cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boundary-element shape sensitivity analysis for thermal problems with nonlinear boundary conditions

Implicit differentiation of the discretized boundary integral equations governing the conduction of heat in solid objects subjected to nonlinear boundary conditions is shown to generate an accurate and economical approach for the computation of shape sensitivities for this class of problems. This approach involves the employment of analytical derivatives of boundary-element kernel functions with respect to shape design variables. A formulation is presented that can consistently account for both temperature-dependent convection and radiation boundary conditions. Several iterative strategies are presented for the solution of the resulting sets of nonlinear equations and the computational performances examined in detail. Multizone analysis and zone condensation strategies are demonstrated to provide substantive computational economies in this process for models with either localized nonlinear boundary conditions or regions of geometric insensitivity to design variables. A series of nonlinear example problems are presented that have closed-form solutions.
Conformation of Lysozyme Derivatives Modified at Two Carboxyl Groups

Abstract Conformational studies have been carried out on two lysozyme derivatives in which the carboxyl groups of aspartic acid 119 and the COOH-terminal leucine 129 were coupled, after carbodiimide activation, with glycine methyl ester (i.e. (GlyMe)2-Lysoz) or with histidine methyl ester (i.e. (HisMe)2-Lysoz). No changes were observed in the spectral and sedimentation behaviors of the two derivatives relative to those of lysozyme. In ORD measurements the rotatory behaviors of lysozyme and (GlyMe)2-Lysoz were identical both at the negative minimum at 233 nm and at the positive 199-nm extremum. Also, their b0 values were identical. On the other hand, (HisMe)2-Lysoz showed a decrease in the ORD parameters of [m']233, [m']199, and b0 values. The rotatory behaviors of the derivatives were also determined over a wide pH range. It was significant that the ORD parameters of (GlyMe)2-Lysoz and lysozyme were equal throughout the pH range 2 to 11. At a given pH, the corresponding parameters of (HisMe)2-Lysoz were lower. In circular dichroism measurements, the [θ'] values at the negative ellipticity bands at 208 and 220 nm for lysozyme and (GlyMe)2-Lysoz were equal. The ellipticity values for (HisMe)2-Lysoz were suppressed appreciably relative to lysozyme. Although no conformational differences between lysozyme and (GlyMe)2-Lysoz were observed by ORD and CD measurements, some differences were detectable by chemical monitoring of the conformation. Accessibility to tryptic hydrolysis was appreciably increased in (GlyMe)2-Lysoz (1.15 bonds per mole of protein), and more greatly in the (HisMe)2-Lysoz derivative (3.83 bonds) relative to lysozyme (0.14 bond). Also, there was an appreciable increase in the reducibility of the disulfide bonds in (GlyMe)2-Lysoz (0.29 bond) and (HisMe)2-Lysoz (1.1 bonds) relative to native lysozyme (0.03 bond). The enzymic activity of each derivative retained the same pH optimum as native lysozyme but was decreased drastically. The results are valuable for understanding the immunochemistry of the derivatives. Also, the contribution of the interactions of the modified carboxyl groups to the three-dimensional structure in solution and its relation to the crystalline structure are discussed.
Indentation fracture of WC-Co cermets

Indentation fracture of a series of well-characterized WC-Co cermets was studied with a Vickers diamond pyramid indenter. The resulting crack length-indentation load data were analysed in terms of relations characteristic of radial (Palmqvist) and fully developed radial/median (half-penny) crack geometries. The radial crack model gave a better fit to the data on all the alloys studied. Crack shapes determined by repeated surface polishing confirmed the radial nature of the cracks. An indentation fracture mechanics analysis based on the assumption of a wedge-loaded crack is shown to be consistent with the observed linear relation between the radial crack length and the indentation load. The analysis also predicts a simple relation among the fracture toughness (K lc), the Palmqvist toughness (W) and the hardness (H) of the WC-Co alloys.
Guide Rails for Linear Separation of Powered Descent Vehicle from Mars Science Laboratory Backshell

During descent through the Martian atmosphere, Mars science laboratory (MSL) uses three sets of guide rails and rollers to control the separation dynamics of the powered descent vehicle (PDV) from the Backshell and parachute. The guided linear separation of the two bodies over a distance of half a meter mitigates the risk of re- contact which could result in unexpected and detrimental vehicle dynamics. The guide rails are comprised of three thin beams oriented in 120 degree intervals around the circumference of the Backshell's internal structure, and they interface with three sets of four rollers mounted on the exterior of the PDV. This configuration resists motion in 5 DOF. The only unconstrained DOF is in the direction of desired separation. Analysis was used to size the guide rail and rollers, and tests will be performed to validate the design's capability to perform as required during the dynamic separation event.
New beginnings in studies of eukaryotic DNA replication origins

DNA fiber autoradiographic studies carried out over 20 years ago first suggested that eukaryotic DNA replication begins at discrete sites spaced at irregular intervals along chromosomal DNA molecules [1]. The discrete initiation sites were called 'origins'. Later on, the DNA replicated from a single origin was termed a 'replicon' (reviewed iri Ref. 2). At the time, it was impossible to determine whether these origins and replicons corresponded to specific nucleotide sequences or were randomly located (with different origins being used in different cells). In the absence of accurate
Describing Speech Usage in Daily Activities in Typical Adults.

