cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method for rapid comparison of angular distribution attenuation coefficients for detectors of arbitrary geometry

Abstract A very simple method of comparing a well known angular correlation or distribution attenuation coefficient Q 2 of one geometry to that of a detector geometry which is not known, has been developed. The method consists of generating an artificial angular distribution of γ-rays by placing the radio-active source on the axis of a cylindrical absorber which has a circular inside surface and an outside surface shaped so as to transmit γ-rays with a relative probability given by W ( θ ) = 1 + A 2 P 2 (cos θ ). The observed directional distributions are found to be very close to W ( θ ) given above and the method has been tested for both NaI(Tl) and Ge(Li) detectors in several counting geometries.
Fast branch misprediction recovery in out-of-order superscalar processors

Current trends in modern out-of-order processors involve implementing deeper pipelines and a large instruction window to achieve high performance. However, as pipeline depth increases, the branch misprediction penalty becomes a critical factor in overall processor performance. Current approaches to handling branch mispredictions either incrementally roll back to in-order state by waiting until the mispredicted branch reaches the head of the reorder buffer, or utilize checkpointing at branches for faster recovery. Rolling back to in-order state stalls the pipeline for a significant number of cycles and checkpointing is costly.This paper proposes a fast recovery mechanism, called Eager Misprediction Recovery (EMR), to reduce the branch misprediction penalty. Upon a misprediction, the processor immediately starts fetching and renaming instructions from the correct path without restoring the map table. Those instructions that access incorrect speculative values wait until the correct data are restored; however, instructions that access correct values continue executing while recovery occurs. Thus, the recovery mechanism hides the latency of long branch recovery with useful instructions.EMR achieves a mean performance improvement very close to a recovery mechanism that supports checkpointing at each branch. In addition, EMR provides an average of 9.0% and up to 19.9% better performance than traditional sequential misprediction recovery on the SPEC2000 benchmark suite.
Rigid Linkers for Bioactive Peptides

Rigid linkers of variable length were used to connect two high-affinity Nle4-D-Phe7-α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) or two low-affinity MSH(4) ligands. The linked peptides were synthesized by solid-phase methods. Control experiments indicate there is little or no effect of these linkers on NDP-α-MSH or MSH(4) binding to the human melanocortin 4 receptor (hMC4R). Tethering two high-affinity ligands gave no binding enhancement, while tethering two low-affinity ligands resulted in binding enhancement that decreased with increased linker length. Furthermore, for the low-affinity ligands, the enhancement of affinity is inversely proportional to the estimated molecular moments of inertia. These results are consistent with a model wherein binding is enhanced when the rate of ligand reattachment to the receptor is fast relative to the rate of ligand diffusion.
Course of sporulation of Bacillus popilliae in liquid medium containing activated carbon

Refractile spores of Bacillus popilliae, the causative agent of a milky disease of Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae, appear in liquid culture in the presence of activated carbon during the early part of the 2nd week of incubation. Forms resistant to drying occur during the 1st week when no refractile spores are seen. They usually number no more than a few hundred per milliliter and they vary in their resistance from day to day. During the 2nd week when refractile spores are present, the number of resistant forms rises to a peak in the vicinity of 100,000 per ml and then gradually decreases throughout the rest of a 3-week observation period. Refractile spores often disappear toward the end of the 3rd week. Thus, the terminal resistant forms may consist largely of slowly germinating spores.
Indole adsorption to a lipid monolayer studied by optical second harmonic generation.

Adsorption of indole from an aqueous subphase to a lipid (DPPC) monolayer at the air/water interface is studied by nonresonant second harmonic generation (SHG) with λ = 800 nm and by observation of compression isotherms with a Langmuir trough. The nonlinear susceptibilities of the monolayers have been carefully measured, including corrections for the contributions of the lipid monolayer and subphase, calibration of absolute values by comparison with a quartz reference, and measurement of absolute phase by comparison with a clean air/water interface. Details of the calibrations involving z-cut quartz and the clean air/water interface are presented. The number density of adsorbed indole molecules has been estimated by comparison of nonlinear susceptibilities with a reference monolayer of hexadecyl 3-indoleacetate. The extent of adsorption of indole to the lipid monolayer is maximum at low surface pressure, decreasing from an indole/DPPC ratio near 2:1 as the monolayer is compressed. The free energy change f...
Diminished iron concentrations increase adenosine A2A receptor levels in mouse striatum and cultured human neuroblastoma cells

