cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age and radiogenic isotopic composition of a late- to post-tectonic anorthosite in the Grenville Province: the Labrieville massif, Quebec

Abstract The Labrieville anorthosite massif (LBV) is found in the Central Granulite Terrain of the Grenville Structural Province, but it displays no evidence of post-emplacement deformation or metamorphism, implying intrusion following peak Grenvillian metamorphic conditions. We report UPb zircon dates of 1008±3.4 Ma for border leucogabbro and 1010±5.6 Ma for a cogenetic jotunite dike intruding anorthosite. We interpret these dates as igneous crystallization ages, and regard 1010 Ma as a reasonable estimate of the emplacement age for LBV. LBV is thus the youngest massif anorthosite yet recognized in North America, and its age is consistent with late-tectonic emplacement relative to the ∼1.1-1.0 Ga Grenville Orogeny. We also report a UPb date of 1015±1.8 Ma for metamorphic zircon in a country rock amphibolite. This could reflect the age of Grenvillian regional metamorphism, or perhaps a later heating episode resulting from the intrusion of numerous “late” felsic plutons in this area. RbSr, SmNd and UThPb isotopic compositions for four rock types (anorthosite, jotunite, leucogabbro and a plagioclase megacryst) span narrow ranges in each case, consistent with comagmatism among these units. ISr (T=1010 Ma) range from ∼0.7032–0.7034 and are among the lowest yet reported for anorthosite in the Grenville Province. Initial ϵNd-values are positive (+0.8 to +2.5), like other Grenville anorthosites. Pb-isotopic compositions lie near the model mantle evolution curve of Zartman and Doe (1981), implying no involvement of significantly older crust in the petrogenesis of these rocks. Collectively, these data suggest a source for LBV in the mantle or mafic lower crust. LBV is a compositionally extreme anorthosite characterized by alkalic plagioclase (∼An32Or12) and high levels of Sr (∼2000 ppm) and Ba (∼1000 ppm). These properties cannot be attributed to simple crustal contamination of mantle-derived basalt. We suggest, alternatively, that LBV's compositional features may be linked with its late-tectonic character, perhaps reflecting partial melting of mafic lower crust brought about by crustal thickening during the Grenville Orogeny.
Association between statin adherence and cholesterol level reduction from baseline in a veteran population.

Study Objective To investigate the association between statin adherence and changes in lipid panel outcomes from baseline in a veteran population. Design Retrospective cohort study using multiple linear regression models. Setting Veterans Affairs health care system within the Veterans Integrated Service Network 22, a network of Veterans Affairs facilities in the southwest region of the United States that includes Los Angeles, San Diego, Loma Linda, and Long Beach, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada, with an enrollment of approximately 1.4 million veterans. Patients A total of 5365 patients who were new statin users between December 1, 2006, and November 30, 2007; 2674 patients were in the adherent group and 2691 were in the nonadherent group. Measurements and Main Results Adherence was determined by the medication possession ratio. Patients were categorized as adherent if the medication possession ratio at follow-up was 0.80 or more. Adherent patients exhibited significant differences in baseline demographic and clinical characteristics than nonadherent patients in our study sample. Baseline laboratory values for adherent patients were significantly lower for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL), and total cholesterol levels. The primary outcome was change in LDL level from baseline at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in non-HDL and total cholesterol levels from baseline at 12 months. Independent variables controlled for in the multiple linear regression included age, sex, body mass index, race-ethnicity, baseline lipid panel (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides), statin copayment status, income quintile (according to ZIP code median household income), baseline medication count, statin prescribed, and comorbidities. Multiple linear regression revealed that adherent patients demonstrated significantly greater reductions in LDL of 20.98 mg/dl versus nonadherent patients (p<0.0001). Adherent patients similarly demonstrated larger reductions of 24.31 mg/dl in non-HDL and 24.06 mg/dl in total cholesterol versus nonadherent patients (p<0.0001 for both comparisons). Conclusion Patients adherent to statin therapy had significant associations with clinically relevant reductions in LDL, non-HDL, and total cholesterol from baseline at 12 months compared with nonadherent patients when controlling for potential confounders. Adherence to statin therapy may have important consequences in decreasing clinical outcomes such as myocardial infarctions, strokes, and mortality due to large reductions in lipid panel outcomes from baseline at 12 months.
Detection of nocturnal hypoglycemia in insulin-treated diabetics by a skin temperature--skin conductance meter.

