cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ON THE ROLE OF TOP DEAD CENTER CONDITIONS IN THE COMBUSTION PHASING OF HOMOGENEOUS CHARGE COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINES

Abstract There is an inherent difficulty in trying to distinguish between the thermodynamic and the chemical effects in a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine. This article attempts to isolate the chemical kinetics effects in the framework of a zero-dimensional, thermo-kinetic model combined with a detailed chemical mechanism for iso-octane and an auto-ignition correlation. The study focuses on the behavior of single-stage ignition fuels near top dead center (TDC), as a means of relating conditions at TDC to predicted ignition timings. It is found that a unique relationship exists between combustion phasing, and the constant volume ignition delay at TDC conditions expressed in crank angle degrees (CAD). This relationship holds for given engine parameters and composition over a wide range of RPM. For ignition near TDC, the ignition delay at TDC conditions expressed as a crank angle interval must be between 8 and 12 CAD, depending on engine design parameters.
Occurrence Oftheasian Calanoid CopepodPseudodiaptomus Inopinus in the Zooplankton of the Columbia River Estuary

ABSTRACT Five species of introduced planktonic copepods from Asia, including two species of the genus Pseudodiaptomus, have been reported from coastal bays of California. Recently we have found a third species of Pseudodiaptomus endemic to the Indo-Pacific, P. inopinus, to be established in the Columbia River estuary. Comprehensive studies of both pelagic and epibenthic zooplankton in the Columbia River estuary in 1979 and 1980 did not record P. inopinus (see Simenstad and Cordell, 1985; Jones et al., 1990). In September 1990, we sampled zooplankton at three depths across several tide cycles. These samples contained high densities and all life-history stages of P. inopinus. It now appears that this species has become established and is prominent in the estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM) region. Pseudodiaptomus inopinus cooccurs in the ETM region with extensive populations of the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis and the harpacticoid copepod Scottolana canadensis. Preliminary results suggest that the distribution and abundance of these three species vary in response to the physical processes of the ETM. These differences may reduce potential competitive interactions between the preexisting and exotic species. Introduction was probably via ballast water from ships arriving from Asia. However, the establishment of P. inopinus may have been encouraged by a synergism between increased ballast dumping, decrease in maximum flows due to regulation of the river, and the attenuation of extreme low temperatures in the estuary during the last decade.
Can foreign firms bond themselves effectively by . . renting U.S. securities laws

Abstract The study tests the functional convergence hypothesis, which states that foreign firms can leapfrog their countries’ weak legal institutions by listing equities in New York and agreeing to follow U.S. securities law. Evidence shows that the SEC and minority shareholders have not effectively enforced the law against cross-listed foreign firms. Detailed evidence from Mexico further shows that while some insiders exploited this weak legal enforcement with impunity, others that issued a cross-listing and passed through an economic downturn with a clean reputation went on to receive privileged long-term access to outside finance. As compared with legal bonding, reputational bonding better explains the success of cross-listings.
Impact of Strategic Alliances on Firm Valuation

This study analyzed 119 strategic alliances formed during the period 1987–91. Using the event study methodology, we found that announcements of technological alliances enjoyed greater abnormal retu...
Association of carotid atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy

Objectives. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in a large group of asymptomatic hypertensive and normotensive adults and to examine its relation to the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Background. Both electrocardiographic and echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy predict an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, including cerebrovascular disease, but the mechanism of association is unknown. Methods. Four hundred eighty-six (277 normotensive and 209 untreated hypertensive) adults, free of clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease, were studied prospectively with echocardiography to determine left ventricular mass and carotid ultrasound to detect atherosclerosis and to measure common carotid artery dimensions. Results. Carotid atherosclerosis was present in 16% of normotensive and 23% of hypertensive participants (p < 0.05) and was associated with older age, higher systolic and pulse pressures and larger left ventricular mass index ([mean ± SD] 91 ± 19 vs. 82 ± 18 g/m2, p < 0.0001). The difference in mass persisted after adjustment for baseline differences in age and blood pressure. Subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy were twice as likely to have carotid atheromas (35% vs. 18%, p < 0.01). Logistic regression analyses, including standard risk factors, indicated that only age and left ventricular mass index independently predicted the presence of carotid plaque, both in the entire study group and when normotensive and hypertensive subjects were considered separately. Conclusions. We believe that the present study provides the first evidence that higher left ventricular mass as detected by echocardiography is associated with the presence of carotid plaque. The association between cardiac hypertrophy and systemic atherosclerosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of the high incidence of vascular events that is well documented in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
WIMP dark matter inflation with observable gravity waves

We present a successful inflation model based on $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\phi}}^{4}$ potential in which a standard model (SM) singlet inflaton $\ensuremath{\phi}$, with mass of around a TeV or less, also plays the role of a weakly interacting scalar dark matter particle (WIMP). The WIMP relic abundance generated after inflation is in accord with the current observations. The spectral index ${n}_{s}$ lies within the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) satellite $1\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\ensuremath{\sigma}$ bounds, while the Planck satellite may observe the tensor-to-scalar ratio, a canonical measure of gravity waves, which we estimate lies between 0.003 and 0.007. An unbroken ${Z}_{2}$ parity ensures that the scalar WIMP is absolutely stable.
Purification of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) of the Anterior Pituitary.