Summary Objectives “Speech usage” refers to what people want or need to do with their speech to meet communication demands in life roles. The purpose of this study was to contribute to validation of the Levels of Speech Usage scale by providing descriptive data from a sample of adults without communication disorders, comparing this scale to a published Occupational Voice Demands scale and examining predictors of speech usage levels. Study design This is a survey design. Methods Adults aged ≥25 years without reported communication disorders were recruited nationally to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included the Levels of Speech Usage scale, questions about relevant occupational and nonoccupational activities (eg, socializing, hobbies, childcare, and so forth), and demographic information. Participants were also categorized according to Koufman and Isaacson occupational voice demands scale. Results A total of 276 participants completed the questionnaires. People who worked for pay tended to report higher levels of speech usage than those who do not work for pay. Regression analyses showed employment to be the major contributor to speech usage; however, considerable variance left unaccounted for suggests that determinants of speech usage and the relationship between speech usage, employment, and other life activities are not yet fully defined. Conclusions The Levels of Speech Usage may be a viable instrument to systematically rate speech usage because it captures both occupational and nonoccupational speech demands. These data from a sample of typical adults may provide a reference to help in interpreting the impact of communication disorders on speech usage patterns.
Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. Is prognosis related to local environment

Thirty-two patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities were treated and retrospectively evaluated for the period from 1974 to 1978. Patients were treated by surgery with wide or radical margins or surgery with postoperative radiation therapy. Thirty-one patients were available with a minimum follow-up of 48 months. No significant difference could be detected between treatment modalities for continuous disease-free survival. The presence of tumor in muscular tissue gave a negative prognosis using multivariant discriminant analysis (P less than 0.05) with 39% of patients continuously disease-free at 48 months versus 77% of patients with tumors in nonmuscular tissue continuously disease-free. This observation suggests that the biologic milieu in which a soft tissue sarcoma grows may affect the course of the disease. These observations need to be confirmed by other investigators before using this criteria for treatment stratification.
Relationship of population size and regeneration medium to growth and shoot induction of potato protoplast-derived calli

Abstract The influence of callus population size on growth and shoot morphogenesis of potato mesophyll-derived calli was compared on Shepard's standard regeneration medium (D) (pages 185–219 in I. Rubenstein et al., Genetic improvement of crops: emergent techniques . University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN, 1980) and Taylor and Secor's modified version of that medium (6D) ( Potato Res. 31 , 651–658, 1988) by culturing five, 10, or 25 calli per 20 ml of each medium. Growth and shoot initiation were dependent on the size of the callus population and the nature of the culture medium. Growth was significantly greater ( P = 0.05) on medium 6D relative to that on D at all population sizes tested. Shoot regeneration was also higher on medium 6D (54%) compared to that on D (32%). The proportion of calli forming multiple shoots was greater on 6D. Shoot formation was significantly enhanced at 10 and 25 calli/culture dish on D, while on 6D morphogenesis was greatest at 10 calli/dish. Plantlet regeneration did not differ between media at 25 calli/dish but was significantly higher on 6D at five and 10 calli/dish.
Limiting aspect ratios of Sagnac interferometers

Any two-beam interferometer may be employed as a Fourier transform spectrometer. The two most commonly used for Fourier transform spectrometry are the Michelson interferometer and the Sagnac interferometer, the relative merits of which have been discussed in the literature. Typically, it is the interferometer that limits the acceptable range of angles for the input beam, and this maximum acceptance angle in turn limits the etendue, and hence limits the responsivity of the instrument when viewing an extended source. In designs where the interferometer is in a diverging or converging beam, the allowable range of input angles limits the focal ratio of the instrument, while in designs where the beam is collimated through the interferometer, this effect limits the field-of-view of the instrument. In a Michelson, it is a loss of fringe contrast that limits the range of acceptance angles; a limitation that is discussed in many general texts on optics. A Sagnac, however, suffers no such loss of contrast as the range of acceptance angles is increased. The maximum acceptance angle for a Sagnac is instead limited by vignetting, caused by the geometry of the interferometer. The limitation for a Sagnac has an origin and behavior entirely different from that found for a Michelson, and has not been previously discussed in the literature. It is therefore important to understand this limitation when designing a Sagnac interferometer for Fourier transform spectrometry. This vignetting limitation may be quantified by an aspect ratio, which we define as the ratio of the separation of the entrance and exit apertures to the width of these apertures in the plane of the interferometer. To facilitate the design of Sagnac interferometers for Fourier transform spectrometry, we discuss the limitations on the aspect ratio and derive equations for the limiting aspect ratios for nine variations of the Sagnac interferometer.
Long-term stability by lipid coating monodisperse microbubbles formed by a flow-focusing device.

