cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of self-injurious behaviour exhibited by individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Background Presence of an autism spectrum disorder is a risk factor for development of self-injurious behaviour (SIB) exhibited by individuals with developmental disorders. The most salient SIB risk factors historically studied within developmental disorders are level of intellectual disability, communication deficits and presence of specific genetic disorders. Recent SIB research has expanded the search for risk factors to include less commonly studied variables for people with developmental disorders: negative affect, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Method A heterogeneous sample of 617 individuals with autism spectrum disorder diagnoses was derived from the National Database of Autism Research. Latent constructs were estimated from items of the community version of the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist. Structural equation modelling was used to assess whether impulsivity, hyperactivity, negative affect, severity of stereotypy, intellectual functioning or severity of autism symptoms predicted severity of SIB. Results Impulsivity (β = 0.46), followed by intellectual functioning (β = −0.39), and stereotypy (β = 0.23) were the variables most highly predictive of increased SIB; impulsivity and stereotypy remained significant predictors of SIB after severity of autism symptoms and intelligence quotient (IQ) were controlled for. Conclusions High levels of impulsivity and stereotypy were significant predictors of SIB in a large and diverse sample of people with confirmed autism diagnoses. Future research is needed on the effects of reducing impulsivity and stereotypy on the outcomes of treatment, early intervention and attempts to prevent the development of SIB.
Effect of ACTH and Histamine Stress on Serum Corticosterone and Adrenal Cyclic AMP Levels in Immature Rats

Adrenal cAMP and plasma corticosterone levels were determined in pre-weanling rats subjected to treatment with either ACTH (50 mU* rat) or histamine dihydrochloride (0.2 mg*g body wt). ACTH injection elevated both serum corticosterone and adrenal cAMP levels on all days tested. However, the ACTH-induced elevation of adrenal cAMP and serum corticosterone both diminished steadily from day 2 to day 8 and then increased from day 8 to day 16. Histamine injection resulted in elevated serum corticosterone levels in a pattern similar to that of the corticosterone response to ACTH. However, histamine injection did not result in any significant increase in adrenal cAMP from day 2 to day 10. From day 12 to day 16 the adrenal cAMP concentration rose steadily in parallel with the serum corticosterone levels. These results indicate: (1) that a functional, ACTH-sensitive adenyl cyclase system is present in the adrenal gland of the immature rat, (2) that the responsiveness of this system diminishes during the first postn...
Results from a National Needs Assessment Survey: A View of Assessment Efforts within Chemistry Departments

As is true for virtually all of higher education, chemistry departments are often required to provide evidence of student learning at both course and curricular levels through evaluation and assessment. The ACS Exams Institute conducted a needs assessment survey of 1500 chemistry faculty members from across the country to investigate motivation, role, instrument use, and challenges associated with assessment efforts. For the more than 70% of participants who reported departmental efforts related to assessment, these findings emerged: motivations were primarily external factors related to accreditation and certification, ACS Exams and in-house exams were the most common instruments used, and time management associated with grading and reporting assessment results was the most frequently cited challenge. Summary results for each survey question related to these aspects of departmental assessment efforts are provided, along with logistic regression analyses of responses based on institution type. Logistic regression analyses were also used to identify differences among sex, years teaching, and chemistry subdiscipline for responses to departmental assessment efforts and instrument use.
Retraining high school teachers to teach computer science—observations on the first course

This paper discusses the authors' experience in teaching the first of four courses which comprise a sequence of courses especially constructed to retrain junior and senior high school teachers to teach Computer Science. A description of the goals of the project and details about this first course serve as a springboard for discussing how the objectives were met. Also included is a brief analysis of how teachers with various backgrounds fared and some suggestions for others desiring to teach a similar course.
Supercritical carbon dioxide as solvent for the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide using a heterogeneous zinc carboxylate catalyst

Abstract Supercritical carbon dioxide was found to be a suitable substitute for halogenated organic solvents in its copolymerization with propylene oxide. The system was studied utilizing a heterogenous catalyst, zinc glutarate. The polymers were analyzed for selectivity in polycarbonate linkages by 1 H NMR spectroscopy and for molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography.
Respiratory instrumentation computer

Abstract A respiratory volume computer which utilizes pulse-width, pulse-height modulation is presented. Sampling techniques are used to provide time delay compensation for gas transport lag. No electronic multipliers are required; therefore, the machine can easily be expanded to process a multitude of gases. This machine is arranged to process three gases, namely carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. Running records of inspired and expired volumes of each gas and tidal volumes are machine outputs as well as are instantaneous gas concentrations. This presentation has two purposes which are (1) to present the mathematical techniques employed and (2) to demonstrate the method through which the electronics is arranged to perform the mathematics.
Self-assembling Dimeric and Trimeric Aggregates Based on Solvophobic and Charge-pairing Interactions

