cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propellant-driven anchoring in rock: Results from initial scaling tests

Abstract An experimental study was conducted involving the embedment process of propellant-embedded anchors (PEA), also known as flukes, in rock and their capacity to resist axial pull-out loads. Tests were performed in sandstone and basalt with models scaled in the ratio of 1:12 relative to a prototype developed for fleet use. Each fluke exhibited a 76.2 cm long conically shaped embedment zone that consisted of three different cone angles and a 12.7 mm diameter cylindrical shank with a lenght of 38.1 mm that did not contribute to the anchoring strength. These models were fired into the target normal to its free surface. The rocks were embedded in mortar placed inside a steel bucket to provide a simulation of a semi-infinite solid. Force histories of the entry were obtained by fitting an empirical equation to the measured displacement histories, integration of this function and subsequent validation of the results by comparison with the experimental data. The resistance to extraction was measured by a load cell during removal of the projectiles from the target using a Universal testing machine. Repeatable results for embedment and holding capacity were obtained when the projectile did not bend or shatter. The experimental data were also compared to penetration depths and pull-out forces obtained from tests with prototypes; reasonably good agreement was found except when the model flukes did not produce the desired penetration. The percentage of successful embedment of the models was of the order of that for the full-scale tests. Penetration was scaled as the first power and pull-out force was scaled as the square of the linear dimension. Model projectiles were found to be substantially more vulnerable than the full-scale flukess to bending; invalid test data were most frequently associated with pronounced curling of the striker in the laboratory tests. Consequently, extraordinary precautions were taken in the present tests to minimize the effects of non-axial loading.
A simple O(N log N) algorithm for the rapid evaluation of particle-particle interactions

Abstract Exact simulations of huge systems of charged particles are impossible in practice, because their cost proportional to N 2 , where N is the number of particles. We present an approximate and simple O ( N log N ) algorithm based upon the idea of recursive bisection of the set of particles. A small fraction of the particle-particle interactions is evaluated exactly by direct summation, while the rest is approximated via multipole expansions. Our algorithm is easy to program (in particular, in parallel, which is trivial), and it is well suited for system with a non-uniform distribution of particles. For uniform systems, its accuracy and execution time are comparable to other fast methods such as tree codes and the fast multipole method.
Shock focusing in a planar convergent geometry: experiment and simulation

The behaviour of an initially planar shock wave propagating into a linearly convergent wedge is investigated experimentally and numerically. In the experiment, a 25° internal wedge is mounted asymmetrically in a pressure-driven shock tube. Shock waves with incident Mach numbers in the ranges of 1.4–1.6 and 2.4–2.6 are generated in nitrogen and carbon dioxide. During each run, the full pressure history is recorded at fourteen locations along the wedge faces and schlieren images are produced. Numerical simulations performed based on the compressible Euler equations are validated against the experiment. The simulations are then used as an additional tool in the investigation. The linearly convergent geometry strengthens the incoming shock repeatedly, as waves reflected from the wedge faces cross the interior of the wedge. This investigation shows that aspects of this structure persist through multiple reflections and influence the nature of the shock-wave focusing. The shock focusing resulting from the distributed reflected waves of the Mach 1.5 case is distinctly different from the stepwise focusing at the higher incoming shock Mach number. Further experiments using CO_2 instead of N_2 elucidate some relevant real-gas effects and suggest that the presence or absence of a weak leading shock on the distributed reflections is not a controlling factor for focusing.
Highly regenerative tissue cultures from axillary tiller buds of sexually mature oat plants (Avena sativa L.)

Competent tissue cultures were initiated from axillary tiller buds and immature leaves of two cultivars ofAvena sativa L. and cultured on agar nutrient medium containing 2 mg/l of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1 mg/l benzyladenine. Using a technique of selective excision and subculturing of the shoot-forming tissues and rejecting the root-froming tissues, we regenerated numerous plants either on hormone-free medium or by allowing the subculture with hormone to age under usual culture-room light conditions.
The CIA's Covert Predator Drone War in Pakistan, 2004–2010: The History of an Assassination Campaign

This article provides the first overview of the CIA's secret drone campaign against Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Pakistan's tribal areas from its origins in 2001's Operation Enduring Freedom to the end of 2010. In the process it addresses the spatial dimensions of the campaign (where are the strikes being directed and where do the drones fly from), Pakistani reactions to this threat to both their sovereignty and an internal Taliban enemy, technological developments and Taliban and Al Qaeda responses to this unprecedented airborne assassination campaign. While the debate on this issue has often been driven by the extremes which either support the campaign as the most effective tool in killing terrorists or condemn it for driving Pakistanis to new levels of anti-Americanism, this article points out a third path. Namely, that many Pakistani Pashtun tribesmen living in the targeted areas support the strikes against the Taliban who have terrorized them in recent years.
Further Observations of the Effect of Sample Probes on Pollutant Gases Drawn from Flame Zones

Abstract The effects of gas sample probes and conditioning techniques on the measurements of flame- generated NO, NO2, and CO have been further examined. (1) A low-pressure, condensation free sampling system was compared with a conventional system, which operated at higher pressure and involved H2O condensation. The conventional system demonstrated apparent losses of CO and NOx, in the range 10 to 50 percent. (2) Sampling from fuel-rich combustion and pyrolysis zones was examined. High NO2-to-NO ratios, approaching unity, were measured repeatedly in the fuel-rich pyrolysis zone of a high-intensity recirculative flame.
Angiographic views used for percutaneous coronary interventions: a three-dimensional analysis of physician-determined vs. computer-generated views.