In this letter, the long-term stabilization of monodisperse microbubbles produced by flow focusing is demonstrated using lipid encapsulation. Fluorescence microscopy, high-speed camera imaging, and particle size analysis were used to investigate the roles of lipid phase behavior, dissolution, Ostwald ripening, and coalescence in the stability of microbubbles formed by flow focusing. It was found that these behaviors were controlled through compositional changes with respect to lipid, emulsifier, and viscosity agents. Microbubbles coated with lipid and PEG emulsifier in a viscous solution were found to contain an extremely narrow size distribution (diameterav = 51 μm, standard deviation = 4 μm), which was maintained for up to several months.
Predicting Hydrodynamic and Heat Transfer Effects of Sparger Geometry and Placement Within a Column Photobioreactor Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

This project investigates the effects of sparger geometry and placement on bubble and fluid flow patterns and convective heat transfer within a column photobioreactor (PBR) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Experimental and computational studies have been completed that focused on the hydrodynamics and heat transfer within a rectangular column photobioreactor (34.29 cm long × 15.25 cm wide × 34.29 cm tall) with a single sparger located at the center of its base (33.02 cm × 1.27 cm) running lengthwise. This study extends previous work by investigating the flow patterns and heat transfer effects due to full bottom sparger or porous sparger. The gas bubbles and the water-based media within the photobioreactor are modeled using the Lagrangian-Eulerian approach. A low Reynolds k-Epsilon turbulence model is used to predict near-wall flow patterns. A flat surface photobioreactor is used to achieve sufficient light penetration into the system. The main interaction forces between the bubbles and the media, including drag forces, added mass forces, and lift forces are considered. The overarching goal of this research is to produce biofuels and bioproducts through the improved design of column PBRs used for microalgae production. An important factor in designing photobioreactors is the appropriate selection of sparger geometry and placement. The sparger governs the bubble size distribution and gas holdup. These factors in turn influence flow pattern, effective interfacial area, rates of mass transfer, heat transfer, and mixing. It is hypothesized that increasing the sparger width will improve uniformity of bubble distribution as well as mixing. Despite its importance, optimizing the sparger geometry and placement in PBRs for microalgae production is still largely not understood. In this study, the simulation’s results are presented for various spargers, which can be helpful in designing appropriate sparger geometry and proper placement for increased microalgae production.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene expression in the rat during the luteinizing hormone surge

In the present study we characterized GnRH gene expression in intact female rats across the estrous cycle and during a steroid-induced LH surge in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, using the quantitative ribonuclease protection assay. We measured cytoplasmic messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and nuclear primary transcript levels as an index of transcription. In Exp I, cycling rats were killed at 1100 or 1800 h on estrus, diestrus day 1, or diestrus day 2 (D2) or at 1100, 1500, 1800, or 2100 h on proestrus (P). In Exp II, proestrous rats were killed at the same time points or injected with pentobarbital (Pb) at the onset of the LH surge and killed on that day or the following day. In Exp III, a LH surge was induced in OVX rats treated with estradiol benzoate plus progesterone. Rats were killed at 1200, 1500, 1600, 1700, or 2100 h on the day of the surge. For all experiments, blood samples were collected and frozen for quantitation of LH by RIA. The preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus was dissected, and cytoplasmic and ...
Prediction of Waste Performance in a Geologic Repository

The rate of dissolution of low-solubility species from waste forms in a geologic repository can be calculated from a theoretical analysis of the time-dependent rate of mass transfer by diffusion and convection into the groundwater surrounding the waste, assuming a concentration at the waste-form surface equal to the solubility of the radioelement. The predicted steady-state dissolution rates are considerably below those observed in laboratory leaching experiments with borosilicate glass and with other waste forms, indicating that the solid-liquid chemical reaction rates measured in the laboratory experiments are greater than the rates of diffusive-convective mass transfer in the concentration boundary layer surrounding the waste form in a geologic repository. The steady-state mass transfer rate can be increased, and the time to reach steady state decreased, by sufficiently short half lives of the dissolving species. The mass-transfer theory has been extended to include the effect of time-dependent solubilities, diffusion coefficients, and retardation coefficients, which provides a means of calculating the time-dependent dissolution of low-solubility species from waste exposed to groundwater during the period of repository heating. The transient and steady-state diffusion of radionuclides through a finite backfill layer separating a finite waste solid and porous rock has been analyzed, including the effectsmore » of radioactive decay. The results show that the break-through time and rate of radionuclide release depend on properties of the backfill and surrounding rock and on the waste form dimensions. Peak far-field concentrations of more soluble radionuclides such as cesium-135, with suitably long radionuclide transport times and sufficiently large axial dispersion, are shown to be insensitive to dissolution rate. Equivalent phenomena occur in fracture-flow radionuclide transport. 36 references, 16 figures, 2 tables.« less
Sedimentation equilibrium in macromolecular solutions of arbitrary concentration. I. Self-associating proteins.