Self-assembly processes based on shape complementarity and noncovalent binding interactions are widely recognized as a fundamental principle in nature. Besides charge pairing and hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions play a crucial role in water. Here we report the self-assembly of structurally simple monomers to yield defined dimeric and trimeric aggregates in highly polar media, based on ionic and solvophobic interactions. NMR, mass spectrometry and curve fitting were used to characterize these supramolecular assemblies in water–methanol solutions.
Confirmation testing of the Taguchi methods by artificial neural-networks simulation

In Taguchi's methods of parameter design, a confirmation test is usually necessary to remove concerns about the choice of control parameters, experimental design, or assumptions about responses. This paper investigated the use of artificial neural-networks simulation to validate the set of control parameters identified as significant through Taguchi's methods, and to verify that the recommended settings for the control parameters are indeed optimal or near-optimal. Using the experimental layout and measured responses from a Taguchi parameter-design experiment, we applied cross-validate training to ascertain that the trained neural-network can reproduce acceptable results on unseen experimental layouts. We then used the trained neural-network to simulate and search for the global optimal settings for the control parameters, and the results compared with the recommended settings from the Taguchi parameter-design experiment.
Pressure tensor and viscosity coefficients of a soft sphere liquid under shear

General properties and consequences of the distortion of the structure of a simple liquid subjected to a planar shear flow are reported. In particular, the orientational distribution of particles in the first coordination shell around a given particle is analyzed, and the effect of this distribution on the pressure tensor is discussed. The distorted distribution gives rise to a set of non-Newtonian viscosity coefficients reflecting the occurrence of normal pressure differences in the liquid. Numerical values of these viscosities are given for a soft sphere fluid at 7/8 of the freezing density using the technique of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics. A wide range of shear rates is considered and all viscosity coefficients are found to be functions of the shear rate.
Calcium transients regulate patterned actin assembly during myofibrillogenesis.

The highly ordered arrangement of sarcomeric myosin during striated muscle development requires spontaneous calcium (Ca2+) transients. Here, we show that blocking transients also compromises patterned assembly of actin thin filaments, titin, and capZ. Because a conserved temporal assembly pattern has been described for these proteins, selective inhibitors of either thick or thin filament formation were used to determine their relative temporal interdependencies. For example, inhibition of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) by application of a specific inhibitory peptide or phorbol myistate acetate (PMA) disrupts myosin assembly without significantly affecting formation of actin bands. The MLCK inhibitor ML-7, however, disrupted actin as well as myosin. Surprisingly, agents that interfere with actin dynamics, such as cytochalasin D, produced only minor organizational disruptions in actin, capZ, and titin staining. However, cytochalasin D and other actin disrupting compounds significantly perturbed myosin organization. The results indicate that (1) Ca2+ transients regulate one or more of the earliest steps in sarcomere formation, (2) mature actin filaments can assemble independently of myosin band formation, and (3) myosin thick filament assembly is extremely sensitive to disruption of either the actin or titin filament systems. Developmental Dynamics 229:231–242, 2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fontan fenestration closure and event-free survival.

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association of open and closed Fontan fenestration status with event-free survival. Methods All patients who underwent a fenestrated Fontan procedure at our institution from January 1994 through June 2007 were reviewed. Patient information was obtained from the medical records. The patients were assigned to 1 of 2 study groups, open or closed, according to their most recent fenestration status. Clinically relevant morbid events were tabulated, and Kaplan-Meier event analysis was used to create event-free probability curves with log-rank comparisons. Results A total of 161 patients were classified as open and 51 as closed. The median interval to an event was 1.1 years (interquartile range, 0.1-3.3 years) after the Fontan procedure. The median interval to closure was 1.2 years (interquartile range, 0.7-3.3 years). The median interval to an event was 1.5 years (interquartile range, 0.1-4.6 years) in the closed group and 1.1 years (interquartile range, 0.1-3.3 years) in the open group. Event-free probability analysis revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups ( P = .15). The median follow-up arterial oxygen saturation was greater in the closed group (96.0%; interquartile range, 94.0%-97.0%) than in the open group (91.0%; interquartile range, 86.0%-95.0%; P Conclusions Fenestration closure was associated with greater arterial oxygen saturation but not greater event-free survival. The interval to an event was slightly less than the interval to fenestration closure, suggesting potential merit in the evaluation of earlier fenestration closure. Adoption of specific fenestration management guidelines might help improve the overall outcomes and enhance the quality of future studies.
Graphs of small dimensions