The goal of this study was to determine the severity of vessel foreshortening in standard angiographic views used during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Coronary angiography is limited by its two-dimensional (2D) representation of three-dimensional (3D) structures. Vessel foreshortening in angiographic images may cause errors in the assessment of lesions or the selection and placement of stents. To date, no technique has existed to quantify these 2D limitations or the performance of physicians in selecting angiographic views. Stent deployment was performed in 156 vessel segments in 149 patients. Using 3D reconstruction models of each patient's coronary tree, vessel foreshortening was measured in the actual working view used for stent deployment. A computer-generated optimal view was then identified for each vessel segment and compared to the working view. Vessel foreshortening ranged from 0 to 50% in the 156 working views used for stent deployment and varied by coronary artery and by vessel segment within each artery. In general, views of the mid circumflex artery were the most foreshortened and views of the right coronary artery were the least foreshortened. Expert-recommended views frequently resulted in more foreshortening than computer-generated optimal views, which had only 0.5% ± 1.2% foreshortening with < 2% overlap for the same 156 segments. Optimal views differed from the operator-selected working views by ≥ 10° in over 90% of vessels and frequently occurred in entirely different imaging quadrants. Vessel foreshortening occurs frequently in standard angiographic projections during stent deployment. If unrecognized by the operator, vessel foreshortening may result in suboptimal clinical results. Modifications to expert-recommended views using 3D reconstruction may improve visualization and the accuracy of stent deployment. These results highlight the limitations of 2D angiography and support the development of real-time 3D techniques to improve visualization during PCI. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005;64:451–459. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Derivation of [11C]WAY-100635 binding parameters with reference tissue models: effect of violations of model assumptions

Abstract In several positron-emission tomography studies of human subjects, analyses of data from the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT 1A ) receptor radioligand, [ 11 C]WAY-100635 {[ carbonyl - 11 C] N -(2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-1-piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)- N -(2-pyridyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide} have shown a discrepancy between the outcome measure k 3 /k 4 (binding potential normalized to cerebellum) as estimated by the simplified reference region method and results obtained by conventional kinetic modeling with an arterial input function. The reference region method has yielded results that are lower than the conventional approach, with the relative underestimation appearing to be an increasing function of k 3 /k 4 . We performed simulations on idealized data to identify the source of the discrepancy. Both the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) and the original full reference tissue model (FRTM) were tested to determine (a) if the error in estimated k 3 /k 4 is dependent on the blood flow in the region of interest relative to the blood flow in the region of reference (R 1 ) and on the receptor density in the region of interest (true k 3 /k 4 ), and (b) which violation of the reference model assumptions were responsible for this effect. FRTM returned parameter estimates that were independent and accurate if the reference region was constructed precisely as a one-tissue compartment model. SRTM overestimated k 3 /k 4 when the reference region was constructed as a one-tissue compartment model and underestimated k 3 /k 4 when the reference region was constructed as a two-tissue compartment model (which is the case for [ 11 C]WAY-100635). In both cases, the magnitude of the error in k 3 /k 4 returned by SRTM was dependent on true R 1 and true k 3 /k 4 . In conclusion, the SRTM is associated with a bias in the derivation of k 3 /k 4 that is not a simple scaling factor. This magnitude of these errors should be carefully evaluated for each new radioligand.
Leontief's Great Leap Forward: Beyond Quesnay, Marx and von Bortkiewicz

Wassily Leontief's input-output analysis is often interpreted simply as a logical next step in the chain of ideas from Quesnay to Marx to von Bortkiewicz, the last of these having been Leontief's thesis adviser in Berlin. Here, it is shown that input-output is far more than that. Unlike any predecessor, it is a flexible model with widely varied applications that permits direct empirical evaluation. This is illustrated by application to net energy calculations, showing that the normal evaluation methods that ignore input-output considerations probably overestimate by 20 to 60% the net energy yield of projects designed to save energy.
A Dynamic Model of Reference Price and Expected Quality

A number of recent papers have developed normative implications of the concept of reference price. In this paper, we extend that literature to incorporate the relationship between expected quality and reference price. We consider the case of a monopolist who makes time-varying decisions regarding price and product quality. Our results suggest that when the effect of a loss (price greater than reference price and product quality less than expected quality) on demand is greater than or equal to that of a corresponding gain, it is optimal for a monopolist to have constant price and product quality levels. When the effect of a gain on demand is greater than that of a corresponding loss, however, we find that it is optimal to maintain cyclical pricing and product quality policies.
Optical selection rules in inelastic collisions

