cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing integrated terminal airspace operations under uncertainty

In the terminal airspace, integrated departures and arrivals have the potential to increase operations efficiency. Recent research has developed geneticalgorithm- based schedulers for integrated arrival and departure operations under uncertainty. This paper presents an alternate method using a machine jobshop scheduling formulation to model the integrated airspace operations. A multistage stochastic programming approach is chosen to formulate the problem and candidate solutions are obtained by solving sample average approximation problems with finite sample size. Because approximate solutions are computed, the proposed algorithm incorporates the computation of statistical bounds to estimate the optimality of the candidate solutions. A proof-ofconcept study is conducted on a baseline implementation of a simple problem considering a fleet mix of 14 aircraft evolving in a model of the Los Angeles terminal airspace. A more thorough statistical analysis is also performed to evaluate the impact of the number of scenarios considered in the sampled problem. To handle extensive sampling computations, a multithreading technique is introduced.
Total syntheses of aminomethyl-C-dideoxyglycopyranosides and their quinamides

Abstract Lewis acid promoted cyclization of homoallylic alcohol 1 with acetal 2 gave 4-chloro-2-phthalimidomethyl-6-methyltetrahydropyrans. Their dehydrochlorination produced two regioisomeric dihydropyrans. Subsequent cis - and trans -dihydroxylation gave four racemic dihydroxy-6-methyl-2-phthalimidomethyl tetrahydropyrans. They were deprotected and N -acylated with a chiral quinic acid lactone, producing a library of four diastereomeric mixtures of novel C-pseudodisaccharides, which were separable after derivatization.
Implication of eIF2B rather than eIF4E in the regulation of global protein synthesis by amino acids in L6 myoblasts.

The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism through which leucine and histidine regulate translation initiation in L6 myoblasts. The results show that both amino acids stimulate initiation and coordinately regulate the activity of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2B. The changes in eIF2B activity could be explained in part by modulation of the phosphorylation state of the α-subunit of eIF2. The activity changes might also be a result of modulation of the phosphorylation state of the eIF2B e-subunit, because deprivation of either amino acid caused a decrease in eIF2Be kinase activity. Leucine, but not histidine, additionally caused a redistribution of eIF4E from the inactive eIF4E·4E-BP1 complex to the active eIF4E·eIF4G complex. The redistribution was a result of increased phosphorylation of 4E-BP1. The changes in 4E-BP1 phosphorylation and eIF4E redistribution associated with leucine deprivation were not observed in the presence of insulin. However, the leucine- and histidine-induced alterations in global protein synthesis and eIF2B activity were maintained in the presence of the hormone. Overall, the results suggest that both leucine and histidine regulate global protein synthesis through modulation of eIF2B activity. Furthermore, under the conditions employed herein, alterations in eIF4E availability are not rate-controlling for global protein synthesis but might be necessary for regulation of translation of specific mRNAs.
Cochlear microphonics and the initiation of spikes in the auditory nerve: Correlation of single-unit data with neural and receptor potentials recorded from the round window

On the basis of comparisons of responses of guinea pig ganglion cells and inner hair cells to intense low-frequency tones, Sellick et al. [Hear. Res. 7, 199-221 (1982)] have proposed that basal inner hair cells can be depolarized (and thus, VIII-N. spikes generated) by the extracellular microphonic generated during hyperpolarization of outer hair cells. VIII-N. data for the chinchilla have been presented that, to a first approximation, support such a hypothesis [Ruggero and Rich, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 73, 2096-2108 (1983)]. However, an apparent discrepancy exists in our results, vis a vis Sellick et al.'s hypothesis, in that basal fiber near-threshold responses precede maximal negativity of the round window microphonic (i.e., maximal hyperpolarization of outer hair cells) by up to 90 degrees (but generally less than 45 degrees), depending on frequency. It is shown here that the discrepancy is resolved if certain nonlinear phase changes and overall distortion of the microphonic waveshapes, both of which occur at intense stimulus levels, are taken into account. It is also shown that compound action potentials (AP's), superimposed on the round window microphonics, can be identified at multiple times within each stimulus cycle, closely matching the near-threshold response phases of single-unit excitation. AP1 is nearly synchronous with the negative-to-positive transition of round window microphonics and with the excitation of fibers innervating apical-to-middle cochlear regions. AP2 is synchronous with the positive-to-negative transition of the microphonics and with the excitation of basal fibers. One or two other AP's probably reflect "peak splitting" in the responses of both basal and apical fibers.
Wavelength fluctuations in pulsed variable spacing phase-locked laser diode arrays

Spectra taken for a pulsed variable spacing phase-locked laser diode array (VSA) were recorded and processed to determine the magnitude of wavelength fluctuations present in the diode's output field. Analysis revealed that a pulsed VSA emits primarily into a single longitudinal mode.
Mass production of animal cells in nude mice with retention of cell specific markers.