LetG=(V, E) be a graph withn vertices. The direct product dimension pdim (G) (c.f. [10], [12]) is the minimum numbert such thatG can be embedded into a product oft copies of complete graphsK n. In [10], Lovasz, Nesetřil and Pultr determined the direct product dimension of matchings and paths and gave sharp bounds for the product dimension of cycles, all logarithmic in the number of vertices. Here we prove that pdim (G)≤cdlogn for any graph with maximum degreed andn vertices and show that up to a factor of $$1/\left( {\log d + \log \log \frac{n}{{2d}}} \right)$$ this bound is the best possible. We also study set representations of graphs. LetG=(V,E) be a graph andp≥1 an integer. A familyF={A x ,x∈V} of (not necessarily distinct) sets is called ap-intersection representation ofG if |A x↓A y|≥p⇔{x,y}∈E for every pairx, y of distinct vertices ofG. Let θ G (G) be the minimum size of |U F| taken over all intersection representations ofG. We also study the parameter θ(G)= $$\mathop {\min }\limits_p $$ (θ p (G)). It turns out that these parameters can be bounded in terms of maximum degree and linear density of a graphG or its complement $$\bar G$$ . While for example, θ1(G)=|E(G)| holds ifG contains no triangle, N. Alon proved that θ1(G)≤cΔ( $$\bar G$$ ) logn, where Δ( $$\bar G$$ ) denotes the maximum degree of $$\bar G$$ . We extend this by showing that Δ( $$\bar G$$ ) can be replaced by ϱ( $$\bar G$$ ), the linear density of $$\bar G$$ . We also show that this bound is close to best possible as there are graphs with $$\theta _1 (G) \geqslant c_2 \frac{{\Delta ^2 (\bar G)}}{{\log \Delta (G)}}$$ logn. For the parameter θ we conjecture that $$\theta (G) \leqslant c\Delta (\bar G)^{1 + \varepsilon } \log n$$ for some constantc not dependent on Δ( $$\bar G$$ ) orn and show that θ(G)≤cΔ( $$\bar G$$ ) log2 Δ( $$\bar G$$ ) logn ifG is bipartite. This is, up to the factor 1/log2Δ( $$\bar G$$ ) best possible. Finally, we give an upper bound on θ(G) in terms of Δ(G) and prove θ(G)≤cΔ2(G) logn.
Suppression of Flow Boiling Instabilities in Microchannels Using Artificial Reentrant Cavities

Flow boiling instability in parallel microchannel and the ability of artificial reentrant cavities to suppress their occurrence was experimental studied. Experiments were conducted using two types of 226 μm hydraulic diameter parallel microchannel devices: microchannel with reentrant cavities and plain-wall microchannel. Onset of nucleate boiling (ONB), critical heat flux (CHF) condition, onset of flow oscillation (OFO), and local temperature were also obtained and compared. It was found that reentrant cavities on channel walls can assist mitigating the rapid bubble growth instability and postpone the parallel channel and compressible volume instability, which resulted in the delay of CHF.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Authorship and Affiliation in Armed Forces & Society: Volumes 1-25

Armed Forces & Society (AF&S), is a major scholarly outlet for social scientists interested in military subjects, and in 1999 completed 25 volumes of continuous publication. This article presents data on authorship and affiliations for volumes 1-25 of AF&S and compares the findings to studies of other scholarly journals. Topical areas of analysis include (co)authorship, sex configurations of (co)authors, and academic, regional, and institutional affiliations of authors. Results show the journal to be fairly international and highly interdisciplinary. Overall, AF&S is both similar and dissimilar along a number of sociodemographic dimensions compared with other sociology and specialty area journals.
Transmission of Atmospherically Derived Trace Elements Through an Undeveloped, Forested Maryland Watershed

The transmission of atmospherically derived trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) was evaluated in a small, undeveloped, forested watershed located in north-central Maryland. Atmospheric input was determined for wet-only and vegetative throughfall components. Annual throughfall fluxes were significantly enriched over incident precipitation for most elements, although some elements exhibited evidence of canopy release (Mn) or preferential uptake (As, Cr, and Se). Stream export was gauged based on systematic sampling under varied flow regimes. Particle loading appears to contribute significantly to watershed export (> 10%) for only As, Pb, and Fe, and then only during large precipitation/runoff events. The degree of watershed transmission for each trace element was evaluated based on a comparison of total, net atmospheric input (throughfall) to stream export over an annual hydrologic cycle. This comparison indicates that the atmospheric input of some elements (Al, Cd, Ni, Zn) is effectively transmitted through the watershed, but other elements (Pb, As, Se, Fe, Cr, Cu) appear to be strongly sequestered, in the respective orders noted. Results suggest that precipitation and subsequent soil pH are the primary factors that determine the mobility of sequestered trace element phases.
Chemical biology approaches for the study of apicomplexan parasites