This paper reports the results of experiments designed to study simple collisional excitation in ion-molecule collisions. Comparison of the data with the predictions of both the semiclassical treatment of inelastic scattering and the Bethe approximation indicates that optical selection rules strongly influence the excitation process; hence the excitation probably occurs in a long-range collision.
Evidence for Multiple Imino Intermediates and Identification of Reactive Nucleophiles in Peptide-Catalyzed β-Elimination at Abasic Sites†

Prior investigations have demonstrated that peptides containing a single aromatic residue flanked by basic ones, such as Lys-Trp-Lys, can incise the phosphodiester backbone of duplex DNA at an AP site via β-elimination. An amine serves as the reactive nucleophile to attack C1‘ on the ring-open deoxyribose sugar to form a transient peptide−DNA imino (Schiff base) intermediate, which may be isolated as a stable covalent species under reducing conditions. In the current study, we use this methodology to demonstrate that peptide-catalyzed β-elimination proceeds via the formation of two Schiff base intermediates, one of which was covalently trapped prior to strand incision and the other following strand incision. N-Terminal acetylation of reactive peptides significantly inhibited formation of a trapped Schiff base complex; thus, we demonstrate for the first time that the preferred reactive nucleophile for peptides catalyzing strand incision is the N-terminal α-amino group, not an e-amino group located on a lys...
Evidence for two K+ currents activated upon hyperpolarization of Paramecium tetraurelia.

Hyperpolarization of voltage-clampedParamecium tetraurelia in K+ solutions elicits a complex of Ca2+ and K+ currents. The tail current that accompanies a return to holding potential (−40 mV) contains two K+ components. The tail current elicited by a step to −110 mV of ≥50-msec duration contains fast-decaying (τ≈3.5 msec) and slow-decaying (τ≈20 msec) components. The reversal potential of both components shifts by 55–57 mV/10-fold change in external [K+], suggesting that they represent pure K+ currents. The dependence of the relative amplitudes of the two tail currents on duration of hyperpolarization suggests that the slow K+ current activates slowly and is sustained, whereas the fast current activates rapidly during hyperpolarization and then rapidly inactivates. Iontophoretic injection of a Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, specifically reduces slow tail-current amplitude without affecting the fast tail component. Both K+ currents are inhibited by extracellular TEA+ in a concentration-dependent, noncooperative manner, whereas the fast K+ current alone is inhibited by 0.7mm quinidine.
Pontocerebellar Axon Guidance: Neuropilin-1- and Semaphorin 3A-Sensitivity Gradients across Basilar Pontine Nuclei and Semaphorin 3A Variation across Cerebellum

To assess the role of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and its receptor component neuropilin-1 (Npn-1) in pontocerebellar axon guidance, we compared the distributions of Sema3A, Npn-1, and DiI-labeled pontocerebellar axons in neonatal mouse cerebellum. Between embryonic day 18 and birth there was a large increase in Npn-1 expression in the basilar pontine nuclei (BPN), the major source of pontocerebellar axons. Sema3A expression in cerebellum also increased at this time. In the BPN, Npn-1 and the response of axons to Sema3A were graded with high Npn-1 and Sema3A responsiveness rostrally and lower levels caudally. The Npn-1 gradient was not smooth and cells with higher and lower expression were interspersed. Between birth and postnatal day 5, pontocerebellar axons projected to lobules of the hemispheres, including those with low to moderate levels of Sema3A, but did not enter regions with high levels of Sema3A, including the flocculus and much of the vermis. These results suggest that varying neuropilin levels on BPN axons, which correlated with their varying responses to Sema3A, combined with varying Sema3A levels across cerebellum, may contribute to guiding subsets of BPN axons to their distinct target regions within cerebellum.
Temperature Dependence of the Long-Wavelength Optical Phonons in Diamond

Temperature effects on long wavelength photon frequency and linewidth in diamond, using Raman scattering techniques
The S4–S5 loop contributes to the ion-selective pore of potassium channels

Abstract Mutagenesis experiments on voltage-gated K + channels have suggested that the ion-selective pore is comprised mostly of H5 segments. To see whether regions outside of the H5 segment might also contribute to the pore structure, we have studied the effect of single amino acid substitutions in the segment that connects the S4 and S5 putative transmembrane segments (S4–S5 loop) on various permeation properties of Shaker K + channels. Mutations in the S4–S5 loop alter the Rb + selectivity, the single-channel K + and Rb + conductances, and the sensitivity to open channel block produced by intracellular tetraethylammonium ion, Ba 2+ , and Mg 2+ . The block of Shaker K + channels by intracellular Mg 2+ is surprising, but is reminiscent of the internal Mg 2+ blockade of inward rectifier K + channels. The results suggest that the S4–S5 loop constitutes part of the ion-selective pore. Thus, the S4–S5 loop and the H5 segment are likely to contribute to the long pore characteristic of voltage-gated K + channels.
An R2 statistic for fixed effects in the linear mixed model.

