cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of strain-induced damage in composites based on the dissipated energy density Part III. General material constitutive relation

Abstract While the energy dissipation function can be approximately determined without explicit knowledge of the damage-induced constitutive nonlinearities as discussed in Parts I and II of this work, a more refined approximation requires a representation of the full-scale nonlinear behavior. This information is also of much interest in its own right since it is needed for stress analysis when analyzing the behavior of structural components loaded well into the nonlinear response range where substantial load redistribution is expected. Part III addresses a representation of the constitutive behavior in terms of the energy dissipation function that is developed with a more refined scheme for identifying the dissipation function itself.
Speech synthesizers-talking computers: development and impact on industrial engineering

Abstract The paper includes a brief explanation of the speech production process in man, a historical view of speech synthesis, and four types of electronic synthesizers in use today. Also included is a brief presentration on phonetics, the study of speech sounds. Possible applications of speech synthesizers in industrial engineering practice and in engineering jobs for the visually handicapped are presented.
Rescue TIPS in Acute Budd-Chiari Syndrome

1All authors: Department of Radiology, C320, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 150 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103. Address correspondence to H. Abujudeh (judehmd@yahoo.com). udd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is caused by obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract resulting from obstruction of the hepatic vein, the inferior vena cava (IVC), or both. Most cases are due to thrombotic occlusion of the hepatic veins resulting from a hypercoagulable state [1]. BCS can manifest in an acute or chronic form; medical, surgical, and interventional treatments are available. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been described to treat BCS. Most published reports discuss TIPS for treatment of the chronic form [2–9]. We present a rescue TIPS procedure in a patient who presented with acute BCS.
Spin hamiltonian for which quantum hall wavefunction is exact

Abstract A Hamiltonian is introduced for which the spin - 1 2 quantum liquid wavefunction proposed by Kalmeyer and Laughlin is the exact ground state. An explicit proof is given that this state is a doubly degenerate spin singlet. The excitation spectrum of the Hamiltonian is calculated variationally and a case is made for the presence of an energy gap. The spin-1 collective mode, calculated in the single-mode approximation, is shown to have a large energy that is minimized at the Brillouin zone corner. The spin-0 collective mode behaves similarly but has a lower overall energy. Wavefunctions for the neutral spin - 1 2 excitations are shown to form an exact spin doublet. The energy of a pair of such excitations increases or decreases logarithmically with separation depending on the total spin. When widely separated, the excitations possess an internal 2-fold degree of freedom, a Brillouin zone that is half the linear dimension of the full zone, and a mass comparable to that of the collective modes.
Diffusion of redox probes in hydrated sol-gel-derived glasses

Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry have been used to characterize the translational mobility of eight different redox probes trapped in hydrated silica gel monoliths and evaluate the extent of surface interactions. The redox probes, selected for their size and charge, were introduced into a silica sol prepared by the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetramethoxysilane along with an ultramicroelectrode (r = 13 μm) and a Ag/AgCl reference/counter electrode. Relative changes in the magnitude of the Faradaic current, the half-wave potential, E1/2, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (D) were evaluated for each redox probe as the sol gelled, aged, and dried. Significant variations were observed in the diffusion rates between molecules of similar size and structure but varying ionic charge. Large shifts in the redox potential were also observed, with the direction of shift dependent on the entrapped reagent. These results demonstrate the importance of internal surface interactions versus surface confinemen...
Dynamics of photoexcited states in C60: An optically detected magnetic resonance, ESR, and light-induced ESR study.

The photoluminescence X-band optically deleted magnetic resonance (ODMR), ESR, and light-induced ESR (LESR) of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ films and ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ in toluene/polystyrene glass (${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$:T/PS are described. The ESR at g=1.998 and delocalized triplet LESR and ODMR of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$:T/PS are similar to previously reported spectra. In films, the ODMR indicates that the delocalized triplet is larger and distorted by neighboring molecules. In addition, another, more localized triplet and a narrow photoluminescence-enhancing line at g=2.0017\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0005, consistent with intermolecular polaron recombination, are also observed in films but not glasses.
Posterior capsular plaque in bilateral congenital cataracts

Background Many cases of unilateral congenital cataract have an associated posterior capsular plaque. Observations such as this have led to the hypothesis that posterior capsular plaque is caused by persistent fetal vasculature, generally a unilateral condition, even if no obvious hyaloid remnant is visible. We investigated the incidence of posterior capsular plaque associated with bilateral congenital cataracts. Methods Children with bilateral congenital cataracts were identified from three surgical practices. Children were included if lensectomies were performed prior to age 7 months. Surgical videos were evaluated for cataract morphology. Results Fourteen children with bilateral cataracts were identified. Surgical videos were available for 24 eyes. Five eyes (21%) had evidence of persistent hyaloid remnants. Of the remaining 19 eyes, cataracts were categorized as nuclear in 10 cases, nuclear with cortical extension in 6 cases, and posterior cortical in 3 cases. Evidence of posterior capsular plaque was seen in seven cases (37%) on video review. Conclusions Video review revealed a much lower incidence of posterior capsular plaque in eyes with bilateral congenital cataracts compared to unilateral congenital cataracts, lending presumptive evidence to the hypothesis that most unilateral lens opacities arise from persistent fetal vasculature.
Mechanistic investigation of cyclohexane oxidation by a non-heme iron complex: evidence of product inhibition by UV/vis stopped-flow studies