Chemical biology and the techniques the field encompasses provide scientists with the means to address biological questions in ever-evolving and technically sophisticated ways. They facilitate the dissection of molecular mechanisms of cell phenomena on timescales not achievable by other means. Libraries of small molecules, bioorthogonal chemistries and technical advances in mass-spectrometry techniques enable the modern chemical biologist to tackle even the most difficult of biological questions. It is because of their broad applicability that these approaches are well suited to systems less tractable to more classical genetic methods. As such, the parasite community has embraced them with great success. Some of these successes and the continuing evolution of chemical biology applied to apicomplexans will be discussed.
The polarization curve and the absolute diameter of Vesta

Abstract A new photoelectric polarization curve for Vesta is presented. It is incompatible with Lyot's photographic curve which appears to be inaccurate. The new polarization curve indicates that the reflectivity of Vesta is higher than that of the Moon, and a pre;iminary value of 0.25 ± 0.07 for the reflectivity in the V is suggested. This implies an absolute diameter of about 510 km, a value consistent with the diameter of Vesta calculated from its mass, assuming an achondritic composition.
Primer on Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards

The standards and policies set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the construction industry are for the most part directed at the constructor. As the traditional employer of the construction workers, the constructor is given the primary responsibility for their safety. As a result, other parties to the construction project, such as the design professional, are typically unfamiliar with the safety standards. Given the trend to hold design professionals responsible to some extent for safety and the expanded role of professional engineers in the construction phase an understanding of the OSHA safety standards is worthwhile for design professionals. This paper summarizes the aspects of OSHA and the safety standards that are of significance to professional engineers. Provided are a general description of the OSHA standards for construction, a synopsis of OSHA’s Multi-Employer Policy, and an outline of the safety standards that involve professional engineers. With background k...
Momentum transport from tearing modes with shear flow

A theoretical and computational study of momentum transport from reconnection from tearing modes in the presence of sheared flow in a reversed field pinch has been performed. Momentum transport from single tearing modes in the linear and nonlinear regimes and transport from multiple tearing modes is studied. It is found that, whereas a single mode produces transport, a strong enhancement in transport arises from the nonlinear coupling of multiple modes. A single tearing mode, in the presence of equilibrium flow, produces momentum transport in the vicinity of the reconnection layer. This is demonstrated from quasilinear calculation of Maxwell and Reynolds stresses. However, nonlinear, resistive magnetohydrodynamics computation of the full, multimode nonlinear dynamics reveals an additional effect. In the presence of multiple tearing modes, nonlinear coupling strongly enhances the torques and broadens their radial width. The resulting transport from current-driven instability is much more rapid than classical viscous forces.
A Physical Model for the Simulation of Bioturbation and its Comparison to Experiments with Oligochaetes

The development of models of contaminant migration via bioturbation is the focus of this work. Two models are developed from two types of organism activity: organisms that mix sediment vertically (e.g., by burrowing) and those that mix sediment horizontally by movement confined to a given depth below the sediment-water interface. The models are compared to experimental measurements with deposit-feeding oligochaetes that are of the burrowing type. Both models provide a good description of the contaminat flux and average concentration profile. It is not possible to differentiate between the models on the basis of the available data.
Influence of hydrostatic pressure and multiaxial straining on cavitation in a superplastic aluminum alloy

Abstract A commercial Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy was processed for superplastic forming and tested in uniaxial. equibiaxial. and plane-strain conditions. In addition, a hydrostatic pressure was used to vary the mean stress. Damage, defined as cavitation porosity, was measured as a function of the true plastic strain. ϵe. It was found to depend on the maximum principal stress when ϵe 2; this implies that in the early stages, cavitation may have been controlled by a diffusional mechanism, but that plastic flow hole growth became more important when the cavities grew large. The data could not be satisfactorily correlated with the existing theories of cavitation by diffusional or plastic flow processes; this may have been due to several reasons, e.g. cavities formed inhomogeneously (although always at inclusions and at grain boundaries), the alloy was metallurgically complex, and dynamic changes in microstructure such as grain growth occurred during deformation.
Slow chemical reactions in power plant plumes: Application to sulfates

Abstract Slow chemical reactions in which plume travel time is short compared to characteristic chemical reaction times are incorporated into the M.I.T. buoyant plume theory. Approximate solutions to the conservation equations are derived and compared with numerical results in the near and far-field. In these solutions the source term has been written for a single irreversible bimolecular reaction of arbitrary order of the form A + B → AB . The restriction of slow reactions or [AB] [A] o ⪡ 1 is here found to be justified provided kl b [ A ] o n 1−1 [ B ] o n 2 / v ⪡ 1. Moreover, far-field asymptotic results predict that the product concentration [AB]αx 4 3 and the fractional conversion ratio [AB] [A]α constant for reaction orders n ≥ 7 4 . The far-field results are adapted to SO 2 oxidation and favorably compared with representative field data where it is demonstrated that SO 4 2− formation conforms to a second order reaction mechanism.
Beta-blocker heart attack trial: Design, methods, and baseline results

