cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Nonlinear Finite Element Model for Leaf Springs

This paper presents a nonlinear finite element model for the leaf spring that can be used in multibody applications and vehicle dynamic simulations. The floating frame of reference formulation is used in this investigation to model leaf spring nonlinear dynamics. This formulation accounts for the coupling between different modes of deformation as well as the nonlinear coupling between the rigid body motion and the elastic deformation. By employing component mode synthesis techniques, a reduced order model is obtained for the leaf spring while maintaining a good degree of accuracy. The inertia shape integrals can be calculated once in advance using a preprocessor and then stored to be used to automatically generate the nonlinear equations of motion of the leaf spring. The use of a preprocessor to evaluate the inertia shape integrals before the dynamic simulation leads to considerable saving in CPU time and allows the utilization of existing finite element computer codes to obtain the data required for the flexible body simulation. This reduced order model is implemented in a general multibody algorithm in order to examine the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed techniques. As an application, the wind-up deformation of the front suspension system of a typical sport utility vehicle under severe braking condition is investigated.© 2003 ASME
A Unique Solution for the Nucleolus in Accounting Allocations

The nucleolus method has been suggested in the literature as a means for accounting decision makers to allocate joint costs in situations where entities share a common resource. The nucleolus has the advantage, vis-a-vis other methods, of maximizing the benefit to the least-well-off entity or groups of entities, and therefore reducing the possibility that one or more entities may desire to withdraw from the sharing arrangement. The nucleolus is basically a linear programming model. Because of its formulation, the nucleolus may yield multiple optimal solutions. No reformulation of the nucleolus seems to exist to overcome this problem The minimum total propensity to disrupt (MTPD) is suggested as an extension of the nucleolus to identify unique values for allocations with multiple solutions. The MTPD, while exhibiting deficiencies as a stand-alone method, is similar in overall objective to the nucleolus and its mathematical function possesses a unique minimum. It is therefore the logical method for identifying a unique nucleolus solution. The use of the MTPD extension is critically examined through a representative application.
IJEE Soapbox: Charismatic Mesofauna: Butterflies as Inspiration and Test for Theory That Integrates Ecology and Evolution

(2008). IJEE Soapbox: Charismatic Mesofauna: Butterflies as Inspiration and Test for Theory That Integrates Ecology and Evolution. Israel Journal of Ecology & Evolution: Vol. 54, Butterfly Conservation in Theory and Practice, pp. 1-5.
Large-scale multi-robot task allocation via dynamic partitioning and distribution

This paper introduces an approach that scales assignment algorithms to large numbers of robots and tasks. It is especially suitable for dynamic task allocations since both task locality and sparsity can be effectively exploited. We observe that an assignment can be computed through coarsening and partitioning operations on the standard utility matrix via a set of mature partitioning techniques and programs. The algorithm mixes centralized and decentralized approaches dynamically at different scales to produce a fast, robust method that is accurate and scalable, and reduces both the global communication and unnecessary repeated computation. An allocation results by operating on each partition: either the steps are repeated recursively to refine the generalized assignment, or each sub-problem may be solved by an existing algorithm. The results suggest that only a minor sacrifice in solution quality is needed for significant gains in efficiency. The algorithm is validated using extensive simulation experiments and the results show advantages over the traditional optimal assignment algorithms.
Pleistocene to Holocene contrasts in organic matter production and preservation on the California continental margin

Organic matter in sediments from cores collected from the upper continental slope (200–2700 m) off California and southern Oregon shows marked differences in concentration and marine character between the last glacial interval (ca. 24–10 ka) and either Holocene time or last interstadial (oxygen isotope stage 3, ca. 60–24 ka). In general, sediments deposited during Holocene time and stage 3 contain higher amounts of marine organic matter than those deposited during the last glacial interval, and this contrast is greatest in cores collected off southern California. The most profound differences in stage 3 sediments are between predominantly bioturbated sediments and occasional interbeds of laminated sediments. The sediments are from cores collected within the present oxygen minimum zone on the upper continental slope from as far north as the Oregon-California border to as far south as Point Conception. These upper Pleistocene laminated sediments contain more abundant hydrogen-rich (type II) marine algal organic matter than even surface sediments that have large amounts of nonrefractory organic matter. The stable carbon-isotopic composition of the organic matter does not change with time between bioturbated and laminated sediments, indicating that the greater abundance of type II organic matter in the laminated sediments is not due to a change in source but rather represents a greater degree of production and preservation of marine organic matter. The presence of abundant, well-preserved organic matter supports the theory that the oxygen minimum zone in the northeastern Pacific Ocean was more intense, and possibly anoxic, during late Pleistocene time as a result of increased coastal upwelling that enhanced algal productivity.
Membrane‐limited expression and regulation of Na+‐H+ exchanger isoforms by P2 receptors in the rat submandibular gland duct

