cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Vickrey-Clarke-Groves versus the Simultaneous Ascending Auction: An Experimental Approach

In private values settings, the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism leads to efficient auction outcomes, while the theoretical properties of the Simultaneous Ascending (SA) auction are not well understook. This leads us to compare the properties of an SA and a VCG auction in an experimental setting with multiple objects having complementarities.
Lincoln Looks West: From the Mississippi to the Pacific

Review of: "Lincoln Looks West: From the Mississippi to the Pacific," edited by Richard W. Etulain.
Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease and Risk Factors in Persons Aged 60 and Older: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study objectives were to examine the prevalence of PAD and associated risk factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional nationally representative health examination survey. SETTING: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 3,947 men and women aged 60 and older who received a lower extremity examination. MEASUREMENTS: The main outcome was PAD, defined as an ankle-brachial blood pressure index of less than 0.9 in either leg. RESULTS: In older U.S. adults, PAD prevalence was 12.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.9–13.5%). PAD prevalence increased with age. PAD prevalence was 7.0% (95% CI = 5.6–8.4%) for those aged 60 to 69, 12.5% (95% CI = 10.4–14.6%), and 23.2% (95% CI = 19.8–26.7%) for those aged 70 to 79 and 80 and older. Age-adjusted estimates show that non-Hispanic black men and women and Mexican-American women had a higher prevalence of PAD than non-Hispanic white men and women (19.2%, 95% CI = 13.7–24.6%; 19.3%, 95% CI = 13.3–25.2%; and 15.6%, 95% CI = 12.7–18.6%, respectively). The results of the fully adjusted model show that current smoking (OR = 5.48, 95% CI = 3.60–8.35), previous smoking (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.39–2.69), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.12–2.91), low kidney function (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.58–4.56), mildly decreased kidney function (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.22–2.38), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein greater than 3.0 mg/L (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.24–5.85), treated but not controlled hypertension (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.40–2.72), and untreated hypertension (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.13–2.50) were all significantly associated with prevalent PAD. CONCLUSION: PAD prevalence increases with age and is associated with treatable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 bifunctionally regulates murine macrophage proliferation

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a family of polypeptide growth factors with multiple functional activities. Recent studies suggest that TGF-beta is a selective inhibitor of hematopoietic cells. In this report, we study the effect of TGF-beta 1 on the proliferation of murine peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEM) in response to purified murine recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rMuGM-CSF) and human recombinant M-CSF (rHuM-CSF). In mice, PEM and other types of tissue macrophages display multiple types of receptors for CSFs and respond to them, either alone or in combination, to undergo extensive proliferation in vitro. Recombinant human TGF-beta 1 (rHuTGF-beta 1) (0.1 to 1.0 ng/mL) markedly enhanced the growth of PEM in response to rMuGM-CSF but inhibited their responsiveness to rHuM-CSF. Similar effects of rHuTGF-beta 1 were also detected using murine pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Receptor binding assays using iodinated rMuGM-CSF and rHuM-CSF showed that rHuTGF-beta 1 treatment greatly enhanced the expression of GM-CSF receptors in PEM, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, suggesting a possible mechanism for the synergistic effect of TGF-beta 1. On the other hand, the expression of M-CSF receptors was not affected by TGF-beta 1 treatment. Analysis by mRNA PCR showed that the synergistic effect of TGF-beta 1 is not due to autocrine CSFs produced by treated cells. Our results suggest that TGF-beta 1 is an important regulator of macrophage proliferation. Depending on the types of CSFs present, TGF-beta 1 may act either as a growth promoter or inhibitor.
Ion Collision, Theory*

The outcome of a collision between an ion and neutral species depends on the chemical and physical properties of the two reactants, their relative velocities, and the impact parameter of their trajectories. These include elastic and inelastic scattering of the colliding particles, charge transfer (including dissociative charge transfer), atom abstraction, complex formation and dissociation of the colliding ion. Each of these reactions may be characterized in terms of their energy-dependent rate coefficients, cross sections and reaction kinetics. A theoretical framework that emphasizes simple models and classical mechanics is presented for these processes. Collision processes are addressed in two categories of low-energy and high-energy collisions. Experiments under thermal or quasi-thermal conditions–swarms, drift tubes, chemical ionization and ion cyclotron resonance are strongly influenced by long-range forces and often involve collisions in which atom exchange and extensive energy exchange are common characteristics. High-energy collisions are typically impulsive, involve short-range intermolecular forces and are direct, fast processes.
Intense proton beam source for iter neutral-beam spectroscopy diagnostics

