cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fecal lipidomic biomarkers in production-related metabolic disease (PRMD)-resistant and susceptible dairy cows

Although it is known that the highest incidence for most production-related metabolic diseases (PRMDs; ie, milk fever, fatty liver, ketosis, LDA, mastitis, and infections) occurs within 60 days-in-milk (DIM), PRMD incidence has not been altered by transition diets, dietary CAD, and avoidance of over-conditioning. Economic returns are significantly affected by PRMDs because of altered milk composition or decreased production, conception, life expectancy, and cull value. The risk for PRMD has been correlated with increased serum FFA, NEFA, TG, and PHBA concentrations and hepatic TG-to-glycogen ratio. Regulation of hepatic metabolism is dynamic and can differ between similarly managed transition cows. The difference in fecal carbon stable isotopes (13C/12C ratio, 813C) measured 3 weeks prepartum and at parturition predicted 66% of cows resistant to or at risk for PRMDs in the subsequent lactation, with susceptible cows having a more depleted isotopic signature correlated with mobilizing endogenous lipid and protein stores for maintenance needs. Finding these differences prior to PRMD onset prompted investigation of fecal lipids present at the beginning of the transition period and at parturition. The objectives of this study were to determine the fecal lipid profiles for PRMD-resistant and PMRD-susceptible cows, and to determine if PRMD-susceptible cows have unique fecal lipidome biomarkers.
A discriminative method for global query expansion and term reweighting using co-occurrence graphs:

This article presents a new query expansion (QE) method aiming to tackle term mismatch in information retrieval (IR). Previous research showed that selecting good expansion terms which do not hurt ...
Adding the culturally specific ingredients: the Chinese and American models of learning persistence, including learning beliefs, choice and the internalization of learning motivation

This study challenged the widely spread assumption that East Asian students are more persistent than their American counterparts because they are more likely to believe that success results from efforts rather than innate ability. The examination was conducted through comparing the impact of three factors— internalization of learning motivation, learning beliefs, and preference of choice—on learning persistence between 888 Chinese and 361 American college students represent East Asian and Western students respectively. Structural equation modeling was conducted to testify the culturally specific pathways towards persistence. The findings suggested that American and Chinese students were sharing two common factors (integrated internalization and belief in effort) that predict their persistence significantly. Moreover, there are also differences between Chinese and American students. Guilty and having choice are significant factors for Chinese students’ learning persistence, while ego is a significant factor for American students’ persistence. Such results suggested that the East Asian students are not more persistence and their education model should not be imported by other countries even though they perform better in international large-scale assessments.
The Stains of Culture: An Ethno-Reading of Karaite Jewish Women

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Ruth Tsoffar Year: 2006 Pages: 264 Publisher: Wayne State University Press ISBN: 0-8143-3223-4 (soft cover). Prices: $27.95 USD(soft cover).
The population attributable fraction and confounding: buyer beware.

In 1997, my colleagues and I estimated the fraction of new cases of diabetes in the United States population attributable to a 10-year weight gain of ≥ 5 kg (1). To estimate this population attributable fraction (PAF), we used a formula that multiplied just two quantities: (i) diabetes 'relative risk' (RR) — the probability of developing diabetes in those who gained ≥ 5 kg divided by the probability in those who gained < 5 kg and (ii) the proportion that gained ≥ 5 kg. We estimated that 27% of new cases of diabetes in the United States were attributable to gaining ≥ 5 kg.
Effectiveness of content preparation in information technology operations: synopsis of a working paper

Content preparation is essential for web design [25]. The objective of this paper is to establish a theoretical foundation for the development of methods to evaluate the effectiveness of content preparation in information technology operations. Past studies identify information as the dominant concern of users, and delivery mechanism as a secondary concern [20]. The best presentation of the wrong information results in a design with major usability problems and does not aid the user in accomplishing his task. This paper shifts the focus of existing usability evaluation methods. It attempts to fill the void in usability literaoture by addressing the information aspect of usability evaluation. Combining the strengths of content preparation and usability evaluation yields major implications for a broad range of IT uses.
Anger Management Techniques

Anger is an emotion involving emotional, cognitive, physiological, and behavioral components. Anger leads to a variety of negative consequences, including interpersonal, physical, and mental health difficulties. Psychosocial treatments of anger can be traced to the 1970s and Raymond Novaco's adaptation of stress inoculation training to target anger symptoms. Since then, a variety of psychosocial treatments have been implemented, including skills training, relaxation-based, multicomponent, exposure, and cognitive behavioral treatments. Several meta-analyses examining the efficacy of anger treatments have been conducted leading to estimates of effect sizes generally in the medium to large range. However, extant research has been criticized for a dependence on self-report measures and a lack of follow-up assessments, active control conditions, and dismantling studies. Additional concerns, including the possibility of iatrogenic effects and poor findings in offender populations are highlighted. Keywords: aggression; anger; cognitive behavior therapy
Restitution of action potential duration during sequential activation: a simulation study