1. Cell-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunolocalization and microspectrofluorometry were used to identify and localize the Na+-H+ exchanger (NHE) isoforms expressed in the submandibular gland (SMG) acinar and duct cells and their regulation by basolateral and luminal P2 receptors in the duct. 2. The molecular and immunofluorescence analysis showed that SMG acinar and duct cells expressed NHE1 in the basolateral membrane (BLM). Duct cells also expressed NHE2 and NHE3 in the luminal membrane (LM). 3. Expression of NHE3 was unequivocally established by the absence of staining in SMG from NHE3 knockout mice. NHE3 was expressed in the LM and in subluminal regions of the duct. 4. Measurement of the inhibition of NHE activity by the amiloride analogue HOE 694 (HOE) suggested expression of NHE1-like activity in the BLM and NHE2-like activity in the LM of the SMG duct. Several acute and chronic treatments tested failed to activate NHE activity with low affinity for HOE as expected for NHE3. Hence, the physiological function and role of NHE3 in the SMG duct is not clear at present. 5. Activation of P2 receptors resulted in activation of an NHE-independent, luminal H+ transport pathway that markedly and rapidly acidified the cells. This pathway could be blocked by luminal but not basolateral Ba2+. 6. Stimulation of P2U receptors expressed in the BLM activated largely NHE1-like activity, and stimulation of P2Z receptors expressed in the LM activated largely NHE2-like activity. 7. The interrelation between basolateral and luminal NHE activities and their respective regulation by P2U and P2Z receptors can be used to co-ordinate membrane transport events in the LM and BLM during active Na+ reabsorption by the SMG duct.
LANDSCAPE METEOROLOGY IN THE PLAINS AREA

This paper introduces the term “landscape meteorology” to cover a variety of beliefs associating significant atmospheric processes and results with culturally induced features of the landscape. These beliefs, which became prominent during the period of discovery, played an important role in early America and during the settlement period of the Plains. In the forested East, weather and climate modification centered largely on deforestation and reforestation. The concept of the treerainfall syndrome was also transferred to the West, where it received much attention. New and largely indigenous Western concepts regarding landscape forms of weather and climate modification stressed plowing the hard sod, facilitating electrical expressions by various means, and storing water (including irrigation) to humidify and cool the air.
A prospective study of concurrent cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/5-fluorouracil and reduced-dose radiotherapy in patients with early-stage breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND Concurrent administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has the potential advantage of delaying neither treatment and providing radiation sensitization. However, the optimal approach to concurrent treatment in women with early-stage breast carcinoma remains undefined. We present updated results of a prospective protocol of concurrent cyclophosphamide/methotrexate/5-fluorouracil (CMF) and reduced-dose radiotherapy, focusing on tumor control and patient tolerance. METHODS One hundred twelve women with AJCC Stage I or Stage II breast carcinoma with 0–3 positive axillary lymph nodes were enrolled in a prospective single-arm study of concurrent CMF and reduced-dose radiotherapy (39.6 gray [Gy] to the whole breast, 16-Gy boost). A high proportion of women had risk factors associated with an increased risk of local disease recurrence, including age < 40 (32%), close or positive margins (37%), or lymphatic/vascular invasion (51%). The median follow-up period was 94 months. RESULTS The 5-year overall survival rate was 94%. By 60 months, 5 patients (4%) experienced local disease recurrence and 19 patients (17%) experienced distant metastasis. There were no isolated regional lymph node recurrences. Local disease recurrence occurred in 1 of 25 patients (4%), 1 of 16 patients (6%), and 3 of 70 patients (4%) with positive, close (< 1 mm), and negative margins, respectively. One patient developed acute myelogenous leukemia. An additional patient developed Grade 2 pneumonitis. Cosmetic results were not recorded uniformly for all patients and therefore could not be reliably analyzed. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent CMF and reduced-dose radiotherapy resulted in a low level of late toxicity and excellent local tumor control, despite the large proportion of patients with substantial risk factors for local disease recurrence. Future studies of concurrent regimens, particularly in patients at high risk of local disease recurrence, are warranted. Cancer 2004;100:1358–64. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Efficacy of Experimental Animal and Vegetable Oil-Emulsion Vaccines for Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza

Acceptable oil-emulsion vaccines were sought to replace mineral oil-emulsion vaccines that, by regulations, require a 42-day minimum holding period for poultry between injection and slaughter for consumption. Water-in-oil emulsions were prepared using animal or vegetable oils in a ratio of 4 parts oil to 1 part Newcastle disease or avian influenza aqueous antigen. Beeswax particles suspended in the oil at the 5% or 10% level (wt:vol) served as the oil-phase surfactant. Hemagglutination-inhibition titers induced by mineral-oil vaccines were not significantly different from those induced by the most efficacious formulations prepared from animal and vegetable oils. Tissue reaction from injection of animal- and vegetable-oil vaccines was less than that induced by mineral-oil vaccines. An inactivated avian influenza vaccine formulated from peanut oil induced protection against morbidity and death when vaccinated chickens were challenged with a virulent isolate of avian influenza virus.
Phytoplankton observations in the Eastern Caribbean Sea

