cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Failure Modes and Optimization of Sandwich Structures for Load Resistance

Sandwich construction using foam cores is used in applications, and an understanding offailure loads is an important part ofthe design process. Tests on sandwich beam specimens with embedded strain gages show that the simpler analysis procedures can be in error by large factors, while an elasticity solution from the literature gives good agreement with the experiments. Comparisons with laboratory tests on sandwich bend specimens with carbon–epoxy faces and polyurethane foam cores ofseveral densities show that the elasticity solution, in conjunction with criteria for failure of the faces and yield of the core give good agreement with the data, and show that the mode of failure and the load at failure could be predicted. Optimization ofsandwich structures for strength/weight is considered, and it is shown that the laboratory strength data support the theoretical optimization results.
Racial, age, and rural/urban disparity in cervical cancer incidence.

Abstract PURPOSE: High mortality rates of cervical cancer among black women have been observed for several decades in the Southeast. The purpose of this study is to assess the factors associated with this geographic and racial enigma, and to see if incidence is consistent with mortality. METHODS: Using the Savannah River Regional Health Information System (SRRHIS), a 5-year cancer registry from 1991–1995, incidence rates were calculated and compared to rates from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). The rates per 100,000/year were analyzed by race, rural/nonrural, and age ( Rates are similar between SRRHIS and SEER except in the case of black women over the age of 45. These women in rural SRRHIS have 1.66 times the incidence rate compared to those in nonrural SRRHIS and 1.97 times the rate of rural SEER. RESULTS: Table 1 Table 1 . Age-adjusted incidence rates/100,000 for cervical cancer SRRHIS SEER Age Race Rural Nonrural Total Rural Atlanta Total white 2.47 5.06 4.17 4.59 4.32 4.34 black 5.95 3.90 4.83 4.25 4.69 4.99 ⩾45 white 13.82 13.24 13.44 13.91 15.59 14.41 black 57.54 34.74 45.56 29.23 33.59 27.03 CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that the incidence of cervical cancer in the region is consistent with the mortality rates. The age-group with the highest rates are black women over 45 in rural areas, suggesting the need to target this group to reduce the racial disparity in cervical cancer.
Influence of vibration on microdiameter measurements using a laser–charge-coupled device system

The influence of vibration on dynamic measurements of microdiameters using a laser diffraction–CCD detection system is studied. The theoretical analysis indicates that the influence of vibration on the diffraction pattern of a measured object introduces significant errors into its diameter measurement, and the improvement can be approached by using a TEM00 Gaussian incident beam instead of the usual uniform beam. The experimental results of these cases are also presented and in good accordance with the theoretical analysis.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of Solanum tuberosum L.—I. : Total soluble proteins and polyphenol oxidase activity

Abstract The total soluble protein complement of Solanum tuberosum L. (var. California Long White) was investigated. Seven consistent protein bands were resolved and several were inconsistently detected. The R f values of consistent protein bands are reported and compared with the R f values of sites of polyphenol oxidase activity on a number of phenol substrates.
Preparation of elusive S1(nπ*) states by photodissociation of van der waals molecules: π* → n Fluorescence of isoquinoline☆

Abstract Evidence is presented which indicates that photodissociation of van der Waals molecules may be utilized to produce elusive excited states of bare molecules.
Accessible sets for analytic control systems in R2

Abstract Let S be a control system on R2 given by x (x) = ∑ n i = 1 u i X i (x) , where X={Xi}ni=1 is a fixed set of analytic vector fields on R2, with control constraints ui ⩾ 0, i = 1, 2, …, n, and ∑ui = 1, and suppose S has the accessibility property at every point of R2. Let R(x0) be the accessible set from a point x0, and A(x0) be the set of points accessible from x0 by bang-bang controls. Then R(x0) = A(x0) and R(x0) belongs to a class of sets which is a small extension of the class of semianalytic sets, and which, like the latter, has the property that the sets in it admit stratifications into locally finite unions of analytic manifolds.
On the origin of a low-lying forbidden transition in polyenes and related molecules

Abstract It is demonstrated that the inclusion of double-excited configurations in semi-empirical and a priori calculations of polyenes leads to a significant alteration of the spectrum. In agreement with the recent experiment of Hudson and Kohler, a forbidden (1Ag) state appears below the strongly allowed (1Bu) state.
A standardized representation of spinal quality of motion