The Beta-Blocker Heart Attack Trial (BHAT) was a multicentered, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to test the efficacy of long-term therapy with propranolol given to survivors of an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Three thousand, eight hundred and thirty-seven men and women, aged 30-69 years, were randomized into either the propranolol or placebo group 5 to 21 days after hospital admission for the MI and were followed at quarterly visits for 12 to 40 months (mean = 25 months). The primary outcome for the trial was all-cause mortality. This article describes the design and baseline findings of the trial. Included is a description of the historical background for the trial and the procedures employed in patient recruitment, randomization, treatment and follow-up. Also included is a comparison between the BHAT population and post-myocardial infarction patients enrolled in the other long-term trials of beta-blockers.
Transient dynamic and inelastic analysis of shells of revolution — a survey of programs☆

Abstract Advances in the limits of structural use in the areospace and nuclear power industries over the past years have increased the requirements upon the applicable analytical computer programs to include accurate capabilities for inelastic and transient dynamic analyses. In many minds, however, this advanced capability is unequivocally linked with the large scale, general purpose, finite element programs. This idea is also combined with the view that such analyses are therefore prohibitively expensive and should be relegated to the “last resort” classification. While this, in the general sense, may indeed be the case, if the user needs only to analyze structures falling into limited categories, however, he may find that a variety of smaller special purpose programs are available which do not put an undue strain upon his resources. One such structural category is shells of revolution. This survey of programs will concentrate upon the analytical tools which have been developed predominantly for shells of revolution. The survey will be subdivided into three parts: (a) consideration of programs for transient dynamic analysis; (b) consideration of programs for inelastic analysis and finally; (c) consideration of programs capable of dynamic plasticity analysis. In each part, programs based upon finite difference, finite element, and numerical integration methods will be considered. The programs will be compared on the basis of analytical capabilities, and ease of idealization and use. In each part of the survey sample problems will be utilized to exemplify the state-of-the-art.
Storage stability of tagatose in buffer solutions of various compositions

Abstract Tagatose is a minimally absorbed monosaccharide that has prebiotic properties. For this prebiotic effect to be achieved, tagatose should remain stable and not degrade during food processing and storage. This study evaluated the storage stability of tagatose in solutions as affected by buffer type, buffer concentration, pH, and temperature. Tagatose does degrade during storage. Minimal tagatose loss and browning were observed in 0.02 M phosphate and citrate buffers at pH 3. In 0.1 M buffers at pH 3 and 40 °C, approximately 5% tagatose was lost over 6 months and slight browning occurred. Tagatose degradation was enhanced at pH 7, especially in phosphate buffer, where it occurred faster than in citrate buffer. Higher buffer concentrations also enhanced tagatose loss. In phosphate buffers at pH 7, browning accompanied the tagatose degradation, increasing to a maximum and then decreasing. To deliver the prebiotic effect from tagatose, shelf-stable beverages should be formulated to the lowest buffer concentration and pH possible to optimize tagatose’s stability.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of High-Strength Steels in Aqueous Environments

Abstract Stress corrosion crack growth behavior of 4130 (UNS G41300) and 4340 (UNS GG43400) steels was examined as a function of temperature in deaerated distilled water and deaerated 0.6 NaCl solution to determine whether electrochemical reactions controlled crack growth in the aqueous environments. Particular attention was given to the K-independent (Stage II) crack growth rate. Independent measurements of the rates of electrochemical reactions of bare steel surfaces with the chloride solution were made as a function of temperature to assist in this determination. The results showed that Stage II crack growth was thermally activated, with an apparent activation energy of 34 ± 3 kJ/mol (at the 95% confidence level). Crack growth rates were found to be more rapid in distilled water than in the sodium chloride solution and were faster in the higher strength 4340 steel. The apparent activation energy for crack growth compared well with a pooled value of 37 ± 6 kJ/mol (95% confidence level) for reactions wit...
Resting and Postexercise Apexcardiogram Correlated with Maximal Treadmill Stress Test in Normal Subjects

Ninety-eight normal subjects, mean age 51 years, who had a maximal treadmill stress test had a satisfactory apexcardiogram at rest and after a double Master9s test. The mean resting a-wave ratio was 11.6% in 13 normal subjects with an abnormal maximal treadmill test and 7.8% in 85 normal subjects with a normal treadmill test ( P P P P
Autonomy and Social Norms in a Three Factor Grief Model Predicting Perinatal Grief in India