Statisticians most often use the linear mixed model to analyze Gaussian longitudinal data. The value and familiarity of the R2 statistic in the linear univariate model naturally creates great interest in extending it to the linear mixed model. We define and describe how to compute a model R2 statistic for the linear mixed model by using only a single model. The proposed R2 statistic measures multivariate association between the repeated outcomes and the fixed effects in the linear mixed model. The R2 statistic arises as a 1–1 function of an appropriate F statistic for testing all fixed effects (except typically the intercept) in a full model. The statistic compares the full model with a null model with all fixed effects deleted (except typically the intercept) while retaining exactly the same covariance structure. Furthermore, the R2 statistic leads immediately to a natural definition of a partial R2 statistic. A mixed model in which ethnicity gives a very small p-value as a longitudinal predictor of blood pressure (BP) compellingly illustrates the value of the statistic. In sharp contrast to the extreme p-value, a very small R2 , a measure of statistical and scientific importance, indicates that ethnicity has an almost negligible association with the repeated BP outcomes for the study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Craze intersections in biaxially-stressed polystyrene

Crazes are produced on two orthogonal planes in both thin film and macroscopic samples of polystyrene by sequentially applying two orthogonal tensile strains e 1 and e 2. Although many crazes produced by the second strain e 2 (secondary crazes) are stopped when they meet a primary craze, some intersections occur. The fraction of craze meetings resulting in intersection increases from 20% at e 1=e 2=3% to 55% at e 1=e 2=5%; intersections also occur preferentially in thin regions of primary crazes. The craze fibril structure in the intersection has a much lower fibril volume fraction, v f, than either of the two crazes from which it formed. The fibril volume fraction in the intersection is approximately given by the product of the fibril volume fractions of the two crazes, in agreement with a prediction based on the surface drawing mechanism of craze thickening. At higher strain levels the v fs of the intersections are lower, leading to higher fibril stresses and enhanced fibril fracture; an increasing fraction of intersections breaks down to form large voids at these higher strain levels. Fractography of macroscopic samples containing intersecting crazes demonstrates that voids formed at the intersections can act as nuclei for cracks causing premature fracture of the material.
Genotype-dependent whole plant regeneration from protoplasts of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Protoplasts are useful for subcellular studies, in vitro selection, somatic hybridization and transformation. Whole plant regeneration from protoplasts is a prerequisite to producing altered crop plants using these methods. Whole plant regeneration was achieved from leaf- and suspension culture-derived protoplasts of T. pratense. Regeneration was most dependent upon identifying genotypes with genetic capacity to regenerate. Additional factors that were used to select genotypes, but which proved to be less important, were a high rate of cell growth in culture and a high plating efficiency of protoplasts. One genotype was identified which had a regeneration response equivalent to that of T. rubens and which regenerated from both leaf- and suspension culture-derived protoplasts.
Diffuse Reflectance Profiles of Eight Milk‐Clotting Enzyme Preparations

Eight milk-clotting enzyme prepartations were standardized to equal clot time and used to coagulate pasteurized whole milk. Diffuse reflectance profiles were monitored for 60-min using a fiber optic sensor sensitive to infrared light at 950 nm. Modified M. miehei and M. pusillus protease, recombinant chymosin and calf rennet produced similar profiles. Rates of increase in diffuse reflectance were E. parasitica recombinant chymosin > calf rennet > modified M. miehei, M. pusillus var. Lindt > 50:50 blend of calf rennet and bovine pepsin > unmodified M. miehei > pepsin. Monitoring milk coagulation as described may be useful during cheese making and allow setting optimal conditions for milk-clotting enzyme preparations.
A Spectrum of Urban Design Roles

Many professions have defined a spectrum of roles that in various degrees balance case work with systemic work. Using the metaphor of editing, and borrowing from multiple professional fields, this paper offers a framework for conceiving of urban design. This paper suggests that (1) ‘urban design’ is an overarching term for a school of professions and disciplines that focus on the physical design of our settlements and their component pieces (just as ‘medicine’ includes doctors, nurses, epidemiologists); (2) within this ‘school’ we can articulate a spectrum of roles that range from those focused on individual cases, through editorial roles, to those addressing systemic issues.
What’s in a Grade? Academic Success and Political Orientation

Expanding the literature on person-environment fit, the authors argue that political orientation is an important factor in shaping academic success in college. Based on social dominance theory, it was expected that academic disciplines that are more likely to provide students with future access to social and economic power tend to favor individuals who hold attitudes that strengthen the existing societal order. In a longitudinal sample of undergraduate students at a major American university (n=3,890), the authors demonstrated that student grades in these disciplines, but not in other disciplines, are positively related to a precollege measure of conservatism. This association between conservatism is consistent over time and subgroups, thus implicating higher education in the reproduction of social hierarchy. The discussion examines the causal processes underlying the relationship between political orientation and academic success in college.
Radical cyclization as an approach toward the synthesis of pyrrolidines