The efficacy and credibility of a skin temperature--skin conductance meter (Teledyne Sleep Sentry) for detecting hypoglycemia was studied during night-time in 22 adult insulin-treated diabetics. Capillary blood glucose concentration was measured 99 times (when the alarm sounded, in case of hypoglycemic symptoms, and at 3 a.m.). Hypoglycemia was defined as a capillary blood glucose concentration of less than or equal to 3 mmol/l. Blood glucose was measured 61 times in connection with sounding of the alarm and 38 times without the alarm sounding. At 3 a.m. the Sleep Sentry sounded the alarm 22 times, of which hypoglycemia was present 6 times giving a diagnostical specificity or diagnostical true positive rate of 0.27 (95% confidence limits 0.11-0.50). In 35 of 38 cases of no alarm the blood glucose was greater than 3 mmol/l, giving a diagnostical sensitivity of 0.92 (95% confidence limits 0.79-0.98). The Sleep Sentry sounded the alarm in 6 of 9 cases of hypoglycemia, giving a nosological sensitivity of 0.67 (95% confidence limits 0.30-0.93). The Sleep Sentry did not sound the alarm in 35 of 51 cases of non-hypoglycemia, giving a nosological specificity of 0.69 (95% confidence limits 0.54-0.81). In other words, the Sleep Sentry detects about 2/3 of blood glucose values less than or equal to 3 mmol/l, but in addition it sounds a false alarm in 2/3 of the cases.
A core library for robust numeric and geometric computation

Nonrobustness is a well-known problem in many areas of computational science. Until now, robustness techniques and the construction of robust algorithms have been the province of experts in this field of research. We describe a new C/C++ library (CORE) for robust numeric and geometric computation based on the principles of Exact Geometric Computation (EGC). Through our library, for the first time, any programmer can write robust and efficient algorithms. The Core Library is based on a novel numerical core that is powerful enough to support EGC for algebraic problems. This is coupled with a simple delivery mechanism which transparently extends conventional C/C++ programs into robust codes. We are currently addressing efficiency issues in our library: (a) at the compiler and language level, (b) at the level of incorporating EGC techniques, as well as the (c) the system integration of both (a) and (b). Pilot experimental results are described. The basic library is availableathttp://cs.nyu.edu/exact/core/andthe C++-to-C compiler is under development.
Some variations in the paratabulation of gonyaulacoid dinoflagellates

Abstract The topological and geometric characteristics of the paratabulation of 23 species (22 fossil, one living) of gonyaulacoid dinoflagellates are described. These observations are analyzed together with published information on the paratabulation of similar fossil (18 species) and living (5 species) forms, and used to define paraplate (or plate) arrangements in the antapical, ventral, and apical areas. 12 paratabulation (or tabulation) patterns are defined and illustrated here as the combination of one of each of the antapical, ventral, and apical arrangements. These patterns are informally grouped on the basis of the combination of their antapical and ventral arrangements. This study indicates that emphasizing certain details of paratabulation when describing gonyaulacoid dinoflagellates adds consistency to the definition of genera, helps elucidate some of the existing taxonomic problems, and facilitates the comparison between fossil and living forms in equivalent terms.
Influence of Estradiol and Androstenedione on ACTH and Cortisol Secretion in the Ovine Fetus

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that physiologic increases in fetal plasma 17 beta-estradiol and androstenedione modulate the activity of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. METHODS Seventeen pregnant ewes and their fetuses were chronically catheterized. At the time of surgery, the fetuses received implants that released 17 beta-estradiol (n = 5) alone or 17 beta-estradiol and androstenedione (n = 6), each at a rate of approximately 250 micrograms/day for each steroid. The control group (n = 6) received either no pellet (n = 2) or a "placebo" pellet, which contained no steroid (n = 4). Fetal blood samples were drawn for hormone and blood gas analysis at 1-3-day intervals until the time of spontaneous parturition. Fetal plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations were fit to semilogarithmic equations and analyzed by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for statistically significant effects of 17 beta-estradiol and androstenedione. RESULTS Estradiol significantly increased and androstenedione significantly decreased the ACTH and cortisol concentrations. Treatment with both 17 beta-estradiol and androstenedione resulted in parturition approximately 4 days earlier than in the other groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Physiologic increases in fetal plasma estradiol and androstenedione modify the activity of the HPA axis.
Hardware support for software controlled multithreading

Chip multi-processors have emerged as one of the most effective uses of the huge number of transistors available today and in the future, but questions remain as to the best way to leverage CMPs to accelerate single threaded applications. Previous approaches rely on significant speculation to accomplish this goal. Our proposal, NXA, is less speculative than previous proposals, relying heavily on software to guarantee thread correctness, though still allowing parallelism in the presence of ambiguous dependences. It divides a single thread of execution into multiple using the master-worker paradigm where some set of master threads execute code that spawns tasks for other, worker theads. The master threads generally consist of performance critical instructions that can prefetch data, compute critical control descisions, or compute performance critical dataflow slices. This prevents non-critical instructions from competing with critical instructions for processor resources, allowing the critical thread (and thus the workload) to complete faster. Empirical results from performance simulation show a 20% improvement in performance on a 2-way CMP machine, demonstrating that software controlled multithreading can indeed provide a benefit in the presence of hardware support.
Development rate of PMMA exposed to synchrotron x-ray radiation for LIGA applications

