cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of invariant spaces under a symmetric real matrix and its permutations

Abstract 3or any N × N symmetric real matrix W, the subspaces of RN which are invariant under πTWπ for all N × N permutation matrices π are characterized. For most W, the only such invariant subspaces are RN and {O}, but there are many exceptions. The related problem of characterizing the class of linear transformations that leave a given space and all its permutations invariant is also solved.
Dropwindsonde and Radar Observations of the Eye of Hurricane Gloria (1985)

Abstract Two soundings from the eye of Hurricane Gloria (1985) during a period of rapid deepening are described. The soundings were made by Omega dropwindsondes (ODWs) during research flights of the NOAA Hurricane Research Division on 24–25 September 1985. During the 4.7 hours between the two ODW drops. Gloria's minimum sea-level pressure fell from 932 to 922 mb. The ODWs indicate substantial warming due to dry-adiabatic descent from 580 to 660 mb. Descent rates are estimated to be about 11 cm s−1. Near 500 mb, ascent is indicated. Approximately 60% of the 10 mb pressure fall is associated with thermodynamic changes below 500 mb.
Day 3 embryo shape as a morphologic selection parameter in in vitro fertilization

Purpose To investigate whether embryo shape is a useful morphologic predictor of developmental competence in IVF cycles.
Appearance of Gauge Structure in Simple Dynamical Systems

Generalizing a construction of Berry and Simon, we show that non-Abelian gauge fields arise in the adiabatic development of simple quantum mechanical systems. Characteristics of the gauge fields are related to energy splittings, which may be observable in real systems. Similar phenomena are found for suitable classical systems.
Teaching Written Communication Skills in Professional Selling: The Cover Letter

The selling process steps have been an integral part of professional selling courses and textbooks for years. Although slight changes have been made in their wording and format, most textbooks are consistent in the recommended process for an effective sales interaction. In an effort to combine teaching the selling process with the increased demand from employers and accrediting institutions to improve written communication skills, this article introduces the cover (sales) letter as an assignment for marketing instructors. This cover letter assignment has been very well received by students and employers, highlighting how universities can engage students in an active learning environment, teaching both theory and specific skills.
Molecular genetics in muscular dystrophy research: Revolutionary progress

The contribution of “reverse genetic” strategies to neuromuscular disease research is evident in the progression of breakthroughs that have recently culminated in the cloning of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cDNA. The resultant improvements in our understanding of the genetic basis of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and DMD serve as models for similar investigation of other heritable disorders. These genetic advances have outpaced concurrent work on the molecular pathogenesis of the dystrophic process, with the curious result that inferences about the DMD protein's amino acid sequence have preceded any information about its function or intracellular localization. In recognition that this foundation sets the stage for the rapid elucidation of the disease's pathogenesis, we review the experimental basis of such advances, with reference to relevant progress in basic myology, pathology, and molecular biology. We conclude with a view towards the ultimate clinical implications of these experimental break-throughs.
Sediment-Water Interactions Affect Assessments of Metals Discharges at Electric Utilities

We present three examples to show the importance of sediment-water interactions to electric utilities: 1) Selenium (Se), in ash pond effluents, has caused declines in fish populations in North Carolina. A biogeochemistry model appears to explain Se dynamics for several reservoirs. However, further work on sediment water interactions is needed to predict the speed of reservoir Se declines following cessation of inputs; 2) Mercury (Hg), volatilized in stack gases from coal fired power plants, is a public and wildlife health concern. Sediments play a major role in the biogeochemistry of Hg as documented in the Mercury Cycling Model (MCM); As with Se, questions about sediment water interactions limit the confidence in predictions about dynamics and effects of Hg; and 3) One of the recommendations from a recent Pellston Conference was to evaluate the use of a new paradigm as a basis for metals regulations. Under this new paradigm, effects of surface active metals (Ag, Al, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn) on fish can be viewed as dependent on competition between the gill, a 'biotic ligand', and other environmental ligands for metals in discharges. Under this new paradigm, then, the mechanics of toxicity can be viewed as analogous to interactions at the sediment-water interface. It is clear from these three examples that fostering discussion among chemists and toxicologists, through joint participation at meetings and publication in journals used by both fields, is critical for development of accurate assessment capabilities and support of cost effective decision making.
Maturation of guinea pig sperm in the epididymis involves the modification of proacrosin oligosaccharide side chains.