Relations describing sedimentation equilibrium in solutions of self-associating macromolecules at arbitrary concentration are presented. These relations are obtained by using scaled-particle theory to calculate the thermodynamic activity of each species present at a given radial distance. The results are expected to be valid for solutions of globular proteins under conditions such that interactions between individual solute molecules may be approximated by a hard-particle potential. Sedimentation equilibria in solutions containing either a nonassociating solute or a solute that self-associates according to several different schemes are simulated using the derived relations. The results of these simulations are presented in terms of the dependence of apparent weight-average molecular weight upon solute concentration. Simple empirical relations are presented for estimating the true weight-average molecular weight from the apparent weight-average molecular weight, without reference to any particular self-association scheme. The weight-average molecular weight estimated in this fashion is within a few percent of the true weight-average molecular weight at all experimentally realizable solute concentrations ( < 400 g/L).
Object-Oriented Modelling of Military Communications Networks

Military communications networks are large complex systems; their physical dynamics, composition, workload characteristics and operational goals make them very hard to model and analyse. It is particularly difficult to build a generalized model that can adequately fit each instance, generate a workload that exercises the network in a realistic way, and measure network effectiveness in terms of the operational goals. In this work, we describe our approach to building such a model for the US Marine Corps, and demonstrate the model's use by solving a particular equipment allocation problem. We combine object-oriented simulation with new concepts for workload modelling and measuring effectiveness that are based on the operational tasks the Marines perform.
An experimentally supported “law of tooth decay” and its application

Abstract The “law of tooth decay” is formulated to state as follows: The change in caries experience is proportional to the products of the numbers of healthy and carious surfaces and varies inversely as the square root of the function of time (1 + t ). In symbols: dy dt = λ √ (1 + t) (n − y)y The general solution of the above differential equation is: y = n exp 2λn √ (1 + t) k + exp 2λn √ (1 + t) where k = (n − y 0 ) exp 2λn √ (1 + t 0 ) y 0 The above two equations may be used to approximate future caries experience and instantaneous caries rate of change. Experimental data (fifty-seven children observed over 3 years at 6-month intervals) supported the “constant” postulation about λ and the use of (1 + t) − 1 2 . The experimental results suggest that λ = 0.0024. The time required for specified amount of decay was tabulated for selected values of n , y , α , and θ . These tables may be used by clinicians as a gauge for clinical actions in treating patients. The apparent difference in concavity of caries curves may be explained by the difference in total number of available surfaces open to the risk of decay. It was further suggested that the healthy surfaces be included as a factor in studies concerning caries rates.
Review: Hawaiian Nikkei History Editorial Board, Japanese Eyes/American Heart: Personal Reflections of Hawaii's World War II Nisei Soldiers

(2000). Review: Hawaiian Nikkei History Editorial Board, Japanese Eyes/American Heart: Personal Reflections of Hawaii's World War II Nisei Soldiers. Japan Forum: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 132-133.
A simplified Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytopathology using only four categories improves intra- and inter-observer diagnostic agreement and provides non-overlapping estimates of malignancy risks.

Our previous study utilizing the 2008 NCI six-category system (also known as The Bethesda System) for reporting thyroid fine-needle aspirations (FNA) identified considerable overlap in diagnosis and in assigned malignancy risk estimates for the “follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS)” and “follicular neoplasm (FN)” categories and for the “suspicious for malignancy (Susp)” and “malignant” categories. We proposed a simplified Bethesda System for reporting thyroid FNAs that provided four non-overlapping, statistically significant, and more clinically relevant diagnostic categories: unsatisfactory, benign, FLUS/FN, and Susp/malignant. In the current study, six cytopathologists participated in a blinded retrospective review of 60 thyroid FNAs and kappa statistics were utilized to compare the intra- and inter-observer diagnostic agreements obtained using the six-category and the simplified four-category schemes. Surgical follow-up was used to determine which scheme provided more discrete malignancy risk estimates. Use of the simplified four-category scheme significantly improved intra- and inter-observer diagnostic agreement levels, significantly increased the sensitivity of FNA for a diagnosis of carcinoma in the subsequently resected thyroid glands, and provided non-overlapping malignancy risk estimates for each diagnostic category. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012;40:E62–E68. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Washback in Language Testing: Research contexts and methods

WASHBACK IN LANGUAGE TESTING: RESEARCH CONTEXTS AND METHODS. Liying Cheng, Yoshinori Watanabe, and Andy Curtis (Eds.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2004. Pp. xxi + 233. $27.50 paper.Since Alderson and Wall (1993) posited a seemingly rhetorical question, “Does washback exist?” language testing professionals have directed attention to the impact of testing on teaching, learning, educational outcomes, and individuals. This edited volume is the culmination of language testing professionals' conscious efforts to better understand washback. It bears rich testimony to the complex nature of washback phenomena in every corner of educational systems. It is a useful resource for those seeking guidance on their own washback studies—for teachers and school administrators who are haunted by the power of tests and for those who need empirical evidence for and against test washback in specific testing situations.
The effect of oral contraceptives on mononuclear cell cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity.

