cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single feed circularly polarized half E-shaped array: A compact assembly for dual-band Direct-to-Earth communications in Mars rovers

Establishing reliable and direct communications links from Earth to Mars rovers, also known as Direct-to-Earth (DTE) communications, is a complex and challenging antenna design problem. With the possibility of diminished UHF relay assets for the upcoming Mars 2020 mission, supporting such a technology requires a high performance antenna array system in order to enable substantial return of valuable scientific data. We propose a novel X-band single feed circularly polarized antenna subarray comprised of half E-shaped elements, optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization. The subarray architecture is modular, fed by a waveguide feed network, enabling high power handling capability. The subarray was prototyped and measured, showing good agreement between simulation and measurements. The design achieves excellent dual-band characteristics for uplink and downlink frequencies and is able to satisfy the required NASA DTE challenging system-level requirements.
On adic genus and lambda-rings

Sufficient conditions on a space are given which guarantee that the K-theory ring is an invariant of the adic genus. An immediate consequence of this result about adic genus is that for any positive integer n, the power series ring Z[[x 1 ,...,x n ]] admits uncountably many pairwise non-isomorphic A-ring structures.
Factors affecting the foreign banking presence in the U.S.

Abstract This study examined the determinants of growth in foreign bank participation in U.S. markets over the period 1973–1986. The growing foreign presence in U.S. bank subsidiaries was found to be directly related to changes in direct foreign investment (excluding finance, insurance and real estate) and the exchange value of the dollar, and inversely related to bank price-earnings ratios. The growth of foreign bank branches and agencies in the U.S. was found to be directly related to changes in direct foreign investment (excluding finance, insurance and real estate), the exchange value of the dollar, and the passage of the International Banking Act of 1978. The Japanese banking presence was found to be positively related to Japanese foreign direct investment in the U.S. and the Japanese Banking Act of 1982, and inversely related to the yen/$ exchange rate.
Enhanced Propellant Combustion with Nanoparticles

Enhanced burn rate results are presented for ammonium perchlorate/Al nanoparticle strand burners at atmospheric (and higher) pressure and for the comparative combustion in a high pressure closed vessel of a solid propellant containing 15% of either conventional micrometer-scale Al or nanometric Al. The burn rate at the smallest nanometric Al particle size appears to be asymptotically approaching an inverse particle-diameter-squared dependence.
Graded Zirconia Glass for Resistance to Veneer Fracture

Failures of zirconia-based all-ceramic restorations appear to be predominantly chips and fractures in the porcelain veneer, from occlusally induced sliding contact damage. We hypothesized that such failure may be substantially mitigated by controlled grading of the elastic modulus at the ceramic surface. In this study, we fabricated graded structures by infiltrating glass into zirconia plates, resulting in improved aesthetics and diminished modulus at the surfaces. Individual plates were then embedded in epoxy or cemented to dental composites and subjected to single- or multi-cycle sliding contact. Plates of porcelain-veneered zirconia and monolithic zirconia served as controls. Graded zirconia-glass structures exhibited over 3 times better resistance to single-cycle sliding damage than monolithic zirconia and 25 times better than veneered zirconia, and had a fatigue sliding damage resistance comparable with that of monolithic zirconia. These zirconia-glass materials can be engineered in shades from white to yellow, and have potentially better cementation properties than homogeneous zirconia.
Ionic fragmentation through centrifugal barriers

Abstract The mass dependence of tunneling transmission coefficients through polarization-centrifugal potential barriers is investigated and found to be negligible. This result is used to elucidate the character of the unimolecular decomposition of ions near threshold.
Preclinical validation of AR42, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, as treatment for vestibular schwannomas

Objectives/Hypothesis: Recent studies indicate that vestibular schwannomas (VSs) rely on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT activation to promote cell proliferation and survival; therefore, targeting AKT may provide new therapeutic options. We have previously shown that AR42, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, potently suppresses VS growth in vitro at doses correlating with AKT inactivation. The objectives of the current study were translational: 1) to examine the end biologic effects of AR42 on tumor growth in vivo, 2) to validate AKT as its in vivo molecular target, 3) to determine whether AR42 penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and 4) to study the pharmacotoxicity profile of AR42. Study Design: In vivo mouse studies. Methods: AR42 was dosed orally in murine schwannoma allografts and human VS xenografts. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify changes in tumor volume, and intracellular molecular targets were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. BBB penetration was assayed, and both blood-chemistry measurements and histology studies were used to evaluate toxicity. Results: Growth of schwannoma implants was dramatically decreased by AR42 at doses correlating with AKT dephosphorylation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. AR42 penetrated the BBB, and wild-type mice fed AR42 for 6 months behaved normally and gained weight appropriately. Blood-chemistry studies and organ histology performed after 3 and 6 months of AR42 treatment demonstrated no clinically significant abnormalities. Conclusions: AR42 suppresses schwannoma growth at doses correlating with AKT pathway inhibition. This orally bioavailable drug penetrates the BBB, is well tolerated, and represents a novel candidate for translation to human VS clinical trials.
Structure of the even-even Kr isotopes within the interacting boson model