This paper investigates the development rate of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) after it is exposed to synchrotron x-ray radiation. The x-ray exposures were performed at both Synchrotron Radiation Center and Brookhaven National Laboratories. The development rate of PMMA in a variety of developers was measured as a function of absorbed x-ray dose (J cm−3). The development rate of four different types of PMMA was investigated: unexposed 950k PMMA, Cryo GMS PMMA, Goodfellow CQ PMMA, and Crosslinked PMMA. It was found that the development rate is the same for all types of PMMA studied. The temperature dependence of one developer, GG developer, was studied in detail and it is shown that the selectivity of exposed to unexposed PMMA increases as the temperature is reduced.
VR's frames of reference: a visualization technique for mastering abstract multidimensional information

This paper describes a research study that investigated how designers can use frames of reference (egocentric, exocentric, and a combination of the two) to support the mastery of abstract multidimensional information. The primary focus of this study was the relationship between FORs and mastery; the secondary focus was on other factors (individual characteristics and interaction experience) that were likely to influence the relationship between FORs and mastery. This studys outcomes (1) clarify how FORs work in conjunction with other factors in shaping mastery, (2) highlight strengths and weaknesses of different FORs, (3) demonstrate the benefits of providing multiple FORs, and (4) provide the basis for our recommendations to HCI researchers and designers.
MICROBIALLY FORMED CATALYSTS FOR ENHANCEMENT OF DIRECT COAL LIQUEFACTION

Abstract The present study examines the potential to biologically precipitate active catalytic compounds on the surface of coal particles in a water slurry. These compounds could be active forms of iron, an element abundant in coal, or active forms of molybdenum added as a soluble salt. The acidophilic microorganisms Thiobacillus ferrooxida/ns and Acidianus brierlyi were added to a 5% coal slurry at a pH of 3·0 or less. Experiments were carried out for 21 days in shake flasks/automated fermentor at constant temperature and pH. Deposition of iron and molybdenum compounds on the particle surface was confirmed by several spectroscopic methods. After bio-treatment, the coal was removed by filtration and dried. A sample was then liquified in a bomb at 385°C in tetralin and hydrogen for 15 minutes. In some runs the sulfiding agent dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) was added to the mixture. Separation of the products was by soxhlet extraction. Total conversion, gas + oil + asphaltenes + preasphaltenes, of the pretreated...
Path integrals in parametrized theories: The free relativistic particle.

The connection between the canonical and the path-integral formulations of the quantum mechanics of a free relativistic particle is discussed as a model of theories in which time is one of the dynamical variables (parametrized theories). Several features central to the canonical formulation, such as the choice of Hilbert space, are reflected in the measure of the sum over paths and especially in the range of integration.
The Design Of Athermal Infrared Optical Systems

This paper will discuss the design techniques to athermalize infrared optical systems. The discussion will focus on specific state-of-the-art tactical weapon applications for thermally compensated optical imaging systems. The main objective is to athermalize the system by choosing the correct mounting materials without the use of active mechanisms such as electronic motor or liquid bellows lens focus drives. Two specific designs with their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed -- a catadioptric imaging system and an all refractive imaging system.
Net Energy Value for Lactation of a High and Low Concentrate Ration Containing Corn Silage

Abstract Rations containing corn silage and either 30 or 60% of the dry matter from concentrate were fed to Holstein cows in amounts calculated to minimize body tissue change. Complete energy balance measurements were made at 6-week intervals throughout the lactation cycle. Digestibility of energy in the 30 and 60% concentrate ration declined from 72 and and 75% at maintenance down to 63 and 64% at 4× maintenance. Smaller losses of energy as methane and urine partially compensated for greater fecal loss, but metabolizability of both rations decreased (P milk required for maintenance is assumed to be 73 kcal/wt .75 per day, the average NE milk value of the 30% concentrate ration is 1.66±.11 Mcal/kg dry matter compared to 1.70±.17 Mcal/kg dry matter for the 60% concentrate ration. Substitution of concentrate for corn silage over the range studied did not increase net utilization of energy.
Bone marrow transplantation in a BN rat model of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

Abstract A rat model of acute myelogenous leukemia is described. The leukemia originally induced by 7,12 dimethylbenzanthracine in the Brown Norway (BN) rat can be transferred by the inoculation of leukemic blasts intravenously into normal female BN rats. The survival of animals given 1–100 × 10 6 leukemic blasts ranges from 15 to 25 days following tumor transfer, with the lowest number of cells injected giving the longest survival times. If 1 × 10 6 blasts are injected and, 2 weeks later, groups of rats receive lethal doses of cyclophosphamide (CY), busulfan (BU) or total body irradiation (TBI) followed 24 h later by a syngeneic marrow graft, only animals which receive the CY conditioning survive more than 2 weeks (survival > 100 days) following the transplant. All other animals die with marrow failure (early death) or florid leukemia. Preliminary studies with an allogeneic (ACI marrow graft given to the BN rat) marrow graft suggests that leukemic rats may accept a histoincompatible graft without leukemic relapse following cyclophosphamide conditioning and postgraft immunosuppression. The anti-leukemic effect of cyclophosphamide, therefore, appears to be greater for this disease than is busulfan or total body irradiation.
The glutathione-dependent system of antioxidant defense is not modulated by temperature acclimation in muscle tissues from striped bass, Morone saxatilis