Abstract Biochemical analysis of macromolecular constituents of somatic cells in culture frequently requires the production of large quantities of cells from small initial populations, often a laborious and expensive procedure. Here we show that nude mice, because of their genetic immune deficiency, provide a relatively simple and reliable means of growing large quantities of cells irrespective of the species or tissue of origin. Most established animal cell lines are capable of growing as large tumors in these athymic mice. The passage of mammalian cells in nude mice does not cause either the loss or modification of specific biochemical, chromosomal, antigenic or other cellular markers, nor the induction of malignant transformation of the host cells. Tumors formed by the injected cells grow as localized, encapsulated masses, and host cell admixture due to elements of the vascular system in the tumor is variable but not extensive. Pure cultures of the original cell type can easily be recovered from the tumors if they are derived from previously established cell lines. The use of nude mice for large scale growth of animal cells is particularly advantageous for cell lines which are not adapted to mass suspension culture for highly differentiated functional tumor cells which cannot be grown in vitro.
Home Range and Ecology of Snowshoe Hares in Interior Alaska

Snowshoe hares were live-trapped on a 160-acre study area near the University of Alaska, College, Alaska. In 3,702 trap-nights 151 different hares were captured 324 times for a trapping success of 8.8%. The mean home range size was 14.5 acres. There was no significant difference in home range sizes between either males and females or males during the breeding season as compared to the remainder of the year. One female hare moved 12.5 miles. Animals appeared to be more “trap-shy” during the winter. Hares alternated in the use and disuse of runways depending upon snow quality. Two types of winter form and one summer form were utilized. The autumnal molt began during the first week in August and was completed by 1 November; the vernal molt commenced late in March and was completed by mid-June. The breeding season began in mid-March and ended in late July. A growth curve indicated that Alaskan hares attained adult weights in 90 to 120 days. Mortality was due partly to mammalian and avian predators and partly to “shock disease.”
Assessing small failure probability by importance splitting method and its application to wind turbine extreme response prediction

This study presents an effective simulation framework with importance splitting (ISp) method for estimating small failure probabilities of dynamic structures with multi-correlated stochastic excitations, and addresses its application to predictions of large wind turbine extreme responses. The ISp method, also referred to as subset simulation with splitting, splits important sample paths into multiple branches at various stages in the simulation. It permits the estimation of a small failure probability of a rare event through estimations of conditional probabilities of intermediate subset events. The framework presented in this study combines the ISp method with multivariate autoregressive (MAR) modeling of stochastic excitations. The MAR model of excitations is established based on their cross power spectral density matrix, which transfers the stochastic excitations as the output of a loading system with a vector-valued uncorrelated white noise process as input. This scheme is very efficient in generating offsprings of loading and response time histories conditional on the intermediate events with very low rejection rate, which facilities the application of ISp method to different kinds of stochastic single and multiple excitations. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed new scheme are verified by a reliability problem of earthquake-excited 5-story building, and by the estimation of extreme responses of a 5 MW onshore wind turbine with very small exceeding probabilities. Finally, this framework is applied to validate the extrapolation procedure of estimating wind turbine long-term extreme responses with various mean recurrence intervals from short-term simulations of turbine response histories, which is mandated by current wind turbine design standards.
Exploring Young Women's Perceptions of the Effectiveness and Safety of Maladaptive Weight Control Techniques

Despite the emerging awareness among professionals that eating disorders occur along a continuum of degree for women and that maladaptive perceptions regarding weight control techniques may be important in the development and maintenance of women's disturbed eating behaviors, no research has examined perceptions of weight control techniques as a function of women's placement on the eating disorder continuum. Thus, perceptions of the effectiveness and safety of weight control techniques of 166 high school and college women were examined. Women who use maladaptive weight control techniques were found to rate the effectiveness and safety of these techniques higher than did women who do not use these techniques. Results also indicate that perceptions of effectiveness and safety vary in a linear fashion with respect to eating disorder continuum placement.
Spectroscopic Characterization of Supersonic Molecular Beams

A general spectroscopic method is described by which samples prepared in supersonic molecular beams can be characterized independently in their ground and excited electronic states. The centerpiece of this experiment is a Fourier transform spectrometer operating at high resolution in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet. This method is illustrated with studies of the NO2 and OClO radicals prepared in supersonic molecular beams at temperatures and pressures characteristic of the Earth's atmosphere. This general spectroscopic method is discussed by analogy with low- and high-resolution studies of electronic states which in limited cases have been used to characterize sample conditions in supersonic molecular beam experiments.
Implementing distributed controls for FMCs using Internet utilities