Proacrosin from guinea pig cauda epididymal sperm has a lower molecular weight compared with the testicular zymogen. In this study, we have examined the structural basis of this change and where the conversion in proacrosin molecular weight occurs during sperm maturation. Immunoblotting of trifluoromethane-sulfonic acid-deglycosylated testicular and cauda epididymal sperm extracts with antibody to guinea pig testicular proacrosin demonstrated that the polypeptide backbones of proacrosins from the testis and cauda epididymal sperm had the same molecular weights (∽44,000). Keratanase, an endo-β-galactosidase specific for lactosaminoglycans, partially digested testicular proacrosin but had no effect on proacrosin from cauda epididymal sperm. In extracts of testis, caput epididymis, and corpus epididymis analyzed by immunoblotting, anti-proacrosin recognized a major antigen with an apparent molecular weight (Mr) of 55,000, although a 50,000-Mr minor antigen began to appear in the corpus epididymis. By contrast, extracts of cauda epididymis, vas deferens, and cauda epididymal sperm had the 50,000 Mr protein as the only immunoreactive antigen. By enzymography following electrophoresis, the major bands of proteolytic activity in extracts of testis, caput epididymis, and corpus epididymis had 55,000 Mr. A band of protease activity with 55,000 Mr also appeared in extracts of the corpus epididymis. However, the most prominent bands of proteolytic activity in cauda epididymis, vas deferens, and cauda epididymal sperm had 50,000 Mr. In addition, two other major protease activities were detected with 32,000 and 34,000 Mr; the relationships of these proteases to proacrosin are unclear. From these results, we conclude that the oligosaccharides of proacrosin are altered during epididymal transit and that this modification occurs in the corpus epididymis. Such structural alterations may be functionally significant, since sperm acquire the ability to fertilize eggs during epididymal maturation.
Bad Metals Made with Good-Metal Components

We have grown thin stable films of a good metal, Ag, that have characteristics of bad metals: high resistivity, strong temperature dependence of resistivity, and lack of resistive saturation. For films of different thickness, the temperature-dependent resistance and the Hall effect resistance provide evidence that the apparent bad metallicity is a consequence of the microstructure of the film rather than the result of new physics. This microstructure, which we characterize with scanning probe techniques, occurs on length scales comparable to the mean free path, thereby changing the sign of the classical magnetoresistance from positive to negative.
Maximum flow in probabilistic graphs-the discrete case

Frank and Frisch have considered the problem of determining the maximum flow probability distribution in networks where each branch has capacity that is a continuous random variable. In this paper, we consider the branch capacity distributions to be discrete and investigate some theoretical properties of the problem under this assumption.
The protein synthesis world.

Abstract Over the coming months TiBS will be publishing a series of articles that review different aspects of ‘Protein Synthesis’. This series has been specially commissioned and edited by Matthias Hentze and Paul Schimmel, both longstanding members of the TiBS Editorial Board. You can find the first article, by Changan Jiang and Erin Schuman on protein synthesis in neuronal dendrites, on page XX. Below, Paul introduces the series.
Overproduction and Physical Characterization of SoxR, a [2Fe-2S] Protein That Governs an Oxidative Response Regulon in Escherichia coli

SoxR protein governs the soxRS (superoxide response) regulon of Escherichia coli by becoming a transcriptional activator when the cells are exposed to compounds that mediate univalent redox reactions, many of which produce superoxide as a by-product. SoxR was overproduced and purified to near homogeneity from a strain bearing an expression vector. It could bind specifically to the soxS operator even in the absence of RNA polymerase. The aerobically purified protein, which is readily autooxidized, could activate the transcription of soxS DNA even without exposure to known inducing agents. SoxR is a globular homodimer. It contains one [2Fe-2S] cluster per polypeptide chain, as demonstrated by optical and EPR spectroscopy combined with stoichiometric analysis of iron content, unpaired-electron-spin density, and reduction by dithionite. The protein is active in its oxidized ([2Fe-2S]2+) state. The presence of a prosthetic group capable of univalent redox reactions may help to explain the activation of the regulon in vivo by compounds that can mediate such reactions.
Trapeziometacarpal arthritis—Results of tendon interpositional arthroplasty

Seventeen arthroplasties of the trapeziometacarpal joints were done on 14 patients using a slip of the flexor carpi radialis tendon as an interposing substance. Upon examination after 18 months to 8 years (mean 44 months), 13 patients were completely relieved of pain. Two complained of weakness of pinch. All patients showed considerable proximal migration of the first metacarpal.
Patient-level medication regimen complexity across populations with chronic disease

Background: Expected treatment effectiveness from medications can be diminished due to suboptimal adherence. Medication nonadherence has been linked to pill burden from the quantity of medications; however, medication regimens with similar quantities of medications vary in complexity due to multiple dosage forms, frequency of dosing, and additional usage directions. Thus, a simple medication count ignores medication regimen complexity, especially as it pertains to a patient-level perspective that includes prescription and over-the-counter medications. A gap exists in the study of a patient-level medication regimen complexity metric across disease-specific populations. Objective: The goal of this study was to implement the quantitative Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) at the patient level in defined populations with chronic disease (geriatric depression, HIV, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension). Patient-level medication regimen complexity included all prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications documented in the electronic medication list. Methods: Using electronic medical records at the University of Colorado Hospital ambulatory clinics, we sampled 4 retrospective cohorts of adult patients in active care in 2011 with a qualifying medical diagnosis and prescribed disease-specific medication. Samples were randomly selected from all qualifying patients; de-identified information was coded using the MRCI. Results: Cohort-defining disease-specific prescription medications (eg, antidepressants for the depression-defined cohort) contributed 20% to the total patient-level complexity MRCI score; the MRCI score was dominated by complexity associated with all other prescription medi
Unbiased Tests for Normal Order Restricted Hypotheses