SummaryThe method of preparation of FSH in highly potent form is outlined. Some of the biological properties of this fraction are described.
Ventricular function in transposition of the great arteries: evaluation by radionuclide angiocardiography.

Abstract Right ventricular ejection fraction and tricuspid regurgitation were estimated by radionuclide angiocardiography to quantitate systemic ventricular function in “simple” transposition of the great arteries. Mean right ventricular ejection fraction was 0.52 ± 0.07 for 18 pre Mustard operation infants, 0.54 ± 0.07 for 23 patients operated upon less than a 1 year before, and 0.57 ± 0.08 for 14 patients operated upon more than 3 years earlier. Eight patients were evaluated before and following the Mustard operation; ejection fraction rose in three, fell in three, and remained constant in two. Mean right ventricular ejection fraction was not different between groups nor when compared to our “normal.” The left ventricle:right ventricle stroke volume ratio of the postoperative patients was compatible with tricuspid regurgitation in four patients. This radionuclide study suggests that following surgery for transposition of the great arteries: (1) mean right ventricular systolic ejection fraction remains at levels consistent with values usually found for the “normal” right ventricle; (2) group right ventricular function does not deteriorate in the years following surgery; and (3) tricuspid regurgitation may be detected in the early postoperative years.
A 33 yr constancy of the X-ray coronae of AR Lac and eclipse diagnosis of scale height

Extensive X-ray and EUV photometric observations of the eclipsing RS CVn system AR Lac were obtained over the years 1997-2013 with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Extreme-Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE). During primary eclipse, High Resolution Camera count rates decrease by ∼40%. A similar minimum is seen during one primary eclipse observed by EUVE but not in others owing to intrinsic source variability. Little evidence for secondary eclipses is present in either the X-ray or EUV data, reminiscent of earlier X-ray and EUV observations. Primary eclipses allow us to estimate the extent of a spherically symmetric corona on the primary G star of about 1.3 R {sub ☉}, or 0.86 R {sub *}, and indicate that the G star is likely brighter than the K component by a factor of 2-5. Brightness changes not attributable to eclipses appear to be dominated by stochastic variability and are generally non-repeating. X-ray and EUV light curves cannot therefore be reliably used to reconstruct the spatial distribution of emission assuming that only eclipses and rotational modulation are at work. Moderate flaring is observed, where count rates increase by up to a factor of three above quiescence. Combined with older ASCA, Einstein, EXOSAT, ROSAT, and BeppoSAX observations, themore » data show that the level of quiescent coronal emission at X-ray wavelengths has remained remarkably constant over 33 yr, with no sign of variation due to magnetic cycles. Variations in base level X-ray emission seen by Chandra over 13 yr are only ∼10%, while variations back to pioneering Einstein observations in 1980 amount to a maximum of 45% and more typically about 15%.« less
[URE3] and [PSI] as prions ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae: genetic evidence and biochemical properties

Abstract We have proposed that the yeast non-Mendelian elements [URE3] and [PSI] are prions, altered forms of Ure2p and Sup35p, respectively. Both are curable, but can arise again in the cured strains. The relation of the ure2 and sup35 mutations to [URE3] and [PSI] is that expected of prions, not that expected of nucleic acid replicons. Overproduction of Ure2p and Sup35p increases by 100-fold the frequency with which [URE3[ and [PSI] arise, respectively. The N-terminal 65 amino acid residues of Ure2p are necessary for the [URE3] change and Ure2p becomes partially protease-resistant in [URE3] strains. The chaperone, Hsp104, is necessary for the propagation of [PSI], but when overexpressed cures [PSI].
Metal-Enhanced Surface Plasmon-Coupled Phosphorescence

