cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential distribution of the P1 and P2 protamine gene sequences in eutherian and marsupial mammals and a monotreme

At the protein level, the P1 protamine is the predominant form of mammalian protamine, present in all mammalian spermatozoa analyzed to date. An additional variant, the P2 protamine, has been detected only in spermatozoa of the mouse, hamster and human. Southern blot analysis of a group of restriction enzyme-digested mammalian DNAs has revealed the presence of sequences homologous to the P1 and the P2 mouse protamine genes in diverse species. In agreement with protein studies, nucleotide sequences homologous to the mouse P1 protamine cDNA are widespread, being present in the genomic DNAs of human, rat, dog, ram, horse, bull, hamster, baboon, flying fox (megabat), microbat, boar, North American opossum, and wallaby. Although we detect genomic sequences with strong homology to the mouse protamine 2 cDNA in rat and hamster, we also find weaker but reproducible hybridization to the genomic DNA of human, boar, dog, bull, microbat, wallaby, and platypus. With the exception of the human, the P2 protamine has not been detected in the spermatozoa of these latter species.
Salinity Stratification in a River-Dominated Estuary

Analysis of salinity data from Mobile Bay indicates that stratification-destratification events within this broad, shallow estuary are not uncommon. These events are related to the strength of the winds, through their influence on wave generation and subsequent bottom drag coefficient increases, and to the strength of river discharge. They do not appear to be due to the strength of tidal currents, as has been observed elsewhere. Furthermore, river flow appears to be the dominant control, the winds being important only in the absence of large freshwater discharges. The annual spring freshet can flush most of the salt from the bay. During other times of the year the relative strengths of river discharge and wind stress change the bay from highly stratified to nearly homogeneous and back on a variety of time scales ranging from daily to seasonal.
OXYGEN ATOM TRANSFER FROM A PHOSPHINE OXIDE TO TUNGSTEN(II) COMPOUNDS

WCl{sub 2}(PMePh{sub 2}){sub 4} (1) reacts rapidly with Ph{sub 2}P(O)CH{sub 2}CH{sub 2}PPh{sub 2} (5, the monooxide of diphos) to give an adduct, WCl{sub 2}(Ph{sub 2}P(O)Ch{sub 2}CH{sub 2}PPh{sub 2})(PMePh{sub 2}){sub 2} (6). On being heated at 80C for 8 h, 6 rearranges by transferring the phosphoryl oxygen to tungsten, with the formation of tungsten-oxo complexes W(O)Cl{sub 2}(diphos)(PMePh{sub 2}) (7) and W(O)Cl{sub 2}(PMEPh{sub 2}){sub 3} (2), as well as WCl{sub 2}(diphos)(PMePh{sub 2}){sub 2} (8). This is the first example of oxygen atom transfer from a phosphine oxide to a metal center, a remarkable reaction because of the strength of the P-O bond (roughly 130 kcal/mol). The presence of an oxygen atom transfer step in this reaction has been confirmed by oxygen-18-labeling studies. WCl{sub 2}(PMe{sub 3}){sub 4} (9) also deoxygenates 5, forming similar and 9 indicating that the chelating nature of 5 is needed to assist the initial coordination of the phosphoryl oxygen. The kinetic barriers to deoxygenation of phosphine oxides lie both in the initial coordination of the phosphine oxide and in the actual oxygen atom transfer step. Allyl- and vinylphosphine oxides also react with 1, but oxygen atom transfer from these substrates has not been observed. 34 refs., 2 figs., 3more » tabs.« less
Determination of Boron in 35 International Geochemical Reference Materials by Thermal Neutron Capture Prompt Gamma‐ray Spectrometry

Concentrations of boron in 35 silicate reference materials are measured by thermal neutron capture gamma-ray spectrometry. Results are compared for NBS, USGS, and CCRMP reference materials with values from the literature. The use of two prompt gamma facilities at Los Alamos are discussed.
CGASC-a silicon compiler for the CMOS gate array

Summary form only given. A new silicon compiler for the CMOS gate array named CGASC, for automating the complex task of chip designing, is presented. CGASC accepts the hardware description language AHPL (a hardware programming language) or VHDL (VHSIC hardware description language) as input and compiles the described circuit into the CMOS gate array device. The automation of the compiler includes the chip size estimation, the floor planning, and placement, the channel ordering and routing, and the layout generation. Active modules of CGASC include a logic optimizer, a modular circuit partitioner, a hierarchical floor planner, a pseudocontinuous cell allocator, a global router, and a detailed router. The design goal of CGASC was to synthesize a complex digital circuit from behavioral-level input to mask-level output with as little manual intervention as possible. The development of CGASC proves the feasibility of using hardware description languages as the input media of hardware compilers. During applications, CGASC estimates chip size and allows users to select the most appropriate chip based on the basis of the availability of IC markets. Online interactive routing is also available to facilitate the zoom-in/out of a critical routing area and the modification of routing configuration. >
Shear stress at the base of shield lithosphere