Abstract Free radical cyclizations of several bromo allyl and diallyl substituted sulfonamides are described. The regiochemical course of these cyclizations depend on the nature of the substituent groups attached to the π-bond.
The relationship between emotional and cognitive development

Some theorists think thinking dominates feeling. Some feel that feeling shapes thought. How do feeling and thinking fit together? A developmental approach may provide a new view of the connection.
How well do dynamic needs predict recidivism? Implications for risk assessment and risk reduction

Abstract Purpose The current study assessed the predictive validity of nine dynamic risk factors in two samples of justice-involved individuals (n = 24,972) to identify promising targets for correctional programming. The study also tested the incremental predictive validity of dynamic risk relative to static indicators of recidivism risk (i.e., criminal history, age and sex). Methods The study relied on bivariate correlations and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses to test the predictive and incremental validity of dynamic risk constructs measured by the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R). Results Study findings revealed that while several dynamic risk constructs were significantly related to recidivism (antisocial attitudes, antisocial peers, education/employment, and substance abuse) over a 36-month follow-up period, the inclusion of dynamic risk items on the LSI-R did little to improve the overall predictive validity of the instrument. Across both study samples, static criminal history risk emerged as the most robust predictor of recidivism. Conclusions The advantages of third and fourth generation risk-need assessment tools are noted for classification purposes, but the study findings imply that risk prediction is better served by static risk factors. Implications for risk assessment and offender case management are discussed.
Epidural anaesthesia attenuates the catecholamine response to hypoventilation.

The effect of a high epidural block on the catecholamine response to hypoventilation was studied in six unanaesthetized dogs given intravenous sufentanil (15 μg · kg−1). Sufentanil alone resulted in a increase of norepinephrine (NE) concentration from 108 ± 73 pg · ml−1 to 843 ± 399 pg· ml−1 and epinephrine (E) from 279 ± 80 pg· ml−1 to 2010 ± 1416 pg · ml−1. At least one week later, an epidural block to Tl was achieved using 8–10 ml, two per cent lidocaine. Plasma NE and E decreased after EA to about 50 per cent of resting baseline measurements. The addition of sufentanil increased NE and E levels to reach approximately the resting baseline levels. In all dogs intravenous sufentanil resulted in bradypnoea, bradycardia, hypoxaemia, and hypercarbia. Intravenous lidocaine infusions had no significant effect on plasma catecholamine levels when plasma lidocaine levels ranged from 1.7 μg· ml−1 to 5.3 μg·ml−1. We conclude that a high two per cent lidocaine epidural block attenuates the catecholamine response to hypoventilation in dogs, but the persistence of baseline plasma levels of NE and E suggests that the efferent sympathetic block by high EA is incomplete. L’effet d’un bloc epidural haut sur la reponse des catecholamines a l’hypoventilation a ete etudie sur six chiens non anesthesies ayant recu du sufentanil intraveineux (15 μg · kg−1). Le sufentanil seul a amene une augmentation de la norepinephrine (NE) de 108 ± 73 pg·ml−1a 843 ± 399 pg·ml−1 et des concentrations d’epinephrine (E) de 279 ± 80 pg · ml−1 2010 ± 1416 pg·ml−1. Au moins une semaine plus tard, un bloc epidural a ete acquis utilisant 8 a 10 ml de deux pour cent de lidocaine. Les concentrations plasmatiques de NE et de E out diminuees apres EA d’apres pen pres 50 pour cent des mesures de base. L’addition de sufentanil augmentant les niveaux de NE et de E pour atteindre approxirnativemenl les niveaux de base. Sur tous les chiens, le sufentanil intraveineux a amene une bradypnee, une bradycardie, une hypoxymie et une hypercarbie. Les infusions de lidocaine intraveineuses n’avaient aucun effet significatif sur les niveaux de catecholamine plasmatique quand le taux de lidocaine plasmatique s’etendait de 1.7 μg·ml−1 a 5.3 μg · ml−1. On conclut qu’un bloc epidural haut avec deux pour cent de lidocaine attenue la reponse du catecholamine a l’hypoventilation chez les chiens et la persistance des niveaux plasmatiques de controle de NE et de E suggere que le bloc sympathique efferent par un EA haut est incomplet.
Tubulin Folding Cofactors: Half a Dozen for a Dimer

Tubulin folding cofactors control the availability of tubulin subunits and microtubule stability in eukaryotic cells. Recent work on Arabidopsis mutants has provided a new experimental system for understanding the cellular functions of tubulin folding cofactors.
Hydrogen molecules and chains in a superstrong magnetic field

The electronic structures of hydrogen polymolecules H(n) (n = 2,3,4,...) is studied in a superstrong magnetic field (B greater than about 10 exp 12 G) typically found on the surface of a neutron star. Simple analytical scaling relations for several limiting cases (e.g., large n, high B field) are derived. The binding energies of H(n) molecules are numerically calculated for various magnetic-field strengths. For a given magnetic-field strength, the binding energy per atom in the H(n) molecules is found to approach a constant value as n increases. For typical field strengths of interest, energy saturation is essentially achieved once n exceeds 3 to 4. Also considered is the structure of negative H ions in a high magnetic field. For B about 10 exp 12 G, the dissociation energy of an atom in a hydrogen chain and the ionization potential of H(-) are smaller than the ionization potential of neutral atomic hydrogen.
Characteristics of a mucin-type sialoglycopeptide produced by B16 mouse melanoma cells.

