cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colorado Plateau: Geoid and Means of Isostatic Support

The Colorado Plateau underwent 1.5 to 2 km of surface uplift from near sea level during Late Cretaceous time. Neither the mechanism nor the timing of the uplift are well constrained. Knowledge of how the current topography of the Plateau is isostatically compensated could provide direct constraints on the mechanism, and perhaps indirect constraints on the timing, of uplift. Crustal thickening and/or decreases in mantle density must provide the buoyancy required for the uplift. These two modes have very different tectonic implications, and result in quite different average depths of the compensating mass deficits, potentially detectable with geoid anomalies. Geoid anomalies caused by long-wavelength continental topography are proportional to the elevation multiplied by the mean depth of compensation. Thus, for a particular elevation, the greater the average depth of the isostatic "root," the larger the geoid anomaly. The main complication in analyzing geoid data for this kind of problem is separating litho...
Vitamin A and zinc therapy in primary biliary cirrhosis

Eleven patients with primary biliary cirrhosis were surveyed for evidence of vitamin A and zinc deficiencies. Vitamin A deficiency manifested as a low serum vitamin A concentration and abnormal dark adaptation was present in 9 of the 11 patients. A low serum zinc level was present in four patients who were also vitamin A deficient. All seven patients who received p.o. vitamin A therapy with 25,000 to 50,000 units per day for 4 to 12 weeks achieved normal vitamin A levels. Normalization of serum vitamin A was associated with significant improvement in dark adaptation (p less than 0.01). In three patients, normalization of serum vitamin A level did not correct the abnormal dark adaptation. These three patients also had decreased serum zinc levels and dark adaptation abnormalities were corrected following p.o zinc supplementation. These studies suggest high dose and long term p.o. vitamin A and zinc therapy may be required to correct abnormalities in dark adaptation in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Clinical Effects and Management of Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine is a highly potent and addictive drug that is abused in the United States and around the world. The drug is inexpensive and easily manufactured from simple chemicals such as pseudoephedrine. These features, coupled with its long half-life and highly addictive nature, contribute to the increasing problem of illicit methamphetamine use. Abuse of this agent has both acute and chronic serious health consequences. Policy makers and public health officials must continue to develop programs that educate the public and limit the abuse associated with methamphetamine.
Pyrolysis of C6D5CH3: Rate constants and branching ratios in the high-temperature thermal decomposition of toluene

The thermal decomposition of toluene-d5 (C6D5CH3) has been studied at high temperatures with the reflected shock-tube technique using H- and D-atom ARAS. The experiments were performed at high-T (1469–1859 K) at nominal pressures ≈0.25–1.50 atm. The present study utilizing the ultra-sensitive H-atom ARAS technique has provided a direct measurement of the branching ratio in the two-channel high-temperature thermal decomposition of toluene-d5 giving (1) C6D5CH2 + H and (2) C6D5 + CH3. Fall-off is observed in both decomposition channels at high-T (>1700 K), but the lower-T rate constants can be well represented by simple Arrhenius expressions in units of s−1 as, k1=6.91×1013exp(-40180/T)(1469–1714K)k2=5.99×1015exp(-50060/T)(1469–1714K) The experimental results were also used to obtain rate constants for total toluene-d5 decomposition. Arrhenius analysis gives in units of s−1, kTotal=2.21×1014exp(-41760/T)(1469–1714K) The isotope effect is minimal and the present results therefore represent direct measurements of branching ratios and rate constants for toluene decomposition. The branching ratios to benzyl + H vary from ≈0.9 at lower-T ( 1700 K). The excellent agreement between the present experiments and the theoretical predictions by Klippenstein et al. lead us to conclude that the high-T thermal decomposition of toluene is now well-characterized.
Nonlinear properties and kinetics of some donor-acceptor optical-limiting molecules

The nonlinear optical properties of four novel azulene-type donor-acceptor compounds have been measured by means of the 2D Z-scan technique. These compounds exhibit considerable nonlinear refraction and one shows strong nonlinear saturated absorption at 527 nm. The transient spectra and kinetics, after excitation of the charge-transfer absorption band, have been studied by means of a picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, allowing us to measure absorbance changes as small as (Delta) A equals 0.005 and time resolution of 1.5 ps. Several compounds exhibited quite strong reversed saturable absorption in a wide region of the visible spectrum. The reversed saturable absorption induced an increase in the effective absorption of the material at high power, which suggests that, it may be useful as an optical limiting medium.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Protein disulfide isomerase as an antithrombotic target