Cold temperature generally induces an enhancement of oxidative capacities, a greater content of intracellular lipids, and a remodeling of lipids in biological membranes. These physiological responses may pose a heightened risk of lipid peroxidation (LPO), while warm temperature could result in greater risk of LPO since rates involving reactive oxygen species and LPO will be elevated. The current study examines responses of the glutathione system of antioxidant defense after temperature acclimation. We measured total glutathione (tGSH), and protein levels of GPx1, GPx4, and GST (cardiac and skeletal muscles), and enzymatic activity (skeletal muscle) of glutathione-dependent antioxidants (GPx, GPx4, and GST) in tissues from striped bass (Morone saxatilis) acclimated for six weeks to 7 °C or 25 °C. tGSH of cardiac muscle from cold-acclimated animals was 1.2-times higher than in warm-bodied counterparts, but unchanged with temperature acclimation in skeletal muscle. A second low molecular weight antioxidant, ascorbate was 1.4- and 1.5-times higher in cardiac and skeletal muscle, respectively in warm- than cold-acclimated animals. Despite 1.2-times higher oxidative capacities (as indicated by citrate synthase activity), in skeletal muscle from cold- versus warm-acclimated fish, levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes were similar between acclimation groups. Lipid peroxidation products (as indicated by TBARS), normalized to tissue wet weight, were more than 2-times higher in skeletal muscle from cold- than warm-acclimated animals, however, when normalized to phospholipid content there was no statistical difference between acclimation groups. Our results demonstrate that the physiological changes, associated with acclimation to low temperature in the eurythermal striped bass, are not accompanied by an enhanced antioxidant defense in the glutathione-dependent system.
Changes in testis of guinea pig after vasectomy

Abstract Thirty adult guinea pigs were bilaterally vasectomized and subsequently sacrificed at one, three, and six months after operation. Cell counts were performed on five seminiferous tubules from each animal to identify and quantitate changes in spermatogenesis. Forty-three per cent of the animals had alterations in spermatogenesis that were characterized by generalized hypospermatogenesis and presence of multinucleated spermatids. There was a high incidence (93 per cent) of spermagglutinating antibodies in the vasectomized group. Sperm antibodies were not detected in the normal and sham-operated animals. Mean testicular weights and seminiferous tubule diameters were significantly reduced in the hypospermatogenic animals. The interstitial tissue of the vasectomized and sham-operated animals was morphologically indistinguishable from that of unoperated animals.
Confinement, the Wilson loop and the gluon propagator

We show that if the gluon propagator has a highly singular infrared behavior (such as 1q4) in any one gauge then the Wilson loop must fall exponentially to zero with an area law, indicative of confinement. The proof of this claim follows from an inequality derived via a mean value theorem.
Functional characteristics of a new coronary perfusion balloon: Comparison with the flowtrack 40 in closed chest swine

This study was designed to compare a new investigational coronary perfusion balloon (Wave, Scimed Life Systems Inc.) with that of an approved, widely used, current generation device (Flowtrack 40, Advanced Cardiovascular Systems). Domestic swine were anesthetized with pentobarbital and instrumented using standard percutaneous technique. Left ventricular contractile function (dP/dt) was monitored using a micromanometer while intracoronary and surface ECGs were also recorded. Eight target vessels were studied (4 LAD and 4 Cx) in random order. The perfusion balloons were kept inflated for 10 min. Complete coronary occlusion with a standard angioplasty balloon produced marked decreases in mean aortic pressure, left ventricular developed pressure, peak + dP/dt, peak -dP/dt, and significant ST segment elevation in both intracoronary and surface ECG at 30 seconds. Neither the Wave or Flowtrack 40 produced any change in heart rate or mean aortic pressure. Both catheters caused a drop in left ventricular developed pressure immediately after balloon inflation. At 10 min, however, there was a small but significant decrease only with the Flowtrack 40. Similarly, peak + dP/dt was slightly depressed during Flowtrack 40 inflation at 10 min but not with the Wave catheter. Both catheters produced ST segment elevation on the surface and intracoronary electrocardiographic records. These changes were significantly greater with the Flowtrack 40 system. Thus, both the Flowtrack 40 and Wave perfusion balloons are effective in preventing ischemia during coronary occlusion in swine; however, the latter system may be more effective in this model. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Review of Developments and Problems In Using Floating Breakwaters

In this review the basic types of floating breakwaters are examined. Data on a number of current installations and their construction costs are included. Materials used in construction are discussed in the light of present applications and problems that have been encountered. The field performance and measured mooring forces are presented for breakwaters that have been instrumented. The conclusion is that current installations are effective in reducing the incident-wave energy. However, their performance is closely tied to the incident-wave frequency. As experience with these structures is accumulated, their use in increasingly severe environments can be expected.
The zero-field-splitting parameter D in binuclear copper(II) carboxylates is negative.

