cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE MASS FACTOR IN THE ENERGY RELATIONS OF LEAVES.

In a recent paper the writer (4) emphasized the variability of the reflection factor in the energy relations of leaves, and pointed out the fact that reflection is frequently large, and not to be neglected in determining the absorption coefficient as was done by Brown and Escombe (1, pp. 75 and 91) in their fundamental studies of the energetics of the leaf. There is evident need of a reinvestigation of the problems of energy exchange between the leaf and its environment, and the internal transformations of energy in the processes of transpiration and photosynthesis, with due regard to the variability of the reflection and absorption of energy in all regions of the spectrum, from the far infra-red to the limits of the solar ultra-violet. Attention is called to an error in the previous paper (4, p. 604) which states that the Brown and Escombe studies were made "only on Catalpa Mgnonioides." While some of their important measurements were made on the hypostomatous leaves of this species, in several sections of their work numerous species were used for studies of photosynthesis, thermal emissivity, and respiration. The equation used by Brown and Escombe to calculate the heating effects of the absorbed radiation, on the supposition that there were no dissipation of energy by internal work, is Ba/ms = t in degrees C. rise per minute, in which B is the total incident radiation per square cm. per minute, a the coefficient of absorption of energy, m the mass of the square centimeter of leaf lamina, and s the specific heat of the leaf substance. The values substituted for these symbols were as follows : B 0.8 calorie, a = 0.78, m = 0.020 gm., and s = 0.879. The values used for m and s were obtained from measurements made on the leaves of Helianthus annuus. The value
Influence of economic factors on the valuation effects of debt offerings

The obejective of this paper is to determine whether the share price responses to debt offerings are influenced cross-sectially by economic factors. We develop hypotheses that share price responses are inversely related to nominal interest rates, and to the issuing firm's stock price level relative to the market, and positively related to economic growth. After controlling for firm-specific characteristics used in previous studies, we find that the share price responses to straight debt offerings are not significantly related to the nominal interest rates or to the issuing firm's relative stock price level, but are positively related to the economic growth. We also find that share price responses to convertible debt offerings are significantly related to the nominal interest rates, the issuing firm's relative stock price level, and economic growth in the manner hypothesized. These results imply that the signal emitted by a firm's debt offering can be influecnced not only by firm-specific characteristics, ...
Imaging of Metal-On-Metal Hip Resurfacing

Conventional radiography is the primary imaging modality to evaluate the condition of hip resurfacing implants and the preferred method of assessing implant stability over time. Radiographs assess the angle of inclination of the femoral and acetabular components, implant stability, and femoral neck narrowing. Ultrasonography detects solid or soft tissue masses adjacent to the implant. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects osteolysis and complications in the periprosthetic soft tissues such as wear-induced synovitis, periprosthetic collections, neurovascular compression, and quality of the muscle and tendons of the rotator cuff of the hip. For pain after hip resurfacing, early use of optimized MRI is recommended.
Education differentials by race and ethnicity in the diagnosis and management of hypercholesterolemia: a national sample of U.S. adults (NHANES 1999–2002)

To examine education differentials in screening, awareness, treatment and control of hypercholesterolemia overall and in 3 race/ethnic groups. We analyzed data for a nationally representative sample of 8,429 men and women ages 20 to 85 years, self-reported as white, black, Mexican American, or other race/ethnicity, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999–2002. Participants with < high school education were 2.5 times less likely than participants with ≥ high school education to have been screened for hypercholesterolemia, after adjusting for age and gender (odds ratio: 0.4, 95 % confidence interval: 0.3–0.5, and similar across race/ethnic group). Multivariable models for awareness, treatment and control showed no significant trends associated with education after adjusting for age, gender, race and comorbidities. Higher education significantly increased the odds of being screened for hypercholesterolemia overall and within each race/ethnic group. Education differentials were strongest for hypercholesterolemia screening, and weak or no longer apparent for subsequent steps of awareness, treatment and control. Focusing public health policy on increasing screening for individuals with low education might greatly improve their chances of preventing or mitigating morbidity related to hypercholesterolemia and subsequent cardiovascular disease.
Lithophile-element mineralization associated with late Cretaceous two-mica granites in the Great Basin.