We report herein studies examining a binuclear non-heme iron model complex that is capable of catalytically oxidizing cyclohexane to cyclohexanol in excess of 200 turnovers, relative to the iron complex, and cyclohexanone (5 turnovers) via heterolytic cleavage of the mechanistic probe peroxide MPPH. Low-temperature stopped-flow electronic spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the mechanism of the reaction of this diiron(II) compound, Fe(2)(H(2)Hbamb)(2)(N-MeIm)(2), (H(2)Hbamb = 2,3-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido)dimethylbutane) (1) with MPPH. In the absence of substrates, the reaction proceeds in three consecutive steps starting with oxygen atom transfer to the diferrous complex to generate a putative [Fe(IV)=O species], thought to be the oxidant in the catalytic cycle. Over time, the rate of catalysis is observed to decrease without consumption of all available peroxide. By utilizing low-temperature stopped-flow UV/vis kinetic studies, the diferrous complex, 1, is shown to undergo product inhibition arising from the interaction of either cyclohexanol or MPP-OL product species to the diiron center, therefore precluding further reaction with MPPH.
A method of pharmacoepidemiologic analysis that uses computerized Medicaid.

Abstract A method of pharmacoepidemiologic data analysis that utilizes computerized Medicaid data is presented. A cohort design in which Medicaid enrollees receiving drugs that are normally used to treat similar underlying conditions is described. A period of time in which Medicaid service transactions are evident is required before an individual is eligible for selection into a cohort. Selection of study subjects and descriptions of cohorts are based on Medicaid service histories occurring during the preliminary, prerequisite period. Time at risk is considered to begin after a prescription for a study drug is dispensed and continues until either a refill is dispensed, a prescription for an alternative drug within, the same therapeutic class is dispensed, or a predetermined number of days has passed. Subjects are followed forward in time and relevant health care transactions that are suggestive of suspected adverse drug reactions are noted. Incidence densities associated with sequentially ranked prescriptions within sequential courses of therapy are compared. Methods to increase the accuracy of case ascertainment are briefly discussed. Separate validation studies may be used to evaluate the validity of computerized case ascertainment methods and to compensate for misclassification of outcome. The proposed method is intended to provide timely estimates of risk for selected outcomes. For outcomes that cannot be accurately ascertained from computerized data, this method may be useful in determining the feasibility of more customized studies.
VALIDATION OF EXPERT SYSTEMS- WITH APPLICATIONS TO AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING EXPERT SYSTEMS*

This paper proposes a set of definitions for the concepts "validation" and "assessment" applied to expert systems (ESs). It develops a framework for this validation and demonstrates the framework on existing accounting and auditing ESs to elicit some of the research issues involved in ES validation. Validation is critical to the design and implementation of decision-making ESs. In a setting where objectivity is sought and variance is avoided, validation ascertains what a system knows, knows incorrectly. or does not know. Validation ascertains the system's level of exper­ tise and investigates the theoretical basis on which the system is based. It evaluates the reliabili­ ty of decisions made by the system. The validation framework developed in this paper is research methods. It is designed to reflect the unique aspects of ESs (in contrast to other types of computer programs) and can be used by ES developers as a basis from which to perform validation and by researchers as a framework to elicit research issues in validation. Subject Areas: Accounting Theory and Auditing.
Effects of a specific beta2-receptor blocker in neuroleptic-induced akathisia

To assess the role of blockade of beta-receptor subpopulations in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia (NIA), the specific beta 2-antagonist ICI 118,551 was compared to placebo in a double-blind study. After a baseline evaluation on placebo, patients were treated with ICI 118,551 or placebo. Five of six patients treated with ICI 118,551 showed improvements in NIA, while only one of four patients improved on placebo. Patients were then treated openly with propranolol, a mixed beta 1, beta 2-antagonist. Compared to ICI 118,551, no further improvement on objective measures of akathisia was seen on propranolol. Mean subjective assessments of NIA declined on propranolol, but changes were variable and not statistically significant.
Corticosteroid therapy during endoscopic sinus surgery in children: is there a need for a second look?