The influence of sex steroids on mononuclear cell cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) activity in premenopausal women and women on combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives has been studied. In addition, plasma and mononuclear cell cholesterol and esters were measured along with plasma estrogen and progesterone levels. Mononuclear cell CEH activity in control women is highest on Day 20 of their menstrual cycle. The control women had significantly higher CEH activities than women on oral contraceptives. Plasma esters were higher in the oral contraceptive group. However, in mononuclear cells free cholesterol but not cholesteryl esters were higher in women on oral contraceptives.
Etiology of the electrocardiographic pattern of 'incomplete right bundle branch block' in atrial septal defect: an electrophysiologic study

His bundle and right ventricular apical endocardial electrograms were recorded in 18 patients, ages five to 17 years, of whom ten had atrial septal defect of the secundum type and eight had mild aortic stenosis. The H-RVA interval was assumed to approximate conduction time from the level of the His bundle along the RBB to the site of earliest activation in the right ventricle at the RVA. The H-V interval was normal in all patients (≤40 msec). All patients in the ASD group had an rsR′ or rSr′ pattern in V1 with a mean duration of 99±9 msec (86 to 116 msec); the mean duration of the H-RVA intervals was 54 ±6 msec in this group. In patients with AS, the surface electrocardiograms were normal, with a mean QRS duration of 82±8 msec (70 to 95 msec); the H-RVA intervals averaged 52±6 msec. The difference in the H-RVA intervals in the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.50) despite the fact that patients with ASD had significant prolongation of QRS duration (P
A Mixed Cell Culture Model for Assessment of Proliferation in Tonsillar Tissues from Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Recurrent Tonsillitis

Background—Recurrent infective tonsillitis (RI) and obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) are the major indications for adenotonsillectomy (TA n=31) compared to RI group (232.8 ± 31.9 cpm; n=26; p <0.001). No significant differences in proliferative rates emerged after STIM between OSA and RI. Furthermore, basal TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations in the supernatant were increased in OSA-derived cultures compared to RI, but IL-8 was higher after STIM in RI, while IL-6 remained increased in OSA. Conclusions—The proliferative rates and concentrations of inflammatory mediators in tonsillar cell cultures from children with OSA and RI suggest that lymphadenoid tissue proliferation in these 2 conditions may be regulated by different mechanisms. This novel method may allow for future development of specific therapeutic interventions aiming to curtail and reverse tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy in children in a disease-specific manner.
Abstractions for genomics

Large genomic databases with interactive access require new, layered abstractions, including separating "evidence" from "inference."
Performance evaluation experiments on a laser spot triangulation probe

Abstract Laser triangulation probes are increasingly used for dimensional measurements in a variety of applications. At the National Institute of Standards and Technology, we have recently explored the use of laser spot triangulation probes to determine dimensional features such as height and width of channels in a fuel cell plate. To assess the suitability of the probes for performing these dimensional measurements, we designed several experiments that highlighted different error sources in the probes. This report is a summary of those experiments. Numerous studies have been reported in the literature on error sources in laser triangulation probes utilizing artifacts of varying shape (form), color, reflectivity, surface finish, etc. However, our experiments are targeted towards establishing bounds on errors when measuring simple linear dimensions such as height and width on prismatic objects of a single color and material. Our scope is indeed narrow, but intentionally so; it is our objective to highlight the influence of a number of “hidden performance attributes” [1] that impact accuracy of even simple linear dimensional measurements so that it may be of use to others who perform similar measurements.
Research on Chloride Leaching of Cu, Zn and Ag from Flotation Tailings

Mineralogical examinations of Asheler copper mine flotation tailings have been carried out. Results show that the major metal sulphide minerals are pyrite and the main gangue constituents are quartz, chlorite-serpentine and muscovite. The main valuable metals are Cu, Zn and Ag. Basic mineral compositions of copper and zinc have been identified through chemical phase analysis. On the basis of mineralogical examinations, leaching test has been carried out in about 240g/l NaCl solution. The optimum conditions for leaching are found as follows: temperature at 86°C, pulp concentration is 24.19%wt, [Cu2+] =19.22g/l, [HCl] initial =0.17mol/L. Under these conditions, chloride leaching can extract 83.35%Cu, 92.10%Zn, and 85.26%Ag after 8 hours leaching.
Ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight in the clinically macrosomic fetus