Consider the model where Xij, i = 1, ..., k; j = 1, 2, ..., ni are observed. Here Xij are independent N(?i, ?2). Let ?? = (?1, ..., ?k) and let A1 be a (k ? m) × k matrix of rank (k ? m), 0 ? m ? k ? 1. The problem is to test H: A1? = 0 vs K ? H where K: A1? ? 0. A wide variety of order restricted alternative problems are included in this formulation. Robertson, Wright, and Dykstra (1988) list many such problems. We offer sufficient conditions for a test to be unbiased. For problems where G?1 = (A1A?1)?1 ? 0 we do the following: (1) give an additional easily verifiable condition for unbiased tests in terms of variables used to describe a complete class; (2) show that the likelihood ratio test is unbiased; (3) for ?2 known, we identify a class of unbiased tests that contain all admissible unbiased tests. Considerable effort is devoted to determining which particular problems are such that G?1 ? 0. Four important examples are offered. These include testing homogeneity vs simple order and testing whether the ??s lie on a line against the alternative that they are convex.
How many negative entries can A2 have

Abstract A matrix whose entries are +, −, and 0 is called a sign pattern matrix. We first characterize sign patterns A such that A 2 ⩽ 0. Further, we determine the maximum number of negative entries that can occur in A 2 whenever A 2 ⩽ 0, and then we characterize the sign patterns that achieve this maximum number. Next we find the maximum number of negative entries that can occur in the square of any sign pattern matrix, and provide a class of sign patterns that achieve this maximum. We also determine the maximum number of negative entries in the square of any real matrix. Finally, we discuss the spectral properties of the sign patterns whose squares contain the maximum number of negative entries in the special case when A 2 ⩽ 0, and in the general case that includes any sign pattern.
Relation between parent psychiatric symptoms and youth problems: moderation through family structure and youth gender.

Links between parents’ psychiatric symptoms and their children’s behavioral and emotional problems have been widely documented in previous research, and the search for moderators of this association has begun. However, family structure (single versus dual-parent households) has received little attention as a potential moderator, despite indirect evidence that risk may be elevated in single-parent homes. Two other candidate moderators—youth gender and age—have been tested directly, but with inconsistent findings across studies, perhaps in part because studies have differed in whether they used youth clinical samples and in which informants (parents vs. youths) reported on youth problems. In the present study, we examined these three candidate moderators using a sample of exclusively clinic-referred youths (N = 333, 34 % girls, aged 7–14,) and assessing youth problems through both parent- and youth-reports. Both family structure and youth gender emerged as robust moderators across parent and youth informants. Parent symptoms were associated with youth internalizing and externalizing problems in single-parent but not dual-parent homes; and parent symptoms were associated with youth internalizing problems among boys, but not girls. The moderator findings suggest that the risks associated with parent psychopathology may not be uniform but may depend, in part, on family structure and youth gender.
Trends and differentials in higher‐birthweight infants at 28–31 weeks of gestation, by race and Hispanic origin, United States, 1990–2002

Birth certificate gestational age data based on the date of the mother's last menstrual period (LMP) are considered problematic. Of particular concern are birthweight distributions for infants reported on the birth certificate as having been delivered at 28-31 weeks' gestation; these distributions have been shown to be distinctly bimodal. The 'second curve' of the birthweight distribution at 28-31 weeks includes implausible birthweight/gestational age combinations and, thus, has been hypothesised to represent erroneous gestational ages due to misidentification of the date of LMP. It has been suggested that such 'misclassification' has declined in recent years and that this change can affect trends in preterm birth rates (<37 weeks' gestation), particularly rates among non-Hispanic black infants. This present study used primarily simple and multivariable analyses to review trends and differentials in birthweight distributions at 28-31 weeks by race and Hispanic origin of the mother. It aggregated data for the years 1990-92 and 2000-02 from the US vital statistics Natality files. Over the decade, the percentage of births in the second curve declined for all births and for each racial and Hispanic origin group studied. The largest decline was observed for non-Hispanic blacks; the smallest for Hispanic births. Later initiation of prenatal care, younger maternal age, lower educational attainment, higher birth order and vaginal and singleton delivery were positively associated with a larger second curve, suggesting misclassification of gestational age. Declines in the second curve over the study period were suggested to contribute significantly to the observed decrease in overall preterm birth rates for non-Hispanic black births. Further analysis is needed to estimate the influence of reporting error on preterm birth rates by race and Hispanic origin.
Prophylactic Implantation of Estrogens in Ovariectomized Women1

