cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modified Waveguide Flange for Evaluation of Stratified Composites

Nondestructive evaluation of stratified (layered) composite structures at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies is of great interest in many applications where simultaneous determination of the complex dielectric properties and thicknesses of multiple layers is desired. Open-ended rectangular waveguide probes, radiating into such structures, are effective tools for this purpose. The technique utilizes a full-wave electromagnetic model that accurately models the complex reflection coefficient as a function of frequency and material properties. While the electromagnetic model assumes an infinite waveguide flange (or ground plane), the measurements are conducted using a finite-sized flange. Consequently, the results of the electromagnetic model and those from measurements may not be sufficiently alike for accurate dielectric property and thickness evaluation. This paper investigates the effect of using an open-ended waveguide with a standard finite-sized flange on the error in evaluating the complex dielectric properties of a composite structure. Additionally, we present the design of a novel flange that markedly reduces this undesired effect by producing very similar electric field properties, at the flange aperture, to those created by an infinite flange. Finally, the efficacy of the design for evaluating the dielectric properties of a layered composite structure is demonstrated as well.
Nucleotide sequence of the transcriptional control region of the osmotically regulated proU operon of Salmonella typhimurium and identification of the 5' endpoint of the proU mRNA.

Abstract Southern blot analysis of 15 proU transposon insertions in Salmonella typhimurium indicated that this operon is at least 3 kilobase pairs in length. The nucleotide sequence of 1.5-kilobase-pair fragment that contains the transcriptional control region of the proU operon and the coding sequences specifying 290 amino acids of the first structural gene of the operon was determined. The predicted amino acid sequence of the product of this gene shows extensive similarity to the HisP, MalK, and other proteins that are inner membrane-associated components of binding protein-dependent transport systems. S1 mapping and primer extension analysis of the proU mRNAs revealed several species with different 5' ends. Two of these endpoints are sufficiently close to sequences that have weak similarities to the consensus -35 and -10 promoter sequences that they are likely to define two transcription start sites. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that some or all of the 5' endpoints detected arose as a result of the degradation of a longer mRNA. The expression of proU-lacZ operon fusions located on plasmids was normal in S. typhimurium regardless of the plasmid copy number. The sequences mediating normal, osmoregulated expression of the proU operon were shown by subcloning to be contained on an 815-base-pair fragment. A 350-base-pair subclone of this fragment placed onto a lacZ expression vector directed a high-level constitutive expression of beta-galactosidase, suggesting that there is a site for negative regulation in the proU transcriptional control region which has been deleted in the construction of this plasmid.
Parathyroid-hormone-related protein signaling mechanisms in lung carcinoma growth inhibition

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) inhibits proliferation of several lung cancer cell lines, but the signaling mechanism has not been established. This study tested the hypotheses that growth inhibition is mediated through the PTHrP receptor, PTH1R, and that the process is modified by ERK activation. PTHrP-positive and negative clones of H1944 lung adenocarcinoma cells underwent stable PTH1R knockdown with lentiviral shRNA or transient transfection with ERK1 and ERK2 siRNA. Alternatively, cells were treated with 8-CPT cAMP, 8-CPT 2′-O-methyl cAMP, and N-6-phenyl cAMP analogs. H1944 cells expressing ectopic PTHrP showed 20–40% decrease in proliferation compared to the PTHrP-negative cells in the presence of normal levels of PTH1R (P < 0.01). PTH1R knockdown eliminated this difference and increased cell proliferation regardless of PTHrP status. The three cAMP analogs each inhibited proliferation over 5 days by 30–40%. ERK2 knockdown inhibited proliferation of PTHrP-positive cells alone and in combination with ERK1 knockdown. The growth inhibition mediated by cAMP analogs was unaffected by ERK1 knockdown. In conclusion, ectopic expression of PTHrP 1–87 inhibits H1944 cell proliferation. PTH1R knockdown blocks this effect and stimulates proliferation, indicating that the ligand exerts anti-mitogenic effects. cAMP, the second messenger for PTH1R also inhibits proliferation and activates ERK. PTHrP growth inhibition may be opposed by concomitant ERK activation.
U.S. MNCs’ Offshore Operations: An Unbiased View