Abstract In today's global marketplace, industries try to compete with cost-effective products engineered using emerging techniques which are highly flexible and rely heavily on computers and information interchange among them. The active involvement of various automation technologies in manufacturing has had a positive effect, but has also led to the creation of various incompatibilities and given rise to situations commonly known as “islands of automation”. The implementation of MAP (manufacturing automation protocol) and TOP (technical and office protocol) has started to bridge the communication gap, but there still exists an “island of automation” between the controllers and host computers. The present effort is directed towards connecting these different islands of automation. The objective is to create a generic internet-based utility for hooking up host computers (which handle high-level decisions) and dedicated process controllers. This gives the controllers various facilities to interact, report, query and co-ordinate activities with computers located anywhere on the internet.
GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR: A STUDY OF 265 TWIN PAIRS*

This study investigates the common-family environmental (CE), within-family environmental (WE), and hereditary (H) components of antisocial behavior and its correlates using a twin study design. The subjects are 265 adolescent twin pairs who reported in a mail survey on their antisocial behavior, deceitfulness, parental rejection (as perceived), anger, impulsivity, and value placed on school achievement. These six variables are intercorrelated in two ways: between-families (twin pairs' sums) and within-families (twin pairs' differences). The former covariance structure captures the twins' resemblances: the latter, the twins' differences in behavior. LISREL is used to model the observed relationships using structural equations containing CE, WE, and H factors. The best-fitting model requires only H and WE factors to explain the variables' relationships. Within this population, delinquent behavior is unaffected by CE influences such as social class, child rearing styles, parental attitudes, parental religion, and other factors equally affecting the twins. The principal genetic correlates of delinquency appear to be deceitfullness and temperamental traits.
Fault-tolerant microprocessor-based overcurrent relays

Abstract Reliability of relays, the measure of the degree of certainty that the relays will perform correctly, is the most important criteria in designing protective systems. In this paper, the reliability of microprocessor-based overcurrent relays is improved by incorporating the concept of hardware redundancy. An efficient four-relay system is implemented using the Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) technique. Based on an 8085 microprocessor, each module is a multi-tasking system that implements four overcurrent relays.
A finite element–mathematical programming method for elastoplastic contact problems with friction

Abstract Both the elastoplastic constitutive equations and the frictional contact conditions are described as a kind of linear complementarity condition. Then based on the principle of virtual work and the finite element discretization, a mathematical programming method is obtained for the solution of elastoplastic contact problems with friction. This work is an extension of our previous work on the elastic contact problem (Zhu and Jin, Comput. Struct. 52, pp. 149–155 (1994)) and elastoplasticity problem (Zhu and Jin, Appl. Math. Mech. 14, pp. 635–642 (1993)). Two examples are chosen to illustrate the applicability of the method.
Evidence of hypertriglyceridemia in managing HIV patients on efavirenz.

Of the recently approved antiretroviral agents, efavirenz has become a popular medication for the treatment of HIV infection. The efficacy of an efavirenz-based regimen has allowed the use of a combination of this medication with other antiretroviral agents in all levels of HIV disease, resulting in decreased viral replication and positive clinical results. Efavirenz is also proposed as an acceptable agent to switch to from a protease inhibitor–based regimen to reduce the risk of metabolic complications. In addition, the favorable side-effect profile, diminished pill burden for clients, and daily dosing have contributed to its popularity. Primary care practitioners should be cognizant of the possible side-effect profile of antiretroviral therapy combinations and enter into a collaborative relationship with the infectious disease clinician to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Hes-1, a Known Transcriptional Repressor, Acts as a Transcriptional Activator for the Human Acid α-Glucosidase Gene in Human Fibroblast Cells

Hes-1, the mammalian homologue 1 of Drosophila hairy and Enhancer of split proteins, belongs to a family of basic helix-loop-helix proteins that are essential to neurogenesis, myogenesis, hematopoiesis, and sex determination. Hes-1 is a transcriptional repressor for a number of known genes including the human acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) gene as we have previously shown in Hep G2 cells. The human GAA gene encodes the enzyme for glycogen breakdown in lysosomes, deficiency of which results in Glycogen Storage Disease type II (Pompe syndrome). Using constructs containing the DNA element that demonstrates repressive activity in Hep G2 cells and conditions in which the same transcription factors, Hes-1 and YY1, bind, we have shown that this element functions as an enhancer in human fibroblasts. Site-directed mutagenesis and overexpression of Hes-1 showed that Hes-1 functions as a transcriptional activator. The dual function of Hes-1 we have found is likely to contribute to the subtle tissue-specific control of this housekeeping gene.
Site selection and characterization for giant telescopes