In this paper, we report the first observation of metal-enhanced surface plasmon-coupled phosphorescence (ME-SPCP) from 2,3,7,8,12,17,18-octaethyl-21H,23H-porphyrin platinum II (PtOEP) immobilized in 1% poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films on 47 nm continuous gold films coated with 20 and 80 nm silver colloids. In addition to the free space intensity enhancements, increased photostability decay rates, and additional short lifetime components for glass and gold substrates treated with silver colloids, we also observe a pronounced intensity enhancement and photostability of the SPCP signal from the PtOEP/PVC sample on the 47 nm Au films coated with 80 nm Ag colloids. In contrast, we observe a minor enhancement of the SPCP signal from the Au films coated with only 20 nm Ag colloids. The SPCP enhancement from the PtOEP complexes in 1% PVC films on Au films coated with Ag colloids is the first observation of ME-SPCP. In addition, we note the observation of two populations of near-field-induced plasmons: those fac...
Effect of Ion Engine Exhaust on the Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves

A theory is presented concerning the effect of the ion engine exhaust on the propagation, interaction, and scattering of incident electromagnetic waves originating from a nearby dipole antenna. The exhaust is represented as a cylindrical beam. Two cases of interest are studied: that of an exhaust beam in an axial d.c. magnetic field Bz = 0, and that of a finite value B2, respectively. The electromagnetic field equations are obtained for transverse magnetic (TM) modes in the first case and for transverse electric (TE) modes in the second case. The analysis considers also the changes in the beam temperature due to its interaction with the surrounding medium. The fluctuations in the coefficients of the tensor dielectric constant [cb] due to the temperature changes and their effect on the electromagnetic field expressions also are investigated.
Modeling of Cu Surface Precipitation and Out-Diffusion from Silicon Wafers

It has been observed by Ohkubo et al. [Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 44, 3793(2005]) that Cu out-diffusion is much slower than expected based on Cu diffusivity and that the presence of both organics and Cu on the surface increases Cu out-diffusion rate and reduces surface potential. In this work, physically based models are developed to provide the foundation for simulating Cu out-diffusion to the wafer surface. These models include built-in electric field due to surface states as well as nucleation and growth of Cu silicide precipitates on wafer surface. The resulting models are verified by comparison to the experimental measurements.
Environment induced changes in DNA structure

Investigations over the past decade have disclosed that the structure of DNA in solution is far from uniform and static. The present view of DNA structure is that it is: 1) dynamically variable, displaying relatively large flexibility in both bending and torsional modes, 2) it is not perfectly helical because of sequence dependent departures from a regular helix and 3) it is capable of adopting entirely different conformations, including a switch in the sense of the helix as is the case for the B to Z transition, as well as new folding patterns as is the case for cation induced DNA collapse. One of the principal problems in the field today is the detection and evaluation of structural changes in solution. Many experimental techniques are in use and a number of these will be reviewed. The discussion includes models of flexible DNA, the structural aspects revealed by several experimental techniques, and results for a number of systems in which solution environment brings about changes in structure.
Abnormal human sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels in malignant hyperthermic skeletal muscle

Single sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channels were reconstituted from normal and malignant hyperthermic (MH) human skeletal muscle biopsies (2–5 g samples). Conduction, gating properties, and myoplasmic Ca2+ dependence of human SR Ca2+ release channels were similar to those in other species (rabbit, pig). The MH diagnostic procedure distinguishes three phenotypes (normal, MH-equivocal, and MH-susceptible) on the basis of muscle contracture sensitivity to caffeine and/or halothane. Single channel studies reveal that human MH muscles (both MH phenotypes) contain SR Ca2+ release channels with abnormally greater caffeine sensitivity. Muscles from MH-equivocal and MH-susceptible patients appear to contain channels with the same abnormality. Further, our data (n = 115, 21 channels, 11 patients) reveals that human MH muscles (both phenotypes) may contain two populations of SR Ca2+ release channels, possibly corresponding to normal and abnormal isoforms. Thus, whole cell phenotypic variation (MH-equivocal vs. MH-susceptible) arises in muscles containing channels with similar caffeine sensitivity suggesting that human MH does not arise from a single defect. These results have important ramifications concerning (a) correlation of functional and genetic MH studies, (b) identification of other, yet to be determined, factors which may influence MH expression, and (c) characterization of normal SR Ca2+ release channel function by exploring genetic channel defects.
Measuring effects of contaminant stress on fish populations

The translation of a contaminant effect on the growth, behavior, or survival probability of individuals into a change in the size or productivity of a population involves the interspecies and intraspecies interactions that regulate population size. The result of these interactions may be to reduce or exaggerate the ultimate effect of the contaminant-induced stress and to cause the importance of the contaminant to vary with annual variations in the physical and biological environment. The interactions cause the density-dependent changes in growth, survival, and reproduction that are often associated with perturbations. These density-dependent responses of population characteristics confound the measurement of the population-level effects of contaminant stress in the field and their prediction on the basis of laboratory observations. For many, if not most, field situations the evaluation of population response necessarily involves the study of other biological and physical factors that affect population size.
Defect in proximal and distal sodium transport in post-obstructive diuresis