An intense proton beam has been developed to evaluate a gas-cell neutralizer for use in an intense-neutral beam source for Tokomak Spectroscopy diagnostics. The allowed energy range of the proton stream is determined to be 50 to 70 keV from neutralization and reionization cross-sections and from the alpha particle charge exchange recombination intensity as a function of energy (baseline diagnostic). The neutralization evaluation source uses a flashover anode, magnetized, ion-diode. Neutral probes sensitive to energetic atomic and molecular hydrogen, developed to evaluate neutralizer performance, show neutral fluence from the ion-diode during the beam pulse. An array of Rogowski current probes, used to study the evolution of the current path, suggests that expansion of the anode plasma along the radial insulating magnetic field leads to impedance collapse.
Challenging Hegemony: Political Islam and the North-South Divide

The North–South divide has remained a major fissure in the international system since the days of European colonialism. Even though it was an important feature of the system during the post-World War II years, its significance was not adequately appreciated for more than four decades because of the political and academic obsession with the Cold War, especially with the balance of terror that appeared to threaten the very existence of all of humanity. Nonetheless, the divisions between North and South manifested themselves in various forms during the Cold War era. They did so in the continuing confrontation between North and South over residual issues of colonialism, racism, and apartheid. They were evident in the attempt by the G-77 to improve the terms of economic exchange between North and South, especially through the unsuccessful attempt to create a New International Economic Order (NIEO). They were demonstrated in the activities of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that embodied the South's attempt not only to steer clear of Cold War alliances but also to project a united front within the UN and outside on issues that divided North from South. Finally, the North–South division was plainly obvious in the attempt by resource rich and strategically situated countries of the South to take charge of their natural resources, such as oil, and strategic waterways, such as the Suez Canal, that despite de-colonization remained largely under the control of Northern powers or firms based in the North. Most such attempts either failed or succeeded only partially because of the weakness of individual Southern countries, many of whom were dependent on Northern powers for the security of their states or, more often, of their regimes. Most Southern states were also economically dependent on Northern markets for the sale of the raw materials they produced, for the import …
Spline Approximation and Computer-Aided Design

Publisher Summary In today's jargon, much of the normal role of the computer in engineering science comes under the heading of “batched processing,” even though batched processing often entails the use of highly sophisticated analysis and computer programs. The distinction between computer-aided design and batched processing is that in batched processing the input data is provided, the computer is utilized, and then the output of the computer—either in printed or graphic form—is analyzed before further use of the computer is required, whereas the heart of computer-aided design is the direct interaction of man and machine. This chapter is restricted to the consideration of programs dealing primarily with geometric figures not representable in any simple form and programs that do not choose to distinguish between the majority and a small minority of figures that could be more easily represented. The main disadvantage is that many nodal points may be needed to adequately approximate many common figures—a circle, for instance. Using a relatively small number of nodal points, the approximation of such figures by polygonal lines is likely to be unsatisfactory, the approximation of their tangent vector poor, and the approximation of curvature vectors nonexistent.
Force and impact control for robot manipulators using time delay

A new approach to the interaction control of systems with unknown dynamics has been developed by combining natural admittance control (NAC) with time delay control (TDC). The proposed nonlinear controller does not require specific knowledge of the system's dynamics or the environment nor does it necessitate the estimation of system parameters, except inertia, rendering it easy to implement. It rejects unmodeled dynamics, nonlinearities and disturbances without difficult characterization process while preserving the desired dynamics. The simulation results demonstrate not only good external disturbance rejection, robustness to parameter changes and insensitivity to noise, but also demonstrate good trajectory following providing good rejection of internal Coulomb friction. This novel control technique is also used to develop a nonlinear bang-bang impact controller (NBBIC) for stabilization of a robot manipulator upon collision with a stiff environment. It uses the above-mentioned NAC/TDC control algorithm with negative force feedback to absorb impact forces and stabilize the system. This control input alternates with zero when no environment force is sensed due to loss of contact. This alternation of control action repeats until the impact transient subsides and steady state is established. After impact transient, proportional-derivative force control is used. It is shown via simulations that NBBIC provides stable interaction between the robot with severe nonlinear joint friction and a stiff environment and achieves rapid response while minimizing force overshoots.
Determinants of the Timing of Quarterly Earnings Announcements

Previous empirical research provides descriptive evidence on the timing pattern of earnings announcements but does not attempt to investigate potential explanations. Because some stakeholders are n...
Side Effects of Yttrium-90 Radioembolization

Limited therapeutic options are available for hepatic malignancies. Image guided targeted therapies have established their role in management of primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. Radioembolization with yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres is safe and efficacious for treatment of hepatic malignancies. The tumoricidal effect of radioembolization is predominantly due to radioactivity and not ischemia. This article will present a comprehensive review of the side effects that have been associated with radioembolization using 90Y microspheres. Some of the described side effects are associated with all transarterial procedures. Side effects specific to radioembolization will also be discussed in detail. Methods to decrease the incidence of these potential side effects will also be discussed.
Technetium-99m pertechnetate uptake and scanning in the evaluation of thyroid function.