Brain iron insufficiency has been implicated in several neurological disorders. The dopamine system is consistently altered in studies of iron deficiency in rodent models. Changes in striatal dopamine D(2) receptors are directly proportional to the degree of iron deficiency. In light of the unknown mechanism for the iron deficiency-dopamine connection and because of the known interplay between adenosinergic and dopaminergic systems in the striatum we examined the effects of iron deficiency on the adenosine system. We first attempted to assess whether there is a functional change in the levels of adenosine receptors in response to this low iron. Mice made iron-deficient by diet had an increase in the density of striatal adenosine A(2A) (A(2A)R) but not A(1) receptor (A(1)R) compared to mice on a normal diet. Between two inbred murine strains, which had 2-fold differences in their striatal iron concentrations under normal dietary conditions, the strain with the lower striatal iron had the highest striatal A(2A)R density. Treatment of SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma) cells with an iron chelator resulted in increased density of A(2A)R. In these cells, A(2A)R agonist-induced cyclic AMP production was enhanced in response to iron chelation, also demonstrating a functional upregulation of A(2A)R. A significant correlation (r(2)=0.79) was found between a primary marker of cellular iron status (transferrin receptor (TfR)) and A(2A)R protein density. In conclusion, the A(2A)R is increased across different iron-insufficient conditions. The relation between A(2A)R and cellular iron status may be an important pathway by which adenosine may alter the function of the dopaminergic system.
Social media and success in open source projects

Social media are being integrated into work environments. They have the potential to provide essential context and awareness, and increase work performance as a result. However, the specific effects of social media that impact productivity are not well understood. We perform a quantitative analysis of project success of over 5,000 open source software projects hosted on GitHub, a website that provides extensive social media functionality. Adapted from the open source literature, we develop two measures of project success, Developer Attention and Work Contribution. We find that projects with highly socially connected developers are not necessarily the most active or popular projects. Oddly, projects with a high level of developer multitasking, i.e., splitting effort equally across multiple projects, tend to receive less Developer Attention, but greater Work Contribution. Success on both measures is strongly positively associated with greater concentration of work among a small number of developers. We discuss the implications of the findings for social media in online production.
Muscle surface pH: Comparison with cardiac output and arterial pH in the critically III subject

Abstract A method for measuring muscle surface pH was described by Couch et al. in 1968. 1 Filler and Das adapted this concept by miniaturization of the pH probe, thus enabling its use in pediatric patients. 2–4 Investigations from both of these groups have confirmed the surface pH of skeletal muscle as a sensitive, but indirect, indicator of peripheral muscle blood flow. The proposed mechanism for this relationship is hypothesized as follows: Increased hydrogen ion activity is a consequence of anaerobic glycolysis that results in the formation of lactic acid. Anaerobic glycolysis is presumed the result of reduced tissue perfusion. It is the purpose of this paper to correlate, under a variety of experimental shock states, peripheral muscle pH with central changes in cardiac output. Two different model systems were used. Hemorrhagic shock was produced by repeated bleeding in the dog, and endotoxin shock was initiated by the intravenous injection of gram-negative endotoxin.
A critical role of autocrine sonic hedgehog signaling in human CD138 + myeloma cell survival and drug resistance

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays an important role in the oncogenesis of B-cell malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM). However, the source of Hh ligand sonic hedgehog (SHH) and its target cells remains controversial. Previous studies showed that stromally induced Hh signaling is essential for the tumor cells and that CD19+CD138– MM stem cells are the target cells of Hh signaling. Here we demonstrate that SHH was mainly secreted by human myeloma cells but not by stromal cells in MM bone marrow. Autocrine SHH enhanced CD138+ myeloma cell proliferation and protected myeloma cells from spontaneous and stress-induced apoptosis. More importantly, autocrine SHH protected myeloma cells against chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Combinational treatment with chemotherapy and SHH-neutralizing antibody displayed synergistic antimyeloma effects. Mechanistic studies showed that SHH signaling activated the SHH/GLI1/BCL-2 axis, leading to the inhibition of myeloma cell apoptosis. Thus, this study identifies the myeloma autocrine Hh signaling pathway as a potential target for the treatment of MM. Targeting this pathway may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy in MM patients.
Mesoscale Self-Assembly of Hexagonal Plates Using Lateral Capillary Forces: Synthesis Using the "Capillary Bond"

This paper examines self-assembly in a quasi-two-dimensional, mesoscale system. The system studied here involves hexagonal plates (“hexagons”) of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS; 5.4 mm in diameter, 0.9−2.0 mm thick), with faces functionalized to be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, floating at the interface between perfluorodecalin (PFD) and H2O. The hexagons assemble by capillary forces originating in the interactions of the menisci at their hydrophobic and hydrophilic rectangular faces. The strength and directionality of the interactions can be tailored by manipulating the heights of the faces, the pattern of the hydrophobic faces, the pattern of hydrophobic regions on these faces, and the densities of the three interacting phases (organic liquid, aqueous liquid, polymeric solid). Examination of all 14 possible combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic faces on the hexagonal plates led to three outcomes: (i) the extension of the strategies of self-assembly from the molecular to the mesoscale, (ii) the demons...
SENSORY ASSESSMENT OF OILINESS IN A LOW MOISTURE FOOD