Late Cretaceous two-mica granitoids in the Great Basin are closely associated with a characteristic style of lithophile-element (Be, F, W, Mo, Sn, and Zn) mineralization. Previously undescribed in the western United States, this kind of deposit is characterized by greisenlike zones in the intrusions, distinctive F- and Al-rich skarns in carbonate rocks, F-deficient quartz veins in clastic rocks, and distal metal-bearing, quartz-carbonate veins. Mineralization can be extensive, locally reaching economic grades. These occurrences resemble greisen-type ore deposits found in other parts of the world; collectively, they constitute a new metallogenic province in the western United States.
Novel regulatory mutants of the phosphate regulon in Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract New pleiotropic mutants were isolated that express either the phoA, psiE or psiO promoter constitutively and simultaneously alter bacterial alkaline phosphatase regulation, carbon utilization or ultraviolet light sensitivity. To do this, Lac+ mutants were isolated from strains with the appropriate lacZ transcriptional fusions. Over 300 independent mutants were characterized, and all that constitutively express phoA map in phoR, phoU, the phosphate-specific transport system or a new locus called phoF. However, only phoU mutants express both phoA and psiE constitutively. Carbohydrate-utilizing mutants that show constitutive expression of psiE and psiO map in cya, crp and, possibly, crr. Also, numerous ultraviolet-light-sensitive mutants were discovered that show increased psiO expression and map in lon. Some other mutations that lead to constitutive psiO expression (which is normally induced either by phosphate, nitrogen or carbon starvation or anoxia) show decreased expression of phoA. Also, several mutants were found that show an unusual metastable character affecting psiO or phoA transcription. In these, colonies spontaneously switch between an induced and repressed “state” with respect to lac or bacterial alkaline phosphatase expression. In some, the clonal variation of the lactose phenotype or bacterial alkaline phosphatase synthesis is recA-independent and phenotypically resembles phase variation in Salmonella typhimurium. The latter class are called “phase mutants”. The mutants are discussed in terms of protein-nucleic acid interactions and/or possible changes in the DNA, i.e. modifications or rearrangements, within the phosphate gene system, that are physiologically regulated.
Defining Geographic Soil Bodies by Landscape Position, Soil Taxonomy, and Cluster Analysis

The key Soil Taxonomy is based upon the idea that certain properties can be used to define populations of soils from the soil continuum. The soil mapping paradigm is that similar soil populations exist within landforms. High taxonomic variability has been reported within numerous soil mapping units. The hypotheses in this paper are that for large scale mapping (i) Soil Taxonomy creates classes that are only partially related to landform and (ii) more homogeneous soil classes exist if different defining constructs are used. The objectives are to: (i) classify a sampling of soils within a 40-ha upland pasture using both Soil Taxonomy and cluster analysis, (ii) identify the distinctness and relationships of these samples to landforms, and (iii) compare the geographic distributions of soil classes identified by Soil Taxonomy and cluster analyses. Ninety-four soil properties were measured from 257 pedons along point transects. Cluster analysis identified three pedologically and geographically distinct groups. A single cluster group was identified for soils within the “ridge” landform, whereas the “backslope” landform was a mixture of all three groups. A significant relationship was found for soil attributes and slope profile curvature within the backslope landform, but predictive value was low. Soil Taxonomy produced 13 geographically indistinct classes that were partially related to cluster groupings. Cluster analysis appears to be useful for revealing patterns of soil homogeneity and for identifying relationships among soil properties and landforms. Numerical analysis may be a helpful supplementary method for correlating soil surveys with large soil databases, or for defining those soil attributes which distinguish mappable bodies from the soil continuum.
Hepatic gluconeogenesis of the rabbit

Abstract Rabbit hepatic mitochondria (m W ), incubated with pyruvate and HCO 3 − produce and liberate to the media sizeable amounts of malate, citrate, and aspartate (if given NH 4 + ). M W from fasted or diabetic rabbits produce and liberate larger amounts of malate. Even though rabbit liver m W possess phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase(PEPCK), the amount of PEP formed and liberated is only a small fraction of the potential glucose carbon delivered to the medium as malate, citrate or aspartate. Demonstration of PEPCK in cytosol of fed rabbit liver plus the fact that fasting or alloxan diabetes both can cause a substantial increase in the total cytosolic activity of this enzyme without altering its total activity in m W suggest that gluconeogenesis proceeds, in general, in a similar fashion in both rats and rabbits.
Power balanced pipelines

Since the onset of pipelined processors, balancing the delay of the microarchitectural pipeline stages such that each microarchitectural pipeline stage has an equal delay has been a primary design objective, as it maximizes instruction throughput. Unfortunately, this causes significant energy inefficiency in processors, as each microarchitectural pipeline stage gets the same amount of time to complete, irrespective of its size or complexity. For power-optimized processors, the inefficiency manifests itself as a significant imbalance in power consumption of different microarchitectural pipestages. In this paper, rather than balancing processor pipelines for delay, we propose the concept of power balanced pipelines — i.e., processor pipelines in which different delays are assigned to different microarchitectural pipestages to reduce the power disparity between the stages while guaranteeing the same processor frequency/performance. A specific implementation of the concept uses cycle time stealing [19] to deliberately redistribute cycle time from low-power pipeline stages to power-hungry stages, relaxing their timing constraints and allowing them to operate at reduced voltages or use smaller, less leaky cells. We present several static and dynamic techniques for power balancing and demonstrate that balancing pipeline power rather than delay can result in 46% processor power reduction with no loss in processor throughput for a full FabScalar processor over a power-optimized baseline. Benefits are comparable over a Fabscalar baseline where static cycle time stealing is used to optimize achieved frequency. Power savings increase at lower operating frequencies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such work on microarchitecture-level power reduction that guarantees the same performance.
The apoptosis repressor with a CARD domain (ARC) gene is a direct hypoxia-inducible factor 1 target gene and promotes survival and proliferation of VHL-deficient renal cancer cells