A total of 88 taxa were noted in these samples, of which there were 44 diatoms, 41 pyrrhophyceans, 2 cyanophyceans and 1 silicoflagellate. Totals of 37 and 38 different phytoplankters were observed during cruises E46K-67-68 and E1-C-70, respectively, with 58 species noted in the extensive samplings of E 5013-68-69. A diatomaceaous flora predominated in each series of collections. The phytoflagellates were well represented, but in low numbers. The overall phytoplankton concentrations were low for each of the areas studied during these three January cruises. Even the preliminary data on the coccolithophore concentration does not indicate a major development at this time of the year. Generally, phytoplankton counts were lowest at stations most distant from the island complex and especially in the shallow waters that passed between the islands, directly from the north Atlantic into the Caribbean Sea. Results from the 1969 and 1970 collections west of the Lesser Antilles correspond closely to the findings reported by Hargraves et al. (1970). There was considerable diversity of phytoplankton species, but they were present in low numbers. They have related this condition to the low nutrient concentrations in the oceanic waters of the Lesser Antilles region.
Gastric carcinoids in patients with hypergastrinemia

Background Hypergastrinemia in patients with pernicious anemia is a major regulator contributing to enterochromaffin–cell hyperplasia and, ultimately, to gastric carcinoids. Study design Between 1990 and 2003, we studied 8 women and 10 men with pernicious anemia and gastric carcinoids; their mean age was 50 years. Serum gastrin levels ranged from 740 to 4,000 pg/mL (mean 1,000 pg/mL). Six patients underwent antrectomy, four total gastrectomy, and eight endoscopic resection or biopsy. During the same period, 22 patients with Zollinger-Ellison tumors and hypergastrinemia (20 men and 2 women, mean age 49 years) had no gastric carcinoids, but 1 of 7 patients with Zollinger-Ellison and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1) tumors had hypergastrinemia and gastric carcinoids. Results Mean followup for pernicious anemia patients was 6 years after antrectomy and 1 to 10 years after endoscopic resection or biopsy. Tumor regression was observed in one patient after antrectomy and one patient after biopsy. There were no deaths in this group in spite of lymph node metastasis in two patients. The patient with Zollinger-Ellison and MEN1 syndrome has been followed 3 years after diagnosis and 2 years after total gastrectomy. Conclusions Gastric carcinoids are indolent tumors occurring with increasing frequency in patients with pernicious anemia. Antrectomy or biopsy and observation are preferred methods of treatment. Total gastrectomy is reserved for patients with extensive tumor involvement of the gastric wall or for emergency bleeding.
A statistical admission control algorithm for multimedia servers

A large-scale multimedia server, in practice, has to service a large number of clients simultaneously. Given the real-time requirements of each client and the fixed data transfer bandwidth of disks, a multimedia server must employ admission control algorithms to decide whether a new client can be admitted for service without violating the requirements of the clients already being serviced. In this paper, we present an admission control algorithm for multimedia servers which: (1) exploits the variation in access times of media blocks from disk as well as the variation in client load induced by variable rate compression schemes, and (2) provides statistical service guarantees to each client. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated through trace-driven simulations.
Noble gas pumping by the TFTR graphite limiter

The TFTR limiter is graphite. It is possible to decrease the amount of D trapped in the limiter by making plasma discharges with gas injected only as a prefill. When the limiter is deuterium depleted well enough by this technique for supershots (with R d ∼0.5–0.6) it pumps noble gases. The effective confinement time τ p * ranges from ≤1 s for He down to 0.08 s for Kr. These noble gases escape from the limiter slowly after the run. The partial pressures of Ar and Ne decay with time constants of several hours, and the data for Ar show evidence of two trapping sites.
Economic cycles and heart disease in Mexico.

While a considerable literature has emerged regarding the relationship between the business cycles and mortality rates, relatively little is known regarding how economic fluctuations are related to morbidity. We investigate the relationship between business cycles and heart disease in Mexico using a unique state-level dataset of 512 observations consisting of real GDP and heart disease incidence rates (overall and by age group) from 1995 to 2010. Our study is one of the first to use a state-level panel approach to analyze the relationship between the business cycle and morbidity. Further, the state and year fixed effects employed in our econometric specification reduce possible omitted variable bias. We find a general procyclical, although largely statistically insignificant, contemporaneous relationship. However, an increase in GDP per capita sustained over five years is associated with considerable increases in the incidence rates of ischemic heart disease and hypertension. This procyclical relationship appears strongest in the states with the lowest levels of development and for the oldest age groups. Our results suggest that economic fluctuations may have important lagged effects on heart disease in developing countries.
Serum glycoproteins in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.