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a ubiquitously expressed oxidoreductase required for proper protein folding. It is highly concentrated in the endoplasmic reticulum, but can also be released into the extracellular environment. Several in vivo thrombosis models have demonstrated that vascular PDI secreted by platelets and endothelial cells is essential for normal thrombus formation. Inhibition of extracellular PDI thus represents a potential strategy for antithrombotic therapy. Yet this approach requires the discovery of well-tolerated PDI inhibitors. A recent high-throughput screening identified the commonly ingested flavonoid, quercetin-3-rutinoside, as an inhibitor of PDI. Quercetin-3-rutinoside blocked thrombus formation at concentrations that are commonly ingested as nutritional supplements. The observation that a compound with Generally Recognized As Safe status inhibits PDI and blocks thrombosis in animal models forms a rationale for clinical trials evaluating PDI inhibitors as a new class of antithrombotics.
Fertility estimation: a review of past experience and future prospects

Fertility has many components and stages which require that males and females be functionally capable of carrying out all critical stages if each generational reproductive cycle is to be completed. To accomplish this, the male must produce and ejaculate normal fertile sperm. The female must produce, store and ovulate normal fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, the female must provide a reproductive system compatible with sperm transport, capacitation, and fertilization of the oocytes, embryo and fetal development, and finally birth of healthy young. Reproductive success or failure at several of these points can be estimated quantitatively on a population basis, and in a few situations on an individual basis. It is important that fertility estimates be determined accurately and with precision to be most useful to researchers and managers of animal enterprises. Many studies have underestimated the biological relationship of fertility to other traits because the estimates lacked precision. Many in vitro manipulations of sperm in artificial insemination, of gametes in various assisted reproductive technologies, and of embryos in embryo transfer are utilized in animal breeding programs. Accurate estimation of reproductive efficiency of these in vitro procedures also is important. Conditions surrounding different sets of fertility estimates almost certainly will be different. These conditions should be described as precisely as possible, and appropriate controls included in all experiments. When possible, experiments should be replicated over time and place to determine the repeatability of the various criteria used to estimate fertility and reproductive efficiency. Advances in genomic information and molecular biology should facilitate characterizing more fully inherent potential fertility of animals at birth. In vitro tests will improve, and automated techniques will facilitate making multiple determinations possible on a large scale. Reliability of fertility estimates will increase, with the potential for enhanced animal reproductive performance through more accurate selection, genetic engineering, and enlightened animal care. Simultaneously, it is important to recognize that prediction of future fertility is more hazardous than estimating fertility, as a completely new set of circumstances may occur which are not predictable. Because fertility estimation may be applied under a myriad of conditions, principles and factors affecting fertility will be emphasized in this review as being more useful than a compilation of numerical examples.
Effective Interactions between Polyhedral Oligomeric Sislesquioxanes Dissolved in Normal Hexadecane from Molecular Simulation

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes show promising applications as organic−inorganic nanocomposite building blocks that can be used, for example, to enhance the properties of polymeric materials. In this work radial distribution functions, potentials of mean force, and self-diffusion coefficients are obtained from molecular dynamics simulations for polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) monomers dissolved in normal hexadecane in the temperature range 400−1000 K. The calculated potentials of mean force show a marked dependence on temperature and on the organic substituents tethered to the silsesquioxane cages. Selected simulation snapshots are used to elucidate the mechanism by which two POSS monomers approach each other. The results obtained are compared to calculations for the potentials of mean force between POSS monomers dissolved in poly(dimethylsiloxane) reported in earlier work [Striolo, A.; McCabe, C.; Cummings, P. T. J. Phys. Chem. B 2005, 109, 14300]. Additionally, from the simulated poten...
Percutaneous coronary intervention in two occluded arms of a saphenous 'Y'-graft: the importance of protecting both of your arms.

Percutaneous intervention in saphenous vein grafts (SVG) carries a higher risk of distal embolization than intervention in a native vessel, and use of a distal protection device has been shown to improve the outcomes in SVG interventions. We describe an intervention done in an unexpected ‘Y’ SVG which required dual distal protection with Filterwires placed in both limbs of the diseased graft and which was performed via a 6 Fr guide catheter. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Evaluation of Free Volume Approaches to Describe the Gel Effect in Free Radical Polymerization

This paper examines the use of free volume approaches to describe the gel effect in free radical polymerization, specifically testing the consistency of free volume in describing the effect of temperature on the critical onset conversion for the gel effect, Xcrit. Experimental polymerization results for both methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene in which the temperature, T, is varied while the molecular weight, M, is held nearly constant show that the critical onset conversion for the gel effect, Xcrit, is affected by T; i.e., a higher T leads to a higher Xcrit, consistent with free volume. Other studies purported to show a link between Xcrit and M did not account for variations in T in the data analyzed, and it is highly likely that part of the Xcrit trend reported to be caused by M was in fact related to T variations. Further examination of this issue via modeling indicates that the experimental results are consistent with the quantitative trend predicted by free volume for Xcrit as a function of T as w...
Group-specific cytolytic antibody directed against the major glycoprotein (gp70) of murine leukemia viruses in serum of mice with dormant FLV infections.