The induction of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) is essential for the adaptation of tumor cells to a low-oxygen environment. We found that the expression of the apoptosis inhibitor ARC (apoptosis repressor with a CARD domain) was induced by hypoxia in a variety of cancer cell types, and its induction is primarily HIF1 dependent. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and reporter assays also indicate that the ARC gene is regulated by direct binding of HIF1 to a hypoxia response element (HRE) located at bp -190 upstream of the transcription start site. HIFs play an essential role in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) under normoxic conditions, through the loss of the Von Hippel-Lindau gene (VHL). Accordingly, our results show that ARC is not expressed in normal renal tissue but is highly expressed in 65% of RCC tumors, which also express high levels of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a HIF1-dependent protein. Compared to controls, ARC-deficient RCCs exhibited decreased colony formation and increased apoptosis in vitro. In addition, loss of ARC resulted in a dramatic reduction of RCC tumor growth in SCID mice in vivo. Thus, HIF-mediated increased expression of ARC in RCC can explain how loss of VHL can promote survival early in tumor formation.
ICD Implantation and Arrhythmia-Free Survival in Patients with Depressed LV Function Following Surgery for Valvular Heart Disease

Background:Although prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation is beneficial in patients with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy, it is unclear whether patients with cardiomyopathy due to valvular heart disease have a similar benefit. Methods:We followed 17 patients (14 men/three women, age 62 ± 13 years, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 29 ± 10%) who had nonischemic valvular cardiomyopathy, underwent valvular heart surgery (aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, and/or mitral valve repair), and subsequently had an electrophysiology study (EPS), for a median of 2.8 years. These patients were compared with 34 patients with prior myocardial infarction and no significant valvular heart disease, who were matched (1:2) for age, gender, LVEF, EPS result, T-wave alternans result, and ICD placement. Occurrence of arrhythmias was ascertained from ICD device clinic follow-up and vital status was determined using the National Death Index. Results:There were no differences between the groups in overall survival (P = 0.24) or arrhythmia-free survival (P = 0.38), and the 2-year arrhythmia-free survival was 82% for the valvular patients versus 73% for the ischemic patients. Among patients with ICDs, there was no difference between the groups in overall survival (P = 0.34), time to first appropriate ICD therapy (P = 0.54), and arrhythmia-free survival (P = 0.51). Conclusion:Patients with valvular cardiomyopathy and residual left ventricular dysfunction following valvular surgery who underwent a tailored approach to ICD implantation had similar overall and arrhythmia-free survival as patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Silicic differentiates of abyssal oceanic magmas: Evidence for late-magmatic vapor transport of potassium

Abstract Massive, nearly holocrystalline dolerites from DSDP Hole 417D contain from 0.5 to 1.5% of granophyric patches composed mainly of Na-plagioclase and quartz. These patches are compositionally similar to other crystalline silicic rocks from oceanic spreading centers and differ from rarer abyssal silicic glasses. Crystalline varieties with SiO 2 60wt.% generally have Na/K>10 , whereas silicic glasses have Na/K in the range 3–6. While crystal fractionation readily accounts for the Na 2 O and K 2 O contents of abyssal silicic glasses, both the 417D granophyres and other crystalline abyssal silicic rocks have much lower K 2 O than that predicted by any reasonable crystal-liquid fractionation model. We propose that high-temperature vapor phase transport is responsible for removal of potassium during late-stage crystallization of these rocks. This allows for the formation of cogenetic silicic glassy and crystalline rocks with greatly different Na/K ratios. These observations and interpretations lead to a more confident assignment of high Na/K silicic rocks of oceanic and ophiolitic environments to a cogenetic origin with basaltic oceanic crust.
Algenwachstum in ozeanischen Tiefen

Selbst im klarsten ozeanischen Meerwasser dringt das Licht kaum tiefer ein als 180 m. Daher konnte wohl niemand erwarten, photosynthetisch aktive Pflanzen in den nachtdunklen Tiefen darunter zu finden. Aber es gibt sie dort: Im Lichtkegel des Forschungstauchbootes Johnson-Sea-Link entdeckten wir im Oktober 1985 vor den Bahamas quadratmetergrose Flecken mit einer bisher unbekannten Rotalge, die selbst in einer Rekordtiefe von 274 m unterhalb der Wasseroberfache offensichtlich recht gut gedieh (siehe nebenstehende Abbildung). Diese Pflanzen wuchsen tiefer als an irgendeiner anderen Stelle der Erde. Die neu entdeckten Algen erwiesen sich somit als die am weitesten in die Tiefe vordringenden Makrophyten (ohne optische Hilfe erkennbare Individuen).
Selective Platination of Biologically Relevant Polyamines. Linear Coordinating Spermidine and Spermine as Amplifying Linkers in Dinuclear Platinum Complexes

