cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated scheduling of deferrable PEV/PHEV load by power-profile unevenness

We consider the scheduling of deferrable and interruptible charging demand for plug-in electric or hybrid-electric vehicles (PEVs/PHEVs) in the smart grid over a finite horizon (e.g., 8pm-6am). The grid, acting as a centralized controller, decides when to charge which vehicle such that the total power consumption is maintained within a safety charging threshold while as many as consumers are satisfied by the deadline. Given that the charging profiles of PEVs/PHEVs are not constant and roughly have a (truncated) prescribed triangle shape, the grid has to take into account such burstiness/unevenness in the scheduling of their charging process. We develop an automated discrete-time scheduling algorithm, which dynamically tracks an unevenness measure for each consumer's charging profile and gives priority to consumers with highest unevenness that the grid can tolerate in each time slot. The unevenness measure is defined by the cumulative difference between the charging profile in each time slot and the average residual demand of his remaining charging profile. We compare this dynamic scheduling algorithm with (i) a similar algorithm using an unevenness measure defined by the average demand of each consumer during the entire finite horizon, and (ii) the SRPT algorithm giving priorities to consumers with shortest demand period and not taking into account unevenness. Simulations show that the dynamic algorithm can better avoid burstiness in the charging process and also satisfy many more consumers by the end of the finite horizon.
Identification and characterization of RBEL1 subfamily of GTPases in the Ras superfamily involved in cell growth regulation.

Recently, we reported the identification of a novel gene named RBEL1 (Rab-like protein 1) and characterized its two encoded isoforms, RBEL1A and RBEL1B, that function as novel GTPases of Ras superfamily. Here we report the identification of two additional splice variants of RBEL1 that we have named RBEL1C and -D. All four RBEL1 isoforms (A, B, C, and D) have identical N termini harboring the Rab-like GTPase domains but contain variable C termini. Although all isoforms can be detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus, RBEL1A is predominantly cytoplasmic, whereas RBEL1B is mostly nuclear. RBEL1C and -D, by contrast, are evenly distributed between the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, all four RBEL1 proteins are also capable of associating with cellular membrane. The RBEL1 proteins also exhibit a unique nucleotide-binding potential and, whereas the larger A and B isoforms are mainly GTP-bound, the smaller C and D variants bind to both GTP and GDP. Furthermore, a regulatory region at amino acid position 236–302 immediately adjacent to the GTP-binding domain is important for GTP-binding potential of RBEL1A, because deletion of this region converts RBEL1A from predominantly GTP-bound to GDP-bound. RBEL1 knockdown via RNA interference results in marked cell growth suppression, which is associated with morphological and biochemical features of apoptosis as well as inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. Taken together, our results indicate that RBEL1 proteins are linked to cell growth and survival and possess unique biochemical, cellular, and functional characteristics and, therefore, appear to form a novel subfamily of GTPases within the Ras superfamily.
Differentiation of Plasma Membrane Composition and Physical Properties

Membrane organization into functional domains is a key feature of cell physiology. These domains spatially organize membrane components to actively regulate signal transduction across the membrane. Despite this broad biological impact, the lipid repertoires of different cell types, and their resulting regulation of plasma membrane (PM) organization and function remain to be determined. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an ideal model system to investigate these questions, as they can differentiate into several functionally distinct lineages - here adipocytes and osteoblasts. We used MSCs to evaluate the differentiation of the PM phenotype, defined by (1) the detailed, comprehensive lipid composition; (2) biophysical properties, including liquid-liquid phase separation; and (3) functional signal transduction. We observed dramatic divergence of all three aspects of the PM phenotype during MSC differentiation. Using quantitative shotgun mass spectrometry, we found that adipocyte lipids have shorter and more saturated fatty acyl chains than undifferentiated cells, while osteogenic cell lipids have longer tails and are more polyunsaturated. These lipidomic rearrangements determined the physical properties of the PMs, with a divergence of both membrane fluidity and phase separation temperature during MSC differentiation. These observations elucidate the compositional determinants of biophysical properties in biological membranes, as well as identifying lineage-specific PM features. The unique membrane features of each cell type enabled rational remodeling of membrane phenotypes to direct differentiation. Supplementation with a lipid component overexpressed in osteoblasts (ꙍ-3 docosahexaneoic acid (DHA)) promoted an osteoblastic PM phenotype, and potentiated osteogenesis via alteration of signaling through the TGFβ pathway. These results comprise the first observations of compositional and biophysical differentiation of PMs, identify the compositional determinants of biological membranes physical properties, demonstrate the plasticity of cellular lipidomes, and enable rational engineering of the PM phenotype to promote desired cellular outcomes.
Sensitized Photodecomposition of Organic Bisphosphonates By Singlet Oxygen

During efforts to stabilize metal oxide bound chromophores for photoelectrochemical applications, a novel photochemical reaction has been discovered. In the reaction, the bisphosphonate functional ...
Calcium transients in asymmetrically activated skeletal muscle fibers