Abstract Serum of mice with dormant Friend leukemia virus (FLV) infections contains cytolytic activity against FLC-745 cells, a Friend erythroleukemic cell line. FLC-745 cells express only one cell surface FLV-coded antigen, shown by competition radioimmunoassay experiments to be FLV virion gp70. AKR virus blocks completely the cytolytic activity of serum but cannot block the precipitation of gp70 from detergent-disrupted 125 I-labeled cells. These results indicate that the FLC-745 cytolytic antibody in serum from mice with dormant FLV infections is directed against virion gp70 and is group specific. Furthermore, this serum contains a type specific gp70 antibody which is not lytic for FLC-745 cells.
Functional reconstitution into proteoliposomes and partial purification of a rat liver ER transport system for a water-soluble analogue of mannosylphosphoryldolichol.

Mannosylphosphoryldolichol (Man-P-Dol) is synthesized on the cytosolic leaflet of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and functions as a mannosyl donor in the biosynthesis of Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-P-P-...
Variation in the trophic position of common stream fishes and its relationship to the presence of a rare fish, northern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda copei)

Variation in trophic position can be caused by structural changes in food webs that may affect the presence of, or be affected by the presence of, individual species. We examined variation in the trophic position of fishes across 14 stream sites in the Bear River drainage, WY, USA. This drainage is the focus of ongoing conservation of northern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda copei). Our goals were (i) to describe variation in trophic position of individual species and (ii) to determine whether these measures differed between sites with and without northern leatherside chub. Mean trophic position of individual fish species varied between 0 and 3 trophic positions across sites. For two of these species, trophic position declined at sites without northern leatherside chub. Importantly, habitat surveys from a previous study at 10 of these sites revealed no differences in habitat suitability for northern leatherside chub. This suggests that trophic position revealed systematic differences among sites that were not apparent based on traditional species-habitat modelling. We outline possible mechanisms behind these patterns and argue that monitoring variation in trophic position can complement traditional, habitat-based methods for understanding species distributions.
Lewis acid-catalyzed, high pressure, stereospecific, regiospecific, Diels-Alder cycloaddition of unsubstituted 2-pyrone: Short synthesis of a racemic A-ring precursor to physiologically active 1-hydroxyvitamin D3 steroids

Abstract Bicyclic lactone 1 , a racemic A-ring precursor to diverse physiologically active 1-hydroxyvitamin D 3 analogs, was prepared in 91% yield via 11–12 Kbar, Lewis acid-catalyzed, 4+2-cycloaddition of unsubstituted 2-pyrone.
The association between granulosa cell aromatase activity and oocyte-corona-cumulus-complex maturity from individual human follicles.

Abstract The steroidogenic capability of granulosa cells isolated from 12 preovulatory human follicles was correlated with the stage of maturation of the corresponding oocyte-coronacumulus-complex (OCCC). Individual follicles from human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) stimulated cycles were aspirated 36 h after administration of hCG. Granulosa cells were cultured for 150 min and corresponding OCCC were evaluated for maturity before fertilization with human sperm. Granulosa cell aromatase activity was measured using l/3-3H-testosterone as substrate by quantitating the amount of 3H2O produced. Progesterone production by the granulosa cells was measured as was follicular fluid levels of combined hCG and LH activity and FSH and PRL. Follicular fluid concentrations of combined hCG plus LH activity decreased somewhat while FSH levels increased as OCCC matured. PRL levels did not vary. Granulosa cell progesterone production did not change with maturity of OCCC. However, aromatase activity decreased as OCCC matured...
Effect of lumen narrowing within coronary stents on proximal and distal vessel segments following bare metal stent implantation.

Adjacent reference vessel response to smaller lumens at stented segments was examined with 3-dimensional intravascular ultrasound analysis. In 128 patients after bare metal stent implantation, minimal lumen area (MLA) within the stent and average lumen area at distal/proximal adjacent reference segments (5 mm) were obtained at baseline and follow-up. In the smaller in-stent MLA group (MLA 2 ), lumen area decreased significantly at the distal edge compared with the larger in-stent MLA group (MLA ≥3 mm 2 ), although no significant difference was seen at the proximal edge. In-stent lumen patency may influence vascular responses at adjacent reference segments after bare metal stent implantation.
Maximal exercise responses to acute and chronic beta-adrenergic blockade in healthy male subjects.