A new approach to the synthesis of novel bifunctional dinuclear platinum complexes with linear coordinating spermidine and spermine is reported. The synthetic pathway involves first the three-step selective protection of the polyamines, giving bis(trifluoroacetyl)polyamines (1, 4), (tert-butoxycarbonyl)bis(trifluoroacetyl)polyamines (2, 5), and (tert-butoxycarbonyl)polyamines (3, 6), respectively. The platination at desired sites with activated species of cis- or trans-[PtCl2(NH3)2] (CDDP or TDDP, respectively) produces the BOC-protected dinuclear species [{cis- or trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2(μ-L)]X (7, L = BOC-spermidine, X = (NO3)0.75Cl1.25; 9, L = (BOC)2-spermine, X = Cl2; cis spermine species not isolated). Through final deprotection, three different complexes were obtained and further investigated: [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2{μ-spermidine-N1,N8}]Cl3 (8), [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2{μ-spermine-N1,N12}]Cl4 (10), and [{cis-PtCl(NH3)2}2{μ-spermine-N1,N12}]Cl4 (11). One- and two-dimensional NMR solution studies provided eviden...
Status of worker exposure to asphalt paving fumes with the use of engineering controls.

Since 1996, industry, labor, and government have partnered to minimize workers' exposure to asphalt fumes using engineering controls. The objective of this study was to determine the use after some years of experience and to benchmark the effectiveness of the engineering controls as compared to the current exposure limits. To accomplish this objective, the current highway class pavers equipped with controls to reduce asphalt fumes, occupational exposure levels, and ventilation flow rates were monitored, and a user acceptance survey was conducted. Personal breathing-zone sampling was administered to determine concentrations of total particulate matter (TPM) and benzene soluble matter (BSM). Personal monitoring of workers yielded a BSM arithmetic mean of 0.13 mg/m3 (95% confidence limits (0.07, 0.43) mg/m3). All site average worker BSM values are below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) adopted threshold limit value (TLV) time weighted average (TWA) of 0.5 mg/m3 as benzene...
GABAB‐related activity involved in synaptic processing of somatosensory information in S1 cortex of the anaesthetized cat

1. The possible role of GABA(B) receptor mechanisms in information processing in primary somatosensory (S1) cortex was assessed by use of extracellular recording combined with microiontophoretic methods from 161 neurones in anaesthetized, paralysed cats. 2. Baclofen-induced suppressions of cell responses were reversible and stereoselective, the (+)-isomer being inactive and the (-)-isomer having two to three times the apparent potency of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The responses measured were threshold to natural stimulation of receptive fields (RFs), responsiveness to thalamic electrical stimulation, change in RF size and magnitude of firing elicited by iontophoretic glutamate. 3. The action of GABA always was mimicked by muscimol or 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP) but not always by (-)-baclofen; in certain cases (-)-baclofen enhanced neuronal responses while the opposite occurred with GABA or with the other GABA(A) agonists. The elevation of response thresholds by (-)-baclofen was relatively stronger in peripheral than in central subregions of cutaneous RFs, by contrast with the action of muscimol which was relatively non-selective as to the area in which it was effective. 4. Glutamate-induced and thalamically-evoked cortical responses as well as spontaneous activity were differentially sensitive to the suppressant effects of muscimol and (-)-baclofen. 5. Bicuculline methiodide reversibly blocked THIP- and muscimol-induced suppressions of tactile- (air puffer)-induced S1 responses but spared those produced by (-)-baclofen. Phaclofen and delta-amino-n-valeric acid were essentially inactive as blockers of (-)-baclofen-induced effects and in fact often acted as (-)-baclofen-like agonists, phaclofen being considerably weaker than delta-amino-n-valeric acid in this respect. 6. The range of suppressant effects produced by GABA as well as by muscimol and THIP, considered in conjunction with the actions of bicuculline methiodide, suggest that the effects observed by ejected GABA are likely to be due principally to GABA(A) processes, those mediated by GABA(B) receptors largely being masked. However, GABA(B) mechanisms are extant and do appear to be active, probably presynaptically and probably at sites distal to the soma.
First-principles insights into the nature of zirconium–iodine interactions and the initiation of iodine-induced stress–corrosion cracking

Abstract We present research relating to iodine-induced stress corrosion cracking (ISCC) and draw insights relevant to the initiation process. The means by which this corrosion initiates is currently unknown. Our previous work has highlighted some of the chemical processes and properties that must be considered in ISCC, and enable us to make some possible connections in the overall corrosion mechanism. A series of calculations has been performed to better characterize the iodine interaction with zirconium, following a hybrid approach that integrates both molecular and solid-state calculations for incorporation into large scale simulations.
Ibogaine blocked methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and induction of heat shock protein in mice.