Summary and conclusionsThe influence of genetic factors on the levels of total serum glycoprotein hexose, seromucoid hexose, and the bound hexose of electrophoretic fractions were investigated by comparing the differences found between monozygotic twin pairs as contrasted to the differences between dizygotic twin pairs. The differences between total serum glycoprotein hexose of the monozygotic twin pairs were significantly lower than those found for the dizygotic twins. The quantity of hexose bound to various electrophoretic fractions was found to be closer between monozygotic than between dizygotic twins. However, these differences were not significant statistically. It may be concluded that genetic factors play a minor role in establishment of normal levels of serum protein and glycoprotein.
Implementation techniques for the vehicle routing problem

Abstract Six methods for implementing the widely used Clarke-Wright algorithm for the vehicle routing problem (VRP) are presented and compared. Fifty-five large test problems are used to compare the methods. The methods involve alternative ways to access adjacency information in both low and high density problems. The results clearly establish methods of choice for VRP problems with given characteristics.
Accelerated essential fatty acid deficiency by Δ9 desaturase induction : dissociation between the effects on liver and other tissues

Essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency is an important tool in probing the role of arachidonic acid (20:4(n-6] in pathophysiologic processes, but requires stringent and prolonged deprivation of (n-6) fatty acids. The present study investigated whether induction of the delta 9 desaturase, which is responsible for the synthesis of oleate, the precursor of 20:3(n-9) which uniquely accumulates in the deficiency state, might serve to accelerate the biochemical and biological effects of EFA deficiency. By alternately fasting and feeding animals a fat-free diet, it was possible to induce markedly the delta 9 desaturase selectively in liver. This dietary manipulation in consequence led to dramatic and rapid changes in hepatic phospholipid fatty acid composition. Within 2 weeks, 20:3(n-9) to 20:4(n-6) ratios in liver phospholipids were several fold greater than those seen in animals fed a fat-free diet alone. These changes, however, contrasted with those seen in the serum and other tissues. The mol% of 20:3(n-9) in serum was not increased by delta 9 desaturase induction and the 20:3(n-9) to 20:4(n-6) ratio was only modestly increased. The effects of delta 9 desaturase induction were even more attenuated in tissues other than the liver. Desaturase induction led to a doubling in the 20:3(n-9) to 20:4(n-6) ratio in phosphatidylcholine in renal cortex and heart, although the ratio in the other phospholipids was unaffected. The 20:3(n-9) to 20:4(n-6) ratio in peritoneal macrophage phospholipids was unaffected by desaturase induction. Thus, delta 9 desaturase induction greatly augments the synthesis of (n-9) fatty acids within the liver and leads to the rapid and substantial accumulation of the abnormal fatty acid, 20:3(n-9). This markedly augmented synthesis of hepatic 20:3(n-9), however, is not reflected in increased plasma levels of 20:3(n-9), and thus the effects of delta 9 desaturase induction are attenuated in tissues other than the liver. These data underscore the notable ability of the liver to maintain polyunsaturated fatty acid homeostasis.
Dynamics of the domain collapse in the true direct overwrite magneto-optic disk

To achieve faster access time in magneto-optical (MO) recording, direct overwrite (DOW) is critical. In single layer direct overwrite media, it was previously shown that domain width modulation limits the CNR. In this report, date collected with a high speed Kerr microscope system and a MO spin stand show that if is possible to collapse the center of a stripe domain using only low power P/sub L/. It is believed that the thermal gradient shrinks and collapses a domain. The fact that a sufficiently high P/sub L/ can collapse a stripe domain in the center suggests that the problem of domain width modulation may be solved by developing a writing scheme which eliminates the thermal interference from P/sub H/. Mark-edge recording may then be possible in single layer DOW media.
Cell cycle targets of the DNA tumor viruses.

Abstract The realization that the cellular transcription factor E2F is a target for the action of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein, as well as related regulatory proteins, and that this regulation is disrupted by oncogenic products of the DNA tumor viruses, has led to studies that have provided important insights into molecular mechanisms of cellular growth control.
Specific purpose Monte Carlo code development for nuclear well logging applications

Abstract The authors have been developing specific purpose Monte Carlo simulation programs for the suite of nuclear well logging devices that are in present use. To date codes called McPNL and McDNL have been developed and tested for the pulsed neutron lifetime and dual-spaced or compensated neutron porosity logs, respectively. Another code called McLDL is presently under development for the gamma-ray litho-density logs. These codes are discussed and results are presented as to their construction, advantages, and uses as compared to the general purpose codes MCNP and McBEND. Computational benchmark problems are specified for all three logs for future quantitative comparisons.
Synchronization of thermostatically controlled first-order systems