Objective To determine whether intravenous administration of dexamethasone during endoscopic sinus surgery in children will decrease scarring and edema during a second-look procedure. Design Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting University medical center. Patients Forty-eight children undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis. Intervention Twenty-four children received intravenous dexamethasone and 24 received placebo intraoperatively before the start of the procedure. Main Outcome Measures The status of the ethmoid cavity, the status of the mucosa in the maxillary sinuses, and the patency of the maxillary sinus ostium during the second-look procedure performed 2 to 3 weeks after the primary procedure. Results Children who received intravenous dexamethasone had significantly less maxillary sinus mucosal edema, less ethmoid scarring, and a lower incidence of closure of the maxillary ostium ( P = .02). During the second-look procedure, 62% of children in the noncorticosteroid group had abnormal findings vs 29% in the corticosteroid group. Patients with asthma, lower computed tomography scores, and no exposure to smoking had a significantly lower incidence of scarring with use of corticosteroids. Children older than 6 years benefited from intravenous corticosteroid therapy vs children 6 years and younger. Conclusions Treatment with intravenous dexamethasone during endoscopic sinus surgery was safe and was helpful in reducing scarring and swelling noted during the second-look procedure. Use of corticosteroids was particularly helpful in children with asthma, lower computed tomography scores, and no exposure to smoking and in children older than 6 years.
Metal chelate affinity chromatography of the Dolichos biflorus seed lectin and its subunits

Metal chelate affinity chromatography was first introduced by Porath and coworkers in 1975 [I]. This method is based on the principle that a protein capable of binding divalent cations may interact with these ions immobilized on chelate gels. Agarose gels containingiminodiacetic acid, a &elate formingligand, have been used to fractionate human serum proteins [l], isolate lactoferrin from human milk [2], purify (r2-SH glycoprotein [3], interferon [4,5], granule proteins from granulocytes [6] and a,-macroglobulin [7]. In all these reports Cu2+ or Zn2+ were chelated to the agarose gel used in the purification procedures. The Dolichos bijlorus seed lectin, which consists of apparently equal amounts of 2 types of subunits (&II) [8] has been shown to bind -4 Ca2+/native tetrameric molecule [9]. However the distribution of these ions between the subunits is unknown. Here, we report the binding properties of the native lectin as well as its isolated subunits to a Ca2+ containing affinity column.
Mauna Kea technologies' F400 prototype: a new tool for in vivo microscopic imaging during endoscopy

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate potential for high resolution fluorescence imaging during standard endoscopic procedures using a catheter-based confocal endoscope, compatible with standard video-endoscopes. The instrument, an F400 prototype from Mauna Kea Technologies (Paris, France), may function in various imaging modalities: auto-fluorescence or exogenous fluorescence using topical applications of fluorophores. The system is composed of a Laser Scanning Unit, a range of fibered objectives and a dedicated software, which makes it possible to obtain images at a rate of 12 frames per second. These images have a lateral resolution of 2.5 microns, an axial resolution of 15 microns, a field of view up to 600 microns x 500 microns and can be obtained at depths up to 100 microns. The miniaturized fibered probes offer unique access capabilities, specifically through the operating channel of an endoscope. So far, these studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the F400 in allowing confocal laser imaging of the internal microstructure of tissues in the anatomical tract accessed by the endoscope, thanks to the miniaturization of the system. The device can be considered as a new tool towards "optical biopsies" and in vivo histology, leading to more physiologically relevant data and cost effective medicine.
Risk‐adjusted relationship between voriconazole utilization and non‐melanoma skin cancer among lung and heart/lung transplant patients

Background We examined the relationship between voriconazole utilization and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) development among adult lung and heart/lung transplant patients who were continuously enrolled in a large U.S. commercial health plan. Methods Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to assess both the crude and adjusted effect of voriconazole usage on NMSC development. Overall, 467 adult lung (98%) and heart/lung (2%) transplant patients (60% male) with median age of 58 years were analyzed. Results Fifty-seven (12%) patients developed NMSC over a median follow-up time of 610 days. At the crude level, patients with any (vs. none) claim for voriconazole were more likely to develop NMSC (19% vs. 12%, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 2.96, P = 0.04). However, after statistical adjustment for demographic and clinical factors, the effect was largely diminished and no longer statistically significant (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.71, 2.14, P = 0.45). Results were similar when modeling average and total dose of voriconazole. Risk factors significantly related to NMSC development were being male, older age, sun exposure, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and history of immune disorder. Conclusion Results suggest that the relationship between voriconazole utilization and NMSC among lung transplant patients may be a result of confounding by indication, and that controlling for underlying patient characteristics is paramount.
Risky business: How social psychology can help improve corporate risk management

Abstract Drawing on research in management theory, risk analysis, and the social sciences, this installment of Business Law & Ethics Corner promotes diversity of thought in corporate governance as not only beneficial to business growth and creativity, but also imperative to managing risk successfully. The article begins with a review of four major worldviews and the risk preferences of each. Next, it examines psychological processes that guide human decision making and greatly influence risk perception. The article then applies these worldviews and psychological phenomena to the case of risk management. It offers a critique of current risk management practices, drawing on evidence from the 2007–2008 financial crisis. The article concludes by promoting increased diversity of worldviews in corporate governance as a way to prevent the same risk blindness that led to the Great Recession.
Interval Recognition in Minimal Context