The Kr isotopes with A=72 to 84 are investigated within the interacting boson model (IBM-2) using two different approaches. In the first investigation the single-particle energies of the neutron and proton bosons are assumed equal, \ensuremath{\epsilon}=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}$, whereas the second investigation is based on their being different (${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$\ensuremath{\ne}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}$). The results of these calculations are compared with the experimental data and previous theoretical investigations. We also attempt to determine the shape transition in these nuclei.
The relationship of attributional style to agoraphobia severity, depression, and treatment outcome

The present study examined the relationship of attributional style, as measured with a revised version of the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and measures of agoraphobia severity, depression, and treatment outcome in 73 Ss who met DSM-III criteria for agoraphobia with panic attacks and participated in one of three 13-week treatment conditions: paradoxical intention, graduated exposure, or progressive deep muscle relaxation training. Subjects completed assessments at four periods: pretreatment, midtreatment, posttreatment, and at 3 month follow-up. In addition to the three dimensions typically examined on the ASQ, this revised version also measured Ss' estimates of the perceived importance, and future likelihood for both positive and negative events. Congruent with previous research, moderate but somewhat inconsistent associations were observed between attributional style and depression both within and across assessment periods. Predictions about associations between attributional style and agoraphobic severity were not supported; however, an interaction was observed between depression and attributional style with respect to severity of agoraphobia. There was no evidence of group differences across treatment types, although there were several significant changes in attributional style across time. Attributions for health related events were also examined. Conceptual, clinical, and research issues related to the findings are discussed.
Calpain and Proteasomal Regulation of Antiretroviral Zinc Finger Protein OTK18 in Human Macrophages: Visualization in Live Cells by Intramolecular FRET

As part of the innate immune defense against HIV infection, OTK18, a zinc finger protein, is upregulated in human macrophages and reduces viral replication through suppression of viral long-terminal repeat promoter activity. Although we know that the processing products of OTK18 accumulate in the cytoplasm of brain perivascular macrophages in advanced HIV encephalitis cases, the molecular mechanisms behind its post-translational processing are still poorly understood. To characterize OTK18 processing, we assessed a panel of protease inhibitors to identify the candidates involved in the OTK18 processing using human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) overexpressing OTK18 by recombinant adenoviral gene transfer. Viral infection of MDM strongly increased the processing of OTK18 into its N-terminal fragment. Treatment of OTK18-expressing MDM with calpain and proteasome inhibitors significantly accumulated either full-length or processed OTK18 fragments in time- and dose-dependent manners. A series of OTK18 truncation mutants and synthetic peptides were tested to locate the calpain cleavage sites after arginine 359. Finally, we developed an enhanced cyan and yellow fluorescent protein (ECFP and EYFP)-based intramolecular fluorescent resonance energy transfer (intramolecular FRET) system to monitor the OTK18 endoproteolysis in human microglia cell line. Inhibition of proteasome activity significantly increased the intramolecular FRET signal in the nucleus. These data suggest that calpain and proteasome are involved in OTK18 endoproteolysis and degradation. Additionally, intramolecular FRET has proven to be a useful tool for monitoring the processing in live cells.
Solid State Luminescence Theory and Oscillator Strengths in KCl: Tl

The existing quantitative treatment by Williams of the Seitz model for the KCl: Tl luminescent system has been extended to include a prediction of the oscillator strengths of the 1960 A and 2475 A absorption lines. These $f$ values are simply related to those of the associated free-ion transitions. In the course of the computations it is found that the best available ${\mathrm{Tl}}^{+}$ wave functions are inaccurate for the free ion and are therefore not of great value for the KCl: Tl center. Free-ion oscillator strengths are (a) computed with these functions and are (b) estimated by analysis of experimental spectra; the results of both methods, when modified for KCl: Tl, are in poor agreement with experimental $f$ values in the solid. A review and critique are given for the present Williams dynamical treatment of the Seitz-Williams model, and it is concluded that a sensitive test for the model would be its successful prediction of the ratio of these (1960 A and 2475 A) oscillator strengths in KCl: Tl; the observed values are from three to five times as large as the predicted value. We conclude that the KCl: Tl problem is not as well understood as it has been believed, since the existing quantitative theory (a) is subject to considerable arbitrariness in the construction of excited-state configurational coordinate curves, (b) appears to be in fortuitous agreement with experiment insofar as its quantitative predictions depend on thallous ion wave functions, and (c) does not, in our simple extension, predict the observed ratio of oscillator strength corresponding to the electronic transitions assumed responsible for the behavior of the center.
Using Geographical Information Systems to Enhance Community-Based Child Welfare Services:

Knowledge about community services and neighborhood characteristics is vital in effective child welfare practice. Geographical information systems (GIS), a computerized mapping technology, can give child welfare practitioners, managers, and planners the ability to query and analyze case and program data. This article discusses the use of GIS in child welfare practice using a series of applications related to (a) case management—matching a client with community resources; (b) program planning—matching services for children to community needs; and (c) evaluation—assessing the effect of a community intervention. Implementing GIS technology into child welfare practice is outlined. Differences in GIS software are discussed along with hardware and training needs. Gathering and applying demographic and community information to develop applications is explored.
Effect of lipopolysaccharide on the physical conformation of the erythrocyte cytoskeletal proteins.