[1] One of the basic unresolved issues regarding plate tectonics is the degree of coupling between surface plates and convecting mantle below. Are the plates effectively decoupled from the mantle flow field by a low viscosity asthenosphere, or are they strongly coupled to mantle flow? While these two views are essentially incompatible, they both do a reasonably good job of predicting the motions of the surface plates, and cannot therefore be distinguished on this basis. The significant distinguishing feature for these models is the magnitude of basal shear stress that is applied to the base of the plate. While it is difficult to measure this stress directly, it is possible, in principle, to measure the corresponding deformation of the plate through observations of seismic anisotropy and to infer stress. Here we focus on the Canadian Shield, for which we expect strong plate-mantle interaction. We show that seismic anisotropy can be used to constrain the magnitude of the stress level applied to the base of the plate, and to document the level of interaction between tectonic plates and the mantle below.
Differential sensitivity to cadmium of key mitochondrial enzymes in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica Gmelin (Bivalvia: Ostreidae)

Combined effects of cadmium (Cd) and temperature on key mitochondrial enzymes [including Complexes I-IV of electron transport chain and Krebs cycle enzymes citrate synthase (CS), and NAD- and NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases (NAD-IDH and NADP-IDH)] were studied in a marine ectotherm, Crassostrea virginica in order to better understand the mechanisms of Cd-induced impairment of mitochondrial function. Matrix enzymes including CS and isocitrate dehydrogenases were the most sensitive to Cd making Krebs cycle a likely candidate to explain Cd-induced impairment of mitochondrial substrate oxidation. CS and NAD-IDH had IC(50) of 26 and 65 microM at the acclimation temperature (15 degrees C) and 65 (CS) and 1.5 (NAD-IDH) microM at elevated temperature (25 degrees C), respectively. Mitochondrial NADP-IDH was the most sensitive to Cd with IC(50) of 14 and 3.4 microM at 15 degrees and 25 degrees C, respectively. Electron transport chain (ETC) complexes were significantly less sensitive to the direct effects of Cd with IC(50) ranging from 260 to >>400 microM. Temperature increase led to a higher sensitivity of mitochondrial enzymes to the inhibitory effects of Cd as indicated by a decline in IC(50) with the exception of Complex III from gills and CS from gills and hepatopancreas. Cd exposure also resulted in a decrease in activation energy of mitochondrial enzymes suggesting that mitochondria from Cd-exposed oysters could exhibit reduced capacity to respond to temperature rise with an adequate increase in the substrate flux. These interactive effects of Cd and temperature on mitochondrial enzymes could negatively affect metabolic performance of oysters and possibly other ectotherms in polluted environments during temperature increase such as expected during the global climate change and/or tidal or seasonal warming in estuarine and coastal waters.
Foot Injury Patterns With Protective Footwear After Lift Truck Impact

The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties and kinematics of an ASTM steel toe cage during quasi-static loading and forklift runover. Example ASTM F2413-05-compliant steel-toed shoes were loaded via forklift and via mechanical test device, and examined visually for external damage and fluoroscopically for internal displacement and damage of the steel-toed cage. Resulting displacement was quantified and analyzed to assess likely foot injuries and their location sustained by the wearer. When loaded by a lift truck, an ASTM F2413-05-compliant steel toe supported the weight without crushing, but the structure of the shoe around the steel cup did not, causing the steel toe to rotate and translate fore-aft or laterally, depending on the direction of loading. The survival of the steel toe combined with the failure of the shoe around it may lead to sparing of the toes, with crushing of the distal midfoot due either to direct or induced loading of the foot. Steel-toed shoes are unlikely to prevent injury to the midfoot or proximal phalanges when loaded by a forklift.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Nano-lubrication: concept and design

Abstract The advent of micro-electromechanical devices (MEMs), sensors, actuators, microsystems, and nanotechnology have called to attention the effect of friction on moving parts in nano/micro devices. To take full advantage of the opportunity to sense, compute, and actuate in real time, fast-moving parts are often necessary or desirable. As the scales of the components shrink, adhesion, stiction, friction, and wear become a significant technological barrier for the successful deployment of durable devices. Most current devices in production avoid such contacts. The nature of the surface contacts, as component scale moves from macro to micro to nano, is dominated by surface forces that normally are dwarfed by mechanical loading. Therefore nanolubrication needs to take into account different factors than conventional lubrication concepts. This paper compares traditional lubrication concepts and those necessary for nanolubrication and proposes various nanometer scale thick lubricating film designs as a means to control the surface properties of surfaces at nano/micro scales. Many of the concepts derive their origin from studies and observations from the magnetic hard disk technology where a “monolayer” of lubricant protects the system and has proven to be robust and safe. Examples from magnetic hard disks will be used to illustrate some of the concepts.
Design and Evaluation of a Digital Closed-Loop Controller for the Regulation of Muscle Force by Recruitment Modulation

In principle, orthoses employing electrically stimulated muscles can be improved by the incorporation of closed-loop control systems to regulate muscle output. One obstacle to attaining acceptable closed-loop control systems is the muscle recruitment characteristic, a memoryless, nonlinear, time-varying relationship between the recruitment modulation stimulus parameter (pulsewidth or amplitude) and the muscle force.
Communication structures in fault‐tolerant distributed systems