Thirty-six college music majors were asked to identify ascending intervals with a distractor tone either a major second or a perfect fourth below and preceding the first tone of the interval, a distractor tone either a major second or a perfect fourth above and following the second tone, and with no distractor (control condition). There was a tendency for responses to the distractor-before, major second condition to overestimate the target, and for responses in distractor-after conditions to underestimate. A “tonic effect” is proposed to explain these results.
Integrating Targeted Agents into Therapeutic Regimens for Patients with Resectable Colorectal Cancer

New surgical techniques and new systemic treatments have come together to increase the number of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have been cured. There is great hope that new targeted agents will further increase our success, both through improved therapeutic outcomes and better selection of patients for this more invasive and aggressive approach. A summary of this current clinical data is presented herein to establish our current standards and to guide us toward our future goals. We are increasingly managing patients with a multidisciplinary approach, a critical element in our success. Biologic therapies will continue to play an important role in the management of these patients.
Macrophages: Obligate Partners for Tumor Cell Migration, Invasion, and Metastasis

Macrophages within the tumor microenvironment facilitate angiogenesis and extracellular-matrix breakdown and remodeling and promote tumor cell motility. Recent studies reveal that direct communication between macrophages and tumor cells leads to invasion and egress of tumor cells into the blood vessels (intravasation). Thus, macrophages are at the center of the invasion microenvironment and are an important drug target for cancer therapy.
Groundhog Day: Iterative learning for building temperature control

As the cost of energy continues to grow, there is an increasing need for more effective building control, particularly regarding heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Existing HVAC control systems are primarily based on measured temperature feedback, and typically do not utilize temperature forecasts and historical data. As a result, building room temperatures tend to fluctuate with the outside temperature, compromising occupant comfort and energy efficiency (as users overcompensate in setting the desired temperature). This paper proposes a feedforward scheme for building temperature control based on iterative learning control (ILC) to extract information from historical data with similar temperature patterns and preemptively account for expected future error. We apply the ILC strategy to building temperature control by considering a 24-hour period as one iteration. The weather forecast is used to find the historical record best matched with the predicted outside temperature and initial condition (room temperature). The recorded heat input and room temperature data is then used to generate a feedforward update of the heat input based on an ILC update. This method allows anticipatory feedforward control (on top of the feedback control) to prepare the room condition for the upcoming weather conditions, instead of only reacting to the current condition. We use a 4-room simulation to illustrate our approach. The result shows that the iterative learning controller produces substantially less error and oscillation as compared to the feedback control alone. However, the scheme consumes more energy as the temperature is more tightly regulated around the desired setting. This issue is addressed by relaxing the temperature learning criterion to reduce the control effort.
Effect of water activity and humectant identity on the growth kinetics ofEscherichia coliO157:H7☆☆☆

The effect of three non-ionic humectants on the growth kinetics of a three-strain mixture ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 was studied in brain–heart infusion broth. A full factorial design was used to test mannitol (0, 50, 100, 150, 200gl−1), sorbitol (0, 50, 10, 150, 200gl−1), and sucrose (0, 50, 100, 200, 300gl−1) in combination with four pH levels (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) and three incubation temperatures (12°, 19°, and 28°C). Growth was measured using viable counts, and growth curves were then fitted using the Gompertz equation to derive generation times, lag phase durations, maximum population densities, and ‘times to a 1000-fold increase'. Increasing humectant concentrations (i.e., lowering water activity (aw)) interacted with decreasing temperatures and pH values to increase lag phase durations and generation times. The results were compared with an earlier study where NaCl was used as the humectant. The response surface model developed for NaCl in the earlier study was evaluated for its ability to successfully predict the growth kinetics ofE. coliobserved with the three non-ionic solutes. The model provided reasonable estimates for all four humectants, particularly at higher awvalues. As the minimum awthat supported growth was approached, differences among the solutes were observed and the model was less accurate. This was evidenced by conservative (fail–safe) predictions that over estimated the pathogen's growth potential at low awvalues. Overall, the results indicate that models developed using NaCl as a humectant can be used to obtain estimates of a bacterium's growth in the presence of other solutes.
Counting the Votes: South Carolina's Stolen Election of 1876

South Carolina's election of 1876 was rife with allegations of electoral intimidation and fraud.The presidential outcome and the future of Reconstruction hung in the balance.Although Democrat Wade Hampton apparently won the popular vote in the gubernatorial contest, a partisan Board of Canvassers, ultimately to no avail,declared Republican Daniel Chamberlain the victor after negating thousands of the ballots cast.Rigorous quantitative analysis suggests that the Board's adjustment of the vote was correct and that Chamberlain most probably wouldhave won had the election not been so corrupt.
Oral glucosamine modulates the response of the liver and lymphocytes of the mesenteric lymph nodes in a papain-induced model of joint damage and repair