A VARIETY of studies have established the fact that removal of both ovaries in animals, as well as in women, is followed by a disturbance of the normal sex endocrine balance (1-8). In women, this imbalance is manifested (a) by the excretion of excessive amounts of gonadotropic hormone (9-14) which can be detected as early as 3 days after ovariectomy (15); (b) by progressive involutional changes in the uterus and vagina and (c), clinically, by the onset of the distressing menopause symptoms. It has, furthermore, been shown that these symptoms can be relieved, the excessive secretion of gonadotropic hormone suppressed (6, 16-20), and the involutional changes in the genital tract restored to the physiological state by the administration of adequate amounts of estrogens (17, 19-26). It therefore seemed logical, when removal of both ovaries is necessary, to attempt to prevent the endocrine imbalance with its concomitant distressing symptoms, by administering estrogens at the time of ovariectomy. Previous studi...
Cavitation in MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS): Importance, Deviations From Conventional Scale, and Preliminary Results

Hydrodynamic cavitation in micro systems is a fundamental engineering problem that is poorly understood. The lack of knowledge on cavitation relevant to MEMS devices is impeding the practical realization of novel high-velocity microfluidic machines. This paper divulges differences between cavitation occurring inside micro and conventional systems, and also indicates the limited applicability of conventional knowledge to predict and understand cavitating flows in micro-domains. A detailed discussion delineating the possible reasons of such a divergence is presented in this article. Additionally, selected results obtained from preliminary experiments on cavitation in micro-domains are presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
On-Road Emission Measurements of Reactive Nitrogen Compounds from Three California Cities

The three California cities of San Jose, Fresno, and West Los Angeles (wLA) were visited during March 2008 to collect on-road emission measurements of reactive nitrogen compounds from light-duty vehicles. At the San Jose and wLA sites, comparison with historical measurements showed that emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitric oxide (NO) continue to decrease in the on-road fleet, yet the ratio of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) to NO in new diesel vehicles appears to be undergoing large increases. A small fleet of 2007 diesel ambulances measured in Fresno was found to have more than 60% of their emitted oxides of nitrogen as NO(2). Ammonia (NH(3)) emissions are shown to have a strong dependence on model year and vehicle specific power. NH(3) means are 0.49 +/- 0.02, 0.49 +/- 0.01, and 0.79 +/- 0.02 g/kg of fuel for San Jose, Fresno, and wLA, respectively, with the larger emissions at the wLA site likely due to driving mode. NH(3) at these locations was found to account for 25%, 22%, and 27% of the molar fixed nitrogen emissions, respectively. Using these mean values to construct a national fuel-based NH(3) inventory results in a range of 210000 to 330000 short tons of NH(3) annually from light-duty vehicles.
Methods of Gradual Vascular Occlusion and Their Applications in Treatment of Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs: A Review

Objective— To provide a comprehensive review of the experimental and clinical data related to gradual vascular occlusion of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPS) in dogs. Study Design— Literature review. Methods— PubMed literature search (1966–2004). Results— Surgical intervention and complete vascular occlusion have been recommended for CPS therapy in dogs; however, acute complete ligation of CPS is often associated with life-threatening portal hypertension. Recently, several investigators have attempted to reduce the risk of postoperative portal hypertension by using gradual vascular occlusion. Successful vascular occlusion has been achieved using partial ligation with silk suture, ameroid constrictors, cellophane bands, thrombogenic coils and hydraulic vascular occluders. Objective comparisons of the reliability and rate of vascular occlusion produced by each of these methods have been limited by differences in experimental models and a lack of definitive follow up evaluation in some clinical studies. Conclusions— Gradual vascular occlusion is widely used in the clinical treatment of CPS in dogs. Objective evaluation of the experimental and clinical data on each of the techniques for gradual vascular occlusion is necessary for informed clinical practice and for the planning of future research into this important area. Clinical Relevance— Even from the limited data available, it is clear that the ideal method for gradual vascular occlusion of CPS has yet to be identified.
A rate-compatible family of protograph-based LDPC codes built by expurgation and lengthening

We construct a protograph-based rate-compatible family of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes that cover a very wide range of rates from 1/2 to 16/17, perform within about 0.5 dB of their capacity limits for all rates, and can be decoded conveniently and efficiently with a common hardware implementation. In contrast to alternative methods that create codes of different rates by puncturing, shortening, or expurgation, our method uses a combination of expurgation and lengthening (equivalent to an unusual extension) to produce lower-rate codes. Advantages compared to the alternative methods include roughly uniform utilization of common family decoder hardware for different rates, implementation with uniformly low maximum check node degrees despite high maximum rate, and a large fixed portion of the protograph that can be labeled with a fixed set of edge permutations for all rates. We apply this method to create a rate-compatible code family anchored by a particular code of (nominal) rate 7/8 and length n = 8176 designed by Kou, Lin and Fossorier [1] whose edge permutations are determined by Euclidean geometries (EG). All members of our family retain all of the EG-designed edges and circulant permutations of this anchor code, and this helps to avoid weak spots in the code graph that usually arise when edge permutations are assigned by greedy algorithms. There are also varying numbers of auxiliary and ancillary checks, variables, and edges, allowing realization of different rates, with fixed (nominal) dimension k = 8176 for all rates. Simulations show that all members of this family achieve steeply falling error rate curves without detectable error floors, at least to codeword error rates of about 10-6
A robust landmark-based system for vehicle location using low-bandwidth vision