The experimentally determined torque–rotation curve of the lumbar spine is mathematically described with a proposed dual-inflection point Boltzmann equation. The result is a method for describing functional spinal unit motion data. The benefit of the model is that each of the coefficients has a specific meaning in relation to the torque–rotation curve: the points A and B identify the respective minimum and maximum rotations of the functional spinal unit, m1 and m2 indicate the inflection points of the curve where the stiffness changes markedly, and α1 and α2 are associated with the rates of change of the curve at m1 and m2, respectively. The dual-inflection point Boltzmann captures the full quality of motion of the spinal segment and can also be used to derive relevant parameters such as range of motion, midrange stiffness, and hysteresis.
Perspectives on the future of chronic myeloid leukemia treatment.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is probably the best understood human malignancy at the molecular level, but among the hardest to explain to patients concerning appropriate treatment options. At present, we do not know the long-term outcome of promising new therapies such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, East Hanover, NJ) (formerly STI571) and nonmyeloablative transplants. There is also no reliable way to predict which patients will respond to a particular therapy. The development of methods to predict therapeutic response will be of major benefit to patients, and the newly emerging science of gene array analysis may provide such a tool. In this context, given the proven likelihood of cure with allogeneic transplantation and the negative effects of delay, in Seattle we continue to suggest transplantation as the initial form of therapy for patients below age 55 years with matched sibling donors. For patients without matched donors below the age of 40, we would suggest an unrelated donor search and only proceed directly to transplant for those with allele-level matches. For younger patients without matches and those aged 40 to 55, an initial trial of imatinib mesylate might be preferred. For patients over age 55 with CML, initial therapy with imatinib mesylate, possibly an interferon-containing regimen or nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplantation may be considered.
The Ground State Estimation by Global Optimization of an Effective Potential. Application to Binary para-H2/ortho-D2 Molecular Clusters

It is demonstrated how the problem of ground state estimation of an n-body system can be recast as the less demanding problem of finding the global minimum of an effective potential in the 3n-dimensional coordinate space. The latter emerges when the solution of the imaginary-time Schrodinger equation is approximated by a variational Gaussian wavepacket (VGW). The VGW becomes stationary in the infinite-imaginary-time limit. Such a stationary solution is not only exact for a harmonic potential, but it also provides a good approximation for a quantum state that is still localized in one of the basins of attraction, when, for example, the harmonic approximation may fail. The landscape of the effective potential is favorable for its global optimization, and is particularly suitable for optimization by GMIN, an open source program designed for global optimization using the basin-hopping algorithm. Consequently, the methodology is applied within GMIN to estimate the ground state structures of several binary para-H 2 /ortho-D 2 molecular clusters. The results are generally consistent with the previous observations for homogeneous para-H 2 and ortho-D 2 clusters, as well as for smaller binary clusters.
Differential phosphorylation of LZ+/LZ- MYPT1 isoforms regulates MLC phosphatase activity.

Abstract The vascular response to NO is due, in part, to a Ca 2+ independent activation of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase, a trimeric enzyme of 20 kDa, 38 kDa catalytic and 110–130 kDa myosin targeting (MYPT1) subunits. Alternative mRNA splicing produces MYPT1 isoforms that differ by the presence or absence of a central insert (CI) and a leucine zipper (LZ), and the presence of a LZ+ MYPT1 isoform is important for protein kinase G (PKG) mediated activation of MLC phosphatase. This study was designed to determine the molecular basis for the differential sensitivity of the vasculature to NO. Our results demonstrate that the presence of the MYPT1 LZ domain is required for PKG to both phosphorylate MYPT1 at S668 and activate MLC phosphatase. Further for LZ+ MYPT1 isoforms, an S668A MYPT1 mutation prevents the PKG mediated, Ca 2+ independent activation of MLC phosphatase. These data demonstrate that differential PKG mediated S668 phosphorylation of LZ+/LZ− MYPT1 isoforms could be important for determining the diversity in the sensitivity of the vasculature to NO mediated vasodilatation. Thus, the relative expression of LZ+/LZ− MYPT1 isoforms, in part, defines the vascular response to NO and NO based vasodilators, and therefore, plays a role in the regulation of vascular tone in both health and disease.
Oxidised, glycated LDL selectively influences tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 gene expression and protein production in human retinal capillary pericytes.

Aims/hypothesis Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), regulate important biological processes including the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix, proteolysis of cell surface proteins, proteinase zymogen activation, angiogenesis and inflammation. Studies have shown that their balance is altered in retinal microvascular tissues in diabetes. Since LDLs modified by oxidation/ glycation are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications, we examined the effects of modified LDL on the gene expression and protein production of MMPs and TIMPs in retinal pericytes. Methods Quiescent human retinal pericytes were exposed to native LDL (N-LDL), glycated LDL (G-LDL) and heavily oxidised and glycated LDL (HOG-LDL) for 24 h. We studied the expression of the genes encoding MMPs and TIMPs mRNAs by analysis of microarray data and quantitative PCR, and protein levels by immunoblotting and ELISA. Results Microarray analysis showed that MMP1, MMP2, MMP11, MMP14 and MMP25 and TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3 and TIMP4 were expressed in pericytes. Of these, only TIMP3 mRNA showed altered regulation, being expressed at significantly lower levels in response to HOG– vs N-LDL. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting of cell/matrix proteins confirmed the reduction in TIMP3 mRNA and protein in response to HOG-LDL. In contrast to cellular TIMP3 protein, analysis of secreted TIMP1, TIMP2, MMP1 and collagenase activity indicated no changes in their production in response to modified LDL. Combined treatment with N– and HOG-LDL restored TIMP3 mRNA expression to a level comparable with that after N-LDL alone. Conclusions/interpretation Among the genes encoding for MMPs and TIMPs expressed in retinal pericytes, TIMP3 is uniquely regulated by HOG-LDL. Reduced TIMP3 expression might contribute to microvascular abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy.
Healthy Altitude: Valuing Health at the Summit