Washington is abuzz with activity surrounding the taxation of US MNC’s international operations. This article attempts to provide an unbiased view of the international tax policy issues the US is facing. The author is a former senior government official and a former tax advisor to US MNCs. Those with strong views on one side or the other, will likely agree with some of the article’s conclusions, but disagree with others. Preliminary conclusions include:1) US MNCs are clearly using creative international tax planning to shift substantial income out of the US. Although some US jobs have been lost as a result of this tax planning, companies have accomplished most of their tax objectives through aggressive transfer pricing and creative tax structures. To the extent US jobs have been lost, lower wages or other non-tax reasons have likely been the primary cause.2) Given the inherently factual nature of the income shifting problem and the willingness of US MNCs to spend whatever it takes to defend their position, anyone who believes the IRS can effectively enforce the arm’s-length standard is an eternal optimist -- or delusional!3) Excess income shifting may have hoist US MNCs on their own petard and be the primary reason they are pursuing a tax holiday or a territorial system. Without one of these legislative actions, US MNCs may be challenged by either their auditors or the SEC on their financial accounting assumption that accumulated low-tax foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested.4) Because of their ability to shift income, US MNCs have a competitive advantage over US domestic companies -- to the extent they are competitors. However, certain proposed solutions to the income shifting problem may put US MNCs at a competitive disadvantage with foreign MNCs.As a result of these preliminary conclusions, the article concludes: It will be difficult for tax policy makers to accomplish the dual goals of creating a level playing field between (i) US MNCs and US domestic companies, and (ii) US MNCs and foreign MNCs. One option is to reduce the corporate tax rate to 15% or less, but this could be politically very difficult. Another option is to attempt to structure an anti-income-shifting rule that targets income shifted out of the US, rather than income located in a low-tax foreign jurisdiction. This second option would allow US MNCs to compete with foreign MNCs by continuing to shift income from high-tax foreign countries to low-tax foreign countries.If neither proposal is possible, US tax policy makers will need to make a choice. Specifically, do they favor US MNCs at the expense of US domestic companies? Or, do they put US MNCs and US domestic companies on a relatively level playing field, but then potentially put US MNCs at a competitive disadvantage with foreign MNCs?
The Effect of Trends in Tillage Practices on Erosion and Carbon Content of Soils in the US Corn Belt

The EPIC model was used to simulate soil erosion and soil C content at 100 randomly selected sites in the US corn belt. Four management scenarios were run for 100 years: (1) current mix of tillage practices maintained; (2) current trend of conversion to mulch-till and no-till maintained; (3) trend to increased no-till; (4) trend to increased no-till with addition of winter wheat cover crop. As expected, the three alternative scenarios resulted in substantial decreases in soil erosion compared to the current mix of tillage practices. C content of the top 15 cm of soil increased for the alternative scenarios, while remaining approximately constant for the current tillage mix. However, total soil C to a depth of 1 m from the original surface decreased for all scenarios except for the no-till plus winter wheat cover crop scenario. Extrapolated to the entire US corn belt, the model results suggest that, under the current mix of tillage practices, soils used for corn and/or soybean production will lose 3.2 × 106 tons of C per year for the next 100 years. About 21% of this loss will be C transported off-site by soil erosion; an unknown fraction of this C will be released to the atmosphere. For the base trend and increased no-till trend, these soils are projected to lose 2.2 × 106 t-C yr−1 and 1.0 × 106 t-C yr−1, respectively. Under the increased no-till plus cover crop scenario, these soils become a small sink of 0.1 × 106 t-C yr−1. Thus, a shift from current tillage practices to widespread use of no-till plus winter cover could conserve and sequester a total of 3.3 × 106 t-C yr−1 in the soil for the next 100 years.
Expression of TGF-β1 and matrix proteins is elevated in rats with chronic rejection

Expression of TGF-βl and matrix proteins is elevated in rats with chronic renal rejection. The pathogenesis of fibrosis in chronic renal allograft rejection remains unknown. Since TGF-β1 plays a key role in fibrogenesis, we studied a rat model of chronic allograft rejection that shows similarities to the structural lesion described in patients. We previously demonstrated an increased expression of TGF-β1 in human kidney biopsies with acute and chronic rejection. Recipients of renal allografts (F344-Lewis) and isografts (Lewis-Lewis) were sacrificed at 4, 8, 24 and 52 weeks. Characteristic histologic changes of chronic rejection developed in the allografts as early as four weeks and were accompanied by progressive albuminuria significant by eight weeks. Allografts showed a progressive increase in mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and matrix proteins during the 52 week course. Increased matrix deposition by immunofluorescence was mostly present in the interstitium and vessels early and in all kidney compartments later. The mRNA expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor, a protease inhibitor stimulated by TGF-β1, increased along with TGF-β1 and matrix proteins. These results suggest that the fibrosis of chronic renal allograft rejection is mediated, at least partly, by the dual action of TGF-β1 on matrix deposition and degradation.
Mutagenesis from Meiotic Recombination Is Not a Primary Driver of Sequence Divergence between Saccharomyces Species

Local rates of recombination positively correlate with DNA sequence diversity in many species. To test whether this relationship stems from mutagenicity of meiotic recombination, studies often look for a similar association between local rates of recombination and sequence "divergence" between species. Because recombination is mutagenic in yeast, I evaluate this assay by testing whether noncoding DNA sequence divergence between Saccharomyces species is related to measures of meiotic double-strand DNA breaks or crossover rates derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Contrary to expectation, I find that sequence divergence is either uncorrelated or negatively correlated with rates of both double-strand break and crossover. Several caveats are mentioned, but these results suggest that mutagenesis from meiotic recombination is not the primary driver of sequence divergence between Saccharomyces species. This study demonstrates that the association between interspecies nucleotide divergence and local recombination rates is not always a reliable indicator of recombination's mutagenicity.
Modeling the Effects of Dislocation-Density Interaction, Generation, and Recovery on the Behavior of H.C.P. Materials