Technetium-99m as pertechnetate is accumulated by the thyroid but not appreciably organified. In this study, a method of determining thyroidal uptake from the scintiscan is described. The mean uptake in euthyroid individuals as measured by this method was 1.73±0.85% with a normal range of 0.50–4.00%. Uptake was not affected by organic blocking agents. In a comparison of the overall accuracy of pertechnetate and 24-hr radioiodine uptakes, the pertechnetate uptake was slightly superior, with only 5.9% errors in 488 patients. Radioiodine uptakes were in error in 7.8% of 270 individuals. In hyperthyroid patients, the accuracy of the pertechnetate uptake was 89.6% while the radioiodine uptake had an accuracy of 75.0%. Both uptake determinations were highly inaccurate in hypothyroidism.
Humoral antibody response in mice after single dose exposure to lead or cadmium.

Mice were given single doses of 4 mg of lead or 0.15 mg of cadmium, either intraperitoneally (IP) or orally by intubation. Eight hours later all mice were inoculated IP with 0.2 ml of a 2 percent suspension of sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Mice from each group were killed on days 3-6 to measure primary immune response (19s or IgM antibody) and on days 8-11 for the secondary response (7s or IgG antibody) after a second inoculation of SRBC on day 7. Lead administered orally or IP stimulated IgM antibody. Cadmium caused an increase in IgM when injected IP but resulted in a slight decrease when given orally. Lead, orally or IP, significantly reduced IgG antibody, but the IgG response decreased only when cadmium was given orally, and increased when injected IP. (JTE)
Lanthanide nitrate complexes of octamethylpyrophosphoramide

Abstract The syntheses and physical properties of the crystalline compounds [Ln(OMPA) 2 (NO 3 ) 3 ] (Ln = Gd, Er, Yb) are reported. For most of the complexes, the i.r. and Raman spectra, molar conductivities, mol. wt., and X-ray powder patterns are reported. I.R. spectra of these complexes indicate that in the solid state, the complexes contain coordinated nitrate, and in all cases, coordination through the oxygen atom of OMPA is observed. Both the composition of these compounds and the X-ray data clearly indicate the existence of two isomorphous series of OMPA complexes.
GERONTOLOGICAL INTEREST AND OPINIONS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

The purpose of this study was (1) to examine and analyze the opinions and interests in geriatrics, gerontology, and older people of physicians, registered nurses, and dentists; and (2) to make comparisons of the expressed interests and opinions between the three groups of practitioners. The instrument consisted of two parts, demographic information and 22 questions regarding the interest and training in geriatrics/gerontology and opinions of the health needs of the elderly. From the results obtained in this study implications for the future training of health care providers are discussed.
Characterization of the Acyl-CoA Synthetase Activity of Purified Murine Fatty Acid Transport Protein 1 *

Fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) is an ∼63-kDa plasma membrane protein that facilitates the influx of fatty acids into adipocytes as well as skeletal and cardiac myocytes. Previous studies with FATP1 expressed in COS1 cell extracts suggested that FATP1 exhibits very long chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) activity and that such activity may be linked to fatty acid transport. To address the enzymatic activity of the isolated protein, murine FATP1 and ACS1 were engineered to contain a C-terminal Myc-His tag expressed in COS1 cells via adenoviral-mediated infection and purified to homogeneity using nickel affinity chromatography. Kinetic analysis of the purified enzymes was carried out for long chain palmitic acid (C16:0) and very long chain lignoceric acid (C24:0) as well as for ATP and CoA. FATP1 exhibited similar substrate specificity for fatty acids 16–24 carbons in length, whereas ACS1 was 10-fold more active on long chain fatty acids relative to very long chain fatty acids. The very long chain acyl-CoA synthetase activity of the two enzymes was comparable as were the Km values for both ATP and coenzyme A. Interestingly, FATP1 was insensitive to inhibition by triacsin C, whereas ACS1 was inhibited by micromolar concentrations of the compound. These data represent the first characterization of purified FATP1 and indicate that the enzyme is a broad substrate specificity acyl-CoA synthetase. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that that fatty acid uptake into cells is linked to their esterification with coenzyme A.
Effect of nicotinic acid on pool size and turnover of taurocholic acid in normal and hypothyroid dogs.