Restitution of action potential duration (APD) is widely considered to play a key role in initialization and maintenance of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Restitution properties are quantified by using protocols such as the standard and the dynamic protocol. However, these protocols eliminate the so-called 'memory' effects by pacing for several tens of beats at a fixed cycle length before acquiring the relationship between diastolic interval (DI) and APD. In order to investigate the effects of previous activation history on APD, i.e. the memory effects, we used a feedback based pacing protocol that permitted explicit control of DI. Activation was simulated using a Luo-Rudy dynamic model. Explicit control of DI allowed evaluation of cumulative memory effects which cannot be quantified by the use of contemporary protocols. We observed that for the same DI, the APD were quite different when the prior activation history was different. Furthermore, APD changes were significantly different than those predicted by the standard protocols. Our results show, therefore, that during sequential activation, DI is not the only dominant factor that determines next APD. These results may explain the lack of correlation between pro-fibrillatory activity and restitution relationship.
Educating knowledge-based software engineers

The educational requirements for the field of knowledge-based software engineering (KBSE) are defined. By analyzing an updated version of the program transformation system paradigm, ten topic areas reflecting KBSE educational requirements are identified. It is shown that many of the ten topics can be satisfied by using courses already available in most graduate level computer science/engineering program when examples and course projects are specifically directed at KBSE concepts. A comparison of the ten KBSE topic areas to the 21 software engineering education topic areas developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) shows that few of the KBSE requirements are satisfied by the 21 SEI topic areas. Additionally, recent efforts at the US Air Force Institute of Technology show that a KBSE program, including laboratory support, can be quickly started. >
Ebstein's anomaly: Indications for repair and surgical technique.

Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve is characterized by a regurgitant tricuspid valve with a large anterior leaflet and septal and tricuspid leaflets displaced into the right ventricle. Associated anomalies are common, especially atrial septal communication and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Clinical presentation includes a spectrum from minimal hemodynamic derangement and mild exercise intolerance to severe cardiopulmonary abnormalities and grave illness. The natural history of the disease is extremely variable; the worst prognosis is in the youngest patients, who often have associated cardiac abnormalities. Operative procedures range from ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus to cardiac transplantation. Tricuspid valvuloplasty has been advanced by several investigators and can be considered in nearly all cases. Repairs are based on the creation of a monocuspid or bicuspid valve with reduction of the enlarged annulus. While tricuspid valve repair or replacement is indicated for symptomatic children and adults, the management of the symptomatic neonate is difficult. Patients are stratified according to clinical status and morphology, then treated with observation, valve repair, conversion to single ventricle, or transplantation. We review the anatomy and pathophysiology of Ebstein's anomaly, the indications for surgery, and the appropriate timing of surgical intervention. Current techniques of tricuspid valvuloplasty are described and unresolved issues are discussed, including the role for superior cavopulmonary anastomosis, the management of symptomatic infants, and the necessity of ventricular plication in valve repair.
Comparison of laser and ultraviolet techniques used in the detection of body secretions.

Evaluation of the detection capabilities of both laser and ultraviolet light sources was performed. The Spectra-Physics Model 171-19 argon ion laser was used in a comparison with the hand held Mineralight® multiband ultraviolet lamp, Model UVSL-58 and the Fotodyne Foto UV 410. Model 3-4100. Both techniques were evaluated as to their detection limits for various biological stains. A serial dilution was made from semen, saliva, and sweat samples and their corresponding stains were examined under laser and ultraviolet light sources. The techniques were also evaluated as to possible interferences which may arise based on the type of fabric the stains were made on. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique in relationship to their initial costs are discussed.
On Generating Verification Conditions for Correctness Proofs

The generation of verification conditions is one of the basic steps in proving the correctness of programs. Alternative methods for generating verification conditions have been developed and used, each technique apparently quite different from the others. This paper presents three of the most well-known methods and shows how they relate to each other and to the basic program analysis task.
Segregation of Behavior-Specific Synaptic Inputs to a Vertebrate Neuronal Oscillator