A dislocation–density-based multiple slip crystalline plasticity formulation and a specialized finite-element approach were developed and used to investigate behavior in hexagonal cubic packed with a focus on zircaloy-2 aggregates. The validated predictive framework can account for the interrelated effects of dislocation–density interactions, generation, and recovery. An energy criterion is used to identify 63 unique slip system interactions that can result in either junction formation or slip-system annihilation. These dislocation–density interactions, with the interrelated mechanisms due to recovery and generation, can then be used to understand and predict why basal planes are strengthening planes and prismatic planes are the dominant toughening planes.
Live blind snakes ( Leptotyphlops dulcis ) in eastern screech owl ( Otus asio ) nests: a novel commensalism

Eastern screech owls bring live blind snakes to their nestlings, whereas all other prey are delivered dead. Some of the snakes are eaten but most live in nest debris, where they eat soft-bodied insect larvae from the decomposer community in fecal matter, pellets, and uneaten prey. Consumption of larvae may reduce larval parasitism on owl nestlings or larval competition with nestlings for food stored in the nest, because nestlings with live-in blind snakes grow faster and experience lower mortality than same-season broods lacking snakes. We propose a commensalistic association in which the screech owl benefits reproductively and the live-in blind snake is not affected.
The real you? The role of visual cues and comment congruence in perceptions of social attractiveness from facebook profiles.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social cues in self-presentations and the congruence of other-generated comments with the self-presentation in people's evaluations of a profile owner. A 2 (level of social cues: high vs. low)×2 (congruent vs. incongruent)×2 (order)×2 (multiple messages) mixed-subject experiment was conducted with 104 college students. The results showed that a profile owner was perceived less socially attractive when other-generated comments were incongruent with the profile owner's self-presentation. No matter how people package themselves with extravagant self-presentations, it cannot be very successful without validation from others. Interestingly, an interaction effect between congruence and the level of social cues suggested that perceived popularity was low in the incongruent condition regardless of level of social cue. Theoretical and practical implications were also discussed.
On the Theory of Isotope Separation by Thermal Diffusion

We here develop the theory of the processes in an apparatus with two concentric tubes, such as that used by Brewer and Bramley. In the first section we describe the process of thermal diffusion in general, and review the theoretical information on the subject. In Section II we set up the equations for the convection and diffusion processes, and obtain an expression for the net transport of a single isotope which is valid for arbitrary macroscopic properties of the gas. The assumption that the viscosity and heat conductivity of a gas are proportional to the absolute temperature is usually a good approximation; in this case the expression reduces to a simple form. In Section III we apply the transport equation to questions of separation factor and speed of operation. This is done both for the case of discontinuous operation, in which the approach to equilibrium is allowed to reach a certain stage and then the contents of an end-reservoir are removed, and for the case of operation with a continuous flow of gas through the tube. The advantages of the two methods are compared. In the last section we apply the formulas to a numerical example: the concentration of the ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ isotope by the use of methane, in an apparatus of moderate dimensions and power consumption.
The Transmission of Infra-Red Light by Fog

The transmission by 0.244 km of foggy atmosphere has been measured in the infra-red spectrum from 1 to 12μ with a residual ray apparatus employing quartz plates, and with an infra-red spectrometer. The transmission curves when corrected for the transmission of the clear atmosphere were found to be nonselective with wave-length.
Lunar surface geochemistry: Global concentrations of Th, K, and FeO as derived from lunar prospector and Clementine data

Abstract Accurate estimates of global concentrations of Th, K, and FeO have an important bearing on understanding the bulk chemistry and geologic evolution of the Moon. We present empirical ground-truth calibrations (transformations) for Lunar Prospector gamma-ray spectrometer data (K and Th) and a modified algorithm for deriving FeO concentrations from Clementine spectral reflectance data that incorporates an adjustment for TiO 2 content. The average composition of soil samples for individual landing sites is used as ground-truth for remotely sensed data. Among the Apollo and Luna sites, Apollo 12 and 14 provide controls for the incompatible-element-rich compositions, Apollo 16 and Luna 20 provide controls for the feldspathic and incompatible-element-poor compositions, and Apollo 11, 15, and 17, and Luna 16 and 24 provide controls for Fe-rich compositions. In addition to these Apollo and Luna sample data we include the composition of the feldspathic lunar meteorites as a proxy for the northern farside highlands to extend the range of the calibration points, thus providing an additional anorthositic end-member composition. These empirical ground-truth calibrations for Lunar Prospector Th and K provide self consistency between the existing derived data and lunar-sample data. Clementine spectral-reflectance data are used to construct a TiO 2 -sensitive FeO calibration that yields higher FeO concentrations in areas of high-Fe, low-Ti, mare-basalt-rich surfaces than previous FeO algorithms. The data set so derived is consistent with known sample compositions and regolith mixing relationships.
The isolation and characterization of Drosophila yolk protein genes