SummaryThe rate of disappearance of taurocholic-14C acid from bile was studied in a group of dogs after oral administration of cholic-carboxyl-14C acid. The specific activity of taurocholic acid was determined in multiple small samples of bile by quantitative thin-layer chromatography and liquid scintillation counting; biologic half-life, pool size, and turnover of taurocholic acid were calculated. Hypothyroidism, induced in 2 dogs by administration of 131I and propylthiouracil, increased the plasma cholesterol concentration and resulted in a prolonged half-life, an increased pool size, and an increased turnover of taurocholic acid. Nicotinic acid did not alter the dynamics of the metabolism of taurocholic acid in either the normal or the hypothyroid dogs, despite its marked hypo-cholesterolemic effect in the hypothyroid dog.
A modal solution for wave propagation in finite shells of revolution

Wave propagation in finite length revolving shells, describing advantages of modal superposition method generated by finite element computer program
Locus of control, interpersonal trust, and autonomic responding during visual orienting

Abstract Heart rate and electrodermal responding were monitored while subjects scoring high or low on the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale (I-E Scale) and high or low on the Interpersonal Trust Scale (IPTS) viewed 10 repeated presentations of a visual orienting stimulus. Collapsing over all 10 stimulus trials, subjects scoring at the External end of the I-E displayed a significant decrease in heart rate change. During the first trial of stimulus presentation, subjects who were External on the I-E and low on the IPTS displayed an immediate decrease in heart rate that reached its lowest point 2 sec after stimulus onset. In contrast, all other groups of subjects displayed an initial slight increase in heart rate during the first few seconds of the first stimulus, followed by a decrease in heart rate that reached its nadir between 4 and 6 sec after stimulus onset. The electrodermal results were similar to those obtained for the heart rate variable. It is suggested that Externals are more attentive to nonsignal environmental stimuli than Internals and that subjects low in interpersonal trust are more perceptually vigilant than those high in interpersonal trust.
A finite element model of persistent slip band interaction with strengthened surface films during low cycle fatigue

Abstract Hardened surface layers such as those produced by ion implantation can inhibit the emergence of persistent slip bands (PSBs) at the free surface during low cycle fatigue, thereby extending crack initiation life. They have little effect, however, on bulk PSB formation. PSBs nucleated in the interior eventually impinge on the underside of the surface layer, producing localized cyclic shear strains in the film which lead to film rupture and rapid crack initiation. As a result, increases in fatigue life are modest. The present finite element model analysis shows that PSBs carrying plastic strains characteristic of fatigued f.c.c. metals produce stresses in an elastic surface layer which may exceed 1% of the surface film shear modulus. The detailed results are consistent with phenomenological data on surface damage accumulation during low cycle fatigue of ion-beam-modified nickel. Implications for the design of surface microalloys for inhibition of fatigue crack initiation are discussed.
Efficient Infection of a Human B Cell Line with Cell-Free Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is causatively linked to two B cell lymphoproliferative disorders, multicentric Castleman's disease and primary effusion lymphoma. Latently infected B cells are a major KSHV reservoir, and virus activation from tonsillar B cells can result in salivary shedding and virus transmission. Paradoxically, human B cells (primary and continuous) are notoriously refractory to infection, thus posing a major obstacle to the study of KSHV in this cell type. By performing a strategic search of human B cell lymphoma lines, we found that MC116 cells were efficiently infected by cell-free KSHV. Upon exposure to recombinant KSHV.219, enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter expression was detected in 17 to 20% of MC116 cells. Latent-phase transcription and protein synthesis were detected by reverse transcription-PCR and detection of latency-associated nuclear antigen expression, respectively, in cell lysates and individual cells. Selection based on the puromycin resistance gene in KSHV.219 yielded cultures with all cells infected. After repeated passaging of the selected KSHV-infected cells without puromycin, latent KSHV was maintained in a small fraction of cells. Infected MC116 cells could be induced into lytic phase with histone deacetylase inhibitors, as is known for latently infected non-B cell lines, and also selectively by the B cell-specific pathway involving B cell receptor cross-linking. Lytic-phase transition was documented by red fluorescent protein reporter expression, late structural glycoprotein (K8.1A, gH) detection, and infectious KSHV production. MC116 cells were CD27(-)/CD10(+), characteristic of transitional B cells. These findings represent an important step in the establishment of an efficient continuous B cell line model to study the biologically relevant steps of KSHV infection. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes two serious pathologies of B cells, the antibody-producing cells of the immune system. B cells are a major reservoir for KSHV persistence in the body. Paradoxically, in the laboratory, B cells are extremely difficult to infect with KSHV; this problem greatly hinders scientific analysis of B cell infection. We describe our search for and successful identification of a stable human B cell line that can be efficiently infected by KSHV. Upon infection of these cells, the virus goes into a quiet latent phase, a characteristic feature of many herpesvirus infections. The virus can be triggered to enter an active lytic phase by treatments known to stimulate normal B cell functions. These findings suggest that the new B cell line will be a valuable model in which to study KSHV infection of this major target cell type.
Modulation of cytoplasmic dynein ATPase activity by the accessory subunits.