Abstract Red blood cell deformability is important for effective circulation in the capillaries. It is known that red cell deformability is significantly reduced during septic shock. Surface to volume ratio, physical effects of the cytoskeletal proteins and the fluidity of lipid bilayer are some of the important intrinsic factors that regulate this mechanical function. Alterations in the physical conformation of cytoskeletal proteins in septic conditions could significantly alter their function. In this study, erythrocytes in whole blood were treated with lipopolysaccharide, the outer covering of Gram-negative bacteria released during Gram-negative sepsis. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in conjunction with a protein-specific maleimide nitroxide spin label covalently bound to cytoskeletal proteins was used to investigate the resulting changes occurring in the physical state of cytoskeletal proteins in isolated membranes. Treatment of red blood cells with a lipopolysaccharide concentration as low as 40 μg/mL of blood solution for 90 minutes showed a significant decrease in the relevant EPR parameter (p0.01) of the spin label bound to subsequently isolated membranes, suggestive of a decreased segmental motion of the spin label and an increase in cytoskeletal protein-protein interactions. These results suggest a marked conformational alteration in the cytoskeletal proteins induced by the lipopolysaccharide and may explain, in part, the marked reduction in red blood cell deformability during septic shock. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide does not exert most of its effects on the host directly, but rather elicits the production of host factors that leads to complex septic shock. Leukocytes, endothelial tissue and many other cells release these mediators. Leukocytes are thought to be a particularly important source of such mediators, including cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, etc.), oxygen free radicals, proteases, and hydrolyses. In order to characterize the possible mechanism by which the lipopolysaccharide acts on the physical state of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton, erythrocytes void of leukocytes and plasma were treated with lipopolysaccharide. The relevant EPR parameter showed no significant change over the control value. These results indicate that the leukocytes and their factors are responsible for the rearrangements seen in the cytoskeletal proteins of the erythrocyte membrane.
A Trade-Off between Catalytic Power and Substrate Inhibition in TCHQ Dehalogenase†

Tetrachlorohydroquinone (TCHQ) dehalogenase is profoundly inhibited by its aromatic substrates, TCHQ and trichlorohydroquinone (TriCHQ). Surprisingly, mutations that change Ile12 to either Ser or Ala give an enzyme that shows no substrate inhibition. We have previously shown that TriCHQ is a noncompetitive inhibitor of the thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between glutathione and ESSG, a covalent adduct between Cys13 and glutathione formed during dehalogenation of the substrate. Substrate inhibition of the thiol-disulfide exchange reaction is less severe in the I12S and I12A mutant enzymes, primarily due to weaker binding of TriCHQ to ESSG. These mutations also result in a decrease in the rate of dehalogenation. Because the rate-limiting step in the I12S and I12A enzymes is dehalogenation, rather than the thiol-disulfide exchange reaction, the relatively modest inhibition of the thiol-disulfide exchange reaction does not affect the overall rate of turnover.
Unnatural killer cells: TRAIL-coated leukocytes that kill cancer cells in the circulation

Metastasis through the bloodstream contributes to poor prognosis in many types of cancer. Mounting evidence implicates selectin-based adhesive interactions between cancer cells and the blood vessel wall as facilitating this process, in a manner similar to leukocyte trafficking during inflammation. Here, we describe a unique approach to target and kill colon and prostate cancer cells in the blood that causes circulating leukocytes to present the cancer-specific apoptosis ligand TRAIL on their surface along with E-selectin adhesion receptor. This approach, demonstrated in vitro with human blood and also in mice, mimics the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells and increases the surface area available for delivery of the receptor-mediated signal. The resulting “unnatural killer cells” hold promise as an effective means to neutralize circulating tumor cells that enter blood with the potential to form new metastases.
Field testing and evaluation of a solar-blind UV communication link for unattended ground sensors