I describe the procedures used during the different phases of site testing for astronomical telescopes, that is, during the pre-selection of candidate sites, on-site testing (site selection), the site decision itself and characterization of the telescope site once the decision has been made. Many of the important parameters for astronomical night-time telescopes and some of the methods that can be used to determine these parameters are described. There appear to be no fundamental differences between the methods used for telescopes in the 5 to 10 meter range and telescopes with diameters larger than 10 meters, although specific differences certainly exist.
Planning in a post‐nomadic Bedouin town: An update and follow‐up assessment of development and change in Segev Shalom, Israel

Abstract This paper provides a follow‐up evaluation of the Israeli Government's Negev Bedouin resettlement programme. Using survey data gathered in one Bedouin town, the provision of public services is analysed and compared with previous data, and the social and economic effects of resettlement are addressed. It is concluded that although the programme is succeeding in terms of encouraging urban relocation, the perpetuation of a top‐down planning approach rather than a more popular‐oriented strategy continues to undermine the programme's development agenda.
RACE, CLASS, AND OPPORTUNITY: CHANGING REALITIES AND PERCEPTIONS

Michael Hout provided empirical validation of the part of William J. Wilson's controversial 1978 claim concerning the increased influence of class on social mobility but not of his claim that the influence of race became less important than that of class. Anomia/despair as an indication of Americans'perceptions of life chances in 1973, 1976, 1980 and 1984 is used in this article. The findings show no agreement between perception and reality (that Wilson described) on the declining influence of race and the increasing influence of class. In addition, Wilson's dominant theme of deteriorating conditions for lower-class blacks and continuing progress for upper-class blacks was contrary to the data on perception. Barriers to continued mobility faced by more successful blacks is given as a possible explanation of the discrepancy between black mobility and black perception of life chances.
Late-onset Stargardt disease is associated with missense mutations that map outside known functional regions of ABCR ( ABCA4 )

Based on recent studies of the photoreceptor-specific ABC transporter gene ABCR (ABCA4) in Stargardt disease (STGD1) and other retinal dystrophies, we and others have developed a model in which the severity of retinal disease correlates inversely with residual ABCR activity. This model predicts that patients with late-onset STGD1 may retain partial ABCR activity attributable to mild missense alleles. To test this hypothesis, we used late-onset STGD1 patients (onset: ≥35 years) to provide an in vivo functional analysis of various combinations of mutant alleles. We sequenced directly the entire coding region of ABCR and detected mutations in 33/50 (66%) disease chromosomes, but surprisingly, 11/33 (33%) were truncating alleles. Importantly, all 22 missense mutations were located outside the known functional domains of ABCR (ATP-binding or transmembrane), whereas in our general cohort of STGD1 subjects, alterations occurred with equal frequency across the entire protein. We suggest that these missense mutations in regions of unknown function are milder alleles and more susceptible to modifier effects. Thus, we have corroborated a prediction from the model of ABCR pathogenicity that (1) one mutant ABCR allele is always missense in late-onset STGD1 patients, and (2) the age-of-onset is correlated with the amount of ABCR activity of this allele. In addition, we report three new pseudodominant families that now comprise eight of 178 outbred STGD1 families and suggest a carrier frequency of STGD1-associated ABCR mutations of about 4.5% (~1/22).
Thermoluminescence spectral shifts of some naturally occurring calcium carbonates

Abstract The thermoluminescence glow peak emissions of several naturally occurring carbonate samples excited by 60Co were spectrally analyzed. A blue (425 mμ) to red (600 mμ) spectral shift was detected for both calcite and dolomite upon heating from 77°K to ambient temperature. Aragonite emitted entirely in the blue (425 mμ) over the same temperature range. A model is proposed which accounts for the experimental data given. The frequency distribution of emissions from samples tested appears to be primarily the function of impurities and not the result of crystal field effects. The aragonite, low magnesium calcite, high magnesium calcite, and dolomite used in this study gave characteristic glow peak spectra.
Hydrogeology in North America: past and future

This paper is a retrospective on the evolution of hydrogeology in North America over the past two centuries, and a brief speculation of its future. The history of hydrogeology is marked by developments in many different fields such as groundwater hydrology, soil mechanics, soil science, economic geology, petroleum engineering, structural geology, geochemistry, geophysics, marine geology, and more recently, ecology. The field has been enriched by the contributions of distinguished researchers from all these fields. At present, hydrogeology is in transition from a state of discovering new resources and exploiting them efficiently for maximum benefit, to one of judicious management of finite, interconnected resources that are vital for the sustenance of humans and other living things. The future of hydrogeology is likely to be dictated by the subtle balance with which the hydrological, erosional, and nutritional cycles function, and the decision of a technological society to either adapt to the constraints imposed by the balance, or to continue to exploit hydrogeological systems for maximum benefit. Although there is now a trend towards ecological and environmental awareness, human attitudes could change should large parts of the populated world be subjected to the stresses of droughts that last for many decades.
Follicle-stimulating hormone is independently associated with lean mass but not BMD in younger postmenopausal women