The microtubule-based motor molecule cytoplasmic dynein has been proposed to be regulated by a variety of mechanisms, including phosphorylation and specific interaction with the organelle-associated complex, dynactin. In this study, we examined whether the intermediate chain subunits of cytoplasmic dynein are involved in modulation of ATP hydrolysis, and thereby affect motility. Treatment of testis cytoplasmic dynein under hypertonic salt conditions resulted in separation of the intermediate chains from the remainder of the dynein molecule, and led to a 4-fold enhancement of ATP hydrolysis. This result suggests that the accessory subunits act as negative regulators of dynein heavy chain activity. Comparison of ATPase activities of dyneins with differing intermediate chain isoforms showed significant differences in basal ATP hydrolysis rates, with testis dynein 7-fold more active than dynein from brain. Removal of the intermediate chain subunits led to an equalization of ATPase activity between brain and testis dyneins, suggesting that the accessory subunits are responsible for the observed differences in tissue activity. Finally, our preparative procedures have allowed for the identification and purification of a 1:1 complex of dynein with dynactin. As this interaction is presumed to be mediated by the dynein intermediate chain subunits, we now have defined experimental conditions for further exploration of dynein enzymatic and motility regulation. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 48:52–60, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A modified model referenced adaptive control technique for nonlinear dynamic systems

It has been shown that the model referenced adaptive control (MRAC) scheme developed by Dubowsky and DesForges (1979) is effective for controlling nonlinear systems provided that the adjusting mechanism, which modifies the control gains, is selected properly. This study presents a modified MRAC Scheme that includes a technique for effectively designing the adjusting mechanism. A fundamental understanding of the relationship between the control process and the adjusting mechanism is developed. Next, this knowledge is used to establish a systematic procedure for designing the adjusting mechanism through an optimization process. Simulation results for the UCLA arm are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the method.
Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function Is Associated with Longitudinal Growth Velocity in Children and Adolescents

Context: Periods of rapid growth require an increase in energy use and substrate formation. Mitochondrial function contributes to each of these and therefore may play a role in longitudinal growth. Methods: Twenty-nine children and adolescents of ages 8–15 yr were enrolled in a comprehensive longitudinal assessment of glucose homeostasis and mitochondrial function. Fasting laboratory studies and an estimate of mitochondrial function (as assessed by the time to recovery of phosphocreatine (PCr) concentration after submaximal quadriceps extension/flexion exercise using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were obtained at baseline and annually for 2 yr. Results: Data were complete for 23 subjects. Subjects were 11.3 ± 1.9 (sd) yr old at the beginning of the study; 61% were male. Average annualized growth velocity at 1 yr for boys was 7.1 ± 1.5 cm/yr and for girls 6.5 ± 1.7 cm/yr. More rapid recovery of PCr concentration, suggestive of greater skeletal muscle oxidative phosphorylation capacity at baseline, w...
Comparative Susceptibility of Deschutes River, Oregon, Tubifex tubifex Populations to Myxobolus cerebralis

Abstract Dams along the Deschutes River (DR) in central Oregon have blocked fish migration for over 40 years. Reestablishment of anadromous fish runs above the dams as part of a fish passage plan may introduce fish pathogens, such as Myxobolus cerebralis, the myxozoan parasite that causes salmonid whirling disease. This parasite is carried by adult salmon that stray into the DR system during their return to enzootic areas of the upper Columbia River basin, and it is now known to be established in at least one lower DR tributary. The life cycle of M. cerebralis involves two obligate hosts: a salmonid and the oligochaete worm Tubifex tubifex. To determine the likelihood of parasite establishment above the DR dams, we conducted benthic sediment surveys between 1999 and 2007 and found that T. tubifex had a patchy distribution and low relative abundance. Mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA gene analysis indicated that two lineages of T. tubifex (III and VI) were present both above and below the dams. Laboratory su...
Dimuon and trimuon final states in deep inelastic muon scattering

32 dimuon and 11 trimuon events are observed in deep inelastic muon interactions at 150 GeV. The rate of diumuon production is greater than 5 x 10/sup -4/ that of inclusive muon scattering. High-inelasticity trimuons occur at a rate one order of magnitude lower. These events are more numerous and the extra muons have qualitatively different production characteristics than muons expected from conventional sources.
History and kinematics of Cenozoic extension in the northern Toiyabe Range, Lander County, Nevada