Summary Objectives To assess whether glucosamine (GlcN), an oral supplement commonly taken to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, modulates the immune and inflammatory responses to joint injury in organs proximal to GlcN absorption; namely, the liver and the gut-draining lymph nodes. Method Using a papain-injected knee mouse model, standard histological methods were used to validate our model and document the impact of GlcN (100mg/kg/day) on groups of C57BL/6 mice ( n =5). Circulating inflammatory cytokines were assessed by Luminex-based immunoassays and the relevance of this cytokine profile on proteoglycan biosynthesis evaluated using a patellar-cartilage assay. Real-time PCR was used to document the role of the liver in cytokine production. Finally, we appraised the activation of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Results Papain significantly degraded the proteoglycans in the injected knees by 2 days. Cartilage proteoglycan content was significantly higher in GlcN-treated, papain-injected knees at Day 14. The peak concentration of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines occurred earlier and decreased sooner in the injected, GlcN-supplemented mice; this trend was in agreement with the expression of these factors by the liver. GlcN did not alter the percentage of MLN populations but accelerated their activation. Conclusions Oral GlcN alters the physiology of the liver and MLNs, which in turn, could indirectly alter the biology of the injured joint.
Lessons learned from Galaxy, a Web-based platform for high-throughput genomic analyses

High throughput sequencing assays have given rise to the field of genomics and transformed biomedical research into a computational science. Due to the large size of genomics datasets, high-performance computing is essential for analysis. Galaxy (http://galaxyproject.org) is a popular Web-based platform that can be used for all facets of genomic analyses, including data retrieval and integration, multi-step analysis, repeated analyses via workflows, visualization, collaboration, and publication. This paper describes Galaxy and discusses four lessons learned from the development of Galaxy. First, Galaxy uses open, extensible frameworks so that it can be adapted to new technologies as they become available. Second, by leveraging Web technologies, Galaxy makes genomics tools accessible to everyone and provides a common platform for collaboration. Third, Galaxy fosters community amongst both developers and users and encourages each community to adapt and extend Galaxy to meet their needs. Finally, Galaxy software development and genomic research are closely coupled, and challenges encountered during genomic research drive Galaxy development.
Volumetric Bone Mineral Density and Bone Size in Sleep-deprived Individuals

Introduction Chronic sleep deprivation, which is associated with several age-related pathologies and altered endocrine function, may adversely affect bone. Our a priori hypothesis was that bone mineral density was lower in sleep-deprived ( 6.5-10 h/night) individuals.
Circuit optimization via adjoint Lagrangians

The circuit tuning problem is best approached by means of gradient-based nonlinear optimization algorithms. For large circuits, gradient computation can be the bottleneck in the optimization procedure. Traditionally, when the number of measurements is large relative to the number of tunable parameters, the direct method is used to repeatedly solve the associated sensitivity circuit to obtain all the necessary gradients. Likewise, when the parameters outnumber the measurements, the adjoint method is employed to solve the adjoint circuit repeatedly for each measurement to compute the sensitivities. In this paper, we propose the adjoint Lagrangian method, which computes all the gradients necessary for augmented-Lagrangian-based optimization in a single adjoint analysis. After the nominal simulation of the circuit has been carried out, the gradients of the merit function are expressed as the gradients of a weighted sum of circuit measurements. The weights are dependent on the nominal solution and on optimizer quantities such as Lagrange multipliers. By suitably choosing the excitations of the adjoint circuit, the gradients of the merit function are computed via a single adjoint analysis, irrespective of the number of measurements and the number of parameters of the optimization. This procedure requires close integration between the nonlinear optimization software and the circuit simulation program. The adjoint Lagrangian formulation has been implemented in the JiffyTune tool which optimizes delay, area, slew (transition time) and power measurements by adjusting transistor widths and wire sizes. Speedups of over 35x have been realized in the gradient computation procedure by using the adjoint Lagrangian formulation, leading to speedups of up to 2.5x in the overall optimization procedure. Perhaps more importantly, these speedups have rendered feasible the tuning of large circuits. A circuit with 6,900 transistors was optimized in under two hours of CPU time.
System safety modelling and assessment using ternary decision diagram

Ternary decision diagram (TDD) is introduced as a new modelling technique to conduct system safety modelling and assessment. In this paper complex systems are broken down to functional modules in order to facilitate the combinatorial modelling process. Quantitatively to assess safety, two failure states are modelled. Three cases of module construction techniques using TDD are discussed. An algorithm is developed for the TDD modular approach, and an example system is exercised to verify the algorithm.
Facies Successions in Peritidal Carbonate Sequences