Non-line-of-sight ultraviolet (UV) communication technology to support unattended ground sensor communication is described. The concept exploits atmospheric scattering of ultraviolet light to achieve modest data rates under non line-of-sight (ground-to-ground) and obstructed line-of-sight (foliage penetration) conditions. The transmitter consists of a digitally modulated UV source and the receiver employs a sharp cutoff solar-blind absorption filter coupled to a channel photomultiplier module. Prototype semiconductor UV sources with center wavelengths in the solar blind region (<280nm) already offer higher power efficiency than lasers, along with advantages in size, simplicity, and flexibility relative to both lasers and traditional mercury sources. Once commercialized, semiconductor UV sources will also offer significant cost savings over traditional gas-discharge and solid-state UV sources. In this paper, the temporal and spectral properties of a number of prototype semiconductor UV sources are presented and compared to a low-pressure mercury vapor source. Efficient modulation and data coding methods compatible with the output characteristics of both sources are discussed, and measurements from recent test bed experiments are presented.
Current-charge density commutation relations

Abstract It is shown that the non-vanishing of the current-charge density commutator at equal times is required by and is compatible with the continuity equation.
Argumentativeness, religious orientation, and reactions to argument situations involving religious versus nonreligious issues

Based on the interactionist perspective of argumentative communication, this study examined college students’ reactions to two separate argument situations varying as to whether or not the argument issue conveyed religious connotations. Situation was coupled with four types of religious orientation and three levels of argumentativeness to create a three‐way interaction model. Dependent variables were willingness to argue, value expectancy, and affective response associated with the argument situation. Results indicated a two‐way interaction between argumentative‐ness and religious orientation on willingness to argue, argumentativeness main effects on willingness to argue and value expectancy, and religious orientation main effects on all three dependent variables. A main effect for argument issue occurred only for affective response. Implications of these findings for the interactionist perspective to argumentativeness are discussed.
Universal computation and other capabilities of hybrid and continuous dynamical systems

We explore the simulation and computational capabilities of hybrid and continuous dynamical systems. The continuous dynamical systems considered are ordinary differential equations (ODEs). For hybrid systems we concentrate on models that combine ODEs and discrete dynamics (e.g., finite automata). We review and compare four such models from the literature. Notions of simulation of a discrete dynamical system by a continuous one are developed. We show that hybrid systems whose equations can describe a precise binary timing pulse (exact clock) can simulate arbitrary reversible discrete dynamical systems defined on closed subsets of R n . The simulations require continuous ODEs in IR2n with the exact clock as input. All four hybrid systems models studied here can implement exact clocks. We also prove that any discrete dynamical system in rn can be simulated by continuous ODEs in Rt2n+1. We use this to show that smooth ODEs in RI3 can simulate arbitrary Turing machines, and hence possess the power of universal computation. We use the famous asynchronous arbiter problem to distinguish between hybrid and continuous dynamical systems. We prove that one cannot build an arbiter with devices described by a system of Lipschitz ODEs. On the other hand, all four hybrid systems models considered can implement arbiters even if their ODEs are Lipschitz.
Definition and classification of childhood injuries

Injuries have emerged as the leading cause of child and adolescent morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Efforts to control injuries require injury surveillance and research, creating the need for standard variable definitions and categorizations. Advantages of such standardization include increased comparability of data sets, avoidance of spurious conclusions based on idiosyncratic definitions and categories and the potential to combine data sets (e.g. on injuries and population counts) to yield new information. Pertinent standards will differ depending on the purposes for which the data are collected. More limited (core) data are appropriate to surveillance and more extensive data to research. Existing standards that are likely to be most useful to pediatric injury investigators are the International Classification of Diseases External Cause (E) codes (which provide mechanism-of-injury diagnoses and are the international gold standard for injury data reporting) and the Standard Definitions for Childhood Injury Research recently released by the United States National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, which include both core and complete variable listings. Some key core definitions from the latter report are presented.
Stretch Induced Endothelin-1 Secretion by Adult Rat Astrocytes Involves Calcium Influx via Stretch-Activated Ion Channels (SACs)

The expression of endothelins (ETs) and ET-receptors is often upregulated in brain pathology. ET-1, a potent vasoconstrictor, also inhibits the expression of astrocyte glutamate transporters and is mitogenic for astrocytes, glioma cells, neurons, and brain capillary endothelia. We have previously shown that mechanical stress stimulates ET-1 production by adult rat astrocytes. We now show in adult astrocytes that ET-1 production is driven by calcium influx through stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) and the ET-1 production correlates with cell proliferation. Mechanical stimulation using biaxial stretch (<20%) of a rubber substrate increased ET-1 secretion, and 4 μM GsMTx-4 (a specific inhibitor of SACs) inhibited secretion by 30%. GsMTx-4 did not alter basal ET-1 levels in the absence of stretch. Decreasing the calcium influx by lowering extracellular calcium also inhibited stretch-induced ET-1 secretion without effecting ET-1 secretion in unstretched controls. Furthermore, inhibiting SACs with the less specific inhibitor streptomycin also inhibited stretch-induced ET-1 secretion. The data can be explained with a simple model in which ET-1 secretion depends on an internal Ca(2+) threshold. This coupling of mechanical stress to the astrocyte endothelin system through SACs has treatment implications, since all pathology deforms the surrounding parenchyma.
Continous intravenous infusion and multicompartment accumulation