Although essential for understanding the mechanisms underlying sensorimotor integration and motor control of behaviors, very little is known about the degree to which different behaviors share neural elements of the sensorimotor command chain by which they are controlled. Here, we provide, to our knowledge, the first direct physiological evidence that various modulatory premotor inputs to a vertebrate central pattern generator, the pacemaker nucleus in gymnotiform electric fish, carrying distinctly different behavioral information, can remain segregated from their various sites of origin in the diencephalon to the synaptic termination sites on different target neurons in the medullary pacemaker nucleus. During pharmacological activation of each of the premotor inputs originating from the three prepacemaker nuclei so far identified, we determined in vivo the changes in input resistance in the neuronal elements of the pacemaker nucleus, i.e., relay cells and pacemaker cells. We found that each input yields significantly different effects on these cells; the inputs from the two diencephalic prepacemaker nuclei, PPnC and PPnG, which resulted in increased oscillator activity, caused significantly lower input resistances in relay and pacemaker cells, respectively, exhibiting drastically different time courses. The input from the sublemniscal prepacemaker nucleus, which resulted in reduced oscillator activity, however, caused a significant increase in input resistance only in relay cells. Considering that the sensory pathways processing stimuli yielding these behaviors are separated as well, this study indicates that sensorimotor control of different behaviors can occur in strictly segregated channels from the sensory input of the brain all through to the synaptic input level of the final premotor command nucleus.
Identification of Multiple Dityrosine Bonds in Materials Composed of the Drosophila Protein Ultrabithorax

The recombinant protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx), a Drosophila melanogaster Hox transcription factor, self-assembles into biocompatible materials in vitro that are remarkably extensible and strong. Here, we demonstrate that the strength of Ubx materials is due to intermolecular dityrosine bonds. Ubx materials auto-fluoresce blue, a characteristic of dityrosine, and bind dityrosine-specific antibodies. Monitoring the fluorescence of reduced Ubx fibers upon oxygen exposure reveals biphasic bond formation kinetics. Two dityrosine bonds in Ubx were identified by site-directed mutagenesis followed by measurements of fiber fluorescent intensity. One bond is located between the N-terminus and the homeodomain (Y4/Y296 or Y12/Y293), and another bond is formed by Y167 and Y240. Fiber fluorescence closely correlates with fiber strength, demonstrating that these bonds are intermolecular. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of specific residues that participate in dityrosine bonds in protein-based materials. The percentage of Ubx molecules harboring both bonds can be decreased or increased by mutagenesis, providing an additional mechanism to control the mechanical properties of Ubx materials. Duplication of tyrosine-containing motifs in Ubx increases dityrosine content in Ubx fibers, suggesting these motifs could be inserted in other self-assembling proteins to strengthen the corresponding materials.
Cloning, Expression, and Nutritional Regulation of the Mammalian Δ-6 Desaturase

Arachidonic acid (20:4(n-6)) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6(n-3)) have a variety of physiological functions that include being the major component of membrane phospholipid in brain and retina, substrates for eicosanoid production, and regulators of nuclear transcription factors. The rate-limiting step in the production of 20:4(n-6) and 22:6(n-3) is the desaturation of 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3) by Δ-6 desaturase. In this report, we describe the cloning, characterization, and expression of a mammalian Δ-6 desaturase. The open reading frames for mouse and human Δ-6 desaturase each encode a 444-amino acid peptide, and the two peptides share an 87% amino acid homology. The amino acid sequence predicts that the peptide contains two membrane-spanning domains as well as a cytochrome b 5-like domain that is characteristic of nonmammalian Δ-6 desaturases. Expression of the open reading frame in rat hepatocytes and Chinese hamster ovary cells instilled in these cells the ability to convert 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3) to their respective products, 18:3(n-6) and 18:4(n-3). When mice were fed a diet containing 10% fat, hepatic enzymatic activity and mRNA abundance for hepatic Δ-6 desaturase in mice fed corn oil were 70 and 50% lower than in mice fed triolein. Finally, Northern analysis revealed that the brain contained an amount of Δ-6 desaturase mRNA that was several times greater than that found in other tissues including the liver, lung, heart, and skeletal muscle. The RNA abundance data indicate that prior conclusions regarding the low level of Δ-6 desaturase expression in nonhepatic tissues may need to be reevaluated.
Microbial populations associated with the reduction and enhanced mobilization of arsenic in mine tailings

Microbial reduction of arsenate [As(V)] to arsenite [As(III)] and the subsequent effects on As mobilization in contaminated mine tailings were studied under transport conditions. Molecular analysis of bacterial populations and traditional isolation techniques were used in conjunction with column experiments designed to observe relationships among pH (limed vs unlimed treatments), redox potential (Pt electrode), and mobilization of As. Liming increased pH values from approximately 4 to 8, resulting in a 5-fold increase in total As eluted from sterile columns. Elution of As from limed columns was further enhanced by microbial activity. As(III) was the predominant As species eluted from oxic, nonsterile columns. Conversely, in sterile treatments, As(V) was the predominant valence state in column effluent. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis coupled with sequence and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene segments revealed that liming of the mine tailings stimulated specific Caulobacter-, Sphingomonas-, and Rhizobium-like populations. Pure culture isolates of these bacteria demonstrated the ability to rapidly reduce As(V) in aerated serum bottles. An intracellular As detoxification pathway was implicated in the reduction of As(V) by these isolates. These results indicate that microbial reduction of As(V) in As-contaminated soils may occur under aerobic conditions over relatively short time scales resulting in enhanced As mobilization.
Does serving the community also serve the company? Using organizational identification and social exchange theories to understand employee responses to a volunteerism programme