Body temperature changes and heat shock protein (HSP-72) induction in the caudate nucleus were studied in female C57BL/6N mice pretreated with ibogaine (50 mg/kg) and sacrificed 48 h. after a single dose of methamphetamine (20 mg/kg). Methamphetamine injection resulted in hyperthermia and induced HSP-72 expression, whereas treatment with ibogaine alone produced hypothermia. The ibogaine followed by methamphetamine injection showed no hyperthermia and decreased HSP-72 expression. These data indicate that pretreatment with ibogaine can completely block methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and HSP-72 expression in the striatum.
SOYBEAN FACTORS RELATING TO GAS PRODUCTION BY INTESTINAL BACTERIA

SUMMARY An in vitro assay showed that toasted, dehulled, defatted soybean meal contains a gas-producing factor and a gas-inhibiting factor. The oligosaccharides—sucrose, raffinose and stachyose—are associated with the gas-producing factor when incubated in thioglycollate media with anaerobic bacteria of the intestinal tract of dogs. The phenolic acids in soybeans—syringic and ferulic acid—are effective gas inhibitors in vitro and in intestinal segments of dogs. The lipids, proteins and water-insoluble polysaccharides of soybean meal have no gas activity. During fermentation, gas production parallels the formation of monosaccharides by enzymatic hydrolysis of raffinose and stachyose. The amount and composition of gas produced from cottonseed and peanut meal were comparable to soybean meal.
Comparative analyses of Nigerian and US corn Stalks, using PY-GC/MS

Pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) studies were carried out on the Nigerian and US corn stalks at 500 °C. Analyses of the fast pyrolysis products showed that the Nigerian corn stalks produced more diverse compounds like: acetaldehyde, acetic acid methyl ester, 2,3-pentanedione, 1-hydroxy-2-butanone, butanedial, phenol and vanillin. On the other hand, the pyrolyzed US corn stalks produced compounds like: furfural, phenol, 2-methoxy, 2-methylbenzaldehyde, and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol which had significantly high peak area percentages. Few anhydrous sugars were detected in the pyrolysis products of both samples. Both samples were found to be good biomass for the production of bio-oil and chemicals. However, the Nigerian corn stalks seem to be more suitable for the production of bio-oil while the US corn stalks seem to be more suitable for the production of valuable chemicals.
Are condoms the answer to rising rates of non-HIV sexually transmitted infections? Yes

Consistent condom use can reduce the spread of HIV, and Markus Steiner and Willard Cates believe condoms are the answer to other sexually transmitted infections. But Stephen Genuis argues that a more comprehensive approach is needed
Shelf-life estimation from accelerated storage data

Traditionally, deterioration rates at elevated temperatures are extrapolated to lower ones assuming that their temperature dependence obeys the Arrhenius equation, or a similar model. For such methods to succeed, the spoilage kinetics must be known in advance and be completely defined by a single rate constant that must be independent of the food's thermal history. These assumptions may hold for certain foods and model systems, but they cannot be universally applicable. In a proposed alternative approach, no kinetics is assumed at all and it is taken for granted that the food's thermal history can and does affect the deterioration pattern. Consequently, the isothermal chemical degradation or microbial growth data are described in terms of empirical models that have the needed number of temperature dependent parameters, usually two or three. The temperature dependence of these is also described by ad hoc empirical models that are used for the extrapolation to lower temperatures. This enables the estimation of not only the ‘rate constant’ but also the whole deterioration curve. The concept is demonstrated with the degradation of vitamin C in frozen spinach and the growth of a bacterium and yeast at different temperatures. An example of lowering the salt concentration as a way of accelerating bacterial growth is also given. The quality of the predictions largely depends on the quality of the data gathered under the accelerating conditions and the proximity of these to the conditions of normal handling and storage. At least theoretically, the proposed method predictions can be extended to non-isothermal storage conditions even when the rate is a function not only of the momentary temperature but also of the food's previous thermal history. In principle, the same methodology can be used to predict quality improvement in products undergoing aging.
Intussusception Complicating Pregnancy following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most common bariatric surgical procedure in the USA in women of reproductive age. A pregnant patient presented with nonspecific upper abdominal pain and nausea, suggesting an internal hernia. At surgery, an intussusception was identified and reduced without complications. Obstetricians should be familiar with late serious complications of bariatric surgery.
Response of precast prestressed concrete hollowcore slabs under fire conditions

Abstract This paper presents results from experimental and numerical studies on the behavior of precast prestressed concrete (PC) hollowcore slabs under fire conditions. Six PC hollowcore slabs were tested under simultaneous application of thermal and structural loads. The test variables included type of aggregate in concrete, load level, fire exposure and restraint conditions at the supports. The hollowcore slabs did not experience any fire induced spalling and the failure of all slabs occurred through temperature on unexposed side of slab reaching limiting temperature criteria. Data generated from fire tests show that aggregate type, fire scenario, load level and end support condition have significant effect on the fire performance of PC hollowcore slabs. Further, results from fire tests indicate that typical hollowcore slabs can sustain service loads for at least two hours under standard and design fire conditions. Data generated from fire tests is utilized to validate a numerical model developed for evaluating fire performance of PC hollowcore slabs. Predicted cross-sectional temperatures and deflections of the slab, generated from the numerical model, compare well with measured data from fire tests indicating that the proposed model is capable of tracing the behavior of PC hollowcore slabs under standard and design fire conditions.
Single Port Access Surgery With a Novel Port Camera System