Conflicting data on the alterations in the maximal exercise response to beta blockade (BB) may be the result of differences in the length of time the subject has been on medication, i.e., hours vs days. The purpose of this study was to examine maximal exercise responses during acute and chronic administration of BB. Twenty-eight healthy males, 14 untrained (UT) and 14 involved in a personal training regimen (TR), performed maximal treadmill tests after 1 d and 9 d under three double-blind, randomized conditions: a placebo (PLAC), propranolol (PROP) 80 mg b.i.d., and atenolol (ATEN) 100 mg o.d. Maximal heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation (VE), and treadmill time were significantly reduced by PROP and ATEN after an acute and chronic dose when compared to PLAC (P less than 0.05) in both groups of subjects. Maximal HR was decreased more after 1 d of BB than after 9 d of BB with both PROP and ATEN in the UT subjects and with PROP only in the TR group. VO2max, VEmax, and treadmill time were also less attenuated after 9 d of BB; however, this trend did not reach statistical significance. The nonselective beta blocker, PROP, caused greater reductions in VO2max compared to the selective beta blocker, ATEN, in both groups of subjects. These data indicate that, other than a small change in maximal HR, there is no difference in the exercise response to acute and chronic BB in normal and highly conditioned individuals.
ASSESSING THE FINANCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CONCERNS OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES: A MODEL APPROACH

We surveyed Arkansas community and technical colleges to determine the extent to which these institutions had been affected, during the past 3 years, by tight budgets, volatile enrollments, unstable state support, and other unfavorable forces. In addition, we requested information concerning methods used by these institutions to address such problems. The survey instrument collected data pertaining to institutional demographics, budgetary trends, tuition trends, faculty issues, expenditure control methods used, institutional advancement activities, projections as to future financial directions, and staff development needs. The findings indicate that enrollments at most Arkansas community and technical colleges are increasing and budgets are growing, but often in amounts inadequate to compensate for rising costs. Arkansas 2‐year institutions are responding to this challenge by raising tuition, increasing the use of part‐time faculty, and seeking new sources of revenue. Staff development needs were identifi...
Quasi-symmetric designs, codes, quadrics, and hyperplane sections

It is proved that a quasi-symmetric design with theSymmetric Difference Property (SDP) is uniquely embeddable as a derived or a residual design into a symmetric SDP design. Alternatively, any quasi-symmetric SDP design is characterized as the design formed by the minimum weight vectors in a binary code spanned by the simplex code and the incidence vector of a point set in PG(2m-1, 2) that intersects every hyperplane in one of two prescribed numbers of points. Applications of these results for the classification of point sets in PG(2m-1, 2) with the same intersection properties as an elliptic or a hyperbolic quadric, as well as the classification of codes achieving the Grey-Rankin bound are discussed.
Performance-based design and optimization of uncertain wind-excited dynamic building systems

Abstract Performance-based design is fast becoming the benchmark approach for achieving designs that rationally meet society’s need for a truly safe built environment. While the principles of performance-based design have been vigorously adopted in the field of seismic engineering, the same cannot be said for wind engineering. There therefore exists the need to define appropriate frameworks that allow the principles of performance-based design to be fully embraced during the design of building systems to resist severe wind events. Obviously the ultimate goal of any project is not to simply meet the performance objectives, but to do so in an economically optimum fashion. This can only truly be achieved through the development of appropriate optimization strategies that rigorously embrace the inevitably uncertain and aleatory nature of both system and environment. This paper focuses on the development of a framework for the probabilistic performance-based assessment of large scale uncertain linear systems driven by experimentally estimated stochastic wind loads. In particular, a simulation-based method is proposed that centers on the concept of decoupling the inherently nested reliability/probabilistic analysis from the optimization loop through the definition of a series of high quality approximate subproblems. The way in which the decoupling is achieved allows practical problems characterized by hundreds of component-wise reliability constraints and high-dimensional discrete design variable vectors to be efficiently and rigorously solved. Examples are presented illustrating the practicality of the proposed approach.
Identification of the Major Positive Regulators of c-myb Expression in Hematopoietic Cells of Different Lineages

The c-myb gene is primarily expressed in hematopoietic cells, and it is overexpressed in many leukemias. The regulation of its expression is of critical importance in hematopoietic cells. We identified the major positive regulatory sites in the 5¹-flanking sequence of the human c-myb gene, and we found that the positive regulators differed in cells of different lineages. In the Molt-4 T-cell line, two Ets-like binding sites were required for the expression of c-myb. The 5¹ site played a minor role in the regulation of c-myb expression, and we demonstrated that a protein of 67 kDa bound to this site. Antibodies against Ets proteins showed no cross-reactivity with this protein. We showed that Ets-1 bound to the 3¹-regulatory site in the c-myb promoter by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and antibody studies. Both of these Ets-like binding sites were nonfunctional in the DHL-9 B-cell line and the K562 myeloid cell line. We identified a novel transcription factor of 50.5 kDa that was required for expression of c-myb in these cell lines.
An Integrated Perspective of Self-Control in Organizations:

A theoretical view of control is developed that argues that self-control is at the core of the organizational control process. Various "levels "making up the control process and issues regarding "sources"from which to initiate control attempts are considered. Also, contingency variables relevant to decisions regarding the appropriate source from which to initiate control are addressed. Overall, the need for an expanded view of control is developed; this view recognizes the importance of self-control as well as external control mechanisms and identification of an adequate fit between these two modes for each unique situation.
Semi-implicit reduced magnetohydrodynamics

A modification of the predictor correlator algorithm is applied to the reduced MHD equations. (AIP)
Effects of age on the feeding response to moderately low dietary protein in rats.