Perinatal grief following stillbirth is a significant social and mental health burden. We examined associations among the following latent variables: autonomy, social norms, self-despair, strained coping, and acute grief-among poor, rural women in India who experienced stillbirth. A structural equation model was built and tested using quantitative data from 347 women of reproductive age in Chhattisgarh. Maternal acceptance of traditional social norms worsens self-despair and strained coping, and increases the autonomy granted to women. Greater autonomy increases acute grief. Greater despair and acute grief increase strained coping. Social and cultural factors were found to predict perinatal grief in India.
Effects of Extrusion Conditions on Sensory Properties of Corn Meal Extrudates

Yellow corn meal was extruded in a ZSK-30 Werner and Pfleiderer twin screw extruder. Experiments used a surface response method which included variations in screw speed (100-300 rpm), heating temperature (100-200°C) and moisture (20-30%) in the feed. Descriptive sensory analysis characterized appearance, aroma, flavor and texture of extrudates. Temperature was the most significant factor affecting Munsell value, airiness, toasted corn aroma, and flavor, denseness, crispiness, chewiness and hardness of extrudates. Temperature and feed moisture had significant effects on Munsell value, surface texture, raw flour aroma, toasted corn aroma and flavor, chewiness and hardness. Interaction between temperature and screw speed had significant effects on airiness and denseness of extrudates.
Spatial Statistical Properties of Pressure Solution Seams in Clastic Rocks in Southwest Ireland

Length, height, thickness and spacing measurements of pressure solution seams at outcrop, hand sample and thin section scale were taken from clastic rocks located in the southwest of Ireland. The lengths and spacings of pressure solution seams have similarly shaped (approximately log-hyperbolic) distributions at the observed scales suggesting that length and spacing distributions are scale-independent over the scales studied with a fractal dimension in the range of 1.4 to 1.6. Pressure solution seam lengths and thicknesses are related by a power-law and their spacings have a linear relationship to bed thickness. Although pressure solution seams are often considered as anticracks (forming under the same remote stresses as joints, but with opposite sign) we describe how the mechanism of pressure solution differs substantially from that of jointing. We use an existing mechanical model to show that stresses around pressure solution seam tips are much lower than those for joints under equal but opposite loading conditions. Pressure solution seams also have a decreasing tendency to lengthen as they grow, which is reflected in their length distributions. We propose that pressure solution seams, unlike joints, do not reach fracture saturation spacing because of transverse coalescence.
A tightly bound Mr 55000 polypeptide in cornstarch associated with the amylose portion of the granule

A major polypeptide of about Mr 55000 was present in 75, 50 and 25% amylose starch but was not detected in 2% amylose (waxy) starch. This protein appears to be associated with the amylose portion of the granules via SDS and DTT sensitive linkages that can only be disrupted by boiling. In addition, the amount of this protein present in the starch was proportional to the amylose content. There is substantial evidence to suggest that the Mr 55000 protein is both the product of the waxy gene as well as the starch bound glycosyl transferase.
Effect of phenobarbital and p-hydroxyphenobarbital glucuronide on acetaminophen metabolites in isolated rat hepatocytes: Use of a kinetic model to examine the rates of formation and egress

Conventional analysis of initial uptake and egress rates in isolated hepatocytes is limited in the ability to distinguish between rates of metabolite formation and egress, and to separate basolateral and canalicular transport processes. The present study examined the applicability of kinetic modeling in describing acetaminophen glucuronide (AG) and acetaminophen sulfate (AS) formation and egress in hepatocytes after acute exposure to phenobarbital or p-hydroxyphenobarbital glucuronide p-OHPBG) in vitro,or in vivophenobarbital pretreatment. A significant pretreatment effect on AG and AS disposition was seen based on initial rates of egress. In vivophenobarbital pretreatment decreased the initial egress rate of AG compared to vehicle pretreatment, and the initial egress rate of AS compared to all other treatments. A pharmacokinetic model incorporating AG and AS formation in hepatocytes as well as egress processes (including diffusional and active transport components) was fit to the data. Parameter estimates derived from model fits to the data showed the expected increase in acetaminophen glucuronidation and decrease in sulfation after phenobarbital pretreatment;in addition, an increase in the AG diffusional rate constant and a decrease in the AS diffusional rate constant was apparent. The excretion Vmax for AG was decreased statistically after acute phenobarbital exposure in vitro,and in vivophenobarbital pretreatment, with a concomitant statistical increase in the KmforAG excretion. In vitroacute p-OHPBG exposure also decreased significantly the excretion Vmax for AG. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that phenobarbitalimpaired biliary excretion of AG is a function of impaired canalicular transport due to the presence of p-OHPBG. They further suggest that the mechanism may not be simple competitive inhibition. This work demonstrates the utility of a kinetic modeling approach to differentiate metabolic and transport processes when analyzing data from isolated hepatocyte studies. Additional information may be gained that would not be apparent by conventional methods of analysis.
History at the Table: Conflict in Planning in a Community in the Rural American South