The purpose of this study is to evaluate models for the prediction of birth weight in fetuses suspected of being macrosomic. A total of 141 patients with standard measurements of the head, abdomen, and femur were studied. Linear regressions were performed with single parameters, squares, and all possible cross products in the generation of models with log (birth weight) and birth weight as dependent variables. These models were then compared with a group of previously published equations. Clinically, all models performed poorly. However, two models were significantly less accurate in the prediction of birth weight (p ≤ 0.05). The best results were obtained by equations that used abdominal circumference and femur length measurements. There was no improvement in models that contained log (birth weight) or birth weight as dependent variables or models with complex variables such as squares or cross products of measured parameters. In conclusion, when evaluating patients at risk of macrosomia, the best estimates of fetal weight can be obtained by models that contain abdominal circumference and femur length. (Ann J OBSTET GYNECOL 1990;162:238-42.)
Nonhost Status of Lychees and Longans to Caribbean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Field trapping of Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) in groves of lychee, Litchi chinensis Sonn., and longan Euphoria longana (Lour.), showed that fly populations were present in high numbers in May and early June, and declined in late June and July. In total, 34,016 fruits of Mauritius and Brewster lychee and Kohala longan were exposed to Caribbean fruit flies either in the laboratory or under natural conditions. No Caribbean fruit fly larvae or eggs were recovered from any lychee or longan fruits in this study, whereas almost all of the control guava fruits had infestations. Brewster and Mauritius lychee and Kohala longan grown in Florida are not hosts to the Caribbean fruit fly.
Experimental models of temporal lobe epilepsy: new insights from the study of kindling and synaptic reorganization.

Summary: Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common localization-related epileptic syndrome characterized by complex partial seizures, ictal and interictal epileptic discharges arising from limbic structures of the temporal lobe, and association with hippocampal sclerosis. Temporal lobe epilepsy may follow perinatal injury and febrile convulsions, may be progressive, and frequently becomes refractory to standard antiepileptic therapy. The neurobiology that underlies these features of temporal lobe epilepsy is not known. Recent studies in experimental models have provided new insights that may help clarify the relationship of seizures, hippocampal sclerosis, and temporal lobe epilepsy. Observations from the study of the hippocampus with kainic acid-induced lesions, the kindling model, and other experimental models of epilepsy have demonstrated that seizures induce structural and electrophysiologic alterations in hippocampal pathways that may lead to increased excitability and could play a role in the development and progression of temporal lobe epilepsy. These alterations include mossy fiber synaptic reorganization, induction of NMDA-mediated synaptic transmission, and progressive hippocampal neuronal loss induced by brief kindled seizures. Some of the structural alterations induced by kindling have also been observed in the human epileptic temporal lobe, raising the possibility that mechanisms operative in kindling may play a role in the pathogenesis of hippocampal sclerosis and in the syndrome of human temporal lobe epilepsy.
Observation of power-law time relaxation of the magnetization of a LuBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 single crystal

A power-law dependence of the time relaxation of the magnetization in a ${\mathrm{LuBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ single crystal has been observed over wide temperature and magnetic-field ranges. For T30 K, the decay rate S=lnM(t)/lnt is a linear function of T and can be expressed as S=\ensuremath{\beta}(T)+\ensuremath{\delta}, where \ensuremath{\delta} is a constant decreasing with the increase of the applied field. By fitting \ensuremath{\beta}(T) with a recent theoretical model, it is found that the effective pinning energy ${\mathit{U}}_{\mathit{e}}$ is independent of T and decreases logarithmically with the increase of the applied field. By comparing the values of \ensuremath{\delta} with \ensuremath{\beta}(T), it is concluded that at the low-temperature region, the magnetization relaxation is dominated by an unknown temperature-independent ``tunneling'' effect. The total relaxation rate can be expressed as S=[${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{B}}$T/(1.18-0.24 ${\mathrm{log}}_{10}$H)]+63.11${\mathit{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}0.84}$.
A New Approach to Finance Metropolitan Transportation and Ensure System Performance

This article presents a new approach to ensure the performance of highway systems in metropolitan areas while providing a new funding source that will allow a reduction or elimination of existing taxes dedicated for transportation use. The approach involves conversion of existing freeways in metropolitan areas into premium-service free-flowing highways that provide fast, frequent, and inexpensive express bus service, while charging all private vehicles a variable toll, except for authorized buses and certified vanpool vehicles. The article provides estimates of the potential economic and financial impacts from such an approach applied in the five most congested U.S. metropolitan areas. The estimates suggest that the concept could provide sufficient revenue to replace the fuel tax and perhaps other transportation taxes, while providing huge reductions in congestion delay and fuel consumption.
Rhodobacter capsulatus catalyzes light-dependent Fe(II) oxidation under anaerobic conditions as a potential detoxification mechanism.

