cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Millimeter-Wave Rotational Spectrum of NO in the π 3 2 2 State

The $J=\frac{3}{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\frac{5}{2}$ rotational transition of NO in the $^{2}\ensuremath{\pi}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ electronic state has been measured in the 1.17 mm wave region. Theory applied to these measurements combined with previous measurements on transitions of the ground $^{2}\ensuremath{\pi}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ state lead to the following values for the characteristic constants of ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$: The rotational constant, ${B}_{0}=50848.42$ Mc/sec, and the spin orbit coupling constant $A=122.1$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ nuclear magnetic couplings $a=83.82$ Mc/sec, $b=68.49$ Mc/sec, $c=\ensuremath{-}86.34$ Mc/sec, and the ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ nuclear quadrupole couplings $\mathrm{eQ}{q}_{1}=\ensuremath{-}2$ Mc/sec, $\mathrm{eQ}{q}_{2}=22$ Mc/sec. The $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-doubling constants ${p}_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}=175.15$ Mc/sec, ${q}_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}=1.15$ Mc/sec.
Black-White Preterm Birth Disparity: A Marker of Inequality

Purpose The racial disparity in preterm birth (PTB) is a persistent feature of perinatal epidemiology. Its consistency is not only an outcome of reproductive interest but may function as a persistent inequality to which women are exposed over time. Herein we sought to analyze exposure to area-level PTB disparity and its association with individual-level PTB risk. Methods Using geocoded birth records (1999–2001) and year 2000 census data for Wake County, North Carolina, we created a tract-level PTB disparity variable for each woman in our study area, comprising all births in her tract excluding her birth. Multilevel random intercept models for exposure to neighborhood PTB disparity and odds of PTB were fit. Results Exposure to area-level PTB disparity was associated with increased odds of PTB for all women. After adjustment for maternal and neighborhood covariates, odds of delivering preterm increased by 25%, 26%, and 36% for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of exposure to PTB disparity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.57; OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.58; and OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06–1.75, respectively). Conclusions Exposure to persistent inequality, in the form of PTB disparity, appears associated with individual-level PTB risk. Knowing where PTB disparity is greatest has implications for PTB prevention policy efforts to buffer adverse conditions.
Effect of 8-oxoguanine on transcription elongation by T7 RNA polymerase and mammalian RNA polymerase II

8-Oxoguanine (8-oxoG) is a major oxidative lesion produced in DNA by normal cellular metabolism or after exposure to exogenous sources such as ionizing radiation. Persistence of this lesion in DNA causes G to T transversions, with deleterious consequences for the cell. As a result, several repair processes have evolved to remove this lesion from the genome. It has been reported that 8-oxoG is subject to transcription-coupled repair (TCR), a process dedicated to removal of lesions from transcribed strands of expressed genes. A current model assumes that RNA polymerase arrest at the site of the lesion is required for initiation of TCR. As a first step to understand how TCR of 8-oxoG occurs, we have studied the effect of 8-oxoG on transcription elongation by T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) and rat liver RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). We have utilized an in vitro transcription system with purified RNA polymerase and initiation factors, and substrates containing a single 8-oxoG in the transcribed or in the non-transcribed strand downstream of the T7 promoter or the Adenovirus major late promoter. We found that 8-oxoG only slightly inhibited T7 RNAP transcription, with a readthrough frequency of up to 95%. Similarly, this lesion only transiently blocked transcription by RNAPII. However, changes in nucleotide concentration affected the extent of RNAPII blockage at the 8-oxoG. When this lesion was positioned in the non-transcribed strand, complete lesion bypass was observed with either polymerase. Binding of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSH2-MSH6 complex to 8-oxoG containing substrates did not increase the frequency of RNAPII arrest at the site of the lesion, suggesting that this complex was displaced by the elongating polymerase. These results are discussed in the context of possible models for TCR.
Nuclear magnetic resonance evidence for retention of a lamellar membrane phase with curvature in the presence of large quantities of the HIV fusion peptide

The HIV fusion peptide (HFP) is a biologically relevant model system to understand virus/host cell fusion. 2 H and 31 P NMR spectroscopies were applied to probe the structure and motion of membranes with bound HFP and with a lipid headgroup and cholesterol composition comparable to that of membranes of host cells of HIV. The lamellar phase was retained for a variety of highly fusogenic HFP constructs as well as a non-fusogenic HFP construct and for the influenza virus fusion peptide. The lamellar phase is therefore a reasonable structure for modeling the location of HFP in lipid/cholesterol dispersions. Relative to no HFP, membrane dispersions with HFP had faster 31 P transverse relaxation and faster transverse relaxation of acyl chain 2 H nuclei closest to the lipid headgroups. Relative to no HFP, mechanically aligned membrane samples with HFP had broader 31 P signals with a larger fraction of unoriented membrane. The relaxation and aligned sample data are consistent with bilayer curvature induced by the HFP which may be related to its fusion catalytic function. In some contrast to the subtle effects of HFP on a host-cell-like membrane composition, an isotropic phase was observed in dispersions rich in phosphatidylethanolamine lipids and with bound HFP.
Proposed Methodology of Optimizing Transitioning between Time-of-Day Timing Plans