The impact of communication structures on the robustness and performance of distributed computing systems is discussed. Communication structures are categorized as (1) point-to-point, (2) bus, and (3) multistage switching. The most significant networks that have been proposed are discussed. Networks are compared with respect to (1) connectivity, (2) diameter, (3) average distance, (4) diameter in the presence of faults, (5) extensibility (ease of adding or deleting processors), and (6) ease of routing in the presence of faults. Some attempts directed at achieving near optimality for each of these six factors are discussed. A strategy for designing good networks with respect to all of these factors is suggested. Attempts to predict the real-time robustness of systems are reviewed and commented on and the power and consistency of metrics associated with such attempts are discussed. The impact of communication structures is discussed with respect to fundamental fault-tolerant objectives, such as diagnosis and disconnection of faulty units and establishment of a logical link between units not connected by a physical link. Current trends and suggested trends in communication network research are commented on. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An approximate analytic solution of a set of nonlinear model αω-dynamo equations for marginally unstable systems

An approximate analytic solution of a set of nonlinear model alpha-omega-dynamo equations is obtained. The reaction of the Lorentz force on the velocity shear which stretches and, hence, amplifies the magnetic field is incorporated into the model. To single out the effect of the Lorentz force on the omega-effect, the effect of the Lorentz force on the alpha-effect is neglected in this study. The solution represents a nonlinear oscillation with the amplitude and period determined by the dynamo number N. The amplitude is proportional to N - 1, while the period is almost exactly the same as the dissipation time of the unstable mode (proportional to N).
The CBCL Bipolar Profile and Attention, Mood, and Behavior Dysregulation

Biederman and colleagues reported that a CBCL profile identified youngsters who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Some studies found that this CBCL profile does not reliably identify children who present with bipolar disorder, but nonetheless this CBCL does identify youngsters with severe dysfunction. However, the nature of the impairment of youngsters who fit this profile is unclear. The goal of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of youngsters who fit this CBCL profile. The sample included 310 youngsters referred to an outpatient psychopharmacology clinic. There were 55 youngsters who fit the CBCL profile. These youngsters were compared to 255 youngsters who did not fit the CBCL profile. Measures included the CBCL, standardized measures of aggression and ADHD symptoms, youngsters’ self-reported depression, DSM-IV diagnoses, and child and adolescent psychiatrists’ ratings of impairment and functioning. Compared to youngsters who did not fit the CBCL bipolar disorder profile, youngsters who fit the profile had significantly higher scores on all but one CBCL scale and significantly higher levels of aggression. Youngsters who fit the CBCL profile also had greater psychosocial impairment and more DSM-IV diagnoses than youngsters who did not fit the profile. Youngsters who fit the CBCL profile exhibit severe dysregulation across multiple domains of functioning including attention, affective, and behavioral dysregulation that are not easily nor efficiently captured by extant DSM-IV diagnoses. These youngsters are not uncommon and comprise slightly less than 1 in 5 referrals to a child psychiatry clinic.
Multiple releases of stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans L. ) and behaviour of grazing beef cattle

Abstract A change-over statistical design with complete balance for first residual effects was used with a tethered grazing technique to evaluate the effects of arthropod ectoparasites on the behaviour of adult Angus beef cows (Bos taurus L.; body-weight (BW), 465±30 kg) grazing vegetative tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cv Kentucky 31) in screened enclosures (5 m × 5 m × 2 m). Starved laboratory-reared stable files (Stomoxys calcitrans L.) were released into each enclosure at 15-min intervals during 1 h grazing meals. Alighted flies were counted on body surfaces and rates of fly-induced movements recorded every 15 min. Treatments were: T1, 4×0 stable flies; T2, 4×125 stable flies; T3, 4×250 stable flies. Herbage dry matter (DM) mass (more than 5 cm) of the 25 cm tall sward was 3499±259 kg ha−1 and the herbage DM allowance (more than 5 cm) was 1.19±0.13 kg (100 kg BW)−1 h−1 when grazing started. Surfaces of cows assigned to T3 supported 42 alighted flies in the first quarter and their numbers increased linearly to 53 in the last quarter of grazing meals. Front legs supported 24 alighted flies in the first quarter and their numbers rose linearly to 35 flies in the last quarter. Nine flies alighted on hind-leg surfaces in the first quarter and their numbers increased linearly to 13 in the last. Alighted flies on the trunk declined linearly from seven in the first to five in the last quarter. Few flies alighted on cows' heads. Rates of movement of heads, ears, tails, and front and hind legs, and skin twitches increased (P 0.05) throughout grazing meals. Front-leg movement rates increased linearly (P 0.05) affected by treatments, possibly because declining rates of biting were associated with increasing bite mass.
Beta 2-microglobulin clearance in neonates: Index of tubular maturation