High-field, high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance measurements performed on two binuclear copper complexes, [Cu(CH3COO)2]2(H2O)2 (1) and [Cu(CH3COO)2]2(pyrazine) (2), allowed a definitive ...
Mediastinoscopic injury to the bronchus: Use of in-continuity bronchial flap repair

There is little written in the literature regarding the management of major bronchial disruptions occurring during mediastinoscopy. This report illustrates the use of an in-continuity flap bronchoplasty of middle lobe bronchial tissue to repair such an iatrogenic intermediate bronchus injury.
Corrections to Snell’s reflection law from atomic thermal motion

Abstract Light reflection from a dielectric slab, composed of identical atoms subject to thermal motion, is studied theoretically under the Born approximation. When the atomic motion is assumed to have a fixed magnitude, it is found that, although light is still reflected into the same incident plane, it is actually along two directions, all different from the direction specified by Snell’s law. It is also found that along these two reflection directions the light has different frequencies.
Noble Reactions for the Actinides: Safe Gold-Based Access to Organouranium and Azido Complexes (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 11/2009)

The cover picture shows a novel and safe gold-based oxidative functionalization protocol that allows access to an assortment of uranium complexes bearing azide and carbon functional groups. Alkyl, alkynyl, and azide complexes are accessed in a single step from commercially available or easily prepared gold complexes. This methodology works for UIII UIV and UIV UV oxidations. A new, high-yielding synthetic preparation of (Ph3P)AuN3 is also presented. These reactions proceed rapidly in high yields and represent a new class of reactions for gold. This work demonstrates that gold chemistry is not just unique for organic transformations but holds great promise for similarly advancing organometallic chemistry. Details are discussed in the Short Communication by J. L. Kiplinger et al. on p. 1451 ff. We thank Mr. Jim Cruz for designing the cover picture.
Water Intoxication and Thioridazine

Excerpt To the editor: In the letter by Rao, Miller, and Moses (Ann Intern Med82:61-63, 1975), thioridazine (Mellaril®) was mentioned as a cause of dilutional hyponatremia. We have recently treated...
Morphological and cytological evidence for polyphyletic allopolyploidy in Arctostaphylos mewukka (Ericaceae).

The central Sierran tetraploidArctostaphylos mewukkaMerriam has been reported to be an allopolyploid originating from the diploid species,A. patulaGreene and eitherA. viscida subsp.viscidaParry orA. viscida subsp.mariposa (Dudley)P. V. Wells, although without conclusive evidence. Morphometrics and the verification and determination of chromosome numbers were used to substantiate the evolutionary relationships among these species. A closely related species,Arctostaphylos trueiKnight, was also examined using these methods to determine its separability fromA. mewukka. The morphometric analyses support a hypothesis for a polyphyletic origin ofA. mewukka from different races ofA. viscida andA. patula. The chromosomal data, although inclusive, also support this hypothesis. The data do not support the recognition ofA. truei as a taxonomic entity separate fromA. mewukka at the species level.
The full-cell cracking mode in unidirectional brittle-matrix composites

Abstract In this work we consider the issues associated with predicting the initiation of matrix cracking within a unidirectional brittle-matrix composite (BMC). The analysis is accomplished as a case study for a restrictive, though important, class of composites consisting of silicon carbide fibres and a glass-ceramic matrix. A newly-derived axisymmetric variational model is employed to predict the stress field and energy release rates in a composite having a single damaged cell (or randomly located non-interacting cells) in which an annular matrix crack is introduced. Propagation of this crack to the fibre/matrix interface generates what we call the full-cell cracking mode. Strength and toughness properties of the matrix material are assumed to infer the potential for growth of the annular crack as well as its influence on the interface stresses and plausible scenarios governing the behaviour of secondary flaws. In turn, the synergistic influence of the latter flaws on the original annular crack is predicted. Since fibre spacing seems to be of paramount importance in real composites, a model of a composite having a non-uniform fibre distribution is also developed. The work includes a study of crack deflection at the fibre/matrix interface and comments are made regarding the perceived need for poor bonding in these materials. Also noted are the key parameters that need to be determined by experiment to quantify the failure prediction.
Assessment of Nighttime Flagger-Illumination Practices

Although flaggers are often an integral component of temporary traffic control measures during roadway construction and maintenance, they may be exposed to significant safety hazards associated with the inadequate illumination of flagging operations. To eliminate these hazards, guidelines are needed that provide specific direction and recommendations for optimal illumination of flaggers. This paper presents the findings of a research study that included the evaluation of selected light equipment under actual working conditions and the development of recommendations for flagger illumination. Three types of light equipment were selected for the study: a 12-V spotlight, a 12-V high-intensity discharge (HID) floodlight, and a light tower with a 2,000 W output. Light equipment testing was performed on two projects in the state of Oregon. The findings reveal that flaggers do not feel comfortable when using 12-V spotlight and 12-V HID floodlight systems because of the small amount of light these systems emit com...
Fragility analysis of woodframe buildings considering combined snow and earthquake loading