This paper presents novel computer algorithms, a system architecture, and the prototype implementation of a vision-based automatic vehicle location system. The objective of the vehicle location system is to keep track of the vehicle location for a human driver, and perhaps to provide the driver with real-time audio directions to his destination. The techniques developed here are equally applicable to autonomous robot navigation. The prototype system uses odometer readings and a skeleton map to perform dead reckoning, and uses low-bandwidth visual information and neural networks to recognize places for correcting cumulative dead reckoning errors. The visual information is also used to detect turns, for dead reckoning at intersections. The system is self-contained in the sense that it requires no infrastructure outside the vehicle, such as external beacons installed on roadways or satellites used by Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The system maintains a large number of location hypotheses and searches for a large number of landmarks stored in a database in real time. Hence the system is robustly able to recover the vehicle location after being lost for various reasons. The system has been tested, with success, in both day and night time, in all four seasons, and on roads in New York City, a regional highway, and on suburban streets.
Parental and social valuations of child health information

Abstract We construct an endogenous risk model of the influence of more precise hazard information on the parental demand for child health. A 256-observation data set is used to estimate the marginal value to parents and to society of risk information about the future consequences of children's body lead burdens. Our results indicate that the social value of risk information greatly exceeds the cost of providing it and that parents will purchase too little of this information.
Results of treatment of stomach cancer. An appraisal of efforts for more extensive surgery and a report of 1,983 cases

A study was mude of 1,983 cases of cancer of the stomach seen at the University of Minnesota Medical Center between 1936 and 1963. Emphasis was placed on those patients seen from 1958 to 1963, as efforts were being made then for widespread employment of more extensive surgical excision procedures in order to achieve a higher cure rate in patients with this disease. For the entire series of patients seen between 1936 and 1963, the overall 5-year survival rate was 10.2%; the most favorable 5-year rate was 12.2% and was recorded for those seen 1950--1958. During the most recent period of study (1958--1963), and during the time of the philosophy of extensive lymph node dissections, the operative mortality for partial gastrectomies performed for cure rose to 25.6% and for total gastrectomies to 33.3%. During this same time, the 5-year survival rate for those operated upon for cure (which had reached a peak of 28% for the 1950--1958 period) fell to 17%. Five-year survival for patients with positive lymph node gastric cancer who underwent resections for cure declined more sharply—from 18% to 9%. The overall 5--year survival rate for all patients seen fell from 12.2% for the earlier group to 8.8% for those seen during the later period. It would appear that further improvement in patient survival likely will not occur as a result of routine employment of more extensive surgical excisions and lymph node dissections in the treatment of patients with cancer of the stomach.
A Comment on “Revisionist Limitations”

contributed to a misunderstanding. My criticism of Hassrick's work may seem "disparaging" in Medicine's eyes, but I stand by it. In the same work I have also critically commented on the works of Gordon Macgregor and Erik Erikson, both of whom are naive in their evaluation of Lakota culture in general and Lakota women in particular. Medicine is correct that I employ a good part of the mythology surrounding the White Buffalo Calf Woman to interpret Lakota beliefs about traditional society. This is the way that both Lakota men and women do it. She
GBS IPv6 Pilot Milestone Objective 2: Secure Integration of IPv6 Across Operational DoD Networks

The Assistant Secretary of Defense Networks and Information Integration (OASD-NII) issued a memorandum in June of 2003 establishing policy for all DoD Components and Services to transition to IPv6 by FY 2008. The DoD IPv6 Transition Office was established in February of 2004 to help define a strategy for adoption of IPv6 through phases called Milestone Objectives. Milestone Objective 1 (MO1) created guidance for programs to gain understanding of IPv6 restricted to isolated domains within their own operational networks. Milestone Objective 2 (MO2) created guidance for programs to allow IPv6 to inter-operate between multiple trusted DoD networks. Milestone Objective 3 (MO3) allows full parity for IPv6 alongside IPv4 in operational DoD networks. The Global Broadcast Service (GBS) broadcasts classified and unclassified IP multicast streaming video and file delivery services to warfighters in garrison, in transit, and in theater. IPv6 is recognized as an evolution to the existing standards-based IP architecture which can enhance GBS services. IPv6 multicasting will allow GBS to more easily administer and route streams to end users across a multicast-enabled DISN core. New capabilities from combinations of advanced IPv6 features such as multicast and Mobile IPv6 can be established. Research focus has been on impacts and improvements to current GBS services and the use of IPv4/IPv6 transition mechanisms. For MO1 GBS will demonstrate content transmission and reception from within an operational satellite uplink facility. The success of this testing will ensure the GBS architecture can support IPv6 with no impact to GBS services.
Laboratory actinide partitioning - Whitlockite/liquid and influence of actinide concentration levels