This article is a case study of problems that emerged during the planning of an anti-poverty program in a community in the rural American South in the early 1990s. Issues of racism, sexism, and classism in the planning process are discussed as they are informed by the national welfare reform rhetoric of the time, a local context of historical and current White racism, and the historical and current identity positions of the local Black planners. The author argues that understanding local history is a vital component in planning and implementing social programs. The article offers an analysis of the deployment of power in the planning of social change projects that can be used to develop inclusive planning processes that are responsive to the needs of economically and socially oppressed populations.
Molecular orbital theory of the properties of inorganic and organometallic compounds. 3. STO-3G basis sets for first- and second-row transition metals

STO-3G minimal basis sets for first- and second-row transition metals have been formulated and applied to the calculation of equilibrium geometries for a variety of inorganic systems, metal carbonyls, and organometallic compounds. While the overall level of agreement with experiment is not as good as that previously noted for main-group compounds, most trends and many subtle features in geometries are reproduced.
In vitro and in vivo immune responses to homologous myelin basic protein in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Abstract Homologous guinea pig basic protein induced positive delayed hypersensitivity skin tests, inhibited macrophage migration, and caused lymphocyte proliferative response of peritoneal exudate lymphocytes but not peripheral blood lymphocytes in animals with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. No circulating antibodies to basic protein were demonstrated in the serum of these animals. There was good correlation between disease, a positive skin test, and the demonstration of sensitivity to the antigen by both in vitro techniques. In addition, there was good agreement between both in vitro assays and between these assays and a positive skin test.
A Unified Approach to Solving Graph Based Design Problems

This paper proposes a new perspective of using graph transformation systems as a way of organizing and solving engineering design problems. Using this novel technique the synthesis of optimal solutions in the form of graph topologies for design problems is made possible. Though the concept of graph grammars has existed for several decades in computer science literature, researchers in the field of design have now begun to realize the merit of using them to harness both the knowledge and heuristics of a particular problem domain. This paper examines the fundamental challenges in applying graph transformations in a design context. The paper also presents the first topology optimization method that has been developed specifically for domains representable by a graph grammar schema. This novel approach could also be used in several problems such as network problems (especially in determining the placement of hubs), electric circuit design, neural networks, sheet metal, and product architecture. The abstraction afforded by graphs also enables us to tackle multi-disciplinary problems found throughout engineering design. A few engineering examples are shown in this paper in order to illustrate the power of the approach in automating the design process.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Mutations in palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 alter exocytosis and endocytosis at synapses in Drosophila larvae

Infantile-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL) is a severe pediatric neurodegenerative disorder produced by mutations in the gene encoding palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (Ppt1). This enzyme is responsible for the removal of a palmitate group from its substrate proteins, which may include presynaptic proteins like SNAP-25, cysteine string protein (CSP), dynamin, and synaptotagmin. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been a powerful model system for studying the functions of these proteins and the molecular basis of neurological disorders like the NCLs. Genetic modifier screens and tracer uptake studies in Ppt1 mutant larval garland cells have suggested that Ppt1 plays a role in endocytic trafficking. We have extended this analysis to examine the involvement of Ppt1 in synaptic function at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Mutations in Ppt1 genetically interact with temperature sensitive mutations in the Drosophila dynamin gene shibire, accelerating the paralytic behavior of shibire mutants at 27 °C. Electrophysiological work in NMJs of Ppt1-deficient larvae has revealed an increase in miniature excitatory junctional potentials (EJPs) and a significant depression of evoked EJPs in response to repetitive (10 hz) stimulation. Endocytosis was further examined in Ppt1-mutant larvae using FM1–43 uptake assays, demonstrating a significant decrease in FM1–43 uptake at the mutant NMJs. Finally, Ppt1-deficient and Ppt1 point mutant larvae display defects in locomotion that are consistent with alterations in synaptic function. Taken together, our genetic, cellular, and electrophysiological analyses suggest a direct role for Ppt1 in synaptic vesicle exo- and endocytosis at motor nerve terminals of the Drosophila NMJ.
Antigen specificity of semi-invariant CD1d-restricted T cell receptors: The best of both worlds?