Skeletal muscle fibers of the frog Rana temporaria were held just taut and stimulated transversely by unidirectional electrical fields. We observed the reversible effects of stimulus duration (0.1–100 ms) and strength on action potentials, intracellular Ca2+ transients (monitored by aequorin), and contractile force during fixed-end contractions. Long duration stimuli (e.g., 10 ms) induced a maintained depolarization on the cathodal side of a cell and a maintained hyperpolarization on its anodal side. The hyperpolarization of the side facing the anode prevented the action potential from reaching mechanical threshold during strong stimuli. Variation of the duration or strength of a stimulus changed the luminescent response from a fiber injected with aequorin. Thus, the intracellular Ca2+ released during excitation-contraction coupling could be changed by the stimulus parameters. Prolongation of a stimulus at field strengths above 1.1 x rheobase decreased the amplitude of aequorin signals and the force of contractions. The decreases in aequorin and force signals from a given fiber paralleled one another and depended on the stimulus strength, but not on the stimulus polarity. These changes were completely reversible for stimulus strengths up to at least 4.2 x rheobase. The graded decreases in membrane depolarization, aequorin signals, and contractile force were correlated with the previously described folding of myofibrils in fibers allowed to shorten in response to the application of a long duration stimulus. The changes in aequorin signals and force suggest an absence of myofilament activation by Ca2+ in the section of the fiber closest to the anode. The results imply that injected aequorin distributes circumferentially in frog muscle with a coefficient of at least 10(-7) cm2/s, which is not remarkably different from the previously measured coefficient of 5 x 10(-8) cm2/s for its diffusion lengthwise.
Clinical and Pathological Diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia: Report of the Work Group on Frontotemporal Dementia and Pick's Disease

An international group of clinical and basic scientists participated in the Frontotemporal Dementia and Pick's Disease Criteria Conference at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md, on July 7, 2000, to reassess clinical and neuropathological criteria for the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Previous criteria for FTD have primarily been designed for research purposes. The goal of this meeting was to propose guidelines that would enable clinicians (particularly neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists) to recognize patients with FTD and, if appropriate, to expedite their referral to a diagnostic center. In addition, recommendations for the neuropathological criteria of FTD were reviewed, relative to classical neuropathology and modern molecular biology.
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma involving the portal vein bifurcation: long-term results after resection

Resection offers the only potential cure of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Portal bifurcation involvement is often thought to contraindicate resection. We reviewed our experience with aggressive surgical management in 28 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. All patients underwent hepatectomy and bile duct resection with hepaticojejunostomy. In 10 cases (group 1) the portal bifurcation was involved, necessitating portal resection and reconstruction; 18 (group 2) had no portal involvement. Frozen section of duct margins was routine. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Portal reconstruction in group 1 was by graft interposition (1), venoplasty using the posterior wall of the right portal vein (2), or end-end anastomosis (7). Hepatectomies included right trisegmentectomy (8), right lobectomy (4), and left lobectomy (16); 20 (71%) had concomitant caudate resection. Median survival was 18 months in group 1 and 32 months in group 2 (P, not significant [NS]). One-, 3-, and 5-year survivals were 60%, 22%, and 22%, respectively, in group 1 and 70%, 47%, and 38%, respectively, in group 2 (P = 0.319). Portal involvement by hilar cholangiocarcinoma does not contraindicate resection.
Behavior identification of distinct neighborhoods in large structures using neural networks

This paper presents a new method to identify the vibration model for large smart structures. A large structure typically has low frequency vibrations, unique distributed dynamic characteristics, and no simple control model. Study of composite aircraft fuselage vibration suppression required the identification of a distributed parameter control method. Artificial neural networks were used to identify structural vibration characteristics in distinct neighborhoods. Neural networks were trained and compared using a plate model.
Transformation of Zymononas mobilis by electroporation

Zymomonas mobilis is being considered for the industrial production of ethyl alcohol. Expansion of its substrate range of glucose, fructose and sucrose could be advantageous, but genetic manipulation of Z. mobilis is restricted as it is resistant to transformation. We present a protocol using electroporation for high efficiency transformation of this bacterium. Optimal parameters included cooled cells (0–4° C), use of 10% glycerol as an osmotic support medium, a pulse in the 12 kV/cm range for 10 ms and outgrowth on GYx medium prior to selection. The routine efficiency achieved was greater than 1.0 × 107/μg DNA, a major increase over other transformation methods in which yields ranged from 100–2000/μg DNA.
An Ontology for Isotropic Conductive Adhesive Interconnect Technology in Electronics Packaging Applications

This paper is intended to provide an initial resource for researchers and practitioners entering the isotropic conductive adhesive (ICA) field, but may also prove useful to those with prior experience. It presents an historical overview of the issues confronted in ICA development and use in various electronics packaging application in place of soldering technology
Wind-induced ground-surface pressures around a single-family house

