cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wave propagation in bone media

The composite nature of bone dictates the use of a model for bone which is transversely isotropic. We solve the associated sets of partial differential equations governing the dynamic elastic behavoor of a two-layered cylindrical-shaped bone. The solution is analyzed for long, short, and intermediate length waves. The special case of compact bone is treated for long and short wave lengths and a numerical example is worked out to determine the wave speeds (for short wave lengths) given a set of elastic constants, determined by ultrasonic methods, and the bone density, wave frequency, and radius.
A MAS NMR METHOD FOR MEASURING 13C-17O DISTANCES

Results of 13C,17O-rotational-echo, double-resonance NMR (REDOR) and 13C,17O-rotational-echo, adiabatic-passage, double-resonance NMR (REAPDOR) experiments on asparagine monohydrate are reported. T...
Near-infrared spectroscopy for determination of protein and amylose in rice flour through use of derivatives

ABSTRACT The use of the derivative method for near-infrared (NIR) calibration was investigated to determine protein and amylose content in rice flour. Samples for two years, 1996 and 1999, were combined to give a wide range of the constituents for development of the calibration model. The NIR spectral data were transformed with Savitzky-Golay derivative with multiplicative scatter correction. To develop the best derivative models, the polynomial fits (quadratic, cubic, and quartic), convolution intervals (3–11 points for protein, 3–17 points for amylose), and derivative orders (1st derivative D1; 2nd derivative D2) were investigated. For the protein analysis, all polynomial fits with 3–11 points were acceptable to develop both the D1 and D2 models. However, the three-point quadratic and five-point quartic fits were not acceptable for the D1 model, and the three-point quadratic fit was not acceptable for D2. For the amylose analysis, the D1 model produced generally better results than D2. Higher convolutio...
Molecular modeling to provide insight into the substrate binding and catalytic mechanism of human biliverdin-IXα reductase.

Human biliverdin-IXα reductase (hBVR-A) catalyzes the conversion of biliverdin-IXα to bilirubin-IXα in the last step of heme degradation and is a key enzyme in regulating a wide range of cellular responses. Though the X-ray structure of hBVR-A is available including cofactor, a crystal structure with a bound substrate would be even more useful as a starting point for protein-structure based inhibitor design, but none has been reported. The present study employed induced fit docking (IFD) to study the substrate binding modes to hBVR-A of biliverdin-IXα and four analogues. The proposed substrate binding modes were examined further by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations followed by Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) calculations. The predicted binding free energies for the five biliverdin-IXα analogues match well with the relative potency of their reported experimental binding affinities, supporting that the proposed binding modes are reasonable. Furthermore, the ternary complex structure of hBVR-A binding with biliverdin-IXα and the electron donor cofactor NADPH obtained from MD simulations was exploited to investigate the catalytic mechanism, by calculating the reaction energy profile using the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) method. Based on our calculations, the energetically preferred pathway consists of an initial protonation of the pyrrolic nitrogen on the biliverdin substrate followed by hydride transfer to yield the reduction product. This conclusion is consistent with a previous mechanistic study on human biliverdin IXβ reductase (hBVR-B).
Changes in Starch and Other Carbohydrates in Baking Ipomoea batatas

“Sweet potato” (var. Jersey) and “Yam” (var. Garnet) are mealy (dry) and soggy (moist) varieties, respectively, of Ipomoea batatas Poir. (Convolvulaceae). The raw fleshy roots of both varieties have essentially similar quantities of all measured variables except for cellulose, hemicelluloses, and amylose. On baking, only the amounts of non-reducing sugars and possibly cellulose appear unchanged, while the reducing sugars increase markedly in both varieties, with those of the yam far exceeding those of the sweet potato. The yam's starch content (particularly the amylose fraction) falls faster and to a lower level; its water-soluble pectin content increases; and its hemicellulose content is particularly decreased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the cell walls of the raw fleshy roots of both varieties are coated with long parallel fibrils, 0.25–1.5 μm in diameter, which appear to be hemicellulosic. Veranderungen in der Starke und anderen Kohlenhydraten beim Verbacken von Impomoea batatas. Suskartoffeln (Var. Jersey) und Yamswurzel (Var. Garnet) sind mehlige (trockene) bzw. teigige (feuchte) Varietaten von Ipomoea batatas Poir. (Convolvulaceae). Die rohen fleischigen Wurzeln beider Arten enthalten, mit Ausnahme der fur Cellulose, Hemicellulosen und Amylose gefundenen Werte, im wesentlichen gleiche Mengen an allen ubrigen ermittelten Variablen. Beim Verbacken bleiben in beiden Arten lediglich die Mengen an nicht-reduzierenden Zuckern und moglicherweise an Cellulose unverandert, wahrend die reduzierenden Zucker merklich zunehmen, wobei die Werte bei Yam diejenigen bei der Suskartoffel erheblich ubertreffen. Der Starkegehalt bei Yam (insbesondere die Amylose-Fraktion) nimmt schneller und bis zu einem niedrigeren Gehalt ab; der Gehalt an wasserloslichem Pektin nimmt zu; der Gehalt an Hemicellulosen fallt besonders stark ab. Rasterelektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zeigten, das die Zellwande der rohen fleischigen Wurzeln beider Varietaten von langen parallelen Fibrillen von 0,25–1,5 μm Durchmesser, vermutlich hemicelluloseartiger Natur, uberzogen sind.
Organized Crime and Democratic Governability: Mexico and the U.S.–Mexican Borderlands. Edited by John Bailey and Roy Godson. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2000. 271p. $50.00 cloth, $22.95 paper.