Timing plans for coordinated signals are developed online using real-time traffic data collected by detectors or offline using traffic data previously collected but still representative of the period in which the timing plan is to be implemented. The timing plans developed using offline techniques are generally known as time-of-day (TOD) timing plans as they are generally implemented during a specific time of the day. One downside of the TOD timing technique is the handling of coordination parameters--defined by cycle length, phase split, and offset--when one plan is transitioning to the next plan. This paper presents a methodology to optimize traffic flow during the transition period. The methodology, based on dynamic quadratic optimization, achieves synchronization of coordination parameters through an optimum number of cycles and an optimum number of increments (or decrements) of the coordination parameters. The proposed transition period optimization method has the advantage that the user does not need to specify minimum and maximum cycle lengths in the optimization process, as is the case with current methods. Preliminary simulation results that compared the proposed methodology to transition methods embedded in CORSIM showed that it has the potential of reducing queue delay, particularly on minor street approaches. The delays on major street approaches were comparable and similar in both scenarios in which traffic volumes were increasing or decreasing between the succeeding plans. Additional simulation runs involving various scenarios of geometric, traffic, and signalization conditions as well as field evaluation are needed before the efficacy of this method over current methods used in practice can be ascertained.
Collection of volatiles from honeybee larvae and adults enclosed on brood frames

We describe a system for the in situ collection of volatiles from bees enclosed on a standard Langstroth frame face. The system includes an observation frame consisting of a glass plate and an aluminum frame that encloses a single frame face. A push–pull airflow system and an in-line volatile collection filter allow for air exchange and headspace volatile capture. This system can provide insight into colony chemical communication. The emissions of four compounds (2-heptanone, methyl benzoate, decanal, and 3-carene) associated with adult bees or colony materials remained steady or increased slightly in repeated collections from frames with maturing larvae. The emissions of the larval food component octanoic acid reflected changes in food consumption patterns by differently aged larvae. The production of the primer pheromone E-β-ocimene was greatest in comb containing young larvae and recently capped brood, but was lower on comb with capping larvae.
Carotid Screening with Duplex Ultrasound in Elderly Asymptomatic Patients Referred to a Vascular Surgeon: Is It Worthwhile?

The purpose of this study is to prospectively determine the outcome of carotid duplex ultrasound screening in patients referred to a vascular surgeon for problems other than carotid disease. During a recent 12-month period, 307 patients age 65 years and older (mean 76 ± 8 years) were referred to one vascular surgeon for problems other than cerebrovascular disease. Fifty-one percent of the patients were male, 49% were female, 32% were diabetic, 32% were hypertensive, 31% smoked, 20% had coronary artery disease, and 64% had peripheral arterial occlusive disease. All patients underwent a screening duplex ultrasound exam of the carotid arteries as approved by our Institutional Review Board. The results of our study showed that the prevalence of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis >70% among patients seen by a vascular surgeon for problems other than cerebrovascular disease is high (21%) and is associated with male gender, advanced age, diabetes mellitus and having quit smoking. Continued carotid artery duplex screening is warranted in this patient population greater than age 65 years.
Energy Strategy Planning for Electric Utilities Part II, Smarte Methodology Case Study

For the MIT study of Con Edison's energy system, a new methodology which uses regression analysis to relate selected data from the several special-purpose tools was developed and successfully applied. The use of a large simulation-optimization computer package was deemed to have significant disadvantages (for convenience, accuracy, time-expense, and overall command of the task). The new method relates these data to provide trade-off analyses and uncertainty analyses?the key factors in today's multi-objective, multi-parametered strategic planning.
Simulation-based Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) course optimization: use of multi-modality educational activities

In 2010, the American Board of Anesthesiology instituted a new Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) Part IV activity requiring diplomates to attend and self-reflect on a simulation-based course in an American Society of Anesthesiologists-endorsed program. Although there are certain course requirements, much of the curriculum and structure of these MOCA activities is left to the discretion of the participating endorsed program. The ideal course would emphasize multimodality simulation-based activities that optimize diplomate education and satisfaction, while economizing faculty requirements. We describe of our course structure and content as a potentially useful template.
Versatile Data Acquisition for a Gas Chromatograph

Data acquisition is reported for a Varian CP 3800 gas chromatograph with affordable and user friendly interface box and software. LabPro was triggered to commence data acquisition upon sample injection and simultaneously monitored two detectors and oven temperature. After acquisition, functions are available for determining the retention time and for peak integration after baseline subtraction. Data may be exported as a text file. The interface box and software are available at a tenth of the cost of the instrument vendor's software. In this work, the determination of optimum carrier gas flow rate is reported as an example.
Paraneoplastic syndrome in squamous cell carcinoma of urinary bladder

Hypercalcemia with metastatic tumor is a common clinical entity, but without metastasis, hypercalcemia as a manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is rare. We present a case demonstrating immunoreactive parathyroid hormone-like activity in a nonmetastasizing tumor. Hypercalcemia subsided after ablative surgery.
Gazing at Cirrus Clouds for 25 Years through a Split Window. Part I: Methodology