Wind induces a ground-surface pressure field around a building that can substantially affect the flow of soil gas and thereby the entry of radon and other soil-gas contaminants into the building. To quantify the effect of the wind-induced groundsurface pressure field on contaminant entry rates, the mean ground-surface pressure field was experimentally measured in a wind tunnel for several incidence angles of the wind, two atmospheric boundary layers, and two house geometries. The experimentally measured ground-surface pressure fields are compared with those predicted by a k-e turbulence model. Despite the fundamental limitations in applying a k-e model to a system with flow separation, predictions from the numerical simulations were good for the two wind incidence angles tested.
Does γ-tocopherol play a role in the primary prevention of heart disease and cancer? A review

Vitamin E consists of a group of eight isomers, four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocopherol) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocotrienol). While extensive literature has been published on the potential health benefits of alpha-tocopherol, little is known about gamma-tocopherol, the major form of vitamin E in food in the U.S. gamma-tocopherol has recently received more research attention based on findings from in vitro and animal studies indicating that it has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Based on these recent studies, it is important to investigate the possible health benefits of gamma-tocopherol in humans. In this article, we review publications on dietary gamma-tocopherol intake, plasma gamma-tocopherol levels, cardiovascular disease and cancer risk in humans.
Assessment of the Attitudes of Family Caregivers Toward Community Services

Previous research has not taken into account the influence of attitudinal variables on the use of community services by dementia caregivers. The Community Service Attitude Inventory (CSAI) was developed to provide a measurement tool to further understanding of community service use by family caregivers. Testing of the CSAI revealed five distinct components of family attitudes toward use of community services.
Effect of reaction environments on the reactivity of PCB (2-chlorobiphenyl) over activated carbon impregnated with palladized iron

Reactive activated carbon (RAC) impregnated with palladized iron nanoparticles has been developed to treat polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In this study, we evaluated the effects of various reaction environments on the adsorption-mediated dechlorination of 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-ClBP) in the RAC system. The results were discussed in close connection to the implementation issue of the RAC system for the remediation of contaminated sites with PCBs. Adsorption event of 2-ClBP onto RAC limited the overall performance under condition with a 2-ClBP/RAC mass ratio of less than 1.0x10(-4) above which dechlorination of 2-ClBP adsorbed to RAC was the reaction rate-determining step. Acidic and basic conditions were harmful to 2-ClBP adsorption and iron stability while neutral pH showed the highest adsorption-promoted dechlorination of 2-ClBP and negligible metal leaching. Coexisting natural organic matter (NOM) slightly inhibited 2-ClBP adsorption onto RAC due to the partial partitioning of 2-ClBP into NOM in the liquid phase while the 2-ClBP absorbed into NOM, which also tended to adsorb onto RAC, was less available for the dechlorination reaction. Common anions slowed down 2-ClBP adsorption but adsorbed 2-ClBP was almost simultaneously dechlorinated. Some exceptions included strong inhibitory effect of carbonate species on 2-ClBP adsorption and severe detrimental effect of sulfite on 2-ClBP dechlorination. Results on treatment of 2-ClBP spiked to actual sediment supernatants implied site-specific reactivity of RAC.
Emulsifier Effects on Pasting Properties of Wheat Flour Extrudates with/without Sucrose and Shortening

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of emulsifier types and concentrations, plus the addition of sucrose and shortening on wheat flour extrudates. Ground extrudate pasting properties were measured in the rapid viscoanalyser (RVA). Four pasting parameters were determined from the RVA curve: peak time (PT), peak viscosity (P), breakdown viscosity (H), and initial slope (IS). Emulsifier types and the addition of sucrose and shortening significantly affected PT, P, H, and IS. Emulsifier concentration significantly influenced PT and H. Emulsifiers significantly increased PT and H and decreased P and IS. Glyceryl monostearate had the greatest effects on these parameters. Sucrose and shortening generally enhanced the effects of emulsifiers on pasting properties. Emulgatorwirkungen auf die pastosen Eigenschaften von Weizenmehlextrudaten mit bzw. ohne Saccharose und Backfett. Das Ziel dieser Studie war die Bestimmung der Wirkungen von Emulgatoren und deren Konzentrationen bei Zusatz von Saccharose und Backfett auf Weizenmehlextrudate. Die pastosen Eigenschaften von vermahlenen Extrudaten wurden mit dem Schnell-Viskoanalysator (RVA) gemessen. Aus der RVA-Kurve wurden vier Verkleisterungs-Parameter bestimmt: Peak-Zeit (PT), Peak-Viskositat (P), Viskositats-Zusammenbruch (H) und Anfangs-Steigerung (IS). Die Emulgatorarten und der Zusatz von Saccharose und Backfett beeinflusten PT, P, H und IS signifikant. Die Emulgatorkonzentration beeinfluste PT und H signifikant. Die Emulgatoren erhohten PT und H deutlich und verminderten P und IS. Glyceryl-Monostearat Zeigte die groste Wirkung auf diese Parameter. Allgemein steigerten Saccharose und Backfett die Wirkung der Emulgatoren auf die pastosen Eigenschaften.
Brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations : Advancements and emerging treatments in endovascular embolization