Diverse bacteria are known to oxidize millimolar concentrations of ferrous iron [Fe(II)] under anaerobic conditions, both phototrophically and chemotrophically. Yet whether they can do this under conditions that are relevant to natural systems is understood less well. In this study, we tested how light, Fe(II) speciation, pH, and salinity affected the rate of Fe(II) oxidation by Rhodobacter capsulatus SB1003. Although R. capsulatus cannot grow photoautotrophically on Fe(II), it oxidizes Fe(II) at rates comparable to those of bacteria that do grow photoautotrophically on Fe(II) as soon as it is exposed to light, provided it has a functional photosystem. Chelation of Fe(II) by diverse organic ligands promotes Fe(II) oxidation, and as the pH increases, so does the oxidation rate, except in the presence of nitrilotriacetate; nonchelated forms of Fe(II) are also more rapidly oxidized at higher pH. Salt concentrations typical of marine environments inhibit Fe(II) oxidation. When growing photoheterotrophically on humic substances, R. capsulatus is highly sensitive to low concentrations of Fe(II); it is inhibited in the presence of concentrations as low as 5 μM. The product of Fe(II) oxidation, ferric iron, does not hamper growth under these conditions. When other parameters, such as pH or the presence of chelators, are adjusted to promote Fe(II) oxidation, the growth inhibition effect of Fe(II) is alleviated. Together, these results suggest that Fe(II) is toxic to R. capsulatus growing under strictly anaerobic conditions and that Fe(II) oxidation alleviates this toxicity.
Alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtype determinants for 4-piperidyl oxazole antagonists.

Mutational studies in conjunction with ligand binding assays were used to examine the basis of α1-adrenergic receptor subtype selectivity for a series of 4-piperidyloxazole antagonists. A set of ch...
TAFV Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Choice Model Documentation

A model for predicting choice of alternative fuel and among alternative vehicle technologies for light-duty motor vehicles is derived. The nested multinomial logit (NML) mathematical framework is used. Calibration of the model is based on information in the existing literature and deduction based on assuming a small number of key parameters, such as the value of time and discount rates. A spreadsheet model has been developed for calibration and preliminary testing of the model.
Constraining strong baryon–dark-matter interactions with primordial nucleosynthesis and cosmic rays

Self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) was introduced by Spergel & Steinhardt to address possible discrepancies between collisionless dark matter simulations and observations on scales of less than 1 Mpc. We examine the case in which dark matter particles not only have strong self-interactions but also have strong interactions with baryons. The presence of such interactions will have direct implications for nuclear and particle astrophysics. Among these are a change in the predicted abundances from big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) and the flux of gamma-rays produced by the decay of neutral pions which originate in collisions between dark matter and Galactic cosmic rays (CR). From these effects we constrain the strength of the baryon--dark matter interactions through the ratio of baryon - dark matter interaction cross section to dark matter mass, $s$. We find that BBN places a weak upper limit to this ratio $< 10^8 cm^2/g$. CR-SIDM interactions, however, limit the possible DM-baryon cross section to $< 5 \times 10^{-3} cm^2/g$; this rules out an energy-independent interaction, but not one which falls with center-of-mass velocity as $s \propto 1/v$ or steeper.
Exploring Stock Market Using Twitter Trust Network

As social networks are becoming more and more popular, more and more data are available from them. Researchers are now trying to extract useful information from these big data. One possible usage of social media is to investigate stock market. There are two major events to measure in stock market -- price change and trade volume. In this paper, we firstly use our trust framework to build up trust network among Twitter users in a stock market group. We compare trust information extracted from Twitter group with Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) get from Yahoo! Finance. Our results show that by taking trust information into account, they are more correlated than just counting the number of tweets. Also it shows us that trade volume is stronger correlated than price change.
The effect of semantic complexity on the comprehension of program modules

Abstract An important variable affecting the comprehension of programs is their psychological complexity. While some work has been done on surface or low-level semantic features which affect complexity (e.g. variable-naming and indentation), little has been done on the effects of higher-level semantic features. This article presents an experiment in which pairs of program modules were equated on surface complexity and on function, while the complexity of the semantic constructs involved varied. The constructs chosen for study were iteration vs recursion, the type of data structures employed (arrays vs linked lists) and the straightforwardness of the algorithm used. The modules were presented to student programmers to memorize. They were asked for immediate recall, to perform hand execution and for recall again 48 h later. The more semantically complex modules produced significantly worse hand-execution performance and worse delayed-recall. These results are described in relation to the Shneiderman & Mayer syntactic/semantic model of programming behavior.
Crystal properties and nucleation kinetics from aqueous solutions of Na2CO3 and Na2SO4

Sodium carbonate and sodium sulfate are the major inorganic components in black liquor produced from alkali pulping, and these two compounds have been shown to be the major contributors to the formation of encrustations on the heat-transfer surface of black-liquor evaporators. Therefore, a determination of the variables affecting the nucleation and growth of these species is an important step in elucidating mechanisms by which such encrustations are formed. The metastable zone width for crystallization in the Na 2 CO 3 -Na 2 SO 4 -H 2 O system was determined as a function of the total solute concentration and the ratio of sodium carbonate to sodium sulfate. The polythermal method was used in the measurements, and supersaturation was generated by heating the system contents to increase the system temperature at a constant rate. Classical nucleation theory was combined with the metastable limit to correlate the effects of temperature and solute concentration on primary nucleation kinetics.
Dental Formula in the Muroidea