Defect in proximal and distal sodium transport in post-obstructive diuresis. Bilateral urinary obstruction was created in rats by tying a ligature around the bladder below the ureteral orifices. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Water intake was limited and food was withheld from both groups during and following obstruction. Release of the obstruction after 30hr was followed by a diuresis lasting 24 to 36hr. One group of rats was kept in balance cages before, during and after obstruction. After release of the obstruction, experimental animals had lower creatinine clearance and higher urine flow, Na, K and solute excretion than did sham-operated controls. Urine flow in the experimental animals exceeded water intake during the postobstructive period. A second group of rats was prepared identically and used for clearance and micropuncture measurements beginning 14hr after release of the obstruction. Plasma concentrations of K, urea and total solutes were elevated. C In was reduced and V, U Na V, U K V, U Osm V and C Osm were elevated. Na and water reabsorption were reduced in the proximal and distal nephron, distal K secretion was increased, and a marked defect in concentrating ability was present. The reduction in proximal Na reabsorption was not associated with a reduced peritubular capillary protein concentration. Tracer microinjection experiments with a third group of rats revealed abnormal permeability to mannitol and inulin. The defect in Na reabsorption is probably due to an increased backflux of Na, reducing net Na reabsorption. GFR is probably not identical to inulin or creatinine clearance in post-obstructive diuresis.
On triangulations for computing fixed points

This paper introduces theoretical measures of efficiency for triangulations used in computing fixed points. The measures, for both regular triangulations ofRn and those with continuous refinement of grid size, are based on an average count of the number of simplices met by straight line segments. The computation of these measures is facilitated by a description of the facets as well as the vertices of a triangulation. We give a simple description of a modification of Eaves' and Saigal's K3 and compute the measures of efficiency of three regular triangulations ofRn and two triangulations of (0, 1] ×Rn with continuous refinement of grid size, including the modified K3.
Coupled Volumes: Aperture Size and the Double-Sloped Decay of Concert Halls

The coupled-volume concert hall and its signature double-sloped sound decay attempt to reconcile the often-competing qualities of clarity and reverberance. By wrapping a room with another more reverberant room, and allowing for apertures to control the sonic transparency between the two rooms, designers use coupling to provide a sound field that is variable, longer, distinct, and performance-piece-specific. For this study a coupled-volume concert hall (based on an existing hall) is conceived with a fixed geometric volume, form, and materiality. Aperture size is established as variable. The simulated hall undergoes statistical and geometric (ray tracing software) analysis. Results show disparity in the absolute decay patterns projected by the two methods; however, both statistical and geometric relative analyses suggest a highly sensitive relationship between the aperture size exposing the coupled-volume and the double-sloped condition. To test the model, simulations are compared to real-room measurements ...
The Truncated double cosine theta superconducting septum magnet

The study deals with nonferrous two-dimensional arrays of line currents, creating magnetic fields suitable for guiding or focusing particle beams. Methods have been found to reduce stray fields to the level of one part per thousand of the useful magnetic field and reach precision of the useful field to the level of 100 ppm. Complex potential theory is used throughout. In particular, the method is applied to the design of a dc superconducting dipole septum magnet, which can be used for inflection of a particle beam into a storage ring, leading to the concept of the truncated double cosine theta septum magnet. The space required for the septum can be made small, so that the device may compete with similar room temperature puulsed septum magnets. The Lorentz forces have been evaluated, including those which occur when the device is immersed in the field of another magnet. Selected combinations of multipoles are considered, showing novel ways to reduce stray fields.
Multiple Two-Dimensional Structures Formed at Monolayer and Submonolayer Coverages of p-Sexiphenyl on the Au(111) Surface

The two-dimensional structures formed by monolayers and submonolayers of p-sexiphenyl (p-6P) molecules evaporated onto the Au(111) surface are investigated using ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-STM). Five different 2D structures corresponding to different surface coverages are discovered and their 2D structures solved. The trends in the molecular alignment with respect to the underlying gold lattice are discussed. An unusual structure that consists of paired rows of p-6P molecules was discovered. A surface structure with alternating domains of slightly differently packed p-6P molecules was also found. The boundary between these two domains contains systematic molecular vacancies.
Introducing Instructional Technology to International Relations

was calling to let me know that his daughter had returned from the first class of her college experience so excited that she had phoned him at home. She had just learned about the concept of change in international relations, not through the expected format of a classroom lecture, but through an interactive critical thinking exercise that made use of a computer animation of the European map. The student had commented, "You know I really got it. I understood what the professor was driving at." What was significant about the father's report was that his daughter had focused not on the technology itself, but on the pedagogical impact it had produced. The energetic reaction of this student highlights the promise of instructional technology (I.T.).1 The 1995 National Survey of Desktop Computing in Higher Education, a survey involving 650 institutions, reveals a 50% increase over the past academic year in the percentage of college courses using email, advanced computer software, multimedia, and the Internet. The survey's director, Kenneth Green of Claremont Graduate school, notes that "the slow, gradual movement of information technology resources into the curriculum and classroom
Self-Reported Ethnicity and Genetic Ancestry in Relation to Oral Cancer and Pre-Cancer in Puerto Rico