Background and Purpose— Brain aneurysms and vascular malformations can cause cerebral hemorrhages, with devastating consequences for the patients and their families. Since the development of microcatheters and materials used for endovascular embolization, we have witnessed a rapid advancement in the technology and in the number or patients treated with this approach. The aim of this review is to survey recent data relevant to new technologies and emerging treatment strategies in these areas. Summary of Review— Clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of coil embolization for cerebral aneurysms were based on the use of bare platinum, helical coils. Since then, endovascular operators have been testing and using new materials such as bioactive coils, expandable coils, and complex-shaped coils. Based on the data so far obtained, third and fourth generation coil designs are rapidly emerging and will be ready for clinical application in the near future. Balloon- and stent-assisted coil embolization is ...
The Influence of HPT Forward Disc Cavity Platform Axial Overlap Geometry on Mainstream Ingestion

In this paper, 3D unsteady and mixing plane CFD simulations including the mainstream full stage on two tested configurations plus a third cavity geometry variance are reported. The sector models were run at test conditions and compared with the corresponding matched Network 1-D flow model to derive the sensitivity of HPT stage forward disc cavity platform axial overlap geometry and supplied purge flow to cavity ingestion dynamics. The first configuration includes no axial overlap (i.e. ΔX/ΔR = 0); the second configuration increases axial overlap by 70% (ΔX/ΔR = 1.82); the third configuration has a larger rim cavity axial spacing and a smaller platform axial overlap (i.e. ΔX/ΔR = 1.67). The unsteady and mixing plane 3D CFD models of the three configurations are run across supplied purge flows ranging from nominal to 35% of the nominal. This was done to obtain a good comparison and to justify the need for unsteady solutions in disc cavity ingestion studies. For each configuration, the CFD predicted mainstream pressure pulse decay profile inside the cavity along with absolute, relative, and static temperatures related to the amount of ingestion that mixes with the supplied flow at several radial heights in the cavity are extracted on a time-averaged and pitch-wise averaged basis. The applied CFD-Network process yields cavity sealing effectiveness versus supplied purge flow and validates platform conductance factors used in 1-D Network flow model. In particular, the unsteady CFD results for the tested configurations were able to reproduce the Network-matched rim cavity effectiveness data at the critical location more closely. The sensitivity results indicate that although, the zero overlap geometry (configuration-1) has insufficient purge flow as evident by the low upper cavity effectiveness, the amount becomes sufficient as the platform axial overlap increases for configuration-2. The influence of increasing rim cavity axial spacing (configuration-3) allows for the same effectiveness to be achieved under a smaller platform axial overlap and lower purge flow supply.© 2012 ASME
Factors Impacting Ethical Behavior in Hospitals

This study examines factors impacting ethical behavior of 203 hospital employees in Midwestern and Northwestern United States. Ethical behavior of peers had the most significant impact on ethical behavior. Ethical behavior of successful managers, professional education in ethics and sex of the respondents also significantly impacted ethical behavior. Nurses were significantly more ethical than other employees. Race of the respondent did not impact ethical behavior. Overclaiming scales indicated that social desirability bias did not significantly impact the results of our study. Implications of this study for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) U(III) oxide and U(IV) oxide carbene complexes

Abstract Oxidation of the sterically crowded complex (C5Me5)3U provides access to two classes of uranium compounds that previously were unknown, a U(III) oxide and a U(IV) carbene, [(C5Me5)2U]2(μ-O) (1) and (C5Me5)2U(O)[C(NMeCMe)2] (2), respectively. The structure of 1 allows a direct actinide versus lanthanide comparison within the [(C5Me5)2M]2(μ-O) class. The uranium carbene complex (2), represents a rare example of a monometallic uranium mono-oxo-compound. Complex 1 has a 2.094(14) A U(1)–O(1) bond distance and a 171.5(6)° U(1)–O(1)–U(2) bond angle while the U(1)–O(1) and U(1)–C(21)[C(NMeCMe)2] bond distances in complex 2 are 1.917(6) and 2.673(7) A, respectively.
Extracting Nontransparent Safety Net Subsidies by Strategically Expanding and Contracting a Financial Institution’s Accounting Balance Sheet

Financial safety nets are embedded in national regulatory systems that embrace at least three conflicting goals: maximizing aggregate social welfare, rescuing distressed institutions, and avoiding blame for things that go wrong. This paper develops a model that shows how opportunistic managers of a financial institution can use financial engineering to increase its access to safety net subsidies in a combination of overt and covert ways. Overtly, it can increase its size, complexity, and geographic footprint. These actions increase the political influence it can wield to subvert regulation. Covertly, it can increase its leverage and portfolio volatility in ways that existing monitoring technologies do not fully register.
Bootstrap Elasticity: From Linear to Nonlinear Constitutive Representations