Abstract The glycopeptides produced by B16 mouse melanoma cells grown in the presence of [ 3 H]glucosamine were isolated and fractionated into two classes (I and II) with cetyl pyridinium chloride. The class I glycopeptides were of higher molecular weight and of higher negative charge (sialic acid content) than those in class II. Class I glycopeptides contained N-acetyl neuraminic acid, galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine and on treatment with alkaline-borohydride were degraded to apparently tri- and tetrasaccharides. The presence of this mucin-type glycoprotein on the cell surface was detected by mild trypsinization of intact cells.
The use of part records on age at first egg and survivors egg production to estimate means, heritabilities and genetic correlations.

Abstract Many investigators have reported a high positive correlation between the full egg production record and any of its parts. Olsen (1939) suggested that one day per week trapnest records, throughout the production period were adequate for the estimation of annual egg production. Schnetzler (1948) suggested that four, five or six day per week trapnesting was sufficiently accurate for estimation of egg production in breeding programs. Nordskog (1948), Wheat and Lush (1961) and others have investigated the use of part records on the estimation of breeding values for egg production. Another economic trait of interest to poultry breeders is age at first egg. Estimates of this trait will always be biased upward when estimated from part records simply because the chance of missing the first egg on a three- or five-day trap is much greater for poor layers than for good ones. Oliver et al. (1956) recognized three day per week . . .
Strongly consistent code-based identification and order estimation for constrained finite-state model classes

Observations are made of data generated by a stationary ergodic finite-alphabet information source according to an unknown statistical model. Two modeling problems, the identification problem and the order estimation problem, are considered. It is required that the given model class in the identification problem and each given model class in the order estimation problem be a constrained finite-state model class, which is a type that includes many model classes of information-theoretic interest. Strongly consistent decision rules are exhibited in both the identification problem and the order estimation problem. The decision rules are code-based in that a model class is chosen based on how well a certain code for that class encodes the observed data. The code used for a model class is based on the maximum likelihood code for that class, and asymptotic code performance is gauged by means of a key property of divergence-rate distance. >
How Philosophy and Theology Have Undermined Bioethics

This essay begins by distinguishing among the viewpoints of philosophy, theology, and religion; it then explores how each deals with “sin” in the bioethical context. The conclusions are that the philosophical and theological viewpoints are intellectually defective in that they cripple our ability to deal with normative issues, and are in the end unable to integrate Christian concepts like “sin” successfully into bioethics. Sin is predicated only of beings with free will, though only in Western Christianity must all sins be committed with knowledge and voluntarily. Without the notions of free will, sin, and a narrative of redemption, bioethics remains unable to provide itself with an adequate normative framework. Bioethics, and morality in general, remain a morass precisely because there has been a failure to translate Christian morality into fully secular and scientistic terms.
Broadband and polarization reflectors in the lookdown, Selene vomer

reflectance by the fish skin that involve one-dimensional variations in the arrangement of guanine crystal reflectors, yet the three-dimensional organization of these guanine platelets have not been well characterized. Here, we report the three-dimensional organization and the optical properties of integumentary guanine platelets in a silvery marine fish, the lookdown (Selene vomer). Our structural analysis and computational modelling show that stacks of guanine platelets with random yaw angles in the fish skin produce broadband reflectance via colour mixing. Optical axes of the guanine platelets and the collagen layer are aligned closely and provide bulk birefringence properties that influence the polarization reflectance by the skin. These data demonstrate how the lookdown preserves or alters polarization states at different incident polarization angles. These optical properties resulted from the organization of these guanine platelets and the collagen layer may have implications for open ocean camouflage in varying light fields.
Nonlinear mechanisms of cardiovascular control: we know they're there, but can we see them?

It is hoped that nonlinear methods of quantifying beat-to-beat variability in heart rate and blood pressure may complement spectral analysis. Some of the nonlinear mechanisms in the cardiovascular system are summarized, and the difficulties with detecting nonlinear dynamics in measured data such as heart rate are reviewed.
FIBRIN GLUE-OXIDIZED CELLULOSE SANDWICH FOR LAPAROSCOPIC WEDGE RESECTION OF SMALL RENAL LESIONS