Fission and alpha track radiography techniques have been used to measure partition coefficients (D) at trace (ppm) concentration levels for the actinide elements Th, U, and Pu between synthetic whitlockite and coexisting “haplobasaltic” silicate liquid at 1 bar pressure and 1250°C at oxygen fugacities from 10^(−8.5) and 10^(−0.7) bars. Pu is much more readily incorporated into crystalline phases than is U or Th under reducing conditions (fO_2 = 10^(−8.5)), because Pu is primarily trivalent, whereas U and Th are tetravalent. Definitive valence state assignments cannot be made, but our best estimates of corrected partition coefficients for Pu^(+3), Pu^(+4), Th^(+4), U^(+4), and U^(+6) are, for whitlockite 3.6/<⩽0.6/1.2/0.5/⩽0.002. The effect of changing pressure and liquidus temperature is relatively small, which probably reflects a weak temperature dependence for D (whitlockite) but possibly could be due to cancellation of opposing temperature and pressure effects. Comparison of experiments at trace U levels with those containing percent concentrations of UO_2 indicate that Si is involved in the substitution of U in whitlockite with U + 2Si ⇄ Ca + 2P being the most likely mechanism. D_u is lower. 0.3 vs 0.5. at percent levels compared to 20 ppm. This is best explained by the effect of U on melt structure or by a decrease in the fraction of tetravalent U at high U concentrations.
Software firm evolution and innovation–orientation

Abstract The software industry is experiencing dramatic growth worldwide. This paper offers a theoretical framework to examine the growth and evolution of software firms from an innovation–orientation perspective. While it is apparent that the attitudes and perceptions of a firm’s key stakeholders towards innovative product development hold valuable insights on its future growth and evolution, such a perspective has received limited theoretical attention in studies on firm evolution. In this paper, we define a software firm growth stage model that reflects the changes in a firm’s process and product portfolios. We offer a set of research propositions that link the innovation-related attitudes and perceptions of a firm’s internal stakeholders to firm evolution. The research model has several important implications for both research and practice and can be extended to other high technology contexts.
Structure, Charge Distribution, and Electron Hopping Dynamics in Magnetite (Fe3O4) (100) Surfaces from First Principles

For the purpose of improving fundamental understanding of the redox reactivity of magnetite, quantum mechanical calculations were applied to predict Fe2+ availability and electron hopping rates at magnetite (100) surfaces, with and without the presence of adsorbed water. Using a low free energy surface reconstruction (½ Fetet layer relaxed into the Feoct (100) plane), the relaxed outermost layer of both the hydrated and vacuum-terminated surfaces were found to be predominantly enriched in Fe2+ within the octahedral sublattice, irrespective of the presence of adsorbed water. At room temperature, mobile electrons move through the octahedral sublattice by Fe2+-Fe3+ valence interchange small polaron hopping, calculated at 1010-1012 hops/second for bulk and bulk-like (i.e. near-surface) environments. This process is envisioned to control sustainable overall rates of interfacial redox reactions. These rates decrease by up to three orders of magnitude (109 hops/second) at the (100) surface, and no significant difference is observed for vacuum-terminated versus hydrated cases. Slower hopping rates at the surface appear to arise primarily from larger reorganization energies associated with octahedral Fe2+-Fe3+ valence interchange in relaxed surface configurations, and secondarily on local charge distribution patterns surrounding Fe2+-Fe3+ valence interchange pairs. These results suggest that, with respect to the possibility that the ratemore » and extent of surface redox reactions depend on Fe2+ availability and its replenishment rate, bulk electron hopping mobility is an upper-limit for magnetite and slower surface rates may need to be considered as potentially rate-limiting. They also suggest hopping mobilities in magnetite nanoparticles may be slower than for bulk single crystals, towards time-scales amenable to Fe2+-Fe3+ site discrimination by conventional spectroscopic probes.« less
Synergistic Integration of Agent Technologies for Military Simulation

To perform large-scale coordination in real-world environments requires that many individually complex technologies come together to form integrated solutions. In this paper, we present an application where several key technologies are integrated into a unified system via a multiagent infrastructure. We show how the synergistic behavior among heterogeneous technologies results in a significant improvement over the performance of the individual technologies acting alone. Critical extensions were required to the language describing required behavior to allow the pieces to work together. Initial experimental results show system performance on a task of coordinating a military convoy in an adversarial environment was significantly improved when all technologies worked together. However, experiments with a human user in the loop showed that significant advances must still be made before such systems can be fielded in the real-world
Non-Steady-State Supersaturations in Thermal Diffusion Chambers