The normal modes of the 6×6 symmetric matrix of elastic moduli for linear anisotropic elasticity, also called Kelvin modes, provide orthogonal basis sets for the six dimensional space of symmetric, second order tensors in three dimensional Euclidean space. In turn the partitioning of the six space, induced by these bases and the multiplicity of each eigenvalue, provides the means for constructing six term minimal representations of nonlinear constitutive equations for materials of any symmetry from triclinic to cubic. The constructions also for the first time show clear connections to the linear elastic moduli, which through the eigenvalues set the scale for most, but not all, of the tensor generators. This approach also provides an alternate way to construct the well-known three term Rivlin-Ericksen representation for nonlinear isotropic materials.
Discussion of Germany's Repeal of the Corporate Capital Gains Tax: The Equity Market Response

AUTHORS’ ANALYSIS Edwards et al. (2004) address an important research question in a relatively unique setting: the taxation of corporate level capital gains tax and the extent to which those taxes cause economic inefficiencies. Inefficiencies can arise if capital gains taxes cause assets to be ‘‘locked in’’ to less than optimal uses. Although it seems obvious that ‘‘lock-in’’ occurs, the extant literature indicates that the matter is not so clear. The advent of sophisticated investment vehicles (such as Debt Exchangeable for Common Stock [DECS]; see Sheppard 1996) and clever tax planning has potentially reduced the effects of capital gains taxes, particularly for large corporations. Furthermore, little investigation of this issue has occurred outside of the United States. Three facts make the repeal of the Germany capital gains tax useful for examination. First, the German tax was particularly high (on the order of 50 percent depending on the asset being held). Second, the repeal of the tax was a surprise. Third, German equity markets are noted for their ‘‘crossholdings,’’ where one German corporation (especially banks and insurance companies) holds a substantial number of shares of other German corporations. These large crossholdings (which date back some 50 years) provide a strong tax incentive to divest long-held shares when the tax rate is reduced from 50 percent to 0 percent. Because of these factors the authors attempt to examine the equity market response to the surprise announcement of the repeal of the tax. The authors hypothesize that the repeal of the tax would cause an abnormal rise in equity prices on or around the announcement date for both those firms having substantial crossholdings and those firms that are crossheld. However, the authors’ empirical analysis seems to suggest that the German equity markets did not respond to the announcement. Further analysis finds that a few large banking and insurance companies (24 observations) did experience abnormal increases in stock prices on the event day. The authors undertake workman-like efforts to explain these odd ‘‘noresults’’ with little avail. In theory, a German company’s stock price would experience a permanent increase if its future cash flows were expected to rise as a result of the repeal of the capital gains tax. This permanent benefit could be realized if German corporations divested their holdings and those assets were allowed to rise to a higher and better economic use. There could also be a transitory stock price effect caused by the one-time benefit of selling the shares of stock free of taxation. With respect to firms that are crossheld, the issue is less clear. The
Formation of the Giardia Cyst Wall: Studies on Extracellular Assembly Using Immunogold Labeling and High Resolution Field Emission SEM

Encystment of the intestinal protozoan, Giardia, is a key step in the life cycle that enables this parasite to be transmitted from host to host via either fecal oral, waterborne, or foodborne transmission. The process of encystment was studied by localizing cyst wall specific antigens with immunofluorescence for light microscopy and immunogold staining for field emission scanning electron microscopy. Chronological sampling of Giardia cultures stimulated with endogenous bile permitted identification of an intracellular and extracellular phase in cyst wall formation, a process which required a total of 14-16 h. The intracellular phase lasted for 8-10 h, while the extracellular phase, involved the appearance of cyst wall antigen on the trophozoite membrane, and the assembly of the filamentous layer, a process requiring an additional 4-6 h for completion of mature cysts. The extracellular phase was initiated with the appearance of cyst wall antigen on small protrusions of the trophozoite membrane (approximately 15 nm), which became enlarged with time to caplike structures ranging up to 100 nm in diameter. Caplike structures involved with filament growth were detected over the entire surface of the trophozoite including the adhesive disc and flagella. Encysting cells rounded up, lost attachment to the substratum, and became enclosed in a layer of filaments. Late stages in encystment included a "tailed" cyst in which flagella were not fully retracted into the cyst. Clusters of cysts were seen in which filaments at the surface of one cyst were connected with the surface of adjacent cysts or the "tailed" processes of adjacent cysts, suggesting that the growth of cyst wall filaments may be at the terminal end. In conclusion, the process of encystment has been shown to consist of two morphologically different stages (intracellular and extracellular) which requires 16 h for completion. Further investigation of the extracellular stage with regard to assembly of the filamentous layer of the cyst wall may lead to innovative methods for interfering with production of an intact functional cyst wall, and thereby, regulation of viable Giardia cyst release from the host.
Theoretical analysis of deviations from local equilibrium during sorbing solute transport through idealized stratified aquifers