This paper describes a study to evaluate appropriate percentages of design snow load (factors for use with nominal values provided by the current design load standard for structural design in the United States, ASCE 7-02) when snow load is being taken into account in a seismic fragility analysis. The procedure is illustrated through the development of seismic fragility curves for one and two-story woodframe structures in three locations (Memphis, TN; Carbondale, IL; and Boston, MA) having both moderate snow and seismic hazards. The fragilities are cast in terms of displacement criteria (maximum shearwall drift) with the snow load serving to add seismic weight to the structure. The structures are analyzed using a nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis procedure. The seismic hazard is defined using USGS seismic hazard maps and uncertainty in the seismic hazard at each location is characterized by a suite of ordinary ground motion records. The ground snow hazard is defined through an analysis of data from first-order weather stations at the sites considered. Through a series of multi-hazard convolutions, parametric studies, and the construction of fragility curves, percentages of design snow load are determined for use in constructing displacement-based seismic fragilities and calculating failure probabilities (by convolving with appropriate seismic hazard functions). Practical implications for fragility analysis considering multiple hazards and performance-based design of woodframe structures also are discussed.
The Diurnal Curve in Estimates of Primary Productivity

Changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) which occur in an aquatic system over a period of time are normally the result of: 1. Photosynthetic production by aquatic plants within the water mass, 2. Respiration of aquatic plants, animals and bacteria, 3. Diffusion of oxygen into or out of the water, depending on the saturation gradient and certain physical factors, and/or 4. Advective gains or losses due to displacement of a water mass. Estimates of oxygen gained from photosynthesis and lost to respiration are often based on the incubation of enclosed samples which may or may not be representative of the community. Estimates of oxygen interchange between the water and the atmosphere are usually based on engineering formulae (Eckenfelder and O'Connor, 1961) or upon some form of direct measurement (Copeland and Duffer, 1964; Gameson and Truesdale, 1959). Advective gains or losses, if any, can often be evaluated from knowledge of the hydrology or by means of dye-tracer or radio-isotope time-of-travel studies. Correlating these essentially independent estimates with observed DO concentrations, however, may be formidable. Over a decade ago (1956), H. T. Odum formulated a procedure to evaluate DO diurnal changes to obtain simultaneous estimates of community metabolism and gaseous transfer. By means of graphical analysis, values of gross community production (P), community respiration (R) and an atmospheric diffusion coefficient (k) were determined. Since its introduction, Odum's method has been used to determine metabolism and gaseous diffusion in intertidal bay and marine waters (Odum and Hoskin, 1958: McFarland and Prescott, 1959; Odum and Wilson, 1962), coral reefs (Kohn and Helfrich, 1957), estuaries (Bailey, 1967; Chadwick et al., 1967), rivers (Hoskin, 1959), springs (Odum, 1957 a,b), stabilization ponds (Copeland and Dorris, 1962) as well as in laboratory microcosms (McConell, 1962; Abbott, 1966, 1967). Diurnal curve analyses similar to that of Odum have also been employed in English rivers (Edwards and Owens, 1962; Owens and Edwards, 1963; and Edwards, 1964) and in a western mountain stream (O'Connell and Thomas, 1965). Two principal approaches of the procedure are available to the investigator, the "single-station" method and the "upstreamdownstream" method. The choice of either
Experimental Investigation of Biomass Pellets and Pelletizing Process Using Hardwood and Switchgrass

Biomass fuel has been utilized as a renewable energy resource to replace or supplement fossil fuels. Combustion characteristics of biomass affect the utilization of biomass pellets. Activation energy, ash content, energy content, moisture content, density, and durability are a few parameters that are analyzed for ideal combustion. An ideal fuel can be created through analyzing multiple biomass materials and pelletizing procedures. The objective of this research is to improve biomass performance by investigating its pelleting parameters and the related combustion characteristics. A lab scale pelletizing process was developed with the pelletizing conditions being 150°C for 150 seconds under a pressure of 4500 psi. A total of 45 different types of pellets with a diameter of 2.5cm and a thickness of 5mm were created using the new pelletizing process. They had five different material mixtures (100% hardwood (HW), 75/25hardwood/switchgrass (HS), 50/50HS, 25/75HS, and 100% switchgrass (S)), three different original moisture contents (15%, 20%, and 25%), and 3 different amounts of binder (1/6, 1/12, and 0). Trends of the combustion characteristics to pelletizing process parameters were found. When the material mixture changes from pure hardwood to pure switchgrass, both activation energy decreases while ash content increases. When the binder decreases, activation energy increases as well as ash content while both energy content and durability decrease.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Developing Automaticity in Multiplication Facts: Integrating Strategy Instruction with Timed Practice Drills:

Automaticity in math facts has been of considerable interest to special educators for decades. A review of the intervention literature suggests at least two common approaches to developing automati...
An efficient and accurate molecular alignment and docking technique using ab initio quality scoring