My partner of 20 years and I had been looking forward to the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Health Summit 2002. Good news about the past Boulder (Gay Men’s) Summits presented a good recommendation, and I especially appreciated the opening of the 2002 program to leadership and participation of other communities (LBTI). I registered early, and sent out word to friends and colleagues (hoping to boost participation, since the South, and particularly the rural South, is not usually well represented in such meetings, though we represent, and understand, the region that has elected the last several presidents). I was coming to the Summit to explore what this unique gathering of sexual minority communities and individuals would share about themselves and their health values. I was bringing a workshop to learn more explicitly about our diverse values for happiness and health, well-being and wholeness. I am keen on knowing my own and others’ values. Trained in the disciplines of philosophy and ethics, I have a habit, and desire, for exploring meaning and values in human affairs; working with physicians and attorneys, I am practiced in listening for standards and principles that express diverse professional values; and as a child from the South, I have, I imagine, some ‘gene’ for paying attention to stories—individual and mythic—that surround events and suggest their meaning, to ourselves and others. So, this is a brief story of the Summit from one point of view. This story is about coming to the Summit to see what values it would gather together, by gathering into one place the diversity of LGBTI and
Transferability of Hurricane Evacuation Choice Model: Joint Model Estimation Combining Multiple Data Sources

Inferences on hurricane evacuation behavior are usually drawn through developing empirical models. These models are estimated using data that are specific to a given hurricane context. One important issue, therefore, is whether such models are applicable to different hurricane contexts. This paper investigates this transferability issue of evacuation choice models across different hurricanes. Initially, we estimate three separate models of the binary decision to evacuate or not, using data sets from three hurricanes (Andrew, Ivan, and Katrina) that occurred at different periods. Then a joint model is estimated combining these three evacuation data sources. When estimating the model jointly, the differences among the scale parameters of the data sets are specifically accounted for. The results from joint and separate models are then statistically tested to evaluate whether evacuation decision model parameters are transferable across different hurricane contexts. The result from the statistical test suggests that the parameters of the evacuation choice models are transferable over different hurricane contexts in similar regions, an important implication for policymakers and emergency preparedness agencies. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)TE.1943-5436 .0000365. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Job Loss and Unemployment Research from 1994 to 1998: A Review and Recommendations for Research and Intervention

Abstract This review examines research published on job loss and unemployment from 1994 to 1998. Topics addressed include: (1) the prevalence of unemployment and recent statistics on displaced workers, (2) the meaning of unemployment, (3) the unemployment experience, (4) individual outcomes of unemployment, (5) coping with job loss, (6) the effects of job loss on family and on job survivors, (7) reemployment issues, and (8) intervention. Although significant progress has been made toward understanding the experience and outcomes of unemployment, additional research topics and extensions to research are needed and described. In addition, the review provides information that may help researchers design and practitioners implement successful interventions for unemployed individuals, their families, and layoff survivors in organizations.
A Rediscovered Dutch Translation of Luther’s ‘Great Confession’ (1528)

Abstract In 2009 the only surviving copy of a Dutch translation of Luther’s Vom Abendmal Christi, ­Bekendnis (1528) came to light at Bridwell Library in Dallas. This long-lost Dutch edition, last recorded in a single copy that was in private possession in Amsterdam in 1870, had been mistaken by bibliographers as a translation of Luther’s 1526 sermon on the Lord’s Supper, likewise written in opposition to the ‘sacramentarian’ theology of Ulrich Zwingli and Johann Oecolampadius. This article identifies the true source of the Dutch translation for the first time and demonstrates that the book was one of several Protestant texts published clandestinely in Antwerp during the 1520s by an anonymous printer who concealed his true identity behind various false imprints. Now, historians of the early Reformation may re-examine the impact of Luther’s writings within the Low Countries in light of the unexpected rediscovery of this major Lutheran work.
Effect of silver solubility on microstructure and superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3−xAgxO7−δ superconductors

The effect of silver (Ag) solubility on microstructure and superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3−xAgxO7−δ (0≤x≤0.5) superconductors has been evaluated. The solubility limit of Ag for copper sites in YBCO at ambient conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure) was evaluated to be x≂0.06. Analysis revealed the Ag content (x) of YBCO grains to be lower than the nominal Ag content (xn) used for fabrication, probably due to processing‐related problems. Part of the Ag used for fabrication segregates on the YBCO grain boundaries. The segregated Ag particles are believed to pin YBCO grains, resulting in fine‐grain microstructures. For low nominal Ag content, xn<0.2, critical current density (Jc) increased from 98 to 160 A/cm2 as a function of increasing Ag content. These improvements are believed to be due to the increased oxygen content and associated microstructural changes in the YBCO. For higher nominal Ag content, xn≳0.2, however, Jc decreased rapidly with the increasing Ag content due to the precipit...
Observations on an adaptive moving grid method for one-dimensional systems of partial differential equations