Little is known about how employees might respond to their company's socially responsible business practices. Hypotheses derived from organizational identification and social exchange theories were tested to explain why employees (N=162) may respond positively to their company's volunteerism programme, a programme through which employees could spend time volunteering during their paid work hours. Support was found for mediated effects suggesting that employees' attitude towards the volunteerism programme ultimately predicted outcomes (e.g., intentions to stay) through its effect on organizational identification. Results also showed that exchange ideology moderated the effects of volunteer-programme attitudes on supervisor-reported organizational citizenship behaviour measured 6 months later, suggesting that some employees reciprocate the benefits they receive from a volunteerism programme. The implications of these findings are discussed for theory and research, and for leveraging volunteerism programmes and other socially responsible business practices to benefit companies and their employees.
Couple stresses in crystalline solids: origins from plastic slip gradients, dislocation core distortions, and three-body interatomic potentials

Abstract In the presence of plastic slip gradients, compatibility requires gradients in elastic rotation and stretch tensors. In a crystal lattice the gradient in elastic rotation can be related to bond angle changes at cores of so-called geometrically necessary dislocations. The corresponding continuum strain energy density can be obtained from an interatomic potential that includes two- and three-body terms. The three-body terms induce restoring moments that lead to a couple stress tensor in the continuum limit. The resulting stress and couple stress jointly satisfy a balance law. Boundary conditions are obtained upon stress, couple stress, strain and strain gradient tensors. This higher-order continuum theory was formulated by Toupin (Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 11 (1962) 385). Toupin's theory has been extended in this work to incorporate constitutive relations for the stress and couple stress under multiplicative elastoplasticity. The higher-order continuum theory is exploited to solve a boundary value problem of relevance to single crystal and polycrystalline nano-devices. It is demonstrated that certain slip-dominated deformation mechanisms increase the compliance of nanostructures in bending-dominated situations. The significance of these ideas in the context of continuum plasticity models is also dwelt upon.
Smoking in vietnam combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

The present study investigated smoking prevalence, smoking motives, demographic variables and psychological symptoms in 124 help-seeking, male Vietnam combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A high percentage of these veterans smoked (60%). Vietnam veterans with PTSD who smoked were more likely than those who did not smoke to report higher levels of PTSD symptoms, depression and trait anxiety. Increased depression was associated with increased automatic smoking. Smokers reported a high frequency of smoking in response to military memories. Implications for smoking interventions, cessation, and relapse prevention efforts are discussed.
Gaussian Process Modeling of Derivative Curves

Gaussian process (GP) models provide nonparametric methods to fit continuous curves observed with noise. In this article, we develop a GP-based inverse method that allows for the direct estimation of the derivative of a one-dimensional curve. In principle, a GP model may be fit to the data directly, with the derivatives obtained by means of differentiation of the correlation function. However, it is known that this approach can be inadequate due to loss of information when differentiating. We present a new method of obtaining the derivative process by viewing this procedure as an inverse problem. We use the properties of a GP to obtain a computationally efficient fit. We illustrate our method with simulated data as well as apply it to an important cosmological application. We include a discussion on model comparison techniques for assessing the quality of the fit of this alternative method. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Maternal reports of raising children with chronic illnesses:the prevalence of positive thinking.

Objective.—To examine maternal reports of the positive impact and potential benefits of a child's chronic health condition. Design and Methods.—A total of 190 mothers and their children with chronic illnesses, including sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, and asthma, were recruited from 12 specialty or general pediatric clinics in Baltimore, Md. Standardized interviews were conducted with the mothers and included demographics, condition-related variables, and positive aspects of raising a child with a chronic condition. Results.—Eighty-eight percent of the mothers felt better about themselves by learning to manage their child's chronic condition; 70% felt that their families were stronger because of their child's condition; and 80% felt that their family had benefited in some way from having a child with a chronic illness. Ninety-eight percent of the mothers endorsed at least 1 positive item; 58% endorsed all 3. Conclusions.—Asking mothers about the positive impact on a family of a child's chronic illness captures an important part of the experience of caregiving. Physicians' recognition and encouragement of this positive outlook may help families continue to face the challenges of raising a child with a chronic illness.
John Squire: The Unknown Author of The Tryumphs of Peace , the London Lord Mayor’s Show for 1620