We have isolated recombinant DNA clones that contain the genomic sequences coding for the three most abundant proteins in Drosophila eggs, the yolk proteins (YP1, YP2 and YP3). The identity of these cloned genes was established by a two-step procedure. We used the genes to isolate complementary mRNA from total Drosophila RNA; we than showed the in vitro translation products of the isolated mRNAs to be the yolk proteins by comparing their protease digestion products to those of yolk proteins isolated from eggs. An examination of these isolated genes and of their DNA complements in the Drosophila genome showed that each of the three coordinately expressed yolk proteins is encoded by a different single-copy gene. Three genes were cloned; each has a different pattern of restriction endonuclease sites and each appears to be homologous to a different yolk protein mRNA. Southern transfer blots demonstrated that there is only one copy of each gene in the Drosophila genome. Our structural studies have shown that these three genes are not adjacent. In situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes demonstrated, in fact, that the YP3 gene is approximately 1000 kb from the closely spaced YP1 and YP2 genes. Thus, if the coordinate synthesis of the yolk proteins is due to transcriptional control, there must be coordinate control of initiation at two distant sites.
Polarization in the scattering of protons by α-particles

Abstract Double scattering from helium was used to measure the proton polarization in p-α scattering at laboratory angles of 45.8°, 60.8°, 75.6° and 115.1° for incident proton energies near 4.7, 5.9, 7.9, 9.9 and 11.9 MeV. For 45.8° additional measurements were made at 3.6, 4.2 and 5.4 MeV. The total uncertainty in the measured polarization varies between ±0.01 and ±0.03. The present measurements indicate that the polarization predicted by the best available sets of phase shifts is in error by as much as 0.08. The deviation is largest at 75.6° and smallest at 115.1°.
Social interaction opportunity and intermittent presentations of ethanol sipper tube induce ethanol drinking in rats

We evaluated the effects of social interaction opportunity (SIO) and intermittent presentations of the ethanol sipper tube (IS) on autoshaping of ethanol drinking in nondeprived rats. Rats were assigned to one of seven groups. Two groups experienced brief IS, either paired with or randomly related to the response-independent raising of a guillotine door (D) revealing the presence of a conspecific male rat in a holding cage (SIO). Two control groups received similar training, respectively, except that the D revealed an empty cage, whereas a third control group received IS but neither D nor SIO. For two additional control groups, the ethanol sipper tube was continuously available during the session, with and without SIO, with both groups receiving intermittent D. In IS conditions, procedures with SIO induced more ethanol intake than did non-SIO procedures, indicating that SIO contributed to ethanol intake, but D procedures did not differ from non-D procedures, indicating that ethanol drinking was not related to the operation of the door. Groups that received training procedures providing for both SIO and IS showed more rapid initiation of ethanol intake and more rapid escalation of ethanol intake as the concentration of ethanol in the sipper tube conditioned stimulus was increased across sessions. Theoretical accounts, which are based on cue at response manipulandum/autoshaping, schedule-induced polydipsia, incentive sensitization, and intermittency-induced arousal, are considered.
Horizontal elutriator preliminary test results under nonstill air conditions

Recently, a high-volume horizontal elutriator with a flared inlet was developed to monitor inhalable particulates in the ambient air. Preliminary results of a study to evaluate the performance of the horizontal elutriator under nonstill air conditions are presented. Collection efficiency data were obtained for monodisperse aerosols with particle sizes of 4.0, 9.25, 20.0, and 30.7 um aerodynamic diam. Experimental results indicate that the device does not meet the established performance criteria. The main cause of nonperformance is prrobably a combination of exterior turbulent propagation into the initial part of the elutriator, nonisokinetic sampling conditions and particle diffusion.
Developing the wasp: Wareing attitudes toward science protocol

Affective development has long since been cited as one of the main components of scientific literacy. According to Krathwohl, Bloom and Masia, attitudes, emotions, and values that are manifested as preferred choices, appreciations, and interests comprise the affective domain. Such attitudes, emotions, and values are neither immutable nor necessarily transferable from one discipline to the next. In an effort to identify and measure scientific affect and to later assess its impact on achievement, the author set out to develop and validate an attitude instrument in the form of a Likert-type scale. Following test construction, reliability was calculated according to several split-half methods, using a sample of 806 students in grades 4 through 12. The result was a most satisfactory reliability range of 0.91–0.94.
FOUR WINNING STRATEGIES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

The international corporation must look carefully at the global environment and its own capabilities. Only after a thorough assessment of these factors will a company be able to choose from among the four most prevalent global strategies outlined in this article.
Successful treatment of inoperable embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, when inoperable or metastatic, has usually ben a rapidly fatal cancer. Intensive combination chemotherapy (VAC) with Vincristine (VCR), Actinomycin-D (AMD) and Cyclophosphamide (CYT) in conjunction with radiotherapy is effective in the treatement of this tumor. Twenty-one children with inoperable or metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, or undifferentiated sarcoma suggestive of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, were treated in the 3-year period 1967–1969. Sixteen of them (76%) are alive without evidence of disease 1–4 years after initiation of therapy. Therapy consisted of biopsy, Co80 radiation 5000–6000 rads tumor dose, and VAC chemotherapy. Surgery was subsequent;ly utilized when feasible. The chemotherapy consisted of VCR 2 mg./M2 IV weekly x12, AMD 75 MG./kG. divided into 5–8 daily doses every 3 months for 5 or 6 courses, and CYT given either as 2.5 mg./Kg./day for 2 years or 10 mg./Kg./day for 7 days every 6 weeks. The type of CYT therapy was dependent on tumour location and extent.
Geochemistry of metallic trace elements in fumarolic condensates from Nicaraguan and Costa Rican volcanoes