Recently a scheme has been proposed for choosing a moving mesh based on minimizing the time rate of change of the solution in the moving coordinates for one-dimensional systems of PDEs. In this paper we show how to apply this idea to systems where the time derivatives cannot be solved for explicitly, writing the moving mesh equations in an implicit form. We give a geometrical interpretation of the scheme which exposes some of its weaknesses, and suggest some modifications based on this interpretation which increase the efficiency of the scheme. Finally, we present some numerical experiments which illustrate how well the resulting method works.
Boundary-layer stability measurements in a hypersonic quiet tunnel

Hypersonic boundary-layer measurements were conducted over a flared cone in a quiet wind tunnel. The flared cone was tested at a freestream unit Reynolds number of 2.82 x 10 6 /ft in a Mach 6 flow. This Reynolds number provided laminar-to-transitional flow over the model in a low-disturbance environment. Point measurements with a single hot wire using a novel constant voltage anemometry system were used to measure the boundary-layer disturbances. Surface temperature and schlieren measurements were also conducted to characterize the laminar-to-transitional state of the boundary layer and to identify instability modes. Results suggest that the second mode is the dominant mode of instability. The integrated growth rates of the second mode compared well with linear stability theory in the linear stability regime. Furthermore, the existence of higher harmonics of the fundamental suggests that nonlinear disturbances are not associated with high freestream disturbance levels.
Structural Basis for Binding and Selectivity of Antimalarial and Anticancer Ethylenediamine Inhibitors to Protein Farnesyltransferase

Protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) catalyzes an essential posttranslational lipid modification of more than 60 proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction networks. FTase inhibitors have emerged as a significant target for development of anticancer therapeutics and, more recently, for the treatment of parasitic diseases caused by protozoan pathogens, including malaria (Plasmodium falciparum). We present the X-ray crystallographic structures of complexes of mammalian FTase with five inhibitors based on an ethylenediamine scaffold, two of which exhibit over 1000-fold selective inhibition of P. falciparum FTase. These structures reveal the dominant determinants in both the inhibitor and enzyme that control binding and selectivity. Comparison to a homology model constructed for the P. falciparum FTase suggests opportunities for further improving selectivity of a new generation of antimalarial inhibitors.
Engaging Teachers in Emancipatory Knowledge Construction

It is misleading to speak of constructivism as a homogeneous ideology. Some forms of constructivism, such as those underlying critical, poststructuralist, and feminist theory, are emancipatory in i...
Review of Ethan Watters, Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche 1

The recent outbreak of swine flu bears evidence of our concerns about globalization of disease via air travel. This facility of transmission and the patient's role as a “vector” raises significant ...
Vitreous Veils and Radial Lattice in Marshall Syndrome

Purpose: To report the findings of membranous vitreous veils and radial lattice in a child with Marshall syndrome. Design: Observational case report. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records and fundus photograph of a 6-year-old boy with Marshall syndrome. Results: Vitreoretinal findings were significant for bilateral membranous vitreous veils and radial lattice degeneration. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the occurrence of vitreous veils and radial lattice degeneration in patients with Marshall syndrome.
Clarifying the Molecular Weight Dependence of the Segmental Dynamics of Polybutadiene

A series of 1,4-polybutadienes of varying molecular weight, both monodisperse and having broad or bidisperse molecular weight distributions, were studied using dielectric relaxation. The glass tran...
Response of a single point moored buoy to waves and breakers - A computer program

The single-point mooring of a buoy provides an unmanned instrument station for many purposes. The motion and survival of such a system under normal and severe environmental conditions are of great importance in its design. The paper describes a mathematical model devised to simulate on a digital computer the dynamic response of single point moorings of surface and submerged buoys. The essential features of the two-dimensional, time-domain analysis are summarized. The main features of a "breaking sea" model developed for effective simulation of the seaway are presented. The general system configuration and the basic assumptions involved are described, which clearly indicate the restrictions imposed on the practical applications of the program. Applications to date include spherical buoys in two degrees of freedom in currents, sinusoidal waves and breakers. A brief discussion on the results of a few selected runs is included.
a two party system, general equilibrium and the voters' paradox