The Lord Mayor’s Shows for the inauguration of London’s mayor offered the street audience a mix of dramatic speeches, elaborate pageant devices, and a sumptuous procession, all financed and produced under the auspices of the city’s livery companies and written by some of the most successful playwrights of the seventeenth century: John Webster, Thomas Middleton, Thomas Dekker, Anthony Munday and Thomas Heywood. However, one show, John Squire’s The Tryumphs of Peace (London: Nicholas Okes, 1620), is written by a figure unknown to literary history. Since the typical writer of Lord Mayor’s Show in the early Stuart period was an established dramatist, who produced multiple shows, this paper considers why the Haberdashers’ Company would select a writer with no dramatic reputation to compose their mayoral show in 1620. This paper aims to establish the likely identity of the author and to discuss the connection to the guilds of this unknown literary quantity.
Climate science: Constraints on the high end

The plausibility of the high end of global warming projections in recent assessments is a subject of debate. A study of multi-model climate simulations argues that we need to take the possibility of strong warming seriously.
Transfer of methohexital across the perfused human placenta.

Abstract Study Objectives: To evaluate the transfer properties of methohexital and the influence of protein binding using the in vitro human placental perfusion model. Design: Fresh term human placentae from healthy parturients were perfused bidirectionally via a cannulated fetal chorionic artery and vein and needles placed into the maternal intervillous space. Maternal-to-fetal (M→F) and fetal-to-maternal (F→M) transfer and ultimate distribution of methohexital was investigated using a closed (recirculating) placental perfusion model. Setting: Obstetric anesthesia laboratories of two university medical centers. Patients: No patient participation occurred as placentae were obtained after delivery. Intervention: M→F and F→M transfer of methohexital was compared in vitro in perfusates with equal protein concentrations (2 g/100 mL in both perfusates) or albumin-simulated physiologic protein binding concentrations (maternal 8 g/100 mL; fetal 4 g/100 mL). Measurements and Main Results: Data obtained consisted of measurements of methohexital and antipyrine concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography. Glucose and lactate concentrations and perfusate loss were measured to assess placental viability. Methohexital protein binding was assessed at 2, 4, and 8 g/100 mL of albumin by equilibrium dialysis. The transfer index of 0.83 ± 0.11 for the M→F perfusions was significantly greater ( p ≤ 0.05) than in the F→M direction (0.61 ± 0.04) when albumin concentration was equal in both perfusates. This transfer asymmetry disappeared when albumin concentrations simulating maternal (8 g/100 mL) versus fetal (4 g/100 mL) protein concentrations in the perfusate were used (M→F 0.87 ± 0.12 and F→M 0.95 ± 0.11). Conclusion: Methohexital readily crosses the placenta in both directions. Protein binding has significant effects on the degree of transfer of methohexital at any time when compared with antipyrine and its ultimate fetal/maternal distribution.
Interactions between coadsorbed species on the Rh(111) surface as a function of the separation distance between them

Abstract The interaction energies as a function of the separation distance between two molecules of CO and between CO and H or O coadsorbed on the Rh(111) surface have been calculated by the Extended Huckel Method. Weak interactions of the order of a few hundredths of eV occur between the adsorbates via the metal lattice. The interaction energy is found to change its signs as the distance between the adsorbates increases. For first neighbor occupation sites the interaction energies are positive. Second and third neighbor interaction energies between CO and CO are, however, negative, the latter being stronger than the former. The interaction energies between CO and H or O are positive for first and second order neighbors and, in general, negative for third order neighbors. The computed interaction energies allow one to explain the observed LEED patterns of adsorbed CO at low temperatures. The compression of the p(2 × 2) LEED structure of CO to the (√3 × √3)R30° structure, induced by the subsequent exposure to hydrogen or oxygen, is explained on the basis of the more favorable interaction energies when CO and H, or CO and 0 are segregated.
The rock fracture hammer for indexing the impact strength of rocks in mechanical excavation

In this technical note, the features and operational mechanism of a new device for indexing the impact strength of rocks are described. This device, which is christened the Rock Fracture Hammer (RFH) can be used along a proposed excavation traverse to obtain indices of intact rock, resistance to cutting forces of mechanical excavator bits. The RFH loads rock through the impact action of a falling hammer. The imposed load is measured in terms of impact energy. Since cutting bits are usually of the order of a few centimeters in dimension, the RFH measures only the impact strength of intact rock. Such measurements can be incorporated into a rock mass classification system that includes the effects of large discontinuities. (A) This paper was presented at the 34th U.S. Symposium on rock mechanics, 27-30 June 1993, University of Wisconsin-Madison. For the covering abstract see IRRD 863389.
Wobble during decoding: more than third-position promiscuity.