. Relationships between fat content and perceived oiliness were investigated in a dry, cornmeal-based snack food. Paired comparisons suggested that substantial differences in fat content (about 15 g/100 g) are required before consistent differences in perceived oiliness are found. Using magnitude estimation, judgments of oiliness intensity were made when stimuli were (1) ingested under normal conditions, (2) ingested with olfactory, visual, and manual tactile inputs eliminated, and (3) simply rubbed between the fingers. The similarity of the oiliness function under these different conditions suggest that perceptions of oiliness are principally derived from oral textural sensations.
Cosmogenic exposure age evidence for rapid Laurentide deglaciation of the Katahdin area, west-central Maine, USA, 16 to 15 ka

Abstract Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and part of the second highest mountain range in New England, provides an opportunity to assess the timing and style of continental ice sheet surface lowering during deglaciation. We collected 14 samples from boulders on the adjacent Basin Ponds moraine, from bedrock and boulders on the upper part of the mountain, and from boulders in the surrounding area to estimate the age at which they were exposed by deglaciation of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Measurements of in situ produced 10Be, which are consistent with measurements of 26Al, indicate that the Katahdin edifice became exposed from under ice by 15.3 ± 2.1 ka (n = 6), an age indistinguishable from the adjacent Basin Ponds moraine (16.1 ± 1.2 ka, n = 5). A boulder in the lowlands several km south of the moraine dates to 14.5 ± 0.8 ka, and a boulder deposited at Pineo Ridge, about 170 km SE of Katahdin, dates to 17.5 ± 1.1 ka. These data show that samples collected over an elevation range of 1.6 km and a distance of >170 km all have exposure ages that are indistinguishable within uncertainties. Together these data suggest that the Laurentide Ice Sheet surface dropped rapidly and the ice sheet margin retreated quickly across Maine between about 16 and 15 ka, perhaps influenced by calving of the marine-based ice sheet in the St. Lawrence Lowlands to the north and the Penobscot basin to the south.
Improved Risk Adjustment in Public Reporting: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgical Site Infections

Objective. The objective was to develop a new National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) risk model for sternal, deep incisional, and organ/space (complex) surgical site infections (SSIs) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures, detected on admission and readmission, consistent with public reporting requirements.Patients and Setting. A total of 133,503 CABG procedures with 4,008 associated complex SSIs reported by 293 NHSN hospitals in the United States.Methods. CABG procedures performed from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2008, were analyzed. Potential SSI risk factors were identified by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with forward stepwise logistic regression modeling was used to develop the new model. The c-index was used to compare the predictive power of the new and NHSN risk index models.Results. Multivariate analysis independent risk factors included ASA score, procedure duration, female gender, age, and medical school affiliation. The new risk model has significan...
Stratum, tree, and flower selection by tropical bees: implications for the reproductive biology of outcrossing Cochlospermum vitifolium in Panama.

Forager behavior in three patches of flowering Cochlospermum vitifolium (Malvales, Cochlospermaceae) and fruit, flower, seed, and ovule number on trees in six sites were used to test two incipient paradigms and study the role of bee pollinators in tree reproductive success. Antho- phorid bees of the genus Centris were the most important pollinators. Behavior of both small and large Centris species indicated no consistent preference for flowers either in the densest floral arrays or within the stratum containing most flowers in the local flowering population. Flowers 7-12 m in height were never visited more often than flowers '_4 m from ground level. However, within groups of 5-33 flowers, Centris visited on average at least 50% of the flowers during a foraging bout. Polli- nating bees were indiscriminate in selecting inflorescences within floral arrays, but they appeared to maximize the rate of resource harvest once a small group of flowers was entered. The fruit of Cochlospermum contained an average seed number equal to 13% of the average ovule number per flower. Seed-set per fruit was no higher among flowers visited more often by pollinators than among flowers visited less frequently. Female competition for pollinators was not detected, but male com- petition may have occurred at one site where bees preferred flowers that were most abundant in the patch as a whole. Efficient outcrossing of a tree is in direct conflict with the optimal foraging of its pollinators. Cochlospermum may manipulate pollinators by (1) presenting small numbers of open flowers, (2) presenting large, conspicuous flowers and no leaves, and (3) providing only pollen con- cealed in poricidal anthers as a reward. If pollinators rather than the physiological capacity of a tree limited reproductive success, this probably arose from deposition of incompatible pollen on stigmas, rather than intertree competition or low pollinator abundance.
Estimates of Glacier Mass Loss and Contribution to Streamflow in the Wind River Range in Wyoming: Case Study

AbstractThe Wind River Range is a continuous mountain range, approximately 160 km in length, in west-central Wyoming. The presence of glaciers results in meltwater contributions to streamflow during the late summer (July, August, and September: JAS) when snowmelt is decreasing; temperatures are high; precipitation is low; evaporation rates are high; and municipal, industrial, and irrigation water are at peak demands. Thus, the quantification of glacier meltwater (e.g., volume and mass) contributions to late summer/early fall streamflow is important, given that this resource is dwindling owing to glacier recession. The current research expands upon previous research efforts and identifies two glaciated watersheds, one on the east slope (Bull Lake Creek) and one on the west slope (Green River) of the Wind River Range, in which unimpaired streamflow is available from 1966 to 2006. Glaciers were delineated within each watershed and area estimates (with error) were obtained for the years 1966, 1989, and 2006. ...
Effect of aging on renal membrane-bound enzyme activities☆