Abstract Moderately low levels of dietary protein are associated with increased food intake and body fat. We propose that the generation of this feeding signal is dependent on the level of dietary protein relative to the protein requirement of the animal, that is, that protein-dependent feeding is maximized when the level of dietary protein is around the animal's protein requirement. One of the factors that affects an animal's protein requirement is age. We predict that young, growing animals are more responsive to a moderately low level of dietary protein than are mature animals. The feeding response to moderately low dietary protein (10% casein) was determined in young (∼190 g) and more mature (∼340 g) Sprague–Dawley rats for 12 days. As an index of amino acid deamination, serum urea nitrogen concentrations were determined, as was the in vitro release of neuropeptide Y (NPY) from hypothalamic tissue containing the paraventricular nucleus. Young rats were more responsive to the feeding effects of moderately low dietary protein than mature animals. In young rats, cumulative food intake was inversely correlated with serum urea nitrogen concentration. No correlation was found in mature animals. Although the amount of NPY remaining in hypothalamic tissue after incubation was significantly greater (p = 0.04) in young rats fed 10% casein as compared with rats fed the standard 20% casein diet, no dietary difference in K+-stimulated NPY release was observed. We hypothesize that the signal for low-protein–induced hyperphagia is a reduction in a compound whose production is coupled to the level of amino acid deamination in the brain.
THERMAL INACTIVATION OF PREPARATIONS OF ASPARTIC/GLUTAMIC TRANSAMINASE FROM SPECIES OF BIVALVED MOLLUSCS FROM THE SUBLITTORAL AND INTERTIDAL ZONES.

Abstract 1. 1. Aspartic/glutamic transaminase has been partially purified from bivalved molluscs of differing habitats and geographic distribution. 2. 2. The preparations were subjected to various temperatures at pH values ranging from 6·2 to 8·4 for given periods of time and the extent of inactivation of each was measured. 3. 3. The preparations from surface-living species, confined in nature to the sublittoral zone, were more labile than those from several surface-dwelling intertidal species or one deep-burrowing form, able to withstand stagnant conditions for several days. 4. 4. The data are consistent with the two following hypotheses: (a) in Mytilidae possession of thermostable aspartic/glutamic transaminase allows some members of the family to penetrate and maintain themselves in environments where temperatures may become relatively high; and (b) the properties which allow aspartic/glutamic transaminase to function most effectively in the metabolic apparatus of facultatively anaerobic bivalves may also confer on the enzyme the property of thermostability.
CT image processing for hardwood log inspection

This study explores the application of digital image processing techniques to a machine vision system for log inspection in the forest products industry. This machine vision system uses the computerized tomography (CT) imaging to locate and identify internal defects in hardwood logs. To apply CT to these industrial vision problems requires efficient and robust image processing methods. Several image processing techniques are addressed in this paper: adaptive image smoothing, multi-threshold-based segmentation, morphological filtering, and 3-D connectiveness labeling. Experimental results of these image processing techniques with CT images from two different wood species demonstrate the efficacy of the inspection system.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
"Crack, Cocaine and Heroin: Drug Eras in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 1960-2000"

This article traces the development of crack markets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the period 1980-2000. It seeks to explain why crack appeared so late on the scene there and why, when it did, its m...
Intraabdominal paddle placement for internal defibrillation during cardiac reoperation

Abstract Ventricular fibrillation during sternal reentry can be a fatal complication that is vexing to manage when it occurs before complete exposure of the heart. A technique of intraabdominal paddle placement for internal countercheck has been used to successfully manage this complication.
Metacognition in Taiwan: Students' calibration of comprehension and performance

Researchers have increasingly investigated the role played by metacognition in students' learning and performance. Metacognition is comprised of metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive experiences, and both components of metacognition are viewed as being important to learning and performance in academic settings. Metacognitive experiences involve, in part, students' awareness of progress on cognitive tasks. Such awareness is critical to learning, for students may fail to spend additional time reviewing or studying material if they believe they have understood the material adequately. In the present study we examined Taiwanese students' ability to assess their comprehension of passages following reading as well as their ability to predict the number of questions they would be able to answer about passage content. Following an actual test on the material, students were asked to assess how many questions they felt they answered correctly about a passage (postdiction). Students were able to predict comprehe...
Toward a competent structuralist archaeology: A contribution from historical studies