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of intravenous infusion is studied for models assuming more than one body compartment. In such cases an exact plateu effect of the drug in the central compartment may be achieved by administering an initial dose, which just yields the desired concentration in the central compartment, and by a continuous intravenous infusion, the rate of which decreases exponentially to the proper steady-state rate.
The system of profound knowledge: a revised profile of managerial leadership

Investigates the underlying principles of W. Edwards Deming’s management theory, the “System of profound knowledge”, to determine whether the managerial leadership properties of this theory reveal distinct profile patterns for Deming and traditional managers. Individuals selected for this study were a random sample of managers from the American Society for Quality Control and the Academy of Management. Statistical analysis revealed distinct profile patterns for Deming managers and traditional (i.e. non‐Deming) managers. The inventory can be used as a management hiring or management development tool with further validation.
Sensitometric Properties of a Polaroid Emulsion as Applied to Spectroscopic Analysis

Polaroid-Land Type 46-L Projection Film is investigated as a medium for recording optical spectra for the purpose of qualitative and quantitative spectrochemical analysis. The film's high spectral sensitivity extends from 3000 to 6000 A. In the analytically important 3000-4000 A region, emulsion contrast is found to be adequate and reasonably constant, gamma averages to about 2.3 and is reproducible to within ±0.1 from frame to frame. Speed is sufficient for nearly all spectrochemical purposes. Resolution of at least 30 lines/mm is obtainable. Analytical precision resulting in a coefficient of variation of less than ±5% indicates that Polaroid films are likely to find some utility in quantitative as well as qualitative analysis.
Distribution of glyoxylate-cycle enzymes between microbodies and mitochondria in Aspergillus tamarii.

The distribution of glyoxylate-cycle enzymes between microbodies and mitochondria was examined in ethanol-grown Aspergillus tamarii Kita. Particulate activities of catalase and the two glyoxylate by-pass enzymes, malate synthase and isocitrate lyase, were localized in the microbodies. The microbodies had a buoyant density of about 1.23 g cm-3 after isopycnic centrifugation in linear sucrose gradients. Particulate activities of the other two glyoxycitrate synthase, together with that of succinate dehydrogenase were restricted to the mitochondria, which had a buoyant density of about 1.20 g cm-3. Catalase also appeared to be localized in a second particle, perhaps the microbody inclusions or the Woronin bodies, having a buoyant density of about 1.26 g cm-3.
The Effect of Membrane Thickness on a Microvascular Gas Exchange Unit

For reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions, carbon capture and sequestration technologies benefit from the creation of new and efficient gas exchange systems. Vascularized systems provide a means of exchanging CO2 by providing high specific surface areas and patterned, intimate contact between capture fluids and gases. The well-defined geometrical arrangement of fluid and gas channels, separated by semipermeable membranes, also provides a new platform for augmenting the function of liquid chemical solutions to carbon capture. In particular, the separation distance of the channels, or polymer membrane thickness, is closely related to the absorption rate as gases must permeate through the membrane before reacting with a fluid. Here, a study of the relationship between the membrane thickness in 3D microvascular contactors and absorption rates via a selective etching process is reported. By decreasing the membrane thickness, the mass transport rate of CO2 in the vascular contactor is increased by up to 160%.
The generation and regional localization of 303 new chromosome 5 sequence-tagged sites

Abstract With the ultimate goal of creating a sequence-ready physical map of all of chromosome 5, 303 new human chromosome 5-specific STS markers have been systematically generated and regionally ordered. Chromosome 5 DNA prepared from flow-sorted chromosomes was digested with restriction enzymes Bam HI and Hin dIII and cloned in bacteriophage M13mp18. Random clones were sequenced, and appropriate PCR deoxyoligomers were synthesized. An acceptable sequence-tagged site (STS)-PCR assay yielded the appropriate size amplification product from both total human DNA and hybrid cell line DNA containing only human chromosome 5. Each STS has been regionally localized by breakpoint analysis using a set of hybrid cell panels consisting of natural deletions or translocations of human chromosome 5. This hybrid cell panel was able to localize the STSs to 1 of 51 bins on the short arm and 1 of 15 bins on the long arm. The STS markers appear to be randomly distributed along the length of this 194-Mb chromosome. The current overall density of these markers (approximately 1 STS/640 kb), combined with the numerous PCR-based physical and genetic markers generated by other groups, will provide sufficient “nucleation points” for YAC contig assembly and verification in any region of human chromosome 5.
Predicting Walleye Total Length from Head and Mandible Measurements