We analyze the collective dynamics of a number of individually heated rooms arranged in the form of a ring. The temperature of each room is kept within a given band by a thermostat which makes it behave as a self-sustained oscillator. Each room interacts thermally only with its immediate neighbors and with the exterior. The temperature in each room is modeled by a first-order differential equation. Numerical results of the complete system show the presence of a rich array of synchronization dynamics in frequency and phase as well as clustering and coupling-induced amplitude death.
Ischemic Monomelic Neuropathy: An Under-Recognized Complication of Hemodialysis Access

During the past 3 years six episodes of ischemic monomelic neuropathy (IMN) have been identified in five patients as a complication of upper extremity dialysis grafts. All patients had long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and brachial artery graft origins, whereas 60% had peripheral vascular disease. Five episodes occurred immediately after graft placement, whereas one was due to a graft-related thromboembolus. Diagnostic delay was common with initial findings attributed to anesthesia, positioning, or surgical trauma. Electrophysiologic studies showed underlying diabetic neuropathy with severe multifocal neuropathy distal to the grafts. Digital pressure indices were reduced but there was no critical ischemia. In three cases ischemia was completely corrected with improvement in one. One patient had proximal balloon angioplasty with no improvement and of the two untreated patients, one improved slightly. Ischemic monomelic neuropathy is a rare but disabling complication of dialysis access in diabetic uremic patients. Its occurrence is unpredictable and diagnostic delay is common. Correction of ischemia is indicated but usually does not improve the neuropathy. Prevention requires further research to more accurately characterize the patients at risk.
Comparison of stent versus laser- and cephalostat-aligned periapical film-positioning techniques for use in digital subtraction radiography

Digital subtraction radiography is a sensitive diagnostic technique that allows detection of subtle calcific changes in the jaws and teeth that would otherwise not be radiographically visible. However, a high failure rate associated with stent-based periapical film-positioning strategies combined with the complexity, expense, and time of image acquisition has limited the clinical utility of this technique. This study compares a new technique that uses film-positioning instruments, laser alignment beams, and a cephalostat with a previously validated method that used film positioners and elastic impression material. Two series of periapical radiographs were taken of six different anatomic areas of six phantoms using both techniques. Film pairs were digitally subtracted twice and analyzed. A paired t test for difference in standard deviation of mean pixel values revealed no difference in repositioning accuracy between the two techniques (p = .68). The new technique eliminates problems that are associated with the use of elastomeric impression materials.
Recommended procedures for the diagnosis of persistent active herpesvirus infections

While reliable tests are available to diagnose acute herpesvirus infections, this does not apply equally well to the identification of chronic active or recurrent infections. Common serology in most cases is not very reliable, unless the antibody response is carefully dissected to determine the response to some early antigens related to viral replication, such as against EA complex in Epstein-Barr virus infections. There are a number of techniques that hold some promise for the future: antigen demonstration by monoclonal antibodies such as in the shell vial assay or in tissue culture cells exposed to body fluids; in situ hybridization for viral DNA and polymerase chain reaction; and antigen assays by combined blotting/monoclonal antibody techniques. In developing meaningful parameters for defining persistent active or reactivated herpesvirus infections, techniques for quantitating virus and/or antigen should be helpful.
Amino acids in the Murchison meteorite

Abstract Continued investigation of the Murchison meteorite by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry has led to the characterization of at least 17 amino acids in addition to the 18 identified in earlier work. The total population consists of a wide variety of linear and cyclic difunctional and polyfunctional amino acids, of which the linear difunctional amino acids show a general decrease in concentration as the number of carbon atoms in the amino acid molecule increases. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the amino acids are present as the result of an extraterrestrial, abiotic synthesis.
Ride-through fault generalized control method for a wind turbine inverter

The growing share of installed wind capacity in transmission systems nowadays require wind turbines to remain connected to the grid during severe network disturbances as well as to provide efficient restoration to the pre-fault conditions. It is know that grid side inverters are sensitive to voltage disturbances which results in appearance of low order harmonics in line currents as well as a huge ripple on a DC link capacitor. This paper presents a generalized method for grid-fault ride-through control for a wind turbine inverter. An analytical approach for complete harmonic elimination in grid currents and DC link voltage with controllable power factor under extreme disturbances in the power system is proposed. To illustrate the proposed method, the simulation results of a variable speed wind turbine system with PM synchronous generator under severe faults are shown and compared to the results obtained by using a standard indirect current control method.
Health Insurance Coverage among Youth and Young Adults with Work Limitations

This paper explores health insurance coverage trends for youth (age 15-18) and young adults (age 19-29) with work limitations using data from the Current Population Survey. In 2000 those in the young work-limited population were substantially more likely to have insurance coverage than their counterparts in the not work-limited population. They were much more likely to have public coverage and much less likely to have only private coverage. Insurance coverage for this population increased substantially between 1989 and 2000, in contrast to a decline for the not work-limited population. We discuss the probable contributions of policy reforms and the decline in employment of people with work limitations to these trends.
Concrete Reinforcement with Recycled Fibers