Abstract This paper studies the spreading characteristics of reactive solute plumes in idealized stratified aquifers. The aquifer consists of two layers having different permeabilities with flow parallel to the stratification. The solute is assumed to adsorb onto the aquifer solids according to a first-order reversible kinetic rate law; the adsorption parameters are spatially uniform. We use the Aris moment method to examine analytically the time evolution of the lower-order spatial moments of the depth-averaged contaminant plume for an instantaneous input of mass. The results demonstrate that sorption kinetics cause the total dissolved mass and average velocity of the contaminant plume to decrease with increasing travel time. The plume variance is shown to depend upon three factors: intra-layer longitudinal dispersion, intra-layer kinetics, and vertical averaging. The results indicate that the relative importance of sorption kinetics diminishes as the permeability contrast between the layers increases. We present a simple criterion that can be used to assess the applicability of the local equilibrium assumption in idealized stratified systems.
Maximum principles and bounds for a class of fourth order nonlinear elliptic equations

We deduce maximum principles for a class of fourth order nonlinear elliptic equations by using auxiliary functions containing the square of the second gradient of the solution of such equations. A priori bounds on various quantities of interest are obtained.
Human Exposure to Ultrasound

Abstract Most ultrasound sources do not transmit acoustic energy into air nearly as effectively as into liquids or solids. Because of this, only low level ultrasound reaches humans through the air in most circumstances. Instead, most human exposure to this agent derives from its use in medicine, either for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Sonographers and other medical personnel receive occupational exposure during training when they learn diagnostic techniques by using themselves as subjects. Also, sales personnel and engineers employed by manufacturers of diagnostic equipment often find their own bodies to be convenient objects for demonstrations or tests. There have been no confirmed reports of harm resulting from exposure to diagnostic ultrasound as practiced heretofore, whether to patients, sonographers, sales representatives, or engineers. However, users are advised to minimize exposure, since biological damage is theoretically possible if some of the newer equipment is not used wisely. Laborator...
Methane emissions along a salt marsh salinity gradient

The seasonal flux of methane to the atmosphere was measured at three salt marsh sites along a tidal creek. Average soil salinities at the sites ranged from 5 to 17 ppt and fluxes ranged from below detection limits (less than 0.3 mgCH4 m-2 d-1) to 259 mgCH4 m-2 d-1. Annual flux to the atmosphere was 5.6 gCH4 m-2 from the most saline site, 22.4 gCH4 m-2 from the intermediate site, and 18.2 gCH4 m-2 from the freshest of the three sites. Regression of the amount of methane in the soil with flux indicates that changes in this soil methane can account for 64% of the observed variation in flux. Data on pore water distributions of sulfate suggests that the activity of sulfate reducing bacteria is a primary control on methane flux in these transitional environments. Results indicate that relatively high emissions of methane from salt marshes can occur at soil salinities up to approximately 13 ppt. When these data are combined with other tidal marsh studies, annual CH4 flux to the atmosphere shows a strong negative correlation with the long term average soil salinity over a range from essentially fresh water to 26 ppt.
Melatonin in Peripheral Nerve

MELATONIN is a hormone, isolated from beef pineal glands, that lightens the colour of frog melanocytes either after injection into the frog or after in vitro incubation with pieces of frog skin1. In addition, this hormone can block and reverse the darkening actions of the melanocyte-stimulating hormones and also of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Melatonin is a 5-hydroxyindole derivative in which the hydroxy group is blocked2. Its melanocyte-lightening properties are more than ten thousand times greater than those of noradrenaline, which previously was considered to be the most potent lightening agent known3. In our early experiments melatonin could be detected only in extracts from pineal glands and not from other tissues. With improvement in extraction techniques we have been able to identify the presence of a lightening agent that is most likely melatonin in peripheral nerves of man, monkey and cow. A detailed mapping of the location of melatonin in the nervous system has not been completed.
Habitat Preferences of Five Sympatric Species of Long‐Tailed Sherws

Long—tailed shrews of 5 species were captured throughout four years at a single 60—acre at 9,700 ft elevation in western Larimer County, Colorado. Interspecific differences in the proportions of captures in 3 main habitats, sedge marsh, subalpine forest, and clear—cut forest were significant. All species except one, Sorex palustris, were captured in all three types however. S. palustris was taken only adjacent to bodies of water. Sorex cinereus and Sorex vagrans were captured with the greatest relative frequency in marsh situations. The frequency of captures of the former species in the clear—cur habitat was proportionally lower than for the latter species. Sorex nanus and Microsorex hoyi were taken with high frequency in the forest. S. nanus was taken with the greatest frequency of any species in the clear—cut area and also at the greatest mean distance from permanent surface water. M. hoyi was captured more frequently than any other species at sites intermediate in character between marsh and forest. It...
Resonance photodecay amplitudes to 1. 8 GeV