ABSTRACT Purpose: We present our experience with standard laparoscopic wedge resection of small renal tumors using a fibrin glue-oxidized cellulose sandwich for hemostasis. Materials and Methods: From May 2002 to December 2003, 15 patients underwent laparoscopic wedge resection for a total of 15 nonhilar renal masses. Renal hilar clamping was performed in 1 patient and no sutures were placed. We used ultrasonic shears and an argon beam coagulator to resect and then coagulate the tumor bed. Tisseel (Baxter Corp., Deerfield, Illinois) was applied to the resection bed, followed by a layer of oxidized, regenerated cellulose (Surgicel, Ethicon, Somerville, New Jersey) and a final layer of Tisseel. Results: Mean preoperative tumor size was 2.2 × 2.2 × 2.1 cm. Lesions were subdivided based on the percent of the lesion that extended beyond the renal parenchymal border on computerized tomography as exophytic—greater than 60% in 6 cases, endophytic—less than 40% in 4 and mesophytic—40% to 60% in 5. Mean operative time was 3.8 hours (range 3 to 5). Mean blood loss was 108 ml (range 20 to 300). No patient required blood transfusion. There was no significant difference in blood loss or change in creatinine among the endophytic, exophytic and mesophytic groups (150, 121 and 93 ml, and 0.03, 0.07 and 0.04 mg/dl, respectively). Margin status was negative in all cases (mean thickness 3.2 mm). Average hospital stay and time to the resumption of oral intake were 2.7 and 1.4 days, respectively. Conclusions: Small exophytic or mesophytic renal lesions can be safely excised laparoscopically without vessel clamping. Excellent hemostasis was achieved in each case with the newer hemostatic agents.
Exercise training enhanced myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats.

Different mechanisms of diabetic-induced NO dysfunction have been proposed and central to most of them are significant changes in eNOS function as the rate-limiting step in NO bioavailability. eNOS exists in both monomeric and dimeric conformations, with the dimeric form catalyzing the synthesis of nitric oxide, while the monomeric form catalyzes the synthesis of superoxide (O2-). Diabetic-induced shifts to decrease the dimer:monomer ratio is thought to contribute to the degradation of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Exercise has long been useful in the management of diabetes. Although exercise-induced increases expression of eNOS has been reported, it is unclear if exercise may alter the functional coupling of eNOS. To investigate this question, Goto-Kakizaki rats (a model of type II diabetes) were randomly assigned to a 9-week running program (train) or sedentary (sed) groups. Exercise training significantly (p < .05) increased plantaris muscle cytochrome oxidase, significantly improved glycosylated hemoglobin (sed: 7.33 ± 0.56%; train: 6.1 ± 0.18%), ad improved insulin sensitivity. Exercise increased both total eNOS expression and the dimer:monomer ratio in the left ventricle LV (sed: 11.7 ± 3.2%; train: 41.4 ± 4.7%). Functional analysis of eNOS indicated that exercise induced significant increases in nitric oxide (+28%) production and concomitant decreases in eNOS-dependent superoxide (-12%) production. This effect was observed in the absence of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), but not in the presence of exogenous BH4. Exercise training also significantly decreased NADPH-dependent O2- activity. Exercise-induced increased eNOS dimerization resulted in an increased coupling of the enzyme to facilitate production of NO at the expense of ROS generation. This shift that could serve to decrease diabetic-related oxidative stress, which should serve to lessen diabetic-related complications.
Elevated C-Reactive Protein Associated With Decreased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Men With Spinal Cord Injury

Liang H, Mojtahedi MC, Chen D, Braun- schweig CL. Elevated C-reactive protein associated with de- creased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men with spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2008;89:36-41. Objectives: To determine if people with spinal cord injury (SCI) have elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), to examine the association of CRP with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and to assess the influence of completeness and level of injury on these parameters. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Urban university. Participants: Men with SCI (n129) who were free of infection and/or recent anti-inflammatory medication use as well as their 1:1 age- and race-matched able-bodied counter- parts from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Ex- amination Surveys. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: High CRP was defined as 3mg/L or higher and low HDL-C as less than 1.04mmol/L. Results: Men with SCI were more likely to have high CRP (odds ratio (OR)2.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.33- 3.95) and low HDL-C (OR1.81; 95% CI, 1.01-3.27). The OR for low HDL-C in SCI was no longer significant when high CRP was controlled. CRP was higher in complete versus incomplete injury (median, 3.7mg/L vs 1.2mg/L; P.005), and this elevation was independent of age, smoking, physical ac- tivity, waist circumference, and weight. No conclusion can be made on the association of injury level and CRP because of a lack of power. Conclusions: The elevated CRP, possibly the major risk factor, together with decreased HDL-C may contribute to greater incidence for cardiovascular disease in the SCI population.
Efficient transient simulation of lossy interconnect

The problem of transient simulation of lossy transmission lines is investigated in this paper. Two refinements are made to the existing convolution approach for the case of a single lossy line analytical formulae are derived for the line’s impulse-responses, and an accurate numerical convolution technique that utilises these formulae are devised. It is shown that a special case of lossy multiconductor lines can be decomposed into uncoupled lossy lines and linear memoryless networks, leading to a simple simulation algorithm. Simulation results on industrial circuits with single and mtdticonductor lossy lines are presented and compared with results obtained using lumped and pseudo-lumped approximations of lossy lines. The comparison indicates that the convolution technique with the above enhancements can be an order-ofmagnitude faster than lumped and pseudo-lumped segmenting techniques for equivalent or better accuracy.
Analysis and Design of a Tapped-Inductor Buck–Boost PFC Rectifier With Low Bus Voltage