abstract (introduction; abridged): this work was helped considerably by the work of anthony downs. although the models constructed are somewhat more formal and the conclusions reached are somewhat different the approach to the study of the political-economy of a democracy with competitive markets is much the same. the investigation is limited to the study of a two party system in a very rudimentary form operating in an environment in which the average individual acts as a passive voter (i.e. does not form coalitions, or act in any way other than to individually use his vote to maximize his own welfare). the individual also acts as a price taker in that part of society which can be represented as a competitive market. the model presented here is stripped down to its most abstract form. no attempt is made to defend its "realism". obviously much more detail and many more "facts" of political and economic life must be added if it is to be presented as a model with immediate worth in application. this is not the intention. the goal is to explore the implications of the highly simplified political model added to a general equilibrium economic model. because the assumptions made to construct the model are critical and may be controversial a detailed discussion of them is now given. much of the writing on political parties, elections and government has been devoted to detailed description of process. attention is paid here to static models only. (...);
The H + D2 reaction: Quasiclassical simulation of nascent HD ro-vibrational state distributions under experimentally probed high-energy conditions

Abstract We report quasiclassical-trajectory quadratic-smooth-sampling calculations of the product state distributions for H + D 2 → HD + D reaction with four values of the initial relative translational energy, 1.5, 1.6, 2.25, and 2.4 eV, and with initial rotational quantum number sampled at 300 K. The results are used to simulate the experimental measurements at high collision energies of Rinnen, Kliner, Blake and Zare of the j ′ distribution in the ν′ = 0 and 1 levels, where ν′ and j ′ are final vibrational and rotational quantum numbers.
Trigonometric and Rademacher measures of nowhere finite variation

Let X be an infinite dimensional real Banach space. It was proved by E. Thomas and soon thereafter by L. Janicka and N. J. Kalton that there always exists a measure μ into X with relatively norm-compact range such that its variation measure assumes the value ∞ on every non-null set. Such measures have been called "measures of nowhere finite variation" by K. M. Garg and the author, who as well as L. Drewnowski and Z. Lipecki have done related investigations. We give some "concrete" examples of such μ's in the l p spaces defined using the (real) trigonometric system (t n ) and the Rademacher system (r n ) illustrating similarities and some differences. We also look at the extensibility of the integration map of these μ's. As an application of the trigonometric example, we have the probably known result: For every p ≥ 1, the function (Σ(|t n (t)| p )/n) is unbounded on every set A with positive measure.
Effects of Televised Instruction on Student Music Selection, Music Skills, and Attitudes

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the extent to which differential training in aural discrimination would result in subsequent music selection. Students trained to discriminate components of instrumental music only and vocal music only were compared to a contact control group. Pretests and posttests consisted of the subject's operant music selection, cognitive music skills, and attitudes about school music.Results indicated no difference among groups on the three dependent measures. Pre-posttest difference scores for each individual group revealed significant increase in time spent listening to instrumental music for the contact control group, significant increase in cognitive music skills for all groups, and no change in attitude about school music for any group. On the basis of these data, it appears that the three treatments did not function differentially to change first-grade student music selection, cognitive music skills, or attitudes about school music. This surprising absence of i...
Quasidiagonality of direct sums of weighted shifts

Let H be a separable Hilbert space. A bounded linear operator A defined on H is said to be quasidiagonal if there exists a sequence {P n } of projections of finite rank such that P n → I strongly and ∥AP n - P n A∥ → 0 as n → ∞. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a finite direct sum of weighted shifts to be quasidiagonal. The condition is stated using a markedgraph (a graph with a (0), (+) or (-) attached to its vertices) that can be associated with the direct sum
Diabetes Mellitus and Acute Coronary Syndrome: Lessons From Randomized Clinical Trials

Diabetes mellitus is a major independent risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In addition, diabetic patients with ACS suffer from increased mortality compared to their nondiabetic peers. Driven by multiple pathophysiological disturbances, such patients are predisposed to a proinflammatory, prothrombotic state, which may lead to plaque rupture. To counteract this more complex biology, several therapies and strategies have emerged, with some having unique preferential benefits in this population. Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin and clopidogrel have long been standard of care. Dose adjustment of these therapies remains the subject of continued research. Along with medical therapy, ACS diabetic patients preferentially benefit from primary percutaneous intervention compared to fibrinolysis. However, with advances in reperfusion techniques, the optimal strategy has yet to be determined. With these differences in ACS treatment responses, diabetic individuals may not just be a high-risk group, but may actually constitute a fundamentally different population, requiring dedicated clinical trials and individualized treatment regimens.
Energetics and structure of toroidal forms of carbon

Total-energy calculations for 13 different fullerene clusters, including 8 toroidal fullerenes, are performed using a parametrized tight-binding functional, and in select cases, an all-electron first-principles local-density functional. The tori considered here are composed of graphitelike six-membered rings, with five-membered rings on the outer surface of the torus providing positive Gaussian curvature, and seven-membered rings on the inner toroidal surface providing negative Gaussian curvature. Comparisons are made with energies calculated from a Stillinger-Weber--type potential for graphite, which is found to be inadequate for addressing relative energetic stability among the tori. Two empirical strain relations are tested against our tight-binding energy calculations. A simple elastic theory is found to give reasonably good energy orderings. Charge-density calculations on the tori reveal that electron density is enhanced for atoms in five-membered rings, and depleted for atoms in seven-membered rings. First-principles total-energy calculations indicate that a single potassium atom is bound to the center of a ${\mathrm{C}}_{144}$ torus by 0.5 eV. It is proposed that atoms with higher orbital angular momentum (e.g., Zr, etc.) may bond more tightly to the torus, and thus facilitate formation of ${\mathrm{C}}_{120}$ or similar tori.
The conformations adopted by the octamer peptide (AAKA)2 in aqueous solution probed by FTIR and polarized Raman spectroscopy