We present the results of an energy-dependent and set of energy-independent partial-wave analyses of pion-photoproduction data. The analyses extend from threshold to 1.8 GeV in the laboratory photon energy. Resonance photodecay amplitudes are extracted for the 16 baryon resonances found within this energy range. Comparisons are made with previous determinations and quark model predictions. For the stronger resonances, we find results in good agreement with the earlier determinations of Crawford and Morton.
Microcalorimetric Investigation of the Binding of Some Chemotherapeutic Agents and Related Molecules to Calf Thymus DNA

Batch microcalorimetry was used to estimate directly the standard enthalpies of the binding of small molecules to DNA. These values were compared with those obtained from spectrophotometric binding constants and van't Hoff plots. The close agreement between the independently obtained enthalpies indicates that the appropriate (best) binding model has four phosphates per binding site. Thermodynamic binding constants were obtained from apparent binding constants measured at different ionic strengths. From these and the measured standard enthalpies, standard free energies and standard entropies of binding were calculated. The weak, presumably external, binding alleged to occur at high formal molar concentration ratios of ligand to DNA bases could not be detected by a measurable heat of binding.
SYSTEMATICS OF ULVACEAE (ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) USING NUCLEAR AND CHLOROPLAST DNA SEQUENCES

Ulvaceae are morphologically simple, cosmopolitan green macroalgae. Family members, particularly species of Ulva and Enteromorpha, are prevalent in coastal ecosystems and responsible for “green tide” events around the world. Little is known about the evolutionary history of Ulvaceae. A lack of reliable, non-molecular systematic characters has thwarted attempts to diagnose natural groupings within Ulva and Enteromorpha and among these and other putative Ulvaceae genera. Our study addresses several questions: 1) What are the phylogenetic relationships among genera commonly placed in Ulvaceae (Chloropelta, Enteromorpha, Ulva, Ulvaria); 2) Where do problematic genera such as Blidingia, Capsosiphon, Kornmannia, and Percursaria belong; and 3) What are the natural groupings of taxa within these genera? We address these questions using nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses support a monophyletic Ulvaceae consisting of Chloropelta, Enteromorpha, Percursaria, Ulva and Ulvaria. The systematic position of Blidingia, Capsosiphon and Kornmannia, and evolutionary relationships within selected genera will be discussed.
An Approach to the Synthesis of TMTTeF

Abstract An approach to the synthesis of tetramethyltetra-tellurafulvalene (TMTTeF) via an organosilicon intermediate is presented.
Teaching and Learning via Videoconference: The Benefits of Cooperative Learning.

For the past two years, the Center for Distance Learning of SUNY Empire State College has been offering courses to NYNEX employees using the company's videoconferencing equipment. Students were located at four sites and two-hour seminars were held every other week throughout the term. This article discusses my incorporating problem-based learning and cooperative learning into the teaching of Business Mathematics and Introduction to Issues in Telecommunications for the Center for Distance Learning using this equipment. Students at each site were placed in teams of four and these groups engaged in cooperative learning activities at their sites in addition to participating over the network. Benefits of this approach have included: more variety of participation; increased insight in contributions made over the network because of time given to articulating ideas less formally at each site; and an atmosphere of sharing and teamwork.
Folate quenches oxidative damage in brains of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice: augmentation by vitamin E

Abstract We demonstrate that folate and vitamin E can compensate for the diminished oxidative buffering capacity of brains of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Normal and ApoEtmlUne homozygous ‘knockout’ mice were maintained for 1 month on a diet either lacking or supplemented with folate, vitamin E or iron as a pro-oxidant after which brain tissue was harvested and analyzed for for thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) as an index of oxidative damage. Normal mice exhibited no significant difference in TBARs following iron challenge in the presence or absence of vitamin E, folic acid or both. Similarly, ApoE knockout mice exhibited no significant differences following dietary iron challenge in the presence or absence of vitamin E. However, ApoE knockout mice accumulated significantly increased TBARs following iron challenge when folic acid was withheld, and accumulated even more TBARs when both folic acid and vitamin E were withheld. These findings demonstrate that ApoE knockout mice during vitamin deficiency are less capable of buffering the consequences of dietary iron challenge than are normal mice. Since the apolipoprotein E4 allele, which exhibits diminished oxidative buffering capacity, is linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), these data underscore the possibility that critical nutritional deficiencies may modulate the impact of genetic compromise on neurodegeneration in AD.
A proposed pathway of plasma glycoprotein synthesis.