Abstract This paper examines the present position of structuralist archaeology in respect to the use of ethnoarchaeology. It concentrates on the present inability of a structuralist approach to resolve two contentious issues: the utility of ethnoarchaeological analogy in specific cases and the methodology of establishing more general present-past linkage. In respect to the first issue, the argument is that the additional information supplied by historical documentation permits the construction of general paradigms of ideational behavior and enables a more positive use of specific analogy. As to the second, historical archaeology can be used to isolate general ideational principles and generalizations about their correlations, which offers a methodological counterpart to current approaches to establishing broad present-past linkage in functionalist archaeology.
RJK Band Observations of the Optical Afterglow of GRB 991216

We present near-infrared and optical observations of the afterglow to the gamma-ray burst 991216 obtained with the Fred L. Whipple Observatory 1.2 m telescope and the University of Hawaii 2.2 m telescope. The observations range from 15 hours to 3.8 days after the burst. The temporal behavior of the data is well described by a single power-law decay t-1.36±0.04, independent of wavelength. The optical spectral energy distribution, which is corrected for significant Galactic reddening of E(B-V) = 0.626, is well fitted by a single power law with ν-0.58±0.08. Combining the IR/optical observations with a Chandra X-Ray Observatory measurement gives a spectral index of -0.8 ± 0.1 in the synchrotron cooling regime. A comparison between the spectral and temporal power-law indices suggests that a jet is a better match to the observations than a simple spherical shock.
Simultaneous SIMS and direct recoil analysis of trace H, C, and O on a magnesium surface

Abstract Alkoxylation of magnesium produces a surface layer with known concentrations of H, C, and O. Direct recoil analysis of these layers allows calibration of the measured signals to surface atomic concentrations. Time-of-flight SIMS spectra obtained simultaneously from these calibrated layers allows quantification of the SIMS signals in terms of surface concentrations.
A mechanistic model for compaction of granular aggregates moderated by pressure solution

[1] A model is presented for the compaction of granular aggregates that accommodates the serial processes of grain-contact dissolution, grain-boundary diffusion, and precipitation at the pore wall. The progress of compaction and the evolution of the mass concentration of the pore fluids may be followed with time, for arbitrary mean stress, fluid pressure, and temperature conditions, for hydraulically open or closed systems, and accommodating arbitrary switching in dominant processes, from dissolution, to diffusion, to precipitation. Hindcast comparisons for compaction of quartz sands [Elias and Hajash, 1992] show excellent agreement for rates of change of porosity, the asymptotic long-term porosity, and for the development of silica concentrations in the pore fluid with time. Predictions may be extended to hydraulically open systems where flushing by meteoric fluids affects the compaction response. For basins at depths to a few kilometers, at effective stresses of 35 MPa, and temperatures in the range 75� –300� C, rates of porosity reduction and ultimate magnitudes of porosity reduction increase with increased temperature. Ultimate porosities asymptote to the order of 15% (300� C) to 25% (75� C) at the completion of dissolution-mediated compaction and durations are accelerated from a few centuries to a fraction of a year as the temperature is increased. Where the system is hydraulically open, flushing elevates the final porosity, has little effect on evolving strain in these precipitation-controlled systems, and depresses pore fluid concentrations. These effects are greatest at lower temperatures. INDEX TERMS: 5120 Physical Properties of Rocks: Plasticity, diffusion, and creep; 5139 Physical Properties of Rocks: Transport properties; 8045 Structural Geology: Role of fluids; 8160 Tectonophysics: Evolution of the Earth: Rheology—general;
Moored Surface Wind Observations at Four Sites along the Pacific Equator between 140° and 95°W

Moored surface wind measurements were recorded along the Pacific equator at 140, 124, 110, and 95 deg W during portions of 1980-1985. Minimum record length is one year. The annual mean and monthly mean westward speeds at 110 deg W were about 1.5 m/s higher during the year preceding the 1982-1983 El Nino than in the year following this event. The annual cycle, which moved westward at about 0.8 m/s, consisted of weak westward and northward speeds in February-April and vice versa in September-October. The spectral slope between 5-day and 0.05-day periods was -1.5. The rms amplitude of the 95-percent statistically significant diurnal period oscillation was 0.3 m/s, and the meridional component was nearly twice as large as the zonal component. The diurnal period wave was coherent (at the 95-percent confidence level) between 95 and 124 deg W, with westward phase propagation of about 138 m/s. No statistically significant spectral peak was found in the 40- to 50-day intraseasonal period band. The surface zonal ocean current component, which reached approximately 0.5 and -0.5 m/s in April and October, respectively at 110 deg W, influenced the surface wind stress computed from the quadratic bulk aerodynamic formulation by 10-20 percent.
Sjögren's syndrome: Effect of radiation therapy on serum and saliva proteins