Background Hispanics are known to be an extremely diverse and genetically admixed ethnic group. The lack of methodologies to control for ethnicity and the unknown admixture in complex study populations of Hispanics has left a gap in understanding certain cancer disparity issues. Incidence rates for oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) in Puerto Rico are among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. We conducted an epidemiological study to examine risk and protective factors, in addition to possible genetic susceptibility components, for oral cancer and precancer in Puerto Rico. Methodology/Principal Findings We recruited 310 Puerto Rico residents who had been diagnosed with either an incident oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral precancer, or benign oral condition. Participants completed an in-person interview and contributed buccal cells for DNA extraction. ABI Biosystem Taqman™ primer sets were used for genotyping 12 ancestry informative markers (AIMs). Ancestral group estimates were generated using maximum likelihood estimation software (LEADMIX), and additional principal component analysis was carried out to detect population substructures. We used unconditional logistic regression to assess the contribution of ancestry to the risk of being diagnosed with either an oral cancer or precancer while controlling for other potential confounders. The maximum likelihood estimates showed that study participants had a group average ancestry contribution of 69.9% European, 24.5% African, and 5.7% detectable Native American. The African and Indigenous American group estimates were significantly higher than anticipated. Neither self-identified ethnicity nor ancestry markers showed any significant associations with oral cancer/precancer risk in our study. Conclusions/Significance The application of ancestry informative markers (AIMs), specifically designed for Hispanics, suggests no hidden population substructure is present based on our sampling and provides a viable approach for the evaluation and control of ancestry in future studies involving Hispanic populations.
Determinants of Weight Loss after an Intervention in Low-Income Women in Early Postpartum

Objective: Postpartum is a critical period for the development of obesity in women, yet there is limited research of factors associated with changes in weight during early postpartum. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify determinants of weight loss after an intervention.Methods: A sample of women in early postpartum was recruited from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinics, doctors' offices, and neighborhood centers (N = 58). Women participated in an 8-week weight-loss intervention. Subjects were measured for weight and height and completed demographics, the Eating Stimulus Index, a nutrition knowledge test, a food-frequency questionnaire, and a household environment survey. Correlations and linear regression determined associations with the outcome variable weight loss, and hierarchical regression was used to determine the most significant predictors.Results: All subjects improved their nutrition knowledge, skills, convenience-eating resistan...
On the structure of the hemocyanin channel in lipid bilayers.

Abstract Keyhole limpet hemocyanin has been shown by others (Alvarez, O., Diaz, E. and Latorre, R. (1975) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 389, 444–448) to form single conductance channels in black lipid membranes. In an attempt to visualize how the large (300 A) water-soluble hemocyanin molecule interacts with lipid bilayers, we have examined hemocyanin in the presence of lipids with the electron microscope. We find that incubation of lipids with keyhole limpet hemocyanin produces a characteristic 70 A in diameter, ring-shaped particle or annulus associated with the bilayer. This annulus, which appears to be quite distinct from previously observed aggregated and dissociated forms of hemocyanin, may be responsible for the channel formation in black lipid membranes.
Use of the Wiki for Cross-Institutional Collaborations

This article discusses how groups of student teachers use the wiki to collaborate cross-institutionally in order to design tasks for English language learners. Participants in this case study involved student teachers at a private graduate institution on the East Coast in the U.S. and students at a public graduate institution in Luxembourg. In this action research approach, data triangulation involved gathering information through a combination of different instruments such as computer-mediated communication data, needs analyses, journal entries, and post-course questionnaires. Findings showed that in addition to writing collaboratively, groups used the wiki as a discussion tool. This subsequently led to an exploration of the interactions through computer-mediated discourse analysis and a discussion of methodological implications.
Boron contents and isotopic compositions of hog manure, selected fertilizers, and water in Minnesota