The effects of aging on renal membrane-bound enzymes were studied in 3- and 24-month-old rats of two strains. The specific activities and maximal velocities were 50% lower for maltase, and 35% lower for alkaline phosphatase and phosphdiesterase 1 in preparations of renal plasma membranes from old rats, as compared to young rats. In a second strain of rats, maltase activity, but not alkaline phosphatase activity, was similarly decreased by aging. Aging did not alter the apparent Km values or the pH optimum curves of the enzymes. Papain digestion and extraction of the membranes raised the apparent Km for maltase from 1.3 to 2.0 mM. Papain extracts from old rats showed reduced specific activity and maximal velocity of maltase compared to those of young rats. Thus, the decreases in specific activity of these enzymes during aging probably represent decreases in the concentration of active enzyme molecules on the membrane rather than alterations in the form of the enzyme.
Racemic N1-norphenserine and its enantiomers: Unpredicted inhibition of human acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase and β-amyloid precursor protein in vitro

The optically pure enantiomers of N'-norphenserine (15, 16) were synthesized and its racemate 17 was prepared by mixing equal parts of each enantiomer. (-)-N'-Norphenserine (15) was prepared by partial synthesis initiatedfrom the natural product, (-)-physostigmine (1). (+)-N'-Norphenserine (16) was prepared by total synthesis using the Julian oxindole route, with modifications. The in vitro inhibitory activities of 15-17 were quantified against human erythrocyte AChE and plasma BChE as well as against human neuroblastoma cell β-amyloid precursor protein secretion in cell culture. All were active. Racemic compound (17) with a high AChE and β-amyloid precursor protein inhibitory action may warrant further assessment in Alzheimer's disease models.
Geochemical characteristics and KAr ages of rare-metal bearing pegmatites from the Birimian of southeastern Ghana

Abstract The pegmatite-aplite rocks at Mankwadzi (Ejisimanku Hills) in southeastern Ghana are part of the pegmatite district that extends from Cape Coast to Winneba along the Atlantic coastline. The pegmatites are associated with the Cape Coast granite complex and were intruded during the waning phase of the Eburnian Orogeny (∼2.0 Ga). Three muscovite separates from pegmatite give KAr retention ages of 1909 ± 13 Ma , 1965 ± 13 Ma and 2019 ± 14 Ma. A biotite separate from granite yields a KAr age of 1907 ± 13 Ma. These ages are similar to KAr dates previously reported for the Cape Coast granites, indicating that the granites and pegmatites are coeval and probably genetically linked. The pegmatites are enriched in Li, Be, Nb and Sn and considerably impoverished in Rb, Th, Y and REEs. Microscopic examination of quartz from the pegmatites shows a large number of low salinity fluid inclusions that can be divided into two types: (1) one-phase liquid or gas-filled inclusions; and (2) two-phase liquid-vapour inclusions, with the vapour occupying 2–5% of the volume. The homogenisation temperature of the fluid inclusions clusters between 129 and 144°C. These homogenisation temperatures lead to an inferred entrapment temperature of ∼300°C at a pressure of ∼2.5 kbar, which is estimated for the metamorphism of host hornblende schists. The pegmatite fluid inclusions are interpreted as being secondary to the quartz hosts.
Sterol metabolism XXVIII. Biosynthesis and accumulation of cholest-5-ene-3β, 24-diol (cerebrosterol) in developing rat brain

Abstract Cholest-5-ene-3β,24-diol (cerebrosterol) was identified as a minor sterol of rat brain. The sterol occurs at levels comparable to those of human and other mammalian brain and appears to accumulate during maturation. Immature rat brain had 12.5–13.8 μg/g fresh brain; adult rat brain had 27.5–34.4 μg/g. The sterol was detected in nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal and soluble fractions but was greatest in myelin and nerve endings fractions. Rat brain homogenates and microsomal (105000 × g pellet) fractions therefrom transformed [1,2-3H]cholesterol to [3H]cholest-5-ene-3β-diol in 0.15–0.18% yields.
Sea surface chemistry and Langmuir circulation

Abstract When air was bubbled through filtered sea water organic particles were found in the spray droplets from bursting bubbles as well as in the bubbling chamber. These particles aggregated if left undisturbed. A suspension of particles had a high phosphorus content. Addition of these particles to filtered sea water decreased the apparent inorganic phosphate content of the sea water. The particle suspension exhibited a high degree of surface activity. We believe that wave-induced bubbles and surface circulation may constitute important mechanisms for production of organic particles in the ocean.
A stochastic network formulation for complex sequential processes