Abstract To supplement harvest information on walleye Sander vitreus collected in Lake Erie creel surveys, we assessed whether walleye size structure and growth could be estimated by using total lengths (TL) predicted from measurements of head length (HL) and mandible length (ML). Regression models were developed by using measurements taken from 124 tournament-caught walleyes sampled in late May 2003. In most cases, HL and ML explained more than 90% of the variation in TL (r 2 > 0.90); however, residuals (absolute values) were frequently 10 mm or more. Despite estimation errors, the length-frequency distributions predicted from HL and ML models were not significantly different from observed distributions. Tests of the models with an additional 72 walleyes collected in June 2003 produced similar results. Predicted mean lengths at age for June walleyes ages 2–4 did not differ significantly from mean lengths at age estimated from observed TL. Use of an HL model developed for Minnesota walleyes yielded result...
Failure analysis of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings

Thermally induced failure processes of plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings are examined. Cracking processes give rise to noise which was monitored by acoustic emission (AE) techniques. The sequential failure of coatings was examined from samples which were thermally cycled. Coatings of yttria-stabilized zirconia with and without a NiCrAlZr bond coat were plasma-sprayed onto U700 alloy rod. In some cases the substrate was intentionally overheated during deposition of the thermal protection system to check how this process variable influenced the AE response of the specimen. In this way a qualitative appraisal of how process variables affect coating integrity could be discerned in terms of cracking behavior. Results from up to seven consecutive thermal cycles are reported here. Coating failure was observed in all cases. Failure of the thermal protection system is progressive, since cracking and crack growth were observed prior to ultimate failure. Thus castastrophic failure occurs at some stage when there is a transformation from the microcrack to a macrocrack network.
Optimal Reliability of a Complex System

In a complex system where the redundant units cannot be reduced to a purely parallel or series configuration, the reliability is obtained by using Bayes' theorem. A mathematical model is formulated for the reliability of a system with nonlinear constraints. The system reliability is optimized based on the model and the solution is obtained by using the sequential unconstrained minimization technique (SUMT). This method is an efficient method for solving this type of problem. Two life support systems, one is the communication system of a two-man space capsule and another is a high-pressure oxygen supply system in a space capsule, have been identified to have the complex system configuration treated in this work.
Evaluation of a Drift Flux Model for Simulating Submicrometer Aerosol Dynamics in Human Upper Tracheobronchial Airways

In this study, a hybrid drift flux velocity correction (DF-VC) model that accounts for both submicrometer particle diffusion and inertia was extended to transient conditions and was tested against existing experimental deposition data measured in a replica cast of the human tracheobronchial (TB) region for laminar and turbulent flow. To evaluate the effectiveness of the DF-VC model, deposition results were compared with a standard chemical species (CS) approach that neglects particle inertia. A numerical model of the TB cast was constructed from CT images and extended from the larynx to approximately the sixth respiratory generation. Experimentally determined inlet and outlet flow conditions were implemented in the computational model to ensure direct comparisons between simulations and measurements for the deposition of 40 and 200 nm particles. A low Reynolds number k-omega turbulence model was employed to resolve the laminar and turbulent flow regimes that coexist in the TB geometry. Interesting flow characteristics were observed due to the presence of the larynx, asymmetrical ventilation, and left-right asymmetry, which created a right-skewed laryngeal jet and flow reversal in the trachea that persist over a majority of the transient flow cycle. In comparison with the CS model, deposition results of the DF-VC approach persistently agreed better with experimental findings on a total and sub-branch basis, which indicated that the DF-VC model effectively captured the influence of finite particle inertia. For the submicrometer aerosols considered, transient flows were observed to increase deposition arising from impaction and decrease deposition arising from diffusion on a total and segmental basis compared with steady state conditions. However, the maximum deposition enhancement factor was significantly increased under transient conditions for both 40 nm (factor of 2) and 200 nm (factor of 7) aerosols. Results of this study indicate that a drift flux particle transport model with near-wall velocity corrections can provide an effective continuous-field approach for simulating the transport and deposition of submicrometer respiratory aerosols in human upper TB airways.
Preparation and stabilization of aqueous/ethanolic superoxide solutions.

Abstract Methods for the generation and stabilization of alkaline aqueous and/or ethanolic superoxide solutions have been developed utilizing either high energy ionizing radiation or vacuum-uv photolysis. These solutions can be used for the study of the reactivity of superoxide radical (O 2 − ) and its conjugate acid the perhydroxyl radical (HO 2 ) with other compounds over the entire pH range. Frozen, they can be kept at −196°C for prolonged time periods with little loss in superoxide radical. As these solutions can be rendered free of molecular oxygen, studies of the reactivity of HO 2 O 2 − with oxygen-sensitive compounds under virtually anaerobic conditions are possible.
Code invariances and self-synchronized Viterbi decoding