Metallic trace-element composition of volcanic gas from Cerro Negro, Momotombo, San Cristobal, Telica and Masaya volcanoes in Nicaragua and Poas volcano in Costa Rica is indicated by analyses of fumarolic condensates for alkalis, alkaline earths, transition elements, precious metals, halogens and sulphate. The temperatures of the fumaroles varied from 85 to 852°C. Element concentrations range from 104 to 10−3 ppm. Statistical tests indicate that the trace-element constituents of the condensates are log-normally distributed. Although there are variations in element concentrations in individual condensates, the general order of decreasing elemental abundances in Nicaraguan and Costa Rican fumarolic gas is: Cl > SO4 > certain igneous rock-forming elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ti) > F and alkalis (Li, Na, K) > alkaline earths (Mg, Ca, Ba) > Br and transition elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) > other ore-forming elements (Mo, Cd, Sn, Pb) > semi-metals (As, Sb) > Sc, Hg, and precious metals (Au, Ag). Li, Mn, Cr, and Pb were found to be near or below detection limits in many of the condensates analyzed. SO4, Ti, Al, K, Na, Zn, Sn, Cr, and Br all tend to decrease in abundance as mean fumarolic temperature between volcanoes decreases. The remaining elements remain constant in abundance or behave erratically. The metallic trace-element composition of the Nicaraguan and Costa Rican fumarolic condensates is very similar to condensates from subduction zone volcanoes around the Pacific margin and the Mediterranean. Metals in volcanic gas are postulated to have been transported as halogen, sulphate, and oxide compounds. Chloride and fluoride compounds are considered to be the primary transporters of metals in volcanic gas. Correlations between metal and halogen content vary considerably between volcanoes. Statistically significant correlations between metal content and both chlorine and bromine are found in the Cerro Negro and between metal content and bromine and fluorine in the Momotombo condensates. Metal-bearing compounds in volcanic gas are postulated from correlation matrices. Bromine, though seldom reported in condensates, is a minor but important constituent of volcanic gas with concentrations similar to those of fluorine. Metal-bromide compounds have higher volatilities than fluoride compounds and volatilities similar to chloride compounds. Significant correlations between bromine content and metal concentration suggests that bromide compounds play a role in the transportation of metals in volcanic gas.
Ethnicity, Conflict, and History in Burma: The Myths of Panglong

Abstract The effects of the 1947 Panglong Agreement on Burma9s ethnic minority groups can still be seen today in calls for a return to the spirit of Panglong, but there are conflicting versions of this event and its legacy. In order to grasp the prospects for ethnic unity in Burma, it is necessary to deconstruct the various ““myths”” of Panglong.
Geometric design of planar mechanisms based on virtual guides for manipulation

This paper presents recent results and applications of our planar kinematic synthesis of serial and parallel linkages to guide a rigid body, such that it does not violate normal direction and curvature constraints imposed by contact with objects in the environment. The paper briefly reviews the recently developed theory on transforming contact direction and curvature constraints into conditions on velocity and acceleration of certain points in the moving body to obtain synthesis equations which can, subsequently be solved to find the dimensions of a mechanical linkage. The main contribution of the paper is in demonstrating the applicability of the proposed theory to the kinematic synthesis of both open and closed-loop kinematic linkages. We provide preliminary results on the synthesis of kinematic chains based on novel task specifications that incorporate curvature constraints with a variety of applications, such as passive suspensions for small rovers, assistive technologies, as well as grasping.
Flexibler Antriebsstrang für Elektrofahrzeuge