A network model incorporating stochastic features is considered. The model represents a complex sequential process where an object or system moves through a succession of states (nodes) and operating modes (classes) in the course of carrying out its function (fulfilling its purpose). Transitions between states and operating modes occur in a possibly random manner and require (consume) some resource in randomly varying amounts. We discuss the routing behavior and resource requirements of a typical object as it moves through (and eventually out of) the network. We then shift our focus from a single object and its odyssey to the network as a whole, where time is the resource and many objects are entering the network according to a possibly nonhomogeneous Poisson pattern; in this vein, we discuss the evolution of the network over time. Finally, we consider some applications of the formulation, and results.
Metamorphic GaAsP and InGaP Solar Cells on GaAs

We have investigated wide-bandgap, metamorphic GaAs1-xPx and InyGa1-yP solar cells on GaAs as potential subcell materials for future 4-6 junction devices. We identified and characterized morphological defects in tensile GaAs1-xPx graded buffers that lead to a local reduction in carrier collection and a global increase in threading dislocation density (TDD). Through adjustments to the graded buffer structure, we minimized the formation of morphological defects and, hence, obtained TDDs ≈ 106 cm-2 for films with lattice mismatch ≤1.2%. Metamorphic InyGa1-y P solar cells were grown on these optimized GaAs1-xPx graded buffers with bandgaps (Eg) as high as 2.07 eV and open-circuit voltages (Voc) as large as 1.49 V. Such high bandgap materials will be necessary to serve as the top subcell in future 4-6 junction devices. We have also shown that the relaxed GaAs1-xPx itself could act as an efficient lower subcell in a multijunction device. GaAs0.66P0.34 single-junction solar cells with Eg = 1.83 eV were fabricated with Voc = 1.28 V. Taken together, we have demonstrated that GaAs1-xPx graded buffers are an appropriate platform for low-TDD, metamorphic GaAs1-xPx and InyGa1-yP solar cells, covering a wide bandgap range.
P-95 - Executive functions, anger and impulsivity in alcohol dependence

There is increasing consensus on the notion of addiction as a brain disorder characterized by longstanding changes in cognitive functioning, especially in so-called executive functions. Recent evidences indicate that specific components of executive functions, considered the domain of the frontal lobes, including dysfunctional impulsivity, could be considered a hallmark of addiction. Aim of the present study was to explore the domain of executive functions in abstinent non comorbid alcohol dependent subjects in comparison with matched non clinical controls. Any relationship with impulsivity and anger was also investigated. Thirty Alcohol Dependent outpatients with diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence (DSM-IV-TR) and thirty matched control subjects participated to the study. We used a selective battery of neuropsychological tests designed to assess several components of executive functions, including fluency, working memory, analogical reasoning, interference and cognitive flexibility, attention, concentration, problem solving strategy and abstract reasoning (FAS for verbal fluency; Semantic Fluency; Digit span; Spatial span; Similarities; Stroop test; Wisconsin Card Sorting Test; TMT Making Test Parts A & B; Digit Symbol). BIS-11 and STAXI I and II were also administered to explore impulsivity and anger levels. Significant differences in many of the domains explored between alcohol dependent patients and controls have been founded. Furthermore, a correlation between the performance at neuropsychological tests and the score at the instruments designed to assess impulsivity and anger have been deducted. Alcohol dependence is associated with a significant impairment on executive domain. Impulsivity and anger levels, both dimensions linked with the executive capacity, seem to be altered as well.
Photosensitized electron transfer reactions in organized interfacial systems

Abstract The separation of photoproducts formed in photosensitized electron transfer reactions is essential for efficient energy conversion and storage. The organization of the components involved in the photoinduced process in interfacial systems leads to efficient compartmentalization of the products. Several interfacial systems, e.g. lipid bilayer membranes (vesicles), water-in-oil microemulsions and a solid SiO 2 colloidal interface, were designed to accomplish this goal. An electron transfer across a lipid bilayer membrane leading to the separation of the photoproducts at opposite sides of the membrane is facilitated by establishing a transmembrane potential and organizing the cotransport of cations with specific carriers. Colloidal SiO 2 particles provide a charged interface that interacts with charged photoproducts. By designing a system that results in oppositely charged photoproducts, a retardation of recombination by the charged interface can be produced. The photosensitized reduction of a neutral acceptor by positively charged sensitizers is described. The reactions are substantially enhanced in the SiO 2 colloid compared with in the homogeneous phase. The effect of the SiO 2 interface is attributed to a high surface potential that results in the separation of the intermediate photoproducts. The quantum yields of the photosensitized reactions are correlated with the interfacial surface potential and the electrical effects of other charged interfaces such as micelles are compared with those of SiO 2 . The possible utilization of the energy stored in the stabilized photoproducts in further chemical reactions is discussed. Special attention is given to the photodecomposition of water.
Control of domain wall polarity by current pulses.