Structural studies by the Ramakrishnan and Agris groups allow us to directly observe how the ribosome's decoding site accommodates non-Watson-Crick base pairs in the third position of the codon-anticodon triplet while maintaining the one-amino-acid-per-codon framework that is central to life.
National Ignition Facility laser performance status

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world's largest laser system. It contains a 192 beam neodymium glass laser that is designed to deliver 1.8 MJ at 500 TW at 351 nm in order to achieve energy gain (ignition) in a deuterium-tritium nuclear fusion target. To meet this goal, laser design criteria include the ability to generate pulses of up to 1.8 MJ total energy, with peak power of 500 TW and temporal pulse shapes spanning 2 orders of magnitude at the third harmonic (351 nm or 3omega) of the laser wavelength. The focal-spot fluence distribution of these pulses is carefully controlled, through a combination of special optics in the 1omega (1053 nm) portion of the laser (continuous phase plates), smoothing by spectral dispersion, and the overlapping of multiple beams with orthogonal polarization (polarization smoothing). We report performance qualification tests of the first eight beams of the NIF laser. Measurements are reported at both 1omega and 3omega, both with and without focal-spot conditioning. When scaled to full 192 beam operation, these results demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, that the NIF will meet its laser performance design criteria, and that the NIF can simultaneously meet the temporal pulse shaping, focal-spot conditioning, and peak power requirements for two candidate indirect drive ignition designs.
Topological Catastrophe and Isostructural Phase Transition in Calcium

We predict a quantum phase transition in fcc Ca under hydrostatic pressure. Using density functional theory, we find, at pressures below 80 kbar, the topology of the electron charge density is characterized by nearest neighbor atoms connected through bifurcated bond paths and deep minima in the octahedral holes. At pressures above 80 kbar, the atoms bond through non-nuclear maxima that form in the octahedral holes. This topological change in the charge density softens the ${C}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ elastic modulus of fcc Ca, while ${C}_{44}$ remains unchanged. We propose an order parameter based on applying Morse theory to the charge density, and we show that near the critical point it follows the expected mean-field scaling law with reduced pressure.
Symbolic processing methods for 3D visual processing

The purpose of this paper is to describe a theory that defines an open method for solving 3D visual data processing and artificial intelligence problems that is independent of hardware or software implementation. The goal of the theory is to generalize and abstract the process of 3D visual processing so that the method can be applied to a wide variety of 3D visual processing problems. Once the theory is described a heuristic derivation is given. Symbolic processing methods can be generalized into an abstract model composed of eight basic components. The symbolic processing model components are: input data; input data interface; symbolic data library; symbolic data environment space; relationship matrix; symbolic logic driver; output data interface and output data. An obstacle detection and avoidance experiment was constructed to demonstrate the symbolic processing method. The results of the robot obstacle avoidance experiment demonstrated that the mobile robot could successfully navigate the obstacle course using symbolic processing methods for the control software. The significance of the symbolic processing approach is that the method arrived at a solution by using a more formal quantifiable process. Some of the practical applications for this theory are: 3D object recognition, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent robot control.
Thick-to-thin filament surface distance modulates cross-bridge kinetics in Drosophila flight muscle.

The demembranated (skinned) muscle fiber preparation is widely used to investigate muscle contraction because the intracellular ionic conditions can be precisely controlled. However, plasma membrane removal results in a loss of osmotic regulation, causing abnormal hydration of the myofilament lattice and its proteins. We investigated the structural and functional consequences of varied myofilament lattice spacing and protein hydration on cross-bridge rates of force development and detachment in Drosophila melanogaster indirect flight muscle, using x-ray diffraction to compare the lattice spacing of dissected, osmotically compressed skinned fibers to native muscle fibers in living flies. Osmolytes of different sizes and exclusion properties (Dextran T-500 and T-10) were used to differentially alter lattice spacing and protein hydration. At in vivo lattice spacing, cross-bridge attachment time (ton) increased with higher osmotic pressures, consistent with a reduced cross-bridge detachment rate as myofilament protein hydration decreased. In contrast, in the swollen lattice, ton decreased with higher osmotic pressures. These divergent responses were reconciled using a structural model that predicts ton varies inversely with thick-to-thin filament surface distance, suggesting that cross-bridge rates of force development and detachment are modulated more by myofilament lattice geometry than protein hydration. Generalizing these findings, our results suggest that cross-bridge cycling rates slow as thick-to-thin filament surface distance decreases with sarcomere lengthening, and likewise, cross-bridge cycling rates increase during sarcomere shortening. Together, these structural changes may provide a mechanism for altering cross-bridge performance throughout a contraction-relaxation cycle.
Ring‐opening polymerization of strained cyclotetrasilanes as a new route towards well defined polysilylenes