Purpose Increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has been associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) in animal models and longitudinal studies of women, but a direct effect has not been demonstrated.
A bottom water intrusion in Onslow Bay, North Carolina

Abstract During the period 20 July to 8 August 1976, a bottom intrusion of Gulf Stream water was observed in hydrographic data and data from moored current meters from Onslow Bay, North Carolina. The event was the result of southerly winds (upwelling favorable) and Gulf Stream meandering. Offshore (easterly) movement of the Gulf Stream causes an upward movement of isotherms which presents cold, saline water at the shelf break. Once this water is present at the shelf break, some other mechanism, such as southerly winds, is necessary for it to upwell into Onslow Bay. The extent of the upwelling is determined by the intensity and duration of the wind event.
Thermodynamic and transport properties of electroceramic oxide systems

Abstract Ceramic oxides are finding a wide range of application as materials for electronic systems in the modern world. They are used as electrodes and electrolytes in fuel cells and oxygen sensors, and as magnetic and dielectric materials in control devices, to mention only a few examples. Because of their nature, the fabrication of components incorporating ceramic oxides is usually carried out at high temperatures. The transport properties and redox properties of the constituent ions in these materials therefore play a significant role in determining the ease of fabrication as well as the scope of application of devices. Examples of the limitations placed on the use of these materials as a result of the chemistry of the systems are summarized for a number of current uses. The possibility of using an assembly of contemporary information to develop new and more useful materials is examined in terms of the oxygen and temperature sensitivity of the desired physical properties of electroceramics. It appears that the field is still open to many new developments, largely because of the wide range of cationic mixtures which can be sustained in the structural and stability properties of these materials.
From Sustainable Development to “Productive Conservation:” Forest Conservation Options and Agricultural Income and Assets in the Brazilian Amazon*

Abstract This paper assesses arguments for the “productive conservation” thesis, which contends that family farming in tropical regions such as the Amazon can generate significant income and assets while maintaining forest cover. Data come from a 1996 survey of households in Uruara, a community along the Transamazon highway in Brazil. A descriptive analysis shows that households engaged in intensification, diversification, and forestry, proposed as important methods for forest conservation, and that they earned U.S.$1,600 from agricultural production and owned properties worth U.S.$16,500. A multivariate analysis shows that components of small farm systems associated with forest conservation made significant contributions to agricultural incomes and property values. I suggest that productive conservation requires community action which fosters ties with outside institutions while educating producers.
Visibility of fault strands in exploratory trenches and timing of rupture events

Many estimates of seismic risk depend crucially on how well the date of faulting events can be determined from the stratigraphic position of fault strands exposed in exploratory trenches. However, fault strands cut by trenches may seem to die out where they are in fact only poorly expressed, or they may actually die out. Such ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation of the time of the most recent displacement and also of the recurrence interval between faulting events. To investigate the frequency of occurrence and other characteristics of strands that falsely appear to die out or that actually do die out, more than 1200 fault strands were analyzed. For strands associated with individual faulting events, 45% could not be visibly traced in the trench walls to the ground surface that existed at the time of faulting; for reverse and strike-slip faults, the number exceeds 70%. Thus, any apparent upward termination of a fault strand that is thought to indicate the date of a faulting event requires critical examination and corroboration from other evidence. Nonvisibility (i.e., dieout upward, obscure segments, and dieout downward) is more common on strike-slip and reverse faults than on normal faults and is more common in soil horizonsmore » than in clay and gravel. Nonvisibility occurs on strands that have had large (>1m) as well as small displacements.« less
A new method for estimating carbon dioxide emissions from transportation at fine spatial scales

Detailed estimates of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at fine spatial scales are useful to both modelers and decision makers who are faced with the problem of global warming and climate change. Globally, transport related emissions of carbon dioxide are growing. This letter presents a new method based on the volume-preserving principle in the areal interpolation literature to disaggregate transportation-related CO2 emission estimates from the county-level scale to a 1 km2 grid scale. The proposed volume-preserving interpolation (VPI) method, together with the distance-decay principle, were used to derive emission weights for each grid based on its proximity to highways, roads, railroads, waterways, and airports. The total CO2 emission value summed from the grids within a county is made to be equal to the original county-level estimate, thus enforcing the volume-preserving property. The method was applied to downscale the transportation-related CO2 emission values by county (i.e. parish) for the state of Louisiana into 1 km2 grids. The results reveal a more realistic spatial pattern of CO2 emission from transportation, which can be used to identify the emission 'hot spots'. Of the four highest transportation-related CO2 emission hotspots in Louisiana, high-emission grids literally covered the entire East Baton Rouge Parish and Orleans Parish, whereas CO2 emission in Jefferson Parish (New Orleans suburb) and Caddo Parish (city of Shreveport) were more unevenly distributed. We argue that the new method is sound in principle, flexible in practice, and the resultant estimates are more accurate than previous gridding approaches.
Child sexual abuse and pornography: Is there a relationship?