Boron-isotope (δ 11 B) values may be useful as surrogate tracers of contaminants and indicators of water mixing in agricultural settings. This paper characterizes the B contents and isotopic compositions of hog manure and selected fertilizers, and presents δ 11 B data for ground and surface water from two agricultural areas. Boron concentrations in dry hog manure averaged 61 mg/kg and in commercial fertilizers ranged from below detection limits in some brands of ammonium nitrate and urea to 382 mg/kg in magnesium sulfate. Values of δ 11 B of untreated hog manure ranged from 7.2 to 11.2‰ and of N fertilizers were -2.0 to 0.7‰. In 22 groundwater samples from a sand-plain aquifer in east-central Minnesota, B concentrations averaged 0.04 mg/L and δ 11 B values ranged from 2.3 to 41.5‰. Groundwater beneath a hog feedlot and a cultivated field where hog manure was applied had B-isotope compositions consistent with the water containing hog-manure leachate. In a 775-km 2 watershed with silty-loam soils in south-central Minnesota: 18 samples of subsurface drainage from corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) fields had average B concentrations of 0.06 mg/L and δ 11 B values of 5.3 to 15.1‰; 27 stream samples had average B concentrations of 0.05 mg/L and δ 11 B values of 1.0 to 19.0‰; and eight groundwater samples had average B concentrations of 0.09 mg/L and δ 11 B values of -0.3 to 23.0‰. Values of δ 11 B and B concentrations, when plotted against one another, define a curved mixing trend that suggests subsurface drainage and stream water contain mixtures of B from shallow and deep groundwater.
The Role of the Western Boundary in the ENSO Cycle: Experiments with Coupled Models

Abstract Coupled models of the Pacific ocean–atmosphere system have been shown to produce oscillations in the model coupled system that resemble the observed El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle in many respects. The tendency for the coupled models to oscillate is due to delayed negative feedback resulting from the reflection of Rossby wave activity from the western boundary. In the real ocean the reflection process is difficult to observe. Furthermore, among other potential complications affecting the generation and propagation baroclinic waves, the real western boundary is ragged with unknown reflective characteristics rather than the efficiently reflecting boundaries found in the oceanic components of the simple coupled models that produce ENSO-like oscillations. Thus, the validity of the delayed negative feedback–coupled oscillator concept remains open to question. We present the results of experiments with two coupled models, one simple and one more complex, in which realistic western equatorial...
The effects of steric hindrance on sub-glass transitions in epoxy polymers

Abstract Pairs of sterically hindered and unhindered linear aliphatic and aromatic diamines were synthesized and used as curatives for the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The steric hindrance was caused by methyl group substitution of a hydrogen atom adjacent to the amine. For each pair, the hindered diamine cure had a lower density and a higher glass transition. Another pair of diamines was synthesized for which the methyl group was replaced by ethyl and butyl side chains; for these resins, both the density and glass transition decreased. Torsional pendulum results show that the sub-glass transition for the hindered cures shifts to lower temperatures and has a greater activation energy. Analysis by the Havriliak-Negami dispersion equation shows that the hindered resins have broader and more symmetrical relaxations. The background hysteresis loss outside of the relaxation region was analysed by the Nutting equation and was found to decrease with steric hindrance.
Semi-automatic Navigation on 3D Triangle Meshes Using BVP Based Path-Planning

Efficient path-planning methods are being explored along the years to allow the movement of robots or virtual agents in planar environments. However, there is a lot of space to improve the quality of paths restricted to 3D surfaces, with holes and bends for instance. This work presents a new technique for path-planning on 3D surfaces called 3DS-BVP. This path planner is based on Boundary Value Problem (BVP), which generates potential fields whose gradient descent represents navigation routes from any point on the surface to a goal position. Resulting paths are smooth and free from local minima. The 3DS-BVP works on complex surfaces of arbitrary genus or curvature, represented by a triangle mesh, without the need of 2D parametrizations. Our results demonstrate that our technique can generate paths in arbitrary surfaces with similar quality as those generated by BVP-based methods in planar environments. Our approach can be applied in the development of new tools to automate the navigation on 3D surfaces, like the camera control in the exploratory visualization of 3D models.
Evolution of the Vertical Thermodynamic Profile during the Transition from Shallow to Deep Convection during CuPIDO 2006

Abstract The evolution of the vertical thermodynamic profile associated with two cases of deep orographic convection were studied with data from an instrumented aircraft, mobile surface based radiosondes, and stereo photogrammetric analyses. The data were collected during a field experiment [i.e., the Cumulus Photogrammetric, In Situ, and Doppler Observations (CuPIDO) experiment in 2006] performed over the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona. In both cases the vertical thermodynamic profile was modified in a way that supported subsequent deep convection. In one case, a midtropospheric stable layer was eroded through low-level warming and cooling at the cloud-top level that was likely due to an adiabatic adjustment of the profile through the action of gravity waves. In the second case, dry air aloft was moistened through the action of the shallow convection thus preventing the erosion of the convective turrets through entrainment of dry air. These cases illustrate mechanisms for convective conditi...
A plastic-fracture model for concrete