Abstract A patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and bilateral parotid and submaxillary gland swellings was followed for 5 years. During this time samples of parotid saliva (when available) and serum were tested by paper electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis. The findings were consistent with other data obtained on patients with Sjogren's syndrome except that no serum IgM immunoglobulin could be detected. Because of the glandular enlargements, radiation was directed first to the right side and, 1 year later, to the left side. The clinical data obtained in this study indicate that radiation restores enlarged glands to normal size and enhances the flow of saliva. Biochemical investigations reveal some improvement in serum and salivary patterns within 2 years after radiation. Four years after therapy the data suggest a remission of the disease and the appearance of IgM immunoglobulin in the serum.
An In Vitro Investigation of Abrasion and Staining of Dental Resins

This investigation was undertaken to study the abrasion and staining resistance of denture base and veneering resins. The abrasion of certain resins was tested with specific commercial cleaning agents and dentifrices by use of natural and synthetic bristle toothbrushes and denture brushes. Staining resistance was tested by use of natural food stains on the resins. Results indicate some general guidelines for the clinical selection, use, and maintenance of dental restorations or appliances fabricated with these resins.
Oxygen reduction reaction on Pt(111): effects of bromide

Abstract Using the rotating ring-disk technique (RRDE) the oxygen reduction reaction (orr) was studied on the Pt(111) surface in the presence of Br − anions. We found that the orr at the Pt(111) ∣ Br ad interface is always accompanied quantitatively by H 2 O 2 oxidation currents on the ring electrode, implying that in the presence of Br − anions the orr does not proceed entirely through the 4e − reduction pathway, as in the Br − -free solution. We propose that strongly adsorbed Br − can simultaneously suppress both the adsorption of the O 2 molecule and the formation of pairs of platinum sites needed for the breaking of the O–O bond. Besides elucidating the effects of Br ad , these studies also shed some light on the role of OH ad on the kinetics of the orr on the Pt(111) surface in solution free of Br anions. We have developed a theoretical model and from simulations of I – E curves we propose two modes of action of the OH ad state on the kinetics of the orr on the Pt(111) surface: (i) OH ad can block the adsorption of O 2 on active platinum sites, i.e. they compete for the same sites, and (ii) OH ad can alter the adsorption energy of intermediates which are formed during the orr on the bare Pt sites adjacent to the OH ad .
Exit, voice and loyalty in the course of corporate governance and counsel’s changing role

Abstract Striking changes in the norms and practices of corporate governance have occurred since the 1980s. Corporate directors have become more independent and diligent and institutional investors have become more activist. If we apply Albert O. Hirschman’s insights about the interactions of exit, voice and loyalty, we find that over-reliance on exit as the remedy of choice of shareholders failed to discipline and educate managers effectively. After the wave of hostile takeovers, the extent of management failure became apparent and the increased power of voice was an important factor in accelerating changes in conduct and norms. The new Team Production Model is useful in describing how public corporations are increasingly being governed. The model helps to explain why corporate boards should function as independent arbitrators among the corporate constituents that have invested in the entity. Mechanisms to increase stakeholder voice and loyalty can help the board function effectively and may increase both efficiency and fairness. The role of corporate counsel, as co-agent with corporate management, and having an independent fiduciary duty to the entity and not its management, is essential to assist the corporate board in meeting its obligations within the Team Production Model. Lawyers, as honest brokers with duties to the enterprise can play an important role in increasing stakeholder voice and loyalty.
Connections, Pedagogy and Professional Learning

Professional learning, it is said, is a life-long process. The focus of professional learning in the teaching profession is mainly upon the content of a particular subject matter and on diverse methods with which to teach it. Yet, many who have taught would testify that a teacher is much more than a subject-matter specialist and a method applier. In practice, he/she is a human being with multiple dimensions and facets. As such, central to the whole meaning of teaching is the way in which all those dimensions are connected and interwoven with pedagogy. This paper draws upon theory and practice to examine ways in which the concept of connections can underpin and inform professional development in pedagogy.
Psychological climate and decision-making performance in a GDSS context

We studied how psychological climate can influence performance of members in groups that interact using Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS). Drawing on theories in psychology, we conducted an experiment to examine the impact of psychological climate (the individual's perceptions of the environment) on decision-making performance. Controlling for settings of GDSS session, we found that individual performance depended on two dimensions of the psychological climate. First, GDSS users perceiving a higher level of psychological safety made more effective and efficient decisions. Second, GDSS users perceiving higher level of psychological meaningfulness made better decisions if they had a clear understanding of the decision goal. Our study therefore highlighted the importance of individual psychological perceptions in a GDSS context.
Ice Cycle House: From Functional Accessory to Performative Envelope