Organized Crime and Democratic Governability offers an insightful look at one of the most critical and vexing questions of the contemporary era: To what extent is democratic governance possible when it coexists with organized crime? John Bailey' and Roy Godson's edited volume analyzes the many dimensions of the deeply entrenched obstacles to democratic stability in modern Mexico, perhaps an ideal case study for such an inquiry. The reach of organized crime there has long tended to undermine the very lifeblood of democracy, namely, its procedures. As a result, throughout the sweep of Mexico's postrevolutionary history, the roots of democracy have not been firmly planted. This chronic condition cannot quickly be remedied. Consequently, the editors conclude, organized crime in its various manifestations will continue to present “a significant challenge to democratic governability in Mexico” (p. 218).
Family Dynamics and Health Locus of Control in Adults with Ostomies

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family dynamics and health locus of control in families who had a member with an ostomy. Design: The study used a cross-sectional design. Setting and subjects: Data were collected by means of questionnaires completed by 2 groups of families. Twenty-nine subjects in the ostomy group were registered with a local chapter of the United Ostomy Association. Thirty subjects in the non-ostomy control group were recruited from a local church, a university housing complex, and a hospital volunteer service. Instruments: The Family Dynamics Measure of 62 Likert-type items measured 6 bipolar dimensions of family dynamics. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale of 18 Likert-type items measured internal or external locus of control. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to subjects by staff at the local ostomy association and other cooperating groups. Completed questionnaires were returned by mail to the researcher. Results: Subjects in the ostomy group perceived significantly greater control by powerful others and greater rigidity in the family compared with the non-ostomy group. When families were perceived as rigid, both groups reported significantly greater control by powerful others. Subjects in the ostomy group who reported greater role reciprocity in the family perceived greater health locus of control by powerful others. Conclusions: Health care professionals and family members (powerful others) play an important role in helping a person with an ostomy. Assessing family dynamics can help professionals identify which aspects of family life are associated with locus of control for the person with an ostomy. (J WOCN 2002;29:37-44.)
Evaluation of effects of sciatic and femoral nerve blocks in sheep undergoing stifle surgery

The authors evaluated the effects of locally anesthetizing the sciatic and femoral nerves in sheep undergoing stifle (femorotibial) surgery (16 sheep received nerve blocks; 16 sheep underwent a nerve localization procedure but received no nerve blocks). Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and end-tidal isoflurane were recorded every 5 min while sheep were anesthetized. At some of the observed time points, the mean heart rate in the sheep that had received no nerve blocks was significantly higher than in the sheep that had received the nerve blocks. Postoperatively, each sheep was assigned scores for comfort and attitude, movement, flock behavior, feeding behavior and appetite and respiratory rate (based on predefined descriptions). Though the authors found no undesirable effects of this local anesthesia, beneficial effects of the nerve blocks were minimal or not readily apparent under the conditions of this study.
Electrophysiologic Studies in Patients with Persistent Atrial Tachycardia

Clinical and electrophysiologic studies in two patients with chronic persistent atrial tachycardia unresponsive to drug or electroconversion therapy are reported. In both, exercise increased the atrial rate and decreased the atrioventricular nodal conduction time. The opposite effect occurred after β-adrenergic blockade. Single electrically-induced atrial depolarizations (A 2 ) at progressively premature times resulted in a linear increase in the return cycle (A 2 A 3 ) until plateau levels were achieved but failed to produce sinus rhythm. Abrupt cessation of continuous atrial pacing at rates up to 600 beats/min in one patient and up to 300 beats/min in the other resulted in a pause that was similar to the plateau levels of A 2 A 3 achieved during atrial scanning with single impulses. Our findings suggest that an ectopic atrial focus is responsible for this arrhythmia. The electrophysiologic properties of the ectopic pacemaker appear to be similar to the sinoatrial node in some respects but to differ in terms of spontaneous rate and in relative immunity from the effects of overdrive pacing.
Youth Homicide in Boston An Assessment of Supplementary Homicide Report Data

Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHRs) are the only nationally collected homicide data that include information on the victim, offender, and circumstances of each incident. Although SHR data are known to have important shortcomings, these data have been used extensively to describe the recent epidemic of youth homicide. This article compares SHR data on youth gun and knife victims submitted by the Boston Police Department to youth gun and knife homicide victim data collected as part of a problem-solving project designed to reduce youth violence in Boston. This article discusses the methods used to collect and compare these two sources of homicide data, presents the pictures of youth gun and knife homicide in Boston from the two data sources, analyzes the agreements and disagreements between the two pictures of youth homicide, and concludes with a discussion of steps that might be taken to improve the usefulness of SHR data in diagnosing local homicide problems.
Clinical ear canal probe tube measurements.