Direct observation of current-induced propagation of purely transverse magnetic domain walls with spin-polarized scanning electron microscopy is reported in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{30}{\mathrm{Ni}}_{70}$ nanowires. After propagation, the domain walls keep their transverse nature but switch polarity in some cases. For uniform ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{70}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{30}$ wires, the effect is random and illustrates domain-wall propagation above the Walker threshold. In the case of ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{70}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{30}/\mathrm{Fe}$ wires, the transverse magnetization component in the wall is entirely determined by the polarity of the current pulse, an effect that is not reconciled by present theories even when taking into account the nonuniform Oersted field generated by the current.
A model for the microstructure of calcium silicate hydrate in cement paste

A model is proposed for the structure of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) as it is formed during the hydration of Portland cement. One purpose of the model is to move toward an ability to evaluate the microstructure quantitatively, so that it can be related to properties on the one hand and processing on the other hand. It is a hypothesis intended to promote discussion and motivate experiments. Furthermore, the model is an attempt to rationalize disparate measurements of specific surface area reported in the literature by describing an underlying structure, which, when observed by different instruments, gives different results. It is a simplified representation of the microstructure within the size range of about 1 to 100 nm. The basic building block is a unit of C-S-H that is roughly spherical and approximately 2 nm across with a specific surface area of about 1,000 m2/g. These building blocks flocculate to form larger units. This paper describes the structure of the basic units and how they pack to form larger structures and microstructures. The model also explains a number of variant observations for such measured attributes as specific surface area, pore size, and density as determined by different techniques, as well as water content at different relative humidities.
Hydrogenic impurity in a parabolic quantum wire in a magnetic field: Quantum chaos and optical properties.

We investigate electronic states and the far-infrared absorption spectrum of a two-dimensional (2D) hydrogenic impurity in a parabolic quantum wire in a magnetic field. The problem is mapped into the problem of interacting nonlinear harmonic oscillators. The evolution of the energy levels and level statistics from a 2D to a 1D effective hydrogen atom is investigated in the quantum and classically chaotic regimes. The ground-state energy reflects a delicate balance between a blueshift due to confinement and a redshift due to an increase in binding energy. In the absence of a magnetic field, the model reduces to the well-known problem of quantum chaos in a 3D hydrogen atom in a magnetic field in a zero angular-momentum channel. The presence of a magnetic field in the wire breaks the scaling behavior inherent in the 3D hydrogen problem.
Extending Popper's Epistemology to the Lab

Although Popper rarely examined the “life of the laboratory” (Latour's phrase), some of his epistemic doctrines reveal important themes about knowledge-acquisition in the laboratory sciences. In particular, when modern instruments are needed for exploring the subatomic realm, empirical evidence is dispositional in a Popperian sense. Evidence is defined conditionally with respect to a complex system of technological apparatus and theoretical judgments. After summarizing certain elements of Popper's epistemology (Section l), the character of observation in the laboratory sciences is explored (Section 2). A conception of property as capacities is then developed (Section 3). This conception of property is applicable to empirical studies using modem scientific instruments, as information-processing systems.
Non-isomorphic tread design for a side-slipping tread/limb hybrid robot

A novel tread design is described for the crawling robot TerminatorBot that allows side-slipping locomotion. This module creates a tread/limb hybrid robot capable of both forward locomotion and transverse locomotion. This paper focuses on the preliminary analysis of the rubber cantilever beams that result in nonisotropic behavior of the tread which we hope will allow enhanced capability in both forward and sideways motion.
The Vital Few foster parents: Replication and extension

Abstract The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80–20 rule or the Vital Few , has been successfully used as a framework to identify the small proportion of highly productive foster parents who provide a disproportionate amount of care. This study replicated and extended this research using a nationally representative sample of foster families ( N = 876) with a focus on willingness to foster, and actually fostering, children with special needs. Using latent class analysis, two classes of foster parents were identified: one accounted for 19% of respondents and the other 81%. We refer to the former as the Vital Few and the latter as the Useful Many . Vital Few respondents fostered 74.2% of foster children — 11 times more than the Useful Many , although only fostering two times longer. They also had almost 1-1/2 times as many foster children in their homes at the time of the study. Notably, the Vital Few were willing to foster more types of children with special needs and a higher percentage had actually fostered children with each of the seven types of special needs studied. The classes were similar demographically except that Vital Few respondents were less likely to work outside the home and Vital Few mothers were slightly less educated as compared to Useful Many mothers. This study further validates the utility of the Pareto Principle for understanding foster parents and, by extension, has important implications for the well-being and stability of foster children with special needs. Considerations for supporting the Vital Few , including education and training needs, are discussed.
Bounding flow-performance in probabilistic weighted networks

Much research has been done on computing connectivity-probability in probabilistic networks. More recently, the area has been expanded to other performance measures, such as maxflow and distance. These problems are, in general, NP-hard. Therefore efficiently computable, and accurate, lower and upper bounds are sought. This paper presents: 1) distance renormalization which generalizes the reliability renormalization algorithm of Harms and Colbourn for bounding probabilistic distances in bi-directional probabilistic weighted networks; and 2) a mechanism based on nonplanar duality for using this algorithm to bound probabilistic maxflow and mean maxflow. The results obtained via distance renormalization compare favorably with other current techniques for the authors' suite of test cases.
A psychophysical approach for real-time 3D video processing

This paper presents a psychophysical approach to control a new factor called Color-plus-Depth Level-of-Detail in polygon-based 3D tele-immersive video. Based on our psychophysical study that demonstrates the existence of perceptual thresholds on the factor, we present a real-time perception-based quality adaptor for 3D tele-immersive video. Our experimental results show that the adaptation scheme can reduce resource usage while considerably enhancing the overall perceived visual quality.
Conscious rabbits become tolerant to multiple episodes of ischemic preconditioning.