Several students of mammals seem favorably inclined toward the theory that in certain rodent groups the tooth usually identified as the first molar is in reality a deciduous premolar, the permanent premolar that normally replaces it being suppressed. Others state or imply that it is the permanent premolar that is represented, and still others do not make themselves clear as to whether the theory applies only to some or to all rodents. In any case, advocates of these theories think that the rear cheek-teeth are not the third molars but the second, and agree in applying these theories to the muroids. Recent statements in the Journal of Mammalogy more or less favoring the premolar theory have been made by D. H. Johnson (33, 70–72,1952) and E. M. Hooper (36, 298–299,1955). Hooper refers to the idea as an hypothesis, but Johnson suggests that it is mostly the inconvenience of a changed terminology that has prevented its acceptance. C. I. Forsyth Major, who originated the deciduous premolar theory, was influenced in arriving at this theory by reason of his belief that in the evolution of the rodent dentition the trend was always toward simplification and never toward increased complexity of crown. M. A. C. Hinton was led also, because of this same belief, to consider favorably at times, the premolar theory (monograph of the voles and lemmings, living and extinct: 124–125, 1926). It does not follow, of course, that the deciduous premolar theory is false if this particular theory is false—which I think …
Torrefaction Kinetics of Red Oak (Quercus rubra) in a Fluidized Reactor

Different kinetic models have been proposed to characterize torrefaction of biomass, demonstrating dependencies on the raw material, experimental system, reaction time, and temperature. Conventionally, stationary processes have been used for kinetics studies of the torrefaction process. In this research, the torrefaction of red oak (Quercus rubra) in a bench-scale fluidized reactor was studied with emphasis on determining the kinetic parameters and improving the final material energy density. Mass loss and ultimate, proximate, and gross calorific analyses were performed on the resulting torrefied material. The primary reaction variables were the temperature (230 °C, 270 °C, 300 °C, and 330 °C) and the residence time (10 min, 20 min, and 30 min). The effect of temperature on the mass loss and energy density was much more significant than that produced by the increase in residence time. For the conditions studied, a one-step kinetic model with a first-order reaction proved adequate to describe the torrefaction of red oak in the fluidized reactor. The reaction rate constant (k) for the torrefaction reaction was found to be 0.212 min-1 at 300 °C. The activation energy and frequency factor were 11.9 kJ/mol and 2.57 min-1, respectively.
ALK4 functions as a receptor for multiple TGFβ-related ligands to regulate left–right axis determination and mesoderm induction in Xenopus

In Xenopus, several TGF betas, including nodal-related 1 (Xnr1), derriere, and chimeric forms of Vg1, elicit cardiac and visceral organ left-right (LR) defects when ectopically targeted to right mesendoderm cell lineages, suggesting that LR axis determination may require activity of one or more TGF betas. However, it is not known which, if any, of these ligands is required for LR axis determination, nor is it known which type I TGF beta receptor(s) are involved in mediating left-side TGF beta signaling. We report here that similar to effects of ectopic TGF betas, right-side expression of constitutively active activin-like kinase (ALK) 4 results in LR organ reversals as well as altered Pitx2 expression in the lateral plate mesoderm. Moreover, left-side expression of a kinase-deficient, dominant-negative ALK4 (DN-ALK4) or an ALK4 antisense morpholino also results in abnormal embryonic body situs, demonstrating a left-side requirement for ALK4 signaling. To determine which TGF beta(s) utilize the ALK4 pathway to mediate LR development, biochemical and functional assays were performed using an Activin-Vg1 chimera (AVg), Xnr1, and derriere. Whereas ALK4 can co-immunoprecipitate all of these TGF betas, including endogenous Vg1 protein from embryo homogenates, functional assays demonstrate that not all of these ligands require an intact ALK4 signaling pathway to modulate LR asymmetry. When AVg and DN-ALK4 are co-expressed, LR defects otherwise induced by AVg alone are attenuated by DN-ALK4; however, when functional assays are performed with Xnr1 or derriere, LR defects otherwise elicited by these ligands alone still occur in the presence of DN-ALK4. Intriguingly, when any of these TGF betas is expressed at a higher concentration to elicit primary axis defects, DN-ALK4 blocks gastrulation and dorsoanterior/ventroposterior defects that otherwise occur following ligand-only expression. Together, these results suggest not only that ALK4 interacts with multiple TGF betas to generate embryonic pattern, but also that ALK4 ligands differentially utilize the ALK4 pathway to regulate distinct aspects of axial pattern, with Vg1 as a modulator of ALK4 function in LR axis determination and Vg1, Xnr1, and derriere as modulators of ALK4 function in mesoderm induction during primary axis formation.