This paper describes a variety of areas in which ear canal probe tube microphone measurements can be useful to the audiologist. Areas such as measurement of hearing aid insertion gain to match some predetermined target levels, output sound pressure level in the ear canal (real ear SSPL90), and asses
CELLULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISMS OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS

Cardiac arrhythmias result from abnormalities in the initiation of impulses or in the conduction of these impulses through the heart. Arrhythmias caused by impulse initiation may be caused by either automaticity or triggered activity. Arrhythmias caused by abnormalities in conduction are often the result of reentrant excitation. These arrhythmogenic mechanism arise because of alterations in the transmembrane potentials of cardiac cells that are often caused by disease. These cellular mechanisms causing arrhythmias are the subject of this article.
Un-conventional wisdom: theory-specificity in Reichenbach's geometric conventionalism

Abstract The standard account portrays Hans Reichenbach's argument for geometric conventionalism as based upon general epistemological concerns of verifiability. As such, his version of conventionalism ought to be equally well applicable to all theories that posit a geometric structure to space–time. But when Reichenbach's writings from the period between the publication of Relativitatstheorie und Erkenntnis Apriori and Axiomatik der Raum-Zeit-Lehre , i.e., between 1920 and 1924, are examined, a very different picture emerges. The argument for the conventionality of geometry that appears in these writings is tied to discussions of the theory of general relativity and Reichenbach explicitly argues that geometry in Minkowski space–time is not conventional once the definition of simultaneity is put in place. In light of this, the received interpretation of Reichenbach's position needs to be replaced with a theory-specific picture of geometric conventionalism. This change has interesting consequences for both the standard arguments against Reichenbach's view and for questions in Reichenbach scholarship.
A method for solving multi-region models

Abstract The paper develops a two-step method for solving multi-region general equilibrium models. The method has the advantage that the number of regions can be arbitrarily large.
Hepatitis C: Current options for nonresponders to peginterferon and ribavirin

Hepatitis C virus infection remains a significant health problem worldwide. The development of interferon-based therapies has led to increased success in eradicating this viral infection; however, no recent additions to the current treatment care regimen (peginterferon and ribavirin) have been made. Nonresponders to peginterferon/ribavirin make up a diverse patient population that can be difficult to manage. Through a better understanding of treatment response and viral kinetics, clinicians are employing altered dosing schedules to minimize the burden of viral illness. Consequently, clinicians can now manage nonresponders by providing supportive care and reserving retreatment for those most likely to respond to additional antiviral therapy, particularly when correctable factors from a previous treatment course with the potential for positive intervention have been identified. The decision for further medical management is based on clinical and laboratory parameters that have been shown to predict which patients will benefit most from another attempt at therapy.
Molecular Studies on Bromovirus Capsid Protein

Specific interactions are likely to occur between the highly conserved N-proximal arginine-rich motif (ARM) of Brome mosaic virus (BMV) coat protein (CP) and each of three genomic RNAs and a single subgenomic RNA during in vivo encapsidation. To characterize these interactions, three independent deletions were engineered into a biologically active clone of BMV RNA3 (B3) such that the matured CP of each B3 variant precisely lacks either the entire ARM (B3/Delta919) or two consecutive arginine residues (B3/13DeltaDelta14 and B3/18DeltaDelta19) within the ARM. Analysis of virion RNA for each B3 variant recovered from symptomatic leaves of Chenopodium quinoa revealed that the interactions between the N-terminal ARM of BMV CP and each of three genomic RNAs is distinct. Northern blot hybridization of B3Delta919 virion RNA revealed that the deleted ARM region specifically affected the stability of virions containing RNA1. An abundant truncated RNA species recurrently found in the virions of B3Delta919 was identified to be a derivative of genomic RNA1, lacking the 5' 943 nucleotides. Additional Northern blot analysis of virion RNAs from B3/Delta919, B3/13DeltaDelta14, and B3/18DeltaDelta19, and in vitro reassembly assays revealed that the N-terminal ARM region contains crucial amino acids required for RNA4 packaging, independent of genomic RNA3. The significance of these observations in relation to Bromovirus CP-RNA interactions during virion assembly is discussed.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties Control Adult Stem Cell Fate