This paper presents a single-phase power factor corrector based on a tapped-inductor buck-boost converter. This paper suggests simplified models of the power stage under current-mode control and derives small-signal transfer functions of both the current and voltage control loops. Design rules for implementation of the proposed power factor corrector (PFC) are also suggested. The proposed PFC features low dc bus voltage, arbitrary lower than the peak line voltage. The proposed PFC is suitable for applications in computers and communications, where dc isolation can be provided by the downstream dc/dc converters. Simulation and experimental results are also reported and stand in good agreement with theoretical expectations.
Short Interpregnancy Intervals and the Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes among Five Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics for over 4.8 million births for the period 1989-1991 are used to study the effects of short interpregnancy intervals on the risks for low birth weight and preterm delivery for singleton births in the United States. The focus is on differences among African American Mexican Native American non-Hispanic white and Puerto Rican mothers. Intervals of less than 6 months and between 6 and 12 months occurred with greatest frequency among Native Americans followed by Puerto Ricans African Americans Mexicans and non-Hispanic whites. "Our results suggest that the length of the interval between pregnancies has a similar and substantial effect on the risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery among five major racial/ethnic groups of mothers in the United States." (EXCERPT)
Potassium conductance block by barium in amphibian Müller cells.

Abstract The effect of barium on Mu¨ller cell K + conductance was evaluated in the tiger salamander using enzymatically dissociated cells and cells in situ (retinal slice and isolated retina). Barium effects were similar in both cases. In dissociated cells, 50 μM Ba 2+ depolarized cells 14.7 mV and raised cell input resistance from a control value of 16.0 to 133 MΩ. For cells in situ, 50 μM Ba 2+ depolarized cells 6.9 mV and raised cell resistance from 12.5 to 50.4 MΩ. At corresponding Ba 2+ concentrations, the resistance of cells in situ was somewhat lower than was the resistance of dissociated cells, a phenomenon that may be due to the small degree of electrical coupling present between Mu¨ller cells in situ. There was a similar positive correlation between the magnitude of Ba 2+ -induced depolarization and input resistance in both dissociated cells and in situ cells. The magnitude of depolarizations generated by localized K + ejections onto Mu¨ller cells was reduced substantially by Ba 2+ . These observations indicate that Ba 2+ is an effective K + channel blocker in Mu¨ller cells in situ as well as in enzymatically dissociated cells.
Family Caregiver Provided Massage for Rural-Dwelling Chronically Ill Persons

Family caregivers attending to chronically ill family members within the community are vulnerable to psychological and medical health issues. Rural caregivers may be at increased risk because of fewer resources. This pilot study explored whether rural caregivers would learn and provide gentle massage to their chronically ill loved ones, would find study participation burdensome, and would realize benefits from providing the massage. Positive results in each of the three areas suggest that providing caregivers with instruction on gentle massage techniques for their chronically ill loved ones may support and enhance rural caregivers' perceptions of self-efficacy and self-agency and thus possibly decrease caregiver vulnerability. The findings of this study are important in light of increasing numbers of chronically ill persons who rely predominantly on home care by family members within the community.
Effects of Orthodontic Movement on the Dental Pulp.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Influence of orthodontic forces on human dental pulp: a systematic review. Javed F, Al-Keraif AA, Romanos EB, Romanos GE.Arch Oral Biol 2015;60(2):347-56. Reviewer Kathleen G. Neiva, DDS, PhD Purpose/Question Do orthodontic forces affect human dental pulp? Source of Funding The authors reported that no external funding sources directly supported this study. Type of Study/Design Systematic review Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
Maximizing the Spectral and Temporal Benefits of Two Clinically Used Sound Processing Strategies for Cochlear Implants

Previous work showed that the Fidelity120 processing strategy provides better spectral sensitivity, while the HiResolution processing strategy can deliver more detailed temporal information for Advanced Bionics cochlear implant users. The goal of this study was to develop a new sound processing strategy by maximizing the spectral benefit of Fidelity120 and the temporal benefit of HiResolution to improve both aspects of hearing. Using acoustic simulations of Fidelity120 and HiResolution strategies, a dual-processing strategy was created by combining Fidelity120 in the low frequency channels and HiResolution in the high frequency channels. Compared to Fidelity120, the dual processing provided an improvement in performance for Schroeder-phase discrimination at 200 Hz and temporal modulation detection at 200 Hz with the cost of a slightly decreased performance for spectral-ripple discrimination relative to Fidelity120. Spectral-ripple discrimination was better with the dual processing than with HiResolution. However, no benefit for speech perception in noise was found for the dual-processing strategy over Fidelity 120 or HiResolution in our preliminary tests. Some other more optimal combination of Fidelity120 and HiResolution may be required to maximize the spectral and temporal benefits to yield improved speech perception.