Sexual abuse is now a major form of child maltreatment; however, the causes of such exploitation are obscure. A review of official reports and other research indicate that the circumstances surrounding sexual abuse are inadequately specified to allow specific causal interpretations. The role of pornography in contributing to such abuse is explored by reviewing laboratory studies and the circumstances of child sexual abuse. An assessment of the research literature suggests that pornography is a minor and indirect influence on child sexual maltreatment.
The functional significance of brain metallothioneins.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are ubiquitous low molecular weight proteins characterized by their abundant content of cysteines. Two MT isoforms, MT-I and MT-II, are expressed coordinately in all mammalian tissues. In the CNS, MT-I and MT-II are conspicuously absent from neuronal populations, yet abundant in fibrous and protoplasmic astrocytes. A newly identified brain-specific MT gene, MT-III, is predominantly expressed in zinc-containing neurons of the hippocampus and absent from glial elements. MTs have been implicated as regulator molecules in gene expression, homeostatic control of cellular metabolism of metals, and cellular adaptation to stress. MTs store and release essential metals, such as zinc and copper, maintaining the low intracellular concentration of free essential metals. Thus, MTs fulfill a regulatory capacity and influence transcription, replication, protein synthesis, metabolism, as well as other zinc-dependent biological processes. Because MT-III is particularly abundant in zinc-containing ne...
Pupil Size, Information Overload, and Performance Differences

As a test of the hypothesis that pupil dilation during performance is partially due to a task related anxiety component, pupillary patterns were measured while subjects (Ss) processed digit strings of various lengths for immediate recall. Information overload resulted in a leveling of the dilation pattern which suggested a momentary suspension of processing effort. In addition, significant correlations were observed between individual differences in pupil size and recall performance.
Microbubble Drag Reduction

Over the past twenty-five years there has been extensive and sustained research aimed both at determining techniques for reducing skin friction drag and at explaining how successful techniques work. Certainly, one reason for pursuing this research is because of our need to drive systems faster and farther for the same power, but this is only part of the motivation. An important additional rationale for the work is bound up with our continuing fascination with boundary layers -- particularly turbulent boundary layers -- with what makes them work the way they do and how we might intervene and change them.
Prospects of High-Speed Semiconductor Devices

Concepts, technologies, and performance of high speed devices are reviewed. Among the devices treated are the modulation doped GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunction transistors (MODFET), heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT), resonant tunneling devices (RTD) and hot electron transistors (HET) with semiconductor or metal type base. A contrast is drawn between the intrinsic switching speed and the extrinsic speed which is dominated by, but often overlooked, parasitic resistances and capacitances. It is shown that because of parasitics, not just the carrier velocity but the device current needs optimization.
Determining the mechanism by which fish diversity influences production.

Understanding the ability of biodiversity to govern ecosystem function is essential with current pressures on natural communities from species invasions and extirpations. Changes in fish communities can be a major determinant of food web dynamics, and even small shifts in species composition or richness can translate into large effects on ecosystems. In addition, there is a large information gap in extrapolating results of small-scale biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments to natural systems with realistic environmental complexity. Thus, we tested the key mechanisms (resource complementarity and selection effect) for biodiversity to influence fish production in mesocosms and ponds. Fish diversity treatments were created by replicating species richness and species composition within each richness level. In mesocosms, increasing richness had a positive effect on fish biomass with an overyielding pattern indicating species mixtures were more productive than any individual species. Additive partitioning confirmed a positive net effect of biodiversity driven by a complementarity effect. Productivity was less affected by species diversity when species were more similar. Thus, the primary mechanism driving fish production in the mesocosms was resource complementarity. In the ponds, the mechanism driving fish production changed through time. The key mechanism was initially resource complementarity until production was influenced by the selection effect. Varying strength of intraspecific interactions resulting from differences in resource levels and heterogeneity likely caused differences in mechanisms between the mesocosm and pond experiments, as well as changes through time in the ponds. Understanding the mechanisms by which fish diversity governs ecosystem function and how environmental complexity and resource levels alter these relationships can be used to improve predictions for natural systems.
Cephalosporin-metronidazole combinations in the management of intra-abdominal infection