Beta-2 microglobulin clearance in neonates: Index of tubular maturation. Serum and urinary beta 2-microglobulin (β 2 M) were studied by enzyme immunoassay in 28 normal neonates at day 1 and day 4 of life in relation to gestational age (GA) and postnatal age (PNA). The infants were grouped according to GA; 10 with GA ranging from 32 to 35 weeks (mean 33.5 weeks) and 18 with GA ranging from 36 to 41 weeks (mean 38.3 weeks). Serum β 2 M varied directly with both GA and PNA. When values for serum β 2 M were related to conceptional age (CA), a significant positive correlation was present for all the infants studied (r = 0.68, P 2 M(FE β 2 M ) decreased as a function of both GA and PNA. When a comparison of FE β 2 M was made in infants of all CA, a significant inverse correlation was noted for infants with CA ≤ 35 weeks (r = -0.89, P β 2 M reached a plateau by 36 weeks. The highest FE β 2 M (33%) was observed in infants of 32 weeks CA who had the lowest filtered β 2 M(F β 2 M ). No statistically significant relationship between changes in FE β 2 M and fractional urine flow rate was observed within each of the CA categories (infants ≤ 35 weeks, r=0.21, P=0.28; infants > 36 weeks, r=0.25, P=0.18). These studies suggest that glomerulotubular balance for β 2 Mis established by CA of 35 weeks, and that FE β 2 M can be used as a marker to assess the renal tubular maturation in the human neonate.
Computer Simulation as a Planning Tool in Developing Economies

OMPUTER simulation is a systems analysis tool which utilizes subSject matter theory, certain mathematical structures, programming logic, and empirical analyses to condense a complex system into a mathematical formulation duplicating the essence of the real system. Thus, it focuses on the whole system of interrelationships within the selected universe of inquiry. Recently, computer simulation has begun to be explored as an economic development-planning and decision-making tool which can simultaneously incorporate multiple objective or criterion functions and uncertainty in analyzing the results of various policy combinations over the course of time. An interdisciplinary research team (primarily agricultural economists and systems scientists at Michigan State University) is currently simulating major elements of the Nigerian agricultural economy. Our current efforts [4] and review of some of the previous literature [1, 2, 3] prompt us to evaluate simulation tentatively as a planning and policy-making tool at the macro level, especially in developing economies. The following discussion will focus on the capabilities of an economy simulation model and the resources required to develop it.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN CONTINUOUSLY CYCLING RATS

The succession of vaginal and behavioral changes was followed throughout the estrous cycle of ten continuously cycling female rats. Interruption of cycles by pregnancy or pseudopregnancy was prevented by the use of the vaginal mask. The behavioral indices were Lordosis Quotient, a measure of sexual responsiveness, and Rejection Quotient, a measure of tolerance by the female of mounting by the male. Before the onset of lordosis, which took place during proestrus, females rejected males on many attempted mounts, although rejection decreased rapidly with rise in frequency of lordosis. Full receptivity was displayed for 6 to 9 hours, but females began to reject the males while still displaying high levels of lordosis. The total period of 19 hours over which lordosis is shown was divided into pre-heat, heat, and post-heat periods.
The US National Marrow Donor Program role in unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation

The US National Marrow Donor Program role in unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation
Andreev bound States as a phase-sensitive probe of the pairing symmetry of the iron pnictide superconductors.

A leading contender for the pairing symmetry in the Fe pnictide high-temperature superconductors is extended $s$ wave ${s}_{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$, a nodeless state in which the pairing changes sign between Fermi surfaces. Verifying such a pairing symmetry requires a special phase-sensitive probe that is also momentum selective. We show that the sign structure of ${s}_{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ pairing can lead to surface Andreev bound states (ABS) at the sample edge. In the clean limit they only occur when the edge is along the nearest neighbor Fe-Fe bond, but not for a diagonal edge or a surface orthogonal to the $c$ axis. In contrast to $d$-wave ABS, they are not at zero energy and, in general, do not produce a zero bias tunneling peak. Consequences for tunneling measurements are derived, within a simplified two-band model and also for a more realistic five-band model. In both cases, surface ABS are obtained.
Parameter‐dependent operator equations of the Riccati type with application to transport theory

We obtain an existence result for global solutions to initial-value problems for Riccati equations of the form R′(t) + TR(t) + R(t)T = TρA(t)T1−ρ + TρB(t)T1−ρR(t) + R(t)TρC(t) T1−ρ + R(t)TρD(t)T1−ρR(t), R(0)=R0, where 0 ⩽ ρ ⩽ 1 and where the functions R and A through D take on values in the cone of non-negative bounded linear operators on L1 (0, W; μ). T is an unbounded multiplication operator. This problem is of particular interest in case ρ = 1 since it arisess in the theories of particle transport and radiative transfer in a slab. However, in this case there are some serious difficulties associated with this equation, which lead us to define a solution for the case ρ = 1 as the limit of solutions for the cases 0 < ρ < 1.
Neutrophil rolling at high shear: Flattening, catch bond behavior, tethers and slings

Neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation involves neutrophil rolling along the inflamed endothelium in the presence of shear stress imposed by blood flow. Neutrophil rolling in post-capillary venules in vivo is primarily mediated by P-selectin on the endothelium binding to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) constitutively expressed on neutrophils. Blood flow exerts a hydrodynamic drag on the rolling neutrophil which is partially or fully balanced by the adhesive forces generated in the P-selectin-PSGL-1 bonds. Rolling is the result of rapid formation and dissociation of P-selectin-PSGL-1 bonds at the center and rear of the rolling cell, respectively. Neutrophils roll stably on P-selectin in post-capillary venules in vivo and flow chambers in vitro at wall shear stresses greater than 6 dyn cm(-2). However, the mechanisms that enable neutrophils to roll at such high shear stress are not completely understood. In vitro and in vivo studies have led to the discovery of four potential mechanisms, viz. cell flattening, catch bond behavior, membrane tethers, and slings. Rolling neutrophils undergo flattening at high shear stress, which not only increases the size of the cell footprint but also reduces the hydrodynamic drag experienced by the rolling cell. P-selectin-PSGL-1 bonds behave as catch bonds at small detachment forces and thus become stronger with increasing force. Neutrophils rolling at high shear stress form membrane tethers which can be longer than the cell diameter and promote the survival of P-selectin-PSGL-1 bonds. Finally, neutrophils rolling at high shear stress form 'slings', which act as cell autonomous adhesive substrates and support step-wise peeling. Tethers and slings act together and contribute to the forces balancing the hydrodynamic drag. How the synergy between the four mechanisms leads to stable rolling at high shear stress is an area that needs further investigation.
Europa's Rate of Rotation Derived from the Tectonic Sequence in the Astypalaea Region

Abstract The most recent visible tectonic features in the Astypalaea region in the southern hemisphere of Europa are a set of cycloidal ridges, three of which have cross-cutting relationships that define a time sequence for their formation. The longitudes at which each of these features formed, which may be different from the current location due to rotation of Europa, are constrained by models of their formation. Reconciling the time sequence with the inferred longitudes of formation appears to require that
The Effect of Glines Canyon Dam on Hydrochorous Seed Dispersal in the Elwha River

Hydrochory, the dispersal of seeds by water, is important for maintaining the diversity and genetic continuity of riparian plant communities. Dams may reduce levels of hydrochory to downstream reaches by trapping seeds within their impoundments. On Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, we studied whether hydrochory in the Elwha River was affected by the Glines Canyon Dam. We also explored whether Lake Mills, the dam’s impoundment, holds a hidden seed bank of trapped hydrochorous seeds, which may aid in revegetation after the dam is removed. Hydrochory levels were sampled during three time periods in July and August, 2005 using floating and submerged drift nets above and below Glines Canyon Dam. The Lake Mills seed bank was sampled along transects across Lake Mills. For all drift net samples there was a 90% reduction in seed abundance and 84% reduction in species richness below Glines Canyon Dam. The decline in seed abundance was seen at each of the three sampling times. Similar numbers of seeds were found in both floating and submerged nets, suggesting that buoyancy is not required for hydrochory in this system. Relatively few seeds germinated from the Lake Mills seed bank. There was no relationship between seed density and distance from the Lake Mills delta; however seed density declined with increasing water depth. Our results suggest that Glines Canyon Dam has reduced the rate of hydrochory in the Elwha River, which may cause fragmentation of the riparian flora and reduced diversity of riparian species below the dam.
On multiple error detection in matrix triangularizations using checksum methods

Abstract We introduced a unified checksum method for multiple transient error detection in three different matrix triangularizations: the LU decomposition, Gaussian elimination with pairwise pivoting, and the QR decomposition. We first develop the theoretical back-ground for multiple error detection in matrix triangularizations, and summarize the results by providing that we can detect all the transient errors that occur in a maximum of t different columns by introducing t checksum vectors. A floating-point error analysis, to determine the effects of the rounding errors in using the checksum method for multiple error detection and correction, is also presented.
Management of portal hypertension in children

Management of portal hypertension in children has evolved over the past several decades. Portal hypertension can result from intrahepatic or extrahepatic causes. Management should be tailored to the child based on the etiology of the portal hypertension and on the functionality of the liver. The most serious complication of portal hypertension is gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, which has a mortality of up to 30%. Initial treatment of bleeding focuses on stabilizing the patient. Further treatment measures may include endoscopic, medical, or surgical interventions as appropriate for the child, depending on the cause of the portal hypertension. β-Blockers have not been proven to effectively prevent primary or secondary variceal bleeding in children. Sclerotherapy and variceal band ligation can be used to stop active bleeding and can prevent bleeding from occurring. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and surgical shunts may be reserved for those who are not candidates for transplant or have refractory bleeding despite medical or endoscopic treatment.
A partial conversion of a gas-air fired television furnace to oxy-fuel combustion

Abstract Oxy-fuel became an attractive alternative to extend the furnace life of a television furnace which was experiencing severe plugging and collapsing of the checkers. The on-the-fly conversion was made by inserting oxy-fuel burners directly in the breastwalls and replacing the energy in the affected ports with oxy-fuel combustion. The burners used for the conversion were the Praxair L-burners. An additional advantage to the conversion was the substantial reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx). The NOx reduction was accomplished with only a portion of the furnace being fired on oxy-fuel burners. This paper describes the conversion and reviews the results of the conversion.
Kinetics of surface smoothing in uranium monocarbide single crystals