Synchronization is an important feature in the design of high-speed Viterbi decoders for punctured convolutional codes. Since some punctured codes might show invariance (total or partial) to phase rotations or other transformations, it is difficult to determine their synchronization status using a simple method. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a code to be totally invariant to an affine class of symbol transformations have been derived by A. Mogre et al. (see ibid., vol.48, p.1066-9, 2000) in conjunction with invariance compensation techniques at the receiver. Detection of these invariances is usually achieved based on a synchronization pattern. We propose a method to replace this pattern by a cyclic redundancy check code, since such codes are already present in many communications systems. We also investigate the effects of partial invariances, which can occur in several ways. After deriving some sufficient conditions for a code to exhibit partial invariance, we show that for rate k/n convolutional codes with 2k>n, the types of partial invariances considered have negligible effect on the error performance and, therefore, can be ignored at the receiver.
Tigecycline Efflux as a Mechanism for Nonsusceptibility in Acinetobacter baumannii

Tigecycline has an extended spectrum of in vitro antimicrobial activities, including that against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter. After identifying bloodstream isolates of Acinetobacter with reduced susceptibilities to tigecycline, we performed a study to assess tigecycline efflux mediated by the resistance-nodulation-division-type transporter AdeABC. After exposure of two tigecycline-nonsusceptible isolates to the efflux pump inhibitor phenyl-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PABN), a fourfold reduction in the tigecycline MIC was observed. Both tigecycline-susceptible and -nonsusceptible isolates were found to carry the gene coding for the transmembrane component of the AdeABC pump, adeB, and the two-component regulatory system comprising adeS and adeR. Previously unreported point mutations were identified in the regulatory system in tigecycline-nonsusceptible isolates. Real-time PCR identified 40-fold and 54-fold increases in adeB expression in the two tigecycline-nonsusceptible isolates compared to that in a tigecycline-susceptible isolate. In vitro exposure of a tigecycline-susceptible clinical strain to tigecycline caused a rapid rise in the MIC of tigecycline from 2 μg/ml to 24 μg/ml, which was reversible with PABN. A 25-fold increase in adeB expression was observed in a comparison between this tigecycline-susceptible isolate and its isogenic tigecycline-nonsusceptible mutant. These results indicate that an efflux-based mechanism plays a role in reduced tigecycline susceptibility in Acinetobacter.
High temperature interfacial reactions of TiC, ZrC, TiN, and ZrN with palladium

Abstract SiC as a coating layer of nuclear particle fuels has shown susceptibility to the attack of fission products like palladium. Other high temperature capable ceramics such as TiC, ZrC, TiN, and ZrN, which were identified as candidates for gas-cooled fast reactor systems, can also be examined as potential replacement materials for SiC. The resistance to Pd attack of TiC, ZrC, TiN, and ZrN was examined by diffusion couples annealed at 1400 °C for 10 h. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction were employed to characterize the interfacial reactions of the diffusion couples. The thickness of the reaction zone of the diffusion couples is dependent upon the microstructure of the ceramics. The results indicate the best resistance to Pd attack of TiN and ZrN, followed by TiC and ZrC in sequence. All the four ceramics showed better resistance to Pd attack than SiC.
Hypothalamic substrate for the positive reinforcing properties of morphine in the rat

Abstract The question of whether morphine has reinforcing effects when applied at brain-stimulation reinforcing sites of the hypothalamus in the rat was studied with the method of self-administration. Adult, male rats were implanted with a combination cannula/probe for tests of selfstimulation and selfadministration. The test chamber had a lever at each end; one delivered 0.02 μl of a solution when it was depressed, the other nothing. In the first experiment, the active lever remained on the same side for all tests. The subjects were low to moderate selfstimulators. Morphine was tested at two concentrations, 5 μg/μl and 10 μg/μl. The vehicle was artificial cerebrospinal fluid with a pH of 5.7. Results showed significantly higher rates of responding on the active lever for morphine at the 10 μg dose than for artificial cerebrospinal fluid, and higher rates on the active lever than on the inactive one for morphine at the 10 μg dose, as compared with rates for the 5 μg dose. In the second experiment, high selfstimulators learned successfully to reverse repeatedly when the active lever delivering morphine (10 μg/μl) was changed from one side of the test chamber to the other in successive sessions. Results with a mixture of naloxone and morphine or with naloxone given intraperitoneally and morphine intrahypothalamically produced partial or total blockade of lever-pressing. These results are indicative of a specific action of morphine at sites that support selfstimulation behavior, and of these hypothalamic sites as neural substrate for the reinforcing effect of morphine.
Selective Activation of Th1- and Th2-like Cells in vivo– Response to Human Collagen IV