In this work, the authors designed, built, and tested a novel port camera system for single port access (SPA) laparoscopic surgery. This SPA Port Camera device integrates the monitor, laparoscopic ...
Predissociation of the H2 D1Πu state

Abstract The electronic non-diagonal Born-Oppenheimer coupling matrix elements between the molecular hydrogen D 1 Π u state and the B′ 1 Σ u and B 1 Σ u states were calculated in the Hartree-Fock approximation at R = 1.0, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 au. These were used to calculate the predissociation widths for the v = 3 to 12 levels of the D state with J = 1. The predissociation can only be caused by the B′ state. The widths are around 1 cm −1 .
Erratum: Statistics on Cannabis Users Skew Perceptions of Cannabis Use

The authors would like to submit a correction to Table ​Table22 of the above article. The proportion of past-year users that are college graduates should be listed as 22 percent. The corrected table is printed here. Table 2 Past-year use, number of drug-related arrests, and number of monthly purchases by education level and racial-ethnic group, 2011 NSDUH.
Thermodynamics of coupled folding in the interaction of archaeal RNase P proteins RPP21 and RPP29.

We have used isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to identify and describe binding-coupled equilibria in the interaction between two protein subunits of archaeal ribonuclease P (RNase P). In all three domains of life, RNase P is a ribonucleoprotein complex that is primarily responsible for catalyzing the Mg2+-dependent cleavage of the 5′ leader sequence of precursor tRNAs during tRNA maturation. In archaea, RNase P has been shown to be composed of one catalytic RNA and up to five proteins, four of which associate in the absence of RNA as two functional heterodimers, POP5–RPP30 and RPP21–RPP29. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the Pyrococcus furiosus RPP21 and RPP29 proteins in their free and complexed states provided evidence of significant protein folding upon binding. ITC experiments were performed over a range of temperatures, ionic strengths, and pH values, in buffers with varying ionization potentials, and with a folding-deficient RPP21 point mutant. These experiments revealed a negative heat ...
Accelerated immune senescence and reduced response to vaccination in ovariectomized female rhesus macaques.

Aging is associated with a general dysregulation in immune function, commonly referred to as “immune senescence”. Several studies have shown that female sex steroids can modulate the immune response. However, the impact of menopause-associated loss of estrogen and progestins on immune senescence remains poorly understood. To help answer this question, we examined the effect of ovariectomy on T-cell homeostasis and function in adult and aged female rhesus macaques. Our data show that in adult female rhesus macaques, ovariectomy increased the frequency of naive CD4 T cells. In contrast, ovariectomized (ovx) aged female rhesus macaques had increased frequency of terminally differentiated CD4 effector memory T cells and inflammatory cytokine-secreting memory T cells. Moreover, ovariectomy reduced the immune response (T-cell cytokine and IgG production) following vaccination with modified vaccinia ankara in both adult and aged female rhesus macaques compared to ovary-intact age-matched controls. Interestingly, hormone therapy (estradiol alone or in conjunction with progesterone) partially improved the T-cell response to vaccination in aged ovariectomized female rhesus macaques. These data suggest that the loss of ovarian steroids, notably estradiol and progesterone, may contribute to reduced immune function in post-menopausal women and that hormone therapy may improve immune response to vaccination in this growing segment of the population.
Absolute neutron capture yield calibration

Abstract The saturated resonance technique is applied more accurately ( 197 Au(n ,γ) peak by a least-squares procedure.
The EPR g-value moment theorem in the slow tumbling domain

It has previously been shown that the first moment of a powder EPR absorption spectrum calculated about gi, (= l/3 Tr g) is zero, subject to certain approximations (I). A rigorous proof in the high-field limit neglecting forbidden transitions that arise from nuclear state mixing was given in this paper. The theorem was then tested and verified using a rather complete computer program for simulation of powder EPR spectrum that had been developed by Pilbrow and Winfield (2). For these simulations, typical magnetic input parameters for a nitroxide radical spin label, for low spin Co2+, and for a square-planar complex of Cu2+ were used. The value g’ at which hrst moments on high and low sides are equal was compared with the known value of gim. The thrust of Ref. (I) was that even in the absence of knowledge of the spin-Hamiltonian parameters, it is possible to characterize a system by its isotropic g value. The common practice of using the crossover of a firstderivative feature at the center of the spectrum was criticized. It is obvious that the moment theorem is also valid in the liquid phase at sufficiently high fields and sufficiently fast rotational difTusion. Since the theorem holds in the rigid limit and the fast tumbling limit, the hypothesis that it holds in the intermediate slow tumbling domain would seem plausible. We have not found a general proof. However, using the slow-motion EPR simulation program developed in the laboratory of Professor J. Freed (3), we show here that empirically it holds for any isotropic rotational diffusion constant and also for anisotropic diffision. Using the same input parameters as in Ref. (I), numerous spectra were simulated as a function of both the microwave frequency and the isotropic rotational diffusion constant for Cu*+ and for spin labels, and the value of (si, g’) was calculated. The rotational correlation time was varied from lo-’ to lo-l3 s. The results for X band are shown in Fig. 1. It is noted that this computer program was developed primarily for nitroxide radical spin labels. Although it is a very complete program, it nevertheless contains approximations. The validity of these approximations is well established for spin labels, but not for copper spectra.
Cholesterol lowering in atherosclerosis.