Abstract A theoretical analysis of non-steady-state supersaturation distributions in thermal-diffusion-type cloud nuclei counters is presented for the particular case when the incoming air sample is saturated. The transport of heat and water vapor is assumed to proceed by molecular diffusion alone. We consider a chamber 1 cm high having top and bottom plate temperatures of 20 and 16C, respectively. Transient supersaturations exceeding steady-state values arise if the sample is colder than the top plate. Specifically, when the temperature of the sample equals that of the bottom plate, the chamber experiences peak transient supersaturations which exceed the maximum steady-state value at the center by a factor of about 3. The time constant to attain steady state is found to be directly proportional to the square of the height of the chamber.
Ubr1 and Ubr2 Function in a Quality Control Pathway for Degradation of Unfolded Cytosolic Proteins

Quality control systems facilitate polypeptide folding and degradation to maintain protein homeostasis. Molecular chaperones promote folding, whereas the ubiquitin/proteasome system mediates degradation. We show here that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ubr1 and Ubr2 ubiquitin ligases promote degradation of unfolded or misfolded cytosolic polypeptides. Ubr1 also catalyzes ubiquitinylation of denatured but not native luciferase in a purified system. This activity is based on the direct interaction of denatured luciferase with Ubr1, although Hsp70 stimulates polyubiquitinylation of the denatured substrate. We also report that loss of Ubr1 and Ubr2 function suppressed the growth arrest phenotype resulting from chaperone mutation. This correlates with increased protein kinase maturation and indicates partitioning of foldable conformers toward the proteasome. Our findings, based on the efficiency of this quality control system, suggest that the cell trades growth potential to avert the potential toxicity associated with accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins. Ubr1 and Ubr2 therefore represent E3 components of a novel quality control pathway for proteins synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes.
Defeasibility and scepticism

(1973). Defeasibility and scepticism. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 51, No. 3, pp. 238-244.
The Fanconi Anemia Core Complex Forms Four Complexes of Different Sizes in Different Subcellular Compartments

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease marked by congenital defects, bone marrow failure, and cancer susceptibility. FA cells exhibit a characteristic hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents such as mitomycin C. The molecular mechanism for the disease remains elusive, but at least 6 FA proteins are known to be part of what is termed the FA core complex. We used affinity pulldown of FLAG-FANCA to pull down the FA complex from whole-cell extracts. Mass spectroscopy detected previously reported FA-binding proteins, including FANCA, FANCC, FANCG, cdc2, and GRP94, thus validating the approach. We further describe a method of purification of the FA core complex in an effort to find novel complex components and biochemical activity to define the function of the complex. By using conventional chromatographic fractionation of subcellular preparations, we report: (i) the FA core complex exists in a cytoplasmic form at 500-600 kDa; (ii) a larger, 750-kDa cytoplasmic form is seen only at mitosis; (iii) a nuclear form achieves a size of 2 megaDaltons; and (iv) a distinct 1-megaDalton FA core complex exists bound to chromatin that contains phosphorylated FANCA after undergoing DNA damage. We are continuing our analysis using mass spectroscopy in an effort to characterize novel binding proteins. These data will help define the biochemical role of the FA core complex in normal cell physiology as well as in the development of the FA disease state.
Effects of salinity on growth, membrane permeability and root hydraulic conductivity in three saltbush species

Abstract The species of the genus Atriplex have been introduced in West Asia and North Africa to determine their adaptability for use as fodder species. These halophytes are well adapted to extreme environmental conditions and may possess interesting properties for soil rehabilitation. The effect of NaCl stress on growth, water relation and mineral nutrition were investigated in three xero-halophyte species of Atriplex used for rehabilitation of arid steppe in Algeria. Atriplex halimus , Atriplex canescens and Atriplex nummularia , were cultivated in hydroponic conditions and treated with increasing doses of NaCl (0–300 mM). All species showed positive plant growth for low and moderate levels of salinity. A. halimus had higher dry weight production than A. nummularia and A. canescens in high salinity concentration. Increasing concentration of salinity induced decrease in chlorophyll content (Chl a and b ) and root hydraulic conductivity ( L 0 ) in all species, especially in A. canescens . All three species showed marked increase in electrolyte leakage across the salinity gradient. In addition all species were able to accumulate a large quantity of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl) and proline and to maintain higher relative water content, which was probably associated with a greater capacity for osmotic adjustment, whereas potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) decreased with increase salinity. The data suggest that salt tolerance strategies in all Atriplex species could involve a delicate balance among ion accumulation, osmotic adjustment, production of osmotica and maintenance of relative water content and growth.
Non-pharmacological aspects of blood pressure management: what are the data?