An accurate and efficient molecular alignment technique is presented based on first principle electronic structure calculations. This new scheme maximizes quantum similarity matrices in the relative orientation of the molecules and uses Fourier transform techniques for two purposes. First, building up the numerical representation of true ab initio electronic densities and their Coulomb potentials is accelerated by the previously described Fourier transform Coulomb method. Second, the Fourier convolution technique is applied for accelerating optimizations in the translational coordinates. In order to avoid any interpolation error, the necessary analytical formulas are derived for the transformation of the ab initio wavefunctions in rotational coordinates. The results of our first implementation for a small test set are analyzed in detail and compared with published results of the literature. A new way of refinement of existing shape based alignments is also proposed by using Fourier convolutions of ab initio or other approximate electron densities. This new alignment technique is generally applicable for overlap, Coulomb, kinetic energy, etc., quantum similarity measures and can be extended to a genuine docking solution with ab initio scoring.
An approximate parametrization of the ergodic partition using time averaged observables

An ergodic set in the state space of a measure-preserving dynamical system is an invariant set on which the system is ergodic. Moreover, it comprises points on statistically identical trajectories, i.e., time averages of any function along any two trajectories in the set are equal. The collection of such sets partitions the state space and is called the ergodic partition. We present a computational algorithm that retrieves a set of coordinates for ergodic sets. Those coordinates can be thought of as generalization of action coordinates from theory of Liouville-integrable systems. Dynamics of the system is embedded into the space of time averages of observables along the trajectories. In this space, the problem is formulated as a dimension-reduction problem, which is handled by the Diffusion Maps algorithm. The algorithm is demonstrated on a 2D map with a mixed state space.
Teaching Reading: Asking the Right Questions

Reading in foreign language classes is an important source of the comprehensible input that fosters second language acquisition. Available materials, however, do not always encourage reading for meaning. Rather, they invite teachers and students to disregard meaning and concentrate on form. A reexamination of some widely held ideas about reading materials is overdue.
Impacts of a Prekindergarten Program on Children's Mathematics, Language, Literacy, Executive Function, and Emotional Skills

Publicly funded prekindergarten programs have achieved small-to-large impacts on children's cognitive outcomes. The current study examined the impact of a prekindergarten program that implemented a coaching system and consistent literacy, language, and mathematics curricula on these and other nontargeted, essential components of school readiness, such as executive functioning. Participants included 2,018 four and five-year-old children. Findings indicated that the program had moderate-to-large impacts on children's language, literacy, numeracy and mathematics skills, and small impacts on children's executive functioning and a measure of emotion recognition. Some impacts were considerably larger for some subgroups. For urban public school districts, results inform important programmatic decisions. For policy makers, results confirm that prekindergarten programs can improve educationally vital outcomes for children in meaningful, important ways.
Psychosocial Factors Related to Cannabis Use Disorders

The objective of this study was to explore the association between psychosocial risk and protective factors and cannabis use disorders (CUDs) in a cohort of African American and Puerto Rican young adults. A representative sample (N=838) from the East Harlem area of New York City was assessed at four points in time (at mean ages 14.1, 19.2, 24.5, and 29.2). The psychosocial measures came from six domains: personality attributes, family, peer, work, neighborhood, and substance use The psychosocial measures were assessed at each of the first three waves of the study, and CUDs were assessed at the fourth and final wave of the study. Multivariate logistic regression and a cumulative risk analysis were conducted. Increased psychological symptoms (OR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.05–1.39; p<.01), problems resulting from cannabis use (OR=2.69; 95% CI, 1.33–5.46; p<.01), frequent arguments with one’s partner (OR=1.84; 95% CI, 1.09–3.10; p<.05), high levels of deviance (OR=1.81; 95% CI, 1.21–2.71; p<.01), and frequent acts of violence directed toward the participant (OR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.01–1.42; p<.05) were all associated with an increased risk for CUDs. An increase in the number of risks was associated with an increase in the probability of having CUDs at the fourth wave (again, at a mean age of 29.2). A decrease in the number of risk factors may lead to a decrease in CUDs.
Nursing as a Sign of Hope and Contradiction in the Land of the Children of Abraham

Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank share a small land area and the birthplace of three of the world's great monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is a land of paradoxes: ancient and modern, religious and secular. Nursing in this unique geographic and historical place struggles with many of the same issues and challenges facing nursing in other modern countries, but it also shines with dramatic episodes of nursing's ability to be a sign of hope and contradiction.
Thigmomorphogenesis: Anatomical, morphological and mechanical analysis of genetically different sibs of Pinus taeda in response to mechanical perturbation