Getrag hat die Entwicklung eines neuen Antriebsstrang-Konzepts begonnen, das sich Boosted Range Extender nennt. Beinhaltet ist damit zum einen eine Reichweitenverlaengerung (Range Extender) fuer das Elektrofahrzeug, zum anderen kann der Verbrennungsmotor im Parallelbetrieb mit dem Elektromotor unterstuetzt werden (Boosted). Ziel ist, die bekannten Fahrfunktionen mit einem kostenguenstigen Antriebsstrang darzustellen, insbesondere soll die Reichweite im gewohnten Bereich von circa 600 km liegen. Auch fuer weite Strecken soll der Kraftstoffverbrauch unterhalb dem eines konventionellen Antriebsstrangs liegen. Nach ersten Konzeptbewertungen wurde mit der Entwicklung und Konstruktion eines neuen Hybridgetriebes begonnen. Dieses Antriebsstrangkonzept ist als funktionsfaehiger Prototyp in einem Fahrzeug eingebaut und im Versuchsbetrieb. Es konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass das vorgestellte Boosted Range-Extender-Konzept die wesentlichen Attribute bezueglich Fahrbarkeit, Dynamik und Steigfaehigkeit erfuellt. Insbesondere kann durch die gute Regelbarkeit und Dynamik des Elektromotors trotz des grossen Stufensprungs eine sehr gute Schaltqualitaet dargestellt werden. Insbesondere im parallelen Hybridmodus zeigt das Versuchsfahrzeug ein sehr agiles Verhalten, weil der leistungsschwache Verbrennungsmotor durch den dynamischen Elektromotor unterstuetzt wird. In einem ersten Praxistest konnte der Boosted Range Extender seine Leistungsfaehigkeit auch unter schwierigen Fahrbedingungen unter Beweis stellen. In weiteren Versuchen sollen die prognostizierten Emissionswerte von nur 36 g CO2/km im Neuen Europaeischen Fahrzyklus (NEFZ) nachgewiesen werden. Insgesamt ist der Boosted Range Extender ein vollwertiger Antriebsstrang.
Chemical and physical studies of type 3 chondrites—VIII: Thermoluminescence and metamorphism in the CO chondrites

A possible relationship between the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of CO chondrites and their metamorphic history was investigated by measuring the TL properties of seven normal CO chondrites and of the Colony and the Allan Hills A77307 (ALHA 77307) CO-related chondrites. With the exception of Colony and ALHA 77307, whose maximum induced TL emission is at approximately 350 C, the CO chondrites were found to exhibit two TL peaks: a 130 C and a 250 C peaks. Among the CO chondrites, the 130 C peak showed a 100-fold range in TL sensitivity and was found to correlate with various metamorphism-related phenomena, such as silicate heterogeneity, metal composition, and McSween's metamorphic subtypes. The peak at 250 did not show these correlations and, with exception of Colony, showed little variation.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 protect against oxidative DNA damage converted into double-strand breaks during DNA replication

Abstract BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers are predisposed to develop breast and ovarian cancers, but the reasons for this tissue specificity are unknown. Breast epithelial cells are known to contain elevated levels of oxidative DNA damage, triggered by hormonally driven growth and its effect on cell metabolism. BRCA1- or BRCA2-deficient cells were found to be more sensitive to oxidative stress, modeled by treatment with patho-physiologic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide exposure leads to oxidative DNA damage induced DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in BRCA-deficient cells causing them to accumulate in S-phase. In addition, after hydrogen peroxide treatment, BRCA deficient cells showed impaired Rad51 foci which are dependent on an intact BRCA1–BRCA2 pathway. These DSB resulted in an increase in chromatid-type aberrations, which are characteristic for BRCA1 and BRCA2-deficient cells. The most common result of oxidative DNA damage induced processing of S-phase DSB is an interstitial chromatid deletion, but insertions and exchanges were also seen in BRCA deficient cells. Thus, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are essential for the repair of oxidative DNA damage repair intermediates that persist into S-phase and produce DSB. The implication is that oxidative stress plays a role in the etiology of hereditary breast cancer.
Primary productivity of angiosperm and macroalgae dominated habitats in a New England Salt Marsh: a Comparative analysis

Abstract Net primary productivity estimates were made for the major macrophyte dominated habitats of the Nauset Marsh system, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Above-ground primary productivity of short form Spartina alterniflora , the dominant habitat of the system, was 664 g m −2 y −1 . Productivity of the other dominant angiosperm ( Zostera marina ) was estimated to range from 444–987 g m −2 y −1 . The marsh creekbank habitat was dominated by an intertidal zone of fucoid algae ( Ascophyllum nodosum ecad. scorpioides , 1179 g m −2 y −1 ; Fucus vesiculosus , 426 g m −2 y −1 ), mixed intertidal filamentous algae (91 g m −2 y −1 ), and a subtidal zone of assorted macroalgae (68 g m −2 y −1 ). Intertidal mudflats were dominated by Cladophora gracilis , with net production ranging from 59–637 g m −2 y −1 . These angiosperm and macrophyte and macrophyte dominated habitats produce over 3 × 10 6 kg y −1 of biomass (1·2 × 10 6 kg carbon y −1 ). Twenty-eight per cent (28%) of this carbon production is derived from the Zostera and macroalgae habitats. Although S. alterniflora is considered the major macrophyte primary producer in Nauset Marsh and other north temperate salt marshes, it is concluded that other habitats also contribute significantly to total system carbon production.
Association analysis of polymorphisms in serotonin 1B receptor (HTR1B) gene with heroin addiction: a comparison of molecular and statistically estimated haplotypes.