Stem cells respond to many microenvironmental cues towards their decisions to spread, migrate, and differentiate and these cues can be incorporated into materials for regenerative medicine.1 In the last decade, matrix stiffness alone has been implicated in regulating cellular functions such as migration, proliferation and differentiation. With this in mind, a variety of natural and synthetic polymer systems were used in vitro to mimic the elasticity of native tissues. Despite helping to develop this important field and gather valuable information, these substrates are primarily static and lack the dynamic nature that is observed during many cellular processes such as development, fibrosis and cancer. Thus, it is of great interest to temporally manipulate matrix elasticity in vitro to better understand and develop strategies to control these biological processes. In this work, we utilize a sequential crosslinking approach (initial gelation via addition reaction, secondary crosslinking through light-mediated radical polymerization) to fabricate hydrogel substrates that stiffen (e.g., ∼3 to 30 kPa) either immediately or at later times and in the presence of cells. We demonstrate the utility of this technique by investigating the short-term (several minutes to hours) and long-term (several days to weeks) stem cell response to dynamic stiffeningCopyright © 2012 by ASME
The Soluble Serum Protein Gas6 Bridges Virion Envelope Phosphatidylserine to the TAM Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl to Mediate Viral Entry

Virus entry into cells is typically initiated by binding of virally encoded envelope proteins to specific cell surface receptors. Studying infectivity of lentivirus pseudotypes lacking envelope binding, we still observed high infectivity for some cell types. On further investigation, we discovered that this infectivity is conferred by the soluble bovine protein S in fetal calf serum, or Gas6, its human homolog. Gas6 enhances native infectivity of pseudotypes of multiple viral envelope proteins. Gas6 mediates binding of the virus to target cells by bridging virion envelope phosphatidylserine to Axl, a TAM receptor tyrosine kinase on target cells. Phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells is known to involve bridging by Gas6. Replication of vaccinia virus, which was previously reported to use apoptotic mimicry to enter cells, is also enhanced by Gas6. These results reveal an alternative molecular mechanism of viral entry that can broaden host range and enhance infectivity of enveloped viruses.
Effect of Thermal Radiation on Melting Times of DT Ice Layers in Polymer-Capsule Targets for IFE Reactors

AbstractEstimates of the time-to-melt for cryogenic DT inertial fusion targets in the presence of thermal radiation are presented. This time is defined as that required for thermal radiation in a hypothetical reactor to raise the temperature of small polymer capsules containing solid DT by 1 K and to fully liquefy the contents. The time estimates are in turn based on estimates of the infrared absorption spectra of both solid DT and the polymer capsule material. Assuming typical target dimensions and rapid equilibration of the target temperature, the estimates show that the absorption of thermal radiation and subsequent heating of likely capsule materials will dominate the corresponding quantities of DT ice and thus that the former effect largely determines the time-to-melt of the target. Specific estimates are made for capsules fabricated from KaptonTM polyimide. Comparisons are also made for capsules coated with reflective metal coatings, and the potential benefit of these coatings is discussed.
Computational model of retinal photocoagulation and rupture

In patterned scanning laser photocoagulation, shorter duration (< 20 ms) pulses help reduce thermal damage beyond the photoreceptor layer, decrease treatment time and minimize pain. However, safe therapeutic window (defined as the ratio of rupture threshold power to that of light coagulation) decreases for shorter exposures. To quantify the extent of thermal damage in the retina, and maximize the therapeutic window, we developed a computational model of retinal photocoagulation and rupture. Model parameters were adjusted to match measured thresholds of vaporization, coagulation, and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) damage. Computed lesion width agreed with histological measurements in a wide range of pulse durations and power. Application of ring-shaped beam profile was predicted to double the therapeutic window width for exposures in the range of 1 - 10 ms.
Effects of triamcinolone acetonide on an in vivo equine osteochondral fragment exercise model

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of intra-articularly administered triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in exercised equine athletes with carpal osteochondral fragmentation. Eighteen horses were randomly assigned to each of 3 groups. An osteochondral chip fragment was created in one randomly chosen intercarpal joint of each horse. Both intercarpal joints in the placebo control group (CNT) horses were injected with intra-articular administration (IA) of polyionic fluid. Both joints in the TA control group (TA CNT) horses were treated with 12 mg of TA in the intercarpal joint without an osteochondral fragment, and the opposite intercarpal joint was injected with a similar volume of polyionic fluid. The TA treated group (TA TX) horses were treated with 12 mg of TA in the joint that contained the osteochondral fragment and the opposite intercarpal joint was injected with a similar volume of polyionic fluid. All horses were treated IA on days 13 and 27 after surgery and exercised on a high speed treadmill for 6 weeks starting on Day 14. Horses in the TA TX group were significantly less lame than horses in the CNT and TA CNT groups. Horses in either TA CNT or TA TX groups had lower total protein, and higher hyaluronan, and glycosaminoglycan concentrations in synovial fluid than did those in the CNT group. Synovial membrane collected from subjects in TA CNT and TA TX groups had significantly less inflammatory cell infiltration, subintimal hyperplasia and subintimal fibrosis compared to the CNT group. Articular cartilage histomorphological parameters were significantly better from the TA CNT and TA TX groups compared to the CNT group. In conclusions, results from this study support favourable effects of TA on degree of clinically detectable lameness, and on synovial fluid, synovial membrane, and articular cartilage morphological parameters, both with direct intra-articular administration and remote site administration as compared to placebo treatment. The clinical use of IA administered TA in horses may be therapeutically beneficial in selected cases of osteochondral fragmentation and osteoarthritis.
STRUCTURAL CORRELATES OF BLACK-WHITE OCCUPATIONAL DIFFERENTIATION: WILL U.S. REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN STATUS REMAIN?*