The relaxation of sinusoidal profiles to flatness on the (110) surfaces of nearly stoichiometric uranium monocarbide single crystals has been determined between 1800 and 2160° C in a helium atmosphere. From the wavelength dependence of the relaxation constants, it was established that the mass-transfer rate due to capillary forces is primarily controlled by volume diffusion in the lattice. The diffusion coefficient Dm associated with the relaxation process is given by the Arrhenius relation Dm = Do exp (−Q/RT), with Do=(3.6±2.0)×10−3 cm2/sec and the activation energy Q=72.2 ±2.9 kcal/mole. These values are compared with the published tracer and mass-transfer diffusion data on uranium monocarbide. Faceting of profiles occurred after annealing in helium on the (100) and (111) surfaces indicating the presence of cusps in the surface-energy plot at these orientations.
A Crank–Nicholson-based unconditionally stable time-domain algorithm for 2D and 3D problems

It has been shown that both ADI-FDTD and CN-FDTD are unconditionally stable. While the ADI is a second-order approximation, CN is only in the first order. However, analytical expressions reveal that the CN-FDTD has much smaller truncation errors and is more accurate than the ADI-FDTD. Nonetheless, it is more difficult to implement the CN than the ADI, especially for 3D problems. In this paper, we present an unconditionally stable time-domain method, CNRG-TD, which is based upon the Crank–Nicholson scheme and implemented with the Ritz–Galerkin procedure. We provide a physically meaningful stability proof, without resorting to tedious symbolic derivations. Numerical examples of the new method demonstrate high precision and high efficiency. In a 2D capacitance problem, we have enlarged the time step, Δt, 400 times of the CFL limit, yet preserved good accuracy. In the 3D antenna case, we use the time step, Δt, 7.6 times larger that that of the ADI-FDTD i.e., more than 38 times of the CFL limit, with excellent agreement of the benchmark solution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 261–265, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22101
Ocean tides for satellite geodesy

Spherical harmonic tidal solutions have been obtained at the frequencies of the 32 largest luni-solar tides using prior theory of the author. That theory was developed for turbulent, nonglobal, self-gravitating, and loading oceans possessing realistic bathymetry and linearized bottom friction; the oceans satisfy no-flow boundary conditions at coastlines. In this theory the eddy viscosity and bottom drag coefficients are treated as spatially uniform. Comparison of the predicted degree-2 components of the Mf, P1, and M2 tides with those from numerical and satellite-based tide models allows the ocean friction parameters to be estimated at long and short periods. Using the 32 tide solutions, the frequency dependence of tidal admittance is investigated, and the validity of sideband tide models used in satellite orbit analysis is examined. The implications of admittance variability for oceanic resonances are also explored.
Body Fat Distribution, Adipocyte Size, and Metabolic Characteristics of Nondiabetic Adults

Context: It is unclear whether adipocyte size or body fat distribution is most strongly linked to the metabolic complications of obesity. Objective: Our objective was to test whether adipocyte size better predicts metabolic characteristics of obesity than body composition. Design, Participants, and Setting: We analyzed the relationship between metabolic and anthropometric data collected from 432 largely Caucasian research volunteers (264 women) participating in studies conducted in the Mayo General Clinical Research Center between 1995 and 2008. Main Outcome Measures: Metabolic variables included fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride concentrations. Anthropometric variables included body composition, fat distribution, and sc abdominal and femoral adipocyte size. Results: Using both univariate and multivariate regression analysis, fasting triglyceride in both men and women was best predicted by computed tomography of visceral fat area. Fasting insulin concentrations were best predicted by sc ab...
Central nervous system cytokine mRNA expression following Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection

DA strain of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) produces a biphasic disease with an initial self-limited acute gray matter polioencephalomyelitis in all strains of mice followed by, in the case of certain susceptible strains of mice, a chronic inflammatory demyelination of the spinal cord with a persistent virus infection. A pathogenic role for T-helper 1 (Th1) cells during the demyelinating phase of disease has been proposed. We characterized the cytokine mRNA expression in the brain and spinal cord of susceptible and resistant strains of mice during the early encephalomyelitic disease and the late demyelination, using a semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. At the time of the encephalomyelitis, both resistant and susceptible mice expressed proinflammatory cytokine mRNAs followed by T-cell derived mRNAs; susceptible mice expressed more IL-12 p40 mRNA than resistant mice. During this early disease, there was no significant difference in Th1 cytokine mRNA expression in the brain and spinal cord among the four strains and relatively little Th2 type cytokine upregulation above levels seen in mock-infected controls. During the late demyelinating disease, susceptible but not resistant mice had evidence of viral genome and a continuous expression of Th1 type cytokine mRNAs. The expression of Th2 cytokine mRNAs varied among the different strains and did not correlate with susceptibility or resistance. The results indicate the complexity of cytokine mRNA expression following TMEV infection and the dependence of the expression on disease pathology, the time following infection and the genetics of the host.
Preconception maternal and paternal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and birth size: the LIFE study.