Fiber reinforcement can effectively improve the toughness, shrinkage, and durability characteristics of concrete. The use of recycled fibers from industrial or postconsumer waste offers additional advantages of waste reduction and resources conservation. This paper reviews some of the work on concrete reinforcement using recycled fibers, including tire cords/wires, carpet fibers, feather fibers, steel shavings, wood fibers from paper waste, and high density polyethylene. This paper also provides a summary of the properties and applications of concrete reinforced with these fibers.
Distribution and biomagnification of selenium in a restored upland grassland contaminated by selenium from agricultural drain water

Kesterson Reservoir was a wetland contaminated with selenium (Se)-enriched agricultural drainage water. As part of the remediation of the selenium contamination, evaporation ponds at Kesterson were dried out and the selenium-contaminated wetlands were transformed into an upland grassland. The distribution of Se in both the soil and vegetation was monitored in these upland grasslands for 5 years. From May 1989 to September 1993 the distribution of soil Se in the sediment did not change significantly, and the soil Se inventory was not remobilized. Biomagnification of selenium in seven sites representing a gradient of soil Se concentrations was examined for three food-chain trophic levels. The pattern of Se bioaccumulation shows that there was a considerable increase from the water-extractable soil Se concentration (source) to the plant (producer) tissue Se concentration and from the grasshopper (primary consumer) tissue Se concentration to praying mantis (secondary consumer) tissue Se concentration. No consistent pattern of increase in Se concentration from the plant to the grasshopper level was apparent. The absolute values of Se bioaccumulation in the insects reflect the available Se concentrations in the soil of the habitat. This relationship indicates that the insects were not actively moving from their local habitat. This discovery suggests that, indeed, a Se biomagnification process did occur in this upland grassland ecosystem. In comparison with the previous state of Kesterson wetland, the upland grassland had Se bioaccumulations less than 10% of those found in the wetland. The upland grassland appears to provide a safer habitat than the wetland with respect to the elevated soil Se concentrations. However, some existing high soil Se concentration sites in the grassland may produce toxic levels of Se in the food chain. Additional research is needed to restore this deteriorated habitat and ensure the safety of wildlife and humans.
The Molecular Biology of a Bacterial Endosymbiont1

. The marine ciliate Parauronema acutum harbors a group of symbiotic bacteria, termed xenosomes, which reside exclusively in the cytoplasm where they grow and divide in a remarkable synchronism with the host. When released into the ambient culture medium by gentle rupture of the protozoans, the symbionts can infect homologous as well as heterologous Parauronema stocks and, oddly, Miamiensis avidus, a distantly related marine ciliate. Xenosomes from certain Parauronema stocks can kill other marine ciliates, particularly those of the genus Uronema. Our principal aims with this host-symbiont system have been to study, at the molecular level, the nature of the interaction of the xenosome with the host, infection and the killer effect. Our most recent investigations have been directed toward establishing the phylogenetic origins of the symbionts using molecular approaches. This paper summarizes our previous work and updates our more recent studies on the association of a bacterial symbiont with its protozoan host. The reader is referred to previous reviews for more details on the subject [4, 5].
Communication and Gender in Workplace 2000: Creating a Contextually-based Integrated Paradigm.

This conceptual article presents a critical review of gender-difference and gender-sameness theory and research. The focus is upon gender workplace communication, a topic often debated in the popular and organizational literature. A contextually-based integrated paradigm is proposed which represents a shift from a gender-difference foundation to a more integrated approach that includes the interaction of gender with Standpoint Theory, culture, organizational climate, and structure and task context. The network of shared meanings concept is introduced as having a major impact on gender communication orientation. Research using an example of communication to create a contextual meaning for social support is highlighted. Implications and conclusions for organizations, researchers, and educators are discussed.
Speeding up power estimation by topological analysis

We present an efficient technique to speedup the power estimation process for combinational circuits. Our approach is based on a topological analysis of the underlying circuit using the concept of supergates. We also present an optimal algorithm for calculating the supergate structures. In addition to speeding up, we also point out that certain nodes in a given circuit are more crucial than other nodes to be estimated accurately. Experimental results are very encouraging.
Diesel Exhaust Induces Systemic Lipid Peroxidation and Development of Dysfunctional Pro-Oxidant and Pro-Inflammatory High-Density Lipoprotein

Objective—To evaluate whether exposure to air pollutants induces oxidative modifications of plasma lipoproteins, resulting in alteration of the protective capacities of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Approach and Results—We exposed apolipoprotein E–deficient mice to diesel exhaust (DE) at ≈250 µg/m3 for 2 weeks, filtered air (FA) for 2 weeks, or DE for 2 weeks, followed by FA for 1 week (DE+FA). DE led to enhanced lipid peroxidation in the brochoalveolar lavage fluid that was accompanied by effects on HDL functionality. HDL antioxidant capacity was assessed by an assay that evaluated the ability of HDL to inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation estimated by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. HDL from DE-exposed mice exhibited 23 053±2844 relative fluorescence units, higher than FA-exposed mice (10 282±1135 relative fluorescence units, P<0.001) but similar to the HDL from DE+FA-exposed mice (22 448±3115 relative fluorescence units). DE effects on HDL antioxidant capacity were negatively correlate...
Modeling the effect of source/drain sidewall spacer process on boron ultra shallow junctions