Lipid-lowering with statins reduces disease progression, prevents myocardial infarction and other hard end points, and prolongs survival. Data from large-scale trials with these agents further show that lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with coronary artery disease reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events and that the lower the LDL cholesterol achieved, the lower the event rate. Currently available evidence supports the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommendations for reduction of LDL-cholesterol levels to at least 100 mg/dL in patients with coronary artery disease. The Treating to New Targets study, which will evaluate the effects of LDL-cholesterol lowering to ≤75 mg/dL with atorvastatin, may help clarify if additional benefit accrues with further reductions. However, up to 82% of patients with proven coronary disease are not even at the current NCEP lipid goal. Up to 55% need a >30-mg/dL reduction in LDL cholesterol to reach that goal. These data suggest that many patients are not receiving a statin or are receiving an inadequate dose. Aggressive lipid lowering, although a desirable goal, does not yet appear to be standard practice.
On the ranks of Toeplitz matrices over finite fields

Abstract Let T be a skew-symmetric Toeplitz matrix with entries in a finite field. For all positive integers n let T n be the upper n×n corner of T , with nullity ν n =ν(T n ) . The sequence {ν n :n∈ N } satisfies a unimodality property and is eventually periodic if the entries of T satisfy a periodicity condition. We compute the maximum value and the period of the nullity sequence for Toeplitz matrices of finite bandwidth. This sequence satisfies a certain symmetry condition about its maximal values. These results apply to give some information about the ranks of general skew-symmetric Toeplitz matrices with eventually periodic entries.
In vivo bone lead measurements: a rapid monitoring method for cumulative lead exposure

Lead concentrations (microgram/g wet weight) in human bone (tibia) were measured noninvasively in vivo employing an X-ray fluorescence technique. Forty-five workers who had been subjected to chronic industrial exposure were found to have a mean bone lead content of 52.9 micrograms/g wet weight (0 to 198 micrograms/g). In addition to bone lead content, blood lead, body burden of lead as assessed by urinary lead excretion after EDTA chelation, zinc protoporphyrin, and unstimulated urinary lead excretion were evaluated. The results suggest that the in vivo measurement of tibia lead content may serve as an acceptable indicator of body lead burden and provide a practical technique for lead screening purposes. The correlation coefficient between X-ray fluorescence findings and lead excretion following Ca-EDTA administration is 0.69; p less than 0.001.
Variation Trained Drowsy Cache (VTD-Cache): A History Trained Variation Aware Drowsy Cache for Fine Grain Voltage Scaling

In this paper we present the “Variation Trained Drowsy Cache” (VTD-Cache) architecture. VTD-Cache allows for a significant reduction in power consumption while addressing reliability issues raised by memory cell process variability. By managing voltage scaling at a very fine granularity, each cache way can be sourced at a different voltage where the selection of voltage levels depends on both the vulnerability of the memory cells in that cache way to process variation and the likelihood of access to that cache location. After a short training period, the proposed architecture will micro-tune the cache, allowing significant power reduction with negligible increase in the number of misses. In addition, the proposed architecture actively monitors the access pattern and reconfigures the supply voltage setting to adapt to the execution pattern of the program. The novel and modular architecture of the VTD-Cache and its associated controller makes it easy to be implemented in memory compilers with a small area and power overhead. In a case study, the SimpleScalar simulation of the proposed 32 kB cache architecture reports over 57% reduction in power consumption over standard SPEC2000 integer benchmarks while incurring an area overhead of less than 4% and an execution time penalty smaller than 1%.
Pondering proper PAR pricing

We have examined the potential impacts of PAR devices on system LMPs. Since fixed-offset and fixed-flow controls impact the incremental capabilities of the network differently, then in theory they should impact the LMPs differently. We demonstrate this effect through examples. Depending on topology, limits, and PAR placement, the relative values for the LMPs will be vary. In some cases the fixed-flow operation may result in lower LMPs, and in other cases the fixed-offset will result in lower LMPs. We have also briefly noted that there can be advantages to operating the PAR in a hybrid mode in which the phase angle may be set to control fixed-offset, fixed-flow, or even fixed-flow on a different path, depending on system conditions.
Signature Inversion in Odd-odd Nuclei