Mice immunized with human collagen IV develop either antibody responses or T-cell proliferative responses as a function of the MHC genotype of the immunized mice. CD4+ T cells, similar to Th1 and Th2 cells, participate in these two types of responses, with CD4+ T-cell proliferative responses associating with IL-2 and IFN gamma release, and antibody production associating with CD4+ T-cell IL-4 and IL-5 release. Thus it would appear that the same antigen can induce responses consistent with either cell-mediated or humoral immunity depending on MHC class II genotype. In attempting to understand how MHC genotype controls the class of immunity observed several models are discussed. It was proposed, based on results obtained upon priming with human collagen IV, that the activation of Th1 and Th2 responses may be regulated at several levels (presentation by different APCs, presentation of different densities of the T-cell receptor ligand and presentation of different T-cell epitopes). With the identification of the peptide recognized by the CD4+ T cells, it was clear that the inability to induce Th1 responses in H-2b and the inability to induce Th2 responses in H-2s could not be accounted for by the failure to generate an immunodominant peptide during processing or the failure of the peptides to bind to the MHC class II molecules. Furthermore, the difference in the type of response generated could not be explained by the use of different peptides of the human collagen IV molecule in the two mouse strains, as a single peptide will induce both types of CD4+ T-cell response. However, it cannot be ruled out that the a2 peptide-class II interaction forms different T-cell ligands in the two strains either because the two class II MHC molecules are different or that the peptide is processed and reveals a different antigenic activity (Fox et al. 1988). Perhaps the most important finding from the peptide studies is that the lack of proliferative response in H-2b mice is not absolute, but can be overcome either by priming with high doses of the a2 peptide or by increasing the amount of peptide needed to elicit a recall response. It seems reasonable to speculate that changes in the dose required for priming Th1 or Th2 responses may reflect differences in the activation requirements of the two types of cells with Th1 cells requiring a high ligand density and Th2 cells a low ligand density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Equilibrium oxygen vacancy concentrations and oxidant diffusion in germania, silica, and germania-silica glasses

Abstract Equilibrium oxygen vacancy concentrations in 100% GeO2, 87 mol% GeO213 mol% SiO2, and 24 mol% GeO276 mol% SiO2 glasses were determined as a function of melting temperature and atmosphere, and the effects of oxygen and water in the atmosphere on the oxygen vacancy annihilation kinetics in these glasses were investigated. Equilibrium oxygen vacancy concentrations for a glass increased as the melting temperature increased, and decreased as the germania content of the glass decreased. The equilibrium vacancy concentration in 100% GeO2 was inversely proportional to the square root of the oxygen partial pressure in the atmosphere. Oxygen vacancy formation energies were approximately 2.5 eV. When 100% GeO2 and 87 mol% SiO213 mol% SiO2 glasses prepared by melting were heated, the glasses dehydrated, and the oxygen vacancy concentration was controlled by effective oxygen diffusion. Activation energies for effective oxygen diffusion in 100% GeO2 and 87 mol% SiO213 mol% SiO2 glasses were 1.2 and 1.1 eV, respectively. A model for effective oxygen diffusion is presented, which shows a dependency of the effective oxygen diffusion coefficient on the oxygen vacancy concentration. When water-free 24 mol% GeO276 mol% SiO2 glass, prepared by CVD, was heated, the glass hydrated, and the oxygen vacancy concentrations were controlled by effective water diffusion. As the germania content of the glasses increased, the effective water diffusion coefficients increased. The presence of silica in the germania-silica glasses caused a kink to appear in the Arrhenius plots of effective water diffusion coefficients.
Hardware Atomicity: An Effective Abstraction for Reliable Software Speculation

Technology trends and shrinking power envelopes have forced microprocessor designers to focus on hardware techniques that efficiently improve single-thread performance without superlinear increases in power and silicon area. In this article, we identify hardware atomic execution - the execution of a region of code completely or not at all - as such a feature for simplifying existing and enabling new speculative compiler optimizations. Specifically, we propose that microprocessors expose atomic execution as a hardware primitive to the compiler. Doing so lets the compiler generate a speculative version of the code where infrequently executed code paths are removed.
Octopamine Regulates Sleep in Drosophila through Protein Kinase A-Dependent Mechanisms

Sleep is a fundamental process, but its regulation and function are still not well understood. The Drosophila model for sleep provides a powerful system to address the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying sleep and wakefulness. Here we show that a Drosophila biogenic amine, octopamine, is a potent wake-promoting signal. Mutations in the octopamine biosynthesis pathway produced a phenotype of increased sleep, which was restored to wild-type levels by pharmacological treatment with octopamine. Moreover, electrical silencing of octopamine-producing cells decreased wakefulness, whereas excitation of these neurons promoted wakefulness. Because protein kinase A (PKA) is a putative target of octopamine signaling and is also implicated in Drosophila sleep, we investigated its role in the effects of octopamine on sleep. We found that decreased PKA activity in neurons rendered flies insensitive to the wake-promoting effects of octopamine. However, this effect of PKA was not exerted in the mushroom bodies, a site previously associated with PKA action on sleep. These studies identify a novel pathway that regulates sleep in Drosophila.
A FORTRAN 77 program for averaging correlation coefficients

Description d'un programme permettant de ponderer les coefficients de correlations en fonction du nombre d'echantillons utilises. Cette ponderation est effectuee pour etudier la population par prise de plusieurs echantillons de petite taille. Le langage utilise est le Fortran 77