We examine some of the structural characteristics of local labor markets associated with intermetropolitan differences in black-white occupational differentiation in the United States. The research attempts to resolve some of the conceptual inadequacies in the structural approach to racial inequality. In the model presented and evaluated, occupational differentiation is seen to be a function of four groups of factors: (1) general demographic and industrial characteristics of the local area; (2) the spatial structure of the local area; (3) region; and (4) racial differences in labor force characteristics. The findings suggest the importance of taking into account “objective” criteria in explanations of racial differentiation. Several reasons for the frequently observed variation in levels of occupational differentiation by region are suggested by the data. These explanations involve differences in metropolitan size, population and employment distribution, and population composition. The results also indicate that several of the relationships are complex and not well represented by simple additive functions.
Angular resolved flash desorption of carbon monoxide from tungsten (100)

Carbon monoxide desorption from tungsten (100) is studied using angular resolved thermal desorption spectroscopy. The flux of α -CO is found to vary as cos θ , where θ is the angle between the surface normal and the detector centerline, while the flux of β 1 -CO is found to vary as cos 4 θ , the flux of β 2 -CO is found to vary as cos 3 θ and the flux of β 3 -CO is found to vary as cos θ or cos 2 θ . These results suggest that there are rearrangements of the tungsten surface during desorption of β -CO. It is suggested that these arrangements create the three-peak β structure normally observed. The data demonstrate that adsorption and desorption are not necessarily related by microscopic reversability when the adsorption and desorption temperatures are different.
Design, Synthesis and Application of Fluorine-Labeled Taxoids as 19F NMR Probes for the Metabolic Stability Assessment of Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems.

Novel tumor-targeting drug conjugates, BLT-F2 (1) and BLT-S-F6 (2), bearing a fluorotaxoid as the warhead, a mechanism-based self-immolative disulfide linker, and biotin as the tumor-targeting module, were designed and synthesized as 19F NMR probes. Fluorine atoms and CF3 groups were strategically incorporated into the conjugates to investigate the mechanism of linker cleavage and factors that influence their plasma and metabolic stability by real-time monitoring with 19F NMR. Time-resolved 19F NMR study on probe 1 disclosed a stepwise mechanism for release of a fluorotaxoid, which might not have been detected by other analytical methods. Probe 2 was designed to bear two CF3 groups in the taxoid moiety as “3-FAB” reporters for enhanced sensitivity and a polyethylene glycol oligomer insert to improve solubility. The clean analysis of the linker stability and reactivity of drug conjugates in blood plasma or cell culture media by HPLC and 1H NMR is troublesome, due to the overlap of key signals/peaks with background arising from highly complex ingredients in biological systems. Accordingly, the use of 19F NMR would provide a practical solution to this problem. In fact, our “3-FAB” probe 2 was proven to be highly useful to investigate the stability and reactivity of the self-immolative disulfide linker system in human blood plasma by 19F NMR. It has also been revealed that the use of polysorbate 80 as excipient for the formulation of probe 2 dramatically increases the stability of the disulfide linker system. This finding further indicates that the tumor-targeting drug conjugates with polysorbate 80/EtOH/saline formulation for in vivo studies would have high stability in blood plasma, while the drug release in cancer cells proceeds smoothly.
Lifetimes of Liquid benzene, toluene, and mesitylene excited by a pulsed-electron beam☆

Abstract The lifetimes of liquid benzene, toluene, and mesitylene at 25°C are, respectively, greater than or equal to 30.3, 41.2, and 44.2 nsec.
Privacy Issues and User Attitudes towards Targeted Advertising: A Focus Group Study:

A focus group was conducted with a total of 25 participants to explore and identify the privacy and user acceptance issues associated with targeted advertising. Three scenarios were studied: one pr...
Aeromagnetic Evidence for Origin of Arctic Ocean Basin: ABSTRACT

Approximately 147,000 km of low-level (450 m) aeromagnetic tracks were flown over the Arctic Ocean and adjacent Greenland and Norwegian Seas. From these data inferences could be made about the geologic structure and evolution of the Arctic Ocean basin. The Alpha and Nansen Ridges produce magnetic profiles that show axial symmetry and correlate with profiles in the North Atlantic that cross the Reykjanes Ridge and profiles in the Norwegian Sea that cross Mohns Ridge. A quantitative attempt has been made to verify these correlations, which infer that the Alpha Cordillera became inactive 40 m.y. ago, when the locus of rifting shifted to the Nansen Cordillera. The lack of magnetic disturbances associated with the Lomonosov Ridge is interpreted to be a section of the former Eu asian continental margin that was translated into the Arctic basin by sea-floor spreading along the Nansen Cordillera axis. Within the Canada basin there is a thickening of sediments from the Asia continental margin toward the Canada Arctic Archipelago. Sediment thickness in the Makarov basin is estimated to be 1-1½ km. There appears to be only about ½ km of sediment covering the younger Fram and Nautilus basins. The absence of large magnetic anomalies over these basins can be explained by a 10-km elevation of the Curie isotherm. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2512------------
Varicella-zoster virus meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient without a rash

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is an unusual cause of meningoencephalitis in the immunocompetent patient. Most cases of VZV-associated aseptic meningitis or encephalitis are associated with the skin rash of primary varicella, localized herpes zoster, or disseminated zoster. We report a case of VZV meningoencephalitis without a rash occurring in a normal host.
Long-wave infrared tunable thin-film perfect absorber utilizing highly doped silicon-on-sapphire

We show that nearly perfect absorption can be achieved in a simple structure with highly doped silicon on a sapphire (SOS) substrate. An SOS structure with the n-Si film being 600 nm thick and having doping concentration of 2e19 cm−3 has an absorption peak of 96% in the film at a wavelength of 12.1 μm. More generally, 95% absorption in the n-Si can be achieved and tailored to specific wavelengths in the range of 11.6-15.1 μm utilizing dopings of 1-2.4e19 cm−3 and film thicknesses of 600-1000 nm. Regions of 90% absorption can be achievable down to 11 μm and up to as much as 22 μm with tailoring of doping and film thickness. It is also shown that choice of substrate with large k/n (imaginary over real part of refractive index) is imperative for high absorption in the thin-film and will play a role in tailoring possibilities. Shown here are results for n-Si, but in general these results also apply to p-Si and the methods may be used to investigate structures with alternative films or substrates. This investigated SOS structure has high potential since desired film thickness and doping investigated here for perfect absorption can be purchased commercially and easily tuned by etching the silicon film.
The decoloration of natural fluorite crystals.

The simple heat treatment for decoloring fluorite crystals of various hues is described. The improvement in transmittance is shown by means of spectrophotometer curves.
Gamma-butyrolactone increases the rate of punished lever pressing by rats

Abstract Four rats lever pressed for food on a two component multiple FR-VI schedule of reinforcement. In the FR component a brief electric shock coincided with the presentation of food. After lever pressing stabilized in the presence of the shock, drugs were administered in two phases. In Phase 1, one of four doses of either gamma-butyrolactone or sentobarbital was injected before sessions. Both drugs increased lever pressing rates during the shocked component of the schedule at doses which did not affect lever pressing rates during the unshocked component. In Phase 2, one of four doses of a mixture of the two compounds was injected. The drug mixture increased rates of punished lever-pressing to levels similar to those reached in Phase 1. These results confirm previous findings for sodium pentobarbital and indicate that gamma-butyrolactone warrants further investigation into its behavioral properties.
Angler Exploitation of Redband Trout in Eight Idaho Desert Streams

Abstract We estimated angler exploitation rate for redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri in reaches of eight desert streams in southern Idaho using angler-reported catches of 716 jaw-tagged fish. Only two tagged redband trout were reported as harvested by anglers during the angling season. Estimates of annual angler exploitation for seven of the eight study reaches in question equate to 0.0% and from 3.4% to 5.7% on the Sinker Creek reach, depending on the assumed rate of angler tag reporting. Exploitation for the eight study reaches combined was 0.6–0.9%. Our results indicate that jaw tagging did not markedly reduce survival or catchability of redband trout. We conclude that redband trout residing in streams within southern Idaho are virtually unexploited and that angler harvest is well below levels observed on other Idaho redband trout fisheries in more accessible montane environments.
The left elbow constraint

NPs in English and German adhere to a specific structural requirement: a pre-modifier of a noun may not have a post-modifier. A Dependency Grammar analysis of the phenomenon is provided. The analysis is summarized in terms of a structural constraint called the Left Elbow Constraint. This constraint states that a pre-dependent of a noun may not have a post-dependent. The prohibited structure forms a left elbow underneath the noun. The constraint is valid in a uniform manner for English and German, and it explains some curious word order differences in NPs across the two languages.
Reactions to Intergroup Competition Under Win-Lose Conditions

Findings from investigations concerning the dynamics of intergroup competition under win-lose conditions are summarized first. The second step is to demonstrate, by presenting a synopsis of a real case, how these findings can be applied in converting a situation of management-union conflict into one of collaboration. The conclusion is that the industrial ethic which causes groups to interact with one another on a competitive win-lose basis, must and can be replaced by the new ethic which makes it possible for groups to approach their differences in points of view from a problem-solving orientation based on openness and reinforced by mutual respect and trust.
Second-order conditioning in Drosophila