In an effort to further elucidate the chain length dependence of the poly-L-proline 31 helical structure (PPII) in short alanine-based polypeptides, we utilize FTIR, isotropic and anisotropic Raman, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopies to probe the amide I′ band of the unblocked octamer H-Ala-Ala-Lys-Ala-Ala-Ala-Lys-Ala-OD in D2O. Our results are in disagreement with recent notions suggesting that the 31 helical structure increases with an increase in the number of alanine residues.1, 2 Simulations of the spectra were carried out and found to best reproduce experimental spectra using parameters that suggest a 40/60% PPII/β-strand (ss) mixture. The amount of PPII in the octamer is found to be significantly lower than what was determined for unblocked alanine-based peptides of comparable or even larger size. This is confirmed by the relatively weak ECD minimum and maximum at ∼195 and ∼220 nm, respectively, for the octamer relative to tri- and tetraalanine.3 In this paper we also address a recent issue concerning the validity of the delocalized character of the amide I mode in unfolded polypeptides containing a significant amount of PPII structure. We conclude that experimental evidence strongly supports the vibrational coupling model used to interpret the amide I mode in unfolded polypeptides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ligand binding inside the cavities of lacunar and saddle-shaped cyclidene complexes: molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics studies.

Cobalt(II) complexes with tetradentate macrocyclic cyclidene ligands are known to coordinate one additional axial base molecule, leaving the sixth vacant coordination site at the metal ion available for small ligand (e.g., O2) binding. Molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations provide a microscopic view of 1-methylimidazole (MeIm) binding within the cavities of several lacunar (bridged) and saddle-shaped (unbridged) cyclidenes and uncover the roles of the bridges and the walls of the clefts in steric protection of the cobalt(II) coordination site. Short bridges (C3 and C6) prevent inside-the-cavity MeIm binding because of severe ligand distortions leading to high-energy penalties (58 and 25 kcal/mol, respectively), while long bridges (C8 and C12) flip away from the MeIm binding site, allowing for penalty-free MeIm inclusion. In the unbridged saddle-shaped complex, there is no energy difference between inside- and outside-the-cavity MeIm binding. The preferential existence of the coordinativel...
Time-resolved fluorescence for breast cancer detection using an octreotate-indocyanine green derivative dye conjugate

Time-resolved fluorescence was used to investigate malignant and normal adjacent breast tissues stained with a conjugate of indocyanine green and octreotate. A marked increase in fluorescence lifetime intensity was seen in the breast cancer sample compared to the normal sample. The fluorescent lifetimes were also investigated and showed similar fluorescence decay curves in stained malignant and normal breast tissue. These results confirm that somatostatin receptors occur on human breast carcinomas, suggest that the presence of somatostatin receptors should be investigated as a marker of breast cancer aggressiveness, and suggest that this conjugate might be used to detect the presence of residual breast cancer after surgery, allowing better assessment of tumor margins and reducing the need for second or repeat biopsies in selected patients. These results may also provide clues for designing future treatment options for breast cancer patients.
Surface anatomy of branchial food traps of tadpoles: A comparative study.

Branchial food traps are regions of specialized secretory tissue in the tadpole pharynx, where suspended food particles are trapped in mucus. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to study branchial food traps from larvae of ten anuran families (36 species). Most anuran larvae from "advanced" (suborder Neobatrachia) families (e.g., Hylidae, Ranidae, Bufonidae) have distinct secretory pits at the posterior margins of the branchial food traps and secretory ridges elsewhere on these surfaces. The apices of columnar PAS-positive, secretory cells are exposed on the floors of the secretory pits or in rows at the tops of the secretory ridges (secretory zone). Tadpoles from most "archaic" (suborder Archaeobatrachia) families (Ascaphidae, Discoglossidae and Pelobatidae) either lack secretory pits, or have them poorly defined. They also lack secretory ridges but have columnar, mucus-secreting cells whose apices are exposed in a seemingly random fashion in the branchial food traps. Rhinophrynus (Archaeobatrachia: Rhinophrynidae) has secretory ridges, but the apices of secretory cells are not arranged in rows at the tops of the ridges; instead they erupt singly or in small clusters on the epithelial surface, in a pattern similar to that in Ascaphus, the discoglossids and the pelobatids. It is proposed that the generalized condition for the branchial food trap mucosa is one where the apices of secretory cells are exposed haphazardly on a flat epithelium and the derived condition is one where the surface is organized into ridges. The morphology of the branchial food traps in Rhinophrynus suggests that, phylogenetically, ridges preceded the coalescing of secretory cell apices into distinct rows. Pipidae and Microhylidae have unique patterns in the gross and microanatomy of their branchial food traps specific to their families. Branchial food trap morphology relates to diets of tadpoles as well as to taxonomy. Obligate macrophagous (e.g., carnivorous) tadpoles, irrespective of family, tend to have reduced branchial food traps, regularly lack secretory ridges and, in extreme cases, lack columnar mucus-secreting cells. Obligate microphagous forms (midwater suspension feeding of Xenopus, microhylids and Agalychnis), have straight parallel secretory ridges with narrow secretory zones and shallow troughs between the ridges. Secretory ridges may help to form mucus strands in which food particles are trapped, but they are not essential for planktonic entrapment. The hydrodynamic implications of the various topographic patterns remain unclear.
Heat Transport Mechanisms in Vascular Tissues: A Model Comparison