Abstract The paper summarizes recent efforts in formulating an elastic-plastic-fracture model for the finite-element analysis of concrete structures. Based on the geometrical considerations, a four-parameter fracture (or yielding) criterion was proposed which embraces some of the simpler existing models. Isotropic elastic and anisotropic elastic behaviors were proposed for the initial loading and the post-failure behaviors. A plastic model displaying mixed hardening was proposed to describe material behaviors between the initial yielding and the fracture failure. Incremental stress-strain relationships were derived based on the associated flow rule and Ziegler's kinematic hardening rule. Three different types of failure modes were considered. A simple crushing coefficient was defined based on a dual criterion to identify the crushing type, the cracking type and the mixed type of failure. Material parameters required for each element of the plastic-fracture model were determined. An important feature of the paper is that matrix formulations for all the constitutive equations were derived and are available for finite-element implementations.
Nesidioblastosis and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

The most common cause of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is the over-production of a gastrin-like hormone by a non-beta islet cell neoplasm of the pancreas. Hyperplasia and neoformation of islets alone and in combination with neoplasia have been reported in association with the syndrome, but there has been little effort to implicate these findings in the pathogenesis of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Here was presented the findings of nesidioblastosis of islets, proliferation of centroacinar and intercalated duct cells, with discussion of the ultrastructural characteristics of the non-beta granules in the pancreas of a patient having the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The findings in this case, together with what is already known, suggest that an extrapancreatic agent is responsible for certain of the histologic changes of the pancreas, which, in turn, may lead to excessive gastrin-production and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Breast Meat and Part Yields from Four Retail Brands of Broiler Chickens Obtained in the Northeast Georgia Area

Abstract Four brands of broiler chicken were obtained fresh from grocery stores in the greater Athens, Georgia area. Ten carcasses were selected from each brand in three replicate lots. All carcasses were in the approximate weight range of 1,600 to 2,000 g. Carcasses were held at 2 to 4 C for 4 days prior to analyses. Each carcass was weighed and cut into standard parts for wings, thighs, and drumsticks. The parts were weighed and the breast meat and thigh meat removed and also weighed. Parts and meat yields were calculated using the package weight, drained weight, shell weight (without giblets), and with abdominal fat pad removed. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance to determine whether differences existed among brands. There were no significant differences in carcass weights among brands. Significant differences did exist among brands for all parts, except wings, and meat yields, regardless of method of calculation. The four brands were also found to differ in weepage (moisture loss based on net weight), giblets, and abdominal fat. Deboned breast meat, both Pectoralis major and minor muscles, for the four brands were 20.5, 20.8, 20.9, and 24.0%, respectively. These results indicate that significant differences in part yields and meat yields exist among market brands available in the northeast Georgia market area.
Hybrid model predictive control for sequential decision policies in adaptive behavioral interventions

Control engineering offers a systematic and efficient method to optimize the effectiveness of individually tailored treatment and prevention policies known as adaptive or "just-in-time" behavioral interventions. The nature of these interventions requires assigning dosages at categorical levels, which has been addressed in prior work using Mixed Logical Dynamical (MLD)-based hybrid model predictive control (HMPC) schemes. However, certain requirements of adaptive behavioral interventions that involve sequential decision making have not been comprehensively explored in the literature. This paper presents an extension of the traditional MLD framework for HMPC by representing the requirements of sequential decision policies as mixed-integer linear constraints. This is accomplished with user-specified dosage sequence tables, manipulation of one input at a time, and a switching time strategy for assigning dosages at time intervals less frequent than the measurement sampling interval. A model developed for a gestational weight gain (GWG) intervention is used to illustrate the generation of these sequential decision policies and their effectiveness for implementing adaptive behavioral interventions involving multiple components.
Electron paramagnetic resonance shift in II1-xMnxVI diluted magnetic semiconductors in the presence of strong exchange coupling.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has been investigated in two ${\mathrm{II}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{VI}$ alloys---${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Se}$ and ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{S}$---for a series of high Mn concentrations and at low temperatures $T$, i.e., under conditions where the spin subsystems in these materials are strongly coupled. We have observed a very significant shift of the resonance field from the EPR position of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ ions that increases with increasing $x$ and with decreasing $T$. Furthermore, the use of multiple frequencies has allowed us to attribute the observed shift to an internal field that originates from the spin sublattice within the ${\mathrm{II}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{VI}$ host.
Writing Captivity in the Early Modern Atlantic: Circulations of Knowledge and Authority in the Iberian and English Imperial Worlds