A novel model is developed to explain the effect of the source/drain sidewall spacer process on boron drain extension formation. A diffusion model for hydrogen in the source/drain sidewall spacer is developed and combined with a model for boron diffusion in oxides. The model is first calibrated to hydrogen out-diffusion data from Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) and then to boron diffusion data from Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS). Seemingly anomalous changes in boron junction depths with variation in sidewall spacer deposition conditions are explained by this model. The model is applied to TCAD process/device simulations to understand the effect of sidewall spacer on CMOS device performance.
The mechanism and modulation of immune dysfunction in AIDS associated syndromes.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an acute disease which is characterized by a profound dysfunction of cell mediated immunity including severe anergy,1 marked reduction in the number of T-helper cells,1, 2, 3, 4, 5 an apparent inversion of T-helper to T-suppressor cell ratio2, 4, 5 and reduced natural killer cell function.6, 7, 8, 9 Most patients were reported to have increased levels of serum immunoglobulins.3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 Also, high titers of antibodies have been reported to cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), and hepatitis virus.11, 12, 13, 14 The group considered to be at highest risk to develop AIDS are homosexual men some of whom are often promiscuous.15
Implications of aging, lexicality, and item length for the mechanisms underlying memory span

Hulme, Maughan, and Brown (1991) provided evidence that the contribution of long-term memory to memory span performance was additive to the contribution of rehearsal rate (e.g., Baddeley, 1986). The present study further explored the relationship between these two contributions in younger and older adults. Speech rates and spans for short, medium, and long words and nonwords were obtained from subjects. Older adults had slower speech rates and smaller spans than did younger adults. Both groups’ data were fit well by linear functions relating speech rates to spans. However, the slope of the function that relates speech rate to memory span was greater for words than for nonwords. This finding supports the idea that long-term memory, as well as rehearsal rate, contributes to span performance, and that this contribution is not simply additive.
Practice management education in orthopaedic surgical residencies.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is an independent accrediting organization that works in conjunction with each medical specialty's governing body to provide quality education for resident physicians. In 1999, the ACGME identified six core competencies that are important to the practice of medicine. They are: (1) patient care, (2) medical knowledge, (3) interpersonal and communication skills, (4) professionalism, (5) practice-based learning and improvement, and (6) systems-based practice. One of the core competencies, systems-based practice, enables a physician to interact effectively with the health care system, utilizing resources properly without compromising care. This competency is not well delineated; thus, the specific skills needed are not well understood. The systems-based competency does, however, incorporate practice management. Practice management skills are becoming increasingly important in navigating the health care system. A physician can no longer be concerned only with the clinical aspects of his or her practice but must also be able to interact with multiple health-care entities such as insurance companies and hospitals. Additionally, physicians must develop the skills needed to run a business (a practice) as well as know how to code and bill correctly for their services. The purpose of this article was to review the current trends in practice management training during graduate medical education that have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, we wanted to gain a better understanding of how graduating orthopaedic residents are educated with regard to one aspect of practice management, coding and billing issues, during their residency training program. Coding and billing issues are largely overlooked in residency training programs, and it is often left to the institution's graduate medical education office to provide training in this area. Unfortunately, this education is often inadequate because it is not reinforced with practice activities. Finally, we wanted to compare our practice management education …
Nursing Alumni as Standardized Patients: An Untapped Resource

Abstract With the current educational shift toward student-centered learning, nurse faculty are being encouraged to include interactive approaches to learning while incorporating realistic clinical scenarios. Nurse educators are challenged to develop experiential learning strategies that support students' transition to the clinical setting while ensuring they will become safe and competent practitioners prepared for the advances in nursing practice (Oermann & Gaberson, 2006). As hospital stays shorten and competition for clinical placements increases, fewer opportunities exist for students to interact and practice effective communication skills with real patients (Webster, Seldomridge, & Rockelli, 2012). Incorporating standardized patient (SP) experiences with trained actors into clinical instruction is increasingly used as a strategy for overcoming these challenges in undergraduate nursing programs (Anderson, Holmes, LeFlore, Nelson, & Jenkins, 2010). We propose recruiting nursing alumni, rather than hired actors, for SP experiences. This article will describe the process of developing an SP program, including strategies to recruit local alumni as volunteers, methods to integrate SP experiences into the undergraduate curriculum, and suggestions for evaluating and sustaining an SP program.
Intellectual property rights and quality improvement

