuming symmetric interdenominational exchanges. Both assumptions are questionable. We use two data sources, a local survey accounting for ministers' perceptions of similarity between religions and the General Social Surveys accounting for actual switching behavior. Analytic methods, including multidimensional scaling, seriation, and nearest neighbor analysis, were chosen for their ability to account for multidimensionality and asymmetry. Results support a relationship between multidimensional similarity and gaining members but less to losing members. We conclude that religious switching is best understood as a multidimensional asymmetric process. Applied examples are presented.
Interaction of water with a fatty acid Langmuir film

Abstract Using sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy we have studied the structure of the fatty acid monolayer–water interface as a function of pH of water. At low pH values, the monolayer is neutral and the surface water structure is disordered by hydrogen bonding of water molecules with the acid head-groups. At high pH values, acid head-groups are ionized and the resulting surface field helps the surface water molecules form a more ordered hydrogen-bonding network. At pH ∼3, a small change in pH leads to a reorientation of the acid OH groups while the alkyl chains remain conformationally ordered at all pH values.
Widespread Interstitial Chemistry of Mn5Si3-Type and Related Phases. Hidden Impurities and Opportunities

The many A{sub 5}B{sub 3} phases that exhibit hexagonal Mn{sub 5}Si{sub 3}-type structures by and large have a nearly unique abilities to bind diverse heteratoms Z in a preformed cavity within a chain of confacial trigonal antiprisms of A. The historical development of this chemistry as interstitially stabilized Nowotny phases and recent research to clarify the necessity for Z and the range of Z possible in certain hosts are described. Some hosts may bind as many as 20 different interstitial Z. Structures, stoichiometric relationships, volume effects, electronic guidelines, anomalies, Nowotny phases that require Z for stability, and a few band calculations are described. The special cases of hosts composed of divalent cations with pnictogens (As-Bi) and tetrels (Si-Pb) and their reactions with H and F are considered. The former Mn{sub 5}Si{sub 3}-type phase take up some H, but many convert at higher H or F concentrations to the orthorhombic Ca{sub 5}Sb{sub 3}-type (formerly {beta}-Yb{sub 5}Sb{sub 3}) structure. Many of the nominally valence-precise tetrelides with Cr{sub 5}B{sub 3} (or other) structures react with H or F to give the new stuffed Cr{sub 5}B{sub 3} versions with Z in a tetrahedral cavity (a Ca{sub 5}Sn{sub 3}F or La{sub 5}Pb{sub 3}O type). Somemore » early results demonstrate that highly significant reduction of high-temperature corrosion rates of Ti{sub 5}Si{sub 3} can be secured for Ti{sub 5}Si{sub 3}Z, Z = C or O. The number of uninvestigated Mn{sub 5}Si{sub 3}-type host-interstitial Z systems and the unknown ways in which various Z affect chemical and physical properties in each system are very large.« less
Modeling Attenuation of Storm Surge over Deformable Vegetation: Methodology and Verification

AbstractThis study extended and unified resistance formulations for rigid and deformable plants under both emergent and submerged conditions. Three approaches were examined in detail and implemented into a numerical model. First, the flow resistance formulations for rigid plants were critically reviewed. By introducing plant deformation relations with a given vegetal stress and vegetation properties, the formulation for rigid plants was extended to flexural rigid plants. Second, a flow resistance formulation directly derived from submerged, flexible plants was examined and extended. Both approaches to simulating deformable vegetation solve a set of two equations, a vegetation deformation relation and a resistance law, iteratively. The methodology and numerical algorithm for rigid and deformable plants were implemented into an operational storm surge model and tested against laboratory data. Good agreement has been found. The verified model can be used to study the spatial and temporal variations of deflec...
MR. BIN: Multicast Routing with Branch Information Nodes for Wireless Sensor Networks

We propose a novel multicast protocol, named Multicast Routing with Branch Information Nodes (MR.BIN) for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Addressing the various overhead issues of existing WSN multicast protocols, MR. BIN uses a hybrid approach of geographic unicast routing and statebased multicast routing. It achieves an optimal tradeoff among the overhead of the intermediate nodes’ states, packet header size, computation time, and energy consumption and balance. Through both analysis and extensive simulations, we validate that MR.BIN outperforms existing multicast WSN protocols in the aforementioned aspects.
Electrophoretic mobility shift assay of zinc finger proteins: Competition for Zn2+ bound to Sp1 in protocols including EDTA

The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) offers a principal method to detect specific DNA-protein interactions. As commonly conducted, the reaction and electrophoresis running buffers contain large concentrations of EDTA. EDTA has large affinity for Zn(2+) and readily competes with zinc finger peptides for Zn(2+) resulting in protein unfolding. Nevertheless, EMSA is routinely used to detect zinc finger protein-DNA adducts. This paper examines the chemistry that permits the detection of zinc finger-DNA complexes in the presence of EDTA, using Zn(3)-Sp1 and a cognate DNA binding site, GC1. Twice as much adduct was detected when the reaction was conducted in the absence than in the presence of EDTA. The observation of Zn-Sp1-GC1 was shown to depend on three properties: the inertness of Zn-Sp1-GC1 to reaction with EDTA and the comparatively similar rates of reaction of EDTA and GC1 with Zn(3)-Sp1 under the conditions of the assay that permit some Zn(3)-Sp1-GC1 to form. Inquiring about the mechanism of stabilization of Zn(3)-Sp1 by GC1, EDTA readily reacted with Zn(3)-Sp1 bound to a non-specific DNA, (polydI-dC). Two structurally similar but oppositely charged chelators, nitrilotriacetate (NTA) and tris-(2-ethylaminoethyl) amine (TREN), that react with free Zn(3)-Sp1 failed to compete for zinc bound in the Zn(3)-Sp1-GC-1 adduct. On the basis of these, other results indicated that the stability of Zn(3)-Sp1-GC-1 has a thermodynamic, not a kinetic origin. It is concluded that the observation of zinc finger proteins in the EMSA rests on a fortuitous set of chemical properties that may vary depending on the structures involved.
A microscopic investigation of woody tissues in peats: Some processes active in the peatification of Ligno-cellulosic cell walls

Abstract The formation of huminitic materials from xylem precursors is conventionally described as involving humification and gelification. Our ignorance of the chemical and physical details of these processes has led to confusion regarding the fate of woody tissues in peats. Our objective is to physically define the processes active on xylem cell walls during peatification. Peatified woody fragments from various depths and environments in southwestern Florida and the Okefenokee Swamp were examined microscopically in normal white light, crossed-polarized light, and incident blue light. The examination revealed that three processes were commonly active on woody cell walls during peatification: (1) alteration, (2) degradation, and (3) gelification. Each of these processes is anatomically defined and the optical characteristics of each are used to infer the chemical fate of the major cell wall polymers, cellulose and lignin, during each process. It is hoped that future studies combining chemical analyses and peat petrography will futher define these three processes.