Trends in the energy staggering of the {pi}h{sub 11/2}{nu}i{sub 13/2} and {pi}h{sub 11/2} {nu}h{sub 11/2} bands in the mass 160 and 130 regions, respectively, have been investigated in order to better understand the origin of signature inversion. While the A {approx} 160 nuclei behave in a consistent manner, a more complicated scenario is observed in the mass 130 region. As a result of our experiments on the lightest Pr nuclei, the systematics of these Z = 59 nuclei have been extended, which aids in the understanding of the latter region. Triaxial deformation, a pn interaction, and quadrupole pairing are considered as possible contributors to this effect. As all the chiral-twin bands that are known have signature inversion in the favored band, a possible link between the two phenomena should be considered.
ENGAGING FIFTH GRADERS IN SCIENTIFIC MODELING TO LEARN ABOUT EVAPORATION AND CONDENSATION

Reform efforts in science education have aimed at fostering scientific literacy by helping learners meaningfully engage in scientific practices to make sense of the world. In this paper, we report on our second year of unit implementation that has investigated 34 fifth grade students’ (10-year-olds) learning about evaporation and condensation through scientific modeling in the USA. We discuss how students who engaged in modeling constructed explanations of evaporation and condensation, considered empirical evidence when constructing their models, and used models to predict other phenomena. We constructed a coding scheme based on an iterative process and qualitatively analyzed assessment items, interview questions, and classroom videos in order to find out what students learned through modeling. The results of our empirical work indicate that students made significant progress in constructing models that convey unobservable characteristics of molecular mechanisms or processes. They also made progress in using models as tools consistent with evidence and using models to predict other phenomena, but the progress was to a less sophisticated level. We theorize that some aspects of modeling practice are more aligned with typical school norms and practices than others—enabling some aspects to be more readily appropriated than others. We conclude the manuscript with ways to capitalize on the successes of this practice and to address challenges that could be taken to help improve students’ understanding of science through engagement in scientific modeling.
Characterization of cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1-producing Escherichia coli strains from faeces of healthy macaques

Twenty-five (27 %) of 92 clinically normal macaques were found to have β-haemolytic Escherichia coli isolated from their faeces. Five of six isolates chosen for further characterization had multiple antibiotic resistance and were PCR-positive for cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (cnf1) with a demonstrated cytopathic effect in vitro. By repetitive element sequence-based PCR genotyping, genetic similarity was established for selected isolates. We believe this to be the first report of E. coli strains producing CNF1 in non-human primates.
Methods of theoretical analysis and computer modelling of the shaping of electrical pulses by nonlinear transmission lines and lumped-element delay lines

Some theoretical aspects of shock wave formation on uniform LC ladder networks containing either nonlinear capacitors or nonlinear (saturable) inductors are discussed. It is shown that, if the ladder is unbiased, then in the low-frequency limit the tendency of a propagating pulse is to form a shock front. In a distributed line such a shock front can reach a steady state form, but in a lumped element network decomposition into a soliton array eventually occurs. There is consequently an optimum length for a pulse sharpening line which is a compromise consisting in the need to minimize the rise time of the pulse without allowing undue fragmentation of the propagation wave front. The time development of large amplitude pulses as they propagate along the ladder is accurately predicted by numerical solutions of the coupled equations for the currents and voltages. >
Analyzing Natural Systems: Analysis for Regional Residuals—Environmental Quality Management

A colleague who is the head of a water planning agency in a large neighboring county and who was under some pressure to use the types of models discussed in this book told me, “You can either guess the input to the models or you can guess the results. As an engineer with long experience with the water systems that I manage I would rather guess the results because I have a feel for what is likely. If I use the models based upon very imperfect data my experience is completely ignored, and who knows what the results really mean.” Basta, Bower, and their coauthors have done an excellent job in summarizing the state of the art of the models available for analyzing natural systems with an eye to environmental quality management. What a sorry tale they tell. In the terrestrial, the aquatic, and the atmospheric environment the message is the same; the mathematical formulations have run ahead of the conceptual understanding of the underlying processes and the measurement of data on these processes.
The Process of Coping with Incest for Adult Survivors Measurement and Implications for Treatment and Research

The process of coping with sexual trauma is defined in terms of trauma themes—affect and schema categories—and a dimension along which trauma resolution can be measured in regard to these themes. The recovery process is a dynamic one that involves integration of traumatic material into one's personality. Thematic issues define the abusive dynamics that drive current behavior and become the focus of psychotherapeutic interventions. Integration of traumatic experiences proceeds by the processing of these thematic issues. Reliably and validly measuring the coping or recovery process that is facilitated by therapeutic interventions is a first step in understanding the treatment process and in creating effective and efficient interventions.
ADHD in Cross‐Cultural Perspective: Some Empirical Results

Another problem the Brewis et al. article has is the lack of data and the failure to identify the American population in any detail. Were the two populations matched for socioeconomic background? What were the variances in categories scored between the populations? Figure 1 in the Brewis et al. article is a graphic of an analysis of data and does not allow for any interpretation of the scores. Reading this paper after that by Terrell in the same issue helps to point out some of the ideological problems with social science research in the 21st century.