Abstract This paper demonstrates that the split-window approach for estimating cloud properties can improve upon the methods commonly used for generating cloud temperature and emissivity climatologies from satellite imagers. Because the split-window method provides cloud properties that are consistent for day and night, it is ideally suited for the generation of a cloud climatology from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), which provides sampling roughly four times per day. While the split-window approach is applicable to all clouds, this paper focuses on its application to cirrus (high semitransparent ice clouds), where this approach is most powerful. An optimal estimation framework is used to extract estimates of cloud temperature, cloud emissivity, and cloud microphysics from the AVHRR split-window observations. The performance of the split-window approach is illustrated through the diagnostic quantities generated by the optimal estimation approach. An objective assessment of the perfo...
Dual photo- and thermally initiated cationic polymerization of epoxy monomers

Selective inhibition of the photoinitiated cationic ring-opening polymerization of epoxides by dialkyl sulfides has provided dual systems that can be “activated” by UV irradiation and then subsequently be polymerized by the application of heat. It is proposed that dialkyl sulfides terminate the initial or growing polyether chains at an early stage to form stable trialkylsulfonium salts. These systems are dormant at room temperature but on thermolysis, the sulfonium salts are capable of reinitiating ring-opening polymerization. These dual photo- and thermal cure systems have potential applications in adhesives, potting resins, and composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6750–6764, 2006
Impact of a Collector Box on the Pressure Recovery of an Exhaust Diffuser System

The effects of an industrial gas turbine’s Exhaust Collector Box (ECB) geometry on static pressure recovery and total pressure loss were investigated in this study. This study aims to further understand how exit boundary conditions affect the performance of a diffuser system. In this investigation, the exhaust diffuser remained constant through each test, with collector box geometries being varied. The same uniform velocity profile was maintained at the diffuser inlet for all geometries considered. The local pressure recovery through the diffuser with 4 axial ports at 4 circumferential locations was reported along with 14 locations in the accompanying ECB. A system performance analysis for each geometry was conducted using the total pressure loss from inlet to exit of the model. Velocity and total pressure profiles obtained with a hotwire anemometer and Kiel probe at the exit of the diffuser and at the exit of the ECB are also presented in this study. Three (3) different ECB geometries are investigated at a Reynolds number of 60,000. Results obtained from these experimental tests are used to validate the accuracy of a 3-dimensional RANS with realizable k-e turbulence CFD model from the commercial software package Star-CCM+. The study confirms the existence of two strong counter-rotating helical vortices at the exit of the ECB which significantly affect the flow within the diffuser. Evidence of a strong recirculation zone within the ECB was found to force separation within the exhaust diffuser. Extending the length of the ECB proved to decrease the total pressure loss of the system by up to 19% experimentally. Additionally, the realizable k-e turbulence was able to accurately represent the total pressure loss of the system within 5%. Despite the extremely complex flow field within the ECB, the computational domain reasonably represented the system in both magnitude and trends.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hypercontractility of Intestinal Longitudinal Smooth Muscle Induced by Cytokines Is Mediated by the Nuclear Factor-κB/AMP-Activated Kinase/Myosin Light Chain Kinase Pathway

Recent studies have identified AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) as a target of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (CaMKKβ) and a negative regulator of myosin light-chain (MLC) kinase (MLCK). The present study examined whether a change in expression or activity of AMPK is responsible for hypercontractility of intestinal longitudinal muscle during inflammation or in response to proinflammatory cytokines. In mouse colonic longitudinal muscle cells, acetylcholine (ACh) stimulated AMPK and MLCK phosphorylation and activity and induced MLC20 phosphorylation and muscle contraction. Blockade of CaMKKβ with STO609 (7-oxo-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benz[de]isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid acetate) inhibited AMPK and MLCK phosphorylation and augmented MLCK activity, MLC20 phosphorylation, and smooth muscle cell contraction. In muscle cells isolated from the colon of TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid)-treated mice or from strips treated with interleukin-1β or tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor κB was activated as indicated by an increase in p65 phosphorylation and IκBα degradation, and AMPK was phosphorylated at a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)–specific site (Ser485) that is distinct from the stimulatory CaMKKβ site (Thr172), resulting in attenuation of ACh-stimulated AMPK activity and augmentation of MLCK activity and muscle cell contraction. Inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activity with MG-132 (carbobenzoxy-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-leucinal Z-LLL-CHO) or PKA activity with myristoylated PKA inhibitor 14-22 amide blocked phosphorylation of AMPK at Ser485 and restored MLCK activity and muscle cell contraction to control levels. The results imply that PKA released from IκBα complex phosphorylated AMPK at a PKA-specific site and inhibited its activity, thereby relieving the inhibitory effect of AMPK on MLCK and increasing MLCK activity and muscle cell contraction. We conclude that hypercontractility of intestinal longitudinal muscle induced by inflammation or proinflammatory cytokines is mediated by nuclear factor κB/PKA-dependent inhibition of AMPK and activation of MLCK.
Biomass-dependent effects of age-0 common carp on aquatic ecosystems