Since earliest Oligocene time, ∼15 km of extension has occurred along a major gently dipping normal fault system and a younger more steeply dipping system of normal faults in the northern Toiyabe Range in central Nevada. The Bernd Canyon fault is the structurally lowest of the gently dipping faults in this area. It dips 12°-28° west and is similar to well-known detachment faults. Paleozoic rocks in the hanging wall are cut by subsidary gently dipping normal faults and are tilted 40° to more than 90° to the east. The early Oligocene intracaldera tuff of Hall Creek is the oldest Cenozoic unit present in the hanging wall and is tilted 28°-58° eastward. Successively younger units have systematically decreasing dips and record a history of progressive, possibly episodic, extension. Bedding in greenschist-grade lower Paleozoic rocks in the footwall of the Bernd Canyon fault intersects the fault at angles of 5° to 25° and is arched across the range. Unlike many other detachment faults, the Bernd Canyon fault contains early Oligocene and younger volcanic and sedimentary units in the footwall that may be correlated to units in the hanging wall, and they record a similar tilting history. Sequential untilting of successively older Tertiary units suggests that the Bernd Canyon fault was initiated at a dip of 50°-60° and was rotated to a dip of ∼25°-30° during progressive extension before being cut and further rotated by younger faults. Restoration of Tertiary units also suggests that the doming of Paleozoic units across the range is a Tertiary feature and that associated low bedding-to-fault angles in the footwall of the Bernd Canyon fault are the result of penetrative inhomogeneous simple shear deformation of the footwall. Including faults outside the area of detailed study, ∼20 km of east-west extension occurred across a domain that is now ∼45 km long (north-south) by ∼35 km wide (east-west). Extension apparently began in earliest Oligocene time, before or perhaps synchronously with, the onset of volcanism, and it continued into the Pliocene epoch. Tilt directions of Oligocene volcanic rocks, calcite veining near the detachment, and elongate fossils in footwall units indicate that the extension direction on the detachment and related faults may have been nearly east-west to possibly east-northeast-west-southwest. Changing tilt directions in younger rocks suggest that the extension direction switched to west-northwest-east-southeast at some time. Palinspastic restoration of normal faults also suggests that Oligocene basins were initially bounded by high-angle faults and had topographically elevated footwalls. The restoration implies that the styles of Miocene to Recent "basin and range" faulting and pre-Miocene "pre-basin and range" faulting are closely similar.
A Simple Transversely Isotropic Hyperelastic Constitutive Model Suitable for Finite Element Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Elastomers

A transversely isotropic fiber reinforced elastomer's hyperelasticity is characterized using a series of constitutive tests (uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression, simple shear, and constrained compression test). A suitable transversely isotropic hyperelastic invariant based strain energy function is proposed and methods for determining the material coefficients are shown. This material model is implemented in a finite element analysis by creating a user subroutine for a commercial finite element code and then used to analyze the material tests. A useful set of constitutive material data for multiple modes of deformation is given. The proposed strain energy function fits the experimental data reasonably well over the strain region of interest. Finite element analysis of the material tests reveals further insight into the materials constitutive nature. The proposed strain energy function is suitable for finite element use by the practicing engineer for small to moderate strains. The necessary material coefficients can be determined from a few simple laboratory tests.
Texture in solid-state reactions

The crystallography and texture of solid-state reactions have been studied using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The crystallography of both the reaction interfaces and the grain boundaries plays an important role in the kinetics of the formation of the reaction products. The growth of the reaction products is dependent upon the transport of ions through the material, which is, in turn, affected by both the orientation of the reactants and by grain boundaries in the reactants and in the reaction products. In order to predict or control the behavior of the reactions, the crystallography of all the interfaces present in the reaction must be more fully understood. In the present study, MgIn2O4 was formed by the reaction between a single-crystal MgO substrate and a thin film of In2O3 with and without an applied electric field.
Do Ant Brood Pheromones Exist

A brood pheromone is a chemical or mixture of chemicals released by immature stages that elicits a behavioral response in conspecific adults. The current literature devoted to brood pheromones in several ant species does not prove the existence of such a pheromone or even of brood-specific chemicals. The possibility of a food response or a nestmate recognition response, two of the most confounding factors, has not been eliminated. Two alternative hypotheses involving brood behavior, morphology, cuticular chemicals, and associative learning are proposed.
Photosynthetic response to temperature and desiccation of the intertidal alga Mastocarpus papillatus

When exposed to air during low tide, intertidal macroalgae experience a terrestrial environment and often encounter extreme levels of heating and desiccation. Two aspects of photosynthesis may be influenced by this increase in temperature and decrease in water content during exposure to air: (1) the rate of aerial photosynthesis itself, and (2) the rate at which aquatic photosynthesis recovers upon immersion in water at high tide. This laboratory study examines the effect of air temperature and desiccation on photosynthesis of the intertidal macroalga Mastocarpus papillatus Kutzing. Plants were collected at Hopkins Marine Station, California, USA (36°37′N; 121°54′W) between July and December 1990. When apical tips were exposed to 15 to 25°C air for 2 h, photosynthesis was rapidly recovered upon reimmersion in seawater. Recovery was delayed, but complete, when tissue was exposed to 30°C air, but did not occur after exposure to 35°C air. Desiccation did not influence either the rate or the ultimate level of recovery upon reimmersion. Photosynthesis in air generally decreased with increasing desication, with no net photosynthesis occurring below 25% relative water content. Net photosynthesis of hydrated thalli increased with air temperature from 15 to 30°C, then decreased at 35°C. Dark respiration of hydrated thalli increased over the entire temperature range. This study indicates that thallus heating and desiccation during periods of exposure to air can potentially influence the total carbon budget of M. papillatus.
Demand and continuous flow intermittent mandatory ventilation systems