Abstract : Ring-opening polymerization of cyclic silanes is described as a new synthetic route to well defined high molecular weight polysilylenes (polysilanes). Strained cyclotetrasilanes with phenyl and methyl substituents at each Si atom in the four-membered ring are prepared by partial dephenylation of octaphenylcyclotetrasilane with triflic acid and the subsequent treatment with methylmagnesium bromide. Chemoselectivity, regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of monomer synthesis is discussed in detail. In addition to classic anionic initiators for the ring-opening process, new catalysts and initiators based on transition metals (Cu, Pd, Pt) are described. They provide much better control of the microstructure than systems with Li+ counterion.
Effect of three calcium antagonists on platelet secretion and metabolism.

Abstract Three compounds, 8-( N , N -diethylamino-octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate, HCl (TMB-8), 2-propyl-3-dimethylamino-5,6-methylenedioxyindene HCl (2-PIA), and chlortetracycline, were investigated to determine whether their effects on washed human platelets were compatible with a suggested role as calcium antagonists. TMB-8 had little effect on levels of metabolic ATP and IMP, whereas chlortetracycline caused a decrease in metabolic ATP and an increase in IMP; both compounds inhibited thrombin-induced secretion and changed the platelets to spheres. At concentrations up to 0.5 mM, 2-PIA caused a decrease in ATP and an increase in IMP, an induction of secretion, and a centralization of electron-dense material in the platelets, all changes which suggest induction of secretion. The ultrastructural, functional and metabolic effects of TMB-8 and the type of interference by the drug with the effects of thrombin and 2-PIA on the same variables suggest that TMB-8 is mainly a membrane-active drug. Chlortetracycline on the other hand caused changes in platelet metabolism, ultrastructure, and function which, at least partly, indicate an effect on intracellular mechanisms. Both TMB-8 and 2-PIA, and to lesser degree chlortetracycline, caused loss of cytoplasmic nucleotides from the platelets.
Purification of carboxyl ester lipase from human pancreas and the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal region.

Summary A procedure for the purification of carboxyl ester lipase from human pancreas has been developed. The determined N-terminal 10 amino acid residues of the purified enzyme, NH 2 -Ala-Lys-Leu-Gly-Ala-Val-Tyr-Thr-Glu-Gly, was identical to the terminal of human milk bile salt-activated lipase. The human pancreatic carboxyl ester lipase has an apparent molecular weight slightly smaller than that of human milk bile salt-activated lipase (105,000 vs 125,000) as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Thus, it is possible that the human pancreatic carboxyl ester lipase and human milk bile salt-activated lipase could be produced by the same gene by a different splice or post-translational modification. Alternatively, they could simply be the products of two closely related but separate genes.
Unsteady aerodynamic gust response including steady flow separation

A series of experiments are performed to investigate and quantify the unsteady aerodynamic response of an airfoil to a high reduced frequency gust including the effects of the gust forcing function waveform, airfoil loading and steady flow separation. this is accomplished by using an axial flow research compressor to experimentally model the high reduced frequency gust forcing function and replacing the last stage stator row with isolated instrumented airfoils. Appropriate data are correlated with predictions from flat plate and chambered airfoil convected gust models. The airfoil surface steady loading is shown to have a large effect on the unsteady aerodynamic response. Also the steady flow separation has a significant influence on the gust response, particularly upstream of the separation point and in the airfoil trailing-edge region.
Benzodiazepines: selective administration.

Benzodiazepines are unique chemicals with anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and hypnotic properties. Twelve preparations of this group are available in the U.S.A.: two of them belong to the triazolo and one to the 3-nitro groups, the remaining ones are 3-OH or 2-keto benzodiazepines. A number of commonly employed drugs interact with benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine receptor antagonists which block only one of its actions have been isolated. These promise to lead to preparations with only anxiolytic action without sedation or anticonvulsant action in the future. Guidelines for the selection of the proper drug and for the prevention of dependence are described.
Preferences and organization structure: Toward behavioral economics micro-foundations of organizational analysis