Twenty-three open pollinated families (half-sibs) and four controlled pollinated families (full-sibs) of Pinus taeda L. (loblolly pine) were grown in a greenhouse and analyzed for changes induced by mechanical perturbation (MP). These changes included inhibition of stem and needle elongation, bracing of branch nodes, and increased radial growth in the direction of the MP. Inhibition of stem elongation was the least variable feature measured. Leaf extension and stem diameter were highly variable between half-sibs. MP induced increased drag in greenhouse grown P. taeda in wind-tunnel tests. In P. taeda, MP induced decreased flexibility and increased elasticity and plasticity of the stem. The increased radial growth of the stems overrode the increase in elasticity, resulting in an overall decrease in flexibility. MP trees had a higher rupture point than non-MP controls. Increased radial growth is a result of more rapid cell divisions of the vascular cambium, resulting in increased numbers of tracheids. The decreased leader growth is partly due to a decreased tracheid length in response to MP.
Sociological orbit aware location approximation and routing (SOLAR) in MANET

Mobility affects routing protocol performance in a Mobile Ad Hoc NETwork (MANET). This paper introduces a novel concept of ''macro-mobility'' information obtained from the sociological movement pattern of MANET users, and proposes a routing protocol that can take advantage of the macro-mobility information. This macro-mobility information is extracted from our observation that the movement of a mobile user exhibits a partially repetitive ''orbital'' pattern involving a set of ''hubs''. This partially deterministic movement pattern is not only practical, but also useful for locating nodes without the need for constant tracking and for routing packets to them without flooding. More specifically, this paper makes the following two contributions. First, it proposes an ORBIT mobility framework to achieve this macro-level abstraction of orbital movement. Second, to take advantage of this hub-based orbital pattern, it proposes a Sociological Orbit aware Location Approximation and Routing (SOLAR) protocol. Extensive performance analysis shows that SOLAR significantly outperforms conventional routing protocols like Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) and Location Aided Routing (LAR) in terms of higher data throughput, lower control overhead, and lower end-to-end delay.
Electrochemical determination of reversible redox species at interdigitated array micro/nanoelectrodes using charge injection method

In this work, the interdigitated array microelectrodes/nanoelectrodes (/spl sim/0.2 mm/sup 2/ surface area) have been fabricated and characterized using the charge injection method for the electrochemical determination of reversible redox species. Using p-aminophenol as the redox species, approximately 4/spl times/10/sup -7/ M and 6/spl times/10/sup -9/ M detection limits on the species concentration are respectively achieved with the microelectrodes and the nanoelectrodes.
Formation and propagation of tau oligomeric seeds.

Tau misfolding and aggregation leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which have long been considered one of the main pathological hallmarks for numerous neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However, recent studies completed both in vitro and in vivo suggest that intermediate forms of tau, known as tau oligomers, between the monomeric form and NFTs are the true toxic species in disease and the best targets for anti-tau therapies. However, the exact mechanism by which the spread of pathology occurs is unknown. Evidence suggests that tau oligomers may act as templates for the misfolding of native tau, thereby seeding the spread of the toxic forms of the protein. Recently, researchers have reported the ability of tau oligomers to enter and exit cells, propagating from disease-affected regions to unaffected areas. While the mechanism by which the spreading of misfolded tau occurs has yet to be elucidated, there are a few different models which have been proposed, including cell membrane stress and pore-formation, endocytosis and exocytosis, and non-traditional secretion of protein not enclosed by a membrane. Coming to an understanding of how toxic tau species seed and spread through the brain will be crucial to finding effective treatments for neurodegenerative tauopathies.
Open Fractures of the Hand with Soft Tissue Loss

The evaluation, initial treatment, and definitive reconstruction of open fractures of the hand with associated soft tissue loss are reviewed. Specific attention is given to the literature on open fracture antibiotic prophylaxis in the hand; the timing of bone and soft tissue reconstruction; and options for soft tissue coverage, including local, regional, and distant tissue transfer. Factors that have shown association with outcomes in these injuries are also discussed, and the authors' preferred management is summarized.
Advances in Mediation Analysis: A Survey and Synthesis of New Developments

Mediation processes are fundamental to many classic and emerging theoretical paradigms within psychology. Innovative methods continue to be developed to address the diverse needs of researchers studying such indirect effects. This review provides a survey and synthesis of four areas of active methodological research: (a) mediation analysis for longitudinal data, (b) causal inference for indirect effects, (c) mediation analysis for discrete and nonnormal variables, and (d) mediation assessment in multilevel designs. The aim of this review is to aid in the dissemination of developments in these four areas and suggest directions for future research.
A Revised Assessment of Species Redundancy and Ecosystem Reliability

Naeem ( Conservation Biology 12: 39–45) formalized the relationships among species diversity, functional groups, species redundancy, and ecosystem reliability. Although we applaud his efforts and agree with many of his conclusions, we disagree with some fundamental assumptions used in the derivation of Naeem’s equation 2. These assumptions affect some of the conclusions concerning the role of redundancy. We discuss two possible interpretations of Naeem’s equation. Under the first interpretation, the equation relates to the probability that a species is present at a particular time t . Under the second interpretation, the equation relates to the probability that a species is present at least once during the interval of time between time 0 and time t . Under this second interpretation we also disagree with the application of Naeem’s equation 4. In his equation 2, Naeem relates “the probability that the i th species in the j th functional group is present by time t ” to the probability that the initial population survives until time t and the probability of colonization by time t , as follows: