cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Germanosilicate and alkali germanosilicate glass structure: New insights from high-resolution oxygen-17 NMR

Abstract We present here triple-quantum, magic-angle spinning (3QMAS) NMR spectra for 17O in a SiO2–GeO2 binary glass, and for two sodium germanosilicate glasses, all with Si/Ge ratios of 1. In the binary germanosilicate, three NMR peaks are partially resolved, and correspond to the three types of bridging oxygens, Si–O–Si, Si–O–Ge, and Ge–O–Ge. Peak areas indicate that the relative abundances of these species are close to those expected for random mixing of the Si and Ge in the network. In a sodium germanosilicate glass with a relatively low Na content (Na2O ≈ 8 mol%), the spectra demonstrate the formation of significant fractions of both nonbridging oxygens bonded to Si, and of oxygens bonded to Ge in five- or six-coordination. At higher Na content (Na2O ≈ 31%), most or all Ge is four-coordinated and network modification is dominated by the formation of NBO on Si and on Ge. Models of physical properties of alkali germanosilicates, in which modifier oxides are distributed between the Si and Ge components of the network in proportion to the Si/Ge ratio, are thus supported, as is extensive mixing of Si and Ge.
A computational comparison of branch and bound and outer approximation algorithms for 0-1 mixed integer nonlinear programs

Abstract In this paper we compare the performance of two codes for convex 0–1 mixed integer nonlinear programs on a number of test problems. The first code uses a branch and bound algorithm. The second code is a commercially available implementation of an outer approximation algorithm. The comparison demonstrates that both approaches are generally capable of solving the test problems. However, there are significant differences in the robustness of the two codes and their performance on different classes of problems.
Quantification of the influence of snow course measurement date on climatic trends

The Natural Resources Conservation Service measures high elevation snowpack manually at snow courses across the western US. In addition to supporting the production of seasonal snowmelt-driven streamflow forecasts, this long-term dataset is widely used throughout the research community to study historical climatic change impacts. Therefore it is critical to understand what factors may affect the quality of the measurements, especially if those non-climatic factors possess long-term trends. For example, the snowpack measurement dates are nominally the first and fifteenth of the month although they actually average approximately 2 days earlier. This study found that the variability of measurement dates are determined by, 1) the epoch of the measurement, 2) the day of the week of the nominal measurement date, 3) the presence or absence of snow at the site and 4) if the measurement is for the first or the fifteenth of the month. The measurement date is less variable if snow is absent from the site. Mid-month data are collected closer to the nominal measurement date, and first of month data have a greater early bias. Since 1957, there has been a stronger aversion to collecting data on Fridays and weekends. Measurements are taken today on average 1.35 days earlier than they were before 1957. The effect on measurement bias depended on the time of year and was generally less than 5 % of the measurement. Therefore, changes in measurement date only slightly mask one’s ability to accurately detect long-term climatic trends.
Lack of strain-related differences in drug metabolism and efflux transporter characteristics between CD-1 and athymic nude mice

CD-1 mice are commonly used in oncology metabolism and toxicity to support drug discovery and development and to examine drug metabolism and toxicity properties of new chemical entities. On the other hand, athymic nude mice are the preferred animals to investigate tumor growth inhibition. Therefore, a frequently asked question is: are the metabolic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of xenobiotics in these two mouse strains comparable or not? To address this issue, we characterized drug metabolism and efflux transporter properties in both strains and in different organs. The metabolic stability of a set of 20 compounds and metabolite formation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) marker substrates (testosterone, ethoxyresorufin and pentoxyresorufin) were measured in liver microsomes. Drug conjugation was studied by following the disappearance of 7-hydroxycoumarin and the formation of its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in freshly prepared liver slices. In addition, mRNA expression levels of the main cyp genes and drug efflux transporters were investigated by real-time RT-PCR in the liver, kidney, intestine and adrenal glands. No significant differences in enzymatic activities and metabolite formation were observed between the two strains. Also mRNA expression profiles of cyp and drug transporter genes were similar between CD-1 and nude mice.
Wheat seedling growth in the absence of gravitational force.

Wheat seedling germination and growth processes in absence of gravitational force onboard Biosatellite 2
A technique to estimate in vivo dissolution profiles without data from a solution.

Dissolution tests are expected to ensure adequate in vivo product performance. Given the recent progress in the ability to predict of human permeability, it is possible to synthesize the plasma drug concentration–time profile from human permeability predictions and the results of the first-in-human trial and use these data to synthesize a pharmacokinetic profile for a solution and provide an initial estimate of the in vivo dissolution profile. This manuscript provides details of such a deconvolution methodology in order to provide an initial estimate of in vivo dissolution. Plasma metoprolol concentration–time data from a previously published study examining the pharmacokinetics of three metoprolol formulations (100 mg), slow, moderate, and fast releasing, and an oral solution (50 mg) were used to estimate in vitro dissolution profiles. A one-compartment unit impulse function was used, and the absorption rate was estimated from animal permeability data (synthetic solution method). The results were compared to those obtained using a unit impulse function estimated from the oral solution data. In vivo dissolution profiles estimated from animal permeability data were similar to those estimated from the oral solution data. Ratios of absorption rate constants (synthetic solution method/oral solution) ranged from 1 to 1.3. The synthetic solution method offers a way to estimate in vivo dissolution profile through deconvolution. It is applicable in cases where it is not possible or feasible to obtain data from a solution. It performs best in cases where dissolution is the rate-limiting step in the absorption process.
Endoventricular Transplantation of Allogenic Skeletal Myoblasts in a Porcine Model of Myocardial Infarction

Purpose:To assess the technical feasibility of percutaneous endoventricular injection of skeletal myoblasts into an infarcted porcine myocardium.Methods:A skeletal muscle biopsy was obtained from a donor pig and processed for myoblast expansion in vitro. Myocardial infarction was induced in a host pig via fibrin coil placement in the left anterior descending artery. Four weeks later, electromechanical mapping of the left ventricle identified the infarction site, into which ∼200 million allogenic cells obtained from the muscle biopsy were directly injected (0.1 mL/injection at 25 sites) from inside the ventricular cavity via a needle injection catheter inserted through the femoral artery. Ten days after transplantation, the injected heart was evaluated histologically for the presence of myoblasts.Results:Electrocardiography, echocardiography, left ventricular angiography, and electromechanical mapping confirmed the myocardial infarction. During the cell transfer procedure, premature ventricular contraction...
Feature-Based Reasoning in Fixture Design

Abstract Features for mechanical design are generally defined 35 entities which describe both the form and function of the design. This geometric and process related design information facilitates the design of tooling and fixtures for manufacturing a part. This paper investigates the use of features for fixture design, concentrating on the selection of locating elements and the identification of locating surfaces for workpiece positioning.
Retrieval practice with short-answer, multiple-choice, and hybrid tests

Retrieval practice improves meaningful learning, and the most frequent way of implementing retrieval practice in classrooms is to have students answer questions. In four experiments (N=372) we investigated the effects of different question formats on learning. Students read educational texts and practised retrieval by answering short-answer, multiple-choice, or hybrid questions. In hybrid conditions students first attempted to recall answers in short-answer format, then identified answers in multiple-choice format. We measured learning 1 week later using a final assessment with two types of questions: those that could be answered by recalling information verbatim from the texts and those that required inferences. Practising retrieval in all format conditions enhanced retention, relative to a study-only control condition, on both verbatim and inference questions. However, there were little or no advantages of answering short-answer or hybrid format questions over multiple-choice questions in three experiments. In Experiment 4, when retrieval success was improved under initial short-answer conditions, there was an advantage of answering short-answer or hybrid questions over multiple-choice questions. The results challenge the simple conclusion that short-answer questions always produce the best learning, due to increased retrieval effort or difficulty, and demonstrate the importance of retrieval success for retrieval-based learning activities.
Sedimentologic History and Characteristics of Continental Margin Basins--California Borderland: ABSTRACT

Sediments are delivered to continental margin basins via several paths. Major process types are mass movement, turbidity currents, discrete particle settling, and nepheloid flow. Some are episodic, others are continuous, and all vary in rate and magnitude depending on distance from source, variations in climate and oceanographic conditions, relief of source terranes, and trapping or storage within the basin systems which are commonly End_Page 442------------------------------ important hydrocarbon reservoirs. Based on detailed field sampling, simple models for the growth of both fine- and coarse-grained deposits can now be described. It is evident that contemporary field samplings will miss geologically significant events and are biased in their recovery owing to the rarity of major events on a human time scale and the dimensions and efficiency of the samplers. However, study of contemporary sediments and their modes of formation and later alteration show us much about the three-dimensional character of the deposits actively forming and, when combined with studies of the ancient analogs exposed in outcrop, can yield a very complete story of the typical history of a deep marine sedimentary basin. Fine-grained sediments come from two dominant sources--the overlying waters and the adjacent land sources. The terrigenous contribution is usually the dominant contributor in all environments open to its influence. The biologic components raining from the overlying water masses yield information about environmental characteristics and oceanographic circulation patterns as well as time markers. Benthic faunas provide depth data and also add deep-water environmental data. All usually pass through the surficial zone of bioturbation active in all but the least aerated basins and so the record preserved tends to be smeared. Where time dimension can be defined and the rates of individual component sedimentation defined the picture that emerges usually clearly defines the major sources and their regional influence. When we examine the recent sediments we can directly measure these factors and then check them against the patterns preserved in the basin floor materials. Simple first-order models have been developed that explain the major features of the continuously depositing fine basin sediments. Second-order models have also been described which add the influence of current action within and over the basin. These are described and their results compared to the actual sediments presently collecting. End_of_Article - Last_Page 443------------
A New Method for Examining Rounding Error in Least-Squares Regression Computer Programs

Abstract A new, easily applied method for examining any least-squares computer program for internal consistency is given. Only one data set is necessary, and by making appropriate transformations on these data results are given to provide an internal check on the accuracy (or consistency) of the given program. Accuracy becomes an increasing problem, of course, when the original data set is ill-conditioned. The theorems and proofs necessary to the method are presented as well as a sample data set for illustrative purposes.
The reinforcing and subjective effects of intravenous and intranasal buprenorphine in heroin users

Abuse of buprenorphine (BUP) by the intravenous (IV) route has been documented in several studies, and reports of intranasal (IN) abuse are increasing. However, no studies have directly compared the effects of BUP when it is administered intranasally and intravenously. The present secondary analysis used data from two separate studies to compare the reinforcing and subjective effects of IV and IN buprenorphine. One study evaluated IV buprenorphine (N=13) and the other evaluated IN buprenorphine (N=12). Participants were maintained on 2 mg sublingual (SL) BUP and tested with each intranasal or intravenous buprenorphine test dose (0 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, and 16 mg). During morning laboratory sessions, participants received money (US $20) and sample doses of IN or IV BUP, and then completed subjective effects questionnaires. Later that day, they completed a self-administration task to receive 10% portions of the drug and/or money they previously sampled. In general, positive subjective ratings for both IV and IN BUP were significantly greater than placebo, with IV BUP having a greater effect than IN BUP. All active BUP doses (IV and IN) maintained significantly higher progressive ratio breakpoint values than placebo, but breakpoint values for IV BUP were greater than for IN BUP. Buprenorphine is an effective maintenance treatment for opioid dependence, valued for its ability to reduce the positive subjective effects of other opioids. Nevertheless, the present data demonstrate that in participants maintained on a low dose of SL BUP, the medication itself has abuse liability when used intravenously or intranasally.
Structural change and time dependence in models of stock returns

Abstract In this paper, we provide evidence that the time-series properties of stock returns include both structural change and time dependence in the conditional variance. The absence of a structural change component tends to overstate the persistence parameter in a time-dependent model specification. The reason is that time-dependent model specifications do not distinguish between positive residuals that increase volatility from those that represent a resolution of uncertainty. A sequential mixture of normal distributions model of structural change is employed to estimate discrete change points in the time-series of volatility in either direction. Although the model of structural change appears to be the more descriptive process in a mutually exclusive comparison, a joint model of time dependence and structural change is most likely.
Component Building: A Strategy for Research-Based Instructional Improvement

preparing a lesson or course. For example, researchers might be asked whether it is better (in a particular subject) to teach a single lesson to the entire class, to teach different lessons to homogeneous subgroups, or to give students individualized materials (such as programmed instructional materials) to complete at their own rates. Is it more conducive to achievement to allow students to work with each other or to forbid them to do so?
Mode of Ca2+ action on ciliary beat frequency in single ovine airway epithelial cells

1. We analysed the kinetics of coupling between cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) using simultaneous single cilium recording and single cell [Ca2+]i measurements from cultured ovine tracheal epithelial cells. 2. CBF and [Ca2+]i (indicated by fura-2) were measured at rest and in response to activation of the G-protein coupled M3 muscarinic receptor by 10 microM acetylcholine (ACh). 3. Fourier transform analysis of 3 s data segments of light intensity from phase-contrast microscopy showed no significant delay between changes in [Ca2+]i and CBF during a 2 min exposure to ACh and subsequent washout. 4. CBF time resolution was improved by computing instantaneous beat frequency. This revealed that CBF lagged the rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in response to ACh with a delay of less than 1 beat cycle (143 ms at 7 Hz). When CBF was estimated by an improved Fourier method, this delay was observed to be 70 +/- 30 ms (mean +/- s.e.m.; n = 20 cilia). During the slower return to baseline, a lag of 8 +/- 3.2 s was observed, indicative of hysteresis. 5. While calmodulin inhibitors (calmidazolium and W-7; each n = 5) decreased baseline CBF by an average of 1.1 +/- 0.1 Hz, they did not alter the kinetic relationship between [Ca2+]i and CBF. Similarly, phosphatase inhibitors (okadaic acid and cyclosporin A; each n = 5), changed neither baseline CBF nor the kinetic coupling between [Ca2+]i and CBF. 6. These data suggest that the timing of Ca2+ action on CBF in ovine airway epithelial cells, is unlikely to be determined by phosphorylation reactions involving calmodulin or kinase/phosphatase reactions. 7. A simple model for Ca2+ stimulation of CBF is presented. Fits of the model to the data suggest four or more Ca2+ ions bind cooperatively to speed up CBF.
Estimating solar radiation as a function of air temperature using Fourier series

Due to the periodicity of variations in solar radiation and air temperature their dimensionless values are expanded in Fourier series. Fourier coefficients were determined using data recorded by weather stations in various Egyptian cities. In terms of ambient air temperature, these coefficients are used to calculate solar radiation for specific geographic locations near to weather stations for which solar radiation data are unavailable. Estimates of solar radiation calculated by means of Fourier coefficients are compared with observed solar radiation data based on the number of hours of sunshine for the stations where there were records of sunshine duration. The comparison shows a good agreement between estimated and observed.
On finite deformations of space-curved beams

A recent generalization of Kirchhoff's equations for the analysis of spacecurved beams, in which account is taken of force-deformational effects in addition to the deformational effects of bending and twisting moments (Studies Appl. Math.52, 87–95, 1973), is re-derived more simply, including a new description of rotational displacement states, and including an application to the problem of helical deformations of originally helical beams.
Renal retransplantation in children.

Evaluation of 75 cadaver donor retransplants revealed that the primary factor influencing allograft survival is patient responsiveness as reflected by sensitization with preformed cytotoxic antibodies. Actuarial allograft survival rates for nonpresensitized ( P 50%) recipients. Although HLA A&B antigen histocompatibility did not have a statistically significant effect on retransplant outcome, it appeared to influence allograft survival in the highly presensitized recipient. An approach to the management of children who lose an initial or subsequent allograft is indicated by these data.
Cellular immune responses against proinsulin : No evidence for enhanced reactivity in individuals with IDDM

Investigations of humans and nonobese diabetic mice suggest that proinsulin and/or a fragment of the region spanning C-peptide and the B-chain of insulin (i.e., proinsulin peptide) may serve as key autoantigens in IDDM. Therefore, we analyzed cellular immune reactivities against these molecules in people with or at varying risks for the disease to clarify their role in the pathogenesis of IDDM. In vitro peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) responses against these antigens, a control antigen (tetanus toxoid), and phytohemaglutinin were determined in 60 individuals with newly diagnosed IDDM (
DNA topoisomerase-targeting antitumor drugs can be studied in yeast

Abstract The antitumor drugs camptothecin and an anilinoacridine, 4'-(9-acridinylamino)-methanesulfon-m-anisidide (mAMSA), which act on DNA topoisomerase I and II, respectively, are shown to inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants selected for their permeability to other inhibitors. In addition to growth inhibition, these drugs induce high levels of homologous recombination and induce the expression of a DNA damage-inducible gene DIN3. Cytotoxicity of the drugs is more pronounced in strains that also carry a rad52 mutation. An analog of mAMSA), which is ineffective as an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase II in mammalian cells, is also ineffective in eliciting physiological responses in these yeast strains. The physiological effects of camptothecin, but not those of mAMSA, disappear if the TOP1 gene encoding DNA topoisomerase I is disrupted. This shows that DNA topoisomerase I is the sole target of camptothecin cytotoxicity and illustrates that a nonessential enzyme can nevertheless be the target for a cytotoxic drug.
Dale Dannefer & Chris Phillipson (eds.) (2010). The SAGE Handbook of Social Gerontology. Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC: SAGE Publications, 712 pp. ISBN 978 1 4129 3464 0 (hardcover)

The SAGE Handbook of Social Gerontology with 50 chapters on 712 pages is a comprehensive handbook covering a vast range of different topics in social gerontology. The chapters are generally well-written by internationally recognised experts representing multidisciplinary approaches to social gerontology. One of the editors is North American, the other European. The book is divided into five sections. The first section, Fundamental and Disciplinary Perspectives on Ageing, gives an introduction to the book by eight chapters on topics such as: the life course, global history, economics, demography, epidemiology, disability and environmental perspectives i.e. perspectives from central core disciplines in social gerontology. The second section, Ageing and Social Structure, covers topics such as inequality, gender, ethnic and sexual minorities, religion, family, networks and intergenerational relations. The third section, Ageing and Individual Change, is comprised of chapters on identity, cognition, stress, agency and structure, wisdom, loneliness, health, dementia, the body and time.
Hypotonicity-induced TRPV4 function in renal collecting duct cells: modulation by progressive cross-talk with Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

The mouse cortical collecting duct (CCD) M-1 cells were grown to confluency on coverslips to assess the interaction between TRPV4 and Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated strong expression of TRPV4, along with the CCD marker, aquaporin-2, and the Ca2+-activated K+ channels, the small conductance SK3 (KCa2.3) channel and large conductance BKα channel (KCa1.1). TRPV4 overexpression studies demonstrated little physical dependency of the K+ channels on TRPV4. However, activation of TRPV4 by hypotonic swelling (or GSK1016790A, a selective agonist) or inhibition by the selective antagonist, HC-067047, demonstrated a strong dependency of SK3 and BK-α activation on TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ influx. Selective inhibition of BK-α channel (Iberiotoxin) or SK3 channel (apamin), thereby depolarizing the cells, further revealed a significant dependency of TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ influx on activation of both K+ channels. It is concluded that a synergistic cross-talk exists between the TRPV4 channel and SK3 and BK-α channels to provide a tight functional regulation between the channel groups. This cross-talk may be progressive in nature where the initial TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ influx would first activate the highly Ca2+-sensitive SK3 channel which, in turn, would lead to enhanced Ca2+ influx and activation of the less Ca2+-sensitive BK channel.
Bifunctional Mesoporous Silica Catalyst for C–C Bond Forming Tandem Reactions

We report on the synthesis and catalytic properties of a class of hybrid organic–inorganic mesoporous bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts for efficient catalysis of two-step tandem reactions in one pot. With a solvent-assisted grafting method, two different catalytic groups, that is, an organoamine and a palladium–organodiamine complex, were immobilized onto high-surface-area mesoporous silica sequentially, by using their corresponding organosilanes in 2-propanol or toluene as the solvent in the first step and toluene as the solvent in the second step. Both MCM-41 and SBA-15 mesoporous silicas were used as support materials for the two catalytic groups, and the effect of different sequential grafting of the two organosilanes in 2-propanol or toluene on the structures and the catalytic properties of the resulting bifunctional catalysts were investigated. By using the resulting amine/PdII–diamine bifunctional mesoporous material as catalyst, the occurrence of two very important C–C bond forming reactions, that is, the Sonogashira and the Henry reactions, was demonstrated in one pot for the first time. Yields of approximately 100 % in 2.5 h for the Sonogashira reaction and approximately 100 % in 45 min for the Henry reaction were obtained in the presence of the bifunctional catalyst when the reactions were run individually. When the bifunctional catalyst was used to catalyze the Sonogashira–Henry reactions in tandem in one pot, a yield of up to approximately 60 % of the Sonogashira–Henry product in 5 h was obtained. The synthesis and use of such bifunctional catalysts for efficient catalysis of the tandem reaction is of importance in three significant ways: it prevents the unnecessary use of solvents and other chemicals required for the purification of the intermediate products of either individual reaction, eliminates some of the work-up procedures, and lowers the cost of synthesis of the final product.
Science, technology, and information

Science and technology affect the way we live, work, and play, and our health. New areas of science and technology will make greater differences than developments in the past. The amount of information generated by these new areas will accelerate in the years ahead. This article explores new areas and other trends affecting how we acquire and use information.
Inner-shell electron promotion in low energy Li+-Al(100) collisions.

A previously unobserved inelastic excitation mechanism is reported for alkali ions scattered from a metal surface. Li 1s holes are generated via electron promotion during hard binary collisions with surface Al atoms. Excited Li then resonantly neutralizes to form ${\mathrm{Li}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ (1s 2${\mathit{s}}^{2}$). These particles autoionize above the surface and are thus detected as ions. At large scattering angles, the majority of the singly scattered ${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}$ ions participate in this promotion process for incident energies of \ensuremath{\sim}3 keV and higher.
Role of the β-adrenergic receptor kinase in myocardial dysfunction after brain death

Objective Significant cardiac dysfunction after brain death leading to exclusion from procurement for cardiac transplantation is seen in up to 25% of potential organ donors in the absence of structural heart disease. The cause includes uncoupling of the myocardial β-adrenergic receptor signaling system. The mechanism, however, has not yet been described. This study investigates our hypothesis that brain death causes acute activation of the βAR kinase and leads to desensitization of myocardial β-adrenergic receptors and impaired ventricular function. Methods Adult pigs underwent a sham operation or induction of brain death by means of subdural balloon inflation (n = 8 in each group). Cardiac function was assessed by using sonomicrometry at baseline and for 6 hours after the operation. β-Adrenergic receptor signaling was assessed at 6 hours after the operation by measuring myocardial sarcolemmal membrane adenylate cyclase activity, β-adrenergic receptor density, β-adrenergic receptor kinase expression, and activity. Results Induction of brain death led to significantly decreased left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Basal and isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was blunted in the brain dead group compared with the sham-operated group (28.3 ± 4.3 vs 48.3 ± 7.6 pmol of cyclic adenosine monophosphate·mg −1 ·min −1 [ P = .01] and 54.8 ± 9.6 vs 114.5 ± 18 pmol of cyclic adenosine monophosphate·mg −1 ·min −1 [ P Conclusion Induction of brain death leads to significant left ventricular dysfunction in this porcine model. Cardiac β-adrenergic receptors are clearly uncoupled after brain death, and our data suggest that the mechanism is acute increase of myocardial β-adrenergic receptor kinase activity, leading to β-adrenergic receptor desensitization and ventricular dysfunction.
Optimal patterns for suturing wounds

A mathematical model for computing stresses in sutured human skin wounds is presented. The model uses the incremental law of elasticity and elastic constants valid for in vivo orthotropic skin. The model is applied to compute the principal stress and displacements resulting from suturing small elliptical and circular wounds in a large flat sheet of skin, in order to determine the optimal suturing patterns. It is observed that the average stress index for a circular wound sutured toward the center is almost double that of a wound sutured transverse to the diameter. Thus, the latter type of suturing pattern is preferable. Similarly, suturing an elliptical wound transversely produces a lower average stress index than a circular wound of the same area. It is also found that the optimal ratio of semi-major to semi-minor axis of an elliptical wound is near 3 (for abdominal wounds), i.e., this ratio produces the most uniform stresses along the wound edges, where wound healing is slowest. Since high stresses have adverse effects on healing and blood flow, this work, depicting regions of high stresses, may be used along with other biological factors to help predict regions of slower healing in sutured wounds.
Leadtime management in a periodic-review inventory system: A state-dependent base-stock policy

We examine a single-item, periodic-review inventory system with stochastic leadtimes, in which a replenishment order is delivered immediately or one period later, depending probabilistically on costly effort. The objective is to determine a joint inventory policy and effort-choice strategy that minimizes the expected total costs. Our analytical and computational analysis suggests that (i) a state-dependent base-stock policy is optimal, (ii) the optimal effort strategy is such that the marginal cost of effort is equal to the value of immediate delivery, and (iii) the cost impact of leadtime reduction can be very large. We also provide some counter-intuitive results, compared with the traditional multi-period newsvendor model.
Who Uses Information Technologies in Rural America

L'etude evalue l'utilisation des technologies de communication (repondeur telethonique, ordinateur, etc.), l'attitude face a ces technologies et les caracteristiques socio-demographiques chez des personnes habitant des villes de moins de 3000 habitants (n=148) et de plus de 3000 habitants (n=298)
Insights into the evolution of human bipedalism from experimental studies of humans and other primates

An understanding of the evolution of human bipedalism can provide valuable insights into the biomechanical and physiological characteristics of locomotion in modern humans. The walking gaits of humans, other bipeds and most quadrupedal mammals can best be described by using an inverted-pendulum model, in which there is minimal change in flexion of the limb joints during stance phase. As a result, it seems logical that the evolution of bipedalism in humans involved a simple transition from a relatively stiff-legged quadrupedalism in a terrestrial ancestor to relatively stiff-legged bipedalism in early humans. However, experimental studies of locomotion in humans and nonhuman primates have shown that the evolution of bipedalism involved a much more complex series of transitions, originating with a relatively compliant form of quadrupedalism. These studies show that relatively compliant walking gaits allow primates to achieve fast walking speeds using long strides, low stride frequencies, relatively low peak vertical forces, and relatively high impact shock attenuation ratios. A relatively compliant, ape-like bipedal walking style is consistent with the anatomy of early hominids and may have been an effective gait for a small biped with relatively small and less stabilized joints, which had not yet completely forsaken arboreal locomotion. Laboratory-based studies of primates also suggest that human bipedalism arose not from a terrestrial ancestor but rather from a climbing, arboreal forerunner. Experimental data, in conjunction with anatomical data on early human ancestors, show clearly that a relatively stiff modern human gait and associated physiological and anatomical adaptations are not primitive retentions from a primate ancestor, but are instead recently acquired characters of our genus.
X-ray diffraction study of iron partitioning between α and γ phases of the (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 system

Abstract We have studied the time dependence of the Fe partitioning between olivine and ringwoodite at pressures and temperatures where the phases coexist. Using SAM85, a cubic anvil high-pressure apparatus with synchrotron radiation, we collected energy dispersive X-ray diffraction spectra as a function of time at 900°C/11.5 GPa, 1117°C/11.7 GPa and 900°C/11.1 GPa. These data were analyzed with Rietveld refinement techniques to determine very accurate lattice parameters and phase fractions. The time evolution of the sample volume indicates that iron-magnesium exchange occurs at 1117°C on the scale of minutes, but does not evolve at 900°C. Using unit cell volume as a measure of iron content, the Fe partitioning in olivine and ringwoodite increases by 4% and 5%, respectively within 1 h at 1117°C while the phase fraction increases 10% for olivine and decreases 10% for ringwoodite.
Notes on Reproductive Biology of Some Serpulid Polychaetes at Sesoko Island, Okinawa, with Brief Accounts of Setal Morphology of Three Species of Salmacina and Filograna implexa

On the vertical walls of an aquarium and shells of Streptopinna saccata, 20 serpulid species were observed. Among them, 7 species perform brooding, 7 did asexual reproduction. Brooding was separated into 3 types, branchial-brooding, brood pouch-incubation and tube incubation. Asexual reproduction of them is terminal and single, bud completes their external morphology within 5 to 8 days. Descriptions of specialized collar setae of Filograna implexa and 3 species of Salmacina were given.
Book Review: “Principles of Social Change”

In Principles of Social Change, Dr. Leonard A. Jason, academic and activist, gives individuals who are driven by social justice a prescription for how to effect social change. A professor of psycho...
Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria on Imitation Crab

Food poisoning bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica and Aeromonas hydrophila, were inoculated onto imitation crablegs and flaked crab. Inoculated samples were incubated at 0°C, 5°C, 10°C, and 15°C. Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and Aeromonas increased at 15°C and 10°C. but not at the two lower temperatures. Yersinia grew at the four temperatures tested. The rapid growth at these temperatures clearly indicated that the pathogens could be potential hazards if the products were contaminated and subjected to temperature abuse after leaving the processing plants.
On the Multiple-machine Extension to a Common Due-date Assignment and Scheduling Problem

In a recent paper, Cheng considers the multiple-machine extension to a due-date assignment and scheduling problem. He implicitly assumes zero start times for all schedules (which does not ensure optimality), and overlooks the critical V-shape property for an optimal schedule (which leads him to over-estimate the effort needed to solve the problem). In this note, we correct these flaws, and also discuss the complexity of the problem and its special cases.
Brillouin microscopy for ocular biomechanics

We present Brillouin confocal microscopy with high throughput and high extinction for non-invasive mechanical measurements of tissue and biomaterials. In particular, we demonstrate biomechanical characterization of crystalline lens and cornea.
Urologic evaluation of megacystis-microcolonintestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome

Abstract The seventh case of megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome is presented with its urologic aspects. In contrast to the bowel conditions, the urologic problems were tractable.
Motion estimation based on optical flow with adaptive gradients

Optical flow has been widely used in motion estimation. By initializing adaptive gradients, we have developed a technique to reduce the occlusion problem in computing optical flow with the Horn and Schunck (1981) method. The adaptive gradients are derived from the forward and backward image gradients based on the optical flow equation during iterations. Improved optical flow solutions with the elimination of 'double-image' artifacts caused by occlusions have been obtained.
Utility of mTOR Inhibition in Hematologic Malignancies

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an intracellular serine/threonine kinase that exists as a downstream component of numerous signaling pathways. The activation of mTOR results in the production of proteins involved in cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Aberrant activation of mTOR signaling has been identified in a number of cancers, and targeted inhibition of mTOR has been successful in achieving tumor responses, prolonging progression-free survival, and increasing overall survival in various oncologic patient populations. In particular, persistent activation of mTOR signaling has been identified in cell lines and patient samples with leukemias, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). In vitro and preclinical studies using agents that inhibit mTOR signaling have demonstrated cytostatic and cytotoxic effects in these hematologic malignancies, suggesting that mTOR is a rational target for therapy in these disease states. In addition, the combination of mTOR inhibitors with traditional therapies may help to overcome the development of resistance and may improve response rates over those seen with established regimens through synergistic or additive effects. Inhibitors of mTOR signaling currently are being investigated in clinical trials of hematologic malignancies as single agents and as components of combination regimens. Thus far, promising results have been seen with the application of mTOR inhibitors as single agents in patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia, HL, NHL, MM, and WM.
Direct interception of mutagens and carcinogens by biomolecules.

Five points are emphasized: 1. Chemical interception and mere physical exclusion of mutagens and carcinogens constitute the major means by which mutations in cellular DNA are prevented. DNA repair processes comprise critical, but relatively minor, modes of genetic protection. 2. Disruption of a mutagen-interception defense mechanism can lead to substantial increases in mutagenesis and can preordain sites to eventual tumor formation. 3. Quantitation of the relative contributions of various blocking molecules is often simplified by the fact that protection can be calculated merely through knowledge of the measured concentration of the antimutagen and its rate of reaction with specific mutagens as measured in straightforward in vitro tests. 4. Two recently recognized defensive molecules, carnosine and ergothioneine, are put forward as examples of interesting chemical interceptor molecules. 5. Essentially all antimutagens are in fact “doubleedged swords.” Situations can be artificially constructed that can lead to generation of toxic species from molecules that are normally antimutagens; in isolated cases some of these interactions can be pictured as having deleterious consequences in vivo. This may be one reason why a number of important antimutagens are often sequestered, either in different tissues or by binding to dispensable macromolecules.
Delocalization and occupancy effects of 5f orbitals in plutonium intermetallics using L3-edge resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy

Although actinide (An) L3 -edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been very effective in determining An oxidation states in insulating, ionically bonded materials, such as in certain coordination compounds and mineral systems, the technique fails in systems featuring more delocalized 5f orbitals, especially in metals. Recently, actinide L3-edge resonant X-ray emission spec- troscopy (RXES) has been shown to be an effective alternative. This technique is further demonstrated here using a parameterized partial unoccupied density of states method to quantify both occupancy and delocalization of the 5f orbital in ?-Pu, ?-Pu, PuCoGa5 , PuCoIn5 , and PuSb2. These new results, supported by FEFF calculations, highlight the effects of strong correlations on RXES spectra and the technique?s ability to differentiate between f-orbital occupation and delocalization.
Perinatal bone turnover in term pregnancies: the influence of intrauterine growth restriction.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been associated with low bone mass in infancy and increased risk for osteoporosis development in adult life. We aimed to investigate the effect of IUGR on bone metabolism in mother/infant pairs, by determining circulating biochemical markers of bone turnover in IUGR and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies. Circulating markers of bone formation [bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC)] and bone resorption [cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx)], as well as intact parathormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus levels were measured in 40 mothers and their 20 IUGR and 20 AGA singleton full-term fetuses and neonates on postnatal days 1 (N1) and 4 (N4). No significant differences in BALP, ALP, OC, NTx, PTH, calcium or phosphorus levels were observed between the AGA and the IUGR groups. In both groups, maternal BALP levels were lower compared to fetal, N1 and N4 levels (p ≤0.005 in all cases). In the AGA group, maternal NTx and OC levels were lower compared to fetal, N1 and N4 levels (pb0.001 in all cases), and fetal NTx levels were lower compared to N1 and N4 ones (pb0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). In the IUGR group, maternal OC levels were lower compared to fetal, N1 and N4 ones (pb0.001 in each case) and fetal OC levels were elevated compared to N1 and N4 ones (pb0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). N4 NTx levels were elevated compared to maternal, fetal and N1 levels (p=0.009, pb0.001 and p=0.002, respectively) and fetal NTx levels were lower compared to N1 and N4 ones (p=0.001 and pb0.001, respectively). Finally, positive correlations were found between maternal NTx and BALP (r=0.332, p=0.037), as well as ALP (r=0.329, p=0.038) levels, and between maternal, fetal, N1, N4 BALP and respective ALP levels (r=0.432, p=0.005, r=0.534, p=0.001, r=0.778, pb0.001, r=0.694, pb0.001, respectively). In conclusion, maternal, fetal and neonatal bone turnover in IUGR cases may not differ from respective bone metabolism in AGA controls. In addition, fetal and neonatal bone remodeling is markedly enhanced and independent of maternal bone turnover in late pregnancy.
On the law of large numbers for the bootstrap mean

Abstract Direct and elementary proofs are given for weak and strong laws of large numbers for bootstrap sample means under minimal moment conditions. Concerning the required rate of divergence of the bootstrap sample size, the strong laws obtained improve on those of Athreya (1983). Ams 1980 Subject Classifications: Primary 60F15; Secondary 62G05
Broadband hitless silicon electro-optic switch for optical networkson-chip

We report the demonstration of a broadband (60 GHz) hitless switch electrically driven by PIN diodes surrounding two coupled resonant cavities. The topology used enables the switch operation without perturbing adjacent channels in a WDM system.
Design of frequency selective surface as antenna ground planes using a modular distributed optimization framework

In the following sections, we describe the toolset integration and demonstrate the workstation-farming approach for the design of frequency selective surfaces (FSS). We design a simple band-reject FSS, with the aim of investigating other FSS designs to serve as ground planes of possibly broadband antennas.
Victim Impact Testimony and Juror Judgments: The Effects of Harm Information and Witness Demeanor1

Victim impact testimony (i.e., testimony concerning the harmful consequences on the victim's surviving family) was examined to determine its effect on the sentencing judgments of mock jurors. Undergraduate students (N= 293) watched a videotaped murder trial simulation, rendered verdicts, and made sentencing judgments. During the penalty phase of the trial, participants were either given no victim impact testimony, or they were given victim impact testimony that varied both the severity of the harm information (mild harm/ severe harm) and the demeanor of the witness (low affect/high affect). The results indicate that information concerning the harm experienced by the victim's relatives, not the affective demeanor of the witness, influenced sentencing judgments. Implications for the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Payne v. Tennessee (1991) are discussed.
A new perspective on control of uncertain complex systems

In this article, we investigate a new class of control problems called Ensemble Control, a notion coming from the study of complex spin dynamics in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging (MRI). This subject involves controlling a continuum of parameterized dynamical systems with the same open-loop control signal. From a viewpoint of mathematical control theory, this class of problems is challenging because it requires steering a continuum of dynamical systems between points of interest in an infinite dimensional state space by use of the same control function. The existence of such a control raises fundamental questions of ensemble controllability. We introduce the basics of ensemble control and derive the necessary and sufficient controllability characterizations for ensemble control of finite-dimensional time-varying linear systems with an accompanying analytical optimal control law. We show that ensemble controllability is in connection with singular values of the operator characterizing the system dynamics. A systematic study of ensemble control systems has immediate applications to systems with parameter uncertainties as well as to broad areas of quantum control and systems biology. The new mathematical structures appearing in such problems are excellent motivation for new developments in control theory.