Associative conditioning in Drosophila melanogaster has been well documented for several decades. However, most studies report only simple associations of conditioned stimuli (CS, e.g., odor) with unconditioned stimuli (US, e.g., electric shock) to measure learning or establish memory. Here we describe a straightforward second-order conditioning (SOC) protocol that further demonstrates the flexibility of fly behavior. In SOC, a previously conditioned stimulus (CS1) is used as reinforcement for a second conditioned stimulus (CS2) in associative learning. This higher-order context presents an opportunity for reassessing the roles of known learning and memory genes and neuronal networks in a new behavioral paradigm.
Scleral Rigidity, Venous Obstruction, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Working Hypothesis

It is proposed, as a working hypothesis, that age-related macular degeneration is caused by a progressive increase in the rigidity of the sclera, gradual obstruction the vortex veins, and decompensation of the choroidal venous system of the posterior pole. The hypothesis accounts for all of the clinical signs characteristic of the disorder and defines its relationship to senescence. The biophysical, epidemiologic and therapeutic implications are assessed.
Adaptive antenna arrays using eigenvector methods

The authors consider the application of eigenvector techniques to the solution of interference problems. The conventional minimum-variance signal-to-noise-ratio criteria are extended to a case in which the eigenstructure of the array correlation matrix is used to cancel directional interference sources. It is shown that while the method has good interference cancellation properties, it results in higher pattern distortion than conventional arrays. >
Object oriented verification kernels for secure Java applications

This paper presents an approach to the verification of large Java programs. The focus lies on programs that implement a distributed communicating system e.g. in a M- or E-commerce scenario. When trying to verify such programs, thousands of Java classes with tens of thousands of lines of code would have to be taken into consideration. That is impossible. The paper introduces a technique that dramatically reduces the amount of source code that must be considered. Additionally, a suitable method for programming security critical systems is introduced. The reduction is achieved by extracting a verification kernel from the program, which is sufficient for proving the correctness of the relevant part. An algorithm for the automatic computation of the verification kernel has been developed and is presented in the paper. The correctness of the verification kernel approach is proved on the level of the Java language semantics.
Phase I Study of EKB-569, an Irreversible Inhibitor of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

Purpose The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the dose-limiting toxicities of EKB-569, a selective, irreversible inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), when administered orally once daily on an intermittent-dose schedule (14 days of a 28-day cycle) or on a continuous-dose schedule (each day of a 28-day cycle), were determined in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients and Methods Planned dose escalation was 25, 50, 75, 125, 175, and 225 mg. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed on days 1 and 14 for the intermittent-dose cohort and on days 1 and 15 for the continuous-dose cohort. Results Thirty patients received a median of two cycles (range, one to 10 cycles) in the intermittent-dose cohort; 29 patients received a median of three cycles (range, one to eight cycles) in the continuous-dose cohort. Dose-limiting toxicity was grade 3 diarrhea, and the MTD was 75 mg EKB-569 per day for both cohorts. Other common toxicities included rash, nausea, and asthenia. Exposure to EKB-569 was do...
ANSI/EIA 632 as a standardized WBS for COSYSMO

This paper provides an update on the systems engineering model (COSYSMO) being developed by the Center for Software Engineering at the University of Southern California in conjunction with its corporate affiliates and the International Council for Systems Engineering (INCOSE). The model will help organizations better estimate and plan their systems engineering activities that include development, integration, and test. In this light, the COSYSMO working group has focused on establishing the scope of the model through the ANSI/EIA 632 Systems Engineering standard. It was recognized early on that systems engineering activities varied extensively across organizations and projects. The key to collecting consistent data across disparate organizations was to clearly define the content in a WBS that was understandable by the systems engineering and cost estimation communities. Mappings have also established between each organization’s or project’s WBS elements and the COSYSMO standard WBS elements. The standardized WBS has become the framework for discussion of what systems engineering activities are included and excluded for a particular cost estimate. The paper will cover systems engineering and industry standards, the use of these standards in the COSYSMO model development process, and an analysis of the distribution of ANSI/EIA 632 activities covered in COSYSMO.
Tutorial II: Variability and Its Impact on Design

As digital designs scale down into the sub-100nm regime, the effects of variations are seen to dramatically affect the behavior of the circuit. These may arise from.
Mixed-Initiative News Video Recommendations and Browsing for Mobile Devices

The emergence of networked mobile computing devices creates many opportunities for consumption of multimedia content on the move. However, such mobile devices have inherent resource constraints: low network bandwidth, small screen size, limited input methods and low commitment viewing. To facilitate access to news video on mobile devices, a prototype system has been implemented on a HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1) mobile phone at 320x240 resolution, demonstrating an ``adaptive TV-channel'' like mixed-initiative interface used solicit user relevance feedback. Combined with network prefetching, a cognitively palatable stream of videos and a seamless lower-latency user experience is created.
Promising Interventions for Promoting Emergent Literacy Skills: Three Evidence-Based Approaches