Objectives5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)-1B receptors (HTR1B) may play an important role in psychiatric disorders and drug and alcohol dependence. In this study we report on genotype, molecular haplotype and statistically estimated haplotype analyses of previously identified polymorphisms in positi
A second-order cone cutting surface method: complexity and application

We present an analytic center cutting surface algorithm that uses mixed linear and multiple second-order cone cuts. Theoretical issues and applications of this technique are discussed. From the theoretical viewpoint, we derive two complexity results. We show that an approximate analytic center can be recovered after simultaneously adding p second-order cone cuts in O(plog?(p+1)) Newton steps, and that the overall algorithm is polynomial. From the application viewpoint, we implement our algorithm on mixed linear-quadratic-semidefinite programming problems with bounded feasible region and report some computational results on randomly generated fully dense problems. We compare our CPU time with that of SDPLR, SDPT3, and SeDuMi and show that our algorithm outperforms these software packages on problems with fully dense coefficient matrices. We also show the performance of our algorithm on semidefinite relaxations of the maxcut and Lovasz theta problems.
Frequency-tunable slot antenna using continuous electrowetting of liquid metal

This paper presents a frequency-tunable slot antenna which uses liquid metal to vary the electrical length of the radiating aperture. The liquid metal is driven by continuous electrowetting (CEW), a process by which motion is induced in a liquid-metal droplet through the application of a potential gradient across an electrolytic carrier fluid. The process is both fully reversible and repeatable, and the low-voltage electrical driving mechanism allows for simpler integration into electronic architectures than more common hydraulic methods. We believe this is the first instance of CEW being used to create a tunable RF device.
Project Orion and Future Prospects for Nuclear Pulse Propulsion

The race to the Moon dominated human space e ight during the 1960s and culminated in Project Apollo, which placed 12 men on the lunar surface. Unbeknownst to the public at that time, several U.S. government agencies sponsored another project that could have conceivably placed large bases on the moon and eventually sent crewed expeditions to Mars and the outer planets within the same period of time as Apollo, and for approximately the same cost. The project, code-named Orion, featured an extraordinary propulsion method known as nuclear pulse propulsion. First conceived at the dawn of the space age, the concept was as radical then as it is now. However, its feasibility was never dismissed on purely technical grounds. In fact, many of the scientists and engineers who came into contact with the program over its seven-year lifetime became convinced of its viability. The political and nontechnical issues that e nally sealed the program’ s fate would certainly make the original Orion unacceptable by today’ s standards. However, new technologies and ideas developed since then could mitigate some of the major issues, and make nuclear pulse propulsion less unreasonable to consider for future human exploration, at least beyond Mars orbit. These new approaches are presented, following a discussion of the technological rationale for nuclear pulse propulsion and a general history of the concept.
Quality of phase conjugation in silicon

Abstract The quality of phase conjugates generated by real-time holography in silicon is assessed interferometrically. The conjugate phase is found to be degraded by about a half wave distortion due to self-defocussing. We infer that the nonlinearly- induced gratings decay at a rate much faster than the value suggested previously.
Cauchy relations for central-force random networks

Recherche d'une hypothese generalisee pour les relations de Cauchy, qui soit en accord avec tous les resultats anterieurs. Exploration de ses implications par simulation sur ordinateur de 3 reseaux aleatoires a 2 dimensions
Optimal Detection of Near-Earth Object Threats

: Detection of near-Earth Objects (NEOs) has concentrated on search at long range. Improved technology and search strategies could significantly increase search rates and decrease survey times.
Biomechanical phenotyping of central arteries in health and disease: advantages of and methods for murine models.

The stiffness and structural integrity of the arterial wall depends primarily on the organization of the extracellular matrix and the cells that fashion and maintain this matrix. Fundamental to the latter is a delicate balance in the continuous production and removal of structural constituents and the mechanical state in which such turnover occurs. Perturbations in this balance due to genetic mutations, altered hemodynamics, or pathological processes result in diverse vascular phenotypes, many of which have yet to be well characterized biomechanically. In this paper, we emphasize the particular need to understand regional variations in the biaxial biomechanical properties of central arteries in health and disease and, in addition, the need for standardization in the associated biaxial testing and quantification. As an example of possible experimental methods, we summarize testing protocols that have evolved in our laboratory over the past 8 years. Moreover, we note advantages of a four fiber family stress–stretch relation for quantifying passive biaxial behaviors, the use of stored energy as a convenient scalar metric of the associated material stiffness, and the utility of appropriate linearizations of the nonlinear, anisotropic relations both for purposes of comparison across laboratories and to inform computational fluid-solid-interaction models. We conclude that, notwithstanding prior advances, there remain many opportunities to advance our understanding of arterial mechanics and mechanobiology, particularly via the diverse genetic, pharmacological, and surgical models that are, or soon will be, available in the mouse.
Far-Field Speaker Recognition

In this paper, we study robust speaker recognition in far-field microphone situations. Two approaches are investigated to improve the robustness of speaker recognition in such scenarios. The first approach applies traditional techniques based on acoustic features. We introduce reverberation compensation as well as feature warping and gain significant improvements, even under mismatched training-testing conditions. In addition, we performed multiple channel combination experiments to make use of information from multiple distant microphones. Overall, we achieved up to 87.1% relative improvements on our Distant Microphone database and found that the gains hold across different data conditions and microphone settings. The second approach makes use of higher-level linguistic features. To capture speaker idiosyncrasies, we apply n-gram models trained on multilingual phone strings and show that higher-level features are more robust under mismatching conditions. Furthermore, we compared the performances between multilingual and multiengine systems, and examined the impact of a number of involved languages on recognition results. Our findings confirm the usefulness of language variety and indicate a language independent nature of this approach, which suggests that speaker recognition using multilingual phone strings could be successfully applied to any given language.
Cross-Correlating Spectrometer