ABSTRACT High-frequency stratigraphic order in epicratonic sections is increasingly attributed to the widespread influence of Milankovitch-band climate forcing and attendant eustatic sealevel change on patterns of limestone and dolostone accumulation throughout much of the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic record. However, the actual existence of upward-shallowing lithofacies associations has rarely been explicitly demonstrated and, in contrast to such perceptions of periodic and global accumulation, many carbonate sequences can just as readily be interpreted as largely constituting unordered assemblages of various peritidal lithologies. Examination of published data from several long epicratonic sequences indicates that their division into shallowing cycles is a rather subjective exercise. Inferenc of repeated shoaling has commonly relied more heavily on the stratigraphic recurrence of particular units interpreted as representing extremely shallow to exposure conditions than on any documented tendency for groups of lithofacies to actually constitute upward-shallowing associations. Moreover, cycle definition via such picking of cycle "tops" results not only in a varied assemblage of overlying substitutable "base" and mid-cycle lithologies, but also leads to the designation of cycles that contain a relatively small number of stratal elements; most reported peritidal cycles contain only two stratal elements (mean = 2.25 lithofacies/shallowing cycle; n = 627) and thus are indistinguishable from sequences of randomly stacked peritidal units. Comparison of data on thicknesses and numbers of stratal elements in real-world "cyclic" and model chaotic sequences demonstrates that most Proterozoic and Phanerozoic sections exhibit little more meter-scale ordering of component units than would commonly be present in sequences of randomly associated peritidal lithofacies. On the basis of these considerations, we conclude that meter-scale cyclicity in many if not most epicratonic sequences is more apparent than real, that perceptions of repeated and eustatically driven platform flooding are largely incorrect, and that a substantial component of presumed meter. scale stratigraphic order in peritidal carbonates reflects little more than the random migration of various sedimentary subenvironments over specific platform localities durin long-term accumulation of peritidal carbonate.
Ground target stimulation using a moving microwave source

This effort is directed toward characterizing the response of a target-placed on or near the ground plane-to the radiation of a microwave source mounted on a moving vehicle. Because of the multipath problems inherent in measuring the electric field strength on or near the earth's surface, a theoretical model was constructed so that the effectiveness of the dynamic approach to actuating specific targets could be characterized. This process is repeated for a variety of microwave source speeds, vehicle-to-target-aspect ratios, and target positions on or above the ground plane. Given a horizontally polarized beam driven by a horn antenna, the electric field strengths were calculated at different vehicle-totarget- aspect ratios and at different heights on and above the ground plane for sand and clay soils. These values were then modeled in MATLAB to provide target stimulation for varied pulse chains. A model with independent pulse effects and a model based on the cumulative effect of pulses were evaluated.
The Poetics of Naevius' ‘Epitaph’ and the History of Latin Poetry

An analysis of the formal features of the ‘epitaph’ of the poet Naevius reveals the handiwork of a later author who admired the older style of poetry represented by Naevius and used the allusive features of that style to reflect on the changing character of Latin poetics and its relationship to Hellenism. The very poetics of the epigram reveal a thoughtful attempt to admit Hellenic affect without sacrificing Roman sensibilities. Especially important is the relationship between divine and mortal and the proper hierarchy of the social world. The epigram is, in short, one literary reflection of the cultural and social struggles of the mid-second century b.c.
The E-box motif in the proximal ABCA1 promoter mediates transcriptional repression of the ABCA1 gene

To identify regulatory elements in the proximal human ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (hABCA1) gene promoter we transfected RAW cells with plasmids contain- ing mutations in the E-box, AP1, and liver X receptor (LXR) elements as well as the two Sp1 motifs. Point mutations in either Sp1 site or in the AP1 site had only a minor effect whereas mutation of the LXR element decreased promoter activity. In contrast, mutation or deletion of the E-box motif caused a 3-fold increase in transcriptional activity under basal conditions. Gel shift and DNaseI footprint analysis showed binding of a protein or protein complex to this re- gion. Preincubation of nuclear extracts with antibodies es- tablished that USF1, USF2, and fos related antigen (Fra) 2 bind to DNA sequences in the human ABCA1 promoter that contains the intact E-box but not the mutant or deleted E-box. Co-transfection of USF1 and USF2 enhanced, but Fra2 repressed, ABCA1 promoter activity. Thus, a complex consisting of USF1, USF2, and Fra2 binds the E-box motif 147 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site and facilitates repression of the human ABCA1 promoter. These com- bined studies identify a novel site in the human ABCA1 pro- moter involved in the regulation of ABCA1 gene expression. — Yang, X-P., L. A. Freeman, C. L. Knapper, M. J. A. Amar, A. Remaley, H. B. Brewer, Jr., and S. Santamarina-Fojo. The E-box motif in the proximal ABCA1 promoter mediates transcriptional repression of the ABCA1 gene. J. Lipid Res. 2002. 43: 297-306.
Attorney‐ client decision‐ making in criminal cases: Client competence and participation as perceived by their attorneys