The decade of the 1990s saw a tremendous increase in research studying the value of emergent literacy intervention, particularly for meeting the needs of children at risk. Such studies have documen...
Discrimination and the Transgender Population: Analysis of the Functionality of Local Government Policies That Protect Gender Identity

Transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination policies create a quagmire for human resources to successfully implement. There is a dearth of knowledge about the extent, features, and aptitude of policies to prevent discrimination against transgender employees. This study analyzes all 154 localities that prohibit discrimination against gender identity or expression in employment, as of July 2011, to explore their scope, the capability of implementation agencies, and safeguards provided to employees. The results indicate that the extent of the nondiscrimination policies is broad and potentially benefit most citizens; however, insufficient power is delegated to implementing agencies and safeguards are not the norm.
Enhancement of translation by the epsilon element is independent of the sequence of the 460 region of 16S rRNA.

The epsilon enhancer element is a pyrimidine-rich sequence that increases expression of T7 gene 10 and a number of Escherichia coli mRNAs during initiation of translation and inhibits expression of the recF mRNA during elongation. Based on its complementarity to the 460 region of 16S rRNA, it has been proposed that epsilon exerts its enhancer activity by base pairing to this complementary rRNA sequence. We have tested this model of enhancer action by constructing mutations in the 460 region of 16S rRNA and examining expression of epsilon-containing CAT reporter genes and recF-lacZ fusions in strains expressing the mutant rRNAs. Replacement of the 460 E.coli stem-loop with that of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium or a stem-loop containing a reversal of all 8 bp in the helical region produced fully functional rRNAs with no apparent effect on cell growth or expression of any epsilon-containing mRNA. Our experiments confirm the reported effects of the epsilon elements on gene expression but show that these effects are independent of the sequence of the 460 region of 16S rRNA, indicating that epsilon-rRNA base pairing does not occur.
No-load induction motor core losses using a combined finite-element/state-space model

A combined finite-element/state-space (CFE-SS) modeling is used to compute the no-load core losses in three-phase induction motors. The CFE-SS is totally within the embrace of the ABC frame of reference. Consequently, the current, flux linkages, winding magnetomotive forces, and flux density waveforms include as many space harmonic terms, caused by motor magnetic circuit geometries and winding layouts, as necessary. The resulting harmonically rich flux density waveforms are used to calculate the no-load core losses (hysteresis and eddy current losses) of a case-study three-phase, 1.2-hp, squirrel-cage induction motor. In addition, those results are compared with conventionally computed core losses obtained using only the fundamental components of the flux density waveforms. A substantial increase in the core losses due to the significant harmonic contents of the flux density waveforms is reported. >
Exploring the Shallow End; Estimating Information Content in Transcriptomics Studies

Transcriptomics is a major platform to study organismal biology. The advent of new parallel sequencing technologies has opened up a new avenue of transcriptomics with ever deeper and deeper sequencing to identify and quantify each and every transcript in a sample. However, this may not be the best usage of the parallel sequencing technology for all transcriptomics experiments. I utilized the Shannon Entropy approach to estimate the information contained within a transcriptomics experiment and tested the ability of shallow RNAseq to capture the majority of this information. This analysis showed that it was possible to capture nearly all of the network or genomic information present in a variety of transcriptomics experiments using a subset of the most abundant 5000 transcripts or less within any given sample. Thus, it appears that it should be possible and affordable to conduct large scale factorial analysis with a high degree of replication using parallel sequencing technologies.
Rateless Codes With Unequal Error Protection Property

In this correspondence, a generalization of rateless codes is proposed. The proposed codes provide unequal error protection (UEP). The asymptotic properties of these codes under the iterative decoding are investigated. Moreover, upper and lower bounds on maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding error probabilities of finite-length LT and Raptor codes for both equal and unequal error protection schemes are derived. Further, our work is verified with simulations. Simulation results indicate that the proposed codes provide desirable UEP. We also note that the UEP property does not impose a considerable drawback on the overall performance of the codes. Moreover, we discuss that the proposed codes can provide unequal recovery time (URT). This means that given a target bit error rate, different parts of information bits can be decoded after receiving different amounts of encoded bits. This implies that the information bits can be recovered in a progressive manner. This URT property may be used for sequential data recovery in video/audio streaming
A Distributed Algorithm for Web Content Replication

Web caching and replication techniques increase accessibility of Web contents and reduce Internet bandwidth requirements. In this paper, we are considering the replica placement problem in a distributed replication group. The replication group consists of servers dedicating certain amount of memory for replicating objects. The replica placement problem is to place the replica at the servers within the replication group such that the access time over all objects and servers is minimized. We design a distributed 2-approximation algorithm that solves this optimization problem. We show that the communication and computational complexity of the algorithm is polynomial in the number of servers and objects. We perform simulation experiments to investigate the performance of our algorithm.