Although ischemic preconditioning protects myocardium from infarction in isolated hearts and in anesthetized open-chest animals, its effects have not been examined in unanesthetized animals. Furthermore, it is unknown whether animals become tolerant to multiple episodes of ischemic preconditioning. Rabbits were chronically instrumented with a balloon occluder around a major branch of the left coronary artery for reversible coronary occlusion, a left atrial catheter for radioactive microsphere injections, ECG electrodes for monitoring of myocardial ischemia, and, in some cases, a carotid artery catheter for pressure measurements and timed withdrawal of reference arterial blood samples. Eight control rabbits underwent a 30-minute coronary occlusion and then 180 minutes of reperfusion. Five of the eight rabbits developed ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation during ischemia, and infarct size averaged 37.7 +/- 2.6% of the risk area. Eight rabbits experienced a 5-minute coronary occlusion and 10 minutes of reperfusion before the 30-minute occlusion. In these preconditioned animals, potentially fatal arrhythmias during ischemia were significantly reduced (one of eight, P < .05), and infarct size was much smaller (5.6 +/- 1.1%, P < .0001). The difference could not be explained by hemodynamics or collateral blood flow, which were nearly identical in the two groups. But when the 30-minute coronary occlusion was preceded by 40 to 65 five-minute occlusions during a 3- to 4-day period in seven animals, protection was markedly attenuated. Potentially lethal arrhythmias were very common, and infarct size averaged 26.5 +/- 2.9%, substantially larger than in rabbits with only one preconditioning occlusion (P < .0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ligand-dependent interaction of hepatic fatty acid-binding protein with the nucleus

Our studies were conducted to explore the role of hepatic fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) in fatty acid transport to the nucleus. Purified rat L-FABP facilitated the specific interaction of [(3)H]oleic acid with the nuclei. L-FABP complexed with unlabeled oleic acid decreased the nuclear association of [(3)H]oleic acid:L-FABP; however, oleic acid-saturated bovine serum albumin (BSA) or fatty acid-free L-FABP did not. The peroxisome-proliferating agents LY171883, bezafibrate, and WY-14,643 were also effective competitors when complexed to L-FABP. Nuclease treatment did not affect the nuclear association of [(3)H]oleic acid:L-FABP; however, proteinase treatment of the nuclei abolished the binding. Nuclei incubated with fluorescein-conjugated L-FABP in the presence of oleic acid were highly fluorescent whereas no fluorescence was observed in reactions lacking oleic acid, suggesting that L-FABP itself was binding to the nuclei. The nuclear binding of FABP was concentration dependent, saturable, and competitive. LY189585, a ligand for L-FABP, also facilitated the nuclear binding of fluorescein-conjugated L-FABP, although it was less potent than oleic acid. A structural analog that does not bind L-FABP, LY163443, was relatively inactive in stimulating the nuclear binding. Potential interactions between L-FABP and nuclear proteins were analyzed by Far-Western blotting and identified a 33-kDa protein in the 500 mm NaCl extract of rat hepatocyte nuclei that bound strongly to biotinylated L-FABP. Oleic acid enhanced the interaction of L-FABP with the 33-kDa protein as well as other nuclear proteins. We propose that L-FABP is involved in communicating the state of fatty acid metabolism from the cytosol to the nucleus through an interaction with lipid mediators that are involved in nuclear signal transduction.
Increased IL-17 expression in degenerated human discs and increased production in cultured annulus cells exposed to IL-1ß and TNF-α

IL-17 is expressed in a number of tissues including the intervertebral disc, where it exerts strong inflammatory properties. We evaluated IL-17 using immunolocalization in herniated and non-herniated human discs, IL-17 gene expression, and the production of IL-17 by annulus cells cultured in three dimensions in the presence of IL-1s or TNF-α. There was no difference in the percentage of IL-17 positive cells in annulus or nucleus in herniated vs. non-herniated disc specimens. Molecular studies confirmed expression of IL-17 in disc tissue, with significantly increased expression in more degenerated discs; there was no difference in expression between herniated vs. non-herniated discs. Exposure to IL-1s or TNF-α resulted in significantly greater production of IL-17. Our findings expand understanding of IL-17 production by disc cells and reveal the importance of non-canonical IL-17 production in the disc. Significantly greater expression of IL-17 in more degenerated discs adds to our understanding of the changes in disc cell function with advancing stages of disc degeneration.
Welfare Generosity, Abortion Access, and Abortion Rates: A Comparison of State Policy Tools*