Background: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are developmental toxicants, but the impact of both maternal and paternal exposures on offspring birth size is largely unexplored.Objective: We exam...
A Large-Bandwidth, Cylindrical Offner Pulse Stretcher for a High-Average-Power, 15 Femtosecond Laser

We have designed and built an all-reflective pulse stretcher based on an Offner telescope. It uses cylindrical optics to simplify alignment and reduce aberrations. The stretch is ~1x105 with a bandwidth of 200 nm. The stretcher is to be part of a 10 Hz repetition rate, high-average-power, femtosecond laser. This new design compensates for dispersion in the laser by using gratings of different groove spacing in the stretcher and compressor and a spectral phase corrector plate, made by magneto-rheological finishing, within the stretcher.
A new signature for shape transitional regions

Abstract The 2-tracked empirical correlation between B (E2; 2 1 + → 0 1 + ) and E(4 1 + )/E(2 1 + ) values is shown to exemplify the different ways yrast transition rates and energy levels sample collectivity. Model calculations for transitional nuclei show that this correlation provides a simple new signature to distinguish the two principal classes of nuclear shape transitions.
Will the real Kasner metric please stand up

The Kasner metric is one of the more widely studied metrics. Its usefulness for the construction of cosmological models and its utility for certain studies of elementary particles has made it particularly attractive for exploitation. Because of its simplicity it has been “rediscovered” many times and is itself very closely related to metrics given several years earlier by Weyl, Levi-Civita, and Wilson. The form in which Kasner presented it has been virtually forgotten in favor of the dynamic form of the synchronous Bianchi I metric. Kasner metrics may be either static or dynamic. To each static metric there is acognate dynamic metric andvice versa, and the two are related by a complex coordinate transformation. The characterization of a Kasner metric is by means of a set of parameters. It is possible for these to take on complex values with interesting consequences, In the discussion a curious error in the original paper is rectified and some “new” Kasner metrics are presented. The discussion throughout is confined to the vacuum metric.
Assembling crystals from clusters

It is shown that the stability of a cluster can be substantially enhanced by changing its size and/or composition so as to take advantage of the electronic shell filling as well as close atomic packing. The interaction between two such clusters is found to be weak and can form the basis for synthesizing a new class of cluster-assembled crystals with uncommong properties.
A factor analysis of hall and Lindzey's ratings of personality theories

Abstract An R-type factor analysis of Hall and Lindzey's ratings of seventeen personality theories on eighteen variables was conducted. Both oblique and orthogonal rotation yielded similar structures. Five factors emerged, and they seemed potentially meaningful as a way to order and understand contemporary personality theories. A detailed comparison was made with a study by Taft which employed a Q-type cluster analysis. The principal difference between the two analyses was the emergence of a factor in this study which signifies the relative emphasis on learning in various theories of personality.
Glutathione and glutathione linked enzymes in human small cell lung cancer cell lines.

Abstract Glutathione levels and several glutathione-linked enzyme activities have been variably correlated with cisplatin chemosensitivity in cultured neoplastic cells. In order to determine the relative contribution of the glutathione-linked enzymes towards mediating inherent cisplatin resistance in cancer cells, we have measured the chemosensitivity to cisplatin, glutathione levels and activities of glutathione S -transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in 8 cultured human small cell lung cance (SCLC) cell lines with widely differing cisplatin sensitivities. Of these parameters, only glutathione S -transferase activity correlated with degree of cisplatin resistance in a linear fashion.
The ins and outs of Wingless signaling.

Abstract Signaling through the highly conserved Wingless/Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in a diverse array of developmental processes, many of which depend upon the precise regulation of Wingless/Wnt signaling levels. Recent evidence has indicated that the intracellular trafficking of Wingless/Wnt signaling components can result in significant changes in the level of signaling. Here, we examine three mechanisms through which intracellular trafficking might regulate Wingless signaling – the degradation of Wingless, its transport and the transduction of its signal. The intracellular trafficking of several Wingless/Wnt signaling components, including LRP5, LRP6, Dishevelled and Axin, as well as the functional implications of protein localization on Wingless/Wnt signaling, will be discussed.
Parental Smoking and Airway Reactivity in Healthy Infants

Parental tobacco smoking is associated with lower airway function and an increased incidence of wheezy respiratory illnesses in infants. We evaluated in 76 healthy infants whether exposure to parental tobacco smoking was associated with airway hyperreactivity, which could contribute to lower airway function and the increased wheezy illnesses. Airway function was measured using the raised-volume rapid thoracic compression technique, and airway reactivity was assessed by methacholine challenge (0.015–10 mg/ml), which was stopped for a more than 30% decrease in forced expiratory flow (FEF)75 or the final dose with a less than 30% decrease. Parental tobacco smoking was associated with lower baseline airway function (FEF50, 600 vs. 676 ml/second, p < 0.04; FEF25–75, 531 vs. 597 ml/second, p < 0.05). Infants exposed to tobacco smoking were approximately half as likely to develop a more than 30% decline in FEF75 at any given methacholine dose (hazard ratio = 0.4, p = 0.001). In addition, a history of asthma in a...
A series of impulse functions as a model for random detectability profiles

Abstract We model the detectability distribution as a series of impulse functions. The advantages of the presented work on previous related work is in the generality of the model and the simplicity of computing its parameters.
Radials, Rollovers and Responsibility: An Examination of the Ford-Firestone Case