The authors employed a structured interview to ascertain public defenders' perceptions of their clients' competence and the degree of their participation in the defense. In a sample of 122 randomly selected, non-dismissed felony cases, attorneys had doubts about the competence of 14.8% (n = 18) of their clients. Attorneys reported that clients whose competence was doubted were less involved in decision-making and, overall, were passive participants in their cases. Nearly one-half of these clients were not referred for assessment by a mental health professional. The authors compare the practices of attorneys faced with clients of suspected competence with those of mental health clinicians treating patients with impairments in decision-making capacity. Language: en
A Robust, Qualitative Approach To A Spatial Learning Mobile Robot

In traditional approaches to spatial learning, mobile robots in unstructured unknown environments try to build metrically accurate maps in an absolute coordinate system, and therefore have to cope with device errors. We use a qualitative method which can be robust in the face of various possible errors in the real world. Our method uses a multi-layered map which consists of procedural knowledge for movement, topological model for the structure of the environment, and metrical information for geometrical accuracy. The topological model consists of distinctive places and local travel edges linking nearby distinctive places. A distinctive place is defined as the local maximum of some measure of distinctiveness appropriate to its immediate neighborhood, and is found by a hill-climbing search. Local travel edges are defined in terms of local control strategies required for travel. The identification of distinctive places and travel edges and the use of local control strategies make it possible to largely eliminate cumulative error, resulting in an accurate topological map even in the face of sensory or motor errors. How to find distinctive places and follow edges is the procedural knowledge in the map, and the distinctive places and the travel edges have metrical descriptions for local geometry on the top of the topological map. The metrical descriptions are integrated gradually for global geometry by using local coordinate frames and a best-fit method to connect them. With a working simulation in which a robot, NX, with range sensors explores a variety of 2-D environments, we show its successful results in the face of random and simple systematic device errors.
Involvement of Protein Kinase C and Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate-Dependent Kinase in Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Expression and Steroid Biosynthesis in Leydig Cells

Abstract This study investigated the roles of the protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) pathways in regulating constitutive steroidogenesis and steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR; herein designated by its common name, StAR) protein in R2C Leydig tumor cells. Inhibition of PKC and phospholipase C resulted in significant decreases in steroid production, phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) protein, and Star gene transcription under basal conditions in R2C cells. These observations were corroborated in MA-10 and mLTC-1 Leydig tumor cell lines, in which activation of PKC by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA, 10 nM) increased CREB phosphorylation and total StAR (tot-StAR) protein expression. However, induction of StAR protein by PMA did not result in the expected concomitant increase in steroids because PKC failed to phosphorylate StAR, the biologically active form of the protein. However, in conjunction with PMA, minor increases in PKA activity using submaximal doses of (...
Formation of Intracellular Fat Droplets: Interrelation of Newly Synthesized Phosphatidylcholine and Triglyceride in Milk

Abstract The lipogenic system of fresh goat milk was used to investigate the relationship of lipid synthesis to formation of fat droplets. The skim milk phase was incubated with [l-carbon-14] palmitate and incorporation of activity into the glycerolipids was assayed. In two representative experiments, 44 and 56% of the label was incorporated into the lipids. Most of this activity (78 to 84%) was in triglycerides. Of 12 and 10% activity in the phospholipids, about 60% was contained in phosphatidylcholine with substantially smaller amounts in the other phospholipids. The synthesis of triglyceride and phosphatidylcholine was further investigated in relation to distribution of labeled lipids in a cream layer and a sedimenting fluff (membrane) fraction derived by centrifuging the skim milks following incubation. The correlation coefficient for the amounts of activity in phosphatidylcholine and triglyceride in the cream layer was .97. The data are consistent with synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and triglyceride to meet the requirements of surface and volume expansion, respectively, in formation of fat droplets. Our findings suggest the interesting working hypothesis that phosphatidylcholine synthesis regulates development of fat droplets.
Structure And Electrical Properties Of Metal-GaAs Interfaces

The structure and related electrical properties of ohmic Au-Ni-Ge contacts, and Schottky: TiSi2 and Au contacts are reviewed in this paper. Defects present in GaAs beneath the metal (anion rich - As accumulation) were suggested to be responsible for Schottky level pinning. It was shown that residual oxygen on the GaAs surface prior to metal deposition can strongly influence the interface abruptness, contact parameters and reliability of both ohmic and Schottky contacts.
To Code in Space and Time or Not in Multihop Relay Channels