We have conducted a parametric comparison of three different vascular models for describing heat transport in tissue. Analytical and numerical methods were used to predict the gross temperature distribution throughout the tissue and the small-scale temperature gradients associated with thermally significant blood vessels. The models are: 1) an array of unidirectional vessels, 2) an array of countercurrent vessels, and 3) a set of large vessels feeding small vessels which then drain into large vessels. We show that three continuum formulations of bioheat transfer (directed perfusion, effective conductivity, and a temperature-dependent heat sink) are limiting cases of the vascular models with respect to the thermal equilibration length of the vessels. When this length is comparable to the width of the heated region of tissue, the local temperature changes near the vessels can be comparable to the gross temperature elevation. These results are important to the use of thermal techniques used to measure the blood perfusion rate and in the treatment of cancer with local hyperthermia.
Analysis of timing hazards in Ada programs

Safety-critical Ada programs often contain asynchronous tasks and are, therefore, prone to timing hazards. Neither rigorous testing nor rigorous formal verification is currently feasible for timing hazard detection. We propose an inexpensive static analysis that can assist in the identification of timing hazards. Only a few Ada constructs can generate results that depend on the asynchronous timing of tasks within a program. Using the techniques of data dependency analysis, these timing dependencies can be traced through the program. If an output is timing dependent, manual inspection is required to determine whether the timing dependency is deliberate or is an unintended timing hazard.
Diagnostic tests in ragweed-allergic asthma: A comparison of direct skin tests, leukocyte histamine release, and quantitative bronchial challenge

Abstract Thirty-six patients with a history of seasonal ragweed asthma were tested. Direct intradermal skin tests, leukocyte histamine release, and quantitative inhalation bronchial challenge correlated significantly. Data reported suggest that quantitative skin tests are as diagnostically valuable as quantitative inhalation bronchial challenge or leukocyte histamine release. Data also suggest that lung and skin mast cells and circulating basophils respond as a single population of cells to ragweed antigens.
Misplaced marketing Meanwhile, at the service desk: “Hello!Is anyone here?”

Discusses the problem of poor customer service. Asserts that the introduction of new technology into the system does not necessarily improve the process. The more common situation finds that the new technology is being misused in ways that mimic the failures of no‐tech services: toll‐free numbers create long waits and Web sites provide an advertising platform rather than a customer service platform. Asserts that new technology provides excellent marketing opportunities for customer service but are often misused.
Five new zinc phosphite structures: tertiary building blocks in the construction of hybrid materials.

The syntheses and structures of five new zinc phosphites [Zn(HPO3)(C4H6N2)] (1), [Zn2(HPO3)2(C10H10N2)2]2 (2), [Zn(HPO3)(C14H14N4)0.5] (3), [Zn2(HPO3)2(C14H14N4)]·0.4H2O (4), and [Zn2(HPO3)2(C14H14N4)] (5) are reported. In compounds 1−3, the zinc atoms are ligated by 1-methylimidazole, 1-benzylimidazole, and 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, respectively, while compounds 4 and 5 are synthesized in the presence of the same bifunctional ligand, 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene. The inorganic framework of compound 1 is composed of vertex-shared ZnO3N and HPO3 tetrahedra that form 4-rings, which, in turn, are linked to generate a one-dimensional ladder structure. In 2, the inorganic framework is composed of 4-rings and 8-rings to form the well-known 4.82 2D network. This is connected via C−H···π interactions between 1-benzylimidazole ligand to generate a pseudo-pillared-layer structure. In 3, the inorganic framework again has the 4.82 topology pillared by the bis(imidazole) ligand, 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-yl...
Parallel particle swarm optimization and finite- difference time-domain (PSO/FDTD) algorithm for multiband and wide-band patch antenna designs