In August of 2000, Firestone executives initiated the second largest tire recall in U.S. history. Many of the recalled tires had been installed as original factory equipment on the popular Ford Explorer SUVs. At the time of the recall, the tires and vehicles had been linked to numerous accidents and deaths, most of which occurred when tire blowouts resulted in vehicle rollovers. While Firestone's role in this case has been widely acknowledged, Ford executives have managed to deflect much of the attention away from themselves, mainly by claiming that the Firestone tires were not its product, and therefore not its responsibility. In this paper, we examine the extent to which Ford can be held morally responsible for the incidents at issue. In so doing, we develop an approach for determining when an item is a product in its own right, as opposed to a component of another product. We argue that such an analysis not only provides a better understanding of this case, but also more properly accounts for the extent to which evolutions in technology and business relationships can affect issues of moral responsibility in business contexts.
A reliable paper-strip method for the detection of phenylketonuria.

Summary A paper-strip method for detection of phenylketonuria has been found reliable and practical. Its routine use at the time of the first and second well baby visit is suggested.
Field estimation of competition intensity

There is no need to document the central position competition theory has long held in ecology. Since Gause’s (Gause and Witt. 1934) early work. the concept of sufficient ecological differences between coexisting species has been repeatedly discussed and its implications for community structure and dynamics vigorously explored. Since MacArthur’s (1959) work on warblers of northeastern forests there has been an explosive growth in research describing and discussing the nearly ubiquitous separation of niches. But without a reliable technique for quantitatively measuring competition intensity among real populations, the use of existing data to test existing theory is often difficult or of questionable value. Witness to the general realization of this dilemma are the various, diverse efforts aimed at extracting the elusive competition coefficient from field data. The niche overlap approach of MacArthur (1968. 1972) remains the most popular means of measuring interspecific competition intensity (generally referred to as the competition coefftcient, a). Simplifications (because many of the parameters are difficult to evaluate in the field) and elaborations of the approach have been proposed and applied to a variety of questions by Abrams (1976a, 1976b), Brown and Lieberman (1973), Culver (1970). Gilpin (1974). Levins (1968), MacArthur (1970), MacArthur and Levins (1967). May (1974. 1975a, 1975b, 1976). May and MacArthur (1972). Orians and Horn (1969). Pianka (1969. 1974. 1975. 1976). Roughgarden t 1974. 1976). and Schoener (1968, 1974a). This approach. however. has a number of weaknesses. including uncertainty as to which resources are limiting and should be used to define the competition gradient(s) (Colwell and Futuyma, 1971; Pianka, 1976), how to deal with the interdependence of limiting factors and multiple dimensionality of the (limiting) resource space (Cody, 1973; May, 1975a), the assumption that competition is purely exploitative (Schoener, 1974b), its reliance on the specific nature of the underlying population equations and assumptions of equilibrium (see MacArthur’s 1972 derivation). Finally, theoretical derivations of niche-overlap measures of competition intensity neglect the 275 0040-5809!8 1!030275-13SO2.00.0
Leaflet extension in rheumatic mitral valve reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: Type IIIa mitral regurgitation (MR) due to rheumatic leaflet restriction often renders valve repair challenging and may predict a less successful repair. However, the utilization of leaflet mobilization and extension with the pericardium to increase the surface of coaptation may achieve satisfactory results. We reviewed our experience with leaflet extension in rheumatic mitral repair with emphasis on the technique and mid-term results. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2010, 62 of 446 rheumatic patients had leaflet extension with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium as part of their mitral repair procedure. Their clinical and echocardiographic data were prospectively analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of the rheumatic patients was 20.2 ± 11.7 years; range 3–60 years. Fourty-eight (77.4%) patients had predominant MR, while 22.6% had mixed mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation (MS/MR). Leaflet extension was performed in the posterior, anterior and both leaflets in 77, 13 and 10% of patients, respectively. Additional repair procedures included neo-chordal replacement, chordal transfer/shortening/fenestration/resection, commissurotomy and papillary muscle splitting. All repairs were stabilized with annuloplasty rings. The follow-up was complete in all patients with a mean follow-up of 36.5 ± 25.6 months. There was no mortality in this series. At the latest follow-up, the MR grade was none/trivial in 64.5 of patients, mild in 22.6, moderate in 6.5, moderately severe in 4.8 and severe in 1.6%. Two patients had redo mitral surgery. At 5 years postoperatively, the estimated rates of freedom from reoperation and valve failure were 96.8 and 91.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Repair with leaflet extension in rheumatic disease resulted in good early and mid-term outcomes. A wider utilization of this technique may increase the feasibility and durability of repair in complex rheumatic mitral valve disease.
Cell density functions and effective channel code rates for quantizers with uniform decoders and channel optimized encoders

This paper describes cell density and effective channel code rates for quantizers with uniform decoders and channel-optimized encoders. In particular, the natural binary code index assignment is investigated which is called as modified natural code. The occurrences of empty encoding cells in such quantizers compute their effective channel code rate. Also the high-resolution distributions of the encoding cells are examined and the mean squared errors the quantizers achieve.