T lymphocytes are characterized by the use of structurally diverse TCR. The discovery of subsets of canonical T cells that have structurally homogeneous TCR presents an enigma: What antigens do these T cells recognize, and how does their antigen specificity relate to their functions? One subset of canonical T cells is restricted by CD1d, a non-classical antigen presenting molecule that presents lipids and glycolipids. Canonical CD1d-restricted T cells have semi-invariant TCR consisting of an invariantly rearranged TCR alpha chain, paired with diversely rearranged TCR beta chains. Most respond strongly to the unusual glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), and can also respond to cellular antigens presented by CD1d. Mounting evidence indicates that alpha-GalCer responsive T cells are heterogeneous in their reactivities to cellular antigens, suggesting that an individual semi-invariant TCR may be capable of recognizing more than one ligand. Recent crystal structures of CD1b molecules with three different bound lipids indicate that the antigenic features of lipids may be localized over a smaller area than those of peptides, and that the positioning of the polar head group can vary substantially. A model that explains how CD1d-restricted T cells could possess both conserved and heterogeneous antigen specificities, is that different lipid antigens may interact with distinct areas of a TCR due to differences in the positioning of the polar head group. Hence, canonical CD1d-restricted TCR could recognize conserved antigens via the invariant TCR alpha chain, and have diverse antigen specificities that are conferred by their individual TCR beta chains.
Degree of disability and patterns of caregiving among older Americans with congestive heart failure

OBJECTIVES Although congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common condition, the extent of disability and caregiving needs for those with CHF are unclear. We sought to determine: (1) prevalence of physical disability and geriatric conditions, (2) whether CHF is independently associated with disability, (3) rates of nursing home admission, and (4) formal and informal in-home care received in the older CHF population.
Sibling Rivalry? The Intersection of Archeology and History

Communication between the practitioners of the two disciplines [history and archeology] is still often difficult.Five years ago Jan Vansina asked historians whether archeologists were their siblings. The question seems to have been rhetorical, since Vansina himself offered the opinion that, at least “when archaeologists offer specific reconstructions of history, as they often do in their site reports, they are historians.” However, he also admitted that archeology “is a discipline in its own right.” Since no historians were sufficiently riled by these assertions to offer a response to Vansina's article, we must assume that archeologists are accepted, though not necessarily with open arms, in the family of historians. But what did archeologists say about their adoption? Nothing it appears, though perhaps many archeological practitioners missed Vansina's article because it was published in an historical, not an archeological, journal. I stumbled across the article a couple of years ago and plunged in with both anticipation and trepidation. Which archaeologist could resist reading a critique of his discipline by a respected historian? My feelings turned out to be justified. I was both excited and a little dismayed by what I read, though I was relieved to find that my own archeological efforts in Uganda were favorably viewed by the eminence grise.
Towards Reconciliation of Market Performance Measures to Strategic Management Research

Four research issues are identified that highlight the contrasting perspectives of strategic management and finance on event-study methodology. These issues then are used to evaluate five finance procedures used to calculate market-based performance measures. In each case, alternative procedures are recommended to make these measures more relevant both conceptually and statistically, for strategic management research.
Cryptology and number sequences: Pseudorandom, random, and perfectly random

Abstract Using random numbers for statistical testing or for cryptography impose very different requirements on the number generation processes and on the testing of these processes.
Curve matching for open 2D curves

We present a curve matching framework for planar open curves under similarity transform based on a new scale invariant signature. The signature is derived from the concept of integral of unsigned curvatures. If one input curve as a whole can be aligned with some part in the second curve then the algorithm will find the requisite starting and end positions and will estimate the similarity transform in O(Nlog(N)) time. We extend our frame work to a more general case where some part of the first input curve can be aligned with some part of the second input curve. This is a more difficult problem that we solve in O(N^3) time. The contributions of the paper are the new signature as well as faster algorithms for matching open 2D curves. We present examples from diverse application set to show that our algorithm can work across several domains.
PHASE STABILITY IN TI-V AND TI-CR ALLOYS : A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION

Etude de la stabilite de la phase dans le contexte d'une description de la structure electronique. On considere les alliages de substitution bases sur le reseau cubique centre ainsi que les phases de Laves complexes. On examine en detail la relation entre les trois phases de Laves. Calcul des energies de melange, des interactions de paires effectives, et des diagrammes des phases; comparaison avec les resultats experimentaux. On predit l'existence d'une structure metastable de type B2 dans les alliages quasi-equiatomiques Ti-Cr, tandis que les alliages Ti-V presente une tendance claire vers la separation des phases
Protection of Animals against Cl. welchii (Type A) Toxin by Injection of certain Purified Lipids.

SummaryPurified total lipids obtained from erythrocytes, plasma, and liver have been found to have a protective effect against Cl. welchii (type A) toxin in mice and dogs. The protection appears to be due to a substrate partition effect in which the lecithinase of the Cl. welchii toxin hydrolyzes the relatively large added source of lecithin and in part spares the lecithin of the animal cells from destruction.