This paper presents a novel evolutionary optimization methodology for multiband and wide-band patch antenna designs. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) are combined to achieve the optimum antenna satisfying a certain design criterion. The antenna geometric parameters are extracted to be optimized by PSO, and a fitness function is evaluated by FDTD simulations to represent the performance of each candidate design. The optimization process is implemented on parallel clusters to reduce the computational time introduced by full-wave analysis. Two examples are investigated in the paper: first, the design of rectangular patch antennas is presented as a test of the parallel PSO/FDTD algorithm. The optimizer is then applied to design E-shaped patch antennas. It is observed that by using different fitness functions, both dual-frequency and wide-band antennas with desired performance are obtained by the optimization. The optimized E-shaped patch antennas are analyzed, fabricated, and measured to validate the robustness of the algorithm. The measured less than - 18 dB return loss (for dual-frequency antenna) and 30.5% bandwidth (for wide-band antenna) exhibit the prospect of the parallel PSO/FDTD algorithm in practical patch antenna designs.
Computational science experiences on the Intel Touchstone DELTA supercomputer

Argonne National Laboratory's involvement in the Concurrent Supercomputing Consortium-the consortium that owns and operates the Touchstone DELTA System-has been motivated primarily by the need to make high-performance computing resources available to its computer science research groups and to those researchers using large-scale computation in their scientific work. Since early May 1991, when the Touchstone DELTA System (DELTA) was first installed at Caltech, Argonne has been actively using it to investigate a variety of scientific problems. In the present work, the author describes some experiences and progress in global climate modeling, computational biophysics, and computational quantum chemistry. He also draws some conclusions regarding the usability of machines like the DELTA. >
Mining the Metabiome: Identifying Novel Natural Products from Microbial Communities

Microbial-derived natural products provide the foundation for most of the chemotherapeutic arsenal available to contemporary medicine. In the face of a dwindling pipeline of new lead structures identified by traditional culturing techniques and an increasing need for new therapeutics, surveys of microbial biosynthetic diversity across environmental metabiomes have revealed enormous reservoirs of as yet untapped natural products chemistry. In this review, we touch on the historical context of microbial natural product discovery and discuss innovations and technological advances that are facilitating culture-dependent and culture-independent access to new chemistry from environmental microbiomes with the goal of reinvigorating the small molecule therapeutics discovery pipeline. We highlight the successful strategies that have emerged and some of the challenges that must be overcome to enable the development of high-throughput methods for natural product discovery from complex microbial communities.
Discourses of American national identity: echoes and lessons from the 1910s–1920s

Anti-immigration sentiment is intricately connected to an ethno-racial conception of American national identity, a connection that has deep roots in American politics and is increasingly visible in recent debates surrounding immigration. To support this claim, the article begins with an examination of the multiple traditions approach to American national identity which, in turn, frames a discussion of three recent incidents in US politics that illustrate the fusion of anti-immigrant sentiment and an ethno-racial national identity. It then illustrates how these incidents echo and recycle similar dynamics from the 1910s–1920s before examining the arguments of Horace Kallen and Randolph Bourne, both of whom defended forms of cultural pluralism as a counter-discourse to the anti-immigrant nativism, restrictionism, and 100% Americanism of the era. Their arguments are then evaluated to assess whether they remain useful in our current era. Despite some limitations, the insights of Kallen and Bourne can serve as ...
Modifying the Role and Status of Minorities in Educational R&D: A Much Needed Undertaking:

I t would not be surprising or inaccurate to say that the role of minorities is small and their status relatively low within the sphere of educational research and development (RD however, given the present conditions, a number of occurrences could elicit positive change. For instance, the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the largest educational research organization in
Hybrid electric vehicle supervisory control design reflecting estimated lithium-ion battery electrochemical dynamics

Accurate prediction of the battery electrochemical dynamics is important to avoid undesired battery operation under aggressive driving. This paper proposes a battery power management strategy considering Li-ion concentration in the electrodes to prevent excessive battery charging and discharging. The proposed approach adjusts the allowable battery power limits through the feedback of the estimated electrode-averaged Li-ion concentration information. An advanced hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) power split strategy is constructed implementing a Li-ion battery model with electrochemical diffusion dynamics to capture the battery dynamic behavior under transients. A novel contribution arises from the implementation of an extended Kalman filter (EKF) using uneven discretization of the particle radius for fast and accurate prediction of the Lithium intercalation dynamics. The control design modifies the allowable battery power limit used in the supervisory controller, thus, maintaining low complexity of the control structure.
ADVANCED PROTEIN GLYCOSYLATION IN DIABETES AND AGING

Products of advanced protein glycosylation (advanced glycation end products, or AGEs) accumulate in tissues as a function of time and sugar concentration. AGEs induce permanent abnormalities in extracellular matrix component function, stimulate cytokine and reactive oxygen species production through AGE-specific receptors, and modify intracellular proteins. Pharmacologic inhibition of AGE formation in long-term diabetic animals prevents diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and arterial abnormalities in animal models. Clinical trials in humans are currently in progress.