A mechanical lung was used to evaluate the pressure and flow characteristics of four demand and two continuous flow intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) systems. The amount of negative pressure required to initiate inspiratory flow and peak expiratory resistance were measured. The inspiratory pressure required to initiate flow in the demand mode was also compared to pressures generated in the assist mode. In addition, the peak expiratory resistance was measured with four commercially available exhalation valves. Results showed that the ventilator manometer measuring internal machine pressures significantly underestimated the amount of negative pressure required to open the demand valve (p
Structural analysis on 750kV double circuit and single circuit compact towers

Based on compact towers already built in China and other countries, structural projects of 750kV compact towers are confirmed. As for 750kV double circuit and single circuit compact towers, structural calculation and economical analysis are carried out on two aspects, steel tubes and high strength angles. Suitable structural projects are recommended correspondingly. Test and research on padding plates of Q420 cross-section combined angle steels are achieved, which might be useful for engineering design.
Comparison of field variables for critical phenomena description

Abstract We report the findings of the reanalysis of critical phenomena which occur in three different multicomponent systems found in the literature. Multicomponent systems allow for the description of critical phenomena in terms of more than one field variable as the critical curve is approached in the multidimensional phase space. We show empirically that one field variable provides the most relevant description of the critical phenomena over all the others. This relevant field variable displays universality in both the critical exponents and amplitudes. The key feature of this relevant field variable is that its variation toward the critical curve is along paths that are never tangent to the critical curve.
Effect of starvation on the distribution of free and membrane-bound ribosomes in rat liver and on the content of phospholipid and glycogen in purified ribosomes

The distribution of free and membrane-bound ribosomes in liver in response to starvation has not been clearly defined. An investigation has been made of the effects of starvation on the content of DNA, RNA, protein, phospholipid and glycogen in rat liver, on the distribution of free and membrane-bound ribosomes, and on the content of phospholipid and glycogen in free and bound ribosome fractions. The results indicate that starvation can produce up to a 50% reduction in hepatic ribosomes without altering either the fraction of rRNA relative to the total RNA or the distribution of free and membrane-bound ribosomes. In addition, the degree of contamination of isolated ribosomes with membranous material does not fluctuate with changes in the nutritional status of the animal. The results suggest that the relative capacities for protein synthesis among the two ribosome compartments are maintained during the early stages of starvation. Further, co-sedimentation with glycogen is not responsible for the presence of membranous materials in purified ribosomes.
When human networks collide: the degree distributions of hyper-networks

The study of service value networks adds a new dimension of investigation to industrial systems: human networks. Existing literature shows humans hyper-network to co-create value within and outside of the traditional structures of an organization or an extended enterprise—such as social networking for innovation and e-commerce for supply chain. Since human networks tend to be composite and multi-dimensional, they need new results to understand how networks collide during economic activities and what new coalesced networks will result. The hyper-network model uniquely describes this multi-layered evolving nature of human networks and reveals some of the basic networking properties either directly from the initial community base networks or directly from the colliding single networks. This article answers an important question about service value networks: What are the connection patterns of a network of networks, such as the distribution of the number of connections at a node—the degree distribution? We de...
Merger of structure and material in nacre and bone - Perspectives on de novo biomimetic materials

In contrast to synthetic materials, evolutionary developments in biology have resulted in materials with remarkable structural properties, made out of relatively weak constituents, arranged in complex hierarchical patterns. For instance, nacre from seashells is primarily made of a fragile ceramic, yet it exhibits superior levels of strength and toughness. Structural features leading to this performance consist of a microstructure organized in a hierarchical fashion, and the addition of a small volume fraction of biopolymers. A key to this mechanical performance is the cohesion and sliding of wavy ceramic tablets. Another example is bone, a structural biological material made of a collagen protein phase and nanoscopic mineral platelets, reaching high levels of toughness and strength per weight. The design and fabrication of de novo synthetic materials that aim to utilize the deformation and hardening mechanism of biological materials such as bone or nacre is an active area of research in mechanics of materials. In this review, our current knowledge on microstructure and mechanics of nacre and bone are described, and a review of the fabrication of nacre-inspired artificial and related materials is presented. Both experimental and simulation approaches are discussed, along with specific examples that illustrate the various approaches. We conclude with a broader discussion of the interplay of size effects and hierarchies in defining mechanical properties of biological materials.
Multiphoton microscope imaging: The behavior of neural progenitor cells in the rostral migratory stream