Objective. This article tests if welfare generosity is related to abortion rates, allowing effects to vary by program type and abortion policy context. Methods. Measuring welfare generosity with respect to cash assistance, family caps, Medicaid, child care and family leave policies, I estimate fixed effects models of abortion rates in 48 U.S. states over 1987–2000. Results. More expansive family leave laws are associated with lower abortion rates. In states that do not enforce any of three key abortion policies, increased Medicaid eligibility and child care spending predict higher abortion rates. For Medicaid, this relationship diminishes and reverses itself as states add abortion regulations. Conclusion. Welfare state expansions may help reduce abortion, but programs' effects are not unambiguously pro-natalist. Estimated impacts of welfare generosity on abortion rates vary by program, and some with abortion policy context.
Mesoscale to submesoscale transition in the California current system. Part III: Energy balance and flux

This is the last of a suite of three papers about the transition that occurs in numerical simulations for an idealized equilibrium, subtropical, eastern-boundary upwelling current system similar to the California Current. The transition is mainly explained by the emergence of ubiquitous submesoscale density fronts and ageostrophic circulations about them in the weakly stratified surface boundary layer. Here the high-resolution simulations are further analyzed from the perspective of the kinetic energy (KE) spectrum shape and spectral energy fluxes in the mesoscale-to-submesoscale range in the upper ocean. For wavenumbers greater than the mesoscale energy peak, there is a submesoscale power-law regime in the spectrum with an exponent close to -2. In the KE balance an important conversion from potential to kinetic energy takes place at all wavenumbers in both mesoscale and submesoscale ranges; this conversion is the energetic counterpart of the vertical restratification flux and frontogenesis discussed in the earlier papers. A significant forward cascade of KE occurs in the submesoscale range en route to dissipation at even smaller scales. This is contrary to the inverse energy cascade of geostrophic turbulence and it is, in fact, fundamentally associated with the horizontally divergent (i.e., ageostrophic) velocity component. The submesoscale dynamical processes of frontogenesis, frontal instability, and breakdown of diagnostic force balance are all essential elements of the energy cycle of potential energy conversion and forward KE cascade.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Purpose. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare in children and account for approximately 5–10% of all soft tissue sarcomas in adults. MPNSTs may occur independently but individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have a significantly increased risk. Our aim is to present patients with MPNST treated in our department. Cases and Results. In this report we present 4 cases of MPNSTs (3 females: 13, 12, and 13 years old and 1 male: 10 years old) arising in patients with NF1. All of them presented with an enlarging mass and pain at diagnosis. Tumor was located in the buttock, the spinal cord, the trunk, and the left leg proximal to the heel. Wide excision of the tumor and radiotherapy were applied to all and adjuvant chemotherapy was given to three of them after the disease was progressed. All four died 32, 18, 10, and 22 months after diagnosis with progressive disease locally and pulmonary metastases in two of them. Conclusions. In conclusion, MPNSTs arising in patients with NF1 are high grade sarcomas with short survival. Individuals with NF1 should be followed closely in order to identify early the development of MPNSTs. Aggressive surgery and complete excision significantly improves disease-free survival. The usefulness of radiation therapy in MPNSTs is not determined although all patients will receive radiation therapy at some stage of the disease. The role of chemotherapy is unclear.
Vision Assisted Autonomous Path Following for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This paper presents the design of a vision-based controller for an underactuated, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a pan-tilt camera unit (PTCU) to achieve the objective of following a leader vehicle autonomously. The relative position and orientation information is obtained from the monocular camera utilizing homography-based techniques. The proposed controller, built upon Lyapunov design methods, achieves uniform ultimate bounded (UUB) tracking.
Overhead transmission lines-refurbishment and developments

This article summarises the position with regard to National Grid Company's transmission system and the changes to it to meet the rapidly changing demands of electricity generation and transmission in England and Wales. It then outlines NGC's principal objectives for developments relating to overhead lines and comments on how these relate to the latest thinking within countries active in CIGRE.
Fractional dynamics of tracer transport in fractured media from local to regional scales

Tracer transport through fractured media exhibits concurrent direction-dependent super-diusive spreading along high-permeability fractures and sub-diusion caused by mass transfer between fractures and the rock matrix. The resultant complex dynamics challenge the applicability of conventional physical models based on Fick’s law. This study proposes a multi-scaling tempered fractional-derivative (TFD) model to explore fractional dynamics for tracer transport in fractured media. Applications show that the TFD model can capture anomalous transport observed in small-scale single fractures, intermediate-scale fractured aquifers, and two-dimensional large-scale discrete fracture networks. Tracer transport in fractured media from local (0.255-meter long) to regional (400-meter long) scales therefore can be quantified by a general fractional-derivative model. Fractional dynamics in fractured media can be scale dependent, owning to 1) the finite length of fractures that constrains the large displacement of tracers, and 2) the increasing mass exchange capacity along the travel path that enhances sub-diusion.