This paper explores why theories about the effects of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection on foreign direct investment (FDI) and innovation have reached mixed conclusions. In our model, Northern firms innovate to improve the quality of existing products and may later shift production to the South through FDI. Southern firms may then imitate the products of multinationals. We find that imitation can increase FDI and innovation for quality improvements, whereas the opposite occurs when innovators develop new varieties. Hence, stronger IPR protection, by reducing imitation, may shift innovation away from improvements in existing products toward development of new products.
Sediment Transport and Shoreline Changes along Alaskan Arctic Coast: ABSTRACT

Sediment-transport processes have been studied within a lagoon-barrier island environment on the Alaskan Arctic Ocean coast. In this area, active transportation is confined to the period from June to October. Analysis of aerial photographic surveys during the period 1949-1971 indicates accretion on one island (Thetis) at a mean rate of 2,580 sq m/year, whereas an adjacent island (Pingok) has been breached and eroded at both the western and eastern extremities. Recent studies of seasonal shoreline erosion demonstrate that more than 10 m may be removed within a single season. Erosion rates for the eastern end of Pingok Island are calculated to be at least 3,000 sq m/year. Littoral sediment transport along the northwestern and northeastern shores, landward of the lagoon (Oli tok Point), ranges from 0 to 38 sq m/day with current velocities of 0-75 cm/second. Most of the coastal spits and shoals in this area trend west. The prevailing winds are from the east and northwest. Overflow during breakup, thermal erosion of beach cliffs, normal fluvial and nearshore sedimentary processes, summer storms, and ice-rafting are the predominant mechanisms of erosion and deposition. The more significant sediment movements here represent a net transport from east to west, especially on the barrier islands. These movements are considered to be due to the catastrophic effects of summer storms, for rates of littoral transport are lower, and the season for this transport is relatively short, in comparison with conditions in temperate areas. End_of_Article - Last_Page 776------------
Modeling of recombination lifetimes in charge-separation device structures

Recombination processes in semiconductors are inhibited by charge-separation mechanisms that are produced in structures such as pn junctions. In this work, we calculated the recombination rates in Si and GaAs n + p junction structures by both analytical and numerical techniques. Transport effects can be divided into three physical phenomena. The first is the flow of carriers that results in the build up of a junction voltage or charge-separation. The time constant of this effect is determined by the junction dopant concentrations and the mobilities. The second is the flow of carriers due to diffusion. The time constant of this event is a function of the carrier diffusion coefficient and physical width of the absorbing medium. In most semiconductor structures, this time constant is relatively short relative to the recombination lifetime. The third effect is the discharge of the open-circuit voltage of the junction by minority carrier charge injection. A heuristic analysis of the long-term decay in this regime indicates that the decay time varies as CkT / qJ 0 , where C is the junction capacitance and J 0 is the dark current. In this regime, the decay time is a function of recombination lifetime through the dependence of J 0 , but the measured excess carrier decay time is often not the true recombination lifetime of the underlying materials.
Hierarchical retrieval schemes in recall of categorized word lists

These experiments investigate the effects of hierarchic organization of word-lists upon their free recall. Ss recalled nested category lists presented either randomly or in a hierarchically organized manner. Recall was 2-3 times better with the organized presentation. Later experiments showed this effect (a) was similar with associative as well as conceptual hierarchies, (b) was attenuated with recognition tests of memory, and (c) could not be accounted for by associative "guessing." Another experiment demonstrated retroactive facilitation in recall of List 1 when List 2 contained the hierarchic superordinates of the words on List 1. Analyses suggest that the hierarchic principle was used as a retrieval plan for cuing recall, with generated candidates monitored for their list membership before being overtly recalled. The following experiments were undertaken to demonstrate the influence of structural organization upon the free recall of conceptual word hierarchies. The studies were initiated in the belief that previous free recall experiments have investigated only relatively weak manipulations of this structural variable, and the further belief that it should be possible to arrange for a much more potent demonstra
Crystal structure of escherichia coli malate synthase G complexed with magnesium and glyoxylate at 2.0 A resolution: mechanistic implications

The crystal structure of selenomethionine-substituted malate synthase G, an 81 kDa monomeric enzyme from Escherichia coli has been determined by MAD phasing, model building, and crystallographic refinement to a resolution of 2.0 A. The crystallographic R factor is 0.177 for 49 242 reflections observed at the incident wavelength of 1.008 A, and the model stereochemistry is satisfactory. The basic fold of the enzyme is that of a β8/α8 (TIM) barrel. The barrel is centrally located, with an N-terminal α-helical domain flanking one side. An inserted β-sheet domain folds against the opposite side of the barrel, and an α-helical C-terminal domain forms a plug which caps the active site. Malate synthase catalyzes the condensation of glyoxylate and acetyl-coenzyme A and hydrolysis of the intermediate to yield malate and coenzyme A, requiring Mg2+ . The structure reveals an enzyme−substrate complex with glyoxylate and Mg2+ which coordinates the aldehyde and carboxylate functions of the substrate. Two strictly conse...