With our current understanding of antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, optimal antimicrobial dosing strategies can be developed for a variety infectious processes. Herein, we discuss the clinical utility of a combination containing a third-generation cephalosporin plus metronidazole as compared to conventional single agents (cefoxitin and ampicillin-sulbactam) for the management intra-abdominal infections. At present, several studies have been performed that compare the bactericidal activity of such combinations to that of single agents for organisms commonly isolated from these intra-abdominal process. From these studies it appears that the use of a third-generation cephalosporin with strong activity against common aerobic organisms associated with intra-abdominal infections in combination with a potent anaerobic drug such as metronidazole provides improved antibacterial activity and optimizes the pharmacodynamic profile of the agents over the dosing interval compared to conventional single agents. As a result of the pharmacokinetic and pharmaco-dynamic superiority of the combination regimen, considerable pharmacoeconomic advantages may be realized with the clinical implementation of a third-generation cephalosporin plus metronidazole regimen. This approach should result in maximal clinical efficacy and is important not only for individual patient therapy, but also for formulary management decisions.
Functional testing of circuits and SMD boards with limited nodal access

The author describes an approach to testing analog circuits which involves examining their transient response to step inputs in conjunction with multivariable discriminant analysis to determine individual component faults. Assuming the fault spectrum for an individual circuit can be obtained, appropriate pulse input stimuli can be chosen. On the basis of the device's response to the pulse stimuli, relevant discriminants can be calculated. Together with the fault spectrum, the discriminants could characterize the various device faults, forming a database from which a discriminant analysis could classify such devices on the basis of these discriminants. This approach should yield a substantial savings in component testing time. The feasibility of this method has been examined for a simple circuit, while applications to more complex analog and digital circuit boards and VLSI circuits have been considered. >
Making Sense of Adam Smith's Invisible Hand: Beyond Pareto Optimality and Unintended Consequences

Smith explicitly spells out the term “invisible hand” in only three texts, each in a different work. What is embarrassing to neoclassical welfare theory is that these explicit references have little to do with what came to be understood by the metaphor. In particular, the explicit reference to the invisible hand in The Wealth of Nations (WN) is not about the efficiency of the market in allocating resources. Rather, it is about, ironically, how impediments in the international capital market generate great benefits.
Novel caesium-selective, 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene-bis(crown-6-ethers) with proton-ionizable groups for enhanced extraction efficiency

Synthesis of a series of novel 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene-bis(crown-6-ethers) with a proton-ionizable group (PIG) located in front of one crown ether cavity is reported. Variation of the X group in the N-(X-sulfonyl)carbamoyl substituent on the calixbiscrowns provides variation of acidity of the PIG. NMR spectroscopic studies demonstrate that the position of the PIG within the molecule allows it to participate in cooperative metal ion coordination by the ligand. In solvent extraction of alkali metal cations from aqueous solutions of varying pH into chloroform, the novel ionophores possess enhanced efficiency relative to a non-ionizable analog, while retaining high Cs+ selectivity. The Cs+ extraction constants of the proton-ionizable calixbiscrowns are proportional to their acidities. Under the conditions employed, 1 ∶ 1 complexes of the ionized calixbiscrowns with Cs+ are the dominant species extracted into the organic phase.
Etoposide induces chimeric Mll gene fusions

MLL gene fusions are the hallmark of more than 70% of therapy-related leukemias (t-ML) associated with topoisomerase II inhibitors (e.g., etoposide) and cause leukemia in murine transgenic models. To determine whether Mll genomic fusions can occur after exposure to topoisomerase II inhibitors, we developed a long-distance inverse PCR DNA-based assay for chimeric Mll fusions in mouse embryonic stem cells. We detected Mll fusions at a higher frequency following 100 microM etoposide for 8 h (16x10(-6) cell(-1)) than in no-drug controls (1.0x10(-6) cell(-1), P=0.0002) or after treatment with a comparably cytotoxic exposure to the antimicrotubule drug vincristine (1.0x10(-6) cell(-1), P=0.0047). The fusion points in Mll chimeric products induced by etoposide were localized to a 1.5 kb region between exons 9 and 11, analogous to the MLL breakpoint cluster region in human leukemia. All 49 Mll fusion partners analyzed matched known genomic murine sequences, with 40 (82%) matching annotated genes covering eighteen murine autosomes. One partner was Runx1, the murine homologue of the transcription factor AML-1, a target of human translocations in therapy-related leukemia. These findings indicate that etoposide triggers the formation of Mll gene fusions, a critical step for the development of treatment-induced leukemic transformation.
A new method for the calculation of the emission spectrum of DFB and DBR lasers