Writing Captivity in the Early Modern Atlantic: Circulations of Knowledge and Authority in the Iberian and English Imperial Worlds, by Lisa Voigt, Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 2...
Measurements of the neutron transmission and capture cross sections in Pb 204

High resolution neutron transmission measurements have been performed on $^{204}\mathrm{Pb}$ in the energy interval $E=0.4\ensuremath{-}105$ keV. The transmission data were analyzed using a multilevel $R$-matrix code to deduce resonance parameters. Previously obtained neutron capture data were reanalyzed in the interval 2.6-86 keV. Values of $\frac{G{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ were determined from the capture data. For those resonances where ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{n}}$ could be determined from the transmission data, the capture data were analyzed to extract ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$. Our results yield an average capture for a stellar temperature $kT=30$ keV of 89.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.5 mb. The $s$-wave level density for $^{205}\mathrm{Pb}$ corresponding to the neutron energy range investigated (i.e., $E\ensuremath{\sim}105$ keV) relative to that for $^{207}\mathrm{Pb}$ (which has about the same neutron separation energy) is greater by about a factor of 10. The average $s$-wave strength function in this energy region is determined as ${S}_{0}=0.93\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. This is an order of magnitude greater than that for a similar energy region in $^{206}\mathrm{Pb}$ + n where a doorway is observed at $E\ensuremath{\sim}500$ keV. However, the strength function in the initial $E=0\ensuremath{-}100$ keV in $^{204}\mathrm{Pb}$ + n is almost identical to the average value of that for $^{206}\mathrm{Pb}$ + n when the averaging interval for the latter is taken as ${E}_{\mathrm{n}}\ensuremath{\approx}0\ensuremath{-}1000$ keV (i.e., over the doorway state). This suggests that the $s$-wave doorway state observed in the higher mass lead isotopes is completely mixed with "background" states in $^{205}\mathrm{Pb}$, and most likely no intermediate structure will be observed in the $s$-wave strength function for the $^{204}\mathrm{Pb}$ + n reaction.
X-ray study of the PbCl2−xIx and PbBr2−xIx systems

Abstract Compounds from the systems PbCl 2 PbI 2 and PbBr 2 PbI 2 were examined by x-ray diffraction. The lattice parameters of these phases are presented and the refined crystal structures of the intermediate compounds PbClI and PbBr1.2I0.8 are reported. Both structures have Pbnm symmetry, are isostructural with PbCl2, and have the different halogens ordered in the two Cl sites. Phase studies showed that PbCl2 and PbClI have practically no mutual solubility, while PbBr2 and PbBr1.2I0.8 have appreciable solubility ranges, particularly for PbBr2-rich concentrations. At least 17% Br is present in the I site of PbBr1.2I0.8. Nevertheless, it is a distinct phase with miscibility gaps toward PbBr2 and PbI2. This behavior is explained by the size disparity between the halogens. The intermediate phases do not form solid solutions with hexagonal PbI2.
T-cell receptor gamma delta and gamma transgenic mice suggest a role of a gamma gene silencer in the generation of alpha beta T cells.

Abstract A T lymphocyte expresses on its surface one of two types of antigen receptor, T-cell receptor alpha beta or T-cell receptor gamma delta, encoded by a pair of somatically rearranged alpha and beta or gamma and delta genes. It has been suggested that alpha beta T cells are generated only from precursor T cells that failed to rearrange gamma and delta genes in a functional form. However, we found that transgenic mice constructed with functionally rearranged gamma and delta genes produce a normal number of alpha beta T cells. The transgene gamma present in these alpha beta T cells is repressed apparently through an associated cis DNA element (silencer). We propose that some T-cell precursors are committed to generate alpha beta T cells independent of the rearrangement status of their gamma gene and that this commitment involves activation of a factor(s) that interacts with the gamma gene-associated silencer.
Neuroprotection by Spice-Derived Nutraceuticals: You Are What You Eat!

Numerous lines of evidence indicate that chronic inflammation plays a major role in the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and meningitis. Why these diseases are more common among people from some countries than others is not fully understood, but lifestyle factors have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. For example, the incidence of certain neurodegenerative diseases among people living in the Asian subcontinent, where people regularly consume spices, is much lower than in countries of the western world. Extensive research over the last 10 years has indicated that nutraceuticals derived from such spices as turmeric, red pepper, black pepper, licorice, clove, ginger, garlic, coriander, and cinnamon target inflammatory pathways, thereby may prevent neurodegenerative diseases. How these nutraceuticals modulate various pathways and how they exert neuroprotection are the focus of this review.