Abstract Ice Cycle House demonstrates an alternative strategy for harvesting natural resources and redistributing them as variable arrays of performative effects. It does so by redesigning two ubiquitous accessory building components—a domestic roof drain and roof vent—into an integrated, adaptive building envelope. No longer constrained as mono-functioning accessories, drainage and ventilation are instead deployed across the envelope's surfaces as an interdependent, dynamic system.
On statistical moments of fatigue crack propagation

Abstract A new statistical theory is proposed for the analysis of fatigue crack propagation, based on the concepts of fracture mechanics and random processes. Focus is centered on conceivably more useful information of the random time at which the crack size grows to any specific value. Given an initial crack size, recursive relationship is obtained for the statistical moments of this random time for a rather general class of material behaviors, and examples are given for the case where the crack propagation rate is governed by a power law. A procedure to estimate the parameters in the power-law model is also illustrated, using the experimental data of some 7475-T7351 aluminum fastener hole specimens subjected to the excitation of a certain bomber load spectrum.
Boundary effects in 3D wavelet video coding

3-D wavelet-based scalable video coding provides a viable alternative to standard MC-DCT coding. However, many current 3-D wavelet coders experience severe boundary effects across group of picture (GOP) boundaries. This paper proposes a memory efficient transform technique via lifting that effectively computes wavelet transforms of a video sequence continuously on the fly, thus eliminating the boundary effects due to limited length of individual GOPs. Coding results show that the proposed scheme completely eliminates the boundary effects and gives superb video playback quality.
Genetic factors determine the blood pressure response to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia: a call to refocus the insulin hypothesis of hypertension.

SummaryWe have briefly reviewed the controversy regarding the role of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in the pathogenesis of hypertension in an attempt to emphasize the evidence in support of this concept. In so doing, we have highlighted the concept that genetic factors may determine sensitivity or resistance to the hypertensive effects of insulin resistance and hyperin-sulinemia. We hope that this idea will help to reconcile seemingly conflicting evidence on this hypothesis and will focus future research.
Physiological response of normal and RD mouse retinal ganglion cells to electrical stimulation

The epiretinal prosthesis aims to restore functional vision by stimulating electrically the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in patients afflicted with degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptors, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). As degeneration progresses, photoreceptor death is followed by pronounced remodeling and rewiring of remaining inner retinal cells. Despite the loss of rods and cones, a considerable population of RGCs remain receptive to prosthetic stimulation. To stimulate effectively a localized population of RGCs, an improved understanding of the anatomical and physiological properties of these cells is required. Additionally, possible alterations in electrical excitability, produced by the effects of retinal degeneration, needs to be assessed. This study investigates the effect of RGC soma size on the threshold for action potential generation in normal and rd mice and its implications for the rescue of visual function.
L p Estimates for Maxwell's Equations with Source Term

The goal of this paper is to establish interior and global L p -type estimates for the solutions of Maxwell's equations with source term in a domain filled with two different materials separated by a 2 interface. The usual elliptic estimates cannot be applied directly, due to the singularity of the dielectric permittivity. A special curl-div decomposition is introduced for the electric field to reduce the problem to an elliptic equation in divergence form with jump coefficients. The potential analysis and the jump condition lead to the interior L p estimates which are superior to the straightforward Nash-Moser estimates. The reduction procedure is expected to be useful for future numerical simulation. Because of the natural physical requirements, the boundary condition is nonlocal and involves a first order pseudo-differential operator, the boundary estimate is established by delicate new maximum principles and Riesz convexity arguments. These estimates are then employed to solve a nonlinear optics probl...
478 SMOKING – A DETERMINANT OF UNSUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING

To identify breastfeeding “success” or “failure”, we compared 22 successful with 22 unsuccessful breastfeeders. In the first group, breast milk provided the major nutrient source for at least six months. In the second, mothers quit breastfeeding before six weeks and expressed dissatisfaction with breastfeeding. Of numerous epidemiological factors assessed, significant differences between the groups included mothers' employment status P=<.025 (more unsuccessful breastfeeders planned to return to work after six weeks) and parents' education, P=<.025 (education was higher for parents in the successful group). The number of calls to the pediatrician requesting help with breastfeeding was higher among unsuccessful breastfeeders, P=<.006. 46% of unsuccessful breastfeeders smoked ½ to 2 packs/day, but only 17% of successful breastfeeders smoked, P=<.05. The only significant difference between smokers and non-smokers in the unsuccessful group were length of time breastfeeding (X = 3.25 weeks for smokers; 1.7 weeks for non-smokers) and reason for discontinuing breastfeeding (73% of smokers stopped because of “infant dissatisfaction” or “inadequate milk supply”; only 25% of non-smokers felt milk supply was “inadequate”). Our data suggest smoking may be an important cause of breastfeeding failure.