A method based on transmission matrices that allows the emission spectra of arbitrarily complicated semiconductor laser structures to be computed below and above threshold has been developed. These can include active and passive periodic or uniform sections. As examples, the authors compute the emission spectra of a normal distributed feedback (DFB) laser, a DFB laser with a lambda /4 phase shifter, and a surface-emitting distributed Bragg reflector (DFB) laser. To do that, Petermann's method for calculating the spontaneous emission coupling coefficient has been extended to the case of a periodic waveguide. It is shown how the spontaneous emission, when treated correctly, can be used to measure the coupling coefficient of the grating in a DFB laser with a lambda /4 phase shifter. >
Public-Sector Management Today: Advanced Differentiation and Early Institutionalization

This summary article draws attention to four central questions concerning a turbulent and even troubled area of inquiry and practice. Three questions dominate. What is "public sector management" or PSM? How has PSM been approached? Whatfactors complicate coming to grips with PSM? The focus is basically descriptive-on what usually has been considered under the rubric PSM. Consequently, loose ends get more attention than prescriptionsfor tidying-up an area of inquiry and practice that now finds itself variably responding to political as well as analytic challenges. However, a fourth question does get some attention: How can we do better in PSM research?
Aromatherapy Hand Massage for Older Adults With Chronic Pain Living in Long-Term Care:

Purpose: Older adults living in long-term care experience high rates of chronic pain. Concerns with pharmacologic management have spurred alternative approaches. The purpose of this study was to ex...
An improvement to the volcano-scan algorithm for atmospheric correction of CRISM and OMEGA spectral data

Abstract The observations of Mars by the CRISM and OMEGA hyperspectral imaging spectrometers require correction for photometric, atmospheric and thermal effects prior to the interpretation of possible mineralogical features in the spectra. Here, we report on a simple, yet non-trivial, adaptation to the commonly-used volcano-scan correction technique for atmospheric CO2, which allows for the improved detection of minerals with intrinsic absorption bands at wavelengths between 1.9 and 2.1 μm. This volcano-scan technique removes the absorption bands of CO2 by ensuring that the Lambert albedo is the same at two wavelengths: 1.890 and 2.011 μm, with the first wavelength outside the CO2 gas bands and the second wavelength deep inside the CO2 gas bands. Our adaptation to the volcano-scan technique moves the first wavelength from 1.890 μm to be instead within the gas bands at 1.980 μm, and for CRISM data, our adaptation shifts the second wavelength slightly, to 2.007 μm. We also report on our efforts to account for a slight ∼0.001 μm shift in wavelengths due to thermal effects in the CRISM instrument.
Biliary atresia screening: why, when, and how?

Biliary atresia is one of the most important liver diseases in childhood. At an incidence of 1 in 13 000 live births in the United States, it is considered a rare disease; however, it is the indication for 40% to 50% of all liver transplants performed in children.1 It uniquely presents only during the first few months of life and seems to be a phenotype caused by at least several etiologies, including a proposed perinatal insult that initiates an immune-mediated obliteration of the extrahepatic bile duct lumen and a proposed embryonic or fetal defect in the normal morphogenesis of the biliary tree.2 Outcome is uniformly poor unless a hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE) (the Kasai operation) reestablishes bile drainage from the liver into the jejunum and leads to resolution of jaundice. If HPE is not successful or not performed, liver transplantation is the only life-saving alternative. Even with successful HPE, the majority of these children's conditions will progress to cirrhosis, leaving survival rates without liver transplantation at only 20% by 20 years … Address correspondence to Ronald J. Sokol, MD, Children's Hospital, Box B290, 13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045. E-mail: sokol.ronald{at}tchden.org
Gender- and Age-dependent Changes in Kidney Androgen Protein mRNA Expression in a Knockout Mouse Model for Nephrolithiasis

Kidney androgen-regulated protein (Kap) is the most abundant protein in the mouse kidney, but its function is unknown. We previously observed a significant decrease in Kap mRNA expression in whole kidney tissue from male mice with adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency and 2,8-dihydroxyadenine (DHA) nephrolithiasis. The disease phenotype is more severe in male mice and is age-dependent. To identify the cellular basis for differential Kap expression, we used in situ hybridization (ISH) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ISH (RT-PCR ISH) to identify the cell types expressing this mRNA in paraffin-embedded kidney sections. In 1-month-old wild-type male mice, Kap was detected primarily in S3 proximal tubule segments, but expression was very low in female mice. In 1-month-old APRT-deficient male mice, Kap expression was decreased significantly and was undetectable in female mice. Kap mRNA was not detected in 3- or 6-month-old mice using our standard ISH protocol, but we observed intense cytoplasmic staining in S3 proximal tubules in wild-type male mice of these age groups using an improved RT-PCR ISH procedure. Our studies demonstrate age-, gender-, and APRT genotype-dependent changes in Kap mRNA expression in mouse kidney. Kap expression is under multihormonal control, and hormonal changes in DHA-induced nephrolithiasis may account for the decreased Kap expression in APRT-deficient mice.