Multihop relay channels use multiple relay stages, each with multiple relay nodes, to facilitate communication between a source and destination. Previously, distributed space-time coding was used to maximize diversity gain. Assuming a low-rate feedback link from the destination to each relay stage and the source, this paper proposes end-to-end antenna selection strategies as an alternative to distributed space-time coding. One-way (where only the source has data for destination) and two-way (where the destination also has data for the source) multihop relay channels are considered with both the full-duplex and half-duplex relay nodes. For the full-duplex case, end-to-end antenna selection strategies are designed and proven to achieve maximum diversity gain by using a single-antenna path (using single antenna of the source, each relay stage and the destination) with the maximum signal-to-noise ratio at the destination. For the half-duplex case, two paths with the two best signal-to-noise ratios in alternate time slots are used to overcome the rate loss with half-duplex nodes, with a small diversity gain penalty. A multiple stream end-to-end antenna selection strategy for full-duplex multihop relay channel is also proposed to obtain a lower bound on the diversity multiplexing tradeoff of multihop relay channels. Finally, to answer the question of whether to code in space and time or not in a multihop relay channel, end-to-end antenna selection strategy and distributed space-time coding is compared with respect to several important performance metrics such as encoding/decoding complexity, rate of transmission, latency, bit-error-rate performance, and resource requirements.
Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific. Part I: Evolution of Structural Characteristics during the Transition Process

Abstract The development of extratropical cyclone structural characteristics that resulted from the extratropical transition of Typhoon (TY) David (1997) and TY Opal (1997) over the western North Pacific is examined. David moved poleward ahead of a midlatitude trough that was moving eastward as the dominant midlatitude circulation feature over the western North Pacific. During the transition, David coupled with the midlatitude trough, which led to the evolution of an intense cyclone that became the primary circulation over the North Pacific. Although Opal also moved poleward ahead of a midlatitude trough, the principal midlatitude feature over the western North Pacific was a preexisting stationary cyclone over the Kamchatka peninsula. During transition, Opal weakened and became a secondary cyclone to the preexisting primary North Pacific cyclone. The structural characteristics of the evolving extratropical cyclone with respect to each case are examined in the context of the interaction between a vortex an...
Epidemic Percolation Networks, Epidemic Outcomes, and Interventions

Epidemic percolation networks (EPNs) are directed random networks that can be used to analyze stochastic “Susceptible-Infectious-Removed” (SIR) and “Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed” (SEIR) epidemic models, unifying and generalizing previous uses of networks and branching processes to analyze mass-action and network-based S(E)IR models. This paper explains the fundamental concepts underlying the definition and use of EPNs, using them to build intuition about the final outcomes of epidemics. We then show how EPNs provide a novel and useful perspective on the design of vaccination strategies.
Alloy 600 Aqueous Corrosion at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures: An In Situ Raman Spectroscopic Investigation

Two alloy 600 coupons with different surface treatments were exposed in an optically accessible flow cell to air-saturated, high-purity water: one coupon at temperatures up to 543°C at a pressure of 25.4 MPa and one coupon at temperatures up to 392°C at 15.65 MPa. In situ Raman spectra were collected at various temperatures as each coupon was heated and then cooled. Each coupon was also characterized ex situ with Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. A NiFe 2 O 4 phase was identified on both coupon surfaces while Cr III -containing phases, including α-CrOOH and α-Cr 2 Ο 3 , were identified only on the coupon exposed at higher temperatures, at a higher pressure, and with a rougher surface finish. In addition, the results from the alloy 600 coupon exposed at higher temperatures and a 304L stainless steel coupon exposed under nominally identical conditions were compared. Both NiFe 2 Ο 4 and α-CrOOH phases were observed on the 304L stainless steel coupon. In general, in situ Raman spectroscopy was found to be sensitive to differences in alloy 600 corrosion processes attributed to different surface treatments and differences in alloy 600 and 304L stainless steel corrosion processes attributed to the different oxidation resistance of each alloy.
Eimeria Necatrix Infections and Oleic Acid Absorption in Broilers

Abstract The effect of Eimeria necatrix infections of the middle small intestine upon the absorption of orally administered zinc-65 has been previously reported (Turk and Stephens, 1966). The present report extends these studies to include another nutrient: oleic acid. PROCEDURE The procedures outlined in the previous report (Turk and Stephens, 1966) were followed with these modifications: 1. A capsule containing 20 μc. of I–131 labeled oleic acid (Abbott Laboratories, Oak Ridge, Tennessee) was orally administered, concurrently with a capsule containing 50 μc. of zinc-65, to each experimental bird. 2. The amount of zinc-65 and I-131 in each blood sample was determined in a well crystal scintillation detector attached to a dual channel spectrometer adjusted for the photopeaks of each isotope. 3. Sixty thousand sporulated oocysts of E. necatrix were administered orally to each bird in the infected groups. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1 summarizes the effects of E. necatrix infection …
An Uneven Balancing Act: One Library Administrator's View on Providing Library Services for Distant Patrons

Providing academic library services and resources to populations off-site or at a distance from your campus can be an arduous and frustrating task. This editorial provides one academic library administrator's advice and perspective on how to best achieve this balancing act between providing resources and services to users in house and providing the same resources and services to users at a distance.