We describe an instrument which measures the cross correlation between two vibration–rotation bands, over spectral regions containing 10 or more lines. A reference gas is contained in a pressure-modulated absorption cell, and the instrument responds selectively to the presence of this gas in an unknown mixture contained in a second absorption tube. The only fundamental limitation on the selectivity is imposed by errors in the multiplication property of band spectra.Laboratory tests show that errors in determining the amount of nitrous oxide, from a band strongly overlapped by an ammonia band, are small.Band parameters for the (200) band of nitrous oxide are obtained and used in a theoretical model of the instrument. Satisfactory agreement is obtained with laboratory calibrations. The model, with empirical corrections, is then applied to solar spectra, and the zenith amount of atmospheric nitrous oxide on two days is shown to be 0.24 atm-cm.The performance of this system is compared with that of Strong’s Benedictine slits and a new system is proposed combining the advantages of both.
Ethnography and biography, or what happened when i asked people to tell me the story of their lives as Jews

L'A. montre comment dans une recherche ethnographique dans deux synagogues conservatrices aux Etats-Unis, l'utilisation de la methode de la biographie typique (R. Redfield) a permis d'une part de mieux mettre en evidence les motivations personnelles qui determinent l'affiliation a une congregation conservatrice et d'autre part les caracteristiques generales de la communaute juive conservatrice. Par ailleurs, il examine les implications personnelles resultant de la collecte des recits de vie dans les deux synagogues qui ont constitue son terrain de recherche. Il soutient que dans le processus de negociation, entre les informateurs et l'ethnographe, sur la signification de la relation d'interview, ses interlocuteurs avaient l'intention d'imposer non seulement la legitimite, mais egalement l'autorite de leur definition du judaisme.
Parental reports on the use of treatments and therapies for children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; N = 479) reported via web-based survey what pharmacological (drug), diet, and behavioral/educational/alternative therapies they had tried and were using now in the treatment of their children with ASD. Depending on type of ASD, children had tried, on average, between seven and nine therapies and were now using between four and six. Children with Asperger's syndrome had tried significantly more drug treatments than had those with autism or PDD-NOS, while those in these latter two groups had tried more behavioral/educational/alternative therapies. Adolescents had a higher prevalence of drug-treatment use compared with those in middle childhood, who, in turn, had a higher frequency of use relative to those in early childhood. For most behavioral/educational/alternative treatments, more children in early and middle childhood had tried them compared with adolescents. Likewise, children in both early and middle childhood were currently using a higher number of behavioral/educational/alternative treatments than were those in the adolescent group. Findings are discussed relative to both the extant literature on treatment use among ASD families and how parents choose among the plethora of available therapies.
Further study on the activation of collagen proline hydroxylase in cultures of L-929 fibroblasts.

Abstract Collagen proline hydroxylase was measured throughout the growth cycle of L-929 fibroblasts grown in suspension culture. Enzyme activity increased near the end of logarithmic growth as was found previously for monolayer cultures. Direct cell contact was not necessary for the increase in enzyme activity but occurred when cells at a saturation density ceased dividing. When log phase cells from monolayers or suspension cultures were concentrated to high cell densities, the hydroxylase activity rapidly increased. This increase in enzyme activity was shown to be an activation process and not to require new protein synthesis. Some stimulation of hydroxylase activity occurred on preincubation of cell sonicates at pH 6.0 suggesting that the cellular acidosis which occurs in high density cultures may contribute to the increase in enzyme activity.
Transport of Eu2+ in a H2OCHCl3H2O liquid membrane system containing the macrocyclic polyether 18-crown-6

Abstract Macrocyclic polyethers transport alkali and alkaline earth, but not trivalent lanthanide cations in H 2 OCHCl 3 H 2 O liquid membrane systems. We report here the use of 18-crown-6 to transport europium after first reducing it to the bivalent oxidation state. In this oxidation state, the Eu(NO 3 ) 2 flux is comparable to that of Sr(NO 3 ) 2 .
Using Surveillance of Mental Health to Increase Understanding of Youth Involvement in High-Risk Behaviors: A Value-Added Analysis

This study examined the potential utility of adding items that assessed youths' emotional and behavioral disorders to a commonly used surveillance survey. The goal was to evaluate whether the added items could enhance understanding of youths' involvement in high-risk behaviors. A sample of 3,331 adolescents in Grades 8, 10, and 12 from four California school districts were coadministered a mental health screener and a youth surveillance survey. Items from both tools assessing chronic sadness and elevated mental health risk were significantly associated with increased risk of suicide ideation, cigarette use, alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, physical fighting, being threatened or injured with a weapon, and skipping school. However, the addition of mental health content to the surveillance survey increased precision of understanding which youths were at the greatest odds of engaging in risk behaviors. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.