Abstract The paper proposes micro-foundations for organizational analysis grounded in behavioral economics. As Simon (1985) pointed out it, “nothing is more fundamental in setting our research agenda and informing our research methods than our view of the nature of the human beings whose behavior we are studying.” The paper examines optimal workplace-level organization structure (decision-making delegation, incentives and monitoring) relative to four common types of individuals, just selfish , civil , decent and dedicated employees (characterized in terms of their social preferences, self- versus other-regarding, reciprocity, trusting and trustworthiness). Four principal propositions arise from this analysis. (1) Mismatch between organization structure and employee preferences reduces productivity and profits. (2) The less prosocial employees in an organization, the more complex and sophisticated and therefore expensive the organization structure must be. (3) The less complex and less interdependent are employees’ tasks, the less dependent is organization structure on employee social preferences. (4) Heterogeneity of preferences poses a design a dynamic challenge as practices generally have to be tailored to one type of employee, and will be associated with exit of other types or adverse-selection by types that will seek to exploit it.
Review of Pressure Vessels , by Carl T. F. Ross

Though the text was written for individuals involved in the design of submersible structures, the author has made significant contributions to the field of shell analysis considering external pressure loading. It becomes obvious when one looks at the book’s reference listing. Of the 157 references listed, the author has been involved in over 60 items published over the last 30 years. As the reader becomes involved in each chapter, it becomes apparent that the writer has a firm understanding of both the experimental and numerical results and techniques. The book contains eight chapters. Chapter One attempts to relate to thin-shell results considering spherical, cylindrical, and conical under external pressure with and without stiffeners. Four materials are discussed as to their usefulness in pressure hull designs. 1. High strength steels, 2. Aluminum alloys, 3. Titanium alloys, and 4. Composites. Each is considered with listed advantages and disadvantages. Chapter Two describes the equations for the analysis of axisymmetric deformation of ring stiffened circular cylinders, cones, and domes. The differential equation solutions to unequal size rings are carried out. Solutions to cones and domes are shown using a finite-element approach. Comparisons to experiments are also shown. Excellent photographs of collapse modes of shells are shown. A section on plastic analysis is included. Chapter Three relates to shell instability under uniform external pressure. Again, the author does a fine job in relating analysis
Effects of Deuterium Oxide upon Plaque Formation and Replication of Simian Virus40.

The influence of D/sub 2/O (25 to 50%) upon multiplication of and plaque formation by Simian Virus/sub 40/ was studied in Grivet monkey kidney tissue at 37 deg C and 40 deg C. At both temperatures presence of 25-50% of D/sub 2/O in the growth medium results in reduced virus yield, lower endpoint titer and reduced plaque size. The effect is not due to inactivation of the virus by deuterium oxide. (auth)
Performance assessment of a Space Station rescue and personnel/logistics vehicle

A study has been conducted to assess the ascent, abort, and entry capability of a vehicle that can be configured for rescue of a space station crew or ferry of personnel and supplies to and from a space station. The space station rescue vehicles (SSRV), each of which have a capacity of eight crewmen, would be delivered to the space station in the payload bay of a Space Shuttle Orbiter and remain parked until needed. The design of the SSRV allows it to be reconfigured as a space station personnel/logistics vehicle (SSPLV) with a capacity of four crewmen and 1000 Ib of supplies when delivered to orbit on a Titan III launch vehicle. The nominal ascent trajectory for the SSPLV/Titan HI as well as an analysis of the various ascent abort modes from launch to orbital injection are presented in this paper. Entry trajectories were simulated to various landing sites each with runways longer than 10,000 ft. This study demonstrated that five landing sites would provide a landing opportunity from every orbit of a space station in a 220-n.mi. circular orbit inclined 28.5 deg. The frequency of daylight landing opportunities was also determined.
Semantics and Pragmatics of Humor

This article presents the state of the art of semantic-pragmatic research on humor. The developments in the field are seen as fanning out from two central concepts: the linguistic version of the incongruity/resolution theory of humor (script opposition) and the methodological claim that such a theory was a theory of humor competence. The developments of the theory of humor competence and, more recently, of work on humor performance are seen as lying at the opposite ends of a continuum, with various approaches positioning themselves along that axis. It is argued that a theory encompassing both competence and performance is necessary for the study of humor.
Modulation of cell injury and survival by high glucose and advancing age

Abstract Old age is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, often a complication of diabetes mellitus. We examined in explanted aortic VSMC from young vs. older rats glucose-related activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), a transcription factor induced by many oxidants. Data demonstrate that old age is associated with enhanced NF-κB activity in unstimulated VSMC that is further increased after exposure to high glucose medium. Furthermore, VSMC from old animals exhibit increased levels of protein carbonyls, an indicator of oxidative stress, and less apoptosis in response to glucose than VSMC isolated from young animals. These changes are accompanied by increased expression of NF-κB-related genes, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 (IAP-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Results suggest that high glucose, a putative oxidative stress, causes apoptosis in VSMC from young animals and is associated with greater induction of NF-κB in VSMC from older animals. Increases in IAP-1 and decreased apoptosis implicate NF-κB as a survival factor in VSMC.