Hypertension affects 29% of US adults and is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological data support contribution of several dietary and other lifestyle-related factors to the development of high blood pressure (BP). Several clinical trials investigated the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions and lifestyle modifications to reduce BP. Best evidence from randomized controlled trials supports BP-lowering effects of weight loss, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and dietary sodium (Na+) reduction in those with prehypertension, with more pronounced effects in those with hypertension. In hypertensive participants, the effects on BP of DASH combined with low Na+ alone or with the addition of weight loss were greater than or equal to those of single-drug therapy. Trials where food was provided to participants were more successful in showing a BP-lowering effect. However, clinical studies with long-term follow-up revealed that lifestyle modifications were difficult to maintain. Findings from controlled trials of increased potassium, calcium, or magnesium intake, or reduction in alcohol intake revealed modest BP-lowering effects and are less conclusive. The reported effects of exercise independent of weight loss on BP are inconsistent.
A microcomputer-based device to simulate biomechanical environments for cultured cells

We describe software and hardware for a microcomputer-based cyclic strain device which applies programmed cycles of elongation and relaxation to cultured cells. This system has the potential to simulate many of the complex mechanically active environments found in living systems. As a sample application, we use it to simulate the cyclic stresses to which vascular smooth muscle cells in the arterial system are exposed.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of BaGe2: A Study of Tetrahedral Cluster Packing and Other Three-Connected Nets in Zintl Phases☆

Abstract BaGe 2 crystallizes in the BaSi 2 structure type; space group Pnma (No. 62); a =9.078(3) A, b =6.829(2) A, c =11.653(3) A; Z =8; R =0.022; R w =0.025 ( I >3 σ ( I )) for 542 reflections with 2 θ max =50° measured on a single-crystal diffractometer. Magnetic susceptibility measurements confirm its closed shell behavior (diamagnetic), and electrical resistivity measurements place a lower bound on its room temperature resistivity at ca. 1 mΩ·cm. Lattice energy calculations rationalize the observed packing arrangement of [Ge 4 ] 4− tetrahedra and Ba 2+ cations, while extended Huckel calculations are utilized to compare the electronic structures of various three-connected nets common to Zintl ions with five valence electrons per atom.
Effects of ractopamine on adipose tissue metabolism and insulin binding in finishing hogs. Interaction with genotype and slaughter weight

Twenty-four barrows were divided among eight treatments in a 2 × 2 × 2 design to quantify the influence of ractopamine (0 or 20 mg/kg diet) over the final 40 kg of gain on metabolic activity in adipose tissue. Interactions with genotype (Hampshire cross or Landrace cross) and slaughter weight (100 or 127 kg) were investigated also. Backfat was removed at slaughter and rates of lipolysis and fatty acid synthesis (FS), activities of malic enzyme (ME) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS), and insulin binding to adipocytes were assessed. Adipocytes from ractopamine-fed pigs were less sensitive (EC50 increased 90%) and had a lower maximum lipolytic response (40%) to ractopamine stimulation. Rates of basal and insulin-stimulated FS were decreased 40% in ractopamine-fed pigs and were reflected in lower activities of ME (50%) and FAS (15%). Breed and slaughter weight had no consistent influence on the ractopamine response. Landrace-cross pigs had greater insulin binding capacity (30–60%) whether data were expressed on a cell or surface area basis. Ractopamine feeding did not consistently affect insulin binding capacity. Results suggest that ractopamine interacts in vivo with the β-adrenergic receptor of swine adipocytes, decreasing lipogenic capacity and diminishing responsiveness to β-adrenergic stimulation.
Simultaneous injection of PGF2α and GnRH into diestrous dairy cows delays return to estrus

Simultaneous injections of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or saline were given to 32 diestrous dairy cows to test the ability of GnRH to improve estrous and ovulation synchrony beyond that of PGF alone. Cows were randomly assigned to receive PGF on Day 8 or Day 10 of the estrous cycle (estrus = Day 0), and all cows were further assigned to simultaneous injection of GnRH or saline. Corpus luteum (CL) regression, return to estrus and follicular activity were monitored by plasma progesterone assay, twice-daily estrous detection and ultrasonographic examination, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentrations declined to <1.0 ng/ml at 24 hours after PGF in all cows and were not affected by GnRH. Gonadotropin releasing hormone inducted premature ovulation or delayed return to estrus in 7 of 8 cows treated with PGF/GnRH on Day 8 and 3 of 8 cows treated with PGF/GnRH on Day 10. Further, cows with premature GnRH-induced ovulations failed to develop and maintain a fully functional CL, and all returned to estrus 7 to 13 days after the induced ovulation. These data indicate that GnRH administered simultaneously with a luteolytic dose of PGF disrupts follicular dynamics and induces premature ovulation or delays normal return to estrus and, therefore, does not improve the synchrony of estrus and ovulation achieved with PGF alone.
Distribution of types A and B monoamine oxidases in discrete brain regions, pineal and pituitary glands of the golden hamster

Abstract The enzymatic activities of types A and B MAO are differently distributed among small, discrete regions of the hamster brain. The A/B ratios are highest in the septal region and medial hypothalamic areas and lowest in the cerebellum and the medial and lateral amygdala. The A/B ratios are at least 2 to 3-fold lower in the pineal and pituitary glands than in any brain region.
An Analysis Of U.S. Occupational Diving Fatalities 1970-1981

Twelve categories of occupational diving are described including seven of a commercial nature. Distinct differences in both practices and equipment used are noted. Typical scenarios are depicted for several categories to point out operational differences.