Fishes play a functional role in structuring aquatic ecosystems through top-down and bottom-up processes. Adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are well recognized for their middle-out effects on aquatic ecosystems that can shift shallow lakes from the clear- to turbid-water stable state through benthic foraging activities. However, less is known about ecosystem effects of age-0 common carp. Age-0 common carp are planktivorous and can be highly abundant, suggesting that large year classes may also produce undesirable ecosystem effects. We evaluated the effects of four age-0 common carp densities (0, 175, 475, and 812 kg/ha) on water quality (ammonium, total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and turbidity) and primary (macrophytes and phytoplankton) and secondary (zooplankton and benthic invertebrates) production. Common carp increased nutrient availability and phytoplankton production and decreased water transparency with effects increasing with carp biomass. Common carp also reduced macrophyte coverage and cladocera density (through effects on chydorus and ceriodaphnia) and body size, but effects were not density dependent. In contrast, common carp did not appear to affect copepod, rotifer, chironomid, or gastropod densities. These results suggest that even relatively low age-0 common carp densities (>175 kg/ha) may have many comparable ecosystem effects as adult carp, although effects may be accrued through different pathways.
Long polyamines act as cofactors in PIP2 activation of inward rectifier potassium (Kir2.1) channels.

Phosphatidylinosital-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) acts as an essential factor regulating the activity of all Kir channels. In most Kir members, the dependence on PIP2 is modulated by other factors, such as protein kinases (in Kir1), Gβγ (in Kir3), and the sulfonylurea receptor (in Kir6). So far, however, no regulator has been identified in Kir2 channels. Here we show that polyamines, which cause inward rectification by selectively blocking outward current, also regulate the interaction of PIP2 with Kir2.1 channels to maintain channel availability. Using spermine and diamines as polyamine analogs, we demonstrate that both spontaneous and PIP2 antibody–induced rundown of Kir2.1 channels in excised inside-out patches was markedly slowed by long polyamines; in contrast, polyamines with shorter chain length were ineffective. In K188Q mutant channels, which have a low PIP2 affinity, application PIP2 (10 μM) was unable to activate channel activity in the absence of polyamines, but markedly activated channels in the presence of long diamines. Using neomycin as a measure of PIP2 affinity, we found that long polyamines were capable of strengthening either the wild type or K188Q channels' interaction with PIP2. The negatively charged D172 residue inside the transmembrane pore region was critical for the shift of channel–PIP2 binding affinity by long polyamines. Sustained pore block by polyamines was neither sufficient nor necessary for this effect. We conclude that long polyamines serve a dual role as both blockers and coactivators (with PIP2) of Kir2.1 channels.
Reply [to “On mantle carbon flux calculated”]

I will address Marty's concern about priority in the publication of 3He-based estimates for the flux and isotopic composition of mantle carbon (“Who published what, and when?”). I will also discuss our views on the history of mantle/crust exchange. Our analyses of MORB carbon occurred from 1980 to 1986, in collaboration with H. Sakai, J.G. Moore and J. Delaney, and J. Blank. We reported that a 13C-depleted component, released by combustion below 500°C, had been added to the samples after their eruption [Des Marais et al., 1983; Des Marais and Moore, 1984; Sakai et al., 1984]. Essentially all of the carbon released above 500°C derived from the original magma and was isotopically similar, both to the value measured earlier for CO2 in MORB vesicles [Pineau et al., 1976; Moore et al., 1977], and also to the average value for the crust. While isotopic comparisons between mantle and crust have indeed “focused the attention of many workers, starting in the 1950s,” the early estimates of mantle carbon were either based on unusual minerals or rocks (e.g. diamonds or carbonatites) whose isotopic composition could not be proved to represent the average upper mantle value, or they were based on analyses that implied (incorrectly) that basalts contain two major, magma-derived, isotopically distinct carbon components ( −4 to −9 permil, and −20 to −30 permil). Because midocean ridge (MOR) volcanism provides most of the mantle carbon flux, it offers the most representative sample of the upper mantle. Our work, together with H. Craig's measurements of MOR hydrothermal fluids, first showed that carbon isotope discrimination during eruption was less than a few permil, and that, at several ridge sites, the indigenous carbon (not only in MORB vesicles but also in MORB glass) was isotopically quite similar to that of the crustal carbon reservoir.
Difference in operative time according to stone location for endoscopic management of ureteral and renal stones.