Plasma glycoprotein synthesis in the liver occurs in a stepwise fashion. The first sugar, N-acetylglucosamine, is attached to the protein during the growth of the polypeptide chain on the membranebound ribosomes. Subsequent carbohydrates are incorporated after the completion of the protein in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The reactions are carried out by enzymes strongly bound to the membranes. Because the glycosylation reaction occurs in the interior of the cytoplasmic tubules a permeability problem for the nucleotide sugar exists. Recent studies indicate that sugar-lipids are formed on the cytoplasmic site of the membrane and these complexes transfer the sugars across the membrane. Experimental evidence for this pathway is presented in this article.
Mitrofanoff channel survival after pedicle ligation

In patients who have undergone complex genitourinary reconstruction, additional abdominal surgery is often required. We report 2 cases in which the blood supply to an existing Mitrofanoff channel was divided. In both cases, the conduits appeared to remain well perfused, presumably based on collateral blood supply. Both conduits remained healthy and functioning at more than 1 year of follow-up.
Heterogeneous anisotropic model for notched fibre composites

Abstract A model which takes into account the inhomogeneity of unidirectional fibre composites is developed and the singular crack-tip stress and strain fields for each constituent are obtained. The model is based on the assumption that the near crack-tip strain in the fibre reinforcement direction is the same at any point in both an equivalent homogeneous anisotropic body and the heterogenous anisotropic composite. The model is applied to a graphite fibre polysulphone fibre coating epoxymatrix composite for a range of fibre reinforcement angles, and the fibre and matrix stress fields are plotted for a number of fibre reinforcement angles.
Life stressors and posttraumatic stress disorder in a seriously mentally ill jail population

Inmates represent a vulnerable population with increased rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about the rates of trauma and PTSD among male inmates with acute psychiatric illness. This prospective, randomized study was conducted to assess the current rates of trauma and PTSD in this population. The sample consisted of 48 patients admitted to a hospital jail psychiatry service in New York City. Subjects were administered the Life Stressor Checklist-Revised and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Disorders, PTSD Module (SCID-I). The rate of PTSD diagnosis via SCID-I was 46.2% as compared to 2.1% diagnosis via clinical interview. All participants reported a history of at least one stressful and/or traumatic event, and many of these events occurred during incarceration. These results demonstrate that a great deal of trauma and PTSD goes unrecognized and untreated in this population, indicating the need for more effective treatment interventions.
Use of soy protein concentrate in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) reared under field conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production response of Litopenaeus vannamei fed with production diets containing increasing percentages (0, 4, 8, and 12%) of soy protein concentrate (SPC). The diets were commercially produced and evaluated in outdoor tanks and 0.1-ha production ponds. In the outdoor green water tank system, the four test diets and a commercial reference diets were offered to juvenile shrimp (1.0 g initial weight) reared over a 10-week period at a stocking density of 30 shrimp per tank. At the conclusion of the tank trial, there were differences in final weight (13.5–15.0) biomass (399 g–432 g), and FCR (1.17–1.28) with the reference diet generally producing significantly better results than the test diets albeit there were no significant differences among the SPC test diets. In addition, the test diets were evaluated in 0.1-ha ponds using four replicates per diet. Nursed juvenile shrimps (0.013 g initial weight) were stocked at 35 shrimp m−2 and were cultured under standardized pond production conditions for 18 weeks. At the conclusions, net yield (4,190–5,051 kg/ha), final mean weight (13.5–15.7 g), survival (86.7–93.3%), and FCR (1.3–1.59) were evaluated with no significant differences between dietary treatments. The results from this study demonstrated that SPC inclusion up to 12% SPC in soybean-based diet can be used in commercial feed formulations for L. vannamei without causing negative effect on growth, feed conversion, survival and net yield.
Soft Reclosing of an Industrial Power Network Using an Inverter-Controlled Energy-Storage System

We describe a process for using inverter-coupled local energy storage to support a part of the network in an industrial power system following a momentary outage, and then transfer the loads to the utility source in a transient-free manner. This process, called “Soft-Reclosing,” eliminates a number of problems and minimizes the losses encountered by industries due to power outages and momentary interruptions. Consequential damages, scrap losses, and motor-starting inrush currents that cause voltage dips in nearby load centers, and breaker reclosing transients are avoided through the use of this method. The soft-reclose process is accomplished by supplying the plant with a voltage/frequency ramp while the network operates in islanded mode, then reclosing the service-entrance breaker when the plant network is matched in phase and voltage to the utility grid. Voltage and frequency acceleration of the network are controlled by the inverter according to the characteristics of the connected loads. The method is tested with simulation using the power system network which is representative of a plastic/rubber manufacturing plant. The results show a significant reduction in current spikes, voltage dips, motor torque, speed, power factor fluctuations, and most important, process downtime compared to a conventional manual restart process.
E. coli Expression and Purification of Fab Antibody Fragments

The Fab molecule was the first generated antibody fragment and still dominates basic research and clinical applications. This unit describes the E. coli expression and purification of Fab antibody fragments with and without a His tag, and is designed to yield sufficient protein for the evaluation and characterization of a panel of Fab selected from a Fab library by phage display.