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) travel a long distance along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to give rise to interneurons in the olfactory bulb (OB). Using the multiphoton microscope and time-lapse recording techniques we here report the behavior of NPCs in the RMS under both intact and ischemic conditions in living brain slices. The NPCs were visualized in 3-week-old transgenic mice that carry the reporter gene, green fluorescent protein (GFP), driven by the nestin promoter. Cortical brain ischemia was induced by permanent occlusion of the right common carotid artery and the middle cerebral artery. We observed that the RMS contained two populations of NPCs: nonmigrating cells (bridge cells) and migrating cells. Bridge cells enabled migrating cells to travel and also produced new cells in the RMS. The direction of NPC migration in the RMS was bidirectional in both intact and ischemic conditions. Cortical ischemia impeded NPC travel in the RMS next to the lesion area during the early period of ischemia. Cell-cell contact was a prominent feature affecting NPC translocation and migratory direction. These data suggest that behavior and function of nestin-positive NPCs in the RMS are variable. Cell-cell contacts and microenvironmental changes influence NPC behavior in the RMS. This study may provide insights to help in understanding NPC biology.
Time synchronization in hierarchical TESLA wireless sensor networks

Time synchronization and event time correlation are important in wireless sensor networks. In particular, time is used to create a sequence events or time line to answer questions of cause and effect. Time is also used as a basis for determining the freshness of received packets and the validity of cryptographic certificates. This paper presents secure method of time synchro-nization and event time correlation for TESLA-based hierarchical wireless sensor networks. The method demonstrates that events in a TESLA network can be accurately timestamped by adding only a few pieces of data to the existing protocol.
Flow cytometry and phytoplankton.

Flow cytometry and sorting are now an important technology in aquatic research. Simultaneous measurements of individual particle cell size, fluorescence, and light scatter properties are directly applicable to current topics in aquatic research. Flow sorting may be employed to obtain subsets of cells for analysis by conventional methods. The manner in which rapid, precise measurements of single cells are made is complex, and the application of this technology to aquatic samples is subject to many analytical constraints. Flow cytometric measurements of algal cell size and pigment autofluorescence are relative and are therefore dependent on the optical configuration and variability of the instrument. Specific types of reference materials are used to establish the validity of analyses: (1) instrument standards, (2) fluorescence controls, and (3) internal stain standards. The selection and application of standards and controls are discussed in the context of allometric (cell size versus pigment fluorescence) and ataxonomic (pigment color groups) methods. The widespread acceptance of particular reference materials among research groups will result in comparable data sets describing aquatic particle distributions.
Metabolites of the angiotensin II antagonist tasosartan: the importance of a second acidic group.

Described in this paper is the synthesis and pharmacological activity of five metabolites of the angiotensin II antagonist tasosartan (1). Of particular interest is the effect of the additional acidic group of the enol metabolite (8) on activity. As suggested by the structural−activity relationship of other angiotensin II antagonist series, a second acidic group can improve receptor binding activity but decrease in vivo activity after oral dosing. The metabolic introduction of a second acidic group in tasosartan bypasses this problem and contributes to the excellent profile of the compound. A molecular modeling study provides a rationale for the role of the enol group of 8 in AT1 receptor binding.
DM27, an enaminone, modifies the in vitro transport of antiviral therapeutic agents

Objective—For most antiviral drugs, low or variable bioavailability is attributed to poor absorption, susceptibility to efflux, or first pass metabolism. Enaminones are beta dicarbonyl compounds, which display P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate properties with high efflux ratios. This study investigates the influence of DM27, an enaminone, on the in vitro transport of antiviral agents and the possibility of using DM27 as a P-gp inhibitor to prevent the efflux of certain antiretroviral agents. Methods—The transport of [3H]amprenavir, [3H]saquinavir, [3H]ritonavir, [14C]zidovudine (AZT) and [3H]acyclovir was evaluated across Caco-2 cells with DM27 (10−10–10−4 M). In addition, the effect of DM27 (10−6 M) on the transport of transcellular and paracellular markers was tested to evaluate its influence on these transport pathways. The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) for each drug or marker was calculated with/without DM27 and toxicity evaluation for DM27 was performed using the MTS assay. Results—The mean Papp for the investigated antiviral agents significantly increased by 22%–51% after DM27 incubation without any toxicity to the Caco-2 cells. In addition, DM27 did not influence the transcellular or paracellular transport of propranolol and mannitol, respectively. Conclusions—DM27, an enaminone, increased the transport of antiretroviral drugs and acyclovir in a nontoxic manner without affecting the paracellular or transcellular transport of these drugs. This study suggests that DM27 may be used as a P-gp efflux inhibitor to enhance the oral bioavailability of antiviral drugs and that drug–drug interactions will most probably be encountered upon co-administration of P-gp substrate drugs with enaminones. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plastic surgical options for HIV-associated lipodystrophy

With the reported prevalence of HIV-associated lipodystrophy approaching 80%, this patient group presents an increasing challenge to plastic surgeons. Based on a literature search conducted using OVID Medline, this review shall describe the various treatment options employed by plastic surgeons to deal with the problems of fat distribution in patients suffering from HIV-lipodystrophy, and examine the evidence for each treatment.