Objective To study the difference in operative time for endoscopic management of ureteral and renal stones according to the stone location. Materials and Methods We hypothesized that these cases are not equivalent in terms of the surgeon's work as measured by the operating time, and we assessed whether significant variations exist within the umbrella of the Common Procedural Terminology code 52353: “ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy.” We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients undergoing unilateral ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy or retrograde intrarenal surgery under the care of 1 fellowship-trained endourologist from 2008 to 2010. The patients who underwent simultaneous additional endoscopic procedures, including bilateral ureteropyeloscopy, were excluded. The demographics, stone size and location, presence of a previously placed stent, and operative time were assessed and compared. The cohorts were designated according to the stone location—ureteral or renal. Results Of the total 213 ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal surgery cases reviewed, 115 were ureteral stones and 98 were renal stones. The renal stones required a significantly increased mean operative time (112 minutes) than did the ureteral stones (70 minutes; P Conclusion Despite bundling within a single Current Procedural Terminology code, endoscopic management of renal stones and ureteral stones were markedly different, with a significant increase in the operative time for renal stones. The renal stone size was significantly larger, as expected. Current Procedural Terminology differentiation should be considered to appreciate the difference between ureteral and renal ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy in terms of resource requirements.
Magnetic collimation and metal foil filtering for electron range and fluence modulation

We investigated the use of magnetically collimated electron beams together with metal filters for electron fluence and range modulation. A longitudinal magnetic fieldcollimation method was developed to reduce skin dose and to improve the electron beam penumbra. Thin metal foils were used to adjust the energies of magnetically collimated electrons. The effects for different types of foils such as Al, Be, Cu,Pb, and Ti were studied using Monte Carlo calculations. An empirical pencil beam dose calculation model was developed to calculate electron dose distributions under magnetic collimation and foil modulation. An optimization method was developed to produce conformal dose distributions for simulated targets such as a horseshoe-shaped target. Our results show that it is possible to produce an electron depth dose enhancement peak using similar techniques of producing a spread-out Bragg peak. In conclusion, our study demonstrates new aspects of using magnetic collimation and foil filtration for producing fluence and range modulated electron dose distributions.
Audit Fees for Initial Audit Engagements Before and After SOX

SUMMARY: Legislators, regulators, and the media have expressed concerns that auditors “lowball” the fees for initial‐year audits and that such fee discounts can lead to reduced audit quality. We hypothesize that initial‐year audit fee discounts will be less likely in the post‐SOX period than in the pre‐SOX period. Using both fee‐levels and fee‐changes models, we find that Big 4 clients receive initial‐year audit fee discounts of about 24 percent in 2001; this finding is consistent with results from many prior studies that have examined various periods prior to SOX. However, we find that in 2005–2006 Big 4 clients pay an initial‐year audit fee premium of around 16 percent. We also document that the Big 4 are much less likely to serve as a successor, following an auditor change, in 2005–2006 than in 2001. Overall, the findings suggest that concerns about initial‐year audit fee discounts are not supported by empirical evidence in the post‐SOX period. The results also suggest that the Big 4 have become more c...
Efficient influenza A virus replication in the respiratory tract requires signals from TLR7 and RIG-I

Induction of a proinflammatory response is the hallmark of host innate defense against invading pathogens. Host recognition of influenza A virus (IAV) infection relies on pattern-recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and retinoic acid inducible gene-1 (RIG-I) for the activation of innate-immune responses. Here, we show that following a physiological low dose of IAV infection, viral sensing by either TLR7 or RIG-I induces a proinflammatory program that promotes viral replication. Transfer of bronchoalveolar lavage from infected wild-type mice into the airway of mice deficient in TLR7 and RIG-I pathways was sufficient to restore viral replication efficiency. Comparison of IAV-infected cells revealed that inflammatory mediators elicited by TLR7 and RIG-I signaling recruit viral target cells to the airway, thereby enhancing viral load within the respiratory tract. Our data suggest that IAV uses physiological levels of inflammatory responses for its replicative advantage and highlight the complex interplay between viruses and the host innate-immune responses.
Low-energy proton reactions on 45Sc of interest in stellar nucleosynthesis

Abstract Differential cross sections on 45 Sc have been measured for inelastic scattering (p, p i ; i = 2–13) at lab angles of 70° and 110° in the proton energy range 2.5 to 3.5 MeV and for the (p, α 0, 1 ) reactions at 125° between 2.8 and 3.8 MeV. Angular distributions were obtained at incident energies of 2.90, 3.15 and 3.40 MeV. These data were compared with calculations performed with a Hauser-Feshbach statistical model and average parameters which have been used to calculate reaction rates during stellar nucleosynthesis. The general agreement between the calculations and the trend of the data supports the use of these calculations for reaction rates involving nuclei in excited states, a situation important during stellar silicon burning.
Solving ODE'S with Discrete Data in SPEAKEASY

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the solution of ODES with discrete data in SPEAKEASY. SPEAKEASY is a very high level language designed to make using computers easy for model building. It discusses a capability for solving differential equations in the language. The language is representative of situations in which one wants to regard the solution of a differential equation as a high level operation requiring no user intervention at all. SPEAKEASY does not have within it functions in the sense of FORTRAN and other general purpose programming languages. A function like sin(x) can be employed in SPEAKEASY, but it is defined as a table of values on a specified set of points and it is held in the computer as an array. The output of the preprocessor is a FORTRAN subroutine, which can be run in SPEAKEASY. The reason for using FLECS is that the control structures available make the workings of the algorithms transparent when coded. The chapter presents basic linear algebra subprograms that are standard FORTRAN modules for performing basic operations such as adding two vectors.
Synthesis, reactivity, and spectroscopic studies of η5-C5H5(CO)(L)Fe[C(SCH3)2]+ carbene complexes

Abstract Irradiation of Cp(CO)2Fe[C(SCH3)2]+ in CH3CN solution with UV light produces high yields of Cp(CO)(CH3CN)Fe[C(SCH3)2]+; the reaction appears to be general for other Cp(CO)2Fe[carbene]+ complexes. The CH3CN ligand of Cp(CO)(CH3CN)Fe[C(SCH3)2]+ is readily displaced by other ligands to form Cp(CO)(L)Fe[C(SCH3)2]+ (L = P(OPh)3, P(OCH3)3, PPh3, AsPh3, SbPh3, CH3NC, C5H5N) in good yields. Carbon-13 NMR studies of the Cp(CO)(L)Fe[C(SCH3)2]+ complexes show a general downfield shift of the C(carbene) Resonance as Fe→C(carbene) π-backbonding is increased by changes in L. Temperature dependent 1H NMR studies of the SC(carbene) rotational barrier indicate that S→C(carbene) π-donation decreases as Fe→C(carbene) π-backbonding is increased by changing L. The reactivity of these complexes towards primary and secondary amines to form Cp(CO)(L)Fe(CNR)+ and Cp(CO)(L)Fe[C(SCH3)NR2]+ derivatives also decreases as Fe→C(carbene) π-backbonding is increased by varying L.
Mapping Topographic Structure in White Matter Pathways with Level Set Trees

Fiber tractography on diffusion imaging data offers rich potential for describing white matter pathways in the human brain, but characterizing the spatial organization in these large and complex data sets remains a challenge. We show that level set trees–which provide a concise representation of the hierarchical mode structure of probability density functions–offer a statistically-principled framework for visualizing and analyzing topography in fiber streamlines. Using diffusion spectrum imaging data collected on neurologically healthy controls (N = 30), we mapped white matter pathways from the cortex into the striatum using a deterministic tractography algorithm that estimates fiber bundles as dimensionless streamlines. Level set trees were used for interactive exploration of patterns in the endpoint distributions of the mapped fiber pathways and an efficient segmentation of the pathways that had empirical accuracy comparable to standard nonparametric clustering techniques. We show that level set trees can also be generalized to model pseudo-density functions in order to analyze a broader array of data types, including entire fiber streamlines. Finally, resampling methods show the reliability of the level set tree as a descriptive measure of topographic structure, illustrating its potential as a statistical descriptor in brain imaging analysis. These results highlight the broad applicability of level set trees for visualizing and analyzing high-dimensional data like fiber tractography output.
Aging Effects on Heat Treatment Response and Mechanical Properties of Al-(1 to 13 Pct)Si-Mg Cast Alloys

The effects of artificial aging time on the mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg cast alloys were investigated as a function of Si content and morphology. Five alloys with Si ranging from 1 to 13 pct, unmodified and Sr-modified, were tested systematically in as-cast, T4, and T61 conditions with different aging times. The results indicated that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the yield strength (YS) increased with increasing aging time, and that the YS increased more than the UTS. The increase was low during the first 2 hours, significantly increased after 2 hours, and slowed down at ~10 hours; after 10 hours of aging, both UTS and YS remained nearly constant. The elongation decreased with increasing aging time. The decrease was observed from ~2 hours to ~14 hours, and no significant change was observed after ~14 hours. In T61 conditions with different aging times, UTS increased up to 24 pct, whereas YS increased up to 88 pct. The Si level had significant effects on UTS, YS, and elongation. For all aging conditions, alloys with a higher Si level had higher UTS and YS. Si content increased alloys’ response to aging. Si modification also increased YS. The changes in mechanical properties were correlated to the fundamentals of the formation and evolution of Mg2Si phase from forming clusters of Si atoms, GP zones, rod-like β′ precipitates, and equilibrium Mg2Si platelets.
Propranolol, 14C-morphine accumulation and avoidance: Peripheral and central variables

Abstract Pretreatment with propranolol HCl resulted in a substantial reduction in the amount of 14C-morphine found in blood plasma, neostriatum plus adjacent tissue, pons-medulla, midbrain, cerebral cortex and cerebellum 25 min after IP injection of the labelled morphine. Previous observations, demonstrating attenuation of behavioral effects of morphine following pretreatment with propranolol, might have been due to a decrease in peripheral and/or central levels of morphine. However, when morphine HCl (10–20 μM) was administered via intraventricular cannulae following pretreatment with propranolol given intraperitoneally in rats performing free operant (Sidman) avoidance, the anti-avoidance effects of the opiate were also attenuated. Hence, previous results cannot be attributed solely to reduced concentration of morphine at CNS site(s) of action.
New method of generating spectrum compatible accelerograms using neural networks

A new method is proposed for generating artificial earthquake accelerograms from response spectra. This method uses the learning capabilities of neural networks to developed the knowledge of the inverse mapping from the response spectra to earthquake accelerogram. In the proposed method the neural networks learn the inverse mapping directly from the actual recorded earthquake accelerograms and their response spectra. A two-stage approach is used. In the first stage, a replicator neural network is used as a data compression tool. The replicator neural network compresses the vector of the discrete Fourier spectra of the accelerograms to vectors of much smaller dimension. In the second stage, a multi-layer feed-forward neural network learns to relate the response spectrum to the compressed Fourier spectrum. A simple example is presented, in which only 30 accelerograms are used to train the two-stage neural networks. This example demonstrates how the method works and shows its potential. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamics and Morphology of a Helmet Streamer Observed by the Yohkoh Soft X-Ray Telescope

Temperature and the emission measure data are obtained by the filter ratio method from images of the coronal helmet streamer observed by the Yohkoh Soft X-Ray Telescope (SXT) on 1992 January 24. Two averaging procedures are used for the results enhancement: the median filtering and the latitudinal averaging over a small heliocentric arc. The plasma density and temperature in the closed field region are calculated from the data, under the assumption that the line-of-sight depth of the structure is constant. The results are then compared with the thermodynamic equilibrium model. Significant deviations of the calculated pressure from the thermodynamic equilibrium are found at the top of the helmet. The proposed geometrical model of the helmet that takes into account possible variations in the line-of-sight depth of the structure explains the discrepancy between the data and the equilibrium model.
Abdominal approach for implantation of the A.S. 800 artificial urinary sphincter in females

The artificial urinary sphincter has been used with success in female patients with neuropathic bladder dysfunction and resultant urinary incontinence as the device has reliably substituted for the nonfunctioning sphincteric mechanism in these patients. A combination of augmentation cystoplasty to create a low pressure reservoir with the artificial urinary sphincter was successful in restoring continence in 92% of pediatric patients with meningomyelocele where other measures had failed. Use of the artificial urinary sphincter in patients with severe, recurrent stress incontinence is likewise highly successful in restoring continence. The potential disadvantage to the sling procedure of having to perform prolonged self-intermittent catheterization is avoided. Careful preoperative urodynamic evaluation is essential, however, to ensure that a stable bladder with no outlet obstruction is present. The abdominal approach to insert the artificial urinary sphincter avoids the potential of vaginal contamination with subsequent device infection. The operative technique to successfully accomplish this is fully described. The vascularity of the trigonovaginal septum is crucial for success with this approach. Conditions such as previous radiotherapy and excessive atrophy adversely affect the ultimate success of the operation because of decreased tissue perfusion. This applies whether the vaginal or abdominal approach is used to insert the device. Careful attention to preoperative evaluation and surgical technique will result in a high degree of success.
Shear waves in finite strain generated at the surface of a viscoelastic half-space

Abstract An initially undisturbed viscoelastic half-space is subjected to a monotonically increasing transverse particle velocity at the surface. The ensuing transient wave motion in finite strain is studied. By employing the theory of propagating surfaces of discontinuity the complete solution for the displacement is obtained as a Taylor expansion about the time of arrival of the wave front. It is shown that the coefficients in the expansion are the solutions of linear, inhomogeneous, ordinary differential equations of the first-order. The series solution is valid at all times, if the elastic stress-deformation curve corresponding to the initial values of the viscoelastic kernel functions are concave with respect to the deformation gradient axis.
Chiefdoms and the emergence of private property in land

Abstract A prevailing characteristic of complex, stratified societies is unequal access to critical resources, and in most cases land is the most fundamental of those resources. Gaining an understanding how relations to land are transformed is viewed as integral to revealing the origins of social inequality. Recent scholarship has proposed an evolution of property rights in land from open access to private property, the latter condition having been attributed to nation states. However, some scholars have concluded from their examinations of Early Medieval Irish texts that land within Irish chiefdoms was regarded as a commodity. The analysis carried out in this paper reveals that in Early Medieval Ireland some land could be considered to be private property, but the holding and transfer of land was restricted to chieftains and their dependents, the lands of commoners being held communally. The closest counterpart to this mode of land ownership is the form of feudalism proposed for the Classic and Post-Classic Maya.
Interpretations of the Thickness of Lubricant Films in Rolling Contact. 1. Examination of Measurements Obtained by X-Rays

The thickness of the film formed by each of five lubricants between a pair of disks in rolling contact has been measured by an X-ray technique for a range of loads (80,000 to 225,000 psi maximum Hertz stress), two temperatures (178 F and 250 F), and three speeds (4300 fpm to 9100 fpm). An empirical formula fitted to the X-ray data shows a much higher sensitivity of film thickness to load than is normally predicted. In order to judge whether the measurements themselves are at fault, the X-ray measuring process has been reexamined for accuracy, especially where load-dependent errors might arise. Some weaknesses are noted, such as in the amount of X-ray absorption, but these should not affect load sensitivity greatly. New experiments designed to find effects of imperfect collimation of X-rays indicate that reflection of X-rays may be significant, but these effects too do not seem to account for the anomalies of the film thickness measurements.
Towards component-based software engineering

The software community faces a major challenge that is raised by fast growing demand for rapid and cost effective development and maintenance of large scale and complex software systems. To overcome the challenge, the new trend is to adopt component based software engineering (CBSE). The key difference between CBSE and traditional software engineering is that CBSE views a software system as a set of off-the-shelf components integrated within an appropriate software architecture. CBSE promotes large scale reuse, as it focuses on building software systems by assembling off-the-shelf components rather than implementing the entire system from scratch. CBSE also emphasizes selection and creation of software architectures that allow systems to achieve their quality requirements. As a result, CBSE has introduced fundamental changes in software development and maintenance.
Molecular demixing in poly[cross-(ethyl acrylete)]-inter-poly[cross-(methyl methacrylate)] interpenetrating polymer networks brought about by selective decrosslinking and annealing

The extent of molecular demixing of poly[cross-(ethyl acrylate)]-inter-poly[cross-(methyl methacrylate)] interpenetrating polymer networks (PEA/PMMA IPNs), of mid-range composition was investigated by decrosslinking and/or annealing using dynamic mechanical spectroscopy. A single broad transition characteristic of extensive but incomplete molecular mixing was observed for the PEA/PMMA IPN. The presence of crosslinking in both phases of an IPN enhances the mutual miscibility of the polymers. Through the use of a labile crosslinker, acrylic acid anhydride (AAA), polymer networks may be decross-linked, allowing the chains to separate and form two distinct phases. Annealing further sharpens the transitions, and phase separation becomes most pronounced when decrosslinking is followed by annealing.
Renal Dysfunction Does Not Contraindicate Ventricular Assist Device as Destination Therapy or as Bridge to Single Heart or Combined Heart and Kidney Transplantation

Purpose Heart failure and renal dysfunction are related physiologically and often co-exist in patients who are evaluated for a ventricular assist device (VAD). Renal impairment has been considered a contra-indication to VAD insertion. The frequency of renal dysfunction and outcomes after VAD insertion were studied. Methods and Materials From May 2001 to June 2010, 109 VADs were implanted at our institution. We removed 10 patients from our study of whom 7 had multiple VADs implant and 3 had VAD implanted after heart transplant. We divided the remaining 99 patients in 4 groups of study: VAD as bridge to transplant (VAD-BTT; n=39), VAD as destination therapy (VAD-DT; n=14), VAD followed by heart transplant (VAD-HTx; n=40), and VAD followed by combined heart and kidney transplant (VAD-HKTx; n=6). The 4 groups had similar baseline characteristics. Calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine clearance (CrCl) and creatinine level (CrL) were assessed at admission before VAD implant and at 1, 6 and 12 months after VAD. GFR (ml/min/1.73 m 2 ) pre-VAD implantation was 39 ± 22 in VAD-BTT, 40.5 ± 24 in VAD-DT, 45.2 ± 24 in VAD-HTx and 23.4 ± 24 in VAD-HKTx. Results Renal function significantly improved in all 4 groups at 1, 6, and 12 months after VAD implantation. [ figure 1 ] Conclusions Our experience shows that VAD implantation is a viable modality treatment in patients with renal dysfunction and heart failure, whether as a bridge to transplant or as destination therapy. Pre-VAD impaired renal function is not a contra-indication to VAD insertion or to subsequent heart or heart-kidney transplant.
Modeling Air Traffic Demand for a Real-Time Queuing Network Model of the National Airspace System

A predictive model for departure traffic demand and its route distribution at look-ahead times of 2-15 hours is proposed, for use in a queuing-network-based tool for strategic Traffic Flow Management (TFM). The proposed model uses a combination of operational data (filed flight plans, schedules), historical statistics of demand, and time- of-operation-specific factors to generate statistical predictions of traffic demand for particular routes between pairs of airports or airport clusters. Specifically, a two-stage predictor for demand is proposed. First, traffic demand for an origin-destination (O-D) pair is modeled as the summation of a known demand which captures filed and scheduled traffic, and an unknown demand which is modeled as non-homogeneous Poisson process. Second, the fraction of this O-D traffic demand on each route is modeled using a linear regression, with the historical route fractions, known (filed) route fractions, and wind-adjusted transit times for the routes serving as regressors. Historical data on demands and actual traffic volumes are used to evaluate aspects of the model, including the Poisson-process assumption and the regression model for route distributions.
Sterol C24-methyltransferase: mechanistic studies of the C-methylation reaction with 24-fluorocycloartenol

The mechanism of the C-methylation reaction was studied with the allylic substrate analog 24-fluorocycloartenol 10 assayed with soybean sterol C24-methyltransferase (SMT). 10 is an effective competitive inhibitor (Ki = 32 microM) of the SMT, and the electron-withdrawing alpha-fluorine substituent was shown to suppress the rate of the C-methylation reaction by one order of magnitude relative to the natural cycloartenol substrate, kcat = 0.02 min(-1) versus 0.6 min(-1); alternately 10 can prevent the critical hydride shift of H24 to C25 to afford time-dependent inactivation of